People’s Choice Awards

Hi Puzzlers,

The Three Stooges Puzzle Item #876



We have some exciting news to share with you!  The Three Stooges movie has been nominated for Favorite Comedic Movie for the 2013 People’s Choice Awards! We just think it’s great that an old-time favorite has made its way into today’s pop culture; this certainly assures that the “Godfathers of Comedy”  legacy will continue on.   It also appears that the “People Choice Awards” is on track to leave its legacy for future generations as well.

The People’s Choice Awards made its debut in 1975.  It was created and produced by Bob Stivers and aired on CBS.  The show’s goal is to honor and recognize the work and people of popular culture.  It is also one of the very first televised annual awards shows to have its winners chosen by votes from the general public. 

Winners that first year included Barbra Streisand as the year's Favorite Film Actress, John Wayne as its Favorite Film Actor and The Sting as 1974's Favorite Picture.  Presenters included Jim Nabors, Sammy Davis Jr. and Alan Alda.

Votes in the shows early years were tallied in the various categories based on the results of the Gallop poll.   In 2005 the voting went online and all results were based on the online votes.  Presently, in an effort to reach a broader base and reflect a true people’s choice, voting now encompasses a variety of methods including; land line calls, cell phone calls, online voting, reviewing data from Internet videos, national ratings averages, box office grosses and album sales.  In the event that the poll is so close, and no clear winner can be determined, a tie is announced in that category and both will be recognized as the Favorite.

Multiple versions on the People’s Choice Awards have been created to appeal to younger audiences such as the Teen Choice Awards and Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards.  It is important to note that these shows are independent and unrelated to each other and the only thing they share is similar names.

In 2012 the People’s Choice Awards franchise expands to India. This is the first time in the shows four-decade history it will air outside of America.  The India version will continue to cover fan favorites such as movies, music and television but it has added sports as a special category.

SO click here to cast your vote for your Favorite Comedic Movie for the 2013 People’s Choice Awards! N’yuk, N’yuk, N’yuk!

Happy Puzzling!

White House Jigsaw Puzzle



White House Jigsaw Puzzle Item #940



Hi Puzzlers,

Today’s puzzling tip is focused on helping you look brilliant to your kids.  I know, you are brilliant, but sometimes our little bundles of joy forget that and they need to be reminded. 

At this time of year many parents and guardians are helping the local schools plan and or fundraiser for  upcoming class trips.  Most trips are to historic sites and the number one destination for schools across the country is the White House, which also happens to be one of our newest puzzles.

So how can a puzzle help you look brilliant you may be wondering?  Well here is the plan.  I’m going to tell you a few interesting facts about the White House that you can pass along to the kids, perhaps while you assemble the puzzle in anticipation of the trip.  Viola!  The true genius that you are is finally revealed (again). 

Start by pointing to the large center image and say, WOW how creative, they used the back of the White House as the focal point in this puzzle.  Then move on to some basic White House trivia.

You could say  President John Adams and his wife, Abigail, were the first to live here or that this is the second White House, the first was destroyed by the British in 1814.  (I had to look this and everything else up too so don’t feel bad!)

Next, as you continue to assemble the puzzle, you’ll want to casually mention the following factoids:

Ø The White House has 6 levels, 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, 28 fireplaces, 8 staircases and 3 elevators. 

Ø The White House has been known throughout history as the “Executive Mansion,” “President’s Palace,” and the “President’s House.” President Roosevelt officially gave the White House its name in 1901.

Ø There are two full sized replicas of the White House; One in France and the other one in Ireland, both serve as tourist attractions!

Ø The grandson of President Thomas Jefferson was the first child born in the White House. The second was a black child born to one of Jefferson’s two slaves.  Slaves and all children born to them were considered the property of the owner.

Ø Presidents and their families are charged for every meal and other incidentals, such as dry cleaning and toiletries. They also pay for Chef Services. 

Ø The Oval Office has never had a computer!  President Obama claimed in 2009 that he is going to bring the Oval Office “online” during his term, but I guess security had other plans.

Ø Each President, as is custom, is encouraged to redecorate the Oval Office to reflect his, and soon maybe her, personal taste.  Due to the poor economy President Obama elected to only do a mini-makeover.

Now be still and listen, you just might over hear the youngin’s in the kitchen say, OMG! How do they know all that stuff! They are like computers!

Happy Puzzling!

Happy Hour Jigsaw Puzzle

Happy Hour Jigsaw Puzzle Item #937

Hi Puzzlers,

October has certainly kept up the old tradition of keeping everyone busy.  East coast farmers are hurrying to get the last of their crops in.  Mothers are preparing their homes for the long winter nights with a good fall cleaning.  Fathers are finishing last minute lawn care issues, tuning up snow blowers and filling buckets with sand and salt.  Children of all ages are back in school.  Fall sports schedules are in full swing; which means, parents are shuttling kids from game to game and field to field on top of all their other obligations and work schedules.  Just looking at the list gives me anxiety!  But then I gaze across my desk to our newest puzzle by Lori Schory and get taken away, as if magically transported into her colorful scene of a tropical “Happy Hour.”  Ah! Take a minute, kick back, relax and join me as we look back at the history of Happy Hour!

The beloved “Happy Hour” is said to have emerged from the United States Navy during the 1920’s.   The slang term represented a time when on-ship performances were scheduled and the sailors, after consuming a few alcoholic drinks, became a little “happy”. 

Back on shore, Prohibition had put an end to any public consumption of alcohol.  To circumvent the 18^th Amendment, people would serve drinks at home or would meet for illegal cocktails at speakeasies before going out to dinner.  The pre-dinner cocktail ritual continued in lounges even after prohibition ended.  The term “Happy Hour” would become extremely popular after the Saturday Evening Post featured an article on military life in 1959.

Within a few years “Happy Hour” would move from a prelude to dinner to an after-work ritual.  Complimentary hors d'oeuvres got integrated into the Happy Hour mix during the 1980’s as a way to reduce drunk driving.  In 1984 the military, in keeping with the anti-drunk driving laws, terminated happy hour at all US military base clubs.

Happy Hour is a ritual that extends to all corners of the globe and differs from country to country. In the Netherlands the price of alcoholic drinks are regulated; no half price deals here.  In Italy, customers are offered free finger-foods but pay full price for drinks.  In India, customers received reduced prices on appetizers and drinks.  But here in the USA we get the best of both, free finger-food and discounted drinks.

As the World’s Most Interesting Man says, “Stay thirsty my friends”.  Drive responsibly and enjoy Happy Hour!

Happy Puzzling!