Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

Happy Monday! The Giants won the Super Bowl in a very close game against the Patriots. I heard the commercials were pretty lame and Madonna looked terrible. I went to bed early, so I didn't miss much. However, I did miss my weekly dose of Angry Boys, which stars the talented and adorable Chris Lilley. This series is not as good as his previous outing, Summer Heights High, but it has some very funny moments. Chris Lilley is the master of "mocumentaries", and he plays all the major characters, both male and female.

Today's puzzle by Gail Grabowski is called "How to Get There." A nice, easy way to start the week. Here are the theme answers:

17A: Low-tech pest-control device (FLY SWATTER). A fly swatter doesn't always work in my apartment. We always need something a little stronger, like an exterminator. Speaking of that, there hasn't been one in over three months! Anyway, here's a nice little game you can play with a virtual fly swatter: http://www.majman.net/flyswatter/

60A: Auto mechanism (DRIVE SHAFT). I haven't driven in a very long time, so I know absolutely nothing about the mechanics of a car. This is a drive shaft (pictured right). I still don't understand what it does, but I'm sure it's a very important part of the engine.

10D: Domineer (WALK ALL OVER). When I was growing up, I was used to this treatment. I allowed everyone from my parents and my peers take advantage of me all because I wanted to be liked. I got hurt in the long run and didn't trust people. That's why I don't go out of my way for anyone except my family and a handful of close friends. I found a very good article from the Daily Mail on this subject.

24D: Become exhausted (RUN OUT OF GAS). How far can a car go after the gas light comes on? With gas prices at $4 a gallon, it better be pretty far! Did I say how much I love being a devout pedestrian?

George Santayana

The cryptoquote for the day is by George Santayana (1863-1952), a Spanish philosopher, essayist, poet, and novelist.

There is no cure for birth and death save to enjoy the interval.

Although he was born in Spain, Santayana came to the United States and attended the Boston Latin School and Harvard University. He taught at Harvard as well. Santayana is best known for his books The Sense of Beauty, Interpretations of Poetry and Religion, and The Last Puritan (his sole novel).  His aphorisms have been frequently used and have become clichéd. 


As for the quote, it's so true! We don't have a choice of your parents or your ultimate ending. It's up to us to make the right choices in life and to make the best of things, even when they go wrong.


Till tomorrow. . . .

Signing off,
The Puzzlechick