The NYT Crossword in Gothic Digest

The New York Times Crossword in Gothic

2009-11-24T19:41:00.000-05:00

The NYT Crossword in Gothic Digest daily posts are now viewed in full at The New York Times Crossword in Gothic – HERE.

Due to time and space constrictions, the Digest version of The New York Times Crossword in Gothic has been discontinued -- all daily posts of the crossword are now viewed in full at The New York Times Crossword in Gothic.

11.24.09

2009-11-24T03:37:00.003-05:00

In the Final Analysis

Kevin Spacey in the film American Beauty, the ending

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Puzzle by Victor Fleming and Bonnie L. Gentry, edited by Will Shortz

AT THE END OF THE DAY (19A. With 64-Across, everything considered), WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE (34A. With 43- and 48-Across, everything considered) and THE FINAL ANALYSIS (4D. After “in,” and with 44-Down, everything considered) comprise the interrelated group of this suave Tuesday crossword.

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For the complete post, go HERE.

11.23.09

2009-11-22T23:44:00.003-05:00

Come Together

Monday, November 23, 2009

Puzzle by Ben Pall, edited by Will Shortz

BEATLES (38A. Group with the four circled members) and the circled members, JOHN, PAUL, GEORGE and RINGO contained within JOIN THE NAVY (3D. Head out to sea, say), POLE VAULTER (18A. Athlete trying to pass the bar?), AGENT ORANGE (59A. Toxic herbicide) and READING ROOM (26D. Library area) are the interrelated group of this terrific Monday crossword.

Wait, there’s more -- ABBEY ROAD (9A. With 46-Down, 1969 album by the 38-Across), 30A. “Nowhere MAN” (1966 hit), 48A. “Gonna TRY with a little help from my friends; 13D. “YER Blues (song on the White Album); 14A. Yoko ONO, RAVI (47A. Sitarist Shankar) and QUOTE (16A. “We’re more popular than Jesus now,” famously). What’s not to like?

A few more links -- PSYCHO (50A. Hitchcock film with a shower scene) and DAMAGED (52A. Injured); OSIRIS (25A. Egyptian god of death); TRIOS (45A. The Supremes and others).

Come Together!

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

For the complete post, go HERE.

11.22.09 -- the Acrostic

2009-11-22T00:24:00.006-05:00

Turkey

Sunday, November 22, 2009

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

To the purpose of toay's acrostic quotation, Meleager, King of Macedonia, brought the first turkeys into Greece. The Greeks named these birds after their prince Meleagrides. Sophocles, in one of his tragedies, introduces a chorus of turkeys bewailing the death of Meleager. Edgar Allan Poe makes sardonic note of the same in his Marginalia.

The quotation: I NEVER CAN HEAR AN ITALIAN OPERA WITHOUT FANCYING MYSELF AT ATHENS LISTENING TO THAT PARTICULAR TRAGEDY BY SOPHOCLES IN WHICH HE INTRODUCES A FULL CHORUS OF TURKEYS WHO SET ABOUT BEWAILING THE DEATH OF MELEAGER.

The author’s name and the title of the work: EDGAR ALLAN POE MARGINALIA

The defined words: A. EISENACH; B. DEFIANT; C. GOLD STAR; D. ATTICA; E. ROUGHISH; F. ASHTRAY; G. LIFEBOAT; H. LITHELY; I. AUTHENTIC; J. NEWFOUND; K. PURVIEW; L. OUTBACK; M. ENTELECHY; N. MENORAH; O. ANT BEAR; P. REWRITE; Q. GOALPOST; R. ISTHMUS; S. NEPHROLOGY; T. ANCHORITE; U. LANGUISH; V. IN EFFECT; W. ALWAYS.

Happy Thanksgiving!

For the complete post, go HERE.

11.22.09

2009-11-21T21:45:00.004-05:00

Career

Brigitte Bardot, actress

Sunday, November 22, 2009

CAREER DAY SPEAKER SCHEDULE, Puzzle by Patrick Merrell, edited by Will Shortz

This Sunday’s interrelated group redefined career day speakers -- TICKET AGENT (23A. Career Day Speaker #1: Meter maid?); SOCIAL WORKER (28A. #2: Tea server?); DRIVING INSTRUCTOR (38A. #3: Golf pro?); BRANCH MANAGER (58A. #4: Tree surgeon?); FILE CLERK (70A. #5: Manicurist?); UNION OFFICIAL (82A. #6: Justice of the peace?); MARKETING DIRECTOR (103A. #7: Grocery store owner?); RECORD KEEPER (111A. #8: Disc jockey?); NOVEL WRITER (119A. Career of the parent who typed up the Career Day schedule?). Anecdote anyone?

Other entries of length include AGREES WITH, BROW-BEATS, TURNS RED, SABER SAW, SMOOTH OUT and TIDAL BASIN.

Seven-letter -- ACT FIVE; AGITATE; BAKLAVA; EXTORTS; PEN NAME; REMATCH; SI SENOR; SKEETER.

Six -- ANTONE; ARABLE; ASTROS; AVERSE; BARDOT (63A. Sex symbol once married to Vadim); EGESTS; 98A. ELAINE; GERBIL; GRUELS; IN SITU; IT’LL DO; KENOBI; LOOKIE; NACRES; SEA DOG; SEDANS; STACKS; SYSTEM; TACOMA.

Five -- ARCHI, ASIDE, AVIAN, BAMBI, EDSEL, ENARM, ERMAS, ESSEX, EYERS, HANOI, HERES, ILIAD, INAIR, INLET, IREST, LEDGE, MEESE, MISUSE, MOMMA, NECCO, ONELB, ONEND, ORGAN, RATSO, REINA, SMOKE, STERS, SYSTEM, TREVI, UTILE, YEARS.

Short stuff -- ALI, AKIN, ASOF, ATOP, BIT, CEE, CIRE, DENT, EAR, ECOL, EGOS, ESC, ENS and ESS, ERST, ESTS, ETTA, EVA and EVAN, FEAR, FISH, FRAY, GAT, HARM, HRS, IDEA, IES, IRAN, ISM, ISUP, KALE, KENS and KENT, KILO, LAFF, LAT, LAUD, LEA, LGA, LII and LIL, LIMB, MIC, MSG, NEDS, NHL, ORS, OSE, RBIS, RHEA, RITT, RNS, ROLO, RONA, RYNE, SCOW, SEER, SHE, SILO, TEAM, TEEN, THIS, TIA, TIFF, VET, WAY.

Career? Driving instructor!

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

For the complete post, go HERE.

11.21.09

2009-11-21T02:24:00.004-05:00

Abyssinia

Image from Avatar, the film by James Cameron

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Puzzle by Gary J. Whitehead, edited by Will Shortz

The usual Saturday -- variety, mystery and sadistic duplicity.

For today's post, go HERE.

11.20.09

2009-11-20T03:27:00.004-05:00

Rara Avis

Umbrella Bird -- Artist: K. Lilly

Friday, November 20, 2009

Puzzle by Alan Olschwang, edited by Will Shortz

A word is a word is a word…

For today's post, go HERE.

11.19.09

2009-11-19T02:58:00.002-05:00

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Puzzle by Tyler Hinman and Jeremy Horwitz, edited by Will Shortz

Three film directors are linked in this entertaining Thursday crossword by way of their clues -- COSTA GAVRAS (17A. “Z” director, 1969), FRITZ LANG (32A. “M” director, 1931) and OLIVER STONE (51A. “W.” director, 2008). The remaining 23 letters of the alphabet are also present, the puzzle is holoalphabetic, which is neither here nor there but everywhere.

A few links -- IONESCO (13D. Le Rhinocéros” playwright Eugène); MOONLIT (12D. Like the forest in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”); STAR MAPS (44A Some Beverly Hills tourist purchases); ASSYRIANS (10D. Hearers of Jonah’s prophecy); APNEA (41A. Cause of an awakening); UOMO.

Lights, cameras, action… the trailers for Z, M and W.

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

For the complete post, go HERE.

11.18.09

2009-11-18T01:46:00.003-05:00

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.

11.17.09

2009-11-17T02:24:00.004-05:00

RINGO

Ringo Starr, detail from portrait by Al Hirschfeld

Tuesday, November 17, 2009 -- Leonid Meteor Shower

Puzzle by John Farmer, edited by Will Shortz

RINGO (52D. Rock star whose name is spelled out by the middle letters of 16-, 18-, 39-, 61- and 64-Across), DURAN DURAN (16A. With 2-Down, group with the only James Bond theme to hit #1), BLING BLING (18A. With 10-Down, flashy jewelry), TWINKLE TWINKLE (39A. With 25-Down, start of a nightime nursery rhyme), SUGAR SUGAR (61A. With 50-Down, #1 hit of 1969) and KNOCK KNOCK (65A. With 54-Down, intro to a joke) are the interrelated group of this stellar Tuesday crossword.

Tuesday links -- CUFFLINKS (42A. Dress shirt accessories); WIREPHOTO (34A. A.P transmission); FROMAGE (43D. French cheese); SPUMONI (57A. Italian ice cream treat); GITMO (24A. Cuban base in the news, in brief); OCULI (12A. Eyelike windows); RIGEL (46A. Bright double star in Orion); WIGAN (40D. City near Manchester); SKUA (53A. Arctic seabird); USA for Africa.

With a little help from his friends, here‘s RINGO!

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

For the complete post, go HERE.

11.16.09

2009-11-16T03:23:00.002-05:00

...AND...

Monday, November 16, 2009

Puzzle by James Mulhern and Ashton Anderson, edited by Will Shortz

COCK AND BULL (17A. Like a story that can’t be believed), SHOCK AND AWE (27A. Military strategy during the 2003 invasion of Iraq), ROCK AND ROLL (45A. Subject of a 1950s “revolution”) and LOCK AND LOAD (61A. Prepare to use a rifle) are the interrelated group of this Monday crossword.

A few more links -- BLACKLIST (34D. Secretly ban from employment); NELSON (10D. Mandela of South Africa); 32A. JABBA the Hutt (“Star Wars” villain); YALTA (55A. 1945 conference site); ICBM (57D. Long-range weapon, for short).

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For today’s cartoon, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.
For the complete post, go HERE.

11.15.09

2009-11-14T22:58:00.003-05:00

Man of Many Words

Sunday, November 15, 2009

MAN OF MANY WORDS, Puzzle by Elizabeth C. Gorski, edited by Will Shortz

JOHNNY MERCER (Lyricist born 11/18/1909 who wrote the words to the 10 songs with asterisked clues) -- today’s crossword commemorates his 100th birthday.

Accompanied by the note “When this puzzle has been completed, connect the circled letters in order from A to N to get an appropriate image,” the puzzle, when completed vibrates with music, dominated by a roughly sketched treble clef, a music symbol with variations and an indicator of specific directions to the musician -- see HERE.

For the BROADWAY MUSICAL (42D. Many a 115-Across collaboration) and beyond, Mercer wrote the lyrics for ONE FOR MY BABY (21A. *Tony Parsons novel [1943 song]); TANGERINE (26A. *Mandarin variety [1942]); MOON RIVER (67A. *It flows into Ontario’s Georgian Bay [1961]); GREAT GUNS (108A. *Laurel and Hardy flick [1949]); JEEPERS CREEPERS (3D. *Omigosh!” [1938]); HAY RIDE (11D. *Rural jaunt [1945]); CHARADE (*Total sham [1963]); LAURA (48D. *Former first lady [1945]; EMILY (59D. *One of the Brontes [1964]); MATADOR (90D. *Toro’s target [1956]).

A few links across -- 15. Move from Los Angeles to New York, say, GO EAST; Robert of “The Sopranos”, ILER; 47. William OSLER, the Father of Modern Medicine; 51. Greek god of the north wind, BOREAS; 75. Girl Scout symbol, TREFOIL; 85. Curvy-horned animals, ELANDS; 98. Faux gold, ORMOLU; 114. Move from New York to Los Angeles, say, HEAD WEST.

Down: 1. Greek market, AGORA; 13. “Les Voyages Extraordinaires” writer, VERNE; 22. Vintage Ford, MODEL T; 58. Hungarian half sister?, ZSA; 76. “The Wizard OF ID”; 7-Up, with “the” UNCOLA; Photographer Leibovitz, ANNIE; 106. Peace goddess, IRENE.

Johnny in season -- HERE!

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For today’s cartoon, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.
For the complete post, go HERE.

11.14.09

2009-11-14T04:21:00.003-05:00

Saturday Stroll

La Promenade, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, 1870

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Puzzle by Joe Krozel, edited by Will Shortz

Four 15-letter across entries are the main feature of this Saturday crossword which sports an extra line across resulting in a 15x16 grid. Reportedly, four full-length entries, one atop another makes for a difficult puzzle to construct; however, equal difficulty for the solver doesn’t seem a result in this instance as the clues are fair, making for a leisurely stroll in the park. INCOME STATEMENT; MOON OVER PARADOR; ARRIVEDERCI ROMA; MANDARIN ORANGES.

Other entries of length include CORNED BEEF; LA PROMENADE (28D. Renoir at the Getty); PRAIRIE DOG; YOU PASSED IT.

Mid-size -- ALOE VERAS; CELLULAR; GET ACROSS; LEONID; MARNER; MATERIALS; MESSROOM; UNMOVABLE.

Five -- ANTES; AZTEC; ELVES; ENTER; GNOME; IMAMS; I QUIT; MAIZE; MIMES; MOTES; MUSEE; NEALE; NORAH; ORIEL; OTRAS; PEEL; SABLE; SO FAR; TAINT; T-BILL; ZEBRA.

Short stuff -- ACED, AIDE, AMEX and APEX, ANTZ, BAT, DEFS and DELS, ELL, ENOS, ERN, FATS, FRO, GARR, IDEE, IGO, IMP, JOSE, KIEV, LET, MAJ, MAMA, MOLE, NOSE, ONME, ORNO, QUE, RES, SAT, SHE, SKID (49D. A screech may accompany it), SPAN, TREN, UTES, WACO, WINS, YEAR.

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

For the complete post, go HERE.

11.13.09

2009-11-13T06:56:00.002-05:00

OH ME!

OH ME (53D. Worrier’s words), Edvard Munch, The Scream, 1893

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Friday, November 13, 2009

Puzzle by Dana Motley, edited by Will Shortz

For today’s post, go HERE.

11.12.09

2009-11-12T03:35:00.003-05:00

Diamond

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Puzzle by Brendan Emmett Quigley, edited by Will Shortz

A [DIAMOND] IS FOREVER (36A. Classic marketing tagline) and [DIAMOND] LIL (37D. Mae West role), [DIAMOND] JIM BRADY (1A. Tycoon who was reputedly the first person in New York City to own an automobile) and [DIAMOND] RING (1D. Union symbol?), [DIAMOND]HEAD (10A. Hawaiian landmark) and [DIAMOND]BACKS (10D. Chase Field team), NEIL [DIAMOND] (67”Heartlight” singer, 1982) and BLACK [DIAMOND] (44D. Symbol for a difficult ski run), BASEBALL [DIAMOND] (68A. Home setting) and HOPE [DIAMOND] (54D. Subject of a renowned curse) comprise the interrelated group of this gem of a Thursday crossword.

Thursday links -- ARTERIOLE (66A. Small blood vessel); TURBOPROP (62A. Commuter aircraft, maybe); MELTED (4D. Like the Wicked Witch of the West at the end of “The Wizard of Oz”); SPELLS (50A. Kisses may break them); AXELS (18A. Tricky jumps); RECTO (32A. Chapter’s starting point, usually); WHELK (65A. Marine snail); CFOS (33D. Inc. article subjects), COS (33D. Inc. article subjects).

A kiss may be grand but it won't pay the rental /On your humble flat, or help you at the automat /Men grow cold as girls grow old /And we all lose our charms in the end /But square cut or pear shaped /These rocks don't lose their shape /Diamonds are a girl's best friend!

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For today’s cartoon, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.
For the complete post, go HERE.

11.11.09

2009-11-11T01:02:00.003-05:00

Letter Count

Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009 -- Veterans Day

Puzzle by Kelsey Blakley, edited by Will Shortz

ONE TWO THREE FOUR (39A. Start of a count … or the letter frequencies in 17-, 30-, 46- and 64-Across), BEER BREWER (17A. User of barley malt), I DID INDEED (30A. Emphatic boast of responsibility), TO THE TEETH (46A. One way to be armed) and ROTO ROOTER (64A. “And away go troubles …” company) are the interrelated group of this Wednesday crossword.

Wednesday links -- RAMPAGE (58A. Go nuts), RAMROD (10D. Musketeer’s need), RANDI (45A. “Amazing” debunker of the paranormal), RAVI (18D. Raga player Shankar).

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

For the complete post, go HERE.

11.10.09

2009-11-10T02:42:00.003-05:00

Angstless

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Puzzle by Alan Arbesfeld, edited by Will Shortz

The starts of 17-, 23-, 36-, 45- and 57-Across, TAKE, THE, MONEY, AND and RUN, along with WOODY and ALLEN (61A. With 63-Across, name associated with the starts of 17-, 23-, 36-, 45- and 57-Across), e.g., TAKE PLACE (17A. Happen), THE SOPRANOS (23A. First cable series to win an Emmy for Outstanding Drama), MONEY LAUNDERING (36A. Process involving illegal drug profits, say), AND I LOVE HER (45A. Flip side of the Beatles’ “If I Fell”) and RUN SCARED (57A. Retreat in fear) are the interrelated group of this angstless Tuesday crossword. For the trailer of 1969 Take the Money and Run, go HERE.

Tuesday links -- EDIE (40A. Falco of 23-Across [e.g. THE SOPRANOS]) and TONY (23D. Lead role on 23-Across), SATURN (9D. Second-largest planet in the solar system) and MOON (33A. Titan, to 9-Down); WOMEN’S LIB (11D. 1960s movement rejecting traditional gender roles); ARDEN (51D. Elizabeth of cosmetics); HESSE (44A. “Steppenwolf” author); LEROY (37D. Jim Croce’s “bad, bad” Brown); SNAPE (6D. Potions professor at Hogwarts).

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

For the complete post, go HERE.

11.09.09

2009-11-09T03:19:00.002-05:00

Going Down

Monday, November 9, 2009

Puzzle by Lynn Lempel, edited by Will Shortz

COUGH DROP (18A. Throat soother), NIGHTFALL (23A Time just after sunset), KITCHEN SINK (36A. Where dishes may pile up), SKINNY DIP (51A. Go in without a suit) and THINK TANK (57A. Problem-solving research institute) are the interrelated group of this friendly Monday crossword.

Monday links -- GIRL TALK (11D. Chitchat at a sweet sixteen sleepover) and KING-SIZE (36D. Really big, as a mattress), AFRICAN (21D. From Niger or Nigeria), ATHENS (1D. Parthenon’s site), ANTSY (35D. Restless), KANGA (52D. Roo’s mom in “Winnie-the-Pooh”), MILNE (63A. “Winnie-the-Pooh” writer), TSARS (53A. Rulers until 1917), OOZE (61A. Slime).

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For today’s cartoons, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.
For the complete post, go HERE.

11.08.09

2009-11-08T07:55:00.005-05:00

ANTSY

Sunday, November 8, 2009

COLONIZATION, Puzzle by Robert W. Harris, edited by Will Shortz

In this sparsely hymenoptera-populated crossword titled Colonization, ANT is added to hem-line, base ten, plain dealer, pry bar, GI bill, madam I am Adam, ped xing and web page to produce ANTHEM LINE (23A. “O say can you see” or “Thru the perilous fight!?), BASE TENANT (25A. Resident of a military installation?), PLANTAIN DEALER (40A. Tropical fruit seller?), PANTRY BAR (61A. Place to get drunk in the kitchen?), GIANT BILL (67A. What overuse of a credit card might result in?), MADAM I’M ADAMANT (84A Gentleman’s intransigent reply?), PEDANT XING (105A. Where nitpickers walk on a street?) and WEB PAGEANT (108A. Online beauty contest?). Yes, that’s really it -- except for the two lost ANTs contained in TYRANT and ANTSY.

Eight-letter entries -- ACADEMIA; APERITIF; BEARDING; CASSETTE; END PAPER; GENERATE; OIL SHIPS; RATTIEST; RELISTED; SENTINE.

Seven -- AIR FARE; APPAREL; ARTISAN; CESURAS; CRONIES; DISOWNS; FORESEE; INUTILE; LIBELEE; LONG RUN; PLATTED; MADEIRA; NERDIER; RADIOED.

Six -- ALIGNS; ANGELA; ANODAL ; ARTERY; CONTRA; ENTRÉE; ESTOPS; GRAPES; LENORE; PHASER; PRUNED; REHEAR; RENTAL; ROMERO; SECOND; SEREST; STRAIN; STRONG; TREATS.

Five -- ABAFT, ACMES, ADAGE, ANTSY, ARETE, AWRAP, BATES, CAMEL (20A. Brand with a pyramid on the package); CARLY, COACH, ERASE, GRAIN, INFOR, 57A. Poet Federico Garcia LORCA; NIXON, NSYNC (112A. Group with the 2002 hit “Girlfriend”); PILAF, SALTS, SNEER and SNOOD (59A. Hair net); SOLES, STASH, SUPRA, USHER.

Four -- ADIN, AIME, ALER, ANDS and ANDY, ARIE, BEAD, BENE, DALE, EARN, ECRU, EERO, EGOS, ELAN, ELOI, ESTA, FEAR, INON, IRMA, LENA, LIES, LINT, LPNS, NABS, NEE, ONES, OPIE, OREO, RASP and SAPS, RONA, SEAT and SUET, SRTA, ZAPS and ZEBU.

Three -- AEC, ALA, AMI and AMO, ASET, AWS, BYA, DEI, DIG and DIS, EIN, GIN, HIP, LED, LPS, LON, NEB, OOP, SAM, SSE, STE, USN and TAN, an anagram of the occasional wandering ANT…

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

For the complete post, go HERE.

11.08.09 -- the Acrostic

2009-11-07T20:58:00.004-05:00

The Accidental Tourist

Sunday, November 8, 2009

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

Today’s quotation is drawn from The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler.

Annotation -- Macon Leary is a travel writer who hates both travel and strangeness. Grounded by loneliness, comfort, and a somewhat odd domestic life, Macon is about to embark on a surprising new adventure, arriving in the form of a fuzzy-haired dog obedience trainer who promises to turn his life around.

The quotation: I’VE ALWAYS THOUGHT A HOTEL OUGHT TO OFFER OPTIONAL SMALL ANIMALS. I MEAN A CAT TO SLEEP ON YOUR BED AT NIGHT, OR A DOG OF SOME KIND TO ACT PLEASED WHEN YOU COME IN. YOU EVER NOTICE HOW A HOTEL ROOM FEELS SO LIFELESS?

The author’s name and the title of the work: ANNE TYLER ACCIDENTAL TOURIST

The defined words: A. ATROPOS; B. NINTH; C. NAOMI WOLF; D. EPSOM; E. TOP SEED; F. YAHOO; G. LIMIT; H. EYEWASH; I. ROMANO; J. AT EASE; K. CALICO; L. CHOSEN; M. IGLOO; N. DUTCH OVEN; O. EULOGY; P. NEW BLOOD; O. , TREAD; R. ALTHEA; S. LEFT HOOK; T. THYMUS; U. OF LATE; V. USEFUL; W. RETINA; X. ISLE OF MAN; Y. STOGIE; Z. TRAVELOG.

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For the complete post, go HERE.

11.07.09

2009-11-07T03:47:00.003-05:00

Saturday in Hell

Satan’s Treasures, Jean Delville, 1895

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Puzzle by Bob Klahn, edited by Will Shortz

A solve from Hell, lavish with the flames of ambiguity and misdirection, arcana and the obscure!

For today's post, go HERE.

11.06.09

2009-11-06T04:52:00.004-05:00

Disparate Hapax

Juliette Binoche in “The English Patient”

Friday, November 6, 2008

Puzzle by Doug Peterson, edited by Will Shortz

The miscellaneous wordage of this Saturday crossword is led by two 15-letter entries, JULIETTE BINOCHE (8D. “The English Patient” Oscar winner) and REEL-TO-REEL TAPES (33A. Some audiophiles’ collections) cross in the center of this Friday crossword, followed by four of ten letters, ACETIC ACID (24D. Wood distillation product); EXPERIMENT (12D. It often has controls); GREEN ONION (25D. Its bulb is small); PEACE PIPES (11D. They go around on reservations).

More -- ALPHA MALE (16A. Leader of the pack); I CLAUDIUS (52A. John Hurt played Caligula in it); SERENGETI (57A. Where some buffalo roam); PAGANS (23A. Solstice celebrators); TRAJAN (5D. A Tall Roman column is named after him); AKELA (43D. Kipling’s “great gray Lone Wolf”); 19A. “The Ballad of JOSIE,” 1967 comedy western; ORGAN (10D. Source of ballpark pitches?); TALUS (32D. Fibula neighbor); VIOLS (54A. They had C-shaped sound holes); AROD (31D. Baseball nickname that‘s a portmanteau).

Words, words, words…

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

For the complete post, go HERE.

11.05.09

2009-11-05T04:39:00.003-05:00

The Vanishing

Cover art for The Invisible Man Pocket Penguin Classics 2009

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Puzzle by Patrick Blindauer, edited by Will Shortz

A note accompanies this amusing get-out-the-invisible-ink Thursday crossword: “When this puzzle is completed, one letter of the alphabet will appear 22 times. Shade in its square everywhere it appears. The result will be an image suggested by 36-Across.”

The note refers to the letter S with 36-Across being THE INVISIBLE MAN (1897 novel subtitled “A Grotesque Romance”). A pixel-esque stick figure is the result, invisible unless one highlights the letter S in some manner -- best lightly! SSSSSSS (25D. 1973 horror flick about a doctor who turns his assistant into a cobra), forms the torso of the invisible man! Here’sssssss Wikipedia!

A few more links -- APOLLO (45D. New York theater on the National Register of Historic Places, with “the); MARINE (11D. “Battle Cry” soldier); DO-RAG (10D. Headwear banned by the N.F.L. in 2001); GENIE (26A. Canadian Oscar); HOLST (42A. Composer of “The Planets”); OSTIA (34A. Port of ancient Rome); LUKA (47D. 1987 Suzanne Vega hit); ROSES ARE RED (18A. Start of a lover’s quatrain).

I now vanish! -- wait!, one last look -- HERE!

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

For the complete post, go HERE.

11.04.09

2009-11-04T02:04:00.002-05:00

O Factor

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Puzzle by Ricky Ini Liu, edited by Will Shortz

In this odd Wednesday crossword, Trix cereal, xenophobic, X-Men comics, Federal tax, X-rated movie and boxing match each have the letter X replaced with the letter O resulting in TRIO CEREAL (18A. Three-ingredient breakfast serving?); OENOPHOBIC (24A. Afraid of wine?); OMEN COMICS (53A. Foreboding cartoons?); FEDERAL TAO (60A. The way of the government?); ORATED MOVIE (3D. Film that’s been speechified?); BOOING MATCH (26D. Shout of disapproval exactly like another?). The corresponding entries sharing the letter O are all incidental -- CHO, INTRO, CLEO, STOOD, AMOR and ORA.

Wednesday links -- ARIZONA (34D. Pearl Harbor ship); MALAYA (2D. 1941-42 Allies vs. Japanese battle locale); MARCEAU (6D. Mime who created Bip); CERES (54D. Dwarf planet in the asteroid belt); MACAU (33A. Former Portuguese colony in China); ZORRO (16A. Swordsman who leaves his mark); ERIS (46A. Largest dwarf planet in the solar system).

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For today’s cartoon, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.
For the complete post, go HERE.

11.03.09

2009-11-03T03:31:00.005-05:00

Election Day

Tuesday, November 3, 2009 -- Election Day

Puzzle by Barry Boone, edited by Will Shortz

The quotation, YOU CAMPAIGN IN POETRY YOU GOVERN IN PROSE (20A. Start of a quote by 1-/73-Across, with 37- and 60-Across) and MARIO CUOMO (1A. With 73-Across, former New York governor) constitutes the interrelated group of this Election Day crossword.

Tuesday links -- 42D. ANTONIA; ELSINORE; KWANZAA; RHAPSODY; SNEEZED; TOW-LINES; ELSIE; 56D. “I Can‘t Remember If I CRIED” (“American Pie” lyric); ZERO G.

Vote!

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For the complete post, go HERE.

11.02.09

2009-11-02T02:27:00.003-05:00

Apropos

Monday, November 2, 2009

Puzzle by Andrea Carla Michaels and Ken Clayton, edited by Will Shortz

BELIEVE IT OR NOT (51A. Ripley catchphrase that’s apropos to 20-, 34- and 42-Across), THE EASTER BUNNY (20A. Spring egg distributor), TOOTH FAIRY (34A. One who leaves money under a pillow) and SANTA CLAUS (42A. Head of a major toy outfit) are the interrelated group of this pleasant Monday crossword.

A few more links -- KARACHI (44A. Largest city in Pakistan); BAHAI (29D. Persian-founded faith); 9A. “HASTA la vista, baby!”; 31D. George Eliot’s “SILAS Marner”; SNAP (5A. Crackle and Pop‘s companion).

A short trip to Ripley‘s Believe It Or Not! Times Square Odditorium might be apropos!
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11.01.09

2009-11-01T06:29:00.004-05:00

Compound Fractures

Sunday, November 1, 2009

COMPOUND FRACTURES, Puzzle by Matt Ginsberg and Pete Muller, edited by Will Shortz

Merriam-Webster defines a compound fracture as “a bone fracture resulting in an open wound through which bone fragments usually protrude” -- there is no other definition...

However, that’s not the meaning behind the title of this Sunday crossword in which pairs of words overlap by 5 letters to form 12 compounded words, or put another way, faux portmanteau words with fantasy clues adorned with question marks. There are a couple that may be eligible to entry in the language, but one could easily choke on the clue for CATHARTICHOKE as that of a vegetable that gives you an emotional release?…!

The rest of the group in numerical order -- RETROSPECTACLES (22A. Eyewear providing hindsight?); ELEPHANTOM (29A. Peanut-loving ghost?); SPORADICAL (32A. Intermittent revolutionary?); PSYCHEDELICACY (43A. Rare mushroom?); CONTRABANDON (56A. Give up smuggled goods?); ROULETTERMAN (71A. High-school athletic star at a casino?); GUITARISTOCRAT (81A. Noble Les Paul?); PERHAPSODY (99A. “Maybe” music?); FOREVERIES (101A. Dreams that don’t die?); CENTIPEDESTRIAN (109 Bug that never takes a ride?); WIKIPEDIATRIC (21D. Like online medical advice for kids?).

Random links -- APOCRYPHA (17A. Some extra books); HIROSHIMA (104A. 1946 John Hersey book); OH FATHER (69A. 1989 Madonna hit); ROSE RED (13D. Fairy tale sister); YES I CAN (89D. Sammy David Jr. autobiography); ARARAT (98D. Dormant Turkish volcano); CORTES (35A. Leader against the Aztecs); LECTER (95A. Hannibal of “The Silence of the Lambs”); NEUMAN (61D. Mad man?); WILDER (40D. Director, writer and actor in “The Woman in Red,” 1984); NSYNC (117A. “This I Promise You“ group, 2000); “Dona FLOR and Her Two Husbands“.

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10.31.09

2009-10-31T04:09:00.003-04:00

Quadrupuzzle VI

Saturday, October 31, 2009 -- Halloween

Puzzle by Robert H. Wolfe, edited by Will Shortz

Today's crossword is essentially four small puzzles joined in the center by a few letters. Divided by four big black "hammers", each quadrant needs to be solved separately. This is the sixth New York Times crossword of this type over the past two years -- See 12.01.07 -- Quadrupuzzle; 09.20.08 -- Quadrupuzzle III and 07.18.09 -- Quadrupuzzle V all with the same diagram. 12.22.07 -- Quadrupuzzle II a close variation; and the least claustrophobic, 10.17.08 -- Quadrupuzzle IV.

Puzzle 1 (Upper left) links -- 13A. Escapee who fell to his death in the sea, ICARUS; 24A. One side of a leaf, RECTO;3D. Shell, CARAPACE; 14D. Wagnerian heroine, SENTA.

Puzzle 2 (Upper right) links -- . Spanning frameworks, GANTRIES; 23A. Brilliantly dressed cavalrymen, HUSSARS; 6D. Frequent Degas subjects, DANSEUSES; 15D. Companion abroad, GEISHA.

Puzzle 3 (Lower left) links -- 33A. Things that turn up in gardens?, HOES; 46A. Pneumatic power producer, AIR MOTOR; 25D. Establishment with many horns, SHOE STORE; 37D. Unrequited lover of legend, ELAINE; 44D. Yard supporter, MAST.

Puzzle 4 (Lower right) links -- 28A. Johnny Depp title role, ED WOOD; 41A. Axial skeleton parts, STERNA; 45A. 1974 pop hit with Spanish lyrics, ERES TU; 29D. Tree of Southeastern swamplands, WATER OAK; 41D. Saint-SAENS (Fauré contemporary).

Go four it!

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For the complete post, go HERE.

10.30.09

2009-10-30T04:16:00.006-04:00

La Porte Étroite

La Porte Étroite

Friday, October 30, 2009

Puzzle by David Levinson Wilk, edited by Will Shortz

Twelve 15-letter entries are the main feature of this end-of-the-long-week crossword:

ONE MOMENT IN TIME; DOO DOO DOO DOO DOO; THE SAHARA DESERT (31A. Home for an addax and dorcas gazelle); DUPLEX APARTMENT; STRAIT IS THE GATE (48A. André Gide novel whose title comes from Matthew 7:14), La Porte Étroite; SWIMSUIT EDITION; AREA OF EXPERTISE; CHOCOLATE KISSES; FIELD CAPACITIES; NATIONAL ANTHEM; GONE OVER THE LINE; THIRD GENERATION

A few more links -- ANSAE (62A. Looped handles); FT ORD (1D. Mil. Base until 1994); NOONE (64A. “I’m Henry VIII, I am” singer); TAWNY (49D. Like a lion’s coat); TORAH (14A. Rite reading for some 13-year olds); VIG (30A. Bookie’s charge, for short)

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10.29.09

2009-10-29T01:49:00.003-04:00

Ar′ō

Air offensive … descending shells explode during an Israeli strike in the Gaza Strip, January, 2009

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Puzzle by Joe Krozel, edited by Will Shortz

Ar'ō, or close to it, is the pronunciation for the starts of ARROWSMITH (18A. Sinclair Lewis novel), AIR OFFENSIVE (26A. Series of sorties), EERO SAARINEN (46A. Gateway Arch designer) and AEROSOL CAN (57A. Bomb), the interrelated group of this Thursday crossword.

Thursday links -- ALASTAIR (37D. Actor Sim who played Ebenezer Scrooge); LOVE SCENE (32D. What’s barely done in movies?); BEAGLE (30A. Tricolor pooch); LAGOON (23A. Venetian feature); TALENTS (43D. Biblical money units); NORAS (27D. Charles and others); SCOWS (5A. Punts, e.g.); TETRA (22A. Exotic fish); AURA (26D. Goddess of breezes); RANI (62A. “Doctor Who“ villainess, with “the“).

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10.28.09

2009-10-28T03:18:00.002-04:00

Silent K

Letter K -- DrunkenFist.com

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Puzzle by Mike Torch, edited by Will Shortz

Affixing a silent K to the fore of word beginning with the letter N to change the meaning of five phrases comprises the interrelated group of this Wednesday crossword -- OLD KNICK (15A. Retired Big Apple basketball player?); KNEW TESTAMENT (21A. Was well-versed in a will?); LADY OF THE KNIGHT (38A. Guinevere, to Lancelot?); KNOT FOR PROFIT (48A. Macramé company’s goal?); KNIT PICK (64A. Select a sweater?).

Wednesday links -- CALL ME (63A. Theme song from “American Gigolo”); CICADAS (7A. Insects in swarms); SECANTS (66A. Trigonometric ratios); ASCOT (18A. English racing site); 49D. “NO ONE Is to Blame” (1986 hit); OSMIC (50D. Of element #76); USUAL (41A. Like some suspects); PISA (1D. Torre Pendente city).

O.K.

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10.27.09

2009-10-27T03:35:00.005-04:00

Rah! Rah! Sis-Boom-Bah!

Cheerleader Yelling Into Megaphone, Revere F. Wistehuff

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Puzzle by Chuck Deodene, edited by Will Shortz

CHEERLEADER (57A. Shouter of this puzzle’s circled sounds), RAH! RAH! SIS-BOOM-BAH! contained within the entries of TETRAHEDRON (17A. Solid with four triangular faces), RAHM EMANUEL (25A. Chief of staff in the Obama White House), GENESIS (35A. Start of the Bible), BOOMERS (37A. Post-W.W. II demographic, informally) and GRAND POOBAH (49A. High muck-a-muck) are the interrelated group of this cheerful Tuesday crossword.

Tuesday links -- SAN MATEO (10D. Redwood City’s county), HEADPIN (18D. First thing usually hit by a bowling ball); 47D. Fernando BOTERO, painter of plump figures; MARLEY (46D. Jacob whose ghost appears to Scrooge); HYENA (51D. Carrion consumer); 63A. John Lennon’s “Instant KARMA!”; VIOLA (15A. Instrument played with a bow); EMO (59D. Popular music style), RAP (58D. Popular music style).

Rah! Rah! Sis-boom-bah!

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10.26.09

2009-10-26T14:10:00.005-04:00

Extra! Extra!

Newsboy Extra, Joyce Images

Monday, October 26, 2009

Puzzle by Mike Nothnagel, edited by Will Shortz

Four names rhyming with XFACTOR (36A. Mystery quality … or what 18- and 55-Across and 3- and 32-Down have?) -- FOX MULDER (18A. Dana Scully’s sci-fi partner), MAX YASGUR (55A. Owner of the farm where Woodstock took place), LEX LUTHOR (3D. “Superman” villain) and TEX RITTER (32D. Cowboy who sang the title song from “High Noon”). Is it a stretch to say that the call of a newsboy, EXTRA (31A. When repeated, bygone newsboy’s cry), echoed by XTERRA (36D. Nissan S.U.V.) give a playful ring to this Monday crossword -- the question is whether XFACTOR rhymes with the four proper names and/or where the reverberations of the bygone call of the newsboy begin or end -- soothsaying ghost in the city’s canyons of hard times and skyscrapers.

The news is that this is a good read, nay excellent, far above the usual Monday crossword -- contrasts and counterpoints abound, PERMIT ME (52A. “If I may … “) like an ALLEY CAT (20A. Prowling feline) on the, well, prowl… Nissan’s S.U.V. has a companion in the ALTIMA sedan, PUNK and POKE share their K, OSAGE and OSIERS resonate, ACHE and ACRE, OPAL and OPERA, PRO and PEROT, VENTI, VERSE and VIXEN, REGO and ROMA, SHOO and SHOT, alongside the thud of SOX (8D. “Red” or “White” baseball team) and MESS UP (44D. Goof) -- yes, the YANKEES are in the World Series this year!

A few links -- SALTBOX (10D. House style with a long pitched roof in back); ULSTER (19D. Coat named for an Irish province); AUDIE (11D. Actor Murphy of old westerns); NEMEA (43A. Ancient Greek city with a mythical lion).

Extra! Extra!

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10.25.09 -- The Acrostic

2009-10-25T00:05:00.003-04:00

Ghouls

Gravestone collaged with Ghoul, by dizzt

Sunday, October 25, 2009

ACROSTIC, Puzzle by Emil Cox and Henry Rathvon, edited by Will Shortz

This Sunday’s chilling acrostic draws its quotation from Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book -- “a tragic tale: a sleeping family, a talented murderer, and an adventurous toddler—orphaned, but not assassinated. Small and alone, by accident and luck he escapes the scene of the crime and climbs a grassy hill to safety. At the top of the hill the boy finds a fence, and on the other side, a dark, quiet place.”

The quotation: ONE GRAVE IN EVERY GRAVEYARD BELONGS TO THE GHOULS YOU WILL FIND IT WATERSTAINED AND BULGING WITH CRACKED STONE AND A FEELING OF ABANDONMENT IF THE GRAVE MAKES YOU WANT TO BE SOMEWHERE ELSE THAT IS THE GHOUL-GATE

The author’s name and the title of the work: NEIL GAIMAN THE GRAVEYARD BOOK

The defined words: A. NIGHT WATCH; B. ERLKING; C. IMAGINED; D. LESTAT; E. GENE WOLFE; F. AGED; G. INHUMED; H. MONET; L. ATTIC; J. NIOBE; K. THANATOS; L. HORSE; M. ETERNITY; N. GO AWAY; O. REVENANT; P. ABADDON; Q. VULTURES; R. EVIL EYE; S. YOUNG; T. AWFUL; U. REVENGE; V. DEATH WISH; W. BARGHEST; X. OGRESS; Y. OFFAL; Z. KOBOLD.

Happy Halloween!

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For the complete post, go HERE.

10.25.09

2009-10-24T22:05:00.005-04:00

Not a Clue

Sunday, October 25, 2009

WISHFUL THINKING, Puzzle by Brendan Emmett Quigley, edited by Will Shortz

I’m not fond of quote puzzles, and this Sunday’s changes nothing -- MY GOAL IN LIFE IS TO BE A CLUE IN THE NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD PUZZLE. I’VE NEVER TOLD ANYONE, BUT IT’S TRUE (23A. Start of a wish by 12-Across on 9/21/09), etc., along with PETER KING (112A. NBC football analyst/reporter and longtime writer) and SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (94A. Magazine for which 112-Across writes).

BIGMOUTHS and GET OVER IT are the other long entries, followed by six eight-letter answers -- ABBA EBAN; EPITOMES; ONE LITER; OXYMORON; ROID RAGE; TEST RIDE.
Seven-letter -- CADETTE; DEFINER; EQUATES; FATTEST; I LOST IT; 73A. ISIDORE, the Laborer, patron saint of farmers; PUNKERS; SAID I DO; SAVANNA; SCARIER; TOOLBOX.
Six -- ADELIE, AQUINO, AZO DyE, CEDRIC, DUNCES, DUNLOP, ENTERS, HOLMES, HOOVES, PACINO (Actor who said “I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse), however, it’s BRANDO‘s line, SVELTE, UP-TIME, VASTER, YEOMeN.
Five -- ADLER, AETNA, ARBOR, ARMEY, ARSON, ASKEW, A-TEST, BOYLE, END UP, ETUDE, EWERS, GEESE, GIZMO, IN-OUT, NALDI, OXEYE, OY VEY, RILLS, SAPOR, SASHA, SEDAN, SEGUE, SHEER, SIGIL, SEVEN, TONAL.
Short stuff -- ADO and APU, AGE and AGIN, AIDE, ALEE and ALY, ANO, ANTS, ASH, ASOF, AYES, BAL, BAUM, COPE, DATS, DESI, DINA, EAR and ERA, ELM and ELY, ELSA and ELSE, EON, EST, ETH and ETCH, ETD and ETE, GAG, GHIJ, IAS, IDLE, ITOO, JETE, KNIT, LEY, MELC, MPH, NENA and NINA, NLER, NOVA, NSA, OMNI, ORT and TORT, OTTO, PAVE, RIEN, RIO, SCUM, SDAK (9A. Its motto is “Under God, the people rule”: Abbr.), SHOE, SOI and SOIL, SOLO, STL, TRI, TSE, USE, UTES, YEOH.
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10.24.09

2009-10-24T01:16:00.004-04:00

Turn, Turn, Turn and Tina Turner!

Tina Turner performing live in 2008

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Puzzle by Paul Gamache, edited by Will Shortz

This Saturday crossword is fairly straightforward with general clues and answers, turning up more than a few personages:

Links across: 15. Singer born Anna Mae Bullock, TINA TURNER; 17. “Baby Hold On” hitmaker, 1978, EDDIE MONEY; 22. Cabinet chief between Smith and Thornburgh, MEESE; 30. Singer Aguilera, self-referentially, XTINA; 33. “The Practice” and “Boston Legal” Emmy winner, SPADER; 48. Her alter ego is Princess Adora, SHE-RA; 54. “Life of Pi” author YANN Martel; 61. “Turn! Turn! Turn!” songwriter PETE SEEGER.

Down: 6. Where César Chávez was born, YUMA; 10. Old yeller?, CRYER; 34. Creation of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, JOB CORPS; 42. Ugly Dungeons & Dragons figure, SEA HAG; Chrissie of the Pretenders, HYNDE.

One good turn deserves another -- HERE or HERE.

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10.23.09

2009-10-23T04:24:00.002-04:00

What You See Is What You Get

Truth, by *damnengine, Dennis Sibeijn

Friday, October 23, 2009

Puzzle by Barry C. Silk, edited by Will Shortz

WYSIWYG (52A. Acronym for a kind of PC video screen display) is as good a description as any of the clues and a fair number of the answers in this Friday jawbreaker. "They may be seen with tails" turns up TOP HATS. "One skilled at mimicry" produces PARAKEET. "Dragging sound?", VROOM. Take your pick, name your poison -- this Friday, it’s what you see is what you don’t get!

Friday links -- BRYCE CANYON and VALLEY FORGE; PRINCETON (3D. Tigers’ place); TREE RINGS (34D. They help with dating); PATELLAS (29A. Tibia neighbors); ELENORE (57A. Title girl in a 1968 Turtles hit); JIGSAW (8A. Piece project?); AZTEK (15D. 2001-05 Pontiac made in Mexico); GLENN (47D. Actor Ford of “Gilda”); TO ERR (6D. Pope statement opener); ALAN (51D. Actor Ford of “Snatch”).

WYSIWYG!

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10.22.09

2009-10-22T02:22:00.002-04:00

A Shot in the Dark

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Puzzle by Joel Fagliano, edited by Will Shortz

A SHOT IN THE DARK (27A. With 52-Across, wild guess … or what the answer to each starred clue has?), along with NOT BY A LONG (17A. *”That’s way off”), SNAP (38A. *Photo), JELLO (39A. *Colorful party drink), DOWN (40A. *Rejected), GUN WEDDING (62A. *Quick hitch-up), SLING (71A. *Y-shaped item), TEE (10D. *What “fore” may precede) and PUT (61D. *Track-and-field event) are the interrelated group of this cunning Thursday crossword featuring nine black squares with starring roles via “a SHOT in the dark” in a puzzle otherwise fairly, er… light!

A few links -- RUTABAGA (3D. Vegetable that’s peeled); 24A. Mideast’s Mount LEBANON; Daniel Decatur EMMETT, composer of “Dixie”; KNURL (54D. Small ridge on the edge of a button or dial); NORVO (37D. Red of early jazz); OUIJA (25D. Spiritualist’s tool); UMBRA (4D. Shadow); JOEL (69A. Book before Amos).

Here‘s one more shot at a shot in the dark!

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10.21.09

2009-10-21T04:29:00.004-04:00

Crash Test

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Puzzle by Peter A. Collins, edited by Will Shortz

Quick! What fascinates a solver with any clue or answer? This is a test! Sorry, times up, we’ve hit the wall!

Well, for me, it’s not BOY GEORGE MICHAEL JACKSON BROWNE and POP (65A. Genre for 1- & 22-Across, 22- & 26-Across, 26- & 46-Across and 46- & 49-Across), the interrelated group of this Wednesday crossword -- descending the ladder: Boy George, George Michael, Michael Jackson and Jackson Browne. The clues? 1. “Whew!”, 22. Dragon-slaying saint, 26. Archangel in Daniel, 46. Mississippi’s capital and 49. “Hägar the Horrible” creator Dik. Go figure!

I’ll opt for CRASH TEST (58A. Job for a dummy?), which goes nicely with DUMBS DOWN (17A. Oversimplifies, as educational standards). Joining the seven-letter entries are JALISCO (42D. Guadalajara’s state); LE MONDE (43A. French newspaper since 1944), SENATOR (29A. Judge in an impeachment trial) and MID-WEEK (5D. Hump day, to an office worker), hey, that’s today!

Etymological crossings include AURAS and AURORA (16A. Saintly glows, 10D. Dawn goddess); 35A. Ab OVO (from the start) and OVOLO (31D. Convex molding), while the unrelated OBI and OBIE occupy uncrossed locations, otherwise separated but by a letter.

Other links -- INKPOT (39D. Place to dip a quill); J S BACH (46D. “Goldberg Variations” composer, in brief); NANTES (45D. City on the Loire with a quarter million people), OSWALD (44D. Ruby’s live-TV victim), 64A. Bob Marley’s “I SHOT the Sheriff”; ROSEN (32D. Baseball’s Al a k a the Hebrew Hammer); 19A. Council of TRENT, 1545-63.

Job for a dummy? Definitely!

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10.20.09

2009-10-20T06:39:00.003-04:00

Shifting Gears

Popeye, E. C. Segar

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Puzzle by Gary Cee, edited by Will Shortz

Four circled anagrams of GEARS contained in the entries of ROSE GARDEN (17A. View from the Oval Office), CHIVAS REGAL (25A. Premium Scotch whiskey), OLD TIMER’S GAME (37A. Event featuring sports stars of yesteryear) and SAUSAGE ROLL (52A. Pastry sold at pizzerias) along with answer/clue SHIFT GEARS (61A. Make an abrupt change … and a hint to this puzzle’s theme) are the interrelated group of this business-as-usual Tuesday crossword. Of the four anagrams of GEARS, SEGAR (Elzie Crisler Segar was a cartoonist whose claim to fame was being the creator of everybody's favorite spinach-eating seaman Popeye the Sailor Man) and SAGER are usable puzzle words, while ASREG and ERSGA (search-engine oddities) are not. Left out are the possibilities of SARGE, RAGES and RE-GAS. Am I skipping a gear?

A few links -- ASIAGO (11D. Panini cheese); FESTER (10D. Addams Family uncle); ORANGE (22D. Tropicana fruit); USA USA (48D. Patriotic chant); LOGIC (5D. Mr. Spock’s forte); WEILL (1A. Compose Kurt).

Eat your spinach!

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

For the complete post, go HERE.

10.19.09

2009-10-18T23:46:00.002-04:00

OOH and AAH

Monday, October 19, 2009

Puzzle by Lynn Lempel, edited by Will Shortz

OOH AND AAH (61A. Gush over … or sounds shared by the answer to each starred clue), BOONDOCKS (16A. *Backwoods locale), NEUTRON (27A. *Particle with no electric charge), GOULASH (49A. *Stew made with paprika), MOONSHOT (3D. *Apollo 11, 12 or 13, e.g.), HOOPLA (10D. *Commotion), BOUFFANT (39D. *Teased hairdo) and TUCSON (48D. *Home of the University of Arizona) are the interrelated group of this Monday crossword.

A few links -- EGRETS (43D. Long-feathered wading birds); SHRANK (15D. Got smaller), LOONS (65A. “Crazy” birds); ORFEO (54A. Monteverdi opera hero who descends into Hades); WHOA.

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10.18.09

2009-10-18T03:05:00.003-04:00

Ahead of the Curve

Sunday, October 18, 2009

AHEAD OF THE CURVE, Puzzle by Elizabeth C. Gorski, edited by Will Shortz

THE SOLOMON R GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM (23A. With 29-Across, holder of the works named in the nine starred cues, celebrating its 50th anniversary on 10/21/09), FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT FINAL MAJOR WORK (38D. With 43-Down, what 23-/29-Across was), NON-TRADITIONAL (*15D. Like 43-Down’s design for 23-/29-Across), SPIRAL SHAPE (120A. Controversial form that 43-Down used for 23-/29-Across), MANET (1A. * ”Before the Mirror”), CHAGALL (68A. * ”Green Violinist”), KANDINSKY (97A. * “Composition 8“), SEURAT (103A. * ”Peasant with Hoe”), DEGAS (14D. * ”Seated Woman, Wiping Her Left Side”), MONDRIAN (34D. * ”Tableau 2”), PICASSO (51D. * ”Mandolin and Guitar”), ERNST (101D * ”The Antipope”), ARP (112D. * “Head and Shell”) comprise the interrelated group of this excellent Sunday puzzle commemorating one of New York City's landmarks.

A few more links -- SISSY SPACEK and NATALIE WOOD; SOPRANOS; BAUHAUS (89D. School popular in the 1920’s), DEED I DO (108A. Jazz standard whose title is repeatedly sung after “Honey …”), FABERGE (42D. Jewelry firm since 1842), SEVILLE (40D. Site of Spain’s Alamillo Bridge), DARTS (49A. Game in which players subtract from a starting score of 501), OSKAR (22A. Schindler of “Schindler’s List”), SUMAC (78D. Shrub that may cause a severe allergic reaction), VIRAL (85A. Like some YouTube videos).

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For today’s cartoon, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.
For the complete post, go HERE.

10.17.09

2009-10-17T00:47:00.003-04:00

Oh, Saturday!

Jacques Brel in performance, Dans le Port d'Amsterdam

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Puzzle by Chuck Deodene, edited by Will Shortz

Oh, those oh-so-vague/could-be-anything clues coupled with a good dose of obscure and/or surprise answers -- that’s what makes a Saturday crossword!

A few links across: 1. Pooch in panels, ODIE; 23. Of the seafloor, BENTHIC; 39. “Rock IV” villain IVAN Drago; 40. It may have clawed feet, BATHTUB; 56. Moravian capital, BRNO; 61. Guard against drifting, SNOW FENCE.

A few links down: 5. The New Yorker writer Auletta, KEN; 8. Matricidal figure of myth, ORESTES; 13. Klaxon-sounding occasion, RED ALERT; 31. He said “If Attila the Hun were alive today, he’d be a drama critic”, ALBEE; 34. Double-decker?, PINOCHLE; 41. Fishing weapon, TRIDENT; 47. Tower of London figures, YEOMEN; 56. Belgian balladeer, BREL.

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For today’s cartoon, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.
For the complete post, go HERE.

10.16.09

2009-10-16T01:52:00.003-04:00

Into the Copse

Oak wood at Piles Copse Dartmoor, Archie Miles

Friday, October 16, 2009

Puzzle by Karen M. Tracey, edited by Will Shortz

A thicket of vague clues and odd entries is the main ingredient of this Saturday-wannabe Friday crossword.

For today's post, go HERE.

10.15.09

2009-10-15T02:40:00.008-04:00

Hawaii

Hawaii, NASA Visible Earth

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Puzzle by Victor Fleming, edited by Will Shortz

HONOLULU (25A. Capital whose name means “sheltered bay), BARACK OBAMA (54A. Politician born 8/4/61 in 25-Across), BETTE MIDLER (17A. Entertainer born 12/1/45 in 25-Across), IOLANI PALACE (34A. With 36-Across, only official residence of a reigning monarch now in the United States), MAUNA KEA (44A. Measured base to peak, the world’s tallest mountain) and HAWAII

(43D. Theme of this puzzle) are the interrelated group of this Thursday commemorative crossword -- this year, Hawaii marks 50 years of statehood.

Random links -- ACHTUNG; IOWA CITY; PETE SAMPRAS; ALDENS; AMELIA; ARCARO; LA BREA; NAMATH; SIERRA; SONDRA; AETNA; BABEL; DONAT; MACAW; OCALA; TIE-IN; LEOI and LODI.

Aloha!

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

For the complete post, go HERE.

10.14.09

2009-10-14T01:17:00.003-04:00

pub lice ducat ion

School Teacher (Happy Birthday Miss Jones, Teacher's Surprise), Norman Rockwell, Saturday Evening Post, March 17, 1956

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Puzzle by Richard Silvestri, edited by Will Shortz

PUB, LICE, DUCAT, ION (36A. What this puzzle’s four missing clues spell, in order), BRITISH ALE HOUSE (20A.), COOTIES (25A.), OLD COIN (46A.) and CHARGED PARTICLE (52A.) are the interrelated group of this clever Wednesday crossword.

Wednesday links -- ARGYLE (45D. Tartan pattern); NESTOR (24A. Wise old Greek); ONAGER (46D. Wild ass); DEERE (65A. Plow man); ENIAC (22D. Univac’s predecessor); GAMMA 1A. Gallows-shaped letter); MESTA (9A. Perle who inspired “Call Me Madam”); DIDO (33D. Founder and first queen of Carthage).

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For today’s cartoon, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.
For the complete post, go HERE.

10.13.09

2009-10-13T00:49:00.004-04:00

Royal Flush

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Puzzle by Sharon Delorme, edited by Will Shortz

ROYAL FLUSH (58A. Poker player’s dream … and a hint to the ends of 17-, 25-, 35- and 50-Across), LITTLE JOHN (17A. Member of Sherwood Forest’s “merry band”), LETTERHEAD (25A. Company stationery), HEIR TO THE THRONE (35A. Prince Charles, beginning in 1952) and SARDINE CAN (50A. Cramped spot, slangily) are the interrelated group of this Tuesday crossword.

A few more links --MATA HARI (3D. Seductive W.W. I spy), ONEIDA (55A. Five Nations tribe) and 64A. Elzie SEGAR, Popeye’s creator.

That's a flush!

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

For the complete post, go HERE.

10.12.09

2009-10-12T01:09:00.003-04:00

Columbus Day

First Landing of Columbus on the Shores of the New World, after the painting by Discoro Téofilo de la Puebla

Monday, October 12, 2009 -- Columbus Day

Puzzle by Richard Chisholm, edited by Will Shortz

SWIMMING BAN (18A. Likely result of pollution along a beach), GENTLE BEN (23A. Title bear of 1960s TV), USED CLOTHING BIN (41A. Receptacle for some donations), C’EST SI BON (54A. “It’s so good,” in Paris) and HOT CROSS BUN (62A. Lenten treat) are the interrelated group of this Monday crossword -- BAN, BEN, BIN, BON and BUN.

Monday links -- ARARAT (68A. Mount where Noah landed); MODEL T (44A. 1910s-’20s flivver); 39A. Charles Nelson REILLY, longtime “Match Game” panelist; ELGAR (10D. Sir Edward who composed “Pomp and Circumstance”); 28D. ELLIS Island (onetime immigrants’ arrival point); GALBA (27D. Emperor after Nero); NY MET (58D. Citi Field player, for short); STYNE (29D. Broadway songwriter Jule).

Oh, and there's this from the History Channel on Columbus Day…

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For today’s cartoon, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.
For the complete post, go HERE.

10.11.09 -- the Acrostic

2009-10-11T05:37:00.003-04:00

Biotechnology

Sunday, October 11, 2009

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

Today’s acrostic draws it’s quotation from Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton, a cautionary tale on careless biological tinkering in the same spirit as Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.

The quotation: MUCH OF BIOTECHNOLOGY IS FRIVOLOUS EFFORTS TO ENGINEER PALER TROUT FOR BETTER VISIBILITY IN THE STREAM SQUARE TREES FOR EASIER LUMBERING AND INJECTABLE SCENT CELLS SO YOULL ALWAYS SMELL OF PERFUME ARE NOT A JOKE

The author’s name and the title of the work: CRICHTON JURASSIC PARK

The defined words: A. CULOTTES; B. RIB CAGE; C. INTERLOPER; D. CASEY JONES; E. HOMBERG; F. TOMFOOLERY; G. OFF-THE-WALL; H. NEFARIOUS; I. JOLLY ROGER; J. URBAN MYTHS; K. REAL LIFE; L. ABSTRUSE; M. SILESIA; N. STETSON; O. INEFFECTIVE; P. CINQUEFOIL; Q. PIONEER; R. AMBIVALENT; S. ROOSTER; T. KETTLEDRUMS.

For the complete post, go HERE.

10.11.09

2009-10-11T03:03:00.004-04:00

Author! Author!

Sunday, October 11, 2009

AUTHOR! AUTHOR!, Puzzle by Randolph Ross, edited by Will Shortz

This Sunday crossword features 24 authors in twelve pairs with their last names doubling as a phrase of two words -- HARTE BURNS (22A. Bret and Robert’s treatise on acid reflux?); WEST LONDON (24A. Nathanael and Jack’s travel guide about Heathrow’s environs?); SWIFT WALKER (37A. Jonathan and Alice’s account of a pedestrian in a hurry?); SNOW WHITE (47A. C.P. and E.B.’s essay on purity?); CARR PARKER (59A. Caleb and Robert B.’s novel about valet service?); STEELE MANN (70A. Richard and Thomas’s book about a robot?); STOUT KING (83A. Rex and Stephen’s biography of Henry VIII?); WILDE SINGER (90A. Oscar and Isaac’s profile of Little Richard?); BROWN WOOLF (109A. Dan and Virginia’s story of a dark-colored predator?); POUND STONE (111A. Ezra and Irving’s memoir of a stand-up comic?); FOOTE BUNYAN (36D. Horton and John’s podiatry journal article?); WRIGHT PRICE (40D. Richard and Reynolds’s bargain hunting manual?).

Other links -- The ARAPAHOE and the SIOUX are side-by-side in the crossword (85A. Ally of the Cheyenne, 86A. Another ally of the Cheyenne); ASTAIRES (45A. Old dancing duo); O CANADA (27A. It includes the line “The True North strong and free!”); HOW NOW (9D. Question to a brown cow); 58A. OREGON Treaty, establishing the 49th parallel as a U.S. border; AGNEW (14D. For whom Safire wrote the words “nattering nabobs of negativism); 9A. HONUS Wagner, player on an ultra rare baseball card; LENIN (74D. Big Red); TUBAL litigation.

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

For the complete post, go HERE.

10.10.09

2009-10-10T03:17:00.003-04:00

Esoterica

Gustave Doré: The Raven Illustrations

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Puzzle by Natan Last, edited by Will Shortz

WHIPPERSNAPPERS (6D. Ones who are too big for their britches), OOMPA-LOOMPAS (7D. Willy Wonka’s work force) and OLD IRONSIDES (21D. What the Constitution is called) are the long entries slicing down the center of this Saturday crossword which is filled with unfamiliar fare festooned with far-fetched clues.

Saturday links -- BICAMERAL (2D. Like Japan’s national diet); ESOTERICA (3D. Dark matter?); I’M A GONER (57A. “This looks like the end for me!”); SPAMALOT (46A. Tony winner between “Avenue Q” and “Jersey Boys”); WORD GAME (6A. Ghost, e.g.); MARKS (43A. Graffiti, say); PERCH (27A. Bust of Pallas, to Poe’s raven); NINA (49D. Noël Coward title woman “from Argentina”).

Nevermore!

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For today’s cartoon, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.
For the complete post, go HERE.

10.09.09

2009-10-09T05:40:00.004-04:00

KABOOM!

Friday, October 9, 2009

Puzzle by David Quarfoot, edited by Will Shortz

Hail, Hail! The gang’s all here!

Plenty of people in the puzzle! Across -- 1. J R R TOLKIEN; 15. COUNT BASIE, 16. THEE; 18. SENS; 20. AROD; 21. SWAMIS; 27. EBOLI; 30. MR OCTOBER; 46. DEAR SANTA; 61. PETE SEEGER; 64. UTES; 65. ART STUDENT; 66. LASS; 67. MASS EXODUS.

More?! People down -- 1. J C CHASEZ; 2. ROOMMATE; 8. ISADORA; 10. “Homer and NED’S Hail Mary Pass” (The Simpsons” episode); 11. IT’S A BOY; 12. THE MOB; 14. YES SIR; 31. CONS; 33. ELLA; 39. TEENAGED; 41. CONSORTS; 42. DR SEUSS.

Two more links -- 44. Maker of the LZR Racer suit, SPEEDO; 7. Big blast, KABOOM.

That's all folks! Join the crowd!

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

For the complete post, go HERE.

10.08.09

2009-10-08T01:00:00.005-04:00

Time After Time

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Puzzle by Scott Atkinson, edited by Will Shortz

TIME AFTER TIME (33A. Repeatedly … and a hint to the answers to this puzzle’s starred clues), DOUBLE PLAY (18A. *Baseball feat), HALF-LIFE (24A. *Physics period), GAME FACE (48A. *Brave front), AIR QUALITY (52A. *Asthmatic’s concern) interrelated group of this Thursday crossword -- double time, playtime, halftime, lifetime, game time, face time, airtime, quality time…

Thursday links -- COLISEUM and TIBERIUS (11A. Olympics venue, 33D. Caligula’s predecessor as emperor) SLALOMS (27A. Winter Olympics races), THORIUM (26D. Metal that’s an effective radiation shield), CUPOLA (3D. Basilica feature), ARPEL (10D. Cosmetician Adrien), EPCOT (15A. Florida tourist destination), GEICO (48D. Insurance giant), OSAKA (5A. Where Panasonic is headquartered), VLAD the Dragon, ruler of old Wallachia

Time after time, after time….

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

For the complete post, go HERE.

10.07.09

2009-10-07T02:58:00.003-04:00

In the Rough

Night baseball game, Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York. 1955. (via silverstein photography)

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Puzzle by Tim Wescott, edited by Will Shortz

The letters F I R S T, S E C O N D, T H I R D and H O M E in circles, BASEBALL DIAMOND (57A. Setting for a 20-Across … as represented by this puzzle’s circled letters), MOUND (42A. Center of a 57-Across) and WORLD SERIES GAME (20A. See 57-Across) are the interrelated group of this Wednesday, beginning-of-the-baseball-playoffs crossword puzzle.

Wednesday links -- BEDLAM (4D. Pandemonium); SPYGLASS (10D. Hand-held telescope); Finnish architect Alvar AALTO; ALMAS (54D. Actress Kruger and others); EMMAS (5A. Austen and Flaubert heroines); INFRA (50A. Prefix with red); 53D. Artist Frida KAHLO; 56D. “Thou LIEST, most ignorant monster”: Shak.; 18A. “El NORTE” (1983 film); SEDER (48A. Annual feast); LOON (60D. “Laughing“ bird); RITA (45D. “Lovely“ Beatles girl).

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

For the complete post, go HERE.

10.06.09

2009-10-06T00:36:00.004-04:00

Connections...

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Puzzle by Matt Ginsberg, edited by Will Shortz

CAMPGROUND (18A. Only common word in the English language with the consecutive letters MPG), HEADQUARTERS (28A. … ADQ …), THANKSGIVING (48A. … KSG …), BLITZKRIEG (62A. … ZKR … ), RASPBERRY (2D. … SPB … ) and CRANKCASE (35D. … NKC … ) are the interrelated group of this interesting-trivia Tuesday crossword.

Tuesday links -- NEURON (50D. One of about 100 billion in the human brain); AKIRA (54D. “Seven Samurai” director Kurosawa); 16A. Best-selling author Bret Easton ELLIS; LARUE (66A. Cowboy star Lash who taught Harrison Ford how to use a bullwhip); OCCAM (9A. Philosopher with a “razor”).

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For today’s cartoon, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.
For the complete post, go HERE.

10.05.09

2009-10-05T01:23:00.003-04:00

MONEY

Monday, October 5, 2009

Puzzle by Mark Feldman, edited by Will Shortz

RIGHT ON THE MONEY (35A. Exactly … or where to find 17-, 25-, 43- and 57-Across?), WILLIAM MCKINLEY (17A. $500), JAMES MADISON (25A. $5,000), SALMON P CHASE (43A. $10,000), GROVER CLEVELAND (57A. $1,000) are the interrelated group of this Monday back-to-work crossword.

A few links -- MACARENA (38D. Dance craze of the ‘90s); MAGMA (47D. Molten volcanic material); TAFT (54D. President just before Wilson).

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For today’s cartoon, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.
For the complete post, go HERE.

10.04.09

2009-10-04T01:25:00.004-04:00

Ennui

Ennui, Walter Sickert, c1913 Tate Gallery, London

Sunday, October 4, 2009

INITIAL OFFERINGS, Puzzle by Todd McClary, edited by Will Shortz

What makes a solver like or dislike a crossword? I know I’m hardly fond of this Sunday fabrication. Is it the likeness it shares with last Sunday’s dreary concoction, or more so that it is a lifeless, slavish and convoluted exercise upon particular letters of the alphabet?

SA produces SAMUEL ADAMS ESSAY with a trumped up clue of Article written by an early American patriot? -- DK, DON KING DECAY (39A. Dental problem for a boxing promoter?), NV, NIA VARDALOS ENVY (47A. Desire to be more like an actress of Greek descent?), QT, QUENTIN TARANTINO CUTIE (66A. Adorable child of an edgy filmaker?), TP, TITO PUENTE TEPEE (88A. Tent used by a Latin musician?), ME, MAX ERNST EMMY (94A. Television award given to a Surrealist?) and KV, KURT VONNEGUT CAVY (115A. Roden named for a 20th-century novelist?).

The remainder of the puzzle features an overdose of evasiveness and obscurity in equal amounts -- I kick myself for wasting my time on it…

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

For the complete post, go HERE.

10.03.09

2009-10-03T01:04:00.004-04:00

This and That

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Puzzle by Doug Peterson, edited by Will Shortz

OLD GROWTH FOREST (17A. Much of Redwood National Park) and BEE IN ONES BONNET (51A. Fixation) are the long entries of this Saturday crossword followed by two of nine letters, HORSE SHOW (18D. Occasion for judging jumping) and LEE MARVIN (24D. Best Actor of 1965).

Links for this and that -- GREAT APE (1A. Cousin of ours); TAPAS BAR (31D. Where to get croquetas); ARROYO (54A. Wash); FLAGON (16A. It holds its liquor); ODETTE (49A. Von Rothbart turned her into a swan); PLEASE (27A. When repeated, start of a Beatles title); SMOKERS (38D. They may create rings); TOPONYM (31A. Sandwich, Edam or Champagne); AVILA (36A. Site of Prince Don Juan’s tomb).

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For today’s cartoon, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.
For the complete post, go HERE.