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Issue 450 - 6/14/2010
SNIPPETZ TAKES A RETRO TOUR by Deborah Stumpf 
“It's never safe to be nostalgic about something until you're absolutely certain there's no chance of its coming back.”
-Bill Vaughn Retro: Fashionably nostalgic or old fashioned, according to the Webster Merriam online dictionary. Anything from any past decade can be considered retro, but it’s the 1950s, 60s and 70s that are the most popular eras for nostalgia. Second-hand shops and vintage clothing stores are thriving in an economy that isn’t – think Retrospect Dry Goods in Monument. Drive-in restaurants and diners are back and going strong – think Rosie’s Diner in Monument. Those three decades – 1950s, 1960s and 1970s – were wild when it came to fashion, cars and design in general. From avocado refrigerators to flowered wallpaper to bell bottoms, the trends cascaded in every which way. In-house Retro Going retro in any room of the house? All that’s needed to start is a bit of color, something vinyl and maybe some shag carpeting. Don’t be shy about bold colors and lots of textures. Mix ‘em up and swirl them around. Options include (not all for the same room) a purple, vinyl chair; a mustard yellow fabric chair, a pink shag throw rug, an avocado refrigerator and stove; a room done in black and white, with a hint of red; a bright blue lamp shade – anything or anywhere that denies color coordination. Add a lava lamp, door beads or a few abstract art pieces; and, presto, you’ve got retro. After all, the 60s and 70s were the decades of peace, love and anything goes. Say “funky.” Retro Pets Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia Pets - You can still purchase those little plants that sprout from a terracotta figurine today. They first arrived on the scene in 1982 in the shape of a ram and have added many other animal shapes over the years. They can be found in more recent years shaped like characters including Sponge Bob and Shrek. Pet Rock – Who would have thought that a bar conversation about the trouble with having pets would spring forth the idea of a rock as a perfect pet? In 1975, you could spend $3.75 for a Pet Rock and rest assured that there were no added expenses of vet bills, obedience training or toys. Gary Dahl’s little invention made him a millionaire. Go figure. Retro-fit Fashion Jiving 50s Fitted suits for mom and dresses with a tight waste and wide skirt (stiffed, starched petticoats) for their teenage daughter commanded the fashion runway in the 50s. It was the beginning of rock ‘n’ roll and those looped skirts played into those jump-jiving days. It was also “cool” in those days to own a fur coat. Although highly retro, wearing a real fur today isn’t so politically correct among many groups. But then there’s faux fur. Hairstyles were all about updos and pageboys. Mod 60s Mod, hippie, mini: Many styles born in the 60s are retro-popular or back today. A somewhat fitted shift dress about 8 inches above the knee found its way to fashion in the baby boomer adolescent and teen years. Wild prints and colors donned the 60s as well. After Cher began baring her midriff, gypsy-like clothing sprung up on the scene. Big, wide pants with a loud print pattern and a matching blouse that often tied above the midriff became a daring but favorite look. The pill box hat and suit (think Jackie Kennedy) was “happening” for the dressed-up look. Velvet formals were in style, too. Some of the “cool” guys (think Fonzie in “Happy Days”) elected to wear leather jackets, white Ts and jeans (and oil-slick-like hair). Other “cool” guys like the Beatles opted for the fitted or mod look. Eventually, the mini got smaller – shorts were in – and tan, smooth legs. Welcome Schick. Hairstyles shortened as well. Welcome the pixie cut. 70s Midi, Mini or Maxi Disco brought a loose set of rules to the fashion industry. Hot pants, spandex tops, shiny and clingy Lycra stretch pants and halter jumpsuits and that John Travolta-in-Saturday-Night-Fever-suit all made it to the dazzling, dizzying disco dance floor. And who can forget men who wore satin shirts with high collars that they unbuttoned practically to their waist, showing off a deeply tanned chest and a gaudy gold medallion. As the mini got shorter, women also decided that long dresses and midi skirts were in vogue as well. The halter-top-pant-suit look was “hot.” Wide legs and naked shoulders oozed glamour yet casual. The granny dress was not about granny. Almost all 70s girls and women had a granny dress: long, flowered-print, high neckline with a bit of lace and long sleeves – straight or puffed. The empire dress showed up in the 70s: a fitted high waste – whether short or long. Hairstyles of the 70s included the bob, and lest we not forget the shag, which made its way through the millennium. They’re Back… Fashion designers get plenty of their modern-day design ideas from the 50s, 60s and 70s; and, because of its popularity, the retro look has been reproduced for major retailers as well. Take a gander at the old-come-back-as-new fashion trends. Skinny ties for men - The skinny tie was originally worn in the 50s – bright colors included bright blues, greens and pinks. Just watch the T.V. show “Mad Men” for proof. In this era, the slim-Jim tie was always understated – patterns were simple and deep reds were popular. Sunglasses - Ray Ban Wayfarer sunglasses came on the scene in the 50s. They were big glasses, but petite actress Audrey Hepburn brought them to fame when they just about concealed her face in the 1961 film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s. In the 60s, polarized glasses were introduced. The 70s sunglasses had large lenses as well, with angles of all sorts shaped as frames. Retro Wheels For many, cars of the 50s, 60s and 70s were equally important to fashion trends. What good is the look without the wheels? Whether it’s 50s, 60s or 70s, convertibles have always been favorites among car lovers. 1950s cars were colorful, to say the least. How about a Pepto Bismol-pink Cadillac convertible? The Cadillac (and other makes) also came in turquoise, cranberry red, bright blue, sunny yellow and so on. It was the norm to have a different colored body and a different colored top in those days; and, no matter the colors, cars of the 50s were big and boxy and some had wings jetting out the back. Car manufacturers began toning it down in the 60s and 70s. Smaller cars – and less flair. Circling those drive-ins every Friday and Saturday night in the 60s and early 70s were corvettes (status cars), MGBs, corvairs, the Pontiac GTO and Grand Prix, the Chevy Impala and that 1965 Ford Mustang. Who didn’t have a VW Bug at one time or another? And for the hippie traveler, it was a VW Bus – often adorned with graffiti-like messages of peace and love. Some called these “muscle cars” – the Camaro and the Shelby Cobra from the UK. Many of the sought-after cars of the mid to late 70s were foreign like the Honda Civic and the Datsun 510. Drive It In You’ve got the clothes, you’ve got the car…where to next? Fortunately, you never have to get out of that Ford T-bird if you don’t want to because you can head out for a drive-in dinner and drive-in movie. First, dinner. Pull up to the neighborhood drive-in with your date or a car full of friends and get waited on by a carhop on skates. A Dallas man, J.G. Kirby may have been the first to come up with the drive-in theme in the early 1920s when he opened The Pig Stand, specializing in barbeque. Over the next few decades, the drive-in slowly gained popularity and really hit its stride in the 1950s when that Chevy Bel Air convertible also became cool. The drive-in restaurant was a place to see and be seen, as was the drive-in-theater. Drive-in theaters came onto the scene in 1933, started by New Jersey’s Richard M. Hollingshead who hung up a sheet in his backyard and strapped a Kodak projector onto the hood of his car. Hollingshead lined up cars in his driveway and put them on various sizes of blocks so that the inhabitants of each car could see the “screen.” There are still about 500 drive-in theaters remaining around the country today. Most have been lost to increasing real estate values and developers snapping up the land. But, the drive-in is still a great entertainment avenue for families with a carload of kids to entertain for the evening at a low cost. Retro Sugar Remember any of these? Some have made a comeback and can be found on store shelves today. 50’s candy: • Candy cigarettes • Bubble gum cigars • Abba-Zaba Taffy Peanut Butter • Candy buttons • Nik-L-Nip Wax (wax sticks with liquid in them) 60’s candy: • Chuckles Jelly Candy • Fizzies Drink Tablets • Necco Wafers • Marshmallow Cones • Razzles 70s candy: • Boston Beans • Astronaut Ice Cream • Goobers Time to Play … Many Still Here Today • Mr. Potato Head • Pick up stix • Slinky dog • Sock Monkey • Play-doh • Etch a Sketch • Twister • Battleship • Fisher Price Chatter phone • Mousetrap • Booby Trap Retro Not-So-Politically Correct Much of retro is about material things – cars, clothes, décor – but there are some collectables from those decades that would today be lawsuits in waiting. Here are a few laughable – or cringe-inducing – advertisements from the 50s, 60s and 70s.
How about ads citing happiness is a … for the little woman.
Aaaahh, the good old days. Issue 451 - 6/21/2010
SNIPPETZ SAYS, "LET THE SUMMER BEGIN!" by Deborah Stumpf “A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken.” -James Dent The summer solstice is the longest day and shortest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, occurring when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer. The word “solstice” is a combination of Latin words meaning “sun” and “stand still.” This year, the celestial event takes place June 21 at 7:28 EDT. In the UK, the time is 11:28 UT. June is a time to refresh and reconnect – and get married? Frank Sinatra sang about June love. “Winds of January sigh and moan, and yet it’s June. I can see a sky of blue … the miracle is you – just you. It’s June in January.” June Wedding Bells The Druids celebrated summer solstice as the “wedding of heaven and Earth.” Thus is the basis for the modern-day belief that a June wedding brings good luck to the bride and groom. Pagans called the midsummer moon the “honey moon,” which represented the mead made from fermented honey that was used in the wedding ceremonies around the summer solstice. When dark did come, Pagans kept the celebration going with bonfires so they could stay up all night to the light of the moon. As a ritual to encourage the growth of their crops, couples would leap through the flames, hoping their crops would grow as high as they could jump. During the summer solstice, evil spirits appeared, according to Pagan folklore. To fend them off, the Pagans wore garlands of herbs and flowers, which trickled down as a traditional part of the bridal ceremony. June weddings were customary with the Aboriginal people as well. It was a joyous time of year for the tribes – the snow had melted, flowers were in bloom, leaves had returned and the sun was warm. Between the planting and harvesting of their crops, the Aboriginal people married. They believed that the “grand union” of the goddess and god occurred in May; so, in respect for the gods, young couples waited until June to marry. They also referred to the first full moon as the “honey moon” – a time for harvesting honey. The newlyweds used honey in most of their food and beverages for the first month of their marriage to encourage love and fertility. Not Just for Weddings Although the celebration of the summer solstice began with pagan rituals and ancient people’s traditions, many cultures began honoring the longest day of the year with a myriad of activities. Past and Present Although not much has been written about their celebrations of the solstice, the Native Americans left testimonials of how they paid homage to the solstice. They built a monument to the sun in the Big Horn Mountains in Wyoming, and Native Americans in Chaco Canyon, Colo., left markings on the Fajada Butte highlighting their worship of the solstice sun. Today, many people – Native Americans and others – flock to those areas during the summer solstice. The inscriptions have changed over time on the monuments because of weather and shifts in the ground, but followers of the Native American culture believe in the mystical powers that inhabit the mountains. Wisteria One of the largest celebrations of the solstice in the United States takes place in Wisteria, Ohio. Beginning June 20, it’s a weeklong event – touted as a “magical village celebrating eco-spiritual culture.” A few of the numerous activities include sweat lodges (a Native American tradition), drumming and dancing around the bonfire, fire spinners, concerts and nature walks. Speakers like doctors, natural healers and teachers provide insight on spiritual, emotional and physical health. Yoga and meditation classes are available as well. Another highlight at the celebration is the Turtle Mound – the site of ceremonies, meditation, weddings and concerts. People in Wisteria built a turtle effigy mound over three summer solstices. The turtle is 60 feet long, from his head to the tip of his tail, and 40 feet wide. Celebrate at Home Is it too far to drive to Wisteria? No worries. There are all kinds of ways to honor the sun and its bounty on June 21. Plan a bonfire. Create a campsite; build a fire and share stories and songs with friends and family. Do it on the evening of the 20th to welcome the solstice or bid farewell to the solstice on the night of June 21. Just don’t forget the s’mores. Or, host a barbeque. Add another reason for a summer barbecue. It’s not just about Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day. Sunrise; sunset: Commemorate the sun by getting up early to watch the sun rise on the longest day of the year. Or, stay up later and soak in that beautiful sunset. Summer Solstice Celebrity Birthdays A few famous people, born June 20 and June 21, might extend their birthday celebrations on the longest day of the year. June 20 Actor Nicole Kidman Songster Lionel Richie Actor Martin Landau Beach Boys Brian Wilson June 21 Actor Meredith Baxter Prince William Songstress Cyndi Lauper Actor Robert Pastorelli June Folklore from Farmer’s Almanac The summer solstice kicks off the summer season, while June is a magnet for all kinds of weather, from days filled with sunshine to hurricanes to hail.
Summer Fun Facts June is a fun month for most kids (and teachers). Prior to the solstice, the school year ends. June begets vacations, watermelon and ice cream. Speaking of watermelon, did anyone know it’s a vegetable? Here are some more fun facts about summer activities.
June is Also Maybe June is best-known for the summer solstice, but it’s also a time to recognize an assortment of “stuff.”
Sun Joke Q: What did the pig say at the beach on a hot summer's day? A: I'm bacon! A Poem This is for June and all the summers it brings For the chiming of bells – from a steeple ring Olde songs of wedlock over top hat and lace 'Fore June passes torch, to July's scarlet face Trees are full jackets, in multi-shades of green The last pink magnolia leaf – still can be seen There’s a breeze in the air that carries a scent Of her sweet honeysuckle – full efflorescence Still nights cast a chill, but June has its motives An inviting warm flame, bright amorous votive Moonlit romance, 'neath a nautic June breeze Makes love in June sparkle, by shore or by sea - Frank James Ryan, Jr. Issue 452 - 6/28/2010
SNIPPETZ PLANS A STAYCATION IN OUR OWN BACK YARD by Deborah Stumpf “If I ever go looking for my heart's desire again, I won't look any further than my own back yard. - Dorothy in “Wizard of Oz” Whether it’s city, suburbia or farm country; summer “staycations” are becoming more popular as high gasoline prices and rising airline fares continue to dampen travel plans. But staying home on vacation doesn’t have to be a bust. For entertainment, look no farther than the backyard and some easy games. From croquet to hide ‘n’ seek, backyard games have been around for centuries. In the age of high technology, however, backyard games have taken a back seat to electronic playtime devices like the Wii. But why not step outside, enjoy the sunshine, soak in some Vitamin D and get a bit of exercise with some family friendly outdoor games? They’re inexpensive and plentiful. Take croquet, for example Croquet is one of the oldest backyard games around. It made its debut in the British Isles in mid-19th century; and, for more than 100 years, Americans have played croquet at garden parties, outdoor wedding receptions or simple Sunday family gatherings. Its popularity prompted Jack Osborn to organize the United States Croquet Association in 1977. There’s even a World Croquet Federation Championship and a World Croquet Championship. There are more than 600 croquet greens in the U.S. and Canada. Croquet is played with nine wickets, two stakes, mallets and balls. Hitting the balls with the mallets in an attempt to get them through the wickets is the gist of the game. Horseshoes Horseshoes is another game that goes way back – to ancient Greece. Many believe the game descended from the Greek sport of discus throwing. The Greeks developed a game where the discus was thrown at a stake; however, only the rich could afford the discus. Those with little income opted to use a horseshoe instead. At the time, the horseshoes were round with a hole in the middle and the game was called quoits. As the game evolved, it was renamed horseshoes and brought to the U.S. by English settlers. The Union soldiers made it popular as they spread it around the country after the Civil War. But the soldiers used the discarded shoes of mules, which could have changed history. It might have been called “muleshoes.” In 1910, the city of Bronson, Kan., hosted the first world championship of horseshoe pitching. With the birth of an organized horseshoe organization in 1914, now called the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association, standards were set regulating the size and weight of horseshoes (2 lbs. to 2 lbs. and 2 oz). The stake had to stick 8 inches out of the ground. In 1920, the stake was raised to 10 inches; a decade later, the stake went to 15 inches above ground. Also in the roaring 20s, the game of horseshoes was referred to as “barnyard golf” because it was a favorite in rural communities. Pitching the horseshoe to the stake is the basis of the game – with a mandatory 40 feet between “toss and land” distance for men and 30 feet for women. The game is played to 40 points. The NHPA estimates that more than 15 million people in the U.S. and Canada play the game. Battledore and Shuttlecock Believe it or not, the origin of badminton came from a children’s game played in China, Japan, India and Greece called battledore and shuttlecock. The kids used the battledore as a paddle to hit the shuttlecock back and forth. In the 1860s in India, a net was added and the game was called Poona. The British Army picked up the game in the 1870s in India and brought it to England. In 1873, the Duke of Beaufort in England hosted a lawn party at his country place, which was called Badminton. They played Poona at the party, and the sport became popular among the British elite. Soon, the game was referred to as “the Badminton game.” In 1877, the Bath Badminton Club was formed. In 1934, nine founding members formed the International Badminton Federation. And there it is – a paddle, a net and a shuttlecock. They still call the badminton ball a shuttlecock, a feather light ball. Volleyball It doesn’t take much to set up a volleyball “court” in the backyard. A net, some stakes and a ball, a little smaller than a basketball. The United States is home to volleyball’s roots. In 1895, William Morgan, an instructor with the YMCA in Holyoke, Mass., invented volleyball by blending parts of basketball, baseball, tennis and handball. First called “mintonette,” the game was renamed volleyball when an observer told Morgan that the players seemed to volley the ball back and forth. In 1922, the first national YMCA championship game took place in Brooklyn, N.Y., where 27 teams representing 11 states participated. Six years later, the United States Volleyball Association was formed, which spawned the first U.S. Open volleyball match. In 1930, the two-man beach game became popular. In the 1990s, it became an Olympic sport. Years earlier, however, the U.S. Olympic Committee designated volleyball as an Olympic sport (1957). The Americans first showing at the Olympics took place at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Twenty years later, the U.S. teams finally received their first medals – gold for the men; silver for the women. Bolo Toss If this game isn’t recognized by the name “bolo toss,” perhaps it is known by its other 40-plus names like Norwegian Horseshoes, Ladder Golf, Snakes, Hillbilly Golf, Polish Golf, Tower Ball, Bolo Golf, Gladiator, Bola, Snake Toss, Blongo Ball, Ladder Toss, Bolo, Rodeo Golf, Dingle Balls, Bolo Polo, Cowboy Golf, Redneck Golf, Pocca Bolo. Regardless what it’s called, bolo toss is a lawn game that can be constructed using PVC tubing, string and a few golf balls. The bolo is actually a rope that has weights tied on each end. Ladders are placed a certain distance from the “thrower’s mound.” The ladders need to have three rungs, spaced far enough apart to accommodate the bolos. The object of the game: get the bolo to hook around each rung. Cornhole Cornhole is a game that all family members can play – from little ones to seniors. The game originated in 1999 in Ohio and is a favorite in the Midwest. All that’s needed for cornhole is some duck cloth (canvas cloth), a board and corn, sand or beans. First, carve out a hole in a 4 ft. by 2 ft. board. The hole should be cut in the upper center of the board and large enough for the bags to go through. Fill the duck cloth bags with the corn, sand or beans – about 6 inches by 6 inches. The object of the game is to get the bag through the hole – points are scored for each successful toss, and the player who reaches 21 first is the winner. More … Bocce ball (a bit like outdoor bowling), tetherball (kind of like volleyball, only the ball is tied to a pole), Frisbee, baseball – there are a zillion ways for families to have some fun under the summer sun. More for the Kids Many of the aforementioned games provide outdoor entertainment for adults and families with adolescents or teenagers, but what about the little kids? Get them engaged in simple yard play. Remember tag? Tag is all about who’s it and who’s it next and running to a predetermined base before getting tagged. And there are many versions of tag. T.V. Tag, for example When someone is about to be tagged, he sits down on the ground and yells out the name of a television program. The plan is to yell it out fast before the person is tagged. If everyone sits down at once, at least one person has to get back up and run, or everyone is out. Blind Man’s Bluff In this dizzying game, one kid puts on a blindfold and the others spin him around a few times. Then, the blindfolded kid is led around the yard until he reaches a destination determined by his leaders. The blindfolded kid has to guess where he is. Scavenger Hunt Compose a list of about 10 “things” one might find outside (this game is great to teach kids about littering). The list could include items like plastic containers, a bottle cap, flowers, a purple flower, an acorn, a leaf, etc. Give the list to all of the kids – the first one to return with all 10 items wins. Ghosts in the Graveyard This is hide 'n' seek, only it’s played at night or dusk. All players establish a base and one person is elected “it.” The “it” person has to count out loud like the following: one o’clock, two o’clock, three o’clock, ROCK; four o’clock, five o’clock, six o’clock, ROCK; seven o’clock, eight o’clock, nine o’clock ROCK; 10 o’clock, 11 o’clock, 12 o’clock, MIDNIGHT. When Midnight is hollered out, that person must find the ghosts – who are hiding. But watch out – the ghosts try to jump out and scare whoever is it while running to the base before they are tagged. Other kids games: sprinkler tag, hopscotch, green light/red light, red rover, kickball, dodge ball (using a light weight ball) and jump rope Just Do It All it takes for a homemade backyard game is a bit of imagination and a desire for fresh air. If the brain is lacking ideas, game manufacturers have created something for everyone. So, bag the computer, the T.V. the iPod and all those other gadgets; grab sisters and brothers and mom and dad. Just step outside – and PLAY BALL! Issue 453 - 7/5/2010
SNIPPETZ SAYS "HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU..." by Deborah Stumpf 
“Whenever the pressure of our complex city life thins my blood and numbs my brain, I seek relief in the trail; and when I hear the coyote wailing to the yellow dawn, my cares fall from me - I am happy.” - Hamlin Garland (1860-1940), American novelist
On June 5, America’s trail enthusiasts celebrated National Trails Day 2010. More than 1,500 events like trail maintenance, biking, hiking, horseback riding, running and bird watching took place throughout the country. This year, the celebratory theme was “Find Your Happy Place.” Everyone’s “happy place” was defined as a favorite outdoor spot to find peace and quiet and just feel good – sans cars, cell phones and iPods. Lucky for Americans, their “happy place” choices are vast. Because of the National Trails System Act of 1968, a network of trails that offer scenic views, a flavor of history and plentiful opportunities for recreational activities have been set aside throughout the country. Three national trails intercept areas of Colorado: Santa Fe, Old Spanish and Continental Divide trails. The Santa Fe Trail The Santa Fe Trail extends almost 1,200 miles across five states: New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri. A Gateway for Commerce In 1821, the Santa Fe Trail became a commercial highway that ran from Missouri to New Mexico. Also, from 1821 until 1846 (the year the Mexican-American War began), the trail was used as an international commercial highway that provided trade between Mexico and America. However, Spain had control of New Mexico in those days and fiercely guarded its borders. But that changed after the Mexican Revolution of 1821. Mexico’s revolt against the Spaniards was successful in allowing travel throughout New Mexico, and trade on the trail flourished When the Mexican-American War ended in 1848, the Santa Fe Trail became a national road that connected the United States to its new southwest territories, such as New Mexico. • William Becknell from Missouri is touted as the “father” of the Santa Fe Trail, as the first pioneer to reach Santa Fe, N.M., via the trail. • Thousands of people crossed the Santa Fe, from the military to emigrants – in stagecoaches, on foot and on horses. Many traveled the trail west to Colorado in search of gold. • During the Civil War, a major battle was fought at Glorieta Pass, N.M., on the Santa Fe Trail. Union soldiers were victorious in holding on to the Southwest and the valuable supply trail after they set fire to a Confederate supply train. Traveling the Santa Fe Trail Today In Colorado, the Santa Fe Trail extends a little east of Lamar to Trinidad. Besides the incredible views along the trail, there are a myriad of historic sites, from Lamar’s Kit Carson Museum and his home to the Santa Fe Trail Museum in Trinidad. Museum visitors can learn about famous and infamous trail travelers like Bat Masterson, Billy the Kid and Mother Jones. • In La Junta, Colo., there’s the Koshare Indian Museum and Kiva and Bent’s Old Fort, where Native Americans and mountain trappers traded goods and took a break and relaxed – the Wild West version of the truck stop. • One of the most scenic stops is the Sierra Vista Overlook, just 13 miles south of La Junta on Highway 350. A short walk up the bluff features beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains, the Spanish Peaks and the prairies. • The trail offers a variety of wildlife and activities: fishing, camping, biking and hiking. John Martin Reservoir is nearby – it’s the largest body of water in southeastern Colorado. Visitors swim, camp, fish and water ski. Old Spanish Trail In 1993, then Colorado Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell and Rep. Scott McInnis introduced a bill authorizing a study of the Old Spanish Trail as a preliminary step to include it in the National Trail System. Senators from New Mexico, Utah and California jumped on board to keep the legislation at the forefront of government business. After a scrupulous study of the significance of the trail’s history, Campbell introduced Senate Bill 1946 in 2002 to include the trail in the system. The bill passed unanimously. Connecting to the Coast In 1829, Antonio Armijo, a merchant from Santa Fe, N.M., blazed a new path from Santa Fe to Los Angeles, opening up trade opportunities between California and inland areas and inland areas and foreign markets – because of coastal seaports. With the new trail, annual visits between New Mexico and California took place, mainly for trade. Still, some migrated to California in the 1830s, in search of gold and prosperity. Others used the path to raid California “ranchos” and take part in human trafficking. Many of the residents along the trail “captured” Native Americans as slaves, even though the practice had been officially condemned by the government. The Old Spanish Trail has been noted as the most arduous for mule caravans. Covering 2,700 miles, mules swam and dragged their handlers through dozens of river crossings; they crossed dunes in Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada and California; and they skirted the Grand Canyon and trekked over the cruel desert of Death Valley. A year after Armijo’s iconic journey, two other mountain men carved another path of the Old Spanish Trail. William Wolfskill and George Yount followed a route along the Colorado River to Needles and up the Mojave River to Cajon Pass. Some on the trail ventured as far north as Salt Lake City and followed what became the North Branch of the trail, which led to Grand Junction, Colo. All of the varied routes came together in southern Utah and again at the Mojave River. The North Branch extends from San Luis, Colo., to Crestone to Gunnison and all the way to Grand Junction. The main route of the Old Spanish trail in Colorado runs from Durango to Moab, Utah. In 1848, as other routes opened up between New Mexico and California, the early settlers no longer used the Old Spanish Trail. Much later, interest in the trail was rejuvenated; and, in 1987, it became part of the National Trails System. There are few designated hiking trails along the Old Spanish Trail but much of the route borders federal land. Exploring the trail by automobile is the best option. Besides rivers, canyons and national parks, artifacts and a bundle of trail information along the way make the Old Spanish Trail worth the trip. The North Branch of the trail winds through the Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado and across the Continental Divide and the Gunnison National Forest. Speaking of … the Continental Divide No one was packing a mule along the Continental Divide Trail in the days of the Wild West, but many early discoverers and Native Americans crossed over the Divide. Native Americans deemed it the “road to buffalo,” according to writings by Lewis (of Lewis and Clark). The pioneers of the actual trail started a quest in 1960 to create a trail near the Continental Divide of the Rocky Mountains – a trail that would offer spectacular wide-angle views and a “challenging stretch of country” (1966 Bureau of Outdoor Recreation report). Five years later, modern-day mountain man and attorney Jim Wolf walked the Divide from the Canadian border to Rogers Pass, Mont. He published a guidebook to that section of the trail and formed the Continental Divide Trail Society in the late 70s. In November 1978, the committee of the National Trails System designated the Divide trail as a National Scenic Trail.
More A bipartisan bill (HR 4671) has been introduced this year to create a new category of trails: National Discovery Trail. The American Discovery Trail, the first coast-to-coast nonmotorized trail, will add another first as a National Discovery Trail under the National Trails System, if the legislation passes. Just one more “happy place.” Issue 454 - 7/12/2010
SNIPPETZ STANDS UP FOR "MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO CHILDREN MONTH" by Deborah Stumpf “Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction.” - John Crosby According to the experts in child development and child outcomes, it truly does take a village to raise a child. Research tells us it’s not just parents and teachers who have a great impact on children. It’s a whole lot more – from long-term mentoring relationships to small acts of kindness by a neighbor or community member – that makes a difference in a child’s life. A Month and More July is designated as National Make a Difference to Children Month. This month-long event is sponsored by the Hugs and Hope Foundation, founded by Marsha Jordan. Jordan, an author, started the charitable organization in 2000 after her grandchild suffered from a severe burn. The Hugs and Hope Foundation provides an avenue for people to give a simple gift to a child who is suffering from a critical illness. Their Web site, www.hugsandhope.org, provides a listing of children who are in need of prayers and contact in the form of wish granting, gifts, balloons and letters. Hugs and Hope calls these letters “happy mail,” and they can make a difference in the life of an ailing child. There are many ways – small, big, formal or informal – to make a difference to a child. Why All The Effort? Children today have a lot to face – drug and alcohol addiction, neglect and poverty, to name a few. The organization MENTOR/National Mentoring Partnership estimates there are 3 million children in formal mentoring programs right now; but another 14.6 million youth are still at risk of falling through the cracks and not becoming successful members of society when they reach adulthood. Risk factors they cite include substance abuse, delinquent behavior, dropping out or performing poorly in school and having sex at an early age. Mentoring Formal mentoring programs are very successful, especially if the relationship is of a longer term, such as a year or more. Shorter term relationships within a formal program are not quite as successful in changing a child’s future outlook. There are numerous organizations offering formal mentoring programs for children: • Big Brothers/Big Sisters • The Buddy System • Boys and girls clubs (i.e., scouts) • Career Beginnings • BELONG • Church youth programs Seventy-one percent of mentoring is done informally through teachers, coaches, church leaders, friends and neighbors without guidelines or specific mentoring programs. These relationships are also deemed successful. Measuring Success It was Lady Bird Johnson who said that “children are likely to live up to what you believe of them.” Successful mentoring has been proven to foster positive development in many areas: • More positive attitudes towards parents and elders • Increased helping behavior • Better attitude toward school and education along with fewer absences from school • Increased interest in the pursuit of higher education • Less substance use and other negative behavior • Less violent behavior Who Are The Mentors? According to a 2005 study conducted by MENTOR, the majority of both formal and informal mentors tend to be in the baby boomer age range with the next highest percentage in the 35-44 range. The 18-24 age group attracts mostly the informal mentor. Along with the 18-24 age range, the 65 and older group are generally the least likely to mentor a child. About 60 percent of informal mentors report some type of other relationship with their mentees, i.e., friends, neighbors or family members; and only about 21 percent of the formal mentors had a prior relationship with their mentees. The same study gives insight into what motivates a mentor: • 82 percent want to help young people succeed • 76 percent want to make a difference in someone’s life • 43 percent want to give back to the community • 27 percent cite religious and spiritual reasons • 22 percent were helped by someone in their youth And, 96 percent of those who mentor would recommend mentoring to others. It’s All About Who You Know Mentors don’t always specifically seek out opportunities to mentor. They usually know someone who is a mentor, participate in an organization that provides mentoring or know someone who mentors. About 44 million current non-mentors report they are willing to mentor given the right circumstances – mostly time and support. The MENTOR survey found that potential mentors would give serious consideration to mentoring a child if they could meet the person close to home or work; get expert help when they needed it, as well as some training; have a variety of interests and scheduling possibilities; and have an employer who encourages mentoring and allows time away from work for mentoring activities. Now For Those Little Things Little things do make a big difference. Many of us can recall someone in our childhood who may have taken an interest in our lives, even in a small way, such as a kind word or deed or a listening ear. There are hundreds of small ways to make a big difference.
About MENTOR, The Organization MENTOR was founded in 1990 by Raymond G. Chambers and Geoffrey T. Boisi who found in conversation with children that they felt no one cared about them and they were cut off from our economic system. Chambers and Boisi vowed to make a difference by connecting caring adults with children in need of mentors. On their Web site at www.mentoring.org, a mentor can search for mentoring opportunities in their geographic area. Issue 455 - 7/19/2010
SNIPPETZ GOES HEAD OVER HEALS ABOUT CLICHÉS by Deborah Stumpf “It is a cliché that most clichés are true, but then like most clichés, that cliché is untrue. “ -Stephen Fry When it rains, it pours. But if it hasn’t rained for a while in July in Colorado, the sidewalk is hot enough to fry an egg on. The weatherman had egg on his face the other day when he predicted a sunny weekend; instead, it rained cats and dogs. The cliché: We use them incessantly. Clichés are all over the map. Enough Already In simple terms, the cliché is a trite or obvious remark, a saying, expression – an element of word artistry. The cliché has been overused so much that it has lost its original meaning or effect, according to many sources of definitions. Creative writers, reporters, business writers – they are all told to avoid them like the plague. The cliché has become a broken record. Brain Drain It’s possible the widespread use of clichés is causing a brain drain in the world. The Long and Short of It Clichés began as playful expressions that evolved from the use and misuse of the English language. Some might be surprised that the tried and true clichés have different twists and turns to their meanings – varying from what you might think. There are thousands of clichés; thus, the following roots and meanings of some are just the tip of the iceberg. Take a back seat: Nope, this isn’t about cars. This cliché means little involvement in something and was originally derived from the low influence of persons who sat on the back benches of the House of Commons. The leaders of government sat on the front benches. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. Bury the hatchet: stop arguing or feuding. This cliché is from the Native American Indian custom where they buried all of their weapons while smoking the peace pipe. It was a requirement from their spirit gods. The saying began in America and was picked up in Britain in the 1700s. Go figure. It’s a piece of cake; a cakewalk: easy. In 1870, the slaves would walk in a procession in pairs around a cake at the social gatherings. The most graceful pair was awarded the cake. It was thought of as an easy achievement – an ace in the hole win. Let the cat out of the bag: give away a secret. Here’s proof that humans are sometimes a few cans short of a six-pack. In the old days, storekeepers thought it was a fun trick to put a cat, instead of the usual suckling pig, in the shopper’s bag; thus, the phrase. Holy mackerel: element of surprise. Holy mackerel began as a blasphemous reference to the Catholic tradition of eating meat on Fridays. It’s not clear why they coined the “mackerel” fish for the phrase, but it does have a better ring to it than “Holy cod” or “Holy bluegill.” Kick the bucket: to die. Slaughtered pigs or oxen were hung by their feet by a “bucket,” which meant beam or pulley in early English. This one’s about as clear as mud. In a nutshell: summarized. In the early 19th century, there were many debates about long literary works like “Homer’s Iliad” and the “Koran” having been written on such a small piece of parchment paper that each would fit into the shell of a common nut. One man, George Marsh, claimed to have seen the entire Koran written on a parchment roll 4 inches by half an inch. Well, by George! Rule of thumb: a general, well-known rule. The phrase was taken from an English law that made it illegal for a man to beat his wife with anything thicker than the width of his thumb. Ah, the wisdom of the ages. Put a sock in it: be quiet. In the late 1800s, wind-up gramophones for records were introduced. They used a horn to amplify the sound from the needle on the record and controlled the volume by putting a sock in the horn. Now, that’s taking the bull by the horn to create sound for the masses. Toe the line: conform to policy/rules. This phrase was derived from the military. During a drill, the soldiers’ foot positions had to align with an imaginary line on the ground. This day and age, it’s often spelled “tow the line,” which is incorrect. Pipe dream: unrealistic hope or plan. In the 18th and 19th centuries, hedonists and many of the rich smoked opium in a pipe. Some of the smokers came up with imaginative writings, songs, whatever. Anyone under the influence of opium was referenced as “on the pipe.” Chomping at the Bit OK, that chapter’s over. Whew, you say? Are all of these clichés getting your goat? Clichés are more than phrases. Take all of the “words” that have been used to ad nauseam. Here are a few words that could drive you up the wall. “I got you a new car for your birthday. NOT” “I made a mistake. MY BAD.” “I got tickets to the Denver Broncos. SWEET.” “I don’t want to go. WHATEVER.” “Tom got fired the other day. GET OUT.” A Horse of a Different Color “That’s cliché” gives a whole other meaning to the word. Cliché also refers to actions – actions that are overused and abused. The movies are perfect examples of “what’s cliché.”
And then there’s politics Is it not cliché for a candidate to pick a cute, little baby out of the crowd and coo and smile and hold the baby in the air? There are a slew of clichés in politics but some can’t be discussed in print. The End By now, we could be walking on ice to continue this run on clichés. Readers are probably knee high to a grasshopper in clichés. However, let it be said: The King’s English is going to the dogs! Issue 456 - 7/26/2010
SNIPPETZ HAILS TO THE BLUE by Deborah Stumpf 
Did you pull me over because of the drugs under the seat, the dead body in the trunk or the burned out tail-light? I can explain the tail-light!
They can be daunting when they hide behind a tree with an eye out for speeders. They can be a pain in the neck when the red lights are flashing and you’re the one they’re pulling over. However – they can be a bright star in the dark of the night when you’re alone on the side of the road with a stalled car. And they can be a godsend when a burglar is rattling the living room doorknob. The police are the only human beings in America who can wreak havoc with lives – or save them. As well as rescuing a puppy left to fend for itself in the middle of the night, in below zero weather, off a busy highway in Monument Colorado. In 2008, the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics reported there were 883,600 police officers and detectives in the United States. About 79 percent were employed by local governments; state police agencies employed 11 percent and federal agencies employed the others. From the early watchmen to today’s undercover cops, law enforcement in the United States has dramatically evolved over the years. Early Law Enforcement England’s common law system, which included sheriffs, constables and watchmen, was the basis for the development of law enforcement in the United States. Although the American people were leery of creating police forces, they established a watchmen organization in Boston in 1631. In 1835, the Texas Rangers were formed under the state and federal government to combat outlaws like horse stealers and protect citizens from the Indian tribes at war with the settlers. Some historians say that the first actual police department was organized in Boston in 1845, but others say it was New York City, noting that Boston’s police department started in 1854 – nine years later. In 1844, a night watch, 100 city marshals, 31 constables and 51 municipal police officers were organized to establish the New York City Police Department. The Big Apple’s population was 320,000 at the time, and the Common Council proposed the creation of a police force of 1,200 officers that would mirror the style of the military. The state Legislature approved the proposal, and in 1845, the NYPD was reorganized, modeled after the Metropolitan Police Service in London. New York City was divided into three districts, complete with courts, magistrates, clerks and station houses. In the earlier days, many policemen throughout the country carried clubs instead of guns. Just the Facts Ma’am
The Toll More than 20,000 police officers have been killed in the line of duty in the United States throughout the centuries. In 2009, 127 officers were killed; and so far in 2010, about 88 deaths have occurred. Police officers and their families sacrifice their time, emotions, lifestyle – and lives – to protect American citizens. Statistics on divorce rates by occupation have not been well-defined, but arguably police officers are at the top of the scale. Divorce rates among police officers have been known to be as high as 75 percent. Stress is an inherent part of being a police officer. Suicide is estimated in law enforcement at 18.1 per 100,000. The Centers for Disease Control report that Americans in general commit suicide at a rate of about 12 per 100,000 residents (late 1990s). Alcoholism is an all-too-common malady. Colorado’s Toll Total deaths in the line of duty to date: Colorado – five females and 249 males (more than half of the total 254 were killed by gunfire) Of those deaths:
The T.V. Cop Uniformed officers, undercover officers, detectives, forensic experts – there’s all kinds of cops on the little and big screen! Maybe it’s a fascination with law enforcement that perpetuates a few new “cop” shows every year. But there are a few icons. Among the top 20 favorites: Baretta “Don’t do the crime unless you can do the time.” That was the mantra of Robert Blake – aka Tony Baretta – a tough undercover cop who went home to his beloved pet cockatoo. Starsky and Hutch With a guy named Huggy Bear as their informant, these two detectives played by David Soul and Paul Michael Glaser rose to fame chasing the bad guys in Starsky’s red Torino convertible. The Andy Griffith Show Barney Fife of Mayberry was one of the funniest cops on T.V. As a sidekick to Sheriff Andy, Don Knots played a gangly and scattered-brained role but his ineptness and crazy antics ignited a lovable character. Police Woman Angie Dickinson was one the first successful female actors in a cop role on T.V. Pepper Anderson was often undercover as a hooker. Kojak Who could forget that bald-headed lawman famous for his lollipops and the phrase, “Who loves ya, baby?” Telly Savalas played an edgy cop, not afraid to push the limits. Hawaii Five-O How could a police drama filmed on the beautiful island go wrong? Steve McGarrett (Jack Lord) added to the show’s charm as a pretty boy fearless of the bad guy. Remember, “Book ‘em Dano.” Columbo Peter Falk played Detective Colombo as a regular, kind of sloppy guy, deceiving the criminals by pretending to be off course and confused most of the time. But Colombo fooled them all. NYPD Blue Then there was Andy Sipowicz, a character who appeared on every show of the 12-year NYPD T.V. run. Dennis Franz played a colorful, controversial alcoholic detective, who eventually got sober and married the defense attorney. In Reality National Police Week is held every year in the spring. But every day, hundreds of police officers are rescuing motorists, mediating a domestic dispute, going undercover to seek out the drug lords and cruising the streets to make them safe from the bad guys. Every day is a day to salute the men and women who make life a lot easier for Americans. Colorado Springs PD (as of June 6, 2010)
Issue 457 - 8/2/2010
SNIPPETZ GETS THE SUMMERTIME MUNCHIES by Deborah Stumpf Happiness is a bowl of cherries and a book of poetry under a shade tree. -Astrid Alauda When we think of summer, we often think of hot summer afternoons by the pool, campouts and tending the garden. Then there are the foods of the season. We flock to the farmer’s markets and produce departments of the grocery store for the best the year offers. Summer means grilling, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, thirst quenching drinks and watermelon juices dripping down your arms. And there’s so much more. The Ice Pop No sooner does winter make its exit and we start thinking of cold and refreshing food and drink. Take popsicles for instance. One of the first known popsicles was invented in 1905 by an 11-year-old boy, Frank Epperson, who mistakenly left a water and powdered soda mixture on his porch overnight with a stir stick placed inside. It froze during that cold night in San Francisco, hence a fruit flavored icicle. Once Epperson grew up and caught the entrepreneurial fever, he dubbed his invention the “Epsicle Ice Pop,” changed the name to popsicle at the urging of his children and introduced it at an amusement park in Alameda, Calif. He sold his rights in 1925 to the Joe Lowe Co. out of New York. The Joe Lowe Co. eventually sold the rights to Good Humor in 1989. Not only are popsicles refreshing to eat on a hot summer day, but building structures of all shapes and sizes with the leftover sticks can provide hours of entertainment for the kids. A bonus for the environment. The popsicle stick also has a riddle stamped on it for additional entertainment value. Get Rid Of The Snow And Bring In The Snow Cone The snow cone, crushed ice topped with sweetened and flavored water, made its debut in the United States in 1919 when Samuel Bert introduced them during the State Fair in Texas. He invented the first ice-crushing machine in 1920 and continued to sell them until he died in 1984. A New Orleans resident, Ernest Hansen, invented an ice shaving machine in 1934 which gave the snow cone a more snow-like consistency versus Bert’s crunchy ice. This style of machine is still popular today and the Hansen family continues to work in the snow cone industry. Shaved ice treats have been popular since the 19th century in Asia. When the Japanese migrated to Hawaii for work, they brought along their steel blades for ice shaving with them. This became known as Hawaiian shaved ice with a consistency so fine that it is almost powder-like and very similar to that of real snow. Even before, Emperor Nero would send slaves to collect snow from the mountains in the mid 1500’s to then flavor with fruit juice and honey. The Greeks also made snow cones as early as the fifth century with ice, fruit and honey. Icy Cold Beer There are many non beer drinkers who will admit to finding themselves craving a cold brew on a hot summer day. Think ballpark and thank the ancient Sumerians. Near the ancient cities of Babylon and Ur, the Sumerians accidentally discovered the fermenting process once the hunters and gatherers started farming grain. According to pictograms, it appears that baked bread was mixed into water, eventually fermenting and making a drink that would make people feel “exhilarated, wonderful and blissful.” Thus, the Sumerians are thought to be the first civilized culture to brew beer and even named a goddess of brewing “Ninkasi.” Today, beer can be found everywhere in multiple varieties. There are estimated to be about 1,500 breweries in the United States alone. That’s a lot of foam. Snippetz thinks there’s so much to say about beer that you beer fans deserve even more. Stay tuned for a future beer exposé. Don’t Tell ‘Em It’s Healthy Watermelon – it’s not just water. That melon is chock full of useful nutrients like lycopine, Vitamins A, B6, C and loads of potassium. Watermelon is also great for cardiovascular functioning as it releases the amino acids citrulline and arginine, both great for a healthy heart. And if you don’t like those pesky black seeds, these days it’s quite common to find the seedless variety. The seedless watermelon was invented about 50 years ago by crossing male watermelon pollen containing 22 chromosomes (per cell) with female watermelon pollen that has 44 chromosomes to produce a melon with only the small white seed “coats” that are easily swallowed and won’t grow a watermelon in the stomach of small children. A Peach of an Idea In Colorado, we can’t think of summer without our Palisades peaches. Where did it all begin? Luther Burbank from Lancaster, Mass. invented eight varieties of peaches including the Freestone peach during the late 19th century. He spent 55 years devoting his life to horticulture and may be most known for his development of the Burbank potato, which was used to fight the potato blight epidemic in Ireland. In order to get to Santa Rosa, California to open his experimental farm, Burbank sold the rights to the potato for $150. With his new farm, Burbank can be credited for 113 varieties of plums and prunes; 10 varieties each of cherries, strawberries, and apples; four varieties of both grapes and pears; 13 raspberries and 16 blackberries; as well as several varieties of cacti, chestnuts, nectarines, grapes, almonds, figs, walnuts as well as the peaches. He was awarded patents for his work posthumously only after the U.S. patent laws were extended to include plants in 1930. Palisade, Colo. will host the 42nd Annual Palisade Peach Festival Aug. 19-22 this year. Bring baskets for hauling and loads of napkins. It’s a Lemon Lemons are synonymous with summer and lemonade is considered a staple in many households to help beat the heat. That mixture of lemon, water and sugar is not as simple as one might think. There are several variations depending on what country you’re in. • In France, “fizzy lemonade” is any sweet carbonated beverage, referred to as “limonade.” Germany, Australia, New Zealand and the U.K. also refer to their carbonated citrus drinks as limonade. • There is also “cloudy lemonade” found mostly in Canada, the U.K. and India that is a mixture of lemon juice, sugar and uncarbonated water. • The “clear lemonade” version is found mostly in Western Europe and is a mixture of carbonated soda water or unsweetened water with some lemon juice added. The American version of pink lemonade was originally made with sumac berries and maple syrup for sweetener. Now it’s mainly pink food coloring and sugar. There are a couple of other theories about the start of pink lemonade. One was that Henry E. Sanchez Allot invented it when at the age of 15 he ran away with the circus and became enchanted with the lemonade sold there. He accidentally dropped some red cinnamon candies into the lemonade mixture one day and it became a popular pink seller. The other theory involved a man by the name of Pete Coklin who invented pink lemonade in 1857 by using water dyed pink from a horse rider’s red tights to make it. Very appetizing. The lemon itself was first grown in northern India and found to have great value in enhancing foods. Lemons were such a sought after commodity that they were called “golden apples” and traded for valuable goods. Turn Up the Heat (And Oil) Does summertime make you think of the Colorado State Fair and all its food offerings – turkey legs, fresh squeezed lemonade, funnel cakes, nachos, deep fried Snickers bars, pizza, porch chops on a stick, blooming onions and roasted corn? Here are some extreme fair food items to harden your arteries with: • In Minnesota, fairgoer favorites include deep fried spaghetti and meatballs … on a stick, of course. These little delights are smashed up meatballs and cooked spaghetti formed into balls, dipped in a garlic batter before being deep fried and served with marinara sauce. • Iowa calls their hot beef sundae “comfort food at its finest.” It’s a mound of very buttery mashed potatoes covered with slow roasted beef and gravy, sprinkled with cheddar cheese and topped with a cherry tomato. • Who would believe this one? When healthy Californians rebel, they feast on the Krispy Kreme Chicken Sandwich. This is a fried (of course) chicken patty topped with a slice of Swiss cheese and served inside of a sliced Krispy Kreme glazed doughnut. And to make it a little sweeter, folks dip these in a side of honey sauce. • We only expect the biggest from Texas. They serve chicken fried bacon and deep fried Coca-Cola. Yep, pardner, this is Coke-flavored batter fried all by itself, then covered with Coca-Cola syrup, a nice dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar. • Indiana fairgoers love deep fried Twinkies. Well, who wouldn’t? S’mores Around The Campfire There’s a reason s’mores are synonymous with the Girl Scouts. The first recorded recipe for those graham cracker, chocolate and marshmallow delights were found in the Girl Scout’s manual, “Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts,” published in 1927. It’s said that the name is a shortened version of “some more” because either with a sticky mouth it was hard to say it in two full words or there were the constant requests for more of the sweet treat, so it was easier to shorten the name. S’mores aren’t just for campfires anymore. Anyone with a microwave can be a happy camper by assembling the chocolate bar and marshmallow sandwiched between two graham crackers and popping it into the microwave for a few seconds. Issue 458 - 8/9/2010
SNIPPETZ IS ON THE LOOKOUT FOR IDENTIFICATION THIEVES by Deborah Stumpf 
“I know a baseball star who wouldn't report the theft of his wife's credit cards because the thief spends less than she does.”
- Joe Garagiola Although it’s been a hot topic in the news media; with plenty of law enforcement officers, banks and other financial institutions providing a wealth of information on the subject; fraud-related crimes, particularly identity theft, continue to be a huge concern for consumers. The Federal Trade Commission estimates that each year about nine million Americans have their identities stolen. A large portion of those Americans end up as victims of identity theft, which, according to the FTC, is a “theft that occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.” Not Your Average Burglary Those who commit identity theft are unscrupulous con artists and savvy thieves. The crime is not the average stolen-purse situation, where cash and credit cards are snatched for drugs or impulsive shopping. Identity theft thugs apply for credit cards, establish telephone accounts, rent a place to live, transfer money, to name a few fraudulent acts – all in the name of their victims. Because the ID thieves are masters at the game, the victims might not realize what has happened until they view the next credit card statement or they’re contacted by their bank or a collection company. The Story Of A Real Thief By the time Shiva Brent Sharma was 20 years old, he had received well-above $150,000 in cash and merchandise as an identity thief. After investigators arrested him in 2006 for the third time, they had stopped counting Sharma’s take, according to a New York Times article written that same year. Sharma – the first identity thief charged under the New York identity theft statute – served a prison term for his crimes and during his stay provided insight to law enforcement officers about the life of an identity thief. His crime spree included gaining access to stolen credit cards online and changing the cardholder information and wiring money to himself. He also used false identities and learned how to create the perfect fake driver’s license. And it’s not an 8-to-5 job – more like three hours or less. He once made $20,000 in three hours. Sharma studied computer programming at Brooklyn Tech, a prominent high school in New York. In his earlier years, he downloaded MP3’s; and, as time went on, he began hanging out on Internet chat rooms that dealt with bootleg software. Later, he found sites that dealt in credit cards, banks and account numbers. As he gained a strong knowledge of online commerce, Internet security and human nature through his Internet-based comrades in crime, Sharma used common-day methods to steal data – e-mail and phony Web sites. The robberies took place in his middle-class home in Queens, N.Y. Sharma began phishing – sending e-mails to entice people to give him their personal or financial information. He used a program for access to AOL e-mail addresses. Because AOL is popular for people new to e-mail, he stuck with it. He gathered almost 100,000 addresses from AOL and sent an e-mail telling recipients the AOL system had crashed and the billing information was deleted. Recipients then followed a link to a Web page to reconstruct their information. The Web page mirrored AOL’s look and contained form fields, including Social Security numbers; birth dates; credit card numbers, expiration dates and banks; the mother’s maiden name, etc. All they had to do was complete the fields and use the “submit” button to send in the information – and guess who was at the other end of “submit?” Sharma told investigators he had 250 to 300 responses. Eventually, his expertise led him to more lavish operations. He became well known for cashing out stolen credit accounts through large wire transfers to himself. Sharma knew he was committing a crime, but in his words, the lifestyle became “addictive” and “easy.” He admitted the temptation to go back to it when he is out of prison. And, while serving his term behind bars, Sharma won several scholastic awards from a school for inmates – one for Outstanding Achievement in Computer Technology. Identity Theft Cross-Country The Consumer Sentinel Network is an online database for consumer complaints available only to law enforcement. It was started in 1997 in response to fraud and identity theft claims. Agencies like the Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Better Business bureaus report complaints to the site, making them available to law officers for coordinating and enhancing investigations. The CSN has received 5.4 million complaints from 2005 through 2009. The figures do not account for all crimes in the country related to fraud and identity theft. The U.S. Census Bureau retains information on fraud based on the CSN. Between January and December 2009, the CSN received more than 1.3 million consumer complaints – sorted into 30 categories. Data for 2009: Fraud • The CSN received 721,418 fraud-related complaints. Eighty-seven percent of those complaints included monetary damages of more than $1.7 billion. The median amount per victim was $399. • Credit card fraud is on the rise. Forty percent of the consumers reported their credit cards were used for fraudulent purchases – an increase of 7 percentage points from 2007. • The most popular method of fraud was e-mail (48 percent) and another 12 percent cited an Internet Web site. Only 10 percent reported that they had received phone calls initiating fraud. • Colorado is the second highest per capita state reporting fraud and other related complaints. Nevada is No. 1. Identity Theft • Credit card theft was the most common way to steal an ID, followed by government documents/benefits, phone or utilities, employment, banks and loans. • Florida has the highest per capita rate of reported identity theft complaints. Arizona follows with Texas as No. 3. Colorado was No. 9. Overall • Of all complaints, identity theft was at the top. Third party and creditor debt collection came in second and Internet Services followed at No. 3. • Fraudulent bank account debit was the No. 1 method of payment. Cash and cash advances, checks, credit cards, money orders, telephone bills and wire transfers followed. • The highest percent of victims were in the 40-49 and 50-59 age groups (25 percent each). • In relation to the top 50 metropolitan areas reporting fraudulent crime, Greeley, Colo., and northern neighbor Boulder were No. 3 and No. 4. Colorado Springs came in No. 11 and Fort Collins No. 13. Denver was No. 39. Mount Vernon, Wash., held the No. 1 spot. The information covers cities with populations over 100,000, and the rankings are based on the number of fraudulent-type complaints per 100,000 inhabitants. • Greeley ranked ninth in reported identity-theft related crimes; Denver, No. 50. • Colorado complaints regarding identity theft totaled 4,775 for 2009. The top five complaints: employment fraud, credit card fraud, government documents, phone or utilities and bank. Phishing – Not a Day on the River Phishing is a popular scam where spam or pop-up messages are set up to lure personal or financial information from potential victims. Avoiding phishing: • Don’t reply to e-mail or pop-up messages asking for financial information and don’t click on links in the messages or cut and paste a link to the Web browser. • Don’t respond to e-mails that appear to be from legitimate businesses asking you to call a phone number to update an account or access a refund. • Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software as well as a firewall – keep them updated. • Don’t e-mail personal or financial information. • Be cautious about opening any and all attachments from e-mails or downloading files, regardless of who sent them. Don’t Be a Victim • Don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet or write the number on your check. If the state in which you live uses the SS number as the ID on the driver’s license, ask to substitute another number. Do the same with your insurance policy. • If you do need to provide your SS number, ask questions: Why and how will the company use the number; how do they protect your number and what happens if you don’t provide the number. • Avoid dumpster divers: Shred receipts, credit applications – any important piece of paper that has any identifier about you. To opt out of prescreened offers of credit via postal mail, call 1-888-567-8688. (It’s OK to provide your SS number, which they need.) • Deposit outgoing mail that contains important information at the post office. Remove mail from your mailbox as soon as you can. • Be careful with the Internet. For information on how to avoid Internet fraud and protect your information, go to www.OnGuardOnline.gov. • Avoid using obvious information as passwords, such as your birth date, the last four digits of your SS number, a series of consecutive numbers or a common dictionary word. • Do not give out personal information on the phone. When using the Internet for purchases, verify that the site is legitimate by typing its URL in the address line – don’t cut and paste it. • Protect your purse – be alert and aware. • Store your important information in secure locations at your home. Issue 459 - 8/16/2010
SNIPPETZ ISN'T JOKING WHEN WE SAY, SEND IN THE CLOWNS by Deborah Stumpf 
“I remain just one thing, and one thing only, and that is a clown. It places me on a far higher plane than any politician.”
- Charlie Chaplin Clowns have been making the world laugh – and sometimes cry – for centuries. Dwarf clowns, court jesters, circus clowns, rodeo clowns: funny creatures dressed in colorful, comical, showy costumes with faces made up like the icing on a birthday cake. So popular had clowning around become that in 1971, President Richard Nixon signed into law “National Clown Week.” Today, it’s grown to International Clown Week, celebrated throughout the universe during the month of August. Who Thought of That? As early as 2500 B.C., pygmy clowns performed as court jesters during Egypt’s Fifth Dynasty. Chinese court jesters were around beginning in 1818 B.C. In 1520 A.D., after Cortez won the battle against Montezuma and the Aztec Nation, he discovered that Montezuma’s court included jesters like dwarf and hunchbacked clowns, similar to those in Europe. Clowns played a vital role in many Native American tribes. Some Native Americans believed the clowns cured diseases. Some clowns have altered the wrath of dictatorship. Only a clown was allowed the freedom to use sarcasm and humor in the presence of kings and emperors. In 300 B.C., Chinese Emperor Shih Huang-Ti oversaw the construction of the Great Wall of China. Thousands of laborers were killed during the building of the wall. The emperor wanted to paint the wall, which would have resulted in more deaths. However, his court jester, Yu Sze, in a joking manner, convinced him to abandon the idea of painting the wall. Yu Sze became a national hero. One of the great tales about a famous European court jester involved a Rodney Dangerfield-type standup gig. When one of the kings looked in the mirror and began crying at his aging image, other members of the court, including jester Nasir Ed Din, cried along with him. When the king stopped crying, everyone stopped their tears except for Nasir. The king asked him why he was still crying and Nasir said, “Sire, you looked at yourself in the mirror but for a moment and you cried. I have to look at you all the time.” Not Just a Clown There are all types of clowns. The Auguste Clown Clowns take on many different characters. One of the most popular is the Auguste clown. Playing a zany, clumsy, whimsical role; the Auguste clown dons colorful costumes and makeup that exaggerates and enhances facial features. Think of a wide white smile with black lipstick, eyelids caked in white extending to the forehead and that oversized red nose. Auguste is a German word for “fool.” Legend has it that an American clown by the name of Tom Belling was performing with a circus in Germany in 1869. Off stage, he entertained his circus colleagues by putting on mix-matched clothes that mocked his manager. When the manager caught Belling in the act one day, Belling ran and ended up in the circus arena where he fell over the curb of the ring, not once but twice. The audience laughed and yelled “you auguste” and the manager insisted that Belling continue the “act.” The Hobo Clown The hobo or tramp is a catch-all for a variety of clown personas. The tramp clown is rooted in America, but there are a few versions of where and who started the character. Some say James McIntyre and Tom Heath created the tramp clown in 1874, when they portrayed African Americans homeless because of the Civil War. Basing their character on the black-face minstrel clowns, the two studied black culture to accurately portray African Americans. McIntyre introduced an African American dance called the “buck and wing,” which eventually became “tap dancing.” Another version is that traveling “hoe boys” – itinerant farm workers – rode the railways town to town, constantly engulfed in soot, which they wiped away from their eyes and mouth – leaving the face a contrast of white on black, black on white. The hobo or tramp is also a character clown, embracing a variety of roles, from cowboys to little old ladies. Red Skelton as Clem Kaddiddlehopper or Freddy the Freeloader exemplified the tramp and hobo clown with a down-on-his-luck character as Clem – torn, grubby clothes and a painted-on sad face – and a hobo “whatever happens, happens” attitude as Freddie, often in the same garb but with a big smile painted on his face. The White-Faced Clown The court jester was a model for the white-faced clown. Picture a chalk-white face with black lines drawn below and above the eyes or perhaps one or two colorfully painted teardrops. The white face is the oldest style of clowns. In Greek theatres, poor lighting led to the actors wearing white makeup as a base, with black markings to brighten their features. White-faced clowns often have more exaggerated makeup highlighting one facial feature like a mouth or the eyes. They often wear balding caps or partial hair pieces like one of the most famous clowns of all time – Bozo. The white-faced clown also acts as the most intelligent clown, often leading other types like the klutzy Auguste clowns. Rodeo Clowns Rodeo clowns take their lives in their hands when they put on their happy masquerade. The primary function of the rodeo clown is to fend off the bull when the bullfighter has been bucked off or has jumped off the massive animal. If the clown has lived through that experience, he also entertains the crowd between rodeo events. Circus Clowns The first-ever circus clown debuted in England in 1768. Philip Astley was the creator of the clown act known as Billy Buttons or Tailor’s Ride to Brentford. The circus clown act was based on a tale about a tailor, inept at riding a horse, who tried to ride to Brentford to vote in an election. The impersonation showed the tailor trying to mount the horse correctly but failing over and over. Once the clown succeeded in getting on the horse, the horse took off so fast that the clown (aka tailor) fell off again. Clown of Glory More than 60 clowns have been inducted into the International Clown Hall of Fame in Baraboo, Wisc. (near Milwaukee). The hall of fame represents professional and amateur town associations and recognizes outstanding clowns. It’s also home to a living museum of clowns, complete with resident clowns, special events and a national archive of clown history and artifacts. The ICHOF was founded in 1987 in Delvan, Wisc. – the birthplace of the Barnum and Bailey Circus. Various clown organizations became affiliated with the ICHOF; and, a year later, the induction process was under way. Some of the affiliated members were given the task of selecting the first nominees for the hall of fame. The membership of the ICHOF then voted on the candidates, which resulted in the April 1989 induction of Red Skelton, Lou Jacobs, Emmett Kelly, Mark Anthony, Felix Adler and Otto Griebling. FAMOUS CLOWNS Dan Rice One of the first professional clowns in America was born out of the Civil War era. Dan Rice began his gig commenting on current events. He also wrote songs and campaigned for Zachary Taylor for president. Rice encouraged Taylor to ride with him on the circus bandwagon in the circus parades. Local politicians wanted to ride on the bandwagon to boost their popularity as they aligned with Taylor. Onlookers often commented, “Look who’s on Taylor’s bandwagon,” which led to the phrase “jump on the bandwagon.” Rice dressed up in a red, white and blue patriotic suit, which he called his “flag suit.” He also wore a goatee. The image of “Uncle Sam” is based on Rice’s character. At one point in history, Rice was the highest paid person in the U.S. – he earned more than Abe Lincoln. With his wealth, he gave generously and was the first to erect a monument to soldiers killed in the Civil War. Bozo Most Americans today were introduced to clowns through circuses and television. Who could forget Bozo? Created in 1946 by Alan Livingston, Bozo’s character was first introduced in a record album and illustrative read-along book called “Bozo at the Circus” for Capitol Records. Bozo’s popularity with the kids soared, and Bozo became a mascot for the record company. In 1949, a television station in Los Angeles began broadcasting the first live TV show, “Bozo’s Circus.” Pinto Colvig was the original Bozo for both the albums and the TV show. His iconic costume included red and blue garb, a bushy half-head of red hair, a big red nose and white-face clown makeup. Larry Harmon, a Bozo imitator for promotional purposes, bought the licensing rights to the character in 1956 and called him “Bozo, the World’s Most Famous Clown.” Harmon became the sole owner of the licensing rights to Bozo in 1965 and took the show to a national audience. From 1965 to 1967, he produced 130 half-hour shows called “Bozo’s Big Top.” Bozo was now syndicated but some smaller TV stations still preferred their own Bozo adaptations. Throughout the country, there were many “actors” portraying Bozo, including the long-time weatherman of the “Today Show,” Willard Scott, who played Bozo from 1959 to 1962 on WRC-TV in Washington, D.C. One of the sponsors of the WRC-TV Bozo show was McDonald’s restaurant franchisees John Gibson and Oscar Goldstein. After Scott’s three-year run with the TV show, they hired him to portray Ronald McDonald, who became the Bozo cousin in charge of pushing hamburgers on McDonald’s commercials. The Granddaddy of Clowns Remember the clown who persistently swept the spotlight at each of his performances? Emmett Kelly Jr.(see photo above), became well-known for that shtick, which is a pantomime classic. Kelly performed nationwide until he died in 2006 at the age 83. Throughout his years as a clown, he donated his time to numerous charities and children’s foundations. Born Nov. 13, 1923, in Dyersburg, Tenn., to a circus family, Kelly traveled the circus circuit in his earlier years. His father worked as a clown/mime known as “Weary Willie” for the John Robinson Circus. When Kelly was old enough for school, he was sent to live with his grandparents but returned to his parents’ roadie lifestyle during the summers. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served three years in World War II. At the war’s end, he began a career as an auto mechanic and railroad switch tender. But life under the Big Top was in his blood. Fifteen years later in 1960, Kelly apprenticed with his father and the circus manager and made his debut as another “Weary Willie” at the Circus Festival in Peru, Ind. In 1964, he got his big break when Eastman Kodak hired him to represent them during the New York World’s Fair. He became one of the fair’s top attractions, and Eastman Kodak kept Kelly on as their ambassador of goodwill. During his six-year period with Kodak, Kelly earned the title, “America’s most photographed and recognized clown.” In 1972, Kelly and his manager launched the Emmett Kelly Jr., Circus. It was the only circus ever to be invited to perform at the White House. Clowning Around
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