Theme: Just a Tease!
17A: Mojave Desert grower: JOSHUA TREE
26A: Flashy theatrically: RAZZLE-DAZZLE
44A: VIP at a grand opening: RIBBON CUTTER
60A: Place to wade: KIDDIE POOL
A pangram. 5 Z's. Unbelievable. There are also 6 V's in the grid. Quite unusual.
Such a tight & focused theme. RAZZLE-DAZZLE is certainly the showiest entry. Wish NEEDLE (45D: Bit of Christmas debris) were just clued as "Tease".
I had trouble with lower right corner. Penned in TROY instead of EPIC for 55D: "Cast-of-thousands movie" and messed up the whole corner.
Across:
1A: Knocks senseless: DAZES. And TKOS (52AD: Ali stats).
6A: "__ Zapata!": 1952 film: VIVA. Elia Kazan film, starring Marlon Brando. I obtained the answer from Down fills. I had ?IVA there and thought of DIVA first.
10A: Hook for landing large fish: GAFF. Faux pas is GAFFE.
14A: Send to the Hill, say: ELECT. Capitol Hill.
15A: Sister of Ares: ERIS. Twin sister to be exact. ERIS is the apple thrower who indirectly initiated the Trojan War. Greek goddess of discord.
16A: Teen follower?: AGER. Teenager.
19A: Tear to pieces: RIVE. So the person who tears the stuff to pieces would be RIVER?
20A: Coin-op eatery: AUTOMAT
21A: Moved to and fro, as a golf club just before swinging: WAGGLED. I'm glad Sergio Garcia gave up his waggle habit. Painful to watch. Just hit the damned ball.
23A: Harris' __ Rabbit: BR'ER
25A: Last Olds ever made: ALERO. Discontinued in 2004. Some source says ALERO is a Nigerian name meaning "Grace of the Land".
32A: "Tiny Alice" dramatist: ALBEE (Edward). The answer emerged itself.
33A: Rattler's pose: COIL
37A: Haunted house sound: MOAN
38A: Scout's job, for short: RECON
42A: Former wrestling star __ Brazil: BOBO. No idea. Wikipedia say this guy was credited with breaking down barriers of racial segregation in professional wrestling, and he is often referred to as the Jackie Robinson of wrestling,
43A: Luxurious fur: SABLE
47A: Up and about: RISEN
51A: Exams for would-be Mensas: IQ TESTS. Why did those Kamikaze pilots bother to wear helmets?
54A: Perfumery product: ESSENCE. ATTAR is often clued as "Essence of roses".
59A: Simon & Garfunkel et al.: DUOS
62A: Show flexibility: GIVE. A perfectly ripe mango should GIVE a little when pressed.
64A: Popular DVRs: TIVOS
65A: Seine summers: ETES. What Jerome himself said.
67A: 1"=100', e.g.: SCALE. What kind of SCALE?
Down:
1D: __ vu: DEJA. "DEJA Vu" is also a Denzel Washington movie. Very strange.
5D: Trip: STUMBLE. Verb.
6D: Checked out thoroughly: VETTED. Brutal vetting process in politics.
7D: Bargain tag abbr.: IRR
8D: Penthouse feature: VIEW
10D: Use Listerine, say: GARGLE
11D: Mentally quick: AGILE. "Physically quick" too.
12D: Peggy Lee signature song: FEVER
13D: Feckless Corleone brother: FREDO. He is indeed feckless. Sonny is hot-headed and reckless. Michael is just a perfect Godfather, calculated and ruthless.
18D: Bern's river: AARE. Or AAR. The river flows from the Alps into the Rhine. Aa is an old German for "running water". R is "river" I presume?
22D: It may be unmitigated: GALL. Is "unmitigated GALL" a common phrase?
28D: Letter-shaped beam: Z-BAR. No idea. Like this?
29D: Buddhist sect: ZEN. I like how it mirrors ZIN (31D: California red, briefly) in the grid.
34D: Cardholder's woe: DEBT
35D: Car bar: AXLE. Nice rhyme.
36D: Textile worker: DYER
39D: Fall away: EBB
42D: Trash holders: BINS. Wrote down CANS first.
43D: Romantic lowerings: SUNSETS. Did not come to me immediately. I was stumped by "lowerings".
44D: __ Pieces, candy brand: REESE'S. I've never had this candy. Do they taste similar to M & M?
46D: Mozart's "__ fan tutte": COSI. Italian for "Thus do all (women)" or "Women are like that". COSI = thus, in this way. Fan=do. Tutte=feminine form for "all". Mozart's comic opera (buffa). Alien to me.
47D: Ruffles potato chip feature: RIDGE
48D: Fed-up employee's announcement: I QUIT
49D: Potbelly, e.g.: STOVE. Wikipedia says the potbelly sandwich name is derived from the potbelly STOVE.
53D: Hindu "Destroyer": SIVA. Or Shiva. Plus Brahma the "Creator" & Vishnu the "Preserver". Hindu Trinity.
56D: 1960s-'80s Chevy: NOVA. No idea.
57D: Calm under pressure: COOL. "Grace under pressure" = COURAGE (Hemingway).
58D: "All __ being equal...": ELSE
61D: Hydroelectric project: DAM. China's Three Gorges DAM is the world's largest hydroelectric project.
Answer grid.
C.C.
17A: Mojave Desert grower: JOSHUA TREE
26A: Flashy theatrically: RAZZLE-DAZZLE
44A: VIP at a grand opening: RIBBON CUTTER
60A: Place to wade: KIDDIE POOL
A pangram. 5 Z's. Unbelievable. There are also 6 V's in the grid. Quite unusual.
Such a tight & focused theme. RAZZLE-DAZZLE is certainly the showiest entry. Wish NEEDLE (45D: Bit of Christmas debris) were just clued as "Tease".
I had trouble with lower right corner. Penned in TROY instead of EPIC for 55D: "Cast-of-thousands movie" and messed up the whole corner.
Across:
1A: Knocks senseless: DAZES. And TKOS (52AD: Ali stats).
6A: "__ Zapata!": 1952 film: VIVA. Elia Kazan film, starring Marlon Brando. I obtained the answer from Down fills. I had ?IVA there and thought of DIVA first.
10A: Hook for landing large fish: GAFF. Faux pas is GAFFE.
14A: Send to the Hill, say: ELECT. Capitol Hill.
15A: Sister of Ares: ERIS. Twin sister to be exact. ERIS is the apple thrower who indirectly initiated the Trojan War. Greek goddess of discord.
16A: Teen follower?: AGER. Teenager.
19A: Tear to pieces: RIVE. So the person who tears the stuff to pieces would be RIVER?
20A: Coin-op eatery: AUTOMAT
21A: Moved to and fro, as a golf club just before swinging: WAGGLED. I'm glad Sergio Garcia gave up his waggle habit. Painful to watch. Just hit the damned ball.
23A: Harris' __ Rabbit: BR'ER
25A: Last Olds ever made: ALERO. Discontinued in 2004. Some source says ALERO is a Nigerian name meaning "Grace of the Land".
32A: "Tiny Alice" dramatist: ALBEE (Edward). The answer emerged itself.
33A: Rattler's pose: COIL
37A: Haunted house sound: MOAN
38A: Scout's job, for short: RECON
42A: Former wrestling star __ Brazil: BOBO. No idea. Wikipedia say this guy was credited with breaking down barriers of racial segregation in professional wrestling, and he is often referred to as the Jackie Robinson of wrestling,
43A: Luxurious fur: SABLE
47A: Up and about: RISEN
51A: Exams for would-be Mensas: IQ TESTS. Why did those Kamikaze pilots bother to wear helmets?
54A: Perfumery product: ESSENCE. ATTAR is often clued as "Essence of roses".
59A: Simon & Garfunkel et al.: DUOS
62A: Show flexibility: GIVE. A perfectly ripe mango should GIVE a little when pressed.
64A: Popular DVRs: TIVOS
65A: Seine summers: ETES. What Jerome himself said.
67A: 1"=100', e.g.: SCALE. What kind of SCALE?
Down:
1D: __ vu: DEJA. "DEJA Vu" is also a Denzel Washington movie. Very strange.
5D: Trip: STUMBLE. Verb.
6D: Checked out thoroughly: VETTED. Brutal vetting process in politics.
7D: Bargain tag abbr.: IRR
8D: Penthouse feature: VIEW
10D: Use Listerine, say: GARGLE
11D: Mentally quick: AGILE. "Physically quick" too.
12D: Peggy Lee signature song: FEVER
13D: Feckless Corleone brother: FREDO. He is indeed feckless. Sonny is hot-headed and reckless. Michael is just a perfect Godfather, calculated and ruthless.
18D: Bern's river: AARE. Or AAR. The river flows from the Alps into the Rhine. Aa is an old German for "running water". R is "river" I presume?
22D: It may be unmitigated: GALL. Is "unmitigated GALL" a common phrase?
28D: Letter-shaped beam: Z-BAR. No idea. Like this?
29D: Buddhist sect: ZEN. I like how it mirrors ZIN (31D: California red, briefly) in the grid.
34D: Cardholder's woe: DEBT
35D: Car bar: AXLE. Nice rhyme.
36D: Textile worker: DYER
39D: Fall away: EBB
42D: Trash holders: BINS. Wrote down CANS first.
43D: Romantic lowerings: SUNSETS. Did not come to me immediately. I was stumped by "lowerings".
44D: __ Pieces, candy brand: REESE'S. I've never had this candy. Do they taste similar to M & M?
46D: Mozart's "__ fan tutte": COSI. Italian for "Thus do all (women)" or "Women are like that". COSI = thus, in this way. Fan=do. Tutte=feminine form for "all". Mozart's comic opera (buffa). Alien to me.
47D: Ruffles potato chip feature: RIDGE
48D: Fed-up employee's announcement: I QUIT
49D: Potbelly, e.g.: STOVE. Wikipedia says the potbelly sandwich name is derived from the potbelly STOVE.
53D: Hindu "Destroyer": SIVA. Or Shiva. Plus Brahma the "Creator" & Vishnu the "Preserver". Hindu Trinity.
56D: 1960s-'80s Chevy: NOVA. No idea.
57D: Calm under pressure: COOL. "Grace under pressure" = COURAGE (Hemingway).
58D: "All __ being equal...": ELSE
61D: Hydroelectric project: DAM. China's Three Gorges DAM is the world's largest hydroelectric project.
Answer grid.
C.C.
76 comments:
Good morning, C.C. and gang - this one seemed pretty easy to me, for a Wednesday puzzle. I started off 1A with 'stuns', realized from 1D 'deja' that it had to be 'dazes', and the rest just flowed pretty smoothly.
'Automat' reminded me of the chain we used to have in Philly when I was a kid, Horn & Hardart. Are there still automats anywhere? 'Br'er rabbit' brought back memories of 'Uncle Remus' and 'please don't throw me in the briar patch'. Unknowns for me were 'Bobo Brazil' and 'Cosi fan tutte', and the perps took care of those. A nice pangram, and a very enjoyable puzzle.
Today is National Lasagna Day.
Today's Words of Wisdom: "Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep." -- Scott Adams (creator of Dilbert)
Mr. Fun Facts is taking a leave of absence, and will be replaced by Mr. Fun Quotes for a while.
- "Whenever I am caught between two evils, I take the one I've never tried." - Mae West
- "The problem with beauty is that it's like being born rich and getting poorer." - Joan Collins
C.C., 'scale' is used in modeling, where, for instance, 1 inch on a model equals 100 inches on the real thing, whether it be a plane, car, or ship.
Off to the gym.
Dennis,
When did you discover the theme? Is this the Jerome puzzle you had expected? Amazing amount of double-letter fills in the grid: GAFF, WAGGLED, AARE, ALBEE, RAZZLE-DAZZLE, RIBBON CUTTER, etc. Being rich/poor is a state of mind too.
WM,
Chinese for "You're welcome" is "bu ke qi". Bu is "no", "ke qi" means "polite".
Jazzbumpa,
You look very jazzy.
Moon,
Great pictures. Thanks for sharing.
Good morning, All. This was just the right challenge for a Wednesday morning. I had trouble with the theme, though. Joshua Tree was may last long clue fill in. I had all the others and noted that each of the other long clues had double double letters: ZZ appeared twice in RazzleDazzle / BB and CC in Ribbon Cutter / DD and OO in Kiddie Pool. I also noted the plethora of end of the alphabet letters: V, Z and even an X.
I did learn a few new words/phrases. I was not familar with GAFF. Since I know nothing about Golf, it took a while to get WAGGLED. I wanted Wavered, then tried Wiggled. Hadn't seen a Z-bar, but easily figured out the "bar" part.
I love Mozart, so love to see Mozart clues. I was in Vienna a couple of years back for the big Mozart celebration.
CC: Reeses Pieces may look like M&Ms but they are actually tiny, coated Reeses Peanutbutter Cups. They are a combination of Peanutbutter and chocolate.
"Deja Vu" was the filmed in New Orleans ~ the first one filmed after Katrina, so, although it wasn't a particularly great film (IMHO), it does have significance for those of us in southern LA.
If Charles and Diana had stayed married, this would have been their 28th anniversary.
It's going to be a hot, humid day here. Already close to 90 and it's just past 6:00 a.m.
"Economists were created to make weather forecasters look good." ~ Rupert Murdoch
Thanks, Jerome, for the theme! I was stumped as to what I was seeing till I read the interview,m and started taking words apart!!! Cute. Did well yesterday and today. A little slower in the NW corner 'cause JOSHUATREE was buried in the sand and wouldn't grow! But finally I figured it out. Only error was FREDO. I had WAGGLES and FRESO. Made sense to me since I never watched the Sopranos. I probably read the clue wrong as it clearly calls for past tense. Oh, well. Stuff happens.
Lois, have a GREAT weekend. You are the rock for your daughter. Hold on to that.
CY'All Later
Good morning C.C. and all, a very nice Wednesday puzzle. I was slowed down in the NE corner as I did not know "Fredo" and "Rive" and this left the crossing "E" blank for awhile. I finally guessed the "E" which turned out to be correct. The remainder of the puzzled filled quickly and any unknowns were filled by perps.
Looks like rain for today, but the humidity is supposed to be down along with the temperature.
Hope you all have a great Wednesday.
I was with hahtool. I thought the theme had something to do with the double letters, so never really caught on to the tease aspect until I read Jerome's interview.
Great interview by the way, and thanks for sharing with us often Jerome.
I got most of the puzzle, and added a smidgeon of red letter help at the very end. I have heard of Ibeams, tbars, ubolts but never ZBAR's. Got the bar but not the Z right away. Had no idea of GAFF, so that made the NE corner a little difficult to get all the fills.
Fun Wednesday puzzle.
Good morning, C.C., Jerome, and all,
Good puzzle, Jerome. My only hesitation was in the rive/fever crossing; had to confirm rive was a word. The rest was pretty smooth sailing, although I did not get the theme until I read the interview. I often have trouble with themes, for some reason.
Yesterday was our 20th consecutive day with temps over 97 degrees. We are also 12 inches below our normal rainfall. Heat indices are running over 110, which is in the danger level.
Wish you waterlogged folks up North would share with us a little!
Have a good day.
"Unmitigated gall" is a cliched phrase. You'll rarely hear anyone speak of gall without describing it as unmitigated, and you'll rarely hear the word unmitigated used to describe anything other than gall. (slacktivist.typepad.com)
Wedded words. Frequently used in political arena.
Book recommendation for all you xword nerds: From Square One: A Meditation, with Digressions, on Crosswords by Dean Olsher (2009, Scribner). Per Will Shortz it's "the most literate book on crosswords I've read."
Hi:
Have been buried in work and aggravation, so very quiet, but this seems like a good morning to get back to puzzledom. It is great to see a Jerome puzzle, and while the theme meant nothing until it was all done, I enjoyed the cluing and the interview.
Moon, love the Wedding Photos, reminded me of the The Namesake which showed a Bengali wedding; very interesting movie. Good luck with work search.
I have missed most days, but glad to hear you are on the mend Lo-li-ta.
My childhood bonding with my grandfather was watching wrestling, and Bobo Brazil was a major player, though my favorite was Killer Kowalski .
I also was amazed as a child, when we used to go in to the City (NYC) and you get food by putting change in the wall. I ended up doing business with the people from AUTOMAT many years later, when they were pushing Bojangles.
TFrank, you can have some of our rain, I wake up to storms as often as not; and people think Florida is hot.
@Clear Ayes: I highly recommend "The Great Influenza", especially since you have such a personal interest in this subject. I learned alot about life, including the political climate, in the US at the turn of the last century as well as gleaning information about the flu.
C.C., I didn't have a clue as to the theme until I read Jerome's interview; very clever.
Lemonade, great to see you again - it's been way too long.
I worked my way up from the bottom again but I still had to google to get a few words (FREDO, FEVER, AARE and ERIS). I also had a couple of false starts: COLOGNE for ESSENCE and ADEPT for AGILE. I only got JOSHUA TREE because I recognized it as the title of a U2 album.
I can't wait to see what link C.C. has for Seductive/SEXY.
Martin
Thank you CC for the wonderful interview. A great puzzle,though I was convinced that the theme was about 'double letters' instead of 'tease'.
For a Wednesday it seemed easy as what ever I didn't know, the perps took care of it.
Have used the word 'give' all my life but never knew it to mean 'elastic' or 'flexible'.
How is Bargain tag abbr IRR?
Yesterday's interview was a fiasco.
Today, I have one at noon.
Hoping that something materializes by end of August.
Have a great day
Good morning CC et al., Loved this puzzle. Not a 'stumble' or a hitch. Everywhere I bounced things just fell into place. Most unusual and still didn't get the theme until I came here. Duh! New word was 'vetted'. I thought of my friend Bryan as being 'vetted' with his 3 classic corvettes & is in a vette club. But I would be wrong. Loved the ref to Mozart. Saw Cosi Fan Tutte a while back in Norfolk. Cute and love the music. Had to laugh w/ 'deja vu'
thinking of Gge Carlin's Vuja de, seeing something familiar as if you've never seen it before... CRS in my world.
Started getting excited when
'agile' and 'fever' came in next to each other. Then Holy Hotwick!
'sexy' showed up with 'sable' and 'sunsets', the 'essence' of a lover's gifts giving back in the day. I prefer the razzle dazzle of diamonds myself. Being a Sooner, razzle dazzle in the backfield is commonplace. I just give it a whole new dimension. 'Viva' la difference!
Moon: beautiful pix. Really enjoyed seeing those. Gorgeous people and ceremonial garb. 'Irr' stands for 'irregular' which indicates a flaw somewhere and is sold at a reduced price. Good luck w/your interview today.
Dennis: LMAO at your response to Windhover yesterday. You just make me gut level laugh.
Windhover: reinforcements are better than an ambulance. Your call.
Thank you to all for the sweet comments & well wishes about the shower/wedding. It will truly be a remarkable day. This is the daughter who had just finished med school when her dad was given 6 mos to live. She decided to stay at his bedside and study for the boards. 6 mos turned into 2 years and she abandoned her dream of being an ER dr as his needs became more intense and her study time less available. Nobody could have been better cared for. Her brother will give her away and it will be as if her dad is there b/c he is the spittin' image of their dad...except for the longer hair. I am bracing myself to remain 'the rock', as Bill just said. I sure miss my rock, but it's all good. Here's to that positive thinking theory. I'll just think of you all and your collective humor, energy and support and we will have a wonderful, fun-filled, beautiful wedding. I'll put pix up when I get back. 1 day and a wake up.
Bill: thank you so much. I needed that. Give my best to Nancy.
Enjoy this gorgeous day.
Morning, gang.
@Moon: IRR means irregular, therefore, something on the bargain sale rack might but flawed; hence, irregular/IRR.
Clear Ayes: John Barry also wrote a book called Rising Tide. It is about the great Mississippi Flood of 1927. Although it was written before Katrina, I read it after the Hurricane hit. It is incredible how much stayed the same in that 70 year span. It the government had taken a lesson from the flood, New Orleans wouldn't have suffered so much damage.
Morning all,
Fun puzzle this a.m. Everything fell into place rather quickly, although romantic lowerings through me off at first; was looking for something more x-rated but enjoy the imagery of a romantic sunset. Don’t have a Tivo, but love our DVR. Can’t imagine watching TV without one. Replay and recording are wonderful features.
@Moon, think spandex in clothing and know they have some give. If you ever shopped an outlet beware of IRR (irregular). Loved the pictures of your sister’s wedding. So ornate and beautiful. Stay positive, each interview adds to your experience level. Good thoughts coming your way.
Great interview with Jerome. Love hearing about the construction of the puzzles and the thought process that goes into construction. Have a great day all-looks like lots of showers around here.
^
Reinforcement
Lois, you are a remarkable woman, and that's just in the ways that I'm aware of. Good luck with the wedding - I'm sure that with you behind it, it'll be a rousing success. You should just have a camera follow you around at the reception, then sell it to 'Girls Gone Wild'...
Good morning, all. I too enjoyed the puzzle but didn't grasp the theme until I was done, but then again I don't usually get them anyway! Must be a recessive gene at work there--just like when reading fiction & I have to keep a "cast of chararacters" listed on scrap paper so I remember that Henri is the father of Anthony, the son of Louis, the husband of Mercedes & the illicit lover of Barbara Lu....)
New saying at my house: "If it's a Wednesday puzzle, there will swearing but no tears."
@Moon: "IRR" seems to be used on tags to denote that the garment or other item you're purchasing has a flaw in it, but is still saleable, thereby meaning you get a discount in exhange for willingness to buy something with, say, a stain or a scratch. "Give" I've heard in terms of a loose belt on a machine or two parts that jiggle when they're suppposed to be flush. Too much give is a bad thing in those cases. In terms of clothing, "Not a lot of give there" might be a way to tell someone their trousers were too tight; a little 'give' may be a good thing in that case. I'm sure someone else will come up with better examples. i can't say I've ever used the word that way, but I've heard it.
Train's arriving, time for me to run! Later...
Hi c.c. and all:
Great puzzle today! I did not know Cosi fan tutte, but easily got it from the perps. Also, did not know the theme until I came here.
Lois: My thoughts will be with you and your daughter on her joyous and special day. How wonderful of her to put her life on hold to take care of her dad. I dropped out of college to take care of my mom who had cancer. My dad was an airline pilot and traveled a lot so I felt the need to be with her. I never regretted it. Can your daughter still apply for residency since she did graduate from med school? I know by the time they graduate from med school they have taken all but the last board exam. I know my daughter is in her first year residency program and I believe after her first year of residency she takes her final board exam, but not entirely sure.
Moon: Good luck on your interview
Lois, please know that all of us on the blog are sending you strength and joy to celebrate your daughter’s wedding. You have given us so much with your humor and wit, we will return the favor by being your rock in thoughts and good wishes.
I started with DECKS for DAZES and thus was slow to get a start in the NW. Also balked on RIVE, had RICE and couldn't see FEVER. I couldn't find a theme at all until I read Jerome's interview. I'm not too familiar with the slang terms JOSH or RAZZ. Now I know an excuse when I do something less that perfectly, like the Navajo rugs.
Lois,
Good luck with the wedding, but really all weddings should have a few tears, so don't be embarrassed if they're yours.
Moon,
Your sister's wedding must have been such a unique experience, with both cultures mixed as you described. Thankfully not the much longer version though.
I attended a San Antonio wedding a few years ago, where the couple were of Mexican parentage, but both had grown up and had their education in the USA. The service was conducted in both languages, not just a translation at each segment, but alternating between as they went through. That was unique too.
Recently they lost their first baby at about half term, and the groom's mother, our weekend house guest, shared with me her pain at their loss, since the groom himself had been a preemie. He was born in Mexico, and not being able to afford an incubation for him, she had nurtured him constantly in warm blankets until he was developing normally. Only three days in the hospital for a baby born at under seven months--can you imagine?
c.c.,
The German for "river" is Fluss, Strom (stream) or Bach (creek). With AARE, I think the -RE is just a reversal of -ER, as in flow-er.
Nice double letter puzzle today. I only had to hit the g-spot for one and that was for Cosi Fan Tutte. Perp help included viva, Eris (mythology – sigh), albee, Bobo and Aare. New word for me today was “rive” tear to pieces. My favorite clue was “bit of Christmas debris” – needle. Brady Joe and I cut down our own tree every year. How about you? I have never heard of an automat. Were they before my time? Are they similar to today’s vending machines? For some reason I immediately thought of “nude” for penthouse feature. Hmmm..
Lois, what a touching story regarding your soon to be married daughter. I am sure her father and your “Rock” will be there in spirit.
Two days and a wake up before I am reunited with LGJ. I miss him terribly.
Well done puzzle, Jerome. I didn't figure out the theme until I came to the blogs. I really liked the use of RAZZLEDAZZLE,WAGGLED, and VETTED all words I very seldom see in puzzles.
Good Morning All, I was on board with a double letter theme, but since I knew JOSHUA TREE had to be part of it, I had to come hear to get my serving of "D'oh!" Very clever, Jerome.
I liked the show biz and literary fills. Even "Flashy theatricality" reminded me of this Razzle Dazzle from Chicago.
A "Where did that come from?" was BOBO Brazil. It wrote itself.
I really enjoyed the cross of GARGLE and WAGGLED. It just sounded funny to me.
We discussed Death Valley a couple of days ago and now we have JOSHUA TREE. It is easy to forget that California is basically a desert. Here's a panoramic view of Joshua Tree National Park. No wonder all of the Californians on this blog bemoan our lack of rain.
Terrajo, It is so important for their future independence to let our kids range out when they are young, but it sure is nice when they come home! That first hug will be pretty special.
Lois, How happy and proud you must be. Best wishes to all of your family.
This was unexpectedly easy for a Wednesday puzzle. As others have said I thought the theme had to do with the double double letters, even though I had JOSHUA TREE with only one double letter.
I had the same trouble fills (BOBO, COSI, RIVE) but the perps and some guesses fixed me up.
My favorite clue was Car Bar - stared at it for awhile until it was revealed by the perps. DUH!
Hahtool - Great quote about economists, especially in this economic environment. My profession related quote comes from my years working in high tech: "Communication with an engineer is only slightly more difficult than communication with the dead."
Dennis: I well remember Horn & Hardart and their wonderful macaroni and cheese and hot apple pie. For a kid who was not a big eater, it was great to be able to see the food before you got it and be able to get it one item at a time.
Lois - Have a great time at the wedding. Looking forward to seeing the pictures.
Breezed right through this one today. Highly enjoyable puzzle. Loved all the double letter answers.
Lemonade, great to see you here again. Don't peter out on us again. Lo-li-ta is feeling better and on the mend.
Lois, enjoy your time in KY and don't be too hard on Windhover.
Tarrajo, Saturday will be here before you know it. I hope you did manage to enjoy some Tarrajo time.
Dennis, I think I am going to miss Mr. Fun Facts.
Hi C.C. & gang, we managed to finish all of today's puzzle without help except for the top right unknown 'fredo'.
C.C. your link to a picture a Z-bar came up blank? I've tried to find a picture too but the closest I could find was: Z beam which is a Z shaped beam used for shelving supports.
Hey All, Terrific puzzle today. My first name is actually Joshua. I would love to know how the name came to be used as a term for teasing, if anyone has any insight ont this it would be much appreciated. Hope everyone has a great day.
Here you go JoJo joshin you
Hey Gang -
No GAFFs in this puzzle. (As agreed, we let pass without comment the Navajo Humility Mark.)
I STUMBLEd over JOSHUA TREE. Humbling intself, since JOSHUA is my youngest grandson. I was thinking: JACOB? No - JONAS? Finally, after ZEST fell into place (really wanted LIME) J-TREE filled itself in.
BOBO Brazil was popular when I was a kid, 50 years ago. IIRC, his killer move was the coco bomb.
I was imagining a SEXY RIBBONCUTTER in SABLE at SUNSET. Great image, till she STUMBLEd into the KIDDIE POOL, lost her ZEST and WAGGLED beyond the RIDGE, out of VIEW.
We all have our humble moments.
Cheers!
CC:
you know I am saying this with the utmost respect, but there is great deal more difference between wealth and poverty than a state of mind.
Lois:
I'm working on a plan, and it does not involve emergency vehicles. If worse comes to worse, I am also licensed in the procedures Dennis was diplomatic enough to not mention last week. See you Friday.
Jerome:
I knew when you first started posting there was something quite different about your worldview. UFW organizer and union carpenter will get you at least one free beer in any bar we might ever meet in, and all you can down at the house, and no BudMillerCoorsLite, ever.
Why is it that intellectust be affirmed/credentialed? One of the smartest and most articulate people I have ever met is an Amish farmer in Ohio with little formal education who has published several books and recently a quarterly magazine. CC's (there you go, Kazie :-)) interview with you was entertaining and enlightening.
One of your fills reminded me of one my favorite sayings, words I try to live by:
If you can't dazzle 'em with your brilliance, baffle 'em
with your bulls--t.
To everyone and no one in particular, re the recent absence of several regulars:
Has the Rapture ocurred and we're "left behind"? Could that be where Michael Jackson went? Just askin'.
I'm on my way to another tamari ball class today. I've made three so far and I'm enjoying the relaxing effect of detailed crafting. I imagine quilters get that same feeling.
The only problem is that now I have to have a place to display my handiwork. I have the ones I've completed in a glass bowl on a side table. GAH thinks we have enough "stuff". He is right, of course. It made me think of this poem, and then this poem reminded me of Windhover.
THE TYRANNY OF THINGS
I am trying to rule
over ten thousand things
which I thought
belonged to me.
All of a sudden
a doubt take wings:
Do they...
or could it be..?
A hardhanded hunch
in my mind's ear rings
from whence
such suspicions may stem:
that if you posses
more than just eight things
then y o u
are possessed by t h e m
- Piet Hein
Jeannie - Thanks for that link about the phrase "joshin' you". I actually have one of those gold plated nickels. It was given to me by an elderly lady I used to help out when I was a kid. Her brother had a coin shop. She explained the ruse but I didn't know about the "Josh" part. Great story. I wonder if that coin is worth anything now.
@Jeannie, the Josh Tatum story is both interesting and true, but is not the origin of "joshing". It is easy to fall into a trap like that because it makes for amusing reading and is often wide-spread by the internet, but the reality of word origin is often much more mundane. In this case, the word had been used as early as the 1840's, before Josh was born. It is thought to be a combination word of joke and bosh (nonsense). Here on this page about the Liberty nickel is the explanation and some other trivia on the nickel, like being featured in an episode of Hawaii Five-0.
Hi gang,
Only had to look up 2 items. Perps helped with the rest.
I noticed the double letters, but bombed out on the theme.
Lois-have a wonderful time at the wedding. Will be thinking of you.
Moon-good luck with your interview.
Good old Uncle Remus. My dad was always quoting Br'er Rabbit.
Reeses Pieces were used in the movie ET after M&M's refusal. My youngest was 3 1/2 when he saw the movie and fell in love with Reeses Pieces. ET was a favorite of my eldest grandchild. She wanted to meet him as her Make a Wish request. He was unavailable but sent a personal video and TV.
Also watche wrestling as a very young child. Dad was stationed at George AFB out of Victorville. On Sat night the guys would come over to watch wrestling. We had one of the few TV's on base. That was about 1951-52. Oops, I just aged myself!!
Ok, time to do something constructive. Going to be another hot one today, was 108 yesterday. Soooo, it won't be anything outside.
Have a great day.
Today was much easier for me than Monday or Tuesday. I always do better if there’s some fun imbedded in the puzzle. Loved RAZZLE DAZZLE and KIDDIE POOL, and WAGGLE instead of wiggle. Didn’t mind seeing SEXY DAD, either. Masked critter was a gimme – one of the family names in my tree is Coon, so we have a few jokes about them.
I feel pretty dense, because it took so long to figure out Bit of Christmas Debris, NEEDLE. Slap to the head, DOH.
I’m waiting for someone to clue DYER as ‘inspirational speaker Wayne ----“
It was 106 here yesterday, and today should be just as hot. Fixed my sprinkler system just in time. I like the heat, especially when I have the option of staying indoors with the AC. ☺ There’s something appealing about warm summer nights.
Lois, hats off to your family. You certainly have your priorities straight. I know the wedding will be wonderful. I lost my dear husband 20 years ago, but he is still with us, still our rock. I’m sure yours will be watching and loving every minute.
Good morning C.C. and all -
Great puzzle and interview!! The only place I really got stuck was in the top center: never heard of VIVA ZAPATA or VETTED, could not remember ERIS so that area was blank. Other than that, I was able to complete it. Clever theme, once C.C. pointed it out. Like others, I also thought it was about 2 sets of double letters, but JOSHUA TREE ruined that.
Lois, all the very best to you and your daughter!! You know how I feel about you! I know it will be a wonderful day and I am with you in spirit. Also, say hi to Windhover and I hope you two 'tear up' the place, wherever you go. Sounds like he is prepared! I wonder what procedure he is licensed in? Sounds kinky, what fun for you!
CA, we are on the same wave length again today...I got BOBO right away and thought "how did that happen?" Funny how our brains work, huh?
Moon, good luck on your interview.
Peggy Lee's FEVER
C.C.- Thanks for the chance to connect to so many people. Your site is an important and entertaining piece of the crossword world.
Argyle- JOSH, RAZZ, RIB, and KID don't have to have the same amount of letters. JOSHUA TREE and KIDDIE POOL have to. The letter lengths for RAZZLE DAZZLE and RIBBON CUTTER also have to be the same. Those phrases are 'partners' in the grid.
Jazzbumpa- Long before I constructed it was a habit of mine to anagram words. I've always thought it fun. Being able to rearrange words quickly is very useful when doing fill and making all those interlocking words fit.
Barb b- I enjoy interacting with other puzzle lovers. Before I learned how to create a puzzle I was perplexed and fascinated by the process. I know many solvers are. I'm glad I can contribute some insight about that process.
Fred- Encouraging words are sweet to hear from a fellow constructor.
And big thanks to each of you for the kindness. I'm also looking forward to tomorrow... I won't have to be so warm and fuzzy.
Thanks Dennis and Jeannie:
For me it is easier to think of SCALE, 1" = 100 miles as an example from reading a map, but then I do not do hobby craft.
My favorite BOBO story does not relate to the wrestler; when I first started practicing law in Gainesville, I also naturally became a Notary Public to be able to attest documents. It turns out in Florida, Notaries can also
perform marriage ceremonies. I ended up performing many (most people were too poor, and I did them for free). The night before one wedding, I was meeting with the family of the family of the bride, and for whatever reason the word Bobo came up, and I recounted my then recent knowledge that how funny it was that people used that as a nickname, when it was actually Spanish for stupid. Turns out their son's nickname was...well anyway, have fun Lois and mini-lois.
I think my next big project will be to construct a puzzle, where each member of the blog contributes a word; we pass it around until it is finished, with our experts like Jerome and Fred and the rest getting it last. Saturday themeless?
Great puzzle and now I totally understand Jerome's love of fun words in the puzzles...this one was just full of giggles all the way through. I was very impressed that he worked in two double "Z's" and then BB in ribbon and TT in cutter and so on...SEXY, WAGGLED, EE in Albee...so much fun. Because of all the the double letters I too thought that was the theme except for Joshua Tree...even more clever when I came here and a V-8 moment!
Just started at the top and worked on down. The only one I didn't know was BOBO(again 2 sets of the same letters!) but it had pretty much filled itself in. Oh...and I always like ETE in a puzzle! ;o)
All around great puzzle...Jerome...you rock!
Dennis, April 8, 1991 was the final night for the final Automat on Forty Second St. and Third Ave. I have a great little book called, of all things, The Automat, which details the rise and fall of that interesting institution and it also includes some of their more well known recipes(Yum!). The only time I ever got to eat in one was NYC, summer of 1964 when we drove across the country and went to the New York World's Fair. My parents went out to dinner with friends of theirs and gave us money to walk up the street to an Automat. It was a wonderful and unique experience. I think that nowdays they might actually do well again.
Lois...it will be a wonderful wedding and your daughter sounds like an extraordinary person...and like Kazie said, try as you might not to shed tears...ain't gonna happen...they are tears of great joy.
Moon... I absolutely loved those gorgeous photos and beautiful fabrics and the lovely bride...the jewels over her brow were wonderful...what is the significance?
Lemonade, so good to see you back, have missed you muchly.
WH...a report and photos...Please.
C.C. xie, xie for bu ke qu(did I get that correct?)
Cool and lovely...ahhhhh.
Ah - Piet Hein. There was a remarkable guy. In addition to many other things, he also invented a form of short, pithy poem call the Grook. Here is one of my favorites.
PAST PLUPERFECT
The past, -- well, it's just like
our Great-Aunt Laura,
who cannot or will not perceive
that though she is welcome,
and though we adore her,
yet now it is time to leave.
Before I leave, I'll invite you to visit my blog
for more poetry.
Cheers,
JzB, the jazzy trombonist
Hello All--A great puzzle today. I was able to finish it all without any help which was very satisfying.
I don't watch the Sopranos so Fredo was not filled in until I got it with the perps. I'm just old enough to remember Br'er Rabbit but Bobo Brazil wasn't in my realm of experience.
Moon, the wedding pictures were absolutely wonderful. The whole affair was so colorful and your sister is very beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Lois, I know you will enjoy your daughter's wedding today. Take lots of pictures, and a hanky, maybe two, as tears are inevitable.
Having mouse troubles on my computer so will sign off for today. Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone.
Wasn't Fredo Corleone (13D) the freckless son of "The Godfather"? I don't think that clue was a reference to ths Sopranos.
Yep.
6:42 today. An easy, breezy Wednesday puzzle with some dynamite fill (esp. JOSHUA TREE and WAGGLED). I had no hangups at all, though I didn't know BOBO the wrestler. Thanks Jerome!
I'm busier than a cat on a hot tin roof (lots of those around since it's 107 degrees today) these days, so no time to do much blogging.
Good afternoon, c.c. and gang - Jerome, thank you for a pleasant and fun puzzle.
Most enjoyable reading all the posts.
Lois, your usual good humor, was no less today, but the latter part of your post actually made tears well up, tears of joy for you .
You are blessed, you know that !
My first reaction was, she must be one hell of a woman, but, Dennis, he put it much better when he said , you are a remarkable woman.
Well, just have a grand time for me too.
Argyle, loved Peggy Lee!
Dennis, National Lasagna Day ?! Gimmi a break !
PJB-CHI , great sense of humor, you have a way with words, thanks for the cheer.
Can't say another day in Paradise lately, right Lemonade ?
Rain and rumbling skies again today. Temp. 80 and Humidity 80
Ciao for now.
It seems that a lot of solvers did not discover the theme to my puzzle. I've gotten that feedback not only from this site but elsewhere. I have a question for those solvers.
Now that you know what the theme is do you think you should have caught on earlier? Do you think if you'd have looked a tad closer it would have become obvious? Or do you think it was too hidden.
What I did to get it was write the four answers on a piece of paper and stare at it for awhile. It's like you said, it's right there to see all along.
Jerome: it was a good puzzle, but I don't think I would have figured out the theme sooner due to the double letters of so many of the theme responsed. That and the fact that Joshua tree being my final fill on the long answers. I wondered how that fit in.
20-20 hindsight...TEASED HAIR might have worked but I liked the mis-direction afforded by the double sets of letters. With only one set in JOSHUA TREE, told me to look in another direction.
@Jerome, frankly, the only time I really care about the theme is on Friday when I sometimes need the few letters they provide for momentum. Early in the week, I almost always finish the puzzle before seeing any pattern, and then I'll start trying to figure out what the theme was, kind of as a second puzzle afterwards. So it didn't really matter to me today, other than giving me an extra "aha" moment long after I was already done. Since Saturday has no theme and Sunday spells it out (sort of), it's kind of a non-issue six days of the week. It's kind of fun though, to try to think up a cleverly worded title for the theme before coming here.
Jerome: If I don't get the theme while doing the puzzle (which happens about half the time), I can usually see it once I'm done. But today I'm afraid that it did not become obvious, even as I looked at the theme answers. I didn't get it until I read your interview. So, for me it was too hidden.
Jerome...I would have to agree with Kelev...All the double letters were a clever distraction and the only jarring note on that concept was the Joshua Tree which was actually one of my first fills(after Deja, of course). I wouldn't say the theme was hidden, but it was such a fun scrabbly puzzle that I didn't consciously sit and think about it. Argyle's suggestion might have made a difference, but, I just had fun saying "wow" 4 Z's and 2 B's and T's...etc and then other fills that had multiples of the same letter...like I said...hugely enjoyable and fun to do and isn't that ultimately the best way to do the puzzle...you are a terrific wordsmith!
Have JD's zuccini cake in the oven and it smells wonderful. Also did my own version of Jeannie's zuccini au gratin...angle sliced small zuccini and tossed them in Provencal EVOO with diced red pepper, thinly sliced green onion and little tiny yellow pear tomatoes, cut in half. Topped it with Panko bread crumbs mixed with Italian seasoning...no cheese as I had made macaroni and cheese with a 3 year aged white Vermont Cheddar. Yum! Thanks Jeannie for the great idea! I would definitely make that again.
Jerome, I really don't know if I would've caught it or not. I do know that not seeing it didn't lessen the experience for me.
Jerome -
I just read over at LA Crossword Confidential, and agree with the consensus there that the theme was too hidden. Yes, it's here in fromt of you, but you have to parse just so to get it.
To have worked TEASE in (maybe in place of TIVOS - (which I have heard used as a verb, Grrrrr!) would have helped immensely. I like the many double letters, but with a theme this subtle, misdirection becomes obfuscation.
But this is all second order nit-picking. I miss the themes about 15% of the time.
I did enjoy the puzzle and admire your skill.
Now, if you'd clued ZEST as exocarp . . .
Cheers!
Hi, It is mid afernoon and I wasn't going to comment but here goes:
Fredo Coreone was the brother who rowed out into the lake and didn't come back. All that was heard was the echo of the shotgun blast.
Jumped the gun and had Lasana last night.
We had a Joshua tree in our front yard when we lived in Tempe.
Our first TV also in 51 was a big Admiral consol with a radio and turn table.
Have heard of Bar-Z bacon and used to call Zagnut candy - Z bars. But a Z made with two right angles is half of an ancient Amer. Indian symbol.
Am ready to start the second Green Hornet Saturday serial and watch parts of Grad Prix. Forgot how stunning a 24 year old Jessica Walters was. A classic beauty.
A little sad no one commented on Felipe. Too much of downer maybe?
That's all folks. Untill next time.
eddyB.
Jerome, My two cents is on line with Dennis and others. I didn't get it until coming here, but that didn't make it any less fun. I kind of liked that I was tricked into believing that the theme had something to do with double-double letters, except for that darn JOSHUA TREE.
I actually enjoy my "D'oh" moments.
Jazzbumpa, Glad to see another Piet Hein Grook fan. Liked your poem too. I used to write sonnets, but they were so sappy I gave up and now just read poems and share here.
Windhover, I hope you enjoyed the Hein ode to greater simplicity. @11:10..LOL!
Sorry EddiebB, I read your post, but since I had never heard of Felipe, I couldn't really relate.
Jerome,
I rarely get the themes anyway, so not getting it until I read your interview was no loss. I'm still glad to get through a mid-week puzzle with no help.
This was a fair puzzle with only a few unknowns,i,e. joshua tree and waggled. I am not saying I got all the other answers but these two are not in my repratoire.
I use to go to the Horn & Hardart automat in Willow Grove,PA just north of Philly where Dennis went.
C.C.,
Why is it named 'Three Gorges'?
Does China sell any of the power from this dam to any of its neighbors.
Jerome. what is the theme? I liked the nostalgic reference i.e. automat, Novas, and Br'er rabbit(Song of the South). Saw that movie many years ago. Did anybody else see it?
I mean repertoire
@Jerome
I don't think the theme was too hidden. After all, it is a Wednesday puzzle. And it is in plain sight. If I really hunkered down and worked at it I would have figured it out eventually, I was just lazy.
@jerome: For me it's usually all about the theme, particularly on the easier early week puzzles.
Today, I didn't take the time to tease out the theme, as I've been really busy. However, as I stated in my earlier post, the fill was so full of sparkle (and RAZZLE DAZZLE, even), that I really didn't need to worry about the theme (though I was certain there was one, it being Wednesday and all).
Had I been constructing (and I have never built a puzzle), I might have liked to see a TEASE in there (perhaps clued as a way of doing one's hair so it's a different meaning than the puzzle theme).
It might have even been OK (to me) to have something like TEES OFF, using a homophone, but I dunno if that is kosher in xword theming.
Thanks to all that have chimed in about the theme's difficulty. I was trying to get a better feel for the solver's point of view. I think the remark from Dennis pretty much summed it all up.
"GIRLS GONE WILD" ?????
JDK, you're right - probably too tame for Lois.
@ Jerome; Themes usually elude me, regardless of how obvious they may be to others. Not latching onto a theme while solving isn't that big a deal unless I need to understand it to finish the puzzle. So, for instance if the themed answers require me to, I dunno, invert the first & last names of clued celebrities: "HopeBob", "ShoreDinah" or "BoxerBarbara" then I'm going to twist in the breeze awhile. Helpful perps usually come to my rescue.
Whether I decode the theme on my own or get it here from the blog, the AHA moment is still sweet. Just speaking for 1 guy here, I think a theme does add some zing to a puzzle as long as it doesn't lead to ho-hum fill. When push comes to shove, I prefer the "it factor" to be spread througout the grid. You managed interesting fill AND pulled off a theme. In puzzles, like parties, perhaps the theme is most of all a way to remember one from another:
Question: "Hey, remember the one with all the teasing?
Answer: "Yeah, that was even better than the one with the all those hidden presidents.
Puzzle or party? Themed or not, it's good to enjoy it with others.
Jeannie & Al, Thanks for the Joshing explanations. I had head that prase all my life, but never thought to qustion its origin. This is why I so enjoy this site, learning the background to many words and phrases. Everyone is so insightful, and I just love trivia and education in general, especially history and english composition. And as to comments to tarajo from the other day, I completely agree, don't change a thing about your posts. They are a very pleasant part of this site. And to anyone making comments of a negative nature especially from a cowardly position of anonimity, you should really be ashamed, and probably are, hence the anonimity.
Please excuse the typos - head for heard, and qustion for question, typing to fast!
Wowzer! I am sooo behind today.
Loved the puzzle with all the double letters, and CC, that was one fine interview. Jerome, you are constantly helping us all understand the complexity of creating a c/w.I enjoy your daily interpretation of each puzzle too.
I haven't had time to read the 71 comments, so I don't want to repeat, but I'm sure no one else here had a raccoon in their kitchen last night! I laughed when I saw masked critter. He loves that cat food!
Reliving history:
1715- 10 Spanish treasure galleons sank off of the FL coast in a hurricane
1835-1st sugar plantation in Hawaii. Now there are only 2, but they are making sugar for ethanol.
1895- Vincent Van Gogh died after shooting himself.
1928- along came Walt Disney's "Steam Boat Willie"
1969- Mariner 6 started transmitting photos of Mars
1974- 2nd impeachment vote against Nixon by the House Judiciary Committee
1978- Pioneer II transmitted photos of Saturn & its rings
1981- Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer
1988- The last Playboy Club closed (Lansing, MI)
Two stiff gin & tonics, a piece of lasagna, and tomorrow's puzzle...life is good!
Now Ive read it all and you all have gone home,figures...
Jerome, we all loved this puzzle and you teased us with those double letters. Who am I kidding, I never get the theme.
PJB, I thought I was the only one who writes down a list of characters for "big" novels, like Mitchners. It is a carry-over from some of my college English classes.
(psst.. any news on the i.c.cake?)
JDK, I drove my parents nuts singing "Zip A Dee Doo Dah." I heard that "The Song of the South" inspired the "Splash Mt" rides for the Disney parks.
Lois, we all know why your daughter is extraordinary; just look at her mom. I cried for your loss, and then with joy for the pride you have in your children.It will be an emotional day, so very special!
Jeannie and Al, great detective work. very interesting info on those nickels. Gotta review to see what we have in my f-i-l's old collection.
Jazzbumpa, that poem reminde me of a wooden wall hanging whatever that my mother made in her youth. We all thought it was hilarious and she hung it by the door. In tiny brass nails it read-
"True friendship laws are by this rule expressed-
Welcome the coming
Speed the parting guest
Thank you Kelev for the correction on the Fredo connection. I haven't see "The Godfather", either, therefore my guess was "The Sopranos."
Thank you, also, Jeanne for the origin of joshing you. An enterprising young man for sure.
My mouse is repaired, so I'm back in business this evening. Good night all.
This is a beautiful example of a simple idea turned into a superb and excellent puzzle.
Favorites- All the theme answers, plus HO HUM, JETT, CURTSY, MAGPIES, RICKETY, HUFF, and TWEET.
Really nice, Fred, really, really nice.
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