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S A T U R D A Y

The mark of conformity, the emblem of power: They are useless, they are uncomfortable, and you can’t get into a decent restaurant without them. Unlike its sartorial companion, the once-ubiquitous broad-brim fedora, the necktie refuses to die, which is apparently okey-dokey with Dr. Ron Spark. The fashion-conscious doc is so enamored of neckwear that he has authored Fit to Be Tied: Vintage Ties of the ’40s & ’50s. Let’s just hope that those wide monstrosities from the ’70s don’t come back in style. Dr. Ron works the knots out from 2-4 p.m. at Circa 1940, 1608 20th St. NW. FREE. (202) 332-9211. (Dave Nuttycombe)