10.10 Mon

M O N D A Y
October 10, 2011
Jeff Chen

Theme: Emotional Athletes — Familiar phrases that start with a color are defined in relation to sports teams.

Theme answers:

• 17A: Terrified Detroit baseball player? (WHITE TIGER).
• 33A: Embarrassed Carolina football player? (PINK PANTHER).
• 39A: Depressed Miami football player? (BLUE DOLPHIN).
• 58A: Jealous San Francisco baseball player? (GREEN GIANT).

This here is a pretty fancy Monday, wouldn't you say? Simple, clever theme, straightforward cluing, some crosswordese to help you get a foothold, a little sparkle here and there and then, bam! Two 15s in the downs! Wow! We don't see that very often. Why? Because it means each down entry has to run through two theme answers and that's a substantial constraint. But Jeff made it work, so hats off to him.

Long, sparkly entries:

• 3D: Fast food pickup site (DRIVE-THRU WINDOW).
• 11D: Reprimands (READS THE RIOT ACT).
• 12D: Looks that lovers make (GOO-GOO EYES).

Bullets:

• 1A: Cheryl of "Charlie's Angels" (LADD). Of course, a late 70s pop culture reference is always a good start for me.
• 32A: "Don't make me laugh!" ("HAH!"). Love this colloquial exclamation.
• 38A: Strolls down to the saloon (MOSEYS). The word "strolls" can lead to a lot of synonyms, but it's Monday, so the clue takes us straight to the one we need.
• 48A: Went off course, nautically (YAWED). I think I finally have this one down.
• 53A: "Community" network (NBC). This was a mystery to me. I guess "Community" is a TV show. I don't watch much TV these days.
• 64A: Online status update limited to 140 characters (TWEET). Here's the problem with Twitter. Yes, the status updates are, at most, 140 characters long, so it seems like you could just check in real quick and then go on with whatever you're doing, right? Where that strategy breaks down is when you follow a gazillion people, which is what I do. And then when they link to interesting articles that I have to go read. I could literally spend all day on Twitter.
• 40D: Unsophisticated (LOWBROW). Adding a little more sparkle to this grid.

Crosswordese 101 Round-up:

• 47A: __ Lanka (SRI).
• 57A: Arp's art movement (DADA).
• 65A: 'Vette roof option (T-TOP).
• 9D: Cliffside nest (AERIE).
• 18D: Bird by the beach (ERN).
• 34D: French friends (AMIS).
• 59D: Fair-hiring inits. (EOE).

Everything — 1A: Cheryl of "Charlie's Angels" (LADD); 5A: Screwdriver liquor (VODKA); 10A: "Logically, then ..." (ERGO); 14A: The "height" part of a height phobia (ACRO); 15A: Have __ to pick (A BONE); 16A: Red Army leader Trotsky (LEON); 17A: Terrified Detroit baseball player? (WHITE TIGER); 19A: Vietnam neighbor (LAOS); 20A: Cuts off (SEVERS); 21A: Architect I.M. (PEI); 22A: Advantage (EDGE); 23A: Very long time (EON); 24A: Indy 500 entrant (RACER); 26A: Tippler (SOT); 27A: Memo-directing abbr. (ATTN.); 29A: Actress Sorvino (MIRA); 30A: Voice below soprano (ALTO); 32A: "Don't make me laugh!" ("HAH!"); 33A: Embarrassed Carolina football player? (PINK PANTHER); 36A: Boeing competitor (AIRBUS); 38A: Strolls down to the saloon (MOSEYS); 39A: Depressed Miami football player? (BLUE DOLPHIN); 43A: Gun, as a V6 (REV); 44A: Ran a tab (OWED); 45A: Mine products (ORES); 46A: Talk like Daffy (LISP); 47A: __ Lanka (SRI); 48A: Went off course, nautically (YAWED); 50A: "Little Red Book" writer (MAO); 51A: Prefix with directional (OMNI-); 53A: "Community" network (NBC); 54A: Sealy alternatives (SERTAS); 57A: Arp's art movement (DADA); 58A: Jealous San Francisco baseball player? (GREEN GIANT); 60A: Take too much of, briefly (O.D. ON); 61A: Me-tooer's phrase (SO DO I); 62A: Teen outbreak (ACNE); 63A: Noises from itty-bitty kitties (MEWS); 64A: Online status update limited to 140 characters (TWEET); 65A: 'Vette roof option (T-TOP); 1D: Cops enforce them (LAWS); 2D: Yen (ACHE); 3D: Fast food pickup site (DRIVE-THRU WINDOW); 4D: Pamper (DOTE ON); 5D: Chocolate factory vessels (VATS); 6D: __-Wan Kenobi (OBI); 7D: Where boxers and pugs play (DOG PARK); 8D: Leg joint protector (KNEECAP); 9D: Cliffside nest (AERIE); 10D: Cosmo rival (ELLE); 11D: Reprimands (READS THE RIOT ACT); 12D: Looks that lovers make (GOO-GOO EYES); 13D: Beginning (ONSET); 18D: Bird by the beach (ERN); 24D: __ Tin Tin (RIN); 25D: Yakked and yakked (RAN ON); 27D: Starbuck's captain (AHAB); 28D: Like a custom suit (TAILOR MADE); 29D: Soup with sushi (MISO); 31D: Capt.'s subordinates (LTS.); 33D: "I tawt I taw a __ tat!" (PUDDY); 34D: French friends (AMIS); 35D: Letters on reply cards (RSVP); 37D: Drone or worker (BEE); 40D: Unsophisticated (LOWBROW); 41D: Come before (PRECEDE); 42D: "If __ only listened!" (HE'D); 46D: Rope at a rodeo (LARIAT); 47D: City destroyed by fire and brimstone (SODOM); 49D: Common teen emotion (ANGST); 50D: Ryan of "When Harry Met Sally..." (MEG); 52D: Actors McKellen and Holm (IANS); 54D: Agitated state (SNIT); 55D: A.D. part (ANNO); 56D: Armstrong's "small" stride (STEP); 59D: Fair-hiring inits. (EOE).

09.19 Mon

Avast me hearties! Hey, sorry I don't have today's grid up. The puzzle wasn't available last night when it usually is and I just didn't have time this morning to figure out what to do about it. I was going to send you over to Amy's blog, but it looks like she doesn't have it posted yet either. I'll do what I can when I can!

Update from Amy: I did the puzzle in the L.A. Times' applet since it's still not available in Across Lite. Answer grid and brief write-up posted.

Another update, from Doug this time. I've posted the grid & theme answers. Mmmmm...cake.

M O N D A Y

September 19, 2011
Jeff Chen

Theme: Off With Her Head! — First parts of theme entries form a quote from Marie Antoinette.

Theme Entries:

• 17A: "No holds barred!" (LET IT ALL HANG OUT).
• 22A: Where there's gold, in prospector-speak (THEM THAR HILLS).
• 38A: Swallow one's pride (EAT CROW).
• 53A: Worker with icing and sprinkles (CAKE DECORATOR).
• 62A: Ruler to whom the quote formed by the starts of 17-, 22-, 38-, and 53-Across is often attributed (MARIE ANTOINETTE).

08.15 Mon

M O N D A Y

August 15, 2011

Jeff Chen

Theme: I think YOU'LL like this puzzle — The last words of all theme answers rhyme, even though the rhyming sound is spelled differently each time.



Theme answers:

• 17A: 1956 #1 hit for Elvis Presley (DON'T BE CRUEL).
• 27A: Mr. T catch phrase (I PITY THE FOOL).
• 47A: Cornerstone principle of democracy (MAJORITY RULE).
• 61A: Eight-time Best Actor nominee who never won (PETER O'TOOLE).

Well, what have we got today? Simple theme, executed well, with interesting theme answers. Not much more you can ask for on a Monday. Lots of pop culture in this grid that I'm only vaguely familiar with. Thought 20A: DREA De Matteo of "The Sopranos" was a little tough for a Monday but then I remembered "The Sopranos" was a wildly popular show and just because I haven't seen it doesn't mean it's obscure by any means. I also never watched whatever show URKEL was on (22A: '80s-'90s "Did I do that?" TV nerd), but the character has found its way into my consciousness by osmosis somehow. I also didn't ever see the LARA CROFT movie (32D: "Tomb Raider" role for Angelina Jolie) but remember thinking the movie posters looked kick-ass.



My favorite entries today are ROCK SOLID, RIFF, and LEGWORK (11D: Dependable beyond doubt / 23D: Jazz motif / 46D: Out-of-the-office detective duty). How about you?



Crosswordese 101 Round-up:

• 18D: Morales of "La Bamba" (ESAI).
• 55D: Fencing swords (ÉPÉES).

Everything — 1A: Shish __ (KABOB); 6A: 2008 "Yes We Can" sloganeer (OBAMA); 11A: ACLU concerns (RTS.); 14A: Prefix with -clast (ICONO); 15A: Group of secret schemers (CABAL); 16A: Neighbor of Wash. (ORE.); 17A: 1956 #1 hit for Elvis Presley (DON'T BE CRUEL); 19A: Cartoon collectible (CEL); 20A: De Matteo of "The Sopranos" (DREA); 21A: Fat-based bird feed (SUET); 22A: '80s-'90s "Did I do that?" TV nerd (URKEL); 24A: Having one's day in court? (ON TRIAL); 26A: "Revenge is __ best served cold" (A DISH); 27A: Mr. T catch phrase (I PITY THE FOOL); 31A: Choir section (ALTOS); 34A: Cold War country, briefly (USA); 35A: Chimney passage (FLUE); 36A: Scratch or scuff (MAR); 37A: Ostracized one (OUTCAST); 41A: Prefix with metric (ISO-); 42A: Recipient of a princess's kiss (FROG); 44A: Suffix for no-good (-NIK); 45A: Like days gone by (OLDEN); 47A: Cornerstone principle of democracy (MAJORITY RULE); 51A: Henry __ Lodge: WWI senator (CABOT); 52A: Final stage of a chess match (END GAME); 56A: "Sesame Street" resident (ERNIE); 57A: "Get lost, kitty!" ("SCAT!"); 59A: Adorn, as a birthday gift (WRAP); 60A: Below-the-belt (LOW); 61A: Eight-time Best Actor nominee who never won (PETER O'TOOLE); 64A: Musician's deg. (MFA); 65A: Dodge, as the press (EVADE); 66A: Address the crowd (ORATE); 67A: Cellos' sect. (STR.); 68A: Flew off the handle (RAGED); 69A: Gumbo vegetables (OKRAS); 1D: Friendly term of address (KIDDO); 2D: Oak tree-to-be (ACORN); 3D: Lisa of "The Cosby Show" (BONET); 4D: Easternmost Great Lake (ONTARIO); 5D: Reggae's Marley (BOB); 6D: Supernatural (OCCULT); 7D: Au naturel (BARE); 8D: Stand next to (ABUT); 9D: West of the silver screen (MAE); 10D: Refer (to) (ALLUDE); 11D: Dependable beyond doubt (ROCK SOLID); 12D: Kids' secret club meeting place (TREEHOUSE); 13D: Dispose of via eBay (SELL); 18D: Morales of "La Bamba" (ESAI); 23D: Jazz motif (RIFF); 25D: __ facto (IPSO); 26D: Cries of triumph (AHAS); 28D: Totally gross (YUCKY); 29D: Luggage-screening org. (TSA); 30D: "Exodus" author Uris (LEON); 31D: Car radio button (AM/FM); 32D: "Tomb Raider" role for Angelina Jolie (LARA CROFT); 33D: Conflict involving a fake horse (TROJAN WAR); 38D: Workbook chapter (UNIT); 39D: __ for tat (TIT); 40D: Sang like a canary, so to speak (TOLD); 43D: Mongolian desert (GOBI); 46D: Out-of-the-office detective duty (LEGWORK); 48D: Ebert's partner after Siskel (ROEPER); 49D: Parented (REARED); 50D: "Do __ others ..." (UNTO); 53D: Bustling with noise (AROAR); 54D: Island nation near Sicily (MALTA); 55D: Fencing swords (ÉPÉES); 56D: Shade trees (ELMS); 57D: Just for guys (STAG); 58D: Formally relinquish (CEDE); 62D: Perón of Argentina (EVA); 63D: As well (TOO).

07.14 Thu

T H U R S D A Y
July 14, 2011
Jeff Chen

Theme: Conspiracy Theory — UFOs are hidden in the theme answers — just like at Area 51!

Theme answers:

• 17A: Continental alliance's intl. strategy (E.U. FOREIGN POLICY).
• 25A: Treat thicker than the original (DOUBLE STUF OREO).
• 43A: Toyota RAV4 competitor (SUBARU FORESTER).
• 57A: Complaint after a reluctant act (YOU FORCED MY HAND).
• 64A: You can find one in the four longest puzzle answers, even if you don't believe (UFO).

First of all, I just need to get this out of the way: JEFF CHEN IS MY HERO. I've been trying for several years now to lobby any number of well-known puzzle constructors to put Iowa wrestling legend DAN GABLE in a grid. The most common response I get to that request is, "Um … who?" So I haven't exactly accomplished my goal there, but today … TODAY — look what we have at 50-Down: Midwest university with 23 team wrestling championships. That's right: IOWA. Go Hawks! Now I'm not going to sit here and pretend that the Hawkeyes' 23 titles is a record. It's not. Oklahoma State actually has 34. They clearly dominated college wrestling right up until 1975, when Iowa won its very first national championship. Since then, the Cowboys have won nine national tournaments to the Hawkeyes' 23. It's just a matter of time is what I'm saying. (Yes, that picture is the actual shirt I was wearing when I solved this puzzle.)

I could go on and on (just ask my friends), but I won't put you through that. Just know that I am so so delighted to see Iowa's wrestling team in a mainstream puzzle. Thank you, Jeff and Rich!

So, is there anything else in the puzzle worth talking about? Hmmmm. This is a cute idea for a theme, but I'll tell you what I don't like about it (because that's just how I am). It's not just the letter string UFO that's hidden in each theme answer. Every single one of the phrases contains UFORE. I actually noticed that at some point and wondered what the heck the theme could be. So points off for that. Adding points for the letters UFO breaking across two words. And a couple more for three lively theme answers (I'll leave it to you to decide which one could use some work). And then, well, about a gazillion points for including IOWA wrestling! (Did I mention that I'm super psyched about that?!?)

Bullets:

• 6A: Tarboosh : Arabic :: __ : Turkish (FEZ). Tarboosh and FEZ are both really cool names for hats. (The point of that sentence was to let you know that I think the words are cool — not that I didn't think you knew they were hats.)

• 9A: When bulls crow? (BOOMS). I typically like tricky clues but I think this one is just over-the-top. I can appreciate that some people will like it, but for me? Too too. (It's a stock market reference, for those of you still struggling to figure it out. Took me a while too.)
• 21A: Drops a pop (ERRS). Not like a soda pop, but a pop-up ball. That's in a baseball game, for you sports-challenged folks.
• 24A: E or G, e.g. (NOTE). See now this tricky clue I like.
• 38A: Covered in goo (GUNKY). It's been kind of a GUNKY, goopy, oozy kind of week here at the LAT, hasn't it? See also 62A: Moved like goo (OOZED).
• 61A: Canada's smallest prov. (P.E.I.). That's Prince Edward Island.
• 3D: Player's piano? (SOFT). The word "piano" on a music score means "soft." I believe the piano (the instrument) was originally called the pianoforte — "piano" meaning "soft" and "forte" meaning "loud." The fact that it could be played softly and loudly was a new thing. Up to that point, people were playing harpsichords which stayed at the same volume no matter how hard they tried. (If I got any of that wrong, please feel free to jump in. That was just off the top of my head.)
• 35D: Batik artist (DYER). I think this was included just to reinforce what you learned yesterday about batik.

Crosswordese 101 Round-up:

• 2D: __ lily (ARUM).
• 18D: Beach bird (ERNE).
• 26D: Great Plains natives (OTOES).
• 30D: Dadaist Max (ERNST).

Everything Else — 1A: Medea's husband (JASON); 14A: Utah County seat (PROVO); 15A: Obit number (AGE); 16A: Hamilton of "The Terminator" (LINDA); 20A: Prime meridian hrs. (GMT); 22A: Otolaryngologist's diagnosis (OTITIS); 23A: "Richard III" star McKellen (IAN); 32A: Bluesy Waters (ETHEL); 33A: Resistance units (OHMS); 34A: "Outstanding!" ("RAD!"); 36A: Looking displeased (POUTY); 37A: 50-50, say (TIE); 40A: Allotment word (PER); 41A: Rabbit's title (BR'ER); 42A: Actor Davis (OSSIE); 47A: Two-time Indy 500 champ Luyendyk (ARIE); 48A: Old boat-steering tool (OAR); 49A: Yes or no follower (SIRREE); 52A: Askew view (BIAS); 54A: Storm of the '90s (GEO); 60A: Slop (SWILL); 63A: Country's Tucker (TANYA); 65A: Draws closer (NEARS); 1D: File format for pics (JPEG); 4D: Ab __: from the start (OVO); 5D: "Seriously!" ("NO REALLY!"); 6D: Not foul (FAIR); 7D: Clutch contents (EGGS); 8D: Path to enlightenment (ZEN); 9D: Smashed (BLOTTO); 10D: Slicker (OILIER); 11D: Taking care of business (ON IT); 12D: Year when "Hamlet" is believed to have been completed (MDCI); 13D: Remarks (SAYS); 19D: Vanishing sounds (POOFS); 23D: "Doubtful" ("I BET"); 24D: Dígito (NUMERO); 25D: He played Dillinger in "Public Enemies" (2009) (DEPP); 27D: Swahili for "freedom" (UHURU); 28D: "Got that right!" ("SO TRUE!"); 29D: One taking things wrong? (THIEF); 31D: Jack of "The Great Dictator" (OAKIE); 38D: Show leniency toward (GO EASY ON); 39D: Red letters? (USSR); 41D: Prickly shrub (BRIER); 44D: Person sometimes 9-Down (BARFLY); 45D: Biological ring (AREOLA); 46D: Gallivant (ROAM); 49D: Part of DOS: Abbr. (SYST.); 51D: Bollix up (RUIN); 52D: Grievance (BEEF); 53D: Peculiar: Pref. (IDIO-); 54D: Strip under duress? (GAZA); 55D: Cabinet dept. since 1977 (ENER.); 56D: Numbers on horses (ODDS); 58D: PC core (CPU); 59D: Soil-moving tool (HOE).

06.13 Mon

M O N D A Y
June 13, 2011
Jeff Chen

Theme: Double A's — Theme answers are names that contain AAs.

Theme answers:

• 17A: Johnny Carson's predecessor (JACK PAAR).
• 21A: "Misery" co-star (JAMES CAAN).
• 36A: "I, Robot" author (ISAAC ASIMOV).
• 55A: Vice president involved in a historic duel (AARON BURR).
• 61A: Common batteries, and a feature of 17-, 21-, 36- and 55-Across (DOUBLE A'S).

Good Monday morning, everybody. I am back from my whirlwind New York weekend. Actually it wasn't really much of a whirlwind now that I think about it. It was a quick trip, but it did involve many hours of sleeping in and sitting around by myself on Sunday morning. Boring? Actually, I'm pretty sure that's what heaven is like.

Nice to get home last night and find this little gem waiting to be solved. On a Monday, you can't really ask for more than what we have here: a simple theme with straightforward cluing that manages to include some nice medium-to-long answers, a touch of Scrabbliness, and very little in the way of what I consider crap fill. Unfortunately (?), that means there's also not much to talk about. I did hesitate a little on the first theme answer because I can never remember how to spell Jack PAAR even though we've covered it in CW101. I'm thinking that its inclusion in this double-A theme might actually help me remember it in the future. Thanks, Jeff!

The only other comments I really have are that with the U in place for [62D: Mex. neighbor], I actually entered URU. at first, which I believe should get me a Most Idiotic Misstep By a Crossword Blogger nomination this year. Also PAJAMAS / ANATOMY / MACARONI is a really nice stack right up there in the northwest corner (1D: Bedtime garb / 2D: TV's "Grey's __" / 3D: Cheese companion). And did you notice that MACARONI's symmetrical partner in the grid is VELVEETA (39D: Kraft cheese spread)? Nice touch.

Crosswordese 101 Round-up:

• 20A: Pong producer (ATARI).
• 42A: LAX approximation (ETA).
• 59A: Justice Kagan of the Supreme Court (ELENA).
• 64A: Vaulted recess (APSE).
• 29D: "The Lord of the Rings" monster (ORC).
• 46D: Rodeo gear (RIATAS).

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Everything Else — 1A: Frying pan spray (PAM); 4A: Fanatic's feeling (ZEAL); 8A: Player on stage (ACTOR); 13A: Santa __: city SE of Los Angeles (ANA); 14A: "Joy of Cooking" writer Rombauer (IRMA); 15A: Curvy ski race (SLALOM); 19A: "I need a hug" ("HOLD ME"); 23A: Pat of "The Karate Kid" (MORITA); 25A: Binary code digit (ONE); 26A: Animal like new? (GNU); 27A: "Famous" cookie creator (AMOS); 28A: Floated upward (ROSE); 31A: Alternative to leaving a test question blank (GUESS); 33A: Roget entry: Abbr. (SYN.); 34A: Pulled in different directions (TORN); 35A: Pasty (WAN); 40A: "Car Talk" airer (NPR); 41A: Front of a clock (FACE); 45A: Worry persistently (BROOD); 48A: Blue state? (FUNK); 49A: Dab at with a towel, as a spill (BLOT); 50A: __ Tin Tin (RIN); 51A: NATO part: Abbr. (ATL.); 53A: Turn like a chair (SWIVEL); 60A: Masonry finish applied when wet (STUCCO); 63A: Pick up the pace (HASTEN); 65A: Windsor knot neckwear (TIE); 66A: Clam-digging area (SHORE); 67A: Blacken on the grill (SEAR); 68A: Gore and Hirt (ALS); 4D: "Not another word!" ("ZIP IT!"); 5D: Prohibition __ (ERA); 6D: Key with three sharps: Abbr. (A MAJ.); 7D: Zhivago's beloved (LARA); 8D: Pale (ASHEN); 9D: Nip and tuck contest (CLOSE GAME); 10D: Skin-soothing powder (TALC); 11D: Golden years (OLD AGE); 12D: Friends-countrymen link (ROMANS); 16D: Lists of computer options (MENUS); 18D: Singer Kristofferson (KRIS); 22D: Stooge with a bowl haircut (MOE); 24D: Cacophonous, as a crowd (AROAR); 30D: Major mess (SNAFU); 32D: Spanish 25-Across (UNO); 34D: Hoofer, so to speak (TAP DANCER); 35D: Candle threads (WICKS); 37D: Commercial prefix with Cone or Ball (SNO-); 38D: Japanese honorific (SAN); 43D: Polished part of a piggy? (TOENAIL); 44D: Books of maps (ATLASES); 45D: Full of chutzpah (BRASH); 47D: Surge (ONRUSH); 48D: Cause of chills and fever (FLU); 49D: Tab at a bar (BILL); 52D: Steak selection (T-BONE); 54D: Big brand in barbecues (WEBER); 56D: Prefix with -pus (OCTO); 57D: Nutrient guidelines, briefly (RDA'S); 58D: Rodeo gear (ROPE).

05.16 Mon

M O N D A Y
May 16, 2011
Jeff Chen

Theme: I'm not scared of you — First words of the theme answers make the phrase "all bark no bite."

Theme answers:

• 16A: Dusk-to-dawn cramming session (ALL-NIGHTER).
• 22A: Training neckwear for noisy dogs (BARK COLLARS).
• 36A: "Definitely!" ("NO DOUBT!").
• 46A: Suffer defeat (BITE THE DUST).
• 55A: Toothless menace described by the starts of 16-, 22-, 36- and 46-Across (IDLE THREAT).

Good morning, everyone, and happy Monday. I hope you all had a great weekend. Mine started out pretty good, but then yesterday I broke both my phone and my garbage disposal (thankfully, not at the same time). I'm glad both of those things didn't happen on Friday, though, or I'd have to become superstitious and that seems like it would just take up too much time.

Nice, smooth puzzle today. Very little crosswordese — which is always a nice surprise on a Monday — and some pretty sparkly long entries including:

• 3D: Archie's pet insult for Edith (DINGBAT).
• 10D: Great Plains burrower (PRAIRIE DOG).
• 27D: Agricultural phenomenon sometimes linked to UFOs (CROP CIRCLE).
• 40D: Vegas supervisor (PIT BOSS).

The theme isn't anything to write home about, but there's certainly nothing wrong with it either. I'm not familiar with BARK COLLARS, but I'm sure that's just because I'm not a dog person. And the other theme entries range from perfectly adequate to kinda cool, so all in all I'd say we're off to a good start this week.

Bullets:

• 4A: Complete chaos (HAVOC). Are you supposed to wreak HAVOC or wreck HAVOC? Or maybe you're just supposed to chill out.
• 14A: "Don't be ___!" (A HERO). Oh man, you guys are gonna hate me for this.



• 32A: Quaking trees (ASPENS). Seems like there's always somebody confused by this clue/answer. Because of the way ASPEN trees' leaves shake in the breeze, they are sometimes referred to as "Quaking ASPENS."

• 41A: The Trojans of the NCAA (USC). I very confidently entered MSU, thinking that Michigan State's mascot was a Trojan. Alas, they're the Spartans. Don't know what I was thinking.
• 45A: Digit on a "Magic" ball (EIGHT). I don't get the quotation marks. I mean, it is magic, right?
• 50A: "A Streetcar Named Desire" woman (STELLA). It's kind of sad that I can't see this reference without also thinking about Rocky. I'm sure Tennessee Williams would be thrilled.
• 13D: Big D hoopster (MAV). The nickname of the city in the clue hints that the answer will also be a nickname.
• 24D: Go on a bender (CAROUSE). With the CA in place, all I could think of was CAVORT, which really isn't the same thing at all now that I think about it.
• 26D: Half of Mork's farewell (NANU). Oh good. Another Mork & Mindy reference.

• 42D: Nonmetaphorical (LITERAL). Here's a fun blog that posts examples of people using the word "literally" incorrectly.

Crosswordese 101 Round-up:

• 61A: Summer quaffs (ADES).
• 2D: Jazz great Fitzgerald (ELLA).

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Everything Else — 1A: Self-indulgent place for breakfast (BED); 9A: Opinion column, briefly (OP-ED); 13A: Algeria neighbor (MALI); 15A: Herr's mate (FRAU); 18A: Top pick, slangily (FAVE); 19A: Bayer : Levitra :: Pfizer : __ (VIAGRA); 20A: Holy messenger (GABRIEL); 25A: Early Peruvian (INCAN); 28A: Bond creator Fleming (IAN); 29A: Bordeaux buddy (AMI); 30A: Sharp to the taste (TART); 31A: HST predecessor (FDR); 35A: __ Balls: Hostess snacks (SNO); 38A: John or Jane, anonymously (DOE); 39A: Materialistic thirtysomething (YUPPIE); 42A: Bank offer (LOAN); 43A: Like some rights and engrs. (CIV.); 44A: Opposite of NNW (SSE); 49A: Longtime "20/20" co-host Walters (BARBARA); 54A: With the bow, in music (ARCO); 58A: "Kiss my grits" TV diner (MEL'S); 59A: Mary Tyler __ (MOORE); 60A: Assistant (AIDE); 62A: Weapon for Zorro (SWORD); 63A: Place, as bricks (LAY); 1D: Vacation island south of Borneo (BALI); 4D: Comics Viking (HAGAR); 5D: Sound at a sauna (AHH); 6D: Doggie doc (VET); 7D: Crater Lake's locale (OREGON); 8D: Salmonesque color (CORAL); 9D: Turnpike exit (OFF-RAMP); 11D: Hangover locales? (EAVES); 12D: Hamilton vs. Burr, e.g. (DUEL); 17D: Shah's domain, once (IRAN); 21D: Turn way up, as radio volume (BLAST); 23D: Captain hanged for piracy in 1701 (KIDD); 25D: Teensy (ITSY); 31D: Antagonist (FOE); 32D: "Easy as" letters (ABC); 33D: Ark-itect? (NOAH); 34D: Shipped (SENT); 36D: Skin care giant (NIVEA); 37D: Like hand-me-downs (USED); 44D: It lengthens toward evening (SHADOW); 45D: O.T. book before Job (ESTH.); 46D: Revealed (BARED); 47D: Minimal haircuts (TRIMS); 48D: "¿Cómo está __?" (USTED); 49D: Crimson Tide, to fans (BAMA); 51D: "Star Wars" princess (LEIA); 52D: Lord's mate (LADY); 53D: Absorbed, as costs (ATE); 56D: Bath bathroom (LOO); 57D: Flub the shot, say (ERR).

05.03 Tue

T U E S D A Y
May 3, 2011
Jeff Chen

Theme: Hop On Over — The letter string ROO is circled in a hopping pattern (if that makes any sense) (which I'm sure it doesn't).

Theme answers:

• 6D: In whatever way possible (BY HOOK OR BY CROOK).
• 9D: Stereotypical deal-making site (SMOKE-FILLED ROOM).
• 10D: Was angry to the max (HIT THE ROOF).
• 30D: 2007 Iraq War strategy (TROOP SURGE).
• 51D: Sing like Bing (CROON).
• 60D: Cheer (ROOT).
• 34D: Little one hopping across today's puzzle (ROO).

I thought this puzzle was pretty cute until I got to the end and the circles on the final ROO were in the wrong place. [Note: I'm hearing that the circles were in the right place in the print version of the puzzle and nonexistent in the applet version. So you may not know what I'm talking about.] (The grid I posted above is correct because over on the Fiend site, Neville took the time to fix his graphic allowing me to swoop right in and grab it from him so I wouldn't have to do the work myself. I'm lazy that way.) I spent a little time trying to figure out how ELO fit in with the theme but then realized it was a mistake. Kind of a bad way to end a puzzle but I'll try to get over it.

As for the sparkle, the long downs containing the ROOs are pretty nice, especially SMOKE-FILLED ROOM. Starting right off at 1A with HOBNOB (1A: Schmooze, as with the rich and famous) is also fun. Quite a bit of crosswordese in the grid, but it is only Tuesday so I can't complain about that too much. Other highlights for me include:

• 25A: Donkey's bray (HEE-HAW).
• 48D: Nighttime bash (SOIRÉE).
• 50D: Acknowledgment of a witty rejoinder (TOUCHÉ).

You know why I like those last two. 'Cuz they're French!

Bullets:

• 14A: Hooters' hangout (OWLERY). The concept of the Hooters restaurant makes me absolutely sick to my stomach, but this clue made me chuckle.
• 27A: "Oopsy!" evoker (MISTAKE). "Oopsy" sounds so much more prissy than just a plain old "oops." Like it might be followed up by something like 31A: "How silly OF ME!" instead of "&*^$!"

• 39A: __ Bell (TACO). Just the other day, PuzzleHusband and I were talking about how fast food restaurants are supposed to be exactly the same everywhere but we always noticed that the TACO Bell in New Mexico was better than the TACO Bells we had been to anywhere else.
• 40A: Phantom's rival, in "The Phantom of the Opera" (RAOUL). Pieced this one together with the crosses.
• 47A: Settles the bill (PAYS) and 2D: Hasn't settled yet (OWES). Another nice pair of clues.
• 54A: Pakistani language (URDU). Pakistan. Hmmm. I have this vague feeling that something is going on over there ….

• 63A: Cat also known as the dwarf leopard (OCELOT). I didn't know about the "dwarf leopard" thing but I've always thought OCELOTs were pretty awesome.
• 65A: Crossword constructor/blogger Peterson (DOUG).
• 8D: "__ and a bottle of rum!" (YO HO HO). Reminds me of the "Sports Night" episode where Dan sings "Happy Birthday" to Casey on the air and the network is fined for violating the song's copyright. Dan spends the rest of the episode coming up with songs in the public domain for everyone else's birthday. He picks some nice ones, but when Isaac gives him a hard time about something his response is: "You know what? 'Yo Ho Ho and a Bottle of Rum' for you."



• 36D: Ginger and Mary Ann's home away from home (ISLE). A good "Gilligan's Island" reference always make me happy.

Crosswordese 101 Round-up:

• 18A: Pi follower (RHO).
• 22A: Feds concerned with counterfeits (T-MEN).
• 33A: Legendary Bruin (ORR).
• 42A: Nobel Institute city (OSLO).
• 46A: Actress Lena (OLIN).
• 37D: Nobelist Wiesel (ELIE).
• 59D: North Carolina university (ELON).
• 64D: WBA decision (TKO).

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Everything Else — 7A: Baseball's Cobb et al. (TYS); 10A: Fabled loser (HARE); 15A: __ Kippur (YOM); 16A: Quite angry (IRED); 17A: Money to burn (WEALTH); 19A: Musical quality (TONE); 20A: Canonized pope known as "The Great" (ST. LEO); 21A: Spoken thumbs-up (AOK); 23A: Top-level URL ender (GOV); 32A: State emphatically (AVER); 35A: Words with a sigh (I TRIED); 43A: Lay to rest (ENTOMB); 45A: NBA's Magic, on scoreboards (ORL); 49A: Fixed charges (SET FEES); 51A: Washington-based warehouse club (COSTCO); 53A: Hubbub (ADO); 55A: Barbecue morsel (RIB); 57A: Less polite (RUDER); 61A: Dark film genre (NOIR); 62A: Nickel source (ORE); 65A: Quarterback Flutie (DOUG); 66A: "__ the land of the free ..." (O'ER); 67A: "Check that out!" ("OH LOOK!"); 68A: Bar buyer's words (ON ME); 69A: Bar barrel (KEG); 70A: Treating maliciously (MEAN TO); 1D: In what way (HOW); 3D: Beginning trumpeter's sound (BLAT); 4D: "Gimme a Break!" star Carter (NELL); 5D: Sandinista Daniel (ORTEGA); 7D: Banks with an Emmy (TYRA); 11D: Odor (AROMA); 12D: Buy more Time, say (RENEW); 13D: Site of a 55-Across removal (EDEN); 24D: Aloe __ (VERA); 26D: 911 respondent (EMT); 27D: Play or room follower (-MATE); 28D: Nobelist Pavlov (IVAN); 29D: Breakaway group (SECT); 38D: Crime bosses (DONS); 41D: Major in astronomy? (URSA); 44D: Yoga student's roll (MAT); 52D: Hatred (ODIUM); 54D: Annul (UNDO); 56D: North Atlantic hazard (BERG); 58D: Oscar __ Renta (DE LA).

M O N D A Y November 29, 2010 Jeff Chen

Theme: Takin' It Easy — Theme answers are three-word phrases with the pattern "R-word and R-word."

Theme answers:

• 17A: Music genre that evolved in the '50s (ROCK AND ROLL).
• 28A: How the wheels on the bus go (ROUND AND ROUND).
• 47A: "Old" nickname for Zachary Taylor (ROUGH AND READY).
• 63A: Complain hysterically (RANT AND RAVE).
• 39A: Time off, briefly, and this puzzle's theme (R AND R).

Very nice Monday theme today. Simple concept, well-known phrases — that's all we're looking for on Monday, right?

Bullets:

• 10A: W.W. Jacobs short story "The Monkey's __" (PAW). Again with the monkeys.
• 67A: Like the night in a classic Van Gogh work (STARRY).
  
• 7D: Hindu religious instructor (GURU). I actually entered "yogi" first. Now that's just dumb.

• 8D: Chevy Volt or Ford Fusion (ECO-CAR). Tried "hybrid" here. The only reason I know anything about these cars is because (a) Motor Trend recently named the Chevy Volt its Car of the Year and Rush Limbaugh [edited to delete political statements that may be offensive to some — Google it if you're interested] and (b) the Ford Fusion was constantly pushed last year during "American Idol" (yes, I know that's sad).
• 15D: First-rate, in Rugby (SLAP-UP). I'm not really an expert on the British slang. I like a lot of it when I hear it, but then I can never remember it.
• 31D: "Who's the Boss?" star Tony (DANZA). Okay, here's something that's bothered me for a long time and I've never told anyone about it. One night many, many years ago (late-'80s, I'd say), I was watching Letterman and the show was done with voice-overs. I mean, Letterman came out and did his monologue, but they had obviously stripped out the audio and had someone else basically saying Letterman's part. Obviously, I thought it was bizarre. Imagine my surprise when they continued it through the whole show! Have any of you ever seen anything like that??? Oh, and the point is that Tony Danza was the guest that night. In case you thought I was just blurting out random nonsense for no reason (as opposed to my usual habit of blurting out random sense for a very good reason).
• 38D: Sock ending (-EROO). I much prefer my -EROO at the end of "switch."
• 50D: Longtime Nevada senator Harry (REID). Just recently squeaked out a victory over Sharron Angle, who [edited to delete political statements that may be offensive to some].

Crosswordese 101: There are three NYEs you should know for puzzles. Did you know NYE is the name of the largest county in Nevada? I didn't think so. That one doesn't come up very often. Then there's Louis NYE, a comedian from the '50s–'60s known for his appearances on "The Steve Allen Show," especially the show's weekly "Man on the Street" sketches. But the most popular NYE in CrossWorld is 65D: PBS science guy Bill. All you need to know about him for crossword purposes is that in 2005 he had a television show called called "The Eyes of NYE." His previous show, "Bill Nye the Science Guy," aired in the 1990s and won seven Emmy Awards.

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

• 13A: Etonic competitor (AVIA).
• 43A: Hägar the Horrible's dog (SNERT).
• 45A: Zippy start? (ZEE).
• 66A: Work unit (ERG).
• 27D: Nephew of Cain (ENOS).
• 28D: Big birds of lore (ROCS).
• 60D: Eye part containing the iris (UVEA).
• 64D: "Taking Heat" memoirist Fleischer (ARI).

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Everything Else — 1A: Toad feature (WART); 5A: Cravings (URGES); 14A: Hollandaise and barbecue (SAUCES); 16A: Genetic molecule: Abbr. (RNA); 19A: "__ complicated" (IT'S); 20A: Evil smile (SNEER); 21A: Pac-10 hoops powerhouse (UCLA); 22A: Cambridge sch. (MIT); 23A: Letter before kappa (IOTA); 26A: Tranquil (AT PEACE); 32A: Possess (OWN); 33A: Italian "a" (UNA); 34A: Tide creations (POOLS); 37A: Formally relinquish (CEDE); 42A: Winter fall (SNOW); 46A: Well-armed org. (NRA); 52A: Nonsense (BALONEY); 54A: The ten in "hang ten" (TOES); 55A: Batter's stat (RBI); 56A: Power co. product (ELEC.); 58A: Freeze, as a plane's wings (ICE UP); 62A: + molecule, e.g. (ION); 68A: All done (OVER); 69A: Knox and McHenry: Abbr. (FTS.); 70A: "Do the Right Thing" actor Davis (OSSIE); 71A: Wimpy (WEAK); 1D: Serious conflicts (WARS); 2D: Cosmetic caller (AVON); 3D: Paddy grain (RICE); 4D: Adopt, as a puppy (TAKE IN); 5D: "Top Gun" org. (USN); 6D: "Groovy!" ("RAD!"); 9D: Do business with (SELL TO); 10D: Temperamental diva, e.g. (PRIMA DONNA); 11D: Shenanigan (ANTIC); 12D: Trash (WASTE); 18D: Yankee with 613 career homers, familiarly (A-ROD); 24D: Bull: Pref. (TAUR-); 25D: Oscar winner Paquin (ANNA); 29D: Wilson of "Marley & Me" (OWEN); 30D: Subordinates (UNDERLINGS); 35D: Manor master (LORD); 36D: Oscillate (SWAY); 40D: Car scar (DENT); 41D: Overhaul, as a Web site (REDO); 44D: Workers with an ear for music? (TUNERS); 48D: Italian ice cream (GELATO); 49D: "Laughing" critters (HYENAS); 51D: Money for taxes and insurance may be held in it (ESCROW); 52D: Lawyer's filing (BRIEF); 53D: NASA "Stop!" (ABORT); 57D: NBA's Shaq and Yao, e.g. (CTRS.); 59D: A gutter is often under it (EAVE); 61D: Exec's extra (PERK).

S U N D A Y November 14, 2010 Jeff Chen (syndicated)

Theme: "Physical Therapy Session"— All the theme answers are two-word phrases with the initials P.T.

[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:

• 23A: It begins with H (PERIODIC TABLE).
• 29A: Place to take a date? (PALM TREE).
• 35A: Worker with a fork (PIANO TUNER).
• 46A: Wood shop item (POWER TOOL).
• 57A: One may be used in child support (PATERNITY TEST).
• 69A: You can't put it down (PAGE TURNER).
• 75A: All-bark, no-bite type (PAPER TIGER).
• 83A: Windshield downer (PARKING TICKET).
• 97A: History feature (PAST TENSE)
• 106A: Intimate exchange (PILLOW TALK).
• 115A: Number that may be shocking (PRICE TAG).
• 126A: Endurance level of a sort (PAIN THRESHOLD).

Howdy, folks. Doug here today. I thought it might be fun to devote a little more attention to the syndicated Sunday puzzle from time to time. PuzzleGirl gave me the keys to the place, but she likes to sleep in on Sundays, so try to not to disturb her with any loud comments.

Very straightforward theme today. The title had me thinking we were going to get some physical therapy-related puns. (Lady of Sprain, maybe?) No luck there, but apparently physical therapy is often abbreviated PT. OK, that works. I was impressed with the number of theme entries (12) in this one. Not quite Naddoresque, but impressive nonetheless. I'm sure the constructor had lots of PT's to choose from, and he put together a nice set. The most surprising to me was PAIN THRESHOLD. Interesting entry that I've never seen in a crossword grid, and you could even say it's related to physical therapy. Ouch.

Bullets:

• 23A: It begins with H (PERIODIC TABLE). I really liked this clue. I had no idea where it was going. Lots and lots of phrases start with H, right? Very clever. In case you're still in the dark, the first element in the periodic table is Hydrogen (H). My favorite periodic table is the Periodic Table of Comic Books.
• 50A: Chopin's Opus 10 works (ETUDES). For some reason, I read this clue as a complete sentence. "Chopin's Opus 10 works." "Works for what? Huh?"

• 103A: The toe of an Asian "boot" (OMAN). Hmmm, I didn't know Asia had a boot too. OK, I guess the Arabian Peninsula could be considered a boot. Italy's boot is definitely more stylish. Arabia looks like one of those Ugg boots.
• 125A: 1881 Pasteur vaccine target (ANTHRAX). An easier clue (for me) would have referenced the thrash metal band Anthrax. They were one of the "Big Four" thrash bands of the '80s, along with Megadeth, Metallica, and Slayer. I was going to include an Anthrax video here, but I think I've already exceeded the allowed level of Anthrax content for this blog.
• 131A: Discordant to many an ear (ATONAL). Yep, this clue would also work for ANTHRAX.
• 69D: Dorm wall art (PINUP). Feels like an anachronistic clue. I think of pin-ups as more of a WWII era thing. Betty Grable, Lana Turner, etc. On a side note, I just found out that Judge Wapner of "People's Court" fame dated Lana Turner when they were both students at Hollywood High.

• 99D: Critter on Australia's coat of arms (EMU). Three-letter word with "critter" and "Australia" in the clue? It's got to be ROO or EMU. Whaddya know, they're both on the coat of arms! The koalas and dingos must be ticked off.
• 109D: "Black bird" pursuer of fiction (SPADE). The "black bird" in question is the Maltese Falcon, and it's pursued by Sam Spade. One of my favorite books and movies. "The stuff that dreams are made of."
• 117D: Pop ___, Chok'lit Shoppe owner in "Archie" comics (TATE). This one was a gimme for me. I read a lot of "Archie" comics when I was a kid. It's hard for me to believe that they're still being published, but they're out there. I see "Archie" digests at the grocery store all the time. Do kids today read "Archie" comics? I hope there are at least a few young comic book geeks out there.

Have a great Sunday!

Crosswordese 101 Round-up:

• 28A: Hip-hop doc (DRE).
• 32A: Skipper's direction (ALEE).
• 44A: Looked for lampreys (EELED).
• 56A: NY tech. school since 1824 (RPI).
• 90A: Actress Thurman (UMA).
• 91A: Island at the edge of the Bering Sea (ATTU).
• 12D: Capital of Poland? (PEE).
• 51D: While lead-in (ERST).
• 59D: Daly of "Judging Amy" (TYNE).
• 72D: "Bambi" doe (ENA).
• 116D: Eagle by the shore (ERNE).

Everything Else — 1A: Target (AIM FOR); 7A: Zany (MADCAP); 13A: Standout in a small pond? (BIG FISH); 20A: "Pizza by the slice" chain (SBARRO); 21A: Cactus bump (AREOLE); 22A: Centers for Disease Control headquarters site (ATLANTA); 25A: Soaked up, as a spill (BLOTTED); 26A: Barnyard abode (STY); 27A: Fit together (MESH); 30A: Detection device (SENSOR); 34A: A very long time (EONS); 39A: Some are narrow (ESCAPES); 43A: Rice-A-__ (RONI); 53A: One of seven (ASIA); 55A: Video game giant (SEGA); 61A: Blotch (STAIN); 63A: VAIO computer maker (SONY); 64A: Took to the airport, say (SAW OFF); 68A: BrontÎ who wrote "Agnes Grey" (ANNE); 77A: Present-day Persia (IRAN); 78A: Swarmed (TEEMED); 80A: U.S. dept. concerned with radioactive waste (ENER.); 81A: "Inception" filmmaker Christopher (NOLAN); 95A: Face-off (DUEL); 96A: Beethoven's "Waldstein," e.g. (SONATA); 100A: __ toast (MELBA); 104A: From way back when (OLDTIME); 109A: __ City: Baghdad suburb (SADR); 112A: "__ said!" ('NUFF); 114A: Essence (NATURE); 119A: One way to sway (FRO); 121A: Chapeau site (TÊTE); 122A: __ tai (MAI); 129A: Cold War follower (DETENTE); 130A: Harshly criticize (SCATHE); 132A: Paris's Champs __ (ÉLYSÉES); 133A: Sommelier, e.g. (SERVER); 134A: Pestilent fly (TSE-TSE); 1D: Lethal snakes (ASPS); 2D: "As if!" ("I BET!"); 3D: Mrs. Lincoln (MARY); 4D: Calendar abbr. (FRI.); 5D: Words from a balcony (O ROMEO); 6D: Squirrel, for one (RODENT); 7D: Speed of sound (MACH ONE); 8D: Pianist Tatum (ART); 9D: __ in the water (DEAD); 10D: Lethal snake (COBRA); 11D: Gene variant (ALLELE); 13D: Ali the woodcutter (BABA); 14D: "__ cost you!" (IT'LL); 15D: Grab, in slang (GLOM); 16D: Most plump (FATTEST); 17D: Preamble (INTRO); 18D: "Card Players Quarreling" artist (STEEN); 19D: Underworld god (HADES); 24D: Time edition (ISSUE); 29D: Cowboy legend __ Bill (PECOS); 30D: Catty (SNIDE); 31D: Send along (RELAY); 33D: Uncanny ability (ESP); 35D: Get set (PREP); 36D: Itty-bitty bit (IOTA); 37D: "Sometimes you feel like __ ..." (ANUT); 38D: See 127-Down (REST); 40D: Amaze (AWE); 41D: Cribbage piece (PEG); 42D: Some are named for presidents (ERAS); 45D: "__ Irae" (DIES); 47D: Borneo rainforest dweller (ORANG); 48D: Offer a thought (OPINE); 49D: Big boat (LINER); 52D: Muzzle (SNOUT); 54D: Memo order (ASAP); 58D: Memo opening (IN RE); 60D: It flew its last flight in 2001 (TWA); 62D: Clavell's "__-Pan" (TAI); 65D: Start the bidding (OPEN); 66D: __ shui (FENG); 67D: Worries (FRETS); 70D: Wavy lines, in comics (AROMA); 71D: Bashes (GALAS); 73D: Brit. or Byzantine (EMP.); 74D: Pore over (READ); 76D: The Stooges, e.g. (TRIO); 79D: Jazz combo member (DRUM); 82D: Pertaining to all 50 sts. (NATL.); 84D: Opposite of spoil (KEEP); 85D: Bad, in rap slang (ILLIN'); 86D: 100 simoleons (C-NOTE); 87D: __ Sutra (KAMA); 88D: List-shortening term (ET AL.); 89D: Place to put a tiger, in old ads (TANK); 92D: Media mogul Turner (TED); 93D: "Rizzoli & Isles" station (TNT); 94D: Manipulating (USING); 98D: Primitive light sources (TORCHES); 101D: Gibberish (BLATHER); 102D: Adjust (ALTER); 105D: Obliterate (EFFACE); 107D: Consume more than (OUTEAT); 108D: Jerks (WRESTS); 110D: Synthetic fabric (ARNEL); 111D: Simple tune (DITTY); 113D: Brother in a hood? (FRIAR); 118D: Cancels (AXES); 120D: Airing, as a sitcom (ON TV); 122D: The Alps' __ Blanc (MONT); 123D: Regretful word (ALAS); 124D: Not doing anything (IDLE); 126D: They're usually under signatures: Abbr. (PS'S); 127D: With 38-Down, what's left (THE); 128D: Work the soil (HOE).

T U E S D A Y October 26, 2010 Jeff Chen

Theme: Here! — First words of the theme answers can precede the word "roll" in a familiar phrase.


Theme answers:

• 17A: *"That's a certainty!" ("BANK ON IT!").
• 22A: *Say "Well done," say (PAY A COMPLIMENT).
• 34A: *Cover the night's check (SPRING FOR DINNER).
• 46A: *Generate sales leads (DRUM UP BUSINESS).
• 54A: Attendance check, and a hint to the puzzle theme in the first words of the starred answers (ROLL CALL).

What we have today is a perfectly serviceable Tuesday. It's got a fine theme, with fine theme answers. The fill, most of which is short, is fine. Other than the theme, the longest answers in the grid are NO OUTLET and HELSINKI, which are ... fine. Unfortunately, it's just really hard to get excited about Tuesdays. If I show up here on a Tuesday and I'm not complaining about a weak theme and griping about a bunch of answers that I don't like, then I think we can call it a success.

Bullets:

• 1A: Homey (COZY). Wanted this answer to be "bro" or "buddy" or something like that.
• 21A: Mousse user (SALON). HAha! Misread this as "Mouse user," which I'm sure is exactly what I was supposed to do!

• 30A: Bozo (JERK). I think of a bozo as more of a dummy than a JERK, but either way "bozo" is an excellent put-down.
• 31A: Remark from Rex (ARF). I don't get why dogs are so often named Rex in CrossWorld. Is that really a typical dog name? Spot, Fido, Rover? Sure. Rex? Not so much.
• 42A: "Brave New World" drug (SOMA). We'll cover this in Crosswordese 301.
• 51A: Nae sayer (SCOT). "Nae" is how they say the word "no" in Scotland.
• 1D: Chard alternative (CAB) and 3D: Chard alternative (ZIN). Is chard a leafy green vegetable? Hold on .... Yes. Yes it is. Was anyone else tricked by this or was it just me because I'm not a wine drinker?

• 5D: Chandler's "Friends" ex-girlfriend with an annoying laugh (JANICE). Great clue! By far my favorite thing in the whole puzzle.
• 56D: Poetic pugilist (ALI). I thought I was looking for a boxer that appeared in a poem, not a boxer who himself was prone to lapsing into poetry.

Crosswordese 101: Q.E.D., which you'll often see at the end of a mathematical proof or a philosophical argument, stands for the Latin quod erat demonstrandum ("that which was to be demonstrated"). When you see Q.E.D. in a crossword clue it's almost always prompting you for the answer ERAT. Clues are generally straightforward: "Q.E.D. part," "Part of Q.E.D.," or 29A: Q.E.D. word.

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

• 14A: Converse competitor (AVIA).
• 41A: Long-tongued cartoon dog (ODIE).
• 60A: Doctor of music? (DRE).
• 62A: Some dadaist paintings (ERNSTS).
• 2D: Egg cells (OVA).
• 8D: No more seats, on a sign (SRO).
• 24D: Rumored Himalayan beast (YETI).

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Everything Else — 5A: Boeing product (JET); 8A: Shoulder wraps (SHAWLS); 15A: Fuss (ADO); 16A: Immensely popular (RED HOT); 19A: "Ripe" part of life (OLD AGE); 20A: Ceremonial act (RITE); 27A: Rock examiner? (JEWELER); 28A: A seeming eternity (EONS); 39A: Function (USE); 40A: Suave to a fault (OILY); 43A: Obvious (EVIDENT); 50A: Knock one's knuckles against (RAP AT); 52A: To excess (OVERLY); 59A: Blew off steam (VENTED); 61A: Skin lotion additive (ALOE); 63A: Verizon rival (AT&T); 64A: Coquette (MINX); 4D: Himalayan beast (YAK); 6D: Magazine VIP (EDITOR); 7D: Carved pole (TOTEM); 9D: Capital east of Oslo (HELSINKI); 10D: "Mysterious and spooky" TV family name (ADDAMS); 11D: Ahab's quarry (WHALE); 12D: Start one's work day, maybe (LOG ON); 13D: Angioplasty implant (STENT); 18D: Like much family history (ORAL); 22D: Offenders, in copspeak (PERPS); 23D: Enlightened (AWARE); 25D: Word with group or pressure (PEER); 26D: British nobleman (LORD); 27D: Son of God, in a Bach cantata (JESU); 30D: Elation (JOY); 31D: Bolivian range (ANDES); 32D: Stagecoach controls (REINS); 33D: Fuss (FRET); 35D: Sign at a cul-de-sac (NO OUTLET); 36D: Hobbling gait (GIMP); 37D: Love handles, so to speak (FLAB); 38D: Botanical branch point (NODE); 42D: Stings (SMARTS); 43D: Companion (ESCORT); 44D: Purple shade (VIOLET); 45D: Worldwide: Abbr. (INTL.); 46D: Took the wheel (DROVE); 47D: Ecstatic film critic, e.g. (RAVER); 48D: Sch. founded by Franklin (U. PENN.); 49D: Dietary standard often measured in mg. (USRDA); 53D: NFL rushing nos. (YDS.); 55D: "Overhead" engine part (CAM); 57D: "Man of a Thousand Faces" Chaney (LON); 58D: Archvillain Luthor (LEX).

T U E S D A Y October 5, 2010 Jeff Chen

Theme: Solving la puzzle loca — Theme answers are familiar phrases that mix Spanish with English words.


Theme answers:

• 17A: Site for flashy couples dancing (SALSA CLUB).
• 28A: Annual college football game in Arizona (FIESTA BOWL).
  
• 38A: Spicy deep-fried stuffed appetizers (JALAPENO POPPERS).
• 45A: Nap period, in Latin America (SIESTA TIME).
• 62A: 2004 Adam Sandler movie, and a hint to the puzzle theme found in 17-, 28-, 38- and 45-Across (SPANGLISH).

More wrestling stuff today for PuzzleGirl, so SethG here with a quick summary.

The theme concept is nice, the execution mostly nice. The phrasing on the FIESTA BOWL clue is a little weird--this isn't what the game is called just in Arizona, this is actually the game's name. But that, SALSA CLUB, and JALAPENO POPPERS are all phrases that have entered the American vernacular. SIESTA TIME, on the other hand, is not a phrase I'm familiar with. Do they actually call it that in Latin America? If not, this is not actually Spanglish, it's just a made-up phrase that combines Spanish and English. Even if they do, this is the only theme clue that requires an "in Latin America" modifier. I was gonna say -1/10 from the East German judge, but there's no more East Germany and why would he be judging Spanglish, anyway?

I never saw the movie. I've heard it's mediocre. Was it?

Bullets:

• 1A: Houlihan portrayer in 5-Across (SWIT)/5A: Korean War sitcom (M*A*S*H). Blogger spell-checker doesn't like "portrayer". I got to 1A, couldn't think of anyone named Houlihan, moved on to 5A, said "oh", then went back to fill in Loretta SWIT first. Played by Sally Kellerman in the movie, by ink in the Richard Hooker novel. I didn't look any of that up. If PuzzleGirl were here, this would be a video fer sher.
• 20A: Popular swim briefs (SPEEDOS). If PuzzleGirl were here, this would be a picture fer sher.
  
• 24A: Group of street toughs (GANG). Calling them "toughs" does not make them sound tough.

• 53A: "Ain't happening!" (NO SIREE). Usually said to Bob. I had to think for a bit to see if this was part of the theme.
  
• 57A: Emulates Jell-O (WIGGLES). See also: JIGGLES.
• 61A: Bar, in law (ESTOP). This means to legally prevent, not that a happy-hour hangout where lawyers meet programmers is an e-stop.
  
• 66A: Poet Lazarus (EMMA) was tired, poor, and a huddled mass yearning to breathe free.
• 24D: "Start that job now!" (GET ON IT). Usually said to Lt. Tom Kazansky or a catapult officer.
• 35D: The "m" in E = mc² (MASS). Also the MA.
• 53D: Giraffe's trademark (NECK). I like giraffes, and giraffes like me.
  
• 57D: "Living" payment (WAGE). See also: JAGE.
• 59D: Salinger heroine (ESME). With all his f-a-c-u-l-t-i-e-s intact. If you haven't read this, read this. This.
  

Crosswordese 101: We covered IONA, but not yet IONE. IONE may be the heroine in "The Last Days of Pompeii", or one of the Nereids, which are apparently Grecian sea-nymphs. Most of the time, though, the clue will be like today's 56D: Actress Skye. Her name is Ione Skye. She's been in lotsa stuff, but she's probably most well-known for her role as Diane Court in Say Anything. Her dad is Donovan, and they quite rightly call him mellow yellow.

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Everything Else — 5A: Korean War sitcom (MASH); 9A: Reading aids (LAMPS); 14A: __ Major: Great Bear (URSA); 15A: Actress Hayworth (RITA); 16A: Native Alaskan (ALEUT); 19A: Confiscate (SEIZE); 21A: Issue an embarrassing retraction (EAT CROW); 23A: Foul caller (REF); 25A: Competed in a race (RAN); 34A: Physics bit (ATOM); 36A: Ending for absorb (-ENT); 37A: Supreme Court justice Sotomayor (SONIA); 42A: Crop up (ARISE); 43A: Indian bread (NAN); 44A: Takes to court (SUES); 48A: Paid athlete (PRO); 49A: Sign over a door (EXIT); 50A: Sign before Virgo (LEO); 64A: Bridal registry category (CHINA); 65A: Impulse (URGE); 67A: Musical Carpenter (KAREN); 68A: Word with pressure or review (PEER); 69A: Gush (SPEW); 1D: Figure (out), in slang (SUSS); 2D: Conclude, with "up" (WRAP); 3D: Castaway's place (ISLE); 4D: Shocking weapon (TASER); 5D: Appliance brand that helps you wake up? (MR. COFFEE); 6D: Suffers (AILS); 7D: "The Simpsons" disco guy (STU); 8D: __ corpus (HABEAS); 9D: Like a desperate effort (LAST-GASP); 10D: Actor Guinness (ALEC); 11D: Israel's Golda (MEIR); 12D: "The Godfather" author Mario (PUZO); 13D: Goulash, e.g. (STEW); 18D: Summer drink (ADE); 22D: Tiny army member (ANT); 25D: Indian nobles (RAJAS); 26D: Centipede video game creator (ATARI); 27D: "Cross my heart!" ("NO LIE!"); 29D: Lodge (INN); 30D: Hits on the noggin (BOPS); 31D: Outdo (ONE-UP); 32D: Electrician, at times (WIRER); 33D: Steer catcher (LASSO); 39D: Broadway flier (PETER PAN); 40D: Nonstick spray (PAM); 41D: "I just flew in, and boy are my arms tired!," e.g. (ONE LINER); 46D: Tree feller (AXE); 47D: Snarls, as traffic (TIES UP); 51D: Scrambled fare (EGG); 52D: Makes eyes at (OGLES); 54D: Fed. workplace watchdog (OSHA); 55D: Cookbook verb (STIR); 58D: Hobble (LIMP); 60D: "Pygmalion" playwright (SHAW); 63D: Season opener? (PRE-).