Monday, January 5, 2009

Title: They Died With Their Birthday Hats On
Author: Ogden Porter (Peter Gordon)
Theme: People who died on their birthday.

• 18a: Vice president who died on his 96th birthday, 5/16/1920 (LEVI P MORTON).


• 23a: Catcher who died on his 72nd birthday, 12/20/1972 (GABBY HARTNETT).


• 37a: Gangster who died on his 59th birthday, 7/17/1954 (MACHINE GUN KELLY).



• 51a: Actress who died on her 67th birthday, 8/29/1982 (INGRID BERGMAN).


• 60a: Talk show host who died on his 81st birthday, 8/11/2006 (MIKE DOUGLAS).

This is kind of a weird Monday theme. It's vaguely interesting trivia, but not at all the kind of thing you would actually expect someone to know. And if, like me, you're not up on your 19th-century vice presidents and/or your 1920s ballplayers, then it's pretty darned obscure. On the plus side, there are five theme entries, and each died in a different decade of his/her life, from their 50s to their 90s.

Sundries:

• 10a: Dick Vitale's cable channel (ESPN).


• 14a: Queen in a speech by Mercutio (MAB). From "Romeo and Juliette".


• 17a: Vow before testifying (I DO). A nice departure from the almost obligatory wedding clue, here we get the response to "Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth...".


• 21a: Rho lookalike (PEE). Could have easily gone to potty humor here, but no... a boring Greek letter clue instead.


• 22a: Sauce made with pignoli (PESTO). Mmmm.


• 33a: With 34-Down, three-time World Series of Poker winner (STU / UNGAR).


• 56a: Borden mascot (ELSIE).


• 68a: "Let's Get It On" singer Marvin (GAYE).




• 70a: Boston ___ Sox (RED).


• 1d: Skosh (SMIDGE).


• 2d: Angle unit in math (RADIAN). 2pi radians = 360 degrees.


• 4d: Danny's "Do the Right Thing" role (SAL). That's Aiello, not Devito.


• 5d: Letter in El Al's logo (ALEPH).


• 6d: Olay rival (NIVEA).


• 9d: Orange leftover eaten on Black Friday (YAM). Day after Thanksgiving.


• 11d: Command to a fidgety child (SIT STILL).


• 24d: Bright-eyed and ___-tailed (BUSHY). I've always wondered where this phrase came from. And I've always liked it.



• 25d: Abominable Snowman (YETI).


• 32d: George Smiley, for one (SPY). Well, I was pretty sure it wasn't a SPA.


• 36d: Name signed on MLB baseballs (Bud SELIG), the commissioner of baseball.


• 39d: Chicago ballpark eponym, once (COMISKEY). This is at least the fourth baseball-related clue or answer this puzzle. Does that seem high?


• 48d: Key of Beethoven's "Pastoral" Symphony (F MAJOR).


• 49d: South-of-the-border order (TAMALE).


• 53d: Shirk one's responsibilities (DOG IT).


• 57d: Snoopy's original owner (LILA). I only vaguely recall this plotline, and I couldn't tell you what she looked like at all.

Not too much to say here. This puzzle didn't do much for me, but it wasn't terrible or anything. I wasn't crazy about the theme, which is a problem when you have five theme entries since it doesn't leave a lot of room for sparkling ancillary fill.

Thanks for listening.

- Pete M.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Title: VWLLSS CRSSWRD
Author: Frnk Lng (Frank Longo)
Theme: Essentially themeless, but vowels are removed and there's no Y.

I love these puzzles. They're so... puzzley. Since I'm running late, and since it's not always obvious what the fully vowelled answer is, I will list all the answers and reduce my comments considerably.

• 1a: Director Godard (JNLC). Jean-Luc.


• 5a: Alternative to a true-false test (MLTPLCHCQZ). Multiple choice quiz.


• 15a: Having tender tootsies (FTSR). Footsore.


• 16a: Mixture that can kill (LTHLCMBNTN). Lethal combination.


• 17a: Disappears gradually (FDST). Fades out.



• 18a: Place reviewed in Fodor's (TRVLDSTNTN). Travel destination.


• 19a: One who thinks logically (RSNR). Reasoner.


• 20a: Making global in scope (NTRNTNLZNG). Internationalizing.


• 21a: Result of bad reception (STTC). Static.


• 22a: Caps and gowns are worn for them (GRDTNS). Graduations.


• 23a: "O Canada," for one (NTHM). Anthem.


• 24a: Emetic syrup used in treating accidental poisoning (PCC). Ipecac.


• 25a: Garden outside Jerusalem that was the scene of the agony and betrayal of Jesus (GTHSMN). Gethsemane.


• 30a: Gallery with paintings, sculptures, handicrafts, etc. (MSMFFNRTS). Museum of fine arts.


• 33a: Christmas tree decoration (RNMNT). Ornament.


• 34a: Errata list (MSPRNTS). Misprints.


• 35a: Getting people up in arms (CSNGSTR). Causing a stir.


• 37a: Simulated, as a Civil War battle (RNCTD). Re-enacted.



• 38a: Deep-fried Chinese appetizers (SPRNGRLLS). Spring rolls.


• 40a: When tripled, a classic Christmas carol (LTTSNW). "Let it Snow".


• 42a: Rock to sleep (LLL). Lull.


• 43a: Tangled up, as shoelaces (NKNT). In a knot.


• 44a: Totally dries up (DSCCTS). Desiccates.


• 46a: Hot dog topping (RLSH). Relish. I went with CTSP (catsup) first.


• 47a: Final performance run-throughs (DRSSRHRSLS). Dress rehearsals.


• 51a: Camcorder insert (VDTP). Video tape.


• 52a: Periodical put out by the same parent company (SSTRPBLCTN). Sister publication.


• 53a: Edible green head (LTTC). Lettuce.


• 54a: Team that won Super Bowl XLI (NDNPLSCLTS). Indianapolis Colts.



• 55a: Small, active bird (TMTT). Tomtit.


• 56a: High schoolers' advisers (GDNCCNSLRS). Guidance counselors.


• 57a: Catch in a web (NSNR). Ensnare.


• 1d: D.C. landmark whose interior walls contain excerpts from the Declaration of Independence (JFFRSNMMRL). Jefferson Memorial.


• 2d: Body with 100 members (NTDSTTSSNT). United States Senate.


• 3d: Cause not to have so great an effect (LSSNTHMPCT). Lessen the impact.


• 4d: Good food, warmth, etc. (CRTRCMFRTS). Creature comforts.




• 5d: Temperature at which a solid becomes a liquid (MLTNGPNT). Melting point.


• 6d: English majors take them (LTRTRCRSS). Literature courses.



• 7d: 1982 courtroom drama starring Paul Newman (THVRDCT). "The Verdict".


• 8d: Bees do it (to flowers) (PLLNT). Pollinate.


• 9d: Shedding light on (LCDTNG). Elucidating.


• 10d: Advances aggressively (CMSNSTRNG). Comes on strong.


• 11d: Done regularly and frequently (HBTL). Habitual.


• 12d: Formally declare to be a saint (CNNZ). Canonize.


• 13d: Sound bite, e.g. (QTTN). Quotation.


• 14d: Dividing into districts (ZNNG). Zoning.


• 26d: 1956 uprising during which Soviet forces invaded Budapest (HNGRNRVLTN). Hungarian Revolution.


• 27d: Theme song of Arthur Godfrey's radio shows (SMSLKLDTMS). "Seems Like Old Times".


• 28d: Psychiatric hospital (MNTLNSTTTN). Mental institution.


• 29d: Becomes a factor (NTRSTHPCTR). Enters the picture.


• 31d: Make global substitutions in a text document (FNDNDRPLC). Find and replace.


• 32d: Novel featuring Hester Prynne, with "The" (SCRLTLTTR). "Scarlet Letter".


• 36d: Complete moral purity (SNLSSNSS). Sinlessness, I assume. Not my favorite entry.


• 39d: Phones someone (PLCSCLL). Places a call.


• 41d: Bathroom fixture (WSHBSN). Wash basin.


• 45d: Fancy handwriting embellishments (CRLCS). Curlicues.


• 47d: Throwing water on (DSNG). Dousing.


• 48d: Lived (RSDD). Resided.


• 49d: Join temporarily, as a jam session (STNN). Sat in on? This doesn't feel quite right, as SAT IN should be plenty. But I can't think what else it would be.


• 50d: Al Pacino drama based on a Peter Maas book (SRPC). "Serpico". Tried SFLV ("Sea of Love") first.

The last time one of these came out (about a year ago, and predating this blog), I wrote to Peter Gordon asking if there'd be more. He said there would be a book of them available sometime this past fall, but I have not seen them yet. This puzzle's title (if you can display enough of it)indicates that it will be out "sometime this spring". I hope it's soon, because once a year is not enough for me. I really enjoy these a lot.

Thanks for listening.

- Pete M

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Title: Themeless Thursday
Author: Karen M. Tracey
Theme: None

Happy new year, everybody. Hope 09 treats y'all fine. Norrin2 here and my new years resolution is to not complain about how easy the Thursday Sun puzzles are these days, and it looks like Karen Tracey is helping me keep that resolution. This was a tough one. Tough but fair with several entries that I should have got a lot quicker than I did.

24D: Explore among stalagmites and stalactites (SPELUNK) was my ticket into the puzzle. I knew this one,
even though I also knew that most people who do explores among the stalactites prefer the verb "to cave". Too bad because "spelunk" is a great word. From there I utilized my knowledge of 70's TV to get 44D: Barbarino of TV's Sweathogs (VINNIE)



And that together with 47D: Pie nut (PECAN) allowed me to get 47A: Novel with the character Serjeant Buzfuz, with "The" (PICKWICK PAPERS) I didn't specifically remember the name Buzfuz but I recognize a Dickensian name when I see one. And from there I figured I was off to the races and indeed the lower lefthand corner fell in pretty short order. Since I was already thinking of caves and spelunking I wasn't thrown off the by 55A's the looks-like-a-gerund-but-is- actually-an- adjective Yawning (CAVERNOUS).

But after that things slowed down considerably. I struggled mightily with 23A: Woodstock artist. I was racking my brain to recall who painted that famous picture of the bird on the guitar neck, or maybe she meant musical artist, so I tried to remember some of the more obscure acts at that event. It turns out the clue refers to Snoopy's buddy, who maybe should have been there:



I hate it when I have one in my wheelhouse (I'm a big comic strip fan) and I can't quite mentally expand enough to grab it. No, actually I don't hate it, but it's a tad embarrassing to fess up to.
And speaking of comic strips I had to cheat and look up 60A: 1954 Janet Leigh portrayal (ALETA). I never even knew there was a Prince Valiant movie. It must be pretty bad, even though now that I think about it Janet Leigh seems the perfect choice to play that part.



I'm also a big baseball fan and I definitely should have got 1A:Ballplayer Roy in "The Natural" (HOBBS) but I was sure it was spelled HOBBES like the philosopher (and Calvin's tiger). Plus I never expect to get One Across in a Karen Tracey puzzle, so I successfully psyched myself out.

I have a couple of minor musical quibbles, starting with 45A: Name in the only hit by Dexys Midnight Runners (EILEEN). It's true that "Come on Eileen" was their only hit in the United States, they had several more hits in their native England including a number one "Geno." (Also, shouldn't "Come on Eileen" have a comma in there?) 51D: Like vinyl records (PASSE) CD sales fell for the umpteenth year in a row in 2008, but LP sales are up as are sales of turntables, and you now see albums in places like Best Buy. So I'd say the LP is not passé just yet.

Here, with a minimum of interruption from yours truly, the rest of the first Sun puzzle of 2009:

1a: Ballplayer Roy in "The Natural" (HOBBS).

6a: They're not street-legal in many places (ATVS).

10a: Swift stroke (LASH). I tried to make this harder than it was, thinking it must refer to satirist Jonathan Swift.

14a: Lit (AFIRE).

15a: Sound of alarm? (BEEP).

16a: Service designation (ONEA).

17a: Flonase alternative (AFRIN).

18a: The Plow (URSAMAJOR). This one took a while too. I couldn't stop thinking it referred to hatha yoga asana "The Plow."

20a: "Must See TV" lineup (SITCOMS).

22a: Present (TROTOUT).

23a: Woodstock artist (CHARLESMSCHULZ).

25a: GRE component (VERBAL).

26a: Furtive glance (PEEK).

27a: 2008 hurricane (OMAR). Already forgotten the 08 hurricanes.

28a: Unspoiled locale (EDEN).

30a: Online lad mag (STUFF). Granted, I don't pay much attention to lad mags, but is Stuff online only these days?

35a: Leave-taking word (TATA).

36a: Chokes up, in a way (SILTS).

38a: Anent (INRE).

39a: Suits (EXECS).

41a: Sign of disuse (RUST).

42a: Ness and others (TMEN).

43a: Having no fractional parts (EVEN).

45a: Name in the only hit by Dexys Midnight Runners (EILEEN).

47a: Novel with the character Serjeant Buzfuz, with "The" (PICKWICKPAPERS).

52a: August (EMINENT).

53a: Posthumously published Franz Kafka novel (AMERIKA).

55a: Yawning (CAVERNOUS).

57a: Trig function (COTAN).

58a: Children's book author Jon (AGEE).

59a: Ticks off (IRKS).

60a: 1954 Janet Leigh portrayal (ALETA).

61a: Earns (NETS).

62a: Plain Jane (EYRE).

63a: Signs over (CEDES).

1d: Berkeley business school (HAAS).

2d: Staples rival (OFFICEMAX).

3d: Baby figure? (BIRTHRATE).

4d: Whatnot contents (BRICABRAC).

5d: Lady abroad (SENORA).

6d: Revile (ABUSE).

7d: Long jumper Igor ___-Ovanesyan (recordholder before Bob Beamon) (TER).

8d: Attire (VESTMENTS).

9d: Thin (SPARSE).

10d: Indisposed (LOATH).

11d: Historical region of western France (ANJOU).

12d: Where Samsung is headquartered (SEOUL).

13d: Big name in pet products (HARTZ).

19d: Dummies (up) (MOCKS). Tricky. I thought she meant dummy up as in "be quiet."

21d: Grasse lasses: Abbr. (MLLES).

24d: Explore among stalagmites and stalactites (SPELUNK).

25d: Tribal Council highlight (VOTE).

29d: Lobby list (DIRECTORY).

31d: Monk, e.g. (TITLEROLE).

32d: Not deserved (UNMERITED).

33d: Long program (FREESKATE).

34d: "Twin Peaks" actress (FENN).

37d: Anger (STEAM).

40d: Runoff conduit (SEWER).

44d: Barbarino of TV's Sweathogs (VINNIE).

46d: Dried root from a plant of the madder family (IPECAC).

47d: Pie nut (PECAN).

48d: TIFF part (IMAGE).

49d: Palm cat, e.g. (CIVET).

50d: Delivers a low blow to (KNEES).

51d: Like vinyl records (PASSE).

54d: Santa ___ (New Mexico Indians) (ANAS).

56d: Hung. neighbor (UKR).