Happy Monday, everyone! sumdaze here with a head scratcher from constructor Kathy Lowden. This is Kathy's fourth LAT puzzle and second one this month!
Theme:
I also found this 1966 Soupy Sales song:
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| Use Your Noggin |
I also found this 1966 Soupy Sales song:
The themed clues are:
16 Across. Picnic side that may contain chickpeas: BEAN SALAD.
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| Chickpeas are often called "garbanzo beans" here on the West Coast but we cannot have bean in the clue and the answer. |
33 Across. Potluck dish often made with cream of mushroom soup: NOODLE CASSEROLE.
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| This one also has chicken and peas. |
40 Across. Tchaikovsky composition excerpted in Disney's "Fantasia": NUTCRACKER SUITE.
Thank you, Kathy, for giving me a reason to revisit this beautiful film!
And the reveal:
61 Across. Advantage in a race, and what can be found in 16-, 33-, or 40-Across: HEAD START.
Here is an example of someone taking a HEAD START in a race:
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| Oops! |
Also... BEAN, NOODLE, and NUT are all slang terms meaning HEAD. Plus, they are at the START of each of the answers. The answers have a HEAD START!
After filling the first two themers I thought everything was going to be potluck food but NUTCRACKER SUITE told me otherwise. Maybe using three food nicknames for the human HEAD was purposeful or maybe it just turns out that food words do the job nicely. We might have had GRAPEFRUIT DIET or MELONY G. GRIFFITH (former MD State Senator).
It's time we made some headway on the remaining clues....
1. __ but not least: LAST. This clue was first and foremost today.
5. Dino with short arms: T. REX. Dinosaur is shortened, so is tyrannosaurus rex. Rex means "king" in Latin. Why T. Rex has Tiny Arms
9. 12-Down, for one: CHEF. and 12 Down. Food Network Emmy winner Bobby: FLAY.
13. Rights org.: ACLU.
14. Part in a film: ROLE.
15. "And never the twain __ meet": SHALL. The Ballad of East and West is a poem by Rudyard Kipling. It was first published in 1889. full poem
18. Inventor Nikola: TESLA.
19. Bus-catching spot: STATION.
20. "__ away": "RuPaul's Drag Race" catchphrase: SASHAY.
21. Misdeed: SIN.
22. __ and drabs: DRIBS. DRIBS and drabs is an informal plural noun that means "small amounts that come or happen over a period of time".
24. Tennis champion Swiatek: IGA. I learned this one from Husker Gary. He said IGA is commonly clued this way or as the grocery stores. I think I remember seeing the IGA symbol on the paper bags at the grocery store back in the day.
27. Hawaiian welcome garland: LEI. 
29. Clickable link: URL. This is the URL of the page that explains how to post a comment on this blog:
5. Dino with short arms: T. REX. Dinosaur is shortened, so is tyrannosaurus rex. Rex means "king" in Latin. Why T. Rex has Tiny Arms
9. 12-Down, for one: CHEF. and 12 Down. Food Network Emmy winner Bobby: FLAY.
13. Rights org.: ACLU.
14. Part in a film: ROLE.
15. "And never the twain __ meet": SHALL. The Ballad of East and West is a poem by Rudyard Kipling. It was first published in 1889. full poem
18. Inventor Nikola: TESLA.
19. Bus-catching spot: STATION.
The Hollies ~ Bus Stop ~ (1966)
20. "__ away": "RuPaul's Drag Race" catchphrase: SASHAY.
21. Misdeed: SIN.
22. __ and drabs: DRIBS. DRIBS and drabs is an informal plural noun that means "small amounts that come or happen over a period of time".
24. Tennis champion Swiatek: IGA. I learned this one from Husker Gary. He said IGA is commonly clued this way or as the grocery stores. I think I remember seeing the IGA symbol on the paper bags at the grocery store back in the day.
https://crosswordcorner.blogspot.com/2008/09/how-to-post-comment.html
30. Gave a snack: FED.
37. Farmland measure: ACRE.
38. Tax-collecting agcy.: IRS. and 62 Down. Syllable of disapproval: TSK.
39. Landed: ALIT.
45. Clean air org.: EPA. organization and Environmental Protection Agency
46. Tetris shape: ELL. as in the letter L
47. Tetley drink: TEA. Tetley is a brand name of TEA.
48. Above, in odes: O'ER. over
49. Low-power mode: SLEEP. I liked this clueing angle. SLEEP mode on a computer is a power-saving state that stops all actions. Any open documents and applications are moved to its RAM.
51. Lead-in to gender: CIS-. "Lead in" leads us to the prefix department.
53. One-on-one students: TUTEES. This fill has some very useful letters. Last week we had 4-D. Solo scholar: TUTEE.
56. In a state of shock: REELING. This clue uses a verb definition of REEL meaning "to waver or fall back (as from a blow)".
60. Extraterrestrial: ALIEN.
63. Unable to move: INERT. While three-toed sloths are not completely INERT, they are pretty slow. They have the slowest digestion of any mammal. This 1:55 min. video explains why.
64. Shrek, for one: OGRE.
65. Yard sale caveat: AS IS.
66. Boys: LADS.
67. A lot (of): TONS.
68. Major or general: RANK. My friend went to the medical clinic on base and parked in front of a sign that said "General Parking". She thought it meant "parking for the general population", as in "not just for the pooh-bahs". The MPs were not amused.
Down:
30. Gave a snack: FED.
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| Bill Murray (well, his stunt double) FED a snack to an orca in The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2005). |
37. Farmland measure: ACRE.
38. Tax-collecting agcy.: IRS. and 62 Down. Syllable of disapproval: TSK.
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| I wonder if this cartoonist knows that campaign contributions are not tax deductible. |
39. Landed: ALIT.
45. Clean air org.: EPA. organization and Environmental Protection Agency
46. Tetris shape: ELL. as in the letter L
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| This example shows an orange ELL shape and a dark blue ELL shape in a Tetris game. |
47. Tetley drink: TEA. Tetley is a brand name of TEA.
48. Above, in odes: O'ER. over
49. Low-power mode: SLEEP. I liked this clueing angle. SLEEP mode on a computer is a power-saving state that stops all actions. Any open documents and applications are moved to its RAM.
51. Lead-in to gender: CIS-. "Lead in" leads us to the prefix department.
53. One-on-one students: TUTEES. This fill has some very useful letters. Last week we had 4-D. Solo scholar: TUTEE.
56. In a state of shock: REELING. This clue uses a verb definition of REEL meaning "to waver or fall back (as from a blow)".
60. Extraterrestrial: ALIEN.
64. Shrek, for one: OGRE.
65. Yard sale caveat: AS IS.
66. Boys: LADS.
67. A lot (of): TONS.
68. Major or general: RANK. My friend went to the medical clinic on base and parked in front of a sign that said "General Parking". She thought it meant "parking for the general population", as in "not just for the pooh-bahs". The MPs were not amused.
Down:
1. Scientist's workplace: LAB. 
2. Gets a top score on: ACES.
3. Crosspiece on a bed frame: SLAT.
4. Albacore and yellowfin: TUNAS.
5. Apprentice: TRAINEE. Which has higher status, a TRAINEE or a TUTEE?
6. Caramel-filled candy: ROLO.
7. African antelope: ELAND. ELANDs live in Africa. They can use their horns to bring food on branches within reach. They are both the largest and slowest antelopes in the world. (Don't tell the lions!)
2. Gets a top score on: ACES.
3. Crosspiece on a bed frame: SLAT.
4. Albacore and yellowfin: TUNAS.
5. Apprentice: TRAINEE. Which has higher status, a TRAINEE or a TUTEE?
6. Caramel-filled candy: ROLO.
9. Game with rooks and pawns: CHESS.
10. Heavenly __ ice cream: HASH.
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| It is a lot like rocky road but it has chocolate-covered almonds instead of walnuts. |
11. "__ Enchanted": Anne Hathaway film: ELLA.
15. Horse's home: STABLE. They are lucky to have a STABLE home life.
17. "Sparkling or __?": STILL. A server at a restaurant might ask you this question if you request a glass of water. Sparkling water has added CO2 gas which gives it its fizz.
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| Anne was 22 years old in 2004 when this movie hit the theaters. |
15. Horse's home: STABLE. They are lucky to have a STABLE home life.
17. "Sparkling or __?": STILL. A server at a restaurant might ask you this question if you request a glass of water. Sparkling water has added CO2 gas which gives it its fizz.
Translate: $6 per glass or free? 
20. Gentlemen: SIRS.
23. Baking potato: RUSSET.
24. Silly: INANE. CSO to inanehiker!
25. Coffee container at a drive-thru: GO-CUP.
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| This??? |
26. Major artery: AORTA.
28. Eaves dripper: ICICLE. I liked this one for its similarity to eavesdropper.
30. Shakespearean volume: FOLIO. This should answer any questions you might have.
31. Top-notch: ELITE.
32. Dissuade: DETER.
34. NYE month: DEC. New Year's Eve and DECember
35. Noah's boat: ARK.
36. French actress/model Ines: RAU.
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| In 2017, Ines was Playboy's first transgender playmate. Apparently she is also an Iron Maiden fan. |
42. Brews that may be pale: ALES.
43. Ebbs: RECEDES.
44. Mast attachments: SAILS. Masts and SAILS were in the news this past weekend. I had the pleasure of going on board a similar Mexican tall ship when it visited Monterey 20 or so years ago. (Or maybe it was the same one???) I remember the sailors up on the masts when she left the wharf. It was a rousing experience. I am sad that such a positive gesture could end so tragically. (2:10 min.)
49. Crystal ball consultors: SEERS.
50. Marinara sauce brand: PREGO.
52. Indian lute: SITAR.
53. Long part of a kite: TAIL. The TAIL is quite opposite of the HEAD.
54. Arm bone: ULNA.
55. Like a 1-1 score: TIED.
57. Work for: EARN.
58. Mars rover org.: NASA.
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| Click to enlarge. |
59. Big smile: GRIN.
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| SHU = Scoville Heat Units |
Here is today's grid:
42 comments:
I’m not going to give this
puzzle the designation of a “walk in the park” because of one thing: the crossing of “Iga” and “go cup.” Otherwise, I probably would. Anyway, FIR, so I’m happy.
Good morning!
Zipped right through this one, getting a HEAD START on the day. I seem to recall a joke about the difference between a chickpea and garbanzo bean. Enjoyed your offering, Kathy, and your recap, sumdaze.
IGA: The little town where I grew up only had a population of 1118. There were four grocery stores, including an IGA and a Red Owl store. Oh, and there were seven taverns.
FIR, but drips->DRIBS. Guess I've said it wrong all my life so far.
Our main grocery store when I was growing up was an IGA. No taverns, but two bootlegger operations, kind of an open secret. I know IGA Swiatek (and Bobby Flay for that matter) from crosswords, but I wouldn't be able to pick either out in a lineup.
I also liked the clever "chickpea" clue when "bean" couldn't be used.
Thanks to Kathy for the fun Monday romp, and to sundaze for another clever review.
FLN - Lucina, so sorry about the passing of your nephew and cousin, especially happening so close together.
Forgot - I've heard and used "coconut" for head, but I don't think I've ever used just plain old "nut." I've heard of an INANE person called a NUT, though. Probably just my regional dialect.
FIR. Too many obscure proper names for my liking. And the crossing of Ella and Flay with sashay seemed cruel. I have no knowledge of Ru Paul, and frankly don't want to know about whatever he/she/it is.
I also found the theme rather lame. I had to come here to have it explained.
This was a somewhat crunchy Monday, which makes two in a row. What's up with this trend?
Overall not an enjoyable puzzle.
My thoughts exactly
Took 3:47 today to drink my Crown Royal.
I didn't know today's combo of French lesson and Actress of the Day (Rau). I knew Iga only from prior puzzles, but hesitated entering "go cup" as I only hear "to go cup." Like Jinx, I haven't heard just "nut" for head.
I'd give Kathy's puzzle today about a C+. To her credit, she managed to get in two grid-spanners, and the fill was adequately lively for the most part.
But there were a couple Natick-laden areas, both of which could have been avoided by Kathy. One was in the West, with IGA and GOCUP, and the other was in the NE, centered on ELLA, FLAY, and SASHAY.
The theming was pretty unambitious, essentially requiring only three synonyms for "head." And one of Kathy's three was farfetched. When someone refers to a person as a "nut," they are describing that person as goofy or eccentric. That is a far cry from saying that the word "nut" is another name for "head." That would be quite a stretch.
Thanks, sumdaze, for the entertaining recap.
Breezed through this one in near-record time. Two or three unknown names filled in quickly via perps. I paid no attention to the gimmick.
My brain (aka NOODLE CASSEROLE) found this refreshing after the recent end of last week’s frustrating failures. Theme was fun. WEES: Problem was one letter: what kind of “coffee” cup crosses with the “tennis star” so I WAGed G (phew) for the win 😅 but hey it’s only Monday, why not “supermarket chain” for IGA (a CW standard.)
RUSSET/cooking chart 🥔: when did preparing taters get so complicated 🥺.
Now I find out it’s DRIBS not DRIpS
Salada and “TETLEY … TUTEES
I gave in again and ____ my neighbor the lawnmower … RELENT
For sale: One “extraterrestrial” “acre” but with ___ on the property … ALIEN
TUTEE on a locomotive…. TRAINEE
Is summer already over in CNY? , sunny and a tad below 80’s early last week changed to blustery cold rain with temps averaging in the 40-50’s the weekend and all this week . Saw white stuff on the road to Adirondacks Saturday (please not snow!) locals said it had hailed. 😮💨
Good Morning:
The theme was obvious early on but, as others have mentioned, I’ve never heard Nut as a slang reference for head, just for a screwball person or odd duck. Rau was unknown as was the clue for Sashay, but I well remember Lucina’s many Sashays back in the day. Overall, this was a typical Monday solve, easy-peasy.
Thanks, Kathy, and thanks, sumdaze, for the usual fun and word play. The Fantasia video was soothing and soul-satisfying.
FLN
Lucina, so sorry for your losses.
Have a great day.
FIR, but the NE slowed me down. I didn’t know the chef, thé film or the phrase. I got the theme with the first two long fills but scratched my HEAD at NUT. IGA and RAU were also unknowns but the GO CUP solved one problem and perps the other.
We had SIRS and BOYS in addition to CIS. Is there á theme here?
From Jinx’s comment, I understand Lucina you have sorrow in your family. So sorry for your losses.
Thank you sumdaze for your nice recap.
IMO, Anon at 8:39, isn't the "gimmick" the theme? It is called a crossword "puzzle" and part of the puzzle you solve is determining if it has a theme, and if it does, what is the theme.
I found it to be a fun and easy Monday though I had no awareness of MARIO CARIZZO oops, I mean her new self INES RAU ; luckily the two grid spanning themers had provided the answer. The Thai culture has many transgenders, called Ladyboys, but not in a mean way (I don't think).
I thank you Kathy and sumdaze you did good.
Musings
-I learned to love classical music with cartoons from Disney and Warner Brothers. I have no idea what today’s cartoons provide.
-HEAD START: NFL fans will understand this image about its most penalized player Laremy Tunsil.
-Info about misbehavior by public officials that start out as DRIBS and drabs often turn into a torrent
-Every parched ACRE in Nebraska got a nice rain last night and will again tonight
-How many of these Chess Openings do you know?
-Gimmick: Our Omaha World Herald carries what’s called The Sheffer Puzzle every weekday. It is easy to solve but always contains two or more “themeish entries” with no reveal. Today it had PORTUGAL and PRODIGAL.
TGIM. After the Friday and Saturday disasters, what a relief today was! Only 8 names, DNK 3, one being IGA. But all perps were easy for IGA. I zipped through this CW in 8 minutes flat, no holdups, but forgot to look for the theme afterward. Thanx KL for the Monday level CW, unlike last Monday's Friday-on-a-Monday nut buster. Thanx Sumdaze for the terrific write-up, and for enlightening me as to the theme. I suspect I would have gotten it had I remembered to look. I watched the FL Panthers humiliate the Toronto Maple Leafs last night. It seems incongruous that the reigning NHL champions would be in SOFLO, not in Canada, but I'm happy to have them right here in a suburb of Ft. Lauderdale. I was happy to hear the ref that got smacked in the face with a hockey stick got sutures above his right eye, and didn't lose an eye. Wishing all a good week.
A fun and informative recap by sumdaze. Too bad “nut” was such a weak addition. It’s not a reference or synonym of “head”
I am familiar with NUT used to mean Head. In fact, I got the theme immediately when I reached that themer. But perhaps it was Canadian advantage, as the usage appears to be British. ( see Cambridge Dictionary)
I’ll second that!
Thank you, Kathy, and thank you, sumdaze.
The old noggin wasn't challenged to solve today's crossword. Mostly straightforward clues led to a quick solve. A pleasant start to the solving week, followed by a let down while reading some of the comments.
There were a couple of clues that I had no idea about. Heavenly HASH ice cream is new to me, as is RAU.
The three letter answer IGA should be an easy fill for any clue that also contains any reference to Swiatek or tennis (WTA champ, 3 time French Open winner, WTA star, world's number one woman ranked tennis player, etc). At least to anyone who has been solving crossword puzzles on a regular basis over the last 5 years or so (and paying attention). The variations have become a common replacement for the traditional use of the abbreviation for the Independent Grocers Alliance. Nothing new or unusual or odd with IGA Swiatek, but as Ray-O suggested, it is Monday and the more common clue might have been more appropriate.
I wasn't familiar with the word NUT as slang or informal for HEAD, but I didn't immediately take to the keyboard to pooh-pooh it or call it farfetched. Instead, I simply keyed "Nut definition" into the Google search bar and read. And learned that is an informal word for head. Furthermore, I learned that in (archaic) British slang, it means to butt (someone) with one's head, as in, "I thought he was going to nut me in the face."
Kudos to those who were restrained enough to simply write that they were unfamiliar with the slang definition of NUT for head, and a D- to TehachapiKen for his comments rejecting it as farfetched without making any effort to understand why it worked as clued. Words have multiple meanings, and an experienced solver doesn't restrict oneself to soley primary or secondary meanings. That's one of the key tenets of solving crosswords.
As with Unknown (but recognizable) Commenter at 7:53, I grew up in an area where they are called To Go cups, but GO CUP was easily inferred. I recognize that I am going to encounter terms that may be more prevalently used in other parts of the country, or by other societal groups, despite America's cultural homogenization. Perhaps GO CUPS passed below my radar. It wasn't that long ago that I learned that the word carriage is (often? commonly?) used as a replacement for shopping cart in New England, while here in Chicago I have sometimes heard them referred to as buggies.
I liked your segue to the body of the fill, sumdaze, as well as the rest of your review. The Hollies Bus Stop song sent me to YouTube to listen to more of their greatest hits.
Marvellous Monday. Thanks for the fun, Kathy and sumdaze.
Officially a FIW, since I was trying to choose between D or V, but G was needed at that Natick cross of IGA and GO CUP.
(I have never heard the term Go cup for a disposable cup, but apparently there is even a brand by that name that produces them with company advertising, name, logo etc.)
I did manage to WAG the Y at the other problem area of FLAY and SASHAY.
But it was a quick Monday solve.
I smiled at the cross of ROLE and ROLO, and then GRINned at CASSEROLE.
I noted TAIL and SAILS, and like sumdaze, the HEAD(S) and TAIL(S).
11-year-old grandson meet DH in three moves playing CHESS the other day. DH will have to practice and concentrate more next time. The kid is good!
Our Kawartha Dairy makes a delicious Heavenly HASH ice cream.
And you all know that I prefer Red Rose TEA (classic orange pekoe blend) “only in Canada eh!” (now made under Lipton but still branded as Red Rose).
Condolences to Lucina with the passing of two family members in such a short time.
Wishing you all a great day.
Sumdaze, I found your review to be more entertaining than the puzzle itself! Laughed at your friend's "General Parking" story. But she really had no choice because without a decal, she couldn't use "Private Parking" either!
A TUTEE at school might become a TRAINEE at work...hoping to become a fulltime employee and eventually a retiree!
I ordered STILL water at a honkytonk, and they brought me moonshine! Properly served in a Mason jar, of course.
On a serious note, this is a special community we're part of. I'm thinking of everyone out there who is hurting right now.
Congrats to your FL Panthers, unclefred. Once again, there is no joy in Leaf Land. DH has been waiting since 1967 for his Maple Leafs to win the Stanley Cup. This year was extremely disappointing after their favourable start. Hope springs eternal for next year.
Yes, I was glad to hear the good report on the rev.
T
I liked this puzzle.
Oh, and I thought the gimmick was about food, what with BEAN, NOODLE, and NUT.
The Virginian Pilot carries Scheffer every day except Sunday. In addition to being easy, Eugene allows 2-letter fill, which I know is a disqualifier for some Cornerites.
You can get Sheffer at Arkadium. But if you are in that neighborhood, try the Penny Dell. I think it is nearly on par with the LAT in terms of difficulty, and their editing will make you almost appreciate Patti's.
I have a ceramic to-GO CUP with a lid. I try to remember to bring it to my local cafe when I order a hot tea. They do not even blink so I am assuming other customers do this, too.
My condolences to Lucina for the loss of her nephew and cousin. You have a loving and supportive family. I know you will be able to help each other through this difficult time.
Cute puzzle and a fun write up. Happy Monday, everyone.
Cool regards!
JzB
Starboy288, Surprised no one hasn't heard the phrase "Are you off your nut!'
Meaning slangily "Are you out of your mind?" Always glad to see Monday roll around so I can have fun doing the puzzle, as Friday-Sunday challenges are simply usually too much for me and I'm impressed by those who complete them. Guess a fondest memory is twice completing Merle Reagle's (Spelling?) Sunday puzzles back in the day. Sincere condolences to Lucinda.
Jinx, yes, there probably is.
Your comment was a bit much, so I removed it.
Nice to see you again Starboy288!
TTP: Although that’s what the Brits may mean by “I thought he was going to nut me in the face” that phrase has an entirely different meaning to us Yanks 😅 ðŸ¤
And I'll third it!
Delightful Monday puzzle, many thanks, Kathy. And your commentaries are always helpful, Sumdaze, thanks for today's too.
Well, with that CHEF appearing right at the top, it wasn't surprising to get a whole round of food, starting with morning TEA and then a BEAN SALAD and a NOODLE CASSEROLE to go along with some TUNAS. Fun to SASHAY through a nice lunch like that. After that things got pretty social and political, with the ELITE ruling a HEAD START at the LAB, and using an ALIEN OGRE to scare the LADS who were REELING in fright. I guess it made them GRIN, but we'd certainly say TSK TSK TSK. Hope they RELENT and shape up.
Have a good Monday, everybody.
Down here in south Louisiana we also say buggies for grocery carts.
The “Dino” T. REX BEAN, NOODLE Who says the word NUT doesn’t refer to a brain?
Jinx, I also noticed some 2-letter fill that Patti would never allow. It seems odd that Sheffer has some "sort of" gimmicks but does not acknowledge them in any way.
Really enjoyed the recap today, sumdaze! Always wondered why the T-Rex had such short arms...guess I'll continue to wonder. Great tunes and 'toons also!
I'm so sorry to hear about your tragedies, Lucina. I know you have a lot of familial and spiritual help to draw on.
TTP, you and Ray-O have good taste! (But I bet I made you smile)
Hola! Late again! it's counting Monday and then many sad phone calls to complete. No service announcements yet but we'll soon know. The military is in charge of my nephew's arrangements so it might be a while.
Today's puzzle was somewhat easy but a bit crunchy for Monday. Some areas just filled themselves. I would not have known IGA but glad it emerged. I'm sure I've mentioned before that the INCA's developed a potato for every 1,000 feet of altitude and that is why so many varieties exist.
Thank you for the many condolences. It is a sad time for my family. I hope your days are faring better, everyone.
Hmm,I'm not sure who's side this puzzle is on...
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