Cryptoquote Solved – 05/24/22

“Don’t taunt the alligator until after you’ve crossed the creek.”   —   Dan Rather

(A great reporter and anchor person.  And, of course, a great American.  Born and raised in Texas, and for many years he kept his accent kind of middle American, because that’s what the network wanted.  But – especially in his later years – he’d spout some folksy Texas expressions, and he’d let his natural voice out.  It’s hard to believe that he’s 90 years old!  I grew up watching him.  Be well and do good, friends.)   —   YUR

Image courtesy of Google

Jumble Solved – 05/24/22

Visual Description:  The new junkyard!

NHBCE  =  BENCH,  PHGRA  =  GRAPH,  CUDEER  =  REDUCE,  YNSGIA  =  SAYING   —   Giving us:  ENCGAHREESIN

Clue/Question:  He needed to find used parts to repair his pickup truck’s V-8, so they used a – – –

Answer:  SEARCH ENGINE

(Time was when your mechanic would just call the local/regional junkyard, to see if they had your part in stock.  But so many of the local/regional junkyards have shut down!  This forces them to order used, and rebuilt, parts from aftermarket companies.  And, in many cases, they might be forced to buy from the dealer, which is always the most expensive.  It’s getting harder and harder to keep an older vehicle on the road these days.

All of today’s clue words are members – in good standing – of the ralis95 clue word database.  Surprisingly, all of the jumbles have come up as new, for me.  I had a little trouble deciphering “ynsgia”.  Kind of ironic!  The answer letter layout was a duodecimal jumble!  I’m certainly no math geek, but I do know how to use a search engine!  Even though it was wonderfully cryptic, I was able to get the final answer immediately.

Fine cartoon of a senior gentleman and his mechanic.  A lot of auto companies still make pickups with V-8s, but depending on how old this guy’s truck is would determine the readily availability of its parts.  I’m betting this guy’s is 12+ years old.  Eventually, they’ll phase out all gas and diesel vehicles.  But that’s still going to take some time.  Be well and do good, friends.)   —   YUR

Images courtesy of Google