09.30.08

Assignation

The Assassination of President Lincoln at Ford’s Theatre

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Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Puzzle by Allan E. Parrish, edited by Will Shortz

JOHNWILKESBOOTH (36A. “Sic semper tyrannis!” crier) dashes across today’s crossword, landing smack-dab in the center of the grid, upstaging the interrelated entries of GEIGERCOUNTER (20A. Particle-detecting device) and PERIODICTABLE (54A. Chemistry class poster, perhaps) with the counter and table joining his booth as choices of seating at a restaurant.

A few more links: AMARETTO (11D. Almond-flavored liqueur); AMIGAS (1D. Early Commodore computers); IKE (34D. Hurricane of 2008); KENYA (67A. Home of Barack Obama’s father); MEDEA (14A. Jason jilted her); ODESSA (49D. Ukrainian port city); and RIORITA (21D. Abbott and Costello movie based on a Ziegfeld musical).

ETTU (8D. Caesarean rebuke), a phrase to please the ear of assassins!

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For today’s cartoon, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.

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09.29.08

Word for Word

Monday, September 29, 2008

Puzzle by Sharon Delome, edited by Will Shortz

This Monday back-to-work crossword features four examples of homographs -- SEWERSEWER (18A. One who embroiders a waste conduit?); DRAWERDRAWER (26A. Sketcher of a bureau compartment?); SHOWERSHOWER (47A. Presenter of a bathroom stall?); TOWERTOWER (60A. One pulling a tall structure?). A homograph is one of a group of words that share the same spelling but have different meanings. When spoken, the meanings are sometimes, but not necessarily, distinguished by different pronunciations. In today’s case, the duplicated words are pronounced differently.

Links: ALEUT (12D. Native on the Bering Sea); AMEER (55A. Mideast chief: Var.); HOWE (39D. Hockey legend Gordie); LEWIS (53D. Annual telethon host Jerry); MINEO (68A. Sal of “Rebel Without a Cause”); SHEPARD (10D. Astronaut Alan); TORI (17A. Actress Spelling); 51A. “The MALTESE Falcon”; STUNGUNS (20A. Police weapons that immobilize suspects); AMORE (52D. Love Italian-style); OPIUM (22A. Drug that’s smoked in a pipe); TOWIN (11D. Bring, as a disabled car to a garage).

Word for word, that’s that!

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For today’s cartoon, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.

For the complete post, go HERE.

09.28.08

'Twas Puzzling

Mosaic, the Letter T
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Sunday, September 28, 2008

‘TWAS PUZZLING, Puzzle by Cathy Allis Millhauser, edited by Will Shortz

Well, I just laughed out loud at several of the following -- THETWITCHINGHOUR (23A. When jerks come out?); DESSERTTWINE (38A. String around a cake box?); THETWEAKERSEX (53A. Men or women who pinch?); THESOULOFTWIT (78A. Nerd’s essence?); FLIPONESTWIG (95A. Roast the other side of the marshmallow?); YOUCANTTWINEMALL (113A. Discouraging comment to a cloner?); TWEEDKILLER (36D. Moth, perhaps?); LIVINGTWILL (41D. Fabric that really breathes?).

This is a delightful Sunday crossword puzzle, full of sensible entries and fair clues with enough twists and turns to be a joyous challenge. Liked seeing WIGWAM (97D. Native American home) instead of the usual TEPEE -- other stuff, TOWNIE (45D Off-campus local); COLORFAST (82A. Unlikely to run); SNOWS (15D. Bamboozles); SKINNY (62A. Dope) -- take your pick.

ESTAS (57D. These, to Juan) atop ESTATES (92D. Subjects of many legal battles); GLORYBE (108A. “Praise the Lord!”) in the same corner with 124A. “Land SAKES!”; ANGELINA (47A. Texas county, river or forest that’s a girl’s first name) and ADELAIDE (89A. Capital of South Australia); and then there’s BLTS (34A. Nonkosher sandwiches) and DIPS (33A. Some people or food at parties).

Additional links: DARRYL (43D. Strawberry of note); KOUFAX (63D. Pitcher of a perfect game, 9/9/65); ROXIE (19A. Song sung by Gwen in Broadway’s “Chicago”); and for the across clues of 21. Greek market of old; 28. Kind of dialysis; 71. Mushroom stalks; 73. Dress-up costume piece; 100. W.W. II gun; 121. Eye part; and the down clues of 3. Yak pack; 9. Like some eggs or cloth; 24. Apple pocketfuls; 48. City near Milan; 76. Spaghetti STRAP; 96. Garage container; 106. Monopoly game token.

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For today’s cartoon, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.

For the complete post, go HERE.

09.28.08 -- the Acrostic

Vanity

“All is Vanity“ by C. Allan Gilbert
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Sunday, September 28, 2008

ACROSTIC, Puzzle by Emily Cox & Henry Rathvon, edited by Will Shortz

Today’s quotation is by Margaret Halsey (1910-1997), an American writer. Her 1938 best-selling book With Malice Towards Some grew from her experiences in the United Kingdom where she lived for a short time. The New York Times compared her as a writer Dorothy Parker and H. L. Mencken.

The Quotation: HUMILITY IS NOT MY FORTE (and) WHENEVER I DWELL FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME ON MY OWN SHORTCOMINGS, THEY (gradually) BEGIN TO SEEM MILD, HARMLESS, RATHER ENGAGING LITTLE THINGS, NOT AT ALL LIKE THE STARING DEFECTS IN OTHER PEOPLE’S CHARACTERS.

The author’s name and the title of the work: (Margaret) HALSEY “WITH MALICE TOWARD SOME”

Anyone you know?

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For the complete post, go HERE.

09.27.08

Saturday

Alan Ladd and Brandon DeWilde, “Shane”, 1953
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Saturday, September 27, 2008

Puzzle by Karen M. Tracey, edited by Will Shortz

Don’t have a lot to say about this Saturday’s crossword -- a few links: DONQUIXOTE (31A. When the expression “mum’s the word”); ALONGSIDE (17A. How a towpath proceeds vis-à-vis a canal); TIGERCUB (5D. Den delivery); ALEKSEI (41D. Soviet premier Kosygin); APEMEN (24D. Ancestors from long, long ago); ABZUG (61A. Former congresswoman nicknamed Mother Courage); SHANE (1D. Oscar-nominated western); ABCS (12D. Early instruction).

Later.

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For today’s cartoon, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.

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09.26.08

No Sweat

Richard Harris in "A Man Called Horse", 1970

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Friday, September 26, 2008

Puzzle by Barry Silk, edited by Will Shortz

Five fifteen-letter across entries are the main feature of this Friday crossword:

NOBLEPEACEPRIZE (15. King’s honor);
CIAHEADQUARTERS (17. Where moles may try to dig?);
STATIONARYORBIT (34. An artificial satellite may have one);
AMANCALLEDHORSE (55. Film about an aristocrat captured by the Sioux);
PIZZAMARGHERITA (58. Dish named for the queen consort of Italy’s Umberto I).

A few more links: 14D. Kite flying destination?, NEST; 24A. Ones at home on the range?, BAKERS; 26D. Sluggish tree dweller, KOALA; 23A. Den HAAG, Nederland; BRONZE (42D. Like the Colossus of Rhodes); GANDHI (44D. Leader who said “There is no god higher than truth”); Katherine ORTEGA, 1983-89 Treasurer of the United States; WARDANCE (27A. Victory celebration, of sorts).

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For today’s cartoon, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.

For the complete post, go HERE.

09.25.08

Draw!

A depiction of the duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr on July 11, 1804. Hamilton intentionally missed Burr, but Burr's shot wounded Hamilton, who died the next day. Library of Congress
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Thursday, September 25, 2008

Puzzle by Victor Fleming, edited by Will Shortz

“Draws” is the clue for eight entries in today’s crossword -- 17A. RECEIPTS; 26A. GETSCARDS; 49A. PULLSAGUN; 58A. SKETCHES; 4D. TIEGAMES; 11D. INFERS; 37D. ATTRACTS; and 46D. CLOSES.

Several seven-letter entries ensue -- ALUMNUS (28A. Graduate); LASTING (41D. Kind of impression); OPTICAL (9D. Kind of scanner); SWATTER (48A. Pest eradicator).

A few links: GREASE (20A. 1972 musical with the song “Summer Nights”); 62A. GRETNA Green, Scottish town famous for runaway weddings; SPURGE (44D. Poinsettia’s family); URSULA (29D. Villainess in “The Little Mermaid”); LEELA (10D. Female companion in "Doctor Who").

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For today’s cartoon, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.



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09.24.08

Humming

Humming Bird - Karin Kuhlmann

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Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Puzzle by Lynn Lempel, edited by Will Shortz

HUMMINGBIRD (17A. One of the “dumbest dumb animals,“ according to 60-Across), ITSREALLYTIMEHE (27A. Start of the reason the 17-Across is one of the “dumbest dumb animals”) LEARNEDTHEWORDS (46A. End of the reason) and GEORGEBURNS (60A. See 17-Across) constitute this crossword’s interrelated entries. While there are plenty of quotes attributed to Burns, I ran out of patience in a search to find today‘s; however, there are many cartoons in reference to same (see link at end of commentary).

A few more links: HOLYTERROR (11D. Imp plus); ORIOLE (5D. Orange-and-black flier); ALAMO (6A. Battle to remember, with “the”); EDGAR (41A. Award for Best Novel won three times by Dick Francis); ROBOT (25A. Unpaid factory worker); DAHL and JOAD.

Off-topic, Googling George Burns, I came across THIS!

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For today’s cartoons, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.

For the complete post, go HERE.

09.23.08

Hot Water

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Puzzle by Richard Chisholm, edited by Will Shortz

INHOTWATER (61A. Where 17-, 29-, 38- and 44-Across often wind up) is a connecting entry for LAWBREAKER (17A. One risking arrest); TEALEAVES (29A. Some seers read them); DIRTYDISHES (36A. Sink items); and SPAGHETTI (44A. Trattoria offering), the main featured entries of this little Tuesday potboiler of a puzzle.

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For today's cartoons, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.

For the complete post, go HERE.

09.22.08

ZOO

Various scenes of the Cincinnati Zoo, 1878
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Monday, September 22, 2008

Puzzle by Peter A. Collins, edited by Will Shortz

Today’s Autumnal Equinox crossword puzzle treats us to a small menagerie identified by the entries of THE (11A. With 66-Across, where this puzzle’s circled things can all be found) and ZOO (66A. See 11-Across). Within the circles of five entries are five members of the zoo -- CRUISEALONG (21A. Proceed effortlessly); LUGNUTS (38A. Tire irons loosen them); ILLBEAROUND (54A. 1972 hit for the Spinners); NOTASABLE (3D. Less competent); and CAMELATER (34D. Ensued). There’s a second uncircled sable in UNUSABLE (39D. Having no practical application), quite usable for this creature -- Martes zibellina.

ARARAT (27A. Mount on which Noah landed) and SAHARA (24A. African desert) offer alternative environments, the latter best for a camel, the former refuge from the storm. A REBEL (30A. Insurrectionist) RAT (22D. Lab maze runner) is on the loose, along with a COVERT (49A. Hidden from view) ERN (63A. Suffix with north or south), which may or may not SOAR (29A. Fly into the wild blue yonder). An EEL (37A. Conger, for one) is swimming free in the deluge, while the remainder await HOMEPORT (9D. The Titanic’s was Southhampton).

Today, on the occasion of the autumnal equinox in the northern hemisphere, the night and day are nearly the same length as the Sun crosses the equator moving southward, and we mark the first day of the season of autumn.

May it bring a cornucopia of good!

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For today’s cartoon, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.

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09.21.08

It's a Mystery!

Humphrey Bogart as Sam Space in "The Maltese Falcon"
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Sunday, September 21, 2008

IT’S A MYSTERY, Puzzle by Brendan Emmett Quigley, edited by Will Shortz

This mystery has eight LEAD DETECTIVES (109A. Ones in charge of a case … or a literal hint to the eight other longest answers in this puzzle) to bring about a solution:

DREW UNIVERSITY (23A. School in Madison, N.J.);
FISH STORY (33A. Don’t believe it);
MAGNUM OPUS (46A. “The Divine Comedy,” for Dante);
HAMMER THROW (66A. Track-and-field event);
FELL ASLEEP (84A. Dropped off);
MASON JARS (98A. Pantry array);
QUEEN MOTHER (17D. Beloved figure in England); and
SPADE CASINO (65D. Card game played to 61).

That should be plenty!

A few clues -- Across: 1. Drapery material; 20. City and county of central California; 22. Hair color; 26. Poet whose last words were “Of course [God] will forgive me; that’s his business”; 29. Coup d’OEIL (quick glance); 38. HUEVOS rancheros; 40. Raw bar offering; 45. Classic theater name; 61. Fraternity member; 72. Record producer who published the diary “A Year With Swollen Appendices”; 78. Kon-Tiki material; 92. Trig. Angle; 96. “On Language” columnist; 107. San Luis OBISPO; 117. Big name in auto parts; 121. Major diamond exporter.

Down: 4. City with the world’s first telephone directory (1878); 9. Blade in sports; 12. Novelist who wrote “The Gravedigger’s Daughter”; 19. Eve ENSLER, “The Vagina Monologues monologist; 31. Persian Gulf emirate; 39. Biological dividing wall; 43. Kind of fin; 52 Yemeni money; 58. Southern legume; 68. Loose overcoat; 77. Certain photo caption; 83. “Malcolm in the Middle” boy; 93. Deli order; 101. “The Grapes of Wrath” family; 113. Letters on a brandy bottle.

With all those clues and detectives, this one should be an open and shut case!

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For today’s cartoon, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.

For the complete post, go HERE.

09.20.08

Quadrupuzzle III

Colour Studies -- Wassily Kandinsky
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September 20, 2008

Puzzle by Joe Krozel, edited by Will Shortz

Today's crossword is essentially four small puzzles which are joined weakly in the center by two four-letter across entries, ANON (25. Soon enough) and NICE (33. “Sweet!”) with a few scattered common letters on the periphery, e.g., E, L, and R. Divided by four big black "hammers", each quadrant must be solved separately in that as much use as any letter is from another section, the center might as well be completely closed. This is the third crossword of this type over the past year -- See 12.01.07 -- Quadrupuzzle with the exact same diagram and 12.22.07 -- Quadrupuzzle II, a variation.

A few links:

Puzzle 1 (Upper left): 1D. Founder of the Foundation for Florida’s Future; 3D. Its capital is Gaborone; 5F. Bursts open, as legume seedpods.

Puzzle 2 (Upper right): 6A. “Only bad witches are ugly” speaker; 14A. They might be weaving; 17A. Asian range, with “the”; 21A. Trademark relatives; 6D. Set piece?; 11D. Politico Hutchinson and others; 15D. Blouse coverer.

Puzzle 3 (Lower left): 37A. Bit of regalia; 42A. Separator of light and dark; 46A. It contains the three-fifths clause; 50A. Ecclesiastical districts. 37D. Like some nights and eyes; 39D. Lucia’s brother in “Lucia di Lammermoor”; 44D. Refreshing things.

Puzzle 4 (Lower right): 28A. Common household pest; 35A. Sports equipment wired for scoring; 43A. “Les Mains Sales” playwright, 1948; 45A. Snow-covered cover-up; 31D. It’s free of charge; 32D. Apartment adjuncts; 41D. Singer of the 1991 hit “Wicked Game”.

Go four it!
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For today’s cartoon, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.

For the complete post, go HERE.

09.19.08

Yo Ho Yo Ho!

Friday, September 19, 2008

Puzzle by Alex Boisvert, edited by Will Shortz

SHIVERMETIMBERS! (8D. "Well, I'll be!," as it might be said on September 19) -- Pirates! Today is September 19th… also known as International TALKLIKEAPIRATE Day! Dust off your parrot… cuz t’day’s yer chance to be impolite and p'rhaps flog a body that’s bent OVERABARREL (53A. At someone’s mercy).

Yo Ho Yo Ho! A Pirate's Life for Me!

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For today’s cartoon, go to

The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.

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09.18.08

Ups and Downs

The See-Saw by Jean-Honore Fragonard
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Thursday, September 18, 2008

Puzzle by Mike Nothnagel, edited by Will Shortz

Today‘s crossword features [See circles] as the clue for four interrelated across entries, 17. WINDOWSHADE, 21. ELEVATOR, 55. SINEWAVE, and 63. STOCKMARKET. The circled letters going across the center of the grid read ITGOESUPANDDOWN in an appropriate “follow-the-bouncing ball” manner.

Today's links: GQTYPE (20A. Well-dressed photogenic male); SSTAR (50D. Relatively cool red giant); 28D. Deer XING; DNALABS (44D. Test sites); 12. ARTOO-Detoo; ADOPTEE (5D. Oliver Twist, for one); SLOVAK (50A. Language that treats “dz” as a single consonant); FARSI (6A. Language from which “divan” is derived); FJORD (13D. Finger of the ocean); ETNA (61D. It's about 2 1/2 times as high as Vesuvius); WEDS (18D. Forms a union).

With a fondness for the many odd-looking combinations of letters in its entries, this puzzle is a bit tricky -- but a puzzle is a puzzle is a puzzle, no matter the ups and downs!

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For today’s cartoon, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.

For the complete post, go HERE.

09.17.08

Who's Who Is Whose?

"The Man Who Knew Too Much" (1956)

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Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Puzzle by Edward Safran, edited by Will Shortz

Six movie titles clued by actors who play the title character in each constitute the interrelated entries of this Wednesday crossword -- 21A. Sean Connery: “The Man Who WOULDBEKING” (1975); 51A. David Bowie: “The Man Who FELLTOEARTH” (1976); 3D. Boris Karloff: “The Man Who LIVEDAGAIN” (1936); 9D Burt Reynolds: “The Man Who LOVEDWOMEN” (1983); 28d. Lloyd Nolan: “The Man Who WOULDNTDIE” (1942); 30D. Billy Bob Thornton: “The Man Who WASNTTHERE” (2001).

My favorite “Man Who“ movie? Not in today’s puzzle -- “The Man Who Knew Too Much”.

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For today’s cartoon, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.

For the complete post, go HERE.

09.16.08

Fried Turkey

Cajun Fried Turkey
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Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Puzzle by Michael Langwald, edited by Will Shortz

STEAMEDCRAB (17A. Grouch who’s plenty mad?), GRILLEDSHRIMP (27A. Pipsqueak under cross-examination?), ROASTEDPEANUT (48A. Wee lad feted by the Friars?), and FRIEDTURKEY (64A. Burned-out goofball?) are the featured interrelated entries of this Tuesday crossword.

Joining the grouch, the pipsqueak, the wee lad, and the goofball is EVITAPERON (11D. First lady played by Madonna) who seemingly presides over the personages ANDOR (71A. Choice words?) characters in the puzzle including an ICEBREAKER (29D. Party warmer-upper) and a SADSACK (25A. Perennial loser), neither steamed, grilled, roasted or fried.

END (40A. Wrap up).

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For today's cartoon, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.

For the complete post, go HERE.