Sunday August 10, 2025 Amanda Cook

Theme: "EXCHANGE" - Ex is added to a common phrase, then removed from the next one, alternating in order.

22. Student council leader with demanding bake sale goals?: EXACTING PRESIDENT. Acting president.

33. Drama at the salon?: HAIR TENSIONS. Hair extensions. 

49. "Halt all Acela trains immediately!"?: STOP THE EXPRESSES. Stop the presses. 

65. Wizard at converting spreadsheets to PDF?: EXPORT AUTHORITY. Port authority. 

82. Spending one's days reading philosophy and meditating?: PENSIVE LIFESTYLE. Expensive lifestyle.

98. Shocking article proving the conspiracy theory that birds aren't real?: PIGEON EXPOSE. Pigeon pose.

111. Status of an unexpectedly viral research study?: CITED BEYOND BELIEF. Excited beyond belief.

I wonder if Amanda planned to have one more theme entry with EX removed but could not find a workable candidate. 

Total 105 theme squares. About our average. This grid was so carefully filled, no obscure names or Abbrs.

Across:

1. Times up: AT BATS.

7. Brightest star in the constellation Lyra: VEGA.

11. Look (like): SEEM.

15. Bowler or boater: HAT.

18. Vegetable in some cakes: CARROT. In Guangzhou, we have taro cakes, traditional Spring Festival treats.

19. "Pronto!": ASAP.

20. __ dish: PETRI.

21. Fútbol cheer: OLE.

25. Accessory that may match a prom date's dress: TIE.

26. Wistful exhalation: SIGH.

27. Coffee or tea: NOUN. Not BREW.

28. Mauna __: KEA.

29. From days past: OLDEN.

31. First name in cosmetics: ESTEE.

37. Fuming: IRATE.

40. Purple bloom: LILAC. We have pink lilacs here.

42. Mailing: SENDING.

43. Skater Harding: TONYA.

44. Had the courage: DARED.

46. Desktop feature since Windows 95: TASK BAR.

54. Nice one: UNE. Nice, France. 

55. Fashion: MODE.

56. Landmark Obama legislation, initially: ACA.

57. Kodiak, for one: BEAR.

58. Fruit soda created by Coca-Cola Deutschland: FANTA.

60. Before, poetically: ERE.

61. Bonfire remnants: ASH.

62. Confide in: TRUST.

64. Shimmering threads: TINSEL.

69. Selling points?: STORES.

72. Comes by honestly: EARNS.

73. UFO pilots: ETS.

74. "Harriet the __": kid-lit classic: SPY.

77. Himalayan country: NEPAL. They live in year 2082 now. Nepali calendar is about 56 years and 8 months ahead of the Gregorian calendar.

 

78. Like an underwatered plant: LIMP. I now have a peony besides my Asiatic lilies. Let's see if it blooms next year. 

79. Slick-back product: GEL.

80. Item removed at a TSA checkpoint: SHOE.

81. Raw bar bed: ICE.

87. Put into words: PHRASED.

90. Spud: TATER.

91. Cookies that may be crumbled to make cheesecake crust: OREOS.

92. Claims: ALLEGES.

95. Warble: TRILL.

97. Wetland: MARSH.

101. Like sardines: BONED. My RA doc says I can enjoy all the sardines I want. So I will. 

103. Henhouse perch: ROOST.

104. __ for the course: PAR.

105. Croft of "Tomb Raider": LARA.

106. Marcel Duchamp genre: DADA.

110. Be in debt: OWE.

117. Spoil: MAR.

118. Cherish: ADORE.

119. Connection: BOND.

120. Warm-up for a headliner: OPENER.

121. Walk-__: ONS.

122. Vent: RANT.

123. Software issues: BUGS.

124. Cozy eatery: BISTRO.

Down: 

1. King toppers: ACES.

2. Hailed ride: TAXI.

3. Gloat: BRAG.

4. Perfect example: ARCHETYPE. Three more great 9's in the Down slots: 7. Inkling: VAGUE IDEA. 79. The Go-Go's and the Bangles: GIRL BANDS. 80. Is on both sides of: STRADDLES. Plus a pair of 10s: 15. Ball Park Franks holders: HOT DOG BUNS. And 71. Donizetti devotees: OPERA-GOERS. 

5. Kiddo: TOT.

6. Period of work: STINT.

8. "First Take" network: ESPN.

9. Needle-nosed fish: GAR. Huge.

10. Donkey Kong, e.g.: APE.

11. Steady and measured: SEDATE.

12. Le Tour de France saison: ETE. Did you know that those bikes cost more than $13K?

13. Sea eagle: ERN.

14. Cell division process: MITOSIS.

16. Stitch, for one: ALIEN.

17. Many first-year students: TEENS.

20. Jetties: PIERS.

23. "The Great British Baking Show" co-host Fielding: NOEL.

24. Hit the slopes: SKI.

30. "The Legend of Zelda" protagonist: LINK.

32. Ticket assignment: SEAT.

33. Concerto instrument: HARP.

34. HP competitor: ACER.

35. "It's open!": ENTER.

36. Secrecy docs: NDAS.

37. Words before and after "hi, I'm the problem" in Taylor Swift's "Anti-Hero": IT'S ME.

38. Brake disc: ROTOR.

39. Battery part: ANODE.

41. Easygoing: LAX.

45. Premieres: DEBUTS.

47. Stake: ANTE.

48. Genuine: REAL.

50. Shed fasteners: HASPS.

51. Cavern effect: ECHO.

52. Casual band practice: SESH. Session. 

53. Puerto Rican rescue mutt: SATO. Learning moment for me. AI Overview: A Sato is Puerto Rican slang for a mutt or mixed-breed dog, particularly those that are stray or abandoned on the island.

58. Needs no tailoring: FITS.

59. Whichever: ANY.

61. Skating jump: AXEL.

62. La Brea attraction: TAR PIT.

63. Cry in a horror film: RUN.

64. IMDb search result: TITLE.

65. Pitching stat: ERA.

66. Bridle part: REIN.

67. Doctoral regalia: TAMS.

68. Utah's Capitol __ National Park: REEF. 

69. Scissors sound: SNIP.

70. Bay Area industry: TECH.

74. More demure: SHYER.

75. Tops that might have popped collars: POLOS.

76. "I'm embarrassed for you": YEESH.

78. Mantel: LEDGE.

82. Hammer end: PEEN. I fixed this crack, with cement powder and a butter knife.  

83. Distillery drums: VATS.

84. Raison d'__: ETRE.

85. Fragrant neckwear: LEI.

86. Not all: SOME.

88. Sudsy pintfuls: ALES.

89. Tiny track racer: SLOT CAR.

93. Connoisseur: EXPERT.

94. Garden shovel: SPADE.

96. Peerage member: LORD.

98. Film trailer, e.g.: PROMO.

99. Sioux City citizen: IOWAN.

100. Sphere: ORB.

102. Bigwig: NABOB.

105. Pine (for): LONG.

107. "It __ over till it's over": AIN'T.

108. Skittish forest creature: DEER.

109. Prefix with futurism: AFRO. Afrofuturism. 

112. Wyo. neighbor: IDA.

113. Freight weight: TON.

114. Recede: EBB.

115. Both Y's in IYKYK: YOU.  If You Know, You Know.

116. Prefix with Pen: EPI.

I'm sorry that Jayce lost his precious Lotus. As most of you know, Lotus was from Hong Kong and Jayce speaks fluent Chinese. This makes me feel an even closer connection to him in his grief. I'm glad you have a caretaker with you now, and I hope you're surrounded by comfort, kindness, and support during this difficult time.

 

 

Sunday August 3, 2025 Ella Dershowitz

Theme: "Kinetic Exercises" - Anagrams of various sports are hidden inside each theme entry. 

22. Series of musical tones that evoke sadness: MINOR SCALES. Lacrosse.

24. Weaponized food in a Hitchcock episode: LEG OF LAMB. Golf.

31. Desire to cause harm: MALICIOUS INTENT. Tennis.

37. Mathematical operation that may have a remainder: LONG DIVISION. Diving.

55. Scam: CONFIDENCE TRICK. Cricket.

64. Like some voting systems: WINNER TAKE ALL. Karate.

78. Lip product in a Katy Perry song: CHERRY CHAPSTICK. Archery.

92. Lean patty choice: TURKEY BURGER. Rugby. 

 99. July Fourth: INDEPENDENCE DAY. Dance.

115. Athletic record: SCORECARD. Soccer. 

Reveal: 

117. Party poopers, or what this puzzle's circled letters do: SPOILSPORTS.

Congrats, Ella, on your first LAT Sunday!

This is just brilliant construction. Some of the sports names are long, not easy to anagram. And we have 11 theme entries with one reveal. Normally we have 7 or 8. Ella is an actor. 

Ella Dershowitz

Across:

1. Romantic painter Francisco: GOYA.

5. "Is it ever!": AND HOW.

11. Lettuce variety: BIBB. Also called butter lettuce. Sweet and buttery.

15. Levy of "Schitt's Creek": DAN.

18. Copied: APED.

19. Copy illegally: PIRATE.

20. Taiwanese laptop brand: ACER.

21. Unlikely cat name: FIDO.

26. Main course: ENTREE.

27. Damage: MAR.

28. "Elsbeth" network: CBS. Wikipedia says "Elsbeth" is "a spin-off of "The Good Wife" (2009–2016) and "The Good Fight" (2017–2022)". 

29. Name-caller: MEANIE.

30. Artifact: RELIC.

34. __ as a pin: NEAT.

36. Add to, as an already big pile: HEAP ON.

43. Fixes, at the vet: NEUTERS.

49. Favor: PREFER.

50. Like mood lighting: DIM.

51. Inflation no.: PSI.

53. Gymnast Comaneci: NADIA. First gymnast to receive a 10.

54. Blood test liquids: SERA.

59. Bach production: SONATA.

62. Fairy tale first: ONCE.

63. Detest: LOATHE.

69. Cinder collector: ASH PAN.

73. Director Kazan: ELIA.

74. Colorful New Zealand fish: RED COD. Due to its color. 

83. Villainous Count of kid-lit: OLAF.

85. Handed (out): DOLED.

86. Feel ill: AIL.

87. German outburst: ACH.

88. Spanish grandmother: ABUELA. Po Po in Chinese.

90. Techie's major, for short: COMP SCI. Computer science. 

95. State where almost all of U.S. hazelnuts are grown: OREGON. I didn't know this. 

98. Check in spots?: ATMS. Meaning you can deposit a check at an ATM?

107. Counter: REBUT.

111. Spot for self-reflection?: MIRROR. Ha. 

112. Half an inning?: ENS. Three n's in inning.

113. Title for two Beatles: SIR.

114. Private sign?: SALUTE.

119. Unagi roll fish: EELS.

120. First name in whodunits: ERLE. Erle Stanley Gardner, creator of Perry Mason.

121. Like chinchillas: ANDEAN.

122. Olympian with a fighting spirit: ARES.

123. 31-Down countdown show: TRL. Total Request Live. 31. "Unplugged" network: MTV.

124. Bucks and does: DEER.

125. Invitees: GUESTS.

126. Nick Jr. explorer: DORA.

Down:

1. Minecraft streamer, e.g.: GAMER.

2. Give a take: OPINE.

3. Streisand musical: YENTL.

4. Groupie: ADORING FAN. Partnered with 75. Class list: COURSE LOAD. Not a lot of long fill due to the heavy themeage. 

5. Church nook: APSE.

6. Actor Cage, to fans: NIC.

7. Emmy category: DRAMA.

8. Haram counterpart: HALAL. We've yet to see HARAM in our LAT grid.

9. "Dog Man" voice actress Cheri: OTERI.

10. Director Craven: WES.

11. Fictional boxer for whom Philadelphia's Rocky Steps are named: BALBOA. AI Overview: The Rocky Steps are a set of 72 stone steps leading to the entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, made famous by the movie "Rocky".

12. Freezes over: ICES UP.

13. Ask and then some: BEG.

14. Hot tub chemical: BROMINE. To disinfect the water. Chlorine too.

15. Actress Keaton: DIANE.

16. One with extra online privileges: ADMIN.

17. "Check," in a casino: NO BET.

21. Like hair after removing a beanie: FLAT. 

23. Move back: RECEDE.

25. Bog: FEN.

28. Diez squared: CIEN. 100. 

32. Comic Margaret: CHO.

33. Genesis hedgehog: SONIC.

35. Element whipped into eggs to make meringue: AIR.

37. Collection at a listening bar, briefly: LPS.

38. Major finds for miners: ORES.

39. "Too Many Cooks" sleuth Wolfe: NERO.

40. Uniting words: I DO. Wedding. 

41. Transgression: SIN.

42. U.N. financial arm: IMF.

44. Indescribable: UNTOLD.

45. Olympic gold medalist Lipinski: TARA.

46. Cut and paste, say: EDIT.

47. Loaded: RICH.

48. Sushi bar drink: SAKE. Can't have sake or any alcohol due to the methotrexate. 

51. Demure kiss: PECK.

52. Giants legend Chris: SNEE. Didn't know him. Fresh clue angle.

55. Tuna holder: CAN.

56. Little letters?: IOTAS.

57. CSI stuff: DNA.

58. French fashion magazine: ELLE.

60. Nobels, e.g.: AWARDS.

61. __ houses: minimalist trend: TINY. This one looks nice.

65. Peach soda brand: NEHI.

66. Mideast airline: EL AL.

67. Tear (into): RIP.

68. Genesis boat: ARK.

69. Australian rock band: AC DC.

70. "Don't bug me!": SHOO.

71. Vessel control post: HELM.

72. Mise en place: PREP. Wikipedia gives this example: mise en place for a peanut brittle recipe.

76. Cassini of fashion: OLEG.

77. Small valley: DALE.

79. Pile of stones to mark a trail: CAIRN.

80. Pitch: TAR.

81. "So gross": ICK.

82. Revolutionary Guevara: CHE.

84. Miles away: FAR.

88. NYC dance co.: ABT. American Ballet Theatre.

89. Undeserved infamy, informally: BUM RAP.

91. Compelled: COERCED.

92. Oodles: TONS.

93. Coll. in the Research Triangle: UNC. Didn't know the Research Triangle, formed by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University and North Carolina State University. 

94. "Excellent news!": YAY.

96. English Channel swimmer Gertrude: EDERLE.

97. __ reveal party: GENDER.

99. "All good here": I'M SET.

100. Like party clothes compared to everyday clothes: NICER.

101. Oddly funny: DROLL.

102. Books a table for seven at 6 instead of six at 7, say: ERRS.

103. Macabre poet: POE.

104. Channel for college games: ESPNU.

105. The "D" of LED: DIODE.

106. Sign of spring: ARIES.

108. Small donkey: BURRO.

109. Say aloud: UTTER.

110. Thompson of "Westworld": TESSA.

114. Form W-2 digits: SSNS.

116. Is for many?: ARE.

117. Mattress malady: SAG.

118. Muscle useful in rock climbing: LAT.

C.C.

Sunday July 27, 2025 Joe Rodini

Theme: "Three-point Line" - Each theme entry consists of three identical words with three different meanings. 

22. Cosmetics case designed to hold a concise agreement?: COMPACT COMPACT COMPACT.

34. Variety of thoughtful people?: KIND KIND KIND.

54. Give the gift of the moment?: PRESENT PRESENT PRESENT.

75. Prevailing attitude about electric flow?: CURRENT CURRENT CURRENT.

92. Precise penalty that works OK?: FINE FINE FINE.

111. Neurosis caused by a group of labyrinthine apartments?: COMPLEX COMPLEX COMPLEX.

All the meanings are distinct of course. Always including both noun and adjective senses. Layered. 

Four of the theme entries are grid-spanners. A bit challenging to fill. Yet Joe managed still two pairs of paralleled 10's, all sparkling. Congrats on your first LAT Sunday, Joe!

XWord Info

Across:

1. Speed reader?: RADAR. Fun clue to start.

6. "What a shame!": ALAS.

10. Service call: LET.

13. Garden retreat: ARBOR. Our Arb. 

18. Marry on a whim: ELOPE.

19. "The Firebird" outfit: TUTU. And 36. "The Firebird" composer Stravinsky: IGOR.

20. Crimson Tide, to fans: BAMA.

21. __ firma: TERRA.

26. Iconic Munch painting: THE SCREAM. Partnered with 108. Out of control situation: GOAT RODEO.

27. "Who am __ say?": I TO.

28. Group that's really on the ball?: OFFENSE. Football, right?

29. Western alliance since 1948: Abbr.: OAS. The Organization of American States.

30. Largest Chinese ethnic group: HAN. I'm one. We also have 55 ethnic minorities, including Koreans, Russians and Mongols. I grew up loving the Korean pickled veggies. 

31. Notre-Dame's river: SEINE.

33. Spills the __: TEA.

38. Freddy Krueger's haunting loc.: ELM ST.

42. Unanimously: AS ONE.

44. Freud's "The __ and the Id": EGO.

45. 48-Across nutrients, for short: CARBS. 48. Quaker grains: OATS.

47. Absorbed, as a cost: ATE.

49. Fireside treats: S'MORES. 

52. Langley org.: CIA.

53. "Don't Matter" singer: AKON.

59. __ the line: TOE.

60. Plunder: LOOT.

61. New Mexico art community: TAOS.

62. En __: together: MASSE.

63. Heidi Gardner's show, for short: SNL. Here with Michael Che.

64. Nile viper: ASP.

65. Buds: CHUMS.

67. Chill (out): VEG.

68. Yellowfin tuna: AHI.

70. Matchmaking app that asks "Do you keep kosher?": JDATE.

72. "This Film Is Not Yet Rated" subj.: MPAA.

73. Actress Skye: IONE.

74. Sitting room: DEN.

80. Together, in scores: A DUE.

81. Phoenix cager: SUN.

82. Pacers point guard Haliburton: TYRESE. Learning moment for me. Two-time NBA All-Star.

83. Othello's false friend: IAGO.

84. "Moonstruck" studio: MGM.

85. Kentucky college that doesn't charge tuition: BEREA. I wonder if it accepts international students.

87. __ de plume: NOM.

88. French city near the Belgian border: LILLE.

90. Nutty green sauce: PESTO.

96. "Notorious" SCOTUS justice: RBG.

98. Punch bowl item: LADLE.

99. Mens __: REA.

100. "20/20" network: ABC.

103. Poolside recliners: CHAISES. Been hot here in Minnesota. 

107. Vientiane language: LAO.

114. Santiago's country: CHILE.

115. Succumbs to gravity: SAGS.

116. __ rug: AREA.

117. Speak one's mind: OPINE.

118. Sat for a portrait: POSED.

119. Like some grins: WRY.

120. Hankerings: YENS. Finally tried Yami. They have all kinds of Chinese food for a decent price. 

121. Attire worn over pajamas: ROBES.

Down:

1. Page facing a verso: RECTO.

2. Word on a postcard from Hawaii: ALOHA.

3. Indoor stadium tops: DOMES.

4. Intro courses?: APPS. Appetizers. 

5. Defensive basketball foul: REACH-IN. I don't watch basketball. This is reach-in?

6. Go to: ATTEND.

7. Pixar film set on the Mediterranean coast: LUCA.

8. Elementary building block: ATOM.

9. Dim __: SUM.  Also 12. Tex-Mex street fare: TACO.

10. Brief: LACONIC.

11. BP checker: EMT.

13. Extra dough in bread boxes?: ATM FEES. Great fill/clue.

14. The 21st Amendment, e.g.: REPEAL.

15. Fiber source: BRAN.

16. Tolkien monsters: ORCS.

17. Insurance quote: RATE.

20. A dyeing art?: BATIK. Use wax and dye.

23. Paper bird: CRANE.

24. Colorfully blotchy: PIED.

25. Frequently, in verse: OFT.

31. "Bo-ring!": SNORE.

32. Turns into law: ENACTS.

34. Big name in headphones: KOSS.

35. Tidily arranged: KEMPT. Unkempt is more common.

37. Plumbing problem: DRIP.

39. Shakes on it: MAKES A DEAL. And 40. Megaliths in Wiltshire, England: STONEHENGE. And 42. Yankees slugger who wears No. 99: AARON JUDGE. 43. Metal percussion instruments: STEEL DRUMS. Stunning gridwork here. 

41. Pitcher's concern?: TENT. Not baseball pitcher. 75. Sleep in a 41-Down: CAMP.

46. Drinks list: BAR MENU.

48. Chooses: OPTS.

49. "Uncle!": STOP.

50. Place where salt and fresh water mix: ESTUARY.

51. Clothing label spot: SEAM.

53. Equine worker: ASS. And 109. Bovine workers: OXEN. Indeed "workers".

55. Fill with delight: ELATE.

56. What poorly written instructions make: NO SENSE.

57. Sudoku figs.: NOS.

58. Champing at the bit: EAGER.

65. PC data base: CPU.

66. Hind counterpart: HART.

67. Sotto __: VOCE.

69. A big fan of: INTO.

71. "We __ Family": ARE.

72. __ Laboratories: Tylenol developer: MCNEIL. Learning moment also. Named after the chemist Robert McNeil, father of this guy.  

73. "I'm here!": IT'S ME.

76. Stomping ground: TURF.

77. 123 Sesame Street resident: ERNIE.

78. Gas used in lasers: NEON.

79. Nettle: RILE.

85. Winter team racer: BOBSLED.

86. Illuminating comparison: ANALOGY.

88. Deceive: LIE TO.

89. Wearing chain mail: IN ARMOR.

91. __ Crown: TRIPLE.

93. Red-coated cheeses: EDAMS.

94. Hit's opposite: FLOP.

95. Donnybrook: FRACAS.

97. "My word!": GEE.

100. Deviate from the script: AD LIB.

101. Designer Geoffrey: BEENE.

102. Directs a crew, informally: COXES. Rowing crew. 

103. Initials on Yuri Gagarin's helmet: CCCP.

104. Hostess snack: HO HO.

105. Bordeaux buddies: AMIS.

106. Austin festival, briefly: SXSW. South by Southwest.

108. "Chicago" star Richard: GERE.

110. Intel on a campaign rival: OPPO. Opposition. 

112. Road runner?: CAR.

113. Install, as tiles: LAY.

C.C.

Sunday July 20, 2025 Pam Amick Klawitter

Theme:  "C'est le Puzzle" - LE is added to each common phrase.

23. Hypothesis about the origin of oversized bracelets?: BIG BANGLE THEORY. Big Bang Theory. 

33. Must-have cookbook in every Maine kitchen?: LOBSTER BIBLE. Lobster bib. 

52. "Wait, don't forget the most important hamburger topping!": TAKE YOUR PICKLE. Take your pick.

71. Highlight of a military band's museum tour?: BUGLE COLLECTION. Bug collection. 

89. Display models made for a palace renovation?: PLASTER CASTLES. Plaster casts.

105. Silliest cart on a hayride?: CHUCKLE WAGON. Chuck wagon. 

121. "Why is my faucet dripping all the time?," e.g.: TRICKLE QUESTION. Trick question. 

This is a perfect companion puzzle for the "Elimination" puzzle Ross Trudeau made for us a long while ago. 

Pam's style shone through in this grid. Her witty wordplay and fondness for cross-referencing.  

XWord Info 

Across:

1. Sonoma neighbor: NAPA. Napa Valley is in Napa County. 

5. Colt's mama: MARE. And 8. Lambs' mamas: EWES.

9. 22-Across letters: AM FM. 22. Rock medium: RADIO.

13. Unseasoned: BLAND.

18. Yellow shape on Ikea's logo: OVAL.

19. K2 cover: SNOW.

20. Green course, in Germany: SALAT. German for "salad".

26. Marital acquisition: IN-LAW.

27. Deplete: USE UP.

28. Shed: LOSE.

29. Soars behind a boat: PARASAILS.

31. Classic Angela Lansbury role: MAME. Also 74. Broadway opener: SCENE I.

36. GI address: APO.

39. Checklist items: TASKS.

42. Use Zelle, e.g.: PAY. Zelle is integrated in my Wells Fargo app.

43. Scuba spots: SEAS.

44. Like some beach reads: TRASHY. What's the nicest beach you've been to?

46. Hill staffers: AIDES.

48. Actor Penn: SEAN.

49. Blockhead: OAF.

55. Two under par: EAGLE.

57. Piece of mind?: IDEA. Also loved these:: 126. Sleep soundly?: SNORE. 9. Fire sign?: ASH.

58. Boss Tweed cartoonist: NAST. Thomas. 

59. Mythological ship: ARGO.

62. Scooby Gang leader: FRED.

63. Legal agreement: CONTRACT.

66. Brewery fixtures: TAPS.

69. Postage scale units: OUNCES.

76. Cambodia's continent: ASIA.

77. "You flatter me!": OH STOP IT.

81. Aretha's genre: SOUL.

82. Trade jabs: SPAR.

84. Phanaeng cuisine: THAI. Often spelled as panang curry.  So hot. 

86. Novelist Jaffe: RONA.

87. Medicare section: PART D.

94. Mimic: APE.

95. Act as an accomplice: ABET.

98. Take a shot: GUESS.

99. Accomplice: COHORT.

100. Like most folklore: ORAL.

101. May honoree: MOM.

102. Number of tiles played for a Scrabble bingo: SEVEN. 

104. Farm enclosure: STY.

110. Make a montage, say: EDIT.

112. 2-Down offering: RENTAL CAR. 2. Budget alternative: AVIS.

113. Persia, today: IRAN.

116. Rapper __ B: CARDI.

120. Pre-honeymoon destination: ALTAR.

125. Quick flash of light: GLINT.

127. Hamilton-Burr showdown: DUEL.

128. Alma mater of Bear Grylls: ETON. Did not know Bear Grylls, a British adventurer who hosted "Man vs. Wild".

129. Boot bottoms: SOLES.

130. Tight: SNUG.

131. Cheek: SASS.

132. Hits head-on: RAMS.

Down:

1. Big name in fusion cuisine: NOBU. Known for its misdo-marinated black cod. (Miso. Thanks, D-Otto.)

3. Hill helper: PAGE.

4. Taylor Swift's "Red" or Joni Mitchell's "Blue": ALBUM.

5. Early web portal: MSN.

6. Pool shot considerations: ANGLES.

7. Gold-wrapped candy: ROLO.

10. Whitman of "Good Girls": MAE.

11. Cottontail's kin: FLOPSY. Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail are Peter's sisters.

12. French Revolution figure: MARAT.

13. 2032 Summer Olympics host city: BRISBANE. LA next. 

14. Covered patios: LANAIS.

15. Improviser's forte: AD LIB.

16. Singer Horan of One Direction: NIALL. I confused him with Liam Payne.

17. Use a divining rod: DOWSE.

21. Gibson of "The Collective": TYRESE.

24. "Who cares?" attitude: APATHY.

25. Contact no.: TEL.

30. __ code: AREA.

32. Club spread: MAYO.

34. Crude outfit?: OPEC.

35. Lie in the sun: BASK.

36. Common web site: ATTIC. Spider web. 

37. Madrid museum: PRADO.

38. "The Old __ Bucket": Woodworth poem: OAKEN.

40. Sport that may involve chopping boards: KARATE.

41. Takes a taste: SIPS.

45. "Click It or Ticket" restraint: SEAT BELT. 53. Release, as a 45-Down: UNCLIP.

47. Old-school paper copies: DITTOS. Didn't know this meaning.  

48. Sun. message: SER. Sermon. 

49. Shrek's sort: OGRE.

50. Bass offerings: ALES.

51. Made a meal for: FED.

54. Use a surgical beam: LASE.

56. Steelers' div.: AFC NORTH.

60. Poe-like: GOTHIC.

61. Avignon approvals: OUIS.

64. "Go, go, go!": RUN.

65. Grows older: AGES.

67. Actor Mahershala: ALI.

68. Nebraska divider: PLATTE.

70. Part of NSFW: NOT.

72. "Bad Monkey" novelist Hiaasen: CARL.

73. Sandpapery: COARSE.

74. Cake by the sink: SOAP. Bar soap. 

75. Turn salmon into lox, say: CURE.

78. Some Ralph Lauren casuals: POLOS.

79. Nonreactive, in chemistry: INERT.

80. Appetizing: TASTY.

81. Upscale amenity: SPA.

83. Bldg. unit: APT.

85. Music scholar known for a Beethoven catalog: HESS. Willy Hess. Another learning moment for me. 

88. Sorcery: DARK ARTS.

90. Open-mouthed: AGOG.

91. Heavyweight battle: SUMO.

92. Crushed, as an exam: ACED.

93. Some fast-food outlets: SONICS.

96. Fancy party: BALL. Here is a picture of Big Easy and his wife Diane from their annual Woodstock charity dance. 

97. Opts for: ELECTS.

100. Pump number: OCTANE.

101. "La Vie en Rose" Oscar winner Cotillard: MARION. So pretty. 

103. Stadiums, e.g.: VENUES.

105. Rugged rocks: CRAGS.

106. "Are you listening to me?": HELLO.

107. Up to, timewise: UNTIL.

108. Cautions: WARNS.

109. Zip: NIL.

111. __ tot: TATER.

114. Some M&M's: REDS.

115. Caribbean color: AQUA.

117. Hayworth of "Gilda": RITA. She was married to Orson Welles for a while.

118. Gloom partner: DOOM.

119. Cozy quarters: INNS.

122. Wine label word: CRU.

123. Beer barrel: KEG.

124. Raised trains: ELS.

Constructor Andrea Carla Michaels has been in town for the National Puzzlers' League Convention. She kindly invited me for a walk around Lake Harriet. We stopped by her childhood home, and by sheer luck luck, the current owner's daughters were there and invited us inside. The house, now on the market, is absolutely gorgeous. Afterwards, we rode the streetcar. When we got off, Andrea struck up a conversation with a French couple visiting Minneapolis. She spoke with them in fluent French for about 10 minutes. Stunning. Andrea also speaks Italian.