04.30.09 -- Paronomasia...

EMBALM (21D. Mummify)

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Thursday, April 30, 2009

Puzzle by Greg Kaiser and Steven Ginzburg, edited by Will Shortz

Crossword puzzles thrive on the pun, or paronomasia, a form of word play that deliberately exploits ambiguity between similar-sounding words for humorous or rhetorical effect from the intentional misuse of homophonical, homographical, homonymic, polysemic, metonymic, or metaphorical language.

CAPITAL OFFENSES (36A. Pun-crimes committed by the answers to the six starred clues?) is today's example along with KHARTOUM (15A. *Final resting place for old autos?); BAGHDAD (24A. *Father of the Ziploc?); TRIPOLI (49A. *Wide shoe specification?); NEW DELHI (63A. *Recently opened sandwich shop?); DUBLIN (2D. *Multiplying' by 2?); BEIRUT (48D. *Base of a fragrant tree?), resulting in car tomb, bag dad, eee, new deli, doublin' and bay root -- hey, no offense taken!

More geographics, sans paronomasia -- 56A. ASIA-Pacific; IDAHO (50D. Home of the Sawtooth Range); OKRA (6D. Food whose name comes from a language of West Africa); SIBERIA (14D. Home of the 2,700-mile-long Lena River); UBANGI (17A. Congo tributary).

Other long entries -- FANATIC (39D. Extremist); NO CARBS (29A. Extreme Atkins diet credo); PAN-ARAB (46A. Like Gamal Abdel Nasser's movement); RUMINANT (18A. Cow or goat); SPACE BAR (57A. Long key).

Mid-size -- AFRAME (34D. Simple building); ASSORT (47D. Categorize); BEAMED (20A. Showed joy, in a way); CIRRUS (64A. It's white and fleecy); COINOP (30D. Pinball machine, e.g.); DEAFTO (3D. Not heeding); EMBALM (21D. Mummify); GLIBLY (45D. With a silver tongue); HEFNER (25D. Original "Playboy"); INBORN (61A. Natural); MORALE (42A. Team esteem); ORIANA (33A. Author Fallaci); QUEUES (13A. Lines); SAMEAS (8D. Interchangeable with, with "the"); SARONG (43A. Island attire); SEEYOU (32A. "Ta-ta!").

Five-letter -- ADDLE (1A. Discombobulate); AQUAS (1D. Pool shades); BATTY (67A. Crackers); NOFEE (44D. Like many checking accounts); PANSY (53D. Violet variety); RIDGE (16D. First secretary of homeland security); SNOOP (31D. Listen in on); THUMB (7D. Big print maker).

Short stuff -- ABRA and ALFA, AONE, APAR, AWW, CDS, COST, DART, DEM, DUDS, DYES, EEG, ELAN, EMT, FEND, GRIN and GUN, LAWS, LUNA, MAN and MTN and MTGE, NIB, OPEN, OTS, PEA, PERI, SEP, SIT, SNL, TOA, YON.

No offense!

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Remaining clues -- Across: 6. Reasons some games run long: Abbr.; 9. You can get one on the house: Abbr.; 19. Preceder of bravo in a radio alphabet; 22. Canine command; 23. Person on the left?; Abbr.; 35. Repel, with "off"; 41. Like some primaries; 51. Work, as a battle station; 52. Wm. H. Taft was the only U.S. president born in this month; 65. Parts of codes; 66. Thataway. Down: 4. ___ moth; 9. Atlas abbr.; 10. ___ degree; 11. Rev; 12. R.N.'s colleague; 23. It has feathers and flies; 26. Reddens, maybe; 27. Tiptop; 28. Bombs; 36. Ooutlay; 37. On ____ with; 38. Actress Gilpin of "Frasier"; 40. Personal flair; 55. Sign of sheepishness; 56. Start of a magic incantation; 57. ___ Digital Short; 58. Bit of a stew; 59. "How cute!"; 60. Bank offerings, in brief; 62. Penpoint.

04.29.09 -- NINE to FIVE

Eternal Clock -- Shani

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Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Puzzle by Barry C. Silk, edited by Will Shortz

The interrelated entries for this mid-work-week crossword -- STANDARD WORK DAY (38A. Hint to the word ladder in the answers to the starred clues) -- NINE, TINE, TONE, TORE, SORE, SORT, FORT, FORE, FIRE, FIVE -- that’s right, nine to five!

The longer entries include ARTHOUSE (40D. Theater for niche audiences); ISTHMUS (45A. Canal site, maybe); NAPSTER (32A. Early MP3-sharing Web site); PEEVISH (47A. Showing irritation); SESSILE (29A. Permanently attached, in zoology); SPIRITED (11D. Full of energy); STTERESA (12D. “The Way of Perfection” writer); TESTFLEW (39D. Tried out at an Air Force base).

Six-letter entries -- ERASES (4D. Undoes); GALORE (26D. In profusion); HEXOSE (51D. Simple sugar); ILLINI (49D. “Fighting” athletes); INATIE (2D. How baseball games rarely end); LATEST (37A. Up-to-date); LOADUP (30D. Stockpile); NEESON (8D. “Kinsey” star, 2004); NOLESS (1D. At minimum); NOMANS (3D. Kind of land); PARTED (33D. Like some men’s hair); PERIOD (43A. “… and that’s final!”); SCENEV (50D. Part of an act, perhaps); SCOFFS (46D. Shows scorn); VOIDOF (48D. Lacking); WISDOM (24D. Solomon’s asset).

Five-letter -- ANNUL (7D. Undo); BROIL (54D. Range setting); CLUER (63A. Crossword maker or editor, at times); DOLCE (55A. Sweet, in Italy); EMPTY (16A. Recyclable item); OESTE (66A. Dirección sailed by Columbus); PASSE (9A. So last year); SINEW (23A. Strength); SMITE (19A. Strike down); SWEDE (69A. Dag Hammarskjöld, for one).

Other short stuff -- AMMO, ARTY, BRRR, COS, DINO, EDS, ERR, ETAS, EYE, ILEX, IRA (27A. Good name for an investment adviser?), LAMA, LION, LOG, NIH and NTH, PCB, PEST, OLAN, ONOR, ONES and ONUS, ORBS, OTTO, SEES, SLRS, SPIN, STK (34D. Nasdaq buy: Abbr.), TREE, WOP.

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The musical "9 to 5" opens on Broadway tomorrow, April 30th -- well, hello Dolly!

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Remaining clues -- Across: 5. “The Good Earth” heroine; 14. ___ about; 15. *Small part of a spork; 17. Prayer wheel user; 18. *Musical quality; 20. Cockpit announcements, briefly; 21. Milestone; 22. *Made tracks; 25. Cord unit; 27. Good name for an investment adviser?; 35. *Teed off; 44. *Put into piles; 52. Last in a series; 53. Toxic pollutant, for short; 56. *Locale in a western; 59. Many Christmas ornaments; 62. Holly; 64. *It may precede a stroke; 65. Rat Pack nickname; 67. *Ax; 68. Change components, often; 70. Some cameras, for short; 71. *End of a 38-Across. Down: 5. Camp Swampy dog; 6. Symbol of courage; 9. Orkin victim; 10. Survivalist’s stockpile; 13. Word after red or dead; 28. Pseudo-cultured; 31. Muff one; 36. Wynn and Harris; 38. Quick drive; 41. Medical research org.; 42. Doo- ___; 57. On Soc. Sec., say; 58. Trap, in a way; 60. Winter exclamation; 61. Goes with; 63. Orgs. With “Inc.” in their names.

04.28.09 -- Like...

Plato's Cave, Flemish School

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Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Puzzle by Matt Ginsberg, edited by Will Shortz

Today’s crossword features ONAPAR (55A. Like, with “with”) beneath SIMILES (51A. Theme of this puzzle) -- DEAF as a post, STRAIGHT as an arrow, NEAT as a pin, CUNNING as a fox, STRONG as an ox WISE as an owl, SICK as a dog, SLIPPERY as an eel, SOBER as a judge, DEAD as a doornail, HARD as a diamond, TIGHT as a drum, CLEAN as a whistle, THIN as a rail, CLEAR as a bell, HIGH as a kite, SOLID as a rock, and BLIND as a bat.

DULLNESS (10D. Tedium), ECLIPSED (38D. Overshadowed), RANPAST (45D. Told to in order to get an opinion) and SAPIENS (5D. Latin for 37-Across) are the remaining long entries.

Mid-size entries -- AARON (12D. Baseball All-Star every year from 1955 to 1975); APSES (32D. Cathedral recesses); ASHES (33A. Barbecue remnants); ATRIA (63A. Indoor trees may grow in them); BADGUY (9D. The Joker in Batman movies, e.g.) and CAPTOR 50D. Prisoner’s opposite); CLYDE (29A. Outlaw Barrow); ECOLI (11D. Gastroenteritis cause, maybe); FLING (13D. Impulsive indulgence); GAGES (21D. Light green plums); GALLON (22A. Jug capacity); ICERS (1A. They put the frosting on the cake); INUSE (52D. Busy); KENAI (40D. Alaskan peninsula where Seward is located); LOSER (47A. Bottom dog); MAGMA (53D. Volcanic buildup); PRIMP (17A. Fix the hair just so, say); ROMANO (4D. Italian cheese); SAMOA (14A. Pacific archipelago nation); SEALE (31A. Newton’s Black Panther Party co-founder); SERAPH (48D. Angelic figure); SNACK (42A. Some chips, maybe) along with the similarly clued NACHOS (49A. Some chips); SPEAK (39A. Command to a dog); TREND (69A. The way things are going).

Short stuff -- AHA and ANDA, ASTI, BANA, CART, ECHO, EMIR, ERBE, GHI, GIRD, KOLA (43D. Nut for caffeine?), INGA, ISME, ISPS, LORI, LUGS, MGR, ONIT, PEEN, RASA, RIEN, SAWS, SEA, SKIS, STER, TOMB (6A. Grant‘s is in New York), UCAL, YARD.

Why am I thinking Plato’s Metaphor of the Cave?

I‘m puzzled! Ah, well, for an adaptation of Plato's Allegory, in Clay, go HERE.

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Remaining clues -- Across: 1. 6A. Grant’s is in New York; 15. “Young Frankenstein” role; 16. Golden State sch.; 18. Bind with a band; 19. Actress Singer of “Footloose”; 30. “Bingo!”; 46. 4 on a telephone; 54. Eric who played 2003’s Hulk; 60. Chowderheads; 61. Sparkling wine locale; 64. Words after “woe”; 65. One end of a hammer. Down: 1. AOL and others; 2. Auto denter in a supermarket parking lot; 3. Leader in a robe; 7. Doing the job; 8. Apartment bldg. V.I.P.; 23. Lawrence Welk’s “one”/”two” connector; 26. Fellers in the woods?; 28. Literally, “scraped”; 35. Repetitive reply; 36. Nordic runners; 43. Nut for caffeine?; 56. Suffix with pun; 57. Kathryn of “Law & Order: Criminal Intent”; 58. It means nothing to Sarkozy; 59. Area within a picket fence, say; 62. Pirate’s realm.

04.27.09 -- On the Job

Monday, April 27, 2009

Puzzle by Joe Krozel, edited by Will Shortz

DORA THE EXPLORER (24A. Animated TV character whose best friend is Boots), JOE THE PLUMBER (2008 campaign personality) and ROSIE THE RIVETER (50A. Norman Rockwell painting subject of W.W. II) are the interrelated entries of this back-to-work Monday crossword.

FREE RIDE (11D. Something for nothing, as what a hitchhiker seeks), HUSH HUSH (5D. Top-secret), ONE SLICE (36D. Minimum pizza order) and UNTITLED (38D. Like the Beatles’ White Album) are the other long entries.

Six-letter entries include ANCHOR (2D. Katie Couric, for one); ARTERY (49D. Vein’s counterpart); ATHOME (47. Comfortable with); ATKINS (44D. Diet doctor); BEMINE (22A. Valentine candy message); CHINUP (45D. “Don’t let it get you down!”); LEAPIN (48D. Go right at it, as work); LOCKIN (54A. Fix permanently, as an interest rate); MUSTDO (1D. High-priority item); STARRY (3D. Like the night sky); STOMPS (9D. Leaves in a huff, with “out”; THRESH (20A. Separate grains from wheat, e.g.); TINHAT (55A. Helmet from W.W. I or W.W. II); UPNEXT (8D. Coming immediately after, as on TV).

Five-letter -- ENDED (53D. Kaput); 52D. ENTRE nous (between us); ETHNO (10D. Prefix with -centric); HENCE (41A. As a result); HUMUS (5A. Rich soil component); INTEL (58A. Semiconductor giant); IONIC (51D. Kind of column, in architecture); KASEM (32A. Casey of “American Top 40”); KOREA (4D. Seoul’s home); MAYBE (7D. Answer that’s between yes and no); MCDVI (39D. The year 1406); NURSE (62A. Hospital attendant); SAYNO (18A. Refuse a request); SPEED (65A. Velocity); STPAT (21D. March 17 honoree, for short); UNAPT (15A. Not appropriate).

Short stuff -- ABE and ADE and ADEN, ALA, DECI, DENY, DOPE, EFOR, EMIR, ESE, ETD, EPEE, EXEC, EWER, HAR, HELD, HUNG, IDE and ILE, ISIN, IWO, JUDO, KEG, LEER, MASK, MPH, OIL, ORY, PUP, ROD and RON, SAC and SEC and SEX, SCAR, TRIO, TSE, UNA and UNTO.

Have a good week!

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Remaining clues --Across: 1. Part of a Halloween costume; 10. Get an ___ effort; 14. “Do ___ others as … “; 16. Duo plus one; 17. Mark left from an injury; 19. Detained; 28. Suffix with access; 29. Young dog or seal; 30. China’s Mao ___ - tung; 31. ___ Jima; 34. Main port of Yemen; 40. Like paintings and some juries; 42. Fruity cooler; 43. Animal pouch; 46. Plane takeoff guess: Abbr.; 47. Chicken ___ king; 56. “Beauty ___ the eye …”; 60. Idiot; 61. Tenth: Prefix; 63. Kuwaiti leader; 64. Business V.I.P.; 66. Say “No, I didn’t”. Down: 6. Italian article; 12. OPEC product; 13. Fishing pole; 23. ___ de France; 25. Sword of sport; 26. Fancy pitcher; 27. Politico ___ Paul; 32. Beer blast centerpiece; 33. Measure of a car’s 65-Across: Abbr.; 34. Lincoln, informally; 35. Cousin of karate; 37. Lusty look; 40. Part of a guffaw; 43. 1/60 of a min.; 56. Suffix with chlor-; 57. It sells in advertising, they say; 59. 180 degrees from WNW.

04.26.09 -- Central Park in the Dark -- the Acrostic

Winter Night, Central Park Lake #3, 2008, Lisa Breslow

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Sunday, April 26, 2009

ACROSTIC, Puzzle by Emily Cox & Henry Rathvon, edited by Will Shortz

This Sunday's delightful acrostic draws from a very fine work by Marie Winn, Central Park in the Dark.

Lurking in the woods of Central Park with a like-minded cohort, Winn invites passing strangers to peer through her binoculars at sleeping birds and proudly supplies the names of moths that alight on a bed sheet illuminated by black light: “We were showing off a bit of course, but our urge to include others had a deeper reason: we were in on an amazing secret, and we couldn’t bear to keep it to ourselves.” -- The New York Times Sunday Book Review by Elizabeth Royte, June 22, 2008

The quotation: AT CERTAIN TIMES OF YEAR YOULL FIND HUNDREDS OF CUCKOOS KINGLETS AND GROSBEAKS YOULL FIND RACCOONS WANDERING AND BULLFROGS CROAKING AND IF YOURE LUCKY YOU MIGHT COME UPON A SILVER-HAIRED BAT DOZING IN THE LEAF LITTER

The author’s name and the title of the work: WINN CENTRAL PARK IN THE DARK

The defined words: A. Bird whose courting flight spirals up, then nosedives, WOODCOCK; B. Any recipient of a Lemelson-M.I.T. Prize, INVENTOR; C. Aura surrounding a glamorous person, NIMBUS; D. Like moths and grizzly bears, generally, NOCTURNAL; E. River crossed by the Longfellow Bridge, CHARLES; F. The study of animal behavior, ETHOLOGY; G. Habitual cynic, skeptic or pessimist, NAYSAYER; H. Items in haute cuisine whose name comes from Latin for “lump”, TRUFFLES; I. Circumference divided by twice pi, for a circle, RADIUS; J. Blasted, goldarned (hyph.), ALLFIRED; K. Feature of Venice, Italy, LAGOON; L. “Gilligan’s Island” role, with “the”, PROFESSOR; M. With just one thing in mind (2 wds.), ADHOC; N. Make pure in a chemist’s still, RECTIFY; O. Means of transport for Ann Darrow (2 wds); KINGKONG; P. Like pastoral poems, IDYLLIC; Q. Picayune, petty, insignificant, NIGGLING; R. Sign at many a restaurant, TAKEOUT; S. Orchard crop that’s mostly Turkish-grown, HAZELNUTS; T. Like the kangaroo to Australia, ENDEMIC; U. Widely spread; long-winded, DIFFUSE; V. Division of an anthropod, ABDOMEN; W. Collection of quatrains of Persian verse, RUBAIYAT; X. Poke fun, not be serious (2 wds.), KIDAROUND.

The full paragraph of the quotation: The Ramble retains much of its original Vaux and Olmsted design, but there’s an essential difference in the scene today. In place of showy rose and rhododendron displays, you’ll find a multitude of carefully chosen trees and shrubs where birds can feed and insects overwinter. At certain times of year you’ll find hundreds of songbirds -- warblers, vireos, tanagers, cuckoos, kinglets, and grosbeaks -- for whom Central Park has become a crucial stopover place during migration. You’ll find raccoons wandering and occasional bullfrogs croaking. And if you’re lucky, you might come upon a silver-haired bat dozing in the leaf litter.

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04.26.09 -- Um... Er...

Sunday, April 26, 2009

ROUGHLY SPEAKING, Puzzle by Trip Payne, edited by Will Shortz

Thirty-something two-letter entries of ER or UM squeezed into single squares gives this crossword its game. The remainder of the crossword, if pleasant enough, exists to serve the gimmick:

Across: 2002 Winter Olympics host: Abbr.; 4. It scans for problems; 7. J. J. ABRAMS, co-creator of “Lost” and director of 2009’s “Star Trek”; 13. Take for one’s own; 18. Prematurely; 20. Country singer EMMYLOU Harris; 21. Two lines may make one; 22. “ANGELAS Ashes”; 23. Op-ed piece, e.g.; 25. Worries for ransom recipients; 27. Resident of Asmara; 28. The 33rd pres.; 29. State animal of Maine; 31. Leonardo’s home; 33. Santiago, to Hemingway; 37. Parts of some cages; 39. It may go around the office; 43. Annually; 44. Anakin Skywalker flew one in “Star Wars Episode I”; 46. Home of the National Stock Exchange of India; 47. French Quarter’s home, with “the”; 48. Shadow; 49. Really enjoys oneself; 51. Coral Sea features; 52. Greeting you shouldn’t say at an airport; 54. Driving events that use checkpoints; 55. Baseball Hall-of-Famer George SISLER; 56. Flanged weapons; 57. More obstreperous; 59. Blood bank supply; 60. Tag line?; 61. Trappers’ trophies; 62. Partner of research: Abbr.; 65. Blunt; 67. Dervishes, e.g.; 68. Actress Amanda PLUMMER; 70. Salon product for flat hair; 73. Possible item in a window box; 75. Bridge tactic; 76. Reading without emotion; 78. Lyricist ALAN Bergman; 79. Reason to get all gussied up; 80. CARNE picada (burrito filler); 81. Ominous jungle sound; 83. Makes true; 84. Amer. Film INST (annual awards grp.); 85. Lousy tip; 86. Rubbernecked; 87. Like Santa’s boots; 88. “ITSUP to you”; 91. Reservoir’s edge; 94 Professional who may wear goggles; 98. Crowded, in a way; 102. Individual debtors pay it; 107. Be routed; 108. Hold tight; 109. One who’s barely working?; 110. North Carolinian, e.g.; 111. Pitched quarters; 112. Writing that needs defending; 113. Seventh-brightest star in a constellation; 114. Units in physics.

Down: 1. Sock away; 2. They aren’t gregarious; 3. Statement of philosophy; 4. Gang hanger-on; 5. Horse color; 6. “To recap …”; 7. Make AMESS of things; 8. Rolls-Royce’s parent company; 9. Guitarist Cooder and others, RYS; 10. High point; 11. Bird once hunted by the Maori; 12 Extras; 13. Much Arizona flora; 14. ONOR about; 15. Eyeball; 16. Feather, to Fernando; 17. State trisected by a river of the same name: Abbr.; 19. Inland SEA; 20. Madrid month; 24. Hollywood’s Roberts and others, ERICS; 26. BON voyage; 30. Either of two books of the Apocrypha; 31. Miles of film, VERA; 32. Unit indicated by “; 34. 19th-century geologist Charles LYELL; 35. Casino employee; 36. Aggregate; 38. TRAC II razor; 39. Poor orator, perhaps; 40. Its first sale was a broken laser pointer; 41. Buck or boar; 42. “The Blue Boy” and others; 43. Compassionate sort; 44. Using a certain abrasive on; 45. OBJET trouvé; 46. Its capital is Bamako; 47. Paul Robeson, e.g.; 50. Cheek; 52. Detestation; 53. Stabber’s attack; 56. Comedy webzine founded in 2000; 58. Detestation; 60. Extra in “The Producers”; 61. Spicy cuisine; 62. 2003 sequel to a popular 1994 comedy; 63. Issues; 64. Mesa VERDE; 65. Groucho Marx foil Margaret DUMONT; 66. A in German class?; 67. Teacher of Schubert, SALIERI; 68. Contribute; 69. Narrow shelf; 70. End of a famous claim; 71. Second son of Judah, ONAN; 72. What P.O.’s handle; 74. Get out of the line?; 75. Dark quaff; 77. Heart; 79. Alabama-born novelist, HARPERLEE; 82. Shoat holder; 85. Rude audience member; 86. Demitasse, e.g.; 87. What lumberjacks leave; 89. Recipe amts.; 90. Historic South Carolina fort SUMTER; 92. Taking off on; 93. Wall Street newsmakers; 94. It may require a password: Abbr.; 95. Relative of a lemming; 96. INAN awkward position; 97. ASST mgr.; 99. Exactly as required; 100. Greek peak; 101. Run a risk; 103. Kind of power; 104. III, today; 105. Largest known dwarf planet; 106. Prefix with glottis.

Um… Er... !

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04.25.09 -- Parade

Catherine Deneuve, The Last Metro, 1980

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Saturday, April 25, 2009

Puzzle by Brad Wilber, edited by Will Shortz

What would crossword puzzles do without the little guys, you know, the ever-popular YMA and her sisters AMY, MAY, MAE and RAE, or ELO, ENO, ONO and OONA? LEX, REX and TEX? These names get more than their fifteen minutes of fame in crossword puzzles simply because they are inadvertently formed by other words across or down -- whereupon it is the chore of the crossword constructor to disguise them as something else. Today we have VAL disguised as VAL-de-Marne, France, along with his lady friends, ENID and OPAL.

However, this Saturday crossword features a geniune parade of people -- ABIE BABY (13D. “Hair” song with birthday wishes to a president); ANDRES (3D. 1993 N.L. batting champ Galarraga); EELERS (47A. Unagi restaurant suppliers); EL CID (Battle of Cabra victor, 1079); 45A. European conductor ERI Klas; EULER (42A. Introducer of the math symbol “e”); FRED EBB (8D. “New York, New York” lyricist); FDR (9D. Most famous resident of Warm Spr., Ga.); HENRY VIII (57A. Act of Supremacy institutor); ISAAC (56A. Shorthand inventor Pitman); 18D. Garson KANIN, writer and director of Broadway’s “Born Yesterday”; RON HOWARD (15A. Best Director of 2001); MAE WEST 39D. Who said “I’ll try anything once, twice if I like it, three times to make sure”); MOZART (21D. “The Impresario” composer); NIOBE (25D. Queen for whom an element is named); OAKIE (7D. “The Great Dictator” Oscar nominee); ODDS MAKER (17A. One might create a spread); SCIPIO (35A. He crushed Hannibal at Zama); 32D. Alfred SISLEY, “Footbridge at Argenteuil” artist; TUTSI (59A. Rwandan people); WITS (53A. Quotable types).

As they all RODE BY (2D. Passed, as in a parade), there were also a few more people in the clues -- ARUBA (16A. Setting of Queen Beatrix Airport); CELIBATE (36D. Like many clerics); SANDALS (14D. Wear for Peppermint Patty); THE LAST METRO (38A. 1980 Truffaut film that won 10 César awards); and uh, maybe WASHBOARD ABS (31A. Desirable trunk feature)?

Remaining non-people entries of length -- ASSONANCE (60A. Relative of alliteration); BUNDT PAN (12D. Thing with a sweet ring to it?); DRAINS OFF (1A. Runs through a petcock, e.g.), SHORES UP (35D. Bolsters); STEP CLASS (62A. Health club offering for aerobic workouts).

Mid-size -- BRAINY (37A. Bright); DROP IT (1D. Discussion ender); ETHICS (44D. Business school course); GO WILD (23D. Lose it); KEEN ON (24A. Fond of); LA NINA (43D. Cause of a dry spell in the Midwest); MELDED (21A. United); ODIOUS (30D. Repellent); PEBBLY (51A. Like avocado skins); RELIES (45D. Hinges); THE PITS (38D. Something dreadful).

Alfred Sisley. Footbridge at Argenteuil. 1872. Oil on canvas. Musée d'Orsay, Paris, France.

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Five letters -- HOTEL (33D. Shuttle destination); RINSE (48D. Shampoo shelfmate); SPEED (61A. Track asset); STROP (49D. It’s often seen next to a chair); SWANK (6D. Tony); TAKEN (10D. Like some seats); TUBAS (10A. They have big bells); TYSON (27A. Food giant based in Springdale, Ark.).

The leftovers -- BASE, BIZ, ENID (20A. City founded during the Cherokee Strip land run), HAS, HOLD, IBEG, IHS (4D. Christian trigram), LEA, NAPA, NHL, NOME, OPAL (30A. It has a play of colors), PER, RARE, SATE, SYNC, TBA, URAL.

Ah!…who doesn‘t love a parade?

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04.24.09 -- Seriously!

Miss Prissy, Looney Tunes

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Friday, April 24, 2009

Puzzle by Barry C. Silk, edited by Will Shortz

Well, it’s Friday and time to finish up the week -- here’s today’s list. I wish I had something more to say!

Eight-letters -- ACQUILINE (2D. Hooked, as a nose); ADRENALS (33D. They’re located above the kidneys); ENOLA GAY (28A. Carrier of very destructive cargo); FIND A WAY (49A. Succeed somehow); GUANACOS (3D. Residents of dry, open country in South America); LAST YEAR (54A. Not too long ago); ONE ALARM (16A. Like a relatively minor fire); ON THE LAM (18A. Running); REPAINTS (34D. Does some home maintenance); SUSAN DEY (37A. “L.A. Law” Golden Globe winner); SYMPATHY (35D. What some cards express); T SQUARE (1D. Drafting aids); U C IRVINE (52A. The Anteaters of the Big West Conf.); ZIMBABWE (7A. Its flag features an image of a stone-carved bird).

Seven -- BIG EARS (32A. Pair of elephants?); SESSION (31A. One may be held in court); STRAYER (37D. Lost soul); ZOOLOGY (7D. Alfred Kinsey’s field).

Six -- BALTIC (12D. Like Old Prussian); 14D. Daniel Decatur EMMETT, minstrel who wrote “Dixie”; EROICA (39D. It was first publicly performed in Vienna in 1805); HAVANA (41D. Plaza de la Revolución locale); INNING (8D. It has top and bottom parts); JOYFUL (38D. Transported); PRISSY (55A. Too punctilious); QUAINT (17A. Like olde shoppes); SQUATS (15A. Weightlifting set); TAGGED (1A. Now out … or “it”); TENANT (51A. Studio occupant, say); TENNIS (40D. Racketeer’s pastime?); WEALTH (53A. What wisdom outweighs, according to Sophocles); WRAITH (13D. Spirit).

Five -- BUTTE (32D. Home of the World Museum of Mining); 23A. ECONO-Car; ERGOT (23D. Plant problem); GAILY (26D. In a 38-Down way); GAITS (4D. Ways to go); GREGG (28A. Texas county named for a Civil War general, with its seat in Longview); HTTPS (41A. U.R.L. opener indicating an additional layer of encryption); JETTY (38A. Reducer of pier pressure?); LSATS (29D. Hurdles for future D.A.’s); MANIA (48A. Way up state); METOO (9D. “Join the club”); NOVAE (47A. Phenomena associated with some dwarfs); OLIOS (20A. Jambalayas); OCEAN (20D. Big drink); UINTA (19A. Kings Peak’s range); WAKEN (24D. Reanimate); WARTY (44A. Toadlike); WISPY (30D. Not solid); WOWIE (44D. “Unbelievable!”); YACHT (27A. Millionaire’s plaything); YOGAS (27D. Gym classes).

Short stuff -- ALAS, ALE and ALT, BAHS, DRT and DST, ETNA, LEAP, MEER, NAVY, ORES, Rapper RIC-A-Che (Just turn it off when you‘ve had enough), RPM, TIE, TWP, WITT, WOK, YON.

Seriously!

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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.

04.23.09 -- BROWN

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Puzzle by Steve Dobis, edited by Will Shortz

BROWN (71A. Shade that defines 17-, 27-, 49- and 65-Across), GODFATHER OF SOUL, FEDEX COMPETITOR, CLEVELAND PLAYER and IVY LEAGUE SCHOOL are the interrelated entries of this Thursday crossword.

“Brown represents wholesomeness and earthiness. While it might be considered a little on the dull side, it also represents steadfastness, simplicity, friendliness, dependability, and health. Although blue is the typical corporate color, UPS (United Parcel Service) has built their business around the dependability associated with brown.” -- About.com

Mid-sized entries -- ANCHOR (52D. Mainstay); ARAGON (50D. One of Isabella I’s kingdoms; DEFACE (4D. Scrawl graffiti on, e.g.); ESCAPE (20A. Romance fiction or horror films, e.g.); HARDUP (8d. Indigent); NAVAHO (37A. Language that contains no adjectives); NONAME (44A. Generic); ONCALL (61A. Available); OPPOSED (47D. Fought against); POTENCY (5D. Strength).

Five-letter -- AROMA (38A. Redolence); AUTOS (16A. They need their bearings); BORER (68A. Drill); DRONE (29D. Queen’s attendant; ELIZA (45D. “My Fair Lady” lady); ERROL (28D. Documentarian Morris); FRANC (27D. Swiss capital); MAYAN (30D. Like some pyramids); OHARE (33D. Almost 80 million people visit it yearly); OLSEN (19D. Merlin of football and TV); OMANI (9A. Certain sultan’s subject); ROMER (34D. Former Colorado governor Roy); TANGY (32D. Having a bite); TENAM (43A. Coffee break time, maybe).

Short stuff -- ACDC, AMES, ANO, AOKI, APEX, ASH, ATOR, CENT, DYE, ERN and ERSE, ENDS and ENOS, EMP, GIBB and GIGS, GRE, GYRO, ISLE, IVE and IVOR, LEAD, LINC, LLDS, LOEB, LOGE, MAV, MDL, MUSE, NOUS, NYPD, OAF, OKED, ONCE and ONME, OSHA, PATH, PUNY, RIBS, RRR, SIR, SLEW, SPIN, STAT, THEM, TOED, USS, YEA, ZAP.

What can brown do for you?!

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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.

Remaining clues -- Across: 1. Starring role; 5. Way to go; 14.”There was a time …”; 15. It’s headed by a deputy asst. secy. Of labor; 21. Midcentury year; 22. European tongue; 23. Small change; 25. Letters at sea; 35.Basic education, familiarly; 36. House support?; 41. Do colorful work; 46. “I’ll take that as ___”; 48. E.T.S. offering; 53. “Yes, ___!”; 54. Alternative to “roll the dice”; 55. Band lineup; 59. Microwave; 69. Def Leppard hit “Pour Some Sugar ___”; 70. Approved; 72. Title grp. In an ABC drama; 73. Barbecue order. Down: 1. High-priced ticket option; 2. Great-great-great-grandfather of Methuselah; 3. Electrical letters; 6. Word with mountain or fly; 7. Not us; 9. Klutz; 10. Inspiration; 11. Décor finish?; 12. Us, abroad; 13. Bikini, e.g.; 18. Culminating point; 24. Pointy-___; 26. Rebounds, e.g.; 31. “___ got you”; 39. Dallas hoopster, briefly; 40. Dallas hoopster, briefly; 40. Where the Iowa Straw Poll is done; 42. Goals; 51. “The Mod Squad” role; 55. 1970s-’80s singer Andy; 56. Songwriter Novello; 57. Urban sidewalk vendor’s offering; 58. Boatload; 60. Pint-size; 62. Golfer Isao ___; 63. Financial writer Marshall; 64. Attorneys’ degs.; 66. Coastal flier; 67. Great Brit., e.g., in years past.

04.22.09 -- All at Sea

The Santa Maria at Anchor by Andries van Eertvelt, painted c. 1628

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Wednesday, April 22, 2009, Earth Day

Puzzle by Daniel A. Finan, edited by Will Shortz

There are nine circled letters in today’s crossword; connecting them gives a rough outline of a ship listing the component parts with their associated letter names. We are given a Note stating: "When this puzzle is done, the nine circles will contain the letters A through I. Connect them with a line, in alphabetical order, and you will form an illustration of the puzzle's theme." The connect-the-dot picture is a sailboat defined by six entries with their clues referring to sections of the sailboat "illustration". This is entirely an afterthought and is of no use in the solution of the crossword, which is just fine, as it can be a pleasant diversion if one has the time to indulge in dwelling upon the crossword puzzle's construction -- however, the solution of same can be had with or without troubling with post-analysis. A previous sailboat puzzle HERE.

Nautical references: BLACK PEARL (18A. Ship in “Pirates of the Caribbean”); SANTA MARIA (55A. Ship to the New World); and the aforementioned six entries referring to the illustration -- MAIN / SAIL (17A. With 59-Across, A-B-C-A in the illustration); KEEL (25A. F-G); MAST (30A. C-D); BOOM (43A. A-B) and HULL (49A. E-F-G-H-E).

Additionally, ALEE (64A. Away from the wind); ATL (13D. One of the oceans: Abbr.); CAPT (9D. Hook or Cook: Abbr.); EVENT (29A. Ship’s christening, e.g.); LOGS (28D. Old Shipbuilding needs); PROBLEM (33D. Leak on a ship, e.g.); TAKING (34A. Pirating).

The remaining mid-size entries are an eclectic lot -- 23D. Poe’s “ANNABEL Lee”), for the original handwritten copy, go HERE; which is quite a contrast with ASTAIRE (36A. “Top Hat” dancer); AWARDS (35D. Tournament wrap-up); DEMOTE (1D. Bump down, but keep on); DESCENT (21A. Half of a mountaineering expedition); DETAIL (21D. Part of a larger picture); DIABLO (40A. Counterpart of un ángel); EXACTAS (7D. Horse-race bets on win and place); IDEATE (51A. Brainstorm); ITRIED (47D. Words of resignation); IVANOV (2D. Chekhov play or its antihero); KIKIDEE (25D. “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” duettist, 1976); KNITTER (19D. One who may put you in stitches); 46D. “Mississippi MASALA” (1992 film); NOSTRIL (41D. It may be flared); OOLALA (44D. “Yowie, zowie!”); PELTERS (52A. People in fierce snowball fights); REWIRES (39A. Does some electrical work on); RICERS (8D. Kitchen gadgets); TOGAED (22A. Dressed like a certain keg party attendee); TRIAGE (3D. “M*A*S*H” procedure); TESLAS (48D. Magnetic induction units).

Five-letter -- ADOUT (16A. Break point); sharing a B with BOA is COBRA (9A and 11D. Deadly snake); EMBED (5D. Incorporate, as a YouTube video into a Web site); IRATE (51D. Livid); NAPAS (32A. Certain California wines); NORAD (41A. Santa-tracking org.); ODEON (60A. Ancient theater); REMIT (45A. Send, as payment); YEGGS (63A. Stethoscope users, at times).

Short stuff -- ADAH, ADE, ATIE, DITS, EINE and ENNE, EMIR, EVER and EVRY, FADS, IMNO, LINT, LOS, MAE, MAXI, NEG, ODE, ONA, PLEA, RUR, SITU, SOY, SPF, SRS, SYN, TAIL, TOG, TRI, VALS.

Oh, and it’s Earth Day!

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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.

For Google's Earth Day selections, click on image above.

Remaining clues - Across: 1. A Morse “I” consists of two; 5. Penultimate fairy tale word; 14. “Climb ___ Mountain”; 15. Long skirt; 20. Stop ___ dime; 24. Prefix with lateral; 31. “___ expert but…”; 42. End in ___; 50. Part of U.C.L.A.; 54. Yearbook sect.; 61. Makeup of some little balls; 62. Response to a charge; 65. Lava lamps and pet rocks, once. Down: 4. Lexicographical abbr.; 6. Actor Kilmer and others; 10. Tribute with feet; 12. 1921 play that introduced the word “robot”; 26. Mideast V.I.P.; 27. Cousin of -trix; 30. Writer Rita ___ Brown; 36. Wife of Esau; 37. In ___ (as found); 38. Following detective; 39. CD- ___; 52. D- reviews; 53. Aachen article; 55. ___ sauce; 56. Suffix with many fruit names; 57. Minus: Abbr.; 58. Dress (up); 59. Number on a bottle at the beach.