Theme: Dorothy was FLAT OUT WRONG! There are lots of places like home.
17 A. *Completely and utterly incorrect: FLAT OUT WRONG. Like the beliefs of flat earthers, I suppose. A FLAT is also an apartment. This is more common in British than in American usage, I think.
24 A. *Cheat sheets: CRIB NOTES. Written notes used as an aid in "remembering' things, sometimes used to cheat on a test. I vaguely remember a prof allowing us to have a crib sheet in a physics test once upon a time. I had to google to learn that CRIB could also be ones house of apartment. I don't recall ever seeing or hearing it use in this way. Then, within a couple of hours of typing this, I did see it. Irony strikes again.
35 A. *Tries to uncover old scandals, say: DIGS UP DIRT. Searches for negative information in order to damage someone's reputation, or influence public opinion. DIGS also refers to a person's place of residence.
47 A. *Thai dish also called "drunken noodles": PAD KEE MAO. This is a Thai stir-fried noodle dish. Anecdotally, its name refers to it being popular among the inebriated; alcohol is not part of the ingredients or preparation. PAD also refers to someone's home.
And the unifier -- 56 A. Change for a dollar, and what can be found at the starts of the answers to the starred clues: FOUR QUARTERS. QUARTERS refers to rooms or lodgings, especially those allocated to people in military or domestic service.
So, my homies, the four stared clues all indicate someone's living QUARTERS. I'd give 25 pennies for your thoughts.
Hi Gang -- Jazzbumpa here, reporting from the cozy comfort of my own living quarters. We've had lots of cold and snow, so I'm happy to not be anywhere else
Across:1. Reading while propped up by pillows, say: ABED. Getting comfy in the coziest part of one's quarters.
5. Peach __: MELBA. A dessert of peaches and raspberry sauce with vanilla ice cream. It was invented in 1892 or 1893 by the French chef Auguste Escoffier at the Savoy Hotel, London, to honor the Australian soprano Nellie Melba.
10. Casual greetings: HIs. Hi, and Hi again. I'm not fond of this. It's a tortured plural you are very unlikely to ever see or hear in the real world. And it is spelt like the singular male possessive pronoun.
13. Black bird: RAVEN. Any large black bird, of which the RAVEN is one example.
15. "It's our time to shine!": WE'RE ON. It's our turn to perform or present something.
16. German cry: ACH. An exclamation or interjection. It is similar to the English “Oh.”
19. Quilting party: BEE. A gathering of people for a specific purpose
20. Texas city that forms the Petroplex with Midland: ODESSA. Odessa is a city in western Texas. Downtown, Jack Ben Rabbit is an 8-foot-tall statue of a jackrabbit. Another 37 Jamboree Jackrabbits dot the city. The Presidential Archives and Leadership Library exhibits presidential memorabilia. The University of Texas of the Permian Basin's Stonehenge is a replica of the famous English site. To the southwest, meteorite fragments are on display at the Odessa Meteor Crater.
21. Activist Yoko: ONO. Yoko Ono is a Japanese multimedia artist, musician, singer, author, filmmaker, and peace activist. A pioneer of conceptual and participatory art in the 1960s, her work is known for its political messages, feminist themes, and audience participation.
22. Venue: SITE. A specific location for an event or meeting.
23. Worldwide social welfare org.: UNICEF. Originally the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, officially United Nations Children's Fund since 1953, is an agency of the United Nations responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide.
26. Lease: RENT. Pay someone for the use of (something, typically property, land, or a car). A lease is a legal contract regarding the details of a rental agreement.
27. Meadow: LEA. An open area of grassy or arable land.
29. Expression of awe: OOH - AAH. An informal idiom that means to express pleasure, surprise, or both.
30. NFC East team, on scoreboards: NYG. The New York Giants are an American Football team competing in the East Division of the National football Conference.
31. Pre-GPS navigation aid: AAA MAP. A paper map obtained from the American Automobile Association
34. Rugrats: TOTS. Very young children. I fondly remember those days. Most of our grands are adults now.
37. Wineglass part: STEM. True story -- One time a few years ago we were eating at one of those small plate restaurants when the waitress accidentally dropped a utensil. It hit my wine glass, breaking the bowl from the stem. The bowl landed upright on the table and didn't spill a drop. I felt like I witnessed a miracle.
39. Pricey property: ESTATE. An extensive area of land in the country, usually with a large house, owned by one person, family, or organization.
40. Gas additive brand: STP. STP® Gas Treatment claims to improve the quality of gas by adding powerful cleaning agents that help fight the accumulation of harmful deposits in the fuel system that can reduce performance.
43. Like meat rubs: SPICED. Seasoned with various flavorful spices.
45. Air marshal's org.: TSA. Transportation Security Administration, a US agency that protects the country's transportation systems. The TSA was created after the 9/11 attacks to prevent future attacks.
46. Formal address: SIRE. An archaic form of respectful address for someone of high social status, especially a king.
50. More svelte: LEANER. More slender and elegant.
52. Midmonth time: IDES. In the ancient Roman calendar, a day falling roughly in the middle of each month (the 15th day of March, May, July, and October, and the 13th of other months) from which other dates were calculated.
53. As well: TOO. Also.
54. Groom-to-be: FIANCE. A man to whom someone is engaged to be married.
55. Knock: RAP. As knuckles on a door, to gain entrance.
59. "The Bear" Emmy winner Edebiri: AYO. Ayo Edebiri [b. 1995] is an American actress, comedian, and television writer who has solidified her star status in recent years. Since 2022, she has played chef Sydney Adamu in the comedy-drama series The Bear, winning a Golden Globe Award for her performance.
60. "Sense and Sensibility" novelist Jane: AUSTEN. Jane Austen [1775-1817] was an English novelist known for her six novels that critique and comment on the English landed gentry in the late 18th century. Her works are celebrated for their social commentary, particularly on class, status, and gender barriers.
61. __ Lawrence College: SARAH. Sarah Lawrence College is a private liberal arts college in Yonkers, New York, United States. Founded as a women's college in 1926, Sarah Lawrence College has been coeducational since 1968. The college's campus in Yonkers maintains a Bronxville mailing address and sits roughly 20 miles from New York City. Founder William van Duzer Lawrence named the college for his wife, who was a bog proponent of higher education for young women
My son went to Lawrence Technological University here in Michigan. No relation.
62. Acid: LSD. Lysergic acid diethylamide is a psychedelic drug that can cause hallucinations and alter thoughts and emotions. It's considered a soft drug, which means it's not thought to be as addictive as harder drugs. However, LSD is still considered unsafe.
63. Dough: BREAD. Synonyms for money.
64. Actor Rogen: SETH. Seth Aaron Rogen (b.1982) is a Canadian actor, comedian, and filmmaker. Known primarily for his comedic leading man roles in films, the accolades he has received include nominations for three Golden Globe Awards, five Primetime Emmy Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and an Independent Spirit Award.
Down:
62. Acid: LSD. Lysergic acid diethylamide is a psychedelic drug that can cause hallucinations and alter thoughts and emotions. It's considered a soft drug, which means it's not thought to be as addictive as harder drugs. However, LSD is still considered unsafe.
63. Dough: BREAD. Synonyms for money.
64. Actor Rogen: SETH. Seth Aaron Rogen (b.1982) is a Canadian actor, comedian, and filmmaker. Known primarily for his comedic leading man roles in films, the accolades he has received include nominations for three Golden Globe Awards, five Primetime Emmy Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and an Independent Spirit Award.
Down:
1. Sound in a vet's office: ARF. Canine utterance. Perhaps a reaction to a lab test.
2. "My eye!": BALONEY. Expression of unbelief or disdain. There are more colorful alternatives.
3. Ducking: EVADING. Slipping away from, especially by cleverness or trickery,
4. Catch a hint of: DETECT. Discover or identify the presence or existence of something.
5. Sound in a vet's office: MEW. Feline utterance, and a clecho. Perhaps a reaction to a cat scan.
6. Blunder: ERROR. A blunder is a particularly dumb or careless mistake.
7. Téa of "Madam Secretary": LEONI. Téa Leoni (b Elizabeth Téa Pantaleoni, 1966) is an American actress. In her early career, she starred in the television sitcoms Flying Blind (1992–93) and The Naked Truth (1995–1998). Her breakthrough role was in the 1995 action comedy film Bad Boys. Leoni had lead roles in films such as Deep Impact (1998), The Family Man (2000), Jurassic Park III (2001), Spanglish (2004), and Fun with Dick and Jane (2005). From 2014 to 2019, she starred as Elizabeth McCord, Secretary of State, in the CBS political drama series Madam Secretary.
8. Chimpanzee kin: BONOBO. The bonobo (Pan paniscus) is a great ape that lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They are endangered and have experienced a significant population decline in recent years. Bonobos are distinguished from common chimpanzees by relatively long limbs, pinker lips, a darker face, a tail-tuft through adulthood, and parted, longer hair on their heads.
9. "Sense and Sensibility" director Lee: ANG. Ang Lee OBS is a Taiwanese filmmaker. His films are known for their emotional charge and exploration of repressed, hidden emotions. During his career, he has received international critical and popular acclaim and numerous accolades including three Academy Awards, five BAFTA Awards, and three Golden Globe Awards.
9. "Sense and Sensibility" director Lee: ANG. Ang Lee OBS is a Taiwanese filmmaker. His films are known for their emotional charge and exploration of repressed, hidden emotions. During his career, he has received international critical and popular acclaim and numerous accolades including three Academy Awards, five BAFTA Awards, and three Golden Globe Awards.
Since :Sense and Sensibility" is another clecho, here is a little bit about the movie based on the novel. When Elinor Dashwood's (Emma Thompson) father dies, her family's finances are crippled. After the Dashwoods move to a cottage in Devonshire, Elinor's sister Marianne (Kate Winslet) is torn between the handsome John Willoughby (Greg Wise) and the older Colonel Brandon (Alan Rickman). Meanwhile, Elinor's romantic hopes with Edward Ferrars (Hugh Grant, aka "that annoying British guy") are hindered due to his prior engagement. Both Elinor and Marianne strive for love while the circumstances in their lives constantly change. But, then, don't we all.
10. Savanna or steppe: HABITAT. The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism, like the bonobo.
11. Lipton offerings: ICE TEAS. Drinks made by infusing the dried crushed leaves of the tea plant in boiling water, and then chilling. Shall we revive the ice tea - iced tea controversy? I vote no.
12. "Puh-leeze": SHEESH. Exclamations of disbelief or exasperation.
14. __ ring: NOSE. A hooplike piece of jewelry worn on the nose, either through a pierced hole or held by a clasp.
15. Aryna Sabalenka's org.: WTA. Aryna Siarhiejeŭna Sabalenka (b. 1998) is a Belarusian professional tennis player. She is currently ranked as the world No. 1 in women's singles by the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), and is a former world No. 1 in women's doubles.
18. Pinned item on many a pol's lapel: US FLAG.
22. Übertrendy: SO HOT. "Very trendy" or "extremely fashionable." Some of us are too old to care.
23. Continental breakfast vessel: URN. Coffee reservoir.
24. Literature Nobelist Albert: CAMUS. Albert Camus(1913 – 1960) was a French philosopher, author, dramatist, journalist, world federalist, and political activist. He was the recipient of the 1957 Nobel Prize in Literature at the age of 44, the second-youngest recipient in history. His works include The Stranger, The Plague, The Myth of Sisyphus, The Fall and The Rebel.
25. __ Dame: NOTRE. Notre-Dame de Paris, often referred to simply as Notre-Dame, is a medieval Catholic cathedral on the Île de la Cité, in the 4th arrondissement of Paris, France. The cathedral, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. Construction was started in 1163, and the opening was in 1345.
10. Savanna or steppe: HABITAT. The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism, like the bonobo.
11. Lipton offerings: ICE TEAS. Drinks made by infusing the dried crushed leaves of the tea plant in boiling water, and then chilling. Shall we revive the ice tea - iced tea controversy? I vote no.
12. "Puh-leeze": SHEESH. Exclamations of disbelief or exasperation.
14. __ ring: NOSE. A hooplike piece of jewelry worn on the nose, either through a pierced hole or held by a clasp.
15. Aryna Sabalenka's org.: WTA. Aryna Siarhiejeŭna Sabalenka (b. 1998) is a Belarusian professional tennis player. She is currently ranked as the world No. 1 in women's singles by the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), and is a former world No. 1 in women's doubles.
18. Pinned item on many a pol's lapel: US FLAG.
22. Übertrendy: SO HOT. "Very trendy" or "extremely fashionable." Some of us are too old to care.
23. Continental breakfast vessel: URN. Coffee reservoir.
24. Literature Nobelist Albert: CAMUS. Albert Camus(1913 – 1960) was a French philosopher, author, dramatist, journalist, world federalist, and political activist. He was the recipient of the 1957 Nobel Prize in Literature at the age of 44, the second-youngest recipient in history. His works include The Stranger, The Plague, The Myth of Sisyphus, The Fall and The Rebel.
25. __ Dame: NOTRE. Notre-Dame de Paris, often referred to simply as Notre-Dame, is a medieval Catholic cathedral on the Île de la Cité, in the 4th arrondissement of Paris, France. The cathedral, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. Construction was started in 1163, and the opening was in 1345.
The University of Notre Dame du Lac (known simply as Notre Dame) is a private Catholic research university in Notre Dame, Indiana, United States. Founded in 1842 by members of the Congregation of Holy Cross, a Catholic religious order of priests and brothers, the main campus of 1,261 acres has a suburban setting and contains landmarks such as the Golden Dome main building, Sacred Heart basilica, the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, the 134 foot tall Word of Life mosaic mural (nicknamed "Touchdown Jesus" because of the Christ figure's upraised arms), and Notre Dame Stadium.
28. Simplicity: EASE. Simplicity is the quality or condition of being easy to understand or do.
31. Pop singer Mann: AIMEE. Aimee Elizabeth Mann [b. 1960] is an American singer-songwriter. Over the course of four decades, she has released ten studio albums as a solo artist. She is noted for her sardonic and literate lyrics about dark subjects, often describing lost or lonely underdog characters.
28. Simplicity: EASE. Simplicity is the quality or condition of being easy to understand or do.
31. Pop singer Mann: AIMEE. Aimee Elizabeth Mann [b. 1960] is an American singer-songwriter. Over the course of four decades, she has released ten studio albums as a solo artist. She is noted for her sardonic and literate lyrics about dark subjects, often describing lost or lonely underdog characters.
From the comments under the Youtube vid, this song is deeply meaningful to some people who were struggling.
32. Likely will, with "is": APT TO. Describing a presumed high probability expectation.
33. Old-school organizers, briefly: PDAs. Personal Data Assistants. Now we can do it all with our phones.
35. Knocks to the canvas: DECKS. Delivers a punch that knocks an opponent or adversary down.
36. Roma's land: ITALIA. Both words rendered in their native language: Italiano.
37. Times for pampering: SPA DAYS. A SPA DAY is a day of pampering and relaxation at a a commercial establishment offering health and beauty treatment through such means as steam baths, exercise equipment, and massage. It's a chance to escape daily stresses and rejuvenate.
38. Procter & Gamble detergent pack: TIDE POD. Tide PODS are laundry detergent pacs that contain detergent, stain remover, and color protector. They are designed to work in any washing machine, including high-efficiency machines.
40. Genuine: SINCERE. Free from pretense or deceit; proceeding from legitimate feelings.
41. Squirrel, in slang: TREE RAT. "Tree rat" can refer to a number of rodents that live in trees, including roof rats, spiny rats, and other tree-dwelling rodents -or squirrels.
42. Each: PER. Relative to a single unit of something.
43. Feature of a well-thrown football: SPIRAL. A ball thrown so that it rotates around its axis in flight.
44. Way out of the way?: DETOUR. Rerouted travel in order to avoid some obstacle or difficulty.
46. Seasonal mall workers: SANTAS. Don't fall for it, they're impersonators.
48. Menu opener: MOUSE. A computer accessory used to actuate applications and processes.
49. Major artery: AORTA. The main artery of the body, supplying oxygenated blood to the circulatory system. In humans it passes over the heart from the left ventricle and runs down in front of the backbone.
51. Corn units: EARS. The spiked part of a corn plant that contains kernels.
54. Good times: FUN. Enjoyment, amusement, or lighthearted pleasure.
56. Terrif: FAB. Slangy indications of fun or something of high quality.
57. Logician's letters: QED. QED is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase quod erat demonstrandum, which means "what was to be demonstrated". It's used to indicate that a proof or argument is complete.
58. [Finger on lips]: SHH. A plea for silence.
32. Likely will, with "is": APT TO. Describing a presumed high probability expectation.
33. Old-school organizers, briefly: PDAs. Personal Data Assistants. Now we can do it all with our phones.
35. Knocks to the canvas: DECKS. Delivers a punch that knocks an opponent or adversary down.
36. Roma's land: ITALIA. Both words rendered in their native language: Italiano.
37. Times for pampering: SPA DAYS. A SPA DAY is a day of pampering and relaxation at a a commercial establishment offering health and beauty treatment through such means as steam baths, exercise equipment, and massage. It's a chance to escape daily stresses and rejuvenate.
38. Procter & Gamble detergent pack: TIDE POD. Tide PODS are laundry detergent pacs that contain detergent, stain remover, and color protector. They are designed to work in any washing machine, including high-efficiency machines.
40. Genuine: SINCERE. Free from pretense or deceit; proceeding from legitimate feelings.
41. Squirrel, in slang: TREE RAT. "Tree rat" can refer to a number of rodents that live in trees, including roof rats, spiny rats, and other tree-dwelling rodents -or squirrels.
42. Each: PER. Relative to a single unit of something.
43. Feature of a well-thrown football: SPIRAL. A ball thrown so that it rotates around its axis in flight.
44. Way out of the way?: DETOUR. Rerouted travel in order to avoid some obstacle or difficulty.
46. Seasonal mall workers: SANTAS. Don't fall for it, they're impersonators.
48. Menu opener: MOUSE. A computer accessory used to actuate applications and processes.
49. Major artery: AORTA. The main artery of the body, supplying oxygenated blood to the circulatory system. In humans it passes over the heart from the left ventricle and runs down in front of the backbone.
51. Corn units: EARS. The spiked part of a corn plant that contains kernels.
54. Good times: FUN. Enjoyment, amusement, or lighthearted pleasure.
56. Terrif: FAB. Slangy indications of fun or something of high quality.
57. Logician's letters: QED. QED is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase quod erat demonstrandum, which means "what was to be demonstrated". It's used to indicate that a proof or argument is complete.
58. [Finger on lips]: SHH. A plea for silence.
So, on this quiet note we arrive at home.
If you recall from my blog last month, our 18-year-old granddaughter Emily was badly injured when the car she was riding in got struck broadside by a drunk driver on December 16. She is still in the hospital, and has had some complications to deal with, but has made significant recovery. She gets 3 hours of physical and occupational therapy every week day. She was healed enough to stand up - with assistance - a few days ago, and can now pivot while standing. We are very proud of her for the progress she's making and her determined efforts to fully recover. This kid has a lot of grit.Cool regards!
JzB
