Theme: What's My Line?
Today marks Amanda Cook's fifth crossword constructor credit in the Los Angeles Times. What a great way to begin the week!
The theme clues and answers are:
16-Across. Minute Maid juice box option: FRUIT PUNCH.
24-Across. Catchphrase associated with hippies: FLOWER POWER.
34-Across. Occasion to wear a little black dress, perhaps: COCKTAIL PARTY.
50-Across. Tennis server's infraction: DOUBLE FAULT. A double fault occurs when the server makes two consecutive errors, and the point goes to the opponent. The errors might be hitting the net, hitting outside the service box, or stepping onto the court before contacting the ball.
58-Across. End of a race, or what's found at the end of 16-, 24-, 34-, and 50-Across?: FINISH LINE. I had to reach this FINISH LINE to see the theme: each of the listed entries finishes with a type of line! PUNCH LINE, POWER LINE, PARTY LINE, FAULT LINE. Bottom line: well done!
We have not come to the end of the line, though. Here come the rest of the clues and answers.
Across:1. Earth tremor: SEISM.
6. Quarterback Darnold who won the Super Bowl with the Seahawks in 2026: SAM. As you might have guessed, Sam Darnold's line of work is playing quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL.
9. Tom or drake: MALE. A tom is a male turkey; a drake is a male duck.
13. Japanese breadcrumbs: PANKO. Have you ever purchased white bread or pastries in a Japanese grocery? The texture is incredibly light and fluffy! No wonder Japanese breadcrumbs are prized for coating fried foods.
14. Lose steam: TIRE.
15. 20-Down highlight: ARIA. An aria is an elaborate solo song with instrumental accompaniment featured in an opera.
16. [Theme clue]
18. Dressage gait: TROT.
19. The "D" of LED: DIODE. An LED (light-emitting diode) is a semiconductor device that emits light when an electric current flows through it.
20. Atmospheric layer with holes: OZONE. The ozone layer has a big seasonal hole over Antarctica, largely due to chemicals released from refrigerators, air conditioners, and aerosol sprays. The hole allows harmful ultraviolet radiation to reach the Earth's surface, which raises the risk of skin cancer, cataracts, and immune system damage for humans and other creatures, and harms plants, including crops. Thanks to an international treaty (The Montreal Protocol) signed in 1987, which phased out chlorofluorocarbons, the hole in the ozone layer is gradually shrinking. Sadly, recent extreme weather due to human caused climate change appears to be slowing the recovery of the ozone layer.
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| The ozone hole over Antarctica |
21. Knee pt. studied in an MRI, perhaps: ACL. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the main stabilizing ligaments in the knee.
24. [Theme clue]
27. Bedroom piece: DRESSER. You know ... bed frame, dresser, nightstand, mirror. Typical bedroom furniture.
29. Migrating geese formation: VEE. Each goose generates a wake of air behind and beneath its wings. A following bird gains upward lift from the air currents created by the bird in front. The goose at the front of the line doesn’t get any aerodynamic benefit and works the hardest. That’s why, when the first goose gets tired, it drops back into a trailing position, and another goose takes the lead.
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| Geese in V formation |
30. Crafty: SLY.
31. Thoroughly cooked: DONE. Stick a fork in me, Jerry -- I'm done!
31. Thoroughly cooked: DONE. Stick a fork in me, Jerry -- I'm done!
32. Pageant crown: TIARA.
34. [Theme clue]
40. Maid of honor speech, typically: TOAST.
41. Field of expertise: AREA.
43. PC key near the space bar: ALT. I went into a veterinary clinic today to pick up meds for darling daughter's dog, and saw these keyboards at the front desk PCs. I may need one.
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| Candy colored keyboard! |
46. "What __ missing?": AM I.
47. Flagging down, as a cab: HAILING.
50. [Theme clue]
53. Bear, in Spanish: OSO.
54. Utterly confused: AT SEA.
55. Loud kiss: SMACK.
57. Leaning Tower city: PISA.
58. [Theme clue]
63. Notified: TOLD.
64. Opinion column: OP-ED. "Op-ed" is short for "opposite the editorial page." The essays that appear there are short opinion pieces that represent the views of outside contributors rather than the publication's editorial board.
65. Conger catcher: EELER.
66. Classic game console, for short: SNES. Super Nintendo Entertainment System.
67. Prohibit: BAR.
68. Airline based in Atlanta: DELTA.
Down:
1. Coppertone initials: SPF. Sun Protection Factor (SPF) measures how well a sunscreen protects your skin from ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer.
2. Unit of corn: EAR.
3. Shiba __: dog breed: INU. An ancient Japanese breed of hunting dog, the Shiba Inu is small: just 17-22 pounds. If you want an adorable, fox-like little dog that is independent, stubborn, and can't be trusted off-leash, here's your next pet!
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| Shiba Inu |
4. Lose traction, as on an icy road: SKID.
5. Recurring themes: MOTIFS.
6. Connective tissue: SINEW. Also called a tendon, a sinew connects muscle to bone.
7. Curved path: ARC.
8. "Not my fave": MEH.
9. __ ball soup: MATZO. DH looks forward to my vegetarian matzo ball soup every year.
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| Here is Martha Stewart's vegetarian version. |
10. Quiver contents: ARROWS. A quiver is a container used by archers to hold arrows.
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| A classic back quiver |
11. "Hello" singer Richie: LIONEL. Lionel Richie is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer. In the 1970s, he was a songwriter and co-lead singer of the Motown group The Commodores. In 1982, he launched his solo career with the album Lionel Richie. His second album, Can't Slow Down (1983), became one of the best-selling albums of all time, and included the number one singles "All Night Long (All Night)" and "Hello." He co-wrote the 1985 charity single "We Are the World" with Michael Jackson. His third album, Dancing on the Ceiling (1986), contained the number one single "Say You, Say Me" and the No. 2 hit title track. Wow. Strange video, though.
12. Dining establishment: EATERY.
14. Royal house of Elizabeth I: TUDOR. Henry VII was the first Tudor king of England, seizing the crown by force during a civil war. His son Henry VIII is remembered for separating the Church of England from the Catholic church to facilitate the dissolution of his first five marriages; his sixth wife outlived him. Henry VIII's son Edward VI reigned from age nine until his death at age 15. Next up, Mary I ("Bloody Mary"), a daughter of Henry VII, reigned for five years, during which she restored Catholicism and persecuted Protestants. And then came Elizabeth I, daughter of Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boleyn, who had been beheaded for supposed treason. Elizabeth ruled for an amazing 70 years, restored the protestant church in England, and was the last of the Tudor monarchs. Merry Olde England.
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| Elizabeth I |
17. Bit of trekking gear: POLE. These collapsible poles are lightweight and fit in your suitcase. Totally worth bringing if you're planning to hike on uneven terrain.
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| Trekking poles |
20. La Scala production: OPERA. La Scala is an historic opera house in Milan, Italy.
21. Append: ADD.
22. Colorful clog with holes: CROC.
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| Croc with Croc |
23. Longtime late-night host Jay: LENO. Jay Leno is a stand-up comedian who was chosen in 1992 to replace Johnny Carson as the host of NBC's The Tonight Show, which he did until 2009 when Conan O'Brien took over for a year. Leno returned to hosting The Tonight Show from 2010 to 2014, then hosted Jay Leno's Garage, and then the revival of You Bet Your Life. He currently writes a regular column in Popular Mechanics giving automotive advice.
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| Jay Leno |
25. Nefarious: EVIL.
26. Gather, as crops: REAP.
28. Religious faction: SECT.
32. __ for tat: TIT.
33. North __ Sea: Kazakh lake: ARAL. The Aral Sea was once the world’s third largest lake. It started shrinking in the 1960s when the Soviet government diverted two of its main inlet rivers, the Syr Darya and the Amu Darya, to irrigate the surrounding desert region. The North Aral Sea was separated from the South Aral Sea in 1987-88 as water levels dropped. Independent Kazakhstan has addressed environmental degradation by again allowing the Syr Darya River to flow into the lake.
26. Gather, as crops: REAP.
28. Religious faction: SECT.
32. __ for tat: TIT.
33. North __ Sea: Kazakh lake: ARAL. The Aral Sea was once the world’s third largest lake. It started shrinking in the 1960s when the Soviet government diverted two of its main inlet rivers, the Syr Darya and the Amu Darya, to irrigate the surrounding desert region. The North Aral Sea was separated from the South Aral Sea in 1987-88 as water levels dropped. Independent Kazakhstan has addressed environmental degradation by again allowing the Syr Darya River to flow into the lake.
 |
| The Aral Sea is circled. |
35. Eucalyptus lover: KOALA. The koala is native to Australia and eats little besides Eucalyptus, which is poisonous to most other animals. The low nutritional value of this diet leads koalas to sleep up to twenty hours a day. Hmm ... good life?
36. Like household pets: TAME.
37. "You wish!": AS IF.
38. Threesome: TRIO.
39. Cravings: YENS.
42. Long, long __: AGO.
43. Modifies to fit: ADAPTS.
44. Soothing cosmetic: LOTION.
45. Minor dustup: TUSSLE.
47. Muggy: HUMID. Like this past summer in Los Angeles. Brutal!
48. "What a shame": ALAS.
49. Irritated, in a way: ITCHED. Like the bites of the invasive Aedes mosquitoes (commonly known as "ankle biters") which have recently infested Los Angeles, thanks to the aforesaid humidity.
51. Common elements in Native American jewelry: BEADS.
52. Ed of "Elf": ASNER. Ed Asner (1929-2021) was an American actor, best known for playing Lou Grant on The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970-1977) and the same character on the drama Lou Grant (1977-1982). He won seven Primetime Emmy Awards -- the most of any male actor -- and acted in a number of films as well. He played Santa Claus in New Line Cinema's Elf (2003) and voiced Carl Fredricksen in the Pixar animated film Up (2009).
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| Ed Asner is on the far right, with other cast members of The Mary Tyler Moore Show |
56. "Twittering Machine" painter Paul: KLEE. Twittering Machine is a 1922 watercolor with gouache, pen-and-ink, and oil transfer on paper by Swiss-German painter Paul Klee. It depicts a loosely sketched group of birds on a wire or branch connected to a hand-crank.
,_1922_-_Paul_Klee.jpg) |
| Klee's Twittering Machine |
58. Keyless key: FOB. A key fob is a remote control device that uses radio waves to communicate with a car's computer, allowing drivers to lock, unlock, or start their vehicles with the press of a button.
59. Bitter beer letters: IPA. India Pale Ale was created when English brewers increased the amount of hops in beer, and increased the alcohol level, to preserve the brew for the hot, six-month sea journey to India, during the time that India was under the control of the British East India Company.
60. Unwell: ILL.
61. Take-home pay: NET.
62. Pitching ace's stat: ERA. Earned Run Average.
Here's the grid:
Solvers,
Did Amanda's puzzle SMACK you in the face with the POWER of its brilliance?
Or did you find FAULT with it?
LINE up below to share your comments!
-- NaomiZ
I’ll take a CSO at “koala.”
ReplyDeleteAnd I don’t know if I consider the crossing of “Inu” and “Panko” fair, but other than that
I had little trouble with this cw puzzle.
FIR, so I’m happy.
FIR, but matza->MATZO. Only kinda-sorta knew PANKO, but didn't know the dog breed.
ReplyDeleteMy niece is into dressage, and is quite successful. I'm hoping that she'll compete again in Ocala, self-billed as the horse capitol of the world.
"Modifies to fit." We used to say "pound to fit, paint to match."
I love that the Commodores recorded Three Times a Lady, and also Brick House. As the Hollywood folks would say, that's showing some substantial range, man.
Thanks to Amanda for another fun puzzle, and to NaomiZ for explaining it all.
Jinx. Matzo is sometimes spelled as you originally tried. That is because the word is a transliteration of the Hebrew (מַצָּה). There are often spelling variations of Hebrew words when translated into English.
DeleteMy uncle was Tex Elmlund who trained horses for Ringling Bros. His daughter is famous for teaching dressage in London.
DeleteGood morning!
ReplyDeleteMy SEISM was QUAKE-ing, my trekking gear was a BOOT before it became a POLE, and with the first A in place, I chose ALTERS rather than ADAPTS. All were eventually fixed. Failed to see the related LINES -- I was trying to make the themers match FINISH. D'oh. Do you know why one side of a goose VEE formation will be longer than the other? It's because there are more birds on that side. :) Thanx for the amusement Amanda, and for another fine expo, NaomiZ.
DO you beat me to it with the geese V joke.
DeleteTried quake first, then shake before seism appeared. Enjoyed seeing tussle like an old acquaintance appearing unexpectedly; don't care for the word eatery. Fun puzzle and review. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteNoticed fault line could lead to less used seism; punch line to smack; power line less so to tire; and party line to toast. Clechos or too much of a stretch?
ReplyDeleteWhat’s not to love about this Monday delight? Tight theme with lively entries entries (FLOWER POWER and COCKTAIL PARTY are my favorites), super clean fill, and clueing that is fun but not deceptive (as is appropriate for a Monday).
ReplyDeleteEl OSO grande has been visiting our mountain neighborhood for the past month. He hasn’t acted aggressively towards people or pets so we are all just being careful to keep distant, avoid contact, and not inadvertently feed him with bird seed or anything else. Hoping that he moves back up the mountain for hibernation. Magnificent animal.
Thanks to Amanda for the delightful puzzle, and to NaomiZ for the entertaining and informative recap. I always learn something worthwhile by reading your reviews.
I didn't know the dog breed but it was filled by the perps quickly. I enjoyed the puzzle and am amazed that Naomi found a pic of a Crocodile eating a croc. Happy Dias de los Muertos. Thank you Amanda and Naomi
ReplyDeleteFIW. The crossing of panko and inu did me in. I took a WAG and was wrong. I didn't know either, and I really dislike that they crossed on this a Monday presentation.
ReplyDeleteI got the theme just fine, and the rest of the puzzle was Monday easy.
Overall a so-so puzzle for me.
Well I did FINISH this fairly easy puzzle but I just found FAULT with my fill of BAn for BAR. No wonder I didn’t know this actor ASNEn.
ReplyDeleteI needed the reveal to get the theme. Although I didn’t know SAM and SNES, perps were helpful so I was not AT SEA. IPA is my favorite kind of beer.
Desperate-otto, you had me going there about the geese VEE formation.
Thank you NaomiZ for the nice review. That Shiba INU dog is really cute. Is that you trecking with your POLES?
What KS said.
ReplyDeleteTook 3:39 today to, well, reach the finish line.
ReplyDeleteI knew the Actor of the Day (Asner), although I wonder if he is now best known for "Elf".
I passed the foreign language test of the day (oso). Count me among the others who tried "quake" before "seism", and who dislikes the intersection of "panko" and "inu." Otherwise, seemed like a very easy themeless puzzle.
Good Morning:
ReplyDeleteKat’s first paragraph captures my thoughts to a tee! I will add, though, that I needed the reveal to see the clever and well-executed theme. What a fun and enjoyable start to the week this was!
Thanks, Amanda, and thanks, Naomi, for the very informative review. I am always struck by your ability to recognize those entries that need and benefit from a more detailed and in depth description or explanation. You provide many learning moments which I, for one, appreciate and look forward to.
Have a great day.
Oops, misspelled reap, and didn't notice it upon a quick review. However, it was an enjoyable puzzle. I wasn't sure either whether SNES was right until I looked at the blog.
ReplyDeleteSLIP before SLID before SKID delayed PANKO crossing an unknown INU, as others have mentioned. A rough start on a Monday, although I liked the rest from Amanda.
ReplyDeleteThe theme was timely with the NYC Marathon being yesterday.
I only cheated once - I glanced at my keyboard for the ALT key!
Super write-up as always, Namoi. I love fun facts like the leading goose.
AMI right or AMI right? : quick work as usual for Monday but the theme was a TUSSLE.
ReplyDeleteInkover: alters/ADAPTS, ban/BAR
So today ARAL is a “sea” not a lake.
I learnt what a “conger” is and SEISM from CWs. PANKO x INU as well.
Everyone know the “TIT for tat” limerick? . 😉
Coupe … TUDOR
What a dam provides …. FLOWER POWER
Love god and his weapons …. ARROWS
Scattered throughout the reveal there are around 5 ad clips amungus of a toenail being treated for fungus 😝 sheesh
To all the shoemakers out there “Happy All Soles Day” 👞 🥾👡
😄
WEES re QUAKE & INU&PANKO. 11 names, DNK 3. I did get the theme but only after the reveal and going back to look.
ReplyDeleteAlso had BAN/BAR, OSA/OSO, and needed all perps for SNES, which looked wrong when it perped in.
Overall, not a bad CW, but maybe a bit more than Monday level. Thanx AC.
Thanx too to NaomiZ for the fine write-up, and the learning moment. I always thought sinew connected bone-to-bone, and tendon connected muscle-to-bone. Hmmm.
Forgot to mention: it took 8 minutes to FIR.
ReplyDeleteMusings
ReplyDelete-Drizzle all day keeps me off the golf course. Subbing involves sitting around all day watching others teach and collecting my $170.
-Not even the crossing of Japanese bread crumbs and a Japanese dog could stump me today. Panko lives somewhere within the deep recesses of my brain.
-I have never been to a COCKTAIL PARTY in my life and have no “little black dress” :-)
-Politicians soon learn that not ADUSTING to the PARTY LINE can be fatal to their career
-Our bedroom set with a DRESSER is well over 50 years old
-There is no ALT key on our Apple machines
-The YouTube algorithm knows I love sites that feature older cars and their restoration. Yesterday, on Jay LENO’S Garage he featured this wonderful old MacFarland that once belonged to Fatty Arbuckle
-FOB, I’m trying to recall the last time I had to insert an actual key into a car’s ignition switch
Marvellous Monday. Thanks for the fun, Amanda and NaomiZ (I LOLed at the corn comic).
ReplyDeleteI FIRed in pretty good time, and saw the theme only at the FINISH LINE.
I had been wondering if the theme involved the first or last words of the themers (or both words). Perhaps a Drink theme to make a TOAST, with FRUIT Punch, a COCKTAIL or a DOUBLE (but FLOWER was an outlier unless it was decorating that COCKTAIL))? IPA would have been an Easter Egg.
Alas, I was AT SEA.
Hand up for not knowing INU (but I did know PANKO), having BAn before BAR, and thinking SNES looked strange (although I knew NES).
I had been wondering”cool” before TIRE for “Lose steam”.
Wishing you all a great day.
I see Jay driving to work in his amazing cars. Takes one home now and then. So handsome (the cars)!
Delete1A did not seem very Monday like at the get go, but the rest of it was,
ReplyDeleteNever saw "SNES," happens a lot with easier puzzles. There are always a bunch that get filled in before you can even think about them...
Matza b/4 matzo,...
here is a quick visual regarding the V formation of Geese, and how exactly it works...
I love Panko, but we always have a variety of breadcrumbs at home, so not to waste anything, after pounding my chicken breasts, and seasoning them, (not the crumbs) I use a mix of Panko, Italian, and whole wheat breadcrumbs. Always makes an interesting texture when fried. FYI, The history of Panko is shocking! literally! They use electricity instead of an oven! Look it up if you don't believe me!
Hola! Thank you, Amanda Cook, for a thoroughly meaningful Monday puzzle. I enjoyed the quick solve and was mystified only by INU which I don't believe I've seen before.
ReplyDeleteI use PANKO crumbs often; which reminds me, I must buy more.
I'm a big fan of LIONEL Richie.
HAILING a cab in New York city can be dangerous, as my friend, Betty, and I found out.
LOTION is quite necessary here in the arid Southwest desert.
I saw on the Nightly News that the government is going to start investigating AREA 51 and other reported phenomena from space to discover if the "truth is really out there."
They should interview my sister who had an experience with that.
Have a wonderful day, everyone!
I enjoyed this puzzle. Fun theme. Thanks Amanda! Ban before bar. Thanks NaomiZ for the great review. I am concerned about the ozone layer and the human caused climate change!!
ReplyDeleteLaughed at ears popping!
I LINE up here to say I enjoyed solving this puzzle. BAN-->BAR.
ReplyDeleteTTP pointed out to me that this is Amanda's 20th puzzle published in the LA Times. I am apparently using the Search feature incorrectly and vow to do better! (I said it was her fifth.) Many thanks for all the kind comments today.
ReplyDelete