Cryptoquote Spoiler – 04/18/17

“Random numbers should not be generated with a method chosen at random.”   —   Donald Knuth

(I’m certainly not going to argue with Don!  He’s a mathematician and computer scientist at Stanford University, so he definitely knows what he’s talking about.  But, boy!  I struggled mightily to solve this cryptoquote.  I was 90 something % sure that the L was the A, but I spun my wheels on this for a long, long time.  I also was correct seeing the C as the E, but that wasn’t enough for me, for quite a while.  Finally, I was able to see the word METHOD, and that solidified all my other suspicions.  Be well and do good, friends.)   —   YUR

Jumble Spoiler – 04/18/17

Visual Description:  Night watchman.

GHURS  =  SHRUG,  SAYID  =  DAISY,  GOOTRF  =  FORGOT,  TAVCIE  =  ACTIVE   —   Giving us:  SHRGDAYFRTAIVE

Clue/Question:  The cemetery’s new security guard worked the – – –

Answer:  GRAVEYARD SHIFT

(Very good Jumble!  One of those literal/figurative puns.  No new clue words, but three of the jumbles came up as new.  We’ve seen “tavcie” some time in the past.  The answer letter layout was another very long one, and also nicely cryptic.  It didn’t give the answer away.  Overall, I thought it was much easier than yesterday’s, but that might have been just me.  The real treat is the cartoon.  Lots of fun and clever tombstones!  Like when Wiley does his Last Words Cemetery.   The one with the light on it has what looks like a guy struggling over a difficult Jumble.  But, the headstone reads:  “Ima Punster”, which should make it a woman!  I’m sure you’ve all figured out it says:  “Played the jumble everyday but not today”.  It does kind of bother me that Jeff killed Ima off at the tender young age of 63!  I’ve got a few years before I get there, but Jeff should know that the bulk of the Jumble fans are very likely north of 63!  LOL!  Be well and do good, friends.)   —   YUR