Thursday, December 14, 2006

Is that good or bad?

Billy Graham's family riven over burial plans
The evangelist must choose between the wishes of his heir and his wife.

It's very unfortunate that this type of situation is rearing it's ugly head at the end of this man of God's life; but that is not what this post is about.

What's the deal with Star Tribune using the word 'riven' in a headline. How many of it's readers will actually know the definition of the word. I know it, but that's only because it's a word found quite often in crossword puzzles. Which brings me to the point of the post---if you're not into the exciting and challenging world of crossword puzzles, you're missing out on life.

I love doing crosswords. My grandma and grandpa got me hooked when I was 25, and I've been doing them ever since. I started out with Easy Crossword Books and a crossword dictionary, and now I complete the New York Times' puzzles with no dictionary and in pen.

I have probably gained more knowledge by doing crosswords, albeit not useful for daily survival, than I ever learned paying thousands of dollars to a school. They are also helpful in keeping your brain active and warding off the possibility of early onset of medical conditions such as dementia or alzheimers (at least that's what I've read). They are extremely beneficial if you get easily bored while doing your daily duty on the toilet, at least I hope you're able to do it daily; otherwise, start eating more grains.

The only reason I use to buy the paper all the time was to get the crosswords. I refuse to subsidize the Strib on a continuing basis anymore, but I do purchase the Sunday paper; basically just to get the two big crosswords. Anyway, it's a lifelong love that may develop---so give it a go.

By the way, if you didn't know:

Riven adjective
Definition: torn apart
[Past participle of rive]

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