TransAm, her bach-up's, Popeye, etc...
Typo City, but it's late and no-one will see.
Typo City, but it's late and no-one will see.
S.K. RILLEX? SKRIL LEX? No. Deb tells me it's SKRILLEX and offers a clip that scared me off. Some comments reinforced my scaredness. But at least now I know how to parse it.
Of course, as usual, I forgot to look for a theme until I got to the revealer, and it was pretty clear when I did -- even SKRILLEX, because of the clue. Didn't think about the finer points of the "Wheel of Fortune" because I don't watch it.
Muddled around at 37D: ICE bucket didn't fit, but I thought ICE CHEST might be an acceptable alternative. Only I DO made me think of ICE TONGS.
Thanks to earlier columns by Deb, I know have my antennae up for [number] of 24 to look for the Greek alphabet. For now, I'll look for a letter pattern that gives me a Greek letter. Pretty soon maybe I'll have learned the Greek alphabet. Then I'll feel really smart!
And what's with the GNATS? It seems like we've had clouds of GNATS, or pesky GNATS, or annoying GNATS every couple of days for the last few weeks. I live in NYC, where the NYT is. We don't have GNATS. Do all the constsructors live out in the woods? I know Will lives somewhere upstate. Are they plagued by GNATS? Just to be clear, I am not advocating for a sudden appearance of cockroaches in the puzzles, but, again, what's with the GNATS?
Anyway, it was an enjoyable puzzle, and I thank all those involved in giving me this present. I look forward to tomorrrow, and a Thursday trreat.
Happy day, all.
Of course, as usual, I forgot to look for a theme until I got to the revealer, and it was pretty clear when I did -- even SKRILLEX, because of the clue. Didn't think about the finer points of the "Wheel of Fortune" because I don't watch it.
Muddled around at 37D: ICE bucket didn't fit, but I thought ICE CHEST might be an acceptable alternative. Only I DO made me think of ICE TONGS.
Thanks to earlier columns by Deb, I know have my antennae up for [number] of 24 to look for the Greek alphabet. For now, I'll look for a letter pattern that gives me a Greek letter. Pretty soon maybe I'll have learned the Greek alphabet. Then I'll feel really smart!
And what's with the GNATS? It seems like we've had clouds of GNATS, or pesky GNATS, or annoying GNATS every couple of days for the last few weeks. I live in NYC, where the NYT is. We don't have GNATS. Do all the constsructors live out in the woods? I know Will lives somewhere upstate. Are they plagued by GNATS? Just to be clear, I am not advocating for a sudden appearance of cockroaches in the puzzles, but, again, what's with the GNATS?
Anyway, it was an enjoyable puzzle, and I thank all those involved in giving me this present. I look forward to tomorrrow, and a Thursday trreat.
Happy day, all.
4
I'm not expecting to convert anyone here, but watching the video as a first exposure will probably give you a warped view of Skrillex and his music.
First, he produces electronic DANCE music. As Deb says, it's meant for hearing loud, in a club, and not watching as a video.
Second, this setting of a program to a dance track is actually pretty interesting. If you didn't catch that it's a telling of "Peter Pan," you probably missed some of its depth. (The vocal by Sirah begins, "Shout to all my lost boys, sh-sh-sh-sh-sh-shouts to all my lost boys we rowdy...," the first hint.) Did you catch the tattoo at the 0:12 mark?
Only in this telling, Peter is feeling guilty about being The Croc (responsible for the Ice Cream Man's hook) and gives him some of the loot of the grown-up Lost Boy's heist.
The irony of us considering this a violent video when most of its violence is traceable to a beloved children's story is precisely the point. But again, Sirah's vocal track is there for its dance-friendliness and the "story" is an interesting experiment.
First, he produces electronic DANCE music. As Deb says, it's meant for hearing loud, in a club, and not watching as a video.
Second, this setting of a program to a dance track is actually pretty interesting. If you didn't catch that it's a telling of "Peter Pan," you probably missed some of its depth. (The vocal by Sirah begins, "Shout to all my lost boys, sh-sh-sh-sh-sh-shouts to all my lost boys we rowdy...," the first hint.) Did you catch the tattoo at the 0:12 mark?
Only in this telling, Peter is feeling guilty about being The Croc (responsible for the Ice Cream Man's hook) and gives him some of the loot of the grown-up Lost Boy's heist.
The irony of us considering this a violent video when most of its violence is traceable to a beloved children's story is precisely the point. But again, Sirah's vocal track is there for its dance-friendliness and the "story" is an interesting experiment.
5
Please do not underestimate the comprehension skills of your fellow commenters. I got it, Martin. I hated it. Violence is violence. It is vile. I see not depth or artistic merit in that video.
2
I didn't watch it because of the ugliness of the picture in the column.
I was glad I didn't watch it because of Peaches' earlier comment.
I'm more glad I didn't watch it because of your comment, implying that I should be analyzing the thing.
I'm willing to admit that there might be something I would gain from watching it. Or not. I'm still not going to watch it.
I was glad I didn't watch it because of Peaches' earlier comment.
I'm more glad I didn't watch it because of your comment, implying that I should be analyzing the thing.
I'm willing to admit that there might be something I would gain from watching it. Or not. I'm still not going to watch it.
4
The only clue/answer I liked was 7D. That's because I had the GNA__ and kept asking myself "Wha?" So. One nice aha moment. As for the rest, maybe if I had ever heard of a half-pipe or a spin class, and maybe if it didn't bother me that Sajak doesn't do the spinning, and the Fatman didn't spin, he only PUT spin (on the balls), I still was mostly annoyed as I worked my way through this thing. So sorry to be so negative. I've had a tough day (stuck driving a rental car while the body shop fixes dents put on my bumper by a very nice lady whose insurance company is footing the bill).
But still.
But still.
2
Forgot to start the timer on Across Lite, so was glad to have no pressure when I had trouble finishing the puzzle, situated from what wasn't yet GNATS, RETIRE, ARRIBA, BOB, HBONOW, as well as the lower right area. Did not know KATANA (or MARADONNA earier). When the puzzle was finished, the theme did not make sense for a while until I figured out what the theme entries had in common. The punch line hit with the thud of a joke that needs to be explained. Oh, well. A good workout in any case.
2
Also, have no idea what SPIN CLASS means and never enjoy puzzles that are so current that I never heard of stuff. (Other than that, I'm happy to learn new things.) If the NYT wants to have hordes of older solvers abandoning the NYT puzzles, this is an excellent way to get that to happen.
Indoor "cycling" on a fixed bicycle ("spinning") for physical conditioning has been around longer than anyone reading these comments.
2
Thanks, Barry. I've heard of stationary cycling for decades, but not by that name.
Loved today's fill, although I do agree that there seemed to be a few more obscure entries than usual.
That SE corner made my morning though. I've always wanted to drop KATANA into a crossword, along with other cute Japanese words like KARAOKE, SAKURA, and PIKACHU. IRIS IN took me back to my Intro to Film class, where we spent a lot of time discussing silent-era movies (and the awesomeness that is Buster Keaton).
I never thought I'd see SKRILLEX show up in a NYT puzzle, so that was a pleasant surprise. Those of you unfamiliar with him should definitely give this song a try: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSeNSzJ2-Jw
That SE corner made my morning though. I've always wanted to drop KATANA into a crossword, along with other cute Japanese words like KARAOKE, SAKURA, and PIKACHU. IRIS IN took me back to my Intro to Film class, where we spent a lot of time discussing silent-era movies (and the awesomeness that is Buster Keaton).
I never thought I'd see SKRILLEX show up in a NYT puzzle, so that was a pleasant surprise. Those of you unfamiliar with him should definitely give this song a try: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSeNSzJ2-Jw
2
Finished rather quickly for a Wednesday (SKRILLEX no problem for me), although I didn't cotton onto the theme until I went back to look for it. SE was the last to fall, although I think we've seen IRISIN in the grid before. I see the PAT SAJAK issue has already been covered.
The Barron Knights were a group of pop-music jokesters who scored several UK hits in the 60s and 70s with song parodies. Their only foray into the US chart was 1979's "The TOPICAL Song," a spot-on parody of Supertramp's "The Logical Song." The lyrics were changed to address the gas shortages of the 70s--demonstrating that what's TOPICAL during one era isn't always TOPICAL in another.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFzb1MMkAwE
The Barron Knights were a group of pop-music jokesters who scored several UK hits in the 60s and 70s with song parodies. Their only foray into the US chart was 1979's "The TOPICAL Song," a spot-on parody of Supertramp's "The Logical Song." The lyrics were changed to address the gas shortages of the 70s--demonstrating that what's TOPICAL during one era isn't always TOPICAL in another.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFzb1MMkAwE
2
I was sure you were going to link this song. One of my favorites from its era, and it sort of (loosely, I admit) links to the elements clue:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kK62tfoCmuQ
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kK62tfoCmuQ
1
It was on my short list, Peaches.
Slow going! I had ANA instead of ANI at first and thought the capital city would be unknown to me, but was pleased to have MINSK pop into my head after I paused the puzzle and was walking down the street. I misspelled CAMARO and LENTIL and didn’t know SKRILLEX or how to spell KATANA, but I finally got through after a lot of trial and error. Seeing ELAINE was funny because I always think of the Seinfeld episode about a trashy movie whose heroine traveled from Milan to MINSK when I hear “Minsk.”
1
Memorize ANI DiFranco. You'll be seeing a lot of her here.
4
Oh, so now I know she's a she.
2
Viv, I was wondering how you'd find ANI to be gender-fluid, as it seemed obvious to me as an abbrev for Annie. Then I realized that ANI would be I/me to you, lol
Okay, I did the puzzle--in pretty fast time--and I got the Green Screen of Solvitude, but I don't know how. SKRILLEX? and so on....
For the record (and I would think I'm not the first) PAT SAJAK always spins when the bell clangs (not clonks) and the letters are worth $1K more if you hit one (and then solve the puzzle and perhaps win the right to solve for a Major Award.)
LSTs are Landing Ship, Troops--they have flat bottoms so that they can run in very close to shore to, well, LAND said Troops. Being built like that means that they will roll a lot--even in a flat calm, some claim. We sailed from Oahu to The Big Island in an LST (for a vacation) and it was definitely an experience. If someone went topside after dark, the lights went out; the sailors who had the watch would have been affected by the bright lights otherwise. In the morning, the deck was littered with flying fish. And after we landed, we kept reeling for the rest of the day, waiting for the roll of the ship.....
Oh, the puzzle. SPIN CLASS, huh? No thanks.
For the record (and I would think I'm not the first) PAT SAJAK always spins when the bell clangs (not clonks) and the letters are worth $1K more if you hit one (and then solve the puzzle and perhaps win the right to solve for a Major Award.)
LSTs are Landing Ship, Troops--they have flat bottoms so that they can run in very close to shore to, well, LAND said Troops. Being built like that means that they will roll a lot--even in a flat calm, some claim. We sailed from Oahu to The Big Island in an LST (for a vacation) and it was definitely an experience. If someone went topside after dark, the lights went out; the sailors who had the watch would have been affected by the bright lights otherwise. In the morning, the deck was littered with flying fish. And after we landed, we kept reeling for the rest of the day, waiting for the roll of the ship.....
Oh, the puzzle. SPIN CLASS, huh? No thanks.
3
Okay, I'm gonna ask. I've always been puzzled, and embarrassed by not knowing. So I'm gonna ask.
Is "The Big Island" the real name of the island, or is it an affectionate nickname of one of the Hawaiian Islands? If so, what? My knowledge of Hawaii (besides "From Here to Eternity") is pretty much limited to Oahu, and Hilo, and Diamondhead, and Father Damien. So what, exactly, is "The Big Island"?
Is "The Big Island" the real name of the island, or is it an affectionate nickname of one of the Hawaiian Islands? If so, what? My knowledge of Hawaii (besides "From Here to Eternity") is pretty much limited to Oahu, and Hilo, and Diamondhead, and Father Damien. So what, exactly, is "The Big Island"?
1
"The Big Island" is the nickname for the largest island in the Hawaiian Islands archipelago (and State of Hawaii), the Island of Hawaii.
2
The only way "Earth, wind and fire" are elements is if you're an Ancient (now dead) Greek, otherwise is was a funky band.
1
Tensace, haven't you ever been out in the elements?
2
It may help if you think of the other one. Water. (I'm tossing out ether as disproved.) do you see it now? That's the world we walk on.
S, N, I, P.
But I like Earth, Wind and Fire.
But I like Earth, Wind and Fire.
2
Happily penned in Brian Eno for 26a. Then misspelled LENTIL. What was well on its way to fastest Wednesday ever fizzled as I struggled to revive Happy Pencil. Realized I was co-mingling a bean and a doorway support (lintel) and all was well.
Who the heck is SKRILLEX?
Thanks Andrew and John. Veni, vidi, vici.
Who the heck is SKRILLEX?
Thanks Andrew and John. Veni, vidi, vici.
1
Isn't he the pharma phraud guy?
2
Steve, it's pretty darned close, huh? I hope never to see that heartless man's name in a crossword puzzle.
2
Since you invoked grid regular Brian Eno, let's go "SPINning Away" with him and collaborator John Cale (formerly of the Velvet Underground):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-INeMspNSQ0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-INeMspNSQ0
Two unknowns for me in the south east - KATONA and IRISIN. I only understood the latter when I came to the blog. I wasn't bothered by the pop culture references as I recognized all of them. I needed a few letters to get SKRILLEX even though I don't listen to him or know his work. I liked the theme and did not get hung up on the technicality of whether or not PATSAJAK actually spins the wheel. All in all it was a good mid-week puzzle.
Not quite a Wednesday, but okay. I am glad to learn the name of the effect which mimics the widening (or narrowing) IRIS. As for the PAT SAJAK issue, technically I don't think it matters whether he is a SPINner (although the other themers are) -- the clue refers to those who could teach a SPIN CLASS.
I don't know about anyone else, but I can't see MINSK without thinking of the Seinfeld shows which revolved around the movie about the young girl's journey from Milan to MINSK -- and we have ELAINE on an ANGLE to boot. (I would include the movie's title, but I would have to look up the spelling.)
Only three palindromic answers today -- EWE/MGM/OXO.
I don't know about anyone else, but I can't see MINSK without thinking of the Seinfeld shows which revolved around the movie about the young girl's journey from Milan to MINSK -- and we have ELAINE on an ANGLE to boot. (I would include the movie's title, but I would have to look up the spelling.)
Only three palindromic answers today -- EWE/MGM/OXO.
2
When I hear Minsk, I think of Tom Lehrer and Lobachevsky.
I wish I could post the song, but have forgotten how to do that.
I wish I could post the song, but have forgotten how to do that.
4
2
Many thanks, Barry. That's the very one I was trying to post. I hope it brings back memories for some of the other senior citizens in our group. It certainly made me laugh.
A number of complete unknowns in this one including SKRILLEX and SPINCLASS, which were part of the theme. Just took my best guess on a couple of crosses and lucked out.
Took me a long moment to figure out how the theme was supposed to work after I completed the puzzle. Didn't think much of it at first but on reflection it seems a little better.
Rudolf Wanderone could spin a lot of things besides pool balls. That made me consider a couple of other theme possibilities but I'll leave that to your imagination.
Considered linking Etta James (some will know the connection), but this doesn't seem like an appropriate day for 'At Last.'
Took me a long moment to figure out how the theme was supposed to work after I completed the puzzle. Didn't think much of it at first but on reflection it seems a little better.
Rudolf Wanderone could spin a lot of things besides pool balls. That made me consider a couple of other theme possibilities but I'll leave that to your imagination.
Considered linking Etta James (some will know the connection), but this doesn't seem like an appropriate day for 'At Last.'
3
That intersection of CRINGE with REGRET and OH NO seemed very TOPICAL to me! My head is still SPINning.
Quick and cute. Clever/original theme. I'm very grateful, John and Andrew, for the effort you put into this, because it brought me pleasure. I could say this practically every day, and it would be heartfelt every time!
Quick and cute. Clever/original theme. I'm very grateful, John and Andrew, for the effort you put into this, because it brought me pleasure. I could say this practically every day, and it would be heartfelt every time!
3
Mooed=lowed? What's up with that? I don't get it.
Synonyms. Away in a Manger, for example:
The cattle are lowing, the poor baby wakes.
The cattle are lowing, the poor baby wakes.
5
Good example, Rich.
An occasional clue for CALF has been: "A little lower."
2
Until I got to the SE, I thought this was far easier than yesterday's puzzle. I finally looked up the Samurai sword, and that did the trick. I never did get the theme, however, no idea what a SPIN CLASS is, and didn't see the connection with the theme answers. Never mind, it was a fun solve with a good variety of entries.
2
The SE slowed me down, too. I didn't know IRIS IN and questioned if it was correct.
2
SE hardest for me too.
2
SE was hardest for me, but because of CAMARO, KATANA, and ANNIE. KIT, IRIS IN, and TOSSES saved me. I eventually remembered the "Punjab" reference from having read the "ANNIE" comic strip maybe twice when I was a child. Hated it.
(not BOB) and Elke
Had fun with this puzzle.
I would say that MAE West had TACT in expressing her ARDOR : I think her quote in 66A goes with another of hers : 'is that your pipe/banana in your pocket, or are you just glad to see me ?'
Had fun with this puzzle.
I would say that MAE West had TACT in expressing her ARDOR : I think her quote in 66A goes with another of hers : 'is that your pipe/banana in your pocket, or are you just glad to see me ?'
5
And another: 'Come up sometime and seamy'.
A DISH with TACT _and_ BITE.
A DISH with TACT _and_ BITE.
4
I came here to comment on the puzzle, but made the mistake of watching that awful, violent "music" video. Ugh. Why would you choose that?
The grid was easy going until I got stuck in the SE. I went wrong in spelling CAMARO with an e, and then had no idea what IRISIN was.
I did get a good laugh at the clue for TACT, but other wise there was a little too much pop culture fill today for my taste. 9And then there is that video I wish I had not watched.)
The grid was easy going until I got stuck in the SE. I went wrong in spelling CAMARO with an e, and then had no idea what IRISIN was.
I did get a good laugh at the clue for TACT, but other wise there was a little too much pop culture fill today for my taste. 9And then there is that video I wish I had not watched.)
3
There were many words here that I didn't know and, really, won't bother to commit to memory. I agree with Peaches that the SKRILLEX music (?) video was terrible. Hardly 'music that has charms to soothe the savage breast.' Au contraire.
Aside from my objections, I always enjoy references to Elaine and J. Peterman who reliably tickled my funnybone. SPINCLASS was a gimme because a daughter's best friends leads one. My last fill was the W in LALAW because HBONOW was a total unknown.
Aside from my objections, I always enjoy references to Elaine and J. Peterman who reliably tickled my funnybone. SPINCLASS was a gimme because a daughter's best friends leads one. My last fill was the W in LALAW because HBONOW was a total unknown.
1
I took one look at the still that was visible for the video and decided to skip it.
Sounds like I made a good call.
Sounds like I made a good call.
and Elke
Some may say that an asset for a press secretary is the ability to SPIN .....
Some may say that an asset for a press secretary is the ability to SPIN .....
7
Or lie. Oh...I mean prevaricate.
1
■ 40A: Well, TACT is a good “Asset for a press secretary.”
I am looking forward to this being true again.
I am looking forward to this being true again.
8
It's always true. What you're looking forward to is having a good press secretary again. ;-)
5
I was thinking it might be balls, but there weren't enough squares.
2
Nowadays it's SPIN.
5
Being a photographer back in film days, IRIS IN came easily. Lenses use an iris to control the aperture. The smaller the aperture, the less light and the area in focus gets deeper. Since I mostly shoot bird pictures, I use a large aperture to allow more light and a fast shutter speed. Otherwise the little buggers move and blur. I also want a short area in focus so the bird is sharp and the background is blurred.
Thanks for entertaining me.
Thanks for entertaining me.
8
I love you reference to the birds as "the little buggers." Gruff love.
Advil alternative was first MOTRIN , then ASPRIN ...and finally ANACIN . Being a pharmacist was both good and bad here...
2
Yeah, but as a major consumer of ibuprophen and naproxen (Advil and Aleve), I consider them to be very different from Anacin (aspirin with caffeine). Apples and oranges, really, even though they are all nsaids. They work in a different way.
1
They're not the same. That's why they're alternatives.
3
Different applications, though, so not really alternatives. Naproxen is not for headaches, while Anacin is specifically for that.
I got hung up on 41a as It's called TMN GO in Canada. Other than that a nice and easy puzzle for a Wednesday with fun answers.
2
With IRIS IN and MGM, I was expecting a cinema mini-theme, with different clues for 1A, 19A and 62A.
1
Never heard of iris in or katana.
easy for a Wednesday. My first car was the first Mustang -- a blue convertible in 1965! Very sharp, but also very unreliable. Always overheating. Small radiator for a V8 engine. Been a Honda owner ever since!
■ 35A: LSTS is an abbreviation for “Landing Ship(s), Tank,” which were built after the military recognized a need for ships that could transport large vehicles.
Just to be clear, Deb, plenty of ships could transport large vehicles; LSTs -- as "landing ships" -- could beach themselves and deliver tanks and troops to land without using port facilities.
Just to be clear, Deb, plenty of ships could transport large vehicles; LSTs -- as "landing ships" -- could beach themselves and deliver tanks and troops to land without using port facilities.
4
Deb,
Now that you've amended the pop culture comment, perhaps you would consider amending the historical reference by adding four words:
"...transport large vehicles *directly to a beachhead.*"
Now that you've amended the pop culture comment, perhaps you would consider amending the historical reference by adding four words:
"...transport large vehicles *directly to a beachhead.*"
1
LST = Large Stationary Target. An old joke but someone had to tell it. That's why you keep me around.
1
"Large Slow Target" (variant) is cited in the text:
http://www.lst393.org/history/lst-general.html
http://www.lst393.org/history/lst-general.html
"PAT SAJAK works with Vanna White, who spins letters on “Wheel of Fortune.”"
Actually Pat normally spins the wheel once a game - when the bell rings signifying that time is running out. He gives the wheel the "final spin," and each consonant is worth whatever dollar value he lands on, plus $1000.
Vanna turned letters back in the day, until they went to the touch screens however many years ago.
Actually Pat normally spins the wheel once a game - when the bell rings signifying that time is running out. He gives the wheel the "final spin," and each consonant is worth whatever dollar value he lands on, plus $1000.
Vanna turned letters back in the day, until they went to the touch screens however many years ago.
1
yes, that's right - the letters didn't get spun, they got turned, and with the touch screens, not at all. It is the wheel that is spun. And Pat spins once per game as you said.
Thanks, Art and Steve L. I've updated the column.
There used to be another wheel that spun - the one full of prizes to pick from.
When I was in France back in the 80s, I caught an episode of the French version, "La Roue de la Fortune," and they still had the old carousel full of prizes slowly spinning while the contestant selected options. Very loud, and quite clear, one could hear the mechanism under the carousel, "creeeak, creeak, creeak," as it spun.
When I was in France back in the 80s, I caught an episode of the French version, "La Roue de la Fortune," and they still had the old carousel full of prizes slowly spinning while the contestant selected options. Very loud, and quite clear, one could hear the mechanism under the carousel, "creeeak, creeak, creeak," as it spun.
Isn't it the contestant, not Pat or Vanna, who usually spins the wheel? Although technically, I guess the clue is somewhat correct, since I believe Pat spins the wheel after the chimes ring and he says, I'll give the wheel one
final spin.
final spin.
1
SKRILLEX and KATANA were new-to-mes, and I found Deb's clip curiously appealing, admitting I watched it only on her bach-up says-so.
It may not be everyone's cuppa tea, but I thought it a nice sub-continental touch to have ASSAM and MYSORE together in the grid. It would have been nice to have the geographic relation right, but can't ask for everything.
Had a do-over for [Words before and after "what"]: I made it I YAM what I YAM before IT IS what IT IS, and still think it's APTer for today's theme, because Popoeye's SPINach, you know.
Cute SPIN on the theme. Too grimm to SPIN tales with a grid-SPaNNING RUMPLESTILTSKIN?
The time will come to EAT, SIT and die.