Theme: Polish, garnish, embellish - all to make it better. Let's start with the unifier.
61. Details that make things perfect, and what 18-, 24-, 39-, and 53-Across have: FINISHING TOUCHES. Final details or actions completing and enhancing a piece of work. The final word of each theme fill is a type of physical touch - thus, the finishing touch.
18. Wildflower with showy red bracts: INDIAN PAINT BRUSH. Also, a BRUSH is a a slight and fleeting touch.
24. Mockumentary about "one of England's loudest bands": THIS IS SPINAL TAP. The comedy film satirizes the behavior and musical pretensions of rock bands and the hagiographic tendencies of serious rock documentaries. It was Rob Reiner's feature directorial debut. Also, a TAP is a quick light blow,
39. Line in Hamlet's "To sleep, perchance to dream" soliloquy: THERE'S THE RUB. This means "that's the difficulty" or "that's the obstacle". It comes from the famous "to be or not to be" soliloquy in Hamlet, where Hamlet is contemplating suicide but is held back by the fear of the unknown afterlife. Also, a RUB is the movement of one's hand, a cloth, or another object back and forth over a surface.
53. Style in a swimming medley: BUTTERFLY STROKE. A swimming stroke characterized by both arms moving forward over the water simultaneously, while the legs perform a synchronized "dolphin" kick. It is the second-fastest swimming stroke and is known for its difficulty, requiring a rhythmic, wave-like body motion for propulsion and breathing. Also, a STRoKE is the action of passing the hand over something with a light, gentle pressure.
Hi gang, JazzBumpa here, fully enjoying the feel of this theme. Let's move along and see what else touches us.
1. Debit card feature: CHIP. A small computer on a card that encrypts transaction data to provide enhanced security against fraud. Unlike a magnetic stripe, which provides static information, the chip generates a unique, one-time code for each transaction, making it much harder for criminals to clone the card
5. Petro-Canada rival: ESSO. The petroleum brand owned by ExxonMobil, used outside the United States.
9. God, in the Haggadah: ADONAI. God is called Adonai because it is a Hebrew word meaning "Lord" or "Master," used to signify God's absolute sovereignty and authority over all of creation.
15. Frost: HOAR. Grayish white; by analogy to gray or gray-haired with age. [Like me.]
16. Flirty growl: RAWR. If you say so.
17. Swerve dangerously: CAREEN.
21. Only: MERE. That is solely or no more or better than what is specified.
22. MIT Sloan deg.: MBA. Master of Business Administration.
23. Photoreceptor cell: ROD.
22. MIT Sloan deg.: MBA. Master of Business Administration.
23. Photoreceptor cell: ROD.
30. "__ so fast!": NOT. An informal idiom meaning to slow down, wait, or reconsider something because a conclusion or action is premature, or unwise.
31. With 1-Down, martial art involving slow movements: TAI. As described - TAI CHI is a Chinese martial art and system of calisthenics, consisting of sequences of very slow controlled movements.
32. Leaves partway through: BAILS. Quit, leaves, or cancels plans, often suddenly. For example, someone might say, "I'm going to bail on this party," which means they are leaving.
33. Unexpected turn: TWIST. As in the plot of a book or movie.
36. French article: LES. Meaning "the."
38. Fabrication: LIE. Something made up.
43. Peace activist Yoko: ONO. A Japanese multimedia artist, singer, songwriter, filmmaker, and peace activist. A prominent figure in the Fluxus movement and avant-garde art scene, Ono's work blends visual and performing arts to explore themes of feminism, violence, joy, and human resilience.
44. Sigma follower: TAU. Greek letters.
45. Ice cream utensil: SPOON. An implement consisting of a small, shallow oval or round bowl on a long handle, used for eating, stirring, and serving food.
48. Fairy tale fiends: OGRES. A hideous giant of fairy tales and folklore that feeds on human beings : monster.
50. Gravel size: PEA. Pea gravel is a type of landscaping material made of small, naturally rounded stones about the size of a pea. Its smooth, pea-sized pieces make it a popular choice for decorative purposes like pathways and garden beds, as it is comfortable to walk on and offers good drainage.
52. Mare's meal: HAY. Grass that has been mown and dried for use as fodder.
58. Boxer Muhammad: ALI. Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. [1942 – 2016] was an American professional boxer and activist. A global cultural icon, widely known by the nickname "the Greatest", he is often regarded as the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time
59. Sweets: BAE. The acronym "BAE" has several full forms depending on the context, but most commonly it means "before anyone else" and is used as a term of endearment for a significant other.
60. McDonald's magnate Ray: KROC. Raymond Albert Kroc [1902 - 1984] sometimes called "fast food's founding father", was a businessman who played a key role in McDonald's becoming the world's most successful fast food chain. While not the founder, Kroc was a milkshake mixer salesman who convinced the McDonald brothers to franchise their restaurant nationwide in 1955. He served as CEO from 1967–1973 and developed the McDonald's Corporation franchising program.
68. Timing of many first steps: AGE ONE. Development stage for infants. A somewhat misleading clue, since it could also refer to the first step of a process.
69. Ashram adviser: GURU. In Hinduism and Buddhism, a spiritual teacher, especially one who imparts initiation.
70. Box __: KITE. A type of cellular kite with a rigid, three-dimensional structure made of sticks and cloth or plastic, designed to be stable and strong. Unlike simpler flat kites, it uses multiple surfaces to generate lift, often in a box-like or cellular shape, which makes it highly stable in strong winds and typically eliminates the need for a tail.
71. Good thinking: REASON. The power of the mind to think, understand, and form judgments by a process of logic.
72. Cranky state: SNIT. A fit of irritation; a sulk.
73. "Get outta here!": SCAT. Go away; leave.
Down:
69. Ashram adviser: GURU. In Hinduism and Buddhism, a spiritual teacher, especially one who imparts initiation.
70. Box __: KITE. A type of cellular kite with a rigid, three-dimensional structure made of sticks and cloth or plastic, designed to be stable and strong. Unlike simpler flat kites, it uses multiple surfaces to generate lift, often in a box-like or cellular shape, which makes it highly stable in strong winds and typically eliminates the need for a tail.
71. Good thinking: REASON. The power of the mind to think, understand, and form judgments by a process of logic.
72. Cranky state: SNIT. A fit of irritation; a sulk.
73. "Get outta here!": SCAT. Go away; leave.
Down:
1. See 31-Across: CHI. TAI CHI is a Chinese martial art and system of calisthenics, consisting of sequences of very slow controlled movements.
2. Sweets: HON. BAE.
3. Fault line?: I ADMIT IT. I did it, and I'm glad! Clever clue about owning up to some action.
4. Gets too personal: PRIES. Inquires too closely into a person's private affairs.
5. "Ready Player One" author Cline: ERNEST. Ernest Christy Cline is an American science fiction novelist, slam poet and screenwriter. He wrote the novels Ready Player One, Armada and Ready Player Two, and co-wrote the screenplay for the film adaptation of Ready Player One, directed by Steven Spielberg.
6. Tree goo: SAP. The vital, sugary fluid that moves through a tree's internal tissues to transport water, nutrients, and energy. It can be collected for products like maple syrup, used as a natural adhesive or sealant.
7. Most bogged down?: SWAMPIEST. The most boggy, marshy, miry, mucky, muddy, quaggy, sloppy, sloughy, soggy, squashy, waterlogged.
8. Savanna grazer: ORIBI. The oribi is a small antelope found in eastern, southern and western Africa. The sole member of its genus, it was described by the German zoologist Eberhard August Wilhelm von Zimmermann in 1783. While this is the only member in the genus Ourebia, eight subspecies are identified.
9. Do something: ACT. As defined.
10. Blot: DAB. To dry or lightly touch with blotting paper or a towel.
11. NHL great Bobby: ORR. Robert Gordon Orr OC [b. 1948] is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player, widely acknowledged as one of the greatest players of all time. Orr used his skating speed, scoring, and play-making abilities to revolutionize the position of defenceman.
His most famous moment
12. Like brain activity: NEURAL. Relating to a nerve or the nervous system.
13. __ Fables: AESOP'S. Aesop [c. 620–564 BCE] was a Greek fabulist and storyteller credited with a number of fables now collectively known as Aesop's Fables. Although his existence remains unclear and no writings by him survive, numerous tales credited to him were gathered across the centuries and in many languages in a storytelling tradition that continues to this day. Many of the tales associated with him are characterized by anthropomorphic animal characters.
14. With crisp resolution: IN HD. High-Definition, referring to a higher resolution than standard definition for video, audio, and images, resulting in clearer and more detailed content
19. D-backs, on a scoreboard: ARI. For Arizona, the location of their home field.
20. Photographer Goldin: NAN. Nancy Goldin [b. 1953] is an American photographer and activist. Her work explores in snapshot-style the emotions of the individual, in intimate relationships, and the bohemian LGBT subcultural communities, especially dealing with the devastating HIV/AIDS crisis of the 1980s.
24. Big bang letters?: TNT. Tri-Nitro Toluene, an explosive compound. Another clever clue.
25. "That shouldn't have been possible!": HOW? Inquiry into an extraordinary event.
26. Holiday weekend retail event, often: SALE. A period during which a retailer sells goods at reduced prices.
27. In a position (to): ABLE. Having the power, skill, means, or opportunity to do something.
28. Hideouts: LAIRS. Secret or private places in which a person, especially a criminal or enemy, takes refuge.
29. Bog down: TIE UP. Have obstacles or impediments to progress.
34. Curt: SHORT. Using or expressing in few words, in a way perceived as rude.
35. Article of faith: TENET. A principle or belief, especially one of the main principles of a religion or philosophy.
37. Roofer's tool: STAPLE GUN. A handheld mechanical tool for driving staples into a hard surface.
40. Followed a standing order?: ROSE. Stood up, as requested. Clever clue.
41. Lewis in the News: HUEY. Hugh Anthony Cregg III [b. 1950] known professionally as Huey Lewis, is an American actor and former singer-songwriter. Lewis sang lead and played harmonica for his band, Huey Lewis and the News, until being forced into retirement due to hearing loss in 2018; he also wrote or co-wrote many of the band's songs.
42. Fashion style related to luxe grunge: BOHO CHIC. A style that blends the free-spirited, unconventional elements of "bohemian" with the elegant, fashionable aspect of "chic," resulting in an eclectic look that is both free-spirited and curated. First I've heard of it.
13. __ Fables: AESOP'S. Aesop [c. 620–564 BCE] was a Greek fabulist and storyteller credited with a number of fables now collectively known as Aesop's Fables. Although his existence remains unclear and no writings by him survive, numerous tales credited to him were gathered across the centuries and in many languages in a storytelling tradition that continues to this day. Many of the tales associated with him are characterized by anthropomorphic animal characters.
14. With crisp resolution: IN HD. High-Definition, referring to a higher resolution than standard definition for video, audio, and images, resulting in clearer and more detailed content
19. D-backs, on a scoreboard: ARI. For Arizona, the location of their home field.
20. Photographer Goldin: NAN. Nancy Goldin [b. 1953] is an American photographer and activist. Her work explores in snapshot-style the emotions of the individual, in intimate relationships, and the bohemian LGBT subcultural communities, especially dealing with the devastating HIV/AIDS crisis of the 1980s.
24. Big bang letters?: TNT. Tri-Nitro Toluene, an explosive compound. Another clever clue.
25. "That shouldn't have been possible!": HOW? Inquiry into an extraordinary event.
26. Holiday weekend retail event, often: SALE. A period during which a retailer sells goods at reduced prices.
27. In a position (to): ABLE. Having the power, skill, means, or opportunity to do something.
28. Hideouts: LAIRS. Secret or private places in which a person, especially a criminal or enemy, takes refuge.
29. Bog down: TIE UP. Have obstacles or impediments to progress.
34. Curt: SHORT. Using or expressing in few words, in a way perceived as rude.
35. Article of faith: TENET. A principle or belief, especially one of the main principles of a religion or philosophy.
37. Roofer's tool: STAPLE GUN. A handheld mechanical tool for driving staples into a hard surface.
40. Followed a standing order?: ROSE. Stood up, as requested. Clever clue.
41. Lewis in the News: HUEY. Hugh Anthony Cregg III [b. 1950] known professionally as Huey Lewis, is an American actor and former singer-songwriter. Lewis sang lead and played harmonica for his band, Huey Lewis and the News, until being forced into retirement due to hearing loss in 2018; he also wrote or co-wrote many of the band's songs.
42. Fashion style related to luxe grunge: BOHO CHIC. A style that blends the free-spirited, unconventional elements of "bohemian" with the elegant, fashionable aspect of "chic," resulting in an eclectic look that is both free-spirited and curated. First I've heard of it.
46. Bourbon barrel wood: OAK. Bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels. It’s a critical step in developing bourbon’s distinct flavor. Freshly distilled bourbon doesn’t look anything like what you use to make an Old Fashioned. When it comes out of the still, it’s crystal clear, and smells and tastes like funky raw grain. Most of a bourbon’s character, and all of its color, come from the cask itself. As the bourbon ages in the barrel, it soaks up flavor, aroma, and pigment from the oak. All barrels used to age beverages are heat-treated in some way, since raw wood has an unpleasantly green and sappy flavor. Wine barrels are usually toasted, while bourbon barrels are always charred, giving them a sweet, smoky tinge.
47. Dec. 31: NYE. New Year's Eve, the last day of the calendar year.
48. Do a kindness for: OBLIGE. Do as someone asks or desires in order to help or please them.
49. Liberia neighbor: GUINEA. Guinea is a country in West Africa, bordered on the west by the Atlantic Ocean. It's known for the Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve, in the southeast. The reserve protects a forested mountain range rich in native plants and animals, including chimpanzees and the viviparous toad. On the coast, the capital city, Conakry, is home to the modern Grand Mosque and the National Museum, with its regional artifacts.
51. Invite to coffee, say: ASK OUT. Request for someone to accompany you someplace.
54. Slugger's stat: RBI. Runs Batted In, A statistic credited to a batter for driving in a run for their team. It's a key metric for evaluating offensive performance..
55. Viper teeth: FANGS. Generally, the biting mouthpart of an animal; more specifically, the tooth of a venomous snake, by which poison is injected.
56. "Ur not wrong": TRU. Short for true or correct.
57. Is awesome: ROCKS. As a slang verb, "rocks" means something is very good, enjoyable, or impressive,
58. In the distance: AFAR. Over yonder.
62. Apple platform: IOS. An operating system used for mobile devices manufactured by Apple Inc.
63. Commercial prefix that evokes winter weather: SNO-. A common abbreviation for "snow" or "snowy".
64. Female lobster: HEN. This is the standard term for a female lobster. When a female lobster is carrying eggs, she is specifically called a "berried hen".
65. Three-legged race, briefly?: TRI. Generally, a prefix indication for three of anything. Here, an abbrev.
66. Best guess as to when, initially: ETA. Estimated Time of Arrival.
67. Matching game with diamonds, squiggles, and ovals: SET. A real-time pattern-recognition game where players race to identify a "set" of three cards from a layout of 12.
So this set, and this Wednesday, come to a close. Thanksgiving day is next week. Hope yours is joyous and food-full. We'll have a house full of family members and significant others.
Cool Regards!
JzB
