Sunday July 12, 2026 Will Nediger & Beth Rubin

Theme: "OPPOSITE DAY" -  Each theme entry contains a pair of opposite words

26. Took unnecessary risks, in a British idiom: SAILED CLOSE TO THE WIND.

 
43. Backup for a proofreader, perhaps: ANOTHER PAIR OF EYES.

 

58. Grow increasingly recalcitrant: BECOME UNGOVERNABLE.

70. Suffer public humiliation: FALL FLAT ON ONE'S FACE.

85. 2010 animated film featuring Princess Fiona: SHREK FOREVER AFTER. And 115. 85-Across figure: OGRE.

Reveal:

100. Oxymoron, or what can be found five times in this puzzle: CONTRADICTION IN TERMS.

What a great follow-up to Paul Coulter's "Magnetism" puzzle. Paul's theme hid pairs of opposite words right next to each other (ON/OFF, HE/SHE, IN/OUT, etc.). Here, Will and Beth use the same basic concept but separate each pair, making the hunt a bit more challenging. 

This is Will and Beth's second collaboration for the LAT. Both are outstanding constructors. 

Across:

1. Option B precursor: PLAN A.

6. Creature in "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland": DODO.

10. Winter resort rentals: SKIS.

14. Supermodel Kate: MOSS.

18. Old Renault: LE CAR.

19. Apple tablet: IPAD.

20. Penny: CENT.

21. Each: A POP.

22. Not suitable: UNAPT.

23. Mandala medium, often: SAND. Many Tibetan Buddhist mandalas are painstakingly created from colored sand before being ceremonially dismantled.

24. "__ you asked ... ": SINCE.

25. Count (on): RELY.

30. WNW opposite: ESE.

31. Love, in Italian: AMORE.

32. Asian language: LAO.

33. Handel oratorio: MESSIAH.

37. Former: PRIOR.

38. All excited: ATINGLE.

42. Ginger __: ALE.

46. Lightweight fabric: LINEN. And 120. Woolen cloth: TWEED. Much prefer Japanese crepe fabric. Non-wrinkly. 

48. Romance: WOO.

49. "C'est la __!": VIE.

50. Trolley car: TRAM.

51. Celebrity couple: ITEM.

52. Pres. on a dime: FDR.

53. Imrie of "The Thursday Murder Club": CELIA. English actress.

57. Square things: ATONE. Nice clue.

63. 2028 Olympics host: Abbr.: USA. 74. 2024 Olympics host: PARIS.

64. "The Fresh Prince of __-Air": BEL.

65. __ acid: AMINO.

66. Apology starter: MEA. As in "Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa".

67. Male swan: COB.

77. Newark's county: ESSEX.

78. Permit: LET.

79. Burden: ONUS.

80. Lasting mark: SCAR.

81. Org. nicknamed "No Such Agency": NSA.

83. Owns: HAS.

84. Nimble: AGILE.

92. Singer __ King Cole: NAT.

93. Game for little batters: TEE BALL.

94. Hazardous gas: RADON.

95. Goes on and on: YAMMERS.

97. Finish: END.

98. OB test: AMNIO.

99. Reuben sandwich bread: RYE. I've become a fan of the New York rye bread sold at our local Hy-Vee.

109. __ of paradise: BIRD.

110. Flared skirt style: A LINE.

111. Voting group: BLOC.

112. Inbox message: EMAIL.

113. Demolish: RAZE.

114. Ice sheet: FLOE.

116. Mother-of-pearl: NACRE.

117. Rude one: BOOR.

118. Throw out: TOSS.

119. "Easier __ than done": SAID.

Down:

1. "And also ... ": PLUS.

2. Singer and civil rights activist Horne: LENA.

3. Palm berry: ACAI.

4. City where pizza was invented: NAPLES.

5. __ well: ARTESIAN. Water reaches the surface naturally because of underground pressure.

6. Frisbee, e.g.: DISC.

7. Birthstone between sapphire and topaz: OPAL.

8. Paul who played twins in "There Will Be Blood": DANO.

9. "Most likely ... ": ODDS ARE.

10. Annabella of "Tulsa King": SCIORRA.

11. __ cloth: Ghanaian textile: KENTE. Kente comes from the Akan word kenten, meaning "basket," referring to its woven pattern.

12. Move slowly: INCH.

13. Digital protection device?: STEEL TOE. Clever clue.

14. Figure that comes with strings attached: MARIONETTE.

15. Accepting customers: OPEN.

16. "Deal!": SOLD.

17. Intel gatherer: SPY.

24. Small porch: STOOP.

27. Campus leader: DEAN.

28. Mideast leader: EMIR.

29. Urchin: WAIF.

33. Beach city near Pepperdine: MALIBU.

34. Powerful groups: ELITES.

35. __ Falls Convention: SENECA. The first women's rights convention was held in Seneca Falls in 1848. Learning moment for me.

36. "What a bore": HOW DULL.

37. Soup often garnished with bean sprouts: PHO.

38. Nev. neighbor: ARI.

39. Wrap with tzatziki: GYRO.

40. Tilt: LEAN.

41. "Hanna" star Creed-Miles: ESME.

44. Having trouble deciding: TORN.

45. Physiologist Pavlov: IVAN.

47. Given to moping, maybe: EMO.

52. Sense: FEEL.

53. Unresponsive states: COMAS.

54. Party-planning site: E-VITE.

55. Massachusetts home of the Tanglewood Music Festival: LENOX.

56. Wrinkle remover: IRON.

57. Quaint word of despair: ALAS.

59. Many execs: MBAS.

60. Lasses: GALS.

61. Pardon: AMNESTY.

62. Vivid vegetable: BEET.

67. Pointy tooth: CANINE.

68. Eye-related: OCULAR.

69. Attacks from all sides: BESETS.

70. Figure who manipulates flames in a Nickelodeon fantasy series: FIREBENDER. Refers to "Avatar: The Last Airbender." In that universe, firebenders manipulate fire, one of the four classical elements.

71. Phobia: FEAR.

72. Villainous Count of kid-lit: OLAF.

73. Confused state: FOG.

74. Note-passer's utterance: PSST.

75. Head or heart follower: ACHE. I've been dealing with an awful RA flare-up and can't wait for my infusion next Wednesday.

76. Valuable to collectors: RARE.

81. Annual Player Selection Meeting, informally: NFL DRAFT.

82. Step on the scale?: SOL. Musical scale. Do–Re–Mi–Fa–Sol–La–Ti–Do.

83. Largest Chinese ethnic group: HAN. I'm one. 

84. Military encampment unit: ARMY TENT.

86. Philosopher Immanuel: KANT.

87. Winter stoats: ERMINES.

88. "Lovecraft Country" actor Courtney B. __: VANCE. Married to Angela Bassett.

89. Revise: EDIT.

90. Reddish-brown tea: ROOIBOS. Naturally caffeine-free.

91. Work hard for: EARN.

96. Grandma, to some: MEEMAW.

98. "Farewell, amigos!": ADIOS. And  100. "Farewell, amici!": CIAO.

101. Ricelike pasta: ORZO.

102. French greeting: ALLO.

103. Tokarczuk who won the 2018 Nobel Prize in Literature: OLGA.

104. Onigiri wrapper: NORI.

105. Like cupcakes but not muffins, usually: ICED.

106. Compete against the clock: RACE.

107. Slimy mud: MIRE.

108. Toboggan, e.g.: SLED.

109. Texter's "Just a moment": BRB. Be Right Back.

C.C.

Sunday July 5, 2026 Sheldon Polonsky

Theme:  "EXTRAVEHICULAR ACTIVITIES" - A mode of transportation if added to each common phrase.

23. Most popular member of a 1960s television family?: FAVORITE JETSON. Favorite son.

38. "People walk all over me," "No one appreciates my rugged good looks," etc.?: CARPET PEEVES. Pet peeves.

41. Just a hint of flavor in some ice cream?: VANILLA TEASE. Ill at lease.

66. With 71-Across, terse rejection note?: SUBMISSION. 71. See 66-Across: IMPOSSIBLE. Mission Impossible.

95. Part-time gig at a summer camp?: CABINSIDE JOB. Inside job.

98. Perfect nursery gift for a future astronomer?: PLANET MOBILE. T-Mobile.

117. Sign of overwork for a bird of prey?: EAGLE EYESTRAIN. Eagle eyes.

Congrats to Sheldon on his LAT debut! 

What a creative take on a common addition theme. So inventive. Great title also.

Across:

1. Does some chiropractic work: ADJUSTS.

8. Story links: STAIRS.

14. Southeast Africa's "Sunshine City": HARARE. Zimbabwe's capital city.

20. __ suit: LEISURE. Popular in the 1970s. Learning moment for me.

21. Move quietly: TIPTOE.

22. Takes a hand in Vegas, perhaps: ELOPES.

25. Keep time with rhythmically: CLAP TO.

26. Actor Guinness: ALEC.

27. Shields on some helmets: VISORS.

28. Clock sound: TOCK. Tick-tock.

30. Pinch: DRIB.

31. "I won't __ words ... ": MINCE.

32. Reading with medium comprehension?: AURA. OK, psychic reading.

33. Pore strip brand: BIORE.

34. National park in Maine: ACADIA.

45. Read quickly: SCAN.

46. Antidiscrimination in the workplace inits.: EEO.

47. Hold firmly: GRIP.

48. Party planners: HOSTS.

49. Den fixture: HDTV.

51. Display an unfair lack of confidence in: SELL SHORT.

54. Great pain: AGONY. Had more intense reaction to my second Shingles shot. 

58. Cornstarch brand: ARGO.

62. Acceptable: OKAY.

63. Nebraska city: OMAHA.

64. Less substantial: AIRIER.

73. Expressway entrance: ON RAMP.

74. Smock stain: PAINT.

76. Grilled fruta on some tacos: PINA. Tacos al pastor.

77. "Get outta here!": SCAT.

78. Panna __: Italian dessert: COTTA.

79. High-fiber cereal ingredient: WHEAT BRAN.

84. Heath bar alternative: SKOR.

87. Cut: SAWED.

89. Anderson of "WKRP in Cincinnati": LONI. Born in St. Paul.

90. BOLO kin: APB.

93. __ Games: Fortnite company: EPIC.

101. Brick-and-mortar workers: MASONS.

102. Apply (for): PUTIN.

103. Digital read: E MAG. 

104. Bypasses: SKIPS.

107. Pt. of YMCA: ASSN.

108. Spellbound: RAPT.

109. Naval fleet: ARMADA.

111. Sticky stuff: GLUE.

115. Cesar who played the Joker: ROMERO.

120. Summer months in Argentina: ENEROS.

121. Ankle-related: TARSAL.

122. Taken for granted: ASSUMED.

123. Focus group?: LENSES. Camera focus.

124. Register: ENROLL.

125. Catch of the day choice: SEA BASS. Huge.

Down:

1. Italian auto, familiarly: ALFA.

2. "Agreed!": DEAL.

3. "__ Talkin'": 1975 Bee Gees hit: JIVE.

4. Games org. that added a "P" to its initials in 2019: USOC. United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee.

5. California's Big __: SUR.

6. Not even a little important: TRIVIAL.

7. Took hold: SET IN.

8. Missouri city nickname: ST JOE.  Jesse James was killed in St. Joseph on April 3, 1882.

9. Subscription level: TIER.

10. Bldg. units: APTS.

11. Part of FWIW: IT'S.

12. Unearth: ROOT UP.

13. Spanish gentlemen: SENORES.

14. "Darn it all to __!": HECK. Do you use this in your daily conversation?

15. Everyone: ALL.

16. Band aide: ROADIE.

17. Rubber-stamp: APPROVE.

18. Pensioner: RETIREE.

19. Anka song with a Spanish title: ESO BESO.

24. Key near F1: ESC.

29. Like a good advertising jingle: CATCHY.

31. Thou squared: MIL.

32. Amount to: ARE.

33. Inclination: BENT.

34. Many sports nos.: AVGS. 44. Inexact fig.: EST.

35. Give a darn: CARE.

36. Source of indigo: ANIL.

37. Tact-ical experts?: DIPLOMATS. Great clue. 

38. Purr former: CAT.

39. Breakfast tea variety: ASSAM.

40. Cushion: PAD.

42. Nautical greetings: AHOYS.

43. The Raptors, on schedules: TOR. Toronto Raptors. 

50. Unknown qualities: VARIABLES.

52. __ milk: SKIM.

53. Locking device: HASP.

55. Trot or canter: GAIT.

56. Omega, in physics: OHM. Ω (omega) is the symbol for the ohm, the SI unit of electrical resistance.

57. Snooze: NAP.

59. Barbecue bone: RIB.

60. Take shape: GEL.

61. Mine deposit: ORE.

63. "Got this, boss": ON IT.

64. Java's home: ASIA. Java is the 13th largest island in the world.

65. Ain't right?: ISN'T.

66. Brillo rival: SOS. Been loving Scrub Mommy. Prettier than Scrub Daddy.

67. Mom's bro: UNC.

68. Bali garment: BRA.

69. Big day for a co.: IPO.

70. Protein bar grain: OAT.

72. News stands?: OP-EDS. Fresh clue!

75. Sounding congested: NASAL.

78. Black Sea peninsula: CRIMEA.

79. "Wonder Woman" backdrop, briefly: WWI.

80. Lady bird: HEN.

81. Spanish red: ROJO.

82. Soon, quaintly: ANON.

83. Pen tips: NIBS.

85. Eager: KEEN.

86. Take one's pick: OPT.

88. 1860s prez: ABE.

90. Outfits: APPAREL.

91. Guest's guest: PLUS ONE.

92. Some cricket players: BATSMEN.

94. Try for the title: COMPETE.

95. Smoke, briefly: CIG.

96. Deadlock: IMPASSE.

97. Some govt. lawyers: DAS.

99. SF NFL team: NINERS.

100. Luzon peninsula on Manila Bay: BATAAN. Luzon is the largest island in the Philippines. 

104. Olfaction: SMELL.

105. "Funny Face" actress Thompson who wrote the "Eloise" books: KAY.

106. Think tank output: IDEAS.

108. Dress for Less discount store: ROSS. Never been to a Ross store.

109. To boot: ALSO.

110. "It's been __!": REAL.

111. Vittles: GRUB.

112. Tibetan monk: LAMA.

113. Informal reversals: UIES.

114. Winds down: ENDS.

116. Fish-to-be: ROE.

118. "So frustrating!": GRR.

119. PreCheck org.: TSA.

Belated "Happy Birthday" to Barry G, hope all's well in your world. Thanks for remembering my birthday. 

July 2, 2016

Thank you to everyone for your sweet birthday wishes. 

C.C. 

Sunday June 28, 2026 Emet Ozar

 

Theme: "WRITE-UPS"- The first word of each theme entry is a newspaper.

3. Pride and joy of many an audiophile: RECORD COLLECTION.

8. One who takes the snap and the spotlight: STAR QUARTERBACK.

13. Insist on a debate, perhaps: PRESS THE ISSUE.

48. Memorization aid in math class: TIMES TABLE CHART.

56. Cultural movement of the 1960s and 1970s: POSTMODERNISM.

Reveal: 

41. Editorial essays, or what 3-, 8-, 13-, 48-, and 56-Down are: NEWSPAPER COLUMNS.

The theme answers are placed in Down slots, forming literal newspaper columns.

This puzzle only has 13 three-letter entries. Amazing. I often find myself with 24 or 25 before I know it.

Across:

1. Dragon roll wrap: NORI. Dragon rolls are typically inside-out rolls, with the nori hidden inside.

5. X-ray specs?: REMS. Radiation dosages. Great clue.

9. Sea anemone, e.g.: POLYP.

14. Spanakopita cheese: FETA.

18. Equally matched: EVEN.

19. Awards achievement completed by Steven Spielberg in 2026: EGOT. Only 22 people have achieved this status. 

20. Thin layer: VENEER.

21. Keen: AVID.

22. Suggestions, for short: RECS.

23. Fizzy beverage: SODA.

24. Chilling: AT EASE.

25. K, in the NATO alphabet: KILO.

26. Give up: DROP.

27. Layer: TIER.

28. Rogan josh bread: NAAN. Rogan Josh is a curried lamb or mutton dish.

29. Gets a whiff: SMELLS.

31. Caramel candies: ROLOS.

33. Feathery pen: QUILL.

35. Kaplan prep course subj.: PSAT. 53. Kaplan prep course subjs.: APS.

36. Up in the air, briefly: TBD. To Be Decided/Determined.

38. Biceps exercise: ARM CURL. 

40. Falcons city: ATLANTA. NFL.

44. Mysterious to many: ARCANE.

46. Marimba player: MALLET.

49. Black eyes: SHINERS.

50. Ecological community: BIOME.

51. FYI part: FOR.

52. Fly: AVIATE.

54. Whack, as a fly: SWAT.

55. Without a partner: SOLO.

56. 1492 ship: PINTA.

58. Damage: IMPAIR.

60. Pre-1991 atlas initials: SSR.

61. Teased: LED ON.

63. Escapes the notice of: ELUDES.

65. Lyric poet of Lesbos: SAPPHO. Lesbian comes from Lesbos.

67. Corrupt: DEBASE.

68. Landscaping tools: RAKES.

69. Off course: ASTRAY.

70. "That's impossible for us": WE CAN'T.

71. Missing class: ABSENT.

72. Prepare to play: CUE UP.

73. Canadian prov.: ONT.

74. Empire Builder operator: AMTRAK. The Empire Builder runs daily between Chicago and Seattle or Portland. 

76. Small sip: TASTE.

78. Target of a brood parasite such as the cowbird: NEST. Cowbirds lay their eggs in other birds' nests, leaving the host parents to raise the chicks.

81. Best-__ plans: LAID.

83. Mine vehicle: ORE CAR.

85. Mass transit option: BUS.

86. American Eagle Outfitters loungewear brand: AERIE. 

87. Home of Jupiter: FLORIDA.

89. Uses a prayer mat, e.g.: KNEELS.

91. Much of the heart: MUSCLE.

92. Powerfully built: SINEWED.

93. Gorillagram costume: APE SUIT.

95. Blesses: OKS.

96. Bluetooth device's lack, often: WIRE.

97. Bare-bones: BASIC.

99. Sneak around: PROWL.

101. Composer Bach: JOHANN.

104. "Alice's Restaurant" singer Guthrie: ARLO.

105. "Very funny": HA HA.

107. Large lump: HUNK.

110. Declare: AVOW.

111. For nothing: IN VAIN.

113. Eager: AGOG.

114. Sign of things to come: OMEN.

115. Last name of sisters Rooney and Kate: MARA. Rooney Mara is married to Joaquin Phoenix.

116. Meshes in the kitchen: SIEVES.

117. Dominate: RULE.

118. In the know about: ONTO.

119. Crush it on the runway, say: SLAY.

120. "Circles Around This Town" singer Morris: MAREN.

121. Smidgens: TADS.

122. Hushed "hey!": PSST.

Down:

1. Deep member of a fandom: NERD.

2. Concluded: OVER.

4. Motivation, in hashtags: INSPO. Short for "inspiration".

5. Put back: RESTORE.

6. Extreme self-involvement: EGOISM.

7. Mean relative?: MODE. Another fun clue.

9. "She loves me, she loves me not" piece: PETAL. My little garden is thriving. I'm so happy to see Boomer's lilies flourishing again.

10. Lakers legend Shaquille: O'NEAL.

11. Like ground turkey: LEAN.

12. "100%!": YES.

14. Sunless glow-ups: FAKE TANS.

15. Wicked: EVIL.

16. Cultivate: TILL.

17. Ruckuses: ADOS.

20. Spice native to Mesoamerica: VANILLA. Pandan is often called "Asian vanilla".

30. Senegal neighbor: MALI.

32. "Stay in your __!": LANE.

34. Clickable link: URL.

35. Carbonara ingredient: PASTA.

36. Browser units: TABS.

37. Pizzazz: BRIO.

39. "Shake a leg!": C'MON.

42. Tawdry: TRASHY.

43. Houston pro: ASTRO.

45. Single-celled creature: AMOEBA.

47. Barefaced: EVIDENT.

51. "Whatever": FINE.

57. Fairbanks resident: ALASKAN.

59. Grade: RATE.

62. CNN anchor Bash: DANA.

64. Luau instrument, informally: UKE.

66. Dried plums: PRUNES.

67. Koyukon name of North America's tallest peak: DENALI.  Meaning "The Great One".

69. Play parts, or plays a part: ACTS.

70. Gobbles (down): WOLFS.

71. Exist: ARE.

75. Take stock?: TRADE. Stock here refers to "shares" rather than "inventory".

77. Work (out): SUSS.

79. Lingerie fabric: SILK.

80. Some gym tops: TEES.

82. Recoiled: DREW AWAY.

84. Works (out): REASONS.

86. Camera setting: AUTO.

88. "Victory is mine!": I WIN.

90. Prefix with Pen: EPI.

91. Desert deceptions: MIRAGES.

94. Sustain: UPHOLD.

97. Lionhearted: BRAVE.

98. Rocky of "Project Hail Mary," for one: ALIEN.

100. Joyful holler: WHOOP.

101. Preserves: JAMS.

102. Like some coffee tables: OVAL.

103. Jewish wedding dance: HORA.

104. Declare: AVER.

106. Oaxaca water: AGUA.

108. Team that shares an arena with the Liberty: NETS. Same owner. Joe Tsai.

109. Binding loop: KNOT.

112. Vardalos of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding": NIA.

C.C.

Sunday June 21, 2026 Jeffrey Diton & Katie Hale

 Theme: "M&M'S" - Every theme entry is a well-known person whose initials are M.M.

22. The Duchess of Sussex: MEGHAN MARKLE.

41. Rebecca Pearson player on "This Is Us": MANDY MOORE.

43. Comedian whose podcast's final episode featured Barack Obama: MARC MARON.

64. Anthropologist who theorized that children learn by watching adults: MARGARET MEAD.

73. Oscar winner who gave her acceptance speech in ASL: MARLEE MATLIN.

95. Austin Powers portrayer: MIKE MYERS.

97. Actress who won a Tony and an Emmy for playing Peter Pan: MARY MARTIN.

118. Hall of Famer who holds the record for most World Series home runs: MICKEY MANTLE.

 

This is a very straightforward theme. Meghan Markle's debut in a major newspaper crossword. I was especially happy to see Marc Maron, whose long-running podcast often closed with the phrase "Boomer lives!"

 

This is also Jeffrey's first Sunday for the LAT. Congrats!

Across:

1. Record player?: DEEJAY. Great clue to start.

7. __ accompli: FAIT.

11. Swimwear top: BRA. We all wear swimsuits at our pool. The lady in front is Jan, who was a lifeguard for many years.

14. Secrecy doc: NDA. Non-Disclosure Agreement.

17. Wrap: ENROBE.

18. British unit of mass: TONNE. 21. British unit of length: METRE.

19. Singer Rawls: LOU.

20. Like a good handshake: FIRM.

24. Dines after 10, say: EATS LATE.

26. Go to press?: IRON.

27. B'way passes: TIX.

28. Stops talking about: LETS DROP. The topic.

30. Comedy routine: BIT.

31. Gradually stop nursing: WEAN.

33. Fix, as a pool cue: RE-TIP.

34. Shop online, say: ETAILER. Noun "shop".

36. Bolt down the track?: USAIN. His nickname is "Lightning Bolt". Beautiful family.

39. Numbered work: OPUS.

45. Griffith Observatory style: DECO.  The observatory opened in 1935, right in the heyday of Art Deco architecture.

46. Review that might go viral: PAN.

47. Strike: PICKET.

48. Typesetting unit: PICA.

50. Lucy's sitcom chum: ETHEL.Ethel Mertz.

52. "Fire away": ASK.

55. __-mo: SLO.

56. Valvoline rival: STP.

58. Establishment with teas and tabbies: CAT CAFE. The first cat cafés appeared in Asia before spreading around the world. 

60. Sunset dirección: OESTE. West in Spanish.

62. Fan sound: WHIRR.

66. __ latte: CHAI. Do you cold brew tea in the summer?

69. Pee Wee of baseball: REESE.

71. Quintet that occasionally becomes a sextet: AEIOU.

72. Milky Way maker: MARS. Not the planet but the confectionery giant.

76. Eleanor in a Beatles hit: RIGBY.

78. "You know the __": DRILL.

79. Hair band: ELASTIC.

81. Pic of Pinocchio: CEL. Traditional animated films were created by painting characters onto transparent cels.

82. One of Tarzan's adopted family: APE.

85. Irish actor Stephen: REA. "The Crying Game"

86. Academy student: CADET.

88. James of "Misery": CAAN.

90. Malia and Sasha, to Craig Robinson: NIECES. Brother of Michelle Obama. 

92. __ phrik: Thai chili sauce: NAM. Made from pounded chilies, garlic, shallots, and lime juice, and shrimp paste or fish sauce. Odd but very tasty dip for green mango slices.

93. Casual get-together: SESH.

101. Dog biscuit shape: BONE.

102. Green pasta sauce: PESTO.

103. Detail, as a bill: ITEMIZE.

104. South Asian pancakes: DOSAS.  Rice-and-lentil pancakes.

106. Not more: LESS.

108. Reply to a meme, perhaps: LOL.

109. "I'll just leave a message": NO ANSWER.

111. "I'm __ yours!": ALL.

112. "My bad!": OOPS.

116. 87-Down predator: ANACONDA. 87. Area with the world's largest rainforest: AMAZONIA. Fortunately, Minnesota's lakes are free of anacondas.

121. 32-country org.: NATO.

122. Apple platform: IOS.

123. With 89-Down, "Delta of Venus" writer: ANAIS. 89. See 123-Across: NIN.

124. Polynesian language: SAMOAN.

125. Relay part: LEG.

126. TV journalist Cabrera: ANA.

127. Geek (out): NERD.

128. Famous last words?: THE END. Aptly placed as the last entry.

Down:

1. Prefix with -tasse: DEMI.

2. Cabinet dept. with a sun on its seal: ENER.

3. Therefore: ERGO.

4. Film assassin played by Keanu Reeves: JOHN WICK.

5. Legal org.: ABA.

6. Busybody: YENTA.

7. Not against: FOR.

8. Spots for some bracelets: ANKLES.

9. Cove: INLET.

10. Start of a round: TEE TIME. Golf round.

11. Wasn't colorfast: BLED.

12. Laughed loudly: ROARED.

13. Option in some password managers: AUTO-TYPE.

14. Org. with Cowboys and Chiefs: NFL.

15. Devil, in Spanish: DIABLO. The author of "Juno" is Diablo Cody.

16. More stylized: ARTIER.

18. Burden: TAX.

23. Key word?: MINOR.

25. Musical based on "Monty Python and the Holy Grail": SPAMALOT.

29. Modernistic: SPACE AGE.

32. Tangle up: ENMESH.

33. Like an ancient alphabet: RUNIC.

35. Charged particle: ION.

36. Strike callers: UMPS.

37. Cruise (by): SAIL.

38. Not pizzicato: ARCO. With the bow.  In string music, pizzicato instructs players to pluck the strings with their fingers, while arco tells them to return to using the bow.

40. Dad: POP.

42. "The injustice!": NOT FAIR.

44. Wardrobe: ATTIRE.

45. Mining target: DATA. Data mining.

49. Bedouin mounts: CAMELS.

51. Like Superman: HEROIC.

52. Far from land: ASEA.

53. Take the lead: STAR.

54. Shoe brand founded by U.S. Rubber: KEDS. Didn't know this.

57. Program for some psych majors: PRE-MED.

59. Skulls: CRANIA.

61. "The Pitt" award: EMMY. Medical drama set in Pennsylvania.

62. Last words, often: WILL.

63. Most genuine: REALEST.

65. University of Oregon city: EUGENE.

66. Nav. officer: CMDR.

67. Fabulous loser?: HARE. Another fun clue.

68. Diva's big moment: ARIA.

70. Driver's licenses, e.g.: STATE IDS.

74. Chevy coupe with a cargo bed: EL CAMINO. 

75. Hankering: ITCH.

77. Goodyear fleet: BLIMPS.

80. Stealthy patterns, for short: CAMOS.

82. Fab: ACES.

83. Saucy: PERT.

84. Canadian gas brand: ESSO. The name comes from pronouncing the initials "S.O." for Standard Oil.

91. "Class, pay attention!": EYES ON ME.

92. MLB team in blue and orange: NYM. New York Mets.

94. Olaf, for one: SNOWMAN.

96. __ green: KELLY.

97. La Scala locale: MILAN.

98. Like music that's hard to sing along to: ATONAL.

99. Connect: RELATE.

100. Continue enjoying a book: READ ON.

101. Train lounge: BAR CAR.

105. Rive Gauche waters: SEINE. Left Bank. 

107. Horror film loc.: ELM ST.

110. Artemis II org.: NASA.

111. Two-time loser to DDE: AES. Adlai Stevenson lost presidential races to Dwight D. Eisenhower in both 1952 and 1956.

113. Great Plains tribe: OTOE.

114. Think ahead: PLAN.

115. Email action: SEND.

117. Gear tooth: COG.

119. Josh: KID.

120. Pleased sigh: AAH.

C.C.

Sunday, June 14, 2026 Zhouqin Burnikel

  IF YOU ASK ME...

CrossEyedDave here, fresh off my bout with a Noro-Virus. Our own CC asked me to write up her Sunday Spectacular at the last minute, and while I am glad to do it, I am still under the weather, and cranky to boot. Let's hope it doesn't show...

I say this because, while a very enjoyable puzzle, there were a few places that had me stumpted. Here is the grid with all my mistakes:

The black chevrons in the upper right of certain grid squares, is where I fat fingered typo's, or chose the wrong letter outright. I didn't have time to do it ink on dead tree sadly.

The red chevrons indicate where I hit the reveal button...

Which leads me to ask you a question: I am not sure to call this a DNF, (Did Not Finish) or a FIW (Finished It Wrong) as I did neither. Can anyone out there come up with a suitable abbreviation for:

I hit the reveal button when I should have given it more thought!

Oh well, Onward!

22 Across. Trick question?: COULD IT BE MAGIC?

The remote does sorta seem like magic...

53 Across. Good question?: IS THAT CORRECT?

87 Across. Gotcha question?: AM I BEING CLEAR?

112 Across. Leading question?: WHO'S IN CHARGE?

119 Across. Quick question?: ARE YOU IN A HURRY?

31 Down. Burning question?: IS THE STOVE ON?

Yes.. but...

42 Down. First question?: WHERE TO START?

Is everybody here? Are you ready? Ok let's go!

As you can clearly see, CC has cleverly made each answer revert back to the question.

Ok! Now onward...

Across:
1. Fellow student: PEER. A peer is a person who belongs to the same group as you in terms of age, social standing, rank, or abilities. (So why do the people in my Jury look like people you couldn't pay me to hang out with...)

5. Inner ears?: COBS.  (Cute.)

9. Wrap (up): SEW. Not end...

12. Braid: PLAIT. As a noun, it can also mean a fold or pleat in fabric. As a verb, it means to interweave or braid. 

17. Crowning point: ACME.

Acme as in high point, the Coyotes source of paraphernalia is not one of them...

18. Critter who snoozed and lost: HARE.

19. Shared intimacies, briefly: PDAS. Public Displays of Affection.

21. Impressionist Monet: CLAUDE. (Name #1)

22. [Theme]

25. Take care of: HANDLE.

26. Forever and ever: EONS.

27. [Theme]

29. Cheese in some bagels: ASIAGO.  Ew, scallion cream cheese for me please...

32. Catch: SPY. Or espy... (but that could be misinterpreted as an award...)

34. Don vestments: ENROBE. (How did my neighbors pajamas get in this puzzle?)

35. Fuzz on a rock: MOSS.

We guitarists could also misinterpret this...

36. Mountain climber: SKI LIFT. Some might say this is not a twurd, (2 word answer) but the only other way to write it is with a hyphen. Ski-lift.

40. Biggest holiday in Vietnam: TET. Lunar New Year! Celebrating the arrival of Spring!🎆

41. Quaint contraction: TWAS. Now that's how you avoid the dreaded "twurd..."

45. Started a fresh pot: ANTED. Poker, not coffee...

47. Get on in years: AGE.

48. Sleeve: ARM.

50. Bakery serving slices: PIE SHOP. Now this one almost had me asking CC if this was a typo! But just as I was about to email, the V8 can came whistling in! It's not the serving slice sizes, it's about the bakery!

52. "Pass": NAH.  (I hit reveal one this one, because I thought, "Nah!" That can't be right...)

53. [Theme]

57. Historical period: ERA.

58. Bridal boutique array: DRESSES. This one flummoxed me, I was thinking flowers, like a corsage...

60. Group with Mind Games competitions: MENSA.

61. Needs some ice, perhaps: HURTS.

63. Corporate title abbr.: ASST. Assistant.

64. Take offense to: RESENT.

67. Put two and two together: ADD.

69. Late bedtime hr.: ONE AM.

70. Feline with a striped coat: TABBY CAT.

72. Watch a friend's monstera, say: PLANT SIT.

Doesn't seem monstrous to me...

74. Ring-shaped island: ATOLL.

76. Buy high and sell low, e.g.: ERR. This is another one that fooled me, because I didn't read it right. You might say I erred...

77. Double-cross: BETRAY.

78. Lady Justice's garb: TOGA. Not robe?

There have been many depictions, and many do not look like togas or robes.

So if this one fooled you, give yourself a break...

81. Flood barrier: LEVEE. See taco flight 110 for the miracle landing on a levee!

Even more miraculous was how they flew it off the levee again, when it was supposed to be too short to land on!

82. Take out of a sack: UNBAG.

84. Checks for fit: TRIES ON.

86. Intense anger: IRE.

87. (Theme]

92. Rummage sale label: TAG.

93. Picturesque caves: GROTTOS.

95. Julius Erving, to fans: DR J. (Basketball.) ( name #2)

96. Hi-__ photo: RES. High resolution.

97. Wee: SMALL.

99. Billionth: Pref.: NANO.

100. West of old Hollywood: MAE. (Name #3)

Are ya happy to see me? Or is that a gun in your pocket?

102. Museum guides: DOCENTS. A docent is a knowledgeable guide or lecturer, typically a trained volunteer in a museum, art gallery, or zoo, who explains exhibits and educates visitors. The term derives from the Latin docere, meaning "to teach".

105. "Songversation" singer India.__: ARIE. Name #4, and I overloaded my photo files. So now the Cloud is saying I have to pay money...  you will have to look her up yourself, I'm broke...

106. Accordion features: PLEATS.

109. Replayed tennis serve: LET. I put Ace first, which would you rather rewatch...
 
110. Repeats verbatim: QUOTES.

112. [Theme]

117. Harbor fleet: TUGS.

This beloved story from my youth got me fascinated with tugboats for the rest of my life...

118. Dish with bubbling broth: HOT POT.

119. [Theme]

125. Vidalia bulbs: ONIONS.

126. Within reach: NEAR.

127. X-rated material: SMUT. (No photo...)

128. Clever notion: IDEA.

129. Crop threats: PESTS.

130. Cap'n Jazz genre: EMO. Sort of name #5?

131. Pointillism marks: DOTS.

132. Corkboard pin: TACK. All my cork boards have had pushpins. Thumbtacks are too dangerous...

Down:
1. Campaign funding org.: PAC. All you ever wanted to know...

2. __ mode: hybrid setting: ECO. Ah,! Economy mode, as in cars! I couldn't figure out the hybrid reference until now... gas/electric...

3. Ostrich's shorter cousin: EMU. Shorter than an Emu would be a Rhea...

4. Drop, as an album: RELEASE. (Music talk.)

5. Casual slacks: CHINOS. The Origin: Originally designed for military use in the 19th century, the pants are believed to take their name from the Spanish word for "Chinese" due to the fabric's origins in China.

6. Grains in a crumble: OATS.

7. Texter's "Gimme a sec": BRB. Be Right Back.

8. "Understand?": SEE.

9. Bridge distance: SPAN.

10. Provocative: EDGY.

11. Forgo: WAIVE.

12. Backup strategy: PLAN B.

13. Stickers in glucose monitoring kits: LANCETS. Ouch!

14. Automaker headquartered in Ingolstadt: AUDI.

15. Inactive: IDLE.

16. Shirts with slogans: TEES.

20. Barely sufficient: SCANT.

21. Like a kitchen during the dinner rush: CHAOTIC.

23. Obedience school attendee: DOG.

24. "Allow me": MAY I.

28. French kin of a dosa: CREPE.

29. "Mamma Mia!" star Seyfried: AMANDA. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯  Name #6

30. Submarine trackers: SONARS.

31. [Theme]

32. Weary sound: SIGH. Something I do every time I have to post a pic of a name I don't know...

33. Entreaty: PLEA. No more names, please?

37. "Gnarly" and "Gabriela" girl group: KATSEYE. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ name #7. (@##$&%) um, sorry, sigh...

38. Diamond side: FACET.

39. "__: Ares": TRON. Is this two names?!?! Splynter! I need a word for this!

42. [Theme]

43. Major artery: AORTA.

44. Involuntary twitch: SPASM.

46. Bad-mouth: DIS. Disrespect.

49. Mrs. Pepper's partner on "Blue's Clues": MRSALT. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Name #8.

51. Community spirit: ETHOS. From the Greek, meaning character.

54. Tesla, for one: SERB. Name #9. His Wiki

55. Leonardo's group, for short: TMNT. This was below the belt. Who in their right mind would know that this name #9 refers to The Mutant Ninja Turtles!  Read The Three Musketeers and get your mind out of the Sewer!  (Um, i'm not feeling good, remember?)

56. Storm tracker: RADAR.

59. Like week-old mantou: STALE. Hmm,  you can't make up for TMNJ with delicious looking food when I have a stomach bug! (And it's stale no Less!)

62. Join forces: UNITE.

65. Wash vigorously: SCRUB.

66. Merited: EARNED.

68. Genealogy research aid: DNA TEST.

71. Sound sheepish?: BLEAT.😀 ok, that's a good one...

72. Simon of "Hot Fuzz": PEGG. Name #10

You may know him as Scotty in later Star Trek movies.

I must ask DW what streaming service we are using this month, as it is not free on YouTube...

73. Banks on many covers: TYRA.  Name #11

I'm not complaining mind you...

74. Make straight: ALIGN.

75. __ cotta: TERRA. You know, flower pot containers etc...

77. Bluegrass strings: BANJO.

79. Water polo shot stopper: GOALIE. Interesting choice of clue...

80. Right features of every square: ANGLES. Can't argue with that...

83. Frequent flier?: BIRD.😀

85. Org. with complex schedules: IRS. Infernal Revenuers...

88. Brief periods of time: MOMENTS.

89. Calculus pioneer Newton: ISAAC. Name #12, I'll post a pic when he gets a Sports Illustrated Cover...

90. First Nations people of Canada: CREE. There are over 630 1st nation governments in Canada.

91. Season that begins on Ash Wednesday: LENT.

94. Leader's position: TOP SPOT.

98. Outfit sometimes worn by Xi Jinping: MAO SUIT. No name in the answer, but he still needs a sports illustrated cover to get a pic...

101. Slater of "Wicked": ETHAN. 

Name #13

103. "Pinocchio" goldfish: CLEO. 

Name #14

104. Exercises that work quads and glutes: SQUATS.

107. Penn State's Nittany __: LIONS. All you ever wanted to know...

108. Bridal wear in Bangladesh: SAREE. 

111. "How gross!": UGH. (Placed inappropriately below Saree, above...)

112. Strike forcefully: WHOP. (They don't even use this in Marvel comics...)

113. Sharpen, as skills: HONE. 

Yes, it definitely takes skill...

114. Soul icon Redding: OTIS. Name #15

115. Stack of paper: REAM.

116. Greek dish similar to shawarma: GYRO.

Shawarma

117. Threaded fastener: T Nut

Not what I thought it was...

120. Capital of Amer.: USD. U.S Dollar.

121. Texter's qualifier: IMO. In My Opinion.

122. Nutrition fig.: RDA. Recommend Daily Allowance.

123. Suggestion, casually: REC. Recommendation.

124. Tibetan source of butter: YAK.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comments section.

CE:D out 

/ᐠ - ˕ -マ