05.22.11 — One Hundred Years

The year was 1910 and there was a huge influx of immigrants into New York so much so that the foreign-born population rose to 41 percent. Meanwhile, the New York Public Library, a free public library of New York was being birthed into existence. In 1895, an agreement was signed to consolidate the Tilden Fund and the Lenox and Astor Libraries, two private libraries in New York. The Tilden Fund financed the construction of The Research Library located on the corner of 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue. Construction was completed and the New York Public Library opened its door to the public in 1911.

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Sunday, May 22, 2011

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY!

Puzzle by Bob Klahn / Edited by Will Shortz

Five trivia of The New York Public Library constitute the main feature of this excellent Sunday crossword:

24A. The Library’s rare first-edition printing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” is, to its publisher’s chagrin, SUBTITLED A PARIOTIC SONG.

43A. Norbert Pearlroth spent 52 years of 60-hour weeks in the Library’s Reading Room collecting material for RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT.

69A. The Library’s Special Collections include one of George Washington’s creations,  A HANDWRITTEN BEER RECIPE.

97A. The Library’s Periodicals Room was the source of most of the excerpted material in the first issue of READER’S DIGEST MAGAZINE.

120. The handle of Charles Dickens’s ivory letter opener, in the Library’s collection, is THE PAW OF HIS DECEASED CAT.

A collage of the New York Public Library Lions Patience and Fortitude flanking the underground stacks. The marble lions were designed by sculptor Edward Clark Potter and carved from Tennessee Pink marble by the Piccirilli Brothers in 1911. Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia named the Library mascots Patience and Fortitude for the attributes he thought every New Yorker should possess.

Other — BOROGOVES (11D. “Jabberwocky” birds), CAMBRIA (27D. Wales, in medieval times), CAUSERIE (2D. Informal talk), CHINA SEA (35D. Borneo borderer), DIVORCES (94D. Splits), ELM STREET (87D. Setting of Johnny Depp’s feature film debut), ENERGY BAR (7D. Vitamin-rich snack), HAILS and HOSANNA (61D. Huzzahs; 61A. Cry of praise), INDIANA (82D. Where “Parks and Recreation” is set), KNICKERS (66D. You may get them in a bunch), LENTIL SOUP (8A. Progresso offering), ON A SLANT (95D. Tilted), PRIME TIME (84D. Heyday), STAYCATION (59A. This is not going anywhere), TUBE TOPS (3D. Stretchy garments).

Mid-size — ABASE, ACT UP, ADREM, AESOP (51A. Fabulous writer?), AGENT, ANDES (55D. Llullaillaco‘s locale), APHID, APRONS, BICEPS, BLUESY, BONES, BOSOM, CADIZ, CAGNEY, COHEN, CROSS, DEPEND, DERBY, EAT ME, ECO LAW, ENCASES, FATHA and FATWA, GAPES and GAWKS (99- and 100-Down. Goggles), HAYDN, HOPES, INFRA dignitatem, IPODS, IRATE, IT’S ME, JAKES, JUDGE, KEANE, KELLY, KNURL, LIDOS, LOGAN, MESSY, MUGSY, OH DEAR, OLD BAT, ON CUE, ONION, ORIBIS (49D. Small African antelopes), RADIO, RAMSES, SAINTE, SATINY, SAUNA, SCOPE, SEINE, SIERRA, SLOTH, SNARE, SOCKO, TEARY, TESTY, TREND, TROUPE, TRUED, UNTIE.

Short stuff — ADDS, AIL, ARCS, ARGO, ASK, ASS, BLT (86D. Alphabetical order?), BOOP, BOSC, BRAG, BUD, CPR, CUBE, DER, DJS, DRAY, DSL, EAR, EBB, EYE, FETE, FORA, GEN, ICBM, IDI, ISO, JOSH, LYES, MARY, MEIR, MTA, NEAL and NEAT, NET, NNW, NOR, NOTE, ODE, OH SO, ORO, OUT, PAIN, RASH, REBA, RIG, RNS, ROB, SETH, SLAW, SOD, STEW, SWAK (115D. Love letters), TIA, TROU, TTY, VAT, WINE, YALE and YARE, YEP.

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Remaining clues — ACROSS: 1. Be bratty; 6. Chaplin chapeau; 11. Center of emotions; 16. Long-range weapon, for short; 20. Spa spot; 21. It’s got game, often; 22. At just the right time; 23. Pants, in brief; 28. Pont Neuf’s locale; 29. Tractor-trailer; 30. Betty of “Dizzy Dishes”; 31. King at Karnak; 32. Wingding; 33. Unmanned vehicle that found the Titanic; 35. “Yankee Doodle Dandy” Oscar winner; 37. Piggish; 38. Spanish treasure; 39. Heavy cart; 40. Very; 41. Go out; 52. “The Creation” composer; 53. Ring site; 54. Jagged chain; 56. Lee, e.g.: Abbr.; 58. Big name in country; 65. Do some grilling; 67. Rail org.; 68. Amigo; 76. Uganda’s Amin; 77. Some chest-pounding, briefly; 78. Have something; 79. Boxes; 85. Take to a higher power; 88. Plot thickener; 89. Smooth as silk; 90. Article used by Einstein; 91. Grace in film; 93. Fashionable beach resorts; 101. Thermal opening?; 102. A Lincoln; 103. KFC side dish; 104. Dye container; 105. Hines of jazz; 109. Pull-up pullers; 112. Fret; 113. Tease; 114. Pinafores; 116. Spot on the staf?; 117. Neighbor of Swe.; 118. Button ridge; 125. Reddish purple; 126. Without digressing; 127. John who wrote “The Bastard”; 128. Go-between; 129. Goes on to say; 130. Cartoonist Bil; 131. Indolence; 132. Irascible. — DOWN: 1. Bozo; 4. Disconnect; 5. Hassle; 6. Internet option, briefly; 8. Kind of wave; 9. Crow; 10. Short agreement; 12 Lyonnaise sauce ingredient; 13. With 14-Down, visually investigate; 14. See 13-Down; 15. Predecessor of Rabin; 18. Caller ID?; 17. Sign of the times?; 18. Ulna and fibula; 19. Cartoon criminal; 25. Lachrymose; 26. Humble; 32. Roman squares; 34. Torrent; 38. Besides; 39. Bank (on); 40. Hag; 42. Pear variety; 44. The Hub hub; 45. Look on; 46. Wonderland cake message; 47. Inflamed; 48. Hockey goal part; 50. Barnstormers; 57. Shanghai-to-Beijing dir.; 60. Easily handled, as a ship; 62. Words of worry; 63. Helene or Genevieve; 64. Missile paths; 70. Products with earbuds; 71. Set straight; 72. Melancholy, musically; 73. Chart checkers, for short; 74. Mandatory recycling, e.g.; 75. Andalusian port; 76. Andalusian aunt; 83. High pH solutions; 92. Noah Webster’s alma mater; 94. Splits; 96. Dickens’s Mr. Pecksniff; 98. Good name for a thief; 106. Mullah’s edict; 106. Honeydew producer; 107. Drift; 108. They may be high; 111. Folkie Leonard; 112. Show-stopping; 113. Bench warmer?; 117. Actress Patricia; 119. Spruce; 121 Words of praise; 122. Spinmeisters?; 123. Can opener?; 124. Communication syst. For the deaf.

05.22.11 — A City Herbal — the Acrostic

Sunday, May 22, 2011

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

This Sunday’s acrostic draws a quotation from A City Herbal: A Guide to the Lore, Legend, and Usefullness of 34 Plants That Grow Wild in the Cities, Suburbs and Country Places by Maida Silverman.

"Maida Silverman's book A City Herbal is a treasure for city dwellers—abundant pleasures free for the finding. Silverman is articulate and affectionate as she tells of the beautiful and valuable plants—bittersweet to yarrow—in urban areas.” - Publishers Weekly

The quotation: CLOVER IS… FROM THE LATIN CLAVA, MEANING… CUDGEL… ATTRIBUTED TO THE RESEMBLANCE THE LEAFLETS BORE TO THE… CLUB OF HERCULES WHICH HAD THREE PROMINENT KNOBS… THIS… IS THE ORIGIN OF THE SUIT OF CLUBS IN THE PLAYING-CARD DECK.

"Hercules and the Hydra", c 1475, Antonio del Pollaiolo

The author’s name and the title of the work:  MAIDA SILVERMAN A CITY HERBAL

The defined words:

A. Expected deliverer, MESSIAH
B. Like a bon mot with a bite, ACERBIC
C. Due to get a whipping, maybe (2 wds.), IN DUTCH
D. Spread out in all directions, DIFFUSE
E. River crossed by Charon’s ferry, ACHERON
F. Emblem in the Boston Celtics logo, SHAMROCK
G. Analytic tool involving free association, INKBLOT
H. Event after a countdown, LIFTOFF
I. Apt to say or write a thing in a lot more words than one may really need, VERBOSE
J. Subject to magical influence, ENCHANT
K. Ticket stub, for example, RECEIPT
L. Peppermint oil derivative felt to be soothing, MENTHOL
M. Mound of debris piled up by digging workers, ANTHILL
N. Like some wrecks and breakdowns, NERVOUS
O. Superior, in slang (2 wds.), ALL THAT
P. Cigar having open, unhampered ends, CHEROOT
Q. Force associated with a moving body, IMPETUS
R. Willful?, TESTATE
S. Year-end burner (2 wds.), YULE LOG
T. Thumbed, HITCHED
U. Search for items to put in a basket (2 wds.), EGG HUNT
V. Hockey rink bisector (2 wds.), RED LINE
W. Spellbind with paranormal powers, BEWITCH
X. Condense, digest, ABRIDGE
Y. Creature whose tail is prized by gourmets, LOBSTER

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05.21.11 — It Comes and Goes

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Puzzle by Barry C. Silk / Edited by Will Shortz

The 2011 end times prediction states that the Rapture will take place today, May 21, 2011 at 6 p.m., so let’s get this over with quick!

Across — 1. It may flow on a ranch, MANE; 5. Bank statement abbr., DEP; 8. Colorless, ALBINO; 14. Online multiplayer gaming service, XBOX LIVE; 16. Start to smell, in a way, MILDEW; 17. French chef’s specialty, COQ AU VIN; 18. Awkward way to be caught, IN A LIE; 19. Sharing of thoughts on a TV show?, VULCAN MIND MELD; 21. Adjoin, MEET; 22. He said Beat literature “isn’t writing at all - it’s typing”, CAPOTE; 23. Sounds of feigned sympathy, AWS; 24. “I SEE NO point …”; 26. Vancouver is on it: Abbr., PST; 29. They may be eaten near the front, RATIONS; 31. The “th” in “the,” e.g., DIGRAPH; 35. “Yea, verily”, IT IS SO; 36. One of a couple at a baby shower, BOOTIE; 37. One of three Belgian kings, LEOPOLD; 39. It’s not long in going down a mountain, MINI SKI; 40. Something to dispense with, URN; 41. Get by, EVADE; 43. Happy cry, YES; 44. Town house alternative, DUPLEX; 47. Hall of Sachsen, ACHT; 48. Bird feeder protector, SQUIRREL BAFFLE; 53. Powers on one’s screen?, AUSTIN; 54. Melodious pets, CANARIES; 56. Like many houseplants, daily, MISTED; 57. Kind of file, READ ONLY; 58. Beach activity, STROLL; 59. Tiny morsel, ORT; 60. Practice period: Abbr., SESS.

Down — 1. Late 11^th-century year, MXC; 2. Solvent, ABOVE WATER; 3. Absolutely, NO QUESTION; 4. Opposite of humble, EXALT; 5. She may try an agent, DIVA; 6. Shows, EVINCES; 7. Author, PENMAN; 8. Essential acid, AMINO; 9. Luxury Swiss chocolatier, LINDT; 10. It’s often shifted, BLAME; 11. Kill time, IDLE; 12. Two-time Hugo Award winner Gaiman, NEIL; 13. Was behind, OWED; 15. 19-season N.H.L.’er Robitaille, LUC; 20. Touch, e.g., IPOD; 21. Player of Elaine on “Taxi”, MARILU; 24. C-worthy, SO SO; 25. Form of pyretic acid, ENOL; 26. “Sentimentally Yours” singer, PATSY CLINE, a song from the album HERE; 27. Femme fatale wear, SPIKE HEELS; 28. Believer, THEIST; 30. DSL purveyer, ISP; 32. Sourcing abbr., IBID; 33. Ruined, GONE; 34. Part of une dynastie, ROI; 38. Get out of a sentence?, DELE; 39. Heavyweight champ before James J. Braddock, MAX BAER; 42. Option for sneakers, VELCRO; 44. “Put me down, too”, DITTO; 45. Angel of the south wind, URIEL; 46. Shifting letters, PRNDL; 47. Big tops?, AFROS; 48. Costco competitor, casually, SAMS; 49. Pull out, QUIT; 50. Erstwhile empire, in brief, USSR; 51. Operator’s concern: Abbr., ANAT; 52. It comes and goes, FAD; 55. Procedure: Abbr., SYS.

See you on the other side!

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05.20.11 — The Friday Crossword

Pandora by John William Waterhouse, 1896

Pandora's box is an artifact in Greek mythology. The "box" was actually a large jar which contained all the evils of the world. When Pandora opened the jar, the entire contents of the jar were released, but for one – hope. Today, opening Pandora's box means to create evil that cannot be undone. ~ Wikipedia

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Friday, May 20, 2011

Puzzle by David Levinson Wilk / Edited by Will Shortz

Nine 15-letter answers constitutes the main feature of this friendly Friday crossword.

• OPEN PANDORA’S BOX (30A. Create a whole new set of problems)
• READ ONE’S FORTUNE (37A. Take a person’s hand, perhaps)
• INTERNAL AUDITOR (Watchdog in the house?)
• GIANT SEA TURTLES (3D. Loggerheads, e.g.)
• INDEPENDENCE DAY (1996 blockbuster with the tagline “Don’t make plans for August”)
• SOCCER ANNOUNCER (5D. One who may comment on a beautiful head shot)
• A DANGEROUS PLACE (9D. 1978 Daniel Patrick Moynihan memoir)
• USS CONSTITUTION (10D. She performed admirably in the War of 1812)
• MADAMA BUTTERFLY (11D. Much-performed work set in Nagasaki)

Five-letter — AIM AT, APORT, BLAKE, CARON (Gigi), COMIN, COMMA (54A. Character in “I, Claudius“), CONGA, CROAK, EKING, ENIAC, ERIKA, GARTH, HENRI (7D. Photographer Cartier-Bresson), I’M OUT, MAMIE, NO OIL, NOONE, OAKEN, OREAD (15A. Hunting attendant of Artemis), RENTE, SCHWA (5A. End of an era?), STENT, TARDE, UNCAP, WAGON, YOWIE (48D. Smart reaction).

Short stuff — AMIN, ARTE, CAKE, DSL, EASY, ETNA, GIGI (Caron), HTTP, “IF WE put our heads together …”, IKEA, MERC, MILD, NEA, NYET, OF A mind, OLIN, OMEN, ONO, ORI, PEN, ROAD, SALA, SDAK (19A. Only U.S. state in which the name of the state and its capital share no letters: Abbr.), SEAR, SETT, TROT, TUNE, UEYS, UMBO and UNTO, XER.

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Remaining clues — ACROSS: 1. 1958 title role for 21-Across; 10. Central knob of a shield; 14. Brute of the 1970s; 16. Spanish parlor; 17. Pike; 18. Reason to line up at a party; 20. It’s carried at a karaoke bar; 21. See 1-Across; 22. Wedding reception need; 23. Internet start-up?; 2. Barely making, with “out”; 25. Take it as a sign; 26. Cauterize; 28. Italian peak; 39. “The soul ___ itself”: Dickinson; 40. Rectangular paving stone; 41. Grand Marquis, e.g., briefly; 43. Take the top off; 47. Some chase scene maneuvers, slangily; 50. Scultura, per esempio; 51. Certain salad orderer’s request; 52. Go briskly; 53. Not so hot; 56. Pier 1 alternative; 57. Historic mainframe; 58. “Bang Bang Orangutang” actress, 2005; 59. “Let’s not do anything crazy”; 60. Pension, in Paris; 61. Duma disavowal. DOWN: 1. TV actress Jennie; 2. Statement when a hand stinks; 6. Marsh sound; 8. S.U.V. alternative; 12. 2007 “American Idol” runner-up ___ Lewis; 13. Sturdy, in a way; 27. Left on board; 29. Afternoon, in Acapulco; 30. Mouth: Prefix; 31. Some folks are in it for life; 32. Govt. grant giver; 33. Surfing option, for short; 35. Performer who’s the descendant of a Japanese emperor; 36. Many a Nam vet’s kid; 41. Pioneering blues singer Smith; 42. Thomas Mann’s daughter who married W.H. Auden; 44. Herman’s Hermits front man; 45. “___ Home Baby” (1962 Mel Torme hit); 46. Shoot for; 49. Coronary ___.

05.19.11 — Crushed ICE

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Puzzle by Paula Gamache / Edited by Will Shortz

Six multiple-letter squares into which the word ICE is "crushed" constitutes the main feature of this cool Thursday crossword, as follows:

• CRUSHED [ICE] crossing N[ICE]TY (66A. Drink cooler .. Or a hint to six squares in this puzzle’s answer; 64D. Fine point)
• ATOM[IC E]NERGY crossing POL[ICE] CAR (21A. Nuclear power; 8D. Black-and-white)
• SP[ICE] GIRL crossing ORGAN[IC E]GGS (27A. Member of a 1990s pop quintet; 3D. They’re not laid in a cage)
• S[IC E]M crossing D[ICE]Y (41A. Canine command; 34D. Touch-and-go)
• THR[ICE] crossing PUBL[IC E]NEMY (58A. “Thrice the brindled cat hath mew‘d”: “Macbeth”; 36D. See 35-Across)
• ELECTR[IC E]YES crossing PR[ICE] (59A. Photocells; 50D. Part of C.P.I.)

Other — BEAGLES (51A. White House pair in the 1960s), BIG MONEY (17A. “Wheel of Fortune“ spinner‘s cry), BONAIRE (5D. Neighbor of Aruba), IN SECRET (40D. On the q.t.), NAME TAPE (10D. Camp clothing attachment), PEERS IN ((45D. Sneaks a peek through a window), WETSUIT (47D. Diver‘s wear).

Mid-size — AHORA, ANDYS, BAGIT, DEBRA (55D. Messing on the screen), DO-RE-MI, ELIOT, HANNAH (31D. Mrs. Van Buren), HINT AT, LEMOND, Ex LIBRIS, LYCRA, MANGO, MELDS, NEUROscience, OMAHAN, PANAMA, RAPPER, STATEN Island, UNSNAP, TO YOU (7D. End of a “happy birthday“ message).

Short stuff — ADIA, ALG, AMEN, ASTO, BRIO, ERIE, Goethe’s “The ERL-King“, EROS, GROH, HOBO, IBET, LBO, LES, LOBS, MAB (42D. Queen in Shelley‘s poetry), MEDE, MIT, MPH, NEED, NEHI, OBIT, OHO, Put ON AN act, ORR, PEG, PLAN, ROBS, ROIL, SABU, SLO-mo, SOAP, STEP, TAOS, TIME (50D. What cons do), UPC, YAY (73A. “Woo-hoo!”), YAWN (46A. [I’m bored]).

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Remaining clues — ACROSS: 1. Wall St. deal; 4. Departure announcement?; 8. ___ City, Fla.; 14. Two-time Art Ross Trophy winner; 15. One who’s left holding the bag?; 16. Warren Buffett, by birth; 119. Three-time Tour de France winner; 20. Bar in a bathroom; 23. Beverage that once offered a Luau flavor; 25. Bars in a checkout line, briefly; 26. City or county of New Mexico; 30. “Oh man, you’re killing me!”; 32. H.S. math course; 33. Destitution; 35. Any member of 36-Down; 39. Quit trying, in slang; 43. Prefix with science; 44. Open, in a way; 48. Dribble guard; 49. When repeated, aerobic instructor’s cry; 53. Ancient Persian; 68. Moolah; 69. Stir up; 70. Campus on the Charles: Abbr.; 72. Concerning. — DOWN: 1. High hits; 2. Liveliness; 4. “Look what we have here!”; 6. “Yeah, right!”; 9. Hymn ender; 11. Now, in Nogales; 12. Chutney ingredient, maybe; 13. Some boy dolls; 18. Compressed video file format; 22. The “60” in “going 60”: Abbr.; 24. Suggest; 27. “Elephant Boy” boy; 28. Blueprint; 29. Aix-___-Bains, France; 37. Buffalo’s county; 38. Swindles; 52. Actor David of “Rhoda”; 53. Pinochle combos; 54. “Adam Bede” novelist; 57. Elastic fiber; 61. Love child?; 63. 1998 Sarah McLachlan hit.

05.18.11 — Life Achievement

Sidney Lumet in the play "Journey to Jerusalem", 1940

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Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Puzzle by David J. Kahn / Edited by Will Shortz

SIDNEY LUMET is the subject of this Wednesday crossword tribute, including the films of PRINCE OF THE CITY (7D. 1981), SERPICO (4D. 1973), DOG DAY AFTERNOON (37A. 1975), FAIL SAFE (23- 55A. 1964), Murder on the ORIENT Express (20A. 1974), and 12 ANGRY Men ( 28A. 1957), along with D. W. GRIFFITH Award, (honor for Lumet for lifetime achievement), NEW YORK (A frequent location of Sidney Lumet movies), AL PACINO (11D. Star of Serpico and Dog Day Afternoon) and LOT and SET (Workplace for the director).

Other — BARREL, BRONZE, DOTING, ELEMIS (49D. Varnish resins), ENRAGE, I’M EASY, JULIETS, MON AMI, OBERON, O PATRIA MIA (65A. With 66-Across, “Aida” aria), OVERMAN, PAGODA, PRE-LAW, TOY CAR, WILIEST, YEAGER (29D. Test pilot Chuck).

Short stuff — ABES, ABO, AGE, AMC, ARCS, ASH, ASTIR, AXIAL (31A. Like some symmetry), AZO dye, BEE, BIC, CASH, DANAE (40D. Mother of Perseus), DES Plaines, EAR, ERO and ERNO, ETAL, EVITA, FAR, FIXON, GET, GOBI ISAK, ISR, JON, LEN, NAH, NOLO, OBI, ONT, PBA, PHI, POD, REBA, REL, RUN A temperature, RYE, SEINE, SOSA, SOWN, SUPE, TREE, TRIB, UEY, UND.

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Remaining clues — ACROSS: 1. Bean holder; 4. 58-/46-Across movie (1973); 11. Actuarial stat; 14. Blood type letters; 15. Provide with too much staffing; 16. Workplace for 58-/46-Across); 17. Figure out; 18. Most slippery; 19. Strike force?: Abbr.; 20. “Murder on the ___ Express,” 58-/46-Across movie (1974); 22. “Hmm, don’t think so”; 23. With 55-Across, 58-/46-Across movie (1964); 24. Lisbon lady; 25. Pinbal paths; 27. Lighter brand; 28. “12 ___ Men,” 58-/46-Across (1975); 42. Annoy, and then some; 43 Kind of surgeon; 44. Fishing net; 45. Upsilon’s follower; 46. See 58-Across; 51. Start to cry?; 52. Musical McEntire; 54. Defendant’s plea, briefly; 55. See 23-Across; 57. Jiffy; 58. With 46-Across, late legendary director); 60. Butterfly wrapping?; 61 Actress Mills and others; 63. Cable inits.; 64. Workplace for 58-/46-Across; 66. See 65-Across; 67. Gray shade; 68. Frequent location of 58-/46-Across movies; 69. Where Oskar Schindler is buried: Abbr. — DOWN: 1. Tiered tower; 2. Titania’s husband; 3. Being to affectionate; 4. Planted; 5. Best Musical of 1980; 6. Sunday subj.?; 7. 58-/46-Across movie (1981); 8. “No matter what you choose for me is fine”; 9. Bills and coins; 10. It borders Lake Huron: Abbr.; 11. Star of 4- and 37-Across; 12. Dry stretch in Mongolia; 13. List space saver; 21. Listener; 23. Choose definitely; 27. Gun part; 33. Author Deighton; 35. Toast type; 36. Spell-off; 38. Wedded; 39. D.W. ___ Award, honor for 58-/46-Across for lifetime achievement; 41. Chi-town read, with “the”; 45. Future attorney’s field of study; 47. “Tristan __ Isolde”; 48. Friendly term, to a Parisian; 50. Hot Wheels product; 53. Moving; 55. Slugger Sammy; 56. Fivers; 57. Caretaker, for short; 59. Writer Dinesen; 61. Funny Stewart; 62. Ranch add-on.

05.17.11 — Double Double

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Puzzle by John Farmer / Edited by Will Shortz

Four personalities, JIMMY KIMMEL, EDDIE VEDDER, ANNIE LENNOX and BETTY HUTTON, each with the same double consonants in their first and last names, are the interrelated group of this Tuesday crossword. An odd quartet, e.g., ABC late-night host, lead singer of Pearl Jam, “Walking on Broken Glass” singer and “The Greatest Show on Earth” co-star, 1952, with little else in common.

Other — AVIATORS (38D. Amelia Earhart and others), HOMAGES (8D. Respectful tributes), I LIKE YOU (2D. A few words between friends), KEISTER (41D. Tush), NAME-DROP (3D. Imply ties with V.I.P.’s), ODD BALL (25D. Kook), OVATION (26D. It may be standing at the end of a concert), RIPOSTES (37D Snappy comebacks).

Mid-size — ALAMOS, APNEA, ARMANI, AVATAR, CADET, EARLE, E-FILE, ELLERY, EMMYS, ESSEX, FUISSE, ID CARD, “Damned IF I DO, damned …”, JET LI, LIE ON, MINETA, NAPALM, NINJAS, OINGO, QUINCE, SCANS, SENSOR, SNOWY, SUPERB, T-STRAP.

Short stuff — ABBY, ADO, AHEM, ALA, ARCO, ASK, AYR, BREE, CIN, DUE, ERA, EVE, FAA, FLAK, HEF, IQS, “I’VE got your number“, JOAD, KEYS, MAGS, MAJ and TAJ, MEDS and MELS, NYE, PEND, PIN, RMS, ROVE, SASE, SAW, SIE, TOYS, VAIL, YARN, ZEST, ZULU.

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Remaining clues — ACROSS: 1. Norman of the Clinton and Bush cabinets; 7. “Uh, excuse me …”; 11. Figs. Well above 100 in Mensa; 14. Los ___ (Manhattan Project lab site); 15. Travel far and wide; 16. Payable immediately; 19. The Reds, on scoreboards; 20. Items sometime locked in a car (oops!); 21. Air safety agcy.; 22. Reads, as bar codes; 2. Drugstore stock, for short; 25. Rock’s ___ Boingo; 27. Western U.S. gasoline giant; 28. Scottish seaport; 31. Sticky stuff; 32. Fuss; 33. Manuscript encl.; 34. Exceptionally good; 36. Woman’s shoe style; 40. Antiaircaft artillery; 42. “Sprechen ___ Deutsch?”; 48. It’s frequently punched on a keypad; 49. Colorado ski resort; 50. Rest atop; 51. Tom of “The Grapes of Wrath”; 52. Sleep problem; 54. Carpenter’s tool; 55. Gusto; 56. ___ Mahal; 61. In the style of; 62 One of the housewives on “Desperate Housewives”; 63. ___ Queen; 64. Apt. units; 65. Kitten’s plaything; 66. Pouilly- ___ (wine). — DOWN: 1. Capt.’s superior; 4. Small-screen statuettes; 5. Plays (with); 6. Question; 7. Giorgio of fashion; 9. “All About ___”; 10. Diner on “Alice”; 11. Airport security requirement, briefly; 12. Marmalade fruit; 13. Motion detector, e.g.; 23. Officer-in-training; 24. S.I. and O, e.g.; 29. Baseball Hall-of-Famer Combs; 30. One of Greater London’s “home counties”; 35. Paperless I.R.S. submission; 39. Hang; 42. Like many winter landscapes; 44. Online user’s self-image; 45. Incendiary fuel in “Apocalypse Now” 46. Masked fighters; 47. Tidy (up); 51. Star of the martial arts epic “Hero”; 53. John Prine’s “Dear ___”; 55. End of an alphabet that begins Alpha, Bravo, Charlie; 58. Pitcher’s stat; 59. Playboy founder, for short; 60. Bill ___, the Science Guy.

05.16.11 — Horse Play

A spiny seahorse (hippocampus guttulatus) in Studland Bay, Dorset. Photograph: Steve Trewhella

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Monday, May 16, 2011

Puzzle by Ian Livengood / Edited by Will Shortz

Seahorse, sawhorse, warhorse, dark horse, race horse, dead horse, high horse, iron horse, inferred by HORSEPLAY (63A. Roughhousing … or a hint to the ends of 17-, 21-, 26-, 33-, 40-, 43-, 47- and 56-Across) with AGEAN SEA (17A. Greece/Turkey separator), CHAIN SAW (21A. Lumberjack’s tool), ANTI-WAR (26A. Advocating “Bring the troops home now!,” say), AFTER DARK (33A. In the evening), RAT RACE 940A. Daily nine-to-five struggle), BRAIN DEAD (43A. Really dimwitted), ACE HIGH (47a. Like the best straight in poker) and PUMP IRON (56A. Lift weights) constitutes the interrelated group of this playful Monday crossword.

Other — CHIA PET (45D. Kitschy gift with green “fur”), EUREKA, GRAFTS, ICE PICK (44D. Chipping tool), MEADOW, RAIN GOD (10D. One prayed to during a dry spell), RWANDA, UTENSIL (4D. Knife or fork).

Five-letter — ADDER, ATBAT, ARTSY, AZTEC, EMAIL, ENOLA, ERECT, KEATS, LARAM, Tennis’s MARAT Safin, NITRO, NOHOW, OMAHA, ORALS, SCRUM, SILKS, SUSHI, THICK, TRITE, USAIR.

Short stuff — ACAB, AIG, Jai ALAI, ARE and ARM, CAD, “You CAN’T handle the truth!”, COGS, COOL, CREW, ENE, FLAB, FRA, GYM, IRKS, KITH, LAS, LEO, LUI and OUI (42A. Him, to Henri; 55A. Yes to Yves), NAPA, NOIR, OLE, OMNI, PUTS, RATE, REX, RIGA, RNA, RUNG, SEE, SOP, STAR, STOW, SYST, TADA and TATA, TAO and TAX, TOGA, WAX.

Horse-play, romping, frequent and loud fits of laughter, jokes, and indiscriminate familiarity, will sink both merit and knowledge into a degree of contempt. They compose at most a merry fellow; and a merry fellow was never yet a respectable man.
 ~ Lord Chesterfield

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Click on image to enlarge.

Puzzle available on the internet at

THE NEW YORK TIMES — Crossword Puzzles and Games.

Remaining clues — ACROSS: 1. Rugby scuffle; 6. Zodiac lion; 9. Face-to-face exams; 14. Clichéd; 15. Pitcher’s asset; 19. Explosive liquid, for short; 20. Landlocked African country; 23. Soak (up); 24. Devil in Looney Tunes cartoons, informally; 25 Place for barbells and treadmills; 30. Eastern “way”; 32. Hip; 39. Bailed-out insurance co. in 2008-09 news; 46. Dastardly fellow; 50. Observe; 52. WSW’s opposite; 587. Skin-transferring operations; 62. Pan Am competitor; 65. Dense; 66. Cheer at a bullfight; 67. “Ode on Melancholy” poet; 68. Jockey’s attire; 69. Car wash application; 70. Facing the pitcher. — DOWN: 1. Symbol on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; 2. Rowing team; 3. Latvia’s capital; 5. Where sheep graze; 6. ___ Vegas; 7. Not stooped; 8. Largest city in the stat where Lincoln is the capital; 9. Hyatt alternative; 11. Bohemian; 12. Former California N.F.L.’er now located in St. Louis; 13. Store (away); 18. California wine valley; 22. Ancient Mexican pyramid builder; 26. Hail ___ (cry “Taxi!”); 27. Pinot ___ (wine); 28. Roman wrap; 29. Hourly wage, e.g.; 31. Is, pluralized; 34. Monk’s title; 35. “Look how great I did!”; 37. Ladder step; 38. ___ and kin; 40. Genetic carrier: Abbr.; 41. Small viper; 48. Mechanical teeth; 49. “I found it!”; 50. Japanese fare at a “bar”; 51. Message sent with a click; 53 “Ain’t gonna happen!”; 54. ___ Gay (W.W. II plane); 56. Sets (down); 57. Peeves; 59. Spare tire, so to speak; 60. British goodbye; 61. The “S” in GPS: Abbr.; 64. Sleuth creator Stout.

05.15.11 — Nightmare — the Cryptic Crossword

The Nightmare by John Henry Fuseli 1781 Detroit Institute of Art — depicting the Alp sitting on the woman experiencing the nightmare.

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Sunday, May 15, 2011

Cryptic Crossword by Don Manley / Edited by Will Shortz

Tough stuff, rife with distant rationale, this Sunday’s cryptic crossword might have the solver guessing the answer from the crosses and figuring out how the clue works retroactively.

Across — 1. Show that makes you tense (7), PRESENT, double definition; 5. State unfortunately having a king overthrown (6), ALASKA, alas, reverse king, ace; 10. A CD parent played - for someone moving to the music? (3, 6), TAP DANCER, anagram; 11. Inventor high-minded, but becoming a bit twisted at the end (5), NOBEL, e.g. homonym of noble; 12. Studious sort encountered in dinner dance (4), NERD; 13. Office materials not being transported, we hear (10), STATIONERY, e.g., stationary; 14. Light meals men finally packed into bags (6), SNACKS, S(meN)ACKS; 16. Country garden with some weeds initially at the front (6), SWEDEN, weeds and n for initial; 18. President is liberal no more (6), MONROE; 20. It’s little Susan in the paper (6), TISSUE, e.g. ‘Tis Sue; 23. Exceptionally adroit man, I may get acclaim (10), ADMIRATION, anagram; 25. Alcoholic’s round after victory (4), WINO; 27. A cold journey for the most part? It’s bitter! (5), ACRID, A Cold RIDe; 28. Terrible ordeal? Give them a grin somehow (9), NIGHTMARE, anagram; 29. Truncated oriental festival (6), EASTER, e.g., Eastern; 30. Anguish created by guys in the wrong (7), TORMENT, e.g., men, tort.

Down — 1. Obvious document for an inventor to get (6), PATENT, double definition; 2. One prates oddly in a language few can understand (9), ESPERANTO, anagram; 3. Dash made by antelope deprived of tail (4), ELAN, ELANd; 4. Old historian understood America (7), TACITUS, e.g., tacit, U.S.; 6. Unsociable types, including academic city dwellers in the U.K. (9), LONDONERS; 7. Fur bought primarily in special-offer event (5), SABLE, b and sale; 8. Narrow passages in ships? No good! (6), ALLEYS, galleys, initial g for good; 9. Deserter caught by American troops gets free (6), GRATIS, G(RAT)IS; 15. Something supplied to a printer that may go into a magazine (9), CARTRIDGE, double definition; 17. Explain tricky clue one time (9), ELUCIDATE, clue one date; 19. Carry on with English nurse - grabbing a kiss! (6), EXTEND, E X tend; 20. An idea - however daft, ultimately (7), THOUGHT, THOUGH(daf)T; 21. Situation in which to find a magnificent building (6), PALACE, P(A)LACE; 22. Company man is convincing (6), COGENT, CO GENT; 24. Gospel writer’s symbols (5), MARKS; 26. Celebrity to begin but not finish (4), STAR, STARt.

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Click on image to enlarge.

Puzzle available on the internet at

THE NEW YORK TIMES — Crossword Puzzles and Games.

05.15.11 — Included Herewit

Marisa Tomei in "My Cousin Vinny"

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Sunday, May15, 2011

INCLUDED HEREWIT,

Puzzle by Cathy Allis / Edited by Will Shortz

Well, if you’ve seen the film of “My Cousin Vinny” this crossword may make sense, but even familiarity with the movie may not help in the solution — VINNY (75D. Film cousin whose accent this puzzle spoofs) and TOMEI (59A. Marisa who played 75-Down’s girlfriend) are helpful. The film is highly entertaining, and if you have seen the film, well, maybe the puzzle will be too.

Vinny : It is possible that the two yutes...

Judge : ...Ah, the two what? Uh... uh, what was that word?

Vinny : Uh... what word?

Judge : Two what?

Vinny : What?

Judge : Uh... did you say 'yutes'? 

Vinny : Yeah, two yutes.

Judge : What is a yute? [beat]

Vinny Gambini: Oh, excuse me, your honor...[exaggerated] Two YOUTHS.

In any event, "-TH" sounds are changed to "-T" sounds in familiar phrases.

• SWEET BIRD OF UTE (24A. Salt Lake City athlete’s dear hawk mascot?)
• DEBT IN VENICE (27A. Possible result of a costly Italian vacation?)
• BAT ROOM HUMOR (55A. Jokes in a campy 1960s TV locale?)
• LIKE PULLING TEAT (64A. Akin to milking a cow?)
• CROSS ONE’S PAT (78A. Bless butter with a gesture?)
• YOU AND ME BOAT (108A. Vessel for just the two of us?)
• WELT MANAGEMENT (113A. Role of a boxer’s physician?)
• BERT CONTROL (4D. What Ernie may wish he had vis-à-vis his roommate?)
• TABLE OR BOOT (68D. Non-choice for restaurant seating?)

Other — GO INSIDE (29A. Leave the outdoors), SCROOGES (106A. Misers), ONE INCH (26D. Margin size, maybe), ASSESSES (6D. Evaluates), AYN RAND (39D. "The Fountainhead" author), SCRANTON (86D. Setting for “The Office”).

Mid-size — ACHING, ADAGIO, ALIENEE, ALLENS, ALL NEW, AROMAS, BRIGADE, BUSTLE, CORONAS, ENTIRE, EVONNE, LABILE, LA RAMS, MAIL CAR, MUESLIX, NEAR TO, NEOCON, OBERON (54A. Shakespearean fairy king), OREIDA, PIECES, PROLIX, REEVES, RIP SAWS, SHAMAN, STARDOM, TAUNTS, TRUEST.

Five-letter — ACELA, ANGER, ARLES, ARUBA, ASMAD and ASWAN, ATARI, BREED, BUBBE, CODAS, CREES, ELENA, HOSED, LOUIS (14D. Automaker Chevrolet)  NADIA, NEWEL, ODING, ORGAN, OUT-DO, RAVEN, ROYAL, STENT, SYRIA, TABOR, TAHOE.

Short stuff — AAA, ABEL, ABS, ACTS, AGRO, ALAI, ALER, ALIE and ARIE, ALOP, AMIE, ANNE, ANON, ANTA, ARAL, ARID, ARON and AROO, ASTO, BAND, BLAB, BRAY, DEN, DIMS, DRIP, ENNE, ERR, ESO, EYE, GEN , GLEE, G-MEN, GTO, ICKY, IN ON, IOTA, KAOS, KIND, LAWN, LAY, MEH, MIA, NAB, NASA, NBC, NEWT, OAHU, OATS, OLGA, ONCE, OPIE, OTRA, PAD, POUR, RAT. RYES. SARI, SLOB (13A. Barney Gumble of "The Simpsons," e.g.), SNIP, SNO, SOD, SONE, SOUR, SPFS, STAN, TEN and TENT, TERN, ULEE, VEAL.

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Click on image to enlarge.

Puzzle available on the internet at

THE NEW YORK TIMES — Crossword Puzzles and Games.


Remaining clues — ACROSS: Jewish grandma; 6. Crooked; 10. “Laugh-in” airer; 13. Barney Gumble of “The Simpsons,” e.g.; 17. Woody and Steve; 19. Attire for an INDIAN BRIDE; 20. Suffix with buck; 22. Rain cats and dogs; 23. Close by; 30. First Nations group; 31. Place for Wii play, say; 32. Frank writing in a diary; 33. Turf; 34. Sierra Nevada lake; 37. Comparable to a March hare; 39. Slowly, on scores; 41. Elvis ___ Presley; 42. Hit show with New Directions singers; 43. Some whiskeys; 44. Gymnastics great Comaneci; 48. Flurry of activity; 50. Tribal healer; 53. In pain; 54. Shakespearean fairy king; 58. Hazardous household gas; 62. Kyrgyzstan range; 63. ___-Caps; 69. Car safety feature, for short; 72. Singer India.___; 73. Musical endings; 74. Baseball : Oriole :: football : ___; 82. Apt to fluctuate; 83. Bullying words; 84. Former SoCal N.F.L. team; 87. Never-before-seen; 88. Damascene’s homeland; 69. Saharan; 91. Gross; 93. Equivalent of -trix; 94. Wordy; 96. Video game pioneer; 98. What we may be?; 99. Like some baseball teams; 102 Leak sound; 103. Slip up; 104. “A momentary madness,” per Horace; 106. Misers; 115. Tennis’s Goolagong; 116. Yank or Ray; 117. Politico Gingrch; 118. Concerning; 119. Many a Bush military adviser; 120. Org. in a big race of years past; 121. That, in a bodega; 122. Saxophonist Getz; 123. Surgical tube. — DOWN: 1. Word after string or rubber; 2. Peter Fonda title role; 3. Tattle; 5. Complete; 6. Evaluates; 7. It may be manicured; 8. Frozen tater b rand; 9. Like quilts; 10. Catch; 11. Quartermaster’s group; 12. Alternatives to Dos Equis; 13. UV blockage nos.; 15. Surpass; 16. Shetland, e.g.; 18. Loudness unit; 21. Taking way too many meds; 25. X; 28. Calf product; 34. Small drum; 35. One of the Leeward Antilles; 36. Scammed; 38. Interjection of distinterest; 40. Home of Punchbowl Crater; 42. See 51-Down: Abbr.; 43. Teller; 45. Darkens; 46. Hip to; 47. Soil: Prefix; 49. Actress Anderson; 51. First name alphabetically in 42-Down; 52. Train part where sorting was once done; 53. Gallic gal pal; 56. One of Chekhov’s “three sisters”; 57. Feel one’s ___ (be confident); 59. Cousin of a gull; 60. Mayberry boy; 61 Kellogg’s cereal; 65. Villainous group in “Get Smart”; 66. Minute bit; 67. Asia’s ___ Sea; 69. New Testament book; 70 Donkey’s cry; 71. Go bad; 76. Justice Kagan; 77. Stairway post; 79. Short cut; 80. Fame; 81. Tablet; 82. Was supine; 86. War stat; 86. Setting for “The Office”; 89. Property recipient, in law; 90. They cut wood with the grain; 92. Humane; 95. Pipe holder; 96. Restaurant lures; 97. Most faithful; 98. Actor Keanu; 99. City on the Nile; 100. Fleet Amtrak train; 101. “Bedroom at ___” (classic painting); 103. Image on the back of a $1 bill; 105. Feds; 107. Other: Sp.; 109. Architectural pier; 110. Formerly; 111 Soon, poetically; 112. Big top, e.g.; 114. G.M. debut of 1964.