Wednesday, March 18, 2026 Aaron Ullman

heme: STRINGING ALONG or FACING THE MUSIC, or FEELING PLUCKY.  The last word of in the language phrases is repurposed to suggest a guitar players activities.

 

 20 A. *Some fruity sandwich spreads: RASPBERRY JAMS.  Fruit jam is a spread made by cooking fruit, sugar, and lemon juice (for pectin and acidity) together until thick. It can be made with fresh, frozen, or foraged fruits, providing a concentrated sweet fruit flavor.  In music a JAM session is a planned or impromptu event characterized by improvisation, that can exist in a variety of music genres, including those that feature guitars.   

27 A. *Criticize harshly: RIP TO SHREDS.   This means to severely tear or destroy a physical object, or to harshly criticize a person, argument, or performance. It indicates intense damage or total dismantling of something. It is also commonly used to mean completely refuting someone’s ideas in a harsh way.  SHRED also means to play electric guitar with extreme speed, technical precision, and high-intensity, often using techniques like rapid alternate picking, sweep-picking, tapping, and legato. 

36 A. *Long-handled, long-toothed combs: AFRO PICKS.  Specialized, wide-toothed combs designed to lift, volumize, and shape curly, coily, and afro-textured hair from the roots.  They were symbols of black power/excellence, especially in the 70s as a rejection of euro beauty standards and showing acceptance and empowerment for black beauty standards and unity.  

 

Also, a PICK, or plectrum, is a small, typically triangular, flat tool held in the hand to pluck or strum stringed instruments.  

49 A. *Hollow floaties: POOL NOODLES.    Cylindrical pieces of flexible, buoyant polyethylene foam. Pool noodles are used by people of all ages while swimming.

NOODLING on guitar [or trombone, c'mon] is the act of playing aimlessly, improvising, or messing around on the instrument without a specific goal, structure, or song in mind. 

56 A. Stirs emotions, or how a guitarist might interpret the ends of the answers to the starred clues?: STRIKES A CHORD.   As defined - affect or stir someone's emotions, or perhaps invoke a memory.  The idiom originated in the early 19th century from music, metaphorically referring to striking a chord on a stringed instrument to produce a resonant, harmonious sound that mirrors human emotions.  Here is how you strike 3 basic guitar chords.

Hi Gang - JazzBumpa here - as always, delighted to have a music-related theme to conduct. [Though I must admit the guitar thoroughly defeated me.]  So let's tune up and get playing.

Across:

1. Tend the garden: WEED.  Here, WEED is a verb, meaning to remove weeds from the garden and reduce the competition for soil nutrients.

5. Wound covers: SCABS.  A protective, dried blood clot that forms over a wound within hours, acting as a natural, temporary biological dressing, it keeps out germs and debris while allowing new skin cells to form underneath.

10. Spanish 23-Across: NIÑO.  A child - most likely a boy.  A girl would be a niña.

14. Sicilian volcano: ETNA.  An active stratovolcano found on the east coast of Sicily, Italy, in the Metropolitan City of Catania, between the cities of Messina and Catania, and in many crossword puzzles. It is located above the convergent plate margin between the African Plate and the Eurasian Plate. 

15. Crème de __: CACAO.  A sweet, cocoa-flavored liqueur commonly used in cocktails, typically containing 20–25% ABV (40–50 proof) and made from cacao beans, vanilla, and sugar. It comes in white (clear) or dark brown varieties, 

16. Superstar: IDOL.   A person or thing that is greatly admired, loved, or revered.

17. Savoir faire: TACT.  The ability to act or speak appropriately in social situations.

18. "Just Mercy" actor __ Jackson Jr.: O'SHEA. O'Shea Jackson Jr., [b. 1991] also known by the stage name OMG, is an American actor, rapper and songwriter. He is the oldest son of Ice Cube and, in his feature film debut, he portrayed his father in the 2015 biopic Straight Outta Compton.

19. Unhip type: NERD.   A person passionately devoted to intellectual, technical, or specific niche pursuits, often characterized by high expertise in fields like technology, academics, or gaming. While historically used as an insult for someone socially awkward or unstylish, the term has evolved into a badge of pride for intense, knowledgeable enthusiasm.

23. Lad: BOY.    A male child or youth [niño] originating from 14th-century Middle English boy/boye (servant, knave). 

25. Pod unit: PEA.   A pulse or fodder crop, but the word often refers to the seed or sometimes the pod of this flowering plant species. Peas are eaten as a vegetable. 

26. Bother a lot: EAT AT.    To gradually destroy, erode, or consume something, or to cause persistent worry and anxiety. 

32. WSW opposite: ENE.  Compass directions : west-south-west and east-north-east.

33. Informal "but": ALTHO.  "Altho" is an informal, simplified spelling of the conjunction although, meaning "in spite of the fact that," "even though," or "though". It is primarily used in informal, casual writing or sometimes in American English, acting as a shortcut for the standard spelling.

34. Hawthorne Heights music genre: EMO.   A style of rock music resembling punk but having more complex arrangements and lyrics that deal with more emotional subjects.   Hawthorne Heights is an American rock band formed in Dayton, Ohio, in 2001. 

35. Cold War initials: USSR.  The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics was a transcontinental country that spanned much of Eurasia from 1922 until its dissolution in 1991. It was the world's third-most populous country, largest by area, and bordered twelve countries.  A diverse multinational state, it was organized as a federal union of national republics, the largest and most populous being the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. In practice, its government and economy were highly centralized. As a one-party state governed by its Communist Party, it was the flagship communist state. Its capital and largest city was Moscow.

40. Throw out a line: CAST.  To throw, fling, or propel something with force, in this case a baited hook, lure, or fly out over the water using a fishing rod and reel.

43. Number of orbits around the sun Neptune has completed since its discovery: ONE.  The eighth and farthest known planet from the Sun, located about 2.8 billion miles (4.5 billion km) away. It is a vibrant blue ice giant with a thick, windy atmosphere composed of hydrogen, helium, and methane, featuring supersonic wind speeds up to 1,200 mph.  Discovered in 1846, it was the first planet located through mathematical predictions rather than regular observation.  Neptune takes approximately 165 Earth years (about 60,190 days) to complete one revolution around the Sun.  It completed its first full orbit since its discovery in 1846 only in 2011. 

44. Beer ingredient: YEAST.   Yeast is a, if not the, crucial, single-celled microorganism in brewing that converts sugars in wort into ethanol (alcohol), carbon dioxide (carbonation), and aromatic compounds. The two main types are top-fermenting Ale yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) for warmer, faster fermentation and bottom-fermenting Lager yeast (Saccharomyces pastorianus) for cooler, slower, and cleaner fermentation.

48. Not cool: OUT.   "Out" can indicate something is no longer in style, in stock, or currently available.

52. Carne option: ASADA.   Spanish term meaning "grilled," "roasted," or "barbecued," commonly referring to thinly sliced, marinated beef (carne asada) in Mexican cuisine. 

54. Middle-earth denizen: ENT.  Ents are a race of ancient, sentient, tree-like beings in fantasy, most notably J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, known as "Shepherds of the Trees". Created to protect forests from dwarves and orcs, they are tall, deliberate, long-lived, and resemble the trees they guard. The name derives from an Anglo-Saxon word for "giant"

55. __ of luxury: LAP.   In conditions of great comfort and wealth.

61. Hardy title character: TESS.   Tess of the d'Urbervilles is a tragic novel by Thomas Hardy, first published in 1891, about a poor young woman, Tess Durbeyfield, who is victimized by two men, Alec d'Urberville and Angel Clare, and ultimately destroyed by the rigid social and sexual morals of Victorian England.

62. Dwarf planet in the Kuiper belt: PLUTO.  Pluto is a cold, distant dwarf planet in the Kuiper Belt with a surface of nitrogen, methane, and carbon monoxide ice. It has an average temperature of approximately --56 F.  Its surface features a massive heart-shaped glacier (Sputnik Planitia) and mountains. With 5 moons, Pluto's gravity is very low, about 6% of Earth's gravity.

63. "Why the heck not" hashtag: YOLO.   You Only Live Once - so why not do something profoundly stupid?  It will make a good story when you get out of the hospital.

66. Actor Stoltz: ERIC.   Eric Cameron Stoltz [b.1961] is an American actor, director, and producer. He's known for his roles as sensitive misfits in films like Mask, Kicking and Screaming, and The Waterdance. His portrayal of Rocky Dennis in Mask earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

67. Potpourri piece: PETAL.   Potpourri is a mixture of dried petals and spices placed in a bowl or small sack to perfume clothing or a room.   Petals are each of the segments of the corolla of a flower, which are modified leaves and are typically colored.

68. "The Celts" singer: ENYA.  Enya, born Eithne Pádraigín Ní Bhraonáin, [b. 1961] is a familiar crossword denizen and also an Irish singer and composer who has sold an estimated 80 million albums worldwide. Her distinctive style blends folk melodies, classical motifs, and synthesized backdrops, creating a sound that's closer to new age than her initial folk and Celtic influences.   Here is MAY IT BE, from The Fellowship of the Ring.

The story behind it.

69. City near Tahoe: RENO.   Reno is a city in the northwest section of the U.S. state of Nevada, along the Nevada–California border. It is the county seat and most populous city of Washoe County. 

70. Shape of some cocktail picks: SWORD.   Swords are bladed weapons designed for cutting or thrusting, historically used for combat, self-defense, and as symbols of status.   Cocktail swords usually hold olives or pieces of fruit.

Bar Products

 

Shards of Narsil

 71. Hunt for: SEEK.   Attempt to find or obtain something.

Down:

1. Burrito option: WET.  This is a standard burrito smothered in red or green enchilada sauce and melted cheese, requiring a fork and knife to eat. Often filled with ground beef, rice, and beans, it is baked until the sauce is bubbly, creating a saucy, comfort-food twist on the handheld version. 

2. Landing hr.: ETA.   Estimated Time of Arrival at the air port.

3. Secure, as 4-Down, perhaps: ENCRYPT.   Convert information or data into a cipher or code, especially to prevent unauthorized access.

4. Facts and figures: DATA.  Raw, unorganized facts, figures, and symbols (e.g., numbers, text, audio, images) that, when processed, provide meaningful information for decision-making and analysis. 

5. Checks (out) in advance: SCOPES.    To examine, investigate, or assess something carefully, particularly to gain information, evaluate a situation, or prepare for a task. It is commonly used informally to mean looking over a place or situation to understand it.

6. "Rock the __": hit song for The Clash: CASBAH.    A traditional North African fortress, citadel, or fortified quarter within older cities, notably in Algeria and Morocco. Historically, these served as residential and defensive structures, often with labyrinthine, car-free streets.   I decided not to link the vid from 1982.  You can find it on Youtube if you're interested.

7. Hurt: ACHE.   A continuous or prolonged dull pain in a part of one's body.

8. Boxer Max: BAER.   Maximilian Adelbert Baer Sr. [1909 - 1959] was an American professional boxer and the world heavyweight champion from June 14, 1934, to June 13, 1935. He was known in his time as the Livermore Larupper and Madcap Maxie. Two of his fights were rated Fight of the Year by The Ring magazine.  He also acted in several movies and made many TV appearances, including his own variety show.

9. Take to the sky: SOAR.  Let's fly away.

10. Big name in small appliances: NINJA.  Ninja products are made by SharkNinja, an independent, publicly traded company that designs and sells innovative kitchen appliances, outdoor cooking gear, and other household items, known for popular brands like the Ninja Foodi and Shark vacuums, with manufacturing primarily in Southeast Asia. 

11. Conceptualizes: IDEATES.   Forms an idea of something; imagines or conceives.

12. Conquerors of England in 1066: NORMANS.   The Normans were a medieval people who originated from Norse (Viking) settlers in Northern France, establishing the Duchy of Normandy in 911 under Rollo. They adopted French language, culture, and Romanesque architecture, becoming fervent Christians. Famous for the 1066 Norman Conquest of England led by William the Conqueror, they also established kingdoms in Southern Italy, Sicily, and fought in the Crusades.

13. Golden-ager: OLDSTER.   An older person.  Older than what or whom is not specified.  At any rate, I qualify.

21. Parody: SPOOF.   A humorous imitation of something, typically a film or a particular genre of film, in which its characteristic features are exaggerated for comic effect.

22. "Absolutely!": YES.  For sure!

23. Honeylove purchase: BRA. They make several types of clothing and intimate apparel.

24. Substance in the Hanukkah miracle: OIL.   The miracle of the oil, central to Hanukkah, tells that when the Maccabees rededicated the Temple, they found only one small jar of pure oil, enough for one day. Miraculously, this oil burned for eight days, allowing enough time to prepare new oil, representing the triumph of light and faith.

28. Yonder thing: THAT.  Used to identify a specific person or thing observed by the speaker.

29. Deter: REPEL.  Drive or force an attack or attacker to back or away.

30. Queen's record label: EMI.    EMI Group/Records was a major British music conglomerate (the "Big Four") that launched the Beatles, Queen, and Pink Floyd. Following its 2012 breakup, its assets are now held by Universal Music Group (recorded music) and Sony Music Publishing.

31. Grumpy friend: DOC.  Grumpy and Doc are two of Disney's Seven Dwarves from the Snow White movie.  Tolkien hated them, and anything Disney.  Still, a nicely misdirecting clue.

35. Like most Facebook Marketplace items: USED.   I believe the preferred term is "pre-owned."

37. Piglet pal: ROO.   From the Winnie the Pooh stories.   More Disney.

38. Subject of the song "Oh Yoko!": ONO.  Yoko Ono [b 1933] is a Japanese artist, musician, activist, and filmmaker who has influenced the international art scene since the 1960s. A pioneer in performance and conceptual art, Ono's work often challenges perceptions of beauty, sexuality, and femininity. 

39. Former capital of Japan: KYOTO.   Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is a city on the island of Honshu. It's famous for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses. It was founded in 794.

40. Bar mat: COASTER.  A small tray or mat placed under a bottle or glass to protect the table underneath.

41. Spartan: AUSTERE.  Severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance.

42. Leads the cast of: STARS IN.  Said of the skilled performer who has the most prominent roll in a production.

45. "Ta-da!": ALL DONE.  The project is finished.

46. Lighthouse view: SEA.   The ocean, possibly with ships.

47. Abbr. on a measuring spoon: TSP.  Teaspoon.

49. Intl. cricket powerhouse: PAK.   Pakistan.  Cricket in Pakistan has a history predating the creation of the country in 1947. The first ever international cricket match in Karachi was held on 22 November 1935 between Sindh and Australian cricket teams. The match was seen by 5,000 Karachiites. Following the independence of Pakistan in 1947, cricket in the country developed rapidly and Pakistan was given Test match status at a meeting of the Imperial Cricket Conference at Lord's in England on 28 July 1952 following recommendation by India,[

50. Drink of the gods: NECTAR.   This refers to ambrosia and nectar, the fabled food and drink granting immortality in Greek mythology. It is commonly used as a metaphor for an exceptionally delicious drink.

51. Waiting for a representative, say: ON HOLD.   The bane of anyone seeking customer service by telephone.

53. __ fries: poutine kin: DISCO.   A classic New Jersey diner comfort food, consisting of crispy French fries smothered in melted mozzarella cheese and hot brown gravy. Popularized in the 1970s as a late-night snack for people leaving clubs, this dish is similar to Canadian poutine but uses shredded mozzarella instead of cheese curds.

57. Comedian Mike of "The Upshaws": EPPS.   Michael Elliot Epps [b. 1970] is an American actor, stand-up comedian, and philanthropist. He's known for his roles as Day-Day Jones in Next Friday and Friday After Next, and "Black Doug" in The Hangover films. Epps is also a boxing fan who recently partnered with former World Heavyweight Champion Lamon Brewster to open a boxing gym in Indianapolis. The gym aims to use boxing's fierceness and footwork to help young men and teens find new paths. 

58. Boatload: SLEW.  It is used informally to mean a large quantity, often with "a," e.g., "a slew of issues."

59. Part of an insurance bundle: AUTO.  Sometimes bundled with home owner's insurance.

60. Marbled loaves: RYES.  Marble rye is a visually striking, artisan-style bread made by twisting or layering light rye and dark pumpernickel doughs together to create a distinctive marbled swirl. Known for its mild, earthy flavor and chewy texture, it typically features caraway seeds and is a favorite for reuben sandwiches, toasted with butter.

64. Soap chemical: LYE.   Lye, primarily sodium hydroxide  or potassium hydroxide, is a strong, highly caustic alkaline compound crucial for soap making, drain cleaning, and food processing like curing lutefisk, pretzels, and ramen noodles. It is a white, corrosive solid that dissolves fats, requiring strict safety measures, including gloves, goggles, and ventilation.

65. Barrel wood: OAK.   Oak is favored for barrels due to its structural strength, ability to bend without snapping, and unique porosity, which allows for controlled micro-oxygenation. It is watertight, durable against warping, and imparts desirable flavor compounds like vanilla, spice, and coconut to wine and spirits. It also mellows tannins over time.

Well, that it's for another Wednesday.  This puzzle hit all the right notes, and had  both a bit of astronomy and a Tolkien based min-theme.  Hope it didn't give you anything to fret about.

Cool regards!

JzB

Wednesday.February 18, 2026 Craig Stowe

Theme:  Conductor's Conduct or Overbearing at the Opera or Tyranny from the Pit.   In-the-language phrases are repurposed as harsh instructions from the conductor to members of a musical ensemble.  

20. "Second oboe, play the right notes this time!," e.g.: WIND DIRECTION.  This normally refers to the compass point from which the wind originates, rather than where it is blowing towards.   But here it is a rather rude instruction given to one of the wind instrument players.  There are generally considered to be the woodwinds.

26. "Sing your solo correctly for once!," e.g.: VOICE COMMAND.  This usually indicates a spoken word or phrase used to control devices, software, or applications, enabling hands-free operation via speech recognition technology.  But here it is another rude correction of a poor singer, probably feeling a bit intimidated.

45. "Perform the music as written! No sharps or flats!," e.g.: NATURAL ORDER.  This typically refers to the inherent, logical, or spontaneous arrangement of things in the universe, operating according to natural laws rather than human design - perhaps the music of the spheres. Or maybe not.   This one is a bit of a stretch, but yes, one should play the notes on the page and not add in any vagrant accidentals [written sharps of flats that are foreign to the key signature.]

54. "You must!," or how a demanding conductor would interpret 20-, 26-, and 45-Across: IT'S IMPERATIVE.  Disobedience is not an option, so get it right.

Hi, Gang, JazzBumpa here to conduct us on our way through this musical composition.  I promise not to be over bearing. 

Fortunately, I never had to deal with that kind of conductor - though there are many of them out there.  Once, when I was playing in an amateur symphony orchestra, due to a copyists error - so, totally not my fault - I wound up playing a note that clashed with the music.  IIRC, this was in Howard Hanson's 2nd Symphony - an absolutely gorgeous piece of music. The conductor looked a me and said, "Just play any note in the chord."  I asked, "What is the chord?"  "D Major," he replied.  I was playing a G.  Probably the worst possible note in that context. 

Across:

1. "__ Secretary": Téa Leoni drama: MADAM.    Madam Secretary explored Elizabeth McCord's life as the reluctant but determined United States Secretary of State. She drives international diplomacy, battles office politics, and circumvents protocol, if needed, as she navigates global conflicts. The show also focuses on McCord's personal life and family, and their relationship with her work; she is married and has three children.  Elizabeth Téa Pantaleoni [b. 1966] known professionally as Téa Leoni, is an American actress and producer. Leoni also starred in the short-lived 1992 sitcom Flying Blind and The Naked Truth. She's been married to both Tim Daly and David Duchovny, with whom she has a child named West. Leoni is also a dedicated supporter of UNICEF, traveling to see their programs in action and serving on their National Board. 

From Entertainment Weekly

6. Sound effect made with coconut shells: CLOP.

10. Toy with a tail: KITE.

14. Horace composition: EPODE.  Horace's Epodes is a collection of 17 early Roman poems, published around 30-29 BCE, that imitate the iambic verse of the Greek poet Archilochus, featuring themes of love, nature, politics, and social commentary with a tone ranging from witty to vitriolic. The poems, written in a mix of meters, often use a longer first line followed by a shorter second line (the "epode"), and explore topics like loyalty to his patron Maecenas, the contrast between rural and urban life, and sharp invective against enemies, showcasing a more aggressive style than his later Odes. 

15. "Houdini" singer Dua: LIPA.   Dua Lipa [b. 1995] is an English singer, songwriter, and model known for her dance-infused pop anthems and husky vocals. Her music blends influences from pop, dance, and electronic genres, with retro-inspired disco and pop rhythms. Lipa has won seven Brit Awards and three Grammys.   The name Dua was her grandmother's suggestion, and means "love" in Albanian.

16. 2017 Tony winner "Come From __": AWAY.  Come From Away is a Tony Award-winning musical by Irene Sankoff and David Hein that tells the true story of the 7,000 airline passengers stranded in Gander, Newfoundland, after the 9/11 attacks, and the small town that welcomed them with open hearts and homes. 

17. "... and anything else that might come up": OR WHATEVER.  

19. Hon: BABE.  Terms of endearment.

22. Sneaky: SLY.  Having or showing a cunning and deceitful nature.

23. Blood: KIN.   Those in a familial relationship.

24. Ashram figure: MONK.   An Ashram is a hermitage, monastic community, or other place of religious retreat.  A MONK isa member of a religious community of men typically living under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

31. "Gnossiennes" composer: SATIE.  Eric Alfred Leslie Satie (1866 – 1925), better known as Erik Satie, was a French composer and pianist. "Gnossienne," a word he invented, refers to a set of seven piano pieces composed by Erik Satie around 1890, characterized by a unique, unconventional style without traditional bar lines or structure.  They are fabulously experimental pieces in which the form consists of haunting melodic fragments which circle around without any specific direction or goal. In their circularity and stasis they seem to lay down a challenge to German 19th century dominance: music does not have to be developmental; neither does it have to be goal-directed or hierarchical. It can simply float along and be an evocative mystery.  

34. Take a chance: DARE.

35. Online marketing strategy, for short: SEO.  Search Engine Optimization is the practice of improving a website to increase its visibility in organic (unpaid) search engine results. By optimizing content, technical structure, and authority, SEO helps search engines like Google understand and rank pages higher, driving more targeted traffic to a website. 

36. Count in the cereal aisle: CHOCULA.  A chocolate-flavored, marshmallow-filled breakfast cereal introduced by General Mills in March 1971, featuring a friendly vampire mascot. Primarily sold during the Halloween season, it is part of the "Monster Cereals" line alongside Franken Berry and Boo Berry.

39. "Girl With a Pearl Earring" painter: VERMEER.  Johannes Vermeer (1632–1675) was a renowned Dutch Baroque painter specializing in intimate, meticulously detailed domestic interior scenes.   He worked slowly, producing only about 35 known paintings, often using expensive pigments to masterfully depict light and calm, quiet atmospheres. Despite his talent, he was not wealthy and left his wife and many children in debt upon his sudden death, leading to centuries of obscurity before his rediscovery.

41. __ Lingus: AER.   Aer Lingus, the flag carrier airline of the Republic of Ireland, was founded in 1936. Headquartered at Dublin Airport, it operates a hybrid business model providing both low-cost European and full-service transatlantic flights to over 100 destinations across Europe and North America. 

42. Invalidate: VOID.   To cancel, invalidate, or nullify something, such as a contract, check, or warranty, rendering it legally ineffective. 

44. Like a dive bar: SEEDY.   Said of a person, place, or thing that is disreputable, shabby, or in poor condition, often implying a sense of moral decay or dishonesty. It can also mean run-down or dirty.

49. Lavish love (on): DOTE.   Be extremely and uncritically fond of.

50. Graphic opening?: GEO-.   The prefix geo- means earth, ground, or land.   It is used in English to form words relating to physical, geographical, or geological aspects of our planet.  Some people think this kind of clue is clever.  To me, it is self-referential and misleadingly annoying.

51. Check out: VET.   To thoroughly investigate, examine, or check someone or something for accuracy, authenticity, or suitability. It is commonly used in professional contexts to screen candidates, check documents, or evaluate potential risks before approval.  It is a 19th-century back-formation from the abbreviation of "veterinarian," originating in the 1890s. It initially meant to submit a horse to a physical examination by a vet before a race, and by the early 1900s, it broadened to mean examining anyone or anything for flaws. 

59. Coil in a garden: HOSE.  A coil is a length of something wound or arranged in a spiral or sequence of rings.  This is a typical arrangement for a garden hose.  Or, perhaps, a snake.  Be careful.

61. Worker who tracks transactions: BOOKKEEPER.  A person whose job is to keep records of the financial affairs of a business.  I don't know of another English word with either a double K, or a sequence of three consecutive double letters.

62. The America's Cup, for one: EWER.  The America's Cup is a sailing competition and the oldest international competition still operating in any sport. Or, as here, the relvant trophy. America's Cup match races are held between two sailing yachts: one from the yacht club that currently holds the trophy and the other from the yacht club that is challenging for the cup.  A EWER is a large jug with a wide mouth.

Rather Elaborate

63. Sea eagle: ERNE.    An older, traditional name for a large sea eagle, specifically the White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), a massive bird of prey found across Eurasia, closely related to North America's Bald Eagle.  This used to be a frequent flier in crosswords.  Now it is a rare bit of nostalgia.  

64. Signals from space, perhaps: OMENS.   Omens are events regarded as portents of good or evil.  I am not getting the connection to the clue.

65. Dumpster fire: MESS.  A chaotic or disastrously mishandled situation.  Mess hardly seems adequate.

66. Mary __ Lincoln: TODD.   Mary Ann Todd Lincoln [1818 - 1882] was First Lady of the United States from 1861 until the assassination of her husband, President Abraham Lincoln, in 1865. Mary Todd was born into a large and wealthy slave-owning family in Kentucky, although Mary never owned slaves and in her adulthood came to oppose slavery. 

67. Hospital employee: NURSE.   Registered nurses (RNs) provide direct patient care, acting as health educators and advocates in hospitals, clinics, and homes. 

Down:

1. Feline chorus: MEOWS.  Stylized cat sounds.

2. National Scrabble Day month: APRIL.   National Scrabble Day is celebrated annually on April 13th to honor the birth of the game's inventor, Alfred Mosher Butts, born on this day in 1899. The day promotes playing the iconic word game, which was originally developed during the Great Depression and is now enjoyed globally in over 120 countries. 

3. Soft and fluffy: DOWNY.  Covered [or filled] with fine soft hair or feathers.  By extension, anything with a similar feeling.

4. Med. condition treated with Ritalin: ADHD.   Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning. It typically starts in childhood and can continue into adulthood, affecting how the brain manages focus, organization, and behavioral control. 

5. Medieval fair quaff: MEAD.   Mead, or honey wine, is an ancient alcoholic beverage created by fermenting honey with water, often with fruits, spices, or hops. It ranges from dry to sweet and 3.5% to >20% ABV. Best served chilled (white wine temp) or slightly warmer for spiced versions, it offers a versatile flavor profile reflecting the honey source, ranging from floral to fruity or spicy. 

6. Healing character class in D&D: CLERIC.   Dungeons and Dragons features 13 core character classes.  Each has a different set of strengths and weaknesses.  Clerics have a special relationship with a specific god and can function as versatile divine spellcasters and armored front-line support, serving as armored healers, protectors, and undead hunters who draw power from a deity or divine domain. 

7. Pepped (up): LIVENED.  Made something more lively, exciting, energetic or intereresting.

8. Gp. founded in Baghdad: OPEC.  Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

9. Hair line?: PART.   The line on the scalp where hair is divided and brushed in different directions, often dictated by natural growth patterns, cowlicks, or styling preferences.   The other hair line is the edge or border where hair growth begins on the human head, particularly along the forehead.   In recent years I have experienced significant forehead growth.

10. Explosive sound: KABOOM.   Used to represent the sound of a loud explosion.

11. "Lemme look!": I WANNA SEE.  A couple of colloquial contractions expressing a desire to observe something.  

12. Open page on a web browser: TAB.   A user interface element located at the top of the window that allows you to open and switch between multiple websites within a single browser window.   At the moment, I have 13 open in Chrome.

13. Cornea locale: EYE.   The cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped outermost layer at the front of the eye, covering the iris and pupil.

Eye Anatomy

18. Polynesian carving: TIKI.    A carved human-like figure representing Polynesian deities or the first man in Māori mythology, embodying a deep spiritual connection to nature. 

21. Plunge into liquid: IMMERSE.  Dip or submerge in a liquid.

25. Gave a leg up to?: KNEED.  Hit someone with the knee.

26. The Old __: London venue: VIC.    A historic, independent theatre in Lambeth, South London, founded in 1818 and famously nicknamed for its 1833 renaming to the Royal Victoria Theatre. Renowned for Shakespearean productions, it served as the original home of the National Theatre from 1963 to 1976 and is a major cultural landmark. 

27. Bodies of work: OEUVRES.  The works of a painter, composer, or author regarded collectively.

28. CLE player: CAV.  The Cleveland Cavaliers, often referred to as the Cavs, are an American professional basketball team based in Cleveland. The Cavaliers compete in the National Basketball Association as a member of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference.  They are currently in 4th place.

29. Mine deposit: ORE.  A naturally occurring solid material from which a metal or valuable mineral can be profitably extracted.

30. Flat-bottomed fishing boat: DORY.   A small flat-bottomed rowboat with a high bow and stern, of a kind originally used for fishing in New England.

31. Airport security check: SCAN.   A safety screening process using technology like millimeter-wave imaging or X-ray systems to detect metallic and non-metallic, prohibited items (weapons, explosives) on passengers or in luggage. 

32. Up, in a way: AHEAD.  A team or individual that is leading - or ahead- of their opponent is said to be "up" on them.

33. Giant Galapagos natives: TORTOISES.   The Galápagos tortoise (Chelonoidis niger), also called the Galápagos giant tortoise, is a very large species of tortoise in the genus Chelonoidis (which also contains three smaller species from mainland South America). The species comprises 15 subspecies (12 extant and 3 extinct). It is the largest living species of tortoise, and can weigh up to 417 kg (919 lb). They are also the largest extant terrestrial cold-blooded animals (ectotherms).

37. Hawaiian for "long": LOA.  Distant, long, tall, far or permanent.

38. Feel bad: AIL.  Troubled or afflicted in mind or body.

40. Large body of eau: MER.   French for water and sea.

43. Backyard feature for a water-loving pup: DOG POND.   A specific body of water, a designated area within a park, or a business dedicated to dogs swimming, playing, or training.  I suppose there could be one in a backyard somewhere.

46. Says out loud: UTTERS.  Makes a sound with one's voice.

47. Stunk: REEKED. Emitted a strong and unpleasant odor.

48. "How To __ Your Diary": interactive edition in a YA series: DORK.    An interactive, DIY companion book to Rachel Renée Russell's popular Dork Diaries series, offering tips, prompts, and space for readers to create their own secret journals, inspired by Nikki Maxwell's experiences with diary-keeping, code words, and the importance of privacy. 

51. Bygone Dodge two-seater: VIPER.   A sports car manufactured for most years between 1992 and 2017.

52. Levels: EVENS.  Gives something a flat and even surface.

53. Hardly rambling: TERSE.   Sparing in the use of words; abrupt.

55. Skeptical scoff: I BET.   A phrase used sarcastically to mean the opposite of it's literal meaning, hence indicating severe doubt or disbelief.

56. __ reflex: infant's instinctive protective response: MORO.   An involuntary, protective, two-phase reaction in newborns triggered by a sensation of falling, sudden movement, or loud noise. When startled, a baby throws back their head, extends arms and legs, cries, and then pulls limbs back inward. It typically appears at birth and disappears by 5–6 months. 

57. Millennia upon millennia: AEON.  A very long indefinite time period.

58. Online discount marketplace: TEMU.   Temu is an online marketplace operated by e-commerce company PDD Holdings, which is owned by Colin Huang. It offers heavily discounted consumer goods, mostly shipped to consumers directly from China.

59. Haw counterpart: HEM.   To hem and haw is to be uncertain and take a long time deciding something.  The phrase originated in the 16th and 17th centuries as an imitative phrase for hesitant, indecisive, or evasive speech.

60. Be outstanding: OWE.  Any unpaid debt is said to be outstanding.

So ends our more or less musical excursion.  Hope it hit the right notes for you.

Cool regards!

Ron

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 Ilana Levine and Scott Hogan

Theme:  Head Over Heels or Tumbling.  

Here is today's theme song. 

This theme is unusual. Instead of the meanings of theme fill words, it's based on the placement and repetition of a certain syllable within longer words in the grid.  That syllable is "END, " which is also a word meaning the extreme part of something.   Let's start with the unifier.

66. One way to tumble, or what can be found four times in this puzzle: END OVER END.   "End over end" describes an object rotating end over end, like a football flipping vertically in the air, rather than spinning on its axis, similar to "head over heels," and often implies an uncontrolled or tumbling motion.  In the puzzle it indicates the physical placement of the letters "END," in vertically adjacent fill. 

I placed the grid here instead of at the bottom for easy reference.

Here are the relevant word pairs.

First -

14 A. Bike trick also called a stoppie: ENDO.  An endo (short for end-over-end - imagine that) is a fundamental bike trick where you use the front brake and body weight to lift the rear wheel, balancing on the front wheel, often used for tight turns or as a base for other tricks.

17 A. Neurochemicals that act as natural painkillers: ENDORPHINS.  Any of a group of hormones secreted within the brain and nervous system and having a number of physiological functions. They are peptides which activate the body's opiate receptors, causing an analgesic effect.

Second -

26 A. "Peter Pan" protagonist: WENDY.   Wendy Moira Angela Darling is a fictional character and one of the main protagonists of the 1904 play and 1911 novel Peter and Wendy by J. M. Barrie, as well as in most adaptations in other media. Her exact age is not specified in the original play or novel by Barrie, though it is implied that she is about Peter's age as she is "just Peter's size".

As a girl on the verge of adulthood, she stands in contrast to Peter Pan, a boy who refuses to grow up, the major theme of the Peter Pan stories. Wendy hesitates at first to fly off to Neverland, but she comes to enjoy her adventures. Ultimately, she chooses to go back to her parents and accepts that she has to grow up.

31 A. Low-calorie sweetener: SPLENDA.    A global brand of sugar substitutes and reduced-calorie food products. While the company is known for its original formulation containing sucralose, it also manufactures items using natural sweeteners such as stevia, monk fruit and allulose.

Third -

49 A. Classifications for nouns in some languages: GENDERS.   In languages, "gender" means a system for classifying nouns, which can be related to biological sex (like he/she in English), but often isn't, applying to objects (French: la table, le canapé) or animacy (Swahili), serving grammatical functions like marking agreement on adjectives and verbs, with some languages having many genders (Zulu) and others none (Finnish), reflecting diverse cultural and linguistic approaches to categorizing the world. 

54 A. Lets use: LENDS.  Grants to someone the use of something on the understanding that it shall be returned.

Forth -

66 A. One way to tumble, or what can be found four times in this puzzle: END OVER END.

70 A. Hawk: VEND.   To peddle or sell goods aggressively, often by shouting in public, like "hawking newspapers on the street". It also means to advertise or promote something intensely, such as a product or idea. 

For a final, elegant touch for this thematically rich puzzle, the ENDs are all symmetrically placed.  A tremendous amount of thought went into this construction.

Hi, Gang - JazzBumpa here to stumble and tumble through the rest of the puzzle.  Let's try to keep our footing.

Across:

1. Old car from Sweden: SAAB. Made by a Swedish company known for its defense and security solutions (aircraft, naval systems, radar) and its legacy as a unique automobile manufacturer, which ceased production in 2011,

5. __ Rica: COSTA.   Costa Rica is a rugged, rainforested Central American country with coastlines on the Caribbean and Pacific. Though its capital, San Jose, is home to cultural institutions like the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, Costa Rica is known for its beaches, volcanoes, and biodiversity.

10. Distance runner Ztopek: EMIL.   Emil Zátopek (misspelled as "Ztopet") was a legendary Czech long-distance runner, nicknamed "The Locomotive," famous for his distinctive, gasping running style and for being the only person to win the 5,000m, 10,000m, and marathon at the same Olympics (1952 Helsinki)

15. Poker buy-ins: ANTES.   Stakes put up by players in poker and similar games before receiving cards.

16. "Ciao": TATA.  Adios.  Later.

19. Fluid-filled cavity: CYST.  In the body, a membranous sac or cavity of abnormal character containing fluid.

20. Italian staple: PASTA.   A dish originally from Italy consisting of dough made from durum wheat, extruded or stamped into various shapes and cooked in boiling water, and typically served with a sauce.

21. Story-sharing app, briefly: INSTA.  Short for Instagram,  a popular, free photo and short video-sharing social media app (owned by Meta) where users post visual content, apply filters, use hashtags, and follow others to see their posts in a personalized feed, featuring formats like permanent posts, disappearing Stories, and short-form Reels

23. "I'm on vacay" notification: OOO. Out Of Office [I assume.]

24. Prisoner: INMATE.  A person confined to an institution such as a prison or hospital.

28. "Bon __!": APPETIT.   French people say "Bon appétit" (meaning "good appetite") as a polite way to wish someone a good meal before they start eating, signaling the beginning of the dining experience, similar to "Enjoy your meal." 

33. Source of minerals: ORE.   A naturally occurring solid material from which a metal or valuable mineral can be profitably extracted.

34. Garden pest with tentacles: SLUG.   Any of several tough-skinned terrestrial mollusks which typically lacks a shell and secretes a film of mucus for protection. They can be a serious plant pests.   Like other pulmonate land gastropods, the majority of land slugs have two pairs of 'feelers' or tentacles on their head. The upper pair is light-sensing and has eyespots at the ends, while the lower pair provides the sense of smell. 

36. __ Mujeres, Mexico: ISLA.   Isla Mujeres is a Mexican island in the Caribbean Sea, 13 kilometers off the coast from Cancún. It's a vacation destination known for beaches such as northern Playa Norte, resort hotels and for snorkeling and scuba diving on the surrounding coral reefs. At Punta Sur, the southern tip, there's a lighthouse, the remains of a Mayan temple and a sanctuary for sea turtles.

37. One way to stop a cab?: CORK.  Here, a cab is a cabernet wine in a bottle stopped with a cork.  Cute and clever clue

39. JD seekers' hurdles: LSATS.  The LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is a standardized exam for aspiring law students, assessing reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and analytical skills through multiple-choice sections and an argumentative writing sample, 

41. Baking instruction: SIFT.   Put a fine, loose, or powdery substance through a sieve so as to remove lumps or large particles.

44. German article: EINE.  Meaning "one" or "a."

46. "Heads up!": DUCK.  Move your head or body downwards to avoid being hit or seen. A bit ironic, I think.

48. __ Paulo, Brazil: SAO.   São Paulo (pronounced "Sow Pow-loo") means "Saint Paul" in Portuguese, named after Saint Paul the Apostle, as the city was founded by Jesuit priests on the feast day of his conversion (January 25, 1554). It refers to both a major Brazilian state and its capital city, a vast economic, cultural, and cosmopolitan hub in South America. 

52. Wild: BERSERK.    Erupt in furious rage, become crazily violent. This expression is believed to allude to the name of Norse warriors renowned for their ferocity in battle and for wearing no armor but a bearskin shirt (or berserkar).

55. Saved option: PRESET.   A setting on a device that is adjusted or applied before use or by the manufacturer, especially on electronic audio or video equipment.

57. Lennox of R&B: ARI.  Courtney Shanade Salter [b. 1991] known professionally as Ari Lennox, is an American R&B singer-songwriter from Washington, D.C. She signed with J. Cole's Dreamville Records, an imprint of Interscope Records as the former label's first female artist in 2015.

58. Weasellike critter: STOAT.  The stoat (Mustela erminea), also known as the Eurasian ermine or ermine, is a species of mustelid native to Eurasia and the northern regions of North America.  The name ermine  is used especially in its pure white winter coat of the stoat or its fur. Ermine fur was used in the 15th century by Catholic monarchs, who sometimes used it as the mozzetta cape. It has long been used on the ceremonial robes of members of the United Kingdom House of Lords. It was also used in capes on images such as the Infant Jesus of Prague.

60. First lady of the 1950s: MAMIE.   Mary Geneva "Mamie" Eisenhower [1896 - 1979] was the first lady of the United States from 1953 to 1961 as the wife of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Born in Boone, Iowa, she was raised in a wealthy household in Colorado. She married Eisenhower, then a lieutenant in the United States Army, in 1916.

64. Obsolete phone part: DIAL.  A rotary dial is [or was] a component of a telephone or a telephone switchboard that implements a signaling technology in telecommunications known as pulse dialing. It is used when initiating a telephone call to transmit the destination telephone number to a telephone exchange as a succession of individual digits.

68. Scope prefix: TELE.  The prefix "tele-" means "far off," "at a distance," or "over a distance," coming from the Greek word tēle. It's used in English to describe things that operate remotely, involve long-distance communication, or are performed electronically across space

69. Wide-mouthed: AGAPE.   Wide open, especially with surprise or wonder.

71. Rough words?: OR SO.  Roughly speaking, so to speak, but not speaking roughly.  Sort of.

72. Brusque: TERSE.  Short and to the point.

73. Marketplace with personalized gifts: ETSY.   An online marketplace for unique, handmade, vintage, and creative goods, connecting independent sellers with buyers globally, and its name was inspired by the Italian phrase "eh, si" ("oh, yes") and the Latin/French "etsi" ("what if"), chosen by founder Rob Kalin for its nonsensical yet evocative sound to build a brand from scratch

Down:

1. Leak slowly: SEEP.  Flow or leak slowly through porous material or small holes.

2. "The Piano" Oscar winner Paquin: ANNA.   Anna Helene Paquin [b. 1982] is a New Zealand-born actress who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress at age 11 for her role in The Piano. She is the second-youngest Oscar winner in history. 

Best Supporting Actress

3. Puts two and two together: ADDS.  Or 3 and 1.  There are options.

4. Part of a knitted outfit for a baby: BOOTIE.   A baby bootee (or bootie) is a soft, sock-like, knitted or crocheted footwear for infants, designed to keep their feet warm and protected, acting as a cozy alternative to shoes, often used for warmth in cribs, strollers, or during crawling.

5. Part of a knitted outfit for a baby: CAP.  As for the feet, so for the head.  Also a clecho.

6. Taking a gap year, say: ON HIATUS.   A pause or gap in a sequence, series, or process.

7. Spell: STINT.   A STINT is a limited period spent doing a particular job, activity, or serving in a place.  A spell is a short, continuous stretch of time or weather (e.g., "a cold spell,"). Do these match?  You decide.

8. Reacts to suspense: TENSES.   As a verb, "tense" means to make or become tight, stiff, or strained, often due to nervousness, fear, or readiness for action, 

9. Admin. aide: ASST.   ASSISTANT.  Note ebbrvs. in cl. & ans.

10. Succinct "I could go on": ETC.   "Etc." is the common abbreviation for the Latin phrase "et cetera," meaning "and the rest," "and so forth," or "and other things," used at the end of a list to show that more items of the same kind could be added.

11. Thousand Island base: MAYONNAISE.    A thick, creamy sauce with a rich and tangy taste that is commonly used on sandwiches, hamburgers, bound salads, and French fries. It also forms the base for various other sauces.

12. "This ain't normal": IT'S ODD.  Said of something different from what is usual or expected; strange.

13. "Heart Don't Lie" singer Jackson: LATOYA.   La Toya Yvonne Jackson [b. 1956] is an American singer, songwriter, actress, model, and television personality. She's also the older sister of Janet and Michael Jackson. Jackson first gained recognition on the family's CBS variety show, The Jacksons, from 1976–1977. 

18. __ and raves: RANTS.  Shouts and complains angrily and at length.   Not a good time.

22. Piercing tools: AWLS.   An AWL is a small pointed tool used for piercing holes, especially in leather.

25. Playwright Arthur: MILLER.  Arthur Asher Miller (1915-2005) was a 20th century American playwright and actor who explored social and psychological themes in the human experience. His work, influenced by the Great Depression and World War II, captured the American psyche's unrest and dissatisfaction. Marilyn Monroe was his second of his three wives.  He was her third husband.

27. Bed fellows?: EELS.   Eels are ray finned, elongated fish, ranging in length from 5 cm (2 in) in the one-jawed eel (Monognathus ahlstromi) to 4 m (13 ft) in the slender giant moray.     They inhabit both saltwater (marine) and freshwater (brackish/fresh) habitats, preferring to hide in mud, sand, or under rocks, [hence the "bed" in the clue] and are often nocturnal. 

28. Rep. from the Bronx: AOC.   Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez [b. 1989] is an American politician and activist who has served since 2019 as the U.S. representative for New York's 14th congressional district. She is a member of the Democratic Party.

29. Expert: PRO.  A professional, especially in sports.

30. Plants with a long life cycle: PERENNIALS.   Perennials live for multiple years, often dying back to the roots in winter but regrowing each spring for long-term garden presence.

32. Star fish?: PISCES.   Pisces (Latin for "fishes") is the 12th and final zodiac sign (Feb 19 - Mar 20), symbolized by two fish swimming in opposite directions, representing the pull between fantasy and reality. As a mutable water sign ruled by Neptune, Pisceans are known for deep empathy, intuition, creativity, and compassion, having absorbed lessons from all other signs, though they can struggle with escapism and getting lost in emotions.   Nice double meaning in the clue.

35. Knock (about): GAD.   Go around from one place to another, in the pursuit of pleasure or entertainment.

38. "The Secret Life of Bees" novelist: KIDD.   The Secret Life of Bees is a bestselling coming-of-age novel by Sue Monk Kidd [b. 1948], set in South Carolina in 1964, about a young girl named Lily Owens who escapes her abusive father with her caretaker, Rosaleen, and finds refuge with three Black beekeeping sisters who hold the key to her mother's past. 

40. Garments that may lead to cold shoulders: TUBE TOPS.   A strapless, sleeveless, tight-fitting top for the upper body, shaped like a tube, that wraps around the bust without covering the shoulders or arms. 

Only $9.99

42. Not close: FAR.   At a distance.

43. Tik's partner: TOK.  "Tic toc" (or tick-tock) primarily means the sound of a clock, but colloquially, it signifies that time is running out, urging someone to hurry or warning of an approaching deadline, like a countdown. 

45. Loch for monster hunters: NESS.   The Loch Ness Monster, known affectionately as Nessie, is a mythical creature in Scottish folklore that is said to inhabit Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. It is often described as large, long-necked, and with one or more humps protruding from the water.

47. Last word in doughnuts: KREME.   Krispy Kreme, Inc. (previously Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc.) is an American multinational doughnut company and coffeehouse chain. Krispy Kreme was founded by Vernon Rudolph (1915–1973), who bought a yeast-raised recipe from a New Orleans chef, rented a building in 1937 in what is now historic Old Salem in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and began selling to local grocery stores.   The brand name is a deliberate non-standard spelling of "crispy cream", for marketing effect.

49. "My pleasure": GLAD TO.  Happy to be of service.

50. More spine-tingling: EERIER.   More strange or frightening.

51. Freeload: SPONGE.  Take advantage of other people's generosity without giving anything in return.

53. "Feed a cold, __ a fever": STARVE.  "Feed a cold, starve a fever" is an old saying, but modern medicine says your body needs energy and fluids for both, so it's best to eat nutritious foods and stay hydrated when sick with a cold or fever, rather than skipping meals, as your immune system needs fuel to fight infection.

56. Meteorology tool: RADAR.    An  acronym for "radio detection and ranging," it is a system that uses radio waves to determine the distance (ranging), direction (azimuth and elevation angles), and radial velocity of objects relative to the site.  It's used to detect and track aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, weather formations and terrain. 

59. Udder part: TEAT.   A nipple of the mammary gland of a female mammal, from which the milk is sucked by the young. 

61. Bump into: MEET.   Encounter someone by chance.

62. Stops along the way: INNS.   Establishments providing accommodations, food, and drink, especially for travelers.

63. Sink hole feature, perhaps: EDDY.   A circular movement of water, counter to a main current, causing a small whirlpool.   Sinkholes and eddies are related by water dynamics, where strong water flow (like floods or even leaking pipes) can create eddies that erode soil, leading to sinkholes.

65. Novelist Tolstoy: LEO.   Count Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy [1828 - 1910] , usually referred to in English as Leo Tolstoy, was a Russian writer. He is regarded as one of the greatest and most influential authors of all time.   His works include the novels War and Peace and Anna Karenina and novellas such as Hadji Murad and The Death of Ivan Ilyich. 

67. Vendetta's origin?: VEE.  This awkward self-referential clue refers to the first letter of Vendetta.  Meh!

This is otherwise a fine puzzle with a creative theme, some clever clues, and lots of high quality fill.  Hope you enjoyed it.  And are enjoying the winter.  It's been brutally cold here in south-east Michigan.  I'll be back next month.

Cool [and hoping for warmer] regards!

JzB

Notes from C.C.:

1) Happy 78th birthday to Madame DeFarge, who used to be a regular on our blog. We miss you, Janice,  hope you're doing well.

 

2) Happy birthday to dear Sumdaze! I really struck gold a few years ago when I invited her to be a Corner blog author, and I’m just as grateful for our friendship off the blog. She is not only creative and hardworking, but also exceptionally organized.

 

3) Today our blog turns 18 years old. There were some difficult stretches, but I'm proud to say we have not missed a single day of the writeup. This milestone would not be possible without the dedication of our past and current team members, or the steady support of our readers over the years. Thank you for showing up, day after day, and for being part of our Corner family.

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 Adam Shapiro

Theme:  Triple doubles.  Each theme fill contains three groups of doubled [or more] letters.

 

 (Edited later: Each theme entry consists of three parts, each part can follow "Double":

 

CROSS-OVER STAR:  Double cross. Double over. Double star.

BEDROOM DOOR - Double bed. Double room. Double door.

TAKE UP SPACE - Double Take. Double up. Double space.

 

 

 

First, the unifier --  58 A. Impressive basketball feats, and what 20-, 36-, and 43-Across have: TRIPLE DOUBLES.  A triple-double in basketball occurs when a player achieves double digits (10 or more) in three of the five main statistical categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, or blocks, with points, rebounds, and assists being the most common combination

20 A. Artist with success in more than one genre: CROSS-OVER STAR.    A celebrity who successfully moves from one entertainment field (like music) to another (like acting) or from a niche genre to mainstream success, broadening their appeal.  The three doubles here are R, O and S, though the S's over-achieve.

36. What an angsty teenager may slam: BEDROOM DOOR.  A bedroom door primarily provides privacy, security, and noise control for a personal space.  The psychology behind door slamming involves expressing intense, often negative, emotions like anger, frustration, and helplessness when words fail, acting as a physical release or symbolic boundary-setting against overwhelming situations or people, and sometimes it's a learned behavior or a passive-aggressive way to signal displeasure without direct confrontation, serving as a powerful, non-verbal declaration of ending something or needing space.  The three doubles here are D, R and O.  The O's have a doubled double.

43. Be useless: TAKE UP SPACE.  In a non-constructive way.  The doubles here are A, E, and P.

Hi Gang - JazzBumpa here, with only two doubles, though they bookend the alphabet.  Let's dig into this puzzle.  I promise not to have a tantrum.

Across:

1. Biblical kingdom east of the Dead Sea:  MOAB.    A people and a land east of the Dead Sea, descended from Lot, known for their frequent conflicts with Israel but also for figures like Ruth, a Moabitess in Jesus's lineage, showcasing grace amidst rivalry.

5. "But there is __ in Mudville ... ": NO JOY.   " . . .mighty Casey has struck out."  I once had an occasion to write a parody of Ernest Lawrence Thayer's famous poem.  It can be seen here.

10. Pack and send: SHIP.  My lovely wife does this with her cookies to our grands in remote locations.

14. Poet __ St. Vincent Millay: EDNA.   Edna St. Vincent Millay [1892 - 1950] was an American lyrical poet and playwright.   Millay was a renowned social figure and noted feminist in New York City during the Roaring Twenties and beyond. She also wrote prose under the pseudonym Nancy Boyd. 

15. Abruptly end an engagement?: ELOPE.  Well - this is ending it in a hopeful way, getting married.

16. Nevada city on the Truckee River: RENO.   A city in the northwest section of the U.S. state of Nevada, along the Nevada–California border. It is the county seat and most populous city of Washoe County.  Reno is a tourist destination known for its casino gambling and proximity to Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada.

17. Pros and __: CONS.  Good and bad points.

18. Relentlessly protect the line on the battlefield: MAKE A STAND.   To adopt a firm position or opinion about an issue and be prepared to defend it, often in the face of opposition or a majority consensus. 

22. To this point: AS YET.  Until now.

23. Snacked: ATE.  Consumed victuals, like those in 33 A.

24. Scratch, say: MAR.   Cause a defect.

27. Fortuneteller's deck: TAROT.   Tarot card reading is a form of cartomancy whereby practitioners use tarot cards to purportedly gain insight into the past, present or future. The process typically begins with formulation of a question, followed by drawing and interpreting cards to uncover meaning. 

31. Home for Sharks or Kraken: ARENA.  This is kind of sneaky, since OCEAN also fits. but no - this refers to two west coast teams in the National Hockey League, located in San Jose and Seattle, respectively.

33. Frito-__ snacks: LAY.  Salty, crunchy, carby, bet-you-can't-eat just one delights, as in 23A.

39. Skin care brand: OLAY.   A skincare brand owned by Procter & Gamble (P&G), that originated in South Africa in 1952 as "Oil of Olay". Founded by Graham Wulff, the brand was acquired by P&G in 1985. The brand offers moisturizers, cleansers, and serums, and is a market leader in the United States, the United Kingdom, and China. 

41. Decorate: ADORN.  Make more beautiful or attractive.

42. BMW competitor: AUDI.   German cars.  Audi of America, Inc., a subsidiary of Audi AG, markets Audi vehicles in the United States. The company, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, sells sedans, crossovers, coupes, SUVs, and convertibles. 

46. Sum of the first three prime numbers: TEN.  These primes are two, three and five.  One looks like it should also be a prime, but for some technical reason, it isn't.

47. __ legend: URBAN.   A humorous or horrific story or piece of information circulated as though true, especially one purporting to involve someone vaguely related or known to the teller.  Or - such a story about country singer and former spouse of Nicole, Keith.  Or [and this is a reach] a high-performance race car built as a 5/8-scale replica of 1930s and 1940s American automobiles, driven in the city.  

48. Choose: ELECT.  Opt for.

50. Big D sch.: SMU. Southern Methodist University, a private research university in University Park, Texas, United States. SMU was founded on April 17, 1911, by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South—now part of the United Methodist Church—in partnership with Dallas civic leaders.

51. Org. that may confiscate liquids: TSA.  Transportation Security Administration, a United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agency, secures U.S. transportation systems. Created in 2001 after the September 11 attacks, its main focus is airport security, preventing aircraft hijackings and other threats. 

54. Torah teacher: RABBI.   A spiritual leader or religious teacher in Judaism. A person becomes a rabbi by being ordained by another rabbi—known as semikhah—following a course of study of Jewish history and texts, including the Tanakh, Midrash, Mishnah, Tosefta, Talmud, Halakha, and rabbinic commentaries thereon.

63. Find an extra level, ala Spinal Tap: GO TO ELEVEN.   One more better higher louder.

65. Help (out): BAIL.    Rescue someone from a bad spot, often financially or from trouble, by analogy to paying bail to get released from jail.   One of my trombone buddies bailed me out with an extra stand light when mine went out in the middle of performing for a Christmas party on Sunday.

66. Innovator's first step: IDEA.  A thought or suggestion as to a possible course of action.

67. Like a baseball bat's symmetry: AXIAL.    Symmetry around an axis or line (geometry). An object is said to be axially symmetric if its appearance is unchanged if transformed around an axis.  In a bat, this axis is the center line along the length of the bat.

68. Squeeze (past): EDGE.   To win or advance by a very small margin; or to narrowly slip by an obstacle.

69. Square figure: NERD.   A nerd is a term for someone deeply passionate about intellectual, academic, or niche subjects, often seen as socially awkward.   A square is someone uncool, conventional, old-fashioned, or out of touch with current trends.

70. Running total: TALLY.  The current amount at any given moment.

71. Juicy bit of info: DEET.  Slang for detail[s.]. They don't have to be juicy, so I have my doubts about this clue

Down:

1. Hajj destination: MECCA.   A hajj the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca that takes place in the last month of the year, and that all Muslims are expected to make at least once during their lifetime.  Mecca is Islam's holiest city, located in Saudi Arabia, known as the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad.

2. Smells: ODORS.  Aromas, if they're pleasant. If not, other synonyms may apply.

3. Pester: ANNOY.   Bug or irritate someone, or make them a little angry. 

4. Type of dog serenaded by Elvis on "The Steve Allen Show": BASSET.  It's a hound.

5. Fictional clownfish: NEMO.  More than you want to know, probably.

6. Royal name of Norway: OLAV.  The name of 5 Norwegian kings over the last 1000 or so years.

7. Card material: JOKE.  In slang, "card" often means an amusing, eccentric, or unique person.  Which card?  The Joker, probably. 

8. Jake Heggie's "Dead Man Walking," for one: OPERA.  A renowned contemporary American opera by composer Jake Heggie with a libretto by Terrence McNally, based on Sister Helen Prejean's memoir about her spiritual work with death row inmates, exploring themes of justice, compassion, and humanity.

9. Beer foam producer: YEAST.   Yeast makes beer foam by producing carbon dioxide during fermentation, which forms bubbles that get trapped by foam-stabilizing proteins from malt and yeast, creating the frothy head

10. Mex. miss: SRTA.    A form of "señorita", a noun which is often translated as "young lady". "Srta." is an abbreviation which is often translated as "Ms.".

11. "I can explain": HEAR ME OUT.  "Hear me out" means "listen to my full explanation or perspective before you judge or respond," asking for patience to fully convey an idea, often something unusual or potentially controversial, so the listener understands the complete thought. 

12. Travel stop: INN.   A place to spend the night in.

13. Orca family group: POD.    A whale pod is a social group, usually of related whales (like orcas or dolphins), that travels, hunts, and lives together, often centered around a matriarchal line, providing protection and cooperative benefits.

19. Boiling water output: STEAM.  Water vapor condensing in the air.

21. Guess: STAB.  An attempt to answer, without a sound basis in knowledge or evidence.

25. Cathode's counterpart: ANODE.  The negative and positively charged electrodes, respectively, of a device.

26. __ to go: RARIN'.   Eager and enthusiastic.

28. Gather, as crops: REAP.  Bring in the harvest.

29. Against all __: ODDS.   Succeeding or happening despite extremely low chances, seemingly insurmountable obstacles, or expectations that it wouldn't happen, emphasizing perseverance and unlikely triumph over difficulty. 

30. Familiar theme: TROPE.    A writer's usage of commonly recurring or overused literary techniques and rhetorical devices (characters and situations), motifs, and clichés in a work of creative literature.

32. Nutrition fig.: RDA.   Recommended Dietary Allowance, the average daily nutrient intake level that meets the needs of nearly all (97-98%) healthy people in a specific life stage and gender group, serving as a key guideline within Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) to ensure adequate nutrition

33. Seated meditation pose: LOTUS.  An advanced yoga and meditation pose where each foot rests on the opposite thigh, creating a stable, upright seat with knees pointing out, resembling a lotus flower. 

34. False follower?: ALARM.   Misdirecting clue.  The word "alarm" can follow the word "false."  It means a warning given about something that fails to happen.

35. Calorific tea ingredient in Tibet: YAK BUTTER.   Yak butter tea, or po cha, is a traditional, hearty Himalayan drink made from strong tea, yak butter, salt, and sometimes milk, providing essential fats and energy in harsh climates, often described as savory, oily, and creamy, serving as sustenance, a ritual drink, and even a skin moisturizer. It's prepared by boiling tea leaves, churning the strong brew with yak butter and salt, and sometimes milk, resulting in a frothy, soup-like beverage that's central to Tibetan culture and diet. 

37. Like much medication: ORAL.  Taken by mouth, rather than injection.

38. __ in a lifetime: ONCE.  An event, experience, or opportunity that is extremely rare, special, and unlikely to happen again in a person's life.  And this famous song.

40. Vote to pass a bill: YEA.  All opposed say Nae.

44. Loosen, as a shoelace: UNTIE.  Undo a knot.

45. Hosiery shade: ECRU.  A pale, creamy, grayish-yellow or light brownish-beige color, named from the French word for "raw" or "unbleached" linen, describing its original natural state.

49. Like busy browser windows: TABBED.  As I write this, I have 14 tabs open in my Chrome window.

52. Water balloon sound: SPLAT.  A slappy, splashy sound.
 
53. Amazon assistant with regional accents: ALEXA. Amazon's cloud-based artificial intelligence (AI) voice service that powers smart speakers (like Echo) and other devices, allowing users to control them with voice commands to play music, get news, manage smart home devices, set timers, and more.  Alternatively, my 2nd oldest granddaughter.

55. Mandoline piece: BLADE.  A mandoline slicer is a kitchen tool with a razor-sharp blade for quickly slicing fruits and vegetables into uniform shapes and thicknesses.  

 I'll admit I was baffled by this for a while, since I misunderstood the clue.

56. Hosiery shade: BEIGE.   A pale, sandy, neutral color, like a grayish-tan or light yellowish-brown, named from the French for undyed, natural wool, offering a warm, subtle, and versatile backdrop often associated with dependability and relaxation, blending creamy off-white with light brown tones.   And a clecho.

57. Castaway's place: ISLET.  A small island.

59. Fork locale: ROAD.   A place where one must choose.

60. Villainous: EVIL.  Up to no good.

61. Bargain: DEAL.  A favorable purchase price

62. Hulu's "__ Murders in the Building": ONLY.  No one or nothing more besides; solely or exclusively.  The program is an American mystery comedy-drama television series created by Steve Martin and John Hoffman. The show focuses on a trio of strangers (played by Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez) with a shared interest in true crime podcasts, who become friends while investigating a succession of suspicious murders in the Arconia, their upscale apartment building on Manhattan's Upper West Side, and producing their own podcast about the cases, titled Only Murders in the Building. It's been renewed for a 6th season.  I never got around to watching season 4.

63. Gimlet liquor: GIN.  A Gimlet is a classic, tart, and refreshing cocktail made with gin, lime juice, and a sweetener like simple syrup or lime cordial, traditionally shaken with ice and served up in a coupe glass, garnished with a lime wheel or twist.  Gin is a clear, distilled alcoholic spirit defined by its primary flavoring: juniper berries, combined with other botanicals like citrus peels, coriander, and angelica root, creating a fresh, piney, and complex flavor profile, popular in cocktails.

64. Lines from an admirer: ODE.  A lyrical, often ceremonial poem that praises or glorifies a specific person, place, thing, or idea.

That wraps up another Wednesday.  Happy holidays, and a joyous and prosperous New Year to all.  I'll be back in January.

Cool regards!

JzB