tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post4765533309977464046..comments2024-03-28T22:14:27.877-05:00Comments on L.A.Times Crossword Corner: Monday, December 19, 2011 Don Gagliardo & C.C. BurnikelZhouqin (C.C.) Burnikelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12750267554729853785noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-3351023904275633272011-12-20T09:43:17.331-06:002011-12-20T09:43:17.331-06:00Nice puzzle, but I must complain that it is ... vo...Nice puzzle, but I must complain that it is ... von TRAPP.<br /><br />Christopher Plummer was on CBS Sunday Morning this past (18 Dec) Sunday.<br /><br />Glad to find this blog, I like the elegant simplicity that dominates the LAT puzzles. Yippee!xyzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08287781952915413013noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-66829122889380276352011-12-20T01:02:02.182-06:002011-12-20T01:02:02.182-06:00Hi all!
6 hours of sitting at a table wrapping gi...Hi all!<br /><br />6 hours of sitting at a table wrapping gifts today (one break for dinner). Back is in agony. Only a few more to arrive. Amazon made a bundle off of me!<br /><br />Hate to blog so late! Really fantastic puzzle, CC and DG! Went lickety (sp?) split. Lots of fun! Extraordinarily good exposition, Argyle!<br /><br />The blog comments were very interesting. Love this blog!<br /><br />Hasta mañana!fermatprimehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06391014624435192426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-80078254706795311542011-12-19T23:50:11.994-06:002011-12-19T23:50:11.994-06:00My party was a big success thanks to our tamales! ...My party was a big success thanks to our tamales! It was actually also a baby shower of sorts for our complex manager who is due in February.<br /><br />I love reading all your comments. What a great bunch of people here at the Corner. I know TEALEONI only because I love her husband!<br /><br />Don, I concur with Lemonade, your comments are welcome at any time.Lucinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16278649651081244724noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-25667165974013868882011-12-19T23:31:10.217-06:002011-12-19T23:31:10.217-06:00Don:
We always appreciate a few words from you, m...Don:<br /><br />We always appreciate a few words from you, morning, noon or night. Understanding the minds of the creators has made me a much better solver, and made the whole experience more fun.<br /><br />My father grew the most gorgeous <a href="http://www.hiddenspringsflowerfarm.com/double-peony.html" rel="nofollow"> DOUBLE PEONIES </a>.Lemonade714https://www.blogger.com/profile/13642909374639570868noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-51263472955635119062011-12-19T21:59:09.892-06:002011-12-19T21:59:09.892-06:00Hahtool ~~ That daddy cat was a sweetie to take ...Hahtool ~~ That daddy cat was a sweetie to take care of his kitten ... what a special 17 year-old kitty you have!<br /><br />CrazyCat ~~ My cats are having Fancy Feast salmon for Christmas dinner. >^:^<<br /><br />Don G. ~~ Thank you so much for your thoughts on constructing puzzles. I do enjoy the easier ones early in the week leading to the more challenging ones. Since I've been here at the 'Corner' I've been getting better at solving and I am much more aware of what goes into a puzzle. You and C.C. do great work!LaLaLindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14614753577019280766noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-45330140575325828472011-12-19T21:09:44.169-06:002011-12-19T21:09:44.169-06:00Argyle,
Yes, THE ELF who reports back to Santa ev...Argyle,<br /><br />Yes, THE ELF who reports back to Santa every night, is a big hit out here. Truman is very aware of where the elf is each day. Larry, the elf, fell over one day and the boys were so scared that his magic was all gone. My daughter told him that he fell asleep.JDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04789723171543457661noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-44759871543853872422011-12-19T20:46:37.695-06:002011-12-19T20:46:37.695-06:00To LaLaLinda
Very interesting question, about whic...To LaLaLinda<br />Very interesting question, about which type of puzzle we prefer, simple and straightforward or complex, or which is more difficult to construct. Speaking for myself, I do not have a preference, although my mind tends to want to think in a complex manner. I do love to solve a fun Monday puzzle with lots of interesting but familiar words and fun clues, but I also enjoy the Saturday challenges of tricky clues. Either way can be enjoyable to me. Maybe it depends on the time factor. It was a genius moment when, I believe it was Margaret Farrar, figured out that the puzzles should start easy on Monday and finish hard on Saturday. Another part of the answer has to do with difficulty of construction. A Monday puzzle can be difficult, trying to keep all the words familiar. The most difficult puzzles to construct are the ones with a lot of theme answers. Since we like to have a lot of themage, as Dan Naddor put it, we often end up in trouble while constructing a puzzle. But this never stops us from trying.<br /><br />Thanks to all who wrote in. I wish I could get to solving puzzles earlier in the day and writing in, but my situation does not allow for the time right now.Don G.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-84649504338537408662011-12-19T18:58:02.458-06:002011-12-19T18:58:02.458-06:00Good evening Argyle, CC, and Don, great Monday puz...Good evening Argyle, CC, and Don, great Monday puzzle. I flew thru most of it and the perps got the rest. Count me in with Carol and those who didn't know Tea Leoni. I also thought Hi Fi system was a little obsolete, but it worked. Loved seeing and hearing Croce again. Thank you Argyle for all the links esp that Joe Friday one. I forgot how funny that was. LMAO<br /><br />ARBAON: thank you also for that Flash Mob concert. Wow, what a thrill that would be to see that. And you were in red? Hmmm, the choices were few, but I bet you were NOT the adorable one sitting in the chair w/white hair and a long white beard. <br /><br />Bill G: thank you for the riddles. I will use them tomorrow. Very cute!<br /><br />Santa Baby: About your list and my ranking. I plead and drink the 5th while maintaining that I am more good than bad ...I'm very very good at being very bad. You know I'll be up waiting for you. <br /><br />Enjoy your night.loishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03331538822790190512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-48331366931555423002011-12-19T18:19:14.034-06:002011-12-19T18:19:14.034-06:00Arbaon, were you playing Santa in the mall? Great ...Arbaon, were you playing Santa in the mall? Great clip--moved me to tears.<br /><br />Argyle, as a childhood fan of "Dragnet" on radio, thanks! Also good was the Friday telling Obama clip on that link.<br /><br />Wikileaks, too nearly true to be funny.<br /><br />AvgJoe, good link for all us cat lovers!<br /><br />Much rain here with snow on the way. Is it too late to fly south? Oh well, should be able to tell if my new roof is water tight.<br /><br />- PKAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-58231261617170569352011-12-19T18:14:38.787-06:002011-12-19T18:14:38.787-06:008. How many pieces of candy can you put in an empt...8. How many pieces of candy can you put in an empty stocking? One<br /><br />Just one. Because after the first piece, the stocking isn't empty anymore. :>)<br /><br />I especially enjoyed #4.Bill G.https://www.blogger.com/profile/04142837879175561312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-77810962762395905862011-12-19T18:05:15.070-06:002011-12-19T18:05:15.070-06:00Can somebody explain #8 of the Christmas Quiz to m...Can somebody explain #8 of the Christmas Quiz to me? I don't get the one about how many pieces of candy go in an empty stocking.<br /><br />Argyle - I loved your Joe Friday link. I think I saw that when it originally aired, but had long forgotten it. This was a treat and it made me laugh! Jack Webb could really keep a straight face, but was not much of an actor otherwise. I loved Dragnet though. Still watch the reruns when they are available.<br /><br />Enjoyed the puzzle - did not think it was too difficult.<br /><br />Enjoy your week everyone. I only have three days left!LA CW ADDICTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-81357098425767121802011-12-19T17:21:39.429-06:002011-12-19T17:21:39.429-06:00Hi again,
ARBAON: Was that an Occupy Wall Street ...Hi again,<br /><br />ARBAON: Was that an Occupy Wall Street Christmas flash mob? <br /><br />WIKILEAKS: Great post. Watching Arbaon's video, I was on pins and needles waiting for Mall Security to swoop in and bust the carrollers.lennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-31007058309292832362011-12-19T16:36:16.485-06:002011-12-19T16:36:16.485-06:00Question 1. What US dept. /Agency shut Santa ( an...Question 1. What US dept. /Agency shut Santa ( and his sleigh - ) down for the next Christmas ?<br /><br /><br /><br />Its a toss-up between NTSB Natl Trans. Safety Board & Civil Aviation Board - Santa for not filing his flight path in advance, and not sticking to the pre-determined shipping lanes, no advance ground clearance, no air-worthiness inspection of the vehicle, No insurance coverage records on file, <br /><br />OR OSHA and Dept. of Transportation - No seat belts on the sleigh, No Air-bags/side air bags/ no windshield/ no side guards/ no back-hazard or stop lights, no headlights, no annual inspections ticker, no registration. Unsafe working conditions for reindeer and employee elves.<br /><br />Homeland Security - Santa's on the "no-fly" list since his identity has never been confirmed. Also reputed to have visited all Al-Queda countries, at least once.<br /><br />TSA - Santa couldn't fit into the MRI scanning compartment, too many metallic attachments - bells etc.<br /><br />E.P.A. - Them reindeer have too large a carbon footprint, plus too self polluting with all their pooping. Also roof poop clogs up the rainwater filtration system.<br /><br />A.C.L.U. - Santa is confusing the statutes between separation of church and state. Also accused of defamation of Mr. Grinch and others.<br /><br />Local Police, Sheriffs Dept. - Illegal parking and failure to maintain assured distance and ability to control vehicle. Also suspected open containers and DUI/OVI/DOI and all others.<br /><br />S.P.C.A. - Them reindeer don't look well fed and haven't had their annual medical vet exam for god knows how many years.<br /><br />Dept. of Labor - D.O.L. - Elves not being paid minimum wage and benefits. I.R.S./Dept. of the U.S.Treasury has been notified of possible gift laundering ....Wiki-leaks Santanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-19048504899801320762011-12-19T16:31:19.049-06:002011-12-19T16:31:19.049-06:00Our cat Skamp (pictured) is a stray. The mother ca...Our cat Skamp (pictured) is a stray. The mother cat abandoned her and a brother near the home of one of my wife's co-workers. Since this person was allergic to cats she took them in, but only temporarily to find homes for them. They lived in a garage for 3 weeks, and we brought her home just over 2 years ago. Great cat!<br /><br />And you can't have a conversation about cats without musical accompaniment by <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqUS7bSTQ20&feature=fvsr" rel="nofollow">Tom Jones</a>. (Note: The video says 3:31~, but when it stops at 2:30~, it's over. the rest is dead air.)Avg Joehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02301873113962640644noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-36479547124031417652011-12-19T16:08:42.161-06:002011-12-19T16:08:42.161-06:00Wanda:
I understand that Santa knows where all the...Wanda:<br />I understand that Santa knows where all the bad girls live. If you could snag that address book, we could make a fortune.windhoverhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09185847697518005172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-66969683994355351552011-12-19T16:04:37.719-06:002011-12-19T16:04:37.719-06:00Argyle, thanks for the Joe Friday link. I laughed ...Argyle, thanks for the Joe Friday link. I laughed my head off.<br /><br />Don and CC, thanks for a lovely Monday puzzle. Easy yet fun.<br /><br />Happy holiday wishes to you all.Jaycehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15906163232315177399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-52384970959693618382011-12-19T15:53:19.515-06:002011-12-19T15:53:19.515-06:00Hi Tinbeni - Yes, that cat finally landed on all f...Hi Tinbeni - Yes, that cat finally landed on all four paws.CrazyCathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00245025301434920905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-86205877190040423862011-12-19T15:19:58.123-06:002011-12-19T15:19:58.123-06:00CrazyCat:
Glad to see you finally got that cat out...CrazyCat:<br />Glad to see you finally got that cat out of the tree.<br /><br />Wanda Woman:<br />A friend of mine is alway really bad.<br />Started just after he got that Coal burning stove ...Tinbenihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14661395078047234853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-50011441020740788222011-12-19T15:15:59.652-06:002011-12-19T15:15:59.652-06:00Hi again,
Bill G and Argyle. I appreciate your co...Hi again,<br /><br />Bill G and Argyle. I appreciate your comments but a metaphor is not a literal comparison, any more than "the moon is a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas".<br /><br />Cheers!lennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-71155897421893144842011-12-19T15:14:27.146-06:002011-12-19T15:14:27.146-06:00Thanks, Wanda Woman,
I can always use the extra h...Thanks, Wanda Woman,<br /><br />I can always use the extra help.<br /><br />How many have the shelf elf out there keeping watch? I hear it's the latest rage. <a href="http://img4.southernliving.com/i/2007/12/gift-guide/shelf-elf-l.jpg?400:400" rel="nofollow">Image</a>.Argylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09472446316589207365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-81345972891250720982011-12-19T15:12:26.100-06:002011-12-19T15:12:26.100-06:00Hi Argyle - Loved the Stray Cats clip! Thanks Ant...Hi Argyle - Loved the Stray Cats clip! Thanks Ant.<br /><br />Mari - You have a DH that bakes? That's impressive! Rum balls, bourbon balls - they're all good.<br /><br />Two of my cats were strays. The one in my picture just showed up in the yard one day and never left. I guess she heard we serve Fancy Feast here ; )CrazyCathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00245025301434920905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-5422440965896591172011-12-19T14:51:23.553-06:002011-12-19T14:51:23.553-06:00A nice, speedy, confidence-building Monday puzz. W...A nice, speedy, confidence-building Monday puzz. Well done, Dynamic Duo! My only stumble was getting a PEDI instead of a PEEL at the spa. <br /><br /><br />It's almost Christmas! Have you been good? Answer honestly; I have a Magic Lasso and I'm not afraid to use it to help Santa.Wanda Womanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10851828971760090257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-51457326424135739702011-12-19T14:40:08.554-06:002011-12-19T14:40:08.554-06:00And actually, it's Germanic. HistoryAnd actually, it's Germanic. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cor_anglais#History_and_etymology" rel="nofollow">History</a>Argylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09472446316589207365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-58563820758400638932011-12-19T14:33:44.935-06:002011-12-19T14:33:44.935-06:00Maybe this is obvious to everybody but in case it ...Maybe this is obvious to everybody but in case it isn't...<br /><br />A French horn is a brass instrument kinda between a trumpet and a tuba. An English horn is a double reed instrument closely related to our old crossword friend, the oboe.Bill G.https://www.blogger.com/profile/04142837879175561312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-112575213554316452011-12-19T14:18:06.735-06:002011-12-19T14:18:06.735-06:00Hi all,
Liked the horn pictures. Looks like the E...Hi all,<br /><br />Liked the horn pictures. Looks like the English and French horns could almost be metaphors for the two cultures. And the masculine/feminine contrast isn't exactly subtle either.<br /><br />Puzzle was a 12 minuter. Nice.<br /><br />Cheers!lennoreply@blogger.com