Cryptoquote Spoiler – 04/11/17

“Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens.”   —   Epictetus

(The philosopher’s philosophy . . . in a nutshell!  We’ve had at least one of his quotes in the past, but I’m not really all that familiar with his work.  Surprisingly, a big adherent of Epictetus was James Stockdale, who ran as the Vice Presidential candidate in 1992, with Ross Perot.  He was thrust into a debate with Dan Quayle and Al Gore, with absolutely no preparation, or warning.  When introduced by the moderator, he asked two philosophical – and rhetorical – questions that – I believe – he was not allowed to expound upon.  “Who am I?” and “Why am I here?”  Because of this, and his request to have a question repeated, because he wasn’t wearing his hearing aid, and his inability to comment on a lot of the issues, he was written off as a doddering old fool.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  He was quite accomplished.  He had been a prisoner of war, and every bit – if not more so – a hero as was John McCain.  He deserves to be remembered as the great man that he was.  Be well and do good, friends.)   —   YUR

Jumble Spoiler – 04/11/17

Visual Description:  Early cinematic technological breakthrough.

RNETD  =  TREND,  GULEN  =  LUNGE,  TAGEEN  =  NEGATE,  TIRRAY  =  RARITY   —   Giving us:  TELETERAR

Clue/Question:  In 1927, going to see “The Jazz Singer” in a theater was a – – – 

Answer:  “REEL“ TREAT

(Awesome Jumble!  None of the clue words are new, yet all of the jumbles are.  I thought that “tageen” was a great jumble, and I even had to back into “rarity”.  The answer letter layout was a swonderful jumble too.  Nothing in it gave the answer away.  The cartoon is no less than a masterpiece, with the classic old movie theater, and the people’s outfits.  Especially the women’s!  I can just imagine my Gramma, back in her heyday, seeing her first “talkie”!  Actually, the woman in the foreground looks a little like the Tony Curtis drag character, from “Some Like it Hot”!  Not exactly a seminal moment in cinematic history, like “The Jazz Singer”, but a very funny movie nonetheless.  Tony actually made for a pretty cute dame!  More believable than Jack Lemon.  Be well and do good, friends.)   —   YUR

PS.  The closing line of “Some Like it Hot”, when Jack Lemon admits he’s a man, was a little ahead of its time, and definitely hilarious.  Check it below.   —   YUR