Theme: Grand Crus
SJSJ gives us a homophone puzzle today:
20A. GM compact that replaced the Cobalt : CHEVROLET CRUZE. Here is the 2012 model.
25A. Teams of fliers : AIRLINE CREWS. Your trusty servants.
41A. "Vanilla Sky" actress : PENELOPE CRUZ. Your trusty actress...beautiful!
48A. Ocean holiday : PLEASURE CRUISE. Ahhh, Old man rhythm! 2:46
Well, if the theme isn't self-evident by now, I don't know if I can expand any more!
Marti here, to expound on the rest of this one...
Across:
1. Former Astros, A's and Mets manager Art : HOWE. Art Howe, this guy.
5. Arabian Peninsula title : EMIR
9. Nonpaying rail rider : HOBO
13. "Skip me this time, thanks" : I PASS
15. Princess once allied with Hercules : XENA. Yes, quite "allied".
16. Each : A POP
17. Mattress brand : SERTA. "Sealy" or "Serta"? Always a WAG...
18. Finished : PAST
19. Laugh-a-minute type : RIOT
23. Soft spreads : OLEOS
24. Asserted : CLAIMED
28. Loss by #1, say : UPSET
29. Opposite of 1-Down : HERS. Arrgh...cross-referential clue that doesn't give you a chance. And 1-Down. Opposite of 29-Across : HIS
30. B.C. Lions' org : CFL. "Canadian Football League". "British Columbia Lions".
33. School-to-be? : ROE
34. Does some impromptu singing : SCATS. Nobody does it like Ella! 6:36
36. Mineral in a wall, perhaps : ORE
37. Super Bowl highlights, for many : ADS. I love this kid!
38. Dortmund's region : RUHR. Map. And 31-Down. 38-Across spouse : FRAU
39. It's a wrap : SARAN
44. Prepare for a bath : DISROBE
47. Hobbyist's cutting brand : X-ACTO
51. Student aid : LOAN
52. Beatles meter maid : RITA. You remember this one? 2:43
53. Stirs up : ROILS
55. DOD branch : USMC. Department of Defense. United States Marine Corps. Semper Fi!!
56. D'back, for one : NLER. "National Leaguer". Diamondback, Arizona Major League Baseball team.
57. Diplomat : ENVOY
58. Eyelid concern : STYE
59. Part of CBS: Abbr. : SYST. Central Broadcasting System. (updated @ 8:00 AM: It is the Columbia Broadcasting System)
60. Email button : SEND
Down:
2. The UAE has been a member of it since 1967 : OPEC. United Arab Emirates. Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.
3. Cavalry carriers : WAR HORSES. Have you seen the movie? Outstanding!
4. George's mom on "Seinfeld" : ESTELLE. Funny clip.
5. Make public : EXPOSE. Like this?
6. Dessert preceder : MEAL. Barry G., were you looking for something Saharan? and 8-Down. Desert dangers : RATTLERS. They don't usually eat dessert!
7. How backroom deals are sealed : IN SECRET
9. Ed of "Apollo 13" : HARRIS. Great movie - after all these years, this scene still makes me choke up! 3:24. And 21-Down. "Apollo 13" director : RON. Howard.
10. ___ den : OPIUM
11. Drink in a belt : BOOZE. Have a "belt" of booze. Do you think the explanation here makes sense?
12. Chose : OPTED
14. "Don't throw that away" : SAVE IT. Are any of you married to pack rats?
22. Sounds near the ears : CAWS. "Ears" of corn, that is!
25. ___ of invincibility : AURA
26. Song-holding gadget : IPOD
27. 2011 Masters champ Schwartzel : CHARL. Great finish: birdie-birdie-birdie-birdie!
30. Like and etcher's aid : CORROSIVE
32. Emmy winner Kay : LENZ. Old picture that is more recognizable to me...
34. Aloe targets : SUNBURNS
35. With a smile on one's face : CHEERILY
39. Stable : SECURE
40. Lawsuits : ACTIONS
41. Frolic : PRANCE
42. Vehicle pulled by bovines : OXCART
43. 72 for 18, often : PAR. On a golf course. How often do you make that number, Husker G.?
44. Passing grade that won't please parents : D-PLUS
45. Words of defeat : I LOST
46. Sordid : SEAMY
49. Seine summers : ETES
50. North Carolina school : ELON. Any graduates here at the corner?
54. Pink Floyd guitarist Barrett : SYD. And we finish with one of his worst nightmares...
Answer grid.
'Til next week!
Hugs,
Marti
Note from C.C.:
Click here and here to see 2 photos of deer taking their afternoon "break" in Spitzboov's backyard yesterday (9/19/11), after the rain stopped. No deer in our yard, only squirrels.
