Wednesday July 15, 2026 Norman M. Aaronson

Theme:  DOUBLE AGENTS.  Both words of the starred theme entries can be followed by "AGENT" yielding an in-the-language phrase that describes a person, or entity authorized to act on behalf of another or to execute a specific task.

17. *Yet-to-be-revealed ability: SECRET TALENT.   An innate aptitude that goes unnoticed because it has never been actively explored or formally documented.

25. *Fundraising events for some libraries: BOOK SALES.    Commercial transactions involving books, or community or library events where discarded and donated books are sold to the public, often at deeply discounted prices. 

38. *Airport announcement: GATE CHANGE.   A "gate change" in air travel means your flight is reassigned to a different boarding area or terminal than originally printed on your ticket.  Airport gate changes are common and occur when incoming flights are delayed, mechanical issues arise, or airports need to maximize operational efficiency. 

53. *First Amendment guarantee: FREE PRESS.   A free press refers to an independent news media that reports on current events, public figures, and government actions without state censorship, prior restraint, or corporate dictation. Acting as a "fourth estate" or public watchdog, it ensures accountability, informs citizens, and facilitates democratic discourse.

64. Spies with divided loyalties, and what the answers to the starred clues are: DOUBLE AGENTS.  A double agent is a spy who pretends to serve one intelligence agency or government while secretly working for a rival or enemy. Their primary purpose is to leak sensitive secrets, feed false information to their "employers," or identify other spies.

So, what do we have?

Secret Agent -  an official employee of a government intelligence agency who operates covertly to gather classified information or conduct special operations. 

Talent Agent -  a licensed representative who secures employment for actors, musicians, models, and other creatives. 

Book Agent -  a publishing professional who represents authors. They act as your business partner and advocate, pitching your manuscript to publishing houses, negotiating your contract and advance, and managing long-term career goals 

Sales Agent -  an independent professional or agency authorized to sell a company's products or services. 

Gate Agent - A gate agent is an airline employee who manages the boarding and departure process at an airport gate. They verify tickets and passports, make public announcements, manage seat assignments, and ensure passengers get on the correct aircraft safely.

Change Agent -   an individual, group, or organization that initiates, champions, or facilitates transformation. 

Free Agent -  A professional athlete who is not currently under contract with any team and is free to negotiate and sign with the highest bidder or preferred franchise. 

Press Agent - A professional hired to manage and promote the public image of an individual or organization by securing favorable media coverage.

Hi Gang - JazzBumpa here, noticing that all of us bloggers here at the Corner have AGENCY to make independent choices and creative decisions.  Does that make us AGENTS?  You can decide.  I got flummoxed a while back when the theme was triple doubles, and this is a similar concept.  True to form, I had a hard time sussing it.

Across:

1. Gerrit who won the 2023 AL Cy Young Award: COLE.  Gerrit Alan Cole [b. 1990] is an American professional baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball. In 2023, he pitched 209 innings with a 2.63 ERA, 222 Ks and .981 WHIP.  

5. Patient contributions: COPAYS. A copay is a fixed, out-of-pocket fee you pay for a specific covered healthcare service or prescription.

11. Capitol Hill fig.: SEN.  Senator

14. Assert: AVER.  To state or declare something to be true in a positive, confident, and sometimes formal manner.

15. Natural light shows: AURORAS.   Luminous atmospheric events that appear as glowing bands, curtains, or streamers of light in the night sky (typically green, red, or purple). Thay are caused by charged particles from the Sun colliding with gases in Earth's upper atmosphere.

16. Pub quaff: ALE.   A type of beer brewed using a warm, "top-fermenting" yeast. Compared to lagers, ales are fermented at higher temperatures, resulting in a quicker brewing process and a flavor profile that is generally more complex, full-bodied, fruitier, and sometimes more bitter

19. Sleep acronym: REM.   Rapid Eye Movement, the stage of the sleep cycle characterized by vivid dreams, darting eyes, and temporary muscle paralysis.

20. Menopause treatment, briefly: HRT.   Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a medical treatment that replaces hormones your body no longer produces in sufficient quantities. 

21. Fragrances: SMELLS.   Aromas

22. Nonverbal greeting: WAVE.  To move one's hand or an object back and forth to signal, greet, or bid farewell.

23. Consecrate: BLESS.   To officially make something holy or to dedicate it exclusively to a sacred or divine purpose. 

28. Flat tire problem: AIR LEAK.   A phenomenon where air escapes from a gas-filled cavity or container into a space where it does not belong. 

31. Playwright O'Neill: EUGENE.   Eugene Gladstone O'Neill Sr. [1888 - 1953] was an American playwright. His poetically titled plays were among the first to introduce into the U.S. the drama techniques of realism, earlier associated with Chekhov, Ibsen, and Strindberg.

32. Nevada city near Lake Tahoe: 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.  It blends casino nightlife with a premier outdoor recreation.

33. Horned equine: UNICORN.    aAmythical horse-like creature with a single, straight horn on its forehead. Because of this legendary creature, the term is widely used to describe anything that is rare, highly sought after, or seemingly unattainable.

37. Capital of Switzerland?: ESS.   The 19th letter of the English alphabet, and the first letter of Switzerland.  A tiresome, self-referential clue.

41. Moody rock genre: EMO.   "Emo" (short for emotional) is a genre of rock music and a corresponding subculture characterized by highly confessional, introspective lyrics, and often intense, melodic guitar riffs.

44. "Now, listen ... ": SEE HERE.  An idiomatic phrase used to get someone's attention, express an objection, or introduce a statement. It serves as an admonition directing the listener to pay close attention to what the speaker is about to say.

45. Speller's phrase: AS IN.  Example: Q as in quixotic.  I misread the clue as "Seller's phrase and had AS IS.  That didn't help.

49. Martin of TV's "Mission: Impossible": LANDAU.   Martin James Landau [1928 - 2017] was an American actor. His career began in the late 1950s, with early film appearances including a supporting role in Alfred Hitchcock's North by Northwest. His career breakthrough came with leading roles in the television series Mission: Impossible and Space: 1999. 

51. Person from Ljubljana, e.g.: SLOVENE.  Ljubljana is Slovenia's capital and largest city. It's known for its university population and green spaces, including expansive Tivoli Park. The curving Ljubljanica River, lined in outdoor cafes, divides the city's old town from its commercial hub. It's an 11 hour flight from Detroit.

57. Audacity: NERVE.    Bold, daring, or reckless confidence.

58. Challenge for a biker: HILL.  Peddle harder.

59. "Rebecca" novelist du Maurier: DAPHNE.   Dame Daphne du Maurier, Lady Browning, [1907 - 1989] was an English novelist, biographer and playwright. 

62. __ al-Fitr: EID.   Eid al-Fitr translates in Arabic to the "Festival of Breaking the Fast". It is a joyous major Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of dawn-to-dusk fasting.  The chance that I will remember this is effectively 0.

63. De Armas of "Knives Out": ANA.  Ana Celia de Armas Caso [b 1988] is a Cuban-Spanish actress known for her versatility and roles in both Spanish and Hollywood films. De Armas first gained recognition for her role in the 2019 movie Knives Out, earning a Golden Globe nomination. She went on to star as Marilyn Monroe in the 2022 biographical drama Blonde, receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. 

67. First number in many countdowns: TEN.   And in count ups.

68. Likable enough: NICE-ISH.  I guess this is a nice enough word-ish.
 
69. Get together: MEET.   To come together at a specific place or time.

70. NNW opposite: SSE.  North northwest and south southeast, 180 degree opposite secondary intercardinal directions.

71. Warns: ALERTS.   Notifies or warns someone of a potential risk, giving them time to prepare or react.

72. Bygone Palm smartphone: TREO.   The Palm Trēo was a groundbreaking line of early smartphones originally developed by Handspring and later acquired by Palm, Inc. Known for integrating cellular service with PDA features like calendars and email, iconic models like the 2004 Trēo 650 featured a physical QWERTY keyboard, an SD card slot, and a stylus

Down:
1. Feature of some wedding receptions: CASH BAR.   An event setup where guests pay for their own alcoholic beverages.

2. Rest on top of: OVERLIE.   To lie on top of or rest upon something. It is commonly used in geology and technical contexts to describe a younger layer of rock, soil, or sediment covering an older layer beneath it.

3. Speaker's stand: LECTERN.   A lectern is a tall, standing desk with a slanted top used to hold books, notes, or a laptop. It is designed for speakers or readers to stand behind while delivering presentations, reading scriptures, or giving lectures.

4. Go wrong: ERR.  A formal or literary verb meaning to make a mistake, be incorrect, or stray from a course of action.  It's only human.

5. Adorable: CUTE.   Attractive or appealing in a pleasing, often youthful or dainty way. It typically describes things that are endearing and nonthreatening—like babies or puppies

6. Toothbrush brand: ORAL B.   an American brand of oral hygiene products currently owned by Procter & Gamble. Its products include toothpastes, toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes, and mouthwashes. The brand was launched in 1950 in California by Robert W. Hutson, who was a pioneer of modern toothbrushes.

7. Arroz con __: chicken dish: POLLO.    Arroz con pollo is a traditional dish of Latin America. It typically consists of chicken cooked with rice, onions, saffron, and a plethora of other grains or vegetables. 

8. Childish retort: ARE SO.  Vs "Am not."  Back and forth.  

9. PBS chef Martin: YAN.   Martin Yan [b 1948]  is a Hong Kong-American chef, TV personality, and food ambassador who has hosted the PBS cooking show Yan Can Cook since 1982. Born in Guangzhou, China, Yan was inspired by his mother in their family restaurant kitchen. 

10. Retired boomer, for short: SST.  As an actual retired boomer, I was seriously confused.  However, this boomer is a Super Sonic Transport, a commercial aircraft that travels faster than the sound barrier, like the famous Concorde.  Its boom was sonic.  They are no longe in service.  However, next generation SSTs are under development.

11. Frozen brand that "nobody doesn't like": SARA LEE.   Sara Lee is an iconic American brand known for its frozen desserts, deli meats, and packaged bread. Founded in 1935 by Charles Lubin, who named the brand after his daughter, it became famous for its cheesecakes and pound cakes and the long-running slogan, "Everybody doesn't like something, but nobody doesn't like Sara Lee".

12. Gridiron sides: ELEVENS.  In American football the offense and the defense each have 11 players on the field

13. Formidable rivals: NEMESES.  A NEMSIS is an inescapable rival, a major source of ongoing trouble, or an agent of well-deserved punishment. Rooted in Greek mythology—where Nemesis was the goddess of divine retribution—it describes an ultimate antagonist or the inevitable cause of someone’s downfall.

15. Bread box?: ATM.  Automatic Teller Machine -  a computerized banking kiosk that allows you to withdraw cash, deposit funds, or check account balances without visiting a bank branch.

18. Being, in Latin: ESSE.   a Latin infinitive verb meaning "to be", which translates in English to existence, being, or essential nature. It is primarily used in philosophy, law, and common Latin phrases.

22. Dog's nonverbal greeting: WAG.  Tail wagging in dogs is a complex communication signal. Rather than simply meaning happiness, a wag indicates high emotional arousal, which can range from joy and excitement to anxiety, nervousness, or aggression. The exact meaning depends on the tail's height, speed, and the direction of the wag.

24. Plod along: SLOG.    Endure a tiring, laborious task or a slow, heavy march. 

26. Part of an ear: KERNEL.  Originally derived from the Old English word cyrnel (meaning "little seed"), a kernel refers to the soft, usually edible part of a nut or fruit stone, as well as a whole grain or seed of a cereal (like corn, wheat, or oats).  An "ear" of corn is the entire, contiguous fruit cluster of a maize plant, consisting of the woody central core (the cob), the tightly packed rows of edible seeds (kernels), and the leafy outer protective covering (the husk).

27. Belted out: SUNG.  Said of a song that was projected very loudly, forcefully, and with great enthusiasm. 

29. Stylish filmmaker: AUTEUR.   A director who exerts such high creative control over their projects that they are considered the primary "authors" of the film rather than just managers of the script.

30. Leg-bending joint: KNEE.  The primary joint connecting the human thigh to the lower leg. It is a modified hinge joint formed by the articulation of the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone), while also being protected in the front by the patella (kneecap).

34. German pronoun: ICH.  First person singular.

35. "Evita" narrator: CHE.   Ernesto "Che" Guevara de la Serna [1928 - 1967] was an Argentine Marxist revolutionary, author, guerrilla leader, diplomat, politician, and military theorist. A major figure of the Cuban Revolution, his stylized visage has become a countercultural symbol of rebellion and global insignia in popular culture.

36. Boathouse collection: OARS.   An oar is a long pole with flat, wide blade at one end, used to row or steer a boat. 

39. "Now!": ASAP.  As Soon As Possible.

40. Roof overhang: EAVE.  The eaves are the lower edges of a roof that project out and overhang the external walls of a building. Primarily, they protect the structure by directing rainwater runoff away from the siding and foundation.

41. Toppers in Santa's workshop: ELF HATS.   An elf hat is a cone-shaped, pointed cap associated with mythical elves, specifically Santa's helpers. Historically rooted in the ancient Phrygian cap, the red or green hat represents magic, mischievous household spirits, and holiday cheer, and is frequently worn during Christmas or in fantasy games.

42. Military branch at Camp Pendleton: MARINES.    Highly trained military personnel specializing in amphibious warfare and rapid-response operations.

43. Narrow, as some bridges: ONE LANE.    A narrow section of a roadway designed for vehicles to travel in a single line, one behind the other, without side-by-side passing.

46. More calm: SERENER.  Serene is an adjective that describes a state of being calm, peaceful, and entirely untroubled.  The comparative sense indicates that it is more so.  The -er suffix is used for short words.  Longer words are preceded by "more,"  ergo: more serene.  Seeing "serener" makes me feel less serene.

47. Possible guest: INVITEE.   A person who is invited to an event or gathering. It is commonly used as a synonym for "guest," referring to someone who has been asked to attend a social function, participate in an activity, or visit a specific location.  Alas, there's no guarantee they'll show up.

48. Must: NEEDS TO.  "Need to" is a modal phrase used to express necessity, obligation, or an essential requirement to achieve a specific goal. 

50. Wilmington's st.: DEL.  Delaware, a small Mid-Atlantic U.S. state, sits on a peninsula marked by dune-backed beaches bordering the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware River and Delaware Bay. 

52. Universal donor's type, briefly: O-NEG.   Type O negative blood is a "universal donor" because its red blood cells lack A, B, and Rh antigens, meaning it can be safely transfused into any patient.

54. Bring out: EDUCE.    To draw out, develop, or bring into reality something that is latent, hidden, or in a state of potential. 

55. __-toothed cat: SABER.  A genus of extinct felines with particularly well-developed forelimbs and exceptionally long upper canine teeth. They were not closely related to any modern cats.

56. Challenge for a bowler: SPLIT.  A split in bowling occurs on the first roll of a frame when the headpin is knocked down, but two or more non-adjacent pins remain standing with at least one gap between them. This leaves a very challenging spare attempt.

60. Gas brand with toy trucks: HESS.   The Hess Corporation was a major American energy company famous for its East Coast gas stations and iconic holiday toy trucks. In July 2025, Chevron acquired Hess for $53 billion. Hess has not operated any gas stations since selling its retail division to Speedway in 2014.

61. "Uh-uh": NAH.  Nope!

64. Genetic info carrier: DNA.  DNA (DeoxyriboNucleic Acid) is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for the development, growth, and reproduction of all known living organisms. Acting as a biological instruction manual, its unique sequence of chemical building blocks determines traits, powers cellular functions, and is passed down from parents to offspring.

65. Canola __: OIL.   Rapeseed oil is one of the oldest known vegetable oils. There are both edible and industrial forms produced from rapeseed, the seed of several cultivars of the plant family Brassicaceae.  It is generally considered healthy in moderation. It is low in saturated fat and high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. It is an excellent choice for cooking due to its high smoke point.  Don't believe the negative hype.

66. CPR giver: EMT.   An Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is a frontline medical professional who provides out-of-hospital emergency care, such as CPR, bleeding control, and patient stabilization.   Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency lifesaving procedure performed when a person's heartbeat or breathing has stopped. It combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to circulate oxygen-rich blood to the brain and vital organs.

On that healthy note we end another Wednesday.  Hope you had a doubly good time.  I had my nits, but there was a great theme and a lot of fresh fill.

Cool regards, 

JzB

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 Jeanne D. Breen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Across:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

34. Italian grandma: NONNA.  Nagymama in Hungarian.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Down:

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

2. Alamo rival: AVIS.   Car rental companies.

4. Retired jersey number for Derek Jeter: TWO.  

Source

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cool regards,

JzB

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 Steve Jopek

Theme: The Pressure Is On!   Here we have an unusual theme where the entries are united by something that happens to them.  Let's start with the unifier.

59 A. Feeling the squeeze, or what 17-, 23-, 37-, and 48-Across may be: HARD PRESSED.   This means to face a lot of difficulty, distress, or burden—usually because you are lacking time, money, or resources. It is also frequently used in the phrase "hard-pressed to do something," which means you would find it very difficult or unlikely to achieve a specific task.  More literally, it means to be subjected to physical pressure.

17 A. LP or 45: VINYL RECORD.  These are old-style phonograph records that have recently made a comeback.  My youngest granddaughter has some featuring her favorite modern artists.  

This is how it is done

23 A. Emergency feature on a car's key fob: PANIC BUTTON.   A key fob panic button is a safety feature, often labeled in red, that triggers a vehicle's horn and lights to blare continuously to attract attention during emergencies.  You have to press it.  I'm not sure how hard.

37 A. Ham-and-cheese concoctions with Florida origins: CUBAN SANDWICHES.   Warm, pressed ham and cheese sandwiches featuring roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on crusty Cuban bread. Popularized by Cuban immigrants in Florida, it is typically grilled in a plancha (panini press) until the bread is crisp and the cheese melts.

48 A. Waterless treatment for some clothes: DRY CLEANING.  Dry cleaning is a professional cleaning process that uses special liquid chemical solvents instead of water to remove dirt, stains, and oils from fabric. Despite the name, clothes do get wet, but they are never submerged in water, which prevents delicate fabrics from shrinking, swelling, or losing their shape.   To finish the process, garments are expertly steamed and pressed using automated machinery or hand irons for a crisp, wrinkle-free finish.

Hi, Gang, JazzBunpa here to push us through this puzzle.  The pressure is on, so let us press on.

Here is today's theme song, once available on a Vinyl Record.

Across:

1. Pesters: NAGS.   Annoys, bothers, or persistently urges someone by constantly finding fault or making complaints.   What is it called if you annoy an old and overworked horse?

5. "Break a leg" addressee: ACTOR.  An actor is a performer in a play or movie.  "Break a leg" is a theatrical idiom used to wish performers good luck before a show. Because actors are notoriously superstitious and believe wishing good luck directly will cause the opposite, they use this phrase instead.

10. Minor quibble: NIT.  A minor or trivial complaint.  Not to be confused with an insect's egg.

13. Regions: AREAS.   Broad geographical, spatial, or conceptual areas defined by shared characteristics. 

15. Sulu portrayer on "Star Trek": TAKEI.   George Takei [b. 1937] is an American actor, author, activist, and director. He's best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu, the USS Enterprise's helmsman in the original Star Trek series and several films.

16. Prior to today: AGO.  Once upon a time.

19. Category: ILK.  Type.  Moose are not elks, but they are of the elk ilk.  Oh, deer!

20. "From my point of view ... ": AS I SEE IT.   IMHO.

21. Gin infusion berry: SLOE.   A small, sour, bluish-black fruit that grows on the blackthorn bush (Prunus spinosa). Because the raw fruit is highly astringently bitter, it is rarely eaten fresh but is famously used to make jams, preserves, and liqueurs like sloe gin.

22. Filmmaker Spike: LEE.   Shelton Jackson "Spike" Lee is an American filmmaker, actor, and tenured professor at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. Born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1957, Lee is known for his provocative and uncompromising approach to controversial topics. His films often explore themes of race relations, urban discontent, and diversity within Black communities. 

27. The Falcons, on scoreboards: ATL.  Atlanta, GA is home to the Falcons of the National Football League..  They also have a pretty good baseball team

28. Squabble: ARGUE.  Quibble, perhaps pick nits.

29. Sandler of "Uncut Gems": ADAM.  Adam Richard Sandler [b. 1966] is an American actor, comedian, producer, musician, and screenwriter. He's known for his comedic roles in movies like Happy Gilmore, The Wedding Singer, and Little Nicky, but has also taken on dramatic roles like in Reign Over Me. His films often explore themes related to his Jewish heritage and range from romantic comedies to animated features like the Hotel Transylvania series. 

32. Plywood sheet: PANEL.    A flat, rectangular piece of building material (like plywood or sheet metal) used to form a surface or structure.

34. PC core: CPU.  Central Processing Unit.  The primary "brain" of a computer or smart device. It processes instructions, performs calculations, and manages the flow of data across all hardware and software.

41. Partner of flow: EBB.   The movement of the tide going out or retreating from the shore. Metaphorically, it is used to describe a gradual decline, lessening, or weakening of something over time (such as energy, morale, or emotion).

42. Wee: EENSY.  Teeny, itsey-bitsy.  A non-word meaning tiny.

43. Most populous continent: ASIA.  Asia is the largest continent in the world by both land area and population. It covers an area of more than 44 million square kilometres, about 30% of Earth's total land area and 8% of Earth's total surface area.

44. Online birthday greeting: E-CARD.    A digital version of a traditional greeting card. Sent via email, text, or messaging app,

46. A billion years: EON.   A unit of time representing an indefinitely long, immeasurable period. Might be a billion.  But who counts?

52. Bullpen stat: ERA.  Earned Run Average, representing the average number of runs an opposing team scores against them per nine innings .  

55. Jam-packed containers?: JARS.  Cylindrical glass or ceramic containers with wide openings, used for storing items like food, or food-like substances.  Jam is a fruit spread that can be packed into a jar. 

56. Like some work in a teacher's stack: UNGRADED.  Refers to something has not been assigned a grade, score, or classification level.  Alternatively,  dirt or gravel roads that have not been leveled, smoothed, or paved.

58. Vow renewal vow: I DO.  For marriage renewal.  Did it not take the first time?

62. Actress Peeples: NIA.   Virenia Gwendolyn Peeples [b. 1961], known professionally as Nia Peeples, is an American actress, singer, and producer. Peeples transitioned to acting in the early 1980s, gaining recognition for her role as Nicole Chapman on the TV show Fame. She's also known for her roles as Pam Fields on Pretty Little Liars, Karen Taylor Winters on The Young and the Restless, and Sydney Cooke on Walker, Texas Ranger. 

63. Proverb: ADAGE.   A short, memorable saying that expresses a well-known truth or common observation about life.  Frex: A bird in the hand saves nine.

64. Conchiglie pasta shape: SHELL.  A conch is a marine snail with a spiral shell.  I assume it is the eponym for this style of pasta, which comes in various sizes.

65. Zeus or Poseidon: GOD.  Zeus was the chief god of the Greek pantheon.  Poseidon, god of the sea, was his brother.

66. Saudi Arabia neighbor: YEMEN.   Yemen, officially the Republic of Yemen, is a country in West Asia. Including the Socotra Archipelago, mainland Yemen is located in southern Arabia; bordering Saudi Arabia to the north, and Oman to the northeast.  Yemen is the second largest country on the Arabian Peninsula by area, and the largest by population.

67. "If all __ fails ... ": ELSE.   This means that if every other planned action, preferred solution, or attempt you have tried is unsuccessful, you will move to your final fallback option or backup plan.

Down:

1. Part of USNA: NAVAL.  United States Naval Acadamy.

2. Respond to reveille: ARISE.  Wake up, Sad Sack.

3. "Aladdin" role for Robin Williams: GENIE.  Spirit in a bottle.   Don't rub it the wrong way.

4. Simon __: SAYS.  "Simon Says" is a classic listening game where players follow the leader's physical commands only if the phrase begins with the words "Simon says".

5. Used Grubhub, say: ATE IN.  Had a meal at home, in this case delivered from somewhere.

6. Some succulents: CACTI.   Succulents are drought-resistant plants that store water in their fleshy leaves, stems, or roots. The term comes from the Latin word sucus, meaning "juice" or "sap". They are not one specific family of plants, but rather a survival adaptation shared across roughly 60 different plant families.  Cactus plants are members of the succulent plant family Cactaceae, native primarily to the Americas. They are uniquely adapted to hot, arid environments, featuring thick, fleshy stems that store water, and sharp spines instead of traditional leaves to conserve moisture and deter animals

7. Ref's ring call, for short: TKO.  Technical Knock Out, a term used in combat sports like boxing, MMA, and wrestling to describe the end of a match when a referee, ringside physician, or a fighter's corner stops the fight because a competitor can no longer safely defend themselves

8. Opposite of 'neath: O'ER. Beneath and over - realtive p'sit'ns.

9. Divest (of): RID.  to strip, rid, or deprive someone or something of a possession, right, or quality. In business and finance, it specifically refers to the act of selling off assets, investments, or subsidiary companies, often for financial restructuring, ethical reasons, or to refocus on core operations

10. Mani-pedi pros: NAIL TECHS.     Licensed beauty professionals who specialize in the cosmetic care, grooming, and beautification of fingernails and toenails. 

11. Yeti rival: IGLOO.  Brands of coolers - cases for keeping food and drinks cold.

12. Game piece: TOKEN.    A physical or digital object used in games to represent value, assets, currency, or a player's standing.

14. Got some shut-eye: SLEPT.  Cut a few Z's

18. Honest-to-goodness: REAL.  Actual or truthful.

21. "Rugrats" dad: STU.  Never watched it, and couldn't find a clip worth sharing.

24. Smarties and Nerds: CANDY.  Not types of people.  In the US, Smarties are a tart, sweet, and powdery tablet candy pressed into small, colorful rolls.   Nerds are a popular American candy consisting of tiny, tangy, crunchy pebbles. Each piece is essentially a shaped sugar crystal coated in a thin, fruit-flavored layer. 

25. Make, as beer: BREW.    Make beverages like beer, ale, coffee, or tea by steeping, boiling, or fermenting. 

26. Wrinkly citrus fruit: UGLI.    A natural hybrid citrus native to Jamaica, made from a cross between a tangerine, a grapefruit, and an orange. The name is a play on the word "ugly," referring to its rough, wrinkled, and misshapen rind.

27. Org. whose symbol is a snake around a pole: AMA.  American Medical Assosiation.  It is the largest professional association and lobbying group for physicians and medical students in the U.S. Founded in 1847 and headquartered in Chicago, its core mission is to promote the art and science of medicine and improve public health.

29. Unreturned tennis serve: ACE.  Like this.

30. Add new audio to: DUB.    To add or replace the dialogue, music or sound effects in a video, movie, or broadcast. 

31. Street on a 1969 Beatles album: ABBEY ROAD.   The real Abbey Road is a famous thoroughfare located in St John's Wood, North London, UK. It runs through the City of Westminster and the borough of Camden.   The street is universally famous for two main landmarks, which sit right next to each other:  The Zebra Crossing: This is the exact crossing featured on the iconic 1969 Beatles album cover, Abbey Road. It has since been granted Grade II listed status for its cultural and historical importance.

Abbey Road Studios: Located at 3 Abbey Road, this legendary recording studio is where The Beatles and many other musical icons recorded their work.

You can listen to the entire album.  It was originally available as a vinyl record.

32. Bamboo eater: PANDA.   The giant panda, also known as the panda bear or simply panda, is a bear species endemic to China. It is characterised by its white coat with black patches around the eyes, ears, legs and shoulders. Its body is rotund; adult individuals weigh 100 to 115 kg and are typically 1.2 to 1.9 m long.

33. Ques. response: ANS.   Question and answer, abbrvd.

35. Architect I.M. __: PEI.  Ieoh Ming Pei [1917 - 2019] was a Chinese-American architect. Born in Guangzhou into a Chinese family, Pei drew inspiration at an early age from the garden villas at Suzhou, the traditional retreat of the scholar-gentry to which his family belonged.

36. Can. neighbor: USA. North American countries and hickey rivals.

38. Sci-fi author Stephenson: NEAL.  Neal Town Stephenson [b. 1959] is an American writer known for his works of speculative fiction. His novels have been categorized as science fiction, historical fiction, cyberpunk, and baroque. Stephenson's work explores mathematics, cryptography, linguistics, philosophy, currency, and the history of science.

39. Withered from drought: SERE.   Dry, withered, or parched, typically used to describe landscapes, climates, or vegetation lacking moisture.

40. Is able to: CAN.   Have the ability, right or permission to do something.

45. Shares an email with: CCS.  Carbon Copies.  Though the technology has moved on, the vocabulary hasn't.

46. Many a tech school grad: ENGR.  Engineer.

47. Fairy tale monsters: OGRES.  They're like onions.

48. Working a dance party, say: DJ - ING.  Working as a disc jockey, spinning vinyl records, maybe.

49. Marconi medium: RADIO.   A technology that uses electromagnetic waves (radio waves) to transmit and receive signals through the air without connecting wires. It can refer to the underlying communication technology, the broadcasting industry, or the electronic device used to receive and play audio.   Guglielmo Giovanni Maria Marconi [1874-1937], 1st Marquess, was an Italian radio-frequency engineer, inventor, and politician known for his creation of a practical radio wave-based wireless telegraph system.

50. Elbow gently: NUDGE.   A gentle touch, push, or subtle prompting used to attract attention or encourage someone toward a specific action.  Less intense than a prod.

51. Confident way to solve a crossword: IN PEN.  I had IN INK.  Didn't work.

52. Famous Ford flop: EDSEL.  The Edsel was an automobile marque produced by the Ford Motor Company for the 1958 through 1960 model years. Named after Henry Ford's son, Edsel Ford, it is infamous for being a massive corporate failure and a textbook case of ill-timed marketing and product design.  But all these years later, it is a valued collector's item.

53. Highland dances: REELS.  

They're reel good

54. Bewilder: ADDLE.   To make someone feel confused, disoriented, or unable to think clearly. 

57. Court legend Arthur: ASHE.   Arthur Robert Ashe Jr. [1943 - 1993] was an American professional tennis player. He won three Grand Slam titles in singles and two in doubles. Ashe was the first Black player selected to the United States Davis Cup team, and the only Black man ever to win the singles titles at Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open.

59. Stable staple: HAY.   Hay typically refers to grass, clover, or alfalfa that has been cut and dried. It is primarily used as stored fodder (animal food) for livestock like cattle, horses, and sheep, or as nibble and bedding for smaller pets like rabbits and guinea pigs.   I had OAT.  That was not helpful.

60. Summer refresher suffix: -ADE.  As in, frex., lemonede.

61. SoFi Stadium NFL player: RAM.   The Los Angeles Rams are a professional American football team based in the Greater Los Angeles area. The Rams compete in the National Football League as a member of the National Football Conference West division.

This wraps up today's puzzle.    I hope it made a good impression.

Steve Jopek has had puzzles accepted elsewhere but this is his first at the L.A. Times.  Congrats, Steve!

Cool regards!

JzB

Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Zhouqin Burnikel

Theme: Try 4-7-8 breathing.

Today we have a clever and unusually constructed puzzle by our own dear C.C., with a split unifier, and vertical theme entries. This suggests the likelihood of a certain kind of gimmick, in which a target word is contained in the theme fill, and oriented as the unifier indicated.  Let's check it out.

The unifier -- 9A. With 64-Across, "Chill!," or what can be found four times in this puzzle: CALM.

64A. See 9-Across: DOWN.  Together these words form an exhortation spoken to someone in an angry or agitated state.  It is well known that reciting this magic formula will immediately cause that person to become placid and serene.  In the theme fill, the hidden word CALM is spelt in the DOWN orientation.  Nice.

3 D.  Neighborhood spot for fresh produce: LOCAL MARKET.  It centers on local production, immediate demand, and community-focused marketing strategies aimed at customers living or working nearby.

8 D. Make-or-break point: CRITICAL MOMENT.    A pivotal, high-stakes juncture in a conversation, project, or life event that determines future outcomes, often acting as a turning point. 

14 D.  Genre with symphonies and sonatas: CLASSICAL MUSIC.    A broad, formal tradition of Western art music spanning roughly the 11th century to the present, rooted in written notation, complex structures, and lasting value.  Often this phrase refers to a more narrow time slice containing the 17th to 19th centuries.

25 D. Accessories favored by serious gamers: OPTICAL MICE.    Computer pointing devices that use a light source—typically a light-emitting diode (LED)—and a photodiode sensor to detect movement relative to a surface. 

Construction details -- Perfect rotational symmetry is maintained in the grid with the positions of the unifier fragments and the themers.  For an extra, elegant touch, the CAL M is split between the L and M in each two-word theme entry. 

Also note that this theme is like a soft pillow.

It's down filled.

Hi, Gang, JazzBumpa here, feeling very mellow, and hoping we all get through this puzzle peacefully and untroubled.

Here is today's theme song.

Across:

1. Embrace: HOLD.   Put your arms around someone.    Huge hug.

 5. Voting alliance: BLOC.   A combination of people or groups sharing a common purpose.

13. "Hi there, matey!": AHOY.   A nautical interjection used to hail a ship, attract attention, or greet others, 

14. Like the top coat of nail polish: CLEAR.  A transparent, durable paint layer applied as the final step over colored (basecoat) paint on vehicles, or, in this case, toenails.

15. Toll unit: AXLE.  A central shaft or rod that connects a pair of wheels to a vehicle, rotating with them or allowing them to rotate around it. Axles support the vehicle's weight, manage braking and acceleration forces, and in powered vehicles, transmit torque from the transmission to the wheels.  Tolls can be based on the number of them.

16. Sprint or marathon: RACE.   A competition between runners, horses, vehicles, boats, etc., to see which is the fastest in covering a set course.

17. Green bug named for its camouflaging ability: LEAF INSECT.   A large slow-moving tropical insect related to the stick insects, with a flattened body that resembles a leaf in shape and color.

Wikipedia

19. Mrs. in Mallorca: SRA.  Señora, a married woman.

20. First light: DAWN.  Day break.

21. Tip of a sock: TOE.   Where the human toes reside.

22. "We need assistance!": HELP US.   

24. Go kaput: DIE.  Pass away, get used up.

25. Aveeno grain: OAT.    A highly nutritious whole grain, specifically Avena sativa, packed with fiber (beta-glucan) that aids heart health, reduces cholesterol, and promotes fullness for weight management. 

Aveeno is an American brand of skin care and hair care products owned by American consumer health company Kenvue.

28. Largest deer species: MOOSE.   The moose or elk is the world's tallest, largest and heaviest extant species of deer and the only extant species in the genus Alces. It is also the tallest, and the second-largest, land animal in North America, falling short only to the American bison in body mass.

30. Solar event: ECLIPSE.   A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on Earth and fully or partially obscuring the Sun. 

32. Wild guess: STAB.   Aka, swag.

34. "Broad City" star Glazer: ILANA.   Ilana Glazer (b. 1987) is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, producer, director, and activist. 

36. "C u l8r": TTFN.   An acronym for "Ta-ta for now," a playful, informal British phrase meaning "goodbye for now".

37. Sub in a deli: HERO.  A New York-origin, large submarine-style sandwich made on a long, crusty Italian roll, filled with layers of Italian cold cuts (salami, pepperoni, capicola), provolone cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and oil/vinegar.

38. Part of ACLU: CIVIL.   The American Civil Liberties Union.

39. "About the Author" sections: BIOS.   Short biographies (personal profiles or sketches of a person's life.) 

40. Like some bourbons: OAKY.  Aged in oak barrels.  I prefer rye or a single malt scotch.

41. Starting squad: A-TEAM.   An elite or expert group comprising those who are most pre-eminent in an organization, profession, or activity.

42. Decent size for a meadow: ACRE.  A unit of land area equal to 4,840 square yards (0.405 hectare).

43. Grapple in a ring: WRESTLE.   Engage in close, hand-to-hand combat by gripping an opponent to throw or immobilize them, often as a sport. 

45. Stage presence?: LONG A.  The letter "A" present in the word "stage" is of the long variety.  In "stag' it is of the short variety. 

47. Big Apple newspaper, for short: NYT. The New York Times.  

48. Meditation chants: OMS.  In the singular,  a sacred syllable and the primordial sound of the universe, often chanted to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and connect with spiritual consciousness.   Might even help one to calm down.

49. Took for a ride: MISLED.  Engaged in cheating or deceiving someone.  

52. Shiba __: INU.  The Shiba Inu is a breed of hunting dog from Japan. A small-to-medium breed, it is the smallest of the six original dog breeds native to Japan. The Shiba Inu was originally bred for hunting. Its name literally translates to "brushwood dog", as it is used to flush game.

Wikipedia

53. Partner in crime?: ABET.  Here, "partner" is used as a verb, meaning to act along with someone in an activity - in this case of the nefarious variety.

55. NCAA sch. with the mascot Sparty: MSU.   Michigan State University, located in East Lansing, with The Spartans as their nick-name.  My Michigan-educated grands went to Eastern, Western, Central, and Wayne State.

56. Gives only perfunctory effort: PHONES IT IN.  As in the Red Wings last sorry game of this dismal season.

60. Is just the right size for: FITS.  Having the proper size and shape.

61. Nerf darts, e.g.: AMMO.  Short for ammunition, generally combat supplies.  Nerf darts are for less serious combat, I assume.   The come in a surprisingly large variety of shapes and sizes.

62. Shocking response at the altar: I DON'T.   That could ruin somebody's whole day.

63. Rapper born Tracy Marrow: ICE T.   Tracy Lauren Marrow (b.1958), known professionally as Ice-T (or Ice T), is an American rapper and actor. He is active in both hip-hop and heavy metal. 

65. Tube tops: CAPS.  The tops of, frex., tooth paste tubes.  Clever.

66. Flower-visiting buzzers: BEES.  Oh, honey.

Down:

1. Tough to endure: HARSH.   Severely unpleasant, rough, cruel, or strident to the senses.

2. Busiest airport in the Midwest: O'HARE.  In Chicago.

4. Turn red, perhaps: DYE.  You can change the color of something without being enbarassed.

5. Made bubbles, say: BLEW.  Expelled air, in this case through a soapy loop.

Watch and Learn

6. Tilt: LEAN.   Be slanted in a certain direction.

7. Galoot: OAF.   A clumsy, stupid, or awkward person, typically a man.   Not all men.

9. Violin carrier: CASE.   A box for holding something, in this case [so to speak] a padded, form-fitting protective box. 

10. Log chopper: AXE.   A cutting tool with a heavy-bladed head attached to a handle, used for thousands of years to chop, split, and harvest wood. 

11. Inc. alternative: LLC.   A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a flexible, hybrid business structure combining the personal liability protection of a corporation with the pass-through taxation of a partnership or sole proprietorship.

12. Crossed paths: MET.  Encountered someone.

18. French holiday: NOËL.   Christmas.  Joyeux Noël.

20. Key and Peele, e.g.: DUO.  Two people doing something together.  K and P were a sketch comedy DOU with a self-named TV show that ran from 2012 to 2015 on Comedy Central.

23. N'awlins sandwiches: PO'BOYS.    Traditional Louisiana sandwiches served on crispy, flaky French bread, often filled with fried seafood (shrimp, oysters, catfish) or roast beef with gravy. 

24. "Wasn't me," e.g.: DENIAL.   The refusal to accept truth, reality, an accusation, or a request, 

26. Regarding: AS FOR.   Concerning a certain topic.

27. On pins and needles: TENSE.   Nervous and worried and unable to relax: needing to calm down.

29. Privileged groups: ELITES.    Small, privileged groups of people who are superior in ability, wealth, or social status within societies or organizations. 

31. Must-have purses: IT BAGS.   High-priced, luxury designer handbags that becomes a season's must-have item, defined by immense popularity, celebrity endorsement, and high demand. 

32. Aired: SHOWN.  Broadcast on TV, or another visual medium

33. All choked up: TEARY.  Almost crying.  Pass me a Kleenex.

35. Blvd. kin: AVE.  Boulevard and Avenue - streets by any other name, often wide, tree lined, and possibly divided..

44. Mood: TONE.   A temporary, subjective emotional state or frame of mind, often lasting hours or days, which influences how a person perceives the world.  Leave me alone.  I'm in a bad tone today.  A mood is how one feels.  The tone is how it may be expressed through voice, writing or art.

46. Trivial complaint: NIT.  Relating to some small or insignificant detail.  Did I pick one in 44 A?

50. Lauder of cosmetics: ESTĖE.  Estée Lauder (nee Josephine Esther Mentzer, 1908 –2004) was an American businesswoman. She co-founded her eponymous cosmetics company with her husband, Joseph Lauter (later Lauder). She was the only woman on Time magazine's 1998 list of the 20 most influential business geniuses of the 20th century.

51. Uses a Swiffer: DUSTS.   Swiffer is an American brand of cleaning products, manufactured by Procter & Gamble. Since its launch in 1999, Swiffer has achieved widespread popularity and become one of Procter & Gamble's most successful brands in the household cleaning products market, with its core product line centered around disposable towels and cleaning parts.

52. Privy to: IN ON.  Knowledgable about something, often something not widely known. 

53. Perched upon: ATOP.  "On top of," "at the top," or "situated on the summit" of something.

54. Storage boxes: BINS.   Containers or enclosed spaces used for storing, holding, or collecting items. 

56. Writer's block?: PAD.   A writing tablet or note pad.  Calling it a block is a stretch too far, IMHO.

57. Med. insurance option: HMO.  Health Maintenance Organization, a type of health insurance plan that limits coverage to doctors or facilities within a specific network. It offers lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs but requires selecting a Primary Care Physician (PCP) and obtaining referrals to see specialists.

58. Texter's "Be there soon": OMW.   On My Way.

59. St. known for spuds: IDA.  Here, "St." indicates state, not street, and IDAHO is known for it's potatoes.

60. Lie to spare someone's feelings, perhaps: FIB.  Also known as a white lie. 

C.C. served us up a fine puzzle today, and I had fun blogging it.   Would I fib to you?

Chill regards!

JzB

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