tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post4979589381591240563..comments2024-03-28T02:28:44.292-05:00Comments on L.A.Times Crossword Corner: Saturday, Jul 22nd, 2017, Erik AgardZhouqin (C.C.) Burnikelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12750267554729853785noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-14161784521909050162017-07-24T10:49:06.854-05:002017-07-24T10:49:06.854-05:00A rare case where I FIR after a lot of work and fe...A rare case where I FIR after a lot of work and felt no sense of completion or satisfaction. WEES about MOUNTEBANKERY and ANTWONE FISHER. Those giant blobs of unfamiliarity in the middle just felt wrong and inconclusive.<br /><br />Not knowing EDWARDS or ANAND meant the perps were not solid.<br /><br />Likewise TATA for peace made no sense to me. Except maybe in Hawaiian or Hebrew where the word for peace and a greeting are the same. Never saw this in English.<br /><br />Learning moment about TECUMSEH. Only knew this as Sherman's middle name.<br /><br />Never heard of "gigging" but I can see it makes sense.<br /><br />I once got to meet black congress member Barbara Jordan and thought she was the first. But then I remembered as a child that SHIRLEY CHISHOLM ran for president. Does anyone else remember that?<br /><br />Hand up for IEDS before WMDS. And DYAN before EBAN. Hand up for trying to think of a city before UTAH.<br /><br />Other unknowns: AYS, TOBY, ROADEOS, NEVE, REACH OUT AND READ<br /><br />I will admit that the clues for MENU and ETRE were clever and caused me long pause. But I have to say this puzzle left a bad taste overall.Picardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17401317669146538447noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-4753879055941508942017-07-23T09:53:54.866-05:002017-07-23T09:53:54.866-05:00PK, It is called Tecumseh Prison because it was lo...PK, It is called Tecumseh Prison because it was located in Tecumseh, Nebraska. Fremont had the option of having that prison but the city declined.Husker Garyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09980336006827988210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-6928419095268772592017-07-23T00:31:17.687-05:002017-07-23T00:31:17.687-05:00WC - OK, are you Uber, Lift, or Certified medallio...WC - OK, are you Uber, Lift, or Certified medallion... Inquiring minds. For the record, I enjoy reading you even if I don't know who pitched in '67's greatest game ever {I just made that up, 'cuz I donno either}<br /><br />C, Eh! - I've been pondering on how to respond to your NAFTA question without getting too political [per blog rules].<br /><br />Yes, the renegotiation has received some press for those not glued to the TV "news" channels SNARFing ad revenue on the Russia story. The latter is so sensationalized that CNN has taken over The Batchelor, or whatever, on home's TV. Sure, there's something there but, com'on, give time a chance to tell you 24/7 media (I.e. Don't just spin your wheels for ratings! --- Oh, right, "It's what you do")<br /><br />As far as NAFTA goes, from what I've gleaned, TX beef herders are against re-negotiating as are most auto-makers and anyone with a business bigger than $1/3MM USD. Can we do something about the sore-point with British Columbian Pinewood dumping*(?), maybe, but why? Boy Scout LADS need that pine for the derby :-)<br /><br />I see the NAFTA renegotiations traveling the same road that the ACA "reform" just careened down. For the most part, NAFTA works OK and brings all our interests closer economically. Hell, Mexico just opened up for the US to help get oil out of their bit of the Gulf.<br /><br />As for the politics - I have optimism that we in the US, will get our s*** together. I think it was Churchill that said something about Americans trying every wrong option before doing the right thing.<br /><br />Cheers, -T<br />*That's the only "sore point" with Canada I've read/heard anyone mention in print / NPR. "Sore" points with Mexico just seems to be cheap labor for which we just opened extra 15K H-2B visas for. Wrap your head around that.Anonymous Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00459563526290288425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-17384119122107791132017-07-22T21:03:18.871-05:002017-07-22T21:03:18.871-05:00I got MOUNTEBANKERY while driving and that gave me...I got MOUNTEBANKERY while driving and that gave me BUOYS. Splynter gave me ReachoutandREAD. I had FIND. <br /><br />So simple. bbcTWO. And I didn't know ANTWONE just FISHER. I could have cheated and drank some real coffee. Or slept on it. But I wanted to read Splynter's write-up. <br /><br />I never could have sussed NEVE. I also had CORDED beef. <br /><br />Anon-T, I've been enjoying your "Anatomy of a Solve" postings. Also, you had a line *If you like me" then I saw the ,<br /><br />Let's see if Sunday can go a little smoother. <br /><br />Erik, thanks for dropping in. A very typical Saturday. <br /><br />WCWilbur Charleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08905123297841127198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-49196561318014392242017-07-22T18:51:26.158-05:002017-07-22T18:51:26.158-05:00PK - yes we all learn so much from each other here...PK - yes we all learn so much from each other here. That is part of the fun of the blog. <br />I have been waiting for more Canadians to join me as I am sure there must be some lurking.<br /><br />AnonT - yes Justin has been a pleasant surprise as we thought his lack of political experience might be a problem. He is not perfect but I think most Canadians resonate with his inclusiveness. Certainly there have been comparisons with your counterpart!<br />We shall see what happens with the NAFTA negotiations. Is that even getting any press in the US?CanadianEh!https://www.blogger.com/profile/05688358229402732332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-72180297919616220092017-07-22T18:51:14.855-05:002017-07-22T18:51:14.855-05:00
After roughly ten minutes, I said the heck with t...<br />After roughly ten minutes, I said the heck with this, went outside and started mowing the lawn. Got half of it done, came back inside and watched the British Open. Lawn will be finished tomorrow AM. See you all on Monday.thehondohurricanehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10443949937298202696noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-46055717364037311532017-07-22T18:31:32.891-05:002017-07-22T18:31:32.891-05:00PK - Of all folk at the Corner, I'd expect you...PK - Of all folk at the Corner, I'd expect <i>you</i> know know a hottie like <a href="https://goo.gl/images/Lak5eL" rel="nofollow">Justin Trudeau (no Cajun x)</a>. METRE for METRE, he's head & shoulders above....<br /><br />Tawnya - I thought you'd like the classic. I'm sure 1/2 the Cornerites never heard of DM. Funny story re: the rental.<br /><br />PVX - It's a Sat. Look, constructors [I've done a couple and had a pro guiding me] need be double-devious with clueing (and it could be Rich's fault too!) to mess with our heads on Sat. I'm totally not Sat-worthy but I play and enjoy. I can see (with two-steps removed) TATA == Cheers == Peace, Mate. No, I didn't get the fill - maybe if Roo(o?)s/Toads/Frogs wasn't my idea of 'hoppers,' I'd have.<br /><br />Cheers, -TAnonymous Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00459563526290288425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-9767781122074314312017-07-22T18:27:51.384-05:002017-07-22T18:27:51.384-05:00For What it's Worth:
I never heard of MOUNTE...<b>For What it's Worth:</b><br /> I never heard of MOUNTEBANKERY either, but it makes sense and it's really fun to say and hear. Even <i>Webster</i>'s acknowledges it, but I'd go with it even if that were not the case. <br /> A word like this is when a crossword excels, right? Good for Mr. Agard for digging it up!Ol' Man Keith https://www.blogger.com/profile/02073553138045178596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-57688924485766052372017-07-22T17:45:22.227-05:002017-07-22T17:45:22.227-05:00Hello all!
So this was a toughie for me, but I em...Hello all!<br /><br />So this was a toughie for me, but I embraced the challenge. The last three Saturday's were easy (like way below average time, no alphabet runs, no google needed) so I started today in Master mode. After one pass through across and downs, turned on the red letters. Then I started googling. And did a few mental alphabet runs. Finally got my "tada" - and learned a whole lot. Pretty sure I made every mistake as everyone else, and a few more. However! This is what I would expect for a Saturday and I appreciate the challenge to up my game. So thank you, Erik - and keep the toughies coming. <br /><br />I used to work with a veterinarian that laughingly pronounced it "B*tchin' Frizzy" LOL. They are <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=bichon+frise&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiy9qT8-J3VAhUn5oMKHVGmBn0Q_AUICygC&biw=1366&bih=662" rel="nofollow">very cute little white dogs</a> and I think one of IM's favorites...<br /><br />@Anon-T - classic DM song!! A few years ago, DH was t-boned (he was fine) and we were given the option of a rental Hyundai or a convertible Camero - naturally I told the Enterprise agent, "Of course we want the B*tchin' Camero!" Pretty sure it went over her head, but we giggled about it for a long time...<br /><br />Tecumseh reminded me of Steak and Shake's <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g44926-d5600215-i219347024-Steak_n_Shake-Springfield_Missouri.html" rel="nofollow">Takhomasak</a> motto. Greasy burgers and frozen fries, but their shakes are amazing. <br /><br />I hadn't seen at least half of those Geico commercials - the goat one had me LMAO. Hysterical!!<br /><br />Happy Saturday all <3<br /><br />t.tawnyahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07466346747643525821noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-68572580558415877492017-07-22T17:38:04.047-05:002017-07-22T17:38:04.047-05:00CanadianEh, don't feel bad about not knowing U...CanadianEh, don't feel bad about not knowing US stuff. Today I can't tell you who your prime minister is for sure. I have finally got so I know your provinces and where they are located. I've been in the western three. You've been instrumental in educating me in some Canadian things. Thank you so much.<br /><br />I could think of a better clue for TATA but women aren't at peace with guys who mention that.<br /><br />Gary, what I can't figure is why Nebraska would name a prison for TECUMSEH. I thought he was a later western plains Indian until today when I realized I didn't know much more than his name as a revered chief. His biography says he died in 1813 but became a literary figure after that. Didn't come any further west than what became Michigan. Busy man.<br /><br />I emailed my son today, thinking I might get together with them this weekend. Nope. They'd just checked into the Ritz Carlton on St. Thomas, Virgin Island. I knew they were going but thought it was in Aug. PKhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14570575955563406341noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-61933309133307471682017-07-22T15:52:42.561-05:002017-07-22T15:52:42.561-05:00Ol'Man Keith @3:06 - I agree that in solving C...Ol'Man Keith @3:06 - I agree that in solving CWs the "chance of victory lies in how well the maker's knowledge matches our own". Perps can be helpful but if there are too many unknowns then it becomes a learning experience involving Google or this blog. Some days, this Canadian does not know some American brands or politicians which can slow down the solve also. It is all part of the challenge and enjoyment.CanadianEh!https://www.blogger.com/profile/05688358229402732332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-3207873694161354402017-07-22T15:44:20.315-05:002017-07-22T15:44:20.315-05:00Officially a DNF but it is Saturday. Thanks for t...Officially a DNF but it is Saturday. Thanks for the fun Erik and Splynter.<br />The central area remained unfinished because I did not know MOUNTBANKERY, ANAND or ANTWONE , and could not see the Y in BOUYS. But it sounds like others had the same problems.<br /><br />I was surprised that my Canadian brain dredged up Ms. CHISHOLM. Perps filled in most of REACH OUT and READ and I wagged the rest correctly. Perps gave me ROADEO but I am only familiar with the rodeo with cows and horses.<br /><br />Favourite (spelled with a U for AnonT!) clue was for MENU. Second favourite was clue for METER (even if it is not spelled the Canadian/ British way). This Canadian says TOP UP (never OFF).<br /><br />I noted a slight dupe with Top UP and StandUP Comic as well as clue of "lifts UP" for BOUYS. I suspect that UP is too small to count as a dupe. (Or impossible to avoid.) <br /><br />Have a great day.CanadianEh!https://www.blogger.com/profile/05688358229402732332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-39966597416719681272017-07-22T15:06:28.987-05:002017-07-22T15:06:28.987-05:00Following up on the moaning & groaning I did h...Following up on the moaning & groaning I did here last week when I wasn't able to solve the Friday or Saturday pzls, I note for the record that my victories this week (today's and yesterday's) were entirely free of any look-ups, Googles, or any sort of cheating.<br />I state this not to resume my old manner of braggadocio, but to acknowledge that the cruciverbalist gods may be fickle but they are fair. <br />It is not so much that we are brilliant, or that our steady play earns us a degree of skill that <i>deserves</i> continual triumphs, but the chance of victory lies in how well the maker's knowledge matches our own. There are bound to be mismatches down the road. Best to retain a degree of humility in today's win. <br />Just as with Solitaire, you cannot know at the start if you're doomed to a DNF. Ol' Man Keith https://www.blogger.com/profile/02073553138045178596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-32444375592741274162017-07-22T14:45:33.340-05:002017-07-22T14:45:33.340-05:00Ta- DAH!
Easy-Peasy for a Sat'y pzl! I credit...<i>Ta- </i><b>DAH!</b><br />Easy-Peasy for a Sat'y pzl! I credit Mr. Agard with clever cluing, from "Tours to be" at 10D (ETRE) to "What you might pass..." at 54A (NOTE) - and many others in between. <br />I hadn't heard of the movie ANTWONE FISHER, so its unusual spelling of the first name had me stumped for a while. <br />The full length fill at 3D eluded me too while I was imagining it as SEE SHOOT AND READ - until (thank the dark recesses of my ol' walnut!) I saw it made no sense at all! The perp that set me straight was the "Legendary Shawnee leader" at 20A. I don't know much about native American history, but I do know the actor who used to star as TECUMSEH in the outdoor pageant drama in Ohio. <br /><br />Splynter, thanks for posting all those GEICO commercials! They really hit my funny bone. I would never have caught them on TV, what with all the taping & whizzing through ads we do these days, but here I didn't mind streaming them all. What a hoot. I loved the in-yer-face screech of the "scapegoat."Ol' Man Keith https://www.blogger.com/profile/02073553138045178596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-60783584216656661852017-07-22T14:43:46.993-05:002017-07-22T14:43:46.993-05:00Mountebunkery....cmon ! and shut for seal and tata...Mountebunkery....cmon ! and shut for seal and tata for peace are stretches beyond the ken. Northeast and northcentral were doomed. plus I had DYAN as my first fill. Not only wrong but misspelled. Still it was a better than average Saturday puzzle. <br /><br />Favorite fill was Tecumseh who captured my home town and was a major villain in sixth grade Michigan history. How dare he try to create a nation in the Northwest Territory ?? The reality was and still is "oppose superior technology at your peril". Although technology without logistics loses as well. Native Americans had no chance inferior technology and poor logistics!<br /><br />second fav was Shirley Chisolm. I'm with Yellowrock. She is a hero of the late 20th century that doesn't get enough credit. Plus the long fill gave me the entire east coast.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04657212130232818015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-23145526022648380072017-07-22T14:36:29.122-05:002017-07-22T14:36:29.122-05:00Terrific puzzle; I loved it. Somehow I managed to ...Terrific puzzle; I loved it. Somehow I managed to solve the whole thing without using red letters or looking anything up, which enhanced my pleasure. I love clever clues such as the ones for MENU, NOTE, PEP, and METER. The clue for ETRE had me misled for a long time. I enjoyed learning new things, such as TESSA Thompson, PIETISM, and the beginning of the ARAB SPRING. I was able to get some footholds because I knew Bichon FRISE, PINCE-nez, NEVE Campbell, PUERTO Rico, and some others. Knowing SHIRLEY CHISHOLM really helped a lot. Many times I can see a person's face in my mind's eye but not easily remember his or her name, but for some reason Ms. Chisholm's name came to me quickly.<br /><br />RIP, John Heard.<br /><br />Best wishes to you all.Jaycehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15906163232315177399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-38533675177194245582017-07-22T14:17:01.139-05:002017-07-22T14:17:01.139-05:00Learned something today, instead of saying "P...Learned something today, instead of saying "Peace" to someone, I can just say "Tata" as they both mean the same thing. <br /><br />Sure they do. <br /><br />People like this puzzle, fine, but I object to clues that aren't clues. AnonymousPVXhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10078186298428497941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-35094876234895627722017-07-22T12:58:11.587-05:002017-07-22T12:58:11.587-05:00Hi All!
I got off to an OK start and became delus...Hi All!<br /><br />I got off to an OK start and became <a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-PCz_qk19Qw" rel="nofollow">delusional</a> [0:04] that I'd get far. Big Fat DNF even after 3 lookups. Thanks Erik for another "learning day." I like the grid, but couldn't get enough of a foot-hold in any area (and I thought "ARAB SPRING" was going to BUOY me) to even WAG. Thanks too for stopping in; no need for apologies, 'Tis a Saturday.<br /><br />I filled PARM, ISEE, and MENU w/o much thought. I was SHUT out of the center-north; got PEURTO and then had to lookup TESSA (not TISHA) to confirm TOP UP [Yes, Bunny M, TOP OFF is more familiar - xwords learned me UP]. English LIT was 1st thought as DW professes it.<br /><br />However, the SW is my only blemish-free complete area b/f Googles. Nailed TWEET STORM [thought Twitter Storm 1st]. BAND and BBC were gimmies. And I love CORNED beef on toast. Or, as any vet will tell you "s*** on a shingle."<br /><br />I did know PIETISM; wanted PIETIST at 1st but clue said "movement." After finishing the SW, I went with REACH???AND READ [I wanted up, not OUT].<br /><br />NSA went in b/f CIA never did. - 33% right! Fogs was my WAG @ 30a; 50% bad.<br /><br />Pass but not fail? Fill is not lunch (who fails lunch?). In HS I'd pass on lunch and do my homework, soon due in afternoon classes, in the library. NOTE - no one noticed.<br /><br />Hand up - IEDS and I stuck with it even after Googling for Sheila Jackson LEE's* spelling and then found SHIRLEY. By then [2+ hours!] I was done with Erik's exercise. Splynter, Help!<br /><br />Thanks for the expo Splynter. I liked the GEICO [nailed it!] commercials and the balloon girl looks photo-shopped but cool.<br /><br />{B-, B-, A- [lose the second use of METER IMHO]}<br /><br />HG - I love Carlin's humour and delivery. Of course, many bits are too much to post here. How about <a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lvPxRyIWWX8" rel="nofollow">Robin Williams</a> for the STAND UP COMIC link.<br /><br />Tawnya - did you read/want Bi*chin' <a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1v3CzvQ9e_w" rel="nofollow">Camaro</a> @30d? Just me? :-)<br /><br />Cheers, -T<br />*Eldest sang (and was recorded) for some event she hosted and DW has worked with her on International Honors. UH, I'll not SPEAK OF my impression of SJL per blog rules.Anonymous Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00459563526290288425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-45060604816975652962017-07-22T12:15:31.515-05:002017-07-22T12:15:31.515-05:00Anon @ 11:00 and Bill,
I see that PARM and LIT as...Anon @ 11:00 and Bill,<br /><br />I see that PARM and LIT as used in this xword are entries in the dictionary these days, listed as informal, not shortened. I believe this is because they are so commonly used. We say, “We had veal parm for dinner tonight,” more frequently than saying, “veal Parmesan.”<br />Kiddie Lit is a category on Jeopardy. <br />I thought about this when I filled them in, but decided it is Jake, even though Spellcheck comes up red.<br /><br />From the dictionary:<br />Parm- a dish cooked or served with Parmesan cheese<br />Lit- Informal, Literature, especially as an academic subject<br /><br />Thank you, Erik for an interesting puzzle.Yellowrockshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09590216912123103432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-66030986088255392172017-07-22T11:57:07.229-05:002017-07-22T11:57:07.229-05:00Thanks, Eric, for a tough one this morning. Took ...Thanks, Eric, for a tough one this morning. Took way too long, but FIR with a WAG at MOUNTEBANKERY. But I love a challenge!<br /><br />Thanks, Splynter for the write-up. Loved the golf comic! Mulligans, yeah!C6D6 Pegnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-52524925902949832072017-07-22T11:02:37.428-05:002017-07-22T11:02:37.428-05:00Good day to all!
Lots of clever cluing today. Fa...Good day to all!<br /><br />Lots of clever cluing today. Favorites were "List with sides" for MENU and "What you might pass, but can't fail, in school" for NOTE. However, I needed a lot of Google help to finish. Eight complete unknowns and four I'd heard of but didn't remember at the moment. Thanks for today's entertainment, Erik, and thank you Splynter for the thorough expo and links. Funny Geico ads!<br /><br />Enjoy the day!MJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17409431043640770889noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-43749664215401951132017-07-22T11:00:29.010-05:002017-07-22T11:00:29.010-05:00I know it's a Saturday but veal parm? No abbre...I know it's a Saturday but veal parm? No abbreviation. Ditto English __ lit. LEES, mountbankery did me in. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-73267277709954277172017-07-22T10:49:05.881-05:002017-07-22T10:49:05.881-05:00Husker Gary, Fens & Spinnies was hilarious!
K...Husker Gary, Fens & Spinnies was hilarious!<br /><br />Kix atomic ring! Fascinating! Had to look further<br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlCNDnTHULQ" rel="nofollow">and was surprised to find out how dangerous it was.</a> (see beginning at 3:40)CrossEyedDavehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09745913007262424048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-27309152090937389192017-07-22T10:38:05.459-05:002017-07-22T10:38:05.459-05:00Hi everybody. I did better than usual on this Satu...Hi everybody. I did better than usual on this Saturday challenge. I had trouble right at the start in the upper-left. VEAL ???? Isn't PARM short for Parmesan? Why isn't there a hint that the answer is shortened or an abbreviation? <br /><br />I've heard of MOUNTEBANK but not MOUNTEBANKERY. Bill Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04495413609545426668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-65247481799164147742017-07-22T09:55:27.240-05:002017-07-22T09:55:27.240-05:00hey y'all, tough one this week - thanks to eve...hey y'all, tough one this week - thanks to everyone who attempted it, and apologies to anyone who had a bad time with it!e.a.https://www.blogger.com/profile/03601255570114624087noreply@blogger.com