DEAR ABBY: I agree with "Whistler in Jenks, Okla." -- whistling IS a beautiful art form. How can anyone forget the rendition of "The Whistler and His Dog" performed by the world-famous Cowboy Band of Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, Texas? Or the sexy whistling lesson Lauren Bacall gave to Humphrey Bogart in the classic film "To Have and Have Not"? Or the Seven Dwarfs who found joy in whistling while they worked?
And let's not forget the traditional "wolf whistle." I'll bet there are few females alive who haven't secretly been flattered to receive one of those! There is also "whistling in the dark," and "whistling a happy tune" whenever you are afraid, and so on and so on.
The gentleman from Jenks wasn't whistling "Dixie" when he lauded this beautiful art form. -- ANITA HAMILTON, SUN CITY WEST, ARIZ.
DEAR ANITA: You weren't the only reader who was thankful to be reminded about the fine art of whistling. Read on:
DEAR ABBY: I love to whistle, despite my mother's warning that "a whistling woman and a crowing hen come to no good."
Has there ever been a whistling choir? Someone needs to organize one! -- A FAN OF WHISTLING
DEAR FAN OF WHISTLING: You're about to get your wish. Whistling fans -- and whistlers' mothers -- get ready. A three-day whistling festival -- "Puckerama 2001" -- is being held in the cities of Tulsa and Jenks, Okla., Oct. 18-21, 2001. For more information, check the Web site: www.thewhistler.com. Pucker up and have a great time!