02.20.09

Spelunk!

The Cave of the Storm Nymphs Sir Edward John Poynter

Friday, February 20, 2009

Puzzle by Paula Gamache, edited by Will Shortz

Hmm… thinking about spelunking!

This cave of treasures features a half-dozen eleven-letter entries headlined by WEASEL WORDS (1A. Aids in artful deception) and includes an ALUMINUM CAN, HEAT SENSORS, plenty of INCOHERENCE, even if RIGHT SIDE UP; and importunes one to KISS MY GRITS (49A. 1970s-’80s sitcom put-down/catchphrase).

Random linkage -- APGAR SCORE; SCOTTIE DOG; SHORE COVER; DUCK CALL (10D. Decoy accompanier); TAX EXILE (33D. Wealthy Cayman Islands resident, maybe); REBEKAH (36D. One of Judaism’s four matriarchs); RIOT GUN (37D. It can be a stunner); AS A MAN (25A. How Viola is disguised in “Twelfth Night”); CORTEX (43A. Center of learning); L SEVEN (6D. Square, in 1950s slang, indicated visually by a two-hand gesture); 29A. PHIAL of Galadriel (gift to Frodo Baggins); ROONE (37A. 2003 memoir of a TV executive); T CELL (33A. Antigen attacker); BEAT (44A. Switch); CONE (34D. Juniper product); IVES (20A. Big Daddy player on 1950s Broadway); ELO (31A. “Livin’ Thing” group, in brief); 52A. Loch REE, on the River Shannon.

Off to spelunk!

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

For the complete post, go HERE.