Word: merely
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Dates: during 1950-1959
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Though the West had no hope the Russians would accept it, the plan was not mere propaganda. It was an honest offer honestly made-honest because each Western power was prepared to live with it if it were accepted, and convinced that Russia could live with it, too. Said one top German diplomat: "Here is something big and historically important. If the Russians reject this, they in effect abandon the pretense that European security is of any importance to them...
...French high cultural circles, mere excellence is not considered the whole guarantee of immortality. The distinguished men who at any one time occupy the 40 chairs of the famed Académie Française enjoy a specific patent of immortality that dates back to Cardinal Richelieu. But many of France's greatest writers have been barred from the academy for reasons that had little to do with their greatness. The academy's mythical "41st chair," reserved by legend for those who never made the grade, has been occupied by such greats as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, whose loose...
...between salt and blood pressure is not fully understood. Many doctors believe that salt content must drop to an infinitesimal one-tenth of a teaspoonful per day. This can be achieved only by an extreme regimen like the famed "rice diet." But even on this, says Dr. Page, a mere 25% of the patients get their blood pressure down to near-normal levels. So: "Whether one wishes the psychic mortification of the rice diet or the dubious gratification of a planned low-salt diet is up to the individual. So many good low-salt diets and foods are now available...
...playwriting, Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? often badly slithers; and as satire, it is too often a mere family joke. More surprisingly, the sap in Playwright Axelrod's spoofing suddenly turns to syrup. Kidding the blonde siren at the start, Will Success offers a lowdown but lively Monroe Doctrine; championing the playwright at the end, it provides a weirdly solemn Declaration of Independence. (By this time, in Hollywood plays, integrity should be seen and not heard.) And in all the final putting things to rights, there is no trace of irony. If Hollywood filmed Faust, Faust might be expected...
...question arose: Are auto horsepowers dangerously high? A good part of the uproar is mere exhaust rumble. Auto-industry engineers blame overzealous admen, who give the engines scorching nicknames ("Firedome," "Strato-Streak," "Blue-Flame") to promote the impression of jet-plane speeds and sell more cars in an ever tighter market. Sings an Oldsmobile ad: "Excitement rides with you when you ride a 'Rocket'/Free and fleet and vibrantly alive/For taking off, or taking a curve...