[mmphff]
Forgot my musical selection, "DAUNTS With Me, Henry"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWGI0oUeSeI
Forgot my musical selection, "DAUNTS With Me, Henry"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWGI0oUeSeI
2
Had to make one quick brag: My fastest Tuesday ever, more than 5 minutes under my average! Woo-hoo!
3
That's great Anne-Marie. Many of us found this a challenging Tuesday puzzle.
1
Do I collect anything?--well, you could say that. Where's the line between collecting and hoarding?
Fun puzzle today by SISI. Cluing and answers seem a step up from the usual Tuesday, but still finished in average time. TATA and TATAMI in the same grid--sure, why not? I also like UFOS and UNOS. PASTA, shmasta--point me towards the SUNDAE BAR.
Industrial rock is characterized by its harsh, discordant, mainly electronic sound. The most commercially successful purveyor of the genre is Nine Inch Nails. Their 2005 album, "With Teeth," features the track "The Collector." Not for all tastes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTIWzR2pifc
in 2003, pop-punk band The ATARIS scored their biggest hit with a supercharged cover of "The Boys of Summer," originally by ex-Eagle Don Henley.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySoUuodID7w
Fun puzzle today by SISI. Cluing and answers seem a step up from the usual Tuesday, but still finished in average time. TATA and TATAMI in the same grid--sure, why not? I also like UFOS and UNOS. PASTA, shmasta--point me towards the SUNDAE BAR.
Industrial rock is characterized by its harsh, discordant, mainly electronic sound. The most commercially successful purveyor of the genre is Nine Inch Nails. Their 2005 album, "With Teeth," features the track "The Collector." Not for all tastes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTIWzR2pifc
in 2003, pop-punk band The ATARIS scored their biggest hit with a supercharged cover of "The Boys of Summer," originally by ex-Eagle Don Henley.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySoUuodID7w
2
I like the second song! I don't remember that coming out, being a big hit. I think in 2003 I was still stunned from 2001.
1
For some totally unknown reason, PASSPORT was a gimme for me, but the well-known answer for Calliope and her friend just wouldn't come out of hiding without a couple of crosses. Ah, the vagaries of an aging brain!
For the rest of the theme answers (and a lot of the others), I needed a good number of crosses, but the continued switching from across to down, as likely answers magically appeared, made the puzzle a fun exercise. I was able to fix the eventual "Almost there" by changing HiTS to HATS, which also allowed me to see the pun in BAA, whereas BAi had no meaning.
For the rest of the theme answers (and a lot of the others), I needed a good number of crosses, but the continued switching from across to down, as likely answers magically appeared, made the puzzle a fun exercise. I was able to fix the eventual "Almost there" by changing HiTS to HATS, which also allowed me to see the pun in BAA, whereas BAi had no meaning.
1
in the Catholic Church, today is a big celebration of the Virgin Mary. What a treat to find both "Hail Mary, full of grace" in today's puzzle!
also, anyone who can't appreciate the sheep pun may have the wool pulled over their eyes.
also, anyone who can't appreciate the sheep pun may have the wool pulled over their eyes.
5
I always liked the way Albert Alligator said it in "Pogo" -
"he's tryin' to pull my wool over the ice!"
"he's tryin' to pull my wool over the ice!"
1
I did remember to look for a theme, after I had finished the puzzle and before I came to Wordplay. And I didn't see it until Deb explained.
Today we have a real NIXON. And I never would have figured out SIXER without him.
Eventually got POINT GUARDS from having enough letters. I've heard the term, but associated it with football. From the clue, it seems to be basketball. My sports knowledge is expanding.
Liked some of the clues, e.g., HATS, INSEAM, all of the themers.
BRO hug, not so much. Another term I've never heard of, although I can figure out what it refers to.
After yesterday, I am not going out into midtown today. Or any day when POTUS is in town. The pain lingers (although the giant Trump blow-up doll was entertaining).
Thanks C.C. and all. Have a good day people.
Today we have a real NIXON. And I never would have figured out SIXER without him.
Eventually got POINT GUARDS from having enough letters. I've heard the term, but associated it with football. From the clue, it seems to be basketball. My sports knowledge is expanding.
Liked some of the clues, e.g., HATS, INSEAM, all of the themers.
BRO hug, not so much. Another term I've never heard of, although I can figure out what it refers to.
After yesterday, I am not going out into midtown today. Or any day when POTUS is in town. The pain lingers (although the giant Trump blow-up doll was entertaining).
Thanks C.C. and all. Have a good day people.
9
I enjoyed the theme, but I have to admit I was looking for something a little more complex. To me a PASTABAR would be a place to collect shells rather than a shell collector.
Personally I am not a collector. I do collect sea shells, but only because my granddaughters are young enough allowed to choose some favourites to take home with them. I married into a family of collectors and even after more than forty years I don't understand their obsession with collecting. The walls of My father-in-laws tiny den are lined with shadow boxes filled with his collection of over 400 straight razors. He has carefully curated his collection of Fenton glass recording the date purchased, the price paid and the book value at time of purchase. At the age of 92, he is having trouble accepting that there is not a market for Fenton glass at this time not recover his investment.
Personally I am not a collector. I do collect sea shells, but only because my granddaughters are young enough allowed to choose some favourites to take home with them. I married into a family of collectors and even after more than forty years I don't understand their obsession with collecting. The walls of My father-in-laws tiny den are lined with shadow boxes filled with his collection of over 400 straight razors. He has carefully curated his collection of Fenton glass recording the date purchased, the price paid and the book value at time of purchase. At the age of 92, he is having trouble accepting that there is not a market for Fenton glass at this time not recover his investment.
3
I have been known to ISH-u an SOS when my IOS is acting up. I like how STANDING O crosses DUET O. Something about this offering has me parsing words non-traditionally, like D AUNTS, which reminds me of several female family members who barely made the grade. SI SI, CC, you aMUSE me.
4
You reminded me that I meant to comment on Deb's mention of NYT style caveat about avoiding DUE TO.
For once, I agree with NYT style.
For once, I agree with NYT style.
1
Speaking as an Aunt many times over (remember Bette Davis sitting out, "I am an aunt-ah" in -- I think "Now Voyager"?), I resemble that remark. ;-)
DUETO unforseen circumstances, this female forgot to have children and so is never quite sure what all those nephews and nieces want from me. Aside from gifts and a free place to crash when they are on their way to visit someone else. Not that I'm bitter or anything.
DUETO unforseen circumstances, this female forgot to have children and so is never quite sure what all those nephews and nieces want from me. Aside from gifts and a free place to crash when they are on their way to visit someone else. Not that I'm bitter or anything.
Just kidding, Passion for Peaches. All of my AHnts were wonderful. I am afraid I have none left. But I am one!
Loved it! CC has got it going on. The clue/answer for 11A brought back memories of my own dissertation defense, when one of the faculty showed up in a state of intoxication. And he was not a happy drunk.
6
I'll cc: what SJ and DK used as a final line. I just finished today's Washington Post puzzle that is also by CC. I enjoyed both of them.
2
Hits for HATS. Drat!
BITTER END, on jazz nights, substituted snapping fingers for a STANDINGO. Dad took me there in 1965 to see Peter Paul and Mary. Four years later I was a skinny photog in awe of Country Joe McDonald and the Fish.
Smooth Tuesday.
SISI C.C.
BITTER END, on jazz nights, substituted snapping fingers for a STANDINGO. Dad took me there in 1965 to see Peter Paul and Mary. Four years later I was a skinny photog in awe of Country Joe McDonald and the Fish.
Smooth Tuesday.
SISI C.C.
4
"What's that spell?" Today it's TALE.
1
A long time ago, including in 1965, I lived about a block and a half away from the BITTER END.
I don't think it's still there.
I don't think it's still there.
1
1
I thought this quite challenging for a Tuesday, but managed without help. In the NE I didn't know either the director or the FiveThirtyEight person or the expression STANDING O ( but I like it), so off to a slowish start.
As for the theme, I often don't notice when the theme is in the clues rather than the entries, so never got that. I did enjoy figuring out all the theme answers however, except PASTA BAR, another thing I've never heard of, but I'm sure would enjoy.
Lots of good entries and cluing which held my interest all the way through.
SI SI for CC.
As for the theme, I often don't notice when the theme is in the clues rather than the entries, so never got that. I did enjoy figuring out all the theme answers however, except PASTA BAR, another thing I've never heard of, but I'm sure would enjoy.
Lots of good entries and cluing which held my interest all the way through.
SI SI for CC.
3
■ 58D/61D: Do sheep BAA in terror when they are being sheared? That’s not an entertaining visual. But yes, it is a PUN.
Deb,
While there is a lot of BAA here, it doesn't seem to be in "shear" terror.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53KoRxxr1jc
Deb,
While there is a lot of BAA here, it doesn't seem to be in "shear" terror.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53KoRxxr1jc
1
I've seen plenty of shearing. I think for the most part the experienced sheep are relieved to get rid if their burdensome coats (often full of stickers and other scratchy bits), so they aren't terrified. They hold their breath and think of England. Certainly, a young sheep's first shearing would be a frightening thing. Shearers can be very rough with the animals, though. That shearer in the video is acting with great care for the sake of the people watching. In real life, they move with great speed. Sheep are handled roughly, and often get wounds from the blade.
Here is a sheep who was glad to be shorn. The poor, coat-bound thing must have been in so much pain, for years:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2736641/Shaun-shaggy-Aussie-shee...
Here is a sheep who was glad to be shorn. The poor, coat-bound thing must have been in so much pain, for years:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2736641/Shaun-shaggy-Aussie-shee...
Shorn Shaun? Hah! That sounds like a PUN ISH meant.
In re that 'thinking of England' thingy, I believe the idea is to close your eyes, not hold your breath. Unless you're in cahoots with someone really speedy, of course.
In re that 'thinking of England' thingy, I believe the idea is to close your eyes, not hold your breath. Unless you're in cahoots with someone really speedy, of course.
2
too many repeats of recently used words
pagoda, atari, ami
the editing is rather sloppy of late.
pagoda, atari, ami
the editing is rather sloppy of late.
2
Maybe not so much the editing as it is the scheduling? I wonder if Will considers that. Sometimes we've seen similar or same clues/entries run within a couple of weeks of each other. The first instance you might think, "ah, that's clever." The second instance, you might think, "didn't we just see this?" After that, it becomes noise. Sometimes it IRKS me too.
PAGODA last showed up in the Isaac Mizrahi puzzle - https://www.xwordinfo.com/Crossword?date=7/30/2017&g=12&d=D
ATARI, though, is a perennial crossword staple. ATARI/ATARIS occurred 8 times so far this year. 158 times overall in xwordinfo.
PAGODA last showed up in the Isaac Mizrahi puzzle - https://www.xwordinfo.com/Crossword?date=7/30/2017&g=12&d=D
ATARI, though, is a perennial crossword staple. ATARI/ATARIS occurred 8 times so far this year. 158 times overall in xwordinfo.
2
Beautiful picture with the article. Is it a pagoda? Unlike stereotypical ones.
Hi CatPet,
It is! And the unusual look is precisely what I liked about it.
It is! And the unusual look is precisely what I liked about it.
And TIL
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pagoda#/media/File:Kek_Lok_Si_pagoda_style...
Expanding horizons!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pagoda#/media/File:Kek_Lok_Si_pagoda_style...
Expanding horizons!
1
Deb, I respectfully submit that it is not a pagoda, but a stupa.
2
Nice puzzle. Challenging for a Tuesday (for me, at least). Needed multiple crosses for all of the theme answers. Even when I had REGISTER filled in at 45a I had to blink 5 times before CASH finally dawned on me. And some nice non-theme fill as others have noted. Also liked seeing SISI in a C.C. puzzle.
I could swear that something to do with POINTGUARDS came up in a very recent puzzle, but now I can't remember what it was (it wasn't that answer, even as a singular).
I'm a bit confused by C.C.'s comment about starting with 'two 12's in Row 4 and Row 13.' Those rows are not symmetrical - it would have to be rows 3 and 13 (most likely) or rows 4 and 12. But neither Jeff nor Deb (nor anyone else) flagged that, so maybe I'm misunderstanding something. I await enlightenment.
I could swear that something to do with POINTGUARDS came up in a very recent puzzle, but now I can't remember what it was (it wasn't that answer, even as a singular).
I'm a bit confused by C.C.'s comment about starting with 'two 12's in Row 4 and Row 13.' Those rows are not symmetrical - it would have to be rows 3 and 13 (most likely) or rows 4 and 12. But neither Jeff nor Deb (nor anyone else) flagged that, so maybe I'm misunderstanding something. I await enlightenment.
1
"POINTGUARD(s) e.g." was used on Fr Aug 4th as a clue for PLAYMAKER
As for the rows, she stated that the puzzle became too crowded and she changed direction, which would suggest another grid-design entirely.
As for the rows, she stated that the puzzle became too crowded and she changed direction, which would suggest another grid-design entirely.
3
Rich,
August 4 puzzle, "Point guard" was the clue for PLAYMAKER.
August 4 puzzle, "Point guard" was the clue for PLAYMAKER.
2
Both times, I thought of Tommy Amaker. His floor-slap when facing the advancing offence would concentrate his team something wonderful, and he was living proof that nice guys don't finish last.
3
What a fine Tuesday puzzle! Brilliant theme -- who has come up with this before? Some terrific cluing -- SEAM, PIPES, BAA, PASSPORT -- which is often rare on Tuesday. Very nice answers in STANDINGO, MADDASH, and BITTEREND. Clean grid, and some lovely pesky grit. A true collector's piece!
1
How are puff pieces PIPES? I don't get it. Need more caffeine.
Bilbo and Gandalf sat on the front step, puffing on their pipes...
2
I had trouble with that too. At first I thought the reference was to bagpipes, but then I remember that PIPE smokers puff on their corncobs or whatever.
1
The puzzle was easy even for a Tuesday but I did learn a new phrase -- sea glass.
1
Hi Mikeq,
One man's trash is another man's treasure, isn't it?
One man's trash is another man's treasure, isn't it?
1
Sea glass is lovely, in pale shades of blue and green, etc. You probably don't come across much of it in Boise. Sadly, I've never come across much of it on east coast beaches. I read somewhere once that since glass got replaced by so much plastic, there's much less of it nowadays.
2
Alas, I'm willing to bet that there is a whole lot of sea plastic.
{shudder}
{shudder}
PASTA BAR would seem, by its clue, to be a theme entry......but if so, it seems lame, and Deb does not dub it one.
This one was just Okay for me, Dawg. A few too many Awkward Plurals for my taste.....or maybe I am just cranky because I woke up and couldn't go back to sleep....
Wonder if we can collect enough euphemisms for 'current state of affairs?' Phrases like Dumpster Fire, Train Wreck, Hot Mess....... others?
This one was just Okay for me, Dawg. A few too many Awkward Plurals for my taste.....or maybe I am just cranky because I woke up and couldn't go back to sleep....
Wonder if we can collect enough euphemisms for 'current state of affairs?' Phrases like Dumpster Fire, Train Wreck, Hot Mess....... others?
5
I can think of one, MOL, but cluster___ will not pass muster on this blog.
6
Hi MOL,
I only gave two examples in the column so that others could "collect" the collectors themselves.
I only gave two examples in the column so that others could "collect" the collectors themselves.
2
MOL -- I agree that the PASTA BAR was not worth the price,
Rich -- Go to your barracks.
Rich -- Go to your barracks.
1
For some reason, "puff pieces?" really got me. It took me to the BITTER END to get it.
4
and Elke
Instead of a MAD DASH , I TOOTLED along to the BITTER END.
C.C., or is it SI SI ? , again you provided a lot of fun , mainly DUE TO (because of)a great variety of clue/interesting answers.
Since I had only just done yesterday's puzzle, which had 25A 'moo goo gai pan pan', I had 'pan' instead of SOS (briefly). Pan-pan is also a 'plea' :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan-pan
The article mentions an Avianca Flight 52, which crashed near JFK Jan. 1990. The weather was bad (snow/fog) and the flight crew had not used the 'pan-pan' phrase to alert Air traffic control that they were running out of fuel. We were on a Pan Am flight back from Europe and in the line-up for the Instrument Landing strip. We made it. We were supposed to connect to another destination in the State, but the airport shut down after the crash. That's as close to an air disaster I ever want to get.
Will always remember 'pan-pan'.
PS- C.C.- never apologize for a PUN - some of us (incl.me) think of it as the highest form of humour.... Of course, opinions may/do vary.
This raised my PULSE- I think I will hit the SACK.
TA -TA
Instead of a MAD DASH , I TOOTLED along to the BITTER END.
C.C., or is it SI SI ? , again you provided a lot of fun , mainly DUE TO (because of)a great variety of clue/interesting answers.
Since I had only just done yesterday's puzzle, which had 25A 'moo goo gai pan pan', I had 'pan' instead of SOS (briefly). Pan-pan is also a 'plea' :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan-pan
The article mentions an Avianca Flight 52, which crashed near JFK Jan. 1990. The weather was bad (snow/fog) and the flight crew had not used the 'pan-pan' phrase to alert Air traffic control that they were running out of fuel. We were on a Pan Am flight back from Europe and in the line-up for the Instrument Landing strip. We made it. We were supposed to connect to another destination in the State, but the airport shut down after the crash. That's as close to an air disaster I ever want to get.
Will always remember 'pan-pan'.
PS- C.C.- never apologize for a PUN - some of us (incl.me) think of it as the highest form of humour.... Of course, opinions may/do vary.
This raised my PULSE- I think I will hit the SACK.
TA -TA
4
OHHI, I see we finally got our dessert SUNDAE after yesterday's puzzle of entrees! The presence of NIXON in the center of an otherwise mostly cheerful puzzle is IRKSome, but I suppose he is OFNOTE. Nice and easy.
SUNDAEs!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kdWntzSsowQ
(The above is a version of the kid song Deadline about yesterday:
Today is Monday
Monday -- string beans
All you hungry children, come and eat it up!
Today is Tuesday
Tuesday -- spaghetti
All you hungry children, come and eat it up!
Today is Wednesday
Wednesday -- soup
All you hungry children, come and eat it up!
Today is Thursday
Thursday -- roast beef
All you hungry children, come and eat it up!
Today is Friday
Friday -- fresh fish
All you hungry children, come and eat it up!
Today is Saturday
Saturday -- chicken
All you hungry children, come and eat it up!
Today is Sunday
Sunday -- ice cream
All you hungry children, come and eat it up!
SUNDAEs!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kdWntzSsowQ
(The above is a version of the kid song Deadline about yesterday:
Today is Monday
Monday -- string beans
All you hungry children, come and eat it up!
Today is Tuesday
Tuesday -- spaghetti
All you hungry children, come and eat it up!
Today is Wednesday
Wednesday -- soup
All you hungry children, come and eat it up!
Today is Thursday
Thursday -- roast beef
All you hungry children, come and eat it up!
Today is Friday
Friday -- fresh fish
All you hungry children, come and eat it up!
Today is Saturday
Saturday -- chicken
All you hungry children, come and eat it up!
Today is Sunday
Sunday -- ice cream
All you hungry children, come and eat it up!
1
Thanks, Peaches.
But that's not the thing I was thinking of. It was one of those things where you have to add something new and then repeat all the things that went before, like "Twelve Days of Christmas."
But that's not the thing I was thinking of. It was one of those things where you have to add something new and then repeat all the things that went before, like "Twelve Days of Christmas."
1
Deadline,
"Today is Tuesday, today is Tuesday,
Tuesday [can't remember the food],
Monday [can't remember the food],
All you hungry campers, we wish the same to you."
Camp Woodielake (1957, 1958 for me).
"Today is Tuesday, today is Tuesday,
Tuesday [can't remember the food],
Monday [can't remember the food],
All you hungry campers, we wish the same to you."
Camp Woodielake (1957, 1958 for me).
1
An old Yiddish chant: (with the word Bulbeh)
Sunday potatoes
Monday potatoes
Tuesday and Wednesday potatoes.
Thursday and Friday potatoes
But on the Sabbath, for a change -
Potato kugel!
Sunday potatoes again.
Sunday potatoes
Monday potatoes
Tuesday and Wednesday potatoes.
Thursday and Friday potatoes
But on the Sabbath, for a change -
Potato kugel!
Sunday potatoes again.
2
Light and amusing fare for a Tuesday!
Deb, you typed in GUINESS instead of GUINNESS much like I did before realizing I was short a letter.
Deb, you typed in GUINESS instead of GUINNESS much like I did before realizing I was short a letter.
2
Thank you, Anon. I appreciate how kindly you pointed that out.
It's been fixed in the column.
It's been fixed in the column.
Nicely written puzzle. I got held up a bit more in the southwest on PASTA BAR and BAA, but finally figured it out. Thanks.
3
Since I didn't focus on the collector word in the four clues, I spent almost as much time trying to figure out the theme as solving the puzzle. Never did. Got it here.
3
Solid Tuesday. Enjoyable and appropriate speed.
Liked the theme idea too.
Also like the long entries - MISS TEEN USA and POINT GUARD and BITTER END and MAD DASH.
Liked the theme idea too.
Also like the long entries - MISS TEEN USA and POINT GUARD and BITTER END and MAD DASH.
very quick! were just talking about Nixon tonight. He and Agnew were indeed crooks. I remember when Nixon esigned in August 1974! none of us would have predicted where we are now!!
4
I'd take Nixon over Trump any day.
9
A tutor who tooted the flute
Tried to tutor two tooters to toot.
Said the two to the tutor,
"Is it harder to toot
Or to tutor two tooters to toot?"
(bitter end)
Tried to tutor two tooters to toot.
Said the two to the tutor,
"Is it harder to toot
Or to tutor two tooters to toot?"
(bitter end)
16
Toot sweet!
TOOTLE-oo...
TOOTLE-oo...
2
Very nice, David, but (per the clue) who will play the fife?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duncan_Phyfe
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duncan_Phyfe
1
One of my brothers taught me that ditty decades ago and it comes to mind whenever I see the word TOOTLE - which, needless to say, isn't very often.
I stumbled over PASTA BAR, writing PASTA JAR because that's how I store my open boxes of pasta. Obviously that J didn't fit the shear cry of terror.
I stumbled over PASTA BAR, writing PASTA JAR because that's how I store my open boxes of pasta. Obviously that J didn't fit the shear cry of terror.
Liked EAR nEAR ENT, getting the GIST of the REGISTER, having the P[H]ONY next to the HORSE, and the hidden celebs:
PASSPORT-EAU from Around the World/80 Days
Abe PAGODA
STAN "The Man" DINGO
Then there was that sportscaster (Marv_?) who infamously bit a woman on her back; then, playing a proper Cockney, 'e BITTER END.
TOOTLE-oo was once a fairly common way to say 'Bye', Maybe when you say TOOTLEs, you TATA MI TATA
No BITTER END here; a SUNDAE on Tuesday is just desserts.