Thursday June 18, 2026 Zachary David Levy

The prolific ZDL strikes again! This time, he's imparting some of his hard-won knowledge for our solving pleasure.

60A. "Say 'aye' forcefully and project confidence," e.g.: PRO TIPS. I didn't notice that this was the revealer at first. PRO TIPS are useful pieces of advice, supposedly from someone with experience in the matter. They are often called "life hacks" on the internet, so you know they must be true. 

Don't believe everything you read!

7D. "Hug the shore until you reach the ocean," e.g.: SOUND ADVICE. The clued directions tell how to go around an inlet, i.e. ADVICE to walk along a SOUND.

29D. "Pair it with thyme or rosemary," e.g.: SAGE WISDOM. Just add parsley to the mix and the SAGE WISDOM would be like Paul Simon's "Scarborough Fair."

31D. "The cinnamon version tastes better than the original," e.g.: LIFE LESSON. LIFE cereal comes in several varieties, but the LESSON I've learned is that the original always tastes best.

A TIP of the hat to Mr. Levy

I liked this puzzle. All three of the phrases work in place of PRO TIPS as they stand (vertically!). But their TIPS (the bottom ends: ADVICE, WISDOM and LESSON) are also synonyms of TIPS by themselves. A double dipper! That all the themers were puns was icing on the cake.

And that was just the TIP of the iceberg!

Across:

1. Completely smitten: GAGA. Just like Lady GAGA's fans - the Little Monsters.

5. Iraq port city: BASRA.

10. Policy chief: CZAR. Thought WONK, at first.

14. Like some history and hygiene: ORAL. Thought words that start with "H" ?

15. Cacophonous: AROAR. Thought NOISY, at first. I'm doing a lot a thinking on this puzzle...most of it wrong.

16. Sharpen: HONE.

17. Kiss, in Cancún: BESO. A Spanish kiss!

18. Piano composition: ETUDE. Not EBONY or IVORY which are the composition of the piano keys. An ETUDE is a short piece designed as a practice exercise.

19. Tiny amount: IOTA. The ninth letter of the Greek alphabet is the smallest one to write, just one little stroke of a pen, thus it eventually came to reference tiny things.

20. Email option since 1997: YAHOO. Yeah, who?

22. Genetic messenger molecule: RNA. RiboNucleic Acid. 

23. Big name in the school supply aisle: ELMER. 

Oops! Wrong Elmer!

24. Exercise that may wind up in a playground: FIRE DRILL. When I saw "wind up," my first thought (oh boy, here we go again) was how I used to twist and spin on a swing.

27. Core muscles: ABS. Body anatomy, part 1.

30. Longtime Buick model: LE SABRE.

31. Acid rock's acid: LSD. It's how you get far out, man.

34. Neck wrap: BOA. He probably meant a feather BOA.

35. Share an office workstation: HOT DESK. I guess it's HOT because whoever arrives first gets to sit there in the accompanying HOT seat. Or is that in the boss's office?

36. Debt letters: IOU. This means I. O. U. which is shorthand for, "I'll gladly pay you Tuesday..."

37. "Casablanca" star, affectionately: BOGIE. Humphrey Bogart was above par as an actor, but below par as a golfer. Just kidding. He was single-digit handicap player, and was considered one of the best golfers in Hollywood's Golden Age.

39. Egg cells: OVA.

40. Minor disagreements: TIFFS.

42. Realm: ARENA.

43. Cars singer Ocasek: RIC. RIC Ocasek, lead singer, songwriter and oldest member of the Cars was over 30 (ancient in pop music terms) when the band struck it big. He wore a wig to fit in.

44. "What's Your Country Song" singer Thomas: RHETT. Thomas Rhett is a Grammy-nominated country music singer and songwriter who blends contemporary country with rock & roll.

45. In need of a towel: WET.

46. Tourism prefix: ECO.

47. 20-Across alternative: AOL. I haven't used WAHOO or AOL this century. 

48. Gymnast's move: FLIP. They do this to see who goes first.

50. Current fashion: TREND.

52. Chest muscles: PECS. Body anatomy, part 2.

55. Exactly: JUST SO.

57. Winter fishing tool: ICE SAW. I saw you fishing on a frozen lake.

59. Anxiety-related med. condition: OCD. Amongst other letters, I have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder tendencies. I used great restraint in not fixing this problem:

How could someone leave it this way?

60. [theme]

64. "Chandelier" singer: SIA. SIA is an Australian singer and songwriter known for her powerful voice...and bizarre wigs.

65. Ipanema's city: RIO. Ipanema is a neighborhood in RIO de Janeiro, Brazil.

66. Medicine derived from the bark of the willow tree: ASPIRIN.

67. Sphere: ORB.

68. Flow stopper: DAM.

69. A few: NOT MANY. I figure this is the number of you crossword solvers who also do Sudoku. 

70. Sudoku figs.: NOS. Figures are numbers. So, how many of you also solve the Sudoku?

Down:

1. Prefer to be called: GO BY. The great Asian desert prefers to be called Gobi.

2. Region: AREA.

3. Nasty wound: GASH.

4. Cool and distant: ALOOF.

5. Sweetie: BAE.

6. Professional who specializes in oil cleanups?: ART RESTORER. Winner: Best Clue.

7. [theme]

8. Blip producer: RADAR BEACON. The government recently declassified sealed UFO files, and now we can all see fuzzy pics of blurry objects. 

9. "__ you sure?": ARE.

10. Put on ice: CHILL.

11. Google Meet alternative: ZOOM.

12. Opening payment: ANTE.

13. Backup camera's view: REAR. 

21. Output of some furnaces: OIL HEAT. The output is just HEAT, regardless of the fuel source.

23. Marvel assassin played by Jennifer Garner: ELEKTRA. In spite of her 2005 movie getting a dismal 11% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, she reprised her role in other Marvel Cinematic Universe films.

25. __ Speedwagon: REO. The most popular classic band car in crosswords. It is an ancestor of the pickup truck.

This 1926 Model G is 100 years old!

26. E-file org.: IRS. Internal Revenue Service.

27. "Mamma Mia!" band: ABBA. ABBA is also common crossword fodder. "Here we go again..."

28. Obnoxious one: BOOR.

29. [theme]

31. [theme]

32. Out of shape, say: SOFT.

33. Sign of disuse: DUST.

38. Lacking skill: INEPT.

41. "Wouldn't that be nice!": I HOPE.

48. Scandinavian inlet: FJORD. Before I looked at this clue, I had FJ_R_ and my rusty brain immediately went to "F-JARS." Anyone got change for a $5?

49. Saint __: Lesser Antilles island: LUCIA.

50. Body part with 27- and 52-Across: TORSO. Body anatomy, part 3.

51. Use, as a ladle: DIP IN.

53. City southeast of Alexandria: CAIRO. It looks nearly due east to me.

Oh, that Alexandria.

54. Ear cleaners: SWABS. Ear cleaners: Q-TIPS.

56. Spread: SPAN.

58. "Teach Your Children" gp.: CSNY. In only their second live show ever, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young delivered a legendary performance at Woodstock in 1969. 

"This is the second time we've ever played in front of people, man. We're scared s—less!"

61. Choose: OPT.

62. Actor Meadows: TIM. TIM logged ten seasons at SNL before branching out into movies.

63. 401(k) kin: IRA. Individual Retirement Account.

Be good. RB

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 Jeanne D. Breen

Theme:  Placee your bets.  That's what it mens to ANTE UP.  But to UP THE ANTE means something quite different, as we shall soon see.  

This time the theme fill are in the down columns.  This usually indicates that there is a relevant gimmick in play.  This theme has a hidden word, and it is spelt in the reverse direction, oriented up rather than down.  Did you find it?    

3. Cold War force that included the Baltic Fleet and the Caspian Flotilla: SOVIET NAVY.   The Soviet Navy played a large role during the Cold War, either confronting the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in western Europe or power projection to maintain its sphere of influence in eastern Europe.

9. Terms of endearment: PET NAMES.  Things like "dear, sweetheart, or honey.  "Fido" and "Spot" are not recommended.

38. Parental control software: NET NANNY.    A popular parental control software designed to help parents monitor, filter, and manage their children's digital device usage. 

31. Increases both risk and reward, or what 3-, 9-, or 38-Down does?: UPS THE ANTE.    Increase the demands, risks, or stakes in a situation to achieve a greater potential reward. It implies raising the level of intensity, whether you are negotiating a deal, raising a standard, or taking a bigger gamble.

The word ANTE is spelt up and split across each two-word theme entry.  For an extra elegant touch, in each case the split is between the N and the T.  Nicely done.

HI Gang - Jazzbumpa here.  I'm not a gambler, but I'll bet you spotted this one.  Now that we're in the game, let's see what we can do.

Across:

1. Ctrl+V action: PASTE.  Computer command to insert a bit of copied text.

6. Stage accessory: PROP.  [Short for property] any movable object used by actors on stage to support storytelling, distinct from scenery, costumes, or electrical equipment.

10. Spring bloom: IRIS.  Iris is a flowering plant genus of 310 accepted species with showy flowers. As well as being the scientific name, iris is also widely used as a common name for all Iris species,

14. Affirms: AVOWS.    Declares, states, or admits something openly, boldly, and unashamedly

15. __ and hearty: HALE.   Being in robust good health, strong, and active, particularly when referring to an elderly person. Hrumpf!

16. List that may drop with a click: MENU.   A user interface element that displays a list of options, commands, or tools. 

17. Golfer's gouge: DIVOT.    A small chunk of grass and dirt that is dug out of the ground while executing a golf shot.. 

18. Leave out: OMIT.   To leave out, exclude, or fail to include something, whether intentionally or by accident.

19. Bus charge: FARE.   The money you pay to ride a bus, train, taxi, airplane, or other transit vehicle.   If it's en electric bus, this couold mean something entirely different.

20. Govt. support program: SSI.   Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a U.S. federal program that provides monthly cash payments to adults and children with disabilities, blindness, or those aged 65 and older who have limited income and resources. It is funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes.

21. Summons one's last bits of energy: RUNS ON FUMES.   Just about used up.

24. Wipe clean: ERASE.  Delete, remove, wipe out.

26. Feel unwell: AIL.  To experience physical or emotional pain, to be unwell,  or distress.

27. Sets of eight: OCTADS.    A group, sequence, or arrangement of exactly eight. 

29. Complete fluke: DUMB LUCK.    Refers to pure, unearned chance. It describes a situation where a positive outcome happens completely by accident, rather than through careful planning, strategy, or skill

34. Italian grandma: NONNA.  Nagymama in Hungarian.

35. Lung sections: LOBES.  Lobes are the distinct, sponge-like sections that make up your lungs.  The right lung has three, the left lung has two.  

36. Vietnamese soup: PHO.    A traditional Vietnamese soup consisting of a rich, aromatic broth, flat rice noodles, fresh herbs, and thinly sliced meats 

37. Division d'une nation: ETAT.  A French State.

38. Congregation areas: NAVES.   The main area of a Christian Church, exclusive of the alter section.

39. Mallorca, por ejemplo: ISLA.   A Spanish Island, for example.  It's off the east coast of the mainland.

40. Off-rd. ride: ATV. All terrain vehicle.

41. Meal with charoset and maror: SEDER.  The Jewish Passover dinner, including a sweet, dark-colored mixture of finely chopped fruits and nuts, and bitter herbs. 

42. Drum major's stick: BATON.    A tall, weighted prop used to lead marching bands, command attention, and execute visual routines.

43. Nursery outfits: LAYETTES.    Complete sets of clothing, bedding, and accessories prepared for a newborn baby. 

45. Poet Langston: HUGHES.  James Mercer Langston Hughes [1901 - 1967] was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist from Joplin, Missouri. An early innovator of jazz poetry, Hughes is best known as a leader of the Harlem Renaissance. 

46. Japanese honorific: SAN.   A polite, gender-neutral honorific suffix attached to the end of a person's name. 

47. River rental: CANOE.    A canoe is a lightweight, narrow watercraft, typically pointed at both ends and open on top, propelled by one or more seated or kneeling paddlers facing the direction of travel and using paddles.

48. Feature of a prestige miniseries, perhaps: ALL STAR CAST.    A group of actors in a movie, play, or television show where everyone (or almost everyone) is a highly famous, celebrated, or award-winning performer.

53. Easter mo., often: APR.   April.  But next year it will fall on March 28.

56. Luke's twin: LEIA.  Principle roles in the Star Wars franchise.

57. Lofgren of the E Street Band: NILS.   Nils Hilmer Lofgren [b. 1951] is an American rock musician, recording artist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. Along with his work as a solo artist, he has been a member of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band since 1984, a member of Crazy Horse, and the founder and frontman of the band Grin.

58. "Same old same old" feeling: ENNUI.   A feeling of listlessness, weariness, and dissatisfaction caused by a lack of excitement, occupation, or meaningful engagement.  Its pronunciation does not match its spelling.

60. Like some energy bars: OATY.   Made of or containing oats.

61. Campus sports gp.: NCAA.  National Collegiate Athletic Commission,  the primary governing body for intercollegiate sports in the United States. 

  
62. Back in fashion: RETRO.   describing modern items—like clothing, furniture, or design—that are consciously designed to mimic the aesthetics, styles, or trends of the past.  What was once old is now new again.

63. Squeezes (out): EKES.    Obtain, produces, or achieves something with great difficulty, effort, or by a very narrow margin.

64. Longings: YENS.    Has two completely different meanings. It can either refer to the official currency of Japan or be used informally as a noun or verb to describe a strong craving or desire.   I thoughy about going to Japan, but didn't have the Yen to travel

65. Like some energy bars: SWEET.   Not just oaty, but sugary to boot.  Also, a clecho.

Down:

1. Removable parts of some bras: PADS.  Torso enhancers?  Bosom buddies?  Breastwork reinforcements? I would probably have come at this in a different way.  Anyway, you can buy them here.

2. Alamo rival: AVIS.   Car rental companies.

4. Retired jersey number for Derek Jeter: TWO.  

Source

5. Erik who played Poncherello on "CHiPs": ESTRADA.   See him here.

6. Give a buzz: PHONE.  Call a person on your PHONE.

7. Los Angeles team: RAMS.  American football team.

8. Hodgepodge: OLIO.   A collection of varied or random items.

9. Terms of endearment: PET NAMES.  Things like "sweetheart" or "honey."  "Fido" or "Spot" are not recommended.

10. "No more for me, thanks": I'M FULL.   I've eaten all I want.

11. 500 sheets: REAM.   Standard quantity of sheets of paper.

12. Memo header: IN RE.   "In re" is a Latin phrase that translates to "in the matter of" or "concerning". 

13. Takes legal action: SUES.  To "sue" means to take legal action against a person or organization in a civil court, usually to seek financial compensation or damages for harm, injury, or a breach of contract.

22. Aircraft carrier letters: USS.    United States Ship. It is the official identifying prefix used before the names of commissioned vessels in the United States Navy 

23. Bits of baloney: FIBS.   Small untruths, typically not of great consequence.

25. Deliver a tirade: RANT.  A passionate, loud, or angry speech in which someone complains about something at length. 

27. Oscar winner Tatum: O'NEAL.   Tatum O'Neal won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1974 for her debut film role as Addie Loggins in Paper Moon (1973). At just 10 years old, she set a record that remains unbroken as the youngest person ever to win a competitive Oscar.

28. Terra-__ flowerpot: COTTA.  Terra cotta (literally Italian for "baked earth") is a type of porous, unglazed, or glazed clay-based ceramic fired at relatively low temperatures. 

29. Cooing birds: DOVES.   Doves are stout-bodied birds belonging to the family Columbidae. They are highly adaptable, commonly found across North and Central America. They are known for their soft, melancholy calls and typically forage on the ground for seeds and grains. Doves are widely recognized as universal symbols of peace and new beginnings.

30. Get a lift, but not a Lyft: UBER.  These are the primary ride-hailing services connecting riders with on-demand drivers. 

32. Olympic snowboarder Kim: CHLOE.   Chloe Kim is an American professional snowboarder and two-time Olympic gold medalist. At the 2018 Winter Olympics, she became the youngest woman to win an Olympic snowboarding gold medal when she won gold in the women's snowboard halfpipe at age 17. 

Source

33. Zen paradoxes: KOANS.    Paradoxical stories, dialogues, questions, or statements used in Zen Buddhism. They are designed to bypass logical reasoning and force the student into an intuitive, enlightened state of awareness.  "If you have ice cream, I will give it to you. If you do not have ice cream, I will take it from you" is the ice dream koan.

35. Stow, as cargo: LADE.   To put a load or cargo on or in, as in loading a ship. 

39. Othello's false friend: IAGO.   Iago is a fictional character in Shakespeare's Othello. Iago is the play's main antagonist and Othello's standard-bearer. 

41. "Right now!": STAT.    In the medical field, STAT means immediately or without delay. It is derived from the Latin word statim.

42. Players known to make sacrifices: BUNTERS.  Bunting is a technique where a batter intentionally meets the pitch with a loosely held bat to tap the ball slowly into the infield. Instead of taking a full swing, the batter gives up their chance for a big hit to strategically advance base runners or reach base on a surprise.

44. Op-ed pieces, e.g.: ESSAYS.    Focused, structured pieces of writing that explore a specific topic, idea, or argument.

45. __-been: HAS.   An informal slang term for a person whose best days, popularity, or success are in the past.

47. Durango dwellings: CASAS.   Durango is the capital city of the state of Durango, in Mexico. It’s known for its historic center, with important colonial and Mexican baroque buildings. Begun in 1695, the ornate Cathedral Basilica has sacred art and carved wooden interiors. There are houses there.

48. Succulent with medicinal uses: ALOE.   A genus of over 500 species of succulent plants, best known for Aloe vera. Native to arid regions of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, its thick, fleshy leaves contain a clear, soothing gel highly valued in traditional medicine, cosmetics, and skincare

49. Showerhead problem: LEAK.  A physical problem in the structure of the item that allow liquid to escape in an unintended manner.

50. Miller option: LITE.   One could have regular or LITE beer.

51. Texas school with an owl mascot: RICE.   William Marsh Rice University, also known as Rice University, is a private research university in Houston, Texas, United States. Established in 1912.  

52. Tight-knit group: CLAN.    A traditional social unit comprised of multiple families or households that claim a common ancestor, mores and interests. 

54. Undiluted: PURE.    Something is pure, unmixed, and at maximum strength. This is a neat definition.

55. Laugh-a-minute type: RIOT.   Someone extremely funny, hilarious, or highly entertaining. It describes a person whose jokes or antics make you laugh uncontrollably.

59. Green, in a way: NEW.    Inexperienced, naive, or new to a subject.

Well, it's time to fold for another Wednesday.  I'm betting you had a good time.  See you next month.

Cool regards,

JzB

Tuesday, June 16, 2026, Daniel Hrynick

 WORDS THAT ARE REMOTELY FAMILIAR...

19 Across. Build a snow fort or catch frogs: PLAY OUTSIDE. (Play)

27 Across. What a deeply regretful person may wish to do: REWIND THE CLOCK. (Rewind)

44 Across. Stop mid-story to add suspense, say: PAUSE FOR EFFECT. (Pause)

55 Across. Convenient car feature on a cold winter morning, or a feature of 19-, 27-, and 44-Across?: REMOTE START.

And... We're off!

CrossEyedDave here, filling in again.  Starting out, this easy Tuesday puzzle seemed so straightforward, that I was beginning to think there was nothing to explain, or provide silly links for... but given enough time, there wasn't a remote chance I wouldn't come up with anything...

Across:
1. Pizza crust option: THIN.

5. 24 hours: DAY.

8. Some: A FEW.

12. Nevada gambling town: RENO.

13. Penalized for littering, say: FINED.

15. Tilt-A-Whirl, e.g.: RIDE.

16. Overnight __: breakfast dish: OATS.

17. Flatscreen, maybe: LED TV.

18. At no cost: FREE.

19. [Theme]

22. Conclude: END.

23. Startled cry: EEK.

24. Married name follower: NEE.

25. Put in the overhead bin: STOW.

27. [Theme]

33. Boiling: HOT.

34. Spoil: ROT.

35. Qatar's capital: DOHA.

36. Intel mission: RECON.

39. Wrinkly little dog: PUG.

40. Ran out of patience: HAD IT.

41. "Am __ late?": I TOO.

42. Mined-over matter?: ORE.😀

43. Insurance giant bailed out in 2008: AIG. American International Group

44. [Theme]

49. Food Network figure: CHEF.

50. __ Lanka: SRI. (Formally Ceylon)

51. "For __ a jolly good fellow ... ": HE'S.

53. Volcanic eruption residue: ASH.

55. [Theme Reveal]

59. Drops behind: LAGS.

61. Bright celestial events: NOVAS.

62. Creole vegetable: OKRA.

63. Important phases in history: ERAS.

64. __ Valley, California: DEATH.

65. Ancient city in modern Turkey: TROY.

66. __ of the times: SIGN.

67. Mets' div.: NLE. National League East.

68. Mr. Potato Head attachments: EARS. (I wanted eyes first, guess it could have been arms too...)

Hmm, legs, hat,, does every attachment have three letters? Complete? List here...

Down:
1. Familiar plot device: TROPE. Apparently, there are many types...

2. Medic in role-playing games: HEALER.

I wanted Doctor, but you need a good imagination for role playing games...

3. Amount of food consumed: INTAKE.

4. Likely to snoop: NOSY.

5. Tried to reduce one's 3-Down: DIETED.

6. "No ifs, __, or buts": ANDS.

7. Bigfoot cousin: YETI.

8. Dog kennel greeting: ARF.

9. Fuel that can be stacked: FIREWOOD.

10. Perfect place: EDEN.

11. Invasive plant: WEED.

13. Able to speak a language with ease: FLUENT.

14. Movie franchise package, perhaps: DVD SET.

20. Bagel flavor: ONION.

21. "And more of the same" abbr.: ETC.

26. Golden years: OLD AGE.

28. Blow (by): WHOOSH.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

29. More realistic: TRUER.

30. One who isn't good at sharing: HOG.

31. The Blackhawks, on scoreboards: CHI. Chicago.

32. Actress Dennings: KAT. 

Name #1

36. Unfortunate sound to hear while bending: RIP.

Not always unfortunate...

37. Landing hr. guess: ETA.

I wanted to post a different pic of this,

But the language didn't pass the breakfast crowd test...

38. Long-running joke in the opening credits of "The Simpsons": COUCH GAG. For some reason, my YouTube App is refusing to let me share videos. In the meantime, search YouTube for 30 best Simpson couch gags. Very funny...

39. Seasoned vet: PRO.

40. Old audio systems: HI FI'S. hi Fidelity.

42. Cause resentment: OFFEND.

43. From the top: AFRESH.

45. Eternally, in poetry: E'ER. In poetry, e'er (pronounced "air") is a poetic and archaic contraction of the word ever. Poets use it to remove a syllable, making it easier to fit the rhythmic meter (such as iambic pentameter) of a line.

46. Sprawling property: ESTATE.

47. Yoga energy point: CHAKRA. Everything you ever wanted to be told by A.I. here:

48. Abject fear: TERROR.

52. Doesn't leave: STAYS.

53. Hoppy pintfuls: ALES.

54. Hindi cinema dress: SARI.

56. Faucet brand: MOEN.

57. Racket head shape: OVAL.

58. Reusable bag: TOTE.

60. Target of ID thieves: SSN. Social Security Number.

The Grid.

A puzzle with only one name? This is very remote!

Is there a remote chance something on this puzzle tripped you up? If so, please tell us in the comments... of not, come anyway! Maybe by then my YouTube share button problems will be fixed, and we can commiserate on sticky remote buttons that don't work. (Isopropyl Alcohol is a solution!) and there is a way to use tiny bits of aluminum foil for when they really go kerblooey...

CE:D out.

≽ܫ≼

Monday, June 15, 2026, Janice Luttrell

Theme:  Garden variety.

Our marvelous Monday maven, Janice Luttrell, has constructed a puzzle that is quite ordinary -- just your normal, basic, garden variety Monday grid.  I kid, of course.  Her theme entries end with words that are run-of-the-mill.

20-Across. Central green in a small town: VILLAGE COMMON.

27-Across. Plateau in England that's home to Stonehenge: SALISBURY PLAIN.

49-Across. Comedian's performance: STAND-UP ROUTINE.

The big reveal occurs here:

56-Across. Tom Jones hit, and what can be said about the end of 20-, 27-, or 49-Across: IT'S NOT UNUSUAL.

Our blogmistress, C.C., has explained that it's easier to write a difficult puzzle than an easy one.  If today's puzzle seems simple, that's the result of exacting effort.  Let's waltz through the rest!

Across:

1. Actors in a sitcom: CAST.

5. Super Bowl org.: NFL.  National Football League.  An abbreviation in the clue suggests that there will be an abbreviation in the answer.

8. Combo pattern for mil. garb: CAMO.  "Camo" is short for "camouflage," a pattern featuring a combination of shapes and colors, often used for military garments.

Camo patterns vary to match the environment.
Here, an Australian soldier blends into the bush.

12. "Stuff and nonsense!": PSHAW.  A scoffing sound, pronounced puh-shaw or pshh.

14. Soothing lotion ingredient: ALOE.

16. Country singer Jackson: ALAN.  Alan Jackson sings traditional country songs as well as many he's written himself.  He has earned Grammy Awards, CMA Awards, and ACM Awards, and is one of the best-selling musical artists of all time.  Because he suffers from an inherited degenerative disease, he has scheduled a final concert on June 27, 2026.  Here he is performing his original song, Five O'Clock Somewhere, with special guest Jimmy Buffet appearing near the end.

17. Hawaiian greeting: ALOHA.

18. Slips into, as clothes: DONS.

19. Fishhook attachment: LURE.

20. [Theme clue]

23. Summer beverage: ICE TEA.

25. __ Vegas Aces: LAS.  A team in the Women's National Basketball Association.

26. Silent assent: NOD.

27. [Theme clue]

31. Bio information: AGE.  "Bio" is not an abbreviation, but just a shortened version of "biography."  Therefore, the answer is not an abbreviation.

32. Italian sparkling wine: ASTI.  The Piedmont region of Italy produces Asti Spumante and Moscato d'Asti.  Asti Spumante is more bubbly; Moscato d'Asti is less bubbly, sweeter, and lower in alcohol.

33. Many, many moons: EON.

34. Says "I do" to: WEDS.

36. Brief albums, briefly: EPS.  Extended Play records are longer than a single, but not as long as a full length album.

38. Cash dispensers: ATMS.

42. Luau bowlful: POI.  Steamed and pounded taro root, mixed with water.

Poi

45. Beauty store chain: ULTA.

48. Kendrick Lamar genre: RAP.

49. [Theme clue]

53. Ewe said it: BAA.

54. Little tyke: TOT.

55. Stray hair: STRAND.

56. [Theme clue]

60. Windy day toy: KITE.

61. Minerals in mines: ORES.

62. Fast-food pork sandwich: MCRIB.  McDonald's offers the McRib sandwich sporadically, for limited time periods.  It features a minced pork patty shaped like a rack of ribs, covered in barbecue sauce.  Availability corresponds to periods of low prices on bulk pork.  Travel to Germany if you simply must have one; it's a permanent menu item at McDonald's there.

German McRib -- all year round

65. You are, in Spanish: ERES.  Eres un gran traductor!  (You are a great translator!)  One of the problems I have with Google translate is that it provides only familiar speech in Spanish.  That might work in Spain, but in Mexico, it's important to use formal pronouns and verbs with people who are not your family or inferiors.  "Usted es un gran traductor!" is more polite in most situations.

66. "Drinks are __!": ON ME.

67. Brain prefix: NEURO.  Neuro- is from the Greek for "nerve," and is used to refer to nerves, the brain, or the nervous system as a whole.

68. Put one's feet up: REST.

69. Patch of lawn: SOD.

70. Hitch: SNAG.

Down:

1. Tax prep expert: CPA.  Certified Public Accountant, of course.

2. Silent communication syst.: ASL.  American Sign Language.

3. Did a snow day chore: SHOVELED.

4. Most populous island in French Polynesia: TAHITI.  Most populous?  Still seems like a dream destination.

This is Tahiti.
  The blue lagoon and white sand beaches that show up in searches for Tahiti are really the nearby island of Bora Bora.

5. Zilch: NADA.

6. Promote aggressively: FLOG.  I'm familiar with flog meaning to beat or whip someone severely, but Google tells me it also means to sell something quickly or aggressively.

7. Needing a companion: LONELY.

8. Tranquil: CALM.  Bora Bora, anyone?

Bora Bora.
I like the idea of a lazy vacation, but in truth, I cannot sit still.
Kayaking, though ... !

9. Reunion attendees: ALUMNI.

10. Dark red: MAROON.

11. Continuously: ON END.  "It rained for days ON END."  "The power was out for weeks ON END."

13. Polish Solidarity leader Lech: WALESA.  Lech Wałęsa was president of Poland from 1990 to 1995. The first democratically elected president of Poland since 1926, he was also the first-ever Polish president elected by popular vote.  An electrician, Wałęsa led the opposition Solidarity movement which ended Communist rule in Poland in 1989.

Lech Wałęsa

15. Break free: ESCAPE.

21. Chem class rooms: LABS.

22. Scandinavian capital near the North Sea: OSLO.

23. "You don't have to tell me!": I SAW.

24. Pet canary's home: CAGE.

28. Sport-__: off-road auto: UTE.

29. Tear to pieces: RIP UP.

30. Actress de Armas: ANA.  Ana de Armas grew up in Cuba, moved to Spain, and then moved to Los Angeles, playing leading film and TV roles along the way.  She was the holographic AI Joi in Blade Runner 2049 (2017), Paloma in the James Bond film No Time to Die (2021) and Marilyn Monroe in Blonde (2022), for which she was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress.

Ana de Armas

35. Health resort: SPA.

37. Camera option, initially: SLR.  Per Wikipedia, "a single-lens reflex camera (SLR) is a type of camera that uses a mirror and prism system to allow photographers to view through the lens and see exactly what will be captured. ... When the shutter button is pressed on most SLRs, the mirror flips out of the light path and allows light to pass through to the light receptor and the image to be captured."    

39. Dress rehearsal: TRIAL RUN.

40. "Save Me" singer Aimee: MANN.  You may remember Aimee Mann from her 1980s band "Til Tuesday."  She wrote their top-ten single Voices Carry.  She's been solo since 1990, and has also acted on TV and in films.  She wrote "Save Me" for the 1999 film Magnolia; the song was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song and a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

Aimee Mann -- now and then

41. Floored it: SPED.

43. Not duped by: ONTO.  As in, "I'm onto you, buster!"

44. "Same for me!": I DO TOO.

46. Soft throw: TOSS.

47. Leaf-peeping season: AUTUMN.  DH and I visited New England in October 2019.  It was spectacular.

"Height of Land" in Maine -- my photo

49. Much political humor: SATIRE.

50. Tries a bite of: TASTES.

51. About-faces on the road: U-TURNS.

52. Tiny amounts: TRACES.

53. Harley-Davidson customer: BIKER.

57. Wild canary's home: NEST.  As opposed to 24-Down. Pet canary's home: CAGE.

58. Pixar clownfish: NEMO.

59. Preowned: USED.

63. Savings plan letters: IRA.  Individual Retirement Account.

64. Cranberry-growing area: BOG.

Here's the grid:

Solvers,

Which of you SPED through this puzzle?

Did it BOG you down anywhere?  Did it take hours ON END?

IT'S NOT UNUSUAL to hit a SNAG.  Hope you didn't RIP UP the puzzle!

Tell us all about it in the comments.

-- NaomiZ

Sunday, June 14, 2026 Zhouqin Burnikel

  IF YOU ASK ME...

CrossEyedDave here, fresh off my bout with a Noro-Virus. Our own CC asked me to write up her Sunday Spectacular at the last minute, and while I am glad to do it, I am still under the weather, and cranky to boot. Let's hope it doesn't show...

I say this because, while a very enjoyable puzzle, there were a few places that had me stumpted. Here is the grid with all my mistakes:

The black chevrons in the upper right of certain grid squares, is where I fat fingered typo's, or chose the wrong letter outright. I didn't have time to do it ink on dead tree sadly.

The red chevrons indicate where I hit the reveal button...

Which leads me to ask you a question: I am not sure to call this a DNF, (Did Not Finish) or a FIW (Finished It Wrong) as I did neither. Can anyone out there come up with a suitable abbreviation for:

I hit the reveal button when I should have given it more thought!

Oh well, Onward!

22 Across. Trick question?: COULD IT BE MAGIC?

The remote does sorta seem like magic...

53 Across. Good question?: IS THAT CORRECT?

87 Across. Gotcha question?: AM I BEING CLEAR?

112 Across. Leading question?: WHO'S IN CHARGE?

119 Across. Quick question?: ARE YOU IN A HURRY?

31 Down. Burning question?: IS THE STOVE ON?

Yes.. but...

42 Down. First question?: WHERE TO START?

Is everybody here? Are you ready? Ok let's go!

As you can clearly see, CC has cleverly made each answer revert back to the question.

Ok! Now onward...

Across:
1. Fellow student: PEER. A peer is a person who belongs to the same group as you in terms of age, social standing, rank, or abilities. (So why do the people in my Jury look like people you couldn't pay me to hang out with...)

5. Inner ears?: COBS.  (Cute.)

9. Wrap (up): SEW. Not end...

12. Braid: PLAIT. As a noun, it can also mean a fold or pleat in fabric. As a verb, it means to interweave or braid. 

17. Crowning point: ACME.

Acme as in high point, the Coyotes source of paraphernalia is not one of them...

18. Critter who snoozed and lost: HARE.

19. Shared intimacies, briefly: PDAS. Public Displays of Affection.

21. Impressionist Monet: CLAUDE. (Name #1)

22. [Theme]

25. Take care of: HANDLE.

26. Forever and ever: EONS.

27. [Theme]

29. Cheese in some bagels: ASIAGO.  Ew, scallion cream cheese for me please...

32. Catch: SPY. Or espy... (but that could be misinterpreted as an award...)

34. Don vestments: ENROBE. (How did my neighbors pajamas get in this puzzle?)

35. Fuzz on a rock: MOSS.

We guitarists could also misinterpret this...

36. Mountain climber: SKI LIFT. Some might say this is not a twurd, (2 word answer) but the only other way to write it is with a hyphen. Ski-lift.

40. Biggest holiday in Vietnam: TET. Lunar New Year! Celebrating the arrival of Spring!🎆

41. Quaint contraction: TWAS. Now that's how you avoid the dreaded "twurd..."

45. Started a fresh pot: ANTED. Poker, not coffee...

47. Get on in years: AGE.

48. Sleeve: ARM.

50. Bakery serving slices: PIE SHOP. Now this one almost had me asking CC if this was a typo! But just as I was about to email, the V8 can came whistling in! It's not the serving slice sizes, it's about the bakery!

52. "Pass": NAH.  (I hit reveal one this one, because I thought, "Nah!" That can't be right...)

53. [Theme]

57. Historical period: ERA.

58. Bridal boutique array: DRESSES. This one flummoxed me, I was thinking flowers, like a corsage...

60. Group with Mind Games competitions: MENSA.

61. Needs some ice, perhaps: HURTS.

63. Corporate title abbr.: ASST. Assistant.

64. Take offense to: RESENT.

67. Put two and two together: ADD.

69. Late bedtime hr.: ONE AM.

70. Feline with a striped coat: TABBY CAT.

72. Watch a friend's monstera, say: PLANT SIT.

Doesn't seem monstrous to me...

74. Ring-shaped island: ATOLL.

76. Buy high and sell low, e.g.: ERR. This is another one that fooled me, because I didn't read it right. You might say I erred...

77. Double-cross: BETRAY.

78. Lady Justice's garb: TOGA. Not robe?

There have been many depictions, and many do not look like togas or robes.

So if this one fooled you, give yourself a break...

81. Flood barrier: LEVEE. See taco flight 110 for the miracle landing on a levee!

Even more miraculous was how they flew it off the levee again, when it was supposed to be too short to land on!

82. Take out of a sack: UNBAG.

84. Checks for fit: TRIES ON.

86. Intense anger: IRE.

87. (Theme]

92. Rummage sale label: TAG.

93. Picturesque caves: GROTTOS.

95. Julius Erving, to fans: DR J. (Basketball.) ( name #2)

96. Hi-__ photo: RES. High resolution.

97. Wee: SMALL.

99. Billionth: Pref.: NANO.

100. West of old Hollywood: MAE. (Name #3)

Are ya happy to see me? Or is that a gun in your pocket?

102. Museum guides: DOCENTS. A docent is a knowledgeable guide or lecturer, typically a trained volunteer in a museum, art gallery, or zoo, who explains exhibits and educates visitors. The term derives from the Latin docere, meaning "to teach".

105. "Songversation" singer India.__: ARIE. Name #4, and I overloaded my photo files. So now the Cloud is saying I have to pay money...  you will have to look her up yourself, I'm broke...

106. Accordion features: PLEATS.

109. Replayed tennis serve: LET. I put Ace first, which would you rather rewatch...
 
110. Repeats verbatim: QUOTES.

112. [Theme]

117. Harbor fleet: TUGS.

This beloved story from my youth got me fascinated with tugboats for the rest of my life...

118. Dish with bubbling broth: HOT POT.

119. [Theme]

125. Vidalia bulbs: ONIONS.

126. Within reach: NEAR.

127. X-rated material: SMUT. (No photo...)

128. Clever notion: IDEA.

129. Crop threats: PESTS.

130. Cap'n Jazz genre: EMO. Sort of name #5?

131. Pointillism marks: DOTS.

132. Corkboard pin: TACK. All my cork boards have had pushpins. Thumbtacks are too dangerous...

Down:
1. Campaign funding org.: PAC. All you ever wanted to know...

2. __ mode: hybrid setting: ECO. Ah,! Economy mode, as in cars! I couldn't figure out the hybrid reference until now... gas/electric...

3. Ostrich's shorter cousin: EMU. Shorter than an Emu would be a Rhea...

4. Drop, as an album: RELEASE. (Music talk.)

5. Casual slacks: CHINOS. The Origin: Originally designed for military use in the 19th century, the pants are believed to take their name from the Spanish word for "Chinese" due to the fabric's origins in China.

6. Grains in a crumble: OATS.

7. Texter's "Gimme a sec": BRB. Be Right Back.

8. "Understand?": SEE.

9. Bridge distance: SPAN.

10. Provocative: EDGY.

11. Forgo: WAIVE.

12. Backup strategy: PLAN B.

13. Stickers in glucose monitoring kits: LANCETS. Ouch!

14. Automaker headquartered in Ingolstadt: AUDI.

15. Inactive: IDLE.

16. Shirts with slogans: TEES.

20. Barely sufficient: SCANT.

21. Like a kitchen during the dinner rush: CHAOTIC.

23. Obedience school attendee: DOG.

24. "Allow me": MAY I.

28. French kin of a dosa: CREPE.

29. "Mamma Mia!" star Seyfried: AMANDA. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯  Name #6

30. Submarine trackers: SONARS.

31. [Theme]

32. Weary sound: SIGH. Something I do every time I have to post a pic of a name I don't know...

33. Entreaty: PLEA. No more names, please?

37. "Gnarly" and "Gabriela" girl group: KATSEYE. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ name #7. (@##$&%) um, sorry, sigh...

38. Diamond side: FACET.

39. "__: Ares": TRON. Is this two names?!?! Splynter! I need a word for this!

42. [Theme]

43. Major artery: AORTA.

44. Involuntary twitch: SPASM.

46. Bad-mouth: DIS. Disrespect.

49. Mrs. Pepper's partner on "Blue's Clues": MRSALT. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Name #8.

51. Community spirit: ETHOS. From the Greek, meaning character.

54. Tesla, for one: SERB. Name #9. His Wiki

55. Leonardo's group, for short: TMNT. This was below the belt. Who in their right mind would know that this name #9 refers to The Mutant Ninja Turtles!  Read The Three Musketeers and get your mind out of the Sewer!  (Um, i'm not feeling good, remember?)

56. Storm tracker: RADAR.

59. Like week-old mantou: STALE. Hmm,  you can't make up for TMNJ with delicious looking food when I have a stomach bug! (And it's stale no Less!)

62. Join forces: UNITE.

65. Wash vigorously: SCRUB.

66. Merited: EARNED.

68. Genealogy research aid: DNA TEST.

71. Sound sheepish?: BLEAT.😀 ok, that's a good one...

72. Simon of "Hot Fuzz": PEGG. Name #10

You may know him as Scotty in later Star Trek movies.

I must ask DW what streaming service we are using this month, as it is not free on YouTube...

73. Banks on many covers: TYRA.  Name #11

I'm not complaining mind you...

74. Make straight: ALIGN.

75. __ cotta: TERRA. You know, flower pot containers etc...

77. Bluegrass strings: BANJO.

79. Water polo shot stopper: GOALIE. Interesting choice of clue...

80. Right features of every square: ANGLES. Can't argue with that...

83. Frequent flier?: BIRD.😀

85. Org. with complex schedules: IRS. Infernal Revenuers...

88. Brief periods of time: MOMENTS.

89. Calculus pioneer Newton: ISAAC. Name #12, I'll post a pic when he gets a Sports Illustrated Cover...

90. First Nations people of Canada: CREE. There are over 630 1st nation governments in Canada.

91. Season that begins on Ash Wednesday: LENT.

94. Leader's position: TOP SPOT.

98. Outfit sometimes worn by Xi Jinping: MAO SUIT. No name in the answer, but he still needs a sports illustrated cover to get a pic...

101. Slater of "Wicked": ETHAN. 

Name #13

103. "Pinocchio" goldfish: CLEO. 

Name #14

104. Exercises that work quads and glutes: SQUATS.

107. Penn State's Nittany __: LIONS. All you ever wanted to know...

108. Bridal wear in Bangladesh: SAREE. 

111. "How gross!": UGH. (Placed inappropriately below Saree, above...)

112. Strike forcefully: WHOP. (They don't even use this in Marvel comics...)

113. Sharpen, as skills: HONE. 

Yes, it definitely takes skill...

114. Soul icon Redding: OTIS. Name #15

115. Stack of paper: REAM.

116. Greek dish similar to shawarma: GYRO.

Shawarma

117. Threaded fastener: T Nut

Not what I thought it was...

120. Capital of Amer.: USD. U.S Dollar.

121. Texter's qualifier: IMO. In My Opinion.

122. Nutrition fig.: RDA. Recommend Daily Allowance.

123. Suggestion, casually: REC. Recommendation.

124. Tibetan source of butter: YAK.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comments section.

CE:D out 

/ᐠ - ˕ -マ