The New York Times Crossword in Gothic

Wednesday,July 9, 2014

Puzzle by Bruce Haight / Edited by Will Shortz

STAR-STUDDED(60A. Like the Oscars … or the answers to this puzzle’s seven asterisked clues?) clues the main feature of this Wednesday crossword:

JUST ARRIVED(17A. *Words on a birth announcement)
SALES TARGET (26A. *Quota for a rep to achieve)
COSTA RICA (37A. *Oldest continuous democracy in Central America)
TOURIST AREA (51A. *Where to find money exchange shops)
LESS TAR (13D. *Cigarette ad claim)
STARE (27D. *Prefight psych job)
ASTARTE(40D. *Ancient fertility goddess)

Other — AT ONE GO(12D. In a single try), BEER GUT (11D. Opposite of six-pack abs, ironically), CREATURE (38D. Kind of comfort), DOODLES (41D. Marginal things?), DRUM SET (42D. It often shows a band’s name), MADAGASCAR (32A. Title island of a 2005 DreamWorks animated film), SORORAL (47A. Sisterly), THAT’S A GO (5D. “Let’s roll!), TORTUGA (31A. Island setting for “Pirates of the Caribbean”), WISECRACKS (43A. Words from class clowns).

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Buster Keaton

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Thursday, July 10, 2014

Puzzle by John Guzzetta / Edited by Will Shortz

In this Thursday crossword, the solver is asked to imagine the word SILENT as part of the entry across words and as a descriptive for a unpronounced letter of an entry down:

[SILENT] PARTNER crossing COUP with a silent P
[SILENT] HILL crossing HONEST WOMAN with a silent H
[SILENT] NIGHT crossing DAMNS with a silent N
[SILENT] SPRING crossing ELLIS ISLAND with a silentS
[SILENT] MOVIE crossing MNEMONIC with a silentM
[SILENT]TREATMENT crossing LISTEN with a silentT

Clues for the above, the words — PARTNER(4D. Business associate uninvolved in management), HILL (5A. Hit 2006 horror film based on a video game series), NIGHT (12D. Popular Christmas carol), SPRING (54A. Seminal 1962 book on the environment), MOVIE (50D. Almost any pre-1927 Hollywood production), TREATMENT (63A. Some passive-aggressive behavior).

The letters — COUP(1A. Takeover), HONEST WOMAN (5D. What a girl becomes after marriage, in an old expression), DAMNS (9A. Curses), ELLIS ISLAND (24D. Great Hall locale), MNEMONIC (50A. “Every good boy does fine,” e.g.), LISTEN (4D. Tune in).

Other — AESTHETES(20A. Art lovers), CZAR and UKASE (29A. 3-Down issuer; 3D. Decree), DEMESNE (43D. Lord’s estate), MANON (11D. Jules Massenet opera comique),PORK PIE (39A. Buster Keaton hat), SALLIE MAE (59A. Company providing financial assistance to college students), SEES INTO (23A. Probes), SMARTNESS (17A. Brains), STYLO (13D. Pen, in Paris).

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Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker,

Star Wars Episode III, Revenge of the Sith

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Friday, July 11, 2014

Puzzle by Victor Fleming and Sam Ezersky

Edited by Will Shortz

Across —1. Displeases one’s buds?, TASTES BAD; 10. Dart maker … or dart, DODGE; 15. R.V. park hookup option, SEWER LINE; 16. When New York’s Central Park closes, ONE A M; 17. Snack in a gym bag, ENERGY BAR; 18. Clog, GUM UP; 19. Phrase cooed en espanol, TE AMO; 20. Opposite of miniature, KING SIZE; 22. Uses a 49-Down, SITS; 23. People thank God when it comes, FRIDAY; 25. What Kramer often called Seinfeld, JER; 26. Joseph of ice cream, EDY; 27. Art ROONEY, Steelers owner for 55 years; 28. Cops, in slang, POPO; 29. Moon views?, BUTTS; 30. “Weiner Fauen” composer, LEHAR; 31. They might like your comments, FACEBOOK FRIENDS; 36. N.F.L. team that went 0-16 in 2008, LIONS; 37. Have an itch, YEARN; 38. Duncan of Obama’s cabinet, ARNE; 39. Impound lot charge, TOWAGE; 41. Jump start?, JAY; 44. Gomer Pyle, e.g.: Abbr., PFC; 45. Trees used to make shoe trees, CEDARS; 46. Enfant bearer, MERE; 47. Ad mascot in sunglasses, JOE CAMEL; 49. Spanish soccer club, for short, BARCA; 50. Spirit, ARDOR; 51. Outerwear for moguls?, SKI PARKAS; 54. Battery for many a toy, C CELL; 55. Like a 1938 Andrew Jackson stamp, SEVEN-CENT; 56. Writer featured in “The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test”, KESEY; 57. 409 and 410, but not 411, AREA CODES.

Down —Scary little sucker, TSETSE; 2. 12-book classic, AENEID; 3. Like many exercisers, SWEATY; 4. The “2x” and “5” in 2x + 5, e.g., TERMS; 5. Accordingly, ERGO; 6. Designing, SLY; 7. Restaurant accessory, BIB; 8. Knight who fell to the dark side, ANAKIN SKYWALKER; 9. Knock sharply, DERIDE; 10. Spot, to a tot, DOGGY; 11. Large charge, ONUS; 12. Cousin of a carafe, DEMIJOHN; 13. It may cover a tear, GAUZE PAD; 14. Power line?, EMPERORS; 21. Unfavorable reply, NAY; 23. Shot, informally, FOTO; 24. Tiller attachment?, ROTO; 27. Coats put on at barbecues, RUBS; 28. Part for a whack job?, PEEN; 29. Well, in Rome, BENE; 30. Old change in the Vatican, LIRE; 32. Hotcake, FLAPJACK; 32. Jet pack?, AIR FORCE; 33. Cries uncle, CONCEDES; 34. What chickens have, FEAR; 35. Clothing, colloquially, RAGS; 39. Pro TEM; 40. Seat of Ector County, Tex., ODESSA; 41. Moved like a whiptail, JERKED; 42. Apprehended by a small group, ARCANE; 43. Brewers’ supplies, YEASTS; 45. Pop singer CARLY Rae Jepsen; 46. Cry in a swimming pool game, MARCO; 48. He had a 1948 #1 hit with “Nature Boy”, COLE; 49. Judge’s perch, BANC; 52. “’I’VE no idea”; 53. Kind of gravel, PEA.

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Electra and Orestes, from Alfred Church,

Stories from the Greek Tragedians, 1897

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Saturday, July 12, 2014

Puzzle by Tim Croce and Alex Vratsanos

Edited by Will Shortz

Across — 1. Army equivalent of a leading seaman: Abbr., CPL; 4. Lowered, SCOWLED; 11. Man on he street, BRO; 14. New England state sch., URI; 15. Football helmet feature, EAR HOLE; 16. Preposition with three homophones, O’ER; 17. Span since 1955, TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE; 20. Middle of an Aeschylus trilogy, with “The”, LIBATION BEARERS; 21. Classic label in classical music, ERATO; 22. Try to pull off, say, TUG AT; 23. Camera movement, TILT; 24. Unwelcome neighbor, SNOOP;29. Get on board, LADE; 30. Gouda and Muenster, SEMI-SOFT CHEESES; 33. Greeting at the head of a procession, ALL HAIL; 34. Selfish response to a request, I DON’T FEEL LIKE IT; 42. River that passes by the Hermitage, NEVA; 43. Wall hanging, ARRAS; 44. Saint who is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, ELMO; 45. Squarely, informally, SPANG; 47. First name in late-night TV, CRAIG; 48. Monumental, EARTH-SHATTERING; 54. Pro athlete in a red-and-white uniform, ARIZONA CARDINAL; 55. Subway nits., MTA; 56. Bright spots, SOLARIA; 57. One being shepherded, say, EWE; 58. It’s double-hyphenated: Abbr., SSN; 59. Like many a sports car, TWO-DOOR; 60. Brutus’ “but”, SED.

The Remorse of Orestes
by William-Adolphe Bouguereau, 1862

Down — 1. Schnitzels, e.g., CUTLETS; 2. Plain variety, PRAIRIE; 3. Stick in a purse?, LIP BALM; 4. 1950s-’70s defense acronym, SEATO; 5. Request often accompanied by “please”, CAN I; 6. Pasta eaten with a spoon, ORZO; 7. “That’s enough,” to a server, WHEN; 8. Banker/philanthropist Solomon, LOEB; 9. River into which the Vitava flows, ELBE; 10. Clear of vermin, DE-RAT; 11. Some corner shops, BODEGAS; 12. Move from A to B, say, REGRADE; 13. Hero of 20-Across, ORESTES; 18. Stanger a.k.a. Bravo’s “Millionaire Matchmaker”, PATTI; 19. “You can’t beat me!”, I RULE; 24. Sight-singing technique, SOLFA; 25. 54-Across, e.g., for short, NFLER; 26. Gender option on modern forms, OTHER; 27. Onetime center for the distribution of oranges, OCALA; 28. 2008 World Series winners, to fans, PHILS; 31. Didn’t get snapped up, say, SAT; 32. Laura Nyro album “ELI and the Thirteenth Confession”; 34. They run up legs, INSEAMS; 35. Skips, DEPARTS; 36. Reproductive, in a way, OVARIAN; 37. Sportscaster Jim NANTZ; 38. Olympic gymnast KERRI Strug; 39. Manhattan eatery referenced in Billy Joe’s “Big Shot”, ELAINE’S; 40. “Wow!”, I’M IN AWE; 41. Turned off and on, TOGGLED; 46. Shade, GHOST; 47. Ohio’s CEDAR Point, home of the Top Thrill Dragster and Millennium Force roller coasters; 49. Kind of day or job, SNOW; 50. Headlight?, HALO; 51. Part of A.M.P.A.S.: Abbr., ACAD; 52. Arum family member, TARO; 53. TLC, e.g., TRIO.

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Sunday, July 13, 2014

"We Hold These Truths To Be Self-Evident”

Puzzle by Tim McCoy / Edited by Will Shortz

Seven tautological phrases, plus one from Gertrude Stein in circled letters (A ROSE IS A …) constitutes the interrelated group of this friendly Sunday crossword:

BOYS WILL BE BOYS(23A. Class excuse for some misdemeanors)
I YAM WHAT YAM (35A. Declaration from Popeye)
WHAT’S DONE IS DONE (43A. Doubt-dispelling words from Lady Macbeth)
IT AIN’T OVER TILL IT’S OVER (72A. Famous Yogism)
HATERS GONNA HATE (97A. Words dismissing detractors)
IT IS WHAT IT IS (105A. Expression of resignation)
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH (121A. “We wll tolerate this no more!”)

Other — CERN (33A. World’s largest particle physics lab, in Switzerland), CHEWS OUT ((93D. Reams), EARED and SIDED (48D and 49D. Follower of lop), ERAGON (119A. Fantasy title character whose name is one letter different from the creature he rides), GOLD MINE (6D. Source of great profit),LIGAND (19D. Bonding molecule), NERDS (73D. Colorful, pebble-like candies), SOLARIUM (91D. Sunny room), START A WAR (47D. Send in troops, say), SWIVELS (94D. Takes a turn), TITRATES (64D. Determines the concentration of a dissolved substance), WEEVIL (43D. One that’s a bore?), WEST WING (11D. Emmy-winning drama four years n a row, with “The”).

Place in pets

Night town

Night town a glass

Color mahogany

Color mahogany center

Rose is a rose is a rose is a rose. …

~ Gertrude Stein

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Sunday, July 13, 2014

Acrostic, Puzzle by Emily Cox and Henry Rathvon

Edited by Will Shortz

This Sunday’s acrostic draws a quotation from “The Dirt on the Clean: An Unsanitized History” by Katherine Ashenburg.

The question of cleanliness is one every age and culture has answered with confidence. For the first-century Roman, being clean meant a two-hour soak n baths of various temperatures, scraping the body with a miniature rake, and final application of oil. For the aristocratic Frenchman in the seventeenth century, it meant changing your shirt once a day and perhaps going so far as to dip your hands in some water. … The Dirt on Clelan considers the bizarre prescriptions of history’s doctors, the hygienic peccadilloes of great authors, and the historic twists and turns that have brought us to a place Ashenburg considers hedonistic, yet over sanitized. ~ amazon.com

The quotation: THE MEDIEVAL WORLD WAS IMMEASURABLY LESS DEODORIZED THAN OURS. … SO SPIRITUAL A CHARACTER AS… THOMAS AQUINAS APPROVED OF INCENSE IN CHURCH BECAUSE IT MASKED THE PREVAILING BODY [ODOR], WHICH, HE ADMITTED, ‘CAN PROVOKE DISGUST.”

The author’s name and the title of the work: ASHENBURG, THE DIRT ON CLEAN

The defined words:

A. Fruit salad with miniature marshmallows, AMBROSIA
B. Bags packed with scents, SACHETS
C. Popular fish-and-chips fish, HADDOCK
D. Slivovitz or kirsch, e.g. (3 wds.), EAU DE VIE
E. Aromatic lquid used as a solvent, NAPHTHA
F. Sold as a package deal, BUNDLED
G. Creator of the friar-sleuth William of Baskerville (2 wd.), UMBERTO ECO
H. Solemn music for a Mass, REQUIEM
I. Visual aid (2 wds.), GUIDE DOG
J. Modern-day midden (2 wds.), TRASH HEAP
K. Shaky memory; turbidity, HAZINESS
L. Superficial tissue layer, EPIDERMIS
M. Doctrine of evolution, DARWINISM
N. Bar once sold with the slogan “It floats” (2 wds., IVORY SOAP
O. Bring back, as a product, RELAUNCH
P. Teamster’s meeting place, maybe (2 wds.), TRUCK STOP
Q. Having a keen sense of smell, OSMATIC
P. Monks in training, NOVICES
S. Moderately amused reaction, CHORTLE
T. Water closet, LAVATORY
U. Role for Patrick McGoohan in “Braveheart” (2 wds.), EDWARD I
V. Breath mints packaged in tins, ALTOIDS
W. Special bulletin (2 wds.), NEWS FLASH

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Monday, July 14, 2014

Puzzle by MaryEllen Uthlaut / Edited by Will Shortz

UFO SIGHTING (47A. Eerie encounter … or a hint to 23-, 31- and 39-Across), YOU FORGOT ME(23A. Annoyed “Hel-LO!”), SUBARU FORESTER (31A. Japanese compact S.U.V.) and DOUBLE STUF OREO (39A. Sandwich cookie with abundant filling) constitute the interrelated group of this pleasant Monday crossword.

Other — CONFINED TO(56A. Locked up in), EMPEROR (5D. Caesar of Charlemagne), FOGHORN (42D. Blast from a lighthouse), Treaty of GHENT, pact ending the War of 1812, LAUDING (40D. Singing the praises of), PAGE LAYOUT (18A. Web designer’s concern), SCALENE (9D. Like a triangle with sides of different lengths).

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Macy’s symbol

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Tuesday,July 15, 2014

Puzzle by Zhouqin Burnikel / Edited by Will Shortz

Four company founders and a company they established comprises the main feature of this Tuesday crossword:

TED TURNER / CNN(6D. Founder of 6-Down; 6D. World’s most widely distributed syndicated news service)
JEFF BEZOS / AMAZON (11D. Founder of 36-Across; 36A. World’s largest online retailer)
SAM WALTON / WALMART (34D. Founder of 58-Across; 58A. World’s biggest private employer)
STEVE JOBS / APPLE (63A. Founder of 47-Down; 47D. “World’s most admired company,” per Fortune)

Other — BOREDOM (9D. Cause of yawning), BREAKS UP (45A. Splits, as a couple), BREEZE (20A. Relief on a hot day), OVERFED (21A. Stuffed), SCRAPES (43D. Just gets by), STAR (38A. Macy’s symbol), founded by R. H. Macy, SURE CAN (5D. “No prob”), UZBEK (18D. Turkic tongue), YES I KNOW (32A. “That’s not news to me”).

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Triangles, Shutterstock.com

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Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Puzzle by Daniel Raymon / Edited by Will Shortz

TRI, ANG and LES in circled letters, SCALENE(21A. Like the figure formed by the three circled letters in the upper left), ISOSCELES (36A. Like the figure formed by the three circled letters in the upper right) and EQUILATERAL (55A. Like the figure formed by the three circled letters at the bottom) constitutes the interrelated group of this clever Wednesday crossword.

Other — ANTWERP(1D. Belgian seaport),HERONRY (11D. Nesting area for wading birds), MALE SEX (41D. The symbol for the Roman god Mars represents it), PEROT (15A. Also-ran of 1992 and 1996), ROMNEY (39A. He tapped Ryan in 2012), ROSEANNE (8D. Comic with a “domestic goddess” persona). STEIGER (65A. “In the Heat of the Night“ Oscar winner), TEXTERS (67A. Some distracted drivers).

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Humpback What Heat Run in Tonga, photo by Tony Wu

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Thursday, July 17, 2014

Puzzle by Alan Arbesfeld / Edited by Will Shortz

Four answers with the first word spelled backwards along with BACK implied as part of the word constitutes the interrelated group of this Thursday crossword:

[KCAB]PMUH WHALE (17A. Singer in the sea, literally). e.g., humpback whale
[KCAB]LLAF POSITION (27A. Plan B. literally), fallback position
[KCAB]RETRAUQ SNEAK (42A. Gridiron maneuver, literally), quarterback sneak
[KCAB]YGGIP RIDE (57A. Little kid’s lift, literally), piggyback ride

Other — ALL CAPS (7D. Indicator of stress), ATT and ATTY, AURORA (39A. Skylghts?), EMPTY NETS (13D. Fisherman’s bane and hockey player’s boon), ILA and IRA, LOCATIONS (11D. Spots), NORTHEAST (32D. 45 degrees), OGLE and OGRE, ON E and ONE-C, QUAYLE (43D. Bush successor), SPARE TIRE (30D. Gut), TRATTORIA (12D. Vino spot), TRUE LOVES (31D. Soul mates).

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Friday, July 18, 2014

Puzzle by Ian Livengood / Edited by Will Shortz

Across —1. “Know what I‘m saying’?,” in hip-hop slang, YA’ HEARD; 8. “Yep, alas”, ‘FRAID SO; 15. Feature of many a reception, OPEN BAR; 16. 1998 N.F.L. M.V.P. Davis, TERRELL; 17. Tablet alternatives, GEL CAPS; 18. Laughed menacingly, CACKLED; 19. Any of the Baleares, ISLA; 20. Political leader?, GEO; 22. Bob of play-by-play, COSTAS; 23. Squeeze, CRUNCH; 26. Kind of dye, AZO; 27. Things that wind up on trucks, FIRE HOSES; 30. Sounded wowed, AAHED; 32. Days AGO; 33. Villainous organization in the 007 film “GoldenEye”, RUSSIAN MOB; 35. Sleep around, BED HOP; 37. Like many Plains Indians, SIOUAN; 39. Football and basketball, TEAM SPORTS; 43. Like innuendo, SLY; 44. Electronics component, DIODE; 45. Ole Miss, athletically, THE REBELS; 47. What you might arrive two hrs. early for, ETD; 48. Central American capital, SAN JOSE; 49. Blue-flowered Mediterranean herb, BORAGE; 52. Buff finish?, OON; 53. Nuzzling spot, maybe, NAPE; 57. Leader referred to as “His Imperial Majesty”, AKIHITO; 59. 1994 memoir with a chapter on “New Robot Novels”, I ASIMOV; 61. Oscar-nominated Greek-American actor, SAVALAS; 62. Crank, NUTCASE; 63. Certain solution holder, EYE BATH; 64. Figure in many a New Yorker cartoon,ST PETER.

Down —1. Meditative sort, YOGI; 2. Big tree climbers, APES; 3. Something to catch from scolding parents, HELL; 4. Box, ENCASE; 5. Org. the Utah Stars belonged to, ABA; 6. Public Enemy and others, RAP GROUPS; 7. Who wrote “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not”, DR SEUSS; 8. U.S. fraud watchdog, FTC; 9. Breadth, REACH; 10. ARCO Arena (past Kings home); 11. Needles, IRKS; 12. Campus spot for Bluto, Otter and Boon, DELTA HOUSE; 13. Scuzz, SLEAZE BALL; 14. Motherland, OLD SOD; 21. Tender with Washington, ONES; 24. Google browser, CHROME; 25. Ted Danson hit series, CSI; 27. “Groovy!”, FAB; 28. “All right already!”, I GET IT OKAY; 29. Walk of Style locale, RODEO DRIVE; 30. Flavorings in some root beers, ANISES; 31. Member of a loving trio?, AMO; 34. Person on a mission?, ASTRONAUT; 36. Ordered, HAD; 38. George Clinton was ts first gov. (for 21 years), NYS; 40. K-12 grp., PTA; 41. “Whoops!”, OH NO; 41. Answers, REJOINS; 44. Lower, DEBASE; 46. “Quit your squabbling”, BE NICE; 48. Swtched to, as on a thermostat, SET AT; 50. Fictonal boss of Stubb and Flask, AHAB; 51. River to the Colorado, GILA; 54. Member of a loving trio?, AMAT; 55. Work for an artist, maybe, POSE; 56. “Would I EVER!”; 58. Start of a kids’ clothing line name, OSH; 60. Letters on a track, STP.

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Crossword, photo Getty

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Saturday, July 19, 2014

Puzzle by Barry C. Silk / Edited by Will Shortz

Across —1. It has many giants and dwarfs, COSMOS; 7. Profit-sharing figure: Abbr., AGT; 10. Part of the former Republic of Pisa, ELBA; 14. Run down a mountainside, SCHUSS; 15. Pour it on, GO ALL OUT; 17. One who winds up on a field, HURLER; 18. A kid might be punished for showing it, ATTITUDE; 19. Scores, A LOT; 20. Marked up, say, WROTE ON; 21. Something pocketed in Italy?, RAVIOLI; 24. Like Princes Leia vis-à-vis Luke Skywalker, YOUNGER; 27. Roller coaster feature with a food name, PRETZEL LOOP; 29. Celle-là, across the Pyrenees, ESA; 30. Movie with the line “I’m a vulgar man. But assure you, my music is not”, AMADEUS; 31. Be a very fast learner?, CRAM; 32. Title woman n a “Paint Your Wagon” song, ELSA; 35. Hybrid, maybe, CAR; 36. Do a 35-Across chore, GAS UP; 37. Romp, LARK; 38. Brave, e.g., WARRIOR; 40. “Who AM I?”; 41. 1965 Yardbirds hit, FOR YOUR LOVE; 45. Like many rodeo animals, LASSOED; 47. Dweller near the Potemkin Stairs, ODESSAN; 48. Best seller, HOT ITEM; 50. In, AMID; 51. Track on “Beatles ’65”, I’M A LOSER; 53. “Out!”, BEGONE; 55. Scarab, e.g., TALISMAN; 56. Tip for slips, ERASER; 57. Barreled, SPED; 58. Like some broody teens, EMO; 59. Folks working on courses?,DINERS.

Down —D preceder, C SHARP; 2. Telescope part, OCULAR; 3. Tuesday preceder, SHROVE; 4. Be a juggler?, MULTITASK; 5. Ending of saccharine, OSE; 6. Letters on old atlases, SSR; 7. Seaweed derivative, AGAR; 8. Call for a timeout, GO TO YOUR ROOM; 9. Some body work, TATTOOS; 10. John in an arena, ELTON; 11. Chases, in Cheshire, LOUNGERS; 12. Flower child?, BUD; 13. Had dogs, e.g., ATE; 16. Fail at falling asleep, LIE UP; 20. Underdog playoffs participant, WILD CARD TEAM; 22. Character in many Baum works, OZMA; 23. Where Gay’s “lowing herd wind slowly”, LEA; 25. Biblical venison preparer, ESAU; 26. Artery connection, RAMP; 28. Noted acid studier, LEARY; 31. Noted 1-Across studier, CARL SAGAN; 32. Company with the King David Club, EL AL; 33. “Los Horizon” figure, LAMA; 34. St. Patrick’s Day order, IRISH ALE; 36. “Saw” sights, GORE; 38. Pity party plaint, WOE IS ME; 39. Alternative to the pill, briefly, IUD; 41. Snaps, FOTOS; 42. Slip through, say, OSMOSE; 43. Like Cinderella’s stepsisters vis-à-vis Cinderella, VAINER; 44. “ENDERS Game”; 46. Not iffy, SOLID; 49. Hungarian name meaning “sincere”, ERNO; 51. “IT’S me”; 52. Battle-planning aid, MAP; 53. Spring place, BED; 54. “Cap’n ERI” (1904 novel).

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Land of junk, asylum insane journal

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Sunday, July 20, 2014

“Moving Parts”— Puzzle by Eric Berlin

Edited by Will Shortz

A note heads this crossword: The answer to each starred clue must have two consecutive letters removed before it is written into the grid. These letters will move to a pair of circles elsewhere in the puzzle. (In all cases, new words will be formed.) The nine letter pairs, when properly arranged, will spell an appropriate answer at 72-Across.

A LITTLE GIVE AND TAKE(72A. See instructions) is the end result of the noted exercise in this unfriendly Sunday crossword.

Other — CAESAREAN(92D. Like the cry “Veni, vidi, vici”), DOODAD (44A. Thingamajig), GAROTTE (45A. Strangle), RISOTTO (49A. Italian dish that needs much stirring), STRETTO (101A. Close overlap of fugue voices), TOADSTOOL (10D. Mushroom), WHITTLE (22A. Yolk surrounder).

Little else of interest except the tedious and uninteresting hopscotch between circled letters and starred clues.

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Pablo Picasso, Blue Nude, 1902

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Monday, July 21, 2014

Puzzle by Matt Fuchs / Edited by Will Shortz

PRIVATE PARTS (55A. What unmentionables cover … or what 20-, 27- and 44-Across all begin with?), HIDDEN VALLEY (20A. Big name in ranch dressing), SECRET GARDEN (27A. Classic of English children’s literature, with “The”)and CLASSIFIED AD (44A. Small paid item in the back of a newspaper) constitute the interrelated group of this Monday crossword.

Other — CLAM BAKE (18A. New England cookout), CREW CUT (38A. Military hairstyle), DECADES (7D. Divisions of a century), ESP and ESPYS, JOURNAL (36A. Diary), PICASSO (42D. Painter with a Blue Period), WEB SITES (58A. YouTube and Yahoo!).

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“I’m Wishing” is the first song featured in

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs ~ Disney Wiki

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Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Puzzle by Joel Fagliano / Edited by Will Shortz

Seven crossing entries with one meaning across and another down, accompanied by cross-referenced clues, constitutes the interrelated group of this crafty Tuesday crossword:

LIGHT(6A. With 8-down, lime shade), with GREEN (8D. With 6-Across, approve), light green and green-light.
MAN (16A. With 12-Down, not natural), MADE (12D. With 16-Across, mob inductee), man-made, made man.
HEAD (33A. With 23-Down, deli product), CHEESE (23D. With 33-Across fan of the N.F.L.’s Packers), headcheese, cheesehead.
WISHING (38A. With 38-Down, place to drop a coin), WELL (38D. With 38-Across, desiring happiness for someone), wishing well, well-wishing.
ARM (40A. With 31-Down, jazz legend), STRONG (31D. With 40-Across, coerce), [Louis] Armstrong, strong-arm.
PAN (58A. With 54-Down, waffle alternative), CAKE (54D. With 58-Across, bakery container), pancake, cake pan.
BREAK (59A. With 57-Down, part of a morning routine), FAST (57D. With 59-Across, basketball tactic), breakfast, fast break.

Other — BANDLEADER(3D. Count Basie, e.g.), BEATEN DOWN (30D. Demoralized), DIRT BIKES (35D. Off-road two-wheelers), DRONE BEE (20A. One in service to the queen?), IN CROWD (4D. Exclusive group), LASERDISC (6D. Bygone video format), LLAMA (52D. Fleeced beast), REFILLED (56A. Like gas tanks and many prescriptions, again and again), SPIED ON (44D. Watched through binoculars, say).

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Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Puzzle by Howard Barkin / Edited by Will Shortz

BLANK CHECK (59A. Complete freedom … and a hint to each half of the answer to each starred clue), BODY DOUBLE (18A. *Movie stand-in), BACKGROUND SOUND (29A. *Crowd noise, for example)and PERSONAL BAGGAGE (46A. *One’s physical or emotional burdens) constitute the interrelated group of this Wednesday crossword.

Other — A KEY (58D. Solution t the classic riddle “What force or strength cannot get through, / I, with gentle touch can do”), AGA KHAN (45D. Shiite leader who clams direct descent from Muhammad), ASKANCE (43D. With suspicion, as a look), BOAR (1A. Truffle-seeking beast), DARKENS (57A. What the moon does during a lunar eclipse), EQUATOR (10D. Where it’s always zero degrees), RUN COLD (24D. What your blood may do when you’re frightened), SWAK (52A. Love-letter words), TIME OUT (20A. Toddler’s banishment to a corner, say), TOCCATA (38A. Bach work).

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Paint It Black by taldaro 13

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Thursday, July 24, 2014

Puzzle by David Phillips / Edited by Will Shortz

PAINT IT BLACK (23D. 1966 Rolling Stones hit… or an instruction to be followed four times in this puzzle) with ‘IN’ in four black double-squares constitutes the main feature of this Thursday crossword:

CHECK [IT] OUT(20/22A. “Looky here!”) along with ENC[I]RCLED (5/25D. Went around) and COA[T]TAIL (6/26D. Men’s formalwear feature)
LET [IT] SLIDE (59/61A. Not worry about something annoying) with DULC[I]NEA (41/67D. Don Quixote’s love) and PETER [T]OSH (37/68D. One of the Wailers of Bob Marley and the Wailers)
WRECK-[IT]-RALPH (4D/39D. Hit 2012 Disney film) with STA[I]RCASE (29/32A. Flight setting) and ANA[T]OLIA (35/36A. Greater part of Turkey)
PAINT [IT] BLACKwith CUTS [I]NTO (47/49A. Interrupts, as a broadcast) and SELEC[T]EES (52/53A. Chosen people)

Other — AFRO(7D. Picked locks?), DINO and FLINTSTONE (63D. 11-Down pet; 11D. Pebbles, e.g.), ECARTE (5A. Game similar to euchre),ISAIAH (74A. Prophet on the Sistine Chapel ceiling), OGRISH (50D. Beastly), OPALS (50A. South Australian exports), PEORIA (51D. Bradley University site), Jeremy RENNER of “The Avengers“, SLOES (56D. Dark-skinned fruit), SOLANO (66A. California county between San Francisco and Sacramento), STELLA (52D. Stanley Kowalski’s woman), Rikki-tikki-TAVI, THEATRE (27A. A series of “insurmountable obstacles on the road to imminent disaster,” per Tom Stoppard.

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George Foreman, right, sent Joe Frazier to the canvas six times in less than two founds to claim Frazier’s heavyweight championship in a bout at Kingston, Jamaica , on Jan. 22, 1973. Foreman, who was 24 at the time would retire in 1977 but come back to win a share of the title in 1994 at age 45. ~Houston Chronicle Sports

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Friday, July 25, 2014

Puzzle by Peter A. Collins / Edited by Will Shortz

Across —It’s part of a club, MAYO; 5. Place for vino, ASTI; 9. Like some floors and series, SWEPT; 14. Ancient land east of the Tigris, ELAM; 15. Fur source, CHINCHILLA; 17. Repeated cry in a 1973 fight, DOWN GOES FRAZIER; 19. High class, SENIORS; 20. Mo. Of Indian Independence Day, AUG; 21. Annihilate, arcade-style, ZAP; 22. Many a New York Post headline, PUN; 23. Geezers, OLD GOATS; 25. Aptly named N.F.L. M.V.P. of the 1960s, STARR; 28. Tudor who lost her head, BOLEYN; 29. The Glass Capital of the World, TOLEDO OHIO; 31. Thing, in Spain or Italy, COSA; 35. Minority report?, DISSENT; 36. Polish rolls, BIALIES; 38. SLOE-eyed; 39. Regardless of the repercussions, AT ALL COSTS; 41. Fox in the Baseball Hall of Fame, NELLIE; 43. Bring up to speed, CUE IN; 44. They might become bats, ASH TREES; 47. Death, to Mozart, TOD; 48. People often strain to make it, TEA; 49. D.C.-based intercontinental grp., OAS; 50. Calls upon, TURNS TO; 54. Many Victoria Cross recipients, BRITISH SOLDIERS; 57. Heads with hearts, ARTICHOKES; 58. One hit on the head, NAIL; 59. Indian yogurt dish, RAITA; 60. “No PASA nada” (“It’s all good”: Sp.); 61. Journeyer through Grouchland, in a 1999 film,ELMO.

Down —1. Doc’s orders, MEDS; 2. Palliation application, ALOE; 3. Demonstration of disinterest, YAWN; 4. Like God, OMNIPRESENT; 5. Fall faller, ACORN; 6. Hens and heifers, SHES; 7. “’TIS true”; 8. Like God, INFALLIBLE; 9. Like yaks, SHAGGY; 10. Richard Pryor title role, with “the”, WIZ; 11. The “you” in “On the Street Where You Live”, ELIZA; 12. Fold, PLEAT; 13. Some cover-ups, TARPS; 16. Tanker’s thankful, CRUDE OIL; 18. Currency of 46-Down, GOURDE; 23. “Impressive!”, OOH; 24. Elated, ON CLOUD NINE; 25. Touchstones: Abbr., STDS; 26. Bust a hump, TOIL; 27. Further, ALSO; 28. Liquor store, Down Under, BOTTLE SHOP; 30. Restrained, ON A LEASH; 32. Beauvais’s department, OISE; 33. Institute n the 1997 sci-fi film “Contact”, SETI; 34. N.R.A. member?: Abbr., ASSN; 37. Agreement, ACCORD; 40. Start of an alphabet book, A IS; 42. Work first publicly performed at the Theater an der Wien in 1805, EROICA; 44. In open court, AT BAR; 45. Junipero SERRA, founder of San Francisco; 46. Where 18-Downs are currency, HAITI; 47. Home of minor-league baseball’s Drillers, TULSA; 50. Ducky web sites?, TOES; 51. Dollar bill feature, SEAL; 52. Quick cut, TRIM; 53. Europe’s Tiger City, OSLO; 55. Cousin of a chickadee, TIT; 56. The English Beat’s genre,SKA.

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Detail of vase painting depicting Scylla, c. 340 BCE, Getty Museum

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Saturday, July 26, 2014

Puzzle by Julian Lim / Edited by Will Shortz

Across —1. Faces facts, GETS REAL; 9. Cruise vehicle, MOVIE; 14. Airline relaunched in 2009, AL ITALIA; 15. A. Ryder, WINONA; 16. Resort town near Piz Bermina, ST MORITZ; 17. Like some migraines, OCULAR; 18. “Home Alone” actor, JOE PESCI; 19. Hot stuff, WASABI; 20. Schubert’s “The ERL King”; 21. Place for a shoe, HOOF; 23. Star material, maybe, TIN; 24. Highlander, e.g., TOYOTA; 28. Taking five, PAUSING; 31. Public face, POSTER CHILD; 34. Scylla in Homer’s “Odyssey,” e.g., SEA CREATURE; 35. Former hit TV show with the them song “Get Crazy”, JERSEY SHORE; 36. Eliza in “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” e.g., MULATTO; 37. “Raising Hell” rappers, RUN DMC; 41. ILE de la Reunion; 42. Phila.’s Franklin INST; 45. Queenside castle indicator, in chess, OOO; 46. Zigzag ribbon, RIC RAC; 49. Change for a C-note, maybe; TEN SPOTS; 53. Tops, RATED A; 54. Smashes to smithereens, ATOMIZES; 55. Narrow soccer victory, ONE NIL; 56. Mark of affection, LOVE BITE; 57. Undesirable element in the home, RADON; 58. Deserve to be listened to, say, KNOW BEST.

Down —1. Fixture in a chemistry lab, GAS JET; 2. Las Ventas combatant, EL TORO; 3. Opportune, TIMELY; 4. Cry to a tickler, STOP; 5. RARE bird; 6. Whiffenpoofs, e.g., ELIS; 7. Common aspiration?, AITCH; 8. Region of Italy that includes Rome, LAZIO; 9. Material also known as cat-gold or glimmer, MICA; 10. ONUS probandi (legal term); 11. Set off easily, VOLATILE; 13. Bringing forth fruit, as corn, EARING; 15. Provider of “!!!”, WOW FACTOR; 22. Voice actress in Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog”, OPRAH; 25. Horse OPERA; 26. Feature of breakfast … or dinner?, TOAST; 27. Like the lifestyle of many a monk, ASCETICAL; 29. African political movement, UHURU; 30. Fire sign?, SIREN; 32. Check for size, say, TRY ON; 33. Some semiconductor experts: Abbr., EES; 34. Set apart, SELECTED; 35. Dutch queen until 1980, JULIANA; 36. Reflect, MIRROR; 38. Beaut, DOOZIE; 39. Some Renaissance music, MOTETS; 40. Baby, COSSET; 43. Follow too closely, STALK; 44. Siouan tongue, TETON; 47. Subject of a Will Ferrell “S.N.L.” impersonation, RENO; 48. Court edge, ADIN; 50. Porto-NOVO, Benin; 51. Cousin of a goldeneye, SMEW; 52. Mr.PIBB.

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Flatline

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Sunday, July 27, 2014

“What’s My Line?” — Puzzle by Randolph Ross

Edited by Will Shortz

Ten familiar phrases all clued as a “line” constitutes the main feature of this pleasant Sunday crossword:

SORRY WRONG NUMBER (22A. Telephone line)
SHOW ME THE MONEY (30A. Cruise line)
ONCE UPON A TIME (52A. Story line)
THAT’S ALL FOLKS (77A. Finish line)
IT’S NOT YOU IT’S ME (101A. Fault line)
TAKE MY WIFE PLEASE (111A. Laugh line)
I’LL GET IT (14D. Help line)
MAY I SEE YOU AGAIN (15D Date line)
MIGHT MAKES RIGHT (39D. Power line)
EAT FRESH (84D. Subway line)

Other — ALIENATED (38D. Put off), CHUNNEL (9D. French connection?), DEAD END (88A. Maze feature), DOOZIES (41A. Special somethings), FARFEL (99A. Small pellets of noodle dough in Jewish culture), FEHR (57A. Longtime baseball union exec Donald), Jimmy HATLO (“They’ll Do It Every Time cartoonist),PRAHA (18A. European capital, to natives), RED-FACED (37D. Embarrassed), RIPPED OFF (65A. Pinched), SCHEDULE A (42D. I.R.S. form with a line for “Casualty and Theft Losses”), SESAMES (90D. Bagel toppers), STEEVE (95D. Work on the docks).

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Star-Studded

07.10.14 — Silent

07.11.14 — The Friday Crossword

07.12.14 — The Saturday Crossword

Self-Evident

07.13.14 — The Dirt on Clean — the Acrostic

07.14.14 — Unidentified Flying Object

Company

07.16.14 — Triangles

07.17.14 — BACK

The Friday Crossword

The Saturday Crossword

Moving Parts

07.21.14— Blue Monday

07.22.14 — Across and Down

Blank Check

07.24.14 — Paint IT Black

Down Goes Frazier

The Saturday Crossword

What's My Line?