11.30.09 -- TRAP

Monday, November 30, 2009

Puzzle by Oliver Hill, edited by Will Shortz

TRAP (66A. Word that can follow the ends of 18-, 25-, 43- and 58-Across), LIGHT SPEED (18A. 186,000 miles per second), AS QUIET AS A MOUSE (25A. Not making any sounds), BLUE-FOOTED BOOBY (43A. Seabird native to the Galápagos Islands) and GEORGE SAND (58A. French novelist who had an affair with Frédéric Chopin), e.g., speed trap, mousetrap, booby trap and sand trap, are the interrelated group of this post-tryptophanic-leftovers-weekend Monday crossword.

Seven- and eight-letter entries include AL DENTE (35A. Not too soft, as pasta), NOT A BIT (42D. Zilch), PLAYMATE (20A. Child’s friend), ROD CAREW (54A. Only American League player to win a batting crown without hitting a home run) and TRAYFUL (4D. Amount of food at a cafeteria).

Six-letter -- APERCU (10D. Hasty glance); BOUGHS (43D. Tree branches); DADDY-O (47D. Cool cat); E BONDS (46D. Old U.S. gov’t investments); ENLACE (5D. Intertwine); LONERS (44D. Recluses); NURSED (14A. Breast-fed); QUIT IT (6D. “Cut that out!”); SEEN AS (11D. Perceived to be); STERNA (22A. Breastbones); TRENDY (62A Chic); UNMASK (51A. Reveal); UPDATE (12D. Supply with more recent info); UPMOST (45D. Like Brahmins in the caste system).

Five -- AGENT (28D. 15-percenter); 41D. CESAR Romero, onetime player of the Joker); CROON (41A. Sing like Bing Crosby); 5. EQUAL sign (=); GALAS (33A. Fetes); 65A. PESOS (19D. Mexican moolah); RATSO Rizzo, Dustin Hoffman role).

Short stuff -- ALT, APE, ARF, ASH and ASU, AVER, BAIT, BETE, BIC, DOO and LOO, DST, ETTA, EVIL, EXO, FOCI, HRS, IATE, INB, KERR, LETS, MAE, “Après MOI le déluge”; NONO, OOPS, PAUL, PEP, QUO, RANT, RIGA, SAN and SAX, SCAT, SEA, SEGA, SGT, SST, SCAT, RANT, REAR, TOY, URGE, WARP, WEEP, WEST, ZIT and ZOO.

One more trap! 

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Remaining clues -- Across: 1. Sunset direction; 10. Tempe sch.; 13. State as fact; 16. Vigor; 17. Latvia’s capital; 23. Central points; 24. Nonsense singing; 32. Left-handed Beatle; 34. Prefix with skeleton; 38. Clearasil target; 42. Taboo; 49. “My bad!”; 50. Worms, for a fisherman; 60. ___ noire; 61. 60-min. periods; 63. “I can’t believe ___ the whole thing!”; 64. Fast jet, for short. Down: 1. Twist out of shape; 2. Blackhearted; 3. Dreamcast game company; 7. Feel the ___; 8. Cigarette’s end; 9. “___ Go Crazy” (#1 Prince hit); 21. “Après ___ le déluge”; 25. Mimic; 26. “Wailing” instrument; 27. Status ___: 29. ___ Fernando Valley; 30. PC key; 31. Fannie ___ (home financing group); 35. Terrier’s bark; 36. London lavatory; 37. Scooby-___; 38. Where to see elephants and elands; 39. Schubert’s Symphony No. 8 ___ Minor; 40. Many an item in Santa’s bag; 48. Inexpensive pen; 52. ___ Pepper; 53. Deborah of “The King and I”; 54. Diatribe; 55. Derrière; 56. Jazzy James; 57. Bawl; 59. Adriatic or Aegean.

11.29.09 -- Cued Up

Brooklyn Museum, Collections: European Art: Capital Letter Q 

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Sunday, November 29, 2009

CUED UP, Puzzle by Will Nediger, edited by Will Shortz

In this Sunday crossword, the commonly combined letters Q and U are added to seal of approval, wildebeest, easy rider, almsgiving, ain’t misbehaving’, shepherd’s pie and vanishing act, resulting in SQUEAL OF APPROVAL (22A. Delighted exclamation?); WILDE BEQUEST (36A. Part of an Irish playwright’s will?); QUEASY RIDER (68A. Carsick passenger?); QUALMS GIVING (94A. Causing uneasiness?); QUAINT MISBEHAVIN’ (113A. Carryin’ on, in olden times?); SHEPHERD’S PIQUE (4D. Anger at losing one’s flock?); VANQUISHING ACT (50D. Subjugation?).

Seven- and eight-letter entries include APROPOS (109A. Germaine); AUDIBLE (92D. Within earshot); CAUSEWAY (3D. Florida Keys connector), BOB SAGET (41D. Narrator of “How I Met Your Mother”), IDEA MAN (27A. Inventive type); INDIAN TEA (106A. Darjeeling, e.g.), MINI GOLF (47D. It may feature a windmill), MIST OVER (86D. Get fogged up) and ONE-HITTER (29A. Pitcher’s feat); PLOTTED (6D. Conspired).

Six - ADHERE (96D. Cleave); BEAVIS (56A. TV character often seen in a Metallica T-shirt); BE NICE (64A. “Don’t fight”); BREMEN (76D. German city where Beck’s beer is brewed); DANUBE (75A. Bratislava’s river); EAGLET (17D. Bald baby?); FERMAT (58D. French mathematician who pioneered in the theory of probability); FLANGE (58A. Pipe attachment); GENTLE (33A. Tame); IMPALA (98D. Chevy model); INMATE (15D. One surrounded by cell walls); INVADE (11D. Maraud); LET’S GO (77A. “Come on, guys!”); LIE LOW (97D. Try to avoid detection); QUAFFS (94D. Hearty drafts); RISQUE (44D. Blue); SCOWLS (16D. Looks sore); SEQUEL (28D. “The Dark Knight,” for one); SNYDER (43A. Tom of “The Tomorrow Show”); SPLITS (5D. Gymnastic feat); TASMAN (85A. New Zealand’s discoverer); TIMELY (102D. Opportune); UNSEAT (95D. Prevent from being reelected); UNDIES (104A. Drawers, e.g.); USAGES (72A. Conventions); VERILY (99D. Forsooth); VISHNU (14D. Krishna is one of his avatars); ZOOMED (10D. Whizzed along).

Five -- ABYSS, AGAIN, ASHEN, ASIDE, ATOLL, BELLY, CHICA, DEBIT, ENTER, EVIAN, GUARD, ICANT, IMAGO, INCUR, INEPT, INFRA, IRONY, ISITI, KORAN, NEAPS, ONAIR, PEALE, PETIT, PLANA, RILEY, SHAWL, SLIDE, SPOOL, SPRIT, TONAL, TRAIL.

Four --ACME, AUEL, BETH, CEDE, CERT, DOCS, EXEC, FARO, FEEL, GANG, GERM, INCA, IRAQ, IRON, LAPD, LOCI, MERE, NAAN and NOUN, NASA, NCAA, OMAN and OMAR, OPAH, ORGS, OVER, PIUS, QUIP, ROWE, SETH, SKIP and SNIP and SIPS, TIED, VISE, WIDE, ZINE.

Three -- AAH, ALI, and ARI, ASS, BEN and DEN, BUG, COD, DOS, EAU and EMU, ELL, GEM, IDO, NED, OAF, OPQ, OUT, QBS, SOL, TAC.

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Remaining clues -- Across: 1. Government pubs., say; 5. Twine holder; 10. Amateur publication, for short; 14. What a migraine might feel like; 18. Moonfish; 19. Primary stratagem; 20. Like much music; 21. Old alpaca wool gatherer; 25. Cough cause; 26. Sail extender; 28. Bit of attire for a carriage ride; 32. One all, say; 34. “Tamerlane” dramatist Nicholas; 35. V-chip target; 38. Museum worker; 40. Bank statement entry; 42. It came up from Down Under; 45. Fish-and-chips fish; 46. Sultan’s land; 49. Aquafina competitor; 54. Impertinent sort; 59. Needle problem; 62. Tests the water?; 66. Game grp.; 67. Many curves, in math; 70. Bon mot; 71. Babylon’s site, today; 73. Starting point; 74. Some pieces in an archaeological museum; 79. “Jour de Fete” star director and writer, 1949; 81. Neighbor of a shift key; 82. “Little Women” woman; 83. Iranian supreme leader ___ Khamenei; 89. 49-Across, e.g.; 91. Red leader?; 93. Spanish girl; 101. Not safe; 103. Schools of thought; 105. Plain and simple; 108. White as a sheet; 111. Last stage of insect development; 117. Gambling game enjoyed by Wyatt Earp; 118. Paunch; 119. Wake Island, e.g.; 120. Turn over; 121. Irish ___; 122. Put in stiches; 123. Poet who wrote “An’ the Gobble-uns ‘at gits you / Ef you / Don’t / Watch / Out!”); 124. Walked. Down: 1. Bobs and such; 2. Alphabetic trio; 7. Unlikely ballet dancer; 8. Signing warning people to be quiet; 9. Columbo’s employer, for short; 12. Tandoor-baked bread; 13. Head of lettuce?; 20. Bring up the rear; 23. N.L. West team, on scoreboards; 24. ___ four; 29. Assns.; 30. It may be declined; 31. Suit; 33. Absolute beauty; 36. Call on a pitch; 37. Nebraska senator Nelson; 39. Easy chair site; 46. Superior to; 48. “Don’t Be Cruel” vis-à-vis “Hound Dog”; 51. Bring about; 52. Time’s partner; 53. Some tides; 55. Name shared by 12 popes; 57. Big gulf; 59. Water park feature; 50. Sura source; 61. “Impossible!”; 63. Positive thinking proponent; 65. Legal writ, in brief; 69. Clockmaker Thomas; 78. “Our ___”; 80. Certain X or O; 82. Programming problem; 84. Wood alternative; 87. Greatest flowering; 88. Astronaut’s insignia; 90. Dolt; 91. Like a butterfingers; 100. It may be dramatic; 107. Sound at a spa; 109. “The Clan of the Cave Bear” author; 110. Baseball G.M. Minaya; 113. Montana and others, for short; 114. Helios’ counterpart; 115. It may be said before a kiss; 116. ___ Land of “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea”.

11.28.09 -- In So Many Words

Night Goblin Cave, Warhammer Online

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Saturday, November 28, 2009

Puzzle by Karen M. Tracey, edited by Will Shortz

Saturday, or in so many words…

Across -- 1. Goes off, ERRS; 5. Sty resident, SLOB; 9. Part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, PLANO; 14. Dash feature, TACH; 15. Travel by bus, say, TOUR; 16. Zero, RESET; 17. Baron, CZAR; 18. Shell alternative, ESSO; 19. French floor, ESTAGE; 20. Hoisted, as a sail, HOVE; 21. Keep from going through, VETO; 22. Cruise place, LINER; 23. Part of “The Jungle Book”, RIKKI TIKKI TAVI; 26. Opening string, ABC; 27. Outdoor signage option; NEON LAMP; 28. Quaint fashion accessory, HAT PIN; 30. Follow, GET; 31. Argument makers: Abbr., ATTS; 35. One with a hard, weather-resistant coat, SCOTTIE; 37. Round opening, TEE SHOT; 39. Callaloo ingredient, OKRA; 40. Hi-tech heart, CPU; 42. Good way to choose, WISELY; 43. Amassing amply, RAKING IN; 46. When France’s Philip I took the throne, MLX; 47. What a student might not go without?, PERMISSION SLIP; 51. AVOIR froid (be cold: Fr.); 52. Some parlors, for short, OTBS; 53. The redbud is one of its symbols: Abbr., OKLA; 55. Criterion, GAUGE; 56. Borscht flavorer, DILL; 57. Deity worshiped with much sensuality, BAAL; 58. 18-season Mariner Martinez, EDGAR; 59. Singer/songwriter Sands, EVIE; 60. Trimming and smoothing aid, ADZE; 61. Time of one’s life, TEENS; 62. Text message status, SENT; 63. No mere chuckle, ROAR.

Down -- 1. Do some impressions, ETCH; 2. Sharp, narrow range of hills, RAZORBACK; 3. Early LP issuer, RCA VICTOR; 4. Title film character who says “Donkey, two things, O.K.? Shut … up!”, SHREK; 5. “Talk to Me” singer, 1985, STEVIE NICKS; 6. Be bested by, LOSE TO; 7. Bouncer’s job, OUSTING; 8. A little running water?, BROOKLET; 9. Heat, for short, PRELIM; 10. Take the situation in stride, LET IT PASS; 11. Yoga posture, ASANA; 12. It comprises the southern half of Israel, NEGEV; 13. “Scary Movie” actress, 2000, OTERI; 24. Grow together, KNIT; 25. Six-time Oscar nominee with a 2008 win, KATE WINSLET; 26. “Gotcha,” humorously, AHSO; 29. Fully feather-footed flier, PTARMIGAN; 32. “Pooh-Bah” source, THE MIKADO; 33. Where the going rate is charged?, TOLL PLAZA; 34. Final course?, STYX; 36. Series composition, EPISODES; 38. One abroad, EINS; 41. Promoting harmony, UNITIVE; 44. Drying racks, AIRERS; 45. Little mischief-maker, GOBLIN; 47. Pathology pioneer Sir James PAGET; 48. Shake, EVADE; 49. Compact stuff, ROUGE; 50. Kind of pneumonia, LOBAR; 54. Any pro designated hitter, briefly, ALER.

Words, words, words...

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11.27.09 -- Leftovers

Turkey Carcass: Keath Beaty, Toronto Star.

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Friday, November 27, 2009

Puzzle by Ed Sessa, edited by Will Shortz

TURKEY LEFTOVERS (59A. Post-Thanksgiving fare), A WING AND A PRAYER (17A. Hope born of desperation) and A LEG TO STAND ON (36A. Justifiable basis for one’s position) appear to be an interrelated group of this post-Thanksgiving tryptophanic-leftovers crossword.

DEMONSTRATE (18D. March, say) crosses A LEG TO STAND ON in the center of the puzzle, flanked by DRAG RACES (4A. Some head-to-head competitions) and IN CONTROL (28A. Running things) across with four eight-letter down answers, APERTURE (36D Optical opening); LET ‘ER RIP (37D. “O.K. …go!”); ONE IN TEN (13D. Long shot, for sure) and TOY PIANO (12D. Schroeder’s instrument in “Peanuts”).

Seven-letter entries include AIRHOLE (63A. Site for a seal, maybe); ARISTOS (8A. British V.I.P.’s, to Brits); CONSOLE (15A. Place for buttons); 16A. Dr. DENTONS (infant sleepers); ORIENTE (62A. Where Japón is); REPROVE (64A. Dress down); 1A. "Enjoy the honey-heavy dew of SLUMBER": Shak.; TRESSES (65A Means of tower access, in a fairy tale).

Six -- ARAFAT (46D Peace Nobelist of 1994); BEAKER (44D. Lipped lab container); CAMEOS (47D. Cinephiles often watch for them); EDERLE (48D. 1926 English Channel crosser); LOW MAN (2D. Figure on a totem pole, figuratively); RENOIR (7D. “Le Moulin de la Galette” artist); SCAMPI (1D. Garlicky dish); SENSES (49D. Sanity); STAPLE (11D. Fasten with a click); UNIVAC (3D. First computer to predict a U.S. election outcome).

Five -- BEATS (31A. Reporters’ areas); BONER (31D. Blockheaded move); GET BY (43A. Survive adversity); LIPPI (21A. “The Feast of Herod” painter); NAGGY (29D. Shrewlike); PAY TV (51D. Entertainment by subscription); REPLY (9D. E-mail option); TRA LA (53A. Part of a merry refrain).

Leftovers -- ADA (8D. Most populous county of Idaho), AGT, ALOT, APE, BAA, BOGS (5D. Things near Baskerville Hall), DADE and DEAD, ELAL, EST, GANG, GILT, IMAY, INRI, LEE, LINE and LENO, MEN, MMV, MSN, NEE and NET, NOGO, OLDE, PAAR and PEAR, ROBE, SLOE, SORE, SSR, STIR, TATI (30A. Comical Jacques), TASS, TOR, TREE, VHS (Beta beater).

The Feast of Herod -- Fra Filippo Lippi, about 1452-1466, Fresco -- Prato, Cathedral of Santo Stefano, Choir chapel

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11.26.09 -- Parade

Originally called the Macy’s Christmas Parade, the parade started in 1924. It initially featured live animals, but they were replaced by larger-than-life balloons a few years later. The first balloon was modeled after Felix the Cat, photo c. 1932

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Thursday, November 26, 2009 -- Thanksgiving Day

Puzzle by Paula Gamache, edited by Will Shortz

MACY’S (47D. See 51-Across) PARADE BALLOON (51A. What 20-, 31- and 40-Across were each introduced as by 47-Down), KERMIT THE FROG (20A. Introduction of 1977), FELIX THE CAT (31A. Introduction of 1927) and ELSIE THE COW (40A. Introduction of 1963) are the interrelated group of this light and airy Thanksgiving Day crossword.

Other entries of length include FIGMENT (5D. Bit of imagination), JACKKNIFE (33D. Double over), LITERAL (41D. Verbatim), ROCK SOLID (3D. Highly unlikely to change), THE LEFT (42D Democrats, as a whole) and YESHIVA (9D. Place for Torah study).

Six-letter -- ERASER (44D. Stationer’s item), HECKLE (45A. Badger), IDEALS (26A. Paradigms), IMARET (46A. Turkish hostel), REFFED (10D. Called the game), SHOGUN (27A. James Clavell best seller).

Five -- 61A. Turn A DEAF ear; 11D. Marie Osmond’s ADORA Belle dolls; 48D. “Give it A REST!”; AS FIT (23D. Comparable to a fiddle); 12D. “CAROL of the Bells” (holiday favorite); DEWEY (35D. Loser of 1948); EMAGS (13D. Online compilations, briefly); EXITS (44A. Emergency info on a plane); FLEAS (49D. Tiny pests); FOGGY (5A.Not clear); GALAS (18A. Big dos), INANE (15A. Dopey); IPANA (46D. Classic toothpaste name); LEAST (64A. Bare minimum); 34D. Moliere’s “L’ ECOLE des femmes”; LEVIS (29D. Some casual wear); LIVID (29A. Incensed), ON AIR (6D. Studio alert); 56A. RAREE show; 24. “Solomon and SHEBA,” 1959 biblical epic.

Short stuff --ACES, AFAR, AREA, ASS, ASTR, ATOB (14A. First step in a series), AVE, BADE, EDAM, EDIT, ERS, ETA, EXED, FER, FORA, GALT, GIS, GNAT (8D. Tiny irritant), HAST, HERO, IBIS (36A. Head of the Egyptian god Thoth), ICEE, JED, KEY, LETS, NYSE, OBOE, OER, ORAL, PACE and PACO (17A. Rabanne who was the costume designer for “Barbarella“), PAT, PEC, RACE, RIPE (57A. Smelly, as post-workout clothes), ROUX (21D. Gumbo thickener), ZAP and ZERO.

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Spider-Man, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade official Super Hero balloon, keeps a watchful eye on a pedestrian walking his dogs prior to the start of the parade,Thursday, Nov. 27, 1997 in New York. Wind gusts of 40 mph were reported in the area as the parade, famous for its huge helium balloons of cartoon characters, got under way. AP Photo/Emile Wamsteker

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11.25.09 -- Whew!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Puzzle by Allan E. Parrish, edited by Will Shortz

TIRE, FLAG, EXHAUST, DRAIN and perhaps SAP, contained in the entries of RADIAL TIRE (17A. Goodyear offering), PIRATE FLAG (61A. Blackbeard flew one), DUAL EXHAUST (10D. Feature of many muscle cars), SHOWER DRAIN (24D. Where lost hair may accumulate) and TREE SAP (25D. Syrup source), comprise the interrelated group of this weary Wednesday crossword.

Other entries of length -- ASBESTOS (42A. Litigation-prompting insulation); ELEPHANT (34A. Political symbol); ROTATION (40D. Pitchers are often put in this); TARHEELS (8D. North Carolina gridders).

Seven-letter -- EVEREST (54A. Mountain previously named Peak XV); HOT LINE (22A. Red telephone’s connection); OPENERS (45D. Church keys); WEASELS (5D. Sneaky sorts).

Six -- APPLET (52A. Bit of Java programming); CATNIP (6D. Inside of a toy mouse, perhaps); LA ROSA (32A. Crooner canned on live TV in 1953); PREFIX (30A. Pro- or con-); RASTAS (46A. Many Marley fans); SEMITE (24A. Israeli or Palestinian); SOUTER (44A. Justice replaced by Sotomayor); SPLASH (47D. Play in the pool, say).

Five -- AMAHL (27A. Boy soprano in a Menotti opera); AVAIL (50D. Be of use to); AZURE (14A. Like a clear sky); CRESS (39A. Salad green); HAYDN (49A. “The Creation” composer); HENCE (49A. Ergo); HOMEY (13D. Warm and comfy); INDIA (11D. Destination of Vasco da Gama); J CREW (1A. Catalog clothing retailer since 1983); PSALM (48A. Song of David); READY (26A. Ready to go); RHONE (66A. River of Lyon); SACKS (69A. Plays resulting in yardage losses); STAND (12D. Put up with); YENTA (51D. Spreader of dirt).

Four -- ACTS (33D. Bible book after John); ADAM (19A One cast out of paradise); AGES (59D. Seemingly forever); ALGA (27D. Pond organism); ALOE (41A. Skin cream additive); ARAB (29D. One with an “al-“ in his name, often); ALTA (35D. Utah ski area); AMAH (115A. Eastern domestic); ANKH (68A. Hippie’s cross); BLOC (57d. Political grouping); 6A. Suffragist Carrie Chapman CATT; CITI (64A. One of American banking’s Big Four, for short); COOS (65A. Talks lovingly); CZAR (2D. White House policy appointee); DISH (10A. Signal receiver); ELAN (67A. Panache); FESS (31D. Come clean, with “up”); GNAW (38A. Salad green); JARS (1D. Shakes up); 28D. MAN’S best friend; NANA (60A. “Peter Pan” dog); NOEL (36D. Seasonal air); RANK (58D. Needing a bath badly); RUDI (3D. Gernreich of fashion); SANE (43D. Compos mentis); SPCA (55D. Shelter org.); TERM (37D. Kind of life insurance); THEO (9D. Lt. Kojak); TRIP (23D. Make a misstep); UNTO (1A. Golden rule preposition).

Three -- AMI (7D. Buddy, in Burgundy); BRA (57A. Item with underwires); 4D. “ERI tu” (Verdi aria); FHA (63D. Shelter financing org.); LON (56A. Chaney of the silents); LOT (53D. Place to play stickball); LUM (18D. Abner’s radio partner); ROK (62D. “M*A*S*H); 20A. SRI Lanka; SUN (21A. Weather map symbol).

Whew!...

Or -- Whew!

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11.24.09 -- In the Final Analysis

Kevin Spacey in the film American Beauty, the ending

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Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Puzzle by Victor Fleming and Bonnie L. Gentry, edited by Will Shortz

AT THE END OF THE DAY (19A. With 64-Across, everything considered), WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE (34A. With 43- and 48-Across, everything considered) and THE FINAL ANALYSIS (4D. After “in,” and with 44-Down, everything considered) comprise the interrelated group of this suave Tuesday crossword.

Seven- and eight-letter entries include ACES OUT (74A. Gets the better of, slangily); ADDED IN (18A. Introduced to the mix); ALAN BALL (30A. Oscar-winning “American Beauty” writer); ENCHANT (15A. Cast a spell over), GUM TREE (1A. Eucalyptus), KEEP AWAY (50A. Avoid, with “from”); ONASSIS (67A. The “O” of Jackie O.); SIMILIES (71A. Phrases with “as a” in the middle).

Six-letter -- ALASKA (27A. Where the North Slope slopes); AWHILE (28D. For a short time); COSELL (46A. Howard who announced “Down goes Frazier!”), video HERE; DURHAM (49D. City near Raleigh); EDENIC (51D. Like paradise); EITHER (39A. “I have no preference”); ENIGMA (6D. Riddle); LESSEE (33D. Rent payer); PIE PAN (11D. Tin that inspired the Frisbee); UNSEAT (52A. Oust from office); VALISE (23D. Traveling bag).

Five -- ABYSS (53D. Bottomless pit); AHEAD (32D. Leading); ARENA (30D. Gladiators’ venue); ASKEW (35D. Out of whack); 46D. Publisher CONDE Nast; HIKER (20D. Backpacking sort); IPANA (24A. Toothpaste that Bucky Beaver once pitched); LAIRD (55A. Melvin of the Nixon cabinet); LANKY (37D. Long and lean); LEICA (36D. German binoculars maker); LEVIN (31D. Ira who wrote “Rosemary’s Baby”); REHAB (38A. Habit-kicking program); 8D. “Delphine” author Madame de STAEL; V-NECK (47A. Pullover style).

Short stuff -- AFRO, AKIN, ALDA, AME, ARA and AREA, ASST, BBB, BORE, CONN, DIEU, DIG, DORM, DSL, ETNA, EVEL, GAS, GAVE, GEAR, IBM, IDEA, IDOL, IONS, IRS, ITER, LET, LOAD, MCDL, NIA, OSLO, PICA, RAD, ROLF, SEA, SHED, SLY, TEE, UNDO, VPS, YET, YODA.

In the final analysis...

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Remaining clues -- Across: 8. Not easily tricked; 11. Typewriter type; 16. “Time out” hand signal shape; 17. Simon Cowell’s show, for short; 21. Use deep massage on; 22. Donated; 25. PC introducer of 1981; 41. Adriatic, e.g.; 42. Stuntman Knievel; 44. Having similar properties; 45. Actress Long of “Are We There Yet?”; 54. Internet access option, for short; 58. Droner, usually; 60. Luke Skywalker’s mentor; 69. Word after gray or Bay; 70. Return addressee?: Abbr.; 72. Quad building; 73. Pedal next to the brake. Down: 1. First or neutral; 2. “Go back” computer command; 3. The year 1450; 5. “Way cool!”; 7. Sicilian hot spot; 9. Call in tennis; 10. Up to now; 12. Inkling; 13. Stamford’s state: Abbr.; 14. Capt. Pierce player; 26. Consumer protection org.; 29. Molt; 43. They carry a charge; 47. #2’s, for short; 55. Washerful; 56. Early do for Michael Jackson; 57. Water of old Rome; 59. Parks who wouldn’t sit still for injustice; 61. Capital on a fjord; 62. Prie-___ (prayer bench); 63. Deputy: Abbr.; 65. Use a spade; 66. Coach Parseghian; 68. Soul: Fr.

11.23.09 -- Come Together

Monday, November 23, 2009

Puzzle by Ben Pall, edited by Will Shortz

BEATLES (38A. Group with the four circled members) and the circled members, JOHN, PAUL, GEORGE and RINGO contained within JOIN THE NAVY (3D. Head out to sea, say), POLE VAULTER (18A. Athlete trying to pass the bar?), AGENT ORANGE (59A. Toxic herbicide) and READING ROOM (26D. Library area) are the interrelated group of this terrific Monday crossword.

Wait, there’s more -- ABBEY ROAD (9A. With 46-Down, 1969 album by the 38-Across), 30A. “Nowhere MAN” (1966 hit), 48A. “Gonna TRY with a little help from my friends; 13D. “YER Blues (song on the White Album); 14A. Yoko ONO, RAVI (47A. Sitarist Shankar) and QUOTE (16A. “We’re more popular than Jesus now,” famously). What’s not to like?

PSYCHO(50A. Hitchcock film with a shower scene)and DAMAGED (52A. Injured) lead off the mid-size group which include AT ONCE (19D. Immediately); BULGING (10D. Like eyes seemingly about to pop out); EAR PLUG (55A. Silencer?), EL TORO (39D. Corrida charger); IRONED (5D. Pressed, as clothes); LICENSE (43D. Driver’s ID); NAGGER (49D. Noodge); NAME TAG (22A. It may be worn around the neck at a convention); OSIRIS (25A. Egyptian god of death); RETYPES (23A. Enters again, as text).

Five-letter -- ANODE (2D. Battery terminal); AQUAS (9D. Light blue shades); EERIE (53D. Like a coincidence that raises the hair on the back of your neck); DIG IN (4A. “Bon appetit!”); DWELL (54D. Live in); DUNNO (52D. “Beats me!”); GALAS (6D. Festive events) and HALAS (34D. Longtime N.F.L. coach nicknamed Papa Bear); HATES (51D. Despises); IRATE (15A. Spitting nails, so to speak); 27D. “How much IS TOO much?”; LO-RES (67A. Like a fuzzy computer image, informally); MATEY (30D. One to whom “Ahoy!” is directed); OWNED (65A. Had); ROPER (1D. Cowboy with a lariat); SNORT (68A. Sound akin to “Harrumph!”); STEWS (28D. Mulligan and others); THESE (33A. This and this); TRIOS (45A. The Supremes and others); TWERP (33D. Dweeb); WORSE (64A. Not so good).

Short stuff -- AILS, AWL, AYES, BOT, DIP, DOW, EDNA, EDT, ELAL, ERR, ETE, GATE, GOO, HELD, ITEM, LAIC and LAIR, LAWN, LIES, MEL, NEON, NEST, OIL, ORE, PLEB, POI, PROS, RAJ, STEM, WAN.

Come Together!

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Puzzle available on the internet at

THE NEW YORK TIMES -- Crossword Puzzles and Games

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Remaining clues -- Across: 1. Former British rule in India; 17. Luau dish; 20. Novelist Feber; 29. In custody; 32. Where eggs hatch; 35. Of the congregation; 36. Concert receipts; 37. Pallid; 41. ___ Jones industrials; 42. Israeli carrier; 44. Big fibs; 49. “Open 24 hours” sign, maybe; 58. Sketched; 63 Metal on its way to a refinery; 66. Busines for Shell or ExxonMobil; 69. Funnyman Brooks. Down: 4. Quick swim; 7. Short news piece; 8. Campbell of “Party of Five”, NEVE; 11. Droid; 12. Summer in Paris; 21. Yes votes; 24. Commoner, for short; 31. Isn’t well; 35. Lion’s den; 40. Long part of a rose; 56. Mavens; 57. ___ tennis; 59. Piercing tool; 60. Slime; 61. Mess up; 62. Summer hours in N.Y.C.