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Issue 490 - 3/21/2011
SNIPPETZ SEEKS OUT THE CROSSWORD LEGENDS by Deborah Stumpf Our whole life is solving puzzles. - Erno Rubik What bargain hunters enjoy. A written acknowledgement. A bird. Part of your head. An animal of prey. A river in Russia. Found on the seashore. Answers: sale, receipt, dove, face, lion, Neva, sand. All of the above are examples of the first-ever crossword puzzle published in the United States. Journalist Arthur Wynne, who immigrated to America from Liverpool, invented that first crossword puzzle, patterning it after a similarly played game in Pompeii. His first puzzles were diamond shape with a hole in the center and no blackened-out squares. He called them “word cross” and later “cross-word.” His instructions for the first puzzle: Fill in the small squares with words that “agree” with the definitions. The clues were not separated into “across” and “down.” On Dec. 31, 1913, the newspaper Wynne worked for at the time – “The New York World” – published his crossword puzzle. Let the game begin. By the early 1920s, the crossword puzzle was a hit cross country and other newspapers began picking it up. In 1924, Simon and Shuster published the first collection of crossword puzzles in book form. Throughout the decade the crossword puzzle transformed into the modern-day version. Around 1942, the “New York Times” raised the bar for crossword puzzle standards with symmetrical grids, pun-inspired clues and multiple-word answers, all the while embracing a myriad of topics. Today, crossword puzzles are the most popular word game of all time and a worldwide form of entertainment and education. The puzzle has crossed over, so to speak, from print to prime-time television to personal computers. From T.V. to the Wii Fill in this word: Who created a television game show featuring crossword puzzles? Merv Griffin, of course – T.V.’s king of game shows. “Merv Griffin’s Crosswords” ran in syndication from September 2007 to May 2008. It is still shown on cable television. Griffin died shortly after the show was launched. Crossword Weaver is the premier software for those who want to create their own crossword puzzle. It’s great for puzzles for newsletters, as teaching tools and for entertaining family and friends. Others might like the free online crossword puzzles, such as http://boatloadpuzzles.com; http://webcrosswords.com; http://bestcrosswords.com. Newspapers like “USA Today” and the “Los Angeles Times” publish their daily crossword puzzles online at no cost. It’s easy to get hooked, too. Those little clicks to the boxes are mesmerizing and addicting. Walk into Rosie’s Diner or the Coffee Cup any day of the week and you’ll find folks working out a puzzle. There are crossword puzzles for the Wii, and there was even a movie made about crossword puzzles. “Wordplay” was a 2006 documentary featuring reputable crossword puzzle solvers and constructors and Will Shortz, editor of the New York Times crossword puzzle section. Half of the movie was set at the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament, and famous fans of “The New York Times” crossword puzzle had bit parts in the movie. Bill Clinton, Bob Dole and Jon Stewart were among them. Critic Peter Travers of the “Rolling Stone” had this to say about “Wordplay:” Boy, was I wrong. There's more palm-sweating suspense in one minute of this baby than in all of “The Omen.” No one else could have brought the suspense of the game to the big screen like star Shortz; his life is all about crossword puzzles. An Enigma … What? At Indiana University in the 1970s, Shortz designed his own course of study, which was focused on enigmatology – the study of puzzles. In 1974, Shortz received a degree in enigmatology and today is the only academically accredited enigmatologist on Planet Earth. After he received his unique undergraduate degree, Shortz went on to earn a law degree from the University of Virginia, but the legal field wasn’t his calling. Instead, he skipped the bar exam and eventually became the editor of “Games” magazine. He stayed at the magazine for 15 years before joining “The New York Times” in 1993. Shortz calls his newspaper’s puzzle solvers the “most intelligent, best educated in the country.” Margaret Farrar was the first crossword editor of “The New York Times” when they began publishing puzzles in 1942. Before retiring in 1969, Farrar created the idea that the puzzles would become more difficult from Monday to Saturday. She called Saturday’s puzzle a “two-cups-of-coffee puzzle,” likely for some, a whole pot. As an avid crossword puzzle fan, President Clinton talked about one Sunday’s puzzle at a technology conference in 1997. The puzzle was called “Technophobe’s Delight.” All of the clues were terms from the computer world and answers defined the terms otherwise. For example, a “digital monitor” was a manicurist and “hard drive” was a Tiger tee shot. Clinton, by the way, is known for solving “The New York Times” puzzle in 20 minutes. Another puzzle that captured reader attention appeared on Election Day in 1996. The clue across was “lead story in tomorrow’s newspaper.” “Clinton elected” was the obvious answer; however, the answer also could have been “Bob Dole elected.” The crossover clue “black Halloween animal” could have been “bat” or “cat”- C for Clinton or B for Bob Dole. The “trick” had both parties calling the editor’s desk. "As soon as it appeared, my telephone started ringing,” Shortz told a reporter. “Most people said, ‘How dare you presume that Clinton will win!’ And the people who filled in “Bob Dole” thought we'd made a whopper of a mistake.” In 1978, Shortz founded the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament. Today, he is still the director. The Crossword Competition Many states have crossword puzzle competitions, but the biggie in the U.S. is the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament, the nation’s oldest and largest competition. The event takes place this year March 18 through March 20 in Brooklyn, N.Y. Participants will solve eight original crossword puzzles specifically created for the tournament. Scoring is based on speed and accuracy, and prizes are awarded in more than 20 categories, with a grand prize of $5,000. Fun games in the evening, guest speakers and a wine and cheese reception provide a bit of relief and relaxation for the crossword whizzes. Last year, 643 contestants participated, and the overall winner was Dan Feyer. 20 Puzzles A Day Name of Gorbachev’s wife (Raisa), a synonym for no-good (dadblasted), the Rangers coach in 1994 (Keenan), the meaning of objurgation (rant): Only a mental giant could figure out this crossword puzzle, right? Or maybe a person who rockets through more than 20 crossword puzzles a day. That would be Dan Feyer who won last year’s ACPT. In his other life, he is a pianist and music director. According to an article in “The New York Times” last December, the 30-something Feyer trains like an athlete and has “underlying brain power and a head for trivia,” in his words. Feyer’s penchant for math and music meshes with solving crossword puzzles. He said the common denominator in all of them is pattern recognition. Feyer can recognize words without even looking at the clues. It’s all about a few letters and puzzle structure. Feyer, who grew up in San Francisco and graduated from Princeton, didn’t become an avid solver until he saw the movie “Wordplay.” That was five years ago, and today Feyer has a blog where every day he posts his time for solving the puzzles in a few newspapers, including “The New York Times” and the “Los Angeles Times.” On March 2, Feyer solved the NYT puzzle in 1.56 minutes; the LAT in 2.09 minutes. As a freelance editor and proofreader for a publisher of crossword puzzles, Feyer has tried his hand at constructing puzzles and has sold at least one to The New York Times. But he said he’s better at solving than creating. Feyer will defend his title this year at the ACPT. More Than 20 Trophies New Yorker Miriam Raphael has won 27 trophies at crossword tournaments, including a national title in 1979. Retired as an English-as-second-language teacher, she considers herself a “word nerd.” Raphael’s time is a bit slower than Feyer – about five minutes for the easy ones and 20 to 30 for the hard ones. However, Raphael is 84 years old; last year, she won the ACPT in the 80-plus senior division for the second year in a row. Wynne, Shortz, Feyer and Raphael are crossword puzzle legends. Who knew? Issue 491 - 3/28/2011
SNIPPETZ SAYS, "IT'S ELEMENTARY, MY DEAR WATSON..." by Deborah Stumpf 
“The continued popularity of detective stories is a puzzling phenomenon that should be submitted to psychiatrists or perhaps to moralists for explanation.”
- S. Jarcho, 1968 In 1841, when Edgar Allen Poe introduced C. Auguste Dupin in his book, “The Murders in the Rue Morgue,” a new genre of fiction unfolded: Mystery novels featuring quirky, intelligent, eccentric crime-solving detectives became global smash hits. Detective Dupin served as a role model for a number of writers who began developing their own highly famous detective characters, from Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes to Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer. Sherlock Sir Arthur Conan Doyle brought Sherlock Holmes to fame in 1887 in “A Study in Scarlet.” Following the book, Holmes wrote a series of short stories featuring Holmes and his friend and roommate, Dr. John Watson. Doyle was born in May 1859 in Edinburgh, and later studied medicine at Edinburgh University. In 1885, he became a doctor and practiced until 1891, when he turned to a full-time writing career. Apparently, creativity was in his blood – both his grandfather, a caricaturist, and his uncle, an illustrator, were well-known for their works. And Doyles’ father was an architect, designer and book illustrator. Doyle based Sherlock Holmes on a surgeon he had studied under at Edinburgh University. Dr. Joseph Bell was a master at detecting symptoms and making a diagnosis before a patient would even utter a word about his or her illness or injury. Holmes took on that same remarkable ability as a detective solving crimes. Along with his trademark deerstalker hat, pipe and spyglass; Holmes charmed his audiences by his integrity, trustworthiness, intellectual superiority and a no-nonsense, unemotional manner in which he solved crimes. His friend Watson brought out the warmer, brighter side of his detective buddy. Rumor has it that a famous violinist, Alfred Sherlock, could have been the name behind “Sherlock,” and “Holmes” could have come from fellow doctor, American Oliver Wendell Holmes. Another doctor, Dr. John Watson, is credited as the source for Holmes’ friend of the same name. Snippetz About Holmes
The Golden Age As the crime-mystery stories and the detectives who solved them grew and evolved, the first half of the 20th century was often referred to as the golden age of the genre. There were two types of story lines: the classical and hard-boiled. The classical style reflected the British authors’ original themes of solving crimes through shrewd and systematic detective work. Besides Holmes, Agatha Christie’s Miss Jane Marple and Hercule Poirot were great examples of classical style. Poirot was a Belgian detective created in 1916 with Christie’s “The Mysterious Affair at Styles.” Poirot was known for his waxed, black mustache and his perfect style of dress. He was orderly and methodical and appeared in 33 novels and 65 short stories. Jane Marple had an interesting profile, inspired by author Christie. Marple was an elderly single woman – tall, thin, plain, with white hair and wrinkles. Miss Marple could solve crimes with all the coyness of a lurking coyote – her exterior and unassuming ways kept the best of them guessing. American authors developed another type of detective – rough exterior, ambitious, macho and a bully who wasn’t afraid of a fight. The hard-boiled styles were read as short stories published in pulp fiction magazines. Raymond Chandler brought the hard-boiled image to life with Phillip Marlowe – a tough, wise-cracking detective famously played by Humphrey Bogart in the film version of Chandler’s “The Long Goodbye.” During and after World War II, fictional detectives became real and more authentic, as authors began mirroring them after actual police detectives. Bogart also played Sam Spade in the classic 1941 film version of “The Maltese Falcon,” written by Dashiel Hammett, the inventor of Spade. In the novel, Spade runs a detective agency in San Francisco with his partner Miles Archer, who is murdered early in the story. Mike Hammer solved crimes for his author and creator, Mickey Spillane. Hammer was portrayed with big shoulders and a strong, square jaw – an intimidating sort. But Hammer was cast in the books amidst plentiful sex and violence, which led to heavy censorship in consideration of film versions. Crime Solvers Today Whether he – or she – is featured in books, film or television; the fictional detective has been an iconic, beloved, sometimes suffering character over decades. A good mystery is only as good as its detectives. Many fictional detective characters have been molded to fit the “subgenres” of the mystery – from serial killer stories (Criminal Minds) to criminal plots revolving around the military (NCIS). Issue 492 - 4/4/2011
SNIPPETZ SAYS NUTS TO YOU by Deborah Stumpf “No man in the world has more courage than the man who can stop after eating one peanut.” - Channing Pollock, American playwright and critic “As American as apple pie” is a little white lie. It should be “As American as pecan pie.” The apple originated in China, which remains one of the top apple producers today along with the U.S., Turkey, Poland and Italy. The pecan, on the other hand, has its roots firmly planted in American soil, and the U.S. is its No. 1 producer. The word “pecan” came from Native Americans, who gathered pecans for a variety of uses. They pressed the oils for seasoning, ground the pecans into meal to thicken stews and soups, cooked them with beans and roasted them for travel staples. As the Europeans settled in to America, the pecan began evolving, and today there are recipes galore for pecan lovers. Pecan pie wins over pumpkin and apple pie as the favorite for Thanksgiving. So, it’s appropriate that some pecan aficionados decided to designate April 14 as National Pecan Day. More on the Pecan
The Un-Nut In the U.S., pecans are second in popularity to the peanut, but some might say the pecan does have the top spot among nuts because the peanut isn’t a nut at all. Peanuts and peanut butter rank at the top of the “nut” list, comprising 67 percent of all nut consumption. However, the peanut is not a nut. It’s in the same family as beans and peas – it’s a legume. Legumes are enclosed in pods; and, as opposed to the real nuts that grow on trees, they grow underground. The origin of the peanut is credited to South America, but European explorers brought the peanut plant to Asia, Africa and North America. Today, the three top producers of peanuts are China (more than 40 percent), India (about 18 percent) and the U.S. (about 6 percent). Peanut production in the U.S. went up in the early 1900s with the increasing popularity of peanut butter and other peanut-based products and the research of George Washington Carver, often referred to as the “father of peanuts.” Carver’s research showed that peanuts as legumes put nitrogen back into the soil, so he advised farmers to rotate their cotton plants (which deplete nitrogen from the soil) and plant peanuts. Studies have shown that people who eat peanuts and peanut butter have a lower body mass index. Peanuts add fiber, potassium, folate, vitamin E, thiamin and magnesium to the diet as well. Including all peanut-based products like desserts, baked goods and soups, Americans consume almost four million pounds of peanuts daily. Nut Case The word “nutcase” is not exactly an endearing term, but how did the word “nut” become associated with someone who is extremely eccentric or unbalanced? There are at least two thoughts on the nut-to-crazy relationship. The phrase “a tough nut to crack” came from the idea that the brain is hidden inside a skull (like a peanut in a shell). When someone is “complex,” he or she is often hard to understand, as in hard to crack. Another explanation involves the metal nut. When a nut fell off a machine in the factories, workers used to say the machine went “crazy.” Somehow, someone translated that to humans with the saying “he has a nut (or screw) loose.” Eventually, the phrase was reduced to “nuts” or “nutty.” OK, nuts to all that - the nut is really a case for health. One ounce of nuts a day can reduce the risk of heart disease by 10 percent. Nuts For Good Health
Mixed Nuts (or Nut Snippetz)
Last but not least, the only U.S. president with a peanut monument is Jimmy Carter. In 1976, three Indiana residents constructed the 13-foot-tall peanut, complete with huge, protruding teeth, to welcome President Carter to Evanston, In. The peanut was moved shortly after to Carter’s birth place in Plains, Ga. Issue 493 - 4/11/2011
SNIPPETZ IS SEEN BLOWING IN THE WIND by Deborah Stumpf 
“The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind; the answer is blowing in the wind.”
- Bob Dylan This article isn’t about Bob Dylan’s song. It’s about how the wind powers and influences lifestyles, from the necessities to recreational opportunities. What is Wind? Those who have experienced hurricanes, tornadoes or gusty windstorms on the prairie know the power of wind. Although its presence can be ominous; wind, simply described, is “moving air.”
Capturing Wind Many people in the world view wind as a better alternative for generating electricity than the traditional coal, hydro or nuclear power plants. Wind is fueled by kinetic energy, which is energy from any mass in motion. Technology has been developed to capture the wind’s kinetic energy to convert it to electricity or mechanical power. That wind power is a natural and forever-lasting source of electricity. It’s a huge step from reliance on fossil fuels. Plus, wind power is clean, doesn’t contribute to pollution and doesn’t require solutions for waste. One of the biggest obstacles to harnessing wind power is humankind. Wind farms need to be located on vast wind-producing areas like coastlines or large tracts of land. However, agriculture, development and coastal dwellers who do not want their views obstructed are often in conflict with wind powered technology. Windmills to Wind Turbines People have been capturing the energy of wind for centuries.
A wind turbine works the opposite of a fan. Instead of using electricity to create wind, turbines use winds to make electricity. The wind turns the blades; the blades spin a shaft that connects to a generator, where electricity is made. The electricity is then distributed through transmission lines for human use. The Wind Turbine Time Line
Fun with Wind If there is a way to use Mother Nature for recreational purposes, humans will figure it out. Think what ocean waves and snow has bestowed on surfers and skiers. Think wind when it comes to flying kites, sailing the seas, hang gliding or parasailing. Man-made wind tunnel structures (like those used in aerodynamic research for the study of the effects of air on stationary objects) have become a popular venue for indoor skydiving. No worries about a fear of heights, jumping out of airplanes or smashing to the ground. In a contained area, the sporty wind tunnel can lift a person as much as 90 feet above ground. It’s like free falling without paranoia or the parachute. For the sports car enthusiast, a U.K.-based company, Ecotricity, developed a car called the Nemesis, which is “faster than a V12 Ferrari.” Ecotricity supplies energy from its 51 windmills and 15 wind parks to more than 40,000 customers across the U.K. The Nemesis, totally powered by 100 percent “green” electricity, has reached 100 mph in 8.5 seconds and is capable of 170 mph. It runs from 100 to 150 miles between charges and can be charged from empty under two hours by its fast charger or eight to nine hours from its regular supply means – both are cable systems built into the rear of the car. Dale Vince, the person who launched Ecotricity, has been voted Britain’s “leading green entrepreneur.” Vince said he wanted to create an electric car fueled entirely by wind power – a car that would also be “exotic and desirable … challenging stereotypes.” The car debuted last year. Wind Song Although today wind chimes are mainly thought of as tools that produce soothing sounds, before the 19th century they were used in Asia to ward off evil spirits or intruders. Their sounds weren’t so soothing – more like deafening. Early wind chimes were carved from bone and hung from roofs and eaves and other overhead structures. In Italy and Greece, wind chimes were looked upon as magnets for kind and generous spirits. They provided protection and good luck. Wind chimes eventually made their way to the western world, where sailors and farmers often used them to predict short-term weather patterns. The direction of the wind could indicate temperature changes, and wind speed could predict the arrival time of a storm or front. The logging industry used information from wind-chime weather forecasting to organize work schedules. The modern-day wind chime, created out of a variety of materials from seashells to metal to stones, is used to enhance a garden or porch and complement an area that offers a calm setting. Wind chimes today come in a myriad of musical sounds and shapes and sizes. Gone with the Wind How many musicians have “gone with the wind” as titles or song lyrics? Besides Bob Dylan’s Blowing in the Wind, check these out just for the fun of it.
Issue 494 - 4/18/2011
SNIPPETZ PUTS AN EAR TO BANNED MUSIC by Deborah Stumpf “I did write a letter to the archdiocese who'd banned the song, Only the Good Die Young, asking them to ban my next record. “ - Billy Joel When rock n’ roll hit the music scene in the 1950s, one could say that “all hell broke loose.” The songs and the artists behind them were in cahoots with Satan himself, according to many parent groups, government and religious organizations and private enterprise. As the 50s rolled into the 60s, the rock-solid baby boomers began rebelling against societal norms and the “establishment.” Many naysayers of their music believed that the song lyrics and stage presence of these newbie recording artists were weakening the foundation of America – feeding teens and young adults with cultish-like propaganda. There was only one way to silence the evil music: censorship. Banning music, books or whatever has created controversy for decades worldwide because what is offensive to some is not to others. And what was offensive in the 1950s is church music compared to the 21st century. If I Could Turn Back Time Here’s a snapshot of censorship that took place in each decade starting with 1950, and the variety of reasons and people behind the ban.
Can’t Get No Satisfaction Can someone get some satisfaction from music censorship? Are attempts to quell the music industry all about enforcement of morality as well as individual or organized beliefs and values? Eric Nuzum has written numerous blogs and a book on music censorship. In his book, “Parental Advisory: Music Censorship in America,” Nuzum addressed the factors that spark censorship. Morality Issues As previously noted, a revolution of attitudes took place in the 1950s and 1960s. The likes of Elvis, the Beatles and many others ignited a sense of independence from and anarchy toward authority and tradition. Even in the 1920s, people complained about flappers and jazz musicians, but those performances were limited to certain venues. The advent of technology widened the avenues of communication. In the 1950s, radio allowed access to all kinds of music, which prompted music censorship – especially in light of the new attitudes about sex, drugs and rock n’ roll. Racial Motivations Blame the blues. Rhythm and blues were introduced in the 1950s and early 1960s, and the R&B genre was dominated by black musicians. The “soul” of R&B was about passion and desire, including sex and drugs. When white people, especially teenagers and young adults, started following R&B, the older generation feared the corruption of the younger generation. And censorship wasn’t confined to parents and grandparents. When MTV was launched, the station shied away from airing any videos by black musicians. It wasn’t until 1983 that Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” became the first black video aired on MTV in “heavy rotation.” Generational Value Gaps Although the gap in music tastes has narrowed from generation to generation, the latest trends in music don’t always reflect the values of the older generation. Mick Jagger and Janis Joplin were hardly contemporaries of Frank Sinatra and Connie Francis. The Great Depression-era generation – who also fought in World War II – was raised to respect authority, which included the head of a household, the priest, the doctor, the local sheriff and the U.S. president (no matter the party). It’s what they did. Their kids, however, questioned authority and sought freedom from society’s rules. It made sense that the music would be different and likely scary to the older generation. Fear Nuzum says the “root of all the factors” leading to music censorship is fear. And fear of change is widespread, but much of the music being censored mirrors the changes in societal issues and values. From the Vietnam War to today’s Iraq War, and from the advent of the sexual revolution to today’s “culture wars,” music is recognized as a potential source of power to change values, ideas, and beliefs – as well as to influence actions. Those who fear this change try to stop it by censorship, even when, as history has shown us, censorship is futile when change is inevitable. - Eric Nuzum The Thunder Rolls Tipper Gore (Al’s wife) was a lightning rod for change after she was incensed that the album “Purple Rain” by Prince contained sexually suggestive words. Gore pressured the music industry to post voluntary warning labels on records with obscene lyrics; and, in 1985, Gore cofounded the nonprofit Parents Music Resource Center to allow parents more control over the music industry. Many song artists raised thunderous voices decrying Gore’s idea. Frank Zappa cried censorship and called Gore a “cultural terrorist.” However, Gore had a power team of women in Washington who also wanted transparency in the music industry, and the PMRC is today still playing musical watchdog. Papa Don’t Preach When Madonna recorded “Papa Don’t Preach,” she wasn’t thinking of music censors, although she was fired from a Pepsi commercial because of her video for “Like a Prayer.” Here are a few more musicians who have gotten the “ole fire and brimstone” from censors.
In 2007, Anderson Cooper hosted a segment on hip-hop music and its crime-happy, anti-police culture on “60 Minutes.” Cooper interviewed rapper Cam’ron, who was shot in 2005, about snitching. Cooper said he couldn’t cooperate with the police because it would hurt his professional reputation and defy his upbringing. Cooper asked Cam’ron what he would do if he lived next door to a serial killer. Cam’ron replied that he would move. Is Cam’ron or any other musician just catering to what sells or is the real question “Why does this stuff sell?” Issue 495 - 4/25/2011
SNIPPETZ IS STRIKING A POSE - A YOGA POSE by Deborah Stumpf 
“Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured.”
- B.K.S. Iyengar It doesn’t take pretzel-like flexibility to become a yogi or yogini, the proper names for men and women, respectively, engaged in the practice of yoga. All it takes is a mat and a yoga instruction video to get started at home, or enrollment in a yoga class. And videos and classes are plentiful throughout the country because yoga has gained momentum since being introduced to the U.S. in the late 19th century. Blossoming in the 1960s; today, one in 10 Americans practices yoga. Yoga and its Roots Yoga began more than 5,000 years ago in India as more than an exercise. Yoga in India is a lifestyle. The word “yoga” comes from the word “yuj,” which is the ancient Sanskrit language of India. It translates to “union” or “joining together.” Indian yoga texts and sacred Hindu texts were all written in Sanskrit, and the yoga styles and postures were named in the language. However, in the West, much of the Sanskrit names have been changed; for example, Vrikshasana is Tree Pose. In simple terms, yoga is an exercise that involves moving the body into different positions, which are referred to as asanas, poses or postures. All of the postures incorporate stretching, balancing and breathing while standing, sitting or lying on the floor. Yoga is not a religion, but there is a philosophy behind it. Yoga represents awareness and being in the moment. It embraces the gentle and accepting side of human nature. “Of the mind, body and spirit” is a phrase often intertwined with the practice of yoga. Besides building physical strength, flexibility and coordination; yoga has been known to improve focus, confidence, self-esteem and self-control and creativity. Some yoga enthusiasts say they’re more relaxed and they sleep better. Another thing pro-yoga is that it can be done anywhere, even at the work desk. Yoga is often recommended for those who sit at computers all day. Breaking for a few minutes to do some yoga is a great way to stretch the body after sitting in one spot for hours at a time. From movie stars to professional athletes to corporate America, yoga has become a widespread form of exercise in the U.S. And Yoga itself has become big business. Upward Dog The business of yoga is booming. Of course, a downward economy might encourage people to seek ways of releasing their anxieties. The Yoga Business Academy published the following statistics on their Web site.
Some insurance companies are already paying for yoga, and many predict that doctors will be regularly prescribing yoga in the future. Those who practice yoga are often inclined toward nutritional programs and whole foods sources, gyms for alternate exercise programs, spas, etc. – all a boost to the health and wellness industry and the American economy. Become a Warrior Warrior is actually the name of a challenging yoga pose, but yoga offers something for everyone, from types of yoga to a variety of poses. Many postures are interactive with all yoga practices, and listed here are some basic descriptions of well-known types of yoga.
The Power of Om Yoga to some might conjure up visions of people sitting with straight backs, eyes closed and the tips of their thumbs and forefingers pressed together, all the while chanting “om.” Yoga is about meditation, and aum (westerners spelled it “om”) is tied to yoga. However, it’s much more than hippie chatter. In ancient India tradition, all sounds are derived from the sound of aum, which is considered the all-connecting sound of the universe. B.K.S. Iyengar, founder of Iyengar yoga, wrote in this book “Light on Yoga” that the letter “a” symbolizes the conscious state; the letter “u” is the dream state and “m” is the “dreamless sleep state of the mind and spirit.” The three letters together signify the “realization of man’s divinity within himself.” Aum translates into the Tibetan sacred word of “hum,” the Moslems’ “amin” and the Christians’ “amen.” The use of the word “aum” is about a sense of “sacredness.” The correct pronunciation of “aum” rhymes with home, minus the “h.” Although Woodstock was about free love and rock n’ roll – not exactly sacred ground – the chant of “om” echoed throughout the hills as those attending made known their desires for world peace. Namaste The word “Namaste” is akin with yoga. “Nama” means to bow; “as” means I and “te” means you. The phrase “Namaste” means “I bow to you.” Namaste is from India and revolves around the chakra (energy) of the heart. In India, the word Namaste doesn’t need to be spoken when greeting others – the gesture is understood. In the U.S., Namaste is often spoken or written without the gesture. The gesture, however, is an acknowledgement of the soul of each person and implies a deep respect for another. Namaste is acted out by placing the hands together in a prayer form, closing the eyes and bowing the head. Many yoga teachers end their classes with Namaste. Yoga centers and studios worldwide have incorporated their businesses using the word Namaste as part of their name. Namaste to our readers and advertisers, both for whom we are most grateful. Issue 496 - 5/2/2011
SNIPPETZ CARRIES A TORCH FOR LADY LIBERTY by Deborah Stumpf 
"Give me your tired, your poor;
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" - From the inscription on the Statue of Liberty It wasn’t until after her death that Emma Lazarus’ poem “The New Colossus” became the symbolic words of freedom adorned on the Statue of Liberty. Lazarus wrote the poem in 1883 as a donation to help raise funds for the construction of the Statue of Liberty pedestal. When a patron of the New York Arts, Georgina Schuyler, discovered “The New Colossus,” she was moved by the words cited above and eventually led an effort to inscribe those last five lines on the Statue of Liberty. In the early 1900s, the entire 14-line poem, engraved in bronze, was placed over the Statue of Liberty’s main entrance. Since 1886, the Statue of Liberty has been a guiding light to the many immigrants and workers who have landed on Liberty Island. Lady Liberty’s Place in History This year, Lady Liberty will celebrate 125 years standing tall and strong for freedom and democracy. She was conceived in the 1870s when the people of France decided to present a statue to the United States as a gesture of friendship between the two countries – a friendship established during the American Revolution. The statue became a joint effort between the U.S. and France. The French would design and construct the statue and transport it to the U.S.; the Americans would build a pedestal for the statue. The statue would be completed by 1876, as part of the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in America. And So It Went
Home in the Harbor Ninety years later, the bicentennial celebration of the Declaration of Independence took place. In honor of the 200th birthday, the state of New Jersey gifted the nation with Liberty State Park. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the “park” was a waterfront industrial area and a freight and passenger transportation hub. Activity hovered around the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal. The terminal played a major role in history, alongside the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, in serving the immigrants who came to America seeking a new life. As the railroad industry declined, the area and old structures were abandoned. What was once a bustling site had become a dump site. The state of New Jersey rejuvenated the area and transformed more than 1,400 acres into a beautiful city park, just 2,000 feet from Lady Liberty. The park opened June 14, 1976. The grounds are now federal land but New York has jurisdiction. If Only She Could Talk If Lady Liberty could speak, imagine the stories. She would certainly talk about all the changes that have taken place in 125 years. Besides undergoing a patina process (the natural aging of copper) that turned the statue a light green color, Lady Liberty has seen plenty of change throughout the years. Until 1901, the United States Lighthouse Board was responsible for the Statue of Liberty. The U.S. War Department took over the care and management of the statue until 1933, when the National Park Service assumed responsibility for all operations. In 1965, the park service also began managing Ellis Island, which soon became part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument. In 1982, former President Ronald Reagan chose automobile icon Lee Iacocca to chair a private foundation established to restore the Statue of Liberty. The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation partnered with the National Park Service for the $87 million restoration project. When the restoration began in 1984, the United Nations designated the Statue of Liberty as a World Heritage Site. The newly restored statue re-opened to the public July 5, 1986. After 9/11, Liberty Island was closed but re-opened 100 days later; however, the statue remained closed. In August 2004, the Statue of Liberty’s pedestal level was reopened to the public. On July 4, 2009, the crown was finally reopened. Today, visitors must make a reservation to climb the pedestal or crown. Lady Liberty Snippetz
125 Years to Celebrate In honor of the 125th anniversary milestone, a new play, “Sing a Song of Freedom: The Story of Emma Lazarus and the Statue of Liberty,” depicts the tale behind Lazarus’ poem, “The New Colossus,” which became the statue’s emblem of welcome. The show is funded by the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation and opens at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum’s Living Theater starting April 16, running through Labor Day weekend. The 30-minute play, written by playwright and director Ken Urban, also highlights stories of immigration. The U.S. Post Office also is recognizing Lady Liberty this year with a “Forever” stamp of her face and crown. But controversy abounds. The photo was taken from a replica of Lady Liberty that stands outside of a Las Vegas casino. A Statue of Liberty aficionado detected a difference in the hair and eyes of the statue in the photo and contacted Linn’s Stamp News, which first published the story. The Postal Service, however, is sticking with the stamp as is. The New York Times reported that the former mayor of New York, Edward Koch, wasn’t happy with the Postal Service decision. “The post office is doing a stupid thing,” Koch said. Only in America! Hail to Lady Liberty. Issue 497 - 5/9/2011
SNIPPETZ POPS THE LID OFF EVERYTHING CORN by Deborah Stumpf Corn: “Any of numerous cultivated forms of a widely-grown cereal grass bearing grains or kernels; the grains or kernels of the plant used as food for humans and livestock; a seed or fruit of various other plants like peppercorn; corn snow; corn whiskey; slang for something considered trite, melodramatic, unduly sentimental.” Corn is a household word. It might be corny to say so, but corn, with all its uses and meanings, is a beloved entity. About Corn Corn is a descendent of the teosinte plant, which grows in Mexico – the country of corn’s origins. The earliest ears of corn were just a few inches long. Today, a typical corn plant is from 5 to 12 feet tall. In Iowa, corn can grow to 8 feet under good growing conditions. Corn Facts
More than 100 years ago, corn was produced for starch, and the rest of the kernel was thrown away. Presently, every part of the kernel and the water in which it is processed is used. There are more than 3,500 uses for corn products. Many of the new corn-based products are more environmentally friendly than petroleum-based products. Corn products include the following: Paint, dyes, laundry detergent, packing peanuts, plates, disposable flatware, milk jugs, golf tees, adhesives, degradable plastics, chewing gum, shoe polish, printing inks, soft drinks, pet food, alcoholic beverages and fuel. Biofuel Corn is a valuable “feedstock” for ethanol plant production because of the large amount of carbohydrates, especially starch, in corn. Starch can be easily broken down into simple sugars, which feed yeast (fermentation process) to produce ethanol. By-products include animal feed. Modern-day ethanol production can garner about 2.7 gallons of fuel ethanol per bushel of corn. Although biofuel is an alternative to the country’s dependence on oil, growing crops like corn to produce ethanol takes a toll on the environment, not to mention the pocketbook. In 2010, more than a third of the corn harvest in the U.S. – 335 million metric tons – was used to produce corn ethanol. It’s expected that within five years, 50 percent of the corn crop in the U.S. will become biofuels. Biofuel is on the rise as an export, but demand for food crop exports is still strong; which drives higher prices worldwide. Another price factor is the crop acreage needed to produce biofuels. According to a 2007 “Science” magazine article, to replace just 10 percent of the gasoline in the U.S. with ethanol and biodiesel would require that 43 percent of current cropland in the U.S. be used for growing crops just for biofuels. In 2007, the U.S. National Academy of Sciences studied the effects of water consumption as it relates to producing ethanol. They concluded that growing corn to produce ethanol consumes 200 times more water than the water used to process the corn into ethanol. Back to Food – Popcorn Americans consume more popcorn than any other country – about 17 billion quarts of popcorn per year: 54 quarts per person.
Corn: It’s all in a Name Candy corn, the Nebraska Cornhuskers, corn cobs, corn on the cob, it’s corny, corn snow: The word “corn” is well-used and not always about food. Corn Snakes Food does play a part in the naming of the corn snake. It was named after its belly, which resembles the checkerboard pattern of Indian corn.
Movies, etc. Corn has been part of movie titles since the 1950s. “Corns-a-Poppin” – 1951 “Corn Chips” – 1951 “Corn Plastered” – 1951 “Corn on the Cop” – 1965 “Indian Corn” – 1972 “Corn on the Macabre” – 1997 “Children of the Corn” – 1984 – sequels 1984, 1993 and 1994 Corn Snow Coloradoans might be familiar with corn snow, the term for wet snow that has gone through repeated melt-freeze cycles. The result is large-grained, rounded crystals. Under corn snow conditions, a crust is formed on the surface of the snow, and it can supports one’s weight when it’s frozen. However, during the heat of the day, the snow turns to deep slush. Corn snow skiing is best during the mid-to-late-morning hours. It’s Corny A long-lasting favorite saying, “it’s corny” has been passed on through generations. In the movie, “South Pacific,” there is a song titled “What a Wonderful Guy.” Among the lyrics, “I’m as corny as Kansas in August.” Kansas is well-known for its corn production, and August is harvest time for corn. Thus, the long version of “it’s corny.” Issue 498 - 5/16/2011
SNIPPETZ REMINISCES ABOUT THE RAT PACK by Deborah Stumpf "If power doesn't mean that you have the opportunity to work with the people that you love, then you haven't really got any." - Frank Sinatra They weren’t a gang per se, just a group of fun-loving friends. They weren’t elusive, just exclusive. “They” were called the Rat Pack, most often identified today as these five Hollywood icons: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford. However, movie star legend Humphrey Bogart fathered the pack. In the 1950s, Bogart and his equally legendary wife, Lauren Bacall, spent their Friday and Saturday nights in Los Angeles gadding about town, hitting the hot spots and sipping cocktails with their equally famous friends. Among them were Judy Garland and husband, Sid Luft; actor David Niven; songwriter Jimmy VanHusuen; and a young Frank Sinatra. Bacall informally dubbed their party group “The Rat Pack of Holmby Hills” – Holmby Hills was a wealthy neighborhood where most of them lived. Bogart died of cancer at age 57, and the Rat Pack disbanded. But Sinatra missed his social network, so he invited a few new buddies for the bar-hopping adventures. The New Rat Pack Sinatra, Martin, Davis, Lawford and Bishop became the regulars to carry on Bogart’s party tradition. Others like Shirley MacLaine and Angie Dickinson joined them on occasion. The new group first became known as “the clan.” As the mid-1960s approached, racial strife was widespread. “The clan” didn’t want to be confused with the “Klan,” so they adopted the name of ole’ Bogie’s gang – and the Rat Pack was reborn. Although the Rat Pack was about socializing, they also enjoyed entertaining as a group and starring in movies together. All five starred in “Ocean’s 11.” The Rat Pack was famous for their connection to the Kennedys, originally friends of Sinatra’s. In 1960, the pack sang the national anthem at the opening of the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles. John F. Kennedy was the Democratic nominee for president. Martin and Sinatra After Sinatra conducted the orchestra featured on Martin’s record album, “Sleep Warm,” the two garnered rave reviews for an impromptu performance in Las Vegas that turned into an ongoing gig. On Jan. 28, 1959, Sinatra joined Martin on stage at the Sands Hotel in Vegas for the first time. The duo rocked audiences and became an overnight sensation; and, in a short time, they were renowned nationwide for their on-stage antics and behind-the-scenes friendship. Martin usually played the role of a boozer, always with a glass in one hand and a cigarette in the other, but in reality he was the one Rat Pack member who often chose a T.V. western over nights out on the town. Martin wasn’t a big drinker, despite his image. Many in the audiences thought he was drunk on stage, but he was actually drinking apple juice. In 1967, the relationship between Sinatra and Martin was challenged when Howard Hughes bought the Sands Hotel the same year. Sinatra had a run-in with the management of the Sands, and they cut off his credit to the casino. After a physical fight with the casino boss that cost Sinatra a few teeth, he signed a contract with rival Caesar’s Palace. Sinatra believed Martin would follow; instead, Martin stayed at the Sands for another year. Although Martin could hold his own, the Sands wasn’t the same after Sinatra left, and Martin ended up at the Riviera, where ticket prices for his shows exceeded ticket prices for Sinatra at Caesar’s. Throughout the transition, the two remained friends, making movies together and with other members of the Rat Pack. Martin and Sinatra were cast in seven films together. Sinatra was also a frequent guest on Martin’s T.V. show, “The Dean Martin Show.” When Martin died in 1995 at age 78, Sinatra reflected on their epic friendship. “Too many times I’ve been asked to say something about friends who are gone – this is one of the hardest. Dean was my brother – not through blood, but through choice. He has been like the air I breathe, always there, always close by.” Sinatra died at age 82 in 1998. The Rest of the Pack Sinatra was the leader of the pack, and Martin was the pack’s good looking, devilish womanizer. Three other members of the pack – Lawford, Davis and Bishop – gained fame not only through their association with Sinatra and Martin, but also because they were talented and alluring in their own way. Joey Bishop Bishop was a stand-up comedian, who never memorized a joke, always ad-libbing. When Sinatra attended one of his shows, he snagged Bishop as his opening act. Eventually, Bishop began getting his own comic stints in first-rate clubs across the country. One of Bishop’s more memorable lines was heard at the Copacabana in Manhattan. During the middle of his stand-up performance, Marilyn Monroe surprised everyone and walked on stage, wrapped in white ermine. Bishop’s quick wit kicked in, when off the cuff he said, “Marilyn, I told you to sit in the truck.” Bishop went on to television with the “Joey Bishop Show.” He even challenged Johnny Carson when, for a short time, he hosted a talk show at the same time Carson aired. As part of the Rat Pack, Bishop, too, was a fan of JFK. He was the master of ceremonies at Kennedy’s inaugural ball. Bishop outlasted his Rat Pack buddies. He died in 2007 at age 89. Sammy Davis Jr. As the son of vaudeville star Sammy Davis Sr., the junior Davis was adept at singing, dancing, playing instruments, acting and stand-up comedy. As a black man, he knew discrimination all too well, but he often made jokes about it. During one performance, he made fun of people who complained about being discriminated against. “You got it easy,” Davis said. “I’m a short, ugly, one-eyed black Jew. What do you think it’s like for me?” (Davis lost his left eye in a car crash.) In the 1950s and 1960s, when Davis performed in the hotels in Las Vegas, he wasn’t allowed to stay in the same hotels because they didn’t allow black people. But Davis also paved the way for other black entertainers. He wasn’t afraid of controversy. In the 1960s, he married the blonde, blue-eyed Swedish-born actress May Britt. The marriage lasted for eight years. Later, Davis had an affair with white actress Kim Novak, and because of it someone put a contract out on his life. Frank Sinatra presumably interceded, and the affair ended, as did the contract. Davis almost always appeared on stage with a cigarette in hand. The four-pack-a-day habit would cost him. He died in 1990 at age 64 from throat cancer. Peter Lawford In some circles, Lawford was recognized more for his marriage to Patricia Kennedy (making him a brother-in-law to JFK) than an accomplished actor. Sinatra even gave Lawford the nickname “brother-in-Lawford.” Born in London and raised in Paris, Lawford began his acting career at an early age. When the handsome Lawford came to Hollywood his French accent and charm attracted many ladies of the screen, including Lana Turner, Ava Gardner and Kim Novak. After his marriage to Kennedy ended in the 1960s, Lawford married three more times. His first major role was in the movie, “A Yank at Eton” (1942). Co-starring with Mickey Rooney, critics praised his performance. When movie icon Clark Gable was drafted into World War II, Lawford began getting more lead roles in movies. Lawford had injured his arm as a young boy and wasn’t eligible for military service. In the mid-1960s, Lawford and Sinatra had a falling out – supposedly over political disparities. Lawford once attended a Las Vegas show where Sinatra was playing. Legend has it that Sinatra refused to go on stage until Lawford left. They never reconciled their differences. Lawford was the first one of the Rat Pack to die. In 1984, he died from liver and kidney disease at age 61. Rat Pack Snippetz
Issue 499 - 5/23/2011
SNIPPETZ FEELS THE EARTH MOVE by Deborah Stumpf 
On May 16, in just 24 hours, scientists recorded 87 earthquakes – albeit small – in the United States. Most of them occurred in California and Alaska. Three were at magnitude 3-plus and one was at magnitude 4.5-plus.
More than a million magnitude 2.0 to 2.9 earthquakes occur each year worldwide. Thousands of 3 to 5.9 earthquakes occur annually, and it’s estimated that one earthquake of magnitude 8 or higher takes place in any given year. On May 9, a small magnitude 3.9 earthquake was recorded in Colorado: 12 miles west of Trinidad; 22 miles northwest of Raton, N.M., 32 miles south of Walsenburg and 179 miles south of Denver. Is the future on shaky ground? What’s Making the Earth Move? When two blocks of the earth slip past each other in a sudden movement, they create a fault or fault plane. The earth has four major layers: the inner and outer core, the mantle and the crust. The crust, which is at the top of the mantle, is comprised of a thin skin on the surface of the planet. The skin is made up of many pieces, which continuously move – often sliding past and bumping into each other. The pieces are called tectonic plates; the edges of the plates are plate boundaries, which comprise many faults. Most of the earthquakes occur on the faults. The edges of the plates are rough, so they get stuck when the plate keeps moving. An earthquake starts below the earth’s surface – the location of it is called the hypocenter. Directly above the surface of the earth in the exact location is the epicenter. The largest earthquake is referred to as the main shock, but smaller earthquakes – both foreshocks and aftershocks – often accompany an earthquake. Aftershocks can continue for weeks, months; even years. The measured value of an earthquake size is known as the magnitude, which doesn’t vary with the area or shaking movement of the earthquake. The intensity of an earthquake measures the shaking activity. On March 11, a big portion of the Pacific Plate, which normally travels west under Japan at 3 inches per year, pushed forward up to 59 feet – the jolt caused the undersea upward, creating the magnitude 9 earthquake and the tsunami. Why the Ground Shakes When the edges of the faults are stuck together as the rest of the block moves, the energy that would normally cause the blocks to slip past each other is stored. The force of the moving blocks overwhelms the friction of the jagged edges of the fault, releasing the edges and the stored energy. The energy radiates outward from the fault in many directions – this is referred to as seismic waves (like ripples on a pond). The waves shake the earth as they move through it, and when the waves reach the earth’s surface, they shake the ground and buildings, etc. To record and measure earthquakes, Charles Richter developed the seismograph in 1935. Richter assigned each earthquake a number – from weak (1) to strong (7). The Richter scale is still used today. The Crystal Ball Scientists and climatologists cannot predict an earthquake, and if it’s true that some animals and humans experience a “feeling” that an earthquake is about to happen, the experts are clueless as to how or why. But scientists understand fault lines and the earth’s movement. Here’s what they do know:
The Big Ones At Home • Colorado’s largest earthquake was a magnitude 6.6 that shook up Denver and the Front Range on Nov. 7, 1882. It caused damage in Denver, and experts said it was centered near Rocky Mountain National Park. The quake was felt in Salina, Kan., and Salt Lake City. • The second-largest earthquake jarred Colorado a century later on Nov. 26, 1967. The magnitude 5.2 earthquake caused minor damage in suburban areas northeast of Denver and was felt from the northwest in Laramie, Wyo., east to Goodland, Kan., and south to Pueblo. • Several minor earthquakes have rattled Colorado throughout the years, and most of the shocks have been centered west of the Rocky Mountain Front Range. But Colorado is considered a region of minor earthquake activity. Nationwide/Worldwide The largest earthquake in the U.S. occurred March 28, 1964. The magnitude 9.2 earthquake struck Prince William Sound in Alaska. The three most recent big earthquakes in the U.S.:
The largest earthquake in the world was a magnitude 9.5 that ripped into Chile May 22, 1960. Japan is probably the most seismic of all countries, but because it is larger than Japan, Indonesia has more total earthquakes. Shaky Ground Snippetz
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