Saturday Stumper - April 7, 2012

Hi there! Hope everyone enjoyed their holiday weekend! I'm back catching up with yesterday's Stumper by Lester Ruff. This one was fairly easy compared to most. Here are some of the more interesting answers:

23A: Aromatherapy Supply (LAVENDER OIL). There are many benefits to lavender oil. Its soothing scent can treat digestive problems, insomnia, anxiety, and restlessness. Lavender has also been used to treat wounds and scrapes, as well as women's health problems. It is widely used in potpourri and sachets to make rooms smell better and has also been used as a bug repellent. Lavender can even been used in baking goods, such as lavender scones.

49A: Result of some substitutions (SECRET CODE). I've always loved cracking secret codes, and I miss solving the Newsday cryptoquote. But what about the episode of "Seinfeld" when George refused to tell anyone his ATM code? He is forced to reveal it when a man is stuck inside an ATM booth during a fire. This classic scene below shows Kramer guessing the secret code:

Of course, there is a more serious side to learning secret codes, or crypt analysis. This article by Ron Hipschman is an excellent introduction. Even kids can get in on the fun!

10D: Penguin Habitat (ADELIE COAST). This is a claimed territory in Antarctica. The territory is owned by France and a scene from "March of the Penguins" was filmed there. I took my son to see this wonderful film, one of the rare outings were shared without Daddy.

24D: Course Rarity (DOUBLE EAGLE). My husband is sitting and watching golf. I don't understand the fascination of the game. Both my brothers play for both business and pleasure. I find it to be a big snooze. A double eagle is a rare score of three strokes under par on one hole. It is also known as an albatross. This rare feat occurred at today's Masters and shook Phil Mickelson's lead. Tiger Woods got into trouble for kicking his own golf club. I love seeing that "man" squirm!

On vacation this week . . . it will be a quiet one.

Till tomorrow. . . .

Signing off,
The Puzzlechick