function wpb_rand_posts() { $args = array( 'post_type' => 'post', 'orderby' => 'rand', 'posts_per_page' => 5, ); $the_query = new WP_Query( $args ); if ( $the_query->have_posts() ) { $string .= '

'. get_the_title() .'

'; /* Restore original Post Data */ wp_reset_postdata(); } else { $string .= 'no posts found'; } return $string; } add_shortcode('wpb-random-posts','wpb_rand_posts'); add_filter('widget_text', 'do_shortcode');

Reprints requested

Dear Abby,

Would you please reprint your 1918 columns on (1) how to make and apply a mustard plaster, and (2) how to synthesize laudanum from common household chemicals? I have misplaced the well-worn copies left me by my grandmother, who with their help survived that year’s terriible flu epidemic. Thank you!

—Faithful Reader in New Jersey