T U E S D A Y December 21, 2010 Steve Salitan

Theme: Rain, Rain, Go Away — Theme answers end with words that can describe rain.

Theme answers:

• 17A: Throat soothers (COUGH DROPS).
• 23A: Edible pastry decorations (CAKE SPRINKLES).
• 47A: High-quality bed linen (PERCALE SHEETS).
• 57A: Wet bar containers (ICE BUCKETS).
• 65A: Phenomenon described by the ends of 17-, 23-, 47- and 57-Across (RAIN).

I had some issues with this puzzle. I really like the theme and three out of the four theme answers are fine. But, CAKE SPRINKLES? I don't think I've ever heard them called that. Obviously not scientific or definitive in any way, but if you Google the term in quotation marks, you'll only get about 19,000 hits. Without the quotation marks (which to my mind means you're finding the same thing — i.e., sprinkles you'd use to decorate baked goods — but not insisting they be called by the specific phrase) gets you more than 700,000. I was just about to say that I know a bunch of you are foodies, but it occurred to me that's Rex's blog that has all the foodie commenters. Do we have any foodies over here? Well, I'd be interested to hear from anyone who didn't bat an eye over CAKE SPRINKLES.

I also don't think I've ever heard the phrase DRONE BEE (31A: Stingless male), but I'm much more willing to believe that's a real thing that I've simply never heard of. PASTA-RONI tripped me up (5A/60A: Noodle product derived from "The San Francisco Treat!") because I wanted it to be Rice-a-Roni, which obviously isn't a noodle product, but when I see "San Francisco Treat" it gets the Rice-a-Roni jingle going in my head and I can't really focus on anything else. I honestly didn't even notice that the clue said "noodle."

To me, the YEHUDI / GELID / ALTAI section bears more than a passing resemblance to a train wreck (46D: Violinist Menuhin / 61A: Very cold / 64A: Asia's __ Mountains). The D and I were total guesses and there was no one more surprised than me that they turned out to be right.

For all my complaining, there were, however, a few nice medium-to-long answers in the grid. SPACKLE is fun to say (10D: Wall hole filler), as is BATHSHEBA (32D: King David's wife) and PYRRHIC (45A: Like a costly victory), though I admit I needed a couple crosses to confirm the spelling on that last one.

All in all, a nice theme idea and a couple of sparkly words didn't make up for the not-great theme execution and the decidedly non-Tuesday mash-up in eastern Texas. Unfortunately, I'd have to say I'm not a big fan of this puzzle. I'm eager to hear your thoughts in the comments and I leave you with this:




[55D: "Help __ the way!" (IS ON)]

Crosswordese 101: SKAT is CrossWorld's favorite card game, and this is what you need to know about it: (1) it's played with 32 cards, (2) all cards are higher than six, (3) it's played with three hands, (4) it's German, (5) it involves taking tricks and has trump cards.

Other crosswordese in the puzzle that we've already covered:

• 62A: Saragossa's river (EBRO).
• 12D: Mountain ridge (ARETE).
• 25D: __ avis (RARA).
• 41D: Purim's month (ADAR).

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Everything Else — 1A: It has more than 5,000 feet (MILE); 10A: Game with trump cards (SKAT); 14A: Tehran's land (IRAN); 15A: "A work of __ a confession": Camus (ART IS); 16A: Whittle (PARE); 19A: Help in a holdup (ABET); 20A: Raggedy doll (ANN); 21A: Stackable cookie (OREO); 22A: Not chronic, as illness (ACUTE); 27A: Hurting the most (ACHIEST); 29A: Going badly in the mil.? (AWOL); 30A: Answer (REPLY); 35A: Org. in Tom Clancy books (CIA); 36A: Gonzalez in 2000 news (ELIAN); 38A: Send packing (AXE); 39A: Ancient Roman language (OLD LATIN); 42A: Exxon competitor (CITGO); 44A: Eve's partner (ADAM); 51A: Dislike and more (ABHOR); 52A: __ scale: talc-to-diamond (MOHS); 53A: Yokohama yes (HAI); 56A: SpongeBob, e.g. (TOON); 60A: See 5-Across (RONI); 63A: Swedish furniture giant (IKEA); 1D: Isinglass (MICA); 2D: It's pumped in gyms (IRON); 3D: Liftoff spot (LAUNCH PAD); 4D: Class with vocab. lists (ENG.); 5D: West Coast team in the 1998 World Series (PADRES); 6D: Collar, as a thug (ARREST); 7D: Small porch (STOOP); 8D: Service reward (TIP); 9D: Beast of burden (ASS); 11D: Afghanistan's capital (KABUL); 13D: French noodles? (TÊTES); 18D: Fake (HOKEY); 22D: Soon, to the bard (ANON); 24D: Plague (AIL); 26D: Victorious shout (I WON); 27D: Sacramento's __ Arena (ARCO); 28D: Provide with a roof (CEIL); 31D: Clamor (DIN); 33D: Military vet (EX-G.I.); 34D: Job rights agcy. (EEOC); 36D: End-of-list abbr. (ET AL.); 37D: Green wedge in a gimlet (LIME); 40D: New Hampshire city known for its annual motorcycle week (LACONIA); 42D: Getting gradually louder, in mus. (CRESC.); 43D: Subway under B'way (IRT); 45D: Irrational fear (PHOBIA); 47D: Father: Pref. (PATRI-); 48D: Digital novel (EBOOK); 49D: River of Lyons (RHONE); 50D: Refine, as ore (SMELT); 54D: Longfellow's bell town (ATRI); 57D: Supermarket chain with a red-and-white logo (IGA); 58D: Animation frame (CEL); 59D: Plop lead-in (KER-).

M O N D A Y December 20, 2010 Gary Cee

Theme: Pregame — The first word Both words of each two-word theme answer can precede the word "game" in a familiar phrase.

Theme answers:

• 17A: Miniature data storage device (MEMORY CARD).
• 24A: Teen group sleepover (PAJAMA PARTY).
• 47A: Like an actor who doesn't miss a line (WORD PERFECT).
• 60A: Bobby Vee hit with the line "I come bouncing back to you" (RUBBER BALL).
• 38A/40A: With 40-Across, in an advantageous position (and what both words in 17-, 24-, 47- and 60-Across can be) (AHEAD OF / THE GAME).

I tried to get this post written last night but with the Osmonds, Bobby Vee, and Eric Clapton in the grid, I got sucked into the YouTube vortex and had to get my butt to bed before I could write pretty much anything. So now it's morning and I'll have to spit this out quickly before I dash off to work. So hold on. Here we go!

Oh, before I get to the bullets, a note about how Bobby Vee got his start. The story is kind of interesting and it occurred to me that some of you might not be familiar with it. It's one of those things that I more or less grew up with, being from Fargo and all (along with a love of Roger Maris and a freakish ability to withstand sub-zero temperatures). I know you all know about "The Day the Music Died" back in 1959 when Buddy Holly's plane crashed. Well, that plane was on its way to the Fargo-Moorhead area and when it (obviously) didn't make it there, Bobby Vee's band volunteered to play the show and that was his big break. So there you have it.

Bullets:

• 14A: Home of the Osmonds (UTAH).
   
• 19A: Like many a movie twin (EVIL). I know that siblings can be very different from one another, but the whole "EVIL twin" thing is pretty damn ridiculous if you think about it.

• 33A: Heckle (JEER). This is actually where I first got sucked into YouTube. I remember a bit Seinfeld used to do about hecklers, so I went looking for it. Couldn't find it, but trust me: there are a lot of comedian v. heckler clips out there!
• 42A: Seaman's call for assistance (SOS). Heh heh, you said "seaman."
• 62A: Ricelike pasta (ORZO). Not to be confused with the alcohol "ouzo" or the automatic weapon "uzi." Three completely different things.
• 5D: 1971 Clapton classic (LAYLA). Unfortunately, I didn't have time to actually find an appropriate video of this before I was miraculously able to tear myself away from YouTube, so you'll have to go find one yourself. Look, I can't do everything for you.
• 6D: Pop-up path (ARC). I actually tried URL here first, thinking the pop-up in question was a pop-up ad. D'oh!

• 37D: Storied loch (NESS).
• 42D: Wager that isn't risky (SAFE BET). Anyone else try sure bet first?

Crosswordese 101 Round-up:

• 31A: Above-the-street trains (ELS).
• 43A: Baseball's Slaughter (ENOS).
• 52A: Encl. with a manuscript (SASE).
• 64A: Sicilian volcano (ETNA).
• 26D: Orbital high point (APOGEE).
• 28D: Pop your pop might have liked (NEHI).
• 56D: Forearm bone (ULNA).

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Everything Else — 1A: Things to make notes on (PADS); 5A: Gate clasp (LATCH); 10A: Woeful word (ALAS); 15A: Impressive display (ARRAY); 16A: Coke or Pepsi (COLA); 20A: Faraway friend who likes to write (PEN PAL); 21A: Traditional stories (LORE); 23A: New England hrs. (EST); 27A: Bolivian high points (ANDES); 32A: Second afterthought, in a ltr. (PPS); 34A: Writer's deg. (MFA); 35A: Itzhak Perlman's instrument (VIOLIN); 41A: Tears to shreds (RIPS UP); 44A: Not masc. (FEM.); 45A: Old Mideast org. (UAR); 46A: Digs for (SEEKS); 51A: "Toto, __ a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore" (I'VE); 53A: Gap (HIATUS); 58A: Require (NEED); 63A: Judges hear them (PLEAS); 65A: Wine glass part (STEM); 66A: Occupied, as a desk (SAT AT); 67A: Hurdle (over) (LEAP); 1D: It gives you gas (PUMP); 2D: To __: precisely (A TEE); 3D: Rhett's last word (DAMN); 4D: Hit the mall (SHOP); 7D: Song refrain (TRA LA LA); 8D: Pool shots (CAROMS); 9D: Beast that grew two heads every time it lost one (HYDRA); 10D: King topper (ACE); 11D: Where romantic couples park (LOVERS LANE); 12D: Crème de la crème (A-LIST); 13D: Like the sea (SALTY); 18D: Jay-Z performances (RAPS); 22D: "Silas Marner" foundling (EPPIE); 25D: Funny Foxworthy (JEFF); 27D: Barely open (AJAR); 29D: Suspended animation (DEEP FREEZE); 30D: Took off the board (ERASED); 34D: Floor-washing aid (MOP); 35D: Videotape format (VHS); 36D: Response to "You all right?" (I'M OK); 39D: Down in the __ (DUMPS); 40D: Raced (TORE); 45D: Bond girl Andress (URSULA); 46D: Hullabaloo (STIR); 47D: Indigent imbibers (WINOS); 48D: In full view (OVERT); 49D: Wild West brothers (EARPS); 50D: Where the toys are (CHEST); 54D: One slain by Cain (ABEL); 55D: Westminster gallery (TATE); 57D: Open-handed blow (SLAP); 59D: __ Pérignon (DOM); 61D: Sheep sound (BAA).

S U N D A Y December 19, 2010 Merl Reagle (calendar)

Theme: "Crunch Time" — The word "oreo" is hidden in the theme answers.

[Note: This is the puzzle that appears in the Sunday L.A. Times newspaper. If you don't get the paper, you can find the puzzle here. Scroll down to see today's syndicated puzzle.]

Theme answers:

• 17A: Since time immemorial (FOR EONS).
• 23A: Subject for Louis L'Amour (THE LORE OF THE WEST).
• 28A: A militia might do it (RESTORE ORDER).
• 37A: Sported certain shoes (WORE OXFORDS).
• 54A: Kin of "ditto" (MORE OF THE SAME).
• 57A: Study closely (PORE OVER).
• 85A: Attacked, as an envelope (TORE OPEN).
• 88A: Gene Kelly was one (CHOREOGRAPHER).
• 105A: Focus of "drill, baby, drill" (OFFSHORE OIL).
• 114A: Predestined (FOREORDAINED).
• 124A: What endless hours of data entry may do (BORE ONE SENSELESS).
• 72A: Part of NaOH (just to give The Snack's old rival a smidgen of equal time) (HYDROXIDE).
• 132A: Apt query for the end of this puzzle (GOT MILK?).

Everything Else — 1A: McCullough bio subject (ADAMS); 6A: DDT banner (EPA); 9A: It may be slurped (SOUP); 13A: G.I. Joe has one (SCAR); 20A: French article (LES); 21A: Looped handle (ANSA); 22A: Florence's river (ARNO); 26A: Greek consonant (BETA); 27A: Commence (START); 30A: Torch singer topic (WOE); 33A: "Am ___ believe ..." (I TO); 35A: Freight weight (TON); 36A: Fast bucks? (DEER); 43A: Bacillus shape (ROD); 45A: Get sleepy (NOD); 47A: "___ it be, pal?" (WHAT'LL); 48A: 1988 Olympics site (SEOUL); 50A: Can. is part of it (OAS); 51A: "Boy, this place is ___!" (A ZOO); 52A: Buzz's moonmate (NEIL); 61A: Talks idly (NATTERS); 62A: Guaymas glassful (AGUA); 63A: Coventry cupful (TEA); 65A: Auth. Conrad (JOS.); 66A: Travel disorientation (LAG); 67A: USMC rank (PFC); 70A: Slangy jail (CLINK); 75A: Co-owner of OWN (OPRAH); 77A: Brunch time (TEN); 78A: Pastoral poem setting (LEA); 80A: "Let's ___!" (EAT); 81A: Call for help (SOS); 82A: Georgetown player (HOYA); 83A: Lynch associate (MERRILL); 94A: Actress Campbell (NEVE); 95A: Savage et al. (DOCS); 96A: Casino cube (DIE); 97A: Intro to pathic (HOMEO-); 99A: Candidates' event (DEBATE); 103A: "That kinda thing" (ETC.); 104A: ___ room (REC); 107A: He's incredible (HULK); 109A: Enron's Fastow, for ex. (CFO); 112A: Sty resident (SOW); 113A: Dutch carrier (KLM); 119A: Preminger classic (LAURA); 123A: Tackle box item (LURE); 129A: Computer person (USER); 130A: Fanzine focus (IDOL); 131A: Actress Sandra (DEE); 133A: Nap sacks? (BEDS); 134A: Convinced (SOLD); 135A: Curative place (SPA); 136A: Opinion piece (ESSAY); 1D: Destroyer direction (AFT); 2D: Homer's cry (D'OH); 3D: "Inchworm" lyrics verb (ARE); 4D: TV diner (MEL'S); 5D: Chimney buildup (SOOT); 6D: Ferrell comedy (ELF); 7D: Czech-born Sykora or Prucha of the NHL (PETR); 8D: "Off the Court" author (ASHE); 9D: Took care of (SAW TO); 10D: Tie ___ (party hearty) (ONE ON); 11D: Old map abbr. (USSR); 12D: Hairless head (PATE); 13D: Buffalo skater (SABRE); 14D: Piece of office furniture (CREDENZA); 15D: Waiting area (ANTEROOM); 16D: Be loud, as an engine (ROAR); 18D: Big D.C. lobby (NRA); 19D: Calligraphy detail (SERIF); 24D: Bismarck et al. (OTTOS); 25D: Superlative finish (-EST); 29D: Offbeat (ODD); 30D: Internet letters (WWW); 31D: "La-la" lead-in (OOH); 32D: The Cenozoic, e.g. (ERA); 34D: Utah city (OREM); 38D: Of a volcano (ETNEAN); 39D: Butter sub (OLEO); 40D: 44 (XLIV); 41D: Hickey opener (DOO); 42D: Big ___, Calif. (SUR); 43D: Talks incessantly (RATTLES ON); 44D: Milo or Tessie (O'SHEA); 46D: Unknown John (DOE); 49D: Tanglewood's town (LENOX); 50D: Many times, briefly (OFT); 51D: Buffoon (ASS); 53D: Sluggish (LETHARGIC); 55D: Watering hole (OASIS); 56D: Therefore (ERGO); 57D: Agreement (PACT); 58D: Eyeball (OGLE); 59D: Ravage (RUIN); 60D: King, in Cádiz (REY); 64D: Author ___ Rogers St. Johns (ADELA); 65D: Write quickly (JOT); 67D: Actor's cane, e.g. (PROP); 68D: Jack's "Chinatown" co-star (FAYE); 69D: "The Tuxedo" star (CHAN); 71D: Swiss artist Paul (KLEE); 73D: Ed's downstairs neighbor (RALPH); 74D: Morse "E" (DOT); 76D: A "Friends" friend (PHOEBE); 79D: Wear away (ERODE); 83D: Malaprop, for one (MRS.); 84D: Indignation (IRE); 86D: Make over (REDO); 87D: At any time (EVER); 88D: Alphabet trio (C-D-E); 89D: Plant-growing plant? (HOTHOUSE); 90D: Took place (OCCURRED); 91D: ___-ha (HOO); 92D: Voltage letters (EMF); 93D: Flag throwers (REFS); 98D: "Mio" intro (O SOLE); 100D: Fine (AOK); 101D: No later than (TIL); 102D: Movie street (ELM); 104D: Old MGM rival (RKO); 106D: Old name for China's Yellow River, ___ Ho (HWANG); 108D: Looks like a wolf? (LEERS); 109D: Christmas air (CAROL); 110D: Actress Sally (FIELD); 111D: Sean ___ Lennon (ONO); 114D: Miscue (FLUB); 115D: Bat stats (RBI'S); 116D: Dunderhead (DODO); 117D: Book ___ (ENDS); 118D: Profound (DEEP); 120D: R&R provider (USO); 121D: Nerve network (RETE); 122D: Charity of a sort (ALMS); 125D: Neptune's realm (SEA); 126D: Grafton's "___ for Evidence" (E IS); 127D: Extremist 1970s grp. (SLA); 128D: The sun's setting? (SKY).

S U N D A Y December 19, 2010 Don Gagliardo (syndicated)

Theme: "Product Placement" — Phrases in which words are replaced with homophonic product names & clued accordingly.

[Note: This is the syndicated L.A. Times puzzle. It does not appear in the actual newspaper, but is available for free at cruciverb.com.]

Theme answers:

• 22A: Fruity beer? (MULBERRY BUSCH).
• 34A: Aftershave impact? (BRUT FORCE).
• 37A: Ponderings from behind a plow? (DEERE DIARY).
• 52A: Half a cereal swap? (TRIX OF THE TRADE).
• 79A: Popular vodka-drinking locale (BIG SKYY COUNTRY).
• 98A: Camera in need of screw-tightening (LOOSE CANON).
• 101A: Habitual depilatory cream user? (NEET FREAK).
• 113A: Breakfast for the road? (TRAVELERS CHEX).  

Doug here. Fun theme today! I've seen constructors use TRIX, KIX, and CHEX puns in a 15x15 grid, but I like the way Don G. takes it to the next level. Nice job.

My favorite theme entry was BIG SKYY COUNTRY at 79 Across, because "Big Sky Country" is one of Montana's nicknames, and I'm a Montana guy. Then I noticed that HANNAH is the answer to 78 Across. Look at that row in the grid: HANNAH / BIG SKYY COUNTRY. It's a hidden tribute to Hannah Montana! I should also point out that HANNAH crosses TRASHY at 52 Down.

Bullets:

• 21A: "People might be listening" (NOT HERE). Great clue/entry combo.
• 49A: Coffee ord. (REG). This confused me. Finally figured out it was REGular, a coffee order. I thought "ord." was short for "ordinance" and REG was short for "regulation." You don't want to be caught breaking one of those coffee ordinances.
• 87A: "Don't try to be ___" (A HERO). This video speaks for itself.

• 120A: Clothing category (CASUALS). I don't categorize my clothes, but if I did, "casuals" would be the major category. 

• 121A: Steps over fences (STILES). A stile is "a set or series of steps for crossing a fence or wall." I remember learning this word from the book Split Infinity by Piers Anthony. The main character is named Stile. Wow, I can't believe that book is 30 years old. I should probably read it again.
• 1D: Pitcher Galarraga who lost a perfect game on an umpire's bad call (ARMANDO). The best baseball story of 2010. If you're not familiar with the details, this article is a good place to start. Galarraga and the ump, Jim Joyce, are both class acts.
• 11D: Big name in brewing (ANHEUSER). Too bad this didn't cross MULBERRY BUSCH.
• 20D: One was lost in a film about Indiana (ARK). Nice clue!
• 83D: Baseball's Garciaparra (NOMAR). Nomar is his father's name, Ramon, spelled backwards.
• 116A: Pounder of "Avatar" (CCH). Yep, there's an actress named CCH Pounder. I wonder if she named any of her kids HCC.

OK, I'm going to cut it short today. I've got to pick out and buy and wrap and mail a few Christmas presents. Yeah, I'm screwed. Have a great Sunday!

Crosswordese 101 Round-up:

• 26A: Extinct "great" bird (AUK).
• 42A: B'way sellout sign (SRO).
• 58A: Scrawny toon dog (REN).
• 108A: Mauna ___ (KEA).
• 73D: Versatile WWII ships (LSTS).
• 76D: Sci-fi play written in Czech (RUR).
• 99D: Hungarian spa city (EGER). 

Everything Else — 1A: Muscle memory? (ACHE); 5A: Puccini's "La __" (BOHÈME); 11A: Picks up (ABSORBS); 18A: Campus quarters (ROOMS); 20A: Instrument for Charlie Parker (ALTO SAX); 24A: Addressee of the 4/14/1970 message "we've had a problem" (HOUSTON); 25A: Second ending? (-ARY); 27A: Some health club exchanges (RECIPES); 29A: Addition word (AND); 30A: Like Jack (NIMBLE); 32A: CXVI x X (MCLX); 39A: Fades, with "down" (DIES); 40A: Fervor (ARDOR); 41A: "... __ TV!": end of a parental threat (OR NO); 43A: How hot-button issues are contested (BITTERLY); 45A: Padre's boys (NINOS); 48A: Rodent on a bank (RIVER RAT); 56A: One facing Venus? (SERENA); 59A: Warning to drivers (SLO); 60A: Outlaw Kelly (NED); 61A: Go-ahead (APPROVAL); 63A: Gray (ASHY); 65A: Moving van supplies (PADS); 67A: Ex-Blue Jays manager Gaston (CITO); 69A: NYC gallery (MOMA); 70A: Pacific mammal that uses rocks as tools (SEA OTTER); 73A: Casual affection? (LUV); 74A: "Car Talk" airer (NPR); 77A: Salmon on a bagel (LOX); 78A: Palindromic Daryl (HANNAH); 84A: Until now, in a CPA's report (YTD); 85A: Follow a new job (RELOCATE); 88A: Taj Mahal spires (MINARETS); 89A: "The Big C" network (SHO); 90A: Actress Rogers (MIMI); 94A: Sun Tzu's "The __ War" (ART OF); 97A: Durbeyfield daughter (TESS); 103A: Tenacious Roman senator (CATO); 104A: English poet __ Manley Hopkins (GERARD); 105A: "V" visitors, e.g. (ET'S); 106A: Close to a delivery (IN LABOR); 109A: Chicago-to-Knoxville dir. (SSE); 110A: Property tax rate (MILLAGE); 117A: Frenzied (IN A STEW); 118A: Corrode (EAT AWAY); 119A: French school (ÉCOLE); 122A: Pianist Myra (HESS); 2D: FedEx, e.g. (COURIER); 3D: Flock leaders (HOLY MEN); 4D: Diplomatic H.Q. (EMB); 5D: Women's rights activist Nellie (BLY); 6D: Wagering venue, in brief (OTB); 7D: Like most pay rates (HOURLY); 8D: Devereux's earldom (ESSEX); 9D: Either of two bks. of the Apocrypha (MACC.); 10D: Showed (EXHIBITED); 12D: Help up (BOOST); 13D: RV filler? (S-T-U); 14D: Understanding cries (OHS); 15D: Use foam on, as a fire (RETARD); 16D: Rodeo ride (BRONCO); 17D: E-mailer (SENDER); 19D: Black Panthers co-founder (SEALE); 23D: Wished one could take back (RUED); 28D: Use Shout on, say (PRETREAT); 31D: __ Zoo (BRONX); 32D: Cattail site (MARSH); 33D: __-Magnon (CRO); 35D: Stumble (FALTER); 36D: Jazz musician Kid __ (ORY); 38D: Elemental variant (ISOTOPE); 39D: Prima donna (DIVA); 43D: Phoenix, in myth (BIRD); 44D: Coarse file (RASP); 46D: Aegean island (IOS); 47D: Giants' org. (NFL); 48D: Bus sched. info (RTES.); 49D: Disgust (REVOLT); 50D: Captivate (ENAMOR); 51D: Component of the Perseus cluster (GALAXY); 52D: Like many tabloids (TRASHY); 53D: Find a new table for (RESEAT); 54D: Under control (IN HAND); 55D: It may be in sight (END); 57D: Storage acronym (ROM); 62D: Stadium rainwear (PONCHOS); 64D: Quaint pointing word (YON); 66D: Like lemurs (ARBOREAL); 67D: Salad veggie (CUKE); 68D: Campus creeper (IVY); 71D: Levy at the dock (TARIFF); 72D: At the time specified (THEN); 75D: Author who influenced Conan Doyle (POE); 80D: Hans Brinker's pair (ICE SKATES); 81D: Hoods' rods (GATS); 82D: Search engine name (YAHOO); 86D: Post-prime time fare (LATE NEWS); 88D: Witticism (MOT); 89D: Serious elbow-bender (SOT); 91D: Where children were given "broth without any bread" (IN A SHOE); 92D: Tasty mouthfuls (MORSELS); 93D: Page locators (INDEXES); 94D: Listless (ANEMIC); 95D: Eye's image receiver (RETINA); 96D: Magnetic measures (TESLAS); 98D: Like a metamorphic stage (LARVAL); 100D: Word that stops fire? (CEASE); 102D: Star in Orion (RIGEL); 103D: Raccoon cousin (COATI); 107D: Playground problem (BRAT); 108D: Something to play in (KEY); 111D: Sch. where "Geaux Tigers" signs are seen (LSU); 112D: Loss leader? (AT A); 114D: Farm lady (EWE); 115D: "Deck the Halls" syllables (LAS).

S A T U R D A Y December 18, 2010 James Sajdak

Theme: None

Hey, puzzle fans. Doug here, pinch-hitting for PuzzleGirl. I didn't have much trouble with today's puzzle, even though there were some unfamiliar entries in the grid: YARE, COLEUS, CALX. It's late, so I'm jumping right into the bullets.

Bullets:

• 15A: Paris jilted her for Helen (OENONE). OK, you might not believe it, but this was the first thing I wrote into the grid. Mythology is my #1 favorite thing to see in crosswords, followed by baseball and comic book references. My Achilles' heel is musical theater.
• 20A: Quick to the helm (YARE). This word pops up in crosswords every now and then, and it baffles me every time. It means: "(of a ship) quick to the helm, easily handled or maneuvered." Next time I'm at the marina, I'm going to say, "Dude, that yacht is yare!" and see if anyone knows what I'm talking about.
• 42A: Channeling device? (STEREO). A stereo has left and right channels, but can you really call it a "channeling device"? You make the call.
• 49A: O'Neill title flora: (ELMS). Eugene O'Neill's Desire Under the Elms.
• 57A: Name for lime based on its chemical composition (CALX). That's a mouthful. I had a fruity lime in mind, but that didn't make any sense. It's the kind of lime you get from limestone. Anyway, "calx" is Latin for chalk or limestone.
• 63A: Zayre department stores creation (T.J. MAXX). That's a fun entry to see in the grid. The lower right section was my favorite part of the puzzle.
• 68A: Quakers with deep roots? (ASPENS). Quaking aspens. The ELMS & ASPENS make up a nice "trees" micro-theme.

• 8D: Plant with flamboyant foilage (COLEUS). Never heard of it, but maybe we can add this crazy plant to the "trees" theme. I suspect the YARE/COLEUS crossing stumped a few solvers.
• 10D: Carroll's "slithy" thing (TOVE). Sounds kind of gross. It's from Lewis Carroll's poem "Jabberwocky," which begins "'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves / Did gyre and gimble in the wabe." Carroll might have been on some COCA (1D: Chewable stimulant) when he came up with that line.
• 11D: London hauler? (SLED DOG). Tricky! Think Jack London and The Call of the Wild. I love that book and just about everything London wrote. Awesome clue.
• 24D: Surgeon for whom a mouthwash is named (LISTER). And I guess Scope is named after the guy from the "Monkey Trial."
• 64D: Relative of Chas.? (JOS.). Chas. is short for Charles and Jos. is short for Joseph. I'd go with plain old "Joe" myself.

Everything Else — 1A: Beliefs (CREDOS); 7A: Caber throwers (SCOTSMEN); 16A: Obama's birthplace (HONOLULU); 17A: Jaguar's coat? (CAR WAX); 18A: "Two thumbs way up!" ("I LOVED IT!"); 19A: Simile center (AS AN); 22A: Ancient "Prose" and "Poetic" works (EDDAS); 23A: Autobahn sight (OPEL); 25A: Wipe the floor with, so to speak (DRUB); 27A: "__-mite!": J.J.'s exclamation on "Good Times" (DYNO); 28A: Accused (ON TRIAL); 30A: Nothing to brag about (SO-SO); 32A: "The Social Contract" author (ROUSSEAU); 34A: Product with a secret sauce (BIG MAC); 38A: Rotter (CUR); 39A: Divide, in a way (TRISECT); 41A: Purchase from Sajak (AN I); 44A: Piecemeal? (ALA CARTE); 46A: Poetic peepers (ORBS); 48A: Just about knock down the door (STORM IN); 52A: First name in design (EERO); 54A: Substantial content (MEAT); 55A: Pouts (MOUES); 59A: Fleshy-leaved plant (ALOE); 61A: Nearly die laughing (BUST A GUT); 65A: Qualifying words (AS IT WERE); 66A: Band aide (ROADIE); 67A: Took back (RECANTED); 2D: Deduce (REASON OUT); 3D: Delight beyond measure (ENRAPTURE); 4D: Drags (DOWNERS); 5D: Words before budget or mission (ON A); 6D: Hot (SEXY); 7D: Bake, as eggs (SHIRR); 9D: Plastic __ Band (ONO); 12D: Not clear (MUDDY); 13D: Boy's name seen in 2000 papers (ELIAN); 14D: Wacky (NUTSO); 21D: Dwight's two-time adversary (ADLAI); 26D: Stubby-tailed feline (BOBCAT); 28D: Tolkien meanies (ORCS); 29D: Oxygen-consuming organism (AEROBE); 31D: "Being on a __ stops me from getting Alzheimer's": Jerry Stiller (SITCOM); 33D: Third most populous nation: Abbr. (USA); 35D: Tea tray spread (MARMALADE); 36D: Immunity offerer (ANTITOXIN); 37D: Javier's hundred (CIEN); 40D: East Los Angeles bus line with a sun in its logo (EL SOL); 43D: __ Stone (ROSETTA); 45D: Welcome center freebie (AREA MAP); 47D: Tied down (SECURE); 49D: Put away for a while (EMBAR); 50D: Rotter (LOUSE); 51D: Score sheets? (MUSIC); 53D: Like most movies (RATED); 56D: Cut (SAWN); 58D: More, in adspeak (XTRA); 60D: Zsa Zsa has eight (EXES); 62D: Pick up (GET).

F R I D A Y December 17, 2010 Paul Cuerdon

Theme: THEME — CU, the chemical symbol for copper, is inserted into familiar phrases creating new wacky phrases.

Theme answers:

• 18A: Raised to the ninth power? (DOUBLE CUBED).
• 24A: Poison literature? (CURARE BOOKS).
• 50A: Most adorable flier? (CUTEST PILOT).
• 55A: Original Anglican assistant priest? (FIRST CURATE).
• 47D: Element whose chemical symbol is used in this puzzle's theme (COPPER).

Well I made it through my first day at the new job. Yes, yes, I realize that this is the third "first day at the new job" I've had this year. I really hope I don't have to have another one for a very long time. Why? Because they suck. You have to be on all day — meeting people, learning how to do stuff and whatnot. I'm exhausted. So let's get on with it.

As some of you know, I'm not real science-y, so it took me a while to grok the theme. The first two theme answers I was able to complete were CURARE BOOKS and FIRST CURATE, so I thought the theme was something about CUR, not just CU. And I still had to think about it a bit even when I got to the reveal answer, because I just didn't know copper's symbol is CU. It all became clear eventually. As it so often does.

I really like the fill in this grid, which has an unbelievably low crosswordese frequency even for a Friday. I'm never really crazy about British spellings, but if we needed that extra L in PEDALLED to make LIBELOUS and OVERDONE possible, I think that's okay. There are an awful lot of three-letter words in this grid, but they really didn't bother me at all. How often to we see LAO-BYU-OMB? I even kinda like the stack of ABS-ZEE-TIN in the northwest corner. I don't know. Something about this puzzle just really worked for me today.

Bullets:

• 10A: Fosbury's high-jumping technique (FLOP). I'm pretty sure I learned this from crosswords. It might have been lurking vaguely in my brain somewhere, but I know it was in a puzzle recently and it kinda surprised me.
• 28A: "Bad" cholesterol letters (LDL). "Good" cholesterol, on the other hand, is HDL. The H is for happy. (Someone here taught me that mnemonic — thank you!)
• 32A: See 44-Across (GABLES). I probably would have tried to clue this "Iowa wrestling legend Dan and others." And then an editor would have changed it.

• 52A: Eldridge Cleaver's "Soul on __" (ICE). See, this is what I'm talking about with the three-letter words. This is just a normal, nothing-special word, but the clue is awesome.
• 65A: Prepares for the next turn in the alley (RESETS). Bowling!
• 5D: Film doctor with 7 faces (LAO). I definitely learned this one from crosswords. Dr. LAO is played by Tony Randall.
• 10D: Word after blue or bird (FLU). I don't think I'm entirely sure what "blue FLU" is. Is that just being down in the dumps? Or is it really a type of FLU?
• 50D: Jazz lover (CAT).

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Everything Else — 1A: Iron pumper's pride (ABS); 4A: Some macaroni (ELBOWS); 14A: Zuider __ (ZEE); 15A: One who may need technical terms explained (LAYMAN); 16A: Like much early TV (LIVE); 17A: Element in pewter (TIN); 20A: Weather, in a way (ERODE); 22A: Little bit (TAD); 23A: Washday brand (ERA); 29A: "__ tuned!" (STAY); 30A: Hill on British TV (BENNY); 31A: Total amount bet (POOL); 34A: Do some gardening (PRUNE); 35A: They may be noble or precious (METALS); 38A: Waited (PAUSED); 39A: Skill determinants (EXAMS); 40A: Madagascar mammals (LEMURS); 43A: Learning method (ROTE); 44A: With 32-Across, feature of a noted New England home (SEVEN); 45A: Alveoli, e.g. (SACS); 49A: Monitor, for short (CRT); 53A: More than plan (ACT); 54A: Hoarse (RASPY); 60A: Spring mo. (APR.); 61A: Manual reader (USER); 62A: Dome opening, in architecture (OCULUS); 63A: Corp. bigwig (CEO); 64A: Watch displays, briefly (LED'S); 66A: Directional ending (-ERN); 1D: Tlaxcalteca enemies (AZTECS); 2D: Cedar Revolution city (BEIRUT); 3D: Lady of Spain (SEÑORA); 4D: Respected one (ELDER); 6D: LDS-owned school (BYU); 7D: Fed. number-crunching gp. (OMB); 8D: '70s-'80s TV family (WALTONS); 9D: Deceitful (SNEAKY); 11D: Defamatory (LIBELOUS); 12D: Cooked really well? (OVERDONE); 13D: Biked, in Bristol (PEDALLED); 19D: S&L offerings (CD'S); 21D: Any Wrigley Field contest until 1988 (DAY GAME); 25D: Falls back (EBBS); 26D: __ Air: Los Angeles community (BEL); 27D: It's next to nothing (ONE); 31D: Frederick the Great's realm (PRUSSIA); 33D: Gore and Franken (ALS); 34D: Hole number? (PAR); 35D: Forgiving (MERCIFUL); 36D: Deal with, as demons (EXORCISE); 37D: Ragged (TATTERED); 38D: Football play (PUNT); 40D: Romaine, e.g. (LETTUCE); 41D: Anticipatory time (EVE); 42D: Mayo, e.g. (MES); 44D: Aid (SUCCOR); 46D: French border region (ALSACE); 48D: "Sophie's Choice" author (STYRON); 51D: Lift in a gym (PRESS); 56D: Most coll. applicants (SRS.); 57D: Toys __ (R US); 58D: Samuel Adams Summer __ (ALE); 59D: Boy king (TUT).

T H U R S D A Y December 16, 2010 John Lampkin

Theme: A Little Naughty Music — Beethoven puns!

Theme answers:

• 20A: Naughty object of Beethoven's affections? (IMMORAL BELOVED).
• 38A: Beethoven's naughty opus? (EROTICA SYMPHONY).
• 53A: Where to hear Beethoven's naughty music? (BANNED CONCERTS).
• 62A/63A: Naughty—and with 63-Across, composer Beethoven? (born 12/16/1770) (LEWD).
• 63A: Toupee (WIG).

I've gotten in the bad habit of blogging in the morning so tonight is my first time shifting back to getting it done at night. I start my new job in the morning, so I need to get this done and get to bed! I apologize in advance to John Lampkin for not spending more time on his puzzle. Speaking of John Lampkin, I got a nice note from him yesterday. He picked out some of his own photographs that he thought might go along with today's post and sent them along. You'll see them later in the post. And I think I'm going to add a video here so we can have a True Multimedia Extravaganza! (This is my favorite Beethoven piece. I actually used to be able to play it! Ah, the good old days.)


Now I really don't want to insult anyone's intelligence, but I'm going to go ahead and spell out the theme just in case there's someone out there who doesn't get it. In 1812, Beethoven wrote a series of "mysterious letters" now known as "The Immortal Beloved Letters." It used to be that no one was sure who those letters were directed to, but it's been a long time since any of this has been on my radar, so maybe scholars have figured it out by now. So that's the first pun. Beethoven's Symphony No. 3 in E flat major (Op. 55), is known as the Eroica Symphony, which in this puzzle has been transformed into the EROTICA SYMPHONY by taking the missing T from the first theme answer and inserting it here for punny purposes. The third pun tickled me because just last night I was at PuzzleSon's first band concert. Maybe some of that band music should have been banned, but they're just kids and I'm sure they'll get better. Or maybe quit. Finally, Beethoven's first name is Ludwig, which I like to pronounce with the V sound instead of the W sound, so the pun didn't exactly work for me, but I see what John was going for here and it works.

Bonus non-theme theme answers include:

• 2D: Lively, to Beethoven: Abbr. (ANIM.).
• 57D: Beethoven's "Archduke," for one (TRIO).
• 1D: Rocker Bon __ (JOVI). (Just checking to see if you're actually reading this.)

Now for the photographic section of today's Multimedia Extravaganza.

35A: Yoga position (LOTUS). Beautiful!

29D: Busybodies' active organs? (NOSES),

the tips of which John helpfully points out are buried in …

46A: Biblical beasts (ASSES).

Not sure how much I'll be able to check in today, so have fun in the comments but behave!

Crosswordese 101 Round-up:

• 14A: Tokyo-born artist (ONO).
• 6D: River through southern Russia (URAL).
• 55D: Dairy bar (OLEO).

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Everything Else — 1A: A whale has a long one (JAW); 4A: Short pencil (STUB); 8A: Sign of military respect (SALUTE); 15A: Lake Titicaca is partly in it (PERU); 16A: Previously, previously (ERE NOW); 17A: Pure (VIRGINAL); 19A: Nursery rocker (CRADLE); 22A: X rating in old Rome? (TEN); 23A: Cringe (COWER); 24A: Dollar bills, e.g. (CASH); 27A: Choir male, often (TENOR); 30A: Mil. honors (DSM'S); 33A: Ding Dong relatives (HO-HOS); 37A: Swipe (COP); 41A: Agcy. concerned with fraud (FTC); 42A: Malaise symptom (NO PEP); 43A: __-ground missile (AIR-TO); 44A: Nordstrom rival (SAKS); 48A: Romeo or Juliet, e.g. (TEEN); 49A: Semi-sheer curtain fabric (VOILE); 51A: Doctrine (ISM); 59A: : : : (COLONS); 60A: Parker and Roosevelt (ELEANORS); 61A: "CBS Evening News" anchor (COURIC); 64A: Anxiety (UNEASE); 65A: Dieter's triumph (LOSS); 66A: Boozer (SOT); 3D: Low life? (WORM); 4D: High point? (SPIRE); 5D: High-rise occupant (TENANT); 7D: Socket insert (BULB); 8D: Novus ordo __: Great Seal phrase (SECLORUM); 9D: Cupid's missile (ARROW); 10D: Like trees in summer (LEAVED); 11D: Sign of stress? (UNDERSCORE); 12D: Squealed (TOLD); 13D: She used to be a lambkin (EWE); 18D: Began to win a lot (GOT HOT); 21D: Environmental subgroup (ECOTYPE); 24D: Toque wearers (CHEFS); 25D: Heart line (AORTA); 26D: Provocation potential, as of a Howard Stern segment (SHOCK VALUE); 28D: Passed, as time (ELAPSED); 31D: Three-card con (MONTE); 32D: Watch, secret agent-style (SPY ON); 34D: Transgression (SIN); 36D: Steamy resort (SPA); 39D: Come together (COALESCE); 40D: Scary contract hirees (HITMEN); 45D: State bordering Arizona (SONORA); 47D: Tendons (SINEWS); 50D: Longtime civil rights leader Roy (INNIS); 52D: A plethora (SCADS); 53D: Timely benefit (BOON); 54D: Pocket vibrator, at times (CELL); 55D: Dairy bar (OLEO); 56D: Garden lines (ROWS); 58D: High-ranking NCO (SSGT); 59D: Hosp. heart ward (CCU).