Cryptoquote Spoiler – 01/02/19

“Make it a habit to tell people thank you.  To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return.”   —   Ralph Marston

(Thanking others has kind of becoming a dying art.  Like how too many people can’t seem to say that they’re sorry, or “I apologize”.  Too many people don’t seem to realize that little things mean a lot.  So, take it from the author of “The Daily Motivator”.  Take the time to thank people.  Be well and do good, friends.)   —   YUR

Image courtesy of Google

Jumble Spoiler – 01/02/19

Visual Description:  Going to commercial?

FAYCN  =  FANCY,  OTUBA  =  ABOUT,  MHISPR  =  SHRIMP,  GRUBER  =  BURGER   —   Giving us:  NCOTHRIUGE

Clue/Question:  The televised pool tournament began – – –

Answer:  RIGHT ON CUE

(Marvelous stinky pun!  Billiards lends itself to a number of old saws.  This isn’t really one of them, but it does make for a good pun.  I wonder if the term “cue stick” has anything to do with how the Brits are always on queue, while Americans just say that they’re on line.  You use the cue stick to line up – and then take – the shot.  Hmm!

All of today’s clue words are already residents of the world famous ralis95 clue word database.  However, three of the jumbles came up as new, with “gruber” having definitely been used sometime in the past.  No hesitation with the jumbles today.  The answer letter layout was a smart jumble.  Nicely cryptic.

Great cartoon.  And its dialog, along with the clue/question, set up the answer very well.  The announcers for pool tournaments always seem to look a little cheesy, to me.  How soon after the first break will they go to a commercial break?  Be well and do good, friends.)   —   YUR

PS.  Speaking of announcers . . . the wrestling world’s famed announcer, “Mean” Gene Okerlund, passed away today at the age of 76.  He had a voice that lent a tone of legitimacy to a “sport” that is more entertainment than anything else.  He played his part as well as, if not better than, any of the wrestlers that he interviewed.  His name will live on in the hearts of all wrestling fans.  Rest In Peace, Gene!   —   YUR

Images courtesy of Google