Monday June 15, 2020 Mark McClain

Theme: AFTERSHOCK (64. Earthquake echo, or where the last words of the answers to starred clues might go) - "Shock" can precede the last word of each theme answer.

17. *Price a discarded item might fetch: SCRAP VALUE. Shock value.

27. *Preliminary book copy for editing: PRINTER'S PROOF. Shockproof.

48. *Salon job often shortened to its first four letters: PERMANENT WAVE. Shock wave.

Boomer here.

The Dow Jones average was not SHOCKPROOF last Thursday. We have a new garage door coming Wednesday.  Actually our existing door works fine however we are in a townhome association and it seems most of our neighbors have upgraded their garage doors, so we need to keep up with the Joneses.

Across:

1. The "M" in STEM, briefly: MATH.  One of my best subjects. I was always the one to keep the bowling scores.  Yup, I am so old we used to have to write the scores on a paper sheet.

5. Bistro offerings: MEALS.  Still shy of Bistros and the like.  C.C. and I like to visit a buffet once in a while, but not while the Covid-19 is still a threat. I think that's why the stock market crashed.  Some places have opened but the customers are staying home.)

10. Darkened for emphasis, as text: BOLD.

14. New York canal: ERIE.  Also a Great Lake.

15. Quiver projectile: ARROW.  Also a vintage Pierce automobile. Told you I was old.

16. "Buy It Now" site: EBAY.  I used to sell baseball cards and coin proof sets on EBAY.  Not so much anymore.

19. Zonk out: DOZE.

20. Snail's protection: SHELL. Also a gasoline company.  Are they still around?  I don't see Shell stations in Minnesota anymore.

21. Directs: OVERSEES.

23. "__ on Down the Road": "The Wiz" song: EASE.

26. Bus sked info: ETA.  When will I get there?  Last time I rode a bus was when my '81 Ford pickup decided to quit running on Lake Street.  The same Lake Street that is now boarded up.

33. Corp. money exec: CFO.

35. Medical pros: DOCS.  "What's Up??" - Bugs Bunny.

36. Take great pleasure in: SAVOR.  My favorite is pizza.

37. Ship frame: HULL.  The "Golden Jet" Bobby of the Chicago Black Hawks.

39. "__ one is better?": WHICH.  "Which Witch is a good Witch, Dorothy ??"

42. Great Pyramid site: GIZA.

43. Physicist Newton: ISAAC.

45. Surrey slammer: GAOL.

47. Butterfly catcher: NET.  Also a puck catcher.  Ask the Golden Jet.

52. RVer's stopover: KOA.  Nice campgrounds for travelers.

53. Interstate hauler: SEMI.

54. Glam or punk, to rock: SUBGENRE.

59. Cinderella's sweepings: ASHES.  Tobacco Store at Knollwood mall.

63. Horror film assistant: IGOR.

67. Sunscreen additive: ALOE.

68. Stale-smelling: MUSTY.

69. Grape soda brand: NEHI.  I think this was a favorite of Radar O'Reilly.

70. "Well, I'll be darned!": MY MY.

71. "Family Ties" mother: ELYSE.

72. Asian wheat noodle: UDON.

Down:

1. Total disorder: MESS.  Minneapolis and other cities witnessed this for several weeks.

2. Word with enemy or rival: ARCH.  The Golden ones sell hamburgers.

3. Grow weary: TIRE.  I have 30,000 miles on mine.  They might be growing weary soon.

4. Shaman, for one: HEALER.  I certainly hope Abejo finds the right one.

5. Dallas NBAer: MAV.  Not to be confused with Bret, played by James Garner.  I told you I was old.

6. Important period: ERA.  Important Stat for MLB pitchers.

7. Woody's singing son: ARLO.  "You can get anything you want, at Alice's Restaurant.

8. Shutter with slanted slats: LOUVER.

9. Sugary goodies: SWEETS.

10. Places to sleep: BEDS.  Places for flowers. We added to the front of our home last week.

11. Flute's orchestral neighbor: OBOE.

12. Lounge (around): LAZE.

13. Hair salon colors: DYES.  Hair salons are not doing too well during the virus.

18. Flannel shirt pattern: PLAID.  I see a bit of this in Scottish bands in parades.

22. Knocks loudly: RAPS.

24. Winter forecast: SNOW.  "Oh the weather outside is frightful, your smile is so delightful."

25. Mark permanently: ETCH.  We had an ETCH A SKETCH when I was a kid,

27. Kind of ice cap: POLAR.  There are ads on TV, which the virus has me watching too much. You can adopt a POLAR bear for only $8.00 per month.  Good grief!

28. Endorse digitally: E SIGN.

29. Cleaner's cloth: RAG.

30. Like sheep: OVINE.  But I don't think you can adopt a sheep.  BAAAH.

31. Move like molasses: OOZE.

32. Greek campus group: FRAT.  I don't think those guys in "Animal House" were Greeks.

33. Short golf shot: CHIP.  Putts are usually shorter.  CHIP was one of  "My Three Sons".

34. Firecracker-lighting cord: FUSE.  Bussmann makes them, Graybar sells them.

38. Perp's escape: LAM.

40. Webber musical based on Eliot poems: CATS.

41. Sewing machine inventor Elias: HOWE.  NHL Hockey great - Gordie.

44. Wedding reception centerpiece: CAKE.  Some of these are really fantastic.  I never know how they build them so high.  I think many folks have the top layer in their freezer, waiting for their 50th Anniversary.

46. Buddhist teachers: LAMAS.

49. Generic: NO NAME.

50. Probably more than you wanted to hear: EARFUL. I was just thinking that this could be an adjective for my blog expo.

51. Hindu deity: VISHNU.

54. Thailand, once: SIAM.  Are you wearing pants??  Yes SIAM.

55. Like eyesores: UGLY.

56. Explosive sound: BOOM.  That would be me.  Born in the Truman administration.

57. Western writer Zane __: GREY.

58. Crafter's website: ETSY.  I wonder if they have ever seen my Boondoggle.

60. Worked the soil: HOED.  C.C. and I did a little while planting our tomatoes, beans and radishes.

61. Cavern phenomenon: ECHO.

62. Largest human organ: SKIN.  I wonder if that includes the skin of my teeth.

65. Sci-fi series extras: ETS.

66. Whiskey grain: RYE.  I like RYE bread.  Doc says no whiskey for me though.

Boomer

Monday June 8, 2020 Kurt Krauss

Theme: SHORT TERM (60. Temporary ... and how both ends of the answers to starred clues might be described) - Short can precede both words of each theme answer.

17. *Plot of a movie, say: STORY LINE. Short story. Short line.

25. *Single-layer dessert: SHEET CAKE. Short sheet. Short cake.

36. *Stock buying or selling directive with a specified price: STOP ORDER. Shortstop. Short order.

50. *Nintendo income source: GAME SALES. Short game. Short sales.

Boomer here.

Thank you, desper-otto, for explaining the theme to C.C. and me. We could not figure out "how both ends of the answers to starred clues might be described".

Things have settled down a bit in Minneapolis with smaller crowds and very little violence.  Businesses are opening up. Wow, the Governor allows the bowling centers to open at 25% capacity.  I am staying away and wasting time on a golf course. I don't know about fall leagues. Many of my bowling buddies are saying no vaccine - no league bowling, and I'm afraid I agree.

Across:

1. Dada pioneer Jean: ARP.  Add one more "A" and you have an organization for seniors.

4. Closes: SHUTS.  Most every nonessential was SHUT for two months.

9. Newborn horses: FOALS. The Kentucky Derby for three year olds was moved to September.  They did not lose qualified entries.  All race horse's birthdays are January 1.

14. Keep out of, with "from": BAR. All the BARS in Minnesota were closed for two months.  Recently they were allowed to open.

15. Basic belief: TENET.

16. Boutros-Ghali's U.N. successor Kofi __: ANNAN.

19. Sam of "Jurassic Park": NEILL.

20. Animated film mermaid: ARIEL.  A Disney Princess. 

21. Give it a shot: TRY.  I give a golf ball a shot every Monday.  It's very TRYing.

23. Docs' org. with a noted journal: AMA.  My June visit to my oncologist was changed to a phone call.  First I gave a blood sample to our VA Clinic Northwest of our home. Then My doctor phoned me and indicated that I'm doing okay. I did not visit our VA hospital this time. The small clinic in Ramsey, MN has been incredibly changed. Very clean, chairs in the waiting room are 6-10 feet apart.  Many have been removed.  I was impressed.  I told C.C. that I figured the clinic was a lot safer than some of the grocery stores we visit. 

24. Pennsylvanie, par exemple: ETAT.

28. Gridiron pitchout: LATERAL.  A pitchout on the baseball diamond is to catch a base stealer.

31. Caught, as a butterfly: NETTED.  I don't remember netting a butterfly.  We used to net fish now and then to bring them into the boat.   

32. Kingston Trio hit with the lyric "Fight the fare increase!": MTA.  "Vote for George O'Brien, get poor Charlie off the MTA.  I sang this solo in concerts of the Benilde High School Glee Club.

33. Supreme Norse god: ODIN.

35. Equals on a jury: PEERS.

39. Bingo-like game: BEANO. Never played this game, but C.C. planted bush beans in our small garden last week.

42. Dressed in: WORE.  Dress in too many times and it may become WORE out.

43. Freshly painted: WET.

46. Glue brand: ELMER'S.  I ruined a lot of baseball cards with good old Elmer's.

48. London's theatre district: WEST END.  I wonder if they ever presented "West Side Story"?

53. Feed bag bits: OATS.  "Mares eat OATS and does eat OATS and Little Lambs eat Ivy."

54. Pince-__ glasses: NEZ.

55. Gangster's gun: GAT.

56. Penniless: BROKE.  Many small businesses in Minneapolis won't be back after damaged by rioters and looters.

58. Playful swimmer: OTTER.  Fraternity Chairman in "Animal House".

63. Half-and-half half: CREAM.  The other half is milk.

64. Giggle sound: TEHEE.

65. "The Matrix" hero: NEO.

66. Fruity desserts: TARTS.  Also the name of the sorority sisters in "Animal House".

67. Casino lineup: SLOTS. Casinos are opening up across the USA.  SLOTS are located 6-8 feet apart.  I have not witnessed any in MN.  Mostly SLOTS are touched.  Do we wear rubber gloves?  Do they clean them after every use?

68. '80s missile prog.: SDI.

Down:

1. Stomach muscles, briefly: ABS.

2. Machine gun sound: RAT-A-TAT. Rum a Tun Tun.  Which way did they run?

3. Like a fair share: PRO RATA.  The stock market went up a bit last week. Not sure if we got our fair share.

4. Eye affliction: STYE.

5. Satan's realm: HELL.  Angels on motorcycles.

6. Prefix with cycle: UNI.  Does anyone ever ride these anymore??

7. First extra inning: TENTH.  I'm still waiting for the first inning.

8. Cubic meter: STERE.

9. Devotee: FAN.  Because I am a baseball FAN.

10. Play sans intermission: ONE-ACTER.  I get it, but it may have more than ONE ACTOR!

11. Bring to life: ANIMATE.  Thank you Walt Disney.

12. Calif. NBAer: LA LAKER. I was just talking about my bowling buddy Eddie George.  His son, Devean George, graduated from my H.S. alma mater and played a few years for the LAKERS.

13. NBC's "Weekend Update" show: SNL.

18. Confirmation, e.g.: RITE.

22. Japanese money: YEN.

24. Stately tree: ELM.  Rather have a maple and steal some sap for syrup in the fall.

25. "Freudian" oops: SLIP.

26. Flap-doored homes: TEPEES.  We have a number of homeless people in tepees and tents near the protesters' area in Minneapolis.  I feel sad for those people.

27. Masthead list, briefly: EDS. Editors.

29. Helicopter parts: ROTORS.

30. Big fuss: ADO.  Much ADO about nothing.

34. "This minute!": NOW.

36. Pooh-pooh: SNEEZE AT.  Did you ever notice when preparing a big one, you need to fill your lungs with air.  I enjoy sneezing. It assumes that I don't have the virus.

37. Lettered theater locations: ROWS.  Make sure you sit at least six feet apart.

38. Dr. of rap: DRE.

39. Plead with: BEG.

40. Hyundai sedan: ELANTRA. We are preferring the Santa Fe when the time comes. I filled my tank on March 13, and filled again last week.  It took 12 gallons.

41. Electrical measuring device: AMMETER.

43. Loses strength: WEAKENS.  I think my meds WEAKEN my legs a bit but I can still hit a golf ball.  And take a cart.

44. Went in: ENTERED.

45. NFL six-pointers: TDS.  Indeed!  I wonder if they are going to play this fall and will the stadiums be 25% filled??  I guess I don't care about a ticket.  I have not seen a game in person since they moved from the Metrodome to U.S. Bank Stadium.  But my TV still works!!

47. Droop: SAG.

49. Friendly honk: TOOT.  TOOT,TOOT, Tootsie, don't cry.

51. Endures: LASTS.

52. Six-decade actress Barrymore: ETHEL.  Fred's wife on the "I Love Lucy" show.

56. Writer Harte: BRET.  My son's name also.

57. Rd. map lines: RTES.

58. Fall mo.: OCT.  My birthday month. Usually I can still play golf.  It does not look like I will be doing that other sport anytime soon.

59. Real estate ad abbr.: RMS.

61. "Caught you!": OHO.  Yo Ho Ho and a bottle of Diet Pepsi.

62. Miss Piggy catchword: MOI.

Boomer

Monday May 25, 2020 Paul Coulter

Theme: ESSAY TEST (55. Exam answered in a blue book ... and a phonetic hint to 17-, 23- and 44-Across) - Each theme entry is in the pattern of S* A* and they're all study-related:

7. Old enough to start kindergarten: SCHOOL AGE.

23. Attend a foreign university, say: STUDY ABROAD.

44. Kind of exam with brief responses: SHORT ANSWER.

Boomer here.  

Greetings and best wishes for a great holiday! I am happy to join you in remembering friends and loved ones which have gone before us.

Across:

1. Terrible reviews: PANS.  I am not going to abuse this puzzle with cookware.

5. Dots in the Seine: ILES.  The Seine, the Seine, when will I again, meet her there, Greet her there on the moonlit banks of the Seine.  (Kingston Trio and others)

9. Shoelace tip: AGLET.  I hate when they fall off.

14. Baseball's Hershiser: OREL.  Dodger great with an odd first name.

15. Pie à la __: MODE.

16. Singer Lopez: TRINI.  He had a hammer.

19. Divided Southeast Asian island: TIMOR.

20. Sing to romantically: SERENADE.

21. Roll the dice: GAMBLE. There are many ways to gamble in Nevada, but my favorite is craps.

22. Academic URL ending: EDU.  Many are trying to decide whether to open in the fall.

25. Way to get off base?: JEEP.  I drove a Jeep at Fort Campbell.

26. Wind quintet wind: OBOE.

27. Native Alaskan: ALEUT.  Many Aleutian islands off Alaska's horse's leg.

30. Ability to float: BUOYANCY. We had many families in MN spending time at lakes and campgrounds this weekend.  Lots of kids bring plastic float toys.

34. Spill the beans: SING.  Sing a song, Make it simple to last the whole night long.  Don't worry if it's not good enough.  (Carpenters)

35. Done to __: perfectly cooked: A TURN.  I think you may have to give it A TURN to make sure it's done on both sides.

37. Numbered book part: PAGE.

38. Sonic, in gaming: HEDGEHOG.  If you can stand their looks, you may want to keep one in your garden to get rid of pests.

40. Old photo tone: SEPIA.  Reddish brown.

41. Dept. with a sun on its seal: ENER.

42. Carbon monoxide's lack: ODOR.  Texas Rangers Rougned.  Second baseman with a funny name.

48. Scratch the surface of: MAR.  More than one could be a planet.

51. Attached, as a corsage: PINNED. I guess there could be a bowling reference here.

52. Go up, as prices: INCREASE. Groceries are not too bad, except toilet paper. Gasoline is working its way up.  $1.79 per gallon here in MN. Was 1.49 two weeks ago.

54. Beelike: APIAN.

56. Pontificate: SPOUT.  I'm a little teapot short and stout.  Here is my handle and here is my SPOUT.  (Kid's song)

57. Fab Four fellow: PAUL.  McCartney. Yeah, Yeah, Yeah

58. Assert as true: AVER.

59. Three-card con: MONTE.  Nickname for Colin Montgomerie, British pro golfer

60. Heidi's range: ALPS.  Huge mountain range in Europe.  Often an answer on "Jeopardy".

61. Jared of "Panic Room": LETO.

Down:

1. Rapper's entourage: POSSE.  Hey Chester, fix one up for Marshall Dillon.  We need to catch bank robbers.

2. Rainbow-shaped: ARCED.  A decent bowling shot may arc from the 15 board out to ten. Then back to carry the back row.  For an arced golf shot - use the correct club.  That's all I know.

3. '60s jacket style: NEHRU.  I lived in the 60's but never had a NEHRU.  Funny collar.

4. Gin flavor: SLOE.  SLOE is a berry for this gin.  Slow is how you should drink it.

5. Behind-schedule comment: I'M LATE.  I'M LATE, for a very important date.  White Rabbit in Wonderland.

6. Amass, with "on": LOAD UP.

7. Barely defeated: EDGED.  Time to LOAD UP the edger with some of that plastic string and EDGE the garden.

8. Observe: SEE.  I joined the Navy to see the world, but what did I see - I saw the SEA.

9. "Way to go, fella!": ATTA BOY.  You can say it, but no high fives.  Social Distancing is the rule these days.

10. Scary scythe bearer: GRIM REAPER.

11. Dance under a bar: LIMBO.  How low can you go, Chubby Checker.

12. __ Gay: WWII bomber: ENOLA.  I was not alive in 1945, however I believe this B-29 was payback for the Pearl Harbor attack.  I don't think I agree with this but I was not around then.

13. Out of gas: TIRED.  Nope, I still have a way to go.

18. Initial stage: ONSET.  Interesting word in this age of Covid-19.  Stay safe.

21. West African country: GABON.

24. Part of BYO: YOUR.  Add a "B" for Bottle ??

25. Inexorable force: JUGGERNAUT.

27. Blond shade: ASH.  I think I have mentioned this before.  In a short time of my life, I used to smoke a pipe.  I bought tobacco from "Ashes" in a shopping center.  The owner was George Ash.

28. Fish story, so to speak: LIE.  So remember if you lie, Everyone will know.  The Boogie Man will get you..  Your nose is gonna grow.  Johnny Crawford.

29. Call off: END.  A tight lineman in the NFL.  I wonder if they will play this year.  Probably for TV only.  That's okay with me.  I have not been to a game since the Metrodome.

30. Software glitch: BUG.

31. Day break?: NAP.  Don't BUG me, I'm taking a NAP.

32. Cinematic FX: CGI.

33. Vote for: YEA.  I am amazed that Congress still uses this word to tally votes.

35. Leading in the race: AHEAD.

36. In tatters: TORN.  Elmore "RIP" Torn was an American Actor.  He passed away last July. R.I.P. RIP

39. Diplomatic accord: ENTENTE.

40. "My bad!": SORRY.  "I'm Sorry, So Sorry, please accept my apology". Brenda Lee.

42. Says "My bad!": OWNS UP.

43. Car window stickers: DECALS.  There was a time when nearly every car had decals for where they had been.  Now bowling centers and golf courses don't give decals so my van windows are clear.

44. Involuntary jerk: SPASM.

45. Safari heavyweight: HIPPO.

46. Gibson garnish: ONION.  I do not drink alcohol now so my onions garnish a hamburger.

47. Rope fiber: SISAL.

48. "Circle of Friends" author Binchy: MAEVE.

49. Balance sheet item: ASSET.  A lot of assets slipped away in February.  Hope you all are okay.  Thank the stars, they did not whack Social Security.

50. Back in style: RETRO.  I have been watching RETRO baseball and golf on TV for a month.  I'm ready for the real thing again.

53. And others: Abbr.: ET AL.  No others, we are done.  Thanks for playing.

55. Org. concerned with PCB's: EPA.

Boomer

Monday May 18, 2020 Matt McKinley

Theme: What THE Road

20. Discards as useless or obsolete: KICKS TO THE CURB.

35. What people are saying: WORD ON THE STREET.

49. Through many experiences: AROUND THE BLOCK.

Boomer here. 

A long, long time ago, I can still remember ... a visit to Great America Amusement Park near Lake Michigan and a few miles north of Chicago. I used to play Pacman (mostly in bowling centers) and Great America had a machine in the open air of the park.  I popped in a quarter and ran up a score of 208,000.  When I finally lost, there were about a dozen people behind me watching me run up that score. No applause.  The reason I bring this up, and since most of us are safely in our homes for more hours than we would care to admit, I found a Pacman game on the internet.  Just Google Pacman on Google and it will appear.  It's not the same as the original screen, and of course there is no joystick.  You need to move Pacmann with the directional arrows on the keyboard.  My high score is 54,710 and you're not allowed to use any of those nasty four letter words when a ghost gobbles your Pacman.  C.C. rules, not mine.  Enjoy!

Speaking of home confinement, I had a nasty fall a week ago which created an injured left leg.  C.C. was a very great help in getting me through this and I can walk now without a limp, and playing golf today. I had to skip last Monday. 

Across:

1. Parson's home: MANSE.  Parsons is a very famous national electrical contractor based in Minnesota.  I have a great hoodie they gave me at their Christmas banquet.

6. Wall St. hedgers: ARBS. Arbitragers. I heard that there was a U.S. Senator or four that fooled around on Wall Street sometime in February.

10. Seize with a quick motion: GRAB. I guess they were GRABBING a profit or avoiding a loss.

14. Carne __: burrito filling: ASADA.

15. Anklebones: TALI.  "The shin bone's connected to the anklebone."

16. Piece that starts next to a knight: ROOK.  Bishop didn't fit. The ROOK is supposed to look like a castle (for the King and Queen.)

17. Set of blank pages for notes and doodles: SCRATCHPAD. A little different than a SCOTCHPAD, which can sooth what itches you.

19. Rowboat pair: OARS.  "Gently down the stream".  My dad purchased a boat for our lake cabin and it was "Oar powered".  (Guess who got to pull.)

22. Bro's sibling: SIS.  I have three, but no BROS.

23. Ones elected to office: INS.

24. Make illegal: BAN.  I wish we could BAN Covid-19.

25. It comes before the ques. on "Jeopardy!": ANS. Answers. I wonder if Alex is doing okay.  There is nothing but reruns on recently - maybe due to the fact they cannot have a studio audience.

26. Unfilled calendar slot: OPEN DATE.  Lots of OPEN DATES for professional sports these days.

31. Desire: WANT.  "If you want it here it is, come and get it, but you better hurry 'cause it's going fast.  (Badfinger).

33. Going __: fighting: AT IT.  I believe I'll skip this one.

34. Mangy mutts: CURS.

38. Deuce topper: TREY.  Deuces and Treys are worthless.  I believe we remove them from the deck for a game of 500.

39. Riles up: IRES.

40. Snakelike fish: EELS.  I really would not call an EEL a fish.

41. Diminutive two-seater: SMART CAR.  We own a dumb van.

43. Morning moisture: DEW.

44. Furniture wood: OAK.  I believe that most of our furniture is particle board.

45. Come out on top: WIN.  "Root, root, root for the home team, If they don't win it's a shame.  Because they are all going to play in Arizona and Texas.

46. Musical gp. that performs summer programs at Tanglewood: BSO. Boston Symphony Orchestra.

54. Persia, now: IRAN.

55. Car showroom site: AUTO DEALER. Not sure if they are open around here. They are all advertising free delivery.  Are they selling cars or pizzas??

56. Route-finding app: WAZE.

57. Baseball Hall of Famer Willie: MAYS.  Willie played for about a month for our minor league Minneapolis Millers, farm club of the Giants. I was very young, but the Giants returned to Minneapolis to play the Millers around 1957 for an exhibition and I saw Willie hit one about 500 feet.

58. Appliance brand: AMANA.  Based in a city of  the same name in Iowa. 

59. Do as ordered: OBEY.

60. Fashion monthly: ELLE.

61. Battery components, to a doctor: TESTS.

Down:

1. Surgeons' protection: MASKS.  We were able to find some for our use when we go to a grocery or Target. I am still seeing a few people without. I have a VA appointment coming up in a couple of weeks and I am curious to see how strongly they have adapted the medical center.  They cancelled two of my blood draws in April and May but June is a bit more important.  Last time we were there, the blood draw area was a zoo. 

2. Computer data acronym: ASCII. American Standard Code for Information Interchange.

3. Feds busting dealers: NARCS.  I think our governor closed down our drug dealers with a stay-home order.  He hasn't opened them up again.  Sorry, I should not create sarcasm about these worst of times.  I apologize.

4. State known for 60-ft.-high presidents' faces: S DAK.  I was on my way one day, but it was really foggy.  So I turned around.  I've been to Deadwood, but I regret never having been to Mt. Rushmore.

5. Erodes, as profits: EATS INTO.  I cannot imagine what has happened here in the U.S. Airlines traveling at 10% capacity, Restaurants, bars, and bowling centers shuttered.  And Las Vegas must be going crazy!!

6. Musketeer pal of Aramis: ATHOS.

7. Engrossed: RAPT.

8. Uninteresting: BLAH.  A woman from the supermarket ran to call a cop. "He must be high on something someone said."  Though it never made the New York Times, in the Daily News the caption read - and Blah Blah Blah.

9. Auxiliary wagers: SIDE BETS.

10. Airplane maintenance group: GROUND CREW.  They are not too busy these days.

11. Lion's warning: ROAR.  In the old days it was the ROAR of the crowd when the LIONS came to U.S. Bank Stadium to play the Vikings.

12. Choice of two: A OR B.  I'll take "B".

13. Novels and such: Abbr.: BKS.

18. Amazon delivery boxes: Abbr.: CTNS. We get a few of them on our doorstep since all of the local stores are closed.  Except grocery, drug, Target, Costco and Walmart.

21. Recycled container: CAN.

25. Longtime "60 Minutes" closer: ANDY ROONEY.  I write a column on mnbowling.com.  I used a pen name "Randy Ooney" out of respect for this grumpy old man.

26. Significant __: OTHER.  The most important person in my life, C.C.  I hope all of you and your "significant others" are safe and healthy.

27. Crusted desserts: PIES.  My favorite is still pumpkin.

28. "The Clan of the Cave Bear" author Jean: AUEL.

29. "__ chic!": TRES.

30. N.J. winter hours: EST.  Eastern standard time, an hour ahead of Minnesota.  I remember when the East Coast had Daylight time and we did not.  Then the TV shows were all out of whack.

31. Wriggling bait: WORM.  Sometimes C.C. and I would dig a dozen or two from our garden.  Sometimes we would buy them at a bait store.  Probably the best fish bait you can find.

32. General vicinity: AREA.

33. Gillette razor: ATRA.  I like the BIC product better.  5 blades!!

35. Lb. and kg.: WTS.

36. "Stevie" for Stevie Nicks, e.g.: NICKNAME.  Why not just call him NICK ??

37. Former magazine aimed at adolescents: TEEN BEAT.

42. Greek cross: TAU.

43. Conked out: DIED.

45. Start of a question of possession: WHOSE.

46. Gauchos' weapons: BOLAS.

47. Bloodhound's pickup: SCENT.  There was a report that men are trying to train dogs to see if they might be able to sniff out Corona virus.  I can see them now standing next to the TSA agents at the airport.

48. Gumbo vegetables: OKRAS.  Gumbo is a strange name for soup.

49. Speedy steed: ARAB.

50. Level, as an abandoned building: RAZE.  It's amazing to watch a skyscraper come down.

51. For two countries, as citizenship: DUAL.

52. "Chat soon," in texts: TTYL.

53. Unconvincing, excuse-wise: LAME.  There does not seem to be any excuse for the virus.

54. __ Jima: IWO.

Boomer

Monday May 11, 2020 Robert E. Lee Morris

Theme: JUMP START (61A. Battery boost ... and what the first part of the answers to starred clues can literally be) - Jump can follow the first part of each theme answer.

17A. *Internet connection touted in the '90s as faster than dial-up: BROADBAND. Broad jump.

38A. *Extended engagement: LONG RUN. Long jump.

11D. *Diamond defensive rarity: TRIPLE PLAY. Triple jump.

29D. *Vegas spender: HIGH ROLLER. High jump.

Boomer here.

Happy Monday! I had a friendly phone chat with Al, aka "Spitzboov" this past week and compared life in upstate New York with the "Land of 10,000 lakes". Not much difference. Wear a face covering if you leave your home to go grocery shopping and maintain at least a six foot social distancing from others. 

A couple of  differences were in New York, gasoline is about 40 cents higher per gallon. In Minnesota, over 100,000 fishermen hit the road to the lakes for the fishing opener.  Good grief, temperature Saturday morning here was 35 degrees! Golf courses have opened in Minnesota, and I was able to get in a couple of rounds.  I do not have to worry about social distancing on the golf course because all of my tee shots are about 40 yards behind my playing partners, and my putts on the greens are about 20 feet longer. 

Across:

1. Spaces between teeth: GAPS.  C.C. has found several GAP stores in town.  They are not open for business at the present time.

5. Comedian Foxworthy: JEFF.  If you are smarter than a fifth grader, you might be a redneck.

9. Flat finish: MATTE.

14. Gershwin's "__ Rhythm": I GOT.  "I got music, who could ask for anything more.

15. Diva's delivery: ARIA.  There is a huge ARIA casino on the Las Vegas Strip. C.C. really liked it because it had nice decor honoring Chinese New Year.

16. Skylit courts: ATRIA. The NBA will not be using skylit courts for awhile.

19. Leaks: DRIPS.

20. Bill for beers: BAR TAB.  Bars are still closed in Minnesota.  Not a big deal for me.  I have not touched a drop since the doctor gave me the strong cancer pills, and told me not to drink to it!

21. Barbie's beau: KEN.  My favorite was Mr. Griffey Jr.

23. Church recess: APSE. My church has a high one.  I am not sure why they choose to heat all that air space in our cold winters.

24. 4 x 4, for short: UTE.

25. Brontë and Post: EMILYS.

27. 1987 Beatty/Hoffman bomb: ISHTAR. What you might say when you have your driveway redone.

30. Flammable gas: ETHANE.

32. Andy's son in Mayberry: OPIE.  Ronnie Howard shows up in crosswords frequently.

33. Decorate: ADORN.

34. ASAP relative: PDQ. People Dedicated to Quality.  Like all of the crossword constructors we encounter.

37. Move back and forth, as a tail: WAG. Sometimes the tail WAGS the Dog.

40. Baseball great Gehrig: LOU.  The guy was incredible!  I wish I had been able to see him play.

41. Remains of the tray?: ASH.  I gave up smokes years ago.  I think they are about $10.00 per pack now.

42. Building addition: ANNEX.

43. Mideast strip: GAZA.  Long and narrow strip.

44. Toronto NBAer: RAPTOR.  Not sure what the NBA is planning. I am pretty sure that if they open the season, tickets will be limited to about 10%. About what our Timberwolves drew before the crisis.

46. Remained: STAYED.

48. Beach Boys "Help Me" title girl: RHONDA.  "I wish they all could be California girls."

50. Whirling toon devil: TAZ.

51. Slippery: EELY.  I m sure that some of our fisherman were disappointed when they landed an eelpout.

52. Bosom buddy: PAL.

55. Pricey watches: OMEGAS.  I thought a spendy watch was a Rolex.  An OMEGA is an "Older More Energetic Graybar Associate."

59. Bravery: VALOR.  I think it takes a lot of VALOR to face another day of Covid-19 and stay home and keep your spirits up.

63. Happening: EVENT.  Yesterday was Mother's Day.  Best wishes to all Moms out there and I hope you had a great day! My Mother's name was HOPE.

64. Fronton game word: ALAI.

65. Scrabble piece: TILE.  On "Jeopardy" the other day, one of the clue answers was that the word "FUZZY" was worth 29 points.  Impossible - one of the "Z"s would have to be a blank.

66. Stringed instruments of yore: LYRES.

67. Jalopy corrosion: RUST.  Years ago, I owned a 1955 Oldsmobile. Great car but a bit rusty. I think they use different "Salt" on the roads nowadays.

68. Historic British school: ETON.

Down:

1. "Shadow Dancing" singer Andy: GIBB.  Andy was the brother of Bee Gees' BARRY.  Andy only made it to age 30.

2. Indian tourist city: AGRA.

3. Below average: POOR. Not sure if I want to touch this. The government sent everyone a substantial subsistence last months, but I am afraid many are hurting.  I always feel very fortunate to have had a stable career.

4. Law: STATUTE.

5. Go on and on: JABBER.  Sounds like Kareem Abdul's last name.

6. MLB pitcher's stat: ERA.  I think all of the pitcher's ERA's are 0.00 so far this year.

7. Stool pigeon: FINK. Tony Bennett passed away and went up to the pearly gates.  St. Peter issued him wings and a harp.  Tony asked about a friend of his named Sam Fink.  St Peter said he was not up here but maybe check the other place.  So Tony went down and found that Sam had opened a Disco and was living quite well. Later Tony returned to St. Peter and wished to enter the pearly gates but St. Peter told him he forgot something.  "Oh my gosh!", uttered Tony, "I left my Harp, in Sam Fink's Disco!" I knew I told the story before, but it bears repeating.

8. Lose luster, as colors: FADE.  Or to hit a golf ball in the trees off to the right.

9. Fit to be tied: MAD.  I remember the "MAD" magazine back in the 60s.  Are they still around?

10. Subway immortalized in an Ellington song: A TRAIN.  Ella Fitzgerald joined the Duke in one of the productions.

12. Slightly inebriated: TIPSY. Sorry - Bars are still closed. Interestingly however, our Governor designated liquor stores as "essential".

13. Subsides: EASES.

18. Spreadsheet info: DATA.

22. India's first prime minister: NEHRU.  I think he invented jackets with funny collars.

26. Herbie of jazz: MANN.  Minnesota had a friend of mine, Leo Mann.  A great friend and bowler.  Tried a few pro tournaments and cashed in a US Open around 1970.  He passed last fall at age 93.

27. Hawkeye's state: IOWA.  Just south of us. I have been there a few times. Mostly famous for pig farms, corn, and first presidential primaries.

28. Health resorts: SPAS.

30. Lawn care tool: EDGER.  I hate replacing the nylon string in these things.

31. Six-pointed star-shaped screw head: TORX.  I'm sure my Phillips screwdriver won't work on these.

33. Part of A.D.: ANNO.

35. Catch a few z's: DOZE.  Instead of the EDGER, just use a Bull DOZER.

36. Campus courtyard: QUAD.  The yard can only have four sides.

38. SoCal cop force: LAPD.  I wonder if their mascot is a LAP DOG

39. Like much bar beer: ON TAP.  You won't find this in too many states.  You need to visit an essential liquor store.

43. Montreal daily: GAZETTE.  GAZETTE eh?

45. "Tennis, __?": ANYONE.

46. "Cut that out!": STOP IT.  Tell it to the virus!

47. Scottish toppers: TAMS.

48. Whoop it up: REVEL.

49. Hard to lift: HEAVY.  "He ain't heavy, He's my Brother."  Neal Diamond and others.  Regards a logo from Boy's Town Nebraska. 

53. Not quite closed: AJAR.  "When is a glass not a glass??"

54. Humdinger: LULU.  "How can you thank someone who has taken us from crayons to perfume?" "To Sir with Love"

56. Canter or gallop: GAIT.

57. "Alice's Restaurant" singer Guthrie: ARLO.  "Walk right in, it's around the back, Just a half a mile from the railroad track.  You can get anything you want, at Alice's Restaurant." 

58. British weapon acronym: STEN.

60. ACLU concerns: RTS. Rights.

62. Pas' partners: MAS.  Happy Mother's Day yesterday, and Do Not call your Mother MA.

Boomer