Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Kevin Curry

 Remember When We Had Life Without Computers?  The "start-up" of each theme answer is the name of a computer Tech company.

18-Across. South American home of many pink dolphins: AMAZON RIVER.  About 10 years ago we took an expedition in the Peruvian Amazon.  We saw several of these pink dolphins, but I was not able to take any good photos of them.  It was exciting to see these creatures, though.  This year, the Amazon has experienced from a severe drought and water levels are the lowest they have been in over 120 years.

24-Across. Scientific studies of pooled data: META ANALYSES.

40-Across. Diner dessert topped with a scoop: APPLE PIE À LA MODE.

52-Across. Bowlful of letter-shaped pasta: ALPHABET SOUP.  According to Globaldata.com "Alphabet Inc (Alphabet), the holding company of Google, is a global technology company. It offers a wide range of products and platforms including Search, Google Maps, calendar, ads, Gmail, Google Play, Android, Google Cloud, Chrome, and YouTube."

And the unifier:

63-Across. New venture that may collaborate with Y Combinator, and what 18-, 24-, 40-, and 52-Across each literally has?: TECH START-UP.  The "Start" of each theme answer it the name of a Tech company.

Across:

1. Ballplayer's hat: CAP.

4. Bygone Persian rulers: SHAHS.

9. Under: BELOW.

14. Baton Rouge sch.: LSU.  Louisiana State University makes frequent guest appearances in the puzzles.  We saw this school in last Tuesday's puzzle.  Several of our regulars also have ties to this university.  Geaux Tigers!

15. Certain Tuscan: PISAN.  A citizen from Pisa.  Rumor has it that this Tuscan city has a tower that leans.

16. Suspect's excuse: ALIBI.

17. Feel ill: AIL.

20. At one's leisure: IDLY.

22. More current: NEWER.

23. Potato spot: EYE.

28. "Don't believe the __": HYPE.

29. Make a mistake: SLIP UP.

33. Very small: WEE.

35. Healing ointment: SALVE.

39. Top of the line: A-ONE.

44. "Star Wars" heroine: LEIA.  Princess Leia was portrayed by Carrie Fisher (née Carrie Frances Fisher; Oct. 21, 1956 ~ Dec. 27, 2016), who sadly died early at age 60.  [Name # 1, fictional.]

45. Sing the praises of: EXTOL.

46. Snapchat snicker: LOL.  Textspeak for Laughing Out Loud.

47. Court game: TENNIS.

50. "Knives Out" filmmaker Johnson: RIAN.  Knives Out was a very funny movie.  I generally don't keep up with filmmakers, however, so was not familiar with Johnson Rian (né Rian Craig Johnson; b. Dec. 17, 1973).  Apparently, he also directed the 2017 film Star Wars: The Last Jedi, which was the last film of Carrie Fisher.   [Name # 2.]

58. Grampa Simpson: ABE.  His full name is Abraham Jebediah Simpson II, but he usually just goes by Grampa Simpson.  [Name # 3, fictional.]

61. Feudal lord: LIEGE.

62. Fire truck item: HOSE.

67. "With all __ respect ... ": DUE.

68. "West Side Story" role for Rachel Zegler: MARIA.  Rachel Zegler (b. May 2, 2001) starred in the 2021 adaptation of West Side Story, which is essentially an adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.  [Name # 4.]

69. Sierra __, Africa: LEONE.

70. Place for a napkin or a cat: LAP.

71. Hit the books: STUDY.

72. Spanish mister: SEÑOR.  Today's Spanish lesson.

73. Above-the-street rumblers: ELs.

Down:

1. Call one's own: CLAIM.

2. "All kidding __ ... ": ASIDE.

3. End a project due to lack of funding, say: PULL THE PIN.  Pull the Plug seems a more common phrase.  According to Quora: "The phrase 'pull the pin' has its origins in military terminology, specifically in reference to hand grenades. When a soldier is ready to throw a hand grenade, they must first pull the safety pin before releasing the grenade. Over time, the phrase "pull the pin" has been used more broadly to mean taking a decisive action or initiating a process that cannot be easily undone."

4. Place to take it easy: SPA.

5. He/__ pronouns: HIM.

6. Yoga posture: ASANA.

7. Witch __: astringent lotion: HAZEL.  Everything you wanted to know about Witch hazel but didn't know to ask.  [Name adjacent.]

8. Like some winter nights: SNOWY.  I'm glad these snowy days are behind me.  The northeast is getting a lot of snow this month.

9. Wooden wine container: BARREL.

10. Yale student: ELI.

11. Reside (in): LIVE.

12. Follow orders: OBEY.

13. Undercover agent's device: WIRE.  The Wire was also the name of an HBO crime drama that ran in the early 2000s.

19. Loch __ monster: NESS.

21. "Great news!": YAY.

25. Altar area: APSE.

26. Half-moon tide: NEAP.

27. Former name of Thailand: SIAM.

30. Simple flotation device: POOL NOODLE.

31. Reverse: UNDO.

32. Kumquat coat: PEEL.  I have a Kumquat tree in my backyard.  We just eat the fruit, peel and all.

33. Poet Whitman: WALT.  Walt Whitman (né Walter Whitman, Jr.; May 31, 1819 ~ Mar. 26, 1892) is considered by many scholars to be one of the most influential American poets.  He was considered controversial in his time.  He is probably best known for his poetry collection Leaves of Grass.  [Name # 5.]

34. Fencer's blade: ÉPÉE.  A crossword staple.

36. Untruth: LIE.

37. Irk: VEX.

38. Gulp down: EAT.

41. "Blue Banisters" singer-songwriter Del Rey: LANA.  Lana Turner (née Julia Jean Turner; Feb. 8, 1921 ~ June 29, 1995) was the inspiration for this singer's stage name.  Lana Del Rey's given name is Elizabeth Woolridge Grant (b. June 21, 1985).  [Name # 6.]

42. Ancestral stories, e.g.: LORE.

43. Settled on a branch, as a bird: ALIT.

48. "Darn tootin'!": I'LL SAY.

Ever watch Ghosts?  Darn tootin' it's a funny show.

49. Rotisserie rod: SPIT.

51. __-blond: grayish shade: ASH.

53. Recovers: HEALS.

54. Share an opinion: AGREE.

55. Pick to win at the track: BET ON.

56. Regular's order, with "the": USUAL.

57. Marshmallow treats shaped like baby birds: PEEPS.

58. Cash dispensers: ATMs.

59. Score more points than: BEAT.

60. Beige shade: ECRU.

Such a subtle difference.

64. Camouflaged: HID.  Can you find the hidden critters in these photos?

65. Game in which a player may get a red or a yellow card: UNO.  This card game has become a crossword staple.

66. According to: PER.

Here's the Grid:

חתולה

 

Notes from C.C.: 

Chairman Moe has today's Universal crossword. Click here to solve. Congrats, Chris!

Monday January 15, 2024 Zachary Schiff

  

Theme:                Sweater Shopping

Happy MLK Jr. Day, everyone! sumdaze here. If you have ever browsed through a clothing catalog, you have probably noticed that sweaters are rarely labeled using a Kindergarten color. Instead, a PURPLE sweater is MULBERRY or LAVENDAR or EGGPLANT.  Constructor Zachary Schiff turned that idea into a puzzle.

20 Across. Thoroughfare in New York City's Little Italy: MULBERRY STREET.  Lonely Planet info. for tourists

25 Across. Hit single from Taylor Swift's "Midnights": LAVENDER HAZE.

ALAS, I am not a Swiftie, but after a few perps I remembered this clue from a Sunday puzzle last month 12/17/23:

113 Across. Word after "Lavender" and "Purple," in song titles: HAZE.

43. Meatless cheesy entree, familiarly: EGGPLANT PARM. (parmesan)

Plus the reveal:

49 Across. 2023 musical film produced by Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg, and an apt title for this puzzle: THE COLOR PURPLE.  

Many of us remember the original movie released in 1985. This is the official trailer for the 2023 remake:

All three of the themers are composed of two-words. The gimmick remained hidden (to me) until I made my way down to it as neither MULBERRY nor EGGPLANT immediately struck me as synonyms for PURPLE. I like when that happens.

Across:
1. Campus gp. with a Greek name: FRAT.  "Group" is abbreviated, so is "FRATernity".

5. Eyelid hair: LASH.  

Lady Gaga at the Met Gala in 2019
Too much???

9. End: STOP.

13. __ slaw: COLE.

14. Aptly named cooler brand: IGLOO.  You can put your COLE slaw in it.

16. Ocean motion: TIDE.  

another "ocean motion" view

17. "Neat!": COOL.

18. Place to store valuables: VAULT.  

Seinfeld  (18 secs.)

19. Father and son authors Kingsley and Martin: AMIS.  Sir Kingsley William Amis and his son Martin Amis

23. Nerf missile: DART.  

24. Central cooling systs.: ACS.  "Systems" is abbreviated, so is Air Conditioners. I don't suppose yours is turned on at the moment.

32. Commonplace: LOWLY.

35. Unethical one: LOUSE.  

36. Limo passenger: VIP.  

37. "Sad to say ... ": ALAS.

38. Choreographer de Mille: AGNES.  (1905-1993)

Notice her shadow on the wall.

39. Chromosome part: GENE.

40. Goofy drawing?: CEL.  This is a perfect example of how a clue-writer can take advantage of the capitalize-the-first-letter convention. "Drawing of Goofy" would not be as deceiving.  

41. "Farewell, cherie": ADIEU.  You do not have to speak French to translate the chorus of this song. 😃  

song details

42. River vessel: BARGE.

46. Bum __: unfounded accusation: RAP.  

That reminds me...the fireplace guy was here the other day.

47. City near Anaheim: BREA.  I resisted this, thinking it was La BREA but apparently that is the name of the tar pits, not its city.

56. Have a strong 52-Down: REEK.   and   52 Down. Hamper emanation: ODOR.  

57. Love: ADORE.

58. Neeson of the "Taken" films: LIAM.  There have been three Taken movies, 2008, 2012, and 2014.

Liam Neeson in the phone call scene.

60. Actress Hathaway: ANNE.

61. Rosebud __: "Schitt's Creek" location: MOTEL.  Schitt's Creek is a 2015 TV show that lasted six seasons. It was filmed in Toronto. "Rose" was the surname of the main characters so this might be an Easter egg. Perhaps a fan of the show can tell us more?

62. Land measure: ACRE.  It seems like forever ago but I once lived on the million-ACRE MC Ranch, headquartered in Adel, OR. This article ran in Western Horseman Magazine in 1979, several years before I was there. It had not changed much except that the cattle were no longer straight Herefords like in those pictures. The cow boss let me ride with the crew as long as I was more help than harm. Good times! The ranch has since sold and has been broken up into smaller parcels.

63. Hissed "Over here!": PSST.

64. Kelly of morning talk TV: RIPA.     and     5 Down. Broadcast with minimal tape delay: LIVE TV.  

Click to enlarge.
Since April 2023, Kelly Ripa's co-host is her husband Mark Consuelos.

65. Hornet home: NEST.  Hornets are one of Mother Nature's PEST controllers. They will eat unwanted garden pests like aphids.

Down:
1. Airwaves-regulating govt. agency: FCC.  "Government" is abbreviated, so is the Federal Communications Commission.

2. Part of a suite: ROOM.

3. Audibly: ALOUD.

4. Candid memoirs: TELL-ALLS.  I recently read Henry Winkler's memoir. He talked a lot about how his severe dyslexia shaped his self-image. Reading the book was like hearing Gene Cousineau's voice (the character he played in Barry), saying the words ALOUD in my head. <not a bad thing>

6. Food thickener made from seaweed: AGAR.

7. Enunciate poorly: SLUR.

8. Sacred: HOLY.

9. Fabric stiffener: STARCH.  They put potatoes on clothes???

(You don't have to  explain this one to me. I know....)

10. Shortcut, hopefully: TIME SAVER.  

11. Drooling dog in "Garfield": ODIE.  

12. Gnat, e.g.: PEST.  Frogs, reptiles, small mammals, birds, fish, spiders, and other insects think of gnats as "dinner", not pests.

15. Bonus sports periods, for short: OTS.  Overtimes

21. Imitate a donkey: BRAY.  

22. Weight adjustment factor: TARE.  Last week a nurse forget to reset the TARE on the scale so she miscalculated my friend's newborn grandson's weight. This mistake caused an incorrect diagnosis and considerable stress. Fortunately the next shift identified the problem.

26. Baylor in the Basketball Hall of Fame: ELGIN.  NBA Legends Profile

27. Group of nine: NONET.  It seems NONET usually refers to a group of musicians.  

Lee Konitz Nonet     If You Could See Me Now     (1977)

28. In the on-deck circle: DUE UP.  today's giant leap award winner  

29. Strong start?: ESS.  "Strong" starts with the letter S.

30. Oomph: ZING.

31. Sword with a blunted tip: EPEE.

32. Frilly material: LACE.

33. Designer Cassini: OLEG.  (1913 - 2006)  

How can she pose like the bust behind her without cracking up?

34. CVS rival: WALGREENS.

38. Org. on a bottle of mouthwash: ADA.  American Dental Association

Listerine, a mouth rinse composed of a mixture of essential oils, was created in 1879 and was originally formulated as a surgical antiseptic. In spite of its known antimicrobial properties it was thought of as a product in search of a use and promoted as a deterrent for halitosis and as a floor cleaner. source

39. Coach's strategy: GAME PLAN.  

I like the look on Dewey's face.

41. Gravy Cravers pet food brand: ALPO.

42. "I'm f-f-f-reezing!": BRRR.

44. Single serving of sugar: PACKET.  

45. Tia's madre: ABUELA.  Spanish for "your aunt's mother is your grandmother"

(I've been refreshing my Spanish on Duolingo as PREP for a trip to Spain this summer.)

48. "The Brady Bunch" housekeeper: ALICE.  

We all know that Alice was much more than a housekeeper.

Alice Learns to Ski (54 sec.)

Ann B. Davis played Alice Nelson from 1969 to 1974 (plus special extras).

49. Lint collector: TRAP.

50. Farm cluckers: HENS.  We had the braying donkey so it is only fair we give this girl her time to shine.  

51. Go on the __: LAM.  to try to escape or hide from someone ... usually the police

53. Unleavened bread similar to naan: ROTI.

54. Make ready: PREP.

55. AirPods holders: EARS.

59. Ran into: MET.  

Get it? They're crash test dummies. Haha!

Here's another fun song before we go:  

The Purple People Eater by Sheb Wooley (1958)

...and the grid:

Have a great week, everyone!

Sunday January 14, 2024 Darryl Gonzalez

Theme: "Posted" - Each sign is phrased as if it's in a place in the clue.

23. Sign in a stadium locker room?: DON'T TURN OFF THE FAN. Sports fan.

32. Sign in a writer's room?: AUTHORIZED STAFF ONLY. Author.

58. Sign in a therapist's reception room?: VISITORS MUST SHOW ID. The id in psyche. 

84. Sign at a law firm specializing in the Fifth Amendment?: NOTICE NO ADMITTANCE. Admit.

107. Sign at a cafeteria?: CAUTION FORKLIFT AREA. Fork.

120. Sign at a used bike shop?: PLEASE RECYCLE HERE. Cycle.

Where do you see "Don't Turn Off the Fan" sign?

I like this type of literal rephrasing type. Always makes me think of the great John Lampkin. Have not seen his byline for a long time. Also, where's our Jeffrey?

Across:

1. Old Route 66 city: TULSA.

6. Hindu "sir": BABU. Remember this Babu on "Seinfeld"?

10. Subway fare: HEROS.

15. Audit asst.: CPA.

18. By the seat of one's pants, e.g.: IDIOM.

19. Mil. pilot's branch: USAF.

20. Players between midfield and defense in lacrosse: ATTACK. Never watched lacrosse.

22. Not 'neath: O'ER.

26. Industrial tank: VAT.

27. Cabinet dept. with a windmill on its seal: ENER.

28. Eur. realm until 1806: HRE. Holy Roman Empire.

29. Outrage: IRE.

30. Food mill substitutes: RICERS.

38. Bedroom piece: BUREAU.

40. Trick for a treat, perhaps: SIT. I also like these clues: 41. Bank buildings?: LEVEES 15. Cast party?: COVEN. 49. Full bore?: YAWNER. 47. Cutting edge of fashion?: HEM.

42. Every bit: ALL.

43. "Black" or "white" mammal that is actually gray: RHINO.

46. Propped (up): SHORED.

48. Autocorrect target: TYPO.

52. California's Point __ National Seashore: REYES. Bring me here.

54. N.K. Jemisin's Broken Earth trilogy, e.g.: SAGA.

56. The America's Cup, for one: EWER.

57. Bring to a near boil: SCALD.

62. Oven setting: BAKE.

65. Early virtual forum: USENET.

66. Leisurely walk: PASEO. I only use AMBLE.

67. Class reunion roster word: NEE.

68. Part of a vague threat: OR ELSE.

70. __ shanty: SEA.

72. Some backyard grills: WEBERS.

74. Home watcher: UMP. Home plate.

75. Not quite right: AMISS.

79. Brand for sensitive skin: AVEENO. They use oats in their products.

83. Long ago, in the past: ERST.

88. Beverage: DRINK.

89. Otis Redding's "__ Little Tenderness": TRY A.

90. Univ. applicant exams: SATS.

91. Shark hunters: ORCAS.

95. Harmonized, with "in": SYNC.

96. Starts working on: SETS TO.

98. Not this second: LATER.

100. Keep a stiff upper __: LIP.

101. Sysadmins, e.g.: IT PROS.

103. __-fi: SCI.

105. Just: MERELY.

113. Learn to live with: ACCEPT.

114. French word common in fragrance names: EAU. Eau de chlorine for me. And yes, Wendy, my flutter kicks are getting stronger, but my left shoulder acted up early this month. I can somehow do breaststrokes, but no freestyle or butterfly. Bummer!

115. 52, in Roman numerals: LII.

116. "Frozen" reindeer: SVEN.

119. Vietnamese soup: PHO. 2. Hokkaido noodle: UDON. 8. Stuffed bun: BAO. Tasty Asian food. 

126. Geological period: EON.

127. Barked sharply: YIPPED.

128. Cold and clammy: DANK. Winter is finally here. Our high is -2 today.

129. Child of Uranus: TITAN.

130. Put on: DON.

131. Secures, as a package: TAPES.

132. Takes responsibility for: OWNS.

133. Informal "Let's say ...": S'POSE.

Down:

1. Laundry brand: TIDE.

3. In a straightforward way: LINEARLY.

4. "Amen to that": SO TRUE.

5. Tsp. or tbsp.: AMT.

6. Small donkey: BURRO.

7. "Carl's Date" voice actor Ed: ASNER.

9. Gallery on the Arno: UFFIZI. "The Birth of Venus" is here.

10. Despised: HATED.

11. Biblical suffix: ETH. And 39. Diminutive suffix: ULE.

12. ETA determiner: RTE.

13. Clod: OAF.

14. Gobbled (down): SCARFED.

16. Oyster bead: PEARL.

17. Like some Pinterest boards: ARTSY.

21. Hibachi chef's need: KNIFE.

24. "Yup": UH HUH.

25. Worries: FRETS.

31. Sam's Club competitor: COSTCO. Everything there is so big. 

33. Anklebones: TARSI.

34. Shape with equal angles: ISOGON.

35. Ease off the gas: SLOW UP.

36. Saint of Ávila: TERESA.

37. Avoids: AVERTS.

38. Trivia night setting: BAR.

44. Goddess whose tears cause the Nile to rise: ISIS. Myth.

45. Corddry of "For All Mankind": NATE.

50. Wire-bending hand tool: PLIERS.

51. Most bizarre: ODDEST.

53. Stunt legend Knievel: EVEL.

55. Aphrodite's consort: ARES.

57. Clog or wedge: SHOE.

59. "What're you gonna do about it?": SUE ME.

60. Pressure cooker release: STEAM.

61. Stitch to: SEW ON.

62. Moves like a kangaroo: BOUNDS.

63. Weapons center: ARMORY.

64. Didn't edit out: KEPT IN.

69. Bag for a field day race: SACK.

71. Thrifty rival: AVIS.

73. Lagerita ingredient: BEER. I did not know the meaning of "Lagerita" : a Margarita cocktail for tough guys, according to Urban Dictionary. Made of lager beer and tequila.

 

76. Summer worker, perhaps: INTERN.

77. More or less: SORT OF.

78. Believes, vocally: SAYS SO.

80. Inclusive Latin term: ET ALII.

81. "Tell Mama" singer James: ETTA.

82. Condé __: NAST.

85. Stir up: INCITE.

86. Not "dis": DAT.

87. Apple tool: CORER.

92. Embrace: CLEAVE TO.

93. Have a bug: AIL. And 94. Have a bug?: SPY.

96. Under a Super Trouper, e.g.: SPOTLIT.  Super Trouper is a brand of spotlight.

97. Humanitarian Schindler: OSKAR.

99. Yahoo! service: EMAIL.

102. __-toe: TIPPY.

104. British name for a game with suspects: CLUEDO.

106. Send again: RE-SHIP.

107. Like many superheroes: CAPED.

108. Tickled nose noise: ACHOO.

109. 2023 NCAA men's basketball champs: UCONN. Their men's team is good too?

110. Stock for oboists: REEDS.

111. "Gone Girl" author Gillian: FLYNN.

112. Woodland pests: TICKS.

117. Periods of time: ERAS.

118. State bird of Hawaii: NENE.

121. Clean air org.: EPA.

122. iPad download: APP.

123. "Told you!": SEE.

124. Crow sound: CAW.

125. "Arrival" arrivals: ETS.

Happy Birthday to dear JD, who sent me this picture around Christmas. JD said "we go to A LOT of baseball, football, volleyball, and basketball games. Dylan, the youngest, prefers Tae Kwan Do, also fun to watch" Dylan was not born yet when JD joined our blog ages ago.

Have a go at this Atlas Obscura "Dry Run" puzzle (12/18/2023) if you have some extra time. One of my favorite puzzles from last year. It's edited by Samir Patel, the editor-in-chief of Atlas Obscura. They have a new puzzle every Monday.

I also have today's Modern Crossword. Click here to solve. Themeless. It's edited by by Kelsey Dixon.

C.C.