I guess since it's appeared in the NYT crossword 10 times now (thank you, interwebs), I should know that the "A in Acapulco" is UNA, but today it stumped me--especially when paired with MOTET. And there I was killing this Monday until I got to that southern corner...
2
You OTTER be in pictures...
3
Funny how things change from day to day--I've been on a roll lately, catching on to misdirection and themes quickly. Today, though, I couldn't fill in the first 3 across right away and then got stuck for a couple of minutes in the SE corner before finishing (I'm terrible with music terms and UTTER and NO END were slow in coming). So not my best Monday, despite everyone else saying how quickly it fell. But I enjoyed it!
Since I have been known to lodge complaints with Deb when we don't get otter pictures, I must send off a huzzah for the video.
4
Nice, easy-breezy Monday.
Of course I forgot all about a theme until I got to the revealer, so that was a nice surprise.
Like everyone, I loved FLOTSAM/JETSAM/FJORD and UTTER-OTTER.
Plus a cute OTTER clip. How nice.
Thanks all.
Of course I forgot all about a theme until I got to the revealer, so that was a nice surprise.
Like everyone, I loved FLOTSAM/JETSAM/FJORD and UTTER-OTTER.
Plus a cute OTTER clip. How nice.
Thanks all.
2
A little sideshow re: motet.
Rex Parker's headliner quotes the lead paragraph from Wikipedia on "motet," and it is a surprisingly accurate item (for Wikiworld). Basically, "motet" is one of the least definable nouns in classical music. This is partly because it arose at the very beginning of classical music composition as we know it; it is one of the earliest forms. The quote cited there from many centuries ago, about how normal, uneducated masses don't appreciate motets, has everything to do with the first decades of polyphonic composition, when nobody understood how to make it work, there were no rules, and chaos reigned. Fans of that period in music history appreciate that chaos, bigly.
A question was raised about whether motets were always sacred. The only unifying element in all uses of the word "motet" would be that somebody has words to sing, and that at least one of the sets of words is of a religious or sacred character. The "mot" in "motet" is the same as the "mot" in "bon mot" - "word."
Rex Parker's headliner quotes the lead paragraph from Wikipedia on "motet," and it is a surprisingly accurate item (for Wikiworld). Basically, "motet" is one of the least definable nouns in classical music. This is partly because it arose at the very beginning of classical music composition as we know it; it is one of the earliest forms. The quote cited there from many centuries ago, about how normal, uneducated masses don't appreciate motets, has everything to do with the first decades of polyphonic composition, when nobody understood how to make it work, there were no rules, and chaos reigned. Fans of that period in music history appreciate that chaos, bigly.
A question was raised about whether motets were always sacred. The only unifying element in all uses of the word "motet" would be that somebody has words to sing, and that at least one of the sets of words is of a religious or sacred character. The "mot" in "motet" is the same as the "mot" in "bon mot" - "word."
2
G whiskers, David, I was thinking about MOTET also, albeit a little differently. It seemed to me that 4 [somethings] makes a quarTET, 5 a quinTET, 6 a sexTET, 7 a sepTET. 8 an ocTET, and 9 (obviously) a nonET. It would seem, perforce, that when you had MO' than 9 [somethings], it would be a MO'TET.
PS, Love those polyphonic 13th-16th c MOTETs. That probably started with CANDIDe's Princess of Palestrina...
PS, Love those polyphonic 13th-16th c MOTETs. That probably started with CANDIDe's Princess of Palestrina...
Leapy, obviously your thought is mo' better.
No No Nonet.
No No Nonet.
I go to the movies a lot, so this puzzle was right up my alley. Plus, cute OTTER clip, so what more could one ask on a Monday? Well done, Mr. Christian.
DVR before DVD; otherwise, clean solve. Between CDs and DVDs, I have quite a collection of obsolescent media. Nice to see more than one WPer tie FLOTSAM and JETSAM to "The Little Mermaid."
"LIGHTS" by Journey:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNG62fULYgI
"CAMERA" by R.E.M.:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsiy1H5tIoM
"ACTION" by Sweet:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcQDi6u28VQ
That's a wrap.
DVR before DVD; otherwise, clean solve. Between CDs and DVDs, I have quite a collection of obsolescent media. Nice to see more than one WPer tie FLOTSAM and JETSAM to "The Little Mermaid."
"LIGHTS" by Journey:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNG62fULYgI
"CAMERA" by R.E.M.:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsiy1H5tIoM
"ACTION" by Sweet:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcQDi6u28VQ
That's a wrap.
5
While "lights, camera, action" is certainly a well recognized traditional film director's call, a modern set actually employs a verbal dance from several crew members. While every crew ends up having a different protocol based on the type of equipment they are using (film or video, separate sound or going straight into camera, etc.) and personal preferences, the sound of it is often something like this:
Director: Sound
Sound guy: Speed
Assistant Camera Operator (holding up clapboard to camera): Wordplay, scene 6, take 3
Camera Operator: Mark it
(AC snaps clapboard and runs off screen)
Director: And... action!
Of course, all of that would never fit into a crossword.
Director: Sound
Sound guy: Speed
Assistant Camera Operator (holding up clapboard to camera): Wordplay, scene 6, take 3
Camera Operator: Mark it
(AC snaps clapboard and runs off screen)
Director: And... action!
Of course, all of that would never fit into a crossword.
5
Not gonna mansplain, but if you want some fun learnin' 'smo'nin' google up "what is the difference between flotsam and jetsam" and enjoy the complexities of maritime law (lagan and derelict, too; could expect they would make good entries on their own).
2
This was a fun and fast puzzle! I was thrown by B AND B, didn't know MOTET, and always forget LENTO. Other than that, it was pretty smooth sailing. I loved FLOTSAM and JETSAM being side by side.
2
MOL and others, I simply assume good taste when my post are "emued" (filtered per Barry A.).
Some how NOEND eluded me. Often my post seem to have NOEND, relevance or purpose. But they are mine. Cue My Way (Johnny Rotten version). Perhaps I am just not self-aware.
Nice Monday Kevin. Thank you.
Some how NOEND eluded me. Often my post seem to have NOEND, relevance or purpose. But they are mine. Cue My Way (Johnny Rotten version). Perhaps I am just not self-aware.
Nice Monday Kevin. Thank you.
3
Pleasant solve. I keep staring at COVERT ACTION and seeing the basis for possible future themes -- like COnVERT or TrACTION. I started with 'acres' instead of AUTOS on the lot, but the downs cleared that up.
I don't know if this is accurate, but Gilmore Girls fans might agree that a B AND B is not necessarily the same thing as an inn. Oddly enough, I thought of Gilmore twice while solving, the other with respect to the backwards CAP.
I don't know if this is accurate, but Gilmore Girls fans might agree that a B AND B is not necessarily the same thing as an inn. Oddly enough, I thought of Gilmore twice while solving, the other with respect to the backwards CAP.
Here a B&B is generally in a private home with only a few rooms, 6 being typical. An Inn would be larger with an outside staff usually. Of course there are exceptions to both, and I think it varies a lot from country to country so I think the clue is fine.
When I see "inn" I think of the old TV show Newhart. I do not think of the hotel/motel chains with the word in its name, like Holiday Inn or Red Roof Inn. The inn depicted in Newhart more closely resemble the B&B variety, no?
1
I've never seen the show, Wen, but from what I've heard, yes.
All HANDS on deck. Nautically speaking, what a pleasant follow up to the theme from yesterday...Whenever 'slow in music' appears in the clues, I always seem to have to lean on crosses. I'm sure there is more than one answer for that prompt...I am out the door for appointments as a busy day is scheduled...Dearly departed Frankie F(J)ORD announces his signature "Sea Cruise" in full-tilt, ARTSY fashion with a bit of whimsy: "It don't go something like this, it goes exactly like this."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SEjy9C_ZWw
It will be rough sailing on the Middle Atlantic today as stormy seas will prevail. I'm blaming it on the full moon. So is Tanya Tucker as she covers Rodney Crowell's ballad. ENFOLD yourself in the hammock on your wrap-around porch and swing to the LENTO rhythm of "Shame on the Moon." Tanya Tucker covered it on her '82 work, "Changes."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLUIaUIkiTE
Anchors Aweigh Again,
Bru
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SEjy9C_ZWw
It will be rough sailing on the Middle Atlantic today as stormy seas will prevail. I'm blaming it on the full moon. So is Tanya Tucker as she covers Rodney Crowell's ballad. ENFOLD yourself in the hammock on your wrap-around porch and swing to the LENTO rhythm of "Shame on the Moon." Tanya Tucker covered it on her '82 work, "Changes."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLUIaUIkiTE
Anchors Aweigh Again,
Bru
1
Never did figure out how I offended yesterday--so much for Trusted Contributor! So I will be very careful today just to say, "Nice Monday!" and the slope off to begin the work week.
Oh, that's right--I'm retired!! Nyah nyah. [yawn, stretch]
Actually, it's going to be a busy day. Be well, everyone!
Oh, that's right--I'm retired!! Nyah nyah. [yawn, stretch]
Actually, it's going to be a busy day. Be well, everyone!
2
MOL,
If your comment that did not promptly post yesterday had contained something mistakenly deemed inappropriate, Deb would have fished it out of the emu filter and posted it later. I don't see any late posts from you yesterday, and I doubt it's still in the trap. Welcome to the "totally random missing post" club; I'm surprised you hadn't joined earlier.
If your comment that did not promptly post yesterday had contained something mistakenly deemed inappropriate, Deb would have fished it out of the emu filter and posted it later. I don't see any late posts from you yesterday, and I doubt it's still in the trap. Welcome to the "totally random missing post" club; I'm surprised you hadn't joined earlier.
3
I will take a look when I'm in front of my computer, but please know that the mods and I are generally off on the weekends, so any stuck comments will be fished out on Monday morning.
When I type in a comment and hit the "submit" button, it usually turns pale yellow (comment pending). Every once in a while, for no apparent reason, it turns gray (or grey), and inevitably that color indicates "we just ate your comment," and the comment never appears. I don't know whether it is a problem on my end, their end, or somewhere in between, but that gray color (grey colour) is the usual signal for failure to post.
I knew the words FLOTSAM/JETSAM but had no idea what they meant which is sad considering my daughter is a newly-minted 3rd engineer. I painted myself into the top right corner by being too NERDY trying to figure out what data GPS provided that completed R_E. Technically, the Global Positioning System does not provide routes and directions - the navigation SW does. But common use of the term GPS for our nav systems made it a great clue.
1
FLOTSAM and JETSAM are the moray eel minions of Ursula the sea witch in Little Mermaid, of course. What else could they possibly mean?
3
Perfection in thematic puzzlement. I had all three themers filled in without figuring out what they had in common. The revealer was such a satisfying moment. A solid grid, interesting and varied, with such charming pairs - UTTER and OTTER, FLOTSAM and JETSAM, and others that have been mentioned too.
In short, a lot more than one expects from a Monday.
We're off to our annual family vacation, a week in Greece this time. Evia Bay. Hot - like here. Pool, beach, A/C. Puzzle-wise, I'll be dependent on the grandchildren's laptops - will try to keep up.
In short, a lot more than one expects from a Monday.
We're off to our annual family vacation, a week in Greece this time. Evia Bay. Hot - like here. Pool, beach, A/C. Puzzle-wise, I'll be dependent on the grandchildren's laptops - will try to keep up.
4
Have a great time, Viv.
1
Sounds wonderful, Viv. Maybe you will spend some time in an AGORA. Enjoy!
1
Enjoy. Safe travels.
1
A man with a plan. Quick solve but a very nice puzzle and I agree that FLOTSAM and JETSAM were a terrific bonus. When I got to the reveal the only theme answer I had in place was BRIGHTLIGHTS. Then it was just a matter of counting letters to see if FILM or MOVIE was going to work and I went back and filled in the end of the other two themers. And that was pretty much that.
Aside from one letter, the difference between IONIC and IRONIC or ICONIC is that IONIC is not constantly misused by television news people.
But I'm sure one of them could manage that if given the chance.
Aside from one letter, the difference between IONIC and IRONIC or ICONIC is that IONIC is not constantly misused by television news people.
But I'm sure one of them could manage that if given the chance.
5
How does ICONIC get misused? Is it wrong to say my iPhone screen is very ICONIC because I download and install a ton of apps?
1
Words/phrases consistently misused by television news reporters and readers:
Hopefully
Tragedy/tragic
Decimated
Begs the question
Ironic/irony
Literally/literal
Incredible
Hopefully
Tragedy/tragic
Decimated
Begs the question
Ironic/irony
Literally/literal
Incredible
2
I'm sure that given the chance a TV newsperson would at least mispronounce IONIC.
Wen, wouldn't it be better to say your phone is ICONY?
Wen, wouldn't it be better to say your phone is ICONY?
1
1. Nice AIR/MAILED cross, as well as proximity of AIR and B_AND_B (yes, that isn't how it's actually spelled but close enough).
2. Was conflicted at the corner of ARTSY and NERDY.
3. Skin began to crawl at the MY_BAD/CAP cross, and then I figured out why.
4. Playful inclusion of UTTER and OTTER.
5. That beginning to the seventh row -- MY BAD OVUM -- sounds like a movie title, and if it ever comes to pass, I'll skip it, thank you.
2. Was conflicted at the corner of ARTSY and NERDY.
3. Skin began to crawl at the MY_BAD/CAP cross, and then I figured out why.
4. Playful inclusion of UTTER and OTTER.
5. That beginning to the seventh row -- MY BAD OVUM -- sounds like a movie title, and if it ever comes to pass, I'll skip it, thank you.
3
The Bad Seed. Diploid version, but close enough, eh?
3
Can anyone explain why "band B" is "inn, informally." I got it easily from the crosses but don't get this clue.
B and B ... bed and breakfast.
1
To myself.... "D'oh." Head slap. Thanks for pointing out the pretty obvious. I needed it.
2
Delightful start to the week for all the reasons already mentioned. I didn't see the theme until I had all three theme answers and had to pause a bit before it hit me.
As so often crosswords trigger memories. Today it was the many times we visited the FJORDS of Norway, the most beautiful country that I've ever been to, and also OSAKA and meeting the Navy carrier on which my husband served as it came in to port.
Kevin mentioned one of his fills was changed by Will for the better which he obviously often does as well as the clues. I had been hoping that Will would have made an appearance on word play to say he enjoyed learning something on the subject of British Pantomimes.
As so often crosswords trigger memories. Today it was the many times we visited the FJORDS of Norway, the most beautiful country that I've ever been to, and also OSAKA and meeting the Navy carrier on which my husband served as it came in to port.
Kevin mentioned one of his fills was changed by Will for the better which he obviously often does as well as the clues. I had been hoping that Will would have made an appearance on word play to say he enjoyed learning something on the subject of British Pantomimes.
5
PANAMA reminds me of the great Yankee relief pitcher: Mariana Rivera, born in Panama, who became the all-time save leader.
2
sorry. I meant to type Mariano Rivera!
1
and Elke
So are those nautical vessels of yesterday today's FLOTSAM and JETSAM ?
We have B AND B, H AND S, AND Y......
A few BARBS at AARP Magazine : once Golden AGERS have MAILED in their first subscription ,there is NO END to it. It seems impossible to get off their MAILing list.
Liked seeing DIOR next to TAILOR-- some TAILOR !
Anybody else remember the ad : Which twin has the TONI ?
Satisfying puzzle. Best wishes to all those who AIL .
So are those nautical vessels of yesterday today's FLOTSAM and JETSAM ?
We have B AND B, H AND S, AND Y......
A few BARBS at AARP Magazine : once Golden AGERS have MAILED in their first subscription ,there is NO END to it. It seems impossible to get off their MAILing list.
Liked seeing DIOR next to TAILOR-- some TAILOR !
Anybody else remember the ad : Which twin has the TONI ?
Satisfying puzzle. Best wishes to all those who AIL .
3
RE: AARP - My solution is to chuck every piece of mail, ignore every phone call, and delete every email. It's not easy, as they are relentless! What gets me is that AARP is SO well known, if a person wants their services they would have no trouble finding them. This barrage of junk seems wasteful.
It also seems I have taken quite a few resort vacations in my sleep as I get that phone call every third day--on my WORK phone no less. Finally got through to the people trying to sell me supplemental warranties on my car though.
It also seems I have taken quite a few resort vacations in my sleep as I get that phone call every third day--on my WORK phone no less. Finally got through to the people trying to sell me supplemental warranties on my car though.
1
Glad I'm not alone here -- the problem I had with the clue for AARP was that the only definition I'd accept is "front for life insurance companies."
5
Agreed. Advocate for the 50 and over crowd AARP??? Get real. More like “relentless insurance marketer to the 50 and over crowd that will never leave you alone”.
4
A fun Monday puzzle. Two nits: A labyrinth is not a maze; it is a path. There is only one way in and out, and one cannot get lost in it. And while I know it is a common clue, why is 'arty' or 'artsy' necessarily pretentious?
7
I agree with both of Kris L's "nits."
1
Kris,
The dictionary disagrees -- and I think Theseus would disagree -- with your contention that a labyrinth is not a maze.
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/labyrinth
The dictionary disagrees -- and I think Theseus would disagree -- with your contention that a labyrinth is not a maze.
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/labyrinth
3
"...why is 'arty' or 'artsy' necessarily pretentious?"
*Why* it is I leave to the linguists; *that* it is does not seem up for debate:
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/arty
*Why* it is I leave to the linguists; *that* it is does not seem up for debate:
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/arty
1
Great start to the week!
And now I'll have "Poor Unfortunate Souls" stuck in my head for who knows how long! https://youtu.be/Gi58pN8W3hY?t=4m05s
And now I'll have "Poor Unfortunate Souls" stuck in my head for who knows how long! https://youtu.be/Gi58pN8W3hY?t=4m05s
2
About river OTTERS: the film "RIng of of Bright Water" is seared in my brain for one devastating scene involving a shovel and a woman screaming "Mij!!!".
1
I can't get enough of that UTTERly adornable OTTER! Someone has to dub a voice onto that clip. The fuzzy fella seems to be talking about how good the kibble is, and how his day went.
Today's puzzle gets a Rotten Tomatoes rating of Certified Fresh. I enjoyed it.
(When I watched Candid Camera as a child I always got a vague sense of menace from host Alan Funt. I think he must have been a mean man, at heart. Who else would design a show to make people look foolish and feel embarrassed? Oh, yeah...most of today's tv producers.)
Today's puzzle gets a Rotten Tomatoes rating of Certified Fresh. I enjoyed it.
(When I watched Candid Camera as a child I always got a vague sense of menace from host Alan Funt. I think he must have been a mean man, at heart. Who else would design a show to make people look foolish and feel embarrassed? Oh, yeah...most of today's tv producers.)
4
With CAN entered for the start of 28A and a quick look at the clue picking up 'joke', 'show', and '1948' I confidently entered the can't miss CANYOUTOPTHS.... whoops....
1
Mr Christian is correct that FLOTSAM and JETSAM have not been used in the same puzzle before, much less side-by-side. (Yes, I'm NERDY). It was cool seeing them there. Okay, some of the other fill is a bit glue-y, but it's worth it for FLOTSAM and JETSAM.
I got CANDID CAMERA and COVERT ACTION before BRIGHT LIGHTS, so I was thinking the theme might refer to hidden things (from the first words). So I was surprised to see "last words" in the clue for 53A.
I got CANDID CAMERA and COVERT ACTION before BRIGHT LIGHTS, so I was thinking the theme might refer to hidden things (from the first words). So I was surprised to see "last words" in the clue for 53A.
5
We're all nerdy. That's why we're here.
3
My attitude toward Monday puzzles depends on how well my weekend puzzle-solving went. If I have run successfully through the Friday/Saturday/Sunday gauntlet, then Monday is a bit of a letdown. I miss the challenges and there is no buzz. But if I have stumbled and fallen, then Monday is an opportunity to set my jaw, reassure me that I can still solve crosswords, and start a new streak.
4
Are you going to leave us hanging? Which was it this weekend?
4
Fast puzzle. I liked FLOTSAM next to JETSAM a lot. Nicely done. Thanks for the fun.
3
Any puzzle that has FJORD and FLOTSAM and JETSAM, it's got a good head start on being a good puzzle. The presence of V's, K's, and Y's was nice too!
2
Deb,
Thanks for the otter video. If you had not included one, I would have been worried. There may have been AUTOS on the lot, but there was not one FJORD. I'd rate this puzzle an A in any language; not a DIOR or c.
Thanks for the otter video. If you had not included one, I would have been worried. There may have been AUTOS on the lot, but there was not one FJORD. I'd rate this puzzle an A in any language; not a DIOR or c.
6
A-MAZE-ing!
Pleasant Monday puzzle. Nicely crafted.
2