11.18.09

JACK

19th-century cartoon of Jack Frost as a United States major-general during the American Civil War.
Wednesday,
November 18, 2009
Puzzle by Paula Gamache, edited by Will Shortz
Gardena jackpots ("Jacks to open" or simply "Jackpots") is a variation of poker with a single joker in the deck acting as a bug -- the game is named after the city of Gardena, California.
With that bit of obscurity (to the non-gambler, at least) in mind, this Tuesday crossword drums up the imaginary presence of JACK at the fore of the first word of four entries --
HAMMER THROW (17A. Olympic track-and-field event); FROST/NIXON (30A. Play and film about a noted 1977 series of interviews); CHEESECLOTH (36A. Loosely woven cotton fabric); RABBIT EARS (44A. Indoor dipole antenna, colloquially), tied with JACKS TO OPEN (60A. Five-card draw variation … or a hint to 17-, 30-, 36- and 44-Across) -- long way to go for a grunt or a chuckle.
A few more links -- ARMAGNAC (3D. Eau de vie from Gascony); BOY TOY (46D. Young stud); HIALEAH (2D. Historic racetrack site); ICHABOD (29D. Washington Irving’s Crane); 11D. MAALOX moment” (ad catchphrase); MODEL AS (25D. 1903-04 cars sold only in red); ARNEL (40A. Vintage synthetic fabric); PRELL (5D. Green shampoo brand); SAX and SEX.
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For today’s cartoons, go to
The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.
For the complete post, go HERE.