06.04.13 — Sssss!

Photograph by Joel Sartore, National Geographic

On February 10, 2013, people all around the world rang in the Lunar New Year with paper lanterns and firecrackers. At the heart of it all sits the snake, a slithery reptile feared for its sharp fangs and revered for its undeniable charm. ~ Linda Poon, National Geographic 

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Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Puzzle by Kristian House / Edited by Will Shortz

SAINT PATRICK (24A. He drove the serpents from Ireland, in legend) and SNAKE CHARMER (52A. Indian pipe player, maybe) along with five sets of writhing squares spelling out COBRA, ADDER, MAMBA, ANACONDA and PYTHON constitute the interrelated group of this sly Tuesday crossword.

Other — ARM CANDY (40D. Companion who’s a knockout), IRON DUKE (45A. Britain’s Arthur Wellesley, with “the”), ODDBALLS (6D. Strange birds), RESENTFUL (4D. Like Cain, toward Abel), SCAFFOLD (32A. Painter’s support), UNDERWEAR (37D. Drawers in drawers).

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Puzzle available on the internet at
THE NEW YORK TIMES — Crossword Puzzles and Games.