ASK MR. KNOW-IT-ALL Reader wonders about ‘Wonder Woman’

Q. One of the most beautiful women I have ever seen is Lynda Carter, star of the TV series “Wonder Woman.” How old is she? Is she married? I met her many years ago, and I’m still mesmerized.

G.S. Sunbury, Pa.

A. Lynda Carter was born Linda Jean Cordova Carter on July 24, 1951, in Phoenix. She is an actress and a singer. As for her beauty, you won’t be too surprised to find out that she was crowned Miss World USA in 1972. Carter starred in “Wonder Woman” from 1975 to 1979. She’s appeared in more than 30 TV shows and close to a dozen movies, and she’s recorded three albums. She still appears on television and on tour.

Carter has been married twice. Her first marriage was to her former talent agent, Ron Samuels, from 1977 to 1982. In January 1984, she married Washington, D.C., attorney Robert A. Altman; they have two children: James (born 1988) and Jessica (born 1990).

Q. I was on my first business trip to New York City when the taxi took me near what I assume was Little Italy. There was a giant street party going on. The driver had no idea what it was about. Do you? I was there Sept. 14.

V.L., St. Louis

A. You saw the Feast of San Gennaro, which is held in Little Italy every year. San Gennaro is the patron saint of Naples. His feast day is Sept. 19; he was martyred for his faith in 305 A.D.

In New York City, the event ran from Sept. 11 through Sept. 21 this year. The festival is also held in Los Angeles but for fewer days.

Food is the big draw for most people, and there is plenty of it. Here are three of my favorites: zeppole, fried dough with powdered sugar; mostaccioli riepeni, Italian chocolate cookies with fruit and nuts inside; and torrone, Italina candy made from honey, sugar and egg whites.

YOU LIVE WHERE? Boring, Maryland. Boring is located in Baltimore County; it has a post office, a volunteer fire company and a church. I’m told the most popular spot in Boring might just be the steps leading to the old country store and post office. Hanging overhead is a sign with the community’s name. There are about 40 homes in Boring. The town’s name does not reflect the quality of life — rather, it honors a former postmaster, David Boring.

Q. My family spent a couple of weeks in the United Kingdom this past summer. At least twice I heard the phrase “... and Bob’s your uncle.” I asked a couple of tour guides what it meant, but the explanation made no sense. Do you care to give an explanation a try?

H.T.N., Red Bluff, Calif.

A. I thought I understood what the phrase meant until I tried to explain it, and now I’m in doubt. I did a lot of checking and studying, and I think I got it.

“Bob’s your uncle” is an exclamation that is used when something works out; it’s the simple approach to obtaining the results you want. For example, “The restaurant was full with dozens of people waiting in line. Joe secretly slipped the head waiter a $50, and Bob’s your uncle, Joe and his guest enjoyed an excellent meal.”

No one is quite sure of the origin of the phrase. My favorite explanation is that Prime Minister Lord Salisbury — first name Robert — showed considerable nepotism to his nephew Arthur Balfour. Because of this, everything came easily to Balfour, thanks to his uncle Bob.

Q. Have you ever heard of a Dick Clark rose? Is it named after THE Dick Clark?

E.K., Columbus, Neb.

A. Yes, the rose is named after THE Dick Clark. According to the Michigan Bulb Co., the award-winning grandiflora rose has blooms of blending shades of cream, bright red and burgundy. The description goes on that the roses are ideal for gardeners who want to enjoy the beauty of growing roses without all the hassle of big, bulky bareroot plants. The plant needs full sun to partial shade. It won the All-America Rose Selection Award in 2011.

Without using garden jargon, it is a really beautiful rose.

Send your questions to Mr. Know-It-All at AskMrKIA@gmail.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.