Friday, January 19, 2024, Gary Larson and Amy Ensz

Theme: He who hesitates is lost

Puzzling thoughts:

This is better ... back to wordplay in a Friday puzzle. And today's puzzle did not just commit wordplay in the entries; it did so, too, by its reveal: 59-across. Book supplements, and an apt title for this puzzle: ADD END UMS

Ok, if you want to nitpick, the plural for ADDENDUM is ADDENDA (which I suppose could be another puzzle theme in a few years), but a couple of googled dictionary sources say it's OK to use ADDENDUMS. Maybe Yellowrocks or Misty will chirp in and give us their expert opinion? But I digress ...

Today's puzzle is a collaboration between Gary Larson and Amy Ensz. The two of them have collaborated on puzzles here (mostly on Sunday) as well as the Wall Street Journal. In an interview, Gary refers to his wife as "Amy". I wonder if her last name happens to be Ensz??

Anyway, the puzzle has four entries and a reveal; 55 characters in all. That is a lot of theme characters for a 15x15 grid (minimum number of theme characters is usually 40)... which leads to a plethora of 3-letter entries (I think I counted 19), as well as 4-letter and 5-letter ones. I am no speed demon, but today's puzzle was completed in record-Friday-time (less than 9 minutes). Once I "got" the gist of the puzzle (adding an "UM" to the end of the entries) it solved quite quickly. But that did NOT diminish the enjoyment I had figuring it out. Here are the entries:

 

16-across. Class reunion attendee who's in no one's yearbook?: WEIRD ALUM. 

Weird Al

Weird Alum (also Weird Al)

 

25-across. Proper etiquette at the plate?: HOME DECORUM.

Home Decor

Home Decorum

 

37-across. Impulse behind the gift-giving in "The Twelve Days of Christmas"?: PRESENT MOMENTUM.

Present Moment

Present Momentum

 

47-across. Discussion panel about sheets, duvets, blankets, etc.?: COVERS FORUM.

Covers For

 

                                                                  

                       click on this to expose:       COVERS FORUM

 

Sometimes pictures are worth a thousand words ... let's see how the rest of the words got THEIR moment(um):

Across:
1. Framing piece: JAMB. How about a Moe-l'ick right off the bat??

Welch's factory worker named Sam
Was found stealing. He went on the lam;
Tried escaping through door
Of the Company Store.
Don't you know he got stuck in the JAMB?

5. Swiatek who won her fourth major singles championship in 2023: IGA. Pretty sure that she does her food shopping at the "Hometown Proud" store in her area

8. Carding pre-entry: I.D.'ING. A bouncer's duty, perhaps, at a popular nightclub?

13. Vineyard measure: ACRE. The vineyards abroad generally use the term "hectare" to refer to this: "A hectare is a unit of measurement used by farmers to describe an area that is 10,000 m². Another way of looking at it is 1 hectare is equal to around 2.47 acres. As grapes for wine making are grown by farmers, the standard farm practice of measuring in hectares still stands" [Google search]

14. Russian dynast: TSAR. TSAR vs CZAR: Always remember TSAR is the head of a Russian dynast-TEE, CEE?

15. West Coast NFLer: NINER. They have a big NFL Divisional Round playoff game tomorrow vs the Packers

18. Dried poblano: ANCHO. CSO to Lucina, perhaps? I bet she knows a thing or two about peppers!

19. Off the street, in a way: GARAGED. Our subdivision has homes all with two-car garages, and allows for on-street parking on just one side to allow for emergency vehicles, et al, to pass freely

21. Irish capital: EURO. Since DUBLIN didn't fit, I knew that the "capital" meant their currency. Northern Ireland uses the British Pound, I believe

22. Touch: TAP.

27. Many of the Marshall Islands: ATOLLS. Another Moe-l'ick:

A PIRATE liked to wander afar,
On a boat, or by plane, or by car.
His next year's travel goal,
Is to see an ATOLL
Called Raroia; Its Airport Code? RRR!

29. Order member: NUN. Moe-ku:

Sister at convent
Was brash. Superior said,
"We'll have NUN of that!!"

30. Seldom seen: RARE. Also, the way that Chairman Moe likes having his steaks cooked (beef or tuna)

Perfect sear

31. IRS action: AUDIT. Has anyone here been AUDITed by the IRS?? Want to talk about it??

34. Place for a mineral scrub: SPA. Believe it or not, the Chairman had a mineral scrub (Dead Sea salt) when he visited Israel 15+ years ago ...

41. "__-boom-bah!": SIS. I rather doubt that modern-day cheerleading squads utter this

42. "The __ in Me": Britney Spears memoir: WOMAN.

43. Senior advocacy group: AARP. AARP counts seniors as those over the age of 50; I never referred to myself as a senior until I was eligible for Medicare

44. Bank of China Tower architect: PEI. CanadianEh!, can you confirm that he once lived on Prince Edward Island??

45. Hot Wheels maker: MATTEL.

53. Go out with: SEE.

54. Again: ANEW.

55. Sang high notes?: YODELED. Old commercial for Swiss Miss:

57. Shopping aids: LISTS. Our shopping LISTS have one of two titles on them (depending on who's shopping): naughty or nice

63. Looks down?: MOPES.

64. Pharmacy orders, informally: MEDS.

65. Far offshore: ASEA.

66. Catch in a trap: SNARE.

67. Hindu title of respect: SRI.

68. Business review app: YELP.

Down:
1. Giant part of a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton: JAW. Took me a couple of tries to get this; I knew it wasn't an ARM

2. Big heart?: ACE. Fun clue

We only play with Jumbo Index cards!!

 

3. Sports doc's order: MRI.

4. Part of an icy breakup: BERG. Another fun clue; iceBERG

5. Quran faith: ISLAM.

6. Speedometer, e.g.: GAUGE.

7. Set, as an alarm: ARMED. Moe-ku:

My first alarm clock
Was shaped like an octopus
ARMED and dangerous

8. Cookbook writer Garten: INA.

9. Make a meal of: DINE ON.

10. Run up, as debts: INCUR.

11. Jacket style named for an Indian leader: NEHRU. This brings back memories

12. Best man's best friend, often: GROOM. Another fun clue

14. Need for poi: TAROS.

17. Arlene of classic cinema: DAHL. Or, Willy Wonka creator Roald

20. Sturdy material: DENIM. This clue threw me off for a few moments

22. Infield protectors: TARPS. Abbr. for TARPaulin

23. Centipede platform: ATARI. Centipede is an old arcade game

24. Sponge features: PORES.

Sponge, au naturel

 

26. Adorable: CUTE. This little guy, maybe?

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen (PBGV)

 

28. Guitar legend Paul: LES.

31. 24/7 money source: ATM.

32. Thurman of "The Producers": UMA.

33. __ Quixote: DON.

34. Sports figures: STATS.

35. Blender setting: PUREE.

36. Copious: AMPLE.

38. Washbasin jug: EWER. Moe-ku:

Famous artist was
Asked to paint still-life. He said,
"EWER kidding, right?"

39. Loud: NOISY.

40. NL East player: NAT. Washington NATional

44. Tin alloy: PEWTER. PEWTER is an alloy composed primarily of tin with varying quantities of hardening agents such as antimony, bismuth, copper and lead

45. Grand Canyon rentals: MULES. Not now; overnight lows are in the teens and high temp's are barely above freezing

46. Hymn finale: AMEN. This is a beautiful rendition of Gloria Patri

47. Settles: CALMS.

48. Gibson garnish: ONION. A martini usually is garnished with an OLIVE or LEMON peel; a Gibson is garnished with a pickled ONION

49. Italian scooter: VESPA. Moe-ku:

Italian priest rode
A scooter to evening Mass
VESPA, for vespers

50. Bubbles up: FOAMS.

51. More eccentric: ODDER.

52. __-wip: dessert topping: REDDI. Anyone ever do this with a can?

56. June 6, 1944: D-DAY. My dad enlisted on D-Day; he had his 18th birthday just a few days before

58. London-to-Paris dir.: SSE. Directions, anyone??

60. "__ your head!": USE. What I usually say to myself when trying to figure out the puzzle themes

61. Airport code for Australia's second largest city: MEL. Airport code for MELbourne

62. Plant juice: SAP.

Here's the grid: Thanks to sumdaze for showing me how to caption my pics!! 😘

For those who asked for a grid showing the answers to the 01/16/2024 Universal Crossword puzzle:

Sunday December 25, 2022 Gary Larson & Amy Ensz

Theme: "Tis the Season" - Each common phrase is re-phrased as Christmas-related.

23. Snow-covered home in many Hallmark Christmas greetings?: HOUSE OF CARDS.

28. Task of untangling last year's outdoor Christmas decorations?: LIGHT DUTY.

41. Rude way to describe shopping mall Santas?: SUBORDINATE CLAUSES.

66. Like a decorated Christmas tree, usually?: BALL BEARING.

87. Like the contents of a gift-wrapped pet carrier, hopefully?: LIVING IN THE PRESENT.

103. Career preparing gifts for those on Santa's "naughty" list?: COALFIELD.

110. Portraying Comet's sleigh-pulling partner in the Christmas pageant?: PLAYING CUPID.

We have a standard 7-theme entry in a 142 word grid from our crossword power couple. 84 black squares, 6 more than usual.  

Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope your day is full of love and fun. I attended a Christmas eve mass last night. Bill, our Thursday sherpa, asked this mass to be offered to Boomer. Thanks, Bill! It's surreal to sit on the first row and be the first to get Father Charlie's blessing. I did remember to say "Amen" rather than "Thank you!" this time.

Across:

1. "God bless us, __ one!": EVERY. "A Christmas Carol". And 11. __ pudding: Christmas treat: PLUM. 21. Syllables from Santa: HO HO.

6. Cola choice: PEPSI.

15. Org. with Falcons and Ravens: NFL.

18. Stimulates, as curiosity: PIQUES.

20. Mr. T's outfit: A TEAM. And his outfit.

22. ISP pioneer: AOL.

25. Soon, long ago: ANON.

26. Overly: TOO.

27. Most wee: LITTLEST.

30. "Sounder" Best Actress Oscar nominee Cicely: TYSON.

31. Cap brims: VISORS.

34. Dog-__: EARED.

35. Ryder Cup org.: PGA. The 2023 Ryder Cup will be played in Italy.

37. Loudness measure: DECIBEL.

40. Chef's workload: ORDERS.

47. Completely updated: ALL NEW.

48. "Well, shoot": DRAT. Now I know why you need an ATM card. Never had one before. Hope to receive mine next week.

49. Air France hub: ORLY.

50. Wok, for one: PAN.

53. Coffee cup insulators: SLEEVES.

55. TV series based on a Coen brothers film: FARGO.

57. Noted second-place finisher: HARE.

58. Dodger great Reese: PEEWEE. Here with #42.

61. Slender stemware: FLUTE.

62. Went up a size: GREW.

63. "Waterloo" quartet: ABBA.

69. Word with wind and Wing: WEST.

70. Armoire part: DOOR.

71. Oscar winner Hunt: HELEN. For her "As Good as It Gets".

72. Build up: ACCRUE.

74. Go up against: ABUT.

75. Parlor piece: DIVAN.

76. Shows age, as newspaper: YELLOWS.

80. Yoga roll: MAT.

81. Make a bundle?: BALE. Good old clue.

82. Meyers of late-night TV: SETH.

86. British fish dish: EEL PIE. Looks tasty.

91. With good judgment: WISELY.

94. Perfect example: EPITOME.

95. Game console letters: NES.

96. Perfect: IDEAL.

97. Tell: RELATE.

99. Puts at ease: CALMS.

105. Proclaim loudly: BLARE OUT.

108. Actress Basinger: KIM. Here in "L.A. Confidential"

109. "Start talking": OK GO.

114. College domain: EDU.

115. Jump: LEAP.

116. Dispatch: HASTE. I only know "dispatch" as a verb.

117. Wonderland host who says, "It's always tea-time": HATTER. Mad.

118. Tres menos uno: DOS.

119. "NASCAR on NBC" analyst Earnhardt Jr.: DALE.

120. Figures (out): DOPES.

121. Flowering shrub, in gardener slang: RHODY. Rhododendrons.

Down:

1. NT book before Philippians: EPH. Ephesians.

2. Baroque stringed instrument: VIOL.

3. Evenhanded: EQUITABLE.

4. Out of practice: RUSTY.

5. Throws away quickly, in slang: YEETS. Not a word I use.

6. Busy orgs. during campaigns: PACS.

7. Coup d'__: ETAT.

8. According to: PER.

9. Despondent: SAD.

10. Online chats, briefly: IMS.

11. "Exile in Guyville" singer Liz: PHAIR.

12. Yearns (for): LONGS.

13. "I don't like the sound of that": UH OH.

14. __ Jack cheese: MONTEREY.

15. Essence: NATURE.

16. Header's opposite: FOOTER.

17. London insurance giant: LLOYDS.

19. Flight school hurdle: SOLO.

24. Italian fashion house known for leather goods: FENDI. Here's a nice Fendi Baguette.

28. Hang around lazily: LOLL.

29. Some parents: DADS.

31. "La Dolce __": VITA.

32. "Yeah, right": I BET.

33. Min. fraction: SEC.

35. Free TV spots: PSAS.

36. Noisy shorebird: GULL. What?

38. Wrap up: END.

39. Mercury or Saturn: CAR.

40. Norwegian capital: OSLO.

42. Words in a cocktail recipe: ONE PART.

43. Nice dream?: REVE. Nice the French city.

44. Geeky type: DWEEB.

45. __ valve: heart part: AORTIC.

46. Pressing need: URGENCY.

50. Cut (down): PARE.

51. War god: ARES.

52. Small amphibian: NEWT.

54. African language: SWAHILI.

55. Ala. neighbor: FLA.

56. Luminous glow: AURA.

57. "The Time Machine" author: H G WELLS.

59. Telepathic girl in "Stranger Things": ELEVEN.

60. Jazz great Fitzgerald: ELLA.

61. Marshy area: FEN.

63. "House of Gucci" actor Driver: ADAM.

64. "The Book of __ Fett": BOBA.

65. Boxing match: BOUT.

67. Actor Kingsley: BEN.

68. "The Whole Woman" writer Germaine: GREER. A few names in Down slots.

73. Peter Fonda title role: ULEE.

75. Crockett of folklore: DAVY.

77. Confides in: OPENS UP TO. Can't confide much to Carmen now. She's been sick with COVID. 

Lao Pan and Carmen, 5/3/2022

78. Sangria ingredient: WINE.

79. Gels: SETS.

81. Wallet: BILLFOLD.

82. Tizzy: SNIT.

83. Kin of -kin: ETTE.

84. Howe'er: THO.

85. Garment border: HEM.

87. "Dreamgirls" actress Sharon: LEAL.

88. Fix, as a horse: GELD.

89. Brewery letters: IPA.

90. Praline nut: PECAN.

91. Musical set in Oz: WICKED.

92. Eager reply to "Who wants dessert?": I DO I DO.

93. Irish poet Heaney: SEAMUS. Learning moment for me.

97. Fit for a queen: REGAL.

98. Skip the formalities, in a way: ELOPE.

100. Cry of frustration: ARGH. Big Easy got plenty from me last week.

101. Aptly named Renault: LE CAR.

102. Impudence: MOUTH.

104. Superstore with wordless assembly instructions: IKEA.

105. Information unit: BYTE.

106. Baloney: LIES.

107. Seven up, e.g.: TIED. Nice clue.

110. Letters from school: PHD.

111. Asian language: LAO.

112. Egyptian viper: ASP.

113. Like some humor: DRY.

 

A few extra notes:

1) Happy birthday to dear Kathy (Yellowrocks) and Lorraine (Fermatprime)! Have not heard from Lorraine for a while. I think her good friend Malcolm reads our blog from time to time.

Kathy (Yellowrocks), Dec 10, 2020

2) Boomer was buried on Dec 17th Saturday. It was a beautiful cold day. I wish I could tell him that I received the most amazing group card from his Monday morning traveling league, so so many guys signed it. And all five of his Thursday night teammates showed up for the visitation despite the bad weather, but he probably knew everything.  

 

I just want to say a special "thank you" to Dr. Nina (inanehiker). I would not have been able to take good care of Boomer without her medical and life advice. Nina patiently and promptly answered all my questions. She checked on me regularly and she still does. Her book of hope in the darkness, her generous gift card, her kindness and love will stay with me forever. 

I also want to thank constructor Tom Pepper, who drove Boomer to the VA, moved the TV and chair upstairs, and installed a floating shelf for me in our bathroom. Tom was there every step of the way for Boomer's funeral service. And he helped pay the group dinner after the mass. What you've done for me, Tom, touched me deeply.

 

Also want to thank D-Otto, Agnes, TTP, and my whole blogging team, who were always there for me when I needed help.

And to our blog readers, esp Janice Leavitt (Ohio), Glenn (Acesaroundagain), Tara Silva, Misty and Kelly Clark, thank you so much for making Boomer feel special in his final months.

    

I had a rocky start without Boomer. Wells Fargo locked me out of our bank account and deactivated my only credit card on Dec 16. Suddenly simple life basics became impossible. Hope the glitches get solved next week and I can live again. 

 

C.C.

Sunday October 16, 2022 Gary Larson & Amy Ensz

Theme: "Tool Boxes" - Tools are punnily interpreted as a non-tool related:

23A. Perfect some boxing techniques?: NAIL PUNCHES.

25A. Put off repeating some old sayings?: TABLE SAWS.

46A. Broadcast episodes of a Stacy Keach detective series?: AIR HAMMERS.

67A. Clock the Kentucky Colonel?: BELT SANDERS.

90A. Sample Rice Krispies treats?: TRY SQUARES.

112A. Rehearse some comedy routines?: DRILL BITS.

115A. Establish no-fly zones?: BLOCK PLANES.

34D. Record portions of some musical compositions?: TAPE MEASURES.

39D. Humming completely out of tune?: WRECKING BARS.

All theme entries are all in plural form. For consistency and necessity.

I'm not familiar with TRY SQUARES. Probably a fixture in D-Otto, TTP & Splynter's tool box.

Before I forget, last time TTP posted below last month. Turns out he was once indeed a male stripper. Good old days.

Two Truths and a Lie ?

I won 222 games of Wordle in a row.
I was a male stripper.
I taught Dash T how to code with Python. 

 

Across:

1. Old Milwaukee brewer: PABST. We also have 125. Round at the tavern: BEERS.

 

6. Word in a very cold forecast: MINUS.

11. Bank founded in 1865: HSBC. The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation. Here's their building in Shanghai. The Bund area.

15. Actor Rhames: VING. We had him before.

19. Impressive display: ARRAY.

20. Sukiyaki mushroom: ENOKI. Still sooo pricey.

21. Soap Box Derby state: OHIO.

22. Nevada's __ 51: AREA.

27. __ hour: ELEVENTH.

28. Provides lodging for: BILLETS. Not a word I sue.

29. Actress Falco: EDIE.

30. Role for Sally Struthers on "Gilmore Girls": BABETTE. Dell. 

 

33. Glossy fabric: SATIN.

37. Underground org.?: UMW. United Mine Workers of America.

40. Particularly revealing: TELLTALE. Sign.

42. Whirl: GYRATE.

43. Exchanges: MARTS. Noun "exchanges".

49. Duffer's goal: PAR.

50. "__ there yet?": ARE WE.

51. "Washington Journal" channel: C-SPAN.

52. Michelle of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon": YEOH. Hokkien. Same character as Yang, as in Jerry Yang, Andrew Yang, etc.

53. Will Ferrell holiday film: ELF.

54. Glacial epochs: ICE AGES.

56. Avid reader: BOOKWORM. Like a few on our blog.

59. Anger: MAKE MAD.

60. Advice from PC pros: IT HELP.

63. Song of praise: PAEAN.

66. Currently handling the matter: ON IT.

71. Sheet of paper: PAGE.

72. Discussion group: PANEL.

74. Cuts down to size: ABASES.

75. Landmass divided by the Urals: EURASIA.

77. Less alert: GROGGIER.

80. Pesto ingredient: PINE NUT. Stir-fried corn with pine nuts. Popular dish in northern China.

81. Hailed car: CAB.

83. Fly like an eagle: SOAR.

84. Board: GET ON.

87. Hearing-related: AURAL.

89. Female bear, in Spanish: OSA. Osa panda.

93. Devotion: PIETY.

94. "Wheel of Fortune" category: PHRASE.

96. Unpleasantry: UGLINESS.

99. "Get it?": SEE.

100. __ question: YES NO.

101. Product lines?: SLOGANS.

103. Poetic contraction: 'TWAS.

106. Dating profile category: TURN-ONS. Hell there, Splynter! How's the new job?

108. Problem drivers: ROAD HOGS.

118. Auxiliary: AIDE.

119. __ dixit: IPSE.

120. Wonderland cake words: EAT ME.

121. Peruvian of old: INCAN.

122. Tie up to a pier: MOOR.

123. Airplane assignment: SEAT.

124. Roofs on some Corvettes: T-TOPS.

Down:

1. Window section: PANE.

2. Asian lake depleted by irrigation projects: ARAL.

3. "Captain Marvel" star Larson: BRIE.

4. Balm: SALVE.

5. Used a keyboard: TYPED.

6. Protégé: MENTEE.

7. Yardstick division: INCH.

8. Dramatic form similar to Kabuki: NOH. Literally "skill".

9. Hawaiian strings, for short: UKE.

10. "__-boom-bah!": SIS.

11. Top seller: HOT ITEM.

12. Biblical "will": SHALT.

13. Barbara Kingsolver's "The Poisonwood __": BIBLE.

14. Pitcher Gerrit who was the 2019 MLB leader in strikeouts: COLE. Now with the Yankees.

15. Poughkeepsie campus: VASSAR.

16. Nest egg initials: IRA.

17. Mint: NEW.

18. Fuel for some furnaces: GAS.

24. Textbook chapter: UNIT.

26. Virtual crafts store: ETSY SHOP.

28. Grammy-winning banjoist Fleck: BELA.

30. Insignificant disruption: BLIP.

31. Razor brand: ATRA.

32. German road: BAHN.

35. Underscore alternative: Abbr.: ITAL.

36. Soft ball: NERF.

37. Actress Thurman: UMA.

38. __ Trench: Pacific chasm: MARIANA.

41. Young lady: LASS.

42. Develop: GROW.

44. Stereo component: TWEETER.

45. Clothes line: SEAM.

47. Nearsighted person: MYOPE.

48. Startled cry: EEK.

51. Formally surrender: CEDE.

55. Chitchat: GAB.

56. Nota __: BENE.

57. Sharon who won the 2013 Pulitzer in Poetry: OLDS.

58. Easter Island: RAPA NUI. To the natives. Moai.

59. Messy locks: MOP.

60. "How hard can __?": IT BE.

61. Bygone autocrat: TSAR.

62. Contains: HAS.

64. Perturb: AGITATE.

65. Cultural org.: NEA.

68. Dens: LAIRS.

69. Bridle part: REIN.

70. Phoenix NBAer: SUN.

73. One beyond hope: LOST SOUL.

76. Gather: REAP.

78. "An Inconvenient Truth" narrator Al: GORE. With his girlfriend.

79. The "G" of LGBTQ+: GAY.

80. False front: POSE.

81. Duplicate: COPY.

82. Stadium in Queens: ASHE.

84. Big party: GALA.

85. Sportscaster Andrews: ERIN.

86. Addition column: TENS.

88. Lutefisk-making chemical: LYE. Never had lutefisk.

91. __ hut: QUONSET.

92. Fleece-lined slippers: UGGS.

95. Deer horn: ANTLER.

97. Adds fuel to: STOKES.

98. Cashless deal: SWAP.

101. Take potshots (at): SNIPE.

102. Tons o': LOTSA.

104. Wing it: AD LIB.

105. 2020 Cy Young pitcher Bieber: SHANE. Not Justin.

107. Grand slam quartet, briefly: RBIS.

108. Ottawa-based law gp.: RCMP.

109. Start of many fairy tales: ONCE.

110. Equipment: GEAR.

111. Digits with dashes: SSNS.

112. Three Gorges structure: DAM. Cost over $31 billions.

113. Ipanema's city: RIO.

114. A vow avowal: I DO.

115. Get in a pool: BET.

116. Delt neighbor: LAT.

117. Nebraska native: OTO.

Two extra notes:

1) Happy birthday to CrossEyedDave and Blue Hen! Thanks for the delicious cakes you've baked for our regulars over the years Dave! Hi there, Blue Hen!

 

2) Boomer and I had a quiet week. He called a few close friends about the bad news. Gifted two of his 300 rings to the bowling coaches at Benilde-St. Margaret's. His legs are weaker and weaker, but he's still too stubborn to move the TV upstairs. He really does love his jammed man cave.