Wednesday, Mar 19, 2025 Tara Holland

div>Theme:  Each theme clue today is the same word, in search of different ways of expressing its meaning.  This is called a definition theme, or, in Corner parlance, a clecho [clue echo.]. The theme word here is MOLE.  Let's dig into it.

17. Mole: BEAUTY MARK.  A benign (non-cancerous) growth on the skin, often appearing as a small, dark spot. It is formed by clusters of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes, and can be brown, tan, black, blue, red, or pink.  I've had one on my left cheek forever.  It does not make me feel pretty.

23. Mole: SLEEPER AGENT.  A sleeper agent is a spy or operative who infiltrates a target country or organization, living undercover for an extended period, often years, to act as a potential asset if activated in the future.  A mole is a person who works for an organization or government and secretly gives information to its competitor or enemy.  These are related ideas of someone working under cover, but not really identical.

37. Mole: UNIT OF SUBSTANCE.   It's the base unit in the International System of Units (SI) for the amount of a substance, representing 6.022 × 10²³  of elementary entities (atoms, molecules, etc.). of that substance (Avogadro's number).  It is used to express the concentration of substances in solutions (moles per liter).   The molecular weight of a substance is the weight of one mole of molecules.

59. Mole: GARDEN PEST.  A small, burrowing mammal with velvety fur, small eyes and ears, and powerful forelimbs adapted for digging.   Moles live in tunnels underground, primarily in North America, Europe, and Asia.  They are insectivores, feeding on earthworms and other small invertebrates.   They aerate the soil and help control insect populations, while messing up your lawn.

48. Mole: MEXICAN SAUCE.   In contemporary Mexico the term is used for a number of sauces, some quite dissimilar.  They can contain fruits, nuts, chili peppers, and spices like black pepper, cinnamon, or cumin.

Hi Gang, JazzBumpa here to disambiguate the various meanings of today's repeated theme clue.  Let's see what else we can uncover.

Across:

1. Maker of the first graphing calculator: CASIO.  This was the model FX-7000G, introduced in 1985.  

6. Mediterranean volcano: ETNA.  This is an active volcano that erupted just last month.

10. Tournament passes: BYES.  In a tournament, a "bye" means a player or team advances to the next round without playing a match in the current round, often awarded to top-seeded participants or when there's an uneven number of competitors. 

14. Acrylic fiber: ORLON.  My first thought was Nylon, but that's a polyamid.   Orlon is known for it's  known for its softness, durability, and resistance to sunlight, chemicals, and mildew.  Alternatively, an R&B group that formed in 1960.

Probably not 1960

 
15. Blistex targets: LIPS.  Blistex Medicated Lip Balm helps prevent dryness and chapping. They tell us that its easy glide formula also soothes irritated lips.

16. Goddess born to the Titans Coeus and Phoebe: LETO.  In Greek mythology, Leto is the Titan goddess of motherhood, childbirth, and modesty. She is the mother of Artemis and Apollo, 

19. Lots and lots: A TON.  A non-specific large quantity.

20. Wager: BET.  Risk something, usually a sum of money, against someone else's on the basis of the outcome of a future event, such as the result of a race or game.

21. Declare with confidence: AVER.  Assert that something is true.

22. Pressing into service: USING.   Taking, holding, or deploying something as a means of accomplishing a purpose or achieving a result;

27. Not as expensive: LESS.  Not costing as much.

28. "U slay me!": LOL. Expressions of mirth.

29. Ornamental pond fish: KOI.   In Japan, the koi is a symbol of luck, prosperity, and good fortune, and also of perseverance in the face of adversity. Ornamental koi are symbolic of Japanese culture and are closely associated with the country's national identity.

32. 6-Across output: LAVA.  Molten rock.  Refer to the video above.

35. Pines, e.g.: CONIFERS.   Trees that bear cones and needle-like or scale-like leaves that are typically evergreen. Conifers are of major importance as the source of softwood, and also supply resins and turpentine.

41. Rose up: REBELLED.  Rose in opposition or armed resistance to an established government or ruler.

42. Wine quality: NOSE.  The "nose" of a wine is the wine's aroma or smell. It's a term used by wine experts and enthusiasts to describe the scents that come from the wine. 

43. Wool producer: EWE.  A female sheep.

44. Not exactly talkative: MUM.  "Be silent," 1560s, from a verb mum (Middle English mommen) "make silent" (c. 1400); "be silent" (mid-15c.), from mum, mom (late 14c.), "an inarticulate closed-mouth sound" indicative of unwillingness or inability to speak, probably imitative. As an adjective meaning "secret" or "silent" from 1520s. Phrase mum's the word is recorded by 1704.

45. "Hold on!": WAIT.  I'll be right there.

53. Open mic night figure: COMIC.  Stand up comedian.

56. Palo __, California: ALTO.   Palo Alto (Spanish for 'tall stick') is a charter city in the northwestern corner of Santa Clara County, California, United States, in the San Francisco Bay Area, named after a coastal redwood tree known as El Palo Alto.  The city of Palo Alto was incorporated in 1894 by the American industrialist Leland Stanford and his wife, Jane Stanford, when they founded Stanford University in memory of their only child, Leland Stanford Jr. 

57. Skillet: PAN.  A skillet is a type of pan, often called a frying pan, characterized by a flat bottom, slightly sloped or flared sides, and a long handle, making it suitable for various cooking methods like frying, sautéing, and searing. 

58. North __ Sea: Central Asian lake: ARAL.  The Aral Sea was an endorheic [has no outflow to the sea or ocean, instead, water is lost primarily through evaporation or seepage into the ground] lake lying between Kazakhstan to its north and Uzbekistan to its south, which began shrinking in the 1960s and had largely dried up into desert by the 2010s. It was in the Aktobe and Kyzylorda regions of Kazakhstan and the Karakalpakstan autonomous region of Uzbekistan.   The North Aral Sea is the portion of the former Aral Sea that is fed by the Syr Darya River. It split from the South Aral Sea in 1987–1988 as water levels dropped due to river diversion for agriculture.

62. Demolish: RAZE.  Completely destroy a building, town, or other site.   Etymologically "to scratch, slash, scrape, erase," from Old French raser "to scrape, shave," from Medieval Latin rasare.

63. Advantage: EDGE.  An improved position or advantage in some sort of competition.

64. Soeur de la mére: TANTE.  The clue indicates the mother's sister.  The fill indicates a mature or elderly woman who is related or well known to the speaker (often used as a respectful form of address).  None of tis was known to me.

65. Cold drafts: ALES.  Move away from the window and enjoy one sitting by the fire.

66. Once in a blue __: MOON.  Rarely.  Alternatively,  a wheat beer brewed with tangerine peel. Not an ale.

67. General delivery?: ORDER.  Hmmm.  An authoritative command issued by a high ranking military officer. 

Down:

1. Some hearty salads: COBBS.  An American garden salad typically made with chopped salad greens (authentically romaine lettuce), tomato, bacon, chicken breast, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, chives, blue cheese or other cheeses and red wine vinaigrette.

2. Staggering: AREEL.  Walking unsteadily - perhaps from too many ales.

3. Roof option: SLATE.  A roof made of natural stone tiles

4. Letters for debtors: IOU.  A phonetic acronym of the words "I owe you," that is a document that acknowledges the existence of a debt. 

5. Recorded: ON TAPE.  In the language, but probably anachronistic by now.  Does anybody actually record on tape these days?

6. Big name in glue: ELMER'S.  Elmer's Products, Inc. or simply Elmer's, is an American-based company that has a line of adhesive, craft, home repair, and office supply products. 

7. Diadem: TIARA.  Each is jeweled head band.  A diadem can also be more crown- like, symbolizing royalty. 

8. "Fresh Air" airer: NPR.  National Public Radio.

9. "That's a pretty big __": ASK.  Something you request someone to do that will be difficult for them.

10. Really fun time: BLAST. An enjoyable experience or lively party.

11. Himalayan recluse: YETI.    A mythical creature that's said to live in the Himalayan mountains.

12. Historic English school: ETON.   Eton College is a public school providing boarding education for boys aged 13–18, in the small town of Eton, in Berkshire, in the United Kingdom. It has educated prime ministers, world leaders, Nobel laureates, Academy Award and BAFTA award-winning actors, and generations of the aristocracy, and has been referred to as "the nurse of England's statesmen"

13. "Call Me" or "Call Me Maybe": SONG.  

18. __ Saint Laurent: YVES.   Yves Henri Donat Mathieu-Saint-Laurent 1936 – 2008)better known as Yves Saint Laurent or YSL, was a French fashion designer who, in 1962, founded his eponymous fashion label. He is regarded as being among the foremost fashion designers of the twentieth century.

22. Like birthday candles during dinner: UNLIT.  This assumes the dinner precedes the dessert, which the natural order of things.  But somebody once said - life is uncertain, eat dessert first.

24. Absolutely delight: ELATE.  Make someone ecstatically happy.

25. Goopy lump: GLOB.  An amorphous and possibly sticky mass.

26. Ages and ages: EONS.  A long, non-specific time period.

29. Lotto game: KENO.   Keno is a lottery-like gambling game often played at modern casinos, and also offered as a game in some lotteries.

30. Middle-earth menaces: ORCS.   

31. "Understood": I SEE.  Got it.

32. Fishing aid: LURE.   An artificial bait, often made of plastic or metal, designed to attract fish by mimicking prey or triggering their instincts, and is used to catch fish during angling

33. Once more: ANEW.  Starting over.

34. General feeling: VIBE.  The overall feeling, atmosphere, or energy of a place, person, or situation, often used to describe a positive or negative feeling or mood. 

35. Bovine mouthful: CUD.   Partly digested food returned from the first stomach of ruminants to the mouth for further chewing.

36. Crush alternative: FANTA.  Fanta is an American-owned brand of fruit-flavored carbonated soft drinks.  Crush is a brand of carbonated soft drinks owned and marketed internationally by Keurig Dr Pepper, originally created as an orange soda, Orange Crush. Crush competes with Coca-Cola's Fanta.

38. Early Mesoamerican civilization: OLMEC.   he Olmec were an ancient Mesoamerican civilization that flourished in the Gulf Coast states of Veracruz and Tabasco, modern-day Mexico, between roughly 1200 and 400 BCE.  The Olmec are often considered the "mother culture" of Mesoamerica because their practices and beliefs influenced later civilizations like the Maya and Aztec. 

39. __ capacitor: "Back to the Future" device: FLUX.   A piece of technology in the 1985 time-travel film Back to the Future and its sequels. Although it's described as the thing that makes time travel possible, the precise mechanism it works by isn't ever explained.  It's a bit of fun sci-fi technobabble made up of two pieces of genuine scientific terminology. In physics, flux is the amount of something (like electricity) that’s passing through a given object’s surface and a capacitor is a device that stores electronic charge.

40. Final Four game: SEMI.  The two winners advance to the final, to determine the champion.

45. Thoreau work subtitled "Life in the Woods": WALDEN.  An 1854 book by American transcendentalist writer Henry David Thoreau. The text is a reflection upon the author's simple living in natural surroundings. The work is part personal declaration of independence, social experiment, voyage of spiritual discovery, satire, and—to some degree—a manual for self-reliance

46. Stake: ANTE.   The initial wager in a poker game.

47. Can't be fooled by: IS ON TO.  Has it figured out.

48. Marathon units: MILES.  A unit of linear measure equal to 1,760 yards (approximately 1.609 kilometres).

49. __ pants: CARGO.  Loosely cut pants originally designed for rough work environments and outdoor activities, distinguished by numerous large utility pockets for carrying tools.

50. Overturn: UPEND.  Turn something over so that it ends up upside down; alternatively, to abolish, invalidate, or reverse a previous system, decision, situation, etc.

51. Isabel Wilkerson book that inspired the Ava DuVernay film "Origin": CASTE.   A nonfiction book by the American journalist Isabel Wilkerson, published in August 2020 by Random House. The book describes racism in the United States as an aspect of a caste system—a society-wide system of social stratification characterized by notions such as hierarchy, inclusion and exclusion, and purity. 

52. "Come in!": ENTER.  Go into a building or other structure.

53. "Scars to Your Beautiful" singer Alessia: CARA.  Alessia Caracciolo, known professionally as Alessia Cara, is a Canadian singer and songwriter who was discovered on YouTube at age 13 for her covers and impressions of artists like Lorde and Alanis Morissette. She has won 25 awards out of 74 nominations, including being Canada's first Grammy winner for Best New Artist. Cara is known for encouraging support for real music and artists. 

54. Spoken: ORAL.  As opposed to written.

55. Puzzle with paths: MAZE.  a network of paths and hedges designed as a puzzle through which one has to find a way.

59. Peridot, for one: GEM.   A precious or sometimes semiprecious stone cut and polished for ornament

60. Fuss: ADO.  And now, without further ----

61. __ for the course: PAR.  An average or normal amount or result; just what one might expect.  This term comes from golf, where it refers to the number of strokes needed by an expert golfer to finish the entire course.

That finishes another Wednesday.  Hope you enjoyed the adventure.

Cool Regards!

JzB

Wednesday, February 19, 2025 Brian Callahan

Theme: Dorothy was FLAT OUT WRONG!  There are lots of places like home.

17 A. *Completely and utterly incorrect: FLAT OUT WRONG.  Like the beliefs of flat earthers, I suppose.  A FLAT is also an apartment.  This is more common in British than in American usage, I think.

24 A. *Cheat sheets: CRIB NOTES.  Written notes used as an aid in "remembering' things, sometimes used to cheat on a test.  I vaguely remember a prof allowing us to have a crib sheet in a physics test once upon a time.  I had to google to learn that CRIB could also be ones house of apartment.  I don't recall ever seeing or hearing it use in this way.   Then, within a couple of hours of typing this, I did see it.  Irony strikes again.

 35 A. *Tries to uncover old scandals, say: DIGS UP DIRT.  Searches for negative information in order to damage someone's reputation, or influence public opinion. DIGS also refers to a person's place of residence.

47 A. *Thai dish also called "drunken noodles": PAD KEE MAO.  This is a Thai stir-fried noodle dish.  Anecdotally, its name refers to it being popular among the inebriated; alcohol is not part of the ingredients or preparation.  PAD also refers to someone's home. 

And the unifier -- 56 A. Change for a dollar, and what can be found at the starts of the answers to the starred clues: FOUR QUARTERS.   QUARTERS refers to  rooms or lodgings, especially those allocated to people in military or domestic service.   

So, my homies, the four stared clues all indicate someone's living QUARTERS.  I'd give 25 pennies for your thoughts.

Hi Gang -- Jazzbumpa here, reporting from the cozy comfort of my own living quarters.  We've had lots of cold and snow, so I'm happy to not be anywhere else

Across:

1. Reading while propped up by pillows, say: ABED.  Getting comfy in the coziest part of one's quarters.

5. Peach __: MELBA.   A dessert of peaches and raspberry sauce with vanilla ice cream. It was invented in 1892 or 1893 by the French chef Auguste Escoffier at the Savoy Hotel, London, to honor the Australian soprano Nellie Melba.

10. Casual greetings: HIs.   Hi, and Hi again.  I'm not fond of this.  It's a tortured plural you are very unlikely to ever see or hear in the real world.  And it is spelt like the singular male possessive pronoun.

13. Black bird: RAVEN.  Any large black bird, of which the RAVEN is one example.

15. "It's our time to shine!": WE'RE ON.  It's our turn to perform or present something.

16. German cry: ACH.   An exclamation or interjection. It is similar to the English “Oh.” 

19. Quilting party: BEE.  A gathering of people for a specific purpose

20. Texas city that forms the Petroplex with Midland: ODESSA.   Odessa is a city in western Texas. Downtown, Jack Ben Rabbit is an 8-foot-tall statue of a jackrabbit. Another 37 Jamboree Jackrabbits dot the city. The Presidential Archives and Leadership Library exhibits presidential memorabilia. The University of Texas of the Permian Basin's Stonehenge is a replica of the famous English site. To the southwest, meteorite fragments are on display at the Odessa Meteor Crater.  

21. Activist Yoko: ONO.   Yoko Ono is a Japanese multimedia artist, musician, singer, author, filmmaker, and peace activist. A pioneer of conceptual and participatory art in the 1960s, her work is known for its political messages, feminist themes, and audience participation.

22. Venue: SITE.  A specific location for an event or meeting.

23. Worldwide social welfare org.: UNICEF.   Originally the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, officially United Nations Children's Fund since 1953, is an agency of the United Nations responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide.

26. Lease: RENT.   Pay someone for the use of (something, typically property, land, or a car).  A lease is a legal contract regarding the details of a rental agreement.

27. Meadow: LEA.   An open area of grassy or arable land.

29. Expression of awe: OOH - AAH.  An informal idiom that means to express pleasure, surprise, or both.

30. NFC East team, on scoreboards: NYG.  The New York Giants are an American Football team competing in the East Division of the National football Conference.

31. Pre-GPS navigation aid: AAA MAP.  A paper map obtained from the American Automobile Association

34. Rugrats: TOTS.  Very young children.  I fondly remember those days.  Most of our grands are adults now.

37. Wineglass part: STEM.  True story -- One time a few years ago we were eating at one of those small plate restaurants when the waitress accidentally dropped a utensil.  It hit my wine glass, breaking the bowl from the stem.  The bowl landed upright on the table and didn't spill a drop.  I felt like I witnessed a miracle.

39. Pricey property: ESTATE.  An extensive area of land in the country, usually with a large house, owned by one person, family, or organization.

40. Gas additive brand: STP.   STP® Gas Treatment claims to improve the quality of gas by adding powerful cleaning agents that help fight the accumulation of harmful deposits in the fuel system that can reduce performance.

43. Like meat rubs: SPICED.  Seasoned with various flavorful spices.

45. Air marshal's org.: TSA.   Transportation Security Administration, a US agency that protects the country's transportation systems. The TSA was created after the 9/11 attacks to prevent future attacks. 

46. Formal address: SIRE.  An archaic form of respectful address for someone of high social status, especially a king.

50. More svelte: LEANER.  More slender and elegant.

52. Midmonth time: IDES.   In the ancient Roman calendar, a day falling roughly in the middle of each month (the 15th day of March, May, July, and October, and the 13th of other months) from which other dates were calculated.

53. As well: TOO.  Also.

54. Groom-to-be: FIANCE.   A man to whom someone is engaged to be married.

55. Knock: RAP.  As knuckles on a door, to gain entrance.

59. "The Bear" Emmy winner Edebiri: AYO.  Ayo Edebiri [b. 1995] is an American actress, comedian, and television writer who has solidified her star status in recent years. Since 2022, she has played chef Sydney Adamu in the comedy-drama series The Bear, winning a Golden Globe Award for her performance.

60. "Sense and Sensibility" novelist Jane: AUSTEN.   Jane Austen [1775-1817] was an English novelist known for her six novels that critique and comment on the English landed gentry in the late 18th century. Her works are celebrated for their social commentary, particularly on class, status, and gender barriers. 

61. __ Lawrence College: SARAH.  Sarah Lawrence College is a private liberal arts college in Yonkers, New York, United States. Founded as a women's college in 1926, Sarah Lawrence College has been coeducational since 1968. The college's campus in Yonkers maintains a Bronxville mailing address and sits roughly 20 miles from New York City.   Founder William van Duzer Lawrence named the college for his wife, who was a bog proponent of higher education for young women

My son went to Lawrence Technological University here in Michigan.  No relation.

62. Acid: LSD.  Lysergic acid diethylamide is a psychedelic drug that can cause hallucinations and alter thoughts and emotions. It's considered a soft drug, which means it's not thought to be as addictive as harder drugs. However, LSD is still considered unsafe. 

63. Dough: BREAD.  Synonyms for money.

64. Actor Rogen: SETH.   Seth Aaron Rogen (b.1982) is a Canadian actor, comedian, and filmmaker. Known primarily for his comedic leading man roles in films, the accolades he has received include nominations for three Golden Globe Awards, five Primetime Emmy Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and an Independent Spirit Award.

Down:

1. Sound in a vet's office: ARF.  Canine utterance.  Perhaps a reaction to a lab test.

2. "My eye!": BALONEY.  Expression of unbelief or disdain.  There are more colorful alternatives.

3. Ducking: EVADING.  Slipping away from, especially by cleverness or trickery,

4. Catch a hint of: DETECT.   Discover or identify the presence or existence of something.

5. Sound in a vet's office: MEW.   Feline utterance, and a clecho.  Perhaps a reaction to a cat scan.

6. Blunder: ERROR.  A blunder is a particularly dumb or careless mistake.

7. Téa of "Madam Secretary": LEONI.  Téa Leoni (b Elizabeth Téa Pantaleoni, 1966) is an American actress. In her early career, she starred in the television sitcoms Flying Blind (1992–93) and The Naked Truth (1995–1998). Her breakthrough role was in the 1995 action comedy film Bad Boys. Leoni had lead roles in films such as Deep Impact (1998), The Family Man (2000), Jurassic Park III (2001), Spanglish (2004), and Fun with Dick and Jane (2005). From 2014 to 2019, she starred as Elizabeth McCord, Secretary of State, in the CBS political drama series Madam Secretary.

8. Chimpanzee kin: BONOBO.   The bonobo (Pan paniscus) is a great ape that lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They are endangered and have experienced a significant population decline in recent years.  Bonobos are distinguished from common chimpanzees by relatively long limbs, pinker lips, a darker face, a tail-tuft through adulthood, and parted, longer hair on their heads.

9. "Sense and Sensibility" director Lee: ANG.   Ang Lee OBS is a Taiwanese filmmaker. His films are known for their emotional charge and exploration of repressed, hidden emotions. During his career, he has received international critical and popular acclaim and numerous accolades including three Academy Awards, five BAFTA Awards, and three Golden Globe Awards.

Since :Sense and Sensibility" is another clecho, here is a little bit about the movie based on the novel.  When Elinor Dashwood's (Emma Thompson) father dies, her family's finances are crippled. After the Dashwoods move to a cottage in Devonshire, Elinor's sister Marianne (Kate Winslet) is torn between the handsome John Willoughby (Greg Wise) and the older Colonel Brandon (Alan Rickman). Meanwhile, Elinor's romantic hopes with Edward Ferrars (Hugh Grant, aka "that annoying British guy") are hindered due to his prior engagement. Both Elinor and Marianne strive for love while the circumstances in their lives constantly change.  But, then, don't we all.

10. Savanna or steppe: HABITAT.   The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism, like the bonobo. 

11. Lipton offerings: ICE TEAS.   Drinks made by infusing the dried crushed leaves of the tea plant in boiling water, and then chilling.  Shall we revive the ice tea - iced tea controversy?  I vote no. 

12. "Puh-leeze": SHEESH.  Exclamations of disbelief or exasperation.

14. __ ring: NOSE.  A hooplike piece of jewelry worn on the nose, either through a pierced hole or held by a clasp.  

15. Aryna Sabalenka's org.: WTA.   Aryna Siarhiejeŭna Sabalenka (b. 1998) is a Belarusian professional tennis player. She is currently ranked as the world No. 1 in women's singles by the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), and is a former world No. 1 in women's doubles. 

18. Pinned item on many a pol's lapel: US FLAG.

22. Übertrendy: SO HOT.  "Very trendy" or "extremely fashionable."   Some of us are too old to care.

23. Continental breakfast vessel: URN.   Coffee reservoir.

24. Literature Nobelist Albert: CAMUS.   Albert Camus(1913 – 1960) was a French philosopher, author, dramatist, journalist, world federalist, and political activist. He was the recipient of the 1957 Nobel Prize in Literature at the age of 44, the second-youngest recipient in history. His works include The Stranger, The Plague, The Myth of Sisyphus, The Fall and The Rebel.

25. __ Dame: NOTRE.   Notre-Dame de Paris, often referred to simply as Notre-Dame, is a medieval Catholic cathedral on the Île de la Cité, in the 4th arrondissement of Paris, France. The cathedral, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture.  Construction was started in 1163, and the opening was in 1345.

The University of Notre Dame du Lac (known simply as Notre Dame) is a private Catholic research university in Notre Dame, Indiana, United States.  Founded in 1842 by members of the Congregation of Holy Cross, a Catholic religious order of priests and brothers, the main campus of 1,261 acres  has a suburban setting and contains landmarks such as the Golden Dome main building, Sacred Heart basilica, the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, the 134 foot tall Word of Life mosaic mural (nicknamed "Touchdown Jesus" because of the Christ figure's upraised arms), and Notre Dame Stadium.

28. Simplicity: EASE.   Simplicity is the quality or condition of being easy to understand or do.

31. Pop singer Mann: AIMEE.   Aimee Elizabeth Mann [b. 1960]  is an American singer-songwriter. Over the course of four decades, she has released ten studio albums as a solo artist. She is noted for her sardonic and literate lyrics about dark subjects, often describing lost or lonely underdog characters. 

From the comments under the Youtube vid, this song is deeply meaningful to some people who were struggling.

32. Likely will, with "is": APT TO.  Describing a presumed high probability expectation.

33. Old-school organizers, briefly: PDAs.  Personal Data Assistants. Now we can do it all with our phones.

35. Knocks to the canvas: DECKS.  Delivers a punch that knocks an opponent or adversary down.

36. Roma's land: ITALIA.  Both words rendered in their native language: Italiano.

37. Times for pampering: SPA DAYS.  A SPA DAY is a day of pampering and relaxation at a a commercial establishment offering health and beauty treatment through such means as steam baths, exercise equipment, and massage. It's a chance to escape daily stresses and rejuvenate. 

38. Procter & Gamble detergent pack: TIDE POD.   Tide PODS are laundry detergent pacs that contain detergent, stain remover, and color protector. They are designed to work in any washing machine, including high-efficiency machines. 

40. Genuine: SINCERE.   Free from pretense or deceit; proceeding from legitimate feelings.

41. Squirrel, in slang: TREE RAT.  "Tree rat" can refer to a number of rodents that live in trees, including roof rats, spiny rats, and other tree-dwelling rodents -or squirrels. 

42. Each: PER.  Relative to a single unit of something.

43. Feature of a well-thrown football: SPIRAL.  A ball thrown so that it rotates around its axis in flight. 

44. Way out of the way?: DETOUR.   Rerouted travel in order to avoid some obstacle or difficulty. 

46. Seasonal mall workers: SANTAS.  Don't fall for it,  they're impersonators.

48. Menu opener: MOUSE.  A computer accessory used to actuate applications and processes. 

49. Major artery: AORTA.    The main artery of the body, supplying oxygenated blood to the circulatory system. In humans it passes over the heart from the left ventricle and runs down in front of the backbone.

51. Corn units: EARS.  The spiked part of a corn plant that contains kernels.

54. Good times: FUN.   Enjoyment, amusement, or lighthearted pleasure.

56. Terrif: FAB.  Slangy indications of fun or something of high quality.

57. Logician's letters: QED.   QED is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase quod erat demonstrandum, which means "what was to be demonstrated". It's used to indicate that a proof or argument is complete. 

58. [Finger on lips]: SHH.  A plea for silence.

So, on this quiet note we arrive at home.

If you recall from my blog last month, our 18-year-old granddaughter Emily was badly injured when the car she was riding in got struck broadside by a drunk driver on December 16.  She is still in the hospital, and has had some complications to deal with, but has made significant recovery.  She gets 3 hours of physical and occupational therapy every week day.  She was healed enough to stand up - with assistance - a few days ago, and can now pivot while standing.  We are very proud of her for the progress she's making and her determined efforts to fully recover.  This kid has a lot of grit.

Cool regards!

JzB

Wednesday, January 15, 2025 Mark McClain

 Theme:  Yes, you can go back.  If you are in Reverse.  Each two word theme fill contains the name of a travel passage, spelt backwards and spanning the two words.  This is indicated with the circled letters.

17. Sticky stuff in a dispenser: SCOTCH TAPE.    Scotch is a brand name used for tape and related products developed by 3M.    A path is a way or track laid down for walking or made by continual treading.

22. Out of this world: TOTALLY AWESOME.   Extremely enjoyable or impressive.  A WAY is any track for traveling.

35. Cause of some springtime discomfort: POLLEN ALLERGIES.    A pollen allergy is an immune system reaction to pollen, a fine powder released by plants to fertilize other plants. Pollen allergies are also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever.   A LANE is a narrow road, especially in a rural area, or a division of a road marked off with painted lines and intended to separate single lines of traffic according to speed or direction.

45. Fruit from the Sunshine State: FLORIDA ORANGES.  These are simply oranges grown in the state of Florida. Go figure.  A ROAD is a wide way leading from one place to another, especially one with a specially prepared surface which vehicles can use.  

53. Thoroughfare away from the main drag, or what can be found in each set of circled letters: BACK STREET.  This is a minor street remote from a main road.  Or, in the case of this puzzle, the name of any travel path concealed in a two word sequence and spelt in reverse.

Hi gang - JazzBumpa here, your travel guide for the day.  Let's embark on this puzzle journey.  With a little luck, nobody will get lost.

Across:

1. Philosophy test component: ESSAY.  A written work that expresses the author's thought on a given subject.

6. Water conveyer: PIPE.  A tube used to carry a fluid.

10. Royal __: seabird native to the Americas: TERN. A sleek seabird of warm saltwater coasts, with a tangerine-colored bill and ragged, ink-black crest against crisp white plumage.

14. India's first prime minister: NEHRU.  Jawaharlal Nehru (1889 – 1964)  was an Indian statesman who was a central figure in India during the middle of the 20th century. Nehru was second only to Mahatma Gandhi in leading the Indian nationalist movement in the 1930s and 1940s, and upon independence from Britain in 1947 served as India's first prime minister until his death in 1964.

15. Four or five: A FEW.  A small number of people or things.

16. French god: DIEU.  Literal

19. Seckel, e.g.: PEAR.    A pear of a small sweet juicy brownish-red variety, grown chiefly in the US.

20. Normandy city: CAEN.   Caen is a port city and capital of Calvados department in northern France's Normandy region. Its center features the Château de Caen, a circa-1060 castle built by William the Conqueror. I

21. Competes in a regatta: SAILS.  Travels in a boat with sails, especially as a sport or recreation.

27. Least likely to be seen: RAREST.  Most uncommon.

28. Family men: DADS.  Male parents.

29. Middle East flyer: EL AL.   Meaning "Upwards" or "To the sky," it is the flagship airlines of Israel.

30. Triangular-stemmed marsh grass: SEDGE. Any of a family (Cyperaceae, the sedge family) of usually tufted monocotyledonous marsh plants differing from the related grasses in having achenes ( small, dry one-seeded fruits that do not open to release the seed) and solid stems.  

32. __ Dhabi: ABU.   Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, sits off the mainland on an island in the Persian (Arabian) Gulf. Its focus on oil exports and commerce is reflected by the skyline’s modern towers and shopping megacenters such as Abu Dhabi and Marina malls. 

39. Tunisian tennis pro __ Jabeur: ONS.   Ons Jabeur (b. 1994) is a Tunisian professional tennis player. She has a career-high ranking by the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) of world No. 2, achieved on 27 June 2022. Jabeur is the current Tunisian number one, and the highest-ranked African and Arab tennis player in WTA and ATP rankings history. She has won five singles titles on the WTA Tour, as well as eleven singles titles and one doubles title on the ITF Circuit. 

40. Tied up in knots: TENSE.  Displaying anxiety or nervousness.

41. Country on the Arabian Sea: OMAN.  Oman, officially the Sultanate of Oman, is a country on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula in West Asia. It shares land borders with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. The capital and largest city is Muscat.

42. Sharpen: WHET.  Sharpen the blade of a tool or weapon.

43. The movie industry: CINEMA.  The art or industry of producing movies.

50. Museum piece: RELIC.   An object surviving from an earlier time, especially one of historical or sentimental interest.

51. Zero-star reviews: PANS.  Severe criticisms.

52. Drop out: OMIT.  Leave out or exclude someone or something, either intentionally or forgetfully.

59. Symbol of peace: DOVE.  A stocky seed- or fruit-eating bird with a small head, short legs, and a cooing voice. Doves are generally smaller and more delicate than pigeons.  They are typically docile and highly intelligent. 

60. Garfield's housemate: ODIE.Garfield, an orange cat, and Odie, a yellow dog, are the cartoon pets of Jon Arbuckle.

61. Cause for some recalls: E COLI.  Escherichia coli is a gram-negative, facultative anaerobic, rod-shaped, coliform bacterium of the genus Escherichia that is commonly found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded organisms. They can cause infections when contaminating foods.

62. Small notes: ONES.  Dollar bills.

63. Some imitative software: BOTS.    Software programs designed to automatically perform repetitive tasks on the internet, often mimicking human behavior, like interacting with websites, chatting with users, or collecting data.  They and can be used for both helpful and malicious purposes depending on its design.

64. Flip out: PANIC.  Sudden uncontrollable fear or anxiety, often causing wildly unthinking behavior.

Down:

1. 34-Down grad: ENS.  Ensign is the junior commissioned officer rank in the United States Navy, the United States Coast Guard, the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps.

2. "Hold on a __!": SEC.  Requesting someone to briefely wait.

3. "Your Honor" airer, briefly: SHO.   Showtime Networks, Inc. is a television company owned by American media conglomerate Paramount Global under its networks division that oversees the company's premium cable television channels, including its flagship namesake service, The Movie Channel, and Flix.

4. Museum piece: ART.   Art describes a diverse range of cultural activity centered around works utilizing creative or imaginative talents, which are expected to evoke a worthwhile experience, generally through an expression of emotional power, conceptual ideas, beauty, and/or technical proficiency.

5. Desert bloomers: YUCCAS.   Plants of the agave family with stiff swordlike leaves and spikes of white bell-shaped flowers that are dependent upon the yucca moth for fertilization, found especially in warm regions of North America and Mexico.

6. Dev of "Hotel Mumbai": PATEL.  Dev Patel [ b. 1990] is an English actor and filmmaker. He has received various accolades, including a British Academy Film Award and nominations for an Academy Award and two Golden Globe Awards. Patel was included in Time's list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2024.

7. "Assuming there are some": IF ANY.  Anticipating the possible existance of a small quantity of something.

8. Frisky feeling: PEP.  Energy and high spirits.

9. Source of milk for manchego cheese: EWE.  Female sheep.

10. Completion worth six points, informally: TD PASS.  A ball thrown to an eligible receiver who is in or makes it into the end zone for a touchdown.

11. "Old MacDonald" letters: EI-EI-O.  Nonsense syllables in a children's song.

12. Monarch's territory: REALM.  Literally, the territory of a ruler.

13. Drink slowly: NURSE.   As defined, over an extended period.

18. Drill command: HALT.   Stop, soldiers!

21. Ceremonial feast during Passover: SEDER.  A Jewish ritual service and ceremonial dinner for the first night or first two nights of Passover.

22. Hawk's weapon: TALON.  The claw of a bird of prey.

23. Face-to-face exams: ORALS.  Spoken tests.

24. Spill the beans: TELL.  Disclose a secret or reveal something prematurely.

25. Perplex: ADDLE.  Make someone unable to think clearly; confuse.

26. Minimum __: WAGE.   The lowest wage paid or permitted to be paid

27. Credit union seizure: REPO.   Repossess a car or other item when a buyer defaults on payments.

30. North Pole VIP: SANTA.   That jolly old elf.

31. Couple of fellows?: ELS.  The word "fellow" contains a double letter "l."  

32. Singer-songwriter Mann: AIMEE.  Aimee Elizabeth Mann [ b. 1960] is an American singer-songwriter. Over the course of four decades, she has released ten studio albums as a solo artist. She is noted for her sardonic and literate lyrics about dark subjects, often describing lost or lonely underdog characters.

33. Grins broadly: BEAMS.   Smiles with joy.

34. Annapolis inst.: USNA.   United States Naval Acadamy.

36. Code of conduct: ETHIC.  Aset of moral principles, especially ones relating to or affirming a specified group, field, or form of conduct.

37. "__ a hand?": NEED.    Can I help you?

38. Large percussion instrument: GONG.  

42. Drops a line: WRITES.  Frex, a letter, post card or email.

43. Beer containers: CANS.    Small steel or aluminum containers in which food or drink is hermetically sealed for storage over long periods.
 
44. Foot part: INSTEP.   The part of a person's foot between the ball and the ankle.

45. Hobbit who inherits the One Ring from Bilbo: FRODO.   Frodo Baggins is a fictional character in J. R. R. Tolkien's writings and one of the protagonists in The Lord of the Rings. Frodo is a hobbit of the Shire who inherits the One Ring from his cousin Bilbo Baggins, described familiarly as "uncle", and undertakes the quest to destroy it in the fires of Mount Doom in Mordor. He is mentioned in Tolkien's posthumously published works, The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales.

46. Shade of yellow: LEMON.   A vivid yellow color characteristic of the lemon fruit. 

47. Shade of green: OLIVE.  A dark yellowish-green color, like that of unripe or green olives. ...

48. Footnote abbr.: OP CIT.   Abbreviated form of opere citato (Latin, 'in the work cited'), a formula employed in scholarly footnotes and endnotes when referring to a quotation from a work of which the title has already been specified, this reference usually being preceded by the name of the work's author. 

49. Leaf collectors: RAKES.  An implement consisting of a pole with a crossbar toothed like a comb at the end, or with several tines held together by a crosspiece, used especially for drawing together cut grass or fallen leaves, or smoothing loose soil or gravel.

53. Weave's partner: BOB.   To bob and weave is to move quickly up and down and from side to side, usually in order to avoid hitting or being hit by something:

54. "Without further __ ... ": ADO.  A state of agitation or fuss, especially about something unimportant. Here, it is to do something without delay.

55. Classic TV brand: RCA.  The RCA Corporation was a major American electronics company, which was founded in 1919 as the Radio Corporation of America. It was initially a patent trust owned by General Electric (GE), Westinghouse, AT&T Corporation and United Fruit Company. In 1932, RCA became an independent company after the partners were required to divest their ownership as part of the settlement of a government antitrust suit.

56. Long, long time: EON.  An indefinite and very long period of time.  

57. Arch Manning's uncle: ELI.   Archibald Charles Manning (b. 2005) is an American football quarterback for the Texas Longhorns. He is a member of the Manning family, the oldest son of Cooper Manning, himself the eldest son of Archie Manning, and nephew to Cooper's NFL quarterback brothers, Peyton and Eli.

58. Start of a pencil game: TIC.  Continuing with tac and toe.

So we have arrived at our destination.  

Not everyone is so lucky.  A month ago my daughter Karen was driving with her daughter Emily [18] an son Nate [22] to a concert where I was playing.  In a residential neighborhood at a 4-way stop, a drunk driver traveling at high speed with her lights off in the dark hit them broadside.  Karen got broken ribs and some other minor injuries.  Nate got scrapes and bruises and was relatively unharmed.  Emily was severely injured, with a shattered pelvis, broken arm, and internal injuries.  She is still in the hospital and will be for some time. The bones are knitting properly, but she has had some complications with the soft tissue damage.  She's in remarkably good spirits, and is angry, of course. I'm happy to see she is channeling that energy into determination.  She'll get better, eventually, but it will be a long road.

The lesson here is to wear your seat belt - and have it low and tight across your lap.  It can be a life saver.

Cool regards!

Ron

Wednesday, December 11 2024 Maddy Ziegler

Theme - We are in our Salad Day. [appropriately, in GREEN]. Lettuce continue down to the theme fill, each one indicated with an "*".

8. *Salute in ancient Rome: HAIL CAESAR.   More or less "Long live the King!" maybe.

14. *Scary Halloween venue: HAUNTED HOUSE.   A house or other building often perceived as being inhabited by disembodied spirits of the deceased who may have been former residents or were otherwise connected with the property.  Or, as in this case, a more normal structure decorated to simulate one, for scary amusement.

21. *Vacation spot with horses: DUDE RANCH.  A vacation resort offering activities (such as horseback riding) typical of western ranches.  

Anybody remember these guys?

27. *Irish novelist who writes the "Dublin Murder Squad" series: TANA FRENCH.  Somehow, I suspect the French [relating to France or its people or language] is not a common name in Ireland.

And the unifier:  19. Severe scolding, and what the answers to the starred clues literally have?: DRESSING DOWN.  An acute verbal reprimand for some real or imagined wrong-doing.

What each of the indicated two-word answers have in common is that each of the second words indicated a type of salad DRESSING.  CAESAR DRESSING is mayonnaise based, with anchovies, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce and mustard.  HOUSE DRESSING this time of year could mean Christmas decorations for the home, but, in the kitchen is probably some variation on an oil and vinegar combination.  RANCH DRESSING, when it's not chaps, spurs and a cowboy hat, is a mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, lemon juice and a secret blend of herbs and spices.  FRENCH DRESSING is a mixture of oil, vinegar, tomato puree and other flavorings.

Hi Gang, Jazzbumpa here to get things started.  Note the gimmick in the theme.  The unifier gives the clue that the theme fill will will be oriented in the down direction. With the salad now behind us, let's move on the the main course. 

Across:

1. Gratuity: TIP.   An extra payment made to a wait person or other service provider to supplement their normal wage. 

4. Common London weather: FOG.  A thick cloud of tiny water droplets suspended in the atmosphere at or near the earth's surface which obscures or restricts visibility (to a greater extent than mist; strictly, reducing visibility to below 1 km).  

7. __ moment: AHA.  The instant one comes to a new revelation.

10. Feathery accessory: BOA.  A long, thin decorative scarf or stole made of feathers or a similar material.

13. Burdened by debt: IN A HOLE.   As defined.

15. Competed in a turkey trot: RAN.  Participated in a walking or running even on Thanksgiving morning.  These are ususally 5 or 10 kilometers.

16. Piercing tool that resembles a screwdriver: AWL.  A small pointed tool used for piercing holes, especially in leather.

17. Musical set at the Kit Kat Klub: CABARET.  Cabaret is an American musical with music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and a book by Joe Masteroff. It is based on the 1951 play I Am a Camera by John Van Druten, which in turn was based on the 1939 novel Goodbye to Berlin by Christopher Isherwood.  Also, it is a 1972 American musical period drama film directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse from a screenplay by Jay Presson Allen, based on the stage musical of the same name

18. Way of thinking: MINDSET.  The established set of attitudes held by someone.

20. Spared no expense: SPLURGED.   Spent freely or extravagantly.

22. Border city on the Rio Grande: LAREDO.   A city in the U.S. state of Texas and seat of Webb County, on the north bank of the Rio Grande in South Texas, across from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Founded in 1755, Laredo grew from a village to the capital of the short-lived Republic of the Rio Grande to the largest inland port on the Mexican border. Laredo's economy is primarily based on international trade with Mexico, and as a major hub for three areas of transportation: land, rail, and air cargo.

23. Distinguishing feature of some languages: TONE.   In tonal languages, pitch is a property of words, and the relative pitch is more important than the absolute pitch. For example, in Mandarin, the word "ma" can have four different meanings depending on its pitch.

24. __ shirt: MUSCLE.   A close-fitting, sleeveless or short-sleeved shirt that is designed to accentuate the wearer's physique

26. Skin art, for short: TAT.   Tattoo, for long - a form of body modification made by inserting tattoo ink, dyes, and/or pigments, either indelible or temporary, into the dermis layer of the skin to form a design. 

28. Anti-narcotics org.: DEA.  Drug Enforcement Agency

29. Barter: SWAP.   Trade an item or items for another or others.

33. 2023 Academy Honorary Award recipient Bassett: ANGELA.  Angela Evelyn Bassett [b. 1958] is an American actress. Known for her work in film and television since the 1980s, she has received various accolades, including a Primetime Emmy Award and two Golden Globe Awards, as well as nominations for two Academy Awards.

36. WSW opposite: ENE.  Directional indications, 45 degrees off of the compass's cardinal points

37. Goalie's success: SAVE.   Stopping the launched missile from entering the goal in sports such as soccer and hockey.  

38. British nobleman: LORD.  A title given to a member of the peerage, a social class of nobles that includes dukes, marquesses, earls, viscounts, and barons

39. Big name in tiny candies: NERDS.    Crunchy, neon-colored American candies that come in a variety of flavors and are known for their moon rock shape

41. Curling __: IRON.  A tool used to change the arrangement of the hair using heat. There are three general kinds: curling irons, used to make the hair curl; straightening irons, commonly called straighteners or flat irons, used to straighten the hair; and crimping irons, used to create crimps of the desired size in the hair.

42. Four Corners state: UTAH.  The Four Corners Monument marks the quadripoint in the Southwestern United States where the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah meet. It is the only point in the United States shared by four states, leading to the area being named the Four Corners region

43. "Sex Education" actor Butterfield: ASA.   Asa Bopp Farr Butterfield [b. 1997] is an English actor. Beginning his career as a child actor, Butterfield first achieved recognition as the lead of the historical drama film The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.

44. "Advancing the power of facts" journalism website: A P NEWS.  The Associated Press is a not-for-profit news agency that supplies news to newspapers, radio, and television stations. It's known for its fast and reliable reporting, and is considered a trusted source of accurate information.

46. Office 34-Down: MEMO.    A usually brief written message from one person or department in an organization, company, etc., to another

47. Fair-weather __: FAN.    Someone who only actively supports a team or person when they are winning or performing well, losing interest when the team starts to struggle or face setbacks.  In contrast are long suffering fans, like me, whose team [The Lions] has been mired in mediocrity or worse since 1957, now scarcely able to believe what they are seeing.

48. Rule, for short: REG.  Regulation.

49. Lars of Metallica: ULRICH.   Lars Ulrich R [b.1963] is a Danish musician who is the drummer and a founding member of American heavy metal band Metallica. Along with James Hetfield, Ulrich has songwriting credits on almost all of the band's songs, and the two of them are the only remaining original members of the band.

52. Throws in: ADDS.   Speaks up in conversation, or contributes to an activity

55. Kind of paper in a gift bag: TISSUE.  A thin gauzy paper used especially for protecting something (as by covering or wrapping.)

58. Long, relaxing baths: HOT SOAKS.   Self evident.

61. Works a summer office job, perhaps: INTERNS.   Said of a student or trainee who works, sometimes without pay, at a trade or occupation in order to gain work experience.  Granddaughter Samantha has interned at Disney World and two local organizations in northern Michigan.  She recently landed a sales job at the Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City.

63. Scout who may sell cookies: BROWNIE.  A member of the junior branch of the Girl Scouts, for girls aged between about 6 and 8.

64. Hotshot: ACE.  One who is highly skilled in a particular endeavor.

65. Green prefix: ECO-.  Not harmful to the environment.

66. ID checker at a nightclub: BOUNCER.   A person employed by a nightclub or similar establishment to prevent troublemakers from entering or to eject them from the premises.

67. Tool with teeth: SAW.   A hand tool for cutting wood or other materials, typically with a long, thin serrated steel blade and operated using a backward and forward movement.

68. Camera __: SHY.   Unwilling to be photographed.

69. Casual affirmative: YUP.  Un-huh.

70. Historic time: ERA.  An important or outstanding period of history.  Or something about Taylor Swift

Down:

1. Nervous twitches: TICS.   An idiosyncratic and often non-voluntary and habitual feature of a person's behavior, or spasmidic muscle contraction.

2. Not fitting: INAPT.  Inappropriate.

3. 2012 World Series MVP Sandoval: PABLO.   Pablo Emilio Sandoval Reyes (b. 1986) is a Venezuelan-American professional baseball third baseman for the Staten Island FerryHawks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves. Nicknamed "Kung Fu Panda", Sandoval is a two-time All-Star and has won three World Series championships with the Giants. He hit three home runs in Game 1 of the 2012 World Series, becoming the fourth player to hit three home runs in a World Series game, leading to his being named that year's World Series Most Valuable Player (MVP).

4. "You're not making this up?": FOR REAL?.   Expression of surprise and/or disbelief.

5. Designer Cassini: OLEG.   Oleg Cassini [1913 - 2006] was a fashion designer born to an aristocratic Russian family with maternal Italian ancestry. He came to the United States as a young man after starting as a designer in Rome, and quickly got work with Paramount Pictures. Cassini established his reputation by designing for films.

6. "Don't let the thieves escape!": GET 'EM.  Capture those miscreants!

7. Cup holder locale, perhaps: ARM.  As in a piece of furniture.

9. Record of the year?: ANNAL.  Annals are a concise historical record in which events are arranged chronologically, year by year.  Or, as indicated here, within a year.

10. Acid counterpart: BASE.  A counterpart is a person or thing holding a position or performing a function that corresponds to that of another person or thing in another place.  However, an acid and a base will neutralize each other.  They are opposites.

11. Carried debt: OWED.   Had a financial obligation to another person or entity.

12. Voice above tenor: ALTO.  From the top down, they are soprano, also, tenor and bass.

25. Button that may submit an online form: SEND.  It's function is transmit a message or document to a recipient.

30. Spy follower?: WARE.   Spyware is software that enables a user to obtain covert information about another's computer activities by transmitting data covertly from their hard drive.  I dislike this kind of self-referential clue.

31. Declare bluntly: AVOW.  Assert or confess openly.

32. Pilot gear?: PENS.  I guess this refers to PENS made by the Japanese company Pilot.

33. Grad: ALUM.  One who graduated from a learning institution.

34. Short message: NOTE.  Or MEMO, maybe?

35. Unit on a kitchen scale: GRAM.  A metric unit of mass equal to one thousandth of a kilogram.  28.3485 grams equal 1 oz.

40. Actor Morales: ESAI.   Esai Manuel Morales Jr. [b.1962] is an American actor. He has had notable roles in the films Bad Boys with Sean Penn and La Bamba with Lou Diamond Phillips.

45. Thick 4-Across metaphor: PEA SOUP.  Because it is thick and opaque.

50. Tackle box supply: LURES.  Artificial objects used to catch fish by attracting them with the appearance of prey

51. Solving crosswords, for some: HOBBY.  An activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure.

53. Destination after a promposal: DANCE.  A prom is a formal dance for high school or college students.

54. Slalom competitor: SKIER.   A slalom is a ski race down a winding course marked by flags or poles.

55. Aunts in la familia: TIAS.  En Español.

56. Peru native: INCA.  The Incas were an advanced civilization that ruled a large empire in the Andes Mountains of South America from approximately 1200 to 1533 AD.

57. Seethe: STEW.  Cooking terms involving boiling or simmering liquids, also used to indicate intense anger.

59. Pants, in slang: TROU.  Short for trousers.

60. Word sung twice after "Que" in a classic song: SERA.  Whatever will be will be.

62. __ sauce: SOY.   A sauce made with fermented soybeans, used in Chinese and Japanese cooking.  I saw a quip recently, saying that it might just be sauce introducing itself in Spanish, since "Soy" in Spanish means "I am."

And so we end on that bit of silliness.   Hope you enjoyed the meal and got through it without choking.  What - no dessert?  You know I would never desert you.

And thanks for all the Birthday wishes on Sunday.  You guys are the best!

Cool regards and Happy Holidays!

JzB

Wednesday, November 20, 2024 David Poole

Theme:   Creasing, Collapsing and Flipping.

18. Tailgating seat: LAWN CHAIR.  A light, collapsible chair made to be used outside.

20. Brunch choice: FRENCH OMELET.  A dish of beaten eggs cooked in a pan until the outside is smooth and golden brown, and the inside is moist and custardy. 

37. Part of a formal place setting: CLOTH NAPKIN.    A small square of cloth used at meals to clean your fingers and lips, and to protect your clothes.

56. Medium for an artist whose work is in-creasing?: ORIGAM IPAPER.  A flat sheet of paper that is transformed into a finished culture. [I love this clue WAY too much.]

59. Easy-to-store piece of furniture: CARD TABLE.  A square table for playing cards on, typically having legs that collapse for storage.  Ours slips neatly behind the china cabinet.

What do all these items have in common?  Let's check the unifier.

62. Poker player's concession, and what 18-, 20-, 37-, 56-, and 59-Across might say?: I FOLD. The poker player is figuratively folding his cards, giving up on that hand.  The theme fill are all items that can be folded in a more literal sense.  Clever!

Hi Gang, JzB here to straighten things out.  Sadly, I had a couple naticks which gave me a DNF.  <sigh.>  But I'm not going to hold a grudge.  Let's press on.

Across:

1. Parenthesis, in an emoticon: SMILE.   Like this --    :-)

6. Automaker __ Romeo: ALFA.  Alfa Romeo Automobiles S.p.A. is an Italian luxury carmaker known for its sports-oriented vehicles, strong auto racing heritage, and iconic design. Headquartered in Turin, Italy, it is a subsidiary of Stellantis Europe and one of 14 brands of multinational automotive company Stellantis.

10. London elevator: LIFT.   English English vs American English.

14. Word with roll or code: HONOR.  An Honor Roll is a recognition of excellence for students; and Honor Code is  a set of rules or principles that define what is considered honorable behavior in a given community. 

15. Bank claim: LIEN.   A legal claim or security interest on a property that secures the payment of a debt or obligation. The property owner who grants the lien is known as the lienee, and the person who benefits from the lien is called the lienor or lienholder.

16. Actress Taylor-Joy: ANYA.  Anya-Josephine Marie Taylor-Joy  [b. 1996] is an actress. Born in Miami and raised in Buenos Aires and London, Taylor-Joy left school at the age of 16 to pursue an acting career. After a series of small television roles, her breakthrough came with a leading role in the horror film The Witch.

Not my idea of a good time

17. Sundance film, e.g.: INDIE.   A movie or short film that is produced and distributed outside of the major film studio system. 

22. Freight weight: TON.  A unit of weight equal to 2,000 pounds avoirdupois (907.19 kg).

23. Pointer: TIP.   Helpful hints, suggestions, or key points that guide you towards understanding a subject or situation. 

24. Use an X-ray on: SEE INTO.  Observe the inner structure.

28. Meyers of late-night TV: SETH.  Seth Adam Meyers [b. 1973] is an American comedian, television host, actor, writer, producer, and podcaster. He currently hosts Late Night with Seth Meyers, a late-night talk show on NBC.

30. Umami, for one: TASTE.   Umami or savoriness, is one of the five basic tastes. It is characteristic of broths and cooked meats. 

32. Clod: OAF.   An awkward, foolish or stupid person.

33. Soul singer Baker: ANITA.   Anita Denise Baker [b 1958]  is an American singer-songwriter. She is known for her soulful ballads, particularly from the height of the quiet storm period in the 1980s. Starting her career in the late 1970s with the funk band Chapter 8, Baker released her first solo album, The Songstress, in 1983.

35. Porcine proboscis: SNOUT.   A pig's nose.  it's how they smell.

40. Annual NBA event: DRAFT.   The NBA draft happens every year in June. It is where teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA) choose players who have never played in the NBA before. If a team chooses a player, that player cannot sign a contract to play for any teams other than that team.

42. Small change: TWEAK.   Improve a mechanism or system by making fine adjustments to it.

43. Sully: MAR.   Impare the appearance or quality of something.

44. Land parcel: TRACT.  An area of indefinite extent, typically a large one.

46. Earth Day sci.: ECOLogy.    the study of the relationships between living organisms, including humans, and their physical environment; it seeks to understand the vital connections between plants and animals and the world around them.

50. "America's Got Talent" judge SofÌa: VERGARA.   Sofía Margarita Vergara Vergara [b. 1972] is a Colombian and American actress and television personality. She is known for her role as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett in the ABC sitcom Modern Family and Griselda Blanco in the Netflix miniseries Griselda.

53. RN workplaces: ORS.  Operating Rooms, where surgeries happen.

55. British pop singer Rita: ORA.  Rita Sahatçiu Ora [b. 1990] is a British singer, songwriter, television personality, and actress. Born in Pristina, modern-day Kosovo, she rose to prominence when she featured on DJ Fresh's 2012 single, "Hot Right Now", which peaked atop the UK singles chart. 

63. Potatoes, in Indian cuisine: ALOO.  As in, for example: Aloo gobhi, aloo gobi or alu gobhi is a vegetarian dish from the Indian subcontinent made with potatoes, cauliflower, and Indian spices. It is popular in Indian cuisine. It is yellowish in color due to the use of turmeric, and occasionally contains black cumin and curry leaves.

64. Spanish cat: GATO.  Literal.

65. __ and effect: CAUSE.   The direct relationship between an action or event and its consequence or result.

66. Like new: MINT.   In mint condition, originally, the phrase related to the way collectors described the condition of coins.

67. Spengler of the Ghostbusters: EGON.  Egon Spengler, PhD is a fictional character from the Ghostbusters franchise. He appears in the films Ghostbusters, Ghostbusters II, and Ghostbusters: Afterlife, in the animated television series The Real Ghostbusters and Extreme Ghostbusters, and in the video games Ghostbusters: The Video Game and Ghostbusters Beeline. Egon was portrayed by Harold Ramis in the films and voiced by him in Ghostbusters: The Video Game and Lego Dimensions.

68. ATM keypad key: ENTER.  The enter key is a computer innovation, which in most cases causes a command line, window form, or dialog box to operate its default function. This is typically to finish an "entry" and begin the desired process, and is usually an alternative to clicking an OK button.

Down:

1. Work periods: SHIFTS.  Any of two or more recurring periods in which different groups of workers do the same jobs in relay.

2. Curtis and Lemmon's "Some Like It Hot" co-star: MONROE.    Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson (June 1, 1926 – August 4, 1962) was an American actress and model. Known for playing comic "blonde bombshell" characters, she became one of the most popular sex symbols of the 1950s and early 1960s, as well as an emblem of the era's sexual revolution. She was a top-billed actress for a decade, and her films grossed $200 million (equivalent to $2 billion in 2023) by the time of her death in 1962.

3. Use a Tab key: INDENT.  Move a line of test a specified distance from the left margin

4. Pork portion: LOIN.  Pork loin is a cut of meat from a pig, created from the tissue along the dorsal side of the rib cage

5. Put up: ERECT.  Build, as, for example, a house.

6. Conventional doctor, to an alternative medicine practitioner: ALLOPATH.  A doctor who treats disease by conventional means, i.e., with drugs having opposite effects to the symptoms.

7. Actor Neeson: LIAM.   William John Neeson OBE [b. 1952] is a Northern Irish actor. He has received several accolades, including nominations for an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, three Golden Globe Awards, and two Tony Awards. In 2020, he was placed seventh on The Irish Times list of Ireland's 50 Greatest Film Actors.

8. Smallest in number: FEWEST.   The least quantity of people or things.

9. Founder of the American Shakers: ANN LEE. Ann Lee ( 1736 – 1784), commonly known as Mother Ann Lee, was the founding leader of the Shakers, later changed to United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing following her death. She was born during a time of the Evangelical revival in England, and became a figure that greatly influenced religion at this time, especially in the Americas.

10. "Chicago Hope" Emmy winner Christine: LAHTI.   Christine Ann Lahti [b. 1950]s an American actress and filmmaker. She was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for the 1984 film Swing Shift. Her other film roles include ...And Justice for All, Housekeeping, Running on Empty, Leaving Normal, and A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.

11. Food Network host Garten: INA.  Ina Rosenberg Garten [b. 1948] is an American television cook and author. She is host of the Food Network program Barefoot Contessa, and was a former staff member of the Office of Management and Budget.

12. BTW relative: FYI.  By the way and For Your information, phrases used to indicate you have something more to say.

13. La Brea __ Pits: TAR.  La Brea Tar Pits is an active paleontological research site in urban Los Angeles. Hancock Park was formed around a group of tar pits where natural asphalt has seeped up from the ground for tens of thousands of years. Over many centuries, the bones of trapped animals have been preserved.  You can decide if  "La Brea Tar Pits" is redundant.  in my opinion, since it is a recognized place name, it is not.

19. So-so grade: CEE.  A letter grade given to work that is not particularly good nor bad.

21. Bandleader's cry: HIT IT.  Start playing.  In all my decades of playing in various venues and formats, I don't recall any leader ever saying this.

25. Halfway to midnight: NOON.  The exact midpoint between one midnight and the next.

26. Sigma follower: TAU.

27. Many a time, in verse: OFT.  Often is oft thus abbreviated.  

29. __ Dome: Yosemite attraction: HALF.  Half Dome is a quartz monzonite batholith at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park, California. It is a well-known rock formation in the park, named for its distinct shape. One side is a sheer face while the other three sides are smooth and round, making it appear like a dome cut in half.

31. Present day celebrity?: SANTA.  Famous mythical gift-giver who shows up between Christmas Eve and Christmas morning.  Clever clue.

34. "__ on my watch!": NOT.   The speaker is saying that they will not allow something to happen, and the intent is that they will be taking action to stop it. 

35. Reggae precursor: SKA.   Ska is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1950s and was the precursor to rocksteady and reggae. It combined elements of Caribbean mento and calypso with American jazz and rhythm and blues. Ska is characterized by a walking bass line accented with rhythms on the off beat.

36. Reebok rival: NIKE.    An American athletic footwear and apparel corporation headquartered near Beaverton, Oregon, United States. It is the world's largest supplier of athletic shoes and apparel and a major manufacturer of sports equipment, with revenue in excess of US$46 billion in its fiscal year 2022.

37. NFL quarterback Derek: CARR.   Derek Dallas Carr [b. 1991] is an American professional football quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League.

38. "You're pulling my leg!": AW COME ON.   Expression of disbelief.

39. Cultural dish?: PETRI.   A shallow transparent lidded dish that biologists use to hold growth medium in which cells can be cultured, originally, cells of bacteria, fungi and small mosses.

40. ID-issuing org.: DMV.  Department of Motor Vehicles.

41. "I Really Like You" singer Carly __ Jepsen: RAE.  Carly Rae Jepsen [b. 1985] is a Canadian singer and songwriter. After studying musical theatre for most of her school life and while in university, Jepsen garnered mainstream attention after placing third on the fifth season of Canadian Idol in 2007.

44. System based on urgency: TRIAGE.   In medicine, triage is a process by which care providers such as medical professionals and those with first aid knowledge determine the order of priority for providing treatment to injured individuals and/or inform the rationing of limited supplies so that they go to those who can most benefit from it.

45. Mishmash: RAGBAG.   a confused mixture or a random collection of odds and ends.

47. Poor excuse: COP OUT.    The act or an instance of backing out of a situation or commitment or avoiding responsibility for something. When you take the easy way out to avoid doing something challenging or making a difficult choice, that's a cop-out. An excuse can be called a cop-out.

48. "... you'll be sorry if you don't!": OR ELSE.  A vague threat suggesting an unspecified outcome if certain conditions are not met.

49. Food storage spot: LARDER.   A room or large cupboard for storing food.

51. Beckett's "Waiting for __": GODOT.   Waiting for Godot is a play by Irish playwright Samuel Beckett in which two characters, Vladimir and Estragon, engage in a variety of discussions and encounters while awaiting the titular Godot, who never arrives.

52. Works in a gallery: ART.   Works of art on display rather than labor performed.

54. Liven (up): SPICE.    To add interest or excitement to something. For example, you can spice up a speech, a story, a performance, or food.

57. Silicon Valley city Palo __: ALTO.  Palo Alto (Spanish for 'tall stick') is a charter city in the northwestern corner of Santa Clara County, California, United States, in the San Francisco Bay Area, named after a coastal redwood tree known as El Palo Alto.  As one of the principal cities of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto is home to the headquarters of multiple tech companies

58. Anonymous admirer's sign-off: A FAN.    A person who has interest or likes something, or somebody. 

59. Zoom meeting need, for short: CAMera.

60. Lord of the rings?: ALI.   Muhammd Ali [1942- 2016] was an American professional boxer and activist. Nicknamed "The Greatest", he is regarded as one of the most significant sports figures of the 20th century. Widely regarded as the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time, he held the Ring magazine heavyweight title from 1964 to 1970

61. Actor Perlman: RON.  Ronald N. Perlman [b. 1950] has a long list of movie acting and voice acting credits. 

And so it ends.  Hope you made it through with no structural damage.

If anyone is interested, the Dearborn Big Band, where I play, did a joint concert with the Dearborn Concert Band on Oct 30.  Here is a video of the concert.

Concert Link

Concert Band plays first.
We play one O'clock Jump together at 41:20
Dearborn Big Band starts at 47:20 with Peter Gunn
My feature is at 49:40.

Cool Regards!

JzB