google.com, pub-2774194725043577, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0 L.A.Times Crossword Corner: Tuesday, September 6, 2011 Peter Koetters

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Sep 6, 2011

Tuesday, September 6, 2011 Peter Koetters

Theme: Swine Fever - The first word of the starred clue answers can follow(tail) the word PIG to form a common phrase.

18A. *Typical Valentino roles : LATIN LOVERS. An actor in silent films in the '20s, Rudolph Valentino (Image) became a sex symbol known as the "Latin Lover". His sudden death at age 31 caused mass hysteria among his female fans, propelling him into icon status. PIG LATIN - ig-pay atin-lay.

59A. *Cold War symbol : IRON CURTAIN. As a it related to the Cold War, the term became famous from Winston Churchill's speech in Fulton, Missouri, March 5, 1946. The concept of the phrase goes back much further. "Even an iron barrier cannot separate [the people of] Israel from their heavenly father".- Babylonian Talmud. PIG IRON - The intermediate product of smelting iron ore and shipped in this form for remelting and refining later. Wiki article.

3D. *Quaint means of communication? : PEN AND PAPER. PIGPEN.

5D. *Was in charge of : HEADED UP. PIG HEADED - Stupidly stubborn. (From the notion that pigs are immovable and seemingly stubborn.)

26D. *To whom "Howdy, stranger" is often said : OUT OF TOWNER. PIG OUT - To overeat; to overindulge in food or drink.

40D. Girlish hairstyle (and what the starts of the answers to starred clues are?) : PIGTAILS. "Who you calling 'girlish'?", Willie.

Argyle here. I have trouble with the unifier because it usually is all one word and to work here, it should be two words, IMO. Some clunky clues but enough cute ones to make up for it. A strong lay-out, a decent Tuesday.

Across:

1. Tuck's partner : NIP. From cosmetic surgery.

4. Carpet type : SHAG

8. Summer brew : ICE TEA

14. Stuff to be smelted : ORE

15. Grape grower's prefix : OENO

16. "It's unnecessary" : "NO NEED"

17. Word with marked or masked : MAN

20. Declared : STATED

22. Itch scratchers : NAILS

23. Full sets of chromosomes : GENOMEs. A genome is the entirety of an organism's hereditary information.

25. Potpie piece from a pod : PEA

26. Western treaty gp. : OAS. The Organization of American States is the world’s oldest regional organization, dating back to the First International Conference of American States, held in Washington, D.C., from October 1889 to April 1890. Their site.

29. It's up when you're angry : DANDER. It has little to do with dandruff but probably from Spanish, redundar "to overflow". American English,(1831) "temper," originally (W.Indies) "fermentation of sugar."

31. Safe and sound : UNHURT

33. Race circuits : LAPS

35. __ Mountains: Eurasian border range : URAL

37. Mozart's "Cosi fan __" : TUTTE. Clip.(3:04)

38. Med school subj. : ANAT.

39. Cheesecake on a wall : PIN-UP

41. Crane component : BOOM

42. Conveyed, as water through a main : PIPED

44. Centers of attention : FOCI

45. Corp. money VIPs : CFOs. Chief Financial Officer.

46. Audiophile's setup : STEREO

48. Bothers persistently : NAGS AT

50. Musical ability : EAR

51. English channel, briefly : BBC. The Beeb or Auntie Beeb.

53. Swing by for a visit : STOP OFF

56. Former CBS News anchor Couric : KATIE

58. Response : ANSWER

63. Org. for piece lovers? : NRA. National Rifle Association, 'piece' is a fire arm.

64. Poses (for) : MODELS

65. Wheel attachment : AXLE. Or, more commonly, an AXLE attachment is a wheel. In any case, they're attached.

66. Aussie runner : EMU

67. Pint-size : PEE-WEE

68. For fear that : LEST

69. Free (of) : RID

Down:

1. Chinese menu assurance : NO MSG

2. Hopping mad : IRATE

4. Like vows : SOLEMN

6. Picnic crasher : ANT

7. Enter : GO IN

8. Taking the place (of) : IN LIEU

9. Car radiator need : COOLANT

10. They may be self-sealing: Abbr. : ENVs. Envelope.

11. Kickoff aid : TEE

12. Suffix with musket : EER

13. Spots on TV : ADS

19. Cat's pause? : NAP

21. Place for Pop-Tarts : TOASTER

24. Letter flourish : SERIF

27. Threepio's buddy : AR-TOO

28. What keeps bloomers up? : STEMS

30. Talked a blue streak : RAN ON

32. Wheel covers : HUBCAPS. How to spot a police car; they have hubcaps in lieu of wheel covers. The spot light is a give-away, too. Image

33. Run out, as a subscription : LAPSE

34. Santa __ racetrack : ANITA. Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif.

36. "Star Wars" mastermind : LUCAS. George Lucas.

43. Fiasco : DEBACLE

47. More than right, in triangles : OBTUSE. Less than a right angle, acute.

49. Shakespearean verse : SONNET

52. Columbus in N.Y.C. or DuPont in D.C. : CIRcle. The DuPont. The Columbus.

54. Nuclear pioneer Enrico : FERMI

55. Hoax : FRAUD

56. Was aware : KNEW

57. List-ending abbr. : ET AL.

59. Little devil : IMP

60. Microsturgeons? : ROE. Gets my vote for the cutest of the cute clues.

61. Poem of praise : ODE

62. Logger's tool : AXE


Argyle

62 comments:

Barry G. said...

Morning, all!

This felt like a typical Monday puzzle to me, which is perfectly fine since yesterday's felt like a typical Tuesday puzzle.

The theme didn't reveal itself until after everything was solved, but I didn't need it. And overall, it was a fun puzzle. I agree that the clue for ROE was cute. And I suppose we just have to accept that ICE TEA is here to stay. Ah well, at least I've started seeing ADE clued as a suffix instead of a drink in some recent puzzles... ^_^

Hahtoolah said...

Good morning, Argyle and friends. I had fun with this puzzle and found the PIGTAIL early on.

My favorite clue was Itch Scratcher = NAILS, although I got it through the perps.

I am a big Mozart fan, so had no trouble with Cosi Fan TUTTE.

We almost always stay in DuPont Circle when we are in D.C.

I was a bit surprised at the intersection of LAPS and LAPSE.

Dr. Dad said...

Good morning.

Never got the theme until seeing the write up here.

I liked microsturgeons as well.

Perhaps Barry is right - but Ice Tea? I always thought it was Iced Tea. Maybe not. It does serve as a "coolant" when you are hot.

Speaking of R2-D2 and C3PO - I certainly got enough of the Labor Day Star Wars Marathon on the tube this past weekend.

An earthquake on Dec. 16, 1811 caused parts of the Mississippi River to flow backwards.

The warmest temperature ever recorded on Antarctica was 3 degrees F.

The Amazon rainforest produces more than 20% the world's oxygen supply.

If Manhattan had the same population density as Alaska, there would only be 15 people living there.

The names of the continents all end with the same letter with which they start, excluding the North and South infront of AmericA.

Have a great Tuesday!

Grumpy 1 said...

Good morning, gang. Thanks for the write up and links, Argyle.

"What Barry said" pretty well sums it up. It was a good thing I went back and checked the down clues that were already filled, though. I misspelled TUTTE with an 'i' on the end, but caught it on the crosscheck. Other than that, the Commuter Crossword that we also get in our paper was just as challenging as this puzzle.

I see our constructor from yesterday stopped by the blog very late with some interesting comments.

Interesting factoids, Dr. Dad.

Have a great day, all.

thehondohurricane said...

Good day folks,

Agree this felt like a Monday puzzle, but an uninteresting Monday. The cluing just did not get me worked up today. Very vanilla for the most part.

Having checked my fills to the answer grid, at least I know my solution is correct.

I was debating Tutte vs Tutti for a while. That was the only gray area for me.

ICE TEA/ICED TEA... whichever is correct matters not, I'll never consume the liquid.

Abejo said...

Good Morning, folks. Thank you, Peter, for a swell Tuesday puzzle. Also, Argyle, for the write-up.

My biggest problem was just getting to this puzzle this morning. The Chicago Tribune Site had some puzzle from August on there. Then, once I got it, I could not print. My brother-in-law helped me out.

The puzzle went smoothly. Got the theme early, but did not need it. The answers fell quite easily.

Enjoyed 63A NRA, since I am a Life Member.

I wonder if 1D should have indicated as an abbreviation, since NO MSG is an abbreviation.

IN LIEU came easily. I have used that term for years in writing things.

FERMI came easily since I live a stone's throw from Fermi Lab.

Tomorrow I will be traveling from Erie to Chicago. See you then.

Abejo

Lemonade714 said...

Argyle: Once again thanks for guiding us. HH, there are some very tasty iced teas made these days, Do you think young people speak pig latin or op anymore? Dr. D. got us thinking. Enjoy your Tuesday/Monday, Abejo feeling good? CA?

kazie said...

I also felt this was easier than yesterday. But I still got hung up in the mideast. I have never heard of OAS, misspelled TUTTI, couldn't decide what the crane part was: bird BILL or machine? and wasn't sure if R2D2 was AR-TOO or AR-TWO.

I got the theme quickly and that helped a bit, all in all a fun challenge. What does that bode for the rest of the week, when the first two days were DNFs?

Spitzboov said...

Good Morning everyone. Nice blogging, Argyle.

Another fun early-in-the-week puzzle. Theme fills were interesting but mostly easy. Knowing the PIG lead-in helped me get OUT OF TOWNER. Briefly had 'join' for 7d until I sussed out the carpet type SHAG and got GO IN. Nice shout at 59d to my avatar's early days, IMP.

Nice of Andrea to add her comments at the end of yesterday's blog.(in case you missed it)

Have a nice day.

Grumpy 1 said...

Check out C.C. and Don's Curious Conundrum puzzle. It's better than today's LAT offering, IMHO.

Splynter said...

Hi There~!

Not one to normally NIT PICK, but I grew up with Star Wars, and therefore, "Threepio's buddy" should have been DETOO;

I had the -OO to start -

C-3PO, and R2-D2....

oh well, add it to the ICE TEA thing

Splynter

kazie said...

I agree with Splynter on C3PO and R2D2--the last part would have been a better match, as with all other names.

HeartRx said...

Arrrgh...I lot my post. It was full of witty comments about the puzzle, and an insightful analysis of the theme entries...but you'll just have to take my word for it, LOL!!!

So, I''ll just go with "What Barry said"...

Grumpy 1 said...

I disagree on the C-3PO R2-D2 comments. The clue is Threepio's buddy. Threepio is the name that was commonly used for that 'droid, so the name commonly used for his buddy would be the best choice and that would be Artoo. I don't think first name vs last name type of clue applies here.

Clear Ayes said...

Good Morning All, Good link and comments, Argyle.

SONNETS and ODES in one puzzle. I'll have to find one or the other before I take off on my Tuesday jaunt.

I understand how PEN AND PAPER is now considered quaint, but I love receiving a real card or note. I don't count those yearly holiday catch-up letters, since all they have in common with PEN AND PAPER is a signature (maybe).

I was quite a PIG LATIN speaker at eight or nine years old. We sure thought we were putting something over on our parents.

28D was tough for me. I was thinking of a cowboy movie star. I even had OATER HEROES. I finally got OUT OF TOWNER with perp help.

I give up on ICE TEA. I've been paying attention and have noticed that I drop the "D" when I order it at a restaurant.
My favorite is Raspberry Ice(d) Tea.

Clear Ayes said...

Here's a Shakespearean SONNET to get you through the day. No matter how bad things get, as long as I have you, I wouldn't change places with a king...Really?

Sonnet XXIX

When in disgrace with Fortune and men's eyes,
I all alone beween my outcast state,
And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries
And look upon myself and curse my fate.
Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,
Featur'd like him, like him with friends possessed,
Desiring this man's art and that man's scope,
With what I most enjoy contented least,
Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,
Haply I think on thee, and then my state,
(Like to the Lark at break of day arising)
From sullen earth sings hymns at Heaven's gate,
For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings,
That then I scorn to change my state with Kings.

Bill G. said...

I enjoy iced tea mixed half-and-half with lemonade to make an Arnold Palmer.

I've been to Santa Anita only once. I bet on all the favorites and didn't win a cent. The parking lot is HUGE and I was worried about being able to find my car when we left. Sure enough, we wandered around for half an hour looking for it before I realized we'd come out the opposite side of the facility. They wouldn't let up walk back through without buying another ticket so we walked around. It took forever since the track is so large. We finally found our car after over an hour.

Ashley Eidbo said...

yep - like the Monday feel since it's the first day back to work. Didn't have any real issues, but my favorite clue was definitely "English channel, briefly"

Tinbeni said...

Argyle: Wonderful write-up & links.

NIP, to me, is Pinch's partner.

PEN-AND-PAPER, my quaint way of solving puzzles.

Grumpy 1: I agree with your ARTOO reasoning.

Hahtool: Without your QOD I guess I'll just contemplate my navel today.

GarlicGal said...

Quick puzzle this morning. My favorite clue was "English Channel briefly", as well.

Ice tea? Iced tea? What would we have to nit pick about were it not for answers like this? I know...a lot.

Ah yes, The Ladies Who Lunch (cue Elaine Stritch)... meeting up today for a little lunch and visit. We might even be ordering a glass or two of that infamous tea!

Later.

Zcarguy said...

Morning all, Argyle

I must admit, I did not find today's puzzle easier than yesterday's , I got hung up in the Mideast for awhile
with CFOS at 45A I wanted Good Friends for 26D. it made perfect sense at the time.
I just couldn't get the crosses to cooperate, STOPOFF
gave me fits, it just doesn't look right to me, wanted DROPS IN,
And can someone explains to me how PIN UP means cheesecake on a wall ?

I liked how ICE TEA / TEE and LAPS / LAPSE crossed.

Y'all have a good day.

Argyle said...

I, also, agree with Grumpy 1.

Ashley, forgive me but I have to ask; are you associated with the ButtCradle? Jzb might be interested.

eddyB said...

Hello.

Andrea. Sorry for the mistake that I made yesterday.

Argyle. Thanks for catching it and for the link.

I knew that it was wrong when I hit publish.

eddy

Argyle said...

Zcarguy, I'm glad you asked about cheesecake pin-ups so I can link this.

Zcarguy said...

Argyle
Thanks for the link, but still not....em
are we talking Posters , Calendars and such ?

Argyle said...

Yup!

Word Origin & History - Cheesecake

Slang meaning dates from 1934, when a "Time" magazine article defined it as "leg-pictures of sporty females." In its early years the word often was associated with Marlene Dietrich.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper

Zcarguy said...

Argyle
She's got legs , I wouldn't mind PIN her Down...!

Jazzbumpa said...

Hi gang -

Pretty good puzzle. I like the clever clues that have been mentioned. Did not suss the theme. Oink!

Aryle - why would I be interested in the ButtCradle? I don't play bass, just bass trombone, and that not all the time.

Aha - I see the Ashley connection.

Cheers!
JzB who sometimes plays standing

Hahtoolah said...

Tinbini: Here you go.

QOD: politicians are people who, when they see the light at the end of the tunnel, go out and buy some more tunnel. - Sir John Quinton.

Jayce said...

Hello everybody, and happy back-to-work day. What Barry said :)

I got a lot of enjoyment from today's puzzle. Thanks to Mr. Koetters for constructing it and thanks to Argyle for writing about it.

Smileys: The clues for 22A, 39A, 51A, 19D, 28D (my favorite), and 60D. Also smileys for fill: SOLEMN (for which I first wanted SACRED), COOLANT, GENOMES, and DANDER.

No frownies today. All good.

I held off on pencilling in the last letter of TUTT_ because I, too, couldn't think of whether it was I or E.

Hahtool, my wife and I have a nice story about a fun experience we had at Dupont Circle a few years ago. I'll tell it next.

Jayce said...

Several years ago when LW and I were visiting Washington, D.C., we were strolling through Dupont Circle and a restaurant by the name of Mo's caught our eye, possibly because of the Ferrari parked in front of it that had a "MO" license plate. So we went in to have a drink. As we were sitting at the bar sippiing our drinks, a lovely gentleman came over to us and solicitously asked us if were were having a good time. We said yes and chatted a bit, and he finally introduced himself as Mo. Of course we talked ab out his car, and as his visit with us ended and he was walking away, he turned to the bartender and told him the drinks were on the house. It was really nice. Of course, we stayed to have dinner there, which was undoubtedly because of the hospitality he treated us with.

Is Mo's still there, by the way?

Lucina said...

Hello, Cyber friends. Thank you, Argyle and it surprised me that you had not linked cheesecake in your blog.

NONEED to expand on this since you all have done it and hit the high spots.

Though I saw the PIG theme it wasn't needed for this speed run.

Laughed at itch scratchers, NAILS, English channel, BBC and of course microsturgeons, ROE.

Tripped but didn't fall on TUTTE, TUTTI, ARTOO. I agree with Tin and Kazie. Its R2-D2.

LOL. Hahtool:
Thanks for adding your QOD as your post seemed incomplete.

Have a super Tuesday, everyone!

Dr. Dad said...

Grumpy1 is correct. When pairing them up, it is one of two ways: R2-D2 and C-3POor Artoo-Deetoo and See-Threepio (which are the phonetic versions. Thus, if the clue is given as Threepio - - -

Anonymous said...

Alternate QOD:

The difference between a house smelling like delicious popcorn or burnt mule is around twenty seconds. ~ Daniel Tosh.



P.S. The puzzle was very nice,- thank you Peter Koetters, the blogging by Argyle was very nice and all is well.... On to the rest of September.

Zhouqin (C.C.) Burnikel said...

Jayce,
I sent you a note earlier. Can you check your mail box?

Anonymous said...

Sorry to say i disagree today seemed like a wednes day...6 question clues words like genomes,oas,dander,foci,nagstat,obtuse and serif and dont forget the screw up on R2-D2 seems like a later of the week puzzle to me!

Unknown said...

Thanks, Argyle!
I have nothing to add to the excellent writing today.
I just got back from my "ladies weekly lunch". We all had iced tea and some of us say it so that it sounds as if we are ordering "sweet ass tea"! Gotta love the NC accent.
Favorite clue today-"What keeps bloomers up?" Stems!
Our eldest son is a "Star Wars" freak! I never got in to it, so I had to guess at 27 down.
Now, I am going to 48 across the hubby!
Have a good day!

eddyB said...

I refuse to say icedcream even through mine has ice on it from sitting in the freezer.

eddy

Tinbeni said...

MSO said:
"Now, I am going to 48 across the hubby!"

Well that got an ACTUAL out-loud laugh!
Thouhgt we were HEADED UP to DF-Land.

Anonymous said...

Good evening everyone.

I loved this Monday-ish puzzle. I could do it almost unaided. (DH gave me BOOM.)

Ditto to Barry G's comment.

The perp gave me ROE because I misread the clue as microsurgeons and tried to fit in plastic or some such. Gave up and the perps fixed it for me.

Favorite was STEMS.

Cheers It's sunset here.

Husker Gary said...

A nice Tuesday LAP around the track after golf and Wal Mart shopping! Johnny Carson always had an ongoing argument with Ed that pigs were the smartest animals in the farmyard!

Musings
-Everybody had SHAG 50 years ago (the noun not the Austin Power’s verb)
-What, STATED and not AVOWED or AVERED?
-Kramer had a girlfriend that scratched his back with her long nails
-MD subject = ANAT, MBA subject = ECON
-Was this the most famous pinup of all? It got a lot of guys through WWII.
-Nebraska wishes it could PIPE our water down to OK and TX this summer
-I always take your word, Marti!
-CA, I prefer an ecard to a $4 Hallmark I only look at for 15 seconds but greatly prefer paper and pencil when doing the LAT cwd!

Mainiac said...

Evening CC, Argyle and All,

Typical Monday for me even though its Tuesday. My only problem was having Stops In instead of Stop Off in the SE. Out of Towner fixed that and filled in the rest of the block. Favorite clue was 63A. I was thinking anything but firearms. Nice puzzle.

Out of Towners have definitely dropped off, which doesn't bother me any. Nice to be able to drive around Town without stopping at every single crosswalk. Transitioning to the fall season which is a different type of busy.

Sorry for being out of the loop. Work continues to get in the way of my pleasures.

Thanks for the write up Argyle. I didn't get the theme until I read it.

Have a good remainder!

Chickie said...

Hola Everyone, I did get most of the puzzle without help, but JD picked me up for a lunch in Morgan Hill with Garlic Gal and she filled me in on the two clues that I was having trouble with.

Pigtail was one of them and the last to fall. I have a huge bump on my forehead from a V-8 can. I don't know how I could have been so dense.

Everything else pretty much fell into place. A good Tuesday puzzle all around. I had much the same problems and successes as everyone else, so I won't elaborate further.

Have a great rest of the day, everyone.

Chickie said...

JD, Garlic Gal and I met in Morgan Hill (half way between San Jose and Gilroy) for lunch and we poured over C.C.'s and DonG's Curious Conundrum puzzle which C.C. put up today. I hate to say that it took all three of us to finish it up, but we did get it all. LOL. We enjoyed the puzzle and some of the clever clueing. Armada was a mistake that it took us a while to fix.

Every time the waiter came to our table we had a crossword puzzle in the way of the plates he wanted to set down.

Garlic Gal drove her absolutlely gorgeous red MG and we actually were able to admire it close up. What a magnificent car. She had the top down and enjoyed the warm breezy ride into downtown Morgan Hill.

Lucina said...

Chickie, JD and GarlicGal:
Lunch together? You are sooo lucky! Wish I could have joined you.

Clear Ayes said...

Lemonade@7:47, thanks for asking. Just tests today and a fast trip to Costco. Except for the heat I'm feeling good.

Garlic Gal, Chickie & JD, I know your ladies lunch was great. Cue Elaine Stritch? All you had to do was ask...The Ladies Who Lunch. Love that Sondheim! Ms. Stritch is one of those "Great Dames" of the theater. She is 86 years old and is still active on TV and the theater. I am also reminded of Carol Channing, who happens to live down the road in Modesto, CA, and at 90 years old shows up to perform at area charitable events.

Argyle, very nice cheesecake pinups. It bring back memories of every gas station garage calendar of the 1940's, 50's and 60's. I always think of artist Alberto Vargas as the king of pinups. His were often on the sensual side.

Chickie said...

Lucina and Clear Ayes we wished you all had been able to be with us. Kathleen, too. We'll plan another get together soon and hopefully can get others to join us.

Did I mention that gorgeous red MG? I did? I needed to mentions it again. Sigh!

Marge said...

Hi all,
This was easier than yesterday. I too had problems in the ME but got them with help.

Threepio was totally unknown. I typed the phrase om Yahoo and up came a site that talked about Threepio's buddy. It even mentioned the LAT crossword puzzle. It was all new to me.

English channel had me confused at first until BB came up and I realized it was the TV channel.

Dr. Dad-I was amazed at your comment about the continent names I never realized that before.

Thanks Argyle for the good write up. Hope you didn't mind my comments yesterday about Hi Lili.

Peter, I enjoyed the puzzle.

Have a good evening!
Marge

Peter said...

It's the puzzle author chiming in. Thanks to everybody for the feedback. It's all welcome, positive and otherwise.

The only issue of apparent contention I will tackle is that of the nicknames of the Star Wars droids. It's Threepio (C-3PO) and Artoo (R2-D2). That's what they are called throughout all the films. They don't have christian names and surnames, after all. Here are a couple of references...
Artoo
Threepio

I guess I get defensive about Star Wars. I'm such a geek.

I'm just about a mile from Santa Anita, but that was Rich's clue. So was the English channel. Glad some of the other "cute clues" went over all right, though. I'm also glad it was fairly easy. None of my friends could solve my earlier LAT puzzle 'cuz it was a Friday. My mom just left an excited message that she was able to do it. That was neat.

I like this upbeat group of folks. Makes me want to create more puzzles. Ciao.

Argyle said...

Encore! Encore!

Clear Ayes said...

Husker Gary, maybe paper greeting cards are more of a "woman thing". Ask your wife what she thinks. I don't save greeting cards forever, but they are propped up on the buffet for a week or so and reread several times before going in the recycle bin. GAH likes getting them too. If anything, he is sappier than I am.

Today is my baby's (hey, I only have one) birthday. She is 49 years old...Golly Gosh Amighty!! She will be here this weekend for dinner. I sent her a card, GAH sent her a card and I "poked" her on Facebook too.

Peter, nice to meet you. Stop by any time. I had to laugh at your reminder that a robot doesn't have a first or last name and gets any old nickname George Lucas wants it to have.

kazie said...

Nice to "see" you here, Peter,
I only chimed in about the robots because when solving, I had paused over that clue and thought the same way that Splynter's comment suggested. I can certainly see your point about their not having a first and last name though. But not being very "name-conscious" I hadn't noticed that they went by shortened nickname versions.

dodo said...

What a neat-o puzzle today! Thank you Peter. Great blogging, too, Argyle!

I guess I just lucked out with the StarWars entry. I have never seen it. I must be the only soul in the whole hemisphere who hasn't. And my kids are never around when I need'em.

My only mistake was misspelling Tutte. I was so sure it was Tutti.
And it would have made 28D so easy! As it was I left it with sties! New word? And that gave me bore instead of boom! Whattamess!

I really , really envy you Lunching Ladies! Maybe some day I can hop (?) on the ACE train and meet you all again.

CA, I've been thinking about you and am so glad you're doing okay. It's hard having a house for sale. I hope you won't work too hard!

Enjoy the remains of the day!

creature said...

Hey Gang: (that’s CC, Argyle, Peter and All),

Loved the Two Puzzles. ( Hey, Don, That’s you, too.)

Star Wars had me whipped, but I still loved it. I’m learning. ARGOSY and I thought we’d met, but I could find no assurance of that when I looked it up.

Everything’s been said; I just wanted to touch base and say how great the puzzles were for me this AM.
Also, Argyle's write-up was a huge treat. Thanks.

Lemonade714 said...

oh the memories. when i was little my uncle had saved every issue of esquire magazine, and it was there i discovered the work of Vargas who really knew his way around a female body. i learned much more there than from Grey's. thank you argyle and CA.

speaking of Elaine Stritch, back in 1969, a girlfriend got me a job hawking programs and ushering at a dinner theater called Candlewood Playhouse on the Lake, and Ms. S appeared in a summer stock show with Brian Bedford. Wonderful show until the final night when the grand dame got very drunk, offered herself and passed out. she would love the coven.

Lemonade714 said...

When it finally closed: "Candlewood's history began with the building of the facility that cost $450,000 in 1964. Originally named the Meadowbrook Playhouse, its first production, opening July 6, 1965, was "Bye, Bye, Birdie." Renamed the Candlewood Playhouse the following year, to more closely conform to nearby Candlewood Lake, the theatre has also offered restaurant meals as well as children's shows and big-bands programs.
The playhouse saw its share of stars: Elaine Stritch, Shelley Winters, Shirley Booth, Dorothy Loudon, Sid Caesar, Gloria Swanson, Jessica Tandy, and Hume Cronyn. In 1974, concerts and star package tours filled the bills with the likes of Ann Miller, Jack Benny, Marlene Dietrich, and Carol Channing. Still, money was lost, as it was when the theatre briefly offered non-Equity revues. Preceding the six seasons Hodge and Allan took over, a different management team closed the theatre in the middle of the 1992 season, leaving subscribers in the lurch.

Source: http://www.allbusiness.com/services/amusement-recreation-services/4584006-1.html#ixzz1XEFfogFI

Bill G. said...

The beautiful weather here is still pretty but warmer. It was in the middle 80s today (and the rest of the week) which is warmer than I like it but still nice.

The warmer weather has brought out the repair and redo bug around our house. My old Camry had the passenger electric window decide not to go up anymore. So that is getting fixed tomorrow. The ice maker in our old refrigerator started leaking. So, as of today, we have a new, energy-efficient, non-leaking refrigerator. My wife decided that our old kitchen floor was too old for her so the floor guy is coming tomorrow to measure for a new one. Oh well, it's just money.

JD said...

Greetings Argyle,C.C.,Peter,et al,

Loved both xwds today, and Argyle's write up that always sets me straight.I think the V8 dents are here to stay.

Barry, I enjoy the way you write for all of us.I had trouble with the artoo section, but was delighted and laughed when I had an ah-ha.....stems!

debacle-great word!

eddy-had to laugh. We discussed this tea thing at lunch today, and since none of us were sure what the correct verbage was, we settled for water.

But Bill.....I had a delicious Mediterranean chicken club gyro..filled with free range chicken, avocado, Applewood smoked bacon , a few garlic herb fries thrown in and laced with grilled eggplant...a feast!

Peter, lots of smiles from, a fun puzzle. Hope to see more.

Anonymous said...

Great puzzle just finally got around to doing it.

Fun Facts by Dave Letterman

After a bout with conjunctivitis, Frank Sinatra was briefly known as old pink eyes.

Until 1958, people dreamed in black & white.

dodo said...

Jayce, I didn't get a chance to wishe you well on your 46th anniversary or to tell you thanks for your lovely story.
So, just four years to go till your 'Golden'. It's an accomplishment, believe me!

I guess we had the biggest celebration on our 40th when my DH gave me my 'engagement' ring! What a great surprise with all the family there!

Do have many more wonderful years together!

Bill G. said...

JD, that gyro sounds fantastic!

Jayce, I apparently didn't notice your anniversary. Hearty congratulations! It's 46 for us too this past June.

Zhouqin (C.C.) Burnikel said...

Dodo et al,
Jayce's 46th wedding anniversary is this coming Saturday.