This was one tough workout for me, but when the pieces all fell into play, aah, what satisfaction! I have to say, though, that I am incensed by the proliferation of those "conversational" clues and answers, such as "Taste ok." I find them difficult and annoying.
1
This was a hard one for me, but I finally solved it, with the NW taking up much of the 1:49:08. I had spelled KASEM as “Casem” and at various points had “IBM PC” for IBOOK, “anal phase” for ORALPHASE (I was desperate!), and “Beale’s Law” for BOYLESLAW. My adult son was sitting around all day and knew the physicist off the top of his head, but I wouldn’t let him help me. I don’t understand OMNI or KNEEHOLES, but I filled them in. GAH!
1
Kneehole is a type of desk.
2
Omniscience:
noun
1.
the quality or state of being omniscient.
2.
infinite knowledge.
3.
(initial capital letter) God.
And a kneehole is part of a desk, not a type of desk. Scroll down to early comments.
noun
1.
the quality or state of being omniscient.
2.
infinite knowledge.
3.
(initial capital letter) God.
And a kneehole is part of a desk, not a type of desk. Scroll down to early comments.
1
Doh! "omniscience," not "omni-science." Thanks.
I started with an error. For 1A I had colluding, as in "colluding with the Russians". Wonder why that was on my mind? Can we say "in cahoots with the Russians?" Lacks panache.
How about IN CAHOOTS with/ avec LE BANnON ALLIES? Sometimes panache is overrated.
Cherchez LA FLAME
Cherchez LA FLAME
1
Pretty easy for a Saturday.
Boyle's law is taught in Chemistry 101. It's not part of basic physics. Yes, every physicist knows it too, but if it was meant to be misdirection it wasn't very effective, and if it wasn't intended as misdirection it was sloppy.
Boyle's law is taught in Chemistry 101. It's not part of basic physics. Yes, every physicist knows it too, but if it was meant to be misdirection it wasn't very effective, and if it wasn't intended as misdirection it was sloppy.
2
I'm going to guess, Jess, that it was because Boyle himself was a physicist (in addition to if not in fact before he was a chemist).
1
Nice one. Almost set a new personal best time for a Saturday, so I quite enjoyed it. Now running off a fresh copy for my spouse, a fan of the Grateful Dead, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and the old AT40 countdowns.
1
"How's the food?" should be answered TASTEs OK. Wasn't anyone else bothered by the error in conjugation?
TASTE OK[?] is equivalent to, not a response to, "How's the food?"
(My answer)
(My answer)
3
GAH made me wanna go GRR
1
Happy birthday Will!
Slow start for me today, with only MULAN, and LESH crossing ASLAN. But I kept at it, and more things started to pull together. Finished without a break and about average Saturday time. With the P from EPEE in place, I figured 9D would be something-PM, and only NINE made sense. But that didn't stay in long. Loved having INCA HOOTS on top of BOYLE SLAW. I rather like using "GAH" as an interjection on various internet fora I frequent.
Back in 1976, before the miracle of the worldwide web, a Canadian band called Klaatu (name borrowed from a character in the sci-fi classic "The Day the Earth Stood Still") released their debut album on Capitol Records. Some months later, the pop music world was abuzz with rumors that Klaatu was actually the reunited Beatles, recording under a pseudonym, and the album started climbing the charts. Capitol Records did nothing to disabuse the record-buying public of the notion. Does the minor hit single "SUB-ROSA Subway" sound Beatlesque, what with the harmonies and horn flourishes? A bit, yes, but let's be serious.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiRUOzJ-FrE
Slow start for me today, with only MULAN, and LESH crossing ASLAN. But I kept at it, and more things started to pull together. Finished without a break and about average Saturday time. With the P from EPEE in place, I figured 9D would be something-PM, and only NINE made sense. But that didn't stay in long. Loved having INCA HOOTS on top of BOYLE SLAW. I rather like using "GAH" as an interjection on various internet fora I frequent.
Back in 1976, before the miracle of the worldwide web, a Canadian band called Klaatu (name borrowed from a character in the sci-fi classic "The Day the Earth Stood Still") released their debut album on Capitol Records. Some months later, the pop music world was abuzz with rumors that Klaatu was actually the reunited Beatles, recording under a pseudonym, and the album started climbing the charts. Capitol Records did nothing to disabuse the record-buying public of the notion. Does the minor hit single "SUB-ROSA Subway" sound Beatlesque, what with the harmonies and horn flourishes? A bit, yes, but let's be serious.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiRUOzJ-FrE
3
KNEEHOLES? Someone please explain.
You'll just have to read all the comments until you find it, thatpeterg
Please look at the earlier comments--back from the beginning, and scattered throughout. Kneehole desks.
A good struggle, meaning a slow solve, with the lower right and upper left taking the longest to finish. Especially having CASEM in the upper right and being unable to think of CYAN for too long, that was really tough. Had not realized that "Thick as thieves" meant mainly IN CAHOOTS rather than just "numerous" (as applied to some kind of bad actors), but now I know.
Actually loved seeing IN CAHOOTS in the grid, such a cool slang phrase. What are CAHOOTS anyway? If you have only a single accomplice can you just be IN CAHOOT?
POTATO before POMELO, BAH before GAH (which made the medical marijuana entry look very odd before the G arrived)
Had heard of BOYLE'S LAW without remembering what it was, and had also learned a gas law PV = nRT without remembering whose law it is. So that was tough. But all got sorted out when I changed CASEM to KASEM and got IBOOK and the rest. Lots of interesting phrases. Nice puzzle!
Actually loved seeing IN CAHOOTS in the grid, such a cool slang phrase. What are CAHOOTS anyway? If you have only a single accomplice can you just be IN CAHOOT?
POTATO before POMELO, BAH before GAH (which made the medical marijuana entry look very odd before the G arrived)
Had heard of BOYLE'S LAW without remembering what it was, and had also learned a gas law PV = nRT without remembering whose law it is. So that was tough. But all got sorted out when I changed CASEM to KASEM and got IBOOK and the rest. Lots of interesting phrases. Nice puzzle!
Sorry, slightly dyxlesic here. Meant "CASEM in the upper _left_."
INCAHOOTS is an American idiom, not slang. I point that out solely because I have been on a one-woman, anti-slang campaign here, of late. Idioms make colorful, rich fill, I think. Slang, not so much.
1
LOL at your IN CAHOOT comment, Polymath.
1
Hi Viv!!
Did I make it in time for once?
Did I make it in time for once?
About an hour late, Rich, if the time stamps mean anything. 7:50 was the exact time (= 12:50 EDT). But - good for you, after missing a few weeks.
For the physics formula, I wasn't sure whose law it was so I filled in the ...SLAW at first and of course thought of Leapy and our old spittake.
A hard puzzle for me, more time than usual, but the many clever misdirects made it fun.
Happy B-day, Will!
For the physics formula, I wasn't sure whose law it was so I filled in the ...SLAW at first and of course thought of Leapy and our old spittake.
A hard puzzle for me, more time than usual, but the many clever misdirects made it fun.
Happy B-day, Will!
2
I just re-read my post. I wrote "A hard puzzle....but the many misdirects made it fun." Wrong! No but! Being hard was what made it fun!
2
@Deb, YES AND INCAHOOTS could be the response to pre-Columbian improv one-liners.
Took me 15 minutes to fill in down to MULAN/DIETTwhat?... and 30 more minutes for the bottom half. Only snag in the top was thinking AtLAs may have been resurrected, which led to the conundrum of how HOSier?YWINE relates to mead. 'Pologies to CSLewis.
SW was sabotaged by CHOPS in lieu of DICES, by wanting a WEDGE or SLICE of lime garnish, and by blanking with MENS club, albeit not GLEEfully. Think I touched all bases with ACK-UGH-FEH-BAH-PAH. I don't NORMAlly get this stuck on the small stuff. Careful review of the Acrosses and Downs was the TIP off.
Will also admit I considered BOMB and TOMB before finally thinking of buns in that mysterious "oven". GAH, indeed.
To DIE for:
Those twin nurses
REAM_OUT balancing up-BRAID
The symmetry of ORAL and ANAL
and the memorable experience when I GIVE CHASE to an off-LESH BIRDDOG
Super Saturday, PeterWentz, and Happy Birthday to Will. Your presence is our presents.
FLAWless
Took me 15 minutes to fill in down to MULAN/DIETTwhat?... and 30 more minutes for the bottom half. Only snag in the top was thinking AtLAs may have been resurrected, which led to the conundrum of how HOSier?YWINE relates to mead. 'Pologies to CSLewis.
SW was sabotaged by CHOPS in lieu of DICES, by wanting a WEDGE or SLICE of lime garnish, and by blanking with MENS club, albeit not GLEEfully. Think I touched all bases with ACK-UGH-FEH-BAH-PAH. I don't NORMAlly get this stuck on the small stuff. Careful review of the Acrosses and Downs was the TIP off.
Will also admit I considered BOMB and TOMB before finally thinking of buns in that mysterious "oven". GAH, indeed.
To DIE for:
Those twin nurses
REAM_OUT balancing up-BRAID
The symmetry of ORAL and ANAL
and the memorable experience when I GIVE CHASE to an off-LESH BIRDDOG
Super Saturday, PeterWentz, and Happy Birthday to Will. Your presence is our presents.
FLAWless
6
I think I had those nurses working on my last colonoscopy.
2
Checking in late today--did the puzzle last night but didn't have the energy to come up with a comment. Today it's been errands--mother-in-law got safely moved into her new home and this week it's all been unpacking, putting things away, spending yesterday at the DMV getting her a new ID card--which of Dante's circles is that?
I loved IN CAHOOTS and was happy to see Phil LESH named. Didn't Dule Hill play President Bartlet's BODYMAN in The West Wing? I can't remember if they called him that in the show, though. And the only mead I've had was rather on the sweet side (there's a meadery near here, and I have friends who make their own). Also, for some reason, I've always liked the term SUB ROSA. Over all, it was a puzzle I felt like I was having great trouble with, and then all at once all the squares were filled in, and nothing was wrong. I was stunned.
OT to Suejean: soon I will be attempting to send you secret coded messages about getting together in Harrogate on Sept. 10 or 12!
I loved IN CAHOOTS and was happy to see Phil LESH named. Didn't Dule Hill play President Bartlet's BODYMAN in The West Wing? I can't remember if they called him that in the show, though. And the only mead I've had was rather on the sweet side (there's a meadery near here, and I have friends who make their own). Also, for some reason, I've always liked the term SUB ROSA. Over all, it was a puzzle I felt like I was having great trouble with, and then all at once all the squares were filled in, and nothing was wrong. I was stunned.
OT to Suejean: soon I will be attempting to send you secret coded messages about getting together in Harrogate on Sept. 10 or 12!
4
I look forward to trying to detect and decode your message...ha! Do you and SJ know about Guerilla mail? You can set up a temporary, disposable email address that will terminate after one hour. (I assume there are other services like this that are more au courant, but this is the one I know.)
PfP, didn't know about it--I'll have to investigate!
You are on my calendar; the 10th is better for me, but I can do either and look forward to it. Are you on an organized tour?
I know nothing about Guerilla mail, but it sounds interesting
I know nothing about Guerilla mail, but it sounds interesting
I thought the cluing was particularly great today, starting with “As thick as thieves” giving me IN CAHOOTS straight out of the gate. What I think works is that they are both colloquial in the same degree somehow. Ditto “Work one’s fingers to the bone” and SLAVE AWAY.
Meanwhile, I guessed wrong where LE(t)H crosses A(t)LAN, but where it got really silly was over at the NW, where I goofed big time.
When I finally got back to 1Down, I had IN CAHOOTS and CASEM [yeah] as crosses, giving me I _ _ _ C for “Former laptop line”?
Why, IBM PC, of course!
I’ll spare you the rest, just want to say that my favorite wrong answers were the aforesaid IBM PC and, at 17A, the component of nursing. I was sure it had to do with mammal-feeding, but with IBM PC in place the closest I could come was the famous MR. AL PHASE!
Meanwhile, I guessed wrong where LE(t)H crosses A(t)LAN, but where it got really silly was over at the NW, where I goofed big time.
When I finally got back to 1Down, I had IN CAHOOTS and CASEM [yeah] as crosses, giving me I _ _ _ C for “Former laptop line”?
Why, IBM PC, of course!
I’ll spare you the rest, just want to say that my favorite wrong answers were the aforesaid IBM PC and, at 17A, the component of nursing. I was sure it had to do with mammal-feeding, but with IBM PC in place the closest I could come was the famous MR. AL PHASE!
1
Late, late, late, but I got the puzzle after, sadly, having to give up MAD HATTER, the one who gave the tea party.
After vacations I am usually moved to say I'M BEAT.
G---Club....obviously had to be GOLF.
Puckish--WRY, as in Hawking's smile in _Theory of Everything_... not sure FEY is quite the same thing.
And now I find I have a wrong letter (printed puzzles never TIP one off.) But I am not one to say GAH; I prefer pithier expressions.
I would feel badly about earning a Fail, but THE BIG BANG is personally quite relevant for me-- my recently completed quilt is named 'Big Bang Theory'--photo on my blog.
I have started the Saturday Stumper....
After vacations I am usually moved to say I'M BEAT.
G---Club....obviously had to be GOLF.
Puckish--WRY, as in Hawking's smile in _Theory of Everything_... not sure FEY is quite the same thing.
And now I find I have a wrong letter (printed puzzles never TIP one off.) But I am not one to say GAH; I prefer pithier expressions.
I would feel badly about earning a Fail, but THE BIG BANG is personally quite relevant for me-- my recently completed quilt is named 'Big Bang Theory'--photo on my blog.
I have started the Saturday Stumper....
1
Make that TWO wrong letters. I know from Grateful Dead, bassists, and Phils, so RESH and CRASH worked fine for me!
Twenty LESHes with a wet noodle.
Twenty LESHes with a wet noodle.
Regarding FEY and it's clue, there is a difference between British usage and American. The clue fits for British use...only just.
I was autocorrected. That should be "its clue" and it ticks me off every time that happens.
Whew (not GAH!), another Saturday puzzle completed. As with Friday puzzles, starting these involves a bit of dread because of degree of difficulty. Today, however, I finished well under average Friday time, after some good guesses on things like BODY MAN (thank you, "Veep," for body-man Gary), SUB ROSA, and others. SAY AND took more than one guess, because I originally stuck in SAY YES, thinking "Just Say Yes" was the title of Mike Birbiglia's recent improv-themed movie (it's actually "Don't Think Twice," so I was way off, but in a semi-helpful way, and "just say" something must have been in the script). One bad guess, though, caused me to rely on outside help. I was down to only a few blank squares in the lower-right section. I tried POMETO for the exotic salad ingredient, but when checking a dictionary to see if there was such an edible, I found that it wasn't, but that POMELO was. That allowed me to fill what was still left on COME ALIVE. And that was that. So not a 100% pure victory, but close enough to be thoroughly satisfying.
2
I really, really hate to make this comment today, being Will's birthday and all, but the clue for MAGI is really not correct.
Even though the visit of the "three kings" is often associated with Christmas, with nativity scenes often showing them in the stable with the shepherds and the infant, the "actual" story is that they didn't arrive from the East until some time later. Maybe even up to two years later. So while the storied visitors were drawn by the perceived birth of a new king, they weren't really "birthday visitors."
Sorry, having once played the role of Melchior in Amahl and the Night Visitors back in college, it took me a while to accept filling that one in the grid.
Even so, I loved the puzzle! Happy birthday Will!
Even though the visit of the "three kings" is often associated with Christmas, with nativity scenes often showing them in the stable with the shepherds and the infant, the "actual" story is that they didn't arrive from the East until some time later. Maybe even up to two years later. So while the storied visitors were drawn by the perceived birth of a new king, they weren't really "birthday visitors."
Sorry, having once played the role of Melchior in Amahl and the Night Visitors back in college, it took me a while to accept filling that one in the grid.
Even so, I loved the puzzle! Happy birthday Will!
2
The clue had a question mark, Dan.
(The Child we seek doesn't need our gold)
(The Child we seek doesn't need our gold)
1
But we can still share the licorice.
Black, sweet licorice.
Black, sweet licorice.
1
I think it's generally ok to consider the bible authoritative. There are internal inconsistencies, but crossword clues shouldn't take sides.
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Bible_(King_James)/Matthew#2:1
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Bible_(King_James)/Matthew#2:1
Fun puzzle!
Happy birthday to Will. Wonder how many other Virgos are among us.
Happy birthday to Will. Wonder how many other Virgos are among us.
2
Oral phase almost did me in. Got all the vowels in the crosses and guessed Obamacare, which kept me stuck in that corner for awhile. Ultimately solved with no lookups, which is a good Saturday for me.
1
YES AND.
I got it quickly from the concept, but I don't recall the specific term from doing improv in the '60s as an undergraduate theatre major.
https://wiki.improvresourcecenter.com/index.php?title=Yes_And
On a related note, 7D was an instant gimme, as I trust it was for Rich, since back in the day the Oles of St. OLAF were in the same NCAA conference as our undergraduate schools.
I got it quickly from the concept, but I don't recall the specific term from doing improv in the '60s as an undergraduate theatre major.
https://wiki.improvresourcecenter.com/index.php?title=Yes_And
On a related note, 7D was an instant gimme, as I trust it was for Rich, since back in the day the Oles of St. OLAF were in the same NCAA conference as our undergraduate schools.
1
Our daughter's viola teacher (pvt lessons, not the orchestra director at school) was a graduate of St. OLAF, so that was not a difficult guess; it is famed more for turning out musicians than sports-folk.
That would be true of most DIII schools, MOL.
Dill schools? (This mother is of the NonSporting Breed.)
Oh, and I forgot to say Happy Birthday to Will.
If I'dve known it was coming, I'da baked a cake...or at least a quilted postcard.
Oh, and I forgot to say Happy Birthday to Will.
If I'dve known it was coming, I'da baked a cake...or at least a quilted postcard.
2
Crunchy good Saturday with a hilarious write-up from Deb. A very fine bday gift for Will. Like some others here, I got my start in the Maleska era, in those lonely days of splendid isolation. It is a daily joy to see how the gold standard of xword puzzles continues to adapt and improve, and our community thrives. Ad multos annos!
6
Lots of obscure words today that I dredged up from somewhere. My Aunt Norma helped me with a clue today, even though she died a few years ago. I remembered Penny from BBT telling Sheldon that improv requires always saying yes.
I had Casey before KASEM, but the crosses let me fix it. Embedded chip before LINK and not fair before JOB fair. But changing wrong answers is normal in Saturday puzzles, so I don't feel silly.
Thanks for a fun puzzle.
I had Casey before KASEM, but the crosses let me fix it. Embedded chip before LINK and not fair before JOB fair. But changing wrong answers is normal in Saturday puzzles, so I don't feel silly.
Thanks for a fun puzzle.
4
I found this one pretty hard. I thought I was going to have my first real toehold in SW because I was so very sure of MAD HATTER. Proceeding, I saw that I couldn't have both MAD HATTER and OVER THERE, so took out the latter. Also, I wanted lead somewhere in 32D, but couldn't make it work.
GAH.
NW was a bit of a problem too. Didn't know IBOOK or OLAF. When SWEEPS week didn't fit I kinda gave up on that entry for a while until I remembered that sometimes it's just called SWEEPS. That made me think 15A would be Somebody's LAW. CYANS made me remember that therre's something called BOYLE'S LAW, but I sure don't know what it is or what the clue means.
The real problem was NE. Couldn't decide between CLASH and CrASH, and never heard of LESH or ASLAN. Alphabet runs helped me out, but they're not really satisfying, with no Aha! moment and I don't really learn anything from them.
Also, didn't know GREG Daniels. Knew BODY MAN from "The West Wing."
Never having used AFTERSHAVE, I didn't know it hurt. And yet ... men still use it. Curious, that.
Happy birthday, Will, and thanks for this puzzle and many others.
Barry: As requested, I'll leave a comment here when I'm about to leave my house. I'm thinking it will be about 12:30, but I'll wait to be sure it posts before I leave. Not sure how long it will take me to get a bus and get downtown, in part because TPTB keep moving my bus stop.
GAH.
NW was a bit of a problem too. Didn't know IBOOK or OLAF. When SWEEPS week didn't fit I kinda gave up on that entry for a while until I remembered that sometimes it's just called SWEEPS. That made me think 15A would be Somebody's LAW. CYANS made me remember that therre's something called BOYLE'S LAW, but I sure don't know what it is or what the clue means.
The real problem was NE. Couldn't decide between CLASH and CrASH, and never heard of LESH or ASLAN. Alphabet runs helped me out, but they're not really satisfying, with no Aha! moment and I don't really learn anything from them.
Also, didn't know GREG Daniels. Knew BODY MAN from "The West Wing."
Never having used AFTERSHAVE, I didn't know it hurt. And yet ... men still use it. Curious, that.
Happy birthday, Will, and thanks for this puzzle and many others.
Barry: As requested, I'll leave a comment here when I'm about to leave my house. I'm thinking it will be about 12:30, but I'll wait to be sure it posts before I leave. Not sure how long it will take me to get a bus and get downtown, in part because TPTB keep moving my bus stop.
1
Thanks, Deadline. That sounds fine.
P.S. The M20 runs every 20 minutes.
P.S. The M20 runs every 20 minutes.
HI all,
Maybe I'm a worrywart, but I'd like to caution readers about leaving personal information in the comments.
It is one of the great joys of writing Wordplay that people find community here, but please remember that this is a public forum. Anyone can see information that is left here about your whereabouts.
O.K., lecture over. Have a great time!
Maybe I'm a worrywart, but I'd like to caution readers about leaving personal information in the comments.
It is one of the great joys of writing Wordplay that people find community here, but please remember that this is a public forum. Anyone can see information that is left here about your whereabouts.
O.K., lecture over. Have a great time!
2
Deb, I think I'm pretty conscious of what I should and shouldn't leave, but I'd rather take a chance on people knowing when i might be on a bus (or in front of a statue) than the alternatives, like leaving my email! But I'm grateful to you for caring. Please don't worry about us.
Correction, Barry: The M20 *is scheduled to* run every 20 minutes.
Correction, Barry: The M20 *is scheduled to* run every 20 minutes.
3
Gonna get me to the deli to see if I can pick me up a side of BOYLE SLAW.
2
TASTE OK?
(YES AND be sure to BOIL it.)
(YES AND be sure to BOIL it.)
2
Waiting to hear if Viv thinks the TASTE OK if you BOIL BOYLE SLAW.
Kohl rabbi SLAW
Kohl rabbi SLAW
5
After yoga, perhaps some Ohm SLAW?
(Tref?)
(Tref?)
3
Fun, challenging puzzle for me. Everything fell into place except the NW. Got INCAHOOTS but after first writing KASEM, I decided to change the K to a C, and that made for DNF in that corner. Loved seeing Phil LESH and BODYMAN among many others.
1
Happy Birthday Will ! I've been doing the crossword since the Eugene T. Maleska years and just love making it the opening or closing of my day . I wish you many more years of health and puzzling fun for all of us to share with you ! Thank you !
6
Good puzzle and I sped through it like a snail. I think WOMB and LEBANON were my first fills. Made a phone call during my solving and, believe it or not, described someone as rather FEY before I had even seen the clue for it.
There were lots of empty spaces when I first consulted Deb's notes and I was dismayed to have so many answers revealed in large capital letters one after another. I'd rather they appeared one at a time. Except for THE BIG BANG all those reveals were among the blanks on my grid. At long last I was one letter away from the rewarding music. It took an alphabet run to change the Y in KASEY/YULAN to an M.
Happy Birthday, Will. You've brought pleasure to many!
There were lots of empty spaces when I first consulted Deb's notes and I was dismayed to have so many answers revealed in large capital letters one after another. I'd rather they appeared one at a time. Except for THE BIG BANG all those reveals were among the blanks on my grid. At long last I was one letter away from the rewarding music. It took an alphabet run to change the Y in KASEY/YULAN to an M.
Happy Birthday, Will. You've brought pleasure to many!
1
In my first comment I forgot to mention how proud of myself I was to dredge up BOYLESLAW with only a few crosses, since the last physics course I took was a few years before the moon landing. I also wanted mead to be HONEY ale. Some of my struggles in the south arose because I wanted the English setter clue to be plural and I omitted the second D in the answer.
2
Happy Birthday, Will. You are in good company as my life partner celebrates today as well.
I completed this one because I stepped away after muttering words of frustration in the bottom half -GAH wasn't one of them. Wanted the garnish to be mint and when that didn't fit tried sprig. Finally with crosses got BASIL, which is in the mint family . Got GATSBY, but couldn't remember his first name. Liked INCAHOOTS- it's just fun to say. Like others I don't think of POMELO as a salad ingredient.
I completed this one because I stepped away after muttering words of frustration in the bottom half -GAH wasn't one of them. Wanted the garnish to be mint and when that didn't fit tried sprig. Finally with crosses got BASIL, which is in the mint family . Got GATSBY, but couldn't remember his first name. Liked INCAHOOTS- it's just fun to say. Like others I don't think of POMELO as a salad ingredient.
2
Got tripped up by the short words in NW and SE (HIP before HEP, GOLF club before GLEE club) before everything fell into place.
Happy birthday Will!
Happy birthday Will!
1
Thanks for giving us a present for your birthday, Will (and Peter). After blowing through Friday like it was Tuesday, I was pleased to find a chewy Saturday. My first glance at the three long NW entries gave me (1) I'm not sure (2) Please; physics was 55 years ago, and (3) CHILD CARE. GAH! GAH? Whatever. I wasn't going to SLAVE AWAY, or say I GIVE. I decided to go elsewhere. The three long SE entries went, well, 1-2-3, and I could FLY with GLEE to ADD IN the other two corners. No need for SUB ROSA moves or to REAM OUT myself for the effort; soon enough, I was telling the NW, "IM BACK."
TAG (You're It)
TAG (You're It)
2
Hand up for CHILD CARE as a first thought.
I could probably just quote suejean's comment word for word. Worked out the SW over to LEBANON and just some bits and pieces elsewhere. I still don't get YESAND even after the explanation. Thought of something that fit and worked for 1a early on but for the life of me can't remember what it was. I see some things that I probably should have gotten but a lot more that were never going to dawn on me.
I wondered when OVERTHERE was last clued in reference to George M. Cohan: Answer - 1995 (and always before that). This is only it's second appearance since then. That gives me an excuse to link this old favorite, though with little joy at this point in time:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMPXHNrKye4
Speaking of 17a, I need to head out to the store to buy some baby formula. Later.
I wondered when OVERTHERE was last clued in reference to George M. Cohan: Answer - 1995 (and always before that). This is only it's second appearance since then. That gives me an excuse to link this old favorite, though with little joy at this point in time:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMPXHNrKye4
Speaking of 17a, I need to head out to the store to buy some baby formula. Later.
3
I had a bet with myself about what you would link to RiA. I was right.
I "got" YES AND from Deb's explanation, but I still don't care for it. Awfully specialized, and not catchy.
I "got" YES AND from Deb's explanation, but I still don't care for it. Awfully specialized, and not catchy.
1
I'm sure I've linked it before, DL, and I'm fine with being predictable.
The next 'new thing' that I'm waiting to see in a crossword is "Yeah, so..." as a lead-in to a response. I think I first started noticing it on Jeopardy interviews, but now I hear it on news programs all the time. I just heard a Weather Channel field reporter say it when they cut over to him. Sometimes it's just "So..." but in any case it's really just an interjection.
Hope you enjoy your meeting with Barry today. We'll always have Ralph Kramden.
The next 'new thing' that I'm waiting to see in a crossword is "Yeah, so..." as a lead-in to a response. I think I first started noticing it on Jeopardy interviews, but now I hear it on news programs all the time. I just heard a Weather Channel field reporter say it when they cut over to him. Sometimes it's just "So..." but in any case it's really just an interjection.
Hope you enjoy your meeting with Barry today. We'll always have Ralph Kramden.
1
The problem with that 17A stuff is it comes back up and gets stuck in your hair. Babies mean mewing and spewing and pooing. They are born ADORBS so we will put up with all that, and have selective amnesia about the trouble they caused.
Happy birthday, Will!
Lovely clues for THE BIG BANG and AVATARS!
I knew that the stars were aligned when I plopped in SUB ROSA and BOYLES LAW, either of which I had no idea that I knew. On the other hand, nowhere in my brain was KNEEHOLES, POMELO, or BODYMAN. So this puzzle was a little COME ALIVE, and a little SLAVE AWAY, but at the end -- I'M BACK!
My heart to those in the storm...
Lovely clues for THE BIG BANG and AVATARS!
I knew that the stars were aligned when I plopped in SUB ROSA and BOYLES LAW, either of which I had no idea that I knew. On the other hand, nowhere in my brain was KNEEHOLES, POMELO, or BODYMAN. So this puzzle was a little COME ALIVE, and a little SLAVE AWAY, but at the end -- I'M BACK!
My heart to those in the storm...
2
I had very little filled in at first, but then I got going and didn't SLAVE AWAY at all.
Happy birthday Will!
Happy birthday Will!
1
Very strong Saturday puzzle. Tough clues, a modest dusting of esoterica, no computer dreck and fair throughout. With such quality even GAH can be forgiven.
2
Sorry, but GAH is not forgivable. Nobody say that!
i say it every day.
2
I can believe that, Michael; I've said it more than once. But do you say ADORBS?
2
I found this extremely difficult. Except for the SW nothing was coming to me, not sure why really. Not a complaint; it is Saturday after all
Nice to have a rare visit from Will. Happy Birthday.
Nice to have a rare visit from Will. Happy Birthday.
4
Hey Deb-- Thanks for the birthday wishes! I appreciate it. • I've now spent more than half of my adult life at The Times. And I don't think I'll ever get tired of this job. Every day is a challenge. I'm still learning. And I love all the people I come into contact with through the puzzle. • Thinking back ... when I started here in 1993 the entire crossword "department" consisted of me and a part-time proofreader. Now look! I'm so proud of what we've all achieved. • With gratitude, Will P.S. to Sam-- Loved your midi! Thank you. See you soon.
26
Happy birthday, Will. Thank you for all you do. I also enjoy your puzzles on NPR. Now, no dieting today. Eat cake.
2
Will, happy birthday!
I was so happy for you when you got this gig and I'm still happy on behalf of all the solvers, including me!
~ Suzie
I was so happy for you when you got this gig and I'm still happy on behalf of all the solvers, including me!
~ Suzie
2
IMBACK. Today I learned that a presidential aide is a BODYMAN even if she is a woman. Harrumph. Things have got to change in Washington.
I loved working this puzzle! No goofy slang, no dumb clues (okay, so "oven" for womb sent one eyebrow skyward, but I'll pass on that one). More puzzles like this, please.
I filled INCAHOOTS early on, and thought I was off to a fine start, but it took me a long time to really get stuck in. I poked around the grid, watched tv for a while, came back to it. For some reason I blanked on Gatsby's first name, which is just embarrassing. I had no idea what YESAND meant until I came here. But I finished, and enjoyed the challenge.
I loved working this puzzle! No goofy slang, no dumb clues (okay, so "oven" for womb sent one eyebrow skyward, but I'll pass on that one). More puzzles like this, please.
I filled INCAHOOTS early on, and thought I was off to a fine start, but it took me a long time to really get stuck in. I poked around the grid, watched tv for a while, came back to it. For some reason I blanked on Gatsby's first name, which is just embarrassing. I had no idea what YESAND meant until I came here. But I finished, and enjoyed the challenge.
2
Happy Birthday, Will.
Tough but impressive Saturday. Many, many passes before I started to make a dent. Good interlocks. Like others, I'm like, GAH! about GAH.
In the SW corner, had ATM, THE BIG BANG and from there MAD HATTER and OVER THERE, even though that gave me HR__ Daniels for42A. Then got AVATARS and TAG (now HR_G). At this point, _A__AT___ could still have been both MAD HATTER and JAY GATSBY, but gave in and took out MAD HATTER and filled in GREG, then JAY GATSBY. And...that was the easy one.
Had TASTE OK and SWEEPS quickly. EPEE because I recall Pentathlons had quirky events. I would've said mead was HONEY ALE but that didn't fit, and I've never had mead.
Disney princess - cultural appropriation again, but I guess that's the only way to get people to remember MULAN around here.
I've also never heard of BODY MAN - whatever that is. I didn't know BASIL is used as a garnish for anything - I was thinking mint, which didn't fit. POMELO as exotic salad ingredient? Well, anything you don't normally put into a salad is an exotic ingredient. Don't quite understand 54D NAME for Big shot.
43A DIET TIP - I knew that "loser" in this context wouldn't have been used in the negative sense because that's not how Will rolls.
When I saw Deb's note about Will's birthday and then remembering 56A, I wondered if Will publishing the puzzle today was some kind of messiah complex. :)
Tough but impressive Saturday. Many, many passes before I started to make a dent. Good interlocks. Like others, I'm like, GAH! about GAH.
In the SW corner, had ATM, THE BIG BANG and from there MAD HATTER and OVER THERE, even though that gave me HR__ Daniels for42A. Then got AVATARS and TAG (now HR_G). At this point, _A__AT___ could still have been both MAD HATTER and JAY GATSBY, but gave in and took out MAD HATTER and filled in GREG, then JAY GATSBY. And...that was the easy one.
Had TASTE OK and SWEEPS quickly. EPEE because I recall Pentathlons had quirky events. I would've said mead was HONEY ALE but that didn't fit, and I've never had mead.
Disney princess - cultural appropriation again, but I guess that's the only way to get people to remember MULAN around here.
I've also never heard of BODY MAN - whatever that is. I didn't know BASIL is used as a garnish for anything - I was thinking mint, which didn't fit. POMELO as exotic salad ingredient? Well, anything you don't normally put into a salad is an exotic ingredient. Don't quite understand 54D NAME for Big shot.
43A DIET TIP - I knew that "loser" in this context wouldn't have been used in the negative sense because that's not how Will rolls.
When I saw Deb's note about Will's birthday and then remembering 56A, I wondered if Will publishing the puzzle today was some kind of messiah complex. :)
2
We have a friend who makes wine, and he makes mead in the same way. And it is good! And contrary to popular imagination, not the least bit sweet.
Seconded on the mead. It's delicious.
1
excellent puzzle. After a slow start, I got traction in the SW with JAY GATSBY, BASE METAL and OVER THERE. KNEEHOLES was clever and helped fill out the SE corner. Knew BODYMAN which helped the NE COME ALIVE! Last to fall was the NW KASEM and iBook led to BOYLE'S LAW and Mr Happy Pencil!
"GAH" ??!! That's a stretch...otherwise pretty fun.
Yeah, it probably qualifies as "dreck", but it's just one little fragment in an otherwise good grid. I filled in ACH first.
Perhaps it's regional, or maybe generational, but we us GAH in that context all the time.
NORMA+N puts me in mind of the climactic root cellar scene in Psycho, when "Mother" comes charging in brandishing the kitchen knife, and yelling "I-I-I-I'm NORMA Bates!"
S = C + M
COLE'S LAW
S = C + M
COLE'S LAW
3
Oh, of course! GAH. How stupid of me!
1
Never heard the term BODY MAN, don't get the office opening meaning for KNEE HOLES, and I've never yelled GAH in frustration, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one anyway.
In our family, the phrase in 1A has for some reason morphed to IN CASNOOTS, but I got this one quickly anyway.
I've never tried mead. It doesn't look inviting in the picture.
In our family, the phrase in 1A has for some reason morphed to IN CASNOOTS, but I got this one quickly anyway.
I've never tried mead. It doesn't look inviting in the picture.
3
"Knee Holes" are the opposite of "Privacy Panels" - the front desk panel between two stacks of drawers.
1
The only reason I would link KNEEHOLE to an office and therefore relating to the desk is I recall seeing at some point having read something about the iconic photo of JFK in the White House and John Jr. playing around in the KNEEHOLE.
It is the only time I've ever seen that usage. https://iconicphotos.org/2010/09/03/john-f-kennedy-jnr-under-the-resolut...
Anywhere else, I would've though it had to do with ripped jeans. But that doesn't compute with office.
It is the only time I've ever seen that usage. https://iconicphotos.org/2010/09/03/john-f-kennedy-jnr-under-the-resolut...
Anywhere else, I would've though it had to do with ripped jeans. But that doesn't compute with office.
1
The area between the pedestals (of drawers) of a double pedestal desk is the KNEEHOLE. The desk may or may not have what was called a "modesty panel" (see the link in Wen's post) and would today be called, apparently, an "under desk privacy panel" (I last spec'd furniture for an office more than 30 years ago).
2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6BzCpNOZX0