Nice puzzle, one quibble: a two-piece swimsuit is more modest than a one-piecer. Think European beach scenes.
1
Inters Messrs. Diller and Ancona?
(ducking and running)
(ducking and running)
2
Bilks Madeline and Ali?
Is infected with tooth decay?
Is infected with tooth decay?
1
.
I think that's Aly, not Ali.
Ollie's Noodle Shop
I think that's Aly, not Ali.
Ollie's Noodle Shop
Correction already: 'pro tem' and 'TIPS his cap."
Lady and Gentleman, objection!
A Brit may still be from Glasgy (but call him a Scot pro team any way!) But a man who tilts his cap may be a chap, but a gent TILTS HIS HAT!
A Brit may still be from Glasgy (but call him a Scot pro team any way!) But a man who tilts his cap may be a chap, but a gent TILTS HIS HAT!
P.S. The new season of "Jeopardy!" kicks off tonight. I'll take "Welcome Back" for $2000, Alex.
3
Two superstar constructors collaborate on a splendid Monday puzzle, partly inspired by Merle Reagle? 'Tis a consummation devoutly to be wished!
Easy, yes, but such fun (the word of the day, clearly). Somehow, though, I lost my regular WXP-solving pen before getting on the LIRR this morning. Rummaging though my backpack turned up only a Sharpie marker, so my paper grid is full of oversized letters that I can barely read. Amusing to look at, really.
Speaking of superstar collaborations: in 1984, Bette MIDLER scored a minor hit with a cover of the Rolling Stones song "Beast of Burden." While he didn't sing on the record, Mick Jagger played a large role in the witty video that was in regular rotation on MTV:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsqf-ORB37Q
Easy, yes, but such fun (the word of the day, clearly). Somehow, though, I lost my regular WXP-solving pen before getting on the LIRR this morning. Rummaging though my backpack turned up only a Sharpie marker, so my paper grid is full of oversized letters that I can barely read. Amusing to look at, really.
Speaking of superstar collaborations: in 1984, Bette MIDLER scored a minor hit with a cover of the Rolling Stones song "Beast of Burden." While he didn't sing on the record, Mick Jagger played a large role in the witty video that was in regular rotation on MTV:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsqf-ORB37Q
1
addendum: I mentioned below that I've been going back and solving some earlier puzzles (I didn't start here until 2011). This morning I decided I'd go back and go through all of ACME's puzzles from the beginning.
What a treat! I've done four of them so far. All the themes are delightful but her very first Times puzzle (6-12, 2000) was really something special (and ended up being my fastest solve ever!). I know a lot of you have probably already done all of them, but for those who haven't, I would highly recommend them.
And... some of you may have known this but I didn't: For those who have subscriptions to Xword Info, it appears she went back at some point and added comments on her earlier puzzles. Some of them are very, very interesting. Even if you've done the puzzles, if you haven't seen those comments I would recommend giving them a look.
I think I have 23 more of her puzzles to do before I catch up to when I started. I'm so happy.
What a treat! I've done four of them so far. All the themes are delightful but her very first Times puzzle (6-12, 2000) was really something special (and ended up being my fastest solve ever!). I know a lot of you have probably already done all of them, but for those who haven't, I would highly recommend them.
And... some of you may have known this but I didn't: For those who have subscriptions to Xword Info, it appears she went back at some point and added comments on her earlier puzzles. Some of them are very, very interesting. Even if you've done the puzzles, if you haven't seen those comments I would recommend giving them a look.
I think I have 23 more of her puzzles to do before I catch up to when I started. I'm so happy.
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Whoa! Rich, that is super flattering!!!! When you start out with an idea here and there (hear here!) you don't realize you have a style or that others can discern it (or appreciate it!)
Thank god (and Jim Horne and Jeff Chen) for XwordInfo or I'd never have known how many puzzles I had done or with whom or what the other constructors were thinking! It's a fantastic website and deserves to have a ton of $ and subscribers! It's a phenomenal font of info and the analysis is very thoughtful and in depth and free of personal animosity or overhype.
Thank god (and Jim Horne and Jeff Chen) for XwordInfo or I'd never have known how many puzzles I had done or with whom or what the other constructors were thinking! It's a fantastic website and deserves to have a ton of $ and subscribers! It's a phenomenal font of info and the analysis is very thoughtful and in depth and free of personal animosity or overhype.
6
Hi Deb,
Did I miss the announcement that this was Constructor Appearance Week on Wordplay?
Did I miss the announcement that this was Constructor Appearance Week on Wordplay?
2
Many, many thanks, ACME.
First, for the pleasure your puzzles consistently give us.
Second, for being so gracious as to stop by Wordplay.
Third, for making our very own Rich happy.
First, for the pleasure your puzzles consistently give us.
Second, for being so gracious as to stop by Wordplay.
Third, for making our very own Rich happy.
3
Well, the good news this morning is that my FF team came roaring back, thanks to Larry Fitzgerald, to win decisively.
The bad news is that a blank avatar fools nobody.
This image is from In Harm’s Way, a movie that is on my computer, my cell phone and any other device I might use on a plane. If you like wooden performances by iconic actors then you will love John Wayne as Admiral Rockwell “Rock” Torrey (Misspelled in IDMb as Torrie). His performance made Henry Fonda’s performance as CINCPAC (the unnamed Admiral Nimitz) downright animated. But I love the movie. My only objection is that I did not think it necessary for Otto Preminger to kill Burgess Meredith, my favorite character in the story. Wayne’s love interest in the flick was a nurse played by Patricia Neal, who received a BAFTA for her performance. The lines quoted in my original post were from Wayne’s character to Neal’ Character.
Wayne’s best scene was at the end when he was in a hospital under sedation. He was a natural for his lines, “Yes, sir” and “Aye, aye, sir.”
The bad news is that a blank avatar fools nobody.
This image is from In Harm’s Way, a movie that is on my computer, my cell phone and any other device I might use on a plane. If you like wooden performances by iconic actors then you will love John Wayne as Admiral Rockwell “Rock” Torrey (Misspelled in IDMb as Torrie). His performance made Henry Fonda’s performance as CINCPAC (the unnamed Admiral Nimitz) downright animated. But I love the movie. My only objection is that I did not think it necessary for Otto Preminger to kill Burgess Meredith, my favorite character in the story. Wayne’s love interest in the flick was a nurse played by Patricia Neal, who received a BAFTA for her performance. The lines quoted in my original post were from Wayne’s character to Neal’ Character.
Wayne’s best scene was at the end when he was in a hospital under sedation. He was a natural for his lines, “Yes, sir” and “Aye, aye, sir.”
1
Zero hits on your second avatar of the day, one less than the blank image! I found the best way to hide an avatar from an image search is to lift it from a screen shot. When you wrote, "This image is from In Harm’s Way, a movie that is on my computer," I wondered if you had actually done that.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/529595237410758649/
My earlier reference was to to the PEG leg he got and the line he would "stump his way to Tokyo."
I never know when I'm going over John's head.
My earlier reference was to to the PEG leg he got and the line he would "stump his way to Tokyo."
I never know when I'm going over John's head.
not to mention Captain Ahab.
1
I agree--such fun! Judge Vic presides over the [occasionally annual] Arkansas Puzzle Fest (crosswords and Sudoku) and I've met him several times; he's just as nice as you suspect! I wish Andrea Carla Michaels would show up :0)
Happily, none of the clues or fill made me want to say HORSEFEATHERS! @David, I saw your late post from yesterday. Suffice it to say, if it involves feathers/down, it's not a quilt, despite some similarities. I had a big down comforter when we lived in NE Ohio; the down was contained in channels with stitching that went through the layers of fabric. I suggest going to a quilt show.... it will definitely underscore the difference. (We just saw a traveling exhibit from the NY folk art museum, which included some quilts and an elaborate floor cloth. Wish I could visit that museum!)
Happy Monday, everyone!
Happily, none of the clues or fill made me want to say HORSEFEATHERS! @David, I saw your late post from yesterday. Suffice it to say, if it involves feathers/down, it's not a quilt, despite some similarities. I had a big down comforter when we lived in NE Ohio; the down was contained in channels with stitching that went through the layers of fabric. I suggest going to a quilt show.... it will definitely underscore the difference. (We just saw a traveling exhibit from the NY folk art museum, which included some quilts and an elaborate floor cloth. Wish I could visit that museum!)
Happy Monday, everyone!
3
I was thrown of by the clue of a Yardbirds hit. The only top ten hit by the Yardbirds I remember was "For Your Love". Spencer Davis Group (featuring Steve Winwood) had a monster hit of I'm A Man. Would have been a better clue for a Monday.
1
I think it's great to have two different songs titled "I'm a Man," the admittedly less popular clued Yardbirds release written by Bo Diddley, and the Spencer David Group hit written by Steve Winwood.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAdCePtwoW4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POCUgBSVENQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAdCePtwoW4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POCUgBSVENQ
3
How great to see the names at the top of the puzzle this morning when I printed out the puzzle!
I don't know Victor but admire his work and I will always have a warm spot in my heart for the incredibly talented Andrea Carla Michaels who gave me the encouragement and skills to dive into the constructing business a while ago. She is meticulous in her thought process when approaching a theme, believe me.
Today's theme is simple but just like when an great actor doesn't look like he's acting, a simple theme like this is well thought out and supremely tight. I especially appreciate how all words end in "S." Nobody makes a Monday look easy the way Andrea does.
I also love puzzles that make me want to participate. Off the top of my head, while the wrong word length: KICKSKIX "Cuts out the sugary cereal?" and NIXNICKS "Gets a new blade for the razor?" I don't why X popped into my head!
Thanks to Victor and Andrea for a pitch perfect Monday and a great start to the week! Also, I think it's really special that this collaboration began at the memorial for Merl Reagle, A very nice tribute to him, too.
I don't know Victor but admire his work and I will always have a warm spot in my heart for the incredibly talented Andrea Carla Michaels who gave me the encouragement and skills to dive into the constructing business a while ago. She is meticulous in her thought process when approaching a theme, believe me.
Today's theme is simple but just like when an great actor doesn't look like he's acting, a simple theme like this is well thought out and supremely tight. I especially appreciate how all words end in "S." Nobody makes a Monday look easy the way Andrea does.
I also love puzzles that make me want to participate. Off the top of my head, while the wrong word length: KICKSKIX "Cuts out the sugary cereal?" and NIXNICKS "Gets a new blade for the razor?" I don't why X popped into my head!
Thanks to Victor and Andrea for a pitch perfect Monday and a great start to the week! Also, I think it's really special that this collaboration began at the memorial for Merl Reagle, A very nice tribute to him, too.
5
You might be thinking of TRIXTRICKS because KIX is considered a "low sugar" cereal, so not likely to be "sugary":
https://www.generalmills.com/Brands/Cereals/kix
Jus' sayin' :)
https://www.generalmills.com/Brands/Cereals/kix
Jus' sayin' :)
What a nice way to start the day/week. Several cuts above the average Monday, while maintaining the early-week difficulty level. A good way to ensnare new solvers.
Extra points for having both A and D themers. I'm not sure why I find that mix so much more satisfying than the usual horizontal-only layout, but I do.
The theme became apparent right away, and after that all the themers were gimmes, but it didn't matter. They were fun. (And that portion of my brain that keeps playing when the rest is working is going to spend the rest of the day trying to come up with new ones.)
The only unknown was "I'M A MAN." Never sure of LOOIE or LOOEY. I think it's kin to all those ways of referring to U-turns.
Nice to see ASPCA. The weather has finally given us a break, so I'm reviving my life, and I'll be heading up there for a volunteer shift today. I'll be reading to dogs. Yes. It's a rehabilitative program for victims of cruelty and neglect who have been rescued and are being readied to find loving forever homes. The dogs love it, and so do I.
Usage alert: This is a NYT article and counts against any maximums. http://tinyurl.com/zvunb7b
Extra points for having both A and D themers. I'm not sure why I find that mix so much more satisfying than the usual horizontal-only layout, but I do.
The theme became apparent right away, and after that all the themers were gimmes, but it didn't matter. They were fun. (And that portion of my brain that keeps playing when the rest is working is going to spend the rest of the day trying to come up with new ones.)
The only unknown was "I'M A MAN." Never sure of LOOIE or LOOEY. I think it's kin to all those ways of referring to U-turns.
Nice to see ASPCA. The weather has finally given us a break, so I'm reviving my life, and I'll be heading up there for a volunteer shift today. I'll be reading to dogs. Yes. It's a rehabilitative program for victims of cruelty and neglect who have been rescued and are being readied to find loving forever homes. The dogs love it, and so do I.
Usage alert: This is a NYT article and counts against any maximums. http://tinyurl.com/zvunb7b
8
A and D? And analog and digital ...
I guess I find most of the puzzles fun, and say so, but this seemed especially so, as many so far have said. I got the first one with no letters and LOL, quickly went to the crosses to make sure. As always it's good to have nicely balanced vertical theme fills. Congrats to the commenters who came up with other clever suggestions.
As Deb suggested there is speculation that Brexit could trigger another vote in Scotland to leave the UK, so another clue would be needed for BRIT. Dublin, across the IRISH SEA, is still in the EU of course. I'll be flying from Leeds to Dublin to SFO in less than a month.
Great start to the week.
As Deb suggested there is speculation that Brexit could trigger another vote in Scotland to leave the UK, so another clue would be needed for BRIT. Dublin, across the IRISH SEA, is still in the EU of course. I'll be flying from Leeds to Dublin to SFO in less than a month.
Great start to the week.
3
The only problem with a joint ACME/FLEMING puzzle is too much of a good thing at once may mean one fewer good puzzle down the road. In any event, this was a delightful offering -- the kind that starts our minds searching for more -- KNOWS NOSE: Recognizes facial feature.
Lots of 'pluses' again -- AND/ASSET/ADDS TO. I may be sensitive to these positive signs more these days. I never thought of myself as an optimist until I started caring for my mother 24/7. Now there is a pessimist.
Lots of 'pluses' again -- AND/ASSET/ADDS TO. I may be sensitive to these positive signs more these days. I never thought of myself as an optimist until I started caring for my mother 24/7. Now there is a pessimist.
2
Nice smooth Monday puzzle and a clever theme. A couple of the theme answers were immediately obvious, but the others took a little thought (and some crosses); I thought that was a good variety for Monday.
Noticed a possible biblical sub-theme with AHAB crossing ALTAR crossing FALSE, and then Fido and friends over in one corner and some PIGs waiting at the bottom. And then over on the left there's... oh, no, let's skip that one. Not a pleasant story, but it's why you probably don't know anybody named Jezebel.
Was surprised to see that ACME has never had a themeless in the Times, but I suppose that just means that she really loves themes. Me too.
Still going back every day and working some old puzzles in hopes of actually getting better at this some day. At least it keeps me busy.
Noticed a possible biblical sub-theme with AHAB crossing ALTAR crossing FALSE, and then Fido and friends over in one corner and some PIGs waiting at the bottom. And then over on the left there's... oh, no, let's skip that one. Not a pleasant story, but it's why you probably don't know anybody named Jezebel.
Was surprised to see that ACME has never had a themeless in the Times, but I suppose that just means that she really loves themes. Me too.
Still going back every day and working some old puzzles in hopes of actually getting better at this some day. At least it keeps me busy.
4
I couldn't figure out your reference, so I looked up Jezebel. I only knew the "wanton woman" association.
Interesting story. Thanks for goading me, Rich. I owe you one.
Interesting story. Thanks for goading me, Rich. I owe you one.
1
WANTON WONTON would be a nice entry. . . how to clue it?
Roll in the hay?
Who could ABHOR this delightful Monday puzzle? Laughed out loud at POLLSPOLES and SELLSCELLS, and all day long I'll be hearing the music of IMAMAN and ARETHA. Thank you, Victor and Andrea!
1
I do not like puzzles that are boring, feel too ugly, or are unfairly difficult. This was neither. It set me off trying to think of new theme answers, and it was not easy to come up with good ones.
I did catch a rare Monday sighting -- a non-direct, clever clue! The one for ASPCA ("Abbreviation on a pound sign?"). More of these please, Will! Just one or two on a Monday to introduce new solvers to this type of cleverness. And there is a sub theme: Words that start with A (16).
A pleasing early-week jaunt. No BILE here. A KISS to the two of you!
I did catch a rare Monday sighting -- a non-direct, clever clue! The one for ASPCA ("Abbreviation on a pound sign?"). More of these please, Will! Just one or two on a Monday to introduce new solvers to this type of cleverness. And there is a sub theme: Words that start with A (16).
A pleasing early-week jaunt. No BILE here. A KISS to the two of you!
4
I never saw the ASPCA clue, so glad you pointed it out., Lewis
1
A very pleasant Monday, with a cute theme. There is even a bit of gentle misdirection: 53D, 68A.
There was a clump of names in the middle, but either they were familiar: ARETHA, MIDLER or came out of the crosses: I’M A MAN, MAUD, so Google took a day off.
There was a clump of names in the middle, but either they were familiar: ARETHA, MIDLER or came out of the crosses: I’M A MAN, MAUD, so Google took a day off.
2
Sorry. 66A, not 68A.
I liked this Monday because it had no (somewhat) obscure fill, but did have a little slanty clueing to help beginners get up to speed. Nice puzzle!
2
I see a lot less FLESH in the AFTER photo.
1
and Elke
Today's construction reminded me of the early 80's when I HAD A GO at a
shmuzzle puzzle.
This was much more fun.
Today's construction reminded me of the early 80's when I HAD A GO at a
shmuzzle puzzle.
This was much more fun.
1
.
.
Oh, Deb -- about your blog title:
Missouri Rep. Todd Akin claimed expertise about human physiology, but neither the colon nor the semicolon was implicated. I think his expertise extended only to the workings of the human female's reproductive system. He knows how to shut down fertilization.
He sure was a stupid "EM DASH cker", if I may bowdlerize George Carlin. As such, he would have fit right in with some of our other esteemed Senators.
.
Oh, Deb -- about your blog title:
Missouri Rep. Todd Akin claimed expertise about human physiology, but neither the colon nor the semicolon was implicated. I think his expertise extended only to the workings of the human female's reproductive system. He knows how to shut down fertilization.
He sure was a stupid "EM DASH cker", if I may bowdlerize George Carlin. As such, he would have fit right in with some of our other esteemed Senators.
3
Martin, first, I wonder why it takes two accomplished constructors to create a Monday puzzle?
Second, I leave you with this quote which was spoken by my avatar:
Well, I'm... flying under... FALSE colors, Miss Haynes. I don't know my son. I've been divorced for many years and he's been raised by his mother and family. I didn't even know he was in the Navy.
Third, I am losing to the Kid in Fantasy Football and there is no justice.
Second, I leave you with this quote which was spoken by my avatar:
Well, I'm... flying under... FALSE colors, Miss Haynes. I don't know my son. I've been divorced for many years and he's been raised by his mother and family. I didn't even know he was in the Navy.
Third, I am losing to the Kid in Fantasy Football and there is no justice.
John,
It was a surprisingly good film, as I recall.
It was a surprisingly good film, as I recall.
I'm stumped. Not really. That's a preveal.
I actually got one hit tonight. The name of the picture is not surprising:
Image: Avatar-male.png
The only redeeming feature of tonight's puzzle for me were theme entries that follow searchable patterns.
Image: Avatar-male.png
The only redeeming feature of tonight's puzzle for me were theme entries that follow searchable patterns.
This was a fun puzzle that generated more ideas!
Crying in the stands? TIERS TEARS
Tina's SNL Years? FEYS PHASE
Cinderella's crying fits at the dance? B*LLS BAWLS (for the emus)
Parts of a treaty? PEACES PIECES
Crying in the stands? TIERS TEARS
Tina's SNL Years? FEYS PHASE
Cinderella's crying fits at the dance? B*LLS BAWLS (for the emus)
Parts of a treaty? PEACES PIECES
5
To find homophonic pairs with RegEx would be exhausting. How about just using the patterns in today's puzzle and making the S on the end of each element optional? Well, I found 17 that match those patterns. The strangest result was SCHICCHI as in Gianni SCHICCHI.
http://tinyurl.com/jqcgaae
http://tinyurl.com/jqcgaae
1
Kiki.
SCHI and CCHI are not homophones. Could you have modified your search to ensure that the first S would only be matched by a soft C?
SCHI and CCHI are not homophones. Could you have modified your search to ensure that the first S would only be matched by a soft C?
Here's the search modified to include E or I after the S and C. I lost SCHICCHI and two unknown words from Jeff Chen's list. I should subtract those from the search totals since so far no one here has come forward admitting to be an Xword Info angel. Maybe Jeff can pitch the distinction when he posts here again.
http://tinyurl.com/gmyo4go
http://tinyurl.com/gmyo4go
I probably should have also included Y also, but I knew from Gianni SCHICCI that I would not find something like SYANCYAN.
Acronym Definition
SYAN Sai Young Adult Newsletter (quarterly newsletter)
SYAN Salisbury Youth Action Network (Australia)
Acronym Definition
SYAN Sai Young Adult Newsletter (quarterly newsletter)
SYAN Salisbury Youth Action Network (Australia)
.
I was delighted to see the bylines.
Delight turned to terror: "Does this mean one of these constructors will create one less puzzle this year?"
But, living for today, this one was fun to solve.
I was delighted to see the bylines.
Delight turned to terror: "Does this mean one of these constructors will create one less puzzle this year?"
But, living for today, this one was fun to solve.
4
It was fun! I was hoping that cultural currency would have the modest swimming garment be a burkini, especially with EMIRS and FLESH nearby. At least there's ALPO for the ASPCA, a SSGT to keep a LOOIE on track, and Bette in the middle.
5
Thr burkini didn't fit, Barry; it was the wrong size.
4
Ms. Michaels was right. That was fun!
25D brought to mind Alfred Hitchcock's cameo Before and AFTER photos in the film Lifeboat.
25D brought to mind Alfred Hitchcock's cameo Before and AFTER photos in the film Lifeboat.
4
Nice reference Alan. The product in Hitchcock's cameo was 'Reduco' The Sensational New Obesity Slayer.
1
Remembering how hard it was to learn some of those mountaineering knots, being reduced to the point of gnawing on the rope:
BITES BIGHTS
Regrets the Aussie deception
RUES ROO'S RUSE
Thanking Deadline for abbreviated TED Talks past on EMDASH, ENDASH and other matters editorial. Needles to say that without you....