Bling Bling!

Today was a crazy day at work. The President signed the JOBS Act, which will allow small companies to go public with greater flexibility. The act will also make it easier for small businesses to get funding. This meant loading several files onto our daily SEC Web site and making sure everything checked out. I didn't get home until 6:15, but it also means that tomorrow is my last day of work before vacation!

The Irish Flag

Now onto today's puzzle, "On the Rocks", by Bruce Venzke. The theme centers around one of my favorite categories, jewelry!

17A: Killarney's locale (EMERALD ISLE). Erin Go Bragh! I've never been to Ireland but heard from all accounts that it's a beautiful country with plenty of beer, pork, potatoes, and soccer. My favorite band, U2, hails from here. And I love Irish brogues. Ireland has such a rich history this space doesn't allow me to fit it all in. The National Archives of Ireland is a good place to start your history and genealogical research. If you want to plan a trip, visit Discover Ireland for some basic tourist information.

56A: Site from Waikiki Beach (DIAMOND HEAD). Diamond Head is a volcanic tuff cone on the Island of Oahu. Does anyone remember the 1975 game show hosted by Bob Eubanks? Final contestants got to step into a "money volcano" and catch flying dollar bills of all denominations. I found a clip from one of the shows. Dig those 70s outfits!

11D: Grain in some soups (PEARL BARLEY). I like barley in my soup and pearl barley is the most popular type in the U.S. My mother-in-law (may she rest in peace), made a mean mushroom and barley dish for the High Holidays. I found several recipes on Yummuly if anyone would like to try one.

25D: Applebee's alternative (RUBY TUESDAY). I've never eaten at Ruby Tuesday, but I can imagine it's like every other chain restaurant such as Applebee's, TGI Friday's and Chili's. Most of these places serve food that is high in calories and contain lots of fat and sodium. However, the classic song by the Stones remains one of my favorites:

Now it's time to relax. This week off will give me a chance to do some research on writing puzzles for children and teens.

Till tomorrow. . . .

Signing off,
The Puzzlechick