Theme: What Chutzpah!
21A: Operational headquarters: NERVE CENTER
26A:Classy office door adornment: BRASS NAME PLATE
46A: 2006 Political best-seller, with "the": AUDACITY OF HOPE
52A: Beside one another: CHEEK BY JOWL
Boomer bought me "The AUDACITY OF HOPE" when it first came out. But I've never got the opportunity to get it autographed. Now it's collecting dust on my shelf, together with my Obama baseball card and the inauguration pin.
CHEEK BY JOWL is a new idiom to me. But thank God I know JOAN (55D: Rocker Jett). Every time I link Michael Bolton's "Can I Touch You There" on the blog, someone will return with a link of JOAN Jett "Do You Want to Touch Me".
What I've noticed about Rich Norris' puzzle, besides those tricky "Little butter?" (4D: KID) wordplay, is the vivid evocative descriptions. For example:
27D: It's twirled in a rodeo: RIATA.
63D: It sometimes needs a boost: EGO
I like them a lot. Seldom saw them in our old puzzles.
There were only a couple of real unknowns to me in this grid. But I struggled. My conclusion? Rich Norris and I can't talk. He is not "straightforward" and "honest" with me.
Across:
1A: Alp top: PEAK. Thought of SNOW.
5A: Sounding shocked: AGASP. And PALE (10A: Looking shocked). I am in "shock and awe" of these 2 clues. Just great!.
14A: A8 manufacturer: AUDI. Thought A8 might be another kind of V8 juice.
15A: Decisive refusal: NEVER. I was thinking of NO WAY first.
16A: Double-click: OPEN. Of course. But I blanked.
18A: Lacking skepticism: NAIVE. You've got to have a very skeptical attitude when you face this new crossword editor.
19A: __ dixit: IPSE. Learned from doing Xword. Literally "he himself said it". Maybe you can make a sentence for me. I've never used this phrase in daily conversation.
20A: Ocean delicacy: ROE. I pictured EEL. Now I crave some perfectly grilled sweet unagi. The aroma is simply intoxicating. I can almost smell it.
23A: She played Ulla in "The Producers": UMA. Easy guess. Have never seen "The Producers". I love this Ulla/UMA connection.
25A: Estrangement: RIFT
37A: Clavell's "__-Pan": TAI. See the bookcover. Literally, TAI-Pan means "Big Class" in Cantonese. TAI, "big". Pan, "class". Or "big shot" & "big potato" in our slang.
38A: Ma, for one: CELLIST. D'oh, Yo-Yo Ma. I was thinking of Ma Bell.
41A: Rx writers: MDS. Mine was DRS.
42A: 1943 penny metal: STEEL. Unknown to me. I did not know that 1943 penny is rare.
44A: "Proud Mary" band, for short: CCR (Credence Clearwater Revival). Here is the clip. I was stumped again.
51A: Corp. that once owned Hertz and Hilton: UAL (United Air Lines). Oh really? I was totally unaware of this history. Very short-lived though.
63A: Irish Free State successor: EIRE. Heard of this "Irish Free State" (1922-1937) from watching Liam Neeson's "Michael Collins".
68A: "Roots" Emmy winner: ASNER. Another guess. Don't remember him in "Roots".
69A: Capital south of Lillehammer: OSLO. Another guess. I did not know where Lillehammer is. According to Wikipedia, it means "the Small Hamar". Hamar is town name. Literally "steep rock". I was disappointed that it had nothing to do with hammer.
Down:
1D: "I Kid You Not" author: PAAR. Unknown to me. Is it an interesting read? Henry VIII's wife is PARR, two R's.
2D: 100 cents: EURO. I felt so dense this morning. Just could not think of this damned EURO.
3D: Part of "The Sound of Music" farewell song: ADIEU, ADIEU. I can't remember this song. Edelweiss" does not fit, nor does "Do-Re-Me", the only two songs I could think of.
4D: Little butter? KID. Sometimes RAM is clued as "Butter?". Playing on the verb butt. RAM butts. Get it? Butt-er.
6D: Transmission component: GEAR
7D: Tel __ - Yafo: AVIV. Literally "Sping". I only know Tel AVIV, "Hill of Spring". Had no idea there is a trailing Yafo.
9D: Rain, briefly: PRECIP. Precipitation.
10D: Indicate: POINT AT
11D: PDA entry: APPT (Appointment).
13D: Fed. power dept.: ENER (Energy). Not a familiar abbreviation to me. Our current Secretary of Energy is Steven Chu. Chinese American. Nobel Physics winner. Newly minted Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke is also a Chinese American. Both their surnames are Cantonese spelling. Chu is Zhu in Mandrin Chinese. LOCKE is simply Luo. (Note: How do you think of my clues: "Soft tail?" as in softener or "Damp end?" as in dampener?)
21D: "Illmatic" rapper: NAS. Learned his name from doing crossword. What does "Illmatic" mean?
22D: Key of Liszt's Piano Concerto No. 1: E FLAT. Pure guess.
24D: Submissions to ed.: MSS (Manuscripts)
26D: Upside down sleepers: BATS. Only learned this facts a few weeks ago.
28D: PBS's science guy: NYE. The "Science Guy".
29D: IM offerer: AOL. No waffling between AOL and MSN today.
30D: Punish with a fine: MULCT. This is a word that I keep remembering and keep forgetting.
31D: Gin cocktail: TOM COLLINS. New to me. It's often served in a glass called Collins glass, which is also new to me.
32D: Become, finally: END UP
36D: Salinger dedicatee: ESME. Salinger's "For ESME – with Love and Squalor".
38D: Louisiana Territory explorer: CLARK. I don't know the extent of Lewis and CLARK exploration.
39D: Needing salt, perhaps: ICY. It snowed here again yesterday. But no more salt is needed.
43D: Enters stealthily: EDGES IN
45D: '50s oldies syllables: SHA. No idea. I know nothing about '50s oldies. SHA-la-la?
47D: Secret doctrine: CABALA. Did not come to me immediately, though I often read Madonna/Demi Moore CABALA/Kabala stuff on gossip magazines.
48D: Tennyson works: IDYLLS. Occasionally you will find two or four line pastoral poems in some Chinese landscape paintings.
49D: Eye or ear ending: FUL. "Mouth ending" too.
54D: Streets liners: ELMS. No ELMS along our streets.
57D: Deterioration: WEAR. Mine was TEAR.
59D: Like the Sabin vaccine: ORAL. Salk's vaccine required injection.
60D: Jared of "American Psycho": LETO. Know his name. Have never seen "American Psycho". In Greek mythology, LETO is Zeus' mistress. Apollo's mom. She was born in KOS/COS, from which we got COS lettuce (Romaine), clued as "Lettuce variety" in our old puzzle before.
Full Answer Grid
C.C.
91 comments:
Good morning, C.C. & gang - I was surprised I got through this one unassisted; I guess the hammer's tomorrow. I thought 'Ma, for one' was brilliant cluing; obviously, the first thought was of something parental, then, since 'element' would fit, I was trying to remember the table to see if it was one. I thought of Melissa immediately with 'masseur's stock', and found it coincidental that our friend, the 'llama', showed up today. And did anyone else find 'ener' weak for 'Fed. power dept.'? I also would never use 'edges in' to mean entering stealthily; to me, it means something similar to, say, barely qualifying for something.
Oh, I also got screwed up in the South - I had 'cheek to jowl' until 'idylls' became apparent, and the fact that I'd only seen 'cabala' spelled 'kaballah' didn't help things. Overall, another puzzle I really enjoyed. So far, I think this has been a very good week vis-a-vis our new challenges.
Today is Make Up Your Own Holiday Day - what's yours gonna be? Mine would simply be Anything Goes Day, and I'd see how much I could stretch that envelope.
Today's Words of Wisdom: "You're never too old to become younger." -- Mae West
And even more Fun Facts:
- In Hong Kong, a betrayed wife is legally allowed to kill her adulterous husband, but may only do so with her bare hands.
- In Alaska, it is legal to shoot bears. However, waking a sleeping bear for the purpose of taking a photograph is prohibited.
- Four jails in Brazil are using geese to help prevent prisoners from escaping.
Dennis,
Agree. "Ma, for one" is awe-inspiring. How would you clue ENER then? I'd love a "Get What You Want Day". Are you sure about FF #1? I lived in southern China for 5 years, totally unaware of that strange law in Hongkong. What does "'humping the ruck' mean?
Linda, Argyle et al,
See if you can come up with a creative ENER clue.
PromiseMe,
Why would Elvis give Dennis a Cadillac? Neither of them is a gay. Or were you just being sarcastic?
Crockett,
I often read your comments with great interest. So writing down FILLS instead of the clue numbers will make reading easier for me too.
Lemonade,
Good explanation. MOREL enough!
TJ,
I love this almost vowel-less LmndDCCXIV. Very creative. Fortunately Lemonade741 doesn't have an ego "I" issue.
Kazie,
Re: YADA. I disagree. Remember the TORA clue? "When said three times, a W.W. II movie".
How would you clue ENER then?
I don't have a quick answer - I'll see if I can come up with something.
I'd love a "Get What You Want Day".
What would you do with it?
Are you sure about FF #1? I lived in southern China for 5 years, totally unaware of that strange law in Hongkong.
Yes, in fact she can also kill the husband's lover, but in any manner she prefers.
What does "'humping the ruck' mean?
A rucksack is similar to a backpack, and it's what we carried (humped) in the service.
Also, Sha-Na-Na is an oldies group that specializes in '50s music.
Dennis:
Re: ENER. I would clue "Soft tail? (softener) or "Damp end?" (dampener). How do you know my want is "it"? I still think you made up FF #1.
Argyle,
SNOPES Dennis.
How do you know my want is "it"?
I meant, what would you do with the day?
I still think you made up FF #1.
Nope.
C.C.,
You say YADA once. YADA. Say it again and repeat it once. YADA YADA. Now say it and repeat it twice. YADA YADA YADA. Okay?
Sigh. Look at this:
SNOW
*O*A
*T*D
EEL
I had SNOW for PEAK, NOTE for EURO, WAD for KID and EEL for ROE. I was feeling pretty happy with myself. I also had HIGH at first for GRAD and then PREP. I also had NO WAY (or NO HOW) for NEVER, PINACOLADA for TOM COLLINS and NOVELS or ESSAYS for IDYLLS. I also had PROS for ELMS. I guess I was thinking of downtown city streets.
Martin
Clavell's "__-Pan": TAI. See the bookcover. Literally, TAI-Pan means "Big Class" in Cantonese. TAI, "big". Pan, "class". Or "big shot" & "big potato" in our slang.
Or "big cheese". I've never heard of "big potato".
Martin
Good morning CC and all,..a very intriguing puzzle today. The difficulty factor has certainly increased, as promised.
There were a few unknowns for me today and some I could not get with fills. I struggled with cabala, idylls and cheek and jowl. In fact the first time through the puzzle I thought this would be a total bust. As I got a few fills others revealed themselves and overall I was pleased with the results. The lower one third of the CW was the most difficult.
Hope you all have a great Thursday. Off to the gym.
Good morning:
Like Dennis, I was surprised that I actually finished without aid; it seemed too hard at first, but the pieces came together once I got over the really tricky ones, like YO YO MA, which was inspired and KID. Once I got PAT out of my head, the rest filled in.
IPSE DIXIT is a phrase you never use in a sentence; it is used only by lawyers and only a very few of them. It comes up when a judge writes an opinion that includes matters which are just his view and are not based on past precedent, nor needed for the specific case. The extra words are called DICTUM (DICTA) and do not control future judges. That does not sound helpful, but you have to understand that the law really is a foreign language.
Speaking of which, we had a little French also, which really helped.
The TOM COLLINS was very popular when I was young, I would see my parents friends with the tall, cool looking glass often. The “Cosmopolitan” of my youth. Actually, GIN was generally more popular than VODKA, and now more people use VODKA in Martinis.
I like "soft tail" but so far we have not seen that style of clue.
The hammer's tomorrow? Yikes. I had enough trouble today. Googling, googling, and more googling. Sometimes it didn't help, like with "Ma for one." Nice trick there Mr. Norris. Didn't like ener either but not sure how to clue it.
1943 saw the need for copper to be used for ammunition for WWII so the pennies were made out of steel. Only for that one year, I think.
I can't remember where but I read that about the betrayed wife Dennis speaks of.
Running late this morning so I'm off. Have a great Thursday.
Good evening from India,
I seem to like these CWs better than the Old ones maybe because of my cryptic CW background and the fact that there aren't too many names of players etc which used to stump me. Managed to complete it without any assistance
31 D TOM COLLINS should have been clued this way Jesse L Martins character in RENT.
Seeing as how we had a semi musical theme today with the Producers and the mention of The Sound of Music.
38 A I was thinking Ma as in Ma & Pa Kettle or Ma Baker. I wasn't thinking of Yo Yo Ma.
52 A Cheek by Jowl is one I've never heard of either.
Uma Thurman was great as Ulla Inka Hanson Benson Yanson Tallen Hallen Swadon Swanson...Bloom.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IQ5OCAZR8c
CC,
You should rent The Producers Mel Brooks is comedic genius! I have also seen the play at the Opera House in Lexington KY.
Good morning CC et al., Enjoyed this puzzle and bled only in the center a bit. WTF is 30D? I still don't get that one. Past all that this puzzle was one 'ful' stimulus package for me with nerve center, oils, oral, end up, point at, steel, and where SRO 'cheek by jowl' w/Tom Collins who 'edges in'...on me just makes my day.
Enjoy your day. Mine's in gear and off to a hot start.
Good morning, everyone - I was 'shocked' the puzzle was doable without Mr. G....had to stop and think tho...no quick fills.
Missed ony the cross of 45D '50s oldies syllable' and 51A 'Corp. that owned Hertz & Hilton'. One blank is not too bad! Oops, almost broke my arm (patting on back).
Dennis, my Grandmother was way ahead of the Brazil jsilers. When the kids got too much for her...she headed out to feed the geese...the geese would always chase the kids and nip at them!
Age is just a number!
Oops, how about 'jailers' instead of 'jsilers'.
CC: Up "early" again...putting roof on another house...gotta get roofers lined-out and then go to out-of-town appts.
Have worked on puzzle just enough to get "brassnameplate". Will do more later...and work on an ENER clue. Hasta Luego.
Martin,
Did you know that Pan in french means bread? A french deli in Massachusetts was called Au Bon Pan meaning Good Bread. They were correct they made a great lunch.
Democrat,
I was familiar with the 1968 movie version of the Producers staring Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder. Lee Meredith was Ulla. I have yet to see the Lane/Broderick effort thanks for the recommend I will add it to my list of movies to see.
Oh, Blue Angel, no Snoping of Dennis' Fun Facts.
Sha-na-na!
Good morning all,
I finally wasn't on the run first thing this am and printed out the puzzle. Really like working it this way better than online. It was a good challenge today. I definitely wasn't clicking this morning like I was yesterday. I had some blanks, mostly the NE corner. I know that ipse dixit is a common answer, just can never remember it. Need to write that down somewhere. Mulct was also completely foreign to me.
CC - Like you, I loved the Ma for one clue. Very clever. I got the Adieu Adieu early on as soon as I saw all the vowels coming in. It is one of my favorite Sound of Music songs. The family all sings "So long, Farewell, auf Wiedersehen, good night" and the Adieu is just part of the song, not in the title.
I did have a few difficult spots. I had alga for pond problem, rather than scum, even though I was pretty sure that Esme was the Salinger dedicatee. Funny how your brain doesn't want to process things they way they should. I also wanted No way vs. never, but finally got it when precip filled in. Another good clue I thought. I also had Cheek to Jowl at first. Can't say I had ever used this term, but seemed familiar. Many of the clues were filled in with perps - great way to learn things though don't you think?
I will probably be absentee this coming week as out of town. Will miss the first week of brain busters with Friday, Saturday and Sunday puzzles, but will check in when I get back to see how it all went.
Oh, CC, forgot to say thanks for the Kid reference. I got the answer with the perps, but had no idea what it meant. Also, as for Paar's book, I haven't read it but I suspect it is quite good. He was the original host of the Tonight Show, and was fascinating. He got the talk show circuit started. While I never watched him (thankfully I am too young) I have seen various old clips and I would love to see more.
Greetings, all-
Well, this lived up to advance billing. I had to hit the Gspot to remember Paar, which helped a lot. I managed to sweat out the remaining fills except for the perps of mulct and cellist. I don't think I have ever used mulct in my whole life! In that same area I wanted dry for icy, and the abbreviation CCR was beyond me.
That said, it was fun, and I look forward with some dread to tomorrow's offering.
This is the type of puzzle that makes you
Want to puzzle; challenging but doable, and crosses that help you 'see the light'. I guessed (and G'ed to confirm) Paar, and like others first had 'cheek TO jowl'. Good puzzle, waking up the brain cells without activating the frustration gene. I'll probably get nailed tomorrow, in over my head (two big softballs for Lois to swing at).
Windhover
Good morning all.
I was lucky today. Forgot MULCT--we have had it somewhere before, and as the letters started falling into place I kept thinking it must be an abbreviation. It just looks odd. Can't help thinking it should be related to "milking someone for all they've got". I didn't know NYE either, and simply couldn't imagine what followed "It's so---", so I ended up with everything but the Y and U of YOU. Many of the names were guesses, but I seem to be in tune with the off the wall thinking so far, since the rest were easy fills. Took a while to change TO to BY JOWL, which is an unfamiliar version to me. Of course didn't know CABALA, which only fell in at the end. But no googling, and the first time doing a Thursday LAT in print, so I feel good!
Martin,
Thanks for backing me up. A repetition is already one extra time of saying something. So I still think we're right.
Redsmitty,
Are you confused with Spanish or Italian? French bread is PAIN. Similar though.
Hello C.C. & all
L, DCCXIV,
Sorry, I missed a 'C', first time around! (D'oh!) I take pride in the Roman numerals, just had a brain fart in the posting. (Blame it on the Scotch!)
Better puzzle , today. Good cluing, made me think. The progressive hardness will be a challenge! One I'm sure we all will relish, and overcome!!
"What fun it is, to be sleighing on a LAT puzzle, oh!"..
And with 30 degree temps here in MN. NOT!! But it is High School Tourny Time, and hopefully we will avoid the annual blizzard... Snow today, but no accumulation. Envy you folks in warmer climes!! Was one of you once, but now I am a shoveler...
I've been doing the LAT for some months, and haven't been intimidated by it. TMS solvers can and should be sure be able to solve this puzzle. It's not that thought bending.
TJ in Osseo
I really like the change! The increased difficulty is great for me. I generally don't even try to solve the NYT on Friday and Saturday and based on today's puzzle, and if Thursday and Friday are rated the same, I think I'll at least have a shot at the Friday puzzle in this paper. It was tough, but enjoyable... I learned a new idiom too... I'd never EVER heard "cheek to jowl"
Knowing the Saturday puzzle is going to be a bear will probably wind up giving me more free time on the weekends. I'll give it a try, but my best guess is that I'll probably skip it. ;-)
Windhover, that really is a great way to put it; this definitely is the type of puzzle that makes people crossword addicts.
Argyle, why Blue Angel?
Southern Belle, I know I keep saying this, but I just love that picture of you; it's just perfect.
Lois, what you can pull out of a crossword is simply amazing. Have you always been good at pulling things out like that? And 'mulct' is one of those words that appears every so often in the puzzles, but takes almost all the perps to fill in because it looks so wrong.
Lemonade, you've got a great descriptive writing style - I always look forward to your posts.
C.C., great clues for 'ener'.
Hi folks,
I'm new here, and what nice friendly people you are!
Just want to point out that the expression is CHEEK BY JOWL (not to), and it's even in the dictionary. It means close, or side by side, or intimate.
Have a great day, everybody --
SaminMiam
Dennis: still contemplating that jail geese thing in Brazil (FF#3) - even tho they have an awful bite still don't think they'd keep me in the pen.
Started out thinking I was in trouble on today's puzzle - mostly because I wanted pat for little butter instead of kid. Worked from bottom up and got it all without g spotting. Made me think a bit but then again it's a gray rainy day in southeastern Virginia and I only think well on sunny days. Actually mostly do just about everything better on sunny days except laze around in bed on rainy afternoons but since yesterday was hump day we're past that. Looking forward to tomorrow's xword - stocking up on strong coffee.
CC – I agree that this wasn’t the hammer but it definitely was a step in that direction for me. I had to tug on the G-string to get some of the fills. Loved the clueing for: Naïve, Cellist, Icy, and Kid. I wasn’t aware that the Euro was cent based…learned something new today. No real hated the clues today, just a few ughs.
Dennis – My holiday would be: Annoy the Hell Out of Someone Day…Sounds like sooooooooooo much funnnnnnnnnnnnnnn. (doesn’t that just annoy the hell out of you when I use extra letters like that?????????? ;~p ;~P )
To Snope or not to Snope?
Things that make you go Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm;~p !?!?!?!?!?!?!
+ Why is Grape Nuts cereal called that, when it contains neither grapes, nor nuts?
+ Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours? They're both dogs!
Truisms to Live By...
+ He who hesitates is probably right.
Now go out and annoy the hell out of someone…
Go on…
Well hurry up, get going…
What are you waiting for?
You know this day won’t last forever, move it!
Yada, Yada, Yada!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
not fair to call this star trib corner as its not the star trib puzzle anymore this new site sucks
SaminMiam, great name!
SandbridgeKaren, could it be that they honk to alert the guards?
Razzberry, great use of the day. But I'm not so sure you should've mentioned that about Goofy -- Lois'll be out renting cartoons now.
Last but not least - ignore, ignore, ignore.
Just to annoy the hell out of someone...I hope one of these songs gets stuck in your head today. (Well I said, "Ha ha!)
I love you, you love me...
This is the song that never ends, yes it goes on and on my friends,
some people
The Meow Mix jingle (Meow meow meow meow, meow meow meow meow...)
Oompa Loompa doobity doo...
The sun'll come out...tomorrow!
Any Christmas song when it's not Christmas time
Oops I did it again.
"I know a song that gets on everybodys nerves"
I'm a barbie girl, in a barbie woooorrrrllld!
"I'm a little tea pot..."
Chicken Dance
Badger badger badger badger...Mushroom mushroom!!
"A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down..." - Mary Poppins
If you're happy and you know it----(*shoot me now*)
Baby One More Time
Brady Bunch song
LOVE (L- is for the way you look at me, O- is for the only one I see, ...)
Macarena
The "Jeopardy!" theme
Hamster Dance
Who Let the Dogs Out
YMCA
Mmm Bop
The Pepto Bismol commercial song
99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall
Achy Breaky Heart
Head and Shoulders Knees and Toes, Knees and Toes, Knees and Toes
It’s a Small World After All
I was really flummoxed by the NW corner, which makes for a bad start and, therefore, was amazed that I filled in the rest of the puzzle with normal amount of thought and angst. I had EEL for ROE, PAT for KID (my favorite clue/fill today) and finally googled PAAR. I even had the second ADIEU and the first U from AUDACITY and still resisted the first ADIEU, which is not the song title but does appear in the lyrics ("Adieu, adieu, to yieu and yieu and yieu").
I should have known CCR for Proud Mary, but I always liked Tina's version best. I was trying to decide between LEWIS and CLARK, and guessed wrong to being with. I'll have to try and remember MULCT.
I think CABALA is incorrectly clued. It is a collection of mystical and ethical Jewish writings, not "doctrine".
As for IPSE dixit - Lemonade is right about its use - only used by judges in my experience. ("What do you call a lawyer with an IQ of 50? Your Honor.")
Anonymous@9:35AM - what a pithy post - way to stand up for what you believe in. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I think it is just rude or cowardly to not identify yourself.
See! Anonymous has already joined in the fun of my holiday... WOOHOO...It's all fun!
Good Morning All, I ran into my first problem with 18A IPSE-dixit. I know what it means now, post "G", but I didn't at the time. Then came NAS, MULCT and UAL. Just a little "Ouch".
I enjoyed the theme and really got a kick out of AUDACITY OF HOPE. The question mark pun clue "Little butter" was great for 4D KID.
When I saw 38A clue "Ma, for one", I immediately thought of yesterday's "MA and PA". I looked for anything to do with states that would be the correct length. Obviously, LAT Thursday was ahead of me and had something else entirely in mind. I finally got CELLIST, but I had to do some switching back and forth between the Acrosses and the Downs to do it.
I had the down fills CABALA and IDYLLS first, so CHEEK BY JOWL didn't start as CHEEK TO JOWL. All in all, a fun puzzle. I'm really enjoying the change to LAT.
Jeannie, LOL, Thanks for including me in the DF gang. (Trust me, I'm not at a bit innocent and scarcely wide-eyed at all.) Yes, I remember the "ear" episode very clearly. As I recall, xchefwalt and Dennis were right in the thick of it.
Razzberry, My first thought about 9:35 was that it was you celebrating your holiday. Go ahead and take credit...well done!
Dennis: I disagree that "edges in" does not mean "entering stealthily". I frequently see in in books when a person edges into a room hoping no one will notice.
Razzberry: Did you know that songs that stick in your ear are called earworms?
I did better today than yesterday. Got all the theme answers, which helped. But totally bombed in the NW corner. Did get Adieu Adieu, but that was all. Of course I read AB manufacturer, but even when I saw it was 8 I had no clue. But fun to do what I could. I like our new puzzles.
Have a meeting in a bit...so...A very good morning to you all. I got most of it with some problems in the middle...V8 time on the Ma clue...geez, I listen to Classical music all day and should have figured that out. Got all the theme answers again which is just amazing. The only Jett I knew was Joan and I went to school with Salinger's niece, and I read all the Clavell books so those were gimmes.
MULCT was head scratcher and I will just take everyone's word on that. All in all another fun puzzle with just enough help to keep you going. Had a time limit today so came here for a couple of answers...Friday might actually be do-able...A lovely day to you all.
OK, this puzzle made me work.
I thought the clue for 4D was fantastic!
And I was surprised I got 21A, 26A and 46A without help. Then I knew the start of 52A once I had the theme of those firs three. But I too had 52A as "Cheek To Jowl" instead of "by" and couldn't figure out why 47D and 48D wouldn't work. Kicked my butt, that one did. I never got 30D but once I saw it was "CCR" for 44A, I felt like such an idiot.
I also thought the unusual cluing for 69A was a welcome change of pace. 39D was pretty good too, and I'm ashamed it took me so long to figure out, given that I live in Minnesota, forpetessake!
I think the best clue was 38A - way too clever and absolutely perfect to get the brain working in a different way.
It was much harder than yesterday, at least to me, but I still enjoyed it. I printed the puzzle out so I wouldn't be "inspired to cheat" online.
Oh, I appreciated the 31D, too, since that was mom's favorite drink when I was a kid. She rarely drank, and usually only on those special nights she went out dancing with Daddy, but she'd tell me how she was looking forward to her Tom Collins when they got to the place.
Like most of you, my nemesis was the NE corner. I wanted G something for Fed. power dept., and I knew that 19A was looking for something Latin, I just had no clue as to what it might be. How does (Come in sans"T") sound for a clue for ener? Gotta run. Since the Oregonian is still having tryouts for a new xword, I find myself doing two of them every morning, then coming to the blog. this is starting to take a significant amount of time. Oh well, it does sharpen the ol' gray matter.
¡Vaya con Dios amigos!
I've never posted before, but I feel as if I have entered an alternative universe. My Strib crossword says Thur. March 26 but my puzzle does not match the one posted today. It is labeled "NEWSDAY." Am I crazy?
Razzberry, et.al.
Another song that annoys the hell out of you even when it's Christmas is that damn:
Tra la la, tra la la, it's Dominic the Donkey. Tra la la, tra la la, The Italian Christmas Donkey.
I put it at the bottom of the ladder with the Chicken Dance.
Dennis, no reason for Blue Angel. That is the name of the song and it starts out with, "Sha-na-na".
My holiday would be "Travel For Free Day". I'd go to Tibet or maybe Tasmania.
Although there are many poems about traveling to distant lands, I thought I'd honor Razzberry's holiday instead. Luckily for C.C., I didn't have a poem that is printed in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS. I know how much that annoys her.
Here's a poem by that most annoying and brilliant of poets, e.e. cummings. Honest, it really is a poem and it can be deciphered....kind of. I'll do that in my next post. In the meantime, just enjoy being annoyed.
r-p-o-p-h-e-s-s-a-g-r
r-p-o-p-h-e-s-s-a-g-r
who
a)s w(e loo)k
upnowgath
PPEGORHRASS
eringint(o-
aThe):l
eA
!p:
S a
(r
rIvInG .gRrEaPsPhOs)
to
rea(be)rran(com)gi(e)ngly
,grasshopper;
good morning c.c. and all,
am so enjoying these new puzzles, today's took me roughly twice as long as yesterday's but got it unaided. favorite and least favorite fills crossed eachother right in the middle today, cellist and mulct. i've heard cheek by jowl but never used it.
interesting, two ASSes (BRASS and ASSN) and a CHEEK today.
i think my holiday would be to be on the other end of the 'masseur's stock' for once, with a bottle of champagne and a straw.
Dennis@9:46: Sorry, I tried, but even on Anything Goes Day I can't ignore:
Anonymous @ 9:35:
Dear Sir or Madam:
It is my considered opinion, based on the schoolyard refrain 'takes one to know one' that you would be very practiced at identifying 'things that suck'.
Windhover aka Larry
(name and address available upon request)
Good Afternoon C.C. and Co.,
"Why would Elvis give Dennis a Cadillac? Neither of them is a gay. Or were you just being sarcastic?"
Though I was joking, I was not really being sarcastic. One of the things that Elvis was famous for was giving away Cadillacs. Since Dennis got to meet him, I was wondering if Elvis gave him a Cadillac. That's all. I didn't really expect that he had, though. My comment had no 'gay' angle. You now have me wondering if you are privy to some new definition of 'Cadillac'.
I cannot think of a sentence using the term IPSE Dixit. I don't think I have ever heard anyone use it in speech. Lemonade's statements regarding that would seem to explain why.
I, too, had never heard the phrase, "CHEEK BY JOWL". Cheek-to-cheek, yes.
That unagi looks delicious. Now you've made me hungry.
The clue Ma for CELLIST was probably my favorite one today.
All-in-all, a much easier puzzle than I was expecting. It did take a little while, though. I finished in 21:35. I was not surprised that I finished it unaided. Virtually, the only XW puzzle I ever cannot finish unaided is the NYT Sunday. I often finish that unaided, too. It just takes a really long time.
I did not know about the 1943 STEEL pennies or about UAL once owning both Hertz and Hilton. I got those from the perps, though.
I had totally forgotten that Ed ASNER was in Roots. The only actor I could recall having won an award for Roots was Ben Vereen, who played Chicken George.
OSLO was a gimme since the Olympics were held in Lillehammer not too long ago.
Mention of Catherine Parr reminds me that The Tudors miniseries has reumed on HBO. Have you ever watched it, C.C. ? I think it is excellent.
In the TMS, we usually got it Tel Aviv-Yafo as Tel Aviv-Jaffa. Yafo and Jaffa are variant spellings for the name of the ancient port city located south of Tel Aviv.
Initially, I was aghast at the spelling of AGAST. When I finally had the rest of PRECIP. I realized my error.
I also wanted POINT TO at first and that held me up on getting BRASSNAMEPLATE quickly.
"How do you think of my clues: "Soft tail?" as in softener or "Damp end?" as in dampener?"
I like them both :)
I got NAS from the perps. I had never heard of him and probably don't care. I have little to no use for most rap. Maybe I could take Razzberry's advice and use it to annoy somebody.
EFLAT was not a gimme. However, having had the E already, FLAT was all that really worked. SHARP, MAJOR and MINOR are all too many letters.
C.C., I shared your problem with MULCT. As Dennis said, it just looks wrong.
I learned all about the Lewis & CLARK expedition when growing up since they passed right through my home town of Great Falls, MT. Great Falls is home to the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center.
I don't see too many movies, but I did happen to see American Psycho, so Jared LETO's name was not too hard to recall.
I agree with Kazie regarding yesterday's YADA clue.
"could it be that they honk to alert the guards"
That was my assumption.
"How does (Come in sans"T") sound for a clue for ener?"
That's very creative, but I am not sure it's legal.
Lastly, remember!
Well, I guess I spoke to quickly yesterday saying my first attempt at the LA Times puzzle was easy. I had a heck of a time with this one! Anyone every had a policeman tell you he was going to mulct you? How do you even pronounce it? I'm 47 and learned a new word today! Also have never heard cheek by jowl phrase.
Laura, the Star Tribune was supposed to start the LA Times puzzle but opted for the newsday puzzle. I thought I was going nuts yesterday when I opened the paper. C.C. says to write the Star Tribune.
Razzberry, what was in your morning coffee?? I want some!
To make up my own holiday, it would be sunny 80 degrees with about a 15mph wind. I would sail all day!!
Hey, lunch time here (2:17 PM) so two quickies (yes 2!).
The multi-talented Steve Allen was the first host of the Tonight Show, and the Tudors appears on Showtime.
Ah, that was good....
Good day all,
It is lucky that I get some answers from the crosses. I still didn't get 'kid' until I got here. I came here without the center to CCR and ICY. I kept thinking of salt for cooking and I never remember bands even if I know the songs, (with the exception of maybe the Beatles)I would never have thought of 'pale' for shock, but I do see it. I think the 'ener' clue is just bad. I think I might have used 'Op end?', but maybe that would have been too obvious. I can't even imagine how someone has the smarts to design all these puzzles. I wonder how they would do on Jeopardy?
I think my best plan to get ready for the difficult ones is to study all the answers to the ones we are getting. Maybe then I will understand their line of thinking.
Laura, you are not crazy. Since the puzzle you had before ceased publishing your paper has chosen the Newsday puzzle to replace it. CC, who started this blog has decided to use the LA Times puzzle which can be reached by clicking on the 'LA Times' in blue on the right side of the start of her blog. We are hoping all the papers will change to the LA Times puzzzle because it is a much better. She has kept the name for now until things settle down. This has become a family and we don't want to give it up. Welcome to you.
Laura: Welcome. The previous "Star Tribune" puzzle is no more and we are doing the LA Times puzzle. There is a link on the Original Post page. You can do it on-line or print it out.
Boyd (and others): Your posts will be more meaningful if you give us the fill or the clue rather than the A and D numbers.
Razzberry,
I know it is Christmas, but Feliz Navidad would be extra annoying outside of Christmas as it is so repetitive.
I thought Anonymous@9:35 was unusually rude and there is no excuse for that behavior. However, I can understand the frustration if they have no history with the post. They could have just nicely asked a question though couldn't they. Let's hope the Star Tribune changes to the LA Times so the puzzles match.
CC - Not having any idea your history of starting this blog, are you with the Star Tribune, or would you possibly consider changing the title eventually to better match the puzzle you are blogging should they not accommodate us? I certainly would not do it as yet though.
Also, just saw the IMAX Lewis and Clark and it was wonderful. I liked it so much more than I thought I would. Well worth seeing if it is showing anywhere around your neck of the woods.
Dennis etal,
Yours and others blogs about Elvis Presley brought to mind an excellent book by Wm. F. Buckley, Jr. entitled "Elvis in the Morning". It brought out sides to Elvis' character that few of us knew anything about. It's a good read, if you have not had the pleasure.
T. Frank, thanks for the recommendation; I'll look for the book. I've avoided reading any of the Colonel Parker books as I really didn't care for him; there was something that just 'wasn't right' about him.
Karen Q, I think the best thing we can do is to not acknowledge the vitriolic anons, since they seem to need attention so badly. If they don't get a response, they'll find someone else to go after. And yes, trust me, it's easier said than done.
Lemonade, Steve Allen was indeed one of the creative genuises of early television; I used to love his 'man in the street' bits.
Razz, I agree with Jeannie - whatever it is you're drinking, you should share. Funny stuff.
Laura, welcome. Thanks for joining our eclectic group.
Lemonade:
Here in Ky. We call 'em nooners. A double is pretty rare, though, at my age. Unless of course the "President Coolidge and his wife visit the duck farm" effect is in play.
's all good, bro.
Windhover, considering anonimity.
Descartes before the horse?
Windhover, that line made me laugh out loud and I don't even know why...
PromiseMeThis, American Psycho? Good and strangely funny movie and Christian Bale was gorgeous....but sooooo (thanks Razz) psychotic!
Redsmitty, Don't watch the musical The Producers expecting it to compare to the orginal Mostel/Wilder version. It's good, but Mostel was a comic genius.
Annoying song - John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt (or variations thereof)
I know C.C. won't be annoyed by this song. Others of you might not be as pleased to be **** ****** again.
Here's the e.e. cummings poem in regular Human Speak.
grasshopper
who,
as we look,
now upgathering
GRASSHOPPER
into-
a ‘T’ he leaps!:
arriving grasshopper
to become,
rearrangingly,
grasshopper
Annoyingly, there are several other interpretations of this poem on the internet.
After having seen several comments about 9:35, I'm even more convinced that Razzberry's evil genius was at play. And, if not, just think how aggravating for 9:35 to have Razz get credit for a good joke.
The ear worm that gets to me is "Dancing Queen." I don't even have to hear the name of the song. Just say ABBA, and that does it for me. I wonder how long it will take for me to get it out of my head now.
Doreen
Jeanie,
I will put on my Chamber of Commerce hat and invite you to Corpus Christi. It meets all your requirements today perfectly.
We are host to the sail surfing championships every year. I recall that they were canceled last year for a day because of too much wind.
Our main problem with attracting visitors is that we are not on the way to anywhere, except Mexico.
12:32 today. I had IPSO for 19a: ___ digit (which made the Dept of Energy the Dept of ENOR), and it took me a while to ferret out my mistake (never heard of IPSE before).
I never saw the theme before coming to the blog, which is unusual for me as it's usually "all about the theme" for my solving experience.
Other than my obliviousness to the theme, I found the puzzle quite a lot of fun to solve. As a former (household) cook, I found the clue for ICY especially tasty, and the deliciousness didn't stop there, what with butter, CHEEK, JOWL and DEMItasse served up.
I think the confusion that some have regarding the name of the blog and the puzzle in the Star Tribune and the fact that we're actually doing the LA Times puzzle here will be sorted out in time. I wouldn't bother changing anything about the blog just yet.
c.c.: 15A: Decisive refusal: NEVER. I was thinking of NO WAY first.
(Raises hand) Me too.
45D: '50s oldies syllables: SHA. No idea. I know nothing about '50s oldies. SHA-la-la?
SHA-na-na (from the song "Get A Job", later adopted by the retro do-wop group). Get A Job
@SandbridgeKaren: Dennis: still contemplating that jail geese thing in Brazil (FF#3) - even tho they have an awful bite still don't think they'd keep me in the pen.
The idea with the geese is that they will raise an humongous ruckus when their space is invaded, thus alerting the possibly snoozing guards. Geese can be quite vicious when ired, but I agree that hardened prisoners might not be too intimidated.
Real busy today and thought I was missing something until I got lunch at 2:30 and tried this thing. Maybe I'm hungry......Little butter? for KID. Help! IPSE, MULCT, CHEEK BY JOWL and CABALA basically killed me also. Had ALGA for SCUM which screwed me for TOMCOLLINS. I like gin in the summer but wouldn't waste it making those. G&T's for me!! Friday and Saturday will be interesting.
Temps in the 50's today. Great weather!! Time to grab the rug rats and head to the homestead. Been a little weird there this week. Had to put the dog down last Friday. Ended up being heart disease that was way to advanced to do anything about. First time we are "petless". Kids are doing pretty good with it though.
Marinated the pork last night for a stir fry tonight! Might throw down a couple of whiskeys with it!!
Have a good one!!
Hi C.C.and all - I stared at this puzzle for a long time, and finally was able to get about 9 answers....went to G and got the names of things I would never get otherwise; 1D, 3D, 5D, 14A, etc. with some of those fills, I was able to complete most of it. 52A was a phrase I always thought was 'cheek to jowl' or 'cheek to cheek'- see how much we learn here?
I was with DrDad on this - if tomorrow
is going to be harder, I am doomed. Still, it is a chance to broaden the mind. My other attributes are broad enough! My hat is off to those of you who did this unassisted! I have to say though, it was a great puzzle for the refreshing and clever clues.
What kind of word is MULCT? Is it really a word?
Adding to the W of W for today, Mae West also said: "I speak 2 languages, English and body"
Lemonade(1:22) you are one UP and COMING guy!!
2 (count 'em) nooners??? WOW, and I thought Lois was good. (If you are so inclined before noon, it's called a 'morner' ;)
Morner, nooner, nighter...it's all good. Something about a morner though...gets you OFF to a good day.
Nice Puzzle !!!! I had problems only with CHEEK TO JOWL... I kept thinking of CHEEK to CHEEK which of course did not fit... lots of clever clues... Very refreshing to say the least. The hammer tomorrow :-)
Maniac, sorry about your pet. I am glad the rug rats(we also used to call them ankle biters) are doing pretty good. Is it their spring vacation? Is the old homestead the grandparents place? That's what we called the farm until we moved to it.:0)Having time in the outdoors has a special way of healing.
Hey, all!
I've been way too busy in the morning lately to do this puzzle, but I had a little free time this afternoon and thought I'd give it a try. It was actually a rather easy puzzle for me, which was surprising since I thought the puzzles were supposed to get more and more difficult as the week progressed. Maybe the earlier puzzles were really easy...
Anyway, I pretty much blew through this one with only minor hangups. Maybe I was just on the same wavelength as the creator today, but I actually knew that UMA Thurman was in "The Producers," knew that Credence Clearwater revival (CCR) sang "Proud Mary" and that Ed ASNER won an Emmy for his role on "Roots". I also remembered singing ADIEU, ADIEU in a Junior High School production of "The Sound of Music." Oh -- and though I really, really hate the word MULCT, I've seen it enough times recently that I was finally able to remember it.
I think the only unknown today was UAL, but I got it easily via the perps. I did have a number of missteps, however. I initially put ALGA instead of SCUM, NO WAY for NEVER and END AT for END UP. I also really wanted to spell CABALA with an initial K, and was convinced that "Ma" had something to do with U.S. states because I'm an idiot... ^_^
Hope all is well with everyone!
somewhat disappointed thought it was going to be substantially harder today, still not sure if i like the switch
Hi C.C. and all,
Definately have to change the way I think in dealing with these clues. Worked it at lunch and got about 3/4 of it done but was having things not working out. A couple of wrong answers, i.e. DRS for MDS, made it impossible to complete. Once I got home and checked the blog, I realized how a very simple misinterpretation will create havoc.
Wow...go away for a few hours and we gain several new people...Welcome...and Tourette's Blogger is back. I really like your "remember" link PMT...cute.
Still don't think MULCT is a real word, more like something the cat yucks up on the carpet...but if BarryG and C.C. have seen it before...I'm there. It's just one of those words that even after you put in all the letters it makes you want to go back and check all the surrounds...
CA...Liked the e.e.cummings poem...even though I had to read it in the second post. Brain not in gear. Cat woke me up a 5:45 this morning with apparently something important to tell me...she never did say exactly what it was, but then she MULCTED all over the rug...so, maybe that was it! Doncha just love kitties...they always like to share the really fun stuff with you.
Today has been a very funny day on the blog...LMAO most of the way through. How can you not like this place???
Dennis...did you make your waffle-cakes last night? I was so tempted to pull out the waffle iron...you know...I think I'll do that tonight. I have some really yummy thick sliced applewood smoked bacon that would go great and some Canadian Mayple syrple...and whatever Razzberry is drinking...
Especially for Lois(via Razzberry)
I wish I were an Oscar Meyer weiner
That is what I truly want to be...
'Cause if I were an Oscar Meyer weiner...
Everyone would be in love with me...
Okay...now get that out of your head...Now I have to go turn up the classical music so I will stop humming "Dancin'Queen"...ARGH 80)
Ok Wolfmom, now that you have us all dripping saliva on our chests....
I laughed when I read about your cat! Mine used to do the same thing, I think they ALL do. There are a lot of cat lovers on this blog so I don't think I am miss-stating anything. They DO love to share all the personal things with us!
My big 'boy' cat (17 lbs) jumped on my dining room table (after it was all set for a company dinner) and offered up his
tummy contents right on the table!!! Thank god I didn't have any food out, but I did have to start all over to say nothing of the cleaning job.
Mainiac, I am so sorry about your dog!
I am glad your kids are doing better with it. Maybe when the hurt eases a bit you will consider another pet.
It seemed strange to me that everyone that posted today either had a very fun easy time or tore their innards out over this puzzle...can only imagine what tomorrow and Sat will bring :)
Hi C.C.
I've noticed all of the comments about mulct so I typed it into dictionary.com
mulct
Pronunciation [muhlkt] Show IPA
–verb (used with object)
1. to deprive (someone) of something, as by fraud, extortion, etc.; swindle.
2. to obtain (money or the like) by fraud, extortion, etc.
3. to punish (a person) by fine, esp. for a misdemeanor.
–noun
4. a fine, esp. for a misdemeanor.
Origin:
1475–85; < L mul(c)ta penalty involving loss of property
RE: today's puzzle itself? I was stumped without my wife's help. We started out wrong on the top left and it went south from there.
I finally looked up some answers and filled in as much as I could by myself but not without having to cheat.
We'll see how tomorrow's puzzle looks like. I think that its a matter of getting used to the puzzle editor's style also.
just my 2 cents;
--Warren
Wolfmom, yes, I made a sh*tload of the little guys, along with mini sausage patties and some fresh Vermont Maple Syrup. That waffle mix makes the best-tasting waffles I've ever had.
Oh, and thanks for the Oscar Meyer weiner song, now playing endlessly in my head.
Zac, you may feel differently tomorrow.
There have been several posts regarding pet illnesses in the past few weeks. I can tell you that some of the best money I ever spent was on pet insurance. I believe it was about $300 per year, but when my Akita went through an extended bout of chemo, it literally saved thousands. And as any pet lover will tell you, you'll mortgage the house to take care of a beloved pet, assuming the quality of life isn't diminished. Just something to consider.
CC and gang: Got home and really tried to finish puzzle...but afternoon light is just not the same as AM...after leaving middle bottom blank...finally cheated and came here.
"Pan" (pahn) is Espanol (not Francais) for bread. Sorry Kazie...too tired to do diacriticals.
Ways to clue ENER:
For a Sunday: solar,wind et al "AGNCY".
For about a Thursday: GIZE prefix.
Dennis: TMI!
For you shoppers: Heard tonight about a "comparison grocery shopping" site that should be available by the end of the month...coupons to print and all...for free! Called "grocio.com."
"Ipse dixit
Anonymously,
Guess this site
Just "ain`t" for thee!
To steal some of Buckeye`s thunder...I must be off!
Dugglesmack : Again, do you know Kris Allen?
Buenos noches a todo me amigos.
Dennis...okay, now I'm hungry! Waffles it is tonight...I really like breakfast for dinner. If we ever get another pet(the remaining kitty is about 17 and starting to fail), I would definitely get pet insurance. Both out daughters have it for their animals...and yes, I can always find money for the pets.
OH...and you're welcome for the song.
Carol...your story tops mine...I went to share with my husband and he was already there and laughing before I got to the punchline...such is the life of a cat owner. We also feed a couple of feral cats and 3 racoons that have a preference for dry dog food...but they really make a mess of the water dish...I call them the Frito Banditos...
Warren...thanks for the definitions on MULCT...interesting that the first two are illegal...Also I don't think that checking on anwers when you get stuck is really cheating...sometimes when I'm stuck, I will pick just one word and the rest slots into place...think of it as more of a learning experience. You'll just be smarter the next time. That's what we are all about.80)
That's 4 for me I think, so if I have anything else to say, I guess it better be important. TTFN
Barry,
It is enlightening to know that my deleted post is still at your disposal. Do you have any thoughts regarding my clue?
WM,
It is nice to know that you have daughters that are 'out'. Someone's got to do that awful deed!
Hallo, c.c. and co.
I started late, and at first i thought, oh boy, i won't be able to do it today, but then Peak was a good guess and got Paar from mr. G. and when i got Nervecenter i felt pretty good and kept on going until i got to Che----b--Jowl, then i gave in and came here to finish it.
I reiterate, i really like these puzzles, they make me think more and they make sense !
Anyway, i decided to see if L714 was still 100 yesterday, well, he was not, to my surprise .
Wolfmom, thanks for add'l info on AIG etc. I had seen that they had taken the name off the front of their bldg. but had no idea they could change name just like that !
That should not be allowed.
I must have said something wrong for you to think i was not believing Dennis , because i did, believe him.
Dennis, at work they used to accuse me of giving left handed compliments, never understood why,
maybe this was one of those instances. i meant to be funny ( guess i wasn't ), sorry . .
maria, my apologies, but I have no idea what you're referring to. What'd I miss?
Wolfmom, you're right - breakfast for dinner is always good.
Yesterday's late W/mom post am i wrong?
Maria...Correct.I'll use up my last post, then I have to go make waffles...ala Dennis.
I thought(erroneously) that you thought that Dennis was just being funny with the Overseas Contigency Operation...You must live in NYC if you saw the AIG building...apparently they took the name off over the weekend.
Sometimes it is difficult to tell if someone is joking...or getting it. Sorry if I offended you.
Also...the light finally dawned...PMT's post...DESCARTES before the horse...Rene in reverse is ENER...Ta da
That's 5 for me so I'm outta here.
Congrats, WM :)
Maria, no problems whatsoever here; it's all good.
I was out and about all day taking my suits to the cleaners, getting a drug test for a new project I begin on Monday, running errands and catching a last movie (Sunshine Cleaning) before my “free” life ends, so I did not have one solid period of time to work on the puzzle. By the time I got to the movie house, I had put it all together except for the center. But the center was a killer that I mulled over and over through the rest of my errands. CEL---T for 38A “Ma, for one”. Like cc, I too kept thinking of Ma Bell. Or Ma Kettle. Or Ma Clampet???? Finally I figured out SRO for 40D. That gave me CEL--ST. Then like a bolt of lightening CELLIST came to me. Of course, Yo-yo Ma! Duh!
Even with CELLIST filled in, I had a very difficult time with 39D I-Y “needing salt, perhaps”. The only two possibilities were ICY and IVY, but neither made any sense until I came here and saw cc’s comment. And though I knew the song “Proud Mary”, I did not know the group who originally sang it. I have never seen the word MULCT before and will likely never see it again outside of a crossword puzzle.
So…I had three incorrect squares. The missing Cs in CCR were two, and I misspelled 19A IPSO as “ipse”. All in all, I was pleased that I did as well as I did!
@Barry G…thanks for weighing in! A chuckle as always!
The Von Trapp children all grown up.
Whew! a load off, thanks and thanks W/mom
enjoy your waffles!
I live in meami,(lol) but they showed on TV the bldg and the comment was how Aig did not waste time in removing the name.
Now i' m also clear on Descartes and reading PMT post also, dawned on me what "haole" means .
OK , as you say it's all good.
Dennis, yes, I confer. Breakfast for dinner is always GOOD. You knew I'd catch that didn't you?
Linda, never leave the middle bottom blank. It tends to make one cranky.
jeannie: Cranky? I don know nuthin` bout no stinkin` cranky!
Hello again, C.C. & all
Aunt's favorite cocktail was a John Collins- with gin.
DrPaul. absolutely right, a copper 1943 is one of the most valuable, collectable penny, right after the V.D.S.B., S, wheat-back.
Lois,
Love your posts!
Windover @8:37,
Hear, Hear!!
Wellcome, SaminMiam!
Any Anons, (you trolls), if you don't have the balls to sign your name - don't bother to post. And I agree with Dennis!
My Holiday? I'd want to go sailing with Jeannie around the world!
But 30 mph vs 15 mph, and morner, nooner, and nighter, with periods of becalmed..
Laura, welcome!
Maniac,
Sorry for your families loss. As a former cat roomie, there's nothing worse than when the the little purrer isn't under the arm at night...
TJ in Osseo
Linda - sorry I missed your question the first time... I'm afraid somedays I don't follow up... :-(
but, no I don't know Kris Allen. Conway's a pretty good sized town (50,000+) and I'd never heard of him before his American Idol adventure. I have heard comments from a few who do know him and they say he's a real nice guy and the "real deal".
I might post this on Friday's comment section just in case you don't get this reply...
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