05.09.08 -- Sleuth

Friday, May 9, 2008
Puzzle by Jim Page, edited by Will Shortz
This Friday’s crossword puzzle's entries are cleverly clued and evenly distributed with ROOMTEMPERATURE (36A. The lower 70s, say) slicing across the center, and the four corners evenly distributed with four sets of three long entries each.
Upper left across -- HAIRRAISERS (1. Terrifying tales); ACTIONMOVIE (15. One might have a stunt double); SHELLCASING (17. Bit of ballistic evidence). Upper right down -- SMALLHOURS (12. Predawn period); DARKSECRET (13. Potential reputation ruiner); SUBSYSTEMS (14. Secondary arrangements). Lower left down -- APRICOTJAM (25. Yellowish-orange spread); ROOTAROUND (26. Rummage); CROSSINDEX (27. It tells you where else to look). Lower right across -- HOMETHEATER (58. It often includes surround sound); ELECTRICIAN (61. One who may do a wire transfer); PARTYSNACKS (63. Chips and such).
A bit of mystery hovers over this crossword which contains enough evidence to arouse the curiousity of any good sleuth or solver.
After the heavy stuff, there is little room left for more than six-letter and five-letter entries with a smattering of four and three. TESLA (19A. Weber per square meter); NEEDS (22A. Philanthropic focus); PALSY (24A. Buddy-buddy); ARCADE (25A. Where many lives are expended); LATHES (29A. Bat shapers); LEICAS (31A. Some cameras); ORIOLE (40A. Builder of a hanging nest) and ORIEL (46A. Projecting bit of architecture); CASSIS (42A. Kir ingredient); DEISTS (44A. Some believers); GENOA (47A. Jib used to give a boat more speed); SPATE (52A. Rush); the egotistical ROLAND (5D. “Doonesbury” journalist Hedley); IMAGE (7D. Something to project); SOSAD (8D. “Such a tragedy”); EVILS (9D. Poisons); EELERS (23D. Trappers with pots); LAREDO (29D. 1960s TV western); EASEIN (45D. Park with great care, e.g.); GOMER (47D. TV marine); ELECT (48D. Provide a seat for); NETTY (49D. Like lace).
Nice that ELECT and ELECTRICIAN cross, especially with the clue Provide a seat for -ZZZAP! Haven’t seen ORIEL and ORIOLE in the same puzzle together before today’s -- or for that matter, TOI and TOIL.
It’s the little stuff that gives the solver of this crossword the upper hand -- Across: 12. Org. that called ‘60s strikes; 16. Egyptian MAU (cat breed); 18. Market figure, briefly; 20. Certain fund-raiser; 21. Organization originally called the Jolly Corks; 30. Computer connection; 35. The 10 in 10/20: Abbr.; 39. Ricky Nelson’s “ITS Late” ; 41. Home of Utah Valley State College; 50. Coloring; 51. Designer Kenneth; 57. “Oklahoma!” bad guy; 60. Suffix for some cyclic compounds; 62. A multiple of CLI. Down: 1. Shakespeare own?; 2. Feel eager; 3. Plural suffix with urban; 4. Moon marking; 6. Not at all recent: Abbr.; 10. Actress Morelli of “The Leopard,” 1963; 11. Div.; 21. Fill up on; 24. Simon & Garfunkel's "El Condor PASA"; 32. British record giant; 33. You might take stock in it: Abbr.; 34. Certain character sketch; 37. It’s not light work; 38. French pronoun; 43. Word in a 27-Down; 51. Mixer option; 53. Cousin of a guinea pig; 54. Axiom ender; 55. Alternative to cedar; 56. Flying piscivores; 58. Not squaresville; 59. Crowd-thrilling hits: Abbr.
Elementary!
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05.08.08 -- Ennui

Ennui 1914, Walter Richard Sickert
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Thursday, May 8, 2008
Puzzle by Harvey Estes, edited by Will Shortz
In today's crossword, PDA (34D. Handheld computer, or holding hands) is presented as the common abbreviation for two double entries: PUBLICDISPLAYOF (3D. With 6-Down, 34-Down) AFFECTION (6D. See 3-Down) and PERSONALDIGITAL (11D. With 35-Down, 34-Down) ASSISTANT (35D. See 11-Down).
I couldn't care less.
Across: 1. Neck attachments; 6. Nuts and bolts; 10. Per; 14. Take over; 15. School house; 16. Longtime NBC host; 17. Free, in France; 18. Meter reading; 19. Cultural interests; 20. Michael of "Monty Python"; 21. They really get steamed; 23. Red River area; 25. Reveal, in verse; 26. Film buff's channel; 28. Plopped down; 29. Spider-Man creator Lee; 31. Change; 33. Morning show co-host; 36. Red Sea's Gulf of AQABA; 39. "Later"; 41. Some hosp. cases; 42. Dutch beauty; 43. "Hungaria" composer; 44. Graham of rock; 46. Pitchers may hold them; 47. Round end; 49. Put out; 51. W. Eur. country that does not belong to NATO; 52. Wheaton of "Stand By Me"; 54. What a solid yellow line may indicate; 58. "Be right there!"; 60. Light shade; 63. "Paint the Sky With Stars: The Best of ENYA" (1997 album); 64. Met highlight; 65. Western; 66. Zodiac symbol; 67. Part of AARP: Abbr.; 68. "It Don't Come Easy" was his first solo hit; 69. Thumb one's nose at; 70. Bump into; 71. Logical flaws.
Down: 1. "I Spy" co-star; 2. Spanner of 11 time zones; 3. With 6-Down, 34-Down; 4. Hatch, in politics; 5. Lays out; 6. See 3-Down; 7. Lacking restraint; 8. Parts of arms; 9. Junk ends; 10. "Sad to say ..."; 12. Leading; 13. Chasers in a saloon, perhaps; 22. Trouble no end; 24. Galley mover; 26. Uzbek sea name; 27. Lead-in to care; 30. Pastel hue; 32. Move like ketchup; 37. Place for a body to repose; 38. Place for some icons; 40. Transcript preparer; 45. Four-baggers: Abbr.; 48. Polite turndown; 50. Unwelcome end, with "the"; 52. Bring to bear; 53. Concave lint trap?; 55. By itself; 56. Cordial flavoring; 57. "Peachy!"; 59. Lots of; 61. "Shall We Dance?" star, 2004; 62. Slips.
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05.07.08 -- Teamwork

Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Puzzle by Richard Silvestri, edited by Will Shortz
CARDINALNUMBERS (17A. Musial's 6 and Gibson's 45?); REDPEPPER (27A. Pregame practice in Cincinnati?); GIANTSTAR (48A. AT&T Park standout?); and METEXPECTATIONS (62A. Prospects for a New York pennant?) are the main entries of this Wednesday crossword.
MOUND clued as "Pitcher’s place" and "Go TOBAT for (defend)" are the other baseball entries. New to me were ALOES as a "bitter drug," El ALAMEIN as a "British victory site of 1942"; that DARTS is featured on TV in England; and almost new because I haven’t heard the word in years, "Rathskeller" decorations, which was unnecessary as the entries crossing STEINS built the word without a clue. I thought there was an apostrophe in "Land O Lakes." I really didn’t know that there’s a "Peter Principle“, defined by Webster’s as “the facetious preposition that each employee in an organization tends to be promoted until he reaches his level of incompetence."
I was taken aback at KIDNAP being clued as “Snatch.” Other clues giving pause were “Big jerk” for SPASM; “White House” for IGLOO; a LAV rather than a LOO for “W.C.”; “Part of N.B.” could be either NOTA or "bene." Thought about corn flakes for the clue "Post meal," wanted NOOK instead of ROOK for “Corner piece“. RIFLE is “Long arm?”.
People in the puzzle --LIAM O’Flaherty; the Earl of ESSEX; an Adak ALEUT; the operatic prince IGOR; ALAN of “Two and a Half Men”; Don Juan’s mother INEZ; Inventor ELIAS Howe; a PIPER (Highland musician); and the Canadian film and television actress NEVE Campbell.
Refreshments -- EVIAN, LATTE, REDPEPPER, STEAMERS, TACO, TEXMEX served in the MESS. Places are limited to SEDALIA and UTICA. Other long entries include EPILOG, LABOHEME, MOUSED, REVEAL, and SNOOZES.
Pairs -- NEVE and NOTA; TAD and ATON; ANY and ALL, SIN and SONS (a touch of the Prodigal). Initials -- PGA, CIA, ILA, LSAT.
Questionable definition -- “Of course!” for DUH. I say “duh” when I just don’t know at all!
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Across: 1. Course of action; 5. Big jerk; 10. Author O'Flaherty; 14. Jai ___; 15. White house; 16. Suffix with govern; 20. Continuously; 21. Grabs some shut-eye; 22. Bitter drug; 26. "Of course!"; 31. Sting operation; 35. Dockworkers' org.; 36. Beach washer; 37. Go too far onstage; 38. Leading the league; 41. W.C.; 42. Ledger entry; 43. Coffeehouse order; 44. Land O Lakes product; 46. Air Force hero; 47. Earl in the court of Elizabeth I; 51. Music booster; 53. Adak native; 54. With "El," British victory site of 1942; 58. Wild; 66. Operatic prince; 67. Perrier alternative; 68. Part of N.B.; 69. Puts on; 70. Query before a big event; 71. Revue segment. Down: 1. Snack in a shell; 2. One of TV's "Two and a Half Men"; 3. Give a hoot; 4. Snatch; 5. Sloth, for one; 6. Eagle shooters' grp.; 7. Every last bit; 8. End of some company names; 9. Pitcher's place; 10. Inspiration for "Rent"; 11. Don Juan's mother; 12. Plot component; 13. Post meal; 18. Not playing; 19. Hunted rodents; 23. Go (for); 24. Closing passage; 25. City in central Missouri; 27. Long arm?; 28. Inventor Howe; 29. Indoor game much seen on English TV; 30. Let slip; 32. Go ___ for (defend); 33. Erie Canal city; 34. Man of Principle?; 39. Clambake fare; 40. Adjective for a 1-Down; 45. I might signify this; 49. Clump of grass; 50. Rathskeller decorations; 51. Highland musician; 54. In the c enter of; 55. Block brand; 56. Loads; 57. Actress Campbell; 59. Corner piece; 60. Objecting to; 61. Exam for a would-be atty.; 63. Org. in "The Bourne Identity"; 64. Tiny amount; 65. To some extent.
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05.06.08 -- Diamond

Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Puzzle by Gary J. Whitehead, edited by Will Shortz
The capital of Delaware, DOVER (70A. Capital suggested by the circled letters and by the starts of 17- and 63-Across and 11- and 29-Down); DELTAFORCE (17A. Special Operations group); DELIGHTFUL (63A. Highly pleasing); DELLAREESE (11D. TV angel portrayer); and DELINQUENT (29D. Overdue) are the featured entries in this Tuesday crossword, along with DIAMONDSTATE spelled out in a diamond formation of circles in the center of the diagram. Is someone from Delaware?
Crossword blogs today:
JimH delights us with a brilliant satire on crossword criticism with "The JimH Sudoku Blog" and unusual information on the Delaware Diamond.
Ryan discusses SUGAR/CIGAR, the bizarreness of today's inter-related entries and Francis, the Talking Mule.
LindaG enjoyed the puzzle's circles, the several references to food and winds up with a few words on Britney Spears.
Rex Parker discusses his solving methods, the lack of obstacles in today's puzzle, making note of ONEG, YENTA, NAS/DRE, UPSALA/LUNT and the Rex Sox.
Orange dissects Grary (sic) Whitehead's crossword with her usual manner of exacting criticism.
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Across: 1. Mag. sales info; 5. Cat calls; 10. Dutch cheese; 14. Baseball’s Matty or Felipe; 15. First string; 16. Danish-based toy company; 19. And; 20. Makings of a hero, perhaps; 21. Food giant that owns Ball Park Franks and Hillshire Farm; 23. Domain; 2. Tabula _)__; 27. Part of M.O.; 30. Way back when; 32. Welsh breed; 35. Universal donor blood type, for short; 36. Not susceptible; 38. German article; 39. Kilmer of film; 40. Dr. ___ formerly of Death Row Records; 41. Tiny amount; 42. Coast Guard officers below lt.; 43. “Richard ___”; 44. Busybodies; 46. Hey there!”; 47. War correspondent Pyle; 49. Asian holiday; 50. Nun, in Nanterre; 51. N.F.L. periods: Abbr.; 53. “The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing” author; 55. Takes to the police station; 58. New Jersey college until 1995; 62. Biblical brother; 66. Impart; 67. Brooke’s longtime rival on “All My Children”; 68. “Rule, Britannia” composer; 69. “Beetle Bailey” dog; 71. Fails to keep. Down: 1. Scoundrels; 2. Intestinal parts; 3. Sushi bar offering; 4. Dance; 5. Capo’s organization; 6. Ike’s W.W. II arena; 7. Done, to Donne; 8. 1954 war comedy “Francis Joins the ___”; 9. Dirty political tactic; 10. Rio Grande city; 11. TV angel portrayer; 12. Fit of shivering; 13. Jazzman Allison; 18. University town near Des Moines; 22. Ran; 24. “Alas, poor Yorick!,” e.g.; 25. RKO competitor; 27. Picture; 28. Studio sign; 29. Overdue; 31. Beat in a Nathan’s hot dog contest, e.g.; 33. Supersharp knife; 34. Violin or cello: Abbr.; 36. Fury; 37. “Illmatic” rapper; 40. Batick artists, e.g.; 45. 1773 jetsam in Boston Harbor; 45. Britney Spears, for one; 48. “That’s enough, I guess ...”; 50. Year before jr.; 52. Allied; 54. Cuban export; 55. Heavenly circle; 56. Help in mischief; 57. Stout’s Wolfe; 59. Bushy do; 60. Fontanne’s stage partner; 61. Publican’s stock; 64. Tyler of “Stealing Beauty”; 65. Swelling reducer.
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05.04.08 -- Trees & Songs

Vincent van Gogh. (Dutch, 1853-1890). The Olive Trees. Saint Rémy, June-July 1889.
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Sunday, May 4, 2008

Click here for abridged post in LARGE PRINT.

POPLAR MUSIC, Puzzle by Richard Silvestri, edited by Will Shortz

HEREYOUGUMAGAIN (24. 1977 Dolly Parton song for tree fanciers?); FIRYOURLOVE (33A. 1965 Yardbirds song for tree fanciers?); GREATBALSAFIRE (50A. 1957 Jerry Lee Lewis song for tree fanciers?); CEDARFUNNYLITTLECLOWN (61A. 1964 Bobby Goldsboro song for tree fanciers?); OLIVEROCK NROLL (79A. 1982 Joan Jett and the Blackhearts song for tree fanciers?); ELMOSTGROWN (90A. 1959 Chuck Berry song for tree fanciers?); PAWPAWPITIFULME (107A. 1978 Linda Ronstadt song for tree fanciers?) are this Sunday’s inter-related entries, puns on the originals: Here You Come Again, For Your Love, Great Balls of Fire, See the Funny Little Clown, I Love Rock N Roll, Almost Grown, and Poor, Poor Pitiful Me.

Across: 1. Craving, slangily; 6. Crèche figures; 10. Impromptu Halloween costume; 15. Spray withdrawn in 1989; 19. Try to steal the scene, maybe; 20. “Darn it!”; 21. Mountain chain; 23. Nick name?; 26. Bridal collection; 28. Not INSO many words; 29. Nominal promotion of a military officers; 30. Sugar substitute?; 31. Modern pentathlon even; 32. Inner circles; 39. SAL volatile; 40. Bellowing; 41. Nirvana seeker; 42. World capital, founded in 1538, formerly known as Chuquisaca; 44. Suffix with myth; 48. Went like a shot; 53. Out limits; 54. Stand; 56. Rush hour sounds; 57. Port of Iraq; 58. One trillionth: Prefix; 59. Rossini subject; 60. Air Force athlete; 68. Its spotted in the wild; 69. Like a lot of Australia; 70. Lay on the line; 71. Brain parts; 72. Tippy transport; 74. Bank deposit?; 75. Old-time oath; 82. Jazzy Nina; 84. Altar procedure; 85. “Sesame Street” regular; 86. Beaufort scale category; 88. Neighbor of Chad; 89. Flight formation; 92. Source of some coffee; 96. Italian bread; 98. Source of creosote; 99. Sugar or flour; 100. Doozy; 101. Do police work; 110. Palate part; 111. Sing “Bye Bye Birdie,” e.g.; 112. Hurt badly; 113. 16th-century English dramatist George; 114. Badlands sight; 115. Exorcist’s enemy; 116. Red army?; 117. Sp. Misses.

Boys Climbing a Tree, 1790-92, Francisco Jose de Goya y Lucientes
Down: 1. Witty remark; 2. “A Jug of Wine…” poet; 3. Off-limits item; 4. Words of reproach; 5. Strand; 6. Key fort?; 7. Stretch; 8. Ashram leader; 9. Chemical suffix; 10. Teatime treat; 11. Theater audience; 12. For this reason; 13. Dot follower, often; 14. Tito Puente played them; 15. “Sink or Swim” author; 18. Permission; 17. Sign of spring; 18. Go into hysterics; 22. LARD Lad, doughnut shop on “The Simpsons”; 25. Cry of dismay; 27. Insignificant amount; 31. “A Letter for EVIE” (Hume Cronyn film); 32. CARLS Jr., West Coast hamburger chain; 33. Discombobulate; 34. Mill material; 35. Cross; 36. Thanksgiving serving; 37. Enters cyberspace; 38. Dungeons & Dragons character; 39. Sing like Fitzgerald; 42. Impassive; 43. Nut holder; 44. “IFALL else fails…”; 45. CISCO Systems, networking giant; 46. Helpful pointer; 47. Musical Rimes; 49. Underlying meaning; 51. Place for an easel; 52. One way to be taken; 55. R.N.’s station; 58. Purple stuff, perhaps; 59. Power of film; 60. Happy gatherings; 61. Play-by-play partner; 62. Theodor Escherich’s discovery; 63. Ledger entry; 64. Anacin alternative; 65. NANKI-Poo of “The Mikado”; 66. 1970s-’80s baseball All-Star Manny; 67. Rap star LIL Jon; 72. Chick on the piano; 73. Rough condition to face?; 74. Criticize; 75. Eastern ruler; 76. Energetic; 77. From the top; 78. Laura of “Blue Velvet” ; 80. Ran through again; 81. Give the once-over; 83. Cliques; 87. Prizes; 90. Sufficient, informally; 91. Dance specialty; 92. Dickens title starter; 93. Soul singer Lou; 94. Via APPIA (Roman Road); 95. Be noisy; 96. Words before bed or rest; 97. Not at all familiar; 99. E-mail annoyance; 100. “The Informer” author O’Flaherty; 101. Kind of meeting in “O Brother Where Art Thou?”; 102. Give off; 103. Camper driver; 104. Something one can never do; 105. Salmon tail?; 106. Actress Charlotte and explorer John; 108. Grand PRE, Nova Scotia; 109. John’s “Pulp Fiction” co-star.

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05.03.08 -- Brevity

57A. ATOM (Bond component)
Atomic Bomb detonation Photo by Harold Edgerton -- Automatic Camera situated 7 miles from blast with 10 foot lens. Shutter speed equaled 1/100,000,000 of-a-second exposure.
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Saturday, May 3, 2008

Click here for abridged post in LARGE PRINT.

Puzzle by Patrick Berry, edited by Will Shortz
Today’s puzzle presents us with six entries containing an abbreviation, e.g., a letter used in place of a larger word -- HONEYBS (16A. Nectar collectors); SPLITPS (17A. Soup vegetables); STREETYS (33A. Cunning in a practical way); HERBALTS (38A. Recuperative drinks); SNAKEIS (58A. Two, in a way); and SOUTHCS (60A. “Mutiny on the Bounty” locale) -- bees, peas, wise, teas, eyes and seas. Sweet!
This puzzle will surely disturb the purist crossword solver who insists on the usual Monday through Saturday regiment, but this is a puzzle which will amuse and please everyone else! Ye olde Times Saturday crossword puzzle is too oft plodding and serious -- this one’s a delight!
Well, DARN (55A. Not-so-strong oath), be ORNERY (64A. Ill-tempered), we know you’re OPPOSED (1A. On the other side), whatever one HOLDSTO (38D. Doesn’t deviate from), ASSERTS (13D. Maintains), or to which one ASSENTS (15D. Knuckles under), there’s plenty of fodder to DISMAY your ASPS (8D. Old symbols of royalty) and set them in a RAGE (23A. Storm), rubbing SALT (41D. Stinger) in their wounds -- I hope I’m wrong and there are no complaints -- UGH (61D. “What a nightmare!”), TOILETS (62A. Heads); OOHLALA (1D. Fashion world exclamation); RATATAT (11D. Gatling gun sound) -- what a REFRAIN (40D. “Fa la la la la la la la la,” e.g.)!
Puzzle people include Painter ANDREA del Sarto (8A.); ADA (22A. Richard’s love in “Bleak House”); YENTL (28A. Film with the Oscar-nominated song “Papa, Can You Hear Me?); ELIS (35A. Some Ivy Leaguers); Morgan LEFAY (King Arthur’s half-sister) (50A.); an ACE (54A. Virtuoso); ELGRECO (63A. Painter tutored by Titian); TROI (29D. Half-human “Star Trek: T.N.G.” character); STRAUSS (36D. “Wine, Women and Song” composer); ELEANOR (39D. Henry II’s wife); IACOCCA (44D. “Where Have All the Leaders Gone?” author); CLEMSON (45D. Where William [the Refrigerator] Perry played football); ENOLA Gay (53D.) -- cry foul, Vladimar PUTIN (56A. Ante, say) has a Monday clue!
Across remainders: 14. Interestingly folded sheet ORIGAMI; 15. Guru residences, ASHRAMS; 18. Friction reducer; 19. Put together; 21. Certain spread; 25. Uses a chaise longue; 30. PC key; 31. Still O.K. financially, ALFOAT; 37. Computer command; 42. Right-leaning, you might say, ITALIC; 46. Anita Baker’s “Same OLE Love”; 47. Anthologized, e.g.; 49. Bargain; 52. American ALOE (Southwest plan); 57. Bond component; 65. Like many Bedouins,SAHARAN.
Downs: 2. Vain about, PROUDOF; 3. Game played on a sloping field, pinball; 4. Arch type; 5. For example; 6. Hinder; 9. Goal-oriented grp.; 10. Needs a washer, possibly; 12. How one might stare into space, EMPTILY; 20. Passes the time?; 24. Tips, ALERTS; 26. LOEB Classical Library, 500+ volume series begun in 1911; 27. Amount expressed in K, SALARY; 32. Slate alternative; 34. Conseil d’ETAT; 43. Dead Sea Scrolls material, LEATHER; 48. Cat burglars’ no-nos, NOISES; 51. Hock, ANKLE; 56. "PITY makes suffering contagious": Nietzsche; 57. First razor with a pivoting head; 59. Poetic contraction.
I’ll tell you a secret -- I can read words of one letter! Isn’t that grand? -- The White Queen to Alice in Through the Looking Glass.

For The White Queen’s Dictionary of One Letter Words, go HERE.
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Puzzle available on the internet at
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05.02.08 -- Blah, Blah, Blah!

"Tower of Babel" by an Unknown Flemish Master, 1587 -- Kurpfalzisches Museum, Heidelberg
Genesis 11:1-9 And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.
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Friday, May 2, 2008
Puzzle by Barry C. Silk, edited by Will Shortz
AYCARAMBA (12D. “Sheesh!,” south of the border), a crossword that opens with SPACERACE (1A Contest with many missions) and ends up STONEDEAD (56A. Unrevivable).
IWANTYOU (47A. Famous finger-pointer’s declaration) that old saw from a SLOGANEER (13D. One whose work may be catchy) joins a PANELIST (14D. “What‘s My Line?” participant) and OVERSEERS (17A. Heads) of TUTELAGE (20A. Charge) to lead the UNLED (43D. Anarchic) with a posse of puzzle people like LAYLA (16A 1972 top 10 hit that‘s seven minutes long); 1960s Elvis-style singer RAL Donner (24A.); RHONDA (25A. Beach Boys title girl); EELERS (35A. Some fishermen); Philosopher Mo-TZE (40A.); SERBS (41A. Some Bosnians); George SZELL, longtime Cleveland Orchestra conductor (55A.); a PAVER (2D. One of a lot of workers?); CHRIS (4D. Rock on a stage), an EASTERNER (5A. Bay Stater or Garden Stater); a GAEL (11D. Iona College athlete); “I Wish” rapper SKEE-Lo (30D.); TANIA (45D. “Lost” actress Raymonde); NELL (48D. 1994 Jodie Foster title role); GWEN (“Jubilee Trail” novelist Bristow) and a GUNMAN (49A. Torpedo).
AGASP (10A. Showing shock) of CRIMES (31A. Record listings?); “And their lies caused them TOERR”: Amos 2:4 (23A.); but not a STEAL (41D. Diamond datum); this puzzle lacks not food nor drink -- MANHATTAN (15A. Cousin of a Rob Roy); SHAKERS (33A. Couple seen in a restaurant); SHERBET (34A. Ice relative); NILLA Wafers (53A.); SMORE (1D. Gooey goody); ATE (7D. Took sides?); CARTONS (8D. Egg holders); HERSHEY (26D. City where Chocolate Avenue crosses Cocoa Avenue); CHEEZWHIZ (28D. Kraft brand); and perhaps a steak, UNBURNT (36D. Still “well,” but not beyond) hopefully not down the TRACHEA (21D. Bronchoscopist’s view).
CANI (27A. Kid’s query) prattle on? BALDEAGLE (29D. Great Seal image) and REDSQUARE (32D. Kazan Cathedral locale) represent the U.S. and U.S.S.R., SECTIONS (33D. Paper parts) and CBSNEWS (28A. “See it Now” producer of 1950s TV) the press. USEDCAR (36A. Sonata that might not sound good) has a totally weird clue; ENSUED, EROSE and ERODES seem related, but not by their clues: 9D. Came after, 22A. Jagged and 39D. Undermines.
OHGEE (50A. “Well, golly”), everything’s ENTEREDIN (54A. Became a participant) -- Ah, there’s left over REMITS (19A. Pays); DECON (18A. Purification process, briefly); CEDES (37A. Turn over); HENNAS (38A. Leatherworking dyes); QUITO (42A. Capital just south of the Equator); ANEMO (3D. Wind: Prefix); RTES (6D. Some are rural: Abbr.); ALDER (10D. Tree with catkins); TOWS (23D. Garage jobs); CIRC (27A. Magazine figure, for short); SSNS (34D. I.R.S. data: Abbr.) and IMIDE (44D. Amonia derivative) -- but who cares!
ATO Z (52D.), one could go ONEND (46D. Without a break), but here’s the place to DRAWALINE (51A. Declare “I will go no further than this”)!
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Puzzle available on the internet at
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05.01.08 -- GROSS GimmICK

I Am Glad I Came Back -- “…I go on with my work, it changes and all of a sudden there is fire and ruins and mud and grim debris all over...as if somebody more knowing and utterly destructive is leading me on.” -- George Grosz
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Thursday, May 1, 2008

Click here for abridged post in LARGE PRINT.

Puzzle by Jim Leeds, edited by Will Shortz

Today’s puzzle features nine squares barely able to hold the letters ICK, which is fully intended to be an expression of revulsion, as clued by the central across entry GROSS (38. “That’s repulsive!” … or a hint to this puzzle‘s theme) -- WARNING, don‘t go HERE!

The across entries containing the nine multiple-letter squares are MRPICKWICK (17. Club founder and president in an 1836 Dickens novel); DROPKICKER (18. Field goal attempter, once); MONICKER (36A. Handle); SNICKERS (41. 6th Avenue alternative); BUICK (53. Century, e.g.); BREADSTICK (59. Crispy appetizer); QUICKTRICK (61. Easy winner in bridge). The corresponding down entries are STICKS (4. Boonies); SNICK and Snee (6.); CHICKENLICKEN (11. Hysterical hen of fable); STICKWICKETS (35. Awkward situations, informally); CLICKER (52. Quiz show gizmo); TICKET (56. Amusement park purchase); and PICKAT (58. Eat without enthusiasm).

All of the above, and for that matter, the remainder of the puzzle, fairly well exists to support the ICK gimmick; however, few of them are of help in the divination of the squares containing ICK. One is left constantly wondering where to stick the next ICK! I got my first ICKs in the upper left corner and my last licks with ICKs weren’t ICKs at all, for I tried to stick an ICK in the upper right corner, but it just wouldn’t fit!

ACK (10D. When repeated, antiaircraft fire), no relation -- leads off the barrage of the nonsensical abbreviation/ crosswordese parade which always exist in this genre, including ACTE, ANNO, ANTE, ARTS, AST, ATL, AYN, BBLS, CHE, CHEZ, DADO, DSC, ESA, EZRA, GMC, HOT, LASH, LETS, NEXT, NSA, QBS, RBI, SEXT, SYST, TEES and UREY.

The longer entries sans multiple-letter squares include LASTDROP (33A. Tiniest bit at the bottom of a coffee cup); SEGMENTS (43A. Grapefruit units); TOWERED (5D. Stood tall); MEASURE (44D. Dram or gram); BEASTS (1A. Unicorns and griffins); ALSTON (14A. Ex-Dodger manager Walter); SEENAS (28A. Perceived to be); Free STATER (1850s abolitionist) (46A.); BRAISE (64A. Brown and simmer); SETTER (67A. Gun dog); STRUTS (8D. Parade walks); RUNNER (27D. Hall floor cover); STEELY (28D. Unbending); and STETHO (46D. Chest: Prefix).
The middling group of five letters are BOISE (20A. Oregon Trail fort); MOUTH (21A. Sass);THORN (26A. Cause of a sore spot); TULSA (30A. City on the Arkansas); According to HOYLE (45A.); WYATT (47A. Sir Thomas who introduced the sonnet to England); DIETS (55A. Waist removal regimens?); SPOOL (57A. Plaything for a kitty); BAMBA (1D. 1959 pop hit, after “La”); ELROY (2D. The Jetson boy); Take out for ASPIN (3D.); CLOTH (9D. Draper’s offering); PHOTO (9D. Start to finish?); MINOR (21D. College student’s declaration); BERGS (25D. Arctic castoffs); Deaf as APOST (29D.); MSGTS (36D. Ones graded E-8 in the Army); SEANS (39D. Opinionated Hannity and others); READD (42D. Check the figures, possibly); TISCH (48D. Former CBS chief Laurence); GOTIT (50D. “Under- stood!”); and MORSE code (51D.).
Great puzzle, GROSS GimmICK!
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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 .

Across: 7. U.S. Army award: Abbr.; 10. Part of une piece de theatre; 15. What SSTs crossed: Abbr.; 16. Word in a French party invitation; 22. Spanish pronoun; 23. Author Rand; 24. Box score no.; 37. Deal preceder; 40. Cry at a doctor’s office; 49. Intel org.; 50. Big inits. In trucks; 62. “I’m game if you’re game!”; 63. What: It.; 65. Meth.; 66. In great demand. Down: 7. Pedestal part; 12. Tourist shop display; 13. Cornell of university fame; 31. Noon service, to ecclesiastics; 32. Beaux ___; 33. You may get an extended one at a salon; 34. Cornerstone word; 53. Oil qty.; 54. 1934 Chemistry Nobelist Harold; 60. N.Y.C. hrs. + 1; 61. N.F.L. hurlers.
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