Cryptoquote Spoiler – 08/15/18

“It was such a lovely day I thought it a pity to get up.”   —   Somerset Maugham

(I don’t know why, but I frequently confuse Somerset Maugham with Evelyn Waugh.  I guess because they were both British writers, with similar sounding names.  I should probably read at least Maugham.  He appears to have been a genius.  I wonder if he inspired Michael Crichton???  Be well and do good, friends.)   —   YUR

Image courtesy of Google

Jumble Spoiler – 08/15/18

Visual Description:  Why most people hate the airlines?

SCEHS  =  CHESS,  KROPE  =  POKER,  GHEYUL  =  HUGELY,  SNSITI  =  INSIST   —   Giving us:  CHSPKERHGYISI

Clue/Question:  The wealthy couple always flew first class and could well afford – – –

Answer:  SKY–HIGH PRICES

(IF I had money, I’d probably be more like Warren Buffett.  I’d stay humble, and try to be frugal.  Why spend tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands on a Rolex, or Hublot, or Piaget watch, when a Timex, or Citizens, or Seiko keeps the time just as well, for a tiny fraction of the cost???  First class airline seats could only be considered “worth it” because they really screw the coach passengers out of a decent flying experience.  Most people can’t sit down in a coach seat without hitting their knees on the seat in front of them.  Passenger advocate groups argue that the cramped quarters are a safety issue, in the case of an emergency evacuation, but the airlines point to their – rigged – tests, using all young and fit – and well-rehearsed – test participants.  Not many people miss the old airline food, that used to come with the price of the flight, but all the nickel and diming, and treating coach passengers like cattle – or sardines – has really ruined the flying experience for people like me.  What was once joyful is now dreadful, thanks to the greedy airline executives.  Unless, of course, you can afford business class or first class.  Then, the Hell with everybody else.

Now that I’ve brought everybody down, let’s get to the Jumble stuff!  It looks like we actually might have a new clue word, in “hugely”.  I could not find it on the latest version of the ralis95 clue word database.  It’s not an uncommon word, but I wonder how long it has been an adverb.  Hmm.  Well, it appears to be new, so our good buddy, ralis95, will have to update his world famous database.  All of today’s jumbles are coming up as new as well.  The answer letter layout was another first class winner of a jumble!  I didn’t see the answer right away.  I had to note the scarcity of vowels, for me to put it all together.

Superb cartoon, today.  Jeff makes first class look like it’s worth every penny.  The flight attendant – remember, you can’t call them stewardesses anymore – appears to be bringing them a lobster!  Do they really have masseuses for first class service, or is this just Jeff having a little fun?  Despite all my bitching and moaning, I thoroughly enjoyed today’s Jumble!  Be well and do good, friends.)   —   YUR

Images courtesy of Google