November 3, 2020 Debbie Ellerin

Election Day!  If you haven't already, today is the final day to cast your SECRET BALLOT!

I did the early voting thing.  Although the line looked long, it only took me 25 minutes from the time I got into the line and when I completed casting my vote.

Remember: No Politics, but do go follow the instruction in circles and VOTE.

 16-Across. Roughly: GIVE OR TAKE.  VOTE.

21-Across. Like medicine not requiring a prescription: OVER THE COUNTER.  VOTE

48-Across. Debater for the opposition, at times: DEVIL'S ADVOCATE. VOTE.

54-Across. Place sheltered from reality: IVORY TOWER.  VOTE.

And the Unifiers:

35-Across. With 37-Across, Election Day practice ... and a hint to this puzzle's theme: SECRET.  //  37-Across. See 35-Across: BALLOT.  Together this gives us the SECRET BALLOT.

Across:

1. Pacific island host of two "Survivor" seasons: PALAU.  Palau is actually an archipelago of over 200 islands in Mocronesia and is offically known as the Republic of Palau.  Only 8 of the islands, however, are permanently inhabited.

6. Caustic solution: LYE.

9. Indeed.com listings: JOBS.

13. Maker of Glide floss: ORAL-B.

14. Blacken a bit: SEAR.

15. Luminous glow: AURA.

18. Military group: UNIT.

19. SoCal cop squad: LAPD.  As in the Los Angeles Police Department.

20. Machu Picchu builders: INCAS.  We went to Machu Picchu 6 years ago.  It was truly spectacular.

27. Truth alternative, in a game: DARE.

28. Like rice and potatoes: STARCHY.

29. Homeric epic: ILIAD.  You can find out more about the Iliad.

31. Wipe the slate clean: ERASE.

32. Stat for Clayton Kershaw: ERA.  Clayton Kershaw is a professional baseball pitcher, hence, he has statistics for his Earned Run Average.  In 2014, he was the National League's MVP.

Clayton Edward Kershaw (b. Mar. 18, 1988)

39. Screeners at ORD: TSA.  ORD is the airport code for the O'Hare International Airport where the Transport Security Administration Agents screen potential passengers.  I haven't been on a plane since before the pandemic.

40. Like nostalgic art forms: RETRO.

44. Fitness system incorporating martial arts: TAE BO.  You can practice in your own home!

45. Mozart rival: SALIERI.  Antonio Salieri (Aug. 18, 1750 ~ May 7, 1825) was probably not the rival history has made him out to be.

47. Part of, as a plot: IN ON.

51. Smear with ink?: LIBEL.  Cute clue.

52. "__ the Parents": 2000 film: MEET.

53. Revered pop star, say: IDOL.

60. Chunky Monkey buy: PINT.  Chunky Monkey is one of Ben and Jerry's creation.  It is banana ice cream with fudge and walnuts.

61. Name of 12 popes: PIUS.  The first Pius was an early Pope who served from approximately 140 to 155 CE.  The most recent Pope with that name was Pope from 1939 unti 1958.

62. Conjure up: EVOKE.  Word of the week.

63. Eyelid ailment: STYE.

64. Fitting: APT.

65. __ over the coals: RAKED.  I had to wait for the perps for the final letter, since this phrase can be used in both present and past tense.

Down:

1. Faddish '90s disc: POG.  I guess I missed this fad.

2. "All Things Considered" host Shapiro: ARI.  Ari Michael Shapiro (b. Sept. 30, 1978) is a radio journalist on NPR.

3. Loo: LAV.

4. Pub drink: ALE.

5. A bike lock may be shaped like one: U-BOLT.  Not to be confused with Usain Bolt (b. Aug. 21, 1986).

6. Indy pacesetter: LEAD CAR.

1967 Ford Mustang Indy Pacesetter

7. Tibetan beast: YAK.

8. Middle of the "Able-Elba" palindrome: ERE.  The quote "Able was I ere I saw Elba" is attributed to Napoleon, but did he really say it?

9. Lively: JAUNTY.

10. Part of a pound: OUNCE.  Time to do your math homework.

11. Prickly shrub: BRIAR.

12. Coll. entrance exams: SATs.  Formerly known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, know simply the SAT.

14. Fla. coastal city: ST. PETE.  Hi, Tin!

17. Cheers at a bowl: RAHs!

20. Ready to mate: IN HEAT.

21. Writer of poetic praise: ODIST.  John Keats (Oct. 31, 1795 ~ Feb. 23, 1821) is probably one of the most famous Odists.

22. Lowlands: VALES.  What is the difference between Vale and Dale?

23. CNN journalist Hill: ERICA.  Erica Ruth Hill (b. Aug. 3, 1976).

24. Backside: REAR.

25. 60 minuti: ORA.  Today's Italian lesson.  There are 60 minutes in an hour.

26. State school near L.A.: UCSB.  As in the University of California, Santa Barbara.

30. Get off the track: DERAIL.

32. Justice Kagan: ELENA.  Elena Kagan (b. Apr. 28, 1960) has become a crossword staple.

33. R2-D2, for one: ROBOT.  One of the Robots from Star Wars.

34. Make up (for): ATONE.

36. Poker player's giveaway: TELL.

38. Of the flock: LAIC.  Religious reference.

41. Apt "it's" anagram: TIS.

42. Read the riot act: REAM OUT.

43. Cooks fill them: ORDERS.

45. Gracefully slender: SVELTE.

46. Tony winner Judith: IVEY.  Judith Lee Ivey (b. Sept. 4, 1951) is primarily a stage actress, but she has appeared in a number of films and TV shows, too.

48. Finished the work: DID IT.

49. Magazine that has had Lena Horne and Michelle Obama on its cover: EBONY.

50. River mammal: OTTER.  Otters are such cute little critters.

51. Kissers: LIPS.

54. Pub drink, briefly: IPA.  As in India Pale Ale.

55. Skybox guest: VIP.  As in a Very Important Person.

56. Eggs in a lab: OVA.

57. Stir-fry pan: WOK.

58. Squeeze (out): EKE.

59. Like Rupert Grint's hair: RED.  We couldn't have a crossword puzzle with out a reference to Harry Potter.  Rupert Alexander Lloyd Grint (b. Aug. 24, 1988) is best known for playing Ron Weasley in the film series.

Here's the Grid:

Monday November 2, 2020 George Jasper

 

Theme: YOU SEE (50. "It's like this," and a phonetic hint to the five longest Across answers) - Each theme pattern is in the pattern of U* C*:

18. 1980 Travolta/Winger film set in Texas: URBAN COWBOY

23. Aristocracy: UPPER CLASS.

39. Previously owned auto: USED CAR.

53. Pandemonium: UTTER CHAOS.

59. Where a quarterback may line up: UNDER CENTER.

Boomer here. UNDER COVER from Minnesota. You see, we had a problem with our DirecTV. After the snow cancelled everything for a day, when we got it back, we could not receive about half of the channels.  DirecTV sent out a technician and installed a new satellite dish, a new receiver box and a new remote.  The cost was 0.00!  I guess our monthly bill will cover it in a few months.

Bad news from Big Easy.  At least the tree did not fall on your house, but these storms are ravaging Southeastern U.S. like crazy this year.

Across:

1. Brutus' 300: CCC.  Boomer's 300 - X X X X  X X X X X X X X. The first four are all 300 rings from different years. The fifth one (blue color) is a 299 ring. The next one is another 300 ring. Next to it is an 800 Series ring. The last one is 1987 Twins World Series replica ring

4. Florida city on its own bay: TAMPA.  Tampa's MLB team still has a mascot RAY swimming outside the outfield fence.

9. Actor Charlie or his dad Martin: SHEEN.  Martin is now in some goofy RX commercials.  You would think he could retire and does not need a new job.

14. "Oh, I get it now!": AHA.

15. Schoolbag measuring stick: RULER.  Measuring stick ???  I was hit once or twice by the Christian Brothers.

16. Overly theatrical: HAMMY.  Not for Thanksgiving.  You need a TURKEY.

17. "Frozen" collectible: CEL.  Happens here in Minnesota.  I have baseball cards in the garage.

20. Asian island capital: TAIPEI.

22. Bring to mind: EVOKE.

26. Fateful March day: IDES.  Julius Caesar was assassinated Mar 15, 44 B.C.

29. London district: SOHO.

30. NBA tiebreakers: OTS. Our "Row the Boat" Gophers played one of them last Friday in a 45-44 loss to Maryland.  I guess they are competing with the Vikings for the worst record this year.

31. Agassi of tennis: ANDRE.  I remember "Andre the Giant" - a professional wrestler.  He seemed to be tough and a bit overweight.  He died at age 47.

32. Cat burglar's undoing: NOISE.  WHAT!!

35. Con artist's target: PIGEON.

36. Fond du __, Wisconsin: LAC.  A bit south of Green Bay and Oshkosh B'Gosh on Lake Winnebago

41. Fla. summer hrs.: DST.  Did Y'all turn your clocks back last Saturday?

42. Top NFL player: ALL PRO.  I don't think any Vikings will make the list this year.

44. More out of sorts: ILLER.  Beware of Covid-19.

46. Smelly emanations: ODORS.  Or Rangers Roughned's family.

47. Tulsa sch. named for an evangelist: ORU.  Named for Oral Roberts.  I don't know what position he played though.

48. "Avalon" author Seton: ANYA. And more: 66. Novelist Deighton: LEN. 10. "A Brief History of Time" author Stephen: HAWKING.

52. Freelancer's encl.: SASE. Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope.

56. Cybermoney: E CASH.  Heard about it, never used it.  I prefer green paper with pictures of Presidents on it.

58. Chickpea dip: HUMMUS.

63. Language suffix: ESE.

64. Like a nasty remark: SNIDE.  Remember Rocky and Bullwinkle?  Snidely Whiplash was 
Dudley Do Right's arch enemy.

65. Waze suggestion: ROUTE.  Get your fix, on ROUTE 66

67. Trait carriers: GENES.  Then there are leg carriers called JEANS.

68. Editorial second thoughts: STETS.

69. Up until now: YET.  Not YET!

Down:

1. Plant seen in Road Runner cartoons: CACTUS.  Did the coyote ever catch him?  meep, meep.

2. Bargain-basement: CHEAPO.  We have three CHEAPO Records stores in the Metro.  I have a few CDs and LP Records but they are heirlooms for me.  Not for sale.

3. Islamic leader: CALIPH.

4. More factual: TRUER.  TRUER words were never spoken.

5. Bond foe Goldfinger: AURIC.  James Bond (Sean Connery) Rest in Peace, Age 90, October 31.

6. Org. with A's and O's: MLB.  I get it, but TWINS does not have an A or O.

7. Veggie in a pod: PEA.

8. James of "Gunsmoke": ARNESS.  James, "Marshall Dillon" was born in Minneapolis in 1926.

9. "Beat it!": SHOO.  Did you know that there is a SHOO SHOE Store in Milwaukee, WI.

11. Attached to a military unit, as a journalist: EMBEDDED.  Normally pests. They should SHOO them.

12. Angsty music genre: EMO.

13. Bronx team, initially: NYY.  I hear they had someone named Ruth playing for them.

19. Walgreens rival: CVS. I get my prescription meds in the mail.  Over- the-counter stuff is usually a bit high priced at the drug stores.  We go to Target or Walmart.

21. Low-level laborer: PEON.  I do not like that clue or word.  I was a caddie at the Country Club, A counter guy at a 15 cent hamburger place, and a pizza delivery guy.  It paid for my 1955 Olds.

24. Drop, as weight: LOSE.

25. Was humbled: ATE DIRT.

27. Bow-wielding god: EROS.

28. Mailed: SENT.  We sent our absentee ballots to the state over three weeks ago.  Minnesota laws were generous.  I feel sorry for those in the TV reports standing in line for hours.

31. Billion suffix: AIRE.

33. Yours and mine: OURS.  In our home, everything is OURS.  Except C.C. doesn't use my bowling balls.

34. Personal ad "looking for": ISO. In Search Of.

35. Good buddy: PAL. First name PAY?

36. East Asian country: LAOS.

37. Alan of "M*A*S*H": ALDA.  "The game of life is hard to play, You're gonna lose it anyway."

38. Approached for a raid: CLOSED IN.

40. Board game with a candlestick: CLUE.  I think it was done in the hall, by Miss Scarlet, with the rope.

43. Lead up to: PRECEDE.

45. Former Chicago mayor Emanuel: RAHM.  Or really good golfer on the PGA Jon.

47. "Plays well with __": OTHERS.  My Monday golf league was excellent and I enjoyed many different old duffers like myself.  Looking forward to April.

49. For instance: NAMELY.

51. Agree: ASSENT.  I usually just nod my head.

53. Sch. near Hollywood: USC. University of Southern California .

54. Scarlett's Butler: RHETT.  I've heard of him but I think it was before my time.  I think he's Gone with the Wind.

55. Heals: CURES.

57. Greek war god: ARES.

59. Post-Civil War pres.: USG.  I used to think President Grant's first names were United States until about the fifth grade.

60. SSW's opposite: NNE.

61. "__ on my watch!": NOT.

62. U.S. Election Day: Abbr.: TUE.  The Sun'll come out TOMORROW,   Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow, There'll be sun. Andrea McCardle.

Boomer

Sunday November 1, 2020 C.C. Burnikel

Theme: "It's Time" - Spring months go forward & fall months go backward in each theme entry.

22A. Swindler: SCAM ARTIST.

24A. "It's hopeless": NOT A PRAYER.

43A. Meat brand spelled out by a four-year-old in ads: OSCAR MAYER.

48A. C-SPAN addict, say: NEWS JUNKIE. Just could not find good phrases to span MAY and JUN.

93A. Some Nehi drinks: GRAPE SODAS.

96A. It may be cracked with a key: SECRET CODE.

119A. Cable company offering: TV ON DEMAND.

121A. Fugitive trackers, at times: POLICE DOGS.

Reveal:

68A. Timely mnemonic, or what the circled letters depict: SPRING FORWARD FALL BACK.

I originally sent in this puzzle to Rich for a weekday puzzle. The spring month months (Mar/Apr/May) go forward and the fall months (Sep/Oct/Nov) go backwards. Rich noticed the flaw as "Each season covers parts of four months, so it is hard to justify leaving two of them out, especially since June and December are mostly spring and fall months, respectively".

I then sent in a revision for a Sunday puzzle. So happy that the reveal has a convenient 21-letter count.  As always, lots of clues are Rich's.

Across:

1. Not yet bought: LEFT. Rich's clue. I had to ask D-Otto. "If it hasn't been bought, it's been LEFT on the shelf."  V8 moment!

5. Kvetch: GRIPE.

10. Mushroom sought by mushroom hunters: MOREL. TTP's morels. He hunts them in spring.

15. Econ. barometer: GDP.

18. Bar on a truck: AXLE.

19. Swiss luxury brand: ROLEX.

20. Butler's love: OHARA.

21. Provider of expert advice: GURU. So lucky to have a few on our blog. You're my virtual 84. Closest peeps: FAM.

26. Subs: TEMPS.

27. __ fly: run-scoring out: SAC.

28. World's largest tennis stadium: ASHE.

29. Social media profile picture, often: SELFIE.

30. Clue follower: SLEUTH.

32. Muralist Rivera: DIEGO. Here he is with wife Frida Kahlo.

34. Cybertruck maker: TESLA.

35. Rod's partner: REEL.

37. "Over here!": YOO HOO.

40. Hoods at a monastery: COWLS.

50. Miley Cyrus label: RCA.

51. Noisy bunkmate: SNORER.

53. Prepare for another drive: RE-TEE. Sorry, gluey fill.

54. Holiday lead-in: EVE.

55. Conspiring faction: CABAL.

58. Italy's cont.: EUR.

59. "Look before you leap," e.g.: OLD SAW. And 103. "Look before you leap," e.g.: ADAGE.

61. Advanced teaching deg.: MSED.

62. 2009 aviation biopic: AMELIA. Starring Hilary Swank.

64. Authoritative code: DOGMA.

66. Art __: DECO.

75. Arcade giant: SEGA.

76. Rear-__: ENDER.

77. Hand at sea: SAILOR.

78. Improv bit: SKIT.

81. Coordinated: IN SYNC.

86. Texas site of Pizza Hut headquarters: PLANO. Yum! owns Pizza Hut. Also KFC. Boomer and I visited the first KFC ages ago.

87. Helen Reddy's "__ Woman": I AM.

88. Flood control: LEVEE.

89. Big name in bowling shoes: ETONIC. Golf shoes also.

92. Dudes: MEN.

99. Suite spot: HOTEL.

100. Mount Rainier's Native American name ... and a Microsoft typeface: TAHOMA. First part is also Rich's clue. Learning moment for me. Thanks, Rich!

102. Soothing succulent: ALOE.

105. Ethereal glows: AURAS.

108. Whitman's dooryard bloomers: LILACS.

112. Pelican State campus: TULANE.

114. Backfire sound: BANG.

116. Co-star with Chevy and Gilda: DAN. Dan Aykroyd.

118. Open veranda: LANAI. Stunning.

123. Big party: FEST.

124. Caffeine-rich nuts: KOLAS.

125. Curling venue: ARENA.

126. Vending machine inserts: ONES.

127. Rapper Lil __ X: NAS.

128. Look after: SEE TO.

129. Exorcist's target: DEMON.

130. Overly curious: NOSY.

Down:

1. Has staying power: LASTS.

2. Stand out: EXCEL.

3. Heartthrob: FLAME.

4. Deep-fried Japanese dish: TEMPURA. I love tempura seafood or veggies. The white slice with holes is lotus root.

5. Boxer's warning: GRR.

6. Turns: ROTS.

7. Trojan War saga: ILIAD.

8. Joe who played the thief Harry in "Home Alone": PESCI.

9. Phone routing no.: EXT.

10. Rainy season: MONSOON. I miss a Guangzhou a lot, but not the monsoon season. So humid. Rains every day.

11. "I know! Pick me!": OH OH.

12. Utility bill figure: RATE.

13. Jazz or swing: ERA.

14. Time-__: LAPSE.

15. Gunpowder Plot participant of 1605: GUY FAWKES. The mask guy.

16. Hamburger's three: DREI.

17. Free of contaminants: PURE.

21. Pump measure: GALLON.

23. Autumn blossom: ASTER.

25. Coast Guard mission: RESCUE.

28. Before now: AGO.

31. Sewer's bottoms: HEMS. Sew-er. Rich's creation.

33. "Reader, I married him" governess: EYRE.

34. Taco truck fare: TOSTADA. Never had it. Most Mexican food seem to have cheese or sour cream. Most Asians are lactose-intolerant.

36. The Beatles' Penny, e.g.: LANE.

38. It's driven on a trail: HERD. Rich's creation as well. He's a wordsmith.

39. Has a balance due: OWES.

41. In real time: LIVE.

42. Piece inside a pumpkin: SEED. Also called Pepita.

43. Seal-hunting swimmers: ORCAS.

44. Whippersnapper: SCAMP.

45. Pole thrown by Scots: CABER. Hard work.

46. "Seriously?": YOU DO.

47. Wild throw, usually: ERROR.

49. Crown collection: JEWELS.

52. Wine and dine: ROMANCE.

56. Elite guests: A LIST.

57. Airport screening likelihood: LINE. Probably not too long now. We also have 72. National rival: ALAMO.

60. Pie crust ingredient: LARD.

61. Gas brand with a red "o" in its logo: MOBIL.

63. Team from College Station, Texas: AGGIES.

65. Stefani of No Doubt: GWEN. Cool girl.

67. Show appreciation: CLAP.

69. Selection process for MLB All-Stars: FAN VOTE.

70. Crusoe creator: DEFOE.

71. Swiss coin: FRANC.

73. Shaped like a megaphone: CONED.

74. Danish coin: KRONE.

78. Sound of resignation: SIGH.

79. Syrup used in pecan pies: KARO. Graybar canceled their annual retiree Christmas luncheon. But everyone gets a special Thanksgiving package. Turkey, pumpkin pie, stuffings, and a bottle of wine.

80. "It puzzles me": I'M AT A LOSS.

82. Jon of "Chicago P.D.": SEDA.

83. "You betcha!": YEAH.

85. "Look, señorita!": MIRA. Spanish for "look".

88. Stanford who co-founded Stanford University: LELAND. Learned from doing crosswords.

90. Winter Palace monarch: TSAR.

91. Prison division: CELL.

94. Intellectual nitpicker: PEDANT.

95. Scoundrel: SO-AND- SO.

97. Sheer linen fabric: TOILE.

98. Grayish-yellow green: CELADON. I love this color.

101. Clown for the camera: MUG.

104. Tech whizzes: GEEKS.

106. Put on a pedestal: ADORE.

107. Capital SSW of Portland: SALEM.

109. Not allowed: A NO NO.

110. Batting practice sites: CAGES.

111. Spacek of "The River": SISSY.

112. Texter's parting: TTFN.

113. Where the iris is: UVEA.

114. Farm bundle: BALE.

115. Med school subj.: ANAT.

117. Barcelona boy: NINO.

120. "The Simpsons" bartender: MOE.

121. Launch site: PAD.

122. Spam holder: CAN.

C.C.