Theme: Maw, git me m'teeth! - Gonna need'em fer this here puzzl'.
20A. Accepts a grim reality : BITES THE BULLET
39A. Hams it up : CHEWS THE SCENERY
56A. Is raring to go : CHAMPS AT THE BIT
Argyle here. If you're raring to nit pick on the above usage, please go here first. Grammarist There are a few crunchy spots that might slow you down and that's a good thing. I don't think it should be rushed even if you can.
Good to see Nancy Salomon back. She's the mentor to many many constructors.
Good to see Nancy Salomon back. She's the mentor to many many constructors.
Across:
1. 5th Dimension vocalist Marilyn : McCOO. Sensational voice.
6. Degrees for mgrs. : MBAs. (Master of Business Administration)
10. On a trip : AWAY. Destination 15A. Honolulu's island : OAHU
14. Like cheering stadiums : AROAR
16. Give (out) sparingly : DOLE
17. Not glossy, as a finish : MATTE
18. Sourpuss : CRAB. What! No Trader Joe's Crab Gyoza!
19. Short comic sketch : SKIT
23. Thickening agent used in ice cream : AGAR
24. "Way cool!" : "RAD!". So retro.
25. Rock's __ Speedwagon : REO
26. Slalom need : SKI
28. Cavs-vs.-Mavs event : NBA GAME
32. Tax deadline mo. : APR.
35. In need of calamine lotion : ITCHY
38. Cobb or Waldorf dish : SALAD
42. Enjoys an elegant meal : DINES. A nice pairing.
43. Bothered big-time : ATE AT
44. Ballot markings in boxes : X'es
45. Train amenity with drinks and food : CLUB CAR. from Amtrak : "On most medium and long-distance trains, food service is available in the Lounge Car, featuring table and casual seating."
47. Eeyore's pal : ROO. In the 100 Acre Wood.
49. Nonstick spray brand : PAM
50. Troop gp. : BSA. (Boy Scouts of America)
52. Small notebooks : PADS
60. Layered hairdo : SHAG
61. Japanese rice drink : SAKE
62. Irritate : ANNOY
63. Stretch out, say : LAZE
64. Pigmented eye layer : UVEA
65. Not at all lenient : STERN
66. Verses of praise : ODEs
67. Exec's benefit : PERK
68. American Pharoah, e.g. : HORSE. I admired his coming to Saratoga. A valiant effort.
Down:
1. Deadly African snake : MAMBA
2. Newmark with an online list : CRAIG. Needed the perps for this one. Wiki link
3. Terra __: earthenware : COTTA
4. Many John Wayne flicks : OATERs
5. Valuable rocks : OREs
6. Coffee-and-chocolate flavor : MOCHA
7. Uncovered : BARED
8. Captain in Ishmael's tale : AHAB. Moby-Dick; or, The Whale.
9. Many a commuter's home : SUBURB
10. Lay's "Betcha can't eat just one" is one : AD SLOGAN
11. Responded to the alarm : WOKE
12. Touched down : ALIT
13. "Still and all ... " : "YET ... "
21. "Foolish Pride" singer Travis : TRITT
22. Charge for using, as an apartment : LEASE TO. No need for the "to", is there?
27. Smooch shower on a Jumbotron : KISS CAM
28. Wall St.'s "Big Board" : NYSE. (New York Stock Exchange)
29. "Jeopardy!" host Trebek : ALEX
30. Fully grown filly : MARE
31. Nestlé ice cream brand : EDY'S
32. Electrical adapter letters : AC/DC
33. Golfer Mickelson : PHIL. Lefty
34. Brand in contact lens care : ReNu
36. Scorch : CHAR
37. In a lather, with "up" : HET
40. Google search successes : WEB PAGES
41. Gemstone weight : CARAT
46. Intensifies : AMPS UP
48. Not against trying : OPEN TO
50. Cake maker : BAKER
51. T-bone or porterhouse : STEAK
53. Mammy Yokum's lad : ABNER. His'n jest a li'l fella.
54. Christian's dresses? : DIOR'S
55. "Gypsy" composer Jule : STYNE. Jule Styne, Hugh Downs, 1979 Interview and Song from "Gypsy" Clip(12:31)
56. Libya neighbor : CHAD
57. Thin fog : HAZE
58. Squirrel away : SAVE
59. Slinger's dish : HASH. Hash slinger is diner-speak for waiter or waitress or the cook or even a kitchen worker.
60. __-mo replay : SLO
Argyle