Theme: - The first part of each theme entry phonetically spells out Hamlet's "To be, or not to be"
18A. *Coffee drinker's complaint : TOO STRONG - Different "To" spelling in 51A.
26. *Direct path : BEELINE - Different "Be" spelling in 57A.
30. *Rowboat attachments : OAR LOCKS -
49A. *Flaw in a fence : KNOTHOLE -
51A. *Quarter : TWO BITS -
57A. *"The Golden Girls" co-star : BEA ARTHUR -
50D. Speaker of the first syllables of the answers to starred clues : HAMLET
Boomer here! Pinch hitting for Argyle who is under the weather. It's minus 4 here in the frozen tundra, and January is the month we shed those pounds that were added at Christmas time. I am here to help.
Across:
1. Manila envelope feature : CLASP - you need to tape these down now so they don't get caught in the postal postmark machine.
6. Baseball SS's stats : DPs - Dirty plays? - spikes don't fly much any more
9. Web money : E-CASH - Paypal was my first choice. Too many letters though
14. Old Turkish bigwig : PASHA - The only old Turkey I know about was 3 days after Thanksgiving.
15. Dwarf with glasses : DOC - If you didn't know that, have a salad for lunch.
16. 2009 Panasonic acquisition : SANYO - Electronics from Japan. Pretty good stuff.
17. "Something to Talk About" singer Bonnie : RAITT - Trouble with this clue? Skip dessert.
20. Poet's before : ERE
22. Contest for lumberjacks : ROLEO - Call it that if you want. Paul Bunyan never heard of it.
23. Nova __ : SCOTIA - Oh Canada
33. Key of Mozart's Requiem Mass : D MINOR
34. Juneau-to-Ketchikan dir. : SSE - I wonder if it's minus 4 up there tonight.
35. Some sorority women : THETAs.
37. D.C. baseball team : NATS - The old DC team called themselves the Nationals in the mid 50s, but changed back to the Senators. Those Senators became the Twins in 1961. The new Senators expansion team was owned by Bob Short and became the Texas Rangers. Great that DC has a team again.
38. Frittata base : EGGS - I have no idea what a frittata is.
40. Convent dweller : NUN - And devoted teachers for my sisters and me.
41. Painted Desert formation : MESA
42. Controversial apple spray : ALAR
43. Mexican state bordering Arizona : SONORA - Sounds like something you might hear during a siesta.
45. "Reading Rainbow" network : PBS - If you missed this, take two laps around the nearest mall. (One lap if Mall of America).
47. Country with six time zones : CANADA - US has 5 or 6. Not sure about Alaska.
53. Kitchen gadget : BEATER - Birdie with a yellow bill, Hopped upon my window sill, cocked a shining eye and said, "Hey, what did you do when your wife dropped the egg ... beater?"
54. Volleyball venue : BEACH - Or court
56. Street shader : ELM - If you missed this one, go downstairs and pedal four miles on that stationary bike. (Dust off the seat first).
61. Crème de la crème : ELITE - if internet $$$ is ECASH, then why isn't ELITE internet beer? Just askin'
65. Big name in bars : CLARK - Superman's first name too.
66. "Do __ favor ..." : ME A
67. Lucky roll, usually : SEVEN - If you've ever played at the craps table, the seven is only good on the come out (first roll). After that, it is not very lucky.
68. Teacher's group : CLASS _ trouble with this? Do you have a treadmill?
69. Like a single shoe : ODD - I think I might have clued "Roulette bet".
70. Flair : STYLE
Down:
1. EMT's skill : CPR - have shredded wheat for breakfast and you may never need CPR.
2. Anaheim team, on scoreboards : LAA - Now known as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, how will they ever lose with Pujols, Trout, Weaver, and all.
3. "Take me __ am" : AS I
4. "Fiddler on the Roof" village : SHTETL - I saw that play, sure don't remember this anagram.
5. Hale and Revere, notably : PATRIOTS - Not Tom Brady?
6. EPA-banned pesticide : DDT
7. Not up to snuff : POOR
8. Shaggy's dog, to Shaggy : SCOOB - Scooby Doo - the animated Great Dane of Saturday AM TV.
9. Regard : ESTEEM - Not ESTEAM, which is internet water vapor.
10. "Sweet" woman in a Neil Diamond title : CAROLINE
11. Yucatán year : ANO
12. Thesaurus entry: Abbr. : SYN
13. Sty dweller : HOG - Could have been PIG. Hope you got the across clues first.
19. Winter transports : SLEDS - I Spent many hours sledding. Now they just seem to have plastic saucers.
21. Individually : EACH - Trouble here? Back to the Mall for a lap. You may stop to buy running shoes, but stay out of the food court.
23. Urgent call at sea : SOS - Save Our Ship
24. Source of legal precedents : CASE LAW - Kind of makes you wonder how the first case was decided.
25. Tomato sauce herb : OREGANO - If this makes you think of Pizza or Spaghetti, get back on the bike until the thought goes away.
27. Up the creek : IN A SPOT
28. Distinguished : NOTABLE - It's notable that this also spells NOT ABLE which describes me trying to do crossword puzzles.
29. Stalling-for-time syllables : ERs - Uh, Like, you know, I mean, ER
31. Numbers game with 80 balls : KENO - You can win big bucks with a small bet. But the odds are similar to Powerball.
32. Was so not worth seeing, as a movie : STUNK - Also describes me trying to do crossword puzzles.
36. Like many quotes: Abbr. : ANON
39. Safety rods in shower stalls : GRAB BARS
41. Without a partner : MATELESS - That was the card that ended up being the Old Maid.
42. Comic's routine : ACT - I suppose, but it could be a GIG.
43. Occupied, as a desk : SAT AT
44. Harry Potter costume : ROBE - I am too old for Harry, but the kids sure loved him.
46. Sun. delivery : SER - I guess this is short for SERMON. Sometimes I wish the Sermons were shorter.
48. Country music star __ Bentley : DIERKS
52. Chowderhead : SCHMO - Shep and Moe were two of the Three Stooges. Schmo must be their hybrid.
55. Shaded : HUED
57. Secretly keep in the email loop, briefly : BCC
58. Pipe bend : ELL - Slam dunk - ten jumping jacks
59. Battery type : AAA - Another EZ answer. ten pushups
60. "Far out!" : RAD - Wow, no one has talked like that since the 60s.
62. Columbia, for one : IVY - Ivy league. I might have clued Wrigley Wall covering.
63. Bus. card letters : TEL
64. Acetyl ending : ENE
Thanks for visiting. Hope those jeans fit.
Boomer
Notes from C.C.:
1) Happy 67th Birthday to our talented constructor John Lampkin, who elevates every of his grids into an art. When I first started constructing in 2010, I asked John various questions on the blog. He was always very generous and patient with his explanations. Thank you, John. You don't know how much you helped me!
 |
| Lemonade & John Lampkin, March 21, 2012 |
2) Happy 81st Birthday to dear Marge! Hope you've recovered from the fall.
85 comments:
Greetings!
Swell puzzle, Jeff! Terrific expo, Boomer!
Didn't really see the POKE until afterwards!
No problems, except never heard of DIERKS--all perps!
SHTETL not an anagram but a town in Yiddish.
Watched a new PBS mystery tonight (from Sunday). Very grim. Forgot name already.
Hope help on the way for Bates. This has gone on too long! The series evidently ends in mid-February. Rats!
Cheers!
Good morning Shakespeare Fans. Thank you Jeff Stillman and thank you Boomer. 10 in the pit. Argyle, get well soon. Happy birthday John ! Marge, keep up the good spirits and your faith and you will heal faster.
Cold here too Boomer. Temperature is officially 1 (mine says -4) and wind chill has it to minus 15 in the western burbs. Still no measurable snow this season. 1.35 inches total at OHARE. Good thing that was spread out over all of these weeks. My Arriens is getting covered in cobwebs.
Got Hamlet but was so stuck on the intersecting H in PASHA and SHTETL that I forgot the theme. Never did resolve that H.
I wonder why we no longer quantify in BITS and scores. They must have fallen out of STYLE.
Knew Dierks ("Every Mile A Memory", "Free and Easy") Bentley but spelled it wrong until perps corrected.
"Where it began, I can't begin to knowin"
See you all later.
Hello Puzzlers -
Smiled right out loud at today's theme.
Morning, Boomer! Nice to see you, it's been a while. Enjoyed your humor.
Dierks who? Can't believe I pulled Shtetl out of a cranial fold, but there it was.
Morning, all (and Happy Birthday, Marge)!
Fun puzzle today. Didn't know DIERKS, wasn't crazy about MATELESS and really wanted ANATEVKA for 4D, but everything else was smooth sailing...
CGP Grey is at it again. This time, explaining Debt Limit
I'm not ill, just had a chill.
Boomer's quite droll,
He's on a roll (like any good bowler should be).
Good morning Boomer, C.C. et al.
And Happy Birthday, Marge! Maybe DH and son can make you a cake today. I’m sure Boomer won’t mind if you have an extra slice!!
.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:.
Fun write-up today, Boomer, and I think I lost five pounds. I’m still chuckling over your SONORA comment!!
This is for your lame joke at 53-A.
I noticed the repeated 2s and Bs, but never connected them until I got the unifier. Duh, I think I need another cup of coffee! (Without cream or sugar, of course.)
Had no clue about Dierks Bentley, but I went on You Tube and listened to several of his songs. Some pretty good stuff in there – you should head on over and check him out.
Good to know you are still your droll self, Argyle!
Wow, Boomer, that was a 300 for sure! Love your sideways humor.
I also don't remember SHTETL from Fiddler On The Roof, but I do remember it as Tata's village in Ragtime. (No, Dennis, not that kind of tata.) Enjoyed the comments on ESTEEM and ELITE.
TTP, were you there in the winter of 78-79? Snow caused OHare to be closed more days that winter than in all the previous winters combined. My driveway was the grand canyon. Driving out of it with no sideways visibility was an exercise in mortality.
Happy Birthday to John Lampkin and Marge.
Good Morning, Boomer and friends. Good to "See" you again, Boomer.
I had fun with this Shakespearean Soliloquy puzzle. After getting TOO Strong, and OAR Locks, I got HAMLET, which helped fill in the rest of the starred theme answers.
The SHTETL was the small Jewish villages in Eastern Europe. It is a Yiddish word.
I thought of Lucina when I unearth the MESA and SONORA.
Happy Birthday John Lampkin. Looking forward to seeing more of your photos.
Happy Birthday, Marge. Hope you are doing okay after your fall.
Today's QOD is tongue in cheek, after C.C.'s observation of our blog conversations: People who keep dogs are cowards who haven’t got the guts to bite people themselves. ~ August Strindberg (Jan. 22, 1849 ~ May 14, 2012)
Neil Diamond wrote Sweet CAROLINE after being inspired by Caroline Kennedy. She was only 11 years old at the time. How creepy is that?
Good morning everyone,
Nice to hear from you Boomer, thanks for the fun comments. Happy birthday Marge.
The eraser got a good work out today thanks to my own absent mindedness. I've only seen Neil Diamond in person four or five times, listened to his tapes countlessly, yet I entered LORRAINE. Perps quickly got me to CAROLINE.
Other mis-steps included CLYDE then RAITT, SONOMA then SONORA, and PIG then HOG.
Wasn't sure if SHTETL or DIERK were correct until coming here.
CLARK bars were a favorite in my youth. Still have one occasionally.
My wife makes Frittata's when she's either in a rush or ticked off at me. If mushrooms are included it's inedible and I'm in pretty deep weeds.
Great Puzzle and a great write up.
FYI a shtetl is a village (in general) in yiddish. The village in Fidler on the roof was Anatevka (Proper name) its sort of the difference of the word City and Philadelphia. I guess the clue wanted the word not the name.
I've had my second cup of coffee, and am awake enough to realize that I forgot to wish one of my all-time favorite constructors a Happy, Happy Birthday!! I hope you spend it doing the things you love, John!! And you can have three pieces of cake! (Don't tell Boomer)
.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:.
Not yet down to the single digits in the beautiful mid-Hudson valley but I think we reach that dubious distinction tonight. Anyway, the pipes didn't freeze and that's what counts.
Fairly smooth sailing though the SE corner remained empty until I checked the theme to get HAMLET. Then it was just a matter of changing SONOMA to SONORA and "TaDa!" was heard throughout the land (well, throughout my room). [6:50]
Hi guys and gals, Super Happy Birthday to Marge and John!!!
Pretty quick and easy puzzle today, the theme came quickly to me. I wasn't fooled with those quirky alternate spellings: Too Bee Oar Knot Two Bea - Now THAT is the question!
For some reason I wanted RUSSIA as the Country With Six Time Zones. Should have known it was CANADA, being hockey season and all.
I liked seeing STUNK and ODD. (I don't know why.)
Did anybody catch that new Kevin Bacon TV show last night? I'd be interested to hear your thoughts as it was hyped up quite a bit before it aired.
Have a great day and keep warm, I'll be shivering here with TTP near Chicago.
Liked SCOOB too.
I did it too Marti. I missed Marge's.
Marge, Happy Birthday !
Argyle, glad you are not ill and it's just a chill.
Desper-otto, I missed it. I just got back to NE Ohio that first week of Jan 1979 after 3 years in West Germany. But, that snow in Chicago was the first thing I heard about. Guys were supposedly driving trucks with plows and snow blowers to Chicago, selling them, and taking the train back.
Temperature is still dropping here. Now officially -1 at OHARE, and outlying areas are reporting -3.
Can't get Bonnie Raitt out of my head, but that's ok...
Boomer: Nice PINCH-hitting for Argyle. (Now I don't have to go to the gym).
John and Marge: Happy Birthday. I'll "toast" you when it becomes Five O'Clock Somewhere.
Sussed out the theme after my TOO STRONG coffee kicked in. Good job & Thank you Jeff for a FUN puzzle.
Always like the "Wind-Chill" Factor ... like I'm standing outside, naked in the wind. lol
Here it's down to, oh, about 55 (I could die).
Always like INA'S POT (though I wish she would share more ... she tends to Bogart).
WEES re: SHTETL & DIERKS, but the perps were solid.
Cheers !!!
Good morning folks. Thank you Jeff Still,man, for a great Tuesday puzzle. Thank you, Boomer, for the great review.
I am at zero F. in NW DuPage County, IL. Pretty darned cold. I remember when I first moved here the temperature went down to 27 below zero. I had a diesel car and I was driving back from PA. The diesel fuel gelled up and I had to pull off the turnpike and get a room. That's my cold story.
Happy Birthday Marge and John Lampkin. Many more to you.
Got started in the puzzle in the NE. Worked down and west. Then bounce around a bit. Got the theme easily with a few letters to start.
Had CAPE for 44D. Fixed that to ROBE. My only write-over.
CLARK bars were also my favorite as a youth. Now it is Snickers.
Two banned substances in the same puzzle. Wow! DDT and ALAR.
Off to my day. Hope it warms up a bit.
See you tomorrow.
Abejo
Happy birthday Marge!
Of the many unknowns here, I managed to wag most, but had trouble in the NW and SE corners. I had missed noticing the asterisk for the TWO clue, and so was thinking of the "be all you can be" quote instead of Hamlet's. Had BASTER/BEATER,trying to fit US ARMY there. Also tried spelling STAETL the wrong way, have never heard of a CLARK bar and never know how to spell RAITT.
Oh well, it's only Tuesday! Back to the newsletter...
Yesterday I enjoyed the inaugural coverage while trying to work on it, so now I need to catch up.
Is this our new home? It took me some time to find the move. I have been following this blog for several years and while I do not post, I find I can't do without it!I found all of you again by 'googling' C.C.'s name ~ amazing what the internet provides.
Thanks for a fresh puzzle, Jeff; and, Boomer, always enjoy your antics.
I was sure of RAIdT and SHdTETL looked as good as it could to me; so, that D did me in. Hope my brain keeps the new word and the correct name spelling.
Happy Birthday, John! Where's a new puzzle? It's always treat.
Happy Birthday to you,Marge. How are you now?
CC, are you feeling better?
Have a nice day everyone.
Anonymous @8:31am,
I'm glad you found us. I hope most long-time readers will find us your way. And "Yes", this will be our home until Google restores our Corner blog.
Creature,
My headache is completely gone. Thanks for asking. Now I just need to get our blog back and catch a tiny mouse Boomer let in last night. The garage door was open while he went bowling.
Snow on the prairie today and I had to blow it off the drive before I got here to sub and am running late. A thank you to all of you who liked the map and a special one to Marti for the kind words and Cheers link. One byproduct of all our trials the last few days has been that I have been contacted by many witty lurkers who really missed our daily postings of wit and wisdom.
Musings
-My daughter is incapable of saying TOO STRONG about her coffee
-The route from Orlando International to Disney or KSC used to be called the BEELINE
-When Huskers were bad, you could buy a KNOT HOLE ticket for TWO BITS as a kid to watch.
-Is ECASH the last name of that John guy that sings Ring of Fire?
-Bonnie RAITT’s dad sang They Call the Wind Maria in what musical?
-Those NUNs never could solve a problem like Maria (not the wind this time)
-The equipment manager for a BEACH volleyball team can carry the uniforms in a Manila Envelope
-I’ve never done CPR but I have done the Heimlich maneuver
-Does SHTETL play Anatevka in football?
-Every HS band plays Sweet Caroline and Hey Baby at games these days
-SOS! Where is that darn Carpathia?
-HBD to John and Marge!
-My first CLASS just came in, read ya later!
Husker, best guess, Paint Your Wagon.
Tin, Ina's pot -- too funny!
Hi All ~~
I really liked this puzzle ~ had no idea of the theme as I was working. I try to avoid the unifier until I figure things out, but I somehow filled in HAMLET too soon and that gave it away ~ very clever! Thanks for a most entertaining write-up, Boomer ~ I always enjoy your filling-in. Argyle - glad you're OK - rest up!
My one slow-down was in the area of SCHMO and HUED. I had a different take on 'Shaded' at first. I did hesitate at 18A, only because my coffee could never be TOO STRONG!
~ "Sweet CAROLINE" is sung during every Red Sox game at Fenway.
~ Husker Gary ~ thanks for the BCC of the new map. Your hard work is much appreciated.
~ Happy Birthday, John Lampkin ~ looking forward to more of your puzzles and photography!
~ Happy Birthday, Marge ~ good to "see" you - hope you're doing better!
And what were the names of Rain and Fire?
I have never written before, but enjoy the blog daily. I get the puzzle in the Hartford Courant and it does not give the theme, so makes things a little harder, especially at the end of the week, and the the blog is an absolute must! I really enjoy all the amusing comments, and go to the blog even if I have finished (as today). I had difficulty finding it, but eventually did. Thank you all for a fantastic job.
Wow! When I woke up this birthday morning and discovered that I was still breathing I knew this would be a good day. The warm wishes from you all and especially that glowing tribute from C.C. has made this a great one!
C.C., the feeling is mutual. What you have accomplished as an immigrant and proud new American citizen is astonishing and inspiring. Your example make anything seem possible.
This is one of those puzzle ideas I'll bet a lot of constructors wish they had thought of--to take a cliched phrase like this and turn it into a fresh piece of serious silliness. Congrats to Jeff!
Hey Jason, we look exactly the same in that photo as we did last year!
the rain is Tess, the Fire's Joe! I love this blog, so glad i found it on GR. I almost fainted when it wasn't where I thought it should be. Always makes my day! I am embarassed that we complain here when the temp is below 50. A wish for a good day to all.
Greetings and salutations to all. It's great to "see" you, Boomer. I chuckled all the way through your commentary and lost at least five pounds (not!).
Happy birthday John L and Marge! I hope you do something special.
What a nice speed run from Jeff Stillman, thank you. My pencil almost took on a life of its own.
And not only MESA and SONORA relate to AZ but I believe DIERKS Bentley is from here, too. I recall reading about him because of the strange name. He gave a benefit concert at Christmas time.
Loved seeing BEA ARTHUR's entire name.
This time there was no hesitation on D MINOR as SLED had provided the D.
Fermat, do you mean New Tricks on PBS? I love that and record it for later.
I have a feeling Bates' fate will be a cliff hanger until the very end, don't you?
Have a happy Tuesday, everyone! My sister is visiting from Charlotte so I'll be scarce here.
Thank you, Jeff Stillman, for a nice, somewhat challenging, but really enjoyable puzzle. I had a few problems but they all resolved themselves. I had a problem spelling 'Shtetl', although I am very familiar with the word. I have read several books on the life of Jews, 'beyond the Pale' (of settlement ) in Russia, under the Czars/Tsars.
Thank you, Boomer, what wit, what wonderful humor, what charm.... Have you ever thought of editing crossword puzzles yourself ? .... you could do a pretty good job !
Argyle, do keep yourself bundled up, and keep warm, with or without a dram of this or that. Boiling hot, honey flavored, lemongrass tea, with a hint of licorice seems to help.
I thought of Lucina, when I wrote Sonoco, er., Sonora. I had 'Sens' before 'Nats', and 'peeler' before 'beater','Russia' before 'Canada' and on and on.
I thought 'SOS' meant 'Save our Souls' - but your explanation, 'Save our Ship', makes more sense - otherwise they might just fly out a Chaplain to give you the last rites.
I know this has been discussed before, but 'two bits' comes from 2 out of 8 pieces of a Spanish Real.("pieces of eight"). The silver Real was too much money to be handled just by itself.
Have a good week, you guys, and best wishes.
Exactly right, Jill in CA. Is this your first time posting? Welcome to the blog.
Argyle, feel better soon. I'm sorry you are unwell.
Hahtoolah, thanks for the shoutout.
So glad I was able to find Ginger Roots as I visited the other blog every day. Don't "know' anyone but do like your blog.
desper-otto at 9:59AM - once a long time ago I posted a question-it was about perps. Since then, only read posts, no posting. Shy, I guess. But I may get more courageous. I found the blog probably about one year ago-love crosswords, but almost love the posts more. First thing I do every morning - LA Times puzzle, then CC blog. Amazing!
Good morning:
Happy Birthday to Marge and John; hope your day is special.
Thanks, Jeff, for a clever Tuesday offering with just enough bite. Liked Scoob and schmo. Boomer, your write-up was wonderfully witty; gave me several chuckles, so thanks.
Argyle, hope you are on the mend. Have a hot toddy or two!
Mari, I deliberately did not watch The Following based on all of the reviews which emphasized the gory violence. I stopped watching Criminal Minds for that same reason. What did you think about it?
Have a great Tuesday and to those in frigid climes, stay warm.
CC, noticed your avatar and enlarged it! My Word!
You have a killer body!
'course clothes look like a million dollars on you and I can see fashions as a fun thing for you!
Sorry I'm so slow to pick up on this, but had to speak out.
Re: They Call the Wind Maria
I always think of this parody (by the Smothers Brothers? the Chad Mitchell Trio?):
Away out here they got a name for rain and wind and fire.
The rain is "rain", the wind is "wind", and they call the fire, "fire".
Happy Birthday to Marge and John.
Thanks for the expo, Boomer. This was a fun puzzle by Jeff. Must admit I thought it was Wednesday and it was too easy for the day, then realized it was Tuesday, so that explained the lack of difficulty. I even got the theme before reading the blog.
I am a radio person, so probably hear songs by Dierks Bentley daily, but did remember his name was spelled a little different.
Below zero tonight here, but then warming trend for the foreseeable future.
Keep warm,
Montana
6 across...That stands for Double plays...not dirty plays.
Fun day today! Hilarious write-up by Boomer-thankfully, I didnt have to do any mall laps or pushups. Easy, but clever puzzle. Got the theme after filling in 18 & 26 across. After we put up with freeeezing temps, we are now basking in the hi 70s & low 80s. And, yes, I lived thru the Blizzards of both 67 & 79 in Chicago- Thats why I live in Phoenix now.
Terrific puzzle, Jeff--loved the theme! Loved your explanations of ELITE and SCHMO, Boomer. A great way to start a Tuesday.
I too am thankful for the great education I got from NUNs as a kid. Good role models for girls back in the 50s. Got FRITTATA egg base, but can't remember the difference between a frittata and an omelet. Never bothered to wonder what SOS stood for. So which is it: SAVE OUR SHIP or SAVE OUR SOULS? Hope I never have to ask, either way.
Fabulous photos, John Lampkin and Marge. Happy Birthday!
Re Downton Abbey: Go, Edith! And, yes, I agree--it's time to spring Bates from the pokey!
Welcome blog newcomers, and have a great day, everybody!
John L. HBDTY and many happy returns; good thing we kept those shirts so we could show how well preserved we are. hard to believe almost a year has passed.
Marge, HBDTY and you look great also.
I agree the puzzle was a very fun theme, and this Monday/Tuesday week is always confusing.
Beachwine and jill in CA, just send HG your email and you will be on the 'permanent' list and always will know where we are. Google my gurgle but we blog on!! I am unpressed by the ingenuity to those who found GR on their own.
Thanks for stepping in Boomer, and feel better Argyle; did C.C. cyber infect you?
HOla Everyone,
Happy Birthday, Marge, and many, many more.
Thanks fermatprime for clearing up the Shtetl question. I thought it might be something like that as the village name was not Shtetl but it looked strange.
I had a DNF today as I didn't fill in the C for Canada. I knew it, but in skipping around today, I just left it out.
A fun puzzle, with knot being the most fun of all. I had too bee oar and knew it had to be not, but the n was in the second square. A real v-8can knock to the the head when I got knot!!
Thanks, Boomer, for your usual great writeup. I always chuckle at your jokes.
A busy day today. I'm taking the dessert to a meeting today and will be gone most of the day. I know there will be leftovers. Too bad Marge and Boomer live so far away.
Have a lovely day everyone.
RATS! ( i have to skip dessert..)
When giving friends directions to my house, i make sure they never forget by saying "take highway exit 2B, or not 2B... (hmm, is that funny enough for the Blog?)
Happy Birthday Marge!
Happy Birthday John Lampkin, love your puzzles! I tried to find a HBD cake for you, & when i Googled, for some reason an excellent picture of Bo Derek came up! I thought you might like it better, & was about to use it, when i noticed that the website sponsoring it had the no access allowed notice to our Blog behind it???
Not wanting the Blog to get burned again, this will have to suffice.
Hello Again!
I see that I was confused when I blogged. The POKE theme was from the (awful) CS Mon. puzzle (Wash. Post), which I worked later, but before this blog was up.
Had no trouble with Shakespeare theme! Liked it!
HBDTY MARGE and John Lampkin! Many happy more, too!
The mystery show on PBS was DCI Banks. I'll give it another try next Sunday--well, maybe during the following day.
Had only a few hours of sleep. Too much pain.
I, too, want to hear about Bacon show before I watch it. Gave up Criminal Minds after perhaps 8 episodes.
Some prized cacti and other succulents bit the dust. And here I thought I had watched temperature each night most carefully. Frost much worse than last year. (Where is global warming when you need it!) (Do not judge the San Fernando Valley to be the same as L A in general!)
Cheers!
PS Damage to plants occurred previously but became apparent yesterday.
First post after a year of 'lurking'. Husker Gary gave me a warm welcome when I found myself floundering in angst when the 'Corner' disappeared. You folks deserve better treatment than that...but I do understand that spam can be serious. And to think, what, Ten years ago the only spam I knew of came in a can!
Loved the puzzle today....actually got the theme unifier before all the theme answers.
Favorite clue was "big name in bars" - CLARK, with STUNK bringing a chuckle, too.
I needed 3 perps to get CLASS...so, Boomer didn't say what to do with the treadmill so I guess I will just take some clothes off of it.
My sincere condolences to those that have lost a loved one. It is so NEVER easy.
Congratulations 'CC' on your 5th Anniversary! That goes to all her helpers, as well. And to Jeff for a VERY fun puzzle and Boomer for your VERY fun expo...great way to start a Tuesday!
Best of luck to everyone under the weather...take care of yourselves becaused we do! And I agree with Misty....Edith..you go girl!
Brrrrrrrr, Pennybank
Argyle, tried to email you and got a spam note bout your address.
Loved the pic!
Misty @ 11:48, actually neither “save our ship” nor “save our souls” is the original intention for SOS. Those letters were chosen because they very simple, easy to tememberr Morse code letters. DIT-DIT-DIT, DAH-DAH-DAH, DIT-DIT-DIT.
When Morse was developing his code, he only planned to use numbers. It was actually Alfred Vail who expanded the code to include letters and some special characters. He used his local newspaper to determine the frequency of letters in the English language, and assigned the simplest codes to those with the highest frequency. Of course, the “E” was assigned the single DIT.
Why do I know all that? This morning I was clueing a puzzle I’m working on, and wanted to find a fresh clue for MORSE.
-Yes of course, John Raitt called the wind Maria as Partner in Paint Your Wagon. Who played Partner in the movie version and did no service to Maria? My favorite version of this song by Joe and Eddie. Has anyone else ever listened to their fabulous music?
-Our crocuses (croci?) had pushed through the ground and the 0F weather put an end to that.
-DP’s are great if you are a fielder. GIDP ain’t if you are a batter. Cal Ripken Jr. is the all time leader as he Grounded Into 350 Double Plays.
-Speaking of good bowling ala Boomer, here is a great story about what my cancer survivor niece did.
-Welcome officailly pennybank!
-OMG, they just sent in more kids!
Husker:
Clint Eastwood played Partner in the movie.
Harve Presnell, as Rotten Luck Willie, sang "They Call the Wind Maria."
(Yeah, I looked that up on Google/Wiki).
Al Cyone @11:22
Wish I could find that parody.
Anon @11:43
You don't understand satire, do you?
John L. & Marge ... Well "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere" sooooooo, Cheers !!!
Shtetl is not an anagram. It is a Yiddish word for village. The actual village in the play was called Anatavka.
ARRRRGH
I just scanned the posts for today and almost choked when I re-read mine, so let me clear it up. My wife DOES NOT prepare inedible foods.... she is an way above average cook.
I DO NOT like mushrooms. They are inedible to me & that was the crux of my comment.
If she had read my quip, a mushroom cloud would be forming over my "pea brain."
I was lost, but now I'm found. Well, actually I was just out of town for a few days and am playing catch up.
HBT John and Marge.
Fun puzzle today. My solve was kinda like LaLaLindas. I try and avoid the unifier, but it nearly filled itself and the connection became obvious.
Still busy. Better get to it. But....another bird poem can't hurt. Can it?
As I awoke this morning
A bright new day was born
A Robin perched upon my sill
To signal coming dawn
The bird was graceful, young and free
And sweetly did he sing
While thoughts of joy and happiness
Within my heart did ring
I smiled at his cheery song
And paused a moments lull
Then I gently closed the window
And crushed his f$(&#@g skull
:-)
Hi Y'all, Fun puzzle, Jeff! Enjoyed your dry wit, Boomer! Come again soon, both of you!
Many happy returns of the day, John & Marge!
I read the Fiddler clue while lining up my paper to enlarge the puzzle. Started singing, "Anatevka, Anatevka....where else would summer be so sweet?" I was sooo disappointed when that didn't fit. But I did know SHTETL from reading Leon Uris. But now I'm going to be singing that song all day.
Never heard of CLARK bar.
My house is too small for exercise equipment so I get up and walk from one end of the house to the other during commercials. Carpet is kind to feet & knees. At least, I'm moving, not just a "recliner liner". Haven't lost any weight this year but haven't gained either.
I have not posted for several days as we were helping son and family get ready to go overseas for a year :(
Found the alternate blog and glad to catch up.
Sympathy and prayers for all those with losses.
Enjoyed this puzzle. Of course there were shout-outs to CANADA and Nova SCOTIA and even SLEDS. We are cold here (-15C today) but not much snow. We had the Blizzard of 1977 in this area.
I enjoyed the puzzle and the writeup. A clever theme I thought.
I see where Beyoncé lip-synched the National Anthem. OK by me. I can imagine where those circumstances would make singing live difficult.
Hidden world capitals
Take the name “Boris Karloff.” It contains the letters of capital city “Oslo” in left-to-right order (although not consecutively). Write down these three names: Leonardo da Vinci, Frank Sinatra and Stephen Douglas. Each conceals the name of another world capital in left-to-right order although not in consecutive letters. What capitals are these?
Please disguise your answer in some way so I will know what you mean without giving the answer away.
Yeah, Bill, I hear ya.
Reykjavik, Kuala Lumpor and Djibouti?
Thank you Irish Miss! I couldn't remember the name of Kevin Bacon's new TV show. It kept my interest, but I thought it was unnecessarily violent.
And unrealistic. I'd be surprised if anybody (the prisoner) could have enough power over others to make them do his dirty work. To a certain extent, sure, but not like this. (I'll get my boss coffee, but I won't commit a crime for him.)
I wonder if TV shows feel they must compete with movies regarding gore.
I see Last Resort was cancelled, there is one eipsode left. And I heard The Killing may be coming back. Hmmmmmm
I never saw Last Resort and the way they ended The Killing made me so mad, I don't think I would watch it if it did come back.
HG @ 1:50 - Congratulations to your niece on her achievement in bowling and for her courage and strength fighting that dreaded disaese.
CED @ 12:29 - You continue to earn the honor of the Greatest Linker In the Universe. (To paraphrase Rex Parker. -:))
Bill G:
1. insular country
2. West meets East
3. Pacific Rim
Good evening everyone.
DH was on my Mac doing something his PC can't do, so this is my reason for being so late to the dance.
Thoroughly enjoyed this puzzle. Got the theme and thought it was most witty. So nice to be able to do one. Rare for me to get it all.
Happy birthday, Marge. Hope you are doing well. And happy birthday John Lampkin. You and Marge look good (as does Lemonade).
Boomer, your write up was superb. Many laughs, especially at the thought of losing weight. I could look better if I did, but at my 80th birthday I said to heck with it. (That was two years ago, and I haven't gotten worse.)
Cheers
Fun Tuesday puzzle, Jeff!
Boomer, I bet you keep C.C. laughing! I'm creating a new texting lingo- LATW(laughed all the way).
Didn't know SONORA, ROLEO,OR DPS.
CANADA didn't come to mind immediately...Duh!
Never had a CLARK bar. Didn't care much for sweets when I was young, but now have an unhealthy craving for them. My scientist daughter say its because my taste buds are dying...Ugh!!
Not too many ODD shoes hanging around, but plenty of ODD socks.
SOS- Did anyone see the documentary on NATGEO concerning the sinking of the Italian Cruise ship? It occurred one yr ago. I think it was the Concordia?? One bump in the night would find me in a life jacket on deck!
Anonymouse, "send in a chaplain" LOL
Happy Birthday, John!You always make me laugh!
Happy Birhday, Marge! Beautiful picture!
You will love this one:
A Catholic school was recently faced with a unique problem. A number of 12-year-old girls were beginning to use lipstick and would put it on in the bathroom. That was fine provided it was of a natural or neutral skin tone, but after they put on their lipstick, they would press their lips to the mirror leaving dozens of little lip prints.
Every night the maintenance man would remove them; and the next day the girls would put them back. Finally, the principal, Sister Mary, decided that something had to be done. She called all the girls to the bathroom and met them there with the maintenance man. con't.
She explained that all these lip prints were causing a major problem for the custodian, who had to clean the mirrors every night (you can just imagine the yawns from the little princesses).
To demonstrate how difficult it had been to clean the mirrors, Sister Mary asked the maintenance man to show the girls how much effort was required.
He took out a long-handled squeegee, dipped it in the toilet, and cleaned the mirror with it. Since then, there have been no lip prints on the mirror.
There are teachers...... And then there are educators!
Argyle, TOOOOOOOO funny.
Guess those "Hot-Toddy's" are making you feel better.
Cheers !!!
Do you suppose that Anon at 2:33 reads any of the blog?
(BTW, thanks, Chickie, for reading my contribution!)
Argyle @ 5:41 PMSL !!
...(Peed MySelf Laughing!!)
I have the Crossword Corner on my favorites bar. I just hit it by mistake and there was today's blog but no comments. See you all there tomorrow. And, yes, I am one of those lurkers that needs to get it in gear and register. Thanks to all the hard work getting it set up! I enjoy reading all of it when I can. Thanks to everyone!
Good evening, everyone! Terrific puzzle today, Jeff – really loved the theme. For some reason, I got a big kick out of “Was so not worth seeing …” = STUNK. Thanks for pinch-hitting, Boomer. Your write-ups always tickle my funny-bone. Hope you’re in the pink again soon, Argyle. (Just went back and read your janitor story – hilarious!)
Hand up for wanting Anatevka at 4D, but managed to pull SHTETL out of my wool brain. Fiddler on the Roof is way up there on my list of favorite movies. This farewell scene between Tevye and Hodel makes me cry every single time.
Happy Birthday to John Lampkin and Marge!
Welcome to all the new posters … stick around and join the fun!
Agree with those who think it’s time to spring Bates from the pokey. Also, who else wants to shake Tom until his teeth rattle for leaving Sybil behind?
Have a great night, all.
Who is blogging tomorrow?
The Corner is back up!
Hi all, and happy birthday to John and Marge. Great puzzle and theme! Thanks, Boomer, for filling in as commentator.
The only reason I knew DIERKS Bentley was that he was here last year, and his name and pic were plastered all over the place! It's an unusual name that caught my eye. I've always wished Neil Diamond would come here and sing Sweet CAROLINE; alas, it hasn't happened yet.
Enjoyed the posts today, especially the NUN story!
I've been lurking here since a different blog closed down. I have really enjoyed this one. I learn a lot and I enjoy the humor. The snarkiness--not so much.
I do the puzzle when I have time during the day and then read the blog. I save the comments for my "dessert" after dinner. Thanks for being low-cal and non-fat!
well back to the real corner welcome all you newbie ex-lurkers, c'mon in the water is fine
pje, we are back on our regular corner. You're wecome to join us there.
too late to comment, so I will just say HB to Marge, and John.
Loved Boomer's write up. You always make us laugh.
Jeff, clever theme. Didn't get it until coming here, but tried after a few fills.
Big welcome to pennybank, pje, beachwine, OW and jill (northern or southern CA?) Is this a record for a one-day coming out?
Stay warm all of you in the frozen tundra.
Evening all,
Boomer, thanks for filling in for Argyle. Mr. A please get well soon. I hope you don't have the flu. My Canadian friend, Fern is calling it the "perma-flu" as it won't go away.
I knew PASHA because I named my persian cat that many yrs ago. This puzzle took me longer than usual. I liked seeing Bea Arthur in today's answers. I didn't know SHTETL or DIERKS. I was able to get the second one from perps but not the former.
We have a new Italian food spot near home. I had the best portebello mushroom sandwich from there last night.
TTP, I have a friend in Kansas that said the same is true there of rainfall/snow.
C.C., I just want to thank you for hosting us here. I would be going through terrible withdrawal otherwise. Marge, Happy Birthday to you and pray that you are Blessed with many more healthy, and happy years.
SOS! Help! I've lost my avatar and my signature. Would someone tell me how to restore them. Thank you.
P.A. Post the directions on the old blog, please.
Des-OTTO,
I lived north of Toledo, Ohio in a rural Michigan town in 78-79. My daughter was a preschooler when we flew into O Hare from Phoenix. We were on the last plane to land for five days. Needless to say we had no connecting flight on home. After sitting in the airport for 24 hours I was able to rent a car and drive the rest of the way home on the Turnpike. It took several hours to make the three hour drive but was much better than being at the airport with a young child!
Wasn't there captcha on Ginger Roots? Already started receiving spam!
I forgot to wish John L. a Happy birthday! I enjoy your puzzles very much and look forward to the next one.
Welcome to the newcomers!
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