Theme: Lose Out
20A: Start of a quip: A GOOD LOSER IS
28A: Part 2 of quip: ALL RIGHT BUT
39A: Part 3 of quip: IT'S
44A: Part 4 of quip: NOT VERY MUCH
52A: End of quip: FUN TO BEAT HIM
Why "AT HIM"? What does it mean? Why not simply "BE HIM"? So hard for me to grok what he is trying to convey. (Addendum: My bad. It's "TO BEAT HIM", not "TO BE AT HIM". The original Evan Esar quip is: "A good loser is all right, but it isn't so much fun to beat him.")
A slight Russian/East European sub-theme:
21A: Gymnast Korbut: OLGA. OLGA means"Holy" in Russian.
30D: Second cosmonaut: TITOV (Gherman). I've never heard of this name before. Only know Yuri Gagarin. Look, it's autographed.
37D: Buckwheat groats: KASHA. Not familiar with KASHA. The only buckwheat product I like is soba noodle (served cold).
Nothing scintillating about this puzzle. The theme is too STALE (49D: Like old bread) for me. If I were the editor, I would listen to and respect puzzle solvers' opinions and offer quip/quote puzzle once a month at most.
Across:
1A: Time for a shower?: APRIL. How far would you go for true love?
10A: Small town: BURG. What is the average population size for a BURG?
14A: Spyri heroine: HEIDI. Identical clue/answer in his June 26 "Gossip" quip.
18A: Spicy stew: OLIO. So is OLLA (56A: Earthenware pot), which also means "Spicy stew".
23A: Money-managing exec.: CFO. Andrew Fastow's mug always pops into my mind every time I see a CFO clue.
32A: Bologna neighbor: MODENA. Have vaguely heard of this motor racing city (Ferrari 360 MODENA) before, but I don't think I would have got it without the crossing fills. Pavarotti was born here. Wikipedia says MODENA is also "well known in culinary circles for its production of balsamic vinegar".
40A: Shepherdess in Virgil's "Eclogues": DELIA. No idea. I've never heard of "Eclogues" and I don't know who DELIA is. Are you familiar with Bob Dylan's DELIA?
50A: Dissemblance: ACT. I got it from down clue. I did not know the meaning of "Dissemblance".
63A: Small monkey: TITI. I forgot again. It appeared in our puzzle before. He has such a long tail.
67A: Pumps, e.g.: SHOES. Silly "In Her Shoes".
Down:
5D: Pasta choice: LINGUINE. What are those green pieces?
6D: Make even: SMOOTH. Beautiful "SMOOTH operator" (Sade), so sensual.
9D: Rose: STOOD UP. I was thinking of this "Rose", Xchefwalt's FLOUR FLOWER.
10D: Elaine of "Seinfeld": BENES. You know something, no soup for you!
12D: Marconi's medium: RADIO. Gimme, after all those Tesla/Edison discussions 2 weeks ago.
31D: Oceanography deg: BMS (Bachelor of Marine Science). Once again, I obtained this answer from the across fills.
35D: Spoken: ALOUD. Are they really synonymous?
53D: Bruhn of ballet: ERIK. Unknown to me. Wikipedia says he had a long relationship with Rudolf Nureyev.
55D: Fluttery flyer: MOTH. "I was always the butterfly, and you were always the MOTH. And now it's time to embrace the flame."
59D: Personal question?: WHO. I penned in AGE first.
C.C.
20A: Start of a quip: A GOOD LOSER IS
28A: Part 2 of quip: ALL RIGHT BUT
39A: Part 3 of quip: IT'S
44A: Part 4 of quip: NOT VERY MUCH
52A: End of quip: FUN TO BEAT HIM
Why "AT HIM"? What does it mean? Why not simply "BE HIM"? So hard for me to grok what he is trying to convey. (Addendum: My bad. It's "TO BEAT HIM", not "TO BE AT HIM". The original Evan Esar quip is: "A good loser is all right, but it isn't so much fun to beat him.")
A slight Russian/East European sub-theme:
21A: Gymnast Korbut: OLGA. OLGA means"Holy" in Russian.
30D: Second cosmonaut: TITOV (Gherman). I've never heard of this name before. Only know Yuri Gagarin. Look, it's autographed.
37D: Buckwheat groats: KASHA. Not familiar with KASHA. The only buckwheat product I like is soba noodle (served cold).
Nothing scintillating about this puzzle. The theme is too STALE (49D: Like old bread) for me. If I were the editor, I would listen to and respect puzzle solvers' opinions and offer quip/quote puzzle once a month at most.
Across:
1A: Time for a shower?: APRIL. How far would you go for true love?
10A: Small town: BURG. What is the average population size for a BURG?
14A: Spyri heroine: HEIDI. Identical clue/answer in his June 26 "Gossip" quip.
18A: Spicy stew: OLIO. So is OLLA (56A: Earthenware pot), which also means "Spicy stew".
23A: Money-managing exec.: CFO. Andrew Fastow's mug always pops into my mind every time I see a CFO clue.
32A: Bologna neighbor: MODENA. Have vaguely heard of this motor racing city (Ferrari 360 MODENA) before, but I don't think I would have got it without the crossing fills. Pavarotti was born here. Wikipedia says MODENA is also "well known in culinary circles for its production of balsamic vinegar".
40A: Shepherdess in Virgil's "Eclogues": DELIA. No idea. I've never heard of "Eclogues" and I don't know who DELIA is. Are you familiar with Bob Dylan's DELIA?
50A: Dissemblance: ACT. I got it from down clue. I did not know the meaning of "Dissemblance".
63A: Small monkey: TITI. I forgot again. It appeared in our puzzle before. He has such a long tail.
67A: Pumps, e.g.: SHOES. Silly "In Her Shoes".
Down:
5D: Pasta choice: LINGUINE. What are those green pieces?
6D: Make even: SMOOTH. Beautiful "SMOOTH operator" (Sade), so sensual.
9D: Rose: STOOD UP. I was thinking of this "Rose", Xchefwalt's
10D: Elaine of "Seinfeld": BENES. You know something, no soup for you!
12D: Marconi's medium: RADIO. Gimme, after all those Tesla/Edison discussions 2 weeks ago.
31D: Oceanography deg: BMS (Bachelor of Marine Science). Once again, I obtained this answer from the across fills.
35D: Spoken: ALOUD. Are they really synonymous?
53D: Bruhn of ballet: ERIK. Unknown to me. Wikipedia says he had a long relationship with Rudolf Nureyev.
55D: Fluttery flyer: MOTH. "I was always the butterfly, and you were always the MOTH. And now it's time to embrace the flame."
59D: Personal question?: WHO. I penned in AGE first.
C.C.
111 comments:
Good morning Cc and Dfs. Cc the answer is too beat him not to be at him.
Good morning, C.C. and all.
I was up unusually early today, and finished the puzzle by 5:40 CDT. When I logged into the blog to post my comment, today’s entry wasn’t up yet! C.C., I hope you’re well.
C.C, it’s BEAT HIM.
And..it looks like green pepper, maybe some celery, and parsley on the pasta.
I don’t care for the quip Thursdays, but today’s puzzle was easy. The only word I had to guess at was TITI. I started with ‘artist’ for AMUSER, and ‘bare’ for NUDE, and ‘ragu’ for OLIO, but they worked out with the fills. So did ERIK.
Xchef, isn’t there an Italian sauce that is butter and garlic, or oil and garlic that sounds like OILO?
Can you hear the theme from “Jaws” in the background? There’s a big green mass on the radar screen that may, or may not cover Chicago today. I think we might be napping this afternoon rather than gardening.
I hope you all have a good day!
This was a strange puzzle for me. I completed the entire upper half in record time then hit the wall in the lower half. I needed two trips to see Mr G as I did not know 52D, 37D and 40A. Except for this it was a breeze.
Good morning, c.c. and gang - got through this in good time this morning, thanks to the perps. Didn't know 'delia' or Erik Bruhn, and couldn't remember the second cosmonaut.
kittyb, I think you're talking about aglio et olio.
Almost Friday - have a great day.
Dick & Bill,
I've corrected my mistake. Thank you.
KittyB,
I got up late this morning. Celery on LINGUINE? New to me.
Dennis,
A sub-4 minute?
Good morning, C.C. and fellow DF's.
Not a bad one today at all. April and May (cinco de mayo) are both here. Stark naked (nude) will certainly get the siren sisters going. Of course, that's a "moot" point. They probably all like to show a little "skin" and run around barefoot without "shoes." Dennis, Dick, and I would certainly "eye" them if they did so.
Is that green peppers on the linguine? Just guessing.
Today is National Spumoni Ice Cream Day and Poet's Day.
Since we just had reference to Count Basie yesterday I will mention that he was born on this day in 1904. Wilt "The Stilt" Chamberlain was born on August 21, 1936.
Have a great Thursday. I'm off to Atlantic City tomorrow.
Oh, one more quick thing. That monkey's name and his long tail will get some of the DF's going today.
c.c., no, sub-5.
I have a question for the group. Did you ever look at the promo shot for a movie and wonder what the hell it means? Look at the one c.c. showed for 1A, "April's Showers". Can somebody tell me what's going on with that? Is she admiring the size of his dorky yellow umbrella? Is she thinking they're deranged since it's not raining?
Maybe I need medication.
Good morning CC & DF's: Record time for me this AM. Thought the quip was cute...altho' I disagree. It's fun to beat anyone - it's just a matter of with what. Today is giving "hi, ho!" a whole new meaning. Now it's "hi ho, hi ho,it's off to work we go." Playtime is over.
Wonder how our Floridians fared. My cousin in Bonita Springs had trees down and no phone, but no injuries at all.
Enjoy your day.
Dennis, Actually, it appears as though she's looking off in the distance, rolling her eyes and asking herself "What did I ever do to deserve to wind up with this goofball ??"
Dennis don't let that April Shower promo rain on your parade. You don't need medication as its almost Friday.
Dennis: I thought she was considering the question of 'how far would you go for true love?' and checking out how to take out the overdressed slut with her man. But that's just me.
I could be wrong about the celery, but there's a piece of something green, that looks ridged at the center bottom of the dish...to the right of the bigger piece of green pepper. Ask Walt.
I love "Smooth Operator," but I don't know if I recognize the rest of Sade's work. I'll have to surf.
Thanks, Dennis. I was fairly sure there was something about 'oilo' in the name of that sauce, and it's why the clue in this puzzle confused me.
C.C., everyone gets to sleep in now and then. It just happened I was up unusually early on the day you slept in. (In other words, no criticism intended.)
Good morning everyone.
Not a bad puzzle today. I missed a few.
It was hard to tell what was on the linguini,,,,I agree with Kittyb, maybe there is a little basil in there too???
Kasha is good CC, if it is made right.
I loved the picture of the rose, it was beautiful.
I am not familiar with Bob Dylan's Delia.
My son who lives just outside of Tampa said they had no effects from the storm. My mom who lives on the other coast said they were having lots of rain and some high winds.
Have a good day everyone....
Morning, all!
Like others have reported, this puzzle started out smoothly and then became progressively more difficult the further down the grid I got. With most quip puzzles, I can only figure out the quip after I've gotten all the cross clues. In this case, however, I actually needed (and, fortunately, was able) to figure out the quip in order to solve the perps.
Words I did not know (or simply forgot):
MODENA
DELIA
TITI
TITOV
IRT
BMS
ERIK (Bruhn)
The center of the puzzle was the hardest, since TITOV and BMS were side-by-side and crossed by the quip. Fortunately, as I said, I figured out that 39A was probably ITS due to the sentence structure of the rest of the quip, and that let me solve that section.
A few false starts elsewhere, including BRADS instead of TACKS and a misguided attempt to put LASAGNAS for 5D instead of LINGUINE, but nothing horrible.
I never thought of OLIO as being a particularly spicy stew, btw. I always thought it was just a general word for any stew or hodgepodge. A quick consult of my dictionary, however, confirms what C. C. said -- one definition of OLIO is a synonym of olla podrida, which is a spicy stew of Spanish/Latin American origin. You learn something new every day, huh?
You can read alot into that April photo, Dennis. One of those ladies is certainly thinking up something dastardly to do to the other one. Lois has probably got the best interpretation.
Good Morning.
Delia seems to be very obscure. Vigil only mentions the name in passing, "insomuch that now our dogs know not Delia better. The character was saying his boyfriend came around so much that the dogs knew him as well as they knew the shepherdess, I think.
Dylan is almost as bad; video but you better have the lyrics in front of you to understand what he is saying.
I had a bit of a time figuring out “a pop”. When I finally got PER, it made sense…as in “I went to the movies last week and it was $10 a pop”…meaning PER one, or each.
Other than that the puzzle was fairly easy. I have never seen “Seinfield”, so had to get Elaine BENES from the crosses. Likewise I never saw “Grease”, but I have at least heard of Eve Arden. I found it humorous that one “orders out” to EAT IN. ;-) And, sorry, being an OLDIE does not make a tune a classic.
Ah, we are over the hump this week and have only one more day to go!
Good morning c.c., DF’s and all! It’s no secret that I detest these quip puzzles, and this one is no different, although I did do better on this one than on most. Unknowns were 34A and 40A, 37D (I wanted it to be SOBA also).
@kittyb- It looks like parsley and green pepper in the linguini and whit clam (although the green pepper is foreign to me in that recipe). The sauce you speak of is “Agloi Olio” (garlic and oil), made classically with anchovies, garlic, olive oil and a small amount of pasta water; the items are cooked, then forced through a strainer.
@lois- I live about 5 miles north of Bonita (I even lived there for a time, off East Terry Street), and we had no damage (I saw one tree down, and we had power and phone through all). I’m glad everyone is OK.
Good morning all,
Pretty easy one today, kind of skipped to the bottom and worked my way up. I wanted Dirty instead of April, and was thinking of rose the flower, but was able to figure out the quip so got the rest. Under 15 minutes for me today and no Mr. G, yea!
I live in Port Charlotte FL and Tuesday was a breeze here. The weather was actually a lot worse the last couple of days and this morning the rain was so hard it woke me up! The east coast got the worse of the storm I think other than south of Naples where the storm initially hit.
It looks like the larger pieces are green pepper and some parsley.
Good morning. Pretty easy one. Could the green in the pasta be the light green of chopped leeks and also shredded basil or parsley? Visited Modena a few years ago; attended a balsamic tasting event. Production of balsamic is an interesting and very controlled process. Aged balsamic on fresh strawberries is one of life's pleasures.
I'm with you CC, I really don't like "quip Thursdays". When I woke this morning my first thought (well, almost my first thought) was "oh, no a quip puzzle today".
Anyway, no problem with today's puzzle. I had to do some thinking/guessing around the middle but got all without resorting to Google or other aids.
Dennis et al,
Crossword Plague? Are we nuts? What is the satire here?
CC & DFs...Not bad but not a great quip to go along with the olympics! Same new words and forgotten words already mentioned but perps got me through.
drdad...Today can't be poets day, Fridays are poets day...
Pis* On Everything Tomorrows Saturday
Hi ya'll,
I thought Mr. Olschwang was going to destroy me this morning, but due to perps, hors and a lot of good guessing, was able to finish without googling.
Yaaaaaa
razzberry: Poets Day
jimbo: what is your "hors" referring to? The only things I know of are 1) hors d'oeuvre (French = outside the work) and 2) Hors = Slavic god of the winter sun.
Dr.Dad,
Hors: Horizontal fills.
Jimbo et al,
Don't use Hors any more. I don't like it.
Good Morning, I was going to spend a couple of paragraphs complaining about not very amusing quips and TITOV, DELIA and TITI. Then I read C.C.'s link to Ron Rosenbaum's article on Slate.
I don't think there is any satire here, C.C. Mr. Rosenbaum seems to genuinely not like crossword puzzles, and he's not too impressed by the people who enjoy solving them.
He wonders why we do them. I'll explain why I do them. I believe it is good for "brain exercise". I have a tendency to forget words that five minutes ago were readily available. It happens to most of us as we age. Not a health problem, just an annoyance. Sure, a lot of the words are easy repeats. If they were all impossible solves, it would just be too frustrating. The TMS is just the right amount (usually) of gimmes and tough new words.
Most of us at this site, and I think we are pretty representative of crossword fans, do read, A LOT! Mr. Rosenbaum assumes that it is an either-or choice; crosswords or reading. Ain't so! I think Mr. Rosenbaum is way off base there.
He does make one good point. Mystery Science Theater 3000 was a terrific show.
Not a bad quip, not a bad puzzle, but nothing too fun. Didn't need Mr G, with some good guesses and lucky crosses. Thought it was interesting to see AMUSER since we just had AMUSED yesterday. I guess that word just fits in lots of places.
I love the word BURG - I grew up in one!
The movie I associate with "APRIL" is Enchanted April - delightful film. And the more recent Pieces of April with Katie Holmes (Mrs Tom Cruise) and the great Patricia Clarkson is also worth watching.
I adore Sade - she's perfect when you want to mellow out or you're feeling melancholy.
The green stuff in the pasta dish looks like leeks (as Bea said) or scallions, or maybe some kind of light green hot pepper.
Barry - I also thought BRADS instead of TACKS - perhaps we're making it more complicated than it was . . .
cc: That was a very funny Slate piece. Talk about a waste of time...how much time did it take the author to write this rant against puzzlers?
Good morning everyone!
Worked this one online last night and had BEST him instead of BEAT him for the longest time and finally was able to ferret it out. Did have to G TITI, though. New words today were TITI, DELIA, TITOV, BMS. I actually knew KASHA from shopping the cereal aisle. Perps and horizontal fills helped fill in, but I still don't care for the weekly dose of quips!!
@kittyb, I concur with your green analysis. I think the cooking term you're looking for is aioli. Only know it from menus, not from recipes.
@jimbo Good for you!
C.C., just read your comment and changed my post to conform. Your wish is our command.
I hope the bloggers at this site don't get too irate or too defensive over the Slate column. He's clearly being funny - the puzzle craze is responsible for the bad economy? It heralds the end of the world? His exaggeration makes it obvious that he isn't being serious. He should read this blog to see just how literate puzzle maniacs are, and just how full of life too.
Wow, No G's today.
And, great time (for me) 15 min!
Some I didn't know but the perps and others put everything together very well.
CC, TO BEAT HIM...not BE AT HIM.
Later, dudes!!
Good morning c.c. and friends. Did I just say "good morning"? "Who am I and what have I done with Buckeye?."
With the exception of "Modena" see Dennis 6:45 a.m. for my problems this morning. All the same. Got everything through the perps (nor hors, c.c.)except Delia (40a) and Groats (37d). Had to Google Delia.
Got "Eve" of "Grease" because, as a kid, I listened to "Our Miss Brooks" on the radio. She was a teacher and one of her students was named Walter Denton. He was played by Richard Crenna ("First Blood", and a T.V. show he directed and starred in called "The Real McCoy's" with Walter Brennan. Crenna was in a lot of things, both film and T.V.)
Wanted to spell linguine with an "I" at the end instead of an "E". Did a pantry run because "Paini" didn't make "Common Sense". My box says "linguine" but I noticed xchefwalt spelled it "linguini".
and he's my cooking guru.(Floridite or not.)
c.c., As I posted late one night last week, I never fail or make mistakes. I just find successful ways to do things incorrectly.
Off to the links. I'll check in with you knuckleheads later tonight.
GO BUCKS!!
I must be off.
clear ayes, MST3K was just outstanding! I always wondered why they stopped it; there's an unending supply of B movies.
I actually bought the 3K collection off Ebay a couple months ago, and I'm about halfway through. Have you seen most of them?
Did I sound like I was angry about the Slate article? Not really,but if Mr. Rosenbaum was being cheerily sarcastic and is, in actuality, fond of crosswords and puzzle solvers, I missed it. I'm just not a big fan of sarcasm as a vehicle for humor. A person I very much respected once told me, "Sarcasm is a tool of the coward. If the butt of the joke is offended by a sneering or mocking comment, the jokester can always claim, "Gee, what a poor sport you are; I was only kidding."" OK, Enough of that!
Danielle, loved "Enchanted April". There is something about a movie set in a 1920's or 30's Italian villa that can't miss.
Dennis, not only do I love MST3K, I also love Ebay. I have watched quite a few of the shows, but I'll check out Ebay for the collection. Sounds like a great party; a few MSTies, some Cheetos, Buckeye's Boone's Farm wine and a MST3K marathon!
g'mornin' Cc & Dfs
I'm back in beautiful O. Pretty much the same weather as when I left; clouds, rain, WET. I understand it's been hot though.
This puzzle was a wake up call for my brain cells. Blew right through it till I got to the southwest corner. Old bread should have been a gimme but stale failed to kick in. 42A, 62A & 65A made no sense without stale... so there I sat.
Anyway, I missed you all.
@walt I forgot to post the "scratch" margarita recipe before I left so if you still want it I'll pass it on.
@crockett1947- Aioli is a French condiment. It comes from Provence and is in essence garlic mayonnaise. It is the basis of ruee, the cold sauce that is served with bouillabaisse.
@carl- welcome back! All recipes are needed and welcome. Thanks.
I didn't know that olla podrida was Spanish for spicy stew. The literal translation is rotten pot. Hmmm! The puzzle was pretty easy, but I agree with the consensus that quips are a definite negative. Have a great day!
Sorry C.C.--
Did'nt mean to offend.
I agree (somewhat) with Clear Eyes about the Slate article. I say somewhat because it did push my angry button. I read about 3 paragraphs and stopped.
Entertainment is never a waste of time. I find crosswords entertaining, and I find ridicule boring at best. People who try to make themselves look clever at someone else’s expense show a streak of meanness that makes me want to get away from them – or their words – as quickly as possible.
An alternate motivation is a simple minded desire to display their cleverness. It’s still insensitive and shallow and not worth my time. What do I care how clever someone is if they can cheerfully trash another human being?
Off my soap box now.
Hi C.C. and everyone...this is my 3rd try this morning. I keep getting a msg that the site cannot find my post or something to that effect.
I didn't care much for the quip, but otherwise it was a fun puzzle. I have not seen "The Matrix" and have never watched "Seinfeld" so had trouble there for awhile. I never am happy when they have TV or movie star clues.
Dennis: I also think that poster is inane..buy to me, it looks like the guy is really getting an "eye"full. Maybe it's time to bring out those "raincoats" again :)
good afternoon...I am in New York and the paper AM NY has the same crossword puzzle in it today as this! I was googling the "quip" and this popped up..it's a small world.
My reaction to the Slate article is as follows...
I understood the article to not be attacking crossword puzzles or crossword puzzle solvers in general, but instead the perceived idea that we cruciverbalists think we're somehow better or smarter than the "unwashed masses" because we are able to do the puzzles.
To which I respond: (a) not all cruciverbalists feel they are smarter than everybody else, (b) those that do feel they are smarter than everybody else are probably justified in feeling that way, and (c) the whole article smacks of the sort of sour grapes you usually get from somebody who is not very good at the activity being ridiculed.
For the record, I do crossword puzzles because I enjoy doing them and firmly believe they help keep my brain cells active. The fact that I can do them reasonably well makes me believe that I am, in fact, smarter than those who can't do them, but only with regard to a certain limited measure of intelligence. Just like those who excel at sodoko or chess or any other activity that I'm not an expert in are probably smarter than I am in a limited sense.
Mark - Buenos Aires
Can you tell me the letter crossing NYC line and B´way theatre,
I have I-T down and S-O across. I could make a guess at SHO, is this right?
Another favour to ask. My recipe asks for 3/4 cups of butter. Can any of you kind people translate that to ounces or grams for me?
Much obliged
Beautiful sunny winter´s day here (if I was in England - it would be a beautiful sunny summer´s day.)
Keep safe all.
Good afternoon, missed you all yesterday as I was out setting up and working a "gourmet" foodshow. Really good food though.
Today I had a heck of time. I had to google Modena, not too good a geography. I must admit I need to do some studying on that subject.
I also thought that the clue disemblance was a stretch for act.
Heidi was a favorite book of mine from childhood. I must have read that 10 times. Always wanted to have my hair in braids back then.
That titi sure does have a long tail! It looks pretty strong too.
xchefwalt, one of the things I tried yesterday was (sp) bogna calda. It was a rich creamy warm dip made essentially with anchovies and garlic. You dip crusty italian bread in it. I am not a huge anchovie fan, but could have probably eated the whole pan with a nice shiraz or chianti.
That Slate article is just plain hooey. I think crossword puzzles and soduko challenge the mind. I would like him to challenge drdad on knowledge. I mention drdad because his blog features word puzzles daily. Heck for that matter, anyone on this blog. We seem to all have most of our faculties and then some!
Mark Buenos Aires: SRO...as in Standing Room Only, which is what might be the case for a hit Broadway show.
Mark, Buenos aires, 3/4 cup is 6oz.
c.c./Clear ayes: Almost didn't make it through the article, but somehow managed to. I agree completely with Clear ayes' comments. I too am an avid reader and always have a book in progress, so there Mr Rosenbaum!!! And, besides two crossword puzzles (one is also in our Classified section), I also do Sudoku, Word Jumble, and Cryptoquip. What would he think of that?
Have a great day everyone!
By the way, drdad, here is a scoop of spumoni to go with your linguini.
@Mark 12:48. The cross is R to give SRO and IRT.
@ Mark here is a site for cup to gram conversion.
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_many_grams_are_in_a_cup
Now, now! Let's not get into an ice cream fight again! Let's try throwing our pasta and noodles and sauce around.
Splooosh!! A big ladle of lobster cream sauce in your face, cokato.
BTW - Do all titis have tails?
drdad, you really think we oughta be throwing our noodles around?
Why not? Our noodles are only DF anyway.
Uh.....let's not say that too loud, ok?
5D: Pasta choice: LINGUINE. What are those green pieces?
It looks like oregano.
Good morning CC and friends,
Just my two cents and I'll go. The first half went smooth until I got to KASHA, DELIA, IRT/SRO AND RLS. Then I had to bear down and managed to get most of it.
clear eyes, you are dead on with your discussion of the slate artical. I read all of the time, I like it. I do CW's every day except Sunday, there fun and if they keep my old mind sharp what's the problem?
Clear Ayes et al,
I enjoyed your comments on the Slate piece, so bloggerific!
Xchefwalt,
Hmmm, For-man's "Amadeus", shall we have an open discussion here on why you like FLOWER?
Lois,
What is "Carla's dish/Cheers Sun?" Why did you opt for "Clam Chowdah?" Why did you mention "Halloween" yesterday?
Mark,
Did you make up the "The plebs are revolting" & "Yes they have no soap!" story yesterday?
Thomas,
Don't worry about the 100 limit. You can comment here any time you like, as long as it is related to that specific day's crossword.
Barry et al,
"Oh, Ron. Just drop me a line. I will clue you in free."
About the Slate article: It very possible could be all tongue-in-cheek, or it may be the view from his perspective. Either way, I couldn't care less. I do several puzzles a day because I enjoy them, and I really believe they can help (somewhat) ward off mental problems down the road. I know, I know -- too late.
I'd also say that this group is every bit as intelligent as any I've ever been affiliated with, which may or may not be a compliment...
cokato, I'm not sure you can say "hooey" on here.
Dennis,
Why "may not be a compliment"?
Razzberry,
Can you send me the link of the Fireball again?
Thomas,
What is Daddy Starbucks?
Carol,
What were you trying to say with "umber" yesterday @ 6:47pm?
Drdad, enjoyed the lobster cream sauce, still licking my lips...here's some bowtie with marinara and one BIG meatball coming your way....WHAP!
Hi gang,
Stumbled across your little group about 2 wks ago while using Mr G to help with that day's puzzle and have been returning daily ever since. I love the witty humor and info on many varied subjects.
I found today's puzzle to be fairly easy. Did not know "IRT", "Titov", "Delia", "Erik", or "RLS", but got from the perps.
Speaking of clues/answers, yesterday's and today's puzzles, brought to mind 2 of my favorite jokes(riddles).
I hope you don't mind.
1. How many people do you need for a funeral?
2. If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring?
(whoops, I almost typed "flours" there)
No comment on Mr Rosenbaum's mis-observations about 2 types of people. Coincidentally, yesterday I received an email from a friend that contained a left brain/right brain test. Since I do not know how to link an animation, I will email to C.C. and she can post it if she finds it worthwhile.
Dennis and drdad they make a little blue pill for DF noodles.
jvj24601, welcome to our little world.
1: One?
2: Pilgrims?
Dennis,
Good job on #2. Mayflowers bring pilgrims.
But, #1's answer is "7".
Why 7? Not all funerals have pallbearers.
Cokato, maybe that big meatball you just tossed drdad's way will help his DF noodle! Takes a lot of "balls" ya know?
The three "D"s....surely you morel guys don't need that little pill...
That's a lotta hooey...that was for you Dennis.
7 = 6 to carry the casket + 1 to carry the chair.
jvj24601: I hate to be dense, but I so do not understand "7". Please explain?
cokato, hopefully not for many, many more years. And that's no hooey.
drdad, this is all your fault, you limp noodle, you.
doesitinink, thanks - thought I was losing it.
Dennis, Doesitinink,
The chair is for Rigor Mortis to set in. LOL
Dennis, and you were doing so well as my straight man. You were suppose to ask, "What's the chair for?" LOL
jvj24601: VERY funny! LLLLLLLOL.
C.C.
Thank you for posting the article by Mark Athitakis. It puts things into perspective.
I keep forgetting that this kind of journalism is only another kind of word game.
Ron Rosenbaum, like our own 'anonymous', is only interested is making himself look good in his OWN eyes. He keeps score by the number of comments generated, so annoying people and making them angry is just as rewarding as positive attention, and very much easier.
When will I learn to stop reacting?
c.c.: Thanks for the link to Mark Athitakis' comments, absolutely perfect! And, gee in less than 3 pages too.
barb b, it's a natural reaction; we all do it. And scumbags like Rosenbaum thrive on it, and probably need it to justify their existence.
If you read it carefully, I think there's still some doubt he was serious.
jvj24601, I hope you heard the groan from there. Yeah, you'll fit right in here. Your name, is that the number they gave you at the institution?
Dennis,
Yes, the number in my name is from an institution...BUT, it was not given to ME.
My nick refers to a literary character (hear that Mr. Rosenbaum?) from my favorite B'way show. I'll give all of you crossword puzzlers who are NOT literarily-challenged a chance to figure it out.
@c.c.- I love both FLOUR and FLOWER. FLOUR is a staple of life- you need it for bread. You must be skilled with your hands to use it; there are time when you have to be rough with it (to kneed it, roll it, to bend to your will) and be soft with it (making sweets, puff pastry, covering your rolling pin so dough doesn’t stick). It is the simplest of ingredients, yet so complex it can be used for most anything.
FLOWERS bring beauty to our world. They fragrant a room with love and color. But my favorite flowers are the EDIBLE kind. Sweet, tiny, pretty and colorful, when in the mouth they light one up with complex flavors and leave one begging for more. They make any dish extra special, not matter what dish it is.
jvj24601, a no-brainer. From my favorite play, Les Miz.
CC I hope this is the correct fireball...500000 volts
Bob Dylan's DELIA was from his 800th album "World Gone Wrong". Just kidding about the 800th, but sometimes it seems like he's been around long enough for that. (His 35 year old son Jakob is playing a local concert next week.) Sometimes I'm a fan and sometimes not so much so. It depends on the song and the arrangement. That doesn't take away from the fact that he was a 1960's folk music icon and trailblazer for the peace movement.
In 1973 The National Lampoon produced the "Lemmings" album (surprise) lampooning the Woodstock Festival. Christopher Guest does a great job of imitating Dylan. There is also John Belushi with his spot-on Joe Cocker imitation. Now, that is great satire!
good afternoon c.c. and all,
just here for a minute between clients ..
i didn't find the rosenbaum article particularly offensive (but then it takes alot to offend me). actually giggled at some parts. but i did think one page was sufficient. his editor should have cut it by at least half. also agree with clear ayes that crosswords and reading are not mutually exclusive, quite the opposite. liked the follow-up article.
@dennis: it's the perfume ads that annoy me. i have NEVER seen an ad for perfume, print or tv, that made any sense whatsoever.
clear ayes, just an aside - if you can't find the MST3K set on Ebay, let me know and I'll gladly lend you mine. It's a must-see for any fan.
Jvj24601,
Sorry, I cannot link it. FYI, don't send me any big attachment in the future. I don't open it.
Carol,
Thank you.
Razzberry,
Is that the fireball Lois referred to yesterday? I lost the threads.
Xchefwalt,
Goodness gracious, what a dogleg response! Nope, still couldn't tell what you've been cooking. Do you want me to go to bed tonight confused than ever?
Dennis, how nice of you, but Ebay has loads...Volumes 1 through 12, I think. Do you have all of them? Wow, I'm impressed.
xchefwalt, when my basil and cilantro sprouted flowers, I tried them in salads. Both have a more delicate flavor than the leaves, but are very nice. We've also tried stuffing the blossoms from our Day Lilies. Wonderful saffron is part of the crocus blossom. If anyone is interested, here is a good list. Edible Flowers
Clear Ayes,
So which one do you think is Xchefwalt's FLOWER?
OMG! I can't believe what I'm reading! Limp noodles? The morel men of the blog? OMG, my eyes are bleeding!!!! I'm a disillusioned DF! Please, say it ain't so!!!!
Chef: Where'd you get that script? Those are the sweet nothings I've heard before and was led to believe they were original!
@c.c.- I don’t understand your confusion. You asked why “I like FLOWER”. I thought I was pretty clear.
@lois- no script- just relating my affection for FLOUR and FLOWER- us chefs are a passionate bunch.
C.C. I think xchefwalt meant exactly what he wrote. As a chef and gourmand, I think he enjoys the tastes of more unusual ingredients like flower blossoms. Capitalization just for emphasis perhaps?
Xchefwalt,
"Edible" confused me. Which one (s)? Your clue is too hard to read.
Buckeye
I loved your comment that you have a successful way to do things incorrectly. I was successful in 3 putting today. I hope that your game was better.
8:58 today. The puzzle was OK, but nothing real exciting. Didn't know TITI, TITOV, or who Spyri was (HEIDI clue). Otherwise the puzzle was straightforward and the quip was even somewhat humorous.
No time to blog. Wife and I are just about out the door to go eat dinner and I didn't even get a chance to read all the blog entries here.
@c.c.- birdie on “goodness gracious”. Very well played.
Why was ‘edible’ confusing? I am saying that as pretty as some FLOWERS are, the edible FLOWERS are the ones to truly appease all of a mans being: sight, touch, smell and taste to satisfy hunger.
Am I the C-note today?
Xchefwalt,
Which edible FLOWER is blossoming in your brain at this moment?
c.c., you're in violation, lol.
Dennis,
You too! I will be quiet tomorrow.
Yeah, but I had to be in violation to tell you you were in violation. Neener.
Annoying: MODENA,DELIA,TITI,TITOV,BMS,RLS, the inane clues for AMUSER & ALOUD, the constant use of authors' names of books I never heard of and the stupid quip. For the love of Benji, stop the stupid quips!! When I recently saw the usage of contemporary Black music artists, my heart leapt with the hope of more diverse, modern puzzles. But insted we get ECOLOGUES! Pfft!
Yesterday lola said Personally, I find that if you do the puzzle later in the day, it's a lot easier. My thought is that the cosmic mind helps us find the answers. Feed Back?
I don't come back later in the day to do the puzzle, but the way certain answers pop into my head is sometimes strange.
Point on today's puzzle: 66A. Why did I immediately think SKIN and ink it in -- and it was correct. Why not PEEL? 6A, why did SGTS come to mind when it could have been CPLS?
It doesn't always work, though. Had BRAD for 34A and had to revise to TACK. Had OLLA for 18A when it was really OLIO.
The mind is probably our real last frontier.
@Crocett1947
We Portlanders do the puzzle later than the East Coasters, so I think the cosmic mind has plenty of info by the time we tune in. When I get stuck I just shift the mind into "neutral" and a lot of times the answer appears. Just a little mind candy. I'm not sure how serious I am. Have a restful evening.
@c.c.- I like all edible flowers, but the more exotic the Flower the better.
Ooops, now I’m guilty too. Who’s in charge of administering punishment around here?
Crap!!! Too late!!
IMBO
C.C is having technical difficulties..
Experiencing an outage right now
The blog will be published once the outage is resolved
the outage is from Qwest DSL line and were working on it right now.
Mark ID:7HS
Qwest Tier 1 Screener
Mark,
Thank you so much for the help earlier. You've brightened my day.
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