Cheeta, (pictured above with “Boy”) the male chimpanzee most famous for his roles in Tarzan movies of the 1930s and 1940s, also became the longest-lived nonhuman primate on record in 1996 when he turned 64. As of 2008, he is still alive (at age 76 on April 9th), living at a desert sanctuary named after him: C.H.E.E.T.A. (which stands for Creative Habitats and Enrichment for Endangered & Threatened Apes). He is reputedly an enthusiastic painter, and his paintings are sold to benefit the sanctuary.
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Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Puzzle by Patrick Merrell, edited by Will Shortz
HAPPYBIRTHDAYTO (16A. Step 1: Highlight this answer); CIRCLELETTERSTO (27A. Step 2: With 43- and 55-Across, do this in the grid [scrambled or not] … it works for almost anyone!); SPELLOUTTHENAME (43A. See 27-Across); OFYOURRECIPIENT (55A. See 27-Across) are the inter-related entries of today’s crossword -- should one add 47A. With 48-Across, “ …and that AINT HAY!” (43A. See 27-Across)?
It would be a shame to waste the sentiment, so I tried to sandwich CHEETA into the space allotted for THELMA (31D. Louise’s cinematic partner), mistaking Louise for Maureen (O'Sullivan). What?! UGH (8D. Cry before or after sticking out the tongue)! These long original-quote crosswords are nearly as impersonal as a computer-generated birthday greeting, but here goes!
Happy Birthday, CHEETA!
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For today's cartoon, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.
