YSL
Thursday, June 26, 2008 Puzzle by David J. Kahn, edited by Will Shortz
YVESSAINTLAURENT (7D. Legendary name in 31-Across) is the main subject of today’s crossword puzzle. Sixteen squares were required to accommodate his name, making the diagram 15x16 with four squares of the puzzle containing the initials YSL. Also part of the tribute are the entries of FASHION (31A. See 7-Down), COLOGNE (43A. Product introduced by 7-Down in 1971) and RESPECTS (56A. What may be paid when someone dies).Utilizing the four YSL squares are CITYSLICKERS (17A. Rube’s opposite) crossed by LAYSLOW (4D. Knocks to the ground); 21A. New York’s CHRYSLER Building, tallest in the world in 1930, crossed by LADYSLIPPER (11D. Orchid variety); GALLEYSLAVE (36D. “Ben-Hur” extra) crossed by PAYSLIPS (54A. Check attachments); and KEYSLOT (53D. Lock opening) crossed by BEAUTYSLEEP (60A. Extra shuteye).
Across and Down with links -- HERE.
YSL is one of those standard fill entries of crossword puzzles that we have seen time and again -- today, it gets the royal treatment. It might be interesting to see what cluing YSL receives in the future, noting that in this puzzle SST is clued as Former fleet member. Most recently, Tuesday of this week, CYD appeared (albeit without a tribute) -- who’s next?
Lastly, I am always so amused by the fashion/fragrance industry’s utilization of exquisite human specimens for advertising purposes, sans clothing in the throes of passion, that I simply couldn’t resist brandishing one of YSL’s -- ergo, the lead advertisement of this commentary. If that’s a bit much, well… C’est la vie! -----------------
