Cryptoquote Spoiler – 01/25/18

“Science fiction encourages us to explore . . . all the futures, good and bad, that the human mind can envision.”   —   Marion Zimmer Bradley

(I narrowed it down to either Wimmer or Zimmer.  Google showed me the light.  A very prolific writer, in a number of genres, most of which I’m not too crazy about.  But, to each their own.  Some of her children accused her of sexual abuse . . . 15 years after she died, for what that’s worth.  I don’t doubt that it happened.  Bradley’s second husband, Walter H. Breen, was a pederast, and apparently she knew of this, and did nothing.  I guess the pot couldn’t really call the kettle black!  Heavy sigh.  So much gray in this world.  People have lots of layers, but all we really show is a bit of a guise.  Be well and do good, friends.)   —   YUR 

Image courtesy of Google

Jumble Spoiler – 01/25/18

Visual Description: Pulp Friction?

LDAAS  =  SALAD,  PUTIL  =  TULIP,  COSTEK  =  SOCKET,  SIFLOS  =  FOSSIL   —   Giving us:  SLATUISOEFOS

Clue/Question:  The magazine’s employees didn’t work well together and had – – –

Answer:  A LOT OF ISSUES

(No offense, but I think the female writer, in the cartoon, might be working at the wrong magazine.  It’s a humor/word game magazine!  It’s not Time magazine, or The Economist.  Geez Louise!

All of today’s clue words are tried and true.  Three of the four jumbles appear to be new, with “costek” definitely having been used before.  Hoyt’s answer letter layout was a superior jumble.  Beautifully cryptic.  The answer itself was not all that difficult, partially because of the answer layout, combined with how the clue/question was phrased, and Jeff’s great cartoon and dialog.

I really enjoyed the Mad Magazine takeoff.  I guess that’s Alfred P. Knurek on the cover!  “What?  Me Jumble?”  LOL!  Brings back a lot of great childhood memories.  I also have enjoyed television shows and movies about magazines.  Especially “Ugly Betty” and “Just Shoot Me!”.  I had a big crush on Wendie Malick.  Be well and do good, friends.)   —   YUR

Images courtesy of Google