EDUCATION FROM CROSSWORDS

Today's LA TIMES crossword was just right.  Not too easy.  Not too hard.  It was composed by Katrina Lee, who inserted some clues that women might solve easier than chauvinistic men.  For instance:

 1.  "Gucci of fashion"

Aldo Gucci (1881-1953) founded a high-priced fashion empire in 1921 Florence, Italy.  I looked at his picture and I have to admit, he looked a lot like Benito Mussolini.

Almost every issue of the New York Times Sunday Edition has some full-page ads touting Gucci's wares.  I find their skinny-legged models in their "ragtag" clothes to be an affront to what I consider to be "good taste."

Sorry.

2. "Designer Ashley"

 Ashley OLSEN (1986) is a famous fashion designer.  She is a twin and a former actress with her sister.  

The extremely pretty Olsen Twins have appeared in a bunch of movies and TV shows. You've probably seen them several times.

They are very rich because of their high-priced fashion brand:  THE ROW.

3.  "First Woman to be named 'Doctor of the Church,' briefly"

If I were Catholic, I probably would probably have  known this.

There have been four women who were named "Doctor of the Church. There are a total of 87.

This is a title bestowed on those saints that have been selfless in serving the needs of the Catholic Church.  The names of Saint Jerome and Saint Bernard come to mind.

Saint Theresa (STTERESA) of Avilon was named in 1970.  She was a Spanish "nobleman" who became a Carmelite Nuh and founded convents around the country. 

She was also a "mystic."

Saint Catherine of Siena (1347 - 1380) was also named in 1970. She is the patron saint of Europe, and especially Italy.  She was a strong defender of the papacy. She is venerated by the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion and Lutheranism.

Saint Theresa of Lisieux (1873 - 1897) was named in 1997.  She is "The Little Flower of Jesus" and is the reason for famous pilgrimages.

Saint Hildegard von Bingen (1098 - 1179) was named in 2012.  A mystic.  Supposed to be a miracle worker. She was a poet who set her poems to music.  I enjoy listening to her music that is similar to Gregorian Chants.

4.  "The crocodile of early tennis"

Check the back of your clothes closet.  You might find some Lacoste/Izod brand shirts and shoes. Look for the little green alligator.

Jean RENE LACOSTE (1904 - 1986) played tennis in the 1920's and was called "the Crocodile" because of the aggressive way he "devoured" his opponents.

He invented the famous polo shirt worn by all Ivy-Leaguers and designed a special sports shoe called a "croc."

In his spare time, he invented the steel tennisw racket.

Quite a guy!

Now do you see why I like crosswords so much?  I learn a lot of interesting information from them.

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