Saturday Stumper--March 22, 2014

I am back from a beautiful spring day in Manhattan. I did a little clothes shopping and bought a top in Century 21. Then we saw "Muppets Most Wanted," which was very funny, but I think the kids were bored. I don't think they know who Ricky Gervais is, although they would recognize Ty Burrell and Tina Fey. IMO, the funniest scene was listening to Russian prisoners singing the opening number from "A Chorus Line."

I solved the cryptoquote and the JUMBLE on my way into the city, but Doug Peterson's Saturday Stumper was another tough puzzle and didn't finish until now. I actually found the NYT puzzle to be easier. However, the clues and answers contained some interesting facts. For instance, I didn't know that the STARBURST was originally a product called the Opal Fruit (1 Across), and that the candy had its origins in England. My favorite flavor has always been cherry, but I don't eat them much anymore (no good for the teeth). Here are some of the other more interesting clues and answers:

15A: Conserve energy, in a way (HIBERNATE). I'm only mentioning this because the animals are coming out of hibernation and are making up for lost time, if you know what I mean.

10D: Antonym for "unconcerned" (PERSNICKETY). I've always loved this word. I guess I've always been a bit fussy and place too much emphasis on the trivial things. There is actually a girls' clothing boutique that uses this name, as well as an invitation design studio.

12D: Weapon first used in 1977 (LIGHT SABER). I have just two words--"Star Wars."

29D: Former X Factor Judge (DEMI LOVATO). The former Disney star has gong through some rough times, having suffered from bulimia, bipolar disorder, cutting, and self-medicating. She was also tormented in school. I didn't realize she also got her start on "Barney and Friends" (as did Selena Gomez). Poor kid. At least she is discussing her struggles in a positive way by becoming a contributing editor to Seventeen and doing charity work.


32A: Subjects for Raphael (CHERUBIM). This is a plural variation for "Cherubs." You see these figures everywhere, from clothing to ads to home decor. They are part of a much larger painting by Raphael called The Sistine Madonna.

24D: Ronstadt's only #1 single (YOU'RE NO GOOD). Originally, I had "Just One Look," but realized it didn't fit.   Here is a clip from Linda singing her hit; the year is 1976. Almost every guy I knew in high school had the hots for her. I heard she is very sick now. :-(

25A: Plastic flute (TONETTE). These instruments were once used in music lessons at most elementary schools. Fortunately, I never had to endure this and went straight to the clarinet. They were unbreakable, chromatic, and tunable. I think I used to get these as party favors, too. The tonette has been superseded by the recorder. Unfortunately, my son had to suffer through recorder classes the one year he attended private school. They were more concerned that he couldn't play the recorder than the fact he was failing math.

The cryptoquote for today is by Richard Bach (b. 1937). More good old-fashioned common sense:

The more I want to get something done, the less I call it work. 

Richard Bach is the author of Jonathan Livingston Seagull, which was one of the best-selling books of the early '70s. I remember reading the my mom's copy. The book is about a young seagull who becomes tired of materialistic things (food) and challenges himself with various aerial feats. Because of his nonconformist ways, he is expelled from his flock and eventually joins one where the gulls love flying. I don't want to give away any spoilers, the rest is for the reader to find out.

Today's JUMBLE features a Dalmatian (yay, one of my favorite breeds of dogs!) who is getting a massage. The caption reads "The Dalmatian said this to the masseuse during her massage."

Word list:

DOTSO = STOOD
FETHT = THEFT
THAWCS = SWATCH
ECIAPE = APIECE

Scrambled solution: STOTHSTHAPE
Solution: THAT'S THE SPOT

It is late and almost time to go to bed. I hope to begin blogging the Sunday puzzle next week. I think I'm just going to veg tomorrow and work on some more puzzles.

Till Monday. . . .

Signing off,
The Puzzlechick.