Around the turn of the twentieth century there lived a man named Reuben John Smith. Smith was fond of the comforts of life. Since he had lived a comfortable existence in this world, he thought it only proper to be prepared for a comfortable existence in the next world as well. Thus at his death he left detailed instructions concerning his burial. 

He was to be buried in a new recliner chair of upholstered russet leather and was to be interred in a sitting position. On his lap was to be placed a checkerboard. A practical man, Smith also ordered that he be dressed in a hat and coat, and that a key to the tomb be placed in his coat pocket. That was an interesting final touch--a key to the tomb. As far as is known, the key was never used. I wonder why?

At the death of Nikita Khrushchev, the …