google.com, pub-2774194725043577, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0 L.A.Times Crossword Corner: Tuesday, February 3, 2015 C.C. Burnikel

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Feb 3, 2015

Tuesday, February 3, 2015 C.C. Burnikel

Theme: A 200 Puzzle - Phrases that start with two letters that also could be Roman numerals, then clued as their equivalent numbers.

17. 400 athletes? : CD PLAYERS. Compact Disc.

26. 40 polos? : XL SHIRTS. Extra Large.

40. 4 tire inserts? : IV TUBES. Intravenous.

51. 600 stand-ups? : DC COMICS. Detective Comics.

64. 1,500 thermometer units? : MD DEGREES. Doctor of Medicine.(Medicinae Doctor)

Argyle here. Nice tight theme; all two letter numbers(or is it two number letters?). Four great verticals, too.

Across:

1. Pharmacy purchase : DRUG

5. Figure (out), slangily : DOPE

9. Early Yucatán settlers : MAYAs

14. German "a" : EINE. 'Eine' is used for feminine nouns.

15. Irish New Age singer : ENYA

16. Bite-the-bullet type : STOIC

19. "Star Trek" lieutenant : UHURA. (Nichelle Nichols) At one point, Uhura was promoted to full commander.

20. Trophy prized by actors : OSCAR

21. Watermelon eater's discard : SEED

23. Austin-to-Baton Rouge direction : EAST

24. Flat hat with a pompom : TAM

28. Football club based in Lombardy : A.C. MILAN. A professional Italian football club based in Milan, Lombardy. Homepage

32. Many a casino visitor : LOSER

33. Bank offering : LOAN. Hmm, right after that visit to the casino.

34. Kelly of morning TV : RIPA

37. Moral code : ETHIC

39. Texter's "Horrors!" : [OMG].(Oh My God!)

42. Squeeze (out) : EKE

43. Local news hr. : TEN PM

45. Mix : STIR

46. ESPN analyst Hershiser : OREL

47. Wife of Abraham : SARAH

49. Chatty gathering : GABFEST

54. Plea at sea, briefly : S.O.S.

55. "Sadly ..." : "ALAS...", the SOS went unanswered.

56. Pouty expression : MOUE

58. Repetitive musical piece : RONDO

62. ACC team with a turtle mascot : TERPs. (Maryland Terrapins)

66. Gobbled up : EATEN

67. Letter carrier's sackful : MAIL

68. Starbucks order : TALL

69. Sound from an angry dog : SNARL

70. Sugar bowl invaders : ANTS

71. Battle of Normandy town : ST. LO

Down:

1. Geometric art style : DECO

2. Frees (of) : RIDS

3. Like the word "waitress," briefly : UN-PC. Server now.

4. Gummy bear ingredient : GELATIN

5. Susan of "L.A. Law" : DEY

6. Small bills : ONEs

7. Oven-safe brand : PYREX

8. Stand in a painting class : EASEL

9. East Lansing sch. : MSU. (Michigan State University)

10. Nonreligious sort : ATHEIST

11. Mall directory words : [YOU ARE HERE]

12. Bombing missions : AIR STRIKES

13. Sings like Ella : SCATS

18. Shrunken Asian sea : ARAL

22. Broadband initials : DSL. (Digital Subscriber Line)

25. Harry and __, "Home Alone" bad guys : MARV



27. Ground breakers : HOEs

28. Plenty : A LOT

29. Fesses up : COMES CLEAN

30. Document sealed by King John in 1215 : MAGNA CARTA

31. Petty peeves : NITS

35. Salt (away) : PUT

36. "Not __ deal" : A BIG

38. Boston NBAer : CELT

40. Islamic prayer leader : IMAM

41. Notable periods : ERAs

44. Thrive : PROSPER

46. In some respects : OF SORTS

48. That guy : HIM

50. Five-time Wimbledon champ Bjorn : BORG

51. Goes out with : DATES

52. Pause punctuation : COMMA

53. Khartoum's land : SUDAN

57. Cut a line from, say : EDIT

59. Well-kept : NEAT

60. Computer giant : DELL

61. Norway's most populous city : OSLO

63. NBC comedy staple : SNL

65. Some Bronx trains : ELs


Argyle

Notes from C.C.:

I'd like to share with you the email exchanges between me and Rich. This puzzle won't be possible without his always patient guidance. I'm amazing. I made up my own Roman Numerals :-)

From C.C:


"Hi Rich,

In this theme, the first two letters are all Roman numerals:

ID BRACELET 10:  Popular Roman wrist ornament in 499?

DC COMICS 8: Popular Roman standups in 600?

IV TUBES 7: Popular Roman river floaters in 4?

CC RIDER 7: Popular Roman jockey in 200?

MC HAMMER 8 : Popular Roman toolbox item in 1100?

CD ACCOUNTS 10 : Popular Roman tales in 400?

Attached is my clued grid. I hope it interests you.

Thank you for the time.

C.C."

Rich's reply:

"Hi C.C. (also a Roman numeral, I notice now), 

This theme idea works for me, but there are some problems with this version of it. For starters, the first entry isn't a valid Roman numeral. The "rule" is that a smaller preceding numeral can't be more than two levels lower than the one it precedes. Thus, IV and IX are valid. IL isn't, and as you can see. ID isn't close.

Roman numeral themes are familiar, but what would make this different is having Arabic numbers directly clue the answers--which would have to all be plurals. DC COMICS could be [600 joke tellers?]. IV TUBES could be [4 TVs?]. Names won't work unless the second part is a natural plural. HAMMER and RIDER aren't. CD BRACELETS doesn't seem very well-known--it gets only 10K Google hits in both singular and plural--but there are other possibilities with CD, such as investments.  XL SHIRTS would work. MD something?

If you can revamp the theme, please query me on it before doing any kind of revision.

Thanks.
 
Rich"

61 comments:

Occasional Lurkere from UAE Dubai said...

Hi CC and Argyle - hello from the United Arab Emirates by Occasional Lurker.

Youall have a great day - and look up the proposal - the last comment for yesterday ! ;->)

OwenKL said...

The Roman Empire, on land and sea
Staged circuses for all to see.
The announcer who thundered
Was the eleven hundred --
Oh My Gosh, I mean he was the MC!
~ ~ ~
In ancient Rome, 'twas quite complex
To simply count from I to X.
Indian symbols
Made numbers nimble --
(Like their Kama Sutra taught nimble sex!)

Barry G. said...

Morning, all!

I got the theme right away and had a great time with it. Thanks for sharing some of the creative process with us, C.C. I do have to ask what is a CD BRACELET, however...

Mostly a smooth solve. Had to guess at the crossing of ACMILAN and MARV, but MILAN looked more liekly than MILEN. Also thought "salt" was a very odd clue for PUT, especially on a Tuesday, but it didn't slow me down much.

More snow overnight, school cancelled again, and I have to go back out and do some more shoveling...

Anonymous said...

Terps moved to the Big Ten last year.

John Lampkin said...

Thanks for sharing the editorial process, C.C. That's typical Rich. Shows how sharp he is in the driver's seat so working with him is like having two brains.
Yes indeedy, Argyle, those were terrific verticals. Sparkling long fill like that made the puzzle a fun solve.

desper-otto said...

Good morning!

Enjoyed the C.C. puzzle with Argyle embellishments -- very cute title. I also liked the way you promoted that PC to a server -- you're a networkin' dude!

DSL is no longer considered hi-tech; it's more of a one-lane "broadband." In our little town -- only one square mile -- folks on one side of the main drag can get high-speed internet via fiber. Folks on the other side can't. I live on the wrong side.

I was surprised that both DC COMICS and MD DEGREES contained a third Roman numeral letter. DCC and MDD aren't valid numbers, though.

Yesterday I got my head examined -- biennial eye exam. Things have changed -- not a lot, but enough. I'll be seeing things differently sometime next week.

Lemonade714 said...

A delightful puzzle from our own two hundred, really enjoyed the solve. Surprised to see A C MILAN in the fill, we do not get many soccer (football) references.

I am not sure why Maryland left the ACC for the Big Ten, but they did.

Thanks C.C. and Argyle, stay warm in the snow.

TTP said...


Good morning all.

I cracked up at CD PLAYERS. So funny ! And sussed the game there. How fun was that review of Roman Numerals ? CC, you are so creative and imaginative !

Had to use the imaginary wite-out. At UHURu, but SCATS corrected that extra U.

How timely. It was just announced in the news that the four surviving copies of the Magna Carta are going on display in London at the British Library. 800th Anniversary

I like Kelly RIPA's onscreen persona. I wonder if she is like that 24/7 ?

OK, COME CLEAN. Do you usually look for and stop by the "YOU ARE HERE" sign at the mall ? I do.

That "Home Alone" scene is unfamiliar, but it was funny.

Thank you CC and Argyle.


Argyle said...

The "Home Alone" scene should be unfamiliar because it was an outtake; it never made it to the film. Remember, you saw it here first.

inanehiker said...

Fun theme, Thanks CC and for the write-up Argyle. I can tell I'm not fully awake as at first I was trying to think what roman number was AC for ACMilan...

@TTP I often stop at the You are Here sign at malls these days, because I'm usually trying to get to a specific store instead of just wandering the mall.

Tinbeni said...

WOW !!! What a FUN puzzle to solve on a Tuesday morning.

C.C. Thank you for a great theme and the construction insight correspondence with Rich..
My "new" all-time favorite that you constructed!

Argyle, Especially enjoyed the MARV and Harry link.

Only problem was at 69-a, my "Angry dog" had a "growL" before SNARL emerged.
As for "speed-run" ... I solve with CNBC on which makes me a slow solver.

Almost done packing ... it is amazing how much stuff is in the RIDS pile.
Downsizing is kindda fun.

Cheers!

Tinbeni said...

UAE Dubai Lurker @5:39 am
Great to hear from you!
Just went back and read your yesterday comment.
Very insightful and reasonable.
JMHO

Look forward to reading more comments from your part of the world in the future.
(and a former "co-worker" of mine is currently in Muscat).

kazie said...

Fun run today, thanks C.C.!
My only real nattick was at RIPA/MARV. Names of film characters never stick for me, and I don't watch TV in the morning, so thought Kelly was her last name. Interesting to see Rich's interpretation of the original concept.

Jazzbumpa said...

Hi gang -

One may also use OMG! as an expression of amazement as I did when I DOPED out CD PLAYERS.

Great theme, wonderful fun puzzle.

Also fun to see Rich's workings.

C.C you are remarkable.

Owen - the MC! Brilliant!

Cool regards!
JzB

Dudley said...

Hello Puzzlers -

Back to the Corner after a short absence, much of which was occupied with snow removal. C'mon Spring!

Clever theme, C.C.! I'm amazed at the inventiveness you apply to the making of puzzles.

Morning Argyle, hope the snow isn't over the ridgepole yet.

Irish Miss said...

Good Morning:

CC, your imagination and creativity truly amaze me. Congrats on a well-executed and extremely clever Tuesday offering. Kudos to Argyle, as well.

Snow, snow, and more snow! We got a foot on top of what we already had and the forecast is for more Thursday and Monday. Ack!

Have a great day.

Dudley said...

Occasional Lurker - thanks for yesterday's explanation, I think that clarifies the matter of why the puzzle in question was unavailable at first. Does it mean that ordinary, inoffensive (to us) words are, in fact, offensive within that culture?

Rainman said...

Very nice accomplishment, CC, and thanks Argyle.

Enjoyable. Nice work on the theme and clueing.

Did not remember MARV nor his partner's name in Home Alone, but I thought both movies were great (including the sequel), and I recall fondly the terrific "Merry Christmas" song, which I think might have been a John Williams orchestral piece. It was that big.

Thanks for sharing the inter-dialog with Rich.

I'm thinking of downloading Crossfire (crossword construction software) to my MacBook but when I went into the site, I got cold feet. I've only been a MacBook owner for a couple of years. If anyone can offer any help at all, I'd be grateful. Specifically, the instructions are confusing, and long.

Thanks!!! And thanx again, CC.

Spitzboov said...

Good morning everyone.

Another Bravo Zulu to C.C. WEES. Neat theme, sparkly fill, and 4 long downs, gave it great balance.
Got the theme early with CD PLAYERS. No searches were needed.
MOUE - Not in my wheelhouse. We've had it before. Perps were ample.
3d - UN PC - I don't think 'waitress' is politically incorrect and I don't know anyone that does, at least in our neck-of-the-woods. I'll admit to using 'wait-staff' and I like 'server'. I think server is used in signage, etc, as Argyle indicates.
EINE - Used as a feminine noun indefinite article when it is a subject or direct object. Genitive or dative usage takes 'einer'.

C6D6 Peg said...

Really cute theme, C.C. And nice write-up as usual Argyle.

Lucina said...

Hello, puzzlers! What a lovely puzzle from C.C. (two hundred, I love it!)

I got EINE right away! Soon I'll be speaking German! Not!

How clever, C.C., to use the Roman and Arabic numerals in tandem.

For some reason the spelling of UHURA escapes me and I didn't notice that AIR was incorrect as well. So FIW but it was fun.

Argyle, thanks for spelling out Terrapins, no idea what TERPS stood for.

Have a fantastic Tuesday, everyone!

coneyro said...

Re: UAE Occasional Lurker comment-It seems that using money(read..bribery) instead of the end of a weapon to advance their position is much more "civilized"- Just saying....Any takers?

Anyway. Today was a fun romp. Got the roman connection right away. Loved the double meaning. How you constructors do this is beyond me. Kudos!

Do not like sports clues. 28A, 62A, 38D had to wait for. But 50D was easy because I DO know tennis.

Did you root for the right team yesterday? Hope yours won. My husband was really po'd by the end game event that caused his team to lose. Well, next up..Baseball season. And here we go again. I can't catch a break.

Have a productive day!

Misty said...

Clever, clever theme, C.C.! Couldn't believe how sharp it was when I finally "got" it--and then seeing the editing process between you and Rich made it even more amazing. Great fun way to start a Tuesday--along with Argyle's always helpful expo.

How nice to hear from our Dubai lurker!

Have a great day, everybody!

GrannyAnny said...

C.C. -- I'm typing this before reading the write up or comments.

This puzzle both amazed and delighted me. Couldn't figure out the theme until near the end and was thinking the puzzle seemed too "crunchy" for a Tuesday. Even checked the calendar to make sure of the day of the week.

Since the only Roman numerals I remember for sure are I, V, and X, the best part was getting the Ta-Da with the final keystroke! Thank you!

Now I'll see what everyone else has to say.

Husker Gary said...

What a great time with Roman Numerals and “in the language” phrases. I wrestled with CD PLAYERS for a while before the idée of the theme smacked me in my tête.

Musings
-Ironically after this theme and the Super Bowl
-I am trying to be STOIC after a CT scan this morning showed I will probably need surgery quite soon to take out a small bowel section with a huge blockage. I hope it’s NOT A BIG DEAL.
-Those LOSERS fund the giant Las Vegas hotels. As long as they don’t lose more than they can afford…
-It’s hard to stay up until ELEVEN PM for news when I’m in Florida
-Did your place of work always have someone who tried to STIR up an argument
-The steamship California’s wireless operator was asleep and did not get Titanic’s SOS.
-Sometimes it takes a heartbeat to remember the PC word for stewardess
-Our AIR STRIKES seem to have somewhat slowed non-ATHETISTS ISIS
-Haven’t we all been here?
-Do you remember how we had to EDIT manuscripts in the pre-computer ERA?
-What a treat to see behind Rich’s curtain!
-Name that tune: “I gave the letter to the postman (UNPC?), he put it right in his sack”

Anonymous said...

Why is 9-across Mayas and not Mayans? That doesn't seem to be correct.

And along those lines, Maryland is not in the ACC anymore.

fermatprime said...

Greetings!

Entertaining puzzle, CC! Got the theme right away. Swell expo, Santa!

Had to perp MARV. Otherwise, no problems.

Husker: best thoughts for your problem! Feel better soon!

Did anyone work the NYT puzzle? I thought that it was positively evil, especially on a Tuesday. Took 35 minutes. No cheats but much frustration.

Cheers!

Lime Rickey said...

"Mayan" is an adjective, just like "Incan". So we say, "Incas", not "Incans".

Ergo said...

Thank you C.C. and Argyle. You have no idea how much you lifted my spirits today.

I have been battling depression (honest to goodness clinical depression) principally due to being unemployed. But I do allow myself a break from the daily job search, and that's here at the Crossword Corner.

If for 45 minutes or an hour, I can escape the insanity, that is a blessing. Today's puzzle was clever from the get-go and I couldn't wait to get to the next clue. I then thoroughly enjoyed Argyles write up, LOVED C.C.'s email exchange, and then smiled as I read through the comments.

You all helped me get through a tough day today. I trust that I can return the favor someday on down the road.

Respectfully,

Chuck

TTP said...

Argyle, thanks. No wonder I never saw it before.

Inanehiker, when trying to find that specific something, it's getting easier to find that certain store that has it locally by looking online. I like that easy look up. Then my spirit drops a wee bit when I see said store is in a mall. Yes, I will be at the Directory with the "YOU ARE HERE" dot and arrow. In my case, the store I'm looking for is usually on the other end of the mall.

Back to work. See y'all.

JD said...

Good morning all,

Our Clever Constructor strikes again! FUN! The additional theme did not sink in til I filled XL shirts. Thanks for sharing the brilliant insights from Rich. It helps us realize how much time and energy goes into just 1 puzzle. And then there are kudos to al of you who help us decipher the sticky spots each day.

Today I only had 1 WAG, the A for Milan/Marv. Argyle, thanks for link.

Anyone else not fond of the "new" lightweight Pyrex? I continue to use the reliable heavy glass dishes.

Husker, sorry about your bad tidings. I'm sure that was not on your list.

BV Ahlers said...

CC, very clever theme (with Rich's help); clued in with CD players. Local news time @ ten pm only in Central time zone- elsewhere it is 11 pm! (At least EST, PST)

Anonymous said...

I have a counter offer for the occasional lurker from UAE Dubai and his exalted Emir of Abu Dhabi, the Emir Mohammed ben Makhtoum: clean your own house!

When I see the barbaric happenings in the Arab world, I often think of two poignant scenes from 'Band of Brothers'. The first is when the wealthy wife of a Nazi officer walks in on an army g.i. stealing her liquor and her showing contempt and moral judgement of his act. The second is when this same woman is shown being forced to help 'clean up' the effects of the concentration camp in her back yard.

After being sickened by edited images of today's events, I find it hard sympathize with any Emeer's plight of being slighted by a crossword entry. When will the Muslim world unite to combat these horrors? And not with just rhetoric on their way to cash the oil checks but with TRUE ACTION.

Bill G. said...

I hope you're having a pleasant day. I am having a somewhat down day as seems to be typical lately. I'm guessing things will slowly slide back toward normality. Interesting, I just heard a mandolin version of "Danny Boy," a beautiful song. It seems to be even more meaningful now...

A few months back, I subscribed to the NYT crossword puzzles. I'm glad I did but if I had to pick only one, it would be the LA Times. I think the NYT seems to try to be difficult as an end in itself. For me, their puzzles are not as much fun as the LAT. Thanks Rich.

Gary, I was going to say the song was, "I'm going to sit right down and write myself a letter..." but I've changed my mind. I think it's Elvis instead. BTW, I know that surgery you mentioned will be worrisome until it's behind you. Best wishes for a speedy resolution.

Yellowrocks said...

HG, my thoughts and prayers are with you in your impending surgery
BILL G, hang in there I am thinking of you.
ERGO, GOOD luck with your job search.Please join us every day. The company of friends helps.
Yellowrocks (hugs) to all of you.

Lucina said...

WYRS (what Yellowrocks said) to Ergo, Bill and Gary. Strong, positive thoughts are going your way.

What does it say about me that I know exactly where to head when going to the Mall? Yes, I know. The only locus I didn't know was the Verizon store on Sunday for a glitch on my sister's phone. We looked on the directory.

My other sister, from Charlotte, stayed with me overnight; it's always a treat though she prefers to be where all the toddlers are as she has no grandchildren, yearns for some, but her sons are not cooperative.

I have to say again how much I enjoyed this clever, unusual puzzle. Thank you, again, C.C.

Also, I echo the thoughts about the Arab world being inattentive and unresponsive to the atrocities committed in the name of Islam.

Anonymous said...

This was a fun, entertaining puzzle! Thanks, C.C. and Argyle!

Only write-overs were suss/DOPE and incAS/MAYAS.

I agree with Yellowrocks sentiments. Here's hoping for better times soon, BillG, Ergo and HG.

Have a nice day!

Pat

desper-otto said...

Husker, if I understood you correctly, the football league has decided not to go to L next year. Too bad. The following year they could LI about it, and the next they could really LII, and then LIII about it. I don't hear any "right" in Return To Sender -- could that be right? Good look with that surgery. Sounds serious.

Irish Miss said...

Gary - I hope your problem is corrected quickly and satisfactorily.

Chuck - I hope you continue to gain some comfort from the Corner. Keep your chin up!

Bill G - You are very much in my thoughts. (And, I'm sure, in many other's.)

Chickie said...

Hola Everyone, I thought this was an excellent puzzle. I really enjoy doing Roman numerals. They are always fun. ( I know others who would differ). Very creative, C.C.

I caught on to the theme right away, so the long answers went in without too much effort. When those are in the rest usually falls into place.

Thanks, C.C. for sharing the thought process and Rich's comments to help you complete the puzzle. It is always interesting to see what goes on behind the scenes.

TTP, Some of our malls have become so huge with side lanes, that if I can't find a You Are Here sign, I get lost! I've come to dread going to the mall because of all the walking before you even get to the store you want. I have to admit that I'm getting old and crochety!

Have a great evening everyone.

Anonymous said...

Yes Chickie, I remember that person complaining loudly every time Roman numerals would appear in a puzzle. Seems as if it was not an issue today...

Chickie said...

Bill G, Ergo, and Husker Gary. My thoughts are with you all.

We rooted for both teams, if you can do that. Brady is a local Bay Area Boy and our grandson went to Cal with Marshawn Lynch. We watched him play many games for Cal. So, it's hard to be partial to one or the other. It was just a good all around football game, fought hard to the end.

coneyro said...

Re: UAE Occasional Lurker comment-It seems that using money(read..bribery) instead of the end of a weapon to advance their position is much more "civilized"- Just saying....Any takers?

Anyway. Today was a fun romp. Got the roman connection right away. Loved the double meaning. How you constructors do this is beyond me. Kudos!

Do not like sports clues. 28A, 62A, 38D had to wait for. But 50D was easy because I DO know tennis.

Did you root for the right team yesterday? Hope yours won. My husband was really po'd by the end game event that caused his team to lose. Well, next up..Baseball season. And here we go again. I can't catch a break.

Have a productive day!

Anonymous T said...

Hi All:

OMG - A Tuesday 200! (nice Argyle).

PUT me down as ONE with no NITS.

I had one major write-over: fez before TAM. I started thinking parAfIN for 4d (DRop not DRUG?) until a V-8 wrapped in GELATIN hit me. Oh, and paraffin has two f's - double-doh!

I liked ETHICS crossing ATHEIST as they are the some of the most moral folks I know. 'Course, they'll LOOSE their (XL) SHIRTS on Pascal's wager.

I also liked DOPE following DRUG.

If 50d was clued as Star Trek TNG collective I wouldn't have needed to guess the 'R'.

What YR and IM said Bill G, Ergo, and HG. Y'all are in our thoughts.

I'll join the GABFEST again later...

Cheers, -T

Bill G. said...

Ergo, I got laid off from engineering once and teaching once; it was no fun at all. Best wishes for something good to come your way. What are you looking for? Where are you located? Anyway, good luck!

CrossEyedDave said...

Clever reference to Roman Numerals, III cheers for CC... However I have been scratching my head to come up with another one, nothing...

Can anyone out there come up with another possible theme entry that would fir this puzzle, or did CC use them all?

Learning moment, Moue. The last space was the "U" in Sudan, & it made me search the globe for an alternative. Figures that its roots are French. Oh Well,,, it fits my facial expression....

Ergo said...

Thanks for all the well wishes gang.

Bill G. I messed around in commercial radio and television when I was young. Otherwise the majority of my career has been spent as a lobbyist and Executive Director for trade associations and charities.

About 7 years ago I had a notorious car wreck and DUI. When you're in the public eye, people don't forget. Since then I've been a Customer Service Rep, and a Supervisor for a University survey research call center--which regrettably was closed due to systemic budget cuts.

I've had my share of interviews, but then comes the moment when the HR person realizes: (oh yeah, he's that ugly DUI guy. A little too much baggage for our liking)

And what would I take? Darn near anything. I know the gravy days are behind me, but a guy still needs to keep beans on the table.

Thanks for asking.

Ergo said...


Edit: I'm in Lincoln, Nebraska. Sandwiched by Avg. Joe to the South and Husker Gary to the North.

Anonymous T said...

CED - Building off of Owen's Muse, 1100 relativistic paintings = MC Eschers... Sorry folks. C, -T

SwampCat said...

Is anyone still here? LOL.

Ergo, I think a lot of us understand what you are going through. That's no practical help to you, but please know we understand. Hang in there! Come here whenever you need us.

HG and Bill G, we are here when you need us. Prayers and good wishes coming your way from here

SwampCat said...

CC, this may be my favorite puzzle. And unlike most of us here, I did not get the theme right away. I filled in the short, easy stuff, and worried over the main fills, then the light went on and I GOT the Roman Numerals! What a great aha moment...and what a great puzzle.

Argyle, the explanations and links were just the icing on the cake! Thanks to you both for a lot of fun.

Abejo said...

Good evening, folks. Thank you, C.C., for a fine puzzle. Thank you, Argyle, for a fine review.

Wow, again! Two excellent puzzles In a row.

I always like Roman numerals, therefore this puzzle was great. Picked up on the theme early, and off to the races!

Almost wrote in SIX PM, held off for TEN PM. No inkblot.

What I seem to remember about PYREX is that when you break one you have shards of really sharp glass.

RONDO was new to me. Even though I am a back room musician, I guess I never learned all the official stuff.

I have no problem with genderising terms. The word STEWARDESS is no problem for me. ACTRESS is also no problem. Etc.

HG: Best of luck in your upcoming surgery.

ERGO: Best of luck in your job search. Keep at it!

Bill G: Hope you and your family can begin the recovery process. I am sure you will have good memories of your son for the rest of your life. Maybe the memories can help.

Yesterday I could not find the paper. Figured it was buried in snow. Today I got 2 papers in the same bag, Monday and Tuesday. So, I guess they skipped yesterday. Don't blame them.

See you tomorrow.

Abejo

( )


Bill G. said...

From a lazy friend: If my body is every found dead on a jogging trail, just know I was murdered elsewhere and dumped there.

From a frustrated parent: If my kid can't bring peanut butter sandwiches to school, yours shouldn't be able to bring diseases preventable by vaccinations.

Am I the only one who finds Alex Trebek both smart and annoying?

I agree about 'stewardesses.' I can't imagine why it would be offensive and non-PC.

Lucina said...

JD@1:06:
I forgot earlier. Yes, the new PYREX products are very light and thin. A while back I dropped and broke my 50 year old meatloaf dish. Heartbreak! It was thick, sturdy durable and beloved. The new one is lightweight and has no lid.

Rainman said...

Bill G,
My daughter is a flight attendant and works with a lot of male FAs. Not sure why the men can't be called stewards but it was around the late 80s or early 90s when the title was changed throughout from stewardess, which I think was a new word when first introduced. I'll ask my daughter.

Yes! Alex Trebek Is often annoying! He has a place in Nipomo where he had a DUI a few years ago. In a San Francisco hotel he was supposedly chasing down a thief when he tore his Achilles tendon. I went to see Jeopardy! a few months ago and asked Alex about the person who MC'd the show in the 60s and Alex essentially said no one did. Is he nutz? Art Fleming did. He gets confused. When someone asked him what he does on weekends he told us that he drinks.
Yes, annoying. Or growing senile. Maybe.
But I DO like his preparation and reading the clues. Interviewing the players is his weakest link.

Glad YOU and yours seem to be coping well. Hope to stay in touch with you. I've been quietly healing from 1/15 surgery. Tough. Later.

Anonymous T said...

fermatprime - based on your assessment, I picked up the NYT at the corner store. It was W*F? at 1st glance, but I'm more than 1/2 way done thanks to the downs and 69a. A few "stars" are still ?!?, but I'll DOPE 'em.

Lurker in UAE - you wouldn't happen to be with US*F / D*D and used to live in OK*? Your tone's very similar to a buddy's with whom I worked 20 years ago. He too went EAST to the UAE.

Bill G. - I can see stewardess being a charged word as they once were "sexy objects" (DW's Aunt was one for TWA in the 60's). Actress/Actor and Waitress/Waiter each have a male equivalent and I wouldn't hesitate to use either if needing to summon (though I usually just say, "Pardon - um, yes, more wine please?")*

Cheers, -T
Yes, the wait-staff is usually a struggling... oh, never mind. [With apologies Keith :-)]

Trojans said...

Speaking of Jeopardy!, the correct question for Final Jeopardy eluded me although I'm sure BillG 'nailed it'.

When the solution was revealed to be "What is an algorithm?", I thought isn't that the former V.P.'s math rock band?

Bill G. said...

I did get the final Jeopardy question right but I confess it didn't come to mind right away. I paused the DVR until ALGORITHM finally emerged from the clutter. I knew it but I can's always quickly access the part of my brain where the factoid resides.

Anonymous T said...

ALAS, BillG and Trojans - what was the Jeopardy! SEED clue? I'm guessing: 'method of solution', 'standard code segment', or 'drummer backing Clinton's sax'*...

Ooops, DW corrected me; her Aunt was w/ PanAM, not TWA. I should have known that -- DW's Aunt consulted for the short-lived TV program.

Cheers, -T
*Thanks Trojans for allowing me to EKE that out...

Occasional Lurker in Al Ain UAE said...

Hello all crossword wizards. This is Occ Lurker on a hill resort of Al Ain. There are three, count 'em, american families here - all english teachers. Average Pay 140,000 USD, and NO tax ! Plus 6 weeks vacation, free housing, free medical care and gas is $ 0.16 per litre. The most common car is the Porsche Cayenne S.

The puzzle was a delight and my touch with reality.

Enjoy the snow while it lasts.

I'm not a robot from Fujairah UAE said...

Hello all,

Boy, you guys really sleep a lot.

Do you really get anything done.?

Argyle, whats all this sleeping at night ? Enough already.

I already finished the next day puzzle. Boy, Its a tough one.

Its really punny - or maybe it isn't. I don't want to spoil anybody's fun.

Going down the pan-Arab highway
counting the camel humps at 180 kph
trying to get a nap, and survive til I'm thirty,

Along comes a kandoora clad sheikh
and he looks at me, and he lets out a shriek
And I bet you expect this line to be dirty.

Well, enjoy your delirious sleep while you can - tomorrow is going to be a killer.

Salaam alle'kum.

Robot, over and out.