Sunday November 6, 2022 Scott Hogan & Katie Hale

Theme: "Scale It Back" - Do, Re, Me, Fa, Sol, La, Ti are orderly removed from the theme entries

23. Chant that could start any minute in a yoga class?: IMPENDING (DO)OM.

31. Beaver structure that defies all laws of physics?: THE IMPOSSIBLE D(RE)AM.

40. Result of a cracked Kindle?: BROKEN PRO(ME)SE.

61. Lingering resentment between rival 16th century Italian painters?: RENAISSANCE (FA)IRE.

72. Obstacles in a Grand Theft Auto construction zone?: VIDEO GAME CON(SOL)ES.

96. Rate at which romaine salads come out of the kitchen?: CAESARS PA(LA)CE.

103. Put up with my shenanigans?: STAND THE TEST OF (TI)ME.

Reveal:

118. Creating study aids during a classroom lecture, and how seven long answers in this puzzle were created?: TAKING NOTES.

Our second Sunday puzzle from Scott Hogan. His last is a collaboration with Christina Iverson. Who else can say that they've collaborated with two assistant editors of the L.A. Times crosswords?

Like the theme. Reminds me of the Opening Notes I did for the Universal back in 2020.

Across:

1. Improvises with nonsense syllables while singing: SCATS.

6. Hosp. area: PRE-OP. Extensive prep, as I've learned from Boomer's second surgery.

11. "Frozen" snowman: OLAF.

15. Go the distance: LAST.

19. Old Turkish title: PASHA. Wikipedia says this rank "is similar to a British peerage or knighthood".

20. Body art medium: HENNA.

21. Roam: ROVE.

22. Glom __: take hold of: ONTO.

25. Bibliography abbr.: ET AL.

26. Playing a fifth qtr., say: IN OT.

27. Vegan pizza order, perhaps: NO CHEESE. My first pizza is Hawaiian pizza from Pizza Hut in Guangzhou.

28. Speak without thinking: BLURT.

29. Thick book: TOME.

30. Biblical twin: ESAU.

36. Soap chemical: LYE.

38. Singer Lena: HORNE.

39. African capital: CAIRO. Has anyone read "Midnight in Cairo" by Raphael Cormack?

45. Uses, as a coupon: REDEEMS.

47. Paddle kin: OAR.

48. Brownstone porch: STOOP.

49. Family man: PAPA.

52. Telly watchers: BRITS.

54. Sitcom fixture: TV CAMERA.

56. 11th Greek letter: LAMBDA. Also 118. 19th Greek letter: TAU.

59. Casual refusal: NAH.

60. Messy pile: HEAP.

66. Con: SCAM.

70. Gimlet garnishes: LIMES.

71. Like some Chardonnay: OAKY.

77. AnnaSophia of "Bridge to Terabithia": ROBB. Unfamiliar to me.

81. NAACP co-founder __ B. Wells: IDA.

82. E-signature alternative: WET INK.  91. Problem with 82-Across: SMEAR.

83. Celebrity mag since 1977: US WEEKLY.

87. Transform (into): MORPH.

89. Drops from above: RAIN.

92. Biodegrade: ROT.

93. Resort with moguls: SKI AREA. Bumpy moguls on the slope.

99. Impressionist Claude: MONET.

100. Beekeeping hazard: STING.

102. Irish actor Stephen: REA. Unforgettable performance in "The Crying Game".

 

108. Sleeveless garment: VEST.

112. Twee: CUTE.

113. Competitor: RIVAL.

114. Goes long?: RUNS LATE. Nice clue/fill.

116. Poker stake: ANTE.

117. Scored 100 on: ACED.

121. Look intently (at): PEER.

122. "How __ refuse?": CAN I.

123. Garlicky sauce: AIOLI.

124. Cornell, Penn, etc.: IVIES.

125. Flubs: ERRS.

126. Jewelry designer Peretti: ELSA.

127. Eurasian border mountains: URALS.

128. Black-and-white vegetarian: PANDA.

Down:

1. Book part: SPINE.

2. Patterns meant to blend in, briefly: CAMOS. This really stands out.

3. Org. providing creature comfort?: ASPCA.

4. One who has an impressive green thumb?: THE HULK. Another great clue.

5. With it: SANE.

6. Trey Anastasio's jam band: PHISH. Amazing fan base.

7. Actress Zellweger: RENEE.

8. Pt. of OED: ENG.

9. Singer Yoko: ONO.

10. Hulu's "__ & Tommy": PAM.

11. Vague warning: OR ELSE.

12. Seated yoga pose: LOTUS.

13. Greed: AVARICE.

14. Had regrets: FELT BAD.

15. One who lingers: LOITERER.

16. Latin phrase in some dates: ANNO DOMINI. The hospice sent chaplain John Curran to our house last week. John is an ex-priest. He left the church and got married. He could deliver a mass in Latin.

17. Leaf pore: STOMA.

18. __ pole: TOTEM.

24. Political thaw: DETENTE.

28. "__ appétit!": BON.

32. Breakfast chain: IHOP.

33. Calendar pgs.: MOS. Months.

34. Get set: PREP.

35. Recline: LIE BACK.

37. Polite contraction: YES M.

40. All of two: BOTH.

41. Talk wildly: RAVE.

42. Killer whale: ORCA.

43. __ favor: POR.

44. Crowd sound: ROAR.

45. Crashes (into): RAMS.

46. Constellation part: STAR.

50. Strange: ALIEN.

51. Behind the times: PASSE.

53. __/her pronouns: SHE.

55. Abbey area: APSE.

57. Bun cooked in a bamboo steamer: BAO. We can Baozi in China.

58. Genetic letters: DNA.

62. Justice Kagan: ELENA.

63. "The Pinkprint" rapper Minaj: NICKI.

64. Latin I verb: AMO.

65. Brontë governess: EYRE.

67. Buckaroo: COWHAND.

68. Mature: AGE. We received 81 cards from you guys for Boomer's birthday. Thank you! Amazing English muffins from Ray - O - Sunshine!

69. Pilates surface: MAT.

72. Pep: VIM.

73. Rite words: I DOS.

74. Hypothetical stuff in space: DARK MATTER. Another great fill.

75. Oscar winner Sorvino: MIRA. She speaks Chinese.

76. Totals: SUMS.

78. Sticky pod: OKRA.

79. Political coalition: BLOC.

80. Computer memory unit: BYTE.

84. __ salt: SEA.

85. Nate Dogg's "Regulate" collaborator: WARREN G. Another learning moment.

86. Scots Gaelic: ERSE.

88. Leads the way: PIONEERS.

90. CBS military drama: NCIS.

91. __ lily: Utah state flower: SEGO.

94. Go over again: RETRACE.

95. Virtuous: ETHICAL.

97. Social insect: ANT.

98. Meringue dessert named for a ballerina: PAVLOVA. Looks good on top. Anna.

100. Bowl game venues: STADIA. I just use stadiums.

101. __ Aviv: TEL.

103. Land's end?: SCAPE.

104. Pitching aid?: TUNER. Fun clue.

105. Levels (out): EVENS.

106. Flounce: FRILL.

107. Some tax-free bonds: MUNIS.

109. Stay home for supper: EAT IN.

110. Knight's mount: STEED.

111. Thompson of "Creed": TESSA.

115. Scissors sound: SNIP.

119. Beach ball inflater: AIR.

120. RV park chain: KOA.

Our week started well. On Monday, the great Tom Pepper came to our house and moved the TV upstairs. Now we only have to struggle with one set of stairs. Thanks again, D-Otto and Tom!

 

On Tuesday we had a routine meeting with the VA nurse Amanda. Then Boomer started to develop serious stomachache and constipation on Wednesday & Thursday. By Friday morning, he could not poop or pee. The hospice nurse was ready to do an enema. Thankfully Senna & MiraLax combo worked before the nurse came. 

 

Unfortunately he continues to have stomach upset, even with the daily help of Pepcid. He also had a few throw-up episodes on Friday and Saturday (he ate hardly anything). He gets breathless just walking from our bedroom to the toilet.

 

Here is a picture of him watching "Seinfeld" at our living room last Tuesday. Calm and content. Things have been tough since.

Sunday, August 7, 2022 Scott Hogan & Christina Iverson

Theme: "Al-addin'" - Al is added to each familiar phrase.

23. Extremely harsh bubbly?: BRUTAL CHAMPAGNE. Brut champion.

35. Enjoy a long career as a telegraph operator?: SIGNAL ONE'S LIFE AWAY. Sign one's life away.

56. To catch some rays or to sleep every day until noon, e.g.?: GOAL ON VACATION. Go on vacation.

65. Income from Birkenstock investments?: SANDAL DOLLARS. Sand dollars.

79. Chef's job?: MEAL GENERATION. Me generation.

92. Trying a new brand of ointment?: CHANGING THE TOPICAL. Changing the topic.

113. Annual gala held on April 15?: INCOME TAX FORMAL. Income tax form.

Scott and Christina might not have the dash in "Al-addin" for their original title. Patti might feel it's needed as some solvers might miss it. 

Tight and consistent set. Five first word changes, two last word changes. AL is always added to the end. Some straying ALs, but they result in some excellent entries.   

Congrats on your LAT debut, Scott!

Across:

1. Blast that may invert an umbrella: GUST. Fresh clue angle! And 5. Float on the breeze: WAFT.

9. Soft "Hey, you!": PSST.

13. Golf course rentals: CARTS.

18. To no __: fruitlessly: AVAIL.

20. Actress Fisher who writes the "Marge in Charge" kids' books: ISLA.

21. Raise: REAR.

22. Mythical hunter: ORION.

26. Gossipy sort: YENTA.

27. Terse: LACONIC.

28. Sandra's "Speed" co-star: KEANU.

29. Toy on display, say: SHOW DOG.

31. __ contact: EYE. In Korea, it's rude to make eye contact with your elders or bosses when they scold you. Same in China.

32. "SNL" alum Gasteyer: ANA.

33. Sprain soother: ICE.

34. __ noire: BETE.

43. First, second, or third place: BASE. I had difficulty lifting Boomer from his chair on Friday. When I finally did, I said "We're a great team!" He said he's the shortstop because he makes all the plays. I'm the pitcher because I give up home runs.

46. Kick off: START.

47. Nonetheless: YET.

48. Place for a stud: LOBE.

49. Italian fashion giant: ARMANI. At least, they're not so logo-y.

52. Minute Maid brand: HI C.

 

53. "Mice love it to death" brand: D CON.

55. "Hey-o!": HOLLA.

59. Deliberate: CONFER.

60. Yukon automaker: GMC.

61. Target Field player: TWIN. Everyone likes Byron Buxton.

62. "Barefoot Contessa" host Garten: INA.

63. Cast a ballot: VOTE.

64. Chatter: YAK.

69. __ deco: ART.

72. Item often adorned with feathers: LURE. And 73. Item often adorned with feathers: BOA.

74. "It makes sense now": I SEE. 76. "Word on the street is ... ": I HEARD.

75. Apt name for a lawn care expert: MOE. Mow. Chairman at our Crossword Corner.

83. Dull, in a way: MATTE.

84. Salsa option: MILD. And 72. Salsa, for one: LATIN DANCE.

85. Fútbol cheer: OLE.

86. Angioplasty implants: STENTS.

87. Italian wine region: ASTI.

88. Triumphed: WON.

89. Entire range: GAMUT. Always run.

91. Misplace: LOSE.

98. Bilingual cartoon explorer: DORA. The Explorer.

99. Become unsafe to eat: ROT.

100. Tarnish: MAR.

101. Umami source, briefly: MSG. It's in shio kombu. Tasty.

104. Intimate __: APPAREL.

107. Utterly unskilled: INEPT.

110. Graffiti tag seen in Springfield: EL BARTO.

112. __ shot: SLING.

116. For this reason: HENCE.

117. Commotion: STIR. And 118. Left dreamland: WOKE.

119. Christopher of "Superman": REEVE.

120. Makes less strict: EASES.

121. Enlightened sounds: AHAS.

122. Places to feel kneaded?: SPAS. Ha.

123. Flower holder: STEM.

Down:

1. Iowa wrestling legend Dan: GABLE. Learning moment for me.

 

2. Sunlamp danger, briefly: UV RAY.

3. Hollandaise, e.g.: SAUCE.

4. Bandleader Puente: TITO.

5. Book of Shadows readers: WICCANS. From Wikipedia: A Book of Shadows is a book containing religious text and instructions for magical rituals found within the Neopagan religion of Wicca.

6. Louisville Slugger wood: ASH.

7. Criticism: FLAK.

8. Far from daring: TAME.

9. Ride proudly: PRANCE.

10. Fluid transitions: SEGUES.

11. __ Antonio: SAN.

12. "Fantastique!": TRES BIEN! And another great fill: 14. "Anyone else around?": ARE WE ALONE.

13. South Dakota's state animal: COYOTE.

15. Marmalade chunk: RIND. I never had marmalade.

16. "Rosanna" band: TOTO.

17. Catch: SNAG.

19. Maui neighbor: LANAI.

24. CNN's "This Is Life With Lisa __": LING. Sister of Laura Ling.

25. Put on a coat: PAINT.

30. Weight: HEFT.

35. Special ops acronym: SEAL. Jacko here.

36. Within reach: AT HAND.

37. Non-clerical: LAIC.

38. Porpoise kin: ORCA. 96. 38-Down offspring: CALF.

39. Rhône city: LYON.

40. Scarf (down): WOLF.

41. Willing partner: ABLE.

42. Banner __: YEAR.

43. Like some pants: BAGGY. Like this pair.

44. Enticing smell: AROMA.

45. Loud slap: SMACK.

50. On the fence: NOT SURE. I'm still stuck into the skinny jeans era.

51. Toward the center: INWARD.

53. Bedrock pet: DINO.

54. Beehive oven input: COAL.

55. Stressful spot: HOT SEAT. We had a stressful week. Thanks to those who have called or emailed to help us.

57. Hollywood crosser: VINE.

58. __ pool: TIDAL.

59. Apple gadgets: CORERS. Real apple. Then 76. Apple that comes in seven colors: IMAC.

63. See 79-Down: VASE. 79. With 63-Down, priceless porcelain piece: MING.

66. Genesis brother: ABEL.

67. Laundry basket measure: LOAD.

68. Roster submitted to an umpire: LINEUP.

69. __ acid: AMINO.

70. Turnips and parsnips: ROOTS. My favorite root: daikon.

71. On edge: TENSE.

77. Leftovers dish: HASH.

78. "At Last" singer James: ETTA.

80. Nanny __: GOAT.

81. Muppet host of "The Not-Too-Late Show": ELMO.

82. Giveaway at the poker table: TELL.

84. Painting that reportedly has its own Louvre mailbox: MONA LISA. Makes sense.

88. Hidden mic: WIRE.

89. "Don't let those people escape!": GET 'EM.

90. Durable watches: TIMEXES.

93. Ravines: GORGES.

94. "Lucifer" actress Helfer: TRICIA.

95. Accolades: HONORS.

97. Shady place: ARBOR.

101. Mascot Hall of Fame inductee from Queens: MR MET. I did not know there's a Mascot Hall of Fame. Wikipedia says "It was founded by David Raymond, who was the original Phillie Phanatic from 1978 to 1993." Our T.C. Bear is not there.

102. Fend (off): STAVE.

103. Clay creature of Jewish folklore: GOLEM.

104. Tennis legend Arthur: ASHE.

105. Courtroom entry: PLEA.

106. ATM codes: PINS.

108. Church supporters?: PEWS. Another fun clue. We left the church earlier last Saturday as Boomer experienced nausea.

109. Mostly removable roof: T TOP.

111. Mars counterpart: ARES.

114. To the __ degree: NTH.

115. Handle letters?: AKA.

Boomer completed his OT sessions on Wednesday. Tomorrow we're going to the big VA for one more blood draw and meeting with his oncologist to see if the new oral chemo is working. Boomer will also receive a bone strengthener injection.

C.C.