ZOO
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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.
For the complete post, go HERE.
