Sunday July 1, 2018 Gail Grabowski

Theme: "Cool Comfort"- AC spans across each theme entry.

23A. Bottom of a pie: PIZZA CRUST.  Trade Joe's has nice pizza dough.

25A. Quality bedding material: PIMA COTTON.

46A. Where Petaluma is: SONOMA COUNTY. Wiki says "Petaluma is a transliteration of the Coast Miwok phrase péta lúuma which means hill backside and probably refers to Petaluma's proximity to Sonoma Mountain."

65A. Room in some posh residences: MEDIA CENTER.

88A. Tex-Mex dipper: TORTILLA CHIP.

112A. Oakland-based environmental group: SIERRA CLUB.

114A. 2009 Meryl Streep role: JULIA CHILD.

37D. Struggling student's option: EXTRA CREDIT.

42D. Game player's purchase: SEGA CONSOLE.

Reveal entry:

115D. Coolers, briefly, that span two words in the nine longest answers: ACS.

Another simple and fresh offering from the legendary Gail. Timely too.

On average, we have about 13 days of 90s or above in the Twin Cities every year. We've had 9 days so far. Hit 99 on Friday, even our Asiatic lilies felt too hot to remain in the bud. So they opened up. So pretty, TTP, I bet you and Katie have them in your garden also. Had to put a fence around because of the rogue rabbits.

Across:

1. Tip off: TELL.

5. Iridescent stones: OPALS.

10. Broadway restaurant founder: SARDI (Vincent). Sardi's is the birthplace of the Tony award.

15. Fancy window feature: ARCH.

19. Bizet's "Habanera," e.g.: ARIA.

20. Frequent co-star of Sly: TALIA. "Rocky".

21. From the top: AGAIN.

22. Large volume: TOME.

27. Gourmet gastropod: SNAIL. Buttery, garlicky and parsley-y escargots.

28. Puts at risk: IMPERILS.

30. Ring components: ONIONS.

31. Fish caught in pots: EELS.

33. Stock ending?: ADE. Stockade. And 74. Road closing?: STER. Roadster.

34. Historic 1804 contest: DUEL. Burr-Hamilton duel.

35. Texas city in the film "Friday Night Lights": ODESSA.

38. Org. with a New London academy: USCG. We have a New London here in MN.

41. Sites with jets: AIR BASES.

45. Leading the line: NEXT.

50. Switchboard connection: Abbr.: EXT.

51. Mil. driller: SGT.

52. For hire to sire: AT STUD.

53. It may be a lot: ACRE.

54. Wistful remark: OH GEE.

56. Burn the toast, say: ERR.

57. How much sautéing is done: IN OIL.

58. Hate the idea of: DREAD.

59. Org. founded on the 100th anniversary of Lincoln's birth: NAACP. Good to know.

60. "Dark of the Moon" poet: TEASDALE (Sara)

62. Hummus scooper: PITA.

63. Fam. tree member: DESC. Descendant.

64. Religious faction: SECT.

69. Made off with: TOOK.

72. Barely done: RARE.

75. Amazon predator: ANACONDA. Great fill.

77. Brand with a Creamy Vodka sauce: PREGO.

79. 1954 Ford debut: T-BIRD.

81. Great Plains tribe: KIOWA. And 104. Like parts of the Great Plains: SEMI-ARID.

82. Unc, to Dad: SIB.

83. "It's not my first __!": RODEO. Is this a regional saying?

84. Choral part: ALTO.

85. Teaching model: MOCK UP.

86. Hugs, on cards: OOO.

87. Manning of football: ELI.

91. Botch: FLUB.

92. Carriers of carriers: PET SHOPS. Nice clue.

94. Pre-college, briefly: EL-HI. Every 21*21 grid has a few gluey entries.

95. Female folklore fiend: OGRESS.

97. Scoffing sounds: HAHS.

98. Rel. title: REV.

100. "She Believes __": Kenny Rogers hit: IN ME.

101. Lash out at: ASSAIL.

108. Invited: ASKED.

116. Author Dinesen: ISAK. "Out of Africa".

117. Ruin, with "up": LOUSE.

118. Part of PGA: Abbr.: ASSOC.

119. Singer on a 2007 Black Heritage postage stamp, familiarly: ELLA.

120. Is just right: FITS.

121. Bring to a boil: ANGER. Fun clue.

122. Lots of paper: REAMS.

123. Overly curious: NOSY.

Down:

1. Pub hardware: TAPS.

2. Shillelagh's land: ERIN. Not familiar with this place.

3. "__ With a 'Z'": 1972 TV special: LIZA.

4. Like the most summery day: LAZIEST.

5. Non-Rx: OTC.

6. City awarded the 2024 Summer Olympic Games: PARIS.

7. Donor drive target: ALUM.

8. Sylvester's problem: LISP.

9. Fill completely: SATE.

10. Palatable: SAPID. This word sure does not look flavorful.

11. Well-coordinated: AGILE.

12. Super Bowl XXXIV champs: RAMS.

13. 24 horas: DIA.

14. On trial: IN COURT.

15. Fifth-century Roman Empire foe: ATTILA. The Hun.

16. Revolution prefix: ROTO.

17. "Seriously?": C'MON.

18. They're often cooped up: HENS.

24. Pub round: ALES.

26. Separately: ONE BY ONE.

29. Mumbai melody: RAGA.

32. Altar sacrifice, at times?: LAST NAME. Ha ha.

34. Enjoyed some courses: DINED. Carmen just emailed me these two dishes in a Guangzhou restaurant: passionfruit with chicken wings. Orange pork ribs.

35. Initial stages: ONSETS.

36. College offering: DEGREE.

38. Freed, in a way: UNTIED.

39. iTunes Store category: SOUL.

40. Mil. authority: CMD. OK, command.

41. Intangible quality: AURA.

43. Suit: EXEC.

44. Part of a plan: STEP.

47. "__ Mio": O SOLE.

48. 2002 Nobel Peace Prize laureate: CARTER.

49. View from much of U.S. Highway 101: OCEAN.

52. Samaritan's offering: AID.

55. Can't get out of it: HAS TO.

58. Like many soup veggies: DICED. Cantonese soup normally does not have celery, onions or other diced veggies. Just big slices of lotus roots, carrots, a few herbs (Goji berries, sliced mountain yam, ginger, etc).

61. Performer's place: STAGE.

62. Keep the beat?: PATROL.

63. Use, as one's resources: DRAW UPON.

66. Last Supper question: IS IT I.

67. Meditative discipline: TAI CHI. I used to think this is for old people. Alas, I've come to this age.

68. Long, thin mushroom: ENOKI. You can find this in most Asian grocery stores.

70. Awful: ODIOUS.

71. Barbecue fare: KABOBS.

73. Water-absorbing plant part: ROOT HAIR. New term to me.

76. Tube top: CAP.

77. Kitchen job: PREP.

78. Cast assignment: ROLE.

79. Protection from the elements: TARPS.

80. Short orders?: BLTS.

81. "Mayor" author: KOCH.

85. Prefix with ware: MAL.

89. "C'est magnifique!": OOH LA LA.

90. Big name in casual garb: LEVI. I love this pair of Levi's. So stretchy and comfy. Sturdy too. I've had it for 11 years.

May 25, 2018

91. Air out: FRESHEN.

93. Predatory fish with an acute sense of smell: SHARKS. The big boss used to treat us with shark fin soup at our annual Spring Festival dinner. Now I can't even remember the taste.

96. Former car-financing org.: GMAC.

98. Green word?: RE-USE.

99. Glowing piece: EMBER.

100. Beat around the bush, e.g.: IDIOM.

101. "Get real!": AS IF.

102. Response to un capitán: SI SI.

103. Administrative hub: SEAT.

104. Wallop: SLUG.

105. Just shy of shut: AJAR.

106. Trojan Horse, for one: RUSE.

107. Rick's "kid": ILSA.

109. Drug bust unit: KILO.

110. Some annexes: ELLS.

111. 1944 turning point: D-DAY.

113. Rip off: CON.

 

Thanks for the sweet birthday wishes. They mean a lot to me. We went to Mall of America on Thursday. I claimed my free birthday gift from Sephora. Got below cleansing balm I've been eyeing for months. The birthday meal yesterday was also lovely: baked walleye, rosemary-roasted potato wedges, roasted bell peppers (wish we had cumin on hand), steamed broccoli and cauliflowers. Then we had a walk in our Central Park where a live band was performing. Just a perfect day.

C.C.

Sunday June 24, 2018 Michael Ashley

Theme: "Hey, That Hurt!" - OW is added to each theme entry.

23A. "Fire!," say?: ALARM BELLOW. Alarm bell.

44A. "That bloke is hurt!": FELLOW DOWN. Fell down.

67A. Disappointing digs for pigs?: DRY WALLOW. Drywall.

92A. Sign attracting wickerwork craftspeople?: FREE WILLOW. Free will.

115A. High-tech all-night study aid?: SMART PILLOW. Smart pill.

33D. Consumer who admires store displays?: WINDOW SURFER. Windsurfer.

40D. Pale yellow, light brown, etc.?: FALLOW COLORS. Fall colors. Different Fall from 44A.

This looks like Michael's LAT debut. Xword Info shows that he has 11 puzzles published by the New York Times, 7 of them are Sundays.

Xword Info

Cluing this type of letter addition theme takes skills and imagination. Some of the clues are so vivid and fun. That's the images Rich wants.

Only 7 theme entries, so Michael took full advantage of it and gave us lots of sparkly long fill.

 Across:

1. Primary aspirant's challenge: SMEAR. Primary election.

6. Tough test metaphor: A BEAR. Tiny partial.

11. Skunk River city: AMES.

15. "Let's move it!": C'MON.

19. Historic Jordanian city: PETRA.

20. Tree native to southern Brazil: BALSA.

21. Bar purchase: SOAP.

22. 1985 U.S. Open champ Mandlikova: HANA.

25. Pittsburgh Steelers' founder: ART ROONEY. Wiki says he had about 75 great grandchildren, including actress sisters Kate Mara and Rooney Mara.

27. "Peer Gynt" widow: ASE. Regular in our old Tribune days.

28. Web portal since 1994: LYCOS. Don't think I've used Lycos.

30. Egg-shaped wind instruments: OCARINAS.

31. Time to party: NEW YEARS.

35. Stopover spot: INN.

36. "Two and a Half Men" co-star: CRYER (Jon). A few other names here, but all familiar figures: 38. "Happy Days" actor: BAIO (Scott) 47. Racer Yarborough: CALE.

37. Subject to discussion: AT ISSUE.

39. Unflappable: COOL. Half a drum!

40. Sprat no-no: FAT.

43. Fact or fiction starter: NON.

48. Weaken by eroding: UNDERMINE.

52. Prefix with natal: NEO.

53. Muse of comedy: THALIA. Here is a picture from Wiki.

55. Scent: ODOR.

56. Age __: GAP.

58. Crime lab holdings: DNA SAMPLES. Great fill.

61. Searches with a divining rod: DOWSES.

63. Stately steed: ARAB.

65. Chant, often: MONOTONE. Who mentioned "Sleep with Me" podcast for insomnia a while ago? 

66. Planning considerations: IFS.

70. Serving liquor, as a town: WET.

71. Dropped an egg?: OVULATED. Ha ha.

75. Back: REAR.

76. Puts into words: VOICES.

79. Mountaineer's rope fasteners: CARABINERS. New term for me.

82. __-pitch: SLO.

83. Red Muppet: ELMO.

84. Jenna of "Dharma & Greg": ELFMAN.

85. Big tower, briefly: Abbr.: AAA. Tow-er.

87. Demanded maximum effort: ASKED A LOT. Debut entry.

91. Takes to court: SUES.

96. Corrida chant: OLE.

97. Sonnet ending?: EER. Sonneteer.

98. Baby marsupial: JOEY.

99. Cold, in Cartagena: FRIA. Allitration.

100. Held in high regard: ADMIRED. And clue echo: 123. Hold in high regard: ADORE.

104. Capital on I-84: BOISE.

105. Arabic "son of": IBN. Arabic Mac.

106. Some Guggenheim works: PICASSOS.

107. Designated, perhaps incorrectly: SO-CALLED.

110. Workout regimen: TAE BO.

112. Crazy Eights cousin: UNO.

113. "Hold on now, pal": WHOA THERE! Another great fill.

120. Jersey, for one: ISLE. Not sportswear or the cow.

121. Bustles: ADOS.

122. Sushi bar supplier: EELER.

124. Impel: GOAD.

125. Child measures?: Abbr.: TSPS. Julia Child.

126. Snarky: SNIDE.

127. Red-carpet figure: CELEB. 

Down:

1. Swimming pool adjunct: SPA. This looks like a dream. TTP might make it true someday.

2. Blanc behind Bugs: MEL.

3. LAX posting: ETA.

4. Orderly arrangements: ARRAYS.

5. Big name in Egyptian kings: RAMSES.

6. Fiver: ABE.

7. Quartet for walking?: BALLS. Baseball.

8. TV hillbilly __ May Clampett: ELLY.

9. Withdrawn: ASOCIAL.

10. Ring on a burger: RAW ONION. Chinese call spring onion as "Cong". We call onion as "Yang Cong", literally "foreign Cong". There are also "Yang" in front of tomatoes, bell peppers and potatoes, so you know for sure those are not native Chinese veggies. Foreigners are called "Yang Ren", literally "foreign human beings".

11. __ rule: AS A.

12. Where Fez is: MOROCCO.

13. Make a humble retraction: EAT CROW.

14. Bronzing method: SPRAY-ON TAN. Another sparkly fill.

15. Tabernacle singers: CHOIR.

16. "The Insider" director Michael: MANN. Sorry, I don't know you.

17. Fit for service: ONE A.

18. Floor opposition: NAYS. House/Senate floor.

24. Swain: BEAU.

26. Turgenev's birthplace: OREL. "Fathers and Sons" author.

29. Bamboozled: SNOWED.

31. Sitcom sign-off word: NANU. Nanu Nanu. "Mork and Mindy".

32. Berkshire school: ETON.

34. APR reducer: RE-FI.

38. Hard to make out: BLEARY.

41. Property recipient, in law: ALIENEE.

42. Afternoon services: TEA SETS.

45. Start of a duel: EN GARDE.

46. Marlins manager Mattingly: DON. Dodgers' manager for a few years also.

47. Adm.'s subordinate: CAPT.

49. Masthead VIPs: EDS. Our crossword VIPs.

Kim Taylor and Rich Norris

50. Caviar: ROE.

51. Wedding consequence, perhaps: MRS.

54. Med. care group: HMO.

57. Foot in a pound: PAW. Great clue.

59. Spanish sherry: AMOROSO.

60. Farm female: SOW.

61. Bishop's jurisdiction: DIOCESE.

62. Useful: OF VALUE.

64. __ exam: BAR.

67. Room for a home theater: DEN.

68. CBS CEO Moonves: LES. Husband of Julie Chen.

69. "I'm not listening to you": LA LA LA.

72. Hightails it: LAMS.

73. Professional org. since 1878: ABA.

74. Presumed defense against mind-reading: TIN FOIL HAT.

76. Symbol of peace: VEE.

77. Ancient: OLD.

78. "__ Believer": '60s hit: I'M A.

80. Issa __, creator of HBO's "Insecure": RAE. Had to clue her in a recent puzzle, so gimme.

81. Deemed appropriate: SAW FIT.

86. Homes for F-16s: AIR BASES.

88. 1957 war movie title river: KWAI.

89. Pat on a pancake, perhaps: OLEO. Boomer likes this spread from Aldi.

90. Danson and Knight: TEDS.

93. Works on bare spots: RE-SEEDS.

94. Bit of ocular relief: EYE DROP. My doctor recommended this last time when I had the abrasions.

95. Tackles, e.g.: LINEMEN.

98. Shocker: JOLT. Our local Asian store finally starts to carry this mountain yam. Alas, they want $3.99 per pound. Crazy! I learned that these yams grow in North Carolina too, but locals regard them as invasive species. I'll stick with my dried ones.

101. Victoria's Secret spec: D CUP.

102. Hit song from "Flashdance": MANIAC.

103. Wagnerian soprano: ISOLDE. Lover of Tristan.

104. Acted sheepishly?: BAAED.

106. Went (over) thoroughly: PORED.

107. Big belt: SWIG.

108. Very: OH SO.

109. A jerk may serve one: COLA.

111. Indonesian resort island: BALI.

114. Slow start?: ESS. Slow.

116. One-third of nove: TRE.

117. Online guffaw: LOL.

118. Wash. neighbor: ORE.

119. Complex trap: WEB.

C.C.

Sunday June 17th, 2018 Mark McClain

Theme: "Audible Sighs" - Different "Sigh" sounds start the second word in each them entry.

23A. Therapeutic specialty: CHILD PSYCHOLOGY.

41A. Geology, for one: EARTH SCIENCE.

68A. Antique tool hung on some pub walls: ENGLISH SCYTHE. New term to me. Looks like this.

94A. Clapboard: WOODEN SIDING. I thought this is a clapboard.

118A. Result of too much speed, perhaps: TRAFFIC CITATION.

36D. Span before a spin: RINSE CYCLE.

46D. Musical based on "Madama Butterfly": MISS SAIGON.

Such a comprehensive list of "Sigh" sounds. English is crazy at times. So many different spellings.

I don't think Mark missed any. Let us know in the Comments section if any other entry comes to your mind.

Across:

1. Criticize harshly: BASH. Not SLAM.

5. Literary captain: AHAB.

9. "Quo __": 1951 film: VADIS.

14. Dome opening?: ASTRO. Astrodome. Who hit the first home run there?

19. High school outbreak: ACNE.

20. 2017 Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Rebecca __: LOBO. Gimme for PK and Hondo.

21. Memoir featuring Ike: I TINA.

22. Sharpening tool: STROP.

26. Ageless pitcher Satchel: PAIGE. His secret was hot shower. Open the pores, D-Otto!

27. Keyed up: HYPER.

28. Cadillac SUV: ESCALADE.

29. Pulled without warning: JERKED.

30. Energy restoration source: NAP. Used to take naps in college days.

32. Moon goddess: SELENE.

33. Spares for Venus: RACKETS.

34. Balcony barrier: PARAPET.

38. Hamilton's prov.: ONT.

39. Clark of DC Comics: KENT.

40. See 83-Across: ALI. And 83. With 40-Across, boxer with a 24-0 lifetime record: LAILA.

45. "Let's get crackin'!": C'MON.

49. Feeling that may remind you of food: PANG. Hunger pang.

51. Seldom seen: RARE.

52. First name in cosmetics: ESTEE.

53. Actor in "Going in Style" (2017): CAINE (Michael). Unaware of the movie.

54. Balance sheet item: ASSET.

56. Have an objection: MIND.

58. Will beneficiaries: HEIRESSES. This was a best seller.

60. "Born Free" lioness: ELSA.

62. Come to the surface: ARISE.

65. Plops down: PARKS IT.

66. __ fly: RBI producer: SAC.

72. Leaky tire sound: SSS.

73. Watch cover: CRYSTAL.

75. Blue Grotto isle: CAPRI.

76. 1986 Starship chart-topper: SARA.

78. Entertainment icons: ROCK STARS.

81. Yuletide: NOEL.

86. Kate's TV mate: ALLIE. Kate and Allie.

87. '60s Van Dyke co-star: MOORE.‎ Mary Tyler Moore‎.

90. Potter's supply: CLAY.

92. "The Ghost of Frankenstein" role: YGOR.

93. Argued, as a case: PLED.

97. O'er and o'er: OFT.

98. High hair style: POUF.

99. Letters before F?: TGI.

100. Signs a new lease for: RE-RENTS. Also 121. Fix, as laces: RE-TIE.

102. Rain and snow: WEATHER.

106. Lopped: PRUNED.

109. Wye follower, in Wye: ZED. Wiki points to Wye, Kent. Never heard of it.

110. Frills: EXTRAS.

111. Quarantines: ISOLATES.

113. Little rows: TIFFS. We just had RAISE A RUCKUS.

117. Farm units: ACRES.

120. Queen of France: REINE.

122. Dig it: HOLE.

123. One of Chekhov's "Three Sisters": OLGA. The other two are Masha and Irina.

124. Blind parts: SLATS.

125. Like items in potpourri: Abbr.: ASSTD. Assorted.

126. Retired slugger, familiarly: A-ROD. The couple is J-Rod. Also 25. MLB's Angels, in sportscasts: HALOS.

127. Sore throat sign: RASP.

Down:

1. "Goldberg Variations" composer: BACH.

2. In some pain: ACHY.

3. Little cut: SNIP.

4. Capital near the Great Divide: HELENA. Never been to Montana.

5. The Zugspitze, e.g.: ALP.

6. Swindle, in slang: HOSE.

7. Deep space: ABYSS.

8. Italian ball game: BOCCE. Or BOCCI.

9. Reason for an R rating: VIOLENCE.

10. Legendary island: ATLANTIS. Sunk into the Atlantic Ocean, right?

11. Simple semiconductor: DIODE.

12. "Bus Stop" playwright: INGE.

13. For example: SAY.

14. Point of view: ASPECT.

15. Desolate: STARK.

16. Tot's transport: TRIKE.

17. Name synonymous with synonyms: ROGET.

18. Slanted columns: OP-EDS.

24. Hang loosely: DRAPE.

29. Lily's "Grace and Frankie" co-star: JANE. Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda.

31. Fruit cocktail fruit: PEAR.

33. Requirement for many returns: RECEIPT. Gift return.

34. Storybook bear: PAPA.

35. Start of a sad tale: ALAS.

37. Mine car: TRAM.

39. Support for a proposal: KNEE.

42. Court event: TRIAL. Boomer has seen all episodes of "Law & Order".

43. Matisse at an easel: HENRI.

44. Ordinal suffix: ETH.

45. Ale vessel: CASK.

47. "__ the loneliest number": ONE IS.

48. Pads in trees: NESTS.

50. Gooey stuff: GEL.

53. Breakfast in a box: CEREAL. Classic American invention. I was stunned by the cereal aisle when I first came here.

55. African threat: TSETSE.

57. __ golf: DISC.

59. Pep squad syllables: RAHS.

61. Med. school class: ANAT.

63. Doo-wop syllable: SHA.

64. "Baseball Tonight" network: ESPN.

66. Abandon, as a plan: SCRAP.

67. On __: hot: A ROLL.

69. Women's magazine since 1939: GLAMOUR.

70. Spring bloomers: CROCI. Right now, you can see Yellow Rocket in the open fields near where we live. We once tried to move some to our garden, but the ground was too hard.

71. Investor's concern: YIELD.

74. Factory platform: SKID.

77. Charles of R&B: RAY.

79. Overhead expense?: ROOF. Cute clue.

80. Landscaper's supply: SOD.

82. Home in the woods: LAIR.

84. Golf club spec: LOFT.

85. Theater and dance: ARTS.

88. Update equipment, in a way: RETROFIT.

89. Swamped: ENGULFED.

91. Santa __ Valley: California wine region: YNEZ.

94. Things to worry about: WOES.

95. Asian peninsula: SINAI.

96. Scacchi of cinema: GRETA. Learning moment for me.

98. Full moon and terrible twos: PHASES.

101. Daily bigwig: EDITOR.

102. Sports: WEARS.

103. Stand out in a field: EXCEL.

104. Central courtyards: ATRIA.

105. Reznor of Nine Inch Nails: TRENT.

106. H.S. exams: PSATS.

107. __ Sketch: ETCH A.

108. Indoor design: DECOR.

111. Ticks off: IRES. Not a word I use.

112. Corn Belt sight: SILO.

114. Nike competitor: FILA. This pair looks quite comfy.

115. Obfuscates: FOGS.

116. Button alternative: SNAP. Cookie.

118. Refrain syllable: TRA.

119. Generic Guy in "Dilbert": TED.

C.C.