Let's Get Cracking!

The theme of today's crossword is "Get Cracking" (Sally R. Stein). Until I can fix the problem with the grid, I'll just go back to the theme answers:

Courtesy of
The Phrase Finder
(www.phrases.org.uk)

20A: Apply oneself on a task: KNUCKLE DOWN. This phrase supposedly came from the game of marbles! In order to hold a marble properly, the player holds the marble in the crooked index finger and flicks it by the thumb.


58A: Good example: CASE IN POINT


11D: Bless: SMILE UPON. Here's a video from Coldplay called "G-d Put a Smile Upon Your Face."

36D: Place of refuge: SAFE HAVEN. On Austin Street, my local shopping strip, we have many buinesses that are declared a safe haven from bullies. The same should be done in cyberspace, with all the bullying that occurs these days. Physical walls cannot block text messages, instant messages, social networks, and e-mail. Parents can eliminate the amount of cyberbullying by limiting their kids' time online and monitoring their activity.

Today's cryptoquote is by Isak Denisen (1885-1962):

"G-d made the world round so we could never see too far down the road."

Courtesy of IMDb

Isak Denisen was the pen name of Baroness Karen von Blixen-Finecke. She also used the pen names Osceola and Pierre Andréze. Denisen is best known for the book Out of Africa and the story Babette's Feast. Both became Academy Award-winning pictures. Here is the link to her official information site: http://www.karenblixen.com/.

I watched "Kate Plus 8" a little bit last night. Normally, I don't watch the show, but it was fun watching the kids helping out in a soup kitchen. I couldn't help noticing that Cara (one of the older twins) seemed very out of it. She put on weight and didn't look happy. . . . I still can't stand Kate; she exploits the children so she can earn an income. Ever hear of a job??? Also, she is rude to people.

On that note, I will sign off. . . .

Till tomorrow,
The Puzzlechick