Cryptoquote Spoiler – 12/03/21

“Nothing is a bigger waste of time than regretting the past and worrying about the future.”   —   James Meredith

(Unfortunately, that seems to be what too many people are doing these days.  Much of our past is highly regrettable.  But the actions that some people are taking, these last few years, are just making matters worse.  They might give the few a bit of satisfaction, but it’s resulting in a much higher level of polarization.  I would have thought that we would have had a quote from James Meredith before today, but I couldn’t find one.  He is a very brave man, and the civil rights movement owes him a great deal of gratitude.  I’m proud and happy to welcome him to the Cryptoquote Club today!  Be well and do good, friends.)   —   YUR

Image courtesy of Google

Jumble Spoiler – 12/03/21

Visual Description:  Below street level.

RUGDO  =  GOURD,  NSYUN  =  SUNNY,  CTNIEE  =  ENTICE,  DIRLAA  =  RADIAL   —   Giving us:  GUDSNNNTERDIA

Clue/Question:  The subway was running late, and not everyone was – – –

Answer:  UNDERSTANDING

(Yes, but they were STANDING UNDER the street level, waiting on the subway platform.  Which these days – in NYC at least – can be a very dicey situation.  It seems like at least once a week there’s a story, on the news, of either someone who passed out and fell onto the tracks, or some deranged person pushing someone onto the tracks.  Occasionally, with very dire consequences.  And unfortunately, the pushings seem to be more prevalent than the passing out/fallings.  There is a severe mental health crisis in NYC, and around the country, as we’re seeing so many tragic, desperate acts on an almost a daily basis.  There do not seem to be enough mental health professionals out there, and too few ailing souls have access to the ones that are out there.  The government and the media like to chalk most of it up to “hate crimes”.  But better-to-well adjusted people don’t allow their biases to lead them to these acts of violence.  There are even good arguments that say hate itself is a kind of mental illness.  Our country, and much of the entire world, is under a lot of stress these days.  Most of us seem to find a way to cope with it, but far too many simply can’t.  Mental health care needs to be a priority.  After all, don’t we all need a little help from time to time?

All of today’s clue words were familiar old friends.  Three of the jumbles are coming up as new, but we’ve definitely seen “rugdo” before.  It took me a few looks to unscramble “dirlaa”.  The answer letter layout was another thrilling thirteen letter jumble.  It was wonderfully cryptic, but I – somehow – got the final answer immediately. 

Great cartoon of people waiting on what looks to be an NYC subway platform, and the tracks and tunnels.  Nice stairs leading to the next – possibly street – level.  I can almost make out some human figures at the top of the stairs.  Be well and do good, friends.  If you’re not mentally well, I hope you can get the necessary help you need.  Peace.)   —   YUR

Images courtesy of Google