Theme: Amazing! - Each 3-word theme entry start with WOW.
23A. Steal : WALK OFF WITH
29A. Wouk work, with "The" : WINDS OF WAR.
35A. 2000 Sean Penn film, with "The" : WEIGHT OF WATER. Generally I'm not a fan of dropping articles for theme needs. But both "The" are dropped here. Quite consistent.
59A. Have a drink : WET ONE'S WHISTLE
80A. Last book in Robertson Davies' "Deptford Trilogy" : WORLD OF WONDERS
99A. Sage advice : WORDS OF WISDOM
106A. Laurel and Hardy film set in Brushwood Gulch : WAY OUT WEST
118A. '30s show tune that became a 1960 Dion and the Belmonts hit : WHERE OR WHEN. Not familiar with the song. Waiting for Argyle to link.
So four OFs in the middle, the other O's are different. I like the variety.
Have not seen Alan Arbesfeld's by line since Dec 2009. Excited to have the chance solving and discussing his puzzle. He is a veteran constructor and has been a regular contributor to the NY Times.
Only 67 black squares in this grid, and no cheater! Lots of nice fill today.
Across:
1. Colorful talker : MACAW
6. Hair net : SNOOD. This is similar to the one my Grandma used to wear.
11. Thai currency : BAHT. No plural form in Thai language. But "Bahts" seem to be in common use here.
15. Legal opening? : PARA. Paralegal.
19. Prominent period : EPOCH
20. New Mexico county whose seat is Alamogordo : OTERO. Sounds like Spanish. What does it mean?
21. Buck chaser? : AROO. Buckaroo.
22. Elliptical : OVAL
25. Shows no restraint : LETS LOOSE
27. Hit sign : SRO (Standing Room Only)
28. Work out an agreement : SETTLE
30. Honorary Muslim title in old India : NAWAB. I only know Nabob.
32. Fed. auditing agency : GAO
34. Crib sheet users : TOTS. I was thinking of cheat sheet.
40. Spoils : GOES BAD
45. WWII Italian beachhead : ANZIO. You did not think of OMAHA?
46. Waterfront org. : ILA (International Longshoremen's Association)
47. It's gone in less than a flash: Abbr. : NSEC (Nanosecond)
49. Go for an ace, maybe : SERVE
50. Corporate honcho : SUIT
51. King in "The Tempest" : ALONSO
53. Bilko and Klinger, e.g.: Abbr. : NCOs
56. "The Namesake" director Mira : NAIR. Excited about this new clue. She also directed "Amelia". She's an Indian.
57. Busy, design-wise : ORNATE
62. Blowup source, briefly : NEG (Negative). Photos.
63. Shield border, in heraldry : ORLE. Troublesome word for me. I can never remember it.
65. Germany, to Meg Ryan: Abbr. : ANAG (Anagram). Tricky clue.
66. Conference clip-on : NAME TAG
67. Defended : STOOD BY. Stand by Your Man.
69. Nailed down : SECURED
71. "It's my fervent wish!" : I HOPE SO. Splynter will need lots of luck in Las Vegas.
74. French monarchs : ROIs
76. Dr. visit : APPT
77. "Cheers" bartender : SAM
83. Mexican man, say : LATINO
85. Summer treat : ICEE
86. Whim : LARK. Made me think of CrossEyedDave, who's full of whimsical ideas, as you can see from his fun & creative links.
87. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer David : CROSBY
89. Had too much : OD'ED
90. Sole protectors : SHOES
92. Said three times, a story shortener : YADA. "Seinfeld".
94. Sudden death cause : TIE
95. Last word in doughnuts : KREME. Krispy Kreme.
96. Self-important boss, facetiously : HIS NIBS. Is there a "Her nibs"?
102. Aid factor : NEED
104. Sun Valley loc. : IDA (Idaho)
105. Parts of some area calculations : RADII
111. They take things in stride : STOICS. Most East Asians are.
114. Go downhill, in a way : SKI
117. Basically : IN ESSENCE
120. Fictitious : TALL. Tall tales.
121. Time co-founder : LUCE (Henry)
122. Board : GET IN
123. Topple : UPEND
124. 1944 Normandy battle site : ST. LO. So is CAEN.
125. Unwanted messages : SPAM
126. Prevailing tendency : TREND. This eye make-up is very trendy, black eyeliner on the upper lid and a little wing tip around eye corner. I'm thinking only LaLaLinda will notice it.
127. Giving lip : SASSY
Down:
1. Cat calls : MEWS
2. On __ with : A PAR
3. Empire-building activity : COLONIZING
4. "Eew!" kin : ACK
5. A-list : WHO'S WHO
6. Cook for three minutes, say : SOFT BOIL. Do you like soft boiled eggs? .
7. Abbr. on many a can : NT WT
8. Eye, in Versailles : OEIL. Irrational spelling.
9. Maker of Taco Kits : ORTEGA. I've never had tacos.
10. "How stupid of me!" : D'OH!
11. Indonesian island on its own sea : BALI. I bet Dennis wants a "Bra brand" clue since he's an expert in the field. Lovely color, isn't it?
12. Isn't for couples? : AREN'T. Cute clue.
13. Show off : HOTDOG
14. Have an easy catch with : TOSS TO
15. Disappearing word : POOF
16. Declare : AVOW
17. Tabula __ : RASA
18. Tiger, e.g., briefly : AL-ER (American Leaguer). Detroit Tigers, for Jazzbumpa & Linda's husband, though I doubt they use AL-ER.
24. Something to be proud of : FEAT
26. Fails to prevail : LOSES
29. Troubles : WOES
31. Bad gut feeling : AGITA
33. When a memorable movie gunfight occurs : AT NOON. "High Noon".
35. Aired, as a TV show : WAS ON
36. Harden : ENURE
37. Ran smoothly : FLOWED
38. Dwindle : WANE
39. Break a promise : RENEGE
41. Had a feeling : SENSED
42. Benjamin of "Law & Order" : BRATT. Curtis! Who's the coolest TV cop? To me, it's Bobby Simone of "NYPD Blue".
43. Walled Spanish city : AVILA
44. Easing of govt. restrictions : DE-REG
48. IV amts. : CCs
51. Spray : AEROSOL
52. Extend one's visit : STAY ON
54. Confess : OWN UP. So, Bill's crush is Sofia Vergara. Mine is Daniel Craig. How about yours?
55. How rebukes are administered : SHARPLY
58. Schlepped : TOTED
60. Sadat's predecessor : NASSER
61. "__ man who wasn't there ..." : I MET A. What's the poem about? I read a few lines. Sounds creepy.
64. Bath scrubber : LOOFA
67. Anger : SPLEEN
68. Rather rival : BROKAW (Tom)
70. Othello's lieutenant : CASSIO
71. "If only!" : I WISH
72. __ Minh City : HO CHI. Saigon.
73. Hydrox rivals, once : OREOs
75. Driver's license, often : ID CARD
77. Fries and slaw : SIDE DISHES
78. Prefix with meter : ANEMO. meaning "wind".
79. Computer accessory : MODEM
81. Like some humor : WRY
82. Spoils : ROTS
84. Sculptors' subjects : TORSI. Plural of torso.
88. Get close to : BEFRIEND
91. One may get congested : SINUS
93. "Go ahead!" : DO IT
95. Former children's clothing chain : KIDS R US. Was it related to Toys "R" Us?
97. Chewable Asian leaves : BETELS
98. Clinched : SEWN UP
100. Reindeer name : DASHER
101. Baylor University site : WACO
103. "Rock Around the Clock" label : DECCA
106. Mental faculties : WITS
107. Gray area?: Abbr. : ANAT (Anatomy). "Gray's Anatomy" (Henry Gray). The TV series "Grey's Anatomy" is a play on word on former.
108. Whoop it up : YELL
109. Munch Museum city : OSLO
110. Appear to be : SEEM
112. Nice bean? : TETE. Again, Nice the French city.
113. Online __ print : OR IN. Drew a blank.
115. Guy dolls : KENS
116. Fedora-wearing adventurer, familiarly : INDY. Oh, Indiana Jones.
118. Driver's lic. stat : WGT. OK to lie a little.
119. FDR program : WPA. Works Project Administration.
Answer grid.
Happy 18th Wedding Anniversary to Ron Worden!
C.C.
23A. Steal : WALK OFF WITH
29A. Wouk work, with "The" : WINDS OF WAR.
35A. 2000 Sean Penn film, with "The" : WEIGHT OF WATER. Generally I'm not a fan of dropping articles for theme needs. But both "The" are dropped here. Quite consistent.
59A. Have a drink : WET ONE'S WHISTLE
80A. Last book in Robertson Davies' "Deptford Trilogy" : WORLD OF WONDERS
99A. Sage advice : WORDS OF WISDOM
106A. Laurel and Hardy film set in Brushwood Gulch : WAY OUT WEST
118A. '30s show tune that became a 1960 Dion and the Belmonts hit : WHERE OR WHEN. Not familiar with the song. Waiting for Argyle to link.
So four OFs in the middle, the other O's are different. I like the variety.
Have not seen Alan Arbesfeld's by line since Dec 2009. Excited to have the chance solving and discussing his puzzle. He is a veteran constructor and has been a regular contributor to the NY Times.
Only 67 black squares in this grid, and no cheater! Lots of nice fill today.
Across:
1. Colorful talker : MACAW
6. Hair net : SNOOD. This is similar to the one my Grandma used to wear.
11. Thai currency : BAHT. No plural form in Thai language. But "Bahts" seem to be in common use here.
15. Legal opening? : PARA. Paralegal.
19. Prominent period : EPOCH
20. New Mexico county whose seat is Alamogordo : OTERO. Sounds like Spanish. What does it mean?
21. Buck chaser? : AROO. Buckaroo.
22. Elliptical : OVAL
25. Shows no restraint : LETS LOOSE
27. Hit sign : SRO (Standing Room Only)
28. Work out an agreement : SETTLE
30. Honorary Muslim title in old India : NAWAB. I only know Nabob.
32. Fed. auditing agency : GAO
34. Crib sheet users : TOTS. I was thinking of cheat sheet.
40. Spoils : GOES BAD
45. WWII Italian beachhead : ANZIO. You did not think of OMAHA?
46. Waterfront org. : ILA (International Longshoremen's Association)
47. It's gone in less than a flash: Abbr. : NSEC (Nanosecond)
49. Go for an ace, maybe : SERVE
50. Corporate honcho : SUIT
51. King in "The Tempest" : ALONSO
53. Bilko and Klinger, e.g.: Abbr. : NCOs
56. "The Namesake" director Mira : NAIR. Excited about this new clue. She also directed "Amelia". She's an Indian.
57. Busy, design-wise : ORNATE
62. Blowup source, briefly : NEG (Negative). Photos.
63. Shield border, in heraldry : ORLE. Troublesome word for me. I can never remember it.
65. Germany, to Meg Ryan: Abbr. : ANAG (Anagram). Tricky clue.
66. Conference clip-on : NAME TAG
67. Defended : STOOD BY. Stand by Your Man.
69. Nailed down : SECURED
71. "It's my fervent wish!" : I HOPE SO. Splynter will need lots of luck in Las Vegas.
74. French monarchs : ROIs
76. Dr. visit : APPT
77. "Cheers" bartender : SAM
83. Mexican man, say : LATINO
85. Summer treat : ICEE
86. Whim : LARK. Made me think of CrossEyedDave, who's full of whimsical ideas, as you can see from his fun & creative links.
87. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer David : CROSBY
89. Had too much : OD'ED
90. Sole protectors : SHOES
92. Said three times, a story shortener : YADA. "Seinfeld".
94. Sudden death cause : TIE
95. Last word in doughnuts : KREME. Krispy Kreme.
96. Self-important boss, facetiously : HIS NIBS. Is there a "Her nibs"?
102. Aid factor : NEED
104. Sun Valley loc. : IDA (Idaho)
105. Parts of some area calculations : RADII
111. They take things in stride : STOICS. Most East Asians are.
114. Go downhill, in a way : SKI
117. Basically : IN ESSENCE
120. Fictitious : TALL. Tall tales.
121. Time co-founder : LUCE (Henry)
122. Board : GET IN
123. Topple : UPEND
124. 1944 Normandy battle site : ST. LO. So is CAEN.
125. Unwanted messages : SPAM
126. Prevailing tendency : TREND. This eye make-up is very trendy, black eyeliner on the upper lid and a little wing tip around eye corner. I'm thinking only LaLaLinda will notice it.
127. Giving lip : SASSY
Down:
1. Cat calls : MEWS
2. On __ with : A PAR
3. Empire-building activity : COLONIZING
4. "Eew!" kin : ACK
5. A-list : WHO'S WHO
6. Cook for three minutes, say : SOFT BOIL. Do you like soft boiled eggs? .
7. Abbr. on many a can : NT WT
8. Eye, in Versailles : OEIL. Irrational spelling.
9. Maker of Taco Kits : ORTEGA. I've never had tacos.
10. "How stupid of me!" : D'OH!
11. Indonesian island on its own sea : BALI. I bet Dennis wants a "Bra brand" clue since he's an expert in the field. Lovely color, isn't it?
12. Isn't for couples? : AREN'T. Cute clue.
13. Show off : HOTDOG
14. Have an easy catch with : TOSS TO
15. Disappearing word : POOF
16. Declare : AVOW
17. Tabula __ : RASA
18. Tiger, e.g., briefly : AL-ER (American Leaguer). Detroit Tigers, for Jazzbumpa & Linda's husband, though I doubt they use AL-ER.
24. Something to be proud of : FEAT
26. Fails to prevail : LOSES
29. Troubles : WOES
31. Bad gut feeling : AGITA
33. When a memorable movie gunfight occurs : AT NOON. "High Noon".
35. Aired, as a TV show : WAS ON
36. Harden : ENURE
37. Ran smoothly : FLOWED
38. Dwindle : WANE
39. Break a promise : RENEGE
41. Had a feeling : SENSED
42. Benjamin of "Law & Order" : BRATT. Curtis! Who's the coolest TV cop? To me, it's Bobby Simone of "NYPD Blue".
43. Walled Spanish city : AVILA
44. Easing of govt. restrictions : DE-REG
48. IV amts. : CCs
51. Spray : AEROSOL
52. Extend one's visit : STAY ON
54. Confess : OWN UP. So, Bill's crush is Sofia Vergara. Mine is Daniel Craig. How about yours?
55. How rebukes are administered : SHARPLY
58. Schlepped : TOTED
60. Sadat's predecessor : NASSER
61. "__ man who wasn't there ..." : I MET A. What's the poem about? I read a few lines. Sounds creepy.
64. Bath scrubber : LOOFA
67. Anger : SPLEEN
68. Rather rival : BROKAW (Tom)
70. Othello's lieutenant : CASSIO
71. "If only!" : I WISH
72. __ Minh City : HO CHI. Saigon.
73. Hydrox rivals, once : OREOs
75. Driver's license, often : ID CARD
77. Fries and slaw : SIDE DISHES
78. Prefix with meter : ANEMO. meaning "wind".
79. Computer accessory : MODEM
81. Like some humor : WRY
82. Spoils : ROTS
84. Sculptors' subjects : TORSI. Plural of torso.
88. Get close to : BEFRIEND
91. One may get congested : SINUS
93. "Go ahead!" : DO IT
95. Former children's clothing chain : KIDS R US. Was it related to Toys "R" Us?
97. Chewable Asian leaves : BETELS
98. Clinched : SEWN UP
100. Reindeer name : DASHER
101. Baylor University site : WACO
103. "Rock Around the Clock" label : DECCA
106. Mental faculties : WITS
107. Gray area?: Abbr. : ANAT (Anatomy). "Gray's Anatomy" (Henry Gray). The TV series "Grey's Anatomy" is a play on word on former.
108. Whoop it up : YELL
109. Munch Museum city : OSLO
110. Appear to be : SEEM
112. Nice bean? : TETE. Again, Nice the French city.
113. Online __ print : OR IN. Drew a blank.
115. Guy dolls : KENS
116. Fedora-wearing adventurer, familiarly : INDY. Oh, Indiana Jones.
118. Driver's lic. stat : WGT. OK to lie a little.
119. FDR program : WPA. Works Project Administration.
Answer grid.
Happy 18th Wedding Anniversary to Ron Worden!
C.C.
