google.com, pub-2774194725043577, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0 L.A.Times Crossword Corner: Tuesday December 21, 2021 Kurt Krauss

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Dec 21, 2021

Tuesday December 21, 2021 Kurt Krauss

How much is that Doggy in the Window?


1-Across. *     With 4-Across, researcher's wear: LAB.  //  And 4-Acorss. *     See 1-Across: COAT.  Together we get a LAB COAT.

20-Across. *     Briefs alternative: BOXER SHORTS.

36-Across. *     Jewel-encrusted film noir title bird: MALTESE FALCON.  The Maltese Falcon was a 1930 detective novel by Dashiell Hammett (né Samuel Dashiell Hammett; May 27, 1894 ~ Jan. 10, 1961).  The book was later adapted into film noir, which starred Humphry Bogart (né Humphrey DeForest Bogart; Dec. 25, 1899 ~ Jan. 14, 1957).

56-Across. *     Sock hop attire: POODLE SKIRT.


And the Unifier:

68. With 69-Across, Iditarod front-runner ... and a hint to the answers to starred clues: LEAD.  //  And 69-Across. See 68-Across: DOG.  Together we get LEAD DOG.  Each of the theme answers Leads with a Dog breed.  Interesting, too, that the second word of 3 of the theme answers are articles of clothing.  I don't think a Falcon is an article of clothing.

The Iditarod Race this winter will begin on March 22, 2022.

I liked the symmetry of this puzzle.  The first theme answer and the Unifier were in the first and last positions and each were in two separate entries.

And, another thematic clue:

44-Across. Pound sound: ARF.

Across:

8. Nested newborns' noises: CHEEPS.


14. Be off: ERR.

15. Major employer?: ARMY.  Cute clue.


16. Like some quaint lamps: OIL LIT.

17. "Get it?": SEE?

18. Back: REAR.

19. Old-fashioned type: STODGE.

23. Soccer cheer: ¡OLÉ!  Hi, Lucina!

24. Lena of "Riviera": OLIN.  We haven't seen Lena Olin (b. Mar. 22, 1966) for quite a while.  She used to make very frequent guest appearances in the puzzles.  Lena Maria Jonna Olin is a Swedish actress and has been in numerous movies and television shows.  Riviera was apparently a television series that ran from 2017 to 2020.


25. Feast with poi: LUAU.

26. 50 Cent piece, e.g.: RAP.

27. Send-ups: SATIRES.

31. Sixth sense: Abbr.: ESP.  As in ExtraSensory Perception.

32. 2021 World Series champs: Abbr.: ATL.  The Atlanta Braves bested the Houston Astros in the 2021 Baseball World Series.

33. Relish: SAVOR.

35. "Garfield" dog: ODIE.  I think Odie appeared in last Tuesday's puzzle.


41. Curly cabbage: KALE.  A trendy food.


42. Vocally twangy: NASAL.

43. Nothing: NIL.

47. Buffet with guacamole and salsa: TACO BAR.


51. Chekov's early "Star Trek" rank: Abbr.: ENS.  As in Ensign.  Hi, Picard!

52. Give (out) sparingly: DOLE.  Bob Dole (né Robert Joseph Dole; July 22, 1923 ~ Dec. 5, 2021) died earlier this month at age 98.


54. Musical finale: CODA.  Everything you wanted to know about Codas, but didn't know to ask.


55. CPR expert: EMT.  Hopefully, the Emergency Medical Technician is well versed in CardioPulmonary Resuscitation.


60. Seize, as an opportunity: LEAP AT.

62. __ proprietor: SOLE.


63. Poe's "Annabel __": LEE.  You can read the poem here.

64. Infuriate: ENRAGE.

65. Latin 101 verb: ESSE.  Today's Latin Lesson.

66. Finish: END.

67. Checked for prints: DUSTED.



Down:
1. Sappho's island home: LESBOS.

2. Anatomical ring: AREOLA.

3. Secession approved in a 2016 U.K. referendum: BREXIT.

4. Three-time Grammy-winning singer Vikki: CARR.  Vikki Carr (née Florencia Bisenta de Casillas-Martínez Cardona; b. July 19, 1941) has a career that spans 60 years.


5. Valuable minerals: OREs.

6. Asian nurse: AMAH.

7. Alpine region in Italy and Austria: TYROL.  Everything you wanted to know about Tyrol, but didn't know to ask.

8. Sportscaster Bob with 29 Emmys: COSTAS.  Bob Costas (né Robert Quinlan Costa; b. Mar. 22, 1952) was with NBC Sports for nearly 30 years.


9. Asks (for), as a loan: HITS UP.  I think of this as hitting up dad for a loan, rather than a bank.

10. "Evil Woman" rock gp.: ELO.  Apropos that the Electric Light Orchestra is followed by 11-Down because that Eldorado is the title of the band's 4th studio album.



11. Legendary city of gold: EL DORADO.  If parsed as Eldorado, it's a Cadillac model.


12. Jargon with words ending in -ay: PIG LATIN.  Un-fay Uzzle-pay.

13. Church feature: STEEPLE.


21. Strand at sea: ENISLE.  Not a Tuesday word.  Webster's defines enisle as: (1) to place apart; isolate; or (2) to make an island of.  I read this clue and thought of someone being literally floating in the ocean, not left on an island.


22. Poe's __ Morgue: RUE.  The Murders in the Rue Morgue is often described as the first modern detective story.  It was a short story that was first published in April 1841.

28. Backstabber: RAT.

29. Christmas __: EVE.  Coming up this Friday night.

30. Aptly palindromic ABBA hit: SOS.


34. "The Last Jedi" villain Kylo: REN.  A reference to the Star Wars franchise.

35. The end of time?: O'CLOCK.  Did you know that O'Clock is an abbreviation for "Of the Clock"?



36. Top-level computer list: MAIN MENU.


37. Elite athletes: ALL STARS.

38. Lucrative, as a contract: FAT.

39. Smart-whip link: AS A.


40. Europe's __ de Genève: LAC.  In English, it would be written as Lake Geneva.  It is a deep lake located in the Alps on the border between Switzerland and France.


41. Prepared for a proposal: KNEELED.


44. Common Sunday newspaper insert: AD PAGE.

45. Supported from the bleachers, with "for": ROOTED.

46. Progressive spokeswoman: FLO.  Flo from the Progressive ads is portrayed by actress Stephanie Courtney (b. Feb. 8, 1970).




48. Heated to bubbling: BOILED.


49. Glandular prefix: ADRENO-.  Relating to the kidney.

50. Like family-friendly films: RATED G.

53. '50s Ford failure: EDSEL.  Why the Edsel was a failure.


57. "You snooze, you __": LOSE.

58. "Frozen II" sister: ELSA.

59. Gardener's purchase: SEED.


61. Tom Brady, before he became a Buc: PAT.  Tom Brady (né Thomas Edward Patrick Brady, Jr.; b. Aug. 3, 1977) was with the New England Patriots before he became a Buccaneer with Tampa Bay.  Hi, Tinbini!

Here's the Grid:



חתולה


Merry Christmas, Everyone!



Notes from C.C.:

Please keep Boomer in your thoughts and prayers. He was admitted into the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis yesterday. He's going to have a surgery soon to repair his spinal chord. Boomer hates surgeries, but the doctors said that without the surgery, he would not be able to walk again. Poor Boomer, he also tested positive for COVID. So I could not visit him.

Boomer, VA Hospital ER, 12/20/2021

58 comments:

  1. A straightforward Tuesday level gem. No problems, no W/Os, only one DNK: 24A, OLIN. This CW is also not full of proper names, another nice thing about it. Fill went quickly, for me at least, and FIR in 15. Very nice, enjoyable CW, thanx, KK. Great write-up, thanx, Hahtoolah. I liked the link to the Edsel, too, interesting.

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  2. FIR, but erased colorado for ELDORADO and alister for ALLSTAR.

    Aren't you ENISLEd *from* the sea, not "at" sea? Seems to me that Captain Bligh was set adrift, not ENISLED. But Kurt made up for that by including REAR, END and LESBOS to maintain (purient) interest.

    Thanks to Kurt and Hahtoolah for the fun.

    FLN: -T, the last time I completed "driver improvement" training, one thing made it entertaining. One lovely new-ish driver had a bad attitude and a big mouth, making it fun to watch the instructor deal with her. Like some famous person once said, she had the mind of a child, the body of an adult, and the rebellion of a communist on Wall Street.

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  3. (Courts didn't accept online traffic schools in those days.)

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  4. Good Morning, Crossword friends.

    Jinx, I agree with you about ENISLE. The wrong preposition was used in the clue. ENISLE still not a Tuesday word, with or without the preposition

    QOD: Talk to a man about himself and he will listen for hours. ~ Benjamin Disraeli, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield (Dec. 21, 1804 ~ Apr. 19, 1881), Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

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  5. Good morning!

    Like a Marlboro, there was a lot to like in this one. I thought AMAH had been relegated to the cw dustbin. Stodge, too. O'CLOCK was very cute. Zip, zip, no Wite-Out required. Thanx, Kurt and Hahtoolah. (Loved the bears.)

    MALTESE FALCON -- We rewatched it a couple of weeks ago. We've got quite a collection of classic movies on DVD. Last night it was B&W Seven Days in May with Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas, and a distinguished cast.

    ENISLE -- Learned only recently that "desert island" has nothing to do with sand dunes. It is "desert" in the deserted sense.

    LAC Genève -- Lake Geneva is also a resort area in southern Wisconsin, popular with folks from Milwaukee and Chicago.

    ATL -- Embarrassed to admit I'd forgotten that Houston was in this year's World Series, and couldn't have told you the team they lost to.

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  6. I'm very sorry to hear of Boomer's difficulties, and wish him the best during his upcoming surgery. Hopefully, that'll relieve the severe pain he's been experiencing. He's been fully vaccinated, so any Covid symptoms should be mild and the least of his worries.

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  7. C.C., we will redouble our prayers for Boomer. There is so much scary health news in the world and here at the Corner. Heal well Boomer

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  8. C.C.: I am so sorry to hear that Boomer is in the hospital. Sending him hugs and get-well wishes. Sending you hugs, too.

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  9. I too FIR today and caught the dog breeds after a short consideration of the FALCON possibility. No, just the beginning of the phrase, thank you. CHEEPS after perps showed chirps didn't fit. Lots of interesting fill. Thanks, Kurt! I noticed the CSO with the ATL Braves.

    Hahtoolah, you did a great job as usual explaining and entertaining today. Thanks. C.C., thanks for the news about Boomer. I hope all goes well with his surgery and recovery. Take care.

    Best wishes to everyone for the holidays.

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  10. This was a quick solve - as I first solved I wasn't sure what BOXER SHORTS and MALTESE FALCON were going to have in common- I just wasn't thinking of MALTESE as a DOG at that point. But it didn't need to have that awareness to get 'er done as HG would say!

    Thanks Hatoolah and Kurt!

    Continued prayers for Boomer and CC as he faces this health challenge

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  11. Good Morning:

    How could you not like a puzzle with such a cute and cuddly canine theme? I knew immediately where we were going after filling in Lab and Boxer. My favorite is Maltese because I used to dog sit a very lovable Maltese named Soleil and also because the breed is similar to my beloved Bichon Frisé. Not only was our resident canine-care volunteer, Pat, named in the puzzle, but she gets an entire theme CSO! Other CSOs were: Lucina (Olé and Taco Bar), ATL Granny (Atl), and, I think, Anon T (Army). There were a couple of Easter Eggs, to boot, with Arf and Odie. W/os were Maroon/Enisle and Stodgy/Stodge. Fun duos include Lee/See, Ens/End, and the rhyming “Hat” trick of Pat/Fat/Rat.

    Thanks, Kurt, for a theme that put a great big smile on my face and thanks, Hahtoolah, for an expo filled with chuckle-inducing cartoons! You’re a wizard at finding the perfect visuals! Thanks for your time and effort.

    Best wishes to Boomer for a successful surgery and rapid recovery. That smile from his hospital bed says all you need to know about his fortitude and determination. We’re rooting for you, Big Guy!

    DO and Ray O, I watched The Power of the Dog and, while I appreciated the strong performances, the story line itself was too dark for me. I think after two hard-hitting dramas in a row (this one and The Unforgiveable), It’s time for something a little less intense.

    Have a great day.

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  12. Took 4:34 to complete the dog run.

    Hope Boomer is out of the hospital even faster.

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  13. My first thought for 21 Down was "maroon" but the crossing clues quickly led to ENISLE that entry.

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  14. Hola!

    I am sorry to hear that Boomer is in the hospital and will pray for a successful outcome of the surgery. Please keep pus posted, C.C.

    This puzzle was really quick and easy to finish. POODLE SKIRT immediately took me back to my high school days when they were the fad.

    EL DORADO, the guilded one, nearly drove the Spaniards crazy looking for the Lost City of Gold.

    My favorite Lena OLIN role was in Chocolat. She was great in that movie.

    Thank you, Hahtoolah, for an excellent expo.

    Have a terrific Tuesday, everyone, as we SAVOR these few days before our big holiday. According to our weather man, today is the first day of winter.

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  15. oops. That should be, keep us posted. No pus intended.

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  16. Sorry to hear about Boomer. Sending good thoughts for a quick recovery.

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  17. C.C., I posted early today, and am not sure if I missed your post about Boomer or if you hadn’t posted that yet, but at any rate, didn’t mean to not mention it. Like everyone else, I wish for Boomer’s rapid recovery. He’s a tough old bugger, and will pull though better than before, I’m sure. Can’t wait to read his first CW write-up afterward; I’m sure it will be a real gem!

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  18. Terrific Tuesday. Thanks for the fun, Kurt and Hahtoolah.
    I FIRed and saw the K9 theme in good time.
    No inkblots; I waited for perps to decide between those Frozen sisters -ELSA not Anna (pronounced Aw- na per my granddaughter)

    I’ve heard Stodgy but STODGE as a noun is not as familiar.
    ENISLE has appeared here before, but again is not used very much.
    Are KNEELED and Knelt interchangeable? I prefer Knelt.

    I don’t SEE 26A RAP and haven’t time to LIU. is it the name of a rap group?

    LAC Genève is known for it’s Jet d’eau. I have a photo in front of it but no time to post it.

    Busy with family (in separate small groups) and prep for more. Baking day today.

    Thoughts and prayers for Boomer and C.C.

    Wishing you all a good day. Stay safe.

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  19. Your answers are as much fun as the puzzle! Thanks

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  20. CSO to Agnes. Immediately I thought of her with an entire puzzle devoted to dogs. Great theme. I especially liked the boxer shorts and poodle skirt pics.
    The problem with lightly writing in chancy fill is that I forget to go back to it when I have the perp, so I had one needlessly bad cell.
    I noticed the Easter eggs, too. Sometimes I wonder whether they are coincidental or planned.
    I never heard enisled from the sea. It sounds awkward to me. I believe enisled is mostly used in a literary sense and is usually metaphorical. "In the sea of life enisled."
    I am not into rap, but I have heard of the rapper 50 CENT. His piece is a rap song.

    So sorry to hear Boomer is in the hospital. I hope this surgery brings relief.

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  21. C.C. We are so sorry to hear about Boomer. We will continue to pray for him.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Thank you Kurt for a Tuesday romp. The theme wasn't difficult to SNIFF out, despite not even looking for it.

    Thanks Hahtoolah for another hilarious review. DNK the MALTESE breed so I LIU. They're adorable!

    35A ODIE. A DOG easily recognizable by his DROOL.

    41A KALE. The Sun somehow dropped this clue, but the perps filled it in. We eat it at least once a week.

    54A CODA. The Jupiter symphony is sometimes called the "ROCKET", for its soaring 4th movement CODA.

    63A LEE. Looks like POE has hit the big time today in the LA Times, but his namesake in the NFL East has fallen on hard times in the last two weeks.

    65A ESSE. A preview of a coming attraction.

    5D ORES. Not all ORES are minerals, e.g. GOLD ORE and some COPPER ORES occur only in ROCKS.

    12D PIG LATIN. A dialect of 65A language.

    21D ENISLE. Tough for a Tuesday, but it makes a lot of sense.

    35D O CLOCK. DUH. Parsed this as OCLOCK and had no idea what it meant, but it perped.

    46D FLO. These days she looks like this.

    53D EDSEL. A Mercury sucking on a lemon.

    Cheers,
    Bill

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  22. An amusing, dog-filled Tuesday puzzle appropriately, informatively, and amusingly recapped by a cat.

    That juxtaposition is far less striking, tough, than contrasting the fun here with Boomer and C.C.'s ordeal. Thoughts and prayers for you both.

    BTW, C.C. has a puzzle today in USA Today that won't take you months to complete . . . or, perhaps, it will.

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  23. National Georgrapphic Society says, "Ore is a deposit in Earth’s crust of one or more valuable minerals. The most valuable ore deposits contain metals crucial to industry and trade, like copper, gold, and iron."
    All ores are minerals, but not all minerals are ores.
    Ore definition: A mineral occurring in sufficient quantity and containing enough metal to permit its recovery and extraction at a profit.

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  24. Good morning and best wishes Boomer. I FIR and noticed the LEAD DOGs except the LAB. Only two unknowns today-REN & ENS.

    O'CLOCK for the 'end of time' was a good one.
    PAT- Tom Brady didn't look too good Sunday night against the Saints.
    Had to change CHIRPS to CHEEPS in the NE.

    Anon@7:34- I never time myself or rush to finish but I wasn't far behind you.
    Gary- those Chuck Taylor Converse All Stars in "our day" were Hi-Tops and only came in off-white.

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  25. Musings
    -Want your commercial to sound really official? Put the actor in a LAB COAT and/or use a British accent.
    -The MALTESE FALCON is a very famous McGuffin
    -If you’re not the LEAD DOG, your scenery never changes
    -Ironically, our shoe repair shop is one of the very few places we go now that is run by the SOLE proprietor
    -This Vicki CARR song is a personal favorite
    -HITS UP – We learned through bitter experience that lending money to family is not a good idea
    -My oldest daughter had a sorority sister named Teri O’CLOCK
    -Those Converse All Stars were standard footwear for us boys 55 years ago. Now girls wear them.
    -ROOTED – Many fewer kids go to school athletic events these days
    -Thinking of you two, today.

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  26. Get well soon BOOMER

    Really enjoyed today's solve. Cute theme!

    A "Toast-to-ALL" at sunset.

    Cheers.

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  27. Yellowrocks @9:17 AM I respectfully disagree (even with the august National Geographic). The element Gold can be classified as a MINERAL (a substance comprised of a uniform element or molecule) only when it is found by itself, e.g. in placer deposits. Because it is virtually chemically inert, when it is found in veins in a matrix with other minerals, the ORE is by definition a ROCK, i.e. a mixture of minerals.

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  28. Hope Santa brings Boomer a successful surgery, and a quick recovery.
    Loved the dog theme.

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  29. I love Vicki CARR and had the privilege of going to one of her concerts many years ago when she was here at a local theater.

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  30. Big Easy, we had both high top and low cut Converse tennis shoes in the 60's. We never called them Chuck's like the kids do now and yes, they only had the one color.

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  31. Good luck, Boomer!
    I know how you feel about surgeries— even the best outcomes require a painful period when you’re never sure you’ll feel good again. But if the docs are right, this should set you on a better path of spinal health. We’re all pulling for you here in the Corner!

    Doggone it, I’m wishing everybody…
    A Serene Solstice!
    We passed the mark at 7:59 am here at PST. I think I could feel the Ol’ Earth putting the brakes on. Turnin’ the corner …
    Days are getting longer now. Happy Winter!
    ~ OMK

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  32. So sorry to hear about Boomer. All the best for a successful operation. And yes I agree with you on "enisle". Stranded at sea is not stranded on an isle.

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  33. Prayers & best wishes for Boomer's surgery and recovery. Prayers & hugs for you, C.C. waiting for results. Hope you have friends or someone with you to help you cope.

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  34. Oh dear, so sorry to hear about Boomer's hospitalization. C.C., you and Boomer are in my prayers every day--and today, especially.

    Thank you for a neat puzzle, Kurt, and thank you, Hahtoolah, for a neat review.

    Have a good day, everybody.

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  35. Long time reader first time poster, giving my all to Boomer (from a millenial :P) Looking forward to his next post. Speedy and painless recovery

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  36. Happy Winter Solstice to Everyone! First of all, here’s wishing Boomer a successful surgery and quick recovery. I hope the procedure will help relieve his pain and balance issues. And a virtual hug to C.C. for moral support.

    Thanks to Kurt Krauss for a rufferific puzzle full of “good boys” (and girls!). And thanks to Hahtoolah for a sparkling expo that provided lots of smiles. My favorite illustrations (and c/a’s) were BOXER SHORTS and POODLE SKIRT. Hand up for wanting CHirPS before CHEEPS at 8A. I don’t mind AMAH being a frequent CW visitor, since that's what my girls called their fraternal grandmother.

    Time to tackle the pile of presents waiting to be wrapped. Our family celebration will be next week, so I have a little extra time. Then on to one of my favorite Christmas activities – baking cookies!!

    Have a wonderful day all!

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  37. Attended our friend Spitz's Al's funeral mass this morning. Moving service with full military (Naval) honors.

    Met Betty and conveyed my personal condolences and regrets from the whole Cornerite community.

    He converted to catholicism when he married Betty. He and I would have had a laugh, first time in my life I attended a mass with more protestants than catholics.

    Have a great day everyone.

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  38. Ray, I'm so glad you were at Al's funeral Mass. Boomer and C.C., the prayers continue.

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  39. Oh my goodness, prayers and good wishes for Boomer.

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  40. Re. FLW, I had a salmon& cheese sw , no bacon.

    Re. Today. Hahtookah left her stamp with the DOG pix(FOTOs). 50 cents' piece would be RAP Music, as the V8 can drops.

    The NW made for a slow Tuesday start but I actually (thought I) knew LESBOS. I guess I knew AREOLE too. LAB COATS got me started.

    I even knew TYROL. Apres ca, the cakewalk.

    COSTAS is not a fav of mine. I like EDGE

    It wasn't a STEEPLE but a Nearby tower But I just heard this oldie yesterday.

    BigE, original Converse were black. Btw, how's Jameis Winston's knee doing?

    Best wishes to CC on Boomer. Hope all goes well.

    WC

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  41. BTW, double CSO on TOM BRADY but both PATs and Bucs had dismal losses this week.

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  42. Hi All!

    ARMY (cute), CARR, AMAH, TYROL... that section was a WAG-fest and last to fill.

    Thanks for the crunchy Tuesday, Kurt. Theme made me think of IM.
    And thanks for the TeeHee TACO-Tuesday, Hahtoolah; fun comics & links.

    WOs: N/A
    ESPs: CARR, AMAH, TYROL, OLIN | ENISLE(?)
    Fav: O'CLOCK made me think of Gary Gulman's 'sky comma' quip [starts @~4:58 but watch the whole thing - it's funny]

    C.C. & Boomer - healing thoughts your ways. God Speed Boomer.
    And C.C., yeah... This isn't going to be fun for you either. My heart goes out.
    Oh, and Hey Boomer - at least the Vikings won last night (sorry, MdF).

    MManatee - thanks for the heads-up on C.C. in the The USA Today today.

    @12:25 - whoot! Someone at The Corner younger than me :-) Stay and play.

    Ray-O: Thanks for representing The Corner. I hope Betty now sees why Al spent so much time online w/ us :-)

    Thanks for the MALTESE link, Waseeley. I too had no clue that was a breed.

    HG & BigE - Converse was all the rage in the '70s and early '80s until Vans and skateboarding/BMX biking took over. I was always sporting whatever was on sale at K-Mart #SingleMom :-)

    Back at it. Play later if time allows.

    Cheers, -T

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  43. Anon T & Gary- we had only Hi-Top Chuck Taylors because both my high school (FPHS) AND C.E. Byrd provided them free to the basketball team. But those shoes never left the school campus except for a game at another school. Your shoes stayed locked in your locker in the athletic locker room. After the season was over they got to go home with us.

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  44. Of course I loved this puzzle and theme! I got the theme at BOXER SHORTS, after having LAB COAT entered already. Thank you, Kurt Krauss, for the fun, and thank you Hahtoolah, for your fun expo and links! There were a couple slow downs while I waited for the old grey matter to come up with an answer but otherwise an easy challenge.

    Thank you, Irish Miss, for remembering me and my hobby, volunteering at the shelter. We currently don't have any of the breeds mentioned in the puzzle but I spent time with an Australian Shepherd mix, two terrier-mix puppies and a Pit Bull mix. I just got an email with today's adoptions and one of the puppies went home! On Thursday and Friday we have appointments set up so that, hopefully, 25 dogs will go to foster homes. They start coming back on Sunday, unless the fosters fail and adopt the dog!

    My positive thoughts for Boomer and C.C. May he have an uneventful surgery and easy recovery.

    Have a wonderful evening and great week!

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  45. Ray-o-thanks for representing us at Spitzboov’s funeral.

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  46. Have not we seen that troll before?

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  47. HG said(ish)... A LAB COAT or a British accent will make a commercial seem smarter/more official.

    But, You know what really works?
    A white hardhat and a clipboard == Access to almost anywhere. #HackThePlanet! :-)

    Pat - IIRC, you and JavaMama have met IRL at the shelter.
    Shame on those that adopt a Christmas puppy and return them.
    I know my family's schedule can't handle a pup... yet.
    1.5 years and the Girls leave us empty nest.
    I'll need a puppy then -- I'm keen on a LAB (we have a pool!) but DW wants a little yippy dog.

    TokenCreek - which troll? Or did I miss it? [if so, good show TTP]

    BigE - C.E. Byrd Rocks the House [LOL commentary leading up]. #ClassOf'88

    Cheers, -T

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  48. -T: it was deleted before I even made my comment . TTP ?

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  49. @TokenC - TTP is Chicago Tom. He has Corner Blog Ninja Powers. #Bow #Respect
    //and he doesn't even get paid for this?!?* :-)

    -T
    *It's a joke!, folks

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  50. -T, you are correct, Java Mama and I have met IRL. We don't see each other very often because she has a life and I don't.

    People have volunteered to foster the dogs for 2-3 days, then bring them back. Occasionally puppies get adopted, then when the holidays are over, "oh my goodness, I work full time, the kids have school and activities and we just don't have time for a puppy." That's what really p****s me off!



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  51. Puzzling thoughts:

    Prayers and positive thoughts to Boomer & C.C.

    FIR with zero mistakes, though I questioned the clue for SATIRES

    Dog didn’t know how
    To wear underpants. Vet gave
    It some BOXER briefs …

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  52. My prayers and good best wishes for BOOMER's upcoming surgery, and hopes for a good prognosis and pain relief. Also my best wishes and prayers for CC and the hope for courage to stand the stress and strain she must be going through.

    Thank you Ray O Sunshine for representing us, all, at (Spitzboov) Alvin Holmer's funeral mass.
    (As a side note, a question, how does one distinguish between a protestant attendee and a catholic one ?)

    Thank you Kurt Krauss for a fine and relatively easy puzzle, which I enjoyed very much.
    Thank you Hahtoolah for a lovely and fun filled review.

    Have a nice evening, all.



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  53. Thank you, Kurt, and thank you, Hahtoolah.

    With levity, to Dash T's comment Ninja ? No, not me.

    With gravity, Boomer, we all love you and wish you a successful operation and speedy recovery.

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  54. FIW. I had a little bit of trouble in the NW corner.

    Thanks, Kurt and Hahtoolah!

    Sorry to hear about Boomer’s hospitalization, but if he gets relief from the pain, that’s what matters. Of course, it will help him with his bowling too. I keep hearing that a case of Covid gives one a natural immunity, but I’m not sure enough is known yet, nor whether it means immunity from subsequent variants.

    Love Vikki Carr. I remember a couple of times when she appeared as a guest on TV shows, there was a big deal made about the length of her birth name. I agree with you, HG about that song.

    Never heard of ENISLE! Part of my problem in the NW. I read the clue the same way, Susan.

    I heard that Brady didn’t play very well Sunday, but I also heard that he behaved worse. It’s all hearsay, though, since my boycott of all professional sports continues, even though my REDSKINS are playing her eagles right now on TV. We aren’t even wearing our T-shirts tonight, which shows how much I don’t care. I think she is watching the game, though.

    Thanks, Ray!

    Vidwan, the Catholics know when to stand, sit and kneel. They also know the liturgy.

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  55. BTW, timely app row beau puzzle over at the USA Today, C.C.

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  56. Vidwan:
    What Leo III said. They usually don't cross themselves either. Often, especially during the big holidays, non-Catholic relatives accompany their Catholic kin and just sit through the whole Mass.

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