5 & 10

Happy March! So far, this day lives up to its saying ("Comes in Like a Lion, Goes Out Like a Lamb"). It's been nasty and rainy all day.

"Five to Ten" by Fred Piscop is today's puzzle. The theme answers begin with the Roman numeral five ("V") and end with 10 ("X")

20A: Line on a Harrod's Bill (VALUE ADDED TAX (known as VAT)). In the UK, a VAT levied on most goods and services that are registered in the country. Of course, the poor get screwed the most because they spend more of their disposable income on VAT than the rich.

38A: Niacin, Thiamine, etc. (VITAMIN B COMPLEX). B vitamins play an essential role in the activities of enzymes, proteins that regulate chemical reactions and other needed substances. Other vitamins in this list include Pantothenic Acid, Pyridoxine, Folic Acid (very important for expectant moms!), and Cobalamin. Lack of Vitamin B can cause anemia, loss of appetite, depression, hair loss, stunted growth, and birth defects. Here is a chart of foods sources in Vitamin B (courtesy of the American Cancer Society).

• B1 and B2 are found in cereals and whole grains. B1 is also found in potatoes, pork, seafood, liver, and kidney beans. B2 is found in enriched bread, dairy products, liver, and green leafy vegetables.
• B3 is found in liver, fish, chicken, lean red meat, nuts, whole grains, and dried beans.
• B5 is found in almost all foods.
• B6 is found in fish, liver, pork, chicken, potatoes, wheat germ, bananas, and dried beans.
• B7 is made by intestinal bacteria and is also in peanuts, liver, egg yolks, bananas, mushrooms, watermelon, and grapefruit.
• B9 is in green leafy vegetables, liver, citrus fruits, mushrooms, nuts, peas, dried beans, and wheat bread.
• B12 is found in eggs, meat, poultry, shellfish, milk, and milk products.

52A: Beginning of Spring (VERNAL EQUINOX). Spring is just 19 days away! Spring is probably my favorite season. It's gets warm but not super hot and everything comes to life. I live in my denim jacket during these days. However, the down side is that my allergies act up because of the pollen.

The boys are going to Van Halen at the Garden tonight, which means I can watch "Project Runway All-Stars" in peace. Go Mondo!

Till tomorrow. . . .

Signing off,
The Puzzlechick