The New York Times Crossword in Gothic: October 2008

10.31.08 -- Easy Does It!

------------------

Friday, October 31, 2008

Puzzle by Jim Page, edited by Will Shortz

“Easy does it!” is the clue for both of the intersecting entries of 6-Down, WHATSTHEBIGRUSH and 33-Across, TAKEADEEPBREATH -- and might also be advice to the solver of today’s crossword, as easy doesn’t do it! Notwithstanding the grueling mystery of two 15-letter entries with the Shortzesque clues of “Easy does it!“ which could be any remark one might spout, decent or obscene, there are also four corners of eight-letter trios with somewhat vague clues, making this truly hard-core Friday fare!

Confused? Upper right across: WHOCARES (6. Unenthusiastic response); HANDMADE (16. Like friendship bracelets); AGELIMIT (18. Club restriction). Upper left down: ADAMWEST (1D. Actor voicing the mayor on “Family Guy”); DAMEEDNA (2D. Aussie with purple hair and ornate glasses); OVERBOOK (3D. Be too reserved?). Lower right down: ASKABOUT (36D. Try to get dirt on, say); TOILETTE (37D. Process of grooming and dressing oneself); HUNTRESS (38D. Artemis or Atalanta). Lower left across: HONOLULU (54A. Literally, “sheltered harbor”); OPERATES (58A. Does some body work?); SISSYISH (60A. Far from macho).

Lonely? Personages in the puzzle include DAVIES (14A. Companion of Hearst at San Simeon castle); 26A. Maestro EDO de Waart; SGT (48A. Private instructor: Abbr.); Adam West, Dame Edna, Artemis and Atalanta, HAGAR (7D. Sammy nicknamed “The Red Rocker”), NORRIS (42A. “Good Guys Wear Black” star, 1978); ISAO (45A. Golfer Aoki), Emperor Marcian, the SETONS (13D. Sisters of Charity founder and family); a SABRA (29D. Nazareth native, e.g.); AMENRA (17A. Dualistic deity); MUTI (51D. Longtime La Scala music director); KIN (46A. Blood); and a fine pair -- MEREMORTAL (19A. Ordinary human being) with MORALFIBER (51A. Strength of character).

Hungry? PASTA (35D. With 29-Across, picnic dishes) SALADS (29A. See 35-Down) head the food group which includes NACHOS (42D. Some chips) and NOSH (31A. Little something), FETA (53D. Topping on Mediterranean pizza), SODAS (28D. Ballpark concessionaire’s offerings), 30A. Hostess’s SNO Balls, a MALT (49A. Drink with a straw) and STOUTS (59A. Some porters).

What else is there? Across: ADOPT (1. Take in); ATO (21. Z preceder); WEBS (22. Signs of disuse); ISR (23. Big exporter of diamonds: Abbr.); BADEN (24. Black Forest resort); 27. “ISNT It Grand, Boys” (Irish standard); ARE (32. Equal); ABA (39. Grp. For counselors); BARI (40. Capital of the Apulia region); SOU (41. Not much at all) and 47. Not worth ACENT; CTN (50. Box: Abbr.); DENOTE (57. Mean); ARTES (61. Cultural doings in Cadiz). Down: PINES (4D. Languishes); TERM (5D. Stretch in a seat); ONEL (8. 1977 memoir set at Harvard); CDL (9. Year Marcian became emperor); AMI (10. Bud abroad); RAMADA (11. Open-sided porch); EDITED (12. Made a long story short?); 20. RINSE cycle; 24. BARRIO (24. Chicago’s Little Village, e.g.); ALEE (25. Out of harm’s way, in a way); INABIT (27. Presently); EARN (34. Win); OCTOPI (43. They have many suction cups); RENNES (44. Capital of the Brittany region); SOLES (48. Ones underfoot?); MINOR (49. Hardly worth mentioning); LDS (52. Church with elders: Abbr.); ORS (55. Connecting words in logic); LAY (56. Spend, with “out”).

For anything else…well, easy does it!

-----------------

For today’s cartoon, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.

Click on image to enlarge.

Puzzle available on the internet at

THE NEW YORK TIMES -- Crossword Puzzles and Games

10.30.08 -- Lights, Camera, Action!

Director Erich von Stroheim

------------------

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Puzzle by Chuck Hamilton, edited by Will Shortz

DIRECTORSSHOUT (56A. What the ends of 20-, 35- and 42-Across are, collectively), along with NORTHERNLIGHTS (20A. So-called “fox fires”); VIDEOCAMERA (35A. Recording device); and CLASSACTION (42A. Certain lawsuit), are the interrelated entries of this Thursday crossword.

Ready for action are CFOS (19A. Money bigwigs, for short); a COOT (37D. Codger); COSTAS (4D. Longtime NBC Olympics host); 46A. Mother EARTH; ELMO (10A. Patron saint of sailors); OTIS (36D. Johnny with the 1958 hit “Willie and the Hand Jive”), ROMEO (61A. “See, how she leans her cheek upon her hand!” speaker); SEUSS (49A. Who’s creator); SHUE (43D. “Leaving Las Vegas” actress); SNEAD (23A. Three-time P.G.A. Championship winner); 9. “Wake Up Little SUSIE”; 60A. TONI Sailer, three-time gold medalist; and whoever’s not in REHAB (48D. Detox centers).

The action also includes two pairs of plural/singular Shortzesque clues, BARNS (1D. Stock holders) and STORE (51D. Stock holder); along with FOLKS (5A. Parents) and REAR (58D. Parent) with a smattering of conversation -- ADIEU (15A. Godspeed) and SCRAM (50D. “Hit the road!”); NOLIE (53D. “I mean it!”); IMOK (66A. Reassuring words after an accident).

Long LEFTOVERS (11D. Take-home?) include ASTERISK (39D. Record follower, at times), EACHTIME (10D. On every single occasion); TEARSINTO (34D. Lambastes); followed in length by five-letter entries, alphabetically -- ARIAS (64A. “Mi chiamano Mimi” and others); DENTS (52A. List in an insurance report, maybe); DOMES (18A. Yosemite rock features); GUSTO (40A. Elan); KEELS (8D. Falls [over]); LIVID (29A. Infuriated); METRO (67A. Big city newspaper desk); ORION (2D. Night sky feature); OSTER (47A. Kitchen gadget brand); PESTO (28D. Penne topper); SCORE (3D. Get the point?); SEATO (24A. Intl. org. dismantled in 1977); STARK (55D. Desolate); STREP (25A. Penicillin target); TUTEE (54D. Socratic student).

Extras: AEON, ALTA, ARCO, ARTS (63A. Big area of philanthropy, with “the“), ASEA, BIER, BOSC, DATE, DORM, EDUC, ERAT, FADE, GALA, HDTV (21A. Modern show shower), IRAS, ISLA, LIMN, MOOS, NEDS, ODOR (6D. Repute), OMIT, ONS, PACE, PIT, RIGA, RIOS, SEEK, SOSO, SSE, TAI.

Here’s the final cut!

-----------------

For today’s cartoons, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.

“All right Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up!“ Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond, “Sunset Boulevard”, 1950

Click on image to enlarge.

Puzzle available on the internet at

THE NEW YORK TIMES -- Crossword Puzzles and Games

If you subscribe to home delivery of The New York Times you are eligible to access the daily crossword via The New York Times - Times Reader, without additional charge, as part of your home delivery subscription.
Xword information -- Across: 1. Fruit variety with a sweet-spiced flavor; 10. Patron saint of sailors; 14. ____ Arena (Kings’ home); 16. Geological range; 17. Uruguay and Paraguay; 32. Outdoor cooking spot; 38. Having shipped out; 41. “In principio ___ Verbum”; 62. B.C. neighbor; 65. Resting place; 68. Car radio mode. Down: 5. Wane; 7. Represent by drawing; 12. Calls to farmers; 13. Carry-___; 22. Certain ballroom event; 26. European capital; 27. Cabinet dept.; 32. A sergeant might ask soldiers to pick it up; 33. Espanola, for one; 44. ___ Point Lighthouse, Massachusetts landmark since 1838; 56. R.A.’s place; 57. Rule out; 59. Blah; 60. James Cavell’s “___-Pan”.

10.29.08 -- Say What?

Abandoned tile silo outside Edwardsville, Illinois

-----------------

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Puzzle by Steven L. Zisser, edited by Will Shortz

Today’s wisp of interrelated entries is constituted by the rhyming of homophonic clues, or something like that -- shower, bowers, towers, flower -- PLANETARIUM (16A. Meteor shower); FIDDLEPLAYERS (22A. Country bowers); TEAMSOFHORSES (46A. Farm towers); AMAZONRIVER (56A. South American flower). The probable intent is confusion -- you know, silos, flora, shelter and debris from the heavens.

Other long entries include ARMENIAN (38A. Georgian’s neighbor); BARNEYS (26A. Fife and Frank); DARKEST (44A. Most dismal); HALFMAST (36D. Flag’s position, at times); LIFESAVER (31D. Holey confection); MAINPART (7D. Lead role); MINTING (4D. Moneymaking activity); SKEWING (42D. Presenting unfairly); STAFFROOM (3D. Schoolteachers’ break area); WRESTLED (30A. Fought).

Five-letter entries -- AGREE (64A. What subjects and verbs should do), AERIE, ASFOR, ASTIN, AUTRY, CANOE, CHATS, COSMO, DONOR, EQUAL, HAZES, INERT, OLOGY, RAWLS, READE, SPOOR, TACOS, TASER, TERNS (12D. Fork-tailed fliers).

Four-letter -- AILS, ALAR, AMER, AQUA, ARON, BOLA, CAPS, DART, EMMA, EROS, ERTE, GERE, IWIN, LIES, 51A. “Look MANO hands!”, MEAL, MOON, MYST, OSLO, SOFT, TIDY, WAGE (52A. It may be minimum).

Three-letter -- ALS, APE, ARS, ATM, CST, CUT, DEY, EDU, IRA, LAO, MAE, NOR, OAR, ONE, REM, RIA, SLY, WAN (30D. Hardly ruddy).

That’s it -- CIAO (35D. “Ta-ta!”).

-----------------

For today’s cartoon, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.

Click on image to enlarge.

Puzzle available on the internet at

THE NEW YORK TIMES -- Crossword Puzzles and Games

If you subscribe to home delivery of The New York Times you are eligible to access the daily crossword via The New York Times - Times Reader, without additional charge, as part of your home delivery subscription.
Xword information -- Across: 1. Jerry’s sitcom neighbor; 6. Part of C.S.A.: Abbr.; 10. Winter hrs. in St. Louis; 13. John who played Gomez Addams; 14. The Cloister and the Hearth” novelist; 15. Pal of Tarzan; 19. Low on the Mohs scale; 20. “Bingo!”; 21. In romance poetry, a frequent rhyme for June; 28. Languishes; 29. Suffix with reflex; 34. Southeast Asian; 35. Online activities; 37. Org. in “Michael Collins”; 41. In reference to; 43. Square thing; 50. Shade at a swimming pool; 52. It may be minimum; 55. Paste’s partner; 59. Trireme tool; 60. Police weapon; 61. Like krypton; 62. Like some grins; 63. Last team managed by Casey Stengel. Down: 1. Play ammo; 2. Capital of 18-Across; 5. 1969 Three Dog Night hit; 6. Falcon’s home; 8. School’s Web suffix; 9. Band with the 1993 hit “Man on the Moon”; 10. Lake rental, maybe; 11. Animal’s trail; 14. “Lady Love” singer Lou; 17. Like Felix Unger’s room; 21. Computer game set on an island; 23. Susan of “L.A. Law”; 24. Link positions; 25. Bundy and Kaline; 26. Gaucho’s weapon; 27. Wing-shaped; 32. Lustful god; 33. Blowgun ammo; 39. Actress Samms; 40. Super ___ (Old game product); 41. Companion of scientia; 44. Blood drive attendee; 45. Schonberg’s “Moses und ___”; 46. Glen Bell’s fast food; 47. Add up to; 48. Cowboy who rode Champion; 40. Initiates cruelly; 53. Richard of “Bee Season”; 54. One-named artist; 56. Convenience store convenience; 57. Al Capp’s Daisy ___; 58. Narrow inlet.

10.28.08 -- DANCING

Summer Dance, Intermission, by Keith Holmes

-----------------

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Puzzle by Allan E. Parrish, edited by Will Shortz

DANCING (38A. Activity exemplified in the ‘60s by the ends of 17-, 28-, 48- and 64-Across), together with OLIVERTWIST (17A. Dickens lad); SHETLANDPONY(28A. Small equine); CLEANANDJERK (48A. Weightlifter’s lift); BRASSMONKEY (64A. Rum/vodka cocktail) are the interrelated entries of this Tuesday crossword.

Other long entries include six of nine letters each in two sets of three, upper right and lower left -- TEARSOPEN (11D. Unwraps in a hurry); ELIMINATE (12D. Rule out); TOMSNYDER (13D. “The Tomorrow Show” host) -- ELECTIVES (32D. Nonrequired courses); NETLOSSES (33D. Red ink entries); TOTEMPOLE (34D. Indian carving).

Mid-size entries include AFTER (6A. In pursuit of); ASNER (46A. Grant portrayer on TV); ATTEST (6D. Swear to); ECLAT (71a. Showy display); ELYSE (56D. “Family Ties” mother); ENIAC (3D. Computer that debuted in 1946); 32A. ENTRE nous; EOSIN (26A. Red dye); EXCISES (23A. Takes out surgically); EXPARTE (53A. From one side only, in law); FREES (69A. Lets loose); 2D. Double HELIX (DNA structure); HELMET (21A. Motorcyclist’s wear); HENIE (14A. Skater-turned-actress Sonja); LOTTE (68A. Singer/actress Lenya); LUCID (29D. Readily comprehended); MINETA (58A. Norman of the Clinton and Bush cabinets); NIMBLE (49D. Hardly clumsy); RAKES (54D. Landscapers’ tools); ROTTED (10D. Went bad); SHELF (1A. Place for a dictionary); SHOVE (1D. Action on a crowded subway); TASTE (72A. Take a sip of); TOMEI (52A. Oscar winner Marisa); TORSO (15A. Sculpted figure); TWEET (55D. Call from a nest).

Fill: AIM and AMI, AVA, AWL, EEL and ELO, ESSA and ESTA, ETE and ETTU, EXAM, FEE, FOWL, GARP, IROC, ISP and ISR, LEO, LIV, NAN and NIN, NATL, NRA, OFT, OPS, TET, RHEE, RMS, SHED, SKA, SPAD, SSE, TRIM, UAE, UMA, VIA and VII.

Dance anyone?

------------------

For today’s cartoons, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.

Click on image to enlarge.

Puzzle available on the internet at

THE NEW YORK TIMES -- Crossword Puzzles and Games

If you subscribe to home delivery of The New York Times you are eligible to access the daily crossword via The New York Times - Times Reader, without additional charge, as part of your home delivery subscription.
Xword information -- Across: 11. Asian holiday; 16. “Xanadu” band, to fans; 19. Align the cross hairs; 20. Itinerary word; 22. Rental ad abbr.; 35. Thurman of “Gattaca”; 36. W.W. I fighter plane; 37. MGM’s lion; 42. Summer, in Sevres; 43. Caesarean rebuke; 45. Last article in the Constitution; 57. AOL, e.g., for short; 62. Hole-making tool; 63. Brandy label letters; 67. Wriggly fish; 70. NNW’s opposite. Down: 4. Actress Tyler; 7. Poultry; 8. Far from pudgy; 9. Latin 101 verb; 18. South Korea’s first president Syngman ___; 24. Mount Carmel’s locale: Abbr.; 25. Lawn mower’s spot; 27. Photo ___ (media events); 30. “What a good boy ___!”; 31. Bert Bobbsey’s twin sister; 39. Frank Sinatra’s wife before Mia; 40. “Collages” novelist; 41. “The World According to ___”; 44. Oil-rich land: Abbr.; 47. Jamaican music; 51. Proctored event; 59. ___-Z (zippy Camaro); 60. N.L.R.B. part: Abbr.; 61. “Como ___ usted?”; 65. Frequently, to bards; 66. New Deal inits.

10.27.08 -- SPIN

Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr, The King and I, 1956

-----------------

Monday, October 27, 2008

Puzzle by Andrea Carla Michaels and Michael Blake, edited by Will Shortz

SPIN (55D. Twirl … or a cryptic hint to 20-, 36- and 51-Across) is a “clue” to put an SP “in” front of ray of sunshine, ace of diamonds, and utter nonsense with the resulting SPRAYOFSUNSHINE (20A. Aerosol tanning?); SPACEOFDIAMONDS (36A. Tiffany showroom?); and SPUTTERNONSENSE (51A. Babble incoherently?). Incidentally, this Sunday’s crossword featured the addition of ST to eight long entries.

A quick, uh, spin around the crossword on this back-to-work Monday finds quite a few familiar entries and clues; however ONCREDIT (39D. By deferred payment), which may bring a wince, and ATLANTIC (4D. Europe/America separator, with “the”) are the lone two of any length.

GUSHES (10D. Spews, as lava) seems a good entry to lead off the six-letter group which includes the phonetic pair of BEATLE (25A. John, Paul, George or Ringo) and BITTER (43D. Not sweet), along with two authors, CAPOTE (5D. Truman who wrote “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”) and ERNEST (44D. Author Hemingway), and rounded out with EXCESS (44A. Overindulgence).

A quick alphabetical round-up of five-letter entries produces a disparate denizen -- ABAFT (6D. Sternward); ABATE (15A. Subside); AESOP (24A. Fable writer); AIRER (49A. Broadcaster); ANTIS (11D. Those voting nay); ASPEN (46D. Colorado resort); ASPIC (46A. Molded jelly); CAGED (5A. Like animals in a zoo); DEPOT (41A. Railroad station); EDICT (37D. Proclamation); GASSY (7D Bloated, as the stomach); IOWAN (50D. Des Moines native); 61A. Pesos : Mexico :: LIRAS : Turkey; LOEWE (58A. Lerner’s partner for “Camelot); NUTTY (23A. Daft); PASTA (18A. Rigatoni or spaghetti); PIANO (12D. Instrument for Rachmaninoff); PURSE (48D. Derby prize); SABRE (31A. Buffalo hockey player); SALEM (22D. 1690s Massachusetts witch hunt locale); SLANT (64A. Bias); SPELL (47D. Participate in a bee); STREP (13D. Throat ailment); and the clumsily interconnected END (40A. With “of” plus 49-Down, momentous time) ANERA (49D. See 40-Across).

Three- and four-letter -- ADO; ASPS, ASTI, ATAD, BASE, BIRD, DEAN, DOPE, EARL, EENY, ELLS and ELSE, ESPN, the champion of crossword quotes “ETTU, Brute?”, GAPS, GARR, IMIN, IDAS, IRA, KIA, KNEE, LEAP and NEAP and NEAT, NLER, NOMO, OBIT, OER, OILS, OLGA, ONES, PERT, ROIL, SFPD, STAR, TONY, UNIT, XES, and the ever-popular YUL (21D. Brynner who starred in “The King and I”) taking Deborah for a SPIN!

-----------------

For today’s cartoon, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.

Click on image to enlarge.

Puzzle available on the internet at

THE NEW YORK TIMES -- Crossword Puzzles and Games

Xword information -- Across: 1. Korbut who was a sensation at the 1972 Olympics; 10. Fissures; 14. Tidy; 16. ___ of measure; 17. Husband of a countess; 19. Something to wish upon; 28. Traditional paintings; 30. ___ Spumante; 33. Korean automaker; 42. ___ tide; 43. Tweety ___ of Warner Bros. cartoons; 57. Sassy; 59. Inside info; 60. Otherwise; 62. Poker declaration; 63. Dodge or Met, for short; 65. Theater award. Down: 1. Change for a five; 2. Jump; 3. Teri of “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”; 9. College official; 25. First, second, third or home; 26. “Monday Night Football” channel; 27. Not much; 28. Death notice, for short; 31. Real-life org. seen in “Bullitt”; 32. “Much ___ About Nothing”; 33. Midleg joint; 34. Actress Lupino and others; 35. Egyptian snakes; 38. “___ the land of the free…”; 45. Illiterates’ marks; 52. Building additions; 53. Stir up, as the waters; 54. Baseball’s Hideo; 56. Start of a counting-out rhyme.

10.26.08 -- In Search of the Nightmare -- the Acrostic

The Nightmare, Henry Fuseli, 1781

-----------------

Sunday, October 26, 2008

ACROSTIC by Emily Cox & Henry Rathvon

A Brief History of Anxiety...Yours and Mine, by Patricia Pearson, provides the quotation for today’s acrostic. In full:

“Given my druthers, I would prefer not to be afraid of the following: phone bills, ovarian cancer, black bears, climate change, walking on golf courses at night, being blundered into by winged insects unseemly heights, running out of gas, having the mole on my back that I can feel, but not see, secretly morph into a malignant melanoma. Plus, flying. This is a big problem. Also, on occasion, the prospect that the super volcano underlying Yosemite National Park will erupt and kill us all. Certainly, in addition, unexpected liver failure. And cows. Also, but only occasionally, when I’m really over the edge with anxiety, the fear that the car I’m driving will simply explode.”

That’s a tall list of things of which to not be fearful, so naturally, the quotation as it appears in today’s acrostic is terse and more tense, but just as terrific!

The quotation: I WOULD PREFER NOT TO BE AFRAID OF PHONE BILLS BLACK BEARS CLIMATE CHANGE HEIGHTS FLYING THE PROSPECT THAT THE SUPERVOLCANO UNDERLYING YOSEMITE WILL ERUPT AND KILL US AND THAT THE CAR IM DRIVING WILL SIMPLY EXPLODE.

The author’s name and the title of the work: PEARSON HISTORY OF ANXIETY

The defined words: PLANE (A. Locale of snakes in a 2006 thriller); EVILTWIN (B. Sinister sort of doppelgänger [2 wds.]); APLOMB (C. Poise in the face of adversity); RISK (D. Board game released in 1957 as La Conquête du Monde); SHELLEY (E. Frankenstein’s creator); OVERWHELM (F. Render helpless by sheer force); NIGHTMARE (G. Painting by Henry Fuseli [1741-1825], featuring a Word I., with “The”); HIPPOGRIFF (H. Monster with an eagle’s head and a horse’s body); INCUBUS (I. Demon that preys on the unconscious); STEPHENKING (J. Winner of a 2002 Bram Stoker Award for lifetime achievement [2 wds.]); TRAUMATIC (K. Leaving the psyche shaken); OCTET (L. Brubeck group that played “Schizophrenic Scherzo”); RATTLED (M. Given a pretty good scare); YELLOW (N. Like a scaredy-cat); ODDBALL (O. Geek, weirdo, crackpot, flake); FRIGHTFUL (P. Spooky; horrible; extreme); ANGSTRIDDEN (Q. Perpetually beset with worries [hyph.]); NECROPOLIS (R. Ancient burial ground); XENOPHOBE (S. One fearful of strangers or foreigners); ICARUS (T. Mythical figure who rose and fell); EYEPATCH (U. Accessory for a pirate costume); TALLTALE (V. Account not to be believed [2 wds.]); YIDDISH (W. Language from which “golem” comes).

With its phobias, psychoses, paranoia and monsters, this acrostic is delightfully in tune with the season!

Uh, about that supervolcano underlying Yosemite!…try Yellowstone!

Click here for fear!!!

Roger Delivering Angelica by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, painted 1819, portrays the scene from “Orlando furioso” in which Roger, mounted on a hippogriff, rescues Angelique.

Click on image to enlarge.

Puzzle available on the internet at

THE NEW YORK TIMES -- Crossword Puzzles and Games

10.26.08 -- All Saint's Day

Sunday, October 26, 2008

ALL SAINT’S DAY, Puzzle by Daniel C. Bryant, edited by Will Shortz

Other than an abbreviated nod to All Saints Day' in the form of the inclusion of eight entries which contain an ST, resulting in a change of a standard phrase or whatever into a kooky one accompanied by a justifying clue, this crossword is otherwise fairly standard Sunday material.

In exchange for exchange of rings, holy roller, one-armed bandits, ultraviolet rays, goes all out, where the boys are, put on airs, and arch enemy are EXCHANGE OF STRINGS (23A. Switch in an orchestra section?); HOLY STROLLER (40A. Pilgrim?); STONE ARMED BANDITS (57A. Neolithic outlaws?); ULTRAVIOLET STRAYS (77A. Invisible lost dogs?); GOES ALL STOUT (96A. Gets fat?); WHERE THEBOYS STARE (115A. Go-go club?); PUT ON STAIRS (16D. Add new connections between floors?); and STARCH ENEMY (70D. Dieter?). St-st-st-st-st-st-st-stutter, anyone?

Across: 1. Titles are often put in it: Abbr.; 5. Scarlett O’Hara, e.g.; 10. Like Arnold Schoenberg’s music; 16. 1990 Literature Nobelist Octavio PAZ; 19. Singer Winans; 20. Certain bulb; 21. Smooth and shiny; 22. Actress Thurman; 26. “Take the filly in the fifth,” e.g.; 27. Pressing need?; 28. Union member since 1896; 29. Wise men; 31. Emmy category; 34. You can make one for yourself; 37. North Carolina university; 38. Negative north of England; 45. 86-Across’s alma mater: Abbr.; 48. Got cozy together; 50. Beau IDEAL; 51. Scare off; 52. Stumble ONTO; 53. Kipling’s “Follow Me OME”; 54. Came about; 56. Something near many a checkout line; 63. Bank offering, for short; 64. Beckett’s “Endgame: APLAY in One Act”; 65. Crazy Legs Hirsch of the early N.F.L.; 66. Parented; 68. How dastards speak; 71. Rabbit’s home, maybe; 72. Major-league manager Tony; 73. Be Circe-like; 74. Alfred E. Neuman visages; 75. Cut; 76. Sch. Group; 83. Sheet music. Abbr.; 84. Do some tune-up work on; 85. First Shia imam; 86. Gen. Robt. ELEE; 87. Swag; 89. Photo files, in computer lingo; 92. Signifying; 95. Internet initialism; 98. Org. for 86-Across; 99. Composer Dohnányi; 101. Blackthorn; 102. Author Zora NEALE Hurston; 104. African national founder Jomo KENYATTA; 111. Traditional symbol of friendship; 114. Traditional symbol of friendship; 114. Devon river; 120. Turn down; 121. Hero pilot; 122. Result of some sandbagging; 123. Whistler’s whistle, maybe; 124. Trough site; 125. Key of Bach’s best-known Mass; 126. J.F.K.’s “Why England SLEPT”; 127. They ring in a ring.

Down: 1. Clinches; 2. Bible reading; 3. Let win; 4. Franz who composed “You Are My Heart’s Delight”; 5. French approval; 6. Part of E.S.L.: Abbr.; 7. Stead; 8. Spoils; 9. ENFANT terrible; 10. Bermuda hrs.; 11. Swab; 12. Milo’s title partner in a 1989 film; 13. El NINO; 14. One opening up a can of worms?; 15. Everyday disinfectant; 17. Whitaker played him in a 2006 film; 18. Nukes; 24. Menotti role for a boy soprano; 25. Actress Belafonte; 30. Pout; 32. Curly conker; 33. “The Naked and the Dead” star, 1958; 35. All the rage; 38. Longtime D.C. delegate to Congress ELEANOR Holmes Norton; 38. PX users; 39. Spider-Man’s AUNT May; 41. “Delish!”; 42. Graf SPEE; 43. Loaded with fat; 44. “The Time Machine” people; 46. Distances in Canada; 47. Force in the ocean; 49. Costume designer Danilo DONATI; 51. Another name for 28-Across; 55. Soda fountain supply; 58. Gourmet; 59. Gene variant; 60. Word origin: Abbr.; 61. Crepes; 62. Kid’s comeback; 67. Meadows of comedy; 68. Certain Himalayan; 69. Anatomical cavity; 71. Needing a lift?; 72. Reveal to, as a secret; 74. Grouse; 75. Serf; 78. W.W. II Axis leader; 79. Leman and others; 80. American suffragist honored with a 1995 stamp; 81. Desires; 82. Genesis creator; 88. Cowboy actor Calhoun; 90. Jug capacity: Abbr.; 91. A deadly sin; 93. Saturn S.U.V.; 94. Les ETATS-Unis; 96. Cry upon an arrest; 97. Is honest (with); 100. Old Indian V.I.P.; 103. Numbers game; 104. Some sneakers; 105. Way out; TERI Polo of “Meet the Fockers”; 107. Galway Bay’s ARAN Islands; 109. Explorer Tasman of Tasmania fame; 110. Messenger of Noah; 112. “Rule, Britannia” composer; 113. Sleep indicators; 116. “Baudolino” author; 117. Thrice, in Rx’s; 119. Collector’s goal.

Well, s-s-s-s-s-s-s-saints alive -- is that it? YEP (118D. “You betcha”)!

------------------

For today’s cartoon, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.

Click on image to enlarge.

Puzzle available on the internet at

THE NEW YORK TIMES -- Crossword Puzzles and Games

10.25.08 -- Are We Alone?

Whisper, Mandaly Louis-Charles

------------------

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Puzzle by Karen M. Tracey, edited by Will Shortz

An AFICIONADO (11D. Buff) of who’s who crosswords might take well to this Saturday puzzle -- ARSENE (42D. Sherlock’s French counterpart); BLEDEL (7D. “Gilmore Girls” co-star Alexis); CHEGUEVARA (41A. “Guerrilla Warfare” author, 1961); ESSIE (30D. Davis who played Maggie in two “Matrix” movies); ILIA (24A. Princess in Mozart’s “Idomeneo”); IRENEADLER (14A. Opera singer created by Arthur Conan Doyle); JABBA (5A. Captor of Han Solo); JAMESJOYCE (5D. Writer of the 1918 play “Exiles”); KRAUSE (32D. “Six Feet Under” star Peter); LIAT (46D. Joe’s love interest in “South Pacific”); 43A. Jazzman MOSE Allison; RONA (50D. First name in Hollywood gossip); SHERA (59A. He-Man’s twin sister); TARAREID (19A. Player of Danni Sullivan on “Scrubs”); TUPAC (25D. First name in rap).

Other long entries -- AREWEALONE (54A. Conspirator’s cautious conversation starter); CIRCUMVENT (17A. Bypass); EARTHSHINE (26D. Faint illumination of the moon’s dark side); JACKANAPES (12D. Whippersnapper); JELLYSTONE (28A. Park in Ranger Smith’s charge); SANANTONIO (57A. Home of Our Lady of the Lake University); YERBABUENA (29D. Trailing evergreen related to savory).

Mid-size -- ADVISES (6D. Steers); ARABLE (45A. Not too rocky, say); ATTRACT (37A. Exert some pull); BASALTIC (10D. Like some lava); ENCAMP (4D. Bivouac); IRAQWAR (39D. Tony Blair advocated it); LISTEN (21D. Obey); MOSSES (22A. They may cover rocks); ORGANIST (35D. One may play at a ballpark); PRIORY (34A. Religious house); RECAPS (36A. They lack details); RETINAS (33A. Cone holders); SLACKS (20A. Cords, e.g.); SQUIRREL (49A. Brunswick stew ingredient).

Short stuff -- AFAR, ARIA, ARKS and ARTS, BAJA, BEN, CCUP (47D. Measure of support?), CITI, DEI, ENID, EURO, IBN, KOS, LASS, PATE; PEST, PICT, RAH, SICK, SLR, SRAS, TADS, TERP and TERR, TVA, UAE, UNES and a couple of LEOS (52D. Bill Clinton and Arnold Schwarzenegger, to the stars?).

Is there someone else?

------------------

For today’s cartoon, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.

Click on image to enlarge.

Puzzle available on the internet at

THE NEW YORK TIMES -- Crossword Puzzles and Games

Xword information -- Across: 1. Spread choice; 10. ___ 1000, annual Mexican off-road race; 16. Well out of range; 18. Twisted; 25. College Park player, briefly; 31. Trucial States, today: Abbr.; 32. Decks; 39. Generational indicator in some names; 40. “Ad majorem ___ gloriam” (Jesuit motto); 44. Many Mexicanas: Abbr.; 53. Bank opening?; 56. French “some,” with “les”; 58. Starling, e.g. Down: 1. Roman’s foe of yore; 2. 24-Across’s “Zeffiretti lusinghieri,” e.g.; 3. Apt. amenity; 8. Big ___; 9. They may be patronized; 13. Refuges; 23. Professional shooter, briefly; 38. Knoxville-based org.; 48. Sweetheart; 51. Vance Air Force Base locale; 55. Sound from a bowl.

10.24.08 -- You and I

Between You and I, Anthony McCall

-----------------

Friday, October 24, 2008

Puzzle by Frederick J. Healy, edited by Will Shortz

You and I are confronted today by four challenging corners with three ten-letter entries each, the main feature of this Friday crossword. Upper left across: JULIACHILD (1. Subject of the 1989 musical monologue “Bon Appétit!”); IRONMAIDEN (15. Old torturer); MICRONESIA (17. Country whose capital is Palikir). Upper right down: AMERICANME (12D. 1992 film directed by and starring Edward James Olmos); KARLMALDEN (13. Warden player in “Birdman of Alcatraz”); STREAMLINE (14. Simplify). Lower right down: HOTTAMALES (27. Sexy numbers); EXHILARATE (28. Send); SLEEPERCAR (29. Berth place). Lower right across: ONECALORIE (60. It’s easy to burn); DEADRINGER (65. Twin); STRIKEZONE (67. Thing to swing from).

Who is that?: In addition to Julia Child, Karl Malden, Edward James Olmos, hot tamales and a dead ringer, this puzzle gives us a bevy of personages, real and unreal -- SATAN (11D. Bad lover?) and AMOUR (5D. Reason for a tryst); TINYTOT (25D. One taking a first step), a TIO (32D. Cancun kinsman) and SIBS (30D. Young rivals, often). ANNIEHALL (36A. Oscar winner after “Rocky”) and a BEATNIK (23D. Unconventional sort).

Who else?: There’s a ROBOT (22A. Worker that never gets tired) to keep the iron maiden company, and a CANTOR (6D. One whose lead is followed in the service) for the congregation which also includes -- FONZ (55D. Sitcom guy with a frequently upturned thumb, with “the”); KATEY (50A. “Married … With Children” actress Sagal); MAEVE (48A. Novelist Binchy); the PEALES (35D. Family of 18th- and 19th-century painters); PRMEN (43A. Guys who make people look good); URIS (2D. “O’Hara’s Choice” novelist, 2003); and a YALIE (51D. Supporter of the mascot Handsome Dan) -- more company? -- there’s SAKS (11A. Gimbel contemporary); SEARLE (20A. Company that developed NutraSweet); HESS (27A. Big name in oil); TODS (53D. High-end shoe and handbag maker).

What‘s left?: ANIMA (26A. Jung’s feminine side); ASKOUT (19A. Start to court); THEBEST (38A. Tops); EASEUP (21D. Fall off); LAIDON (45A. Applied, as paint); NEWARK (46D. Home of the University of Delaware); OXLIP (34A. Yellow primrose); TIESAKNOT (41A. Does some macramé work); and VESTA (49D. Third-largest asteroid).

The short stuff: ALP, AMAT, CAM, CDI, DNAS (10D. Strands of biology), EAR (62D. A hoop may be attached to it), ERGO, ETAT, HIE, IDS, INRO, JIMA, LACS, LEI (10D. Strand on an island?), LOCK, MENE, NET (61D. It‘s attached to a hoop), ODA, OMN, RIEN, SERA and SERE, SKA, TERR.

A puzzle with plenty of company, including YOUANDI (40A. We)!

-----------------

For today’s cartoon, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.

Click on image to enlarge.

Puzzle available on the internet at

THE NEW YORK TIMES -- Crossword Puzzles and Games

Xword information -- Across: 16. Latin trio member; 18. Union member of the future: Abbr.; 33. Spying aid; 44. View from the Arlberg Pass; 47. Bit of biblical graffiti; 59. Geneve and others; 64. Target of un coup; 66. Evening for Evangelo. Down: 1. Chichi-___ (largest of Japan’s Bonin Islands); 3. Sure winner; 4. Obi accessory; 7. Rush; 8. Some bracelets; 24. Every, in prescriptions; 37. Vitiate; 39. Calypso relative; 56. Sum lead-in; 57. Zip around France?; 58. Sun-damaged; 63. Century-beginning year.