Sunday September 1, 2024 Scott Hogan & Katie Hale

Theme: "Better With Age" - AGE is added to each common phrase.

22. Ancestors infamous for tasteless jokes?: OFFENSIVE LINEAGE. Offensive line.

32. Instruction from the Juicy Juice shipping supervisor?: PACKAGE A PUNCH. Pack a punch.

49. Videobomb in an otherwise Pulitzer-worthy newscast?: FOOTAGE FAULT. Foot fault.

68. Chaos at the spa?: MASSAGE HYSTERIA. Mass hysteria.

89. Evidence of vacuum misuse?: HOOVER DAMAGE. Hoover Dam.

106. Political strategy that relies on folksy sayings?: ADAGE CAMPAIGN. Ad campaign.

120. Neosporin motto?: I'M WITH THE BANDAGE. I'm with band.

I had difficulty parsing PACKAGE A PUNCH. Others are all solid. 

Scott Hogan and Katie Hale are a dynamic duo. They've made quite a few Sunday LAT and NYT puzzles.

Great follow-up to the last "Getting Old" puzzle we had a long while ago. Been ages since we last solved a James Sajdak puzzle.

Across:

1. Semaphore gear: FLAGS.

6. Studio output: ART.

9. Baby bird: CHICK.

14. Make a scene: ACT.

17. British semi: LORRY.

18. Gymnast Suni: LEE. Pride of Minnesota. She grew up in St. Paul.

19. Hallowed: SACRED.

21. Composer Stravinsky: IGOR.

25. Org. with a "meatball" insignia: NASA. From their website: In the "meatball" design, the sphere represents a planet, the stars represent space, the red chevron is a wing representing aeronautics. No meatball though.

26. Not fooled by: WISE TO.

27. Bring a suit: SUE.

28. Skyscraper locales: BIG CITIES.

30. Graham who co-founded The Hollies: NASH.

35. Some hip muscles: FLEXORS.

38. "King __": KONG.

39. "Star Trek: Picard" actress Jeri: RYAN.

40. Mars, to the Greeks: ARES.

41. Engage in a linguistic battle, maybe: RAP.

43. "Careful what you __ for": WISH.

45. Manchester United mascot: DEVIL. Fred the Red Devil. The club's nickname is the Red Devils. Learning moment for me.

53. Pacers and Hornets: AMCS.

56. College email ending: EDU.

57. Author Rand: AYN.

58. Everett of "An Ideal Husband": RUPERT.

59. Scratching post fiber: SISAL.

61. Shorten, in a way: CROP. Do I look good in this pair of sunglasses? Tom Pepper's.

62. Tour employee: ROADIE.

64. "So?": AND.

66. Airport screening?: TIMETABLE. Fun clue.

72. Goes it alone: FLIES SOLO.

75. Cyberyuk: LOL.

76. "Dust in the Wind" band: KANSAS.

80. Starring role: LEAD.

81. Arm rest?: SLING. And 83. Overnighter: LODGER. My friend Carmen is finally off her sling. She was in Shenzhen ten days ago.

Carmen 8/21/2024

86. Half of deux: UNE.

87. Purpose: AIM.

88. TV host Kotb: HODA. I think Big Easy knows her first husband.

92. Forbidden: TABOO.

94. Do the hustle?: SCAM. Amazing clue!

96. Fair-hiring letters: EEO.

97. Enthusiastic: AVID.

98. Climate control syst.: HVAC.

101. Brontë sister: ANNE.

103. Can't miss: MUST SEE.

111. Perfectly: TO A T.

112. So very much: A WHOLE LOT.

113. Coconut __: OIL. Have any of you tried coconut sugar?

115. Savanna, taiga, etc.: BIOMES.

119. Brief note: MEMO.

124. Garbed: CLAD.

125. Remote target: TEE VEE. And 126. Remote insert: AAA.

127. Polynesian kingdom: TONGA. East of Fiji. Vanuatu is to the west.

128. Passe: OLD.

129. Atlanta WNBA team: DREAM.

130. Lode load: ORE.

131. "Lah-di-dah" type: SNOOT.

Down:

1. Word with work or cash: FLOW.

2. Like a stripped-back recording, briefly: LO-FI.

3. Dog sounds: ARFS.

4. Least experienced: GREENEST.

5. Grammar subject: SYNTAX.

6. Mahershala who was the first Muslim performer to win an Oscar: ALI. For "Moonlight". Won another for "Green Book".

7. Checks an engine, perhaps: REVS.

8. Elevate a golf ball: TEE UP.

9. Forensics drama franchise: CSI.

10. "To All the Boys" novelist Jenny: HAN. Korean-American.

11. Some anti-inflammatories: ICE BAGS.

12. Pitcher Kimbrel with more than 400 career saves: CRAIG. See here. Top 5.

13. Many a frat party: KEGGER.

14. Over bidding?: AGAIN. Not auction bid.

15. Sine's reciprocal, in trig: COSEC.

16. Dis: TRASH.

20. Radioisotope activity: DECAY.

21. On the same wavelength: IN TUNE.

23. Underwhelming: SO SO.

24. Water bottle problem: LEAK.

29. Sleeping tablets, at times: IPADS. OK, the screen goes to sleep.

31. Onboarding official, for short: HR REP.

33. Loose hood: COWL.

34. Crafts with yarn: KNITS.

35. Cold treat, casually: FROYO. Never had frozen yogurt, but I'm the best soy yogurt maker in Minnesota. 

36. British singer Lewis: LEONA.

37. Ump's call: SAFE.

40. Way over yonder: AFAR.

42. Exemplar: PARAGON.

44. Knows the answer: HAS IT.

46. Conjugated word: VERB.

47. Pedestal dweller: IDOL.

48. Hip-hop's __ Fiasco: LUPE.

50. Diva's big moments: ARIAS. Oh, I don't think I ever mentioned Qinqiang opera before. It's sung in Xi'an dialect. 

51. "Seems that way": GUESS SO.

52. Online periodical with the slogan "Cure Ignorance": UTNE.

54. Angela Lansbury role: MAME.

55. Worked for a judge: CLERKED.

60. [Heart eyes emoji]: IT'S LOVE.

61. "Misery" co-star James: CAAN.

63. Sent a private message, briefly: DM'ED.

65. Shipping option: DHL.

67. Prom crown: TIARA.

69. Auction cry: SOLD.

70. Aka follower: ALIAS.

71. "No regrets" hashtag: YOLO.

72. Lacking pop: FLAT.

73. Skywalker twin: LEIA.

74. Poetic measure: IAMB.

77. Elegantly charming: SUAVE. I associate this word with Agnes's Gary Grant.

78. Harmon of "Rizzoli & Isles": ANGIE. Boomer loved her in "Law & Order".

79. Pomegranate bit: SEED.

82. World's second-largest cocoa producer: GHANA. The largest is the Ivory Coast. Also learning moment for me.

84. Judge to be: DEEM.

85. Tiler's supply: GROUT.

88. Ramshackle residence: HOVEL.

90. Potent prefix: OMNI.

91. Mammoth's older relative: MASTODON.

93. "Thank heavens!": OH GOOD.

95. Locked up: CAPTIVE.

99. Nail the final: ACE IT.

100. Settled (down): CALMED.

102. John Legend achievement, briefly: EGOT.

104. Japanese bowlful: SOBA.

105. Corrupts: TAINTS.

106. Repair chain with classic "beep beep" commercials: AAMCO.

107. Reside (in): DWELL.

108. Sports commentator Rashad: AHMAD.

109. Blade shortener: MOWER.

110. Chinese greeting: NI HAO. Ni = You. Hao = Good.

114. "Oh, that way madness lies" king: LEAR.

116. Honduran hand: MANO.

117. Waffle brand: EGGO.

118. Ticket line?: SEAT. Another creative clue.

121. Lapsang souchong, e.g.: TEA.

122. __ and haw: HEM.

123. Boo: BAE.

Sunday July 14, 2024 Scott Hogan & Katie Hale

Theme:  "It's a Sign" - Each traffic sign is rephrased as non-traffic.

23. "Put that Sandra Bullock bomb-on-a-bus DVD in the clearance bin!": REDUCE SPEED. "Speed" the movie.

33. "Keep it clean! This is a family musical!": CHILDREN AT PLAY.

51. "Base jumping is awesome!": FALLING ROCKS.

67. "Play every song the whole way through!": DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS.

85. "Don't you dare throw another interception!": PASS WITH CARE.

99. "Our new corporate partners are almost here!": PREPARE TO MERGE.

117. "Can we please banish traveling salespeople already!?": END ROADWORK.

Fun theme. I'm very fond of this type of re-phrasing approach. I think the END ROADWORK is purposely placed as the last theme entry.

Textbook LAT Sunday grid. Super smooth. Low number 3-letter fill. Katie is a pro at making Sunday grids.

Across:

1. "Kung Fu __": Jack Black film franchise: PANDA. Master Po.

6. Italian "Enough!": BASTA.

11. Seat on a hayride: BALE.

15. Kiss, in Camden: SNOG. London. I only know Camden Yards.

19. Phone setting: ALARM.

20. "Bunnicula" voice actor Sean: ASTIN.  Bunnicula is a vampire rabbit.

21. "You haven't changed __": A BIT.

22. Cod, for one: CAPE.

25. Reasons not to: CONS. Pros and cons.

26. Say, say: AVER.

27. Molding, e.g.: TRIM.

28. Sends: SHIPS.

29. Common nest spot: EAVE.

30. False flattery: SMARM.

31. Fruity baked treats: TARTS. No ovens in most Chinese kitchens. Our treats are just steamed or fried.

36. "Fine, I guess": OH OK.

38. More than want: NEED.

39. Letters on a face: XII. Clock face.

40. Tierra en el océano: ISLA.

42. Sup: EAT.

45. "The Morning Show" star: ANISTON. Jennifer.

48. Blow in the ring: JAB. Boxing ring.

54. Porcelain treasure: MING VASE.

56. Before now: AGO.

57. Spanish 101 verb: ESTAR. To be.

58. Breathes on glass, say: FOGS.

59. Sharqiya Sands country: OMAN.

60. Real drag: DOWNER.

63. Tart pub quaff: SOUR ALE.

66. Very good (at): ADEPT.

71. Late-night host Ferguson: CRAIG. He was succeeded by James Corden.

73. Gives off strongly: REEKS OF.

74. Boss: LEADER.

77. Sunscreen metal: ZINC.

78. Brought a case: SUED.

79. Word on a Paris map: METRO. And 82. Evian or Perrier: EAU.

83. Student's hoped-for university response: ACCEPTED.

89. Tuna tartare topper: ROE.

90. Conference unit: SESSION.

92. Cargo weight: TON.

93. Writers McEwan and Fleming: IANS.

94. Pronoun option: SHE. I used to confuse Boomer with my " ... then she/he said ..." It's all Ta in Chinese, whether she, he or it.

95. Small change: CENT.

97. Artful: DEFT.

106. October birth sign: LIBRA.

109. Extend a subscription: RENEW.

110. Biscuit containers: TINS.

111. Pulls down: EARNS.

113. State with a triangular swallowtail flag: OHIO. Hi there, Janice!

115. Utah ski resort: ALTA.

116. Subj. for which trig is a prereq: CALC.

119. Like some humor: DARK.

120. "Mon __!": DIEU.

121. Bar perch: STOOL.

122. Respected villager: ELDER.

123. Choppers: AXES.

124. "Make it shorter," made shorter: TL;DR. Too Long; Didn't Read.
 
125. Fish with neon stripes: TETRA.

126. Carne __: grilled meat: ASADA.

Down: 

1. Pigtails separation: PART.

2. Phone setting: ALERT.

3. Gymnast Comaneci: NADIA.

4. Announcement build-up, maybe: DRUM ROLL. Partnered with 88. Places where things may seem fishy: CAT BOWLS. Both great entries.

5. "Dark Winds" network: AMC.

6. Ram: BASH.

7. Molded jelly made with meat stock: ASPIC. Chinese aspic.

8. 2022 NBA Finals MVP Curry: STEPH.

9. Aptly links (with): TIES IN.

10. "Do go on ... ": AND.

11. Rum brand with a bat logo: BACARDI.

12. __ and beyond: ABOVE.

13. Summer fabric: LINEN.

14. "3 Body Problem" antagonists, briefly: ETS. Based on the novel of Liu Cixin.

15. Garlicky dish: SCAMPI.

16. Like a sub: NAVAL.

17. Glass production?: OPERA. Philip Glass.

18. In need of an antibacterial wipe: GERMY. My sister-in-law Connie is still in the hospital. Still not sure what caused her faint. Probably the pneumonia. She can walk a short distance with a walker now.

24. Petrol pump brand: ESSO.

29. Paradises: EDENS.

30. Undercover operation: STING.

32. Massaman curry cuisine: THAI. We seem to encounter Thai food reference every Sunday.

34. Cause of a drip: LEAK.

35. Neural transmitters: AXONS.

37. Some barrels: KEGS.

40. Othello manipulator: IAGO.

41. Potentially awkward time at a middle school party: SLOW DANCE. No parties in our middle school. Lovers did not even hold hands then.

43. Wall display: ART.

44. Said "Cheers!": TOASTED.

46. Young salmon: SMOLT. Learned from doing crosswords.

47. Big cat: TIGER.

48. "East of Eden" co-star: JAMES DEAN.

49. "Make haste!" abbr.: ASAP.

50. Elbowed: BENT.

51. Craze: FAD.

52. Roman emperor after Claudius: NERO.

53. Swindler: CROOK.

55. Screwdriver need: VODKA. The cocktail.

58. Event for the faithful: FAN FEST. Attended quite a few TwinsFest over the years.

61. Neat: NO ICE.

62. London lang.: ENG.

64. eBayer's option: UPS.

65. Inn requests: ROOMS.

66. Deck one?: ACE. OK, deck of cards.

68. Sets to right: TRUES.

69. Root origins: SEEDS.

70. Oh so much: A LOT. I love this picture.

Andrea Carla Michaels, C.C. and Tom Pepper, 7/8/2024

71. Policy honcho: CZAR.

72. Puerto __: RICO.

75. Some audio receivers: EARS.

76. Word on a Paris map: RUE.

78. Longhorn, e.g.: STEER.

80. Even prime: TWO.

81. Zest source: RIND.

84. "Phooey!": PSHAW.

85. Some wedding readings: POEMS.

86. "The Crown" role for Erin Doherty: ANNE. Princess Anne.

87. Many an audio receiver: HI-FI.

91. "No argument here": I CONCUR.

94. __ volumes: SPEAKS.

96. Dix x trois: TRENTE.

98. To whom Anna sings "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?": ELSA.

99. Italian fashion house: PRADA. And 102. ASOS biz: E TAIL.

100. Chill: RELAX.

101. __ nous: ENTRE.

103. Like a Scrabble board, in a way: TILED.

104. Gal of "Death on the Nile": GADOT.

105. Overthrow in the infield, say: ERROR.

107. Valerie Harper sitcom of the 1970s: RHODA.

108. Ran a program: AIRED.

112. Saints city, informally: NOLA. New Orleans Saints.

114. Stew pod: OKRA.

116. Summer hrs. in Houston: CDT.

117. Not just -er: EST.

118. Anti-trafficking feds: DEA.

C.C.

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.