google.com, pub-2774194725043577, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0 L.A.Times Crossword Corner: Saturday September 6, 2008 Matthew Higgins

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Sep 6, 2008

Saturday September 6, 2008 Matthew Higgins

Theme: None

Total blocks: 27

I had an epiphany earlier. I suddenly realized what was really missing in Higgins' puzzle: vitality. I just could not find much spontaneity or creativity in them. It felt like he made up this grid just by looking at the dictionary and reference books.

If you look at his clues carefully, nearly every one of them is theoretically & factually correct, but most of them just feel so stiff and wooden. I guess I am too instinctive and intuitive a person for his rigidness.

For example:

57A: Stringed instruments: CELLOS. No flaw in the clue. But "Yo-Yo Ma's instruments" will evoke some vivid memories/images for the solvers, at least, for me.

34D: Hone: SHARPEN. Again, the clue is fine, but boring. "Make a point, perhaps" will force the solvers to think a bit, and add some flavor to the grid.

50D: Figure of worship: IDOL. Once again, the clue is correct. But why not "David Cook, e.g." to perk up the puzzle?

Also, I would prefer the clue for PAGAN (23A: Idolator) to be "Heathen", it's just visually jarring to see IDOL as the answer and part of the clue.

REPEAL (15A: Withdraw formally) & RECLAIMS (37A: Gains restoration) are perfectly fine words. And I suppose RETOOLS (2D: Changes the machinery) is OK too. But REDARES (37D: Challenges anew)? And is PERVADER (51A: Something that permeates) really a word?

Across:

1A: Visual aids: GRAPHS

7A: Bucolic: PASTORAL. Here is Beethoven No. 6 (PASTORAL).

16A: Not counting: LET ALONE. What kind of clue is this? I don't understand it.

18A: Tiresome long: UNENDING

19A: Yankees in Dixie: NORTHERNERS. I learned a new phrase this morning: "Whistle Dixie". Dictionary explains it as "to indulge in unrealistically optimistic fantasies". Kind of like "have a pollyanna notion about certain things", isn't it? Have you used "whistle Dixie" before?

21A: ___ generis (of its own kind): SUI. New to me.

22A: Neil Simon's nickname: DOC. Did not know this. This is a list of baseball players' nicknames. Maybe Mr. Higgins should try to create such a sportspeople nicknames themed puzzle rather than indulging himself in his affixes infatuation.

25A: Spunk: PLUCKINESS. And 56A: Proximity: NEARNESS. Yawner, yawner!

29A: Beset: ASSAILED

30A: Intrinsically: PER SE

41A: Target on the green: HOLE. Just how deep is a HOLE? Do you know? Do you want to know? I know the diameter is about 4 1/4 inches. I would clue KITE (27D: Fork-tailed bird) as "Tom of the Champions?" (Champions Tour) to pair up with HOLE. Tom KITE won U.S. Open in 1992 and certainly has the name recognition.

42A: Prodigious: PHENOMENAL. JVJ24601 mentioned on Wednesday that "Michael Phelps is to be the host for the new season premier of SNL on 9/13."

45A: Waterproof wool cloth: LODEN. I forgot. LODEN appeared as "Waterproof cloth" on a Sunday puzzle before. It's made of sheep wool. Here is happy family all in LODEN coat.

46A: Reggae relative: SKA. Are you very familiar with the "calypso music"?

48A: Products of the body's fuel-burning system: METABOLITES. Another new word to me. I only knew METABOLISM.

54A: Twist together: ENTANGLE

55A: Tristan's beloved: ISOLDE. No idea. It's a Wagner opera. Have you seen this movie before?

Down:

3D: Revealing glimpses: APERÇUS. It's always "short summary" to me.

5D: Muddle: HASH. Are you really synonymous? In what sense?

6D: In a languid manner: SLEEPILY

7D: Dashed with headlong haste: PLUNGED

8D: Virgil's Trojan hero: AENEAS. Vaguely remember this name due to an earlier DIDO (Queen of Carthage) puzzle. DIDO killed herself when abandoned by AENEAS. How sad! Men can be so cruel! It's from Vigil's epic poem, "The Aeneid".

12D: Revel boisterously: ROISTER. This is another new word for me. I like the adjective "roisterously", very noisy-looking.

14D: Easily deciphered: LEGIBLE

24D: Cornerstone tablets: STELAE. Singular form is STELE, or STELA.

30D: Cardsharp's maneuver: PALM. "Carsharp" is new word to me.

32D: Supergiant star in Cygnus: DENEB. I forgot again. Here is the map. Wikipedia says that DENEB, together with Altair and Vega, forms the Summer Triangle.

33D: Financially rewarding: ECONOMIC

35D: Part of TNT: TOLUENE. The second T in TNT. I had no idea. I was thinking of the "We Know Drama" TNT network.

36D: Calgary's province: ALBERTA. Ha, Stephen Harper comes from ALBERTA.

38D: Implant: INSTILL

39D: Gets by with less: MAKES DO

40D: Cuts slits: SLASHES

48D: Horace or Aimee: MANN. Have heard of Horace MANN, not Aimee. I always associated Aimee with actress Anouk.

49D: Mislay: LOSE. I've never used this word "mislay" before. Can you say "The key was mislaid"?

C.C.

94 comments:

  1. Cluing didn't bother me so much on this puzzle cc. Tried to find some info on Matthew Higgins but only came up with this:
    http://www.nhpr.org/node/698 which says he lives in Concord and does puzzles for the Concord Monitor, Boston Globe and other papers.
    (Could not cut and paste here today for some reason. That happens sporadically and I haven't figured out why yet.)

    Hope you have a good weekend.

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  2. More info on constructor Matthew Higgins here. Probably the reason the cluing seems off to you is the age difference cc.

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  3. Good morning CC & DF's: not an easy time...if I only had a hammer! Pervader is fine w/me but perse isn't. And saying 'mislaid a key' is fine. I do that often .. mis-laid.

    Hanna has just arrived. We're already getting a deluge and strong gusts...and she's just warming up. Wish she was mislaid. The center will be west of Wmsbg which puts us on the east and worst side. We'll surely lose power and probably some trees. It's going to be an interesting day.

    Party on!

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  4. "Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies."
    =Aristotle

    I had "FLAG" for 41A for a while then the perps helped. One generally aims at the flag. It's REALLY HARD to aim at the hole...

    I liked this puzzle. Some difficulties but solved.

    Hanna is in Chesapeake, VA as I write.

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  5. Lots of new clues to add to my repertoire, but things finally started coming together with a little help from google.

    Found your blog by accident while doing a google search and now enjoy daily.

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  6. Good morning cc and others. First let me say that my thoughts and prayers are with those in the path of Hanna. Lois please do not get laid out by the storm or should I say mislaid.

    cc prevader is a word and is defined as (To be present throughout; permeate) according to the on line dictionary.

    This CW had some hard spots but with a couple of trips to Mr. G. it was doable and somewhat taxing.

    See you all tomorrow as my daughter came for a visit this week end and brought a bushel of blue point crabs so let the picnic begin.

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  7. nytanomino, thank you for the link to the constructor. I think we decided on his last puzzle that he spent most of his time in the library finding obscure definitions, then constructing a puzzle around the clues. 21A,30A & 35D are good examples. Got it finished, but it wasn't a fun or challenging puzzle....no piazza!

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  8. Dick: thanks for the concern. Don't worry about me getting laid out by Hanna. She's not my type. Now if she were a 'him-icane' and not a 'hur-icane' and blowing this hard this early on, my new name would be 'mis laid'.

    Flyingears: You were talking about golf, right?

    Kasandra, welcome, but be sure to install a seatbelt on your chair and fasten it snugly. This is quite a ride!

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  9. What the hell is up with SAT mornings. I just made a really long post, published it, and , again, like last Sat, it DISSAPPEARED! Went somewhere uot there but didn't come here!!!
    I will not do it again! Suffice it to say the xword is done and Nancy helped!!!

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  10. Morning, folks!

    I agree that this puzzle, while technically proficient, was a bit on the dry side.

    For some unknown reason, I had a lot of trouble finding any initial traction today. I went through the first 10 or so clues without being able to fill in a single one. I think the first across I got was SUI for 21A. I knew 8D, but wasn't 100% sure of the spelling of AENEAS. Things eventually started to click, however, and in the end the puzzles was pretty straightforward. My one big stumbling block came when I put STELAS instead of STELAE for 24D, and that made getting 37A and 42A impossible until I realized my mistake.

    ROISTER and APERÇUS were new to me. Actually, I'd seen the word APERÇUS before, but my brain just couldn't associate it with "revealing glimpses." I also didn't know that DOC was a nickname for Neil Simon.

    And now, the answers to C. C.'s questions:

    PERVADER is a legitimate word, inasmuch as it's perfectly valid in English to add "-er" to just about any verb to indicate somebody who does the verb. But I've never actually seen it before. Same thing with REDARES.

    LET ALONE can mean "don't touch," but it's also a figure of speech used to mean "not to mention" or "not counting." For example, "I don't have time to brush my teeth right now, let alone take a bath, dry my hair, get dressed, etc." I agree, though, that "not counting" is probably not the best clue.

    Yes, I have used the expression "Whistling Dixie" before, but only in the negative sense. For example, "He really has a shot at winning, and that's not just whistling dixie!"

    And yes, you can say "the keys were mislaid."

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  11. Oh, and Lois --

    The answer to 30A is actually PER SE, which is a Latin phrase meaning "in itself". Just in case you didn't know that....

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  12. Barry: Thank you! I get it! I know per se, just didn't click. Did the same thing this morning w/atease 17A...a tease...and wondered how does that relate to 'relaxing' certainly doesn't equate in my book...but each to his own. One of those mislaid V8 mornings, I guess. Blame it all on Hanna. How funny!

    Dick: know you're going to enjoy those crabs and the company. Sounds like fun.

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  13. NYTanonimo,
    I posted the same librarian link here on the blog several weeks ago. I really don't think it's the age difference. I've always liked Stan Whitten's puzzle, he is old.

    Lois,
    I missed your comments in the past few days! I really like observing the fills through your distortive (Is this a word?) eyes.

    Flyingears,
    You sure will miss the HOLE if you aim at the FLAG/Pin.

    Kasandra,
    Nice to hear from you.

    Dick,
    OK, it's a word. But have you ever used it or heard of anyone used it before?

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  14. Southern belle,
    "no piazza". Exactly. That's the word I was trying to think of earlier to describe this bland puzzle.

    Bill,
    Pls always, always copy your written comments on your clipboard before you publish them. So you can paste them again easily if the first one gets lost.

    Barry,
    Thanks. Does "pollyanna" also carry a negative connotation? I just cannot stand REDARES, a perfect example of Higgins' desperate & constant needs for prefix "RE" & suffix "S".

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  15. Does "pollyanna" also carry a negative connotation?

    Definitely. The word is an eponym, named after a character in a novel and a movie who was always cheerful no matter how bad things got. Nobody like a pollyanna.

    I just cannot stand REDARES

    I don't blame you, but it is a valid English construction. I doubt I'd ever use it, however. If the situation ever actually came up, I'd probably say "dares again."

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  16. good morning, c.c. and gang - managed to get a bike run in before Hanna does her thing. This puzzle kicked my ass initially; I slid across the top with nothing to hold onto, fell all the way to the SE, and groped my way to the SW before I got a grip on anything. Finally, with 34d, 35d and 36d cooperating, I could begin. I actually liked this puzzle, was definitely a thinker, and I managed to get through without the g-spot (never thought I'd be happy about avoiding it).

    Lois, I hope Hanna's gentle with you; she's on her way here later this afternoon, evidently. I heard it's gonna be blowing pretty good; I may go stand in the front yard.

    Hope it's a happy weekend for everyone; do something memorable.

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  17. CC: 'distortive' is probably not a real word but it's perfect for my (and the others'...including yours and Clear Ayes' at times too) dysfunctional thought patterns.

    I'm missing the blog too. Actually having blog and CC withdrawals. Hopefully things will settle down soon.

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  18. Good morning, c.c. and all.

    I thought at first that this would be a puzzle that would remain blank. As I read through the across clues I managed about four short answers. I kept at it, moving across then down until I completed it, through the fills but without help.

    APERCUS, PERSE, and METABOLITES were words I didn't know. DOC fell into place once I saw the "D".

    SKA was a gimme thanks to yesterday's c/w, and ISOLDE and CELLO were holes in one!

    C.C., I would not have known the answer to a clue about David Cook, and I would have missed the sports clues you prefer. That doesn't mean I don't agree with you about the stiffness of the clues today. You made a good point.

    I'm off to the Farmer's Market. We have assistance this morning, so Mother will be riding shotgun. I'll be back later to see what the DFs had to say.

    Have a great day, everyone!

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  19. Carl,
    What is "dirty rotten rakenfratzen"? What is the meaning of "rakenfratzen"?

    Buckeye,
    I noticed that you started to use "Hello c.c. df's and kh's" lately, what does "kh" stand for?

    Clear Ayes,
    Who is Helga? Also regarding the YONIC symbols yesterday: cups, cauldrons, chalices, caves, circles... and other containers. Do you know why so many empty words start with letter C? Additionally, isn't today's HOLE the ultimate YONIC symbol? Esp for terrible golfers like Xchefwalt, who has been looking madly for his ball.

    Melissa,
    What does this line "ol’ Frank out at Mescal should know better" come from? Who is ol' Frank? Where is Mescal?

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  20. Barry,
    Wow, I always thought it was good to have a "pollyanna attitude".

    Dennis,
    I was not surprised that you want to stand in the front yard to feel Hanna doing her blowing job. But I was stunned that this puzzle made you think. What did you think then? The HOLE? The CELLOS? The UNENDING?

    KittyB,
    You meant you did not know David Cook? How could that be possible?

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  21. Dennis: 'Gentle' Hanna already is not! The force is awesome and this is just a tropical storm. I worry about those in Ike's path. Hopefully by the time Hanna gets to you, her force will lessen and allow you to remain erect and enjoy the blowing event.

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  22. Cc here is some history on the size of golf holes but I cannot find any info on the depth of the hole.

    Question: How Did the Size of the Golf Hole Come to Be Standardized at 4.25 Inches?

    Answer: How many times have you lipped out a putt and wished that the size of the hole on the green was just a smidge larger? Why is the hole that size to begin with? That's one our most frequently asked questions: How did the hole come to be standardized at its current size of 4.25 inches in diameter?

    Like so many things in golf, the standardized size of the hole comes to us courtesy of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, with an assist from the links at Musselburgh.

    In new rules issued in 1891, the R&A determined that the hole size should be standard on golf courses everywhere. So the R&A discussed just what exactly that size should be.

    The size they decided on was 4.25 inches in diameter. The reason is that the folks at Musselburgh (now a 9-hole municipal course and called Royal Musselburgh Golf Club) had invented, in 1829, the first known hole-cutter. That ancient hole-cutter is still in existence and is on display at Royal Musselburgh.

    That first hole-cutter utilized a cutting tool that was, you guessed it, 4.25 inches in diameter. The folks running the R&A apparently liked that size and so adopted it in their rules for 1891. And as was usually the case, the rest of the golf world followed in the footsteps of the R&A.

    The exact reasons for why that first tool cut holes at the now-standard diameter are lost to history. But it was almost certainly a completely arbitrary thing, a notion supported by the story that the tool was built from some excess pipe that was laying about the Musselburgh links.

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  23. c.c. - just for a change of pace, a short answer: yes.

    lois, sorry you're getting hammered (bet no one ever said that to you before)-- I'll do my best to remain erect and see what Hanna's got.

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  24. dick, I just read you answer to the hole question; good stuff. As far as depth, I'll try and do some research.

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  25. Dennis: LOL You're right! Never had that said to me before. You can claim 'firsts' on that one. That line of thinking is just not in my realm of logic, experience or lifestyle... I enjoy using any tool.

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  26. good morning c.c. and all,

    puzzle took a fair amount of effort this morning. i agree, not too sparkly. c.c. your clueing skills are stellar. thanks for the beethoven link, just beautiful. neil simon is a favorite of mine, especially his earlier plays. i knew 'doc' from reading his two memoirs, 'rewrites,' and 'the play goes on.'

    have not seen 'tristan and isolde,' but i love this gavin degraw song from the soundtrack.

    @flyingears: 6:56a, your df is showing.

    @dick: enjoy your crabby visit, sounds delicious.

    @kasandra: welcome.

    @lois: 'him-icane,' love it. good to see you back, you've been missed.

    @c.c.: i copied/pasted that quote yesterday from here, instead of putting a link because the quote is the second entry on that page and i wanted to avoid making people have to scroll down to search for it. the first entry is written by someone who took a guided tour on the mescal movie set. frank was the tour guide who told them the 'hucklebearer' story.

    prayers for all in hanna's path.

    @dennis: you too - may you receive her powerful blows without faltering.

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  27. I didn't really care for today's puzzle. I thought it was a bit carelessly put together.

    PERVADER isn't a word, I think it should have been PERVASION!!!

    I disagreed with the clue for LET ALONE. LET ALONE is usually used to emphasize that something is less likely to happen or be done because the easier task can't be done or will not occur. Like... He can barely boil water, LET ALONE make pasta.

    I had a teacher who used whistle dixie a lot but she usually meant wasting time when she said it, "Don't give me any more excuses, yo are just whistling dixie". Speaking of dixie, I just learned to play Dixie on Alexander Fleming (thats the name of my violin).

    I don't like the clue for SUI, it was too literal. I think just having 'unique' would have sufficed. SPeaking of SUI, they were the dynasty that reunited china. I know they ruled in like the 6th/7th century... somewhere around that time.

    I love SKA and calypso. My granny is from the island of Trinidad and calypso was really big there before soca came about... still is

    METABOLITES are also the product of a drug after it has been metabolized b the body ( either the active or inactive waste products) Some of these metabolites are toxic to certain organs. Tylenol metabolites are toxic to the liver and Aspirin metabolites are toxic to the ears. A lot of antibiotics are toxic to the kidneys, ears, and neuromuscular system. And I fear Chemotherapy because they are toxic to everything.

    HASH and MUDDLE can be synonymous depending on how you use it. I know they both mean a mixture, usually like a mixture, usually of random things. They can also be used to describe a messy or disorganized collection, like a junk yard.

    I don't like when mislay and lose are used as synonyms. I think mislay and misplaced are synonymous, but then again, people use misplaced and lost as synonyms also. I just think lose has such a negative connotation I am verb picky. Like if I was at the mall and dropped my wallet then yes I have just lost it. But if I took it out my pocket the night before and I can't find it in the morning, or my dad came and moved it without telling me, then it's not lost its just mislaid. I hate when people say, "you lost it" I always say, "no I didn't lose anything, I have misplaced it. I actually think it's kind of rude when people use words with negative connotations because from a cultural point of view, you are in a way confronting or causing conflict when you use words with negative connotations.

    we actually have a slang term for these words, usually your friends would say "those are fighting words" if someone says them to you and you have to defend your ego by fighting. I still try to be cognizant of the fact that words are intended differently here, although I always warn my clinical mates at the hospital to be careful what they say to patients because often I get offended when I hear them say certain things to patients that are from other cultures might get offended as well.

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  28. Good Morning All, I'll have to stop by later with puzzle comments. I've been having internet connectivity problems this morning, so I'm going to wait for the newspaper to solve. My short term memory stinks, so by the time I get to it, I will have forgotten the comments so far.

    Lois, around here, being called a part-time dysfunctional is a compliment. Thanks!

    C.C. Helga is Hagar's wife in the comic strip "Hagar the Horrible". Hagar goes off pillaging with his Viking crew, but when he comes home Helga makes him wipe his feet on the mat and take out the garbage. :o)

    "Additionally, isn't today's HOLE the ultimate YONIC symbol?" C.C., that's a very interesting observation. Maybe the yonic symbolism is why so many men (and now, women) keep going back for more and more of the frustration of getting a ball into that particular hole. I know Golf Addicted Husband would be very unhappy if he couldn't golf anymore.

    I can't help you with why so many yonic symbols start with the letter "C". Some things really are coincidences.

    Be back later when I slog through the puzzle.

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  29. I am in a rush to get to the garden, so I did not spend the time I might have to complete the puzzle correctly. So I have 4 red squares (incorrect or missing): the C id DOC, the E and R in PER SE and the S in SUI. Even when completed, it took me a while to "get" PER SE as I kept seeing at as one word.

    I did not like the clue for PAGAN. Though it can mean 'heathen', not all heathens are idolaters. And the alternative meaning to PAGAN, "one who has little or no religion and who delights in sensual pleasures and material goods : an irreligious or hedonistic person", has nothing to do with idolatry. This is the sense in which I typically use the word PAGAN. Inspector Morse, a character created by Colin Dexter, had the nickname PAGAN when he was at university as I recall.

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  30. Good morning c.c., Df’s and all! Hope and prayers to all in Hannah’s path. We here in SW Florida know of your trial, and we are bracing for Ike. I’m looking forward to November when all this madness ends.

    This was a very hard puzzle for me, I felt like I was hit by a bus, then I have it backed over me only to be clubbed by my rotten golf game. Next time I’ll just give myself a paper cut and pour lemon juice on it and save time.

    I promised drdad the Osso Bucco recipe- here it is:

    1. In a Ziploc bag, season AP FLOUR with salt, garlic powder, dry basil and white pepper.
    2. Place thawed 2.5 to 3 inch cross cut veal fore shanks in seasoned flour and shake bag to evenly coat
    3. Heat olive oil in large braising pan or large solid body pot. When hot (but not smoking), place shanks in oil and sear until golden brown, then turn and repeat for other side. While second side is browning, add 8-10 whole garlic cloves to oil to brown. Also while second side is browning, liberally smear tomato paste on browned shank side.
    4. When second side is brown, add white wine (Pinot Grigio is preferred) so that entire bottom of pan is covered to at least ¼” up the shank side. Cook until alcohol is burned off (VERY IMPORTANT- as sauce will be bitter if not followed). Add Demi Glace or brown gravy until shanks are almost all covered. Bring to the boil.
    5. After the boil, cover and turn to medium-low setting, simmer shanks for 2.5 to 3 hours, turning every half hour. After time has expired, let rest for 30 minutes.
    6. Remove shanks from sauce, cover and keep warm. Bring sauce to the boil again, adjust seasonings accordingly and thicken with remaining FLOUR mixture or cornstarch if necessary (sauce should be thick enough to hold a spoon)
    7. Add fresh chopped tomato and quartered artichoke hearts to sauce, add shanks to sauce and heat through.
    8. Dish is done. Serve with rice risotto or pasta.

    Have fun today everyone. I’ll be out in the yard (and maybe work on my swing a little bit), then UF v. Miami tonight- GO GATORS.

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  31. Good morning all

    This was a hard puzzle for me, but enjoyed trying to muddle thru it.

    Dennis... better be careful about standing erect in your front yard when Ike blows in/on/whereever. They are calling it a buzzsaw.

    After sending Bob(my know-everything-about-sports husband) that great list of nicknames, I asked him about "Whistling Dixie" as my parents, and his, used it often. We figured it meant that someone was blowing hot air,like a fantasy that someone has. If I told you that I did this puzzle in 5 minutes. you would reply, "She's just whistling dixie." AS IF...

    Hash is usually said as hash over or hash out,or rehash, as we all do when there is a problem.It means to discuss repeatedly and lengthily, but muddle is more action than discussion, so I'm not sure that it is a synonym.I guess one could muddle through a discussion or staff meetings.

    I'm off to play bocce ball just for fun. I'm sure there are some who consider it a serious sport. LOL

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  32. Good Morning C.C.and D.F.'s:
    Again with the strange words! As was said before, Mr. Higgins must love the library. 3D was a new word for me. 16A really threw me, I just could not think of 2 words and kept wondering what in h... was Letalone. That was my V-8 moment. Never heard of 12D (roister). Other than that it wasn't too bad.
    Lois, so gooooooood to have you and your "remarks" back with us. It seemed like the "meal needed salt" without you. We all tried to fill the gap, but something special was gone. Hope you stay safe and if your going to be Miss Laid, just hold on and enjoy it.

    Dennis: have fun in your yard! Gives new meaning to the expression: "I was blown away". Might be more fun that being in your convertible, huh?

    Kasanddra, welcome - and hang on for the ride!

    We are having a block party on our street today..we try to do that every year about this time and it's a fun way to get to visit with our neighbors.
    More later

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  33. @ALucidDreamUndreamt Your comment "I always warn my clinical mates at the hospital to be careful what they say to patients because often I get offended when I hear them say certain things to patients that are from other cultures might get offended as well."

    I really don't know why we always have to be so conscious of offending someone in this country today. I sure wish we were not so damn politically correct all the time.

    I'm sorry to take off on this but anymore political correctness annoys me.

    Anyway welcome to the blog You should enjoy this bunch.

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  34. Did I say "slog through the puzzle"? It was more like flailing and thrashing in a QUAG full of quicksand.

    I had HOLEs big enough to drive a monster truck through. I'm embarrassed to admit how long this one took. When I came back to the blog, I reread all the comments and agree with most comments.
    I didn't remember APERÇUS, and METABOLITES and ROISTER were unknowns.

    Strange that ROISTERous and "boisterous" have the same meaning, but "boister" isn't in the on-line dictionary.

    Doesitinink is correct. A PAGAN isn't necessarily an "Idolator"

    So, a difficult (for me) puzzle, but I learned a few new words. I probably will never use any of them. TOLUENE is not likely to come up in casual conversation.

    Xchefwalt, veal foreshanks aren't an easy purchase around here, but I am saving your recipe just in case.

    Aluciddreamundreamt, I'm curious about naming your violin Alexander Fleming ??

    Crossing my fingers in a PAGAN (not idolatrous) gesture of good luck to those in the way of Nature's storms.

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  35. Guten morgen, alles! This one was slow to solve. I struggled mightily and was finally able to do the SW, then S, SE, , NW, then NE corners. Many changes today. PANG became STAB, TERN became KITE, SUNS became TANS, STIE became STYE, and INSTALLS became INSTILLS before I finally put this one to bed. I did not know Neil Simon's nickname, so I took a WAG and came up with DOC. 16A is a strange construct to my ears. I mis-read 26D as Hindu "greetings" and was surprised to see it had changed to "groupings" on a second read through. REDARES? PERVADER? Those were certainly stretches!

    @lois Batten down those hatches, lady! I thought you never missed a lay!

    @dick Wow, nice gift from your daughter. Enjoy!

    @bill Take a few deep breaths and call us in the morning. Good you've got two solvers in the household.

    @c.c. at 8:40 But, if you aim at the FLAG, the HOLE is just below it, yes?

    @c.c. at 9:13 There are those of us who have never seen an Idol show, so any reference to contestants and/or winners would be as obscure as some of the other names that are foisted upon us! David Cook is unknown to me as well.

    @melissa bea Different pic. I liked your smiling one better. You look a mite pensive here.

    @aluciddreamundremt What's the story behind your violin's name? Good points on word choice. Take a positive attitude if it's available to you.

    @jd at 11:30 I think HASH and MUDDLE are the OLIO meanings in this puzzle.

    @carol When's the party?

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  36. lois,
    Yes, I was. What WAS in your mind????? You got the "massage", I mean the message...

    ReplyDelete
  37. C.C.,
    One sees the flag, but it's hard to see the hole, although I aim to get in the hole... See lois' comment... Verrryyyy appropriate and factual...

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  38. Lois, I hope you've battened down the hatches and are ready for the blow. You have my prayers for a safe trip through Hannah.

    flyingears, I melted when I read your quote of Aristotle. What a beautiful thought! If you're in the same area as lois, stay safe!

    And, dennis, too! I hope you weather the storm safely!

    Welcome to this dysfunctional group, kasandra!

    Enjoy the visit and the feast, dick!

    Bill...type your response in Word or a similar program, and then copy and paste it here. That way, if Blogger makes it vanish, you can have another go at it. I regularly copy my messages before I hit "publish" for that very reason. Give Nancy a hug for supporting you through a frustrating puzzle.

    Oh DUH! PER SE. Thanks, Barry. Move over Lois, so I can join you.

    c.c., I'm woefully uninformed concerning pop music. I know a lot of music from 1955-1970 and from then on it's a coin toss whether I'll know a song, or the name of the performers. My step-daughter was talking about Bono singing....and I thought she was talking about Sonny Bono....sigh...I got the eyeball roll for that.

    Having said that….I’m guessing from what crocket wrote that “Idol” refers to “American Idol” or something along those lines…..a TV show, right? Gawd…I feel really dumb today!

    Xchef, the Osso Bucco recipe sounds wonderful! I’m saving it for one night this coming fall.

    jd, how’d the bocce ball go??

    hey, carol....nice picture!

    I think I'll go rest my brain, now...

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  39. Dick at 1:17, AMEN to the PC comment. That is my pet peeve (as I have stated before).

    Crockett, block party goes on all day and until 9:00 tonight. We will join it at about 5:00. It's mainly for the kids most of the day. Some of our neighbors play guitar and banjo so should be fun later on.

    Flyingears at 1:54 what are you referring to??? :) Can't find the comment you referred to either. Thanks.

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  40. Flyingears, I found it!!! The comment, that is! LOL

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  41. Kittyb, fear not, I'm there with your brain too. As they say: "Old age and treachery will overcome youth and skill" :)

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  42. Carol,

    Looks like I'll miss the party. We'll be over by Washington Square at that time.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Crockett: LOL You're absolutely right! Just hate to miss the opporunity. Hanna is crampin' my style. Everything is battened down...hatches, latches, and snatches. No fun today!

    Flyingears: I got your 'massage'! Hole in one...flag and all! Like Melissa said, Your DF is showing. Good job! Very funny! Guess golf can be a 'contact' sport if one can't see the hole to aim for it. Gotta feel your way through the grass carpet.

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  44. Solved it all, but not easy. No words unfamiliar to me, but I teach English at the college level, so...

    "Hash" means to make a mess of things, as in "You made a hash of that assignment." Don't know the derivation off-hand, but "hash" (the food dish) is a conglomeration of all sorts of things and it looks sort of messy, so perhaps that's it.

    ReplyDelete
  45. cc: I think the term Pollyanna can have a negative connotation as it can refer to someone who is persistently optimistic even in the face of reality.

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  46. I think being from another culture (several cultures) might have made Aluciddreamundreamt a little more aware of the differences in how people relate to each other. If he can inform his coworkers about some of those differences, it can only help them and the patients they care for.

    In our ever shrinking world the more we learn about other people's customs the better, even if we don't agree. I think it has less to do with political correctness and more to do with common courtesy.

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  47. CC, Melissa, Carol, thank you for the kind words earlier. A day w/out the blog is truly a day w/out sunshine and a good laugh.

    Kitty b: thank you for your concern. It seems to be abating somewhat. Haven't lost power yet. Maybe we're on the west end of things now. It seems to be more wind and less rain. Also, I'm glad to move over and share the 'duh' V8 moments. It's lonely at the bottom of the IQ pool.

    Wonder how Dennis is faring outside maintaining his erect posture in his blowing event.

    Where's drdad today?

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  48. @clear ayes- Full (not cross-cut) pork shanks make a great (and much less expensive) substitute, and retain the same flavor. You may also use the same recipe for lamb shanks, only throw in one fresh rosemary stick in addition to every clove of garlic you use.

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  49. You've all been talking about movie and TV cowboys this week. This came across my desk. It's worth it if only to hear Willie singing. I hope the link works.

    My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys

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  50. lois,
    Golf is better than people think. They say it's boring, but they forget that the idea is to put the balls in the hole 18 times a game!!! WOW!!! What other sport has as much fun? And, if you miss the hole you can still put the ball in the hole as many times as you want!!!

    Sometimes I play 26 holes in one day to put the balls in the hole, and, do you know why??? Please, don't ask...

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  51. KittyB (and Crockett),
    Sorry, my bad. I always, always thought that you were the Kitty who voted for David Cook hundreds of times during the "American IDOL" finale. That's why I was confused by your COOK comment earlier.

    A Lucid Dream...
    Thanks for the METABOLITES. Yeah, I am curious too, why did you name your violin "Alexander Fleming"?

    Clear Ayes,
    "I can't help you with why so many yonic symbols start with the letter "C". Some things really are coincidences."

    And yet this word "coincidences" itself has three C's. How interesting! Somehow the shape of letter C looks so feminine to me now.

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  52. Xchefwalt,
    "Next time I’ll just give myself a paper cut and pour lemon juice on it and save time." Why? Why would you want to do that? You bogeyed on your recipe instruction #2.

    JD,
    I like your sense of humor.

    Sue Smith,
    Thanks & a warm welcome!

    Doesitinink,
    What a naive Pollyanna I was! Had no idea that it carries any negative undertone.

    Flyingears,
    Don't forget you are filling in plenty of HOLES every morning with your PEN, ISn't it wonderful?

    Kitty,
    Where are you now? Why don't you comment any more?

    ReplyDelete
  53. 21A: ___ generis (of its own kind): SUI. New to me.

    Legal term somtimes used on LAW & ORDER by DA Jack McCoy (Sam Waterston)

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  54. flyingears: LOL! My, oh my, oh my!!!! I don't have to ask 'why?'. Who knew golf was soooo exciting? 26 holes in 1 day? Your stamina is herculean! Impressive! All I can say is that you must have one heck of a putter or driver! You are one determined person! Now about that 'aim'...

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  55. @c.c.- that’s a line from one of my favorite movies “The Princess Bride” (have you seen it? I think you would like it). It’s a sarcastic remark about long term pain and going for the easy, short term variety.

    I don’t think #2 is a bogy, just a worm burner with my 5 wood..

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  56. No time today since I do the puzzle while having breakfast on Saturdays. Unknowns: ROISTER, LODEN and SUI (gotten via the crosses), and I join Lois in not being able to parse PER SE even after I filled it in!

    c.c. Add me to the group who wouldn't know David Cook, though the name is vaguely familiar (I've never seen American Idol, and my only acquaintance with the program is being a Carrie Underwood fan).

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  57. C.C., lots of "c's" and coincidences and symbols within symbols; how about your initials....an ultimate female symbol? How nice for you!

    Xchefwalt, thanks so much for the alternate meat choices for Osso Bucco. We love lamb around here and the slope outside our backyard is covered with rosemary. It is a PERVADER though. How long a stick are you talking about...6"...12"? Our rosemary You can see we have a lot to choose from. With 8 - 10 garlic cloves (I don't think there is such a thing as too much garlic) that amount of rosemary seems a little overpowering.

    "The Princess Bride" is a lovely and funny movie. There aren't too many movies out there that the whole family can enjoy. It's simple enough for children and with a nice "bite" for grown-ups.

    Kittb, not a big C&W fan, but I am partial to Willie Nelson. He is such a funny character AND he loves golf! Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys is my favorite.

    Flyingears, now I know why my husband gets up at 4:30 AM to get out on the course early. He comes home tired and sometimes a little sweaty, but usually satisfied with his own performance and with the world in general. He doesn't often play more than 18 holes though. After all, he is 66 years old and has to save some of that energy for me.

    One question, if the symbolism is to get as many balls in the holes as possible, why try to do it in as few strokes as possible??? Wouldn't more strokes be better....Just asking.

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  58. Embien: I am so glad you could join our mislaid V8 group today. Now there are 3 of us, Kittyb, you and me. Since it's Happy Hour here already, here's a toast to the three of us and our mislaid
    V8's. May they be found tomorrow chilled and spiked, and may we be found tomorrow stirred but not shaken. Cheers!

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  59. Well, Hanna's doing her thing, and so far it's been interesting, to say the least. I love intense weather, to the point where I went out and sat on the dock during the the height of it; you really get to appreciate the force of nature that way. I'm sure I'll pay in a couple days, but it sure was fun.

    flyingears, I always thought the best part of golf was the ball washers; who knew you could maintain hygienic standards while playing?

    dick, couldn't agree with you more about our PC world - we've gotten way too sensitive as a society. People need to stop looking for excuses to be 'victims'.

    Walt, any good recipe enhancements for Cheeseburger Helper?

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  60. dennis,
    Yes, ball washers ARE very important ONLY if they get "soiled".

    lois,
    Yes, I use both the pusher, I mean the putter and the riveter, I mean the driver. Sometimes I use the irons just to hold things in place, I mean in the fairwell, I mean the fairway. Boy, my tongue is entwined...

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  61. @clear ayes- the rosemary I buy is 6 to 8 inches long, with rigid, thick stems. You may, of course, alter any recipe as you wish (which is why I love cooking and HATE baking.

    @dennis- do you like spice? Try adding chopped japs or fresh garlic. How about using ground pork or bulk sausage instead of beef, or diced or ground turkey or chicken tossed in buffalo sauce? Also try adding extra cheese and baking instead of stove top. What condiments do you use? My two favorite are Cholula (Mexican hot sauce) or Sriracha (which you might know as it’s Vietnamese).

    I’m hungry now. I wonder what I’ll cook.

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  62. had to get back here. I think drdad is being influencing me with his scientific mind...

    ReplyDelete
  63. Who says PERVADER is not a word? This is from Dictionary.com…

    Pervader

    2 dictionary results for: pervader
    Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
    per•vade pərˈveɪd[per-veyd] Pronunciation Key
    –verb (used with object), -vad•ed, -vad•ing.
    to become spread throughout all parts of: Spring pervaded the air.
    ________________________________________
    [Origin: 1645–55; < L pervādere to pass through, equiv. to per- PER- + vādere to go, walk ]

    —Related forms
    per•vad•er, noun
    per•vad•ing•ly, adverb
    per•vad•ing•ness, noun
    per•va•sion pərˈveɪ ʒən[per-vey-zhuh n] Pronunciation Key, noun
    per•va•sive pərˈveɪ sɪv[per-vey-siv] Pronunciation Key, adjective
    per•va•sive•ly, adverb
    per•va•sive•ness, noun

    —Synonyms diffuse, fill.
    Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
    Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
    CITE THIS SOURCE|PRINT

    American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
    per•vade (pər-vād'


    Further now into the comments –
    Alucid Dream – I see where you are coming from to a certain degree – When I first started reading your comment I was irritated with you as you come on as a know it all and no matter what others have to say, you think you are the only right one – then I read further and you are correct about other cultures but, just because you are not familiar with a certain term or phrase (because of being from another culture) does not mean that it is not correct – Let alone is used in different ways in different parts of the country. It makes perfect sense to me as that phrase has been used as long as I can remember. Same goes with Mislay and lose – when something cannot be found whether mislaid or dropped and lost it is still “Missing” or LOST.

    I have to agree with Dick about offending someone – This is a free country and we should not have to tiptoe around people from other cultures because they do not understand the way we do and say things. People from other cultures think it is okay stand in a large group of people and speak in their native tongue and say things we do not understand – we are not supposed to be offended by them so why do we have to worry about offending other people. We all need to get along. Enough said Like Dick, I could get carried away on this subject.
    Welcome to the new names on here and we hope you enjoy the site. We do get a little crazy at times…no let me change that to THEY get a little crazy on here I pretty much keep quiet unless someone say’s something I just cannot resist commenting about!!!

    Have a great rest of the weekend
    Nancy

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  64. this is such a loser site. I can't believe the creator would allow such drivvle when this is supposed to be an educationalbe and intellectuable site to read every day. Most of this crap has nothing to do with the crossword puzzle. I wonder if anyone does them anyway or just cheats. The only one who makes any sense at all is the guy who posts as "Barry" You guys all ruin the puzzle for everyone.

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  65. dick: often in the hospital setting, we gain trust from our patients as nurses to facilitate heeling. WHile I don't know of respect is a must from other jobs, Iid hope so, sometimes the things we say are rude and disrespectful to others from a different background. When we do violate our patients trust, we build a really big wall that often hinders communication and therefore hinders the healing process. This is one thing nurses focus on and one thing that makes communication between nurses and patients different from doctors and patients. Nurses focus a lot on communication with patients. ANd it's not about political correctness either. I think some people have a mentality that this is America they ned to understand the American way, but we sometimes need to understand other people's culture and religious views as well. People are often quick to judge people based on their ability to speak English, but sometimes, they are judging us on the way we speak as well!

    I am sure there are times where someone said something that had offended you even though they didn't mean to, but the word choices came across as so. I was born and raised in America and I have experienced both sides of culture identity so I am a little more aware of it then others and I am sure that a lot of first and second generation Americans are often aware of certain discrepancies in the use of communication and word choice.

    We live in a country that is so diverse and so involved in global economics and it's sad because we can sometimes come across as arrogant and rude. I think if we just thought about common courtesy and respect when we address people it could go a long way. I fear for the younger generation because the way they speak to each other and the way they speak to adults and strangers shows that we our a culture that is starting to put manners on the back burners, and I can honestly say that because I am still at the age where I am constantly intermingling with teens and adolescents. I often cringe when I am on public transportation or at the mall and I hear youth cursing around adults. Likewise, it is shocking when I hear adults doing it around children.

    clear ayes, crockett, c.c: I named my violin after the guy who discovered Penicillin. I am a biology and nursing major and if I could name one person who I admire the most, and there are quite a few, I would put Fleming somewhere in the top 3. It's just Pasteur or Koch didn't sound as classical as Fleming.

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  66. Flyingears: That's it! I'm taking up golf! The use of 'irons to keep things in place' is just too tempting...and on a fairway no less. What a game! And hygenic too! And I have you to thank. Maybe I'll go putter around tonight. No time like the present.

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  67. nancy d, brilliantly stated; just outstanding.

    Re anon @6:26, the post is so ludicrous in each point that it's certainly someone kidding around with us; was good for a laugh, though.

    lois, I was able to stand erect for some time, but eventually all the blowing did me in.

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  68. Anonymous @ 6:26pm,
    I could not believe you had the balls to label my blog as "a loser site". How could you be so rude in classifying the information I provide as "crap"? I work so hard every morning, with every breath I take, to offer you every iota of knowledge I possess. How could you have the heart to hurt me like this?

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  69. c.c., you should know better by now - it's either someone playing with us (nobody could be that bad a speller), or a bitter former poster to the blog. In either event, this loser just wants attention and a response. Don't give him any more.

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  70. Nancy d, Hooray for you and your comment at 6:13 re "offending someone".

    Anon at 6:26, what a cranky, narrow-minded person you are! Obviously you have not been reading this blog for long. The comments here are well thought out, educational, enlightening and thoroughly entertaining. We do not take ourselves SO SERIOUSLY, life has to have fun, bright humor in it too.Too bad yours does not.

    Dennis at 7:03, AMEN !
    (Hope you "came down" safely) :)

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  71. Dennis: you are such an 'upstanding' morel man! I'm sure you lasted longer than most. We had gusts up to 65 mph and there is some damage w/fallen trees. Wonder how high yours will get. 8000 people did lose power. We didn't. Good luck to you. Keep us posted.

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  72. anonymous@6:26pm: Please, if you do no like this blog site, don’t come here. There is no reason for you to be so insensitive and insult people who do enjoy it. As for your posting, you might do well to work on your English. In addition to one misspelling, you used two made-up words. If you do stick around, though, you might learn how to write properly.

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  73. Won't it be fun when our daily puzzles contain words like DRIVVLE, EDUCATIONALBE and INTELLECTUABLE?

    C.C. Please consider what kind of intelligence a person has to have to come back repeatedly to a site he/she considers worthless.

    Please, let's leave the P.C. subject. It seems to be getting a little uncomfortable.

    Aluciddreamundreampt's comment "I think if we just thought about common courtesy and respect when we address people it could go a long way." should be enough said on both sides of the issue of political correctness.

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  74. Rats! I spelled Aluciddreamundreamt wrong again!! Sorry about that. It isn't intentional. That darn "p" keeps sneaking in when I'm not looking.

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  75. After hours of looking, I'm giving up trying to find a pic of this color:
    perse – adjective; of a very deep shade of blue or purple.

    I found this term, "broderie perse", a quilt design. It means Persian-style embroidery, so perhaps perse is like Persian Blue.

    And yes, I know the word was really per se.

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  76. Kittyb's link at 3:06 didn't work and she asked me to repost it for her. Sorry I didn't get to this sooner Kitty. It's definitely worth listening to.

    My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys

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  77. Did someone fart at 6:26?? I can smell it all the way down here in Florida.

    In all seriousness, you have called into question the honor and hurt the feelings of a woman that we all hold dear. In my old neighborhood, that was a transgression that deserved the severest penalty; and the fact that you are a coward by hiding behind a mask and a skirt (I shouldn’t say ‘skirt’, our ladies are much tougher and braver than you) only makes the offence you ooze worse.

    By my count, we have several ex-servicemen and some New York and Philly street kids in our mix, maybe you should be smart for once- stay anonymous and STAY AWAY.

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  78. Was on vacation the day you posted the Matthew Higgins link cc. Sorry to duplicate the info. Ignore anon at 6:26-it's an asinine commentary.

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  79. @aluciddreamundreamt Thank you for the information on naming your violin.

    @c.c. at 7:32 If the person is too chicken to sign their drivel, then the comments deserve to be ignored. I hope you zap them into oblivion.

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  80. Wow, argyle, I never expected to see anyone post on Broderie perse here! Way to go, buddy! Broderie perse is a form of quilt making where designs printed on fabric are cut out and appliquéd (applied) to another piece of fabric. It's rarely used today.

    I can see the Per Se group has grown by leaps and bounds. It's SO nice to have company. *G* I want my fruit juice fermented, and I'll be happy to raise a glass in solidarity!

    Walt, is the one sprig of rosemary to one clove of garlic a standard ratio cooking lamb?

    Lois, it seems to me that I've seen some of those shafts bound with leather, to improve the grip.....

    clear ayes, thanks for helping me with the link. Like you, I'm not much of a country music fan, but the link you posted for me was all about TV and movie cowboy heroes. The one you posted, was the same song, with clips from Brisco County Jr. I've forgotten the actor's name who plays B.C. but he's on Burn Notice now.

    And c.c. Ignore anonymous, and ban his or her ISP from posting!!! You do a FINE job, and we'll keep saying that on your behalf.

    I'm not the "Kitty" who voted for anything on Idol. As you can see, I didn't have a clue about it. I don't often have to worry about identifying myself. I guess in this case, I could be Kittytoo. *G*

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  81. Barbb & Clear Ayes: thanks for the cowboy link; I'm not a C&W fan but I do like Willy and that was super.
    Chefwalt: thanks for mentioning Sriracha, it's addictive stuff. Our local Thai restaurant also make a condiment of fish sauce, garlic & cilantro that's terrific, but I can't find a recipe for it. I need to take the time to hunt for it in our Asian markets. Last winter we visited Costa Rica and got hooked on Lizano salsa; love that in mac & cheese and anything eggs.
    Have a good Sunday everyone.

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  82. @kittyb- no, it’s my own ratio. You and increase or decrease either if you prefer ones flavor over another’s.

    @bea- Sriracha is mothers milk to me. I always have a bottle in my fridge, and use it in almost everything.

    If you find that recipe for the Thai sauce, please let me know, it sounds wonderful.

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  83. anonymous: Sounds like you are jealous that this group has both brains and balls, even the sirens. You seem to be lacking both,mrnoname!

    aluciddream..: thanks for the interesting facts on metabolites; it makes a lot of sense.

    kittyb: The temperature has been locked in around 100 all week. So, the beer was great and our games were close. We divided into 2 groups, the oldies and the youngsters. This is something we do when anyone in the group has a birthday.

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  84. Bea, I think it was Kitty B and Clear ayes who posted the cowboy link. I do love it though; I’m a BIG cowboy fan. My parents sang songs to me that were not exactly nursery songs – Red River Valley, Little Brown Jug, Roly-Poly and Slow-Poke. Mom said my first words were lines from an Eddy Arnold Song. (That would be “I’ll hold you in my heart till I can hold you in my arms.) I suspect she exaggerated a bit.

    With all due respect to clear ayes, I would like to ask aluciddreamundreamt for an example, if he can provide one. I think the whole idea was based on Unintentional insult, and I’m thinking a picture is worth a thousand words.

    I work with a woman who grew up in Brazil, and has lived here quite legally for 30 years. I’m so grateful she is patient and understanding with us. Her trouble with verbs and pronouns is so funny that she is not always taken seriously.

    A couple weeks ago, someone came into the library very embarrassed and defensive because her puppy had ruined a book. She offered to pay for repairs. My friend explained to her as politely as she knew how that the book would need to be replaced, as it could not be repaired. Unfortunately, she inadvertently pushed some button and the lady started shouting, there was a very big ruckus, and she wanted my friend fired. My friend, for her part was angry and defensive; she felt that she was being harassed for something the woman had done. She wrote in our daybook ‘Dog eated book, why should I pay? I’m special. Dog eated book, patron harass employee.”

    Now that’s hysterically funny to me, but also very sad, because when people read it they tend to dismiss the whole thing as a problem created by someone who can’t speak proper English. I personally speak very good English, and only English. My friend speaks Portugese, English, Italian and French.

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  85. Well, I finally got into the old picture boxes and here I am at 11 weeks -- the oldest one I have.

    Tschuss!

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  86. Howdy c.c., df's and kh's.
    cc; kh's are people I see on your blog, myself included, who are not quite df's but still zanny. I affectionately refer to us as "knuckleheads". (kh's)

    @aluciddreams; Love the name of your fiddle. I mentioned about a week ago that I found P.C. "overused and self-serving" and see that there are those out there who agree. I also understand that you're not talking about P.C. exclusively. As someone posted earlier, we just need to be kind to each other.
    "Make all of your acts as though they were acts universal".

    @c.c.; I mentioned about my never being offended. Anon's remarks of 6:26 PM were either in jest or submitted by an illiterate fool. Do not take offense. You have been rightfully praised by all who enjoy your blog. Pity the fool who is so short-sighted and simple-minded that he/she cannot see the work and intelligence you bring to this blog and the equally bright responses of the blogees. This idiot does not understand that humor, irony and satire does not replace brilliance.

    Since I don't get your Sunday puzzle and I have to see my coroner for a barrage of tests on Monday, I'll be out of pocket for a few days . After that, who knows?

    Poser: If vegetarians eat vegetables, what do humanitarians eat?

    I must be off

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  87. OOPS!! Change "does" to "do" in last paragraph to c.c.

    I is tired an' I wanna go ta bed.

    IMBO

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  88. buckeye, good luck with the coroner - keep us posted.

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  89. @exchef No, that wasn't a fart. It was a personal soiling!

    @buckeye Ye Gads, man, you were really up late!! Hey, 800 victories for the Bucks! Next week should be an interesting game.

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  90. Argyle: thank you! beautiful earrings and that blue is gorgeous, and my favorite color. I also looked up 'perse' and it was described as a grayish blue, but no picture. I've never heard of that color before but you can bet I won't forget it...or Carol's V8 moment w/ letalone...which sounds Italian to me. Thank you for your efforts. I'm satisfied w/Persian blue personally. That is some kind of pretty.

    As for trolls? Ignore the poor creatures. They aren't worth our efforts or the space.

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  91. Crockett: You were an absolutely beautiful baby.

    Dennis: how's it blowin?

    Buckeye: have you studied? (for you tests next week) :) Hope you pass. Good luck.

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  92. @lois Thank you. You're also burning the midnight oil. Have things calmed down weather-wise?

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  93. Crockett: Turned out to be a very nice starlit night...so I went out and enjoyed it. What about you?

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  94. @anon at 6:26 My only comment to your dribble is your final line in which you state "You guys all ruin the puzzle for everyone". Dear sir this site is not the puzzle this site is the solution and done by very intelligent and respectful people that even tolerate idiots like you.

    ReplyDelete

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