10.09 Sun (calendar)

S U N D A Y
October 9, 2011
Merl Reagle

[Note: This is the puzzle that appears in the Sunday L.A. Times newspaper. If you don't get the paper, you can find the puzzle here. Scroll down to see today's syndicated puzzle.]

Theme: "Surprise Endings" — Each theme answer is a movie title with it's last letter changed to a different letter.

Theme answers:

• 17A: Song about Astaire's arrival? (BORN FRED). [free]
• 22A: Steve Martin in his early days? (THE SINGING NUT). [nun]
• 28A: What forensic shows take a close look at? (THE INSIDES). [insider]
• 40A: New reality show about celebs on a pig farm? (THE STINK). [sting]
• 45A: How you know that it's St. Patrick's Day in kindergarten? (THE GREEN MILK). [mile]
• 60A: Bite-size fast food? (LITTLE BIG MAC). [man]
• 63A: Knight with bad table manners? (IVANHOG). [hoe]
• 69A: Mechanical bull for the kids? (ROBO-COW). [cop]
• 76A: The Big Bang Theory, in German? (DAS BOOM). [boot]
• 80A: The Easy-Bake, for one? (STARTING OVEN). [over]
• 92A: Elvis's least favorite nickname? (MEMPHIS BELLY). [belle]
• 96A: Item in a maternity ward gift shop? (TOY STORK). [story]
• 109A: Mad magazine version of a De Niro movie? (TAXI DRIVEL). [driver]
• 120A: What Beano is? (FOR ME AND MY GAS). [gal]
• 126A: What stockings are called in Indiana? (HOOSIERY). [hoosiers]

Everything — 1A: Detroit's contribution to mag. revenues (CAR ADS); 7A: Like The Who's Tommy (DEAF); 11A: Herpetology subject (ASP); 14A: Epiphany moment (AHA); 17A: Song about Astaire's arrival? (BORN FRED); 19A: Big marine mammal (ORCA); 20A: Nav. rank (CPO); 21A: Oomph (VIM); 22A: Steve Martin in his early days? (THE SINGING NUT); 24A: "Rashomon" star's first name (TOSHIRO); 26A: With 27 Across, excelled in (WAS); 27A: See 26 Across (GOOD AT); 28A: What forensic shows take a close look at? (THE INSIDES); 30A: "Hang ___ your hats" (ONTO); 32A: Put down (DEMEAN); 34A: Foam alternative (GEL); 35A: John Elroy Sanford, casually (REDD); 39A: "Of this ___ certain" (I AM); 40A: New reality show about celebs on a pig farm? (THE STINK); 45A: How you know that it's St. Patrick's Day in kindergarten? (THE GREEN MILK); 50A: Dict. abbr. (OBS.); 51A: Finish (a parking lot) (TAR); 52A: "___ you ready?" (ARE); 53A: "Teacher's Pet" star (GABLE); 54A: Michael Moore documentary (SICKO); 56A: "This ___ sudden!" (IS SO); 57A: Unrevealing skirt (MAXI); 59A: Wrigley's field? (GUM); 60A: Bite-size fast food? (LITTLE BIG MAC); 63A: Knight with bad table manners? (IVANHOG); 65A: Store-hours word (TIL); 66A: Actress Wray (FAY); 67A: Film unit (REEL); 68A: Painter Vermeer (JAN); 69A: Mechanical bull for the kids? (ROBO-COW); 71A: Hood's lead-spitter (GAT); 72A: Pony provoker (SPUR); 74A: Bonehead (OAF); 75A: Horn with keys (SAX); 76A: The Big Bang Theory, in German? (DAS BOOM); 80A: The Easy-Bake, for one? (STARTING OVEN); 83A: Nobelist Octavio (PAZ); 84A: With 70 Down, a Rat Packer's story (YES I); 85A: Delilah opposite Victor's Samson (HEDY); 86A: Tiny Pacific nation (NAURU); 87A: "Stop!" follower (THIEF); 89A: Auric and M's creator (IAN); 90A: Cologne conjunction (UND); 91A: Faraday's forte: abbr. (SCI.); 92A: Elvis's least favorite nickname? (MEMPHIS BELLY); 96A: Item in a maternity ward gift shop? (TOY STORK); 99A: Iowa college (COE); 100A: "There is no try" utterer (YODA); 101A: "Gang" preceder (OUR); 102A: Go by, as time (ELAPSE); 105A: Auto or info follower (BAHN); 109A: Mad magazine version of a De Niro movie? (TAXI DRIVEL); 113A: The second kind of, formally (TYPE II); 118A: Try to win over (WOO); 119A: Admission of a sort (SO I LIED); 120A: What Beano is? (FOR ME AND MY GAS); 123A: 66 Across in "King Kong" (ANN); 124A: Friendly intro? (ECO-); 125A: Hefty instrument (TUBA); 126A: What stockings are called in Indiana? (HOOSIERY); 127A: Rule, for short (REG.); 128A: B'way crossers (STS.); 129A: Tennis term, briefly (AD IN); 130A: Not on the level (SLOPED); 1D: Winning Cagney role (COHAN); 2D: "Give it ___!" (A REST); 3D: Hospital VIPs (RN'S); 4D: Doesn't care ___ (A FIG); 5D: Bond foe (DR. NO); 6D: Utah's lily (SEGO); 7D: Iditarod crew (DOG TEAM); 8D: East extension? (-ERN); 9D: Sharp (ACUTE); 10D: Jazzman Earl "___" Hines (FATHA); 11D: When Romeo meets Juliet (ACT I); 12D: Cartoon sea dweller (SPONGE BOB); 13D: Take hold of (POSSESS); 14D: Enthusiastic (AVID); 15D: Choose for a chore (HIRE); 16D: Singer Tori (AMOS); 17D: Stealth bomber (B-TWO); 18D: Sufficed (DID); 23D: Chuck Berry tune (NADINE); 25D: Sword part (HILT); 29D: Respond add-on (-ENT); 31D: Pyromorphite, e.g. (ORE); 33D: New century's start (MMI); 36D: Dinosaur-to-be (EGG); 37D: Last interminably (DRAGON); 38D: Clean (computers) (DEBUG); 41D: Cornball (HOKEY); 42D: Phone ID of a sort (IT'S ME); 43D: Stuffy-sounding (NASAL); 44D: Burger king? (KROC); 45D: Tritt, for short (TRAV); 46D: Gon or gram lead-in (HEXA-); 47D: Popular street tree (ELM); 48D: D-Day landing vessel, commonly (LST); 49D: Small vulpine varmint (KIT FOX); 52D: "What ___, Fort Knox?" (AM I); 55D: Talon (CLAW); 56D: "___ with a little help from my friends" (I GET BY); 58D: Player's sideliner (INJURY); 60D: Bk. depository (LIB.); 61D: "How can ___?" (gambler's query) (I LOSE); 62D: Gershwin and others (IRAS); 64D: Lyricist Lorenz (HART); 65D: True ___ (as expected) (TO FORM); 69D: Prego rival (RAGU); 70D: See 84 Across (CAN); 71D: Town-square structure (GAZEBO); 72D: Pad user (STENO); 73D: Marty's creator (PADDY); 74D: Broadcasting (ON AIR); 76D: Dagwood's dog (DAISY); 77D: Trompe l'___ (OEIL); 78D: Anthem start (O SAY); 79D: Sec's partner? (MIN); 80D: Word in a Kubrick title (SHUT); 81D: Wrong (INCORRECT); 82D: French sight, or a Saturn model (VUE); 83D: Upsilon follower (PHI); 87D: "Look me in ___ ..." (THE EYE); 88D: Bernanke's purview, with "the" (FED); 91D: Hits the books (STUDIES); 93D: Feminist's target: abbr. (MCP); 94D: U.S. male? (POSTMAN); 95D: Testing setting (LAB); 97D: Potting need (SOIL); 98D: Former "Tonight Show" guitarist Eubanks, familiarly (KEV); 103D: ___ message (LEFT A); 104D: For all to hear (ALOUD); 106D: "___, do I have to?" (AW GEE); 107D: Store selfishly (HOARD); 108D: Meddlesome (NOSY); 109D: Pre-1917 bigwig (TSAR); 110D: Tip-top (A-ONE); 111D: Ped ___ (X'ING); 112D: Some promises (I DO'S); 114D: Oom-___ band (PAH); 115D: Slugger Slaughter (ENOS); 116D: Fan club focus (IDOL); 117D: "___ out of it today" (I'M SO); 121D: Diamond stat (RBI); 122D: Yorkie's bark (YIP).

10.02 Sun (calendar)

S U N D A Y
October 2, 2011
Merl Reagle
[Note: This is the puzzle that appears in the Sunday L.A. Times newspaper. If you don't get the paper, you can find the puzzle here. Scroll down to see today's syndicated puzzle.]

Theme: "Sugar and Spies" — A spy story with cooking puns.

Theme answers:

• 22A: A2: "... WHAT'S COOKING, Chief? Or Chef? Or Boss?".
• 24A: A1: "One of our guys is in HOT WATER ..."
• 28A: A1: "... for POACHING a sensitive document from the Something-or-other Embassy in Copenhagen."
• 35A: A2: "DANISH?" A1: "No thanks, just coffee."
• 37A: A1: "This may sound like SMALL POTATOES ..."
• 49A: A1: "... but it's no PIECE OF CAKE."
• 57A: A1: "Our guy is being held by a couple of tough MEATBALLS ..."
• 65A: A2: "You mean, they're not exactly CREAM PUFFS."
• 69A: A1: "Right. They're a couple of HARDBOILED types."
• 80A: A2: "I hope the plan isn't HALF BAKED."
• 91A: A1: "PUT A LID ON IT already! Sheesh."
• 98A: A1: "Now listen. Just TURN UP THE HEAT on these ..."
• 101A: "... CRUMBS and bring our guy in."
• 110A: A1: "They're probably GRILLING him as we speak."
• 117A: A1: "So, here's hoping for a job WELL DONE."
• 118A: A2: "Say, what's the 'sensitive document' our guy grabbed?" A1: "A SECRET RECIPE, of course." A2: "Ah! Figures."

Everything — 1A: Some hounds (BASSETS); 8A: Asleep, as a foot (NUMB); 12A: Texas hold 'em org. (WPT); 15A: Improve, perhaps (AGE); 18A: Footstool (OTTOMAN); 19A: Sky bear (URSA); 20A: Elyria's state (OHIO); 21A: La-la lead-in (TRA); 22A: A2: "... ___, Chief? Or Chef? Or Boss?" ("WHAT'S COOKING"); 24A: A1: "One of our guys is in ___ ..." (HOT WATER); 26A: Permits (LETS); 27A: Mine extracts (ORES); 28A: A1: "... for ___ a sensitive document from the Something-or-other Embassy in Copenhagen." (POACHING); 29A: Chemical ending (-ENE); 30A: Spill remark (OOPS); 32A: Bird word (COO); 34A: Female bird (HEN); 35A: A2: "___?" A1: "No thanks, just coffee." (DANISH); 37A: A1: "This may sound like ___ ..." (SMALL POTATOES); 44A: Boy of La Mancha (NIÑO); 46A: Hospital section (WARD); 47A: Cross (ROOD); 48A: Se Ri of golf (PAK); 49A: A1: "... but it's no ___." (PIECE OF CAKE); 53A: Female force (YIN); 54A: Indian outfit (SARI); 55A: Intro to "Is Born" (A STAR); 56A: Eastwood in "Rawhide" (YATES); 57A: A1: "Our guy is being held by a couple of tough ___ ..." (MEATBALLS); 60A: With 86 Down, a gun sound (RAT); 61A: Sonora's sun (SOL); 62A: Regional judicial body that hears appeals: abbr. (USCC); 64A: Fine (AOK); 65A: A2: "You mean, they're not exactly ___." (CREAM PUFFS); 69A: A1: "Right. They're a couple of ___ types." (HARDBOILED); 75A: Fabled flyer (ROC); 76A: Flying start? (AERO-); 78A: Ger. neighbor (AUS.); 79A: Simile center (AS A); 80A: A2: "I hope the plan isn't ___." (HALF BAKED); 85A: Veni (I CAME); 87A: Hosni's predecessor (ANWAR); 89A: High cards (ACES); 90A: Enterprise lead-in (USS); 91A: A1: "___ already! Sheesh." (PUT A LID ON IT); 93A: "Scarface" setting: abbr. (FLA.); 94A: He played Elmer (BURT); 96A: With "breve," 2/2 time (ALLA); 97A: Jazzy Getz (STAN); 98A: A1: "Now listen. Just ___ on these ..." (TURN UP THE HEAT); 101A: "... ___ and bring our guy in." (CRUMBS); 105A: Chicago sights (ELS); 106A: Author Talese (GAY); 107A: Hurt (ACHE); 109A: Still (YET); 110A: A1: "They're probably ___ him as we speak." (GRILLING); 114A: Intro to "girl!" (ATTA); 116A: Nautical term (ALEE); 117A: A1: "So, here's hoping for a job ___." (WELL DONE); 118A: A2: "Say, what's the 'sensitive document' our guy grabbed?" A1: "A ___, of course." A2: "Ah! Figures." (SECRET RECIPE); 122A: United (ONE); 123A: Role for Ronny (OPIE); 124A: Fill with cargo (LADE); 125A: Spruce, e.g. (CONIFER); 126A: Elfin (WEE); 127A: Become (GET); 128A: "Disgusting!" ("YUCK!"); 129A: Cups, e.g. (HOLDERS); 1D: Heard pins drop? (BOWLED); 2D: Greek Minerva (ATHENA); 3D: ___ Island (STATEN); 4D: Overindulgers of a sort (SOTS); 5D: Dash lengths (EMS); 6D: Tic follower (TAC); 7D: Nosy Nellie (SNOOP); 8D: Microwave: sl. (NUKE); 9D: "Topaz" author (URIS); 10D: AOL rival (MSN); 11D: Carry-on item (BAG); 12D: Cowboy's command (WHOA); 13D: Face (a batter) (PITCH TO); 14D: Fair-haired kid (TOWHEAD); 15D: Memo abbr. (ATTN.); 16D: Actor Kinnear (GREG); 17D: Ring location? (EAR); 20D: "I see!" ("OHO!"); 23D: Hosp. areas (OR'S); 25D: "___ She Sweet" (AIN'T); 28D: D.C. denizen (POL); 30D: Willow type (OSIER); 31D: "Horrors!" ("OH NO!"); 32D: Loving touch (CARESS); 33D: Like tall redwoods (OLD); 36D: Cuzco dweller (INCA); 37D: Hit hard (SWAT); 38D: ___ of (utilize) (MAKE USE); 39D: ___-dieu (prayer bench) (PRIE); 40D: Ms. O'Neill (OONA); 41D: Aussie gem (OPAL); 42D: First name in tea (EARL); 43D: Vail needs (SKIS); 45D: "Thinking ___" (OF YOU); 49D: Paris picnic site (PARC); 50D: Munich's river (ISAR); 51D: Kitchen ending (-ETTE); 52D: Junior cow (CALF); 53D: Exercise place (YMCA); 54D: H.H. Munro (SAKI); 58D: Bar amounts (TABS); 59D: Scary word (BOO); 61D: Humane org. (SPCA); 63D: Cereal count (CHOCULA); 66D: Pound sounds (ARFS); 67D: Throng (MOB); 68D: They come and go (FADS); 70D: Hindu hero (RAMA); 71D: Sword fights (DUELS); 72D: Yard grass (LAWN); 73D: Actor Morales (ESAI); 74D: Pub missile (DART); 77D: "Believe It Or Not" name (RIPLEY); 80D: Ax handle (HAFT); 81D: Rights grp. (ACLU); 82D: Literary king (LEAR); 83D: Actor Russell (KURT); 84D: Bk. before Job (ESTH.); 86D: See 60 Across (-A-TAT); 87D: "Not on ___!" (A DARE); 88D: Low-class, in London (NONU); 92D: Hankering (ITCH); 94D: Square-jawed pooch (BULLDOG); 95D: Rising ground (UPSLOPE); 96D: "I see!" ("AHA!"); 99D: Singer Young (NEIL); 100D: Quiche need (EGG); 102D: "For Once in ___" (MY LIFE); 103D: Belt clip-on (BEEPER); 104D: Pilots (STEERS); 107D: Had a bite (ATE); 108D: Emulate Berra (CATCH); 110D: Writer Weingarten (GENE); 111D: Progesterone expert and author, Dr. John ___ (R. LEE); 112D: ___ for the long haul (IN IT); 113D: Born (NÉE); 114D: Current choices (AC/DC); 115D: Hard journey (TREK); 116D: Litmus test result (ACID); 117D: "Amazing!" ("WOW!"); 118D: Like some dogs (SLY); 119D: ___ de cologne (EAU); 120D: Aussie leaper (ROO); 121D: Made bigger: abbr. (ENL.).

09.04 Sun (calendar)

S U N D A Y
September 4, 2011
Merl Reagle

[Note: This is the puzzle that appears in the Sunday L.A. Times newspaper. If you don't get the paper, you can find the puzzle here. Scroll down to see today's syndicated puzzle.]

Theme: "Lost in Translation" — What those movie critic blurbs really mean.

Theme answers:

• 23A: "Colossal ... !" (WASTE OF TALENT).
• 35A/45A: "Extraordinary ... !" (with 45 Across) (ACTUALLY THAT / SHOULD BE TWO WORDS).
• 58A: "This is the one ... !" (TO MISS).
• 61A: "It's on my A-list ... !" (AS IN AWFUL).
• 71A/87A: "Four stars ... !" (with 87 Across) (UNFORTUNATELY NO / ACTORS).
• 83A: "It's a ten ... !" (TON TURKEY).
• 97A/124A: "Fascinating ... !" (with 124 Across) (FOR ABOUT TWO OF ITS / NINETY MINUTES).
• 108A: "I smell Oscar ... !" (MAYER BALONEY).

Everything — 1A: Dust-up (SCUFFLE); 8A: Head of the costume department (EDITH); 13A: Proverbial backbreaker (STRAW); 18A: Wear (APPAREL); 19A: Ohio city (XENIA); 20A: Indiana player (HOOSIER); 23A: "Colossal ... !" (WASTE OF TALENT); 25A: Warren married her (ANNETTE); 26A: Dine (SUP); 27A: Totals: abbr. (AMTS.); 28A: The backup one is B (PLAN); 29A: Places to get down to cases: abbr. (CTS.); 30A: With 33 Across, small pets (LAP); 33A: See 30 Across (DOGS); 35A: "Extraordinary ... !" (with 45 Across) (ACTUALLY THAT); 39A: Name on a razor (ATRA); 41A: Diet-ad verb (LOSE); 43A: Parks at a bus stop? (ROSA); 44A: Amniotic ___ (SAC); 45A: See 35 Across (SHOULD BE TWO WORDS); 50A: No-win situation (DRAW); 53A: Exchange (TRADE); 54A: Bulletins and such (NEWS); 55A: Mojito component (RUM); 57A: Industrial ___ (AGE); 58A: "This is the one ... !" (TO MISS); 60A: Critical review (PAN); 61A: "It's on my A-list ... !" (AS IN AWFUL); 64A: Out of date: abbr. (OBS.); 65A: Mom and pop org. (PTA); 67A: Go underground (TUNNEL); 70A: Prominent (NOTED); 71A: "Four stars ... !" (with 87 Across) (UNFORTUNATELY NO); 75A: Functional (UTILE); 78A: Giraffe cousins (OKAPIS); 79A: Lit. initials (TSE); 80A: Cigar city, on bag tags (TPA); 83A: "It's a ten ... !" (TON TURKEY); 85A: ___ Paulo (S&Agilde;O); 87A: See 71 Across (ACTORS); 90A: Homer's path (ARC); 91A: Word before or after "pack" (RAT); 92A: Brother in Genesis (ESAU); 94A: Book after Daniel (HOSEA); 95A: Gag reflex? (HAHA); 97A: "Fascinating ... !" (with 124 Across) (FOR ABOUT TWO OF ITS); 103A: Bikini top (BRA); 105A: Adored one (IDOL); 106A: Hawaiian island (OAHU); 107A: Golden rule word (UNTO); 108A: "I smell Oscar ... !" (MAYER BALONEY); 113A: Guzzlers of a sort (SOTS); 115A: OB-___ (GYN); 116A: Ring legend (ALI); 117A: Ring site? (NOSE); 118A: Niagara byproduct (MIST); 120A: "CSI" setting (LAB); 122A: Albert, to Victoria (CONSORT); 124A: See 97 Across (NINETY MINUTES); 130A: Performer's bane (HECKLER); 131A: Big name in arcade games (BALLY); 132A: Facing a jury (ON TRIAL); 133A: Water opening? (HYDRO-); 134A: Glasgow's river (CLYDE); 135A: Cafe cousin (BEANERY); 1D: Witnessed (SAW); 2D: Figures figure, briefly (CPA); 3D: Delivery giant (UPS); 4D: "The Hustler" character (FATS); 5D: Ego expert (FREUD); 6D: Conductor Stokowski (LEOPOLD); 7D: One with a Pole position (ELF); 8D: Student's hurdle (EXAM); 9D: Big name in faucets (DELTA); 10D: Pending, as a house sale (IN ESCROW); 11D: Like an Oz man (TIN); 12D: Pate protector (HAT); 13D: "___ we go?" (SHALL); 14D: Of sound, in a way (TONAL); 15D: Opie portrayer et al. (RONNYS); 16D: Enzyme ending (-ASE); 17D: Sorcery and such (WITCHCRAFT); 21D: Singer James (ETTA); 22D: Breather (REST); 24D: Cup, in Calais (TASSE); 28D: Early late-night host (PAAR); 30D: "... always the ___ know" (LAST TO); 31D: Pulsating (ATHROB); 32D: Golf events (PRO-AMS); 34D: Slangy sailor (GOB); 36D: Helps to the garage (TOWS); 37D: Show on the front? (USO); 38D: Little bit (TAD); 40D: BMW rival (AUDI); 42D: Sicilian smoker (ETNA); 46D: Chopin's "___ Sylphides" (LES); 47D: Rose (WENT UP); 48D: Exercises (DRILLS); 49D: Rising star? (SUN); 51D: Chills (AGUE); 52D: Fuse, as metal (WELD); 56D: "Death in Venice" author (MANN); 59D: Tanning lotion letters (SPF); 60D: Pfizer subsidiary, ___-Davis (PARKE); 61D: Crumb carrier (ANT); 62D: Take care of (SEE TO); 63D: Try to win over (WOO); 66D: Grew fond of (TOOK TO); 68D: Cycle starter (UNI-); 69D: Bahamian capital (NASSAU); 71D: Nth: abbr. (ULT.); 72D: Prefix with -algia (NEUR); 73D: Scotland's longest river (TAY); 74D: "I support the motion" (YEA); 75D: Setting of HBO's "Big Love" (UTAH); 76D: One-third of a war film (TORA); 77D: Gradually (INCH BY INCH); 80D: Cagney musical, "Something ___ About" (TO SING); 81D: Word with penny or poison (PRETTY); 82D: How Ben-Hur is treated by Arrius in Rome (AS A SON); 84D: Battle of Britain grp. (RAF); 86D: Insurance category (AUTO); 88D: Comic Margaret (CHO); 89D: Hot and sour soup staple (TOFU); 92D: Black, to a poet (EBON); 93D: How to swear? (SOLEMNLY); 96D: Exist (ARE); 98D: Vex (RILE); 99D: Hubbub (ADO); 100D: Scrumptious (TASTY); 101D: Reporter's question (WHO); 102D: Syllabus (OUTLINE); 104D: Historian Toynbee (ARNOLD); 108D: Jet-speed word (MACH); 109D: Natural balm (ALOE); 110D: Hole-making bug (BORER); 111D: Texas player (ASTRO); 112D: Street sign (YIELD); 114D: Cupid's driver (SANTA); 119D: Eyelid woe (STYE); 121D: Create, as a CD (BURN); 123D: ___ blue (SKY); 124D: "Seinfeld" was on it (NBC); 125D: Different ending? (-IAL); 126D: Tough crowd? (MOB); 127D: Reason for overtime (TIE); 128D: Whisperer's target (EAR); 129D: Like some grins (SLY).

08.28 Sun (calendar)

S U N D A Y
August 28, 2011
Merl Reagle

[Note: This is the puzzle that appears in the Sunday L.A. Times newspaper. If you don't get the paper, you can find the puzzle here. Scroll down to see today's syndicated puzzle.]

Theme: "Invasion of the Tree People" — The grid is overrun with well-known people whose last names are types of trees.

Theme answers:

• 21A: "Boyz n the Hood" co-star (MORRIS CHESTNUT).
• 27A: Star of a 1970s cop sitcom (HAL LINDEN).
• 34A: "Grumpy Old Men" star (JACK LEMMON).
• 37A: Cosmetics queen (MARY KAY ASH).
• 47A: "Other woman" in 1990s tabloids (MARLA MAPLES).
• 58A: "Saps at Sea" co-star (STAN LAUREL).
• 80A: Grammy-winning pianist-singer (FIONA APPLE).
• 87A: Actress in TV's "Picket Fences" and "NCIS" (LAUREN HOLLY).
• 98A: "CHiPs" actress, 1979-82 (RANDI OAKES).
• 101A: "American Beauty" co-star (THORA BIRCH).
• 112A: He played The Chief in "Dirty Harry" (JOHN LARCH).
• 121A: Why there are so many tree people in this puzzle? (BY POPLAR DEMAND).

Everything — 1A: Anthony's "Psycho" co-star (JANET); 6A: JFK sight, once (SST); 9A: Manchurian border river (AMUR); 13A: Sack preceder (KNAP-); 17A: Stevie Wonder's "My Cherie ___" (AMOUR); 18A: Great service? (ACE); 19A: NYC neighborhood (SOHO); 20A: Noted positive thinker (PEALE); 21A: "Boyz n the Hood" co-star (MORRIS CHESTNUT); 24A: "The ___ Queene" (FAERIE); 25A: Ecto's opposite (ENDO); 26A: War zone, 1853-56 (CRIMEA); 27A: Star of a 1970s cop sitcom (HAL LINDEN); 29A: ___ Lanka (SRI); 30A: "It's either them ___" (OR US); 31A: Long intro? (ERE); 33A: No effort (EASE); 34A: "Grumpy Old Men" star (JACK LEMMON); 37A: Cosmetics queen (MARY KAY ASH); 43A: Turkish title (AGA); 44A: Adulterated (IMPURE); 46A: Sunburn sites (NECKS); 47A: "Other woman" in 1990s tabloids (MARLA MAPLES); 52A: "See ya, Sophia" (CIAO); 55A: Sch. on the Charles (MIT); 56A: Losing line in a game (OXO); 57A: Dude (GUY); 58A: "Saps at Sea" co-star (STAN LAUREL); 62A: Tinseltown turkey (BOMB); 64A: Toon collectible (CEL); 65A: English school (ETON); 66A: "___ doozy!" (IT'S A); 67A: "Twice-Told Tales" writer, with 70 Across (NATHANIEL); 70A: See 67 Across (HAWTHORNE); 74A: Voting district (WARD); 75A: Brazilian highlands, the ___ Grosso (MATO); 77A: Aliens, briefly (ET'S); 78A: Slangy sustenance (EATS); 80A: Grammy-winning pianist-singer (FIONA APPLE); 83A: Mae West play, "Diamond ___" (LIL); 84A: Water gate? (TAP); 85A: Be up (BAT); 86A: TV chef Ming (anagram of 66 Across) (TSAI); 87A: Actress in TV's "Picket Fences" and "NCIS" (LAUREN HOLLY); 92A: Shake like ___ (A LEAF); 95A: "Who art thou that ___ to the king?" (I Sam. 26:14) (CRIEST); 97A: Humongous span (EON); 98A: "CHiPs" actress, 1979-82 (RANDI OAKES); 101A: "American Beauty" co-star (THORA BIRCH); 107A: "Born Free" lioness (ELSA); 108A: Greek letter (TAU); 110A: Medal deserver (HERO); 111A: Great time (ERA); 112A: He played The Chief in "Dirty Harry" (JOHN LARCH); 117A: Tiny bit (SMIDGE); 119A: Word related to "admiral" (EMIR); 120A: Repugnant (ODIOUS); 121A: Why there are so many tree people in this puzzle? (BY POPLAR DEMAND); 124A: Bad-service upshot (NO TIP); 125A: First lady's home? (EDEN); 126A: Wrath (IRE); 127A: Hint (TINGE); 128A: Course completer (GRAD); 129A: Artist Magritte (RENÉ); 130A: Hill dweller (ANT); 131A: Pilgrim John (ALDEN); 1D: "Cinderella Man" subject, ___ Braddock (JAMES J.); 2D: Egyptian sun god, variantly (AMON-RA); 3D: From Scandinavia (NORDIC); 4D: Multi-country dough (EURO); 5D: Plex prefix (TRI-); 6D: Pelvis part (SACRUM); 7D: Rift (SCHISM); 8D: Swarm (TEEM); 9D: ___ on the Walk of Fame (A STAR); 10D: Pt. of a three-day weekend (MON.); 11D: Slangy denial (UH-UH); 12D: "The Godfather" composer (ROTA); 13D: Superb visual sense (KEEN EYE); 14D: Aromatic ointment (NARD); 15D: "I cannot tell ___" (A LIE); 16D: Hammer part (PEEN); 20D: Slangy comrade (PAISAN); 22D: Beatlemania sound (SCREAM); 23D: Carly Simon tune, "Have You ___ Lately?" (SEEN ME); 24D: Strong criticism (FLAK); 28D: "The Conquest of Space" author Willy (LEY); 30D: Olympic first name (OLGA); 32D: Outback dweller (EMU); 35D: ___ Kan (KAL); 36D: Slick (OILY); 38D: Secret stuff (ARCANA); 39D: Rider's handful (REIN); 40D: Pinnacle (ACME); 41D: Power-tool brand (SKIL); 42D: Pres. from Missouri (HST); 45D: Sibilant summons (PSST); 47D: Overwhelm with people (MOB); 48D: Impulse carrier (AXON); 49D: Tomato variety (ROMA); 50D: They might be hidden (AGENDAS); 51D: Hungarian sheepdog (PULI); 53D: Somewhat (A LITTLE); 54D: Some are solemn (OATHS); 59D: Japanese studio that made the original "Godzilla" (TOHO); 60D: GI R&R provider (USO); 61D: Few and far between (RARE); 63D: Stealth plane (B-TWO); 64D: Diamond unit (CARAT); 65D: Tel Aviv server (EL AL); 68D: Chewie's chum (HAN); 69D: New York, the ___ State (EMPIRE); 71D: Small dam (WEIR); 72D: Countrywide: abbr. (NATL.); 73D: Latin abbr. (ET AL.); 76D: Cast opening? (TELE-); 79D: Camp intruder (SPY); 80D: FDR's terrier (FALA); 81D: Hwy. thru Houston (I-TEN); 82D: Prepare for a trip (PACK); 83D: Protestant in Garrison Keillor stories: abbr. (LUTH.); 85D: Tavern (BAR); 88D: Dumb as ___ (A STUMP); 89D: Got closer to (NEARED); 90D: Freight-train hopper (HOBO); 91D: Sea-based covert org. (ONI); 93D: Tonsil's neighbor (ADENOID); 94D: Pump purchase (FILL-UP); 96D: Tour's end? (-IST); 99D: She-bears, in Seville (OSAS); 100D: Swiss river (AAR); 102D: "Aw, geez!" ("OH DARN!"); 103D: Contrite feeling (REGRET); 104D: Send back, in law (REMAND); 105D: Draw back (CRINGE); 106D: Set (HARDEN); 109D: In unison (AS ONE); 112D: "Fear of Flying" author (JONG); 113D: "P.U." elicitor (ODOR); 114D: ___ homer (HIT A); 115D: Radio-using trucker (CB'ER); 116D: Jekyll's alter ego (HYDE); 118D: Skating gold medalist Kulik (ILIA); 119D: Man's name (or backward, a citrus fruit) (EMIL); 122D: Write (PEN); 123D: Airport abbr. (ETA).

08.21 Sun (calendar)

S U N D A Y
August 21, 2011
Merl Reagle

[Note: This is the puzzle that appears in the Sunday L.A. Times newspaper. If you don't get the paper, you can find the puzzle here. Scroll down to see today's syndicated puzzle.]

Theme: Lara's Theme — The word/name/letter string LARA is hidden in each theme answer. And at 115A we find the title of the popular song based on "Lara's Theme" (which is from the film Dr. Zhivago, in case you didn't know).

Theme answers:

• 18A: Securities-buying strategy (DOLLAR AVERAGING).
• 23A: Inexperienced mind, e.g. (TABULA RASA).
• 25A: Historic site in Wyoming (FORT LARAMIE).
• 42A: Security device (BURGLAR ALARM).
• 45A: Be suspicious (SMELL A RAT).
• 57A: Do a trick (PULL A RABBIT OUT OF A HAT).
• 68A: "I'm Chevy Chase" and "You're not," for example (DECLARATIVE SENTENCES).
• 85A: They played their last game on Dec. 24, 1994 (THE L.A. RAMS).
• 88A: Invigorating (EXHILARATING).
• 103A: 1960s muscle car (DODGE POLARA).
• 107A: What we're living in, to Bush or Carter (NUCULAR AGE).
• 115A: Q: "So, where are all of the LARAs in this puzzle, sweetheart?" A: "___" (SOMEWHERE MY LOVE).

Everything — 1A: Clothing line? (SEAM); 5A: Argentine river that sounds like a fish (PARANA); 11A: Ethan's "Gattaca" co-star (UMA); 14A: Osmond and others (DONNYS); 16A: Longtime Chrysler model (LEBARON); 17A: Spill the beans (BLAB); 18A: Securities-buying strategy (DOLLAR AVERAGING); 20A: "Go ahead, ask" ("TRY ME"); 21A: Last three letters of TNT (ENE); 22A: Language that gave us "kayak" (INUIT); 23A: Inexperienced mind, e.g. (TABULA RASA); 25A: Historic site in Wyoming (FORT LARAMIE); 28A: Swedish-born actress who played Candy in "Candy," ___ Aulin (EWA); 29A: Start-up helper: abbr. (SBA); 31A: The Pep Boys, e.g. (TRIO); 32A: Tommy Franks is a ret. one (GEN.); 33A: Drink with dim sum (TEA); 36A: Even though (ALBEIT); 38A: Transpire (OCCUR); 42A: Security device (BURGLAR ALARM); 45A: Be suspicious (SMELL A RAT); 49A: Be finicky (NIGGLE); 50A: Reverse (UNDO); 51A: Instant-messaging pioneer (AOL); 52A: Elocution-class no-nos (ERS); 53A: "There's no one else but me" ("I'M IT"); 55A: Amundsen's quest (POLE); 57A: Do a trick (PULL A RABBIT OUT OF A HAT); 64A: One with burning pants? (LIAR); 65A: Velvet add-on (-EEN); 66A: Home of "Weekend Edition" (NPR); 67A: Cal or Georgia follower (TECH); 68A: "I'm Chevy Chase" and "You're not," for example (DECLARATIVE SENTENCES); 75A: Editor's catch (TYPO); 76A: Courteous enclosure: abbr. (SASE); 77A: It can ache (EAR); 78A: Jamie Foxx film (RAY); 79A: Arizona sight (MESA); 82A: Former N.Y. governor (PATAKI); 85A: They played their last game on Dec. 24, 1994 (THE L.A. RAMS); 88A: Invigorating (EXHILARATING); 91A: Jane Eyre's pupil (ADELE); 92A: James who played a wolf in "Wolf" (SPADER); 93A: Paris preposition (DES); 94A: Referee's last number (TEN); 96A: Big name in game coverage (ESPN); 100A: Alter, in a way (HEM); 101A: Kitten's comment (MEW); 103A: 1960s muscle car (DODGE POLARA); 107A: What we're living in, to Bush or Carter (NUCULAR AGE); 112A: Town, lake, or dam in Panama (GATUN); 113A: Do the floor (MOP); 114A: From Nineveh: abbr. (ASSYR.); 115A: Q: "So, where are all of the LARAs in this puzzle, sweetheart?" A: "___" (SOMEWHERE MY LOVE); 118A: Action (DEED); 119A: Exclusions from Santa's list? (POUTERS); 120A: Joint-account holder (SPOUSE); 121A: CIA precursor (OSS); 122A: Wanders (STRAYS); 123A: Fiji's capital (SUVA); 1D: Architect Paolo of Arcosanti fame (SOLERI); 2D: Blowup: abbr. (ENL.); 3D: "For want of ___ ..." (A NAIL); 4D: William's "Thin Man" co-star (MYRNA); 5D: For each (PER); 6D: Subside (ABATE); 7D: Sitar melody (RAGA); 8D: "Is this ___?" (A RIB); 9D: Low-class, in London (NONU); 10D: Secret motive (ANGLE); 11D: Of a Trojan War figure (ULYSSEAN); 12D: She brings home the worms (MAMA BIRD); 13D: Face on a fiver (ABE); 14D: Giver (DONOR); 15D: Reptile's tail? (-SAUR); 16D: "___ get this straight ..." (LET ME); 17D: Bikini part (BRA); 18D: Skilled (DEFT); 19D: Pfizer product (VIAGRA); 20D: Merry refrain (TRA-LA); 24D: Familiar with (AWARE OF); 26D: Saw, for one (TOOL); 27D: Bach's "Mass ___ Minor" (IN B); 30D: Sphere intro (ATMO-); 33D: Certain music intervals (TRITONES); 34D: Spur (on) (EGG); 35D: H.S. math course (ALG.); 37D: Delaware, the ___ State (BLUE HEN); 39D: In no uncertain terms (CLEARLY); 40D: Good last name for a mechanic? (CARR); 41D: Bear in the sky (URSA); 43D: Ton, for one (UNIT); 44D: Dog food brand (ALPO); 45D: Fall guy (SAP); 46D: Gelatin shaper, in London (MOULD); 47D: "Dallas" Miss (ELLIE); 48D: Shangri-la land (TIBET); 54D: Beginners' rentals on snowy slopes (MINI-SKIS); 56D: Side (LATERAL); 58D: Popular brand of supplement for those who are dairy-intolerant (LACTAID); 59D: Actress Arthur (BEA); 60D: Surprise win (UPSET); 61D: Quattro minus uno (TRE); 62D: Ghana's capital (ACCRA); 63D: In ___ (before noon) (THE A.M.); 69D: Shirts and skirts (APPAREL); 70D: Indy 500 sound (ROAR); 71D: Self-centered (VAIN); 72D: Have to get (NEED); 73D: Raconteur's offering (TALE); 74D: With op, a computer manager (SYS); 79D: Fit together (MESH); 80D: Business deductions (EXPENSES); 81D: Private eyes (SHAMUSES); 83D: Little bit (TAD); 84D: Broke bread (ATE); 86D: Plane's place (HANGAR); 87D: Rod's partner (REEL); 89D: Madagascar primate (LEMUR); 90D: "Little" car of song (GTO); 95D: Finishes the lawn (EDGES); 97D: Stuffed Indian pastry (SAMOSA); 98D: Show to be so (PROVE); 99D: Neck part (NAPE); 102D: Under-eave buzzers (WASPS); 103D: Truman beat him (DEWEY); 104D: Vous ___ (ÊTES); 105D: Gas dispensers (PUMPS); 106D: Elvis hit, "Stuck ___" (ON YOU); 108D: Dancer Charisse (CYD); 109D: Dig like a pig (ROOT); 110D: Manchurian border river (AMUR); 111D: "___ grip!" (GET A); 114D: Hubbub (ADO); 116D: Storefront info: abbr. (HRS.); 117D: Darling, to a Brit (LUV).

07.31 Sun (calendar)

S U N D A Y
July 31, 2011
Merl Reagle

[Note: This is the puzzle that appears in the Sunday L.A. Times newspaper. If you don't get the paper, you can find the puzzle here. Scroll down to see today's syndicated puzzle.]

Theme: "Space Exploration" — Familiar words, phrases, and names have spaces inserted in "wrong" places.

Theme answers:

• 18A: Daydream? (DEPART MENTALLY).
• 22A: Obvious trait of a certain two-digit number? (TWENTY-FOUR'S EVEN).
• 38A: Rock Star Pays Kid's Bail? (BRUCE SPRINGS TEEN).
• 45A: Prepares to play Scrabble? (TURNS TILES).
• 57A: Tarzan's response to, "Hey, where do they keep the sugar on this ship?" (BOWL IN GALLEY).
• 66A: Request from someone who brought his own cola? (JUST ICE).
• 71A: Bride's guy, in France? (LE GROOM).
• 80A: Choice of sailing topics? (WINDS OR KNOTS).
• 98A: Registers one's answer on a computerized true-false quiz? (HOLDS DOWN THE F OR T).
• 119A: Cowboy? (PERCHER ON HORSES).
• 126A: Florida's new "be kind to golfers" slogan? (SAVE THE MAN A TEE).
• 51D: Injury from an extinct bird? (MOA BITE).

Everything — d in ___ (A DRAW); 108A: Seductress (VAMP); 110A: Poisonous shrubs (SUMACS); 114A: ___ the chase (CUT TO); 117A: Part of ERA (EQUAL); 119A: Cowboy? (PERCHER ON HORSES); 125A: "Hasta ___" (LUEGO); 126A: Florida's new "be kind to golfers" slogan? (SAVE THE MAN A TEE); 127A: Graf foe, often (SELES); 128A: Tries to win at auction (BIDS ON); 129A: Outcome (RESULT); 1D: Spring time, in Minn. (CDT); 2D: Kareem, before (LEW); 3D: Uncouth one (APE); 4D: Needed rewinding (RAN DOWN); 5D: That bleeping droid (ARTOO); 6D: Eyelid woe (STYE); 7D: Vintage autos (REO'S); 8D: Ex-leader of Burma (UNU); 9D: Orch. section (STR.); 10D: Talks back to (SASSES); 11D: "May ___ you in on a little secret?" (I LET); 12D: Edison's middle (ALVA); 13D: With Boy, a fancy chair (LA-Z-); 14D: Genesis victim (ABEL); 15D: Arizona phenomenon (MIRAGE); 16D: "___ Fideles" (ADESTE); 17D: Poet Anne (SEXTON); 19D: Maker: abbr. (MFR.); 20D: So far (YET); 23D: Ex-Sen. Sam of Georgia (NUNN); 27D: Work units (ERGS); 29D: Canine on the case (ASTA); 30D: Locomotive sound (CHUG); 31D: 1947 Bugs Bunny cartoon, "Slick ___" (HARE); 32D: Deck quartet (ACES); 33D: Proposition vote (YES); 35D: Humane org. (ASPCA); 38D: Bingo call (B TEN); 39D: Skin (RIND); 40D: Arm bones (ULNAS); 41D: Ground breaker (PLOW); 42D: Seal again (RECLOSE); 43D: Words from one who's with it (I'M HIP); 44D: Perfect for basketball (TALL); 46D: Heidi's creator (SPYRI); 51D: Injury from an extinct bird? (MOA BITE); 52D: Blue indigo (ANIL); 54D: Illinois city (ALTON); 55D: Rio Grande feeder (PECOS); 56D: High on highballs, e.g. (LIT); 57D: 2007 catchphrase, "Don't tase me, ___!" (BRO); 58D: Whiz preceder (GEE); 59D: "Dee-lish!" ("YUM!"); 60D: Like Tampa weather (HUMID); 61D: Together (AS ONE); 63D: French lace town (ALENCON); 66D: Mandible (JAW); 67D: Dove sound (COO); 68D: Spanish river (EBRO); 70D: Military training ctr. (OC'S); 72D: Popular knife brand (GINSU); 73D: Outback critter, slangily (ROO); 76D: "___ it wouldn't last" (I KNEW); 78D: Slow movement (LARGO); 81D: Utterly exhausted (DEAD); 82D: Tic (SPASM); 83D: Unseat (OUST); 85D: Bartlett, e.g. (PEAR); 86D: "Harper Valley P.T.A." writer Hall (TOM T.); 89D: Lummoxes (OAFS); 90D: A distance (AFAR); 91D: Edelstein of "House" (LISA); 92D: Over again (ANEW); 94D: Orange drinks (ADES); 96D: Agent, briefly (REP); 97D: Felt hats (FEDORAS); 98D: Crude abodes (HOVELS); 99D: Not translucent (OPAQUE); 100D: Traveler Gulliver (LEMUEL); 101D: "I'll meet you further ___ the road" (Johnny Cash) (ON UP); 102D: Quieted (HUSHED); 107D: Do penance (ATONE); 109D: Beeper message (PAGE); 111D: My, to Mimi (MES); 112D: Part of U.A.E. (ARAB); 113D: Human bone total, in Roman numerals (CCVI); 114D: Joel or Ethan of filmdom (COEN); 115D: Albuquerque sch. (UNM); 116D: "___ she blows!" (THAR); 118D: Part of UCLA (LOS); 120D: Aliens, briefly (ET'S); 121D: Greek letter (RHO); 122D: "Simpsons" character, Disco ___ (STU); 123D: Shocking swimmer (EEL); 124D: Become firm (SET).

07.24 Sun

S U N D A Y
July 24, 2011
Merl Reagle

[Note: This is the puzzle that appears in the Sunday L.A. Times newspaper. If you don't get the paper, you can find the puzzle here. Scroll down to see today's syndicated puzzle.]

Theme: "Inserting a Little Humor" — The letter string PUN is inserted into common words and well-known phrases and names.

Theme answers:

• 23A: Jack-o-lanterns, in a manner o' speakin'? (PUNKIN FOLKS).
• 29A: Departed from part of Pakistan? (LEFT PUNJAB).
• 37A: Tabloid headline about a singer being fined? (CHER PUNISHED).
• 53A: Rudely removed Lurch from the "Addams Family" set? (PUNTED CASSIDY).
• 56A: Where to buy green hair dye and body chains? (PUNKMART).
• 69A: What the 97-pound weakling blamed his physique on? (PUNY CHROMOSOMES).
• 83A: Online columnists? (E-PUNDITS).
• 85A: TV series about an irrepressible lawman? (SPUNKY MARSHAL).
• 99A: "Always serve ___" (dog soiree advice?) (CAT PUNCH COLD).
• 108A: Cause of a Peugeot's flat tire? (LE PUNCTURE).
• 118A: James Bond after a week without a shower? (A PUNGENT OO7).

Everything Else — 1A: Abbr. on a platter (ASCAP); 6A: Old hat (DATED); 11A: Tooth's partner (NAIL); 15A: Simple puppet (SOCK); 19A: Hyphen's cousin (SLASH); 20A: Watson of "Angela's Ashes" (EMILY); 21A: "Free Willy" subject (ORCA); 22A: Leonid's successor (YURI); 25A: Daisy supporter (STEM); 26A: Sack dress creator (DIOR); 27A: Certain 113 Across (SGT.); 28A: Like some editions (LATE); 31A: Archers take it (AIM); 32A: More bananas (BATTIER); 36A: Substantial (MEATY); 41A: In check (AT BAY); 44A: Wander (ROVE); 45A: Without ___ (insouciant) (A CARE); 46A: Plaintiffs (SUERS); 47A: Hair-raising stuff? (GEL); 50A: Chemist's ending (-ENE); 51A: Her, in Hamburg (IHR); 59A: Corned beef dish (HASH); 60A: Away from the wind (ALEE); 61A: Inns and stores: abbr. (ESTABS.); 62A: Inns (LODGES); 66A: Maximas and Stanzas (NISSANS); 72A: Brimming (REPLETE); 75A: Slot machine symbols (SEVENS); 76A: How much there is to go when the white flag comes out (ONE LAP); 80A: Cuba, por ejemplo (ISLA); 81A: Self-satisfied (SMUG); 91A: ___ glance (AT A); 92A: Everyday article (THE); 93A: Like Lamb or Bacon: abbr. (ENG.); 94A: Buy alternative (LEASE); 95A: Sanitation worry (ECOLI); 97A: Name from Chinese history (CHOU); 98A: Howard and James (DEANS); 102A: Asteroids creator (ATARI); 105A: I problem? (EGOTISM); 107A: Olive shaped like a stringbean (OYL); 111A: Actress Skye (daughter of 1960s singer Donovan) (IONE); 113A: Mil. category (NCO); 116A: Ideal for cacti (ARID); 117A: Santa ___, Calif. (ROSA); 122A: Rock climber's grip (CRAG); 123A: Inventory listing (ITEM); 124A: Virtuous (MORAL); 125A: Sound (AUDIO); 126A: Carol of "Taxi" (KANE); 127A: Hiring-firing type (BOSS); 128A: On edge (TENSE); 129A: Pool member (STENO); 1D: Lethal hissers (ASPS); 2D: Belt (SLUG); 3D: "Got other plans, sorry" ("CAN'T"); 4D: Pipe up, perhaps (ASK); 5D: Charles's dad (PHILIP); 6D: Adroit (DEFT); 7D: Of simple organisms (AMOEBIC); 8D: "___ next time ..." (TIL); 9D: Wapiti (ELK); 10D: Functional opening? (DYS-); 11D: Long time follower? (NO SEE); 12D: Forgeries of a sort (ART FRAUDS); 13D: Rapper-turned-actor (ICE-T); 14D: Nightingale's symbol (LAMP); 15D: Opera house city (SYDNEY); 16D: Message board? (OUIJA); 17D: Zagreb native (CROAT); 18D: Bruno of "City Slickers" (KIRBY); 24D: Cinema whale (NAMU); 29D: Eye shade? (LID); 30D: Amherst sch. (U. MASS.); 31D: Word with "so!" or "not!" (ARE); 33D: Pronto, briefly (ASAP); 34D: "No ___ traffic" (THRU); 35D: New driver, often (TEEN); 37D: Fancy flapjack (CRÈPE); 38D: Baseball's Wagner (HONUS); 39D: Happening (EVENT); 40D: Voice-over: abbr. (NARR.); 42D: Electronic dance music (TECHNO); 43D: Lingerie buy (BRA); 46D: Add zing to (SEASON); 47D: River of monsters? (GILA); 48D: "Paradise Lost" setting (EDEN); 49D: Caustic solutions (LYES); 51D: Permeate (IMBUE); 52D: "It ___ been easy" (HASN'T); 54D: A Sunday crossword usually has one (THEME); 55D: Mouthed off to (SASSED); 57D: Kotter portrayer (KAPLAN); 58D: Mom's forte (TLC); 63D: Skeptic's comment (OH SURE); 64D: Wine residue (DREGS); 65D: State VIP (GOV.); 67D: "Too rich for my blood" ("I'M OUT"); 68D: Medicinal shrub (SENNA); 70D: Toady (YES-MAN); 71D: Compass pt. (SSE); 72D: Elevation (RISE); 73D: It has action highlights (ESPN); 74D: Leak fix (PLUG); 77D: Often numbered print (LITHO); 78D: Dramatist Fugard (ATHOL); 79D: Assumed name: abbr. (PSEUD.); 82D: The good-hands people? (MASSEUSES); 84D: ___ in the neck (PAIN); 86D: Anne or Robert (KLEIN); 87D: Verily (YEA); 88D: Canned-soup instruction (HEAT); 89D: Play opening (ACT I); 90D: Chops (LOPS); 96D: Some Chevys (LUMINAS); 97D: 1/4 of M (CCL); 98D: The Internet's Matt (DRUDGE); 99D: Iowa college (COE); 100D: Scoop holder (CONE); 101D: "The Lion King" villains (HYENAS); 102D: Partner of alas (ALACK); 103D: Earth word (TERRA); 104D: Of bees (APIAN); 106D: Fat units (GRAMS); 109D: Tot spot (CRIB); 110D: Baum bow-wow (TOTO); 112D: Eye (OGLE); 113D: Lymph ___ (NODE); 114D: Quarter, e.g. (COIN); 115D: 5 hrs. before noon, in the service (O7OO); 118D: Total: abbr. (AMT.); 119D: The Baltimore Ravens are named in his honor (POE); 120D: Caterer's vessel (URN); 121D: Carter's discovery (TUT).

S U N D A Y
July 17, 2011
Merl Reagle

[Note: This is the puzzle that appears in the Sunday L.A. Times newspaper. If you don't get the paper, you can find the puzzle here. Scroll down to see today's syndicated puzzle.]

Theme: "Card Game" — The word/name/letter string JACK is placed all in one box.

Theme answers:

• 5A: Actor Hugh (JACKMAN).
• 18A: 1967 film starring George Hamilton as a jewel thief (JACK OF DIAMONDS).
• 20A: Largest city by area in the contiguous United States (JACKSONVILLE).
• 36A: Slangy sailor (JACKTAR).
• 40A: Cold weather personified (JACK FROST).
• 47A: Plug-in of a sort (PHONE JACK).
• 48A: Heavy military footgear (JACKBOOTS).
• 60A: Theme of this puzzle (JACK IN THE BOX).
• 63A: Son of a 1970s president, or host of the weekend edition of "Today" in the late 1990s (JACK FORD).
• 74A: Noted fat avoider (JACK SPRAT).
• 81A: British flag (UNION JACK).
• 101A: Dairy case item (MONTEREY JACK).
• 103A: Forsyth novel (DAY OF THE JACKAL).
• 110A: Wesley Snipes-Ice T drama, "___ City" (NEW JACK).
• 5D: "Faster than you can say" guy (JACK ROBINSON).
• 13D: Radio legend (WOLFMAN JACK).
• 18D: Big money prize (JACKPOT).
• 20D: Tom Clancy hero (JACK RYAN).
• 36D: Adds to the bottom line (JACKS UP THE COST).
• 40D: Star of the original "Hawaii Five-O" (JACK LORD).
• 48D: European crow (JACKDAW).
• 60D: Early TV host (JACK PAAR).
• 63D: Chan, Collins, or Cooper (JACKIE).
• 64D: IHOP offering (FLAPJACK).
• 72D: 2003 Down Under comedy (KANGAROO JACK).
• 74D: Fitness guru, 1914-2011 (JACK LALANNE).
• 80D: Tuna for which Navy subs have been named (SKIPJACK).
• 86D: Seaman's wool coat (PEA JACKET).

Everything Else — 1A: Fiction material? (PULP); 9A: Toss (about) (STREW); 14A: Grandkid in Genesis (ENOS); 15A: Place to play (ARENA); 16A: Leading (AHEAD OF); 22A: TV show, for ex. (PROG.); 23A: Dropcloth? (BIB); 24A: Got going (STARTED); 26A: Brand of nonstick cookware (anagram of FLAT) (T-FAL); 27A: Gretzky's team, once (OILERS); 29A: Solemn assent (I DO); 31A: Bake shop buys (RYES); 32A: Daisy portrayer in "The Great Gatsby" (MIA); 33A: Little bit (TAD); 34A: Centric intro (ETHNO-); 37A: Horrify (APPALL); 41A: Bernie Sanders, for ex. (SEN.); 42A: Carter's home (PLAINS); 43A: Word with night or right (ALL); 45A: Solitario number (UNO); 46A: California's Big ___ (SUR); 50A: Cold in a stinging way (NIPPY); 52A: Cassini et al. (OLEGS); 53A: The third one usually doesn't feel so good (DEGREE); 54A: Pin cushion? (MAT); 55A: They may need massaging (EGOS); 56A: Calif. city, in airport shorthand (SFO); 59A: Battery terminal (ANODE); 65A: Mus. partner? (WDS.); 66A: Lhasa ___ (APSO); 67A: Meadow mom (EWE); 68A: Taken, as a position (FILLED); 69A: Like some rituals (PAGAN); 71A: "I'm ___ on the ocean ..." (Brian Wilson lyric) (A CORK); 73A: Checks out (LEAVES); 75A: Pot for pods (WOK); 76A: Blood letters (ABO); 78A: Walker, on signs (PED); 79A: He played Starsky on TV (GLASER); 80A: Airline to Oslo (SAS); 83A: Vandyke's cousin (GOATEE); 84A: "SNL" bit (SKIT); 85A: Where Socrates shopped (AGORA); 86A: Weasel's sound? (POP); 89A: "Ha ha ha!" online (LOL); 90A: Gambler's marker (CHIT); 91A: Word with bees or breeze (SEA); 92A: "The King's ___" (SPEECH); 94A: Petri dish stuff (AGAR); 96A: Snare, tom, etc. (TRAP SET); 98A: Ill-fated 1789 figure (ROI); 100A: Duo before do (LA TI); 106A: 1970 hit, "___ Bell To Answer" (ONE LESS); 107A: Keats poem, "The ___ St. Agnes" (EVEOF); 108A: It's hot in here (OVEN); 109A: Are (EXIST); 111A: Astronaut Conrad (PETE); 1D: Everytown, USA (PEORIA); 2D: Develop (UNFOLD); 3D: Mountain getaway (LODGE); 4D: Greek letter (PSI); 6D: Oater cast, mostly (MEN); 7D: "___ it goes" (AND SO); 8D: Boss Tweed's artful critic (NAST); 9D: Bowling rentals (SHOES); 10D: Look after (TEND); 11D: With 4, a Toyota (RAV); 12D: Do paper work (EDIT); 15D: Bordeaux buddy (AMI); 16D: Late bloomer? (ASTER); 17D: Grain-threshing tools (FLAILS); 19D: Hard to grasp (ABSTRUSE); 21D: It serves Tel Aviv (EL AL); 25D: Main road (ARTERY); 28D: "Offside" official (REF); 30D: Flyspeck (DOT); 35D: Judge's adj. (HON.); 37D: Athol Fugard's "A Lesson from ___" (ALOES); 38D: Twinge (PANG); 39D: Thanksgiving desserts (PIES); 42D: Popular perennial (PHLOX); 43D: Evening, in Essen (ABEND); 44D: Corporate symbols (LOGOS); 46D: Bit of bickering (SPAT); 47D: Jump up and down to punk music (POGO); 49D: Golf gadget (TEE); 51D: Mae West's "___ Angel" (I'M NO); 55D: Stylist to the stars José (EBER); 56D: Work, as a puzzle (SOLVE); 57D: Shackled no more (FREED); 58D: Track figures (ODDS); 61D: "___ She Lovely" (ISN'T); 62D: Lucas creature (EWOK); 66D: Say yes (AGREE); 68D: Stomps on the gas (FLOORS IT); 69D: Exam for H.S. juniors (PSAT); 70D: Church section (APSE); 71D: Lies in store for (AWAITS); 77D: This is your life (BIO); 79D: Baby talk (GOO GOO); 81D: Abu Dhabi's fed. (UAE); 82D: Short time-out (NAP); 83D: Glitzy, for short (GLAM); 84D: Light carriages (SHAYS); 87D: Gas info (OCTANE); 88D: TV Dr. (PHIL); 90D: Trough's opposite (CREST); 91D: Barrel strip (STAVE); 93D: Parisian pupil (ÉLÈVE); 95D: Abbr. after Ron Paul's name (R-TEX.); 96D: Very, to Villon (TRES); 97D: Carl Sagan's "The Dragons of ___" (EDEN); 99D: Not running (OFF); 102D: Mr. Lilly (ELI); 104D: Poisonous evergreen (YEW); 105D: Get aboard, as a train (HOP).

07.10 Sun (calendar)

S U N D A Y
July 10, 2011
Merl Reagle

[Note: This is the puzzle that appears in the Sunday L.A. Times newspaper. If you don't get the paper, you can find the puzzle here. Scroll down to see today's syndicated puzzle.]

Theme: "Ra-puns-el" — Each theme answer is a possible puntastic name for a hair salon.

Theme answers:

• 23A: Name for a salon (DYE HAPPY).
• 24A: Name for a salon (HAIR SHE BLOWS).
• 29A: Name for a salon (CALIFORNIA CURLS).
• 44A: Name for a salon (TOTALLY CLIPS).
• 48A: Name for a salon (COMB ON OVER).
• 60A: Name for a salon (SHEAR ELEGANCE).
• 68A: Name for a salon (THE COIFETERIA).
• 84A: Name for a salon (MANE STREET).
• 86A: Name for a salon (SOPHISTICUTS).
• 98A: Name for a salon (SCARLETT O'HAIRAS).
• 106A/111A: Name for a salon (HANNAH AND HER / SCISSORS).

Everything Else — 1A: Tiny bit (JOT); 4A: "But wait, there's more" ("PLUS"); 8A: 1950s Top 40 hit, "La ___" (BAMBA); 13A: Leggy swimmers (OCTOPI); 19A: Freeway feature (EXIT RAMP); 21A: Eve or Elizabeth (ARDEN); 22A: Distressed (PAINED); 26A: Skeleton preceder (EXO-); 27A: Water gate? (TAP); 28A: Translates as (MEANS); 34A: In a proper manner (DULY); 38A: Turner et al. (LANAS); 39A: Out of the bus. (RET.); 40A: Dined on (HAD); 41A: Trial setting (VENUE); 42A: Utah city (OREM); 43A: Draft pick? (ALE); 51A: Watchful one (EYER); 52A: Life, in Lille (VIE); 53A: 2001 film bio (ALI); 54A: Photoengraving of a simple drawing (LINE CUT); 56A: Actress Helgenberger, or a weight unit backward (MARG); 57A: Fleming et al. (IANS); 58A: Take temporarily (LEASE); 63A: Daffy Duck has one (LISP); 66A: Blender brand (OSTER); 67A: Retired fliers (SST'S); 72A: Long tales (EPICS); 76A: Recount piece in December 2000 (CHAD); 77A: Alamo rival (AVIS); 78A: Cruel ones (SADISTS); 81A: Lingerie buy (BRA); 82A: Bobby of hockey (ORR); 83A: Something to work on: abbr. (PROJ.); 91A: Kick stand? (TEE); 92A: Language that gave us "galore" (ERSE); 93A: Aviary sound (TWEET); 94A: Scrooge sentiment (BAH); 95A: Participant in a pantry raid (ANT); 96A: Roasting rods (SPITS); 97A: Garcia of "Ocean's Eleven" (ANDY); 103A: "Meet John Doe" director (CAPRA); 104A: Alley prowler (TOM); 105A: Island souvenir (LEI); 116A: Olympic swimmer Matt (BIONDI); 117A: Draw a bead on (AIM AT); 118A: "Buck Privates" co-star (COSTELLO); 119A: Type of spider creation (ORB WEB); 120A: Lens types (ZOOMS); 121A: Tiny bit (IOTA); 122A: Subj. of a James Randi challenge (ESP); 1D: Elly May's pa (JED); 2D: Petroleum giant's stock symbol (OXY); 3D: Place for a tack (TIE); 4D: Translation of an idea into action (PRAXIS); 5D: The ___ luxury (LAP OF); 6D: Officiate, briefly (UMP); 7D: Plant of a sort (SPY); 8D: Persian religion (BAHAI); 9D: Sun-dance Indian (ARAPAHO); 10D: Start of the 16th century (MDI); 11D: ___ shorts (BERMUDA); 12D: Goose genus (ANSER); 13D: Begins on Broadway (OPENS); 14D: Sights on Broadway (CABS); 15D: No later than (TIL); 16D: Palindromic artist (ONO); 17D: Church seat (PEW); 18D: Nametags, e.g. (ID'S); 20D: It was sure to go (THE LAMB); 25D: Jack Black title role (HAL); 27D: Amatol ingredient (TNT); 29D: King of pop (CAROLE); 30D: Lack of get-up-and-go (ANEMIA); 31D: Acrylic fabric (ORLON); 32D: TV Superman George (REEVES); 33D: Ailurophobe's fear (CAT); 34D: Three-county state: abbr. (DEL.); 35D: Early computer (UNIVAC); 36D: Wolflike (LUPINE); 37D: Encouraging responses (YESES); 38D: From here (LOCAL); 41D: TiVo precursor (VCR); 43D: "Wheel of Fortune" purchase, perhaps (AN I); 44D: Most faithful (TRUEST); 45D: Faithful, to a Scot (LEAL); 46D: Instruments for Sappho (LYRES); 47D: Slangy safecrackers (YEGGS); 49D: Obtained from oil (OLEIC); 50D: Reverberates (ECHOES); 55D: Poet Allen and actress Sharon (TATES); 56D: Yucatan's capital (MERIDA); 57D: Dirty Harry's rank: abbr. (INSP.); 59D: Snow runner (SLED); 61D: Butts again (RERAMS); 62D: "This is only ___" (A TEST); 64D: Flies high (SOARS); 65D: Rotating point (PIVOT); 68D: Bucked off (THROWN); 69D: Insisted (on) (HARPED); 70D: Suva is its capital (FIJI); 71D: "___ mountain high enough ..." (AIN'T NO); 73D: European peninsula (IBERIA); 74D: Family emblems (CRESTS); 75D: Overfills (SATES); 76D: ___ Rica (COSTA); 79D: "His eye ___ every precious thing" (Job 28:10) (SEETH); 80D: Half a fly (TSE); 83D: Poe chamber (PIT); 85D: Sinatra's 1960s record label (REPRISE); 87D: "You there!" ("HEY!"); 88D: Semi communicator (CB RADIO); 89D: "Friendly Skies" co. (UAL); 90D: What top athletes make? (THE TEAM); 95D: Source of quick cash (ATM); 96D: Rest of the day? (SIESTA); 98D: Sir, in old India (SAHIB); 99D: Books reviewer: abbr. (CPA); 100D: Ball partner (ARNAZ); 101D: Legal wrongs (TORTS); 102D: Select group (A-LIST); 103D: Aqua or motor ending (-CADE); 106D: Where to see "Game of Thrones" (HBO); 107D: Broadcast (AIR); 108D: San Francisco's ___ Hill (NOB); 109D: Certain direction, briefly (NNW); 110D: Grp. with co-pays (HMO); 111D: Astron., e.g. (SCI.); 112D: Dove sound (COO); 113D: Ensenada encouragement (OLÉ); 114D: Literary monogram (RLS); 115D: Soak (up) (SOP).

07.03 (calendar)

S U N D A Y
July 3, 2011 (calendar)
Merl Reagle

[Note: This is the puzzle that appears in the Sunday L.A. Times newspaper. If you don't get the paper, you can find the puzzle here. Scroll down to see today's syndicated puzzle.]

Theme: "General Search" — (HOW TO PLAY: The last names of 14 famous Civil War generals are hidden in the Across answers, seven in the North part of the grid and seven in the South. The catch is that nine of them straddle a black square, like so: coB / RAGGed. the hardest one is at 84 Across. Can you find all 14? Explanation next week.)



Everything Else — 1A: Idle wanderer (VAGRANT); 8A: Dog markings (SPOTS); 13A: Double-reed woodwind (BASSOON); 20A: "The Lion in Winter" queen (ELEANOR); 21A: Mary Beth, the cop (LACEY); 22A: Sitcom family's name (RICARDO); 23A: Total bliss (NIRVANA); 24A: Theater seater (USHER); 25A: "___ from the moment I could stand" (Anna Pavlova) (I DANCED); 26A: "Don't look ___!" (AT ME); 27A: Game of forks and pins (CHESS); 29A: Mantel piece (URN); 31A: Fast approaching (NEAR); 32A: Tart quencher (LIMEADE); 35A: Flow controllers (SPIGOTS); 37A: ___ glance (AT A); 40A: ___ a one (zero) (NARY); 41A: Olympic event (DISCUS); 42A: Life insurance option (TERM); 46A: Actors Charles and James (COBURNS); 48A: Possible solution (IDEA); 50A: Pointless weapon (ÉPÉE); 52A: SE Asian language (LAO); 53A: Watergate figure Chuck (COLSON); 54A: Departs angrily (with "out") (STORMS); 56A: Mission ___, Calif. (VIEJO); 58A: School since 1440 (ETON); 59A: Commotion (STIR); 60A: Waiter for a bite (FISHERMAN); 64A: Trembled (SHOOK); 66A: Cookie Monster colleague (ERNIE); 68A: Modern way to shop (ONLINE); 69A: Phony introduction? (SYM-); 70A: Periodic table fig. (AT. NO.); 72A: Market-watching org.that missed Madoff (SEC); 74A: Awww-inspiring (CUTE); 75A: Hard/rock center (AS A); 78A: Keitel in "Pulp Fiction" (MR. WOLF); 80A: ___ broke (GO FOR); 82A: Score symbols (RESTS); 84A: Suffer (PAY DEARLY); 87A: Throws in (ADDS); 88A: Book after Joel (AMOS); 89A: Tickle (AMUSE); 90A: How some games end (IN A TIE); 93A: Triangle ratio (COSINE); 95A: Auto loan letters (APR); 96A: Cinderella's horses, before (MICE); 100A: Grand-scale tale (EPIC); 101A: They whistle while they work (KETTLES); 102A: VW precursors (R-S-T-U); 104A: Oil producer? (ARTIST); 106A: No longer straight (BENT); 107A: Correction crew: abbr. (EDS.); 108A: Fits in (BELONGS); 110A: Christmas star site (TREETOP); 113A: Air show stunt (LOOP); 115A: Juan's intro (SAN); 116A: Nest noise (CHEEP); 117A: 30 minutes, in the NFL (HALF); 121A: Takes by force (HIJACKS); 123A: Simmering, perhaps (ON LOW); 125A: Training session (SEMINAR); 128A: Uranium 238, e.g. (ISOTOPE); 129A: Shake awake (ROUSE); 130A: Put to work (UTILIZE); 131A: The sun, e.g. (DAYSTAR); 132A: Subsided (EBBED); 133A: One reentering society (PAROLEE); 1D: ___ cava (VENA); 2D: Landed on a leaf, e.g. (ALIT); 3D: It's sickening (GERM); 4D: "Bolero" composer (RAVEL); 5D: Carrier to Tokyo (ANA); 6D: Stop start? (NON-); 7D: Lost-person seekers (TRACERS); 8D: Turned on an axis (SLUED); 9D: Like 8-track tapes (PASSÉ); 10D: Folk singer Phil (OCHS); 11D: Ball elevator (TEE); 12D: IHOP assortment (SYRUPS); 13D: Mention (BRING UP); 14D: Backing (AID); 15D: Barely adequate (SCANT); 16D: Least loony (SANEST); 17D: Pacific predator (ORCA); 18D: Frankfurt's river (ODER); 19D: Sign of approval (NOD); 28D: Stable diet (HAY); 30D: Bridal shower? (RICE); 33D: Japanese cosmetics box (anagram of NOIR) (INRO); 34D: Herbie or Horace (MANN); 35D: Renamed country (SIAM); 36D: Sweet conclusion? (-OSE); 37D: Passwords provide it (ACCESS); 38D: Like some grins (TOOTHY); 39D: In full flower (ABLOOM); 41D: Austrian article (DER); 43D: Kind of sch. (ELEM.); 44D: Indian prince (RAJA); 45D: Orb in werewolf films (MOON); 47D: "You leave ___ alternative" (US NO); 48D: Take ___ stride (IT IN); 49D: Day at the movies (DORIS); 51D: More balanced (EVENER); 54D: Leisurely walk (STROLL); 55D: Airport near SJC and OAK (SFO); 57D: Anger (IRE); 59D: Hombre's address (SEÑOR); 61D: Like secret messages (IN CODE); 62D: Sheet music arcs (SLURS); 63D: Single or double (HIT); 65D: Magic teammate, once (KAREEM); 67D: Brain scan, briefly (EEG); 71D: Defunct carrier (TWA); 73D: Raccoon cousin (COATI); 75D: "Service with ___" (A SMILE); 78D: High (STONED); 77D: Evaluate (ASSESS); 78D: Rx writers (MD'S); 79D: Memo opener (FYI); 81D: Bank acct. protector (FDIC); 83D: It's right on the map, usually (EAST); 84D: Early late-night host (PAAR); 85D: Fender products (AMPS); 86D: Mongolian tent (YURT); 91D: Capone's nemesis (NESS); 92D: Fitting (APT); 93D: Bit of money (CENT); 94D: Director Preminger (OTTO); 97D: Different ending? (-IAL); 98D: Down word, perhaps (CROSSER); 99D: Sicilian smoker (ETNA); 101D: Maintains (KEEPS UP); 103D: Wolf pack units (U-BOATS); 105D: Don't listen to (IGNORE); 106D: Busy buzzer (BEE); 109D: Magic Kingdom neighbor (EPCOT); 110D: Yonder ones (THOSE); 111D: Marry again (REWED); 112D: Fictional gumshoe Vance (PHILO); 113D: Brainy cartoon sister (LISA); 114D: Hymn exclamation (O JOY); 116D: Dues-paying group (CLUB); 118D: Indigo dye source (ANIL); 119D: Lounge (about) (LAZE); 120D: Unattached (FREE); 121D: Went underground (HID); 122D: Kim Jong-il's military force: abbr. (KPA); 124D: Fat cat, in London (NOB); 126D: 55 Down posting (ETA); 127D: Fallen space station (MIR).

06.26 Sun (calendar)

S U N D A Y
June 26, 2011 (calendar)
Merl Reagle

[Note: This is the puzzle that appears in the Sunday L.A. Times newspaper. If you don't get the paper, you can find the puzzle here. Scroll down to see today's syndicated puzzle.]

Theme: "Pattern Recognition" — There's something unusual about all the V's in the puzzle. Apparently the mystery will be revealed to us next week.

Theme answers:

• 27A: Start of a query (WHAT'S UNUSUAL ABOUT).
• 60A: Query, Part 2 (THE LOCATIONS OF ALL OF).
• 94A: End of the query (THE V'S IN THIS PUZZLE).

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Everything Else — 1A: Member of the Addams family? (CHAS); 5A: Ones with war stories (VETS); 9A: Old CIA foe (KGB); 12A: Work on successfully (SOLVE); 17A: Enticed (LURED); 19A: Nymph who loved her own voice (ECHO); 20A: Scatter's first name (ELLA); 22A: Actor Diffring or Walbrook (ANTON); 23A: Flexible (AGILE); 24A: Tennessee's state flower (IRIS); 25A: Wiener schnitzel need (VEAL); 26A: Not phony (LEGIT); 31A: Crowd's cry (OLÉ); 32A: Numbers on letters (ZIPS); 33A: Flair (ELAN); 34A: Pitchfork-shaped letter (PSI); 35A: Abbr. for emeu or iglu (VAR.); 36A: Tightfisted types (MISERS); 39A: Star on the horizon? (COMER); 41A: Toe-shoe jumps (JETÉS); 43A: Luciano's love (AMORE); 44A: Deals (with) (COPES); 45A: Pertaining to a king's deputy (VICE REGAL); 49A: Tries to ease, as an ache (RUBS); 50A: Plug-in Chevy (VOLT); 51A: Not phony (VALID); 52A: Do-it-yourself maven Bob (VILA); 53A: Corp. bigwigs (VP'S); 54A: Photo IDs (VISAS); 55A: View through a pay telescope (VISTA); 56A: Sun screen? (VISOR); 57A: Having feathers, as an arrow (VANED); 58A: Disgusting (VILE); 59A: Catherine's role in "Chicago" et al. (VELMAS); 65A: Says out loud (VOICES); 66A: Norman's place: abbr. (OKLA.); 67A: Squiggle over an "n" (TILDE); 68A: Helps, as a fugitive (ABETS); 69A: Whips up (MAKES); 71A: Item that's fit for a king? (SHEET); 72A: "Real Time with Bill Maher" night: abbr. (FRI.); 75A: Dodgers' spring training city for 59 years, ___ Beach, Fla. (VERO); 76A: Pie-in-the-face comic (SALES); 77A: Bombard (PELT); 78A: Custard creation (FLAN); 79A: Worship (ADORATION); 81A: Collection of directors (BOARD); 83A: Bite at the ballpark (FRANK); 84A: Hopeful list (SLATE); 85A: Rises to breathe, as a whale (VENTS); 86A: Writer de Tocqueville (ALEXIS); 87A: Copier nuisance (JAM); 90A: Abbr. after Acre (ISR.); 91A: On the ocean blue (ASEA); 92A: "Truer words were never spoken" (AMEN); 93A: "___ combination thereof" (OR A); 101A: Go nuts, as a crowd (ERUPT); 103A: Shoot!" (DANG); 104A: Countless centuries (EONS); 105A: Painkiller withdrawn in 2004 (VIOXX); 106A: Sing like an Austrian, maybe (YODEL); 107A: British gun of WWII (STEN); 108A: Pooch in pictures (ASTA); 109A: Oddly familiar (EERIE); 110A: Nobel, for one (SWEDE); 111A: Grads-to-be, briefly (SRS.); 112A: Count (on) (RELY); 113A: Roast setting? (DAIS); 1D: Hammer part (CLAW); 2D: "House" star's first name (HUGH); 3D: Solo selection (ARIA); 4D: Club sodas (SELTZERS); 5D: Thin blue lines, maybe (VEINS); 6D: Stationery shade (ECRU); 7D: "I was ___ close ..." (THIS); 8D: "I was wrong. What can I say?" ("SO SUE ME"); 9D: Bulletproof vest material (KEVLAR); 10D: Find out, in a way (GLEAN); 11D: Tell (BLAB); 12D: More R-rated, as dialogue (SALTIER); 13D: Part that starts (ONE); 14D: Statehouse equiv. of a backup QB (LT. GOV.); 15D: Kin of "presto!" (VOILÀ); 16D: ATM button (ENTER); 18D: U2 hit of 1988 (DESIRE); 21D: Baldness (ALOPECIA); 28D: Increases (UPS); 29D: Tall orders, maybe (ALES); 30D: Spanish pronoun (USTED); 36D: Sportscaster Albert (MARV); 37D: Late riser's "all right already!" ("I'M UP!"); 38D: Cries out loud (SOBS); 39D: Piña ___ (COLADA); 40D: Chooses (OPTS); 41D: Abandon before I do? (JILT); 42D: Barber's setting (SEVILLE); 44D: Trig function, briefly (COSEC); 45D: Bouquet holders (VASES); 46D: Thingamajig's other spelling (GISMO); 47D: "Half ___ is better ..." (A LOAF); 48D: Scandinavian name (LARS); 50D: Trattoria quaffs (VINOS); 51D: Lithuania's capital (VILNA); 54D: Lowlands, to poets (VALES); 55D: Bass ___ (VIOLS); 56D: Grassy plain, in Africa (VELDT); 57D: Flight paths (VECTORS); 58D: Minnesota pros, briefly (VIKES); 59D: Parker at the hotel (VALET); 60D: Go ___ (turn in) (TO BED); 61D: Glyph opening (HIERO); 62D: Subway slug (TOKEN); 63D: Rest of the group (OTHERS); 64D: Area of expertise (FIELD); 65D: "Voom" preceder (VA-VA); 69D: Restaurant VIPs (MAÎTRE D'S); 70D: Health-food-store phone greeting? (ALOE); 71D: Knockdown, drag-out's opposite (SPAT); 72D: Raw material for Rumpelstiltskin (FLAX); 73D: Royal that sounds like a boy's name (RANI); 74D: Contents of some cartridges (INKS); 76D: Secret supply (STASH); 78D: Wild (FRENZIED); 80D: Somewhat (A LITTLE); 81D: "___ waiting long?" (BEEN); 82D: Out of control (ON A TEAR); 83D: River to the sea, in French (FLEUVE); 85D: Winning gestures (V-SIGNS); 86D: Item with a treble knob (AMP); 87D: Young hoppers (JOEYS); 88D: Traffic light feature (ARROW); 89D: Brassy role for Bea (MAUDE); 91D: Voice actor in "Up" (ASNER); 92D: Analyze, as ore (ASSAY); 95D: Cousins of tanks (VATS); 96D: Engine conduit (HOSE); 97D: Wd. in many airport names (INTL.); 98D: Author ___ Neale Hurston (ZORA); 99D: Total days in July and August, to Caesar (LXII); 100D: Old flames (EXES); 102D: Bi or mo ending (-PED).

06.19 Sun (calendar)

S U N D A Y
June 19, 2011
Merl Reagle

[Note: This is the puzzle that appears in the Sunday L.A. Times newspaper. If you don't get the paper, you can find the puzzle here. Scroll down to see today's syndicated puzzle.]

Theme: "Read Any Good T-shirts Lately?" — Theme answers are witty phrases that might be seen on t-shirts.

Theme answers:

• 17A: "My dog ___" (CAN LICK ANYONE).
• 22A: "Rehab ___" (IS FOR QUITTERS).
• 33A: "I see ___" (DUMB PEOPLE).
• 40A: "Hysteria ___" (REPEATS ITSELF).
• 52A: "I have the body of a god. Unfortunately, ___" (IT'S BUDDHA).
• 59A: "He who laughs last ___" (THINKS SLOWEST).
• 72A: "Where there's a will, ___" (I WANT TO BE IN IT).
• 85A: "My other house ___" (IS CLEANER).
• 91A: "On the highway of life, I chose ___" (THE PSYCHOPATH).
• 98A: "I'm a menace ___" (TO SOBRIETY).
• 115A: "I am in shape — ___" (ROUND IS A SHAPE).
• 121A: "Practice safe food: ___" (USE CONDIMENTS).

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Everything Else — 1A: Marsh emanation (MIASMA); 7A: Short form of a wd. (ABBR.); 11A: Radical '60s grp. (SDS); 14A: Starbucks subsidiary, familiarly (SBC); 20A: Name of eight Eng. kings (EDW.); 21A: Threatener of Dave in space (HAL); 23A: It often equals z (X TIMES Y); 25A: It might be scenic (ROUTE); 26A: Go-getter (DOER); 27A: Second finisher? (-ARY); 29A: Bedouin, for one (NOMAD); 30A: King's realm, once (CNN); 31A: Blueprint (PLAN); 35A: Elks' initials (BPOE); 37A: D-Day figure (IKE); 39A: Unpaid workers (SERFS); 46A: Co. with keywords (AOL); 47A: Anvil and stirrup site (EAR); 50A: Rejoices (EXULTS); 51A: Financial aid of a sort (LOAN); 55A: Store lane (AISLE); 56A: Trudge (PLOD); 57A: ___ blocker (BETA); 58A: Mitch and Noel's guitar pal (JIMI); 63A: Outdid (BESTED); 65A: Opening of an ode? (TRI-); 66A: Sprinted (RAN); 67A: Tie-score word (ALL); 68A: Texas city (ODESSA); 79A: Florida city, for short (BOCA); 80A: Instant-coffee brand (KAVA); 82A: Choir attire (ROBE); 83A: Part of a single or LP (SIDE A); 87A: Western writer's first name (ZANE); 88A: Becomes less green (RIPENS); 89A: Prop for the course (TEE); 90A: Former Eur. country (YUG); 94A: Isn't insensitive (FEELS); 96A: Campaign creations (ADS); 97A: Say no to (DENY); 102A: Santa ___ CA (ROSA); 104A: A high school dept. (SCI.); 107A: "According to the grapevine ..." ("I HEAR …"); 108A: Actress Pounder (CCH); 109A: Way to go (ROAD); 111A: Vermont's Allen (ETHAN); 113A: 1920s ballet star (PAVLOVA); 119A: Spleen (IRE); 120A: Triumph (WIN); 122A: Palindromic girl (NAN); 123A: Palindromic girl (SIS); 124A: British Anthony (EDEN); 125A: Cara and Castle (IRENES); 1D: Marsha or Perry (MASON); 2D: As a joke (IN FUN); 3D: Enormously (A LOT); 4D: King's address (SIRE); 5D: John Wayne cop film (MCQ); 6D: Half of a Heyerdahl title (AKU); 7D: Composer Bruckner (ANTON); 8D: Computing unit (BYTE); 9D: South African of Dutch descent (BOER); 10D: Time off, in mil. slang (R-N-R); 11D: Ben Kingsley gangster film (SEXY BEAST); 12D: Banned bug-killer (DDT); 13D: Viral disease with farm origins (SWINE FLU); 14D: Moe's other brother (SHEMP); 15D: ___ metabolism (BASAL); 16D: Glasgow's river (CLYDE); 17D: Like coins or wheels: abbr. (CIRC.); 18D: A slave of opera (AIDA); 19D: Biblical brother (ESAU); 24D: Bossy comments (MOOS); 28D: Pts. of hotels (RMS.); 31D: Puck purchases (POTS); 32D: French word or man's name (LES); 33D: Costa ___ Sol (DEL); 34D: Likely (PROBABLE); 35D: Casus ___ (BELLI); 36D: Invention papers (PATENTS); 37D: Dancer Duncan (ISADORA); 38D: Understanding (KEN); 40D: Actor Stephen (REA); 41D: Word on a door (EXIT); 42D: Word on a door (PUSH); 43D: Social problems (ILLS); 44D: Drill, for one (TOOL); 45D: Falsehoods (FIBS); 47D: Cut, paste, or delete, e.g. (EDIT); 48D: Sighing words (AH ME); 49D: Maraud (RAID); 53D: Asian holiday (TET); 54D: Vinyl spinners (DJ'S); 56D: Greek letter (PSI); 60D: Everest climber Jon who wrote "Into Thin Air" (KRAKAUER); 61D: Pale (WAN); 62D: Tricks into wrongdoing (ENTRAPS); 64D: Literary dropout? (ELISION); 67D: 1858 debater (ABE); 68D: Passing mention? (OBIT); 69D: Vial info (DOSE); 70D: Behold, to Brutus (ECCE); 71D: Actor Mineo (SAL); 72D: "___ changed, honest!" (I'VE); 73D: Toad feature (WART); 74D: Enormously (TONS); 75D: Word in old wedding vows (OBEY); 76D: Stingingly cold (NIPPY); 77D: Thought (IDEA); 78D: Shelter for Ringling's rings (TENT); 81D: Church of England followers (ANGLICANS); 84D: Silverish gray (ASH); 86D: They're often plucked (EYEBROWS); 87D: Letter from London (ZED); 88D: Big bird (RHEA); 92D: It's cut and dried (HAY); 93D: Electronics dept. buys (CD'S); 94D: Stable babe (FOAL); 95D: Short time (SEC); 98D: Hoop assist (TIP IN); 99D: Tara name (O'HARA); 100D: Deciding game, often (SEVEN); 101D: "No ___ traffic" (THRU); 102D: Hazardous gas (RADON); 103D: Frigg's hubby (ODIN); 104D: One-named western hero (SHANE); 105D: Cook and Hook, for ex. (CAPTS.); 106D: Dom Pedro's ill-fated wife (INES); 109D: Regretted (RUED); 110D: In the old days (ONCE); 111D: Salinger girl (ESME); 112D: "___ it hit me ..." (THEN); 114D: See 100 Down (VII); 116D: Verb ending? (-OSE); 117D: Reagan era proj. (SDI); 118D: Televise (AIR).

06.12 Sun (calendar)

S U N D A Y
June 12, 2011
Merl Reagle

[Note: This is the puzzle that appears in the Sunday L.A. Times newspaper. If you don't get the paper, you can find the puzzle here. Scroll down to see today's syndicated puzzle.]

Theme: "Standard Time" — Theme answers are words and phrases that contain the letter string FLAG.

Theme answers:

• 23A: There's a major one in Disney's "Bambi" (CONFLAGRATION).
• 28A: It might lead to an ejection (FLAGRANT FOUL).
• 39A: Hi and Lois of the comics (THE FLAGSTONS).
• 55A: "Fried Green Tomatoes" author (FANNIE FLAGG).
• 63A: Wagnerian soprano, 1895-1962 (KIRSTEN FLAGSTAD).
• 76A: Hidden (CAMOUFLAGED).
• 90A: Monk's penance, once (FLAGELLATION).
• 105A: Co-founder of Standard Oil and developer of Florida's east coast (HENRY FLAGLER).
• 110A: Beer-filled tankard (FLAGON OF LAGER).

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Everything Else — 1A: Tough spot (JAM); 4A: Broadway Joe (PAPP); 8A: 1962 Crystals hit, "___ A Rebel" (HE'S); 11A: It might have a splashy opening (SPA); 14A: Forensics, for ex. (SCI.); 17A: Ex-ring king (ALI); 18A: Robt. ___ (E. LEE); 19A: City of the Viking Ship Museum (OSLO); 21A: Throw a fit (CARRY-ON); 26A: Oregon city (ASTORIA); 27A: Grassy hills (KNOLLS); 30A: Truth ___ (SERUM); 31A: Octopus eater (EEL); 33A: Composer Camille Saint-___ (SAENS); 34A: Venomous types (ASPS); 35A: Wild (FERAL); 37A: Moody's rates them (BONDS); 38A: Mess ___ (KIT); 43A: Ministers (PARSONS); 47A: "Watch where you ___ that thing" (AIM); 48A: Easter blooms (LILIES); 49A: Brit's opener (I SAY); 51A: "Pompous? ___?" (MOI); 52A: Perseverance (GRIT); 54A: Action (DEED); 59A: Went boldly (STRODE); 61A: Squeak solver (OIL CAN); 62A: Talked a lot (RAN ON); 68A: ___ for beauty (AN EYE); 71A: Messenger god (HERMES); 72A: Finally (AT LAST); 78A: Garland, originally (GUMM); 81A: Reverberate (ECHO); 82A: Not clear (DIM); 83A: What we all want to pay? (LESS); 84A: Seuss fellow (SAM I AM); 86A: Road rescue (TOW); 87A: Goes mum (CLAMS UP); 93A: Go ___ (APE); 94A: Wall work (MURAL); 96A: New Hampshire city (KEENE); 97A: "___ Traffic" (THRU); 99A: Moral man (AESOP); 100A: Bradbury's "___ for Space" (S IS); 101A: Tie type (ASCOT); 108A: C to C, e.g. (OCTAVE); 109A: Pesto morsel (PINE NUT); 113A: Galley with three tiers of oars (TRIREME); 114A: ___-carotene (BETA); 115A: Youngest of the Brontë sisters (ANNE); 116A: Say the wrong thing (ERR); 117A: Drink ending (-ADE); 118A: Patriotic org. (DAR); 119A: Trousers color (TAN); 120A: Well-behaved (GOOD); 121A: Porcine scene (STY); 1D: The old ball game? (JACKS); 2D: Sans company (ALONE); 3D: Like some keys (MINOR); 4D: Willy-nilly (PELL-MELL); 5D: "Sad to say" ("ALAS"); 6D: Hanging place (PEG); 7D: For each (PER); 8D: Lanford Wilson's "___ Baltimore" (HOT L); 9D: QB-turned-sports analyst Boomer (ESIASON); 10D: Catchphrases (SLOGANS); 11D: Reads fast (SCANS); 12D: Tense type (PAST); 13D: Craft show's cousin (ART FAIR); 14D: IHOP offering (SYRUP); 15D: Bedsprings (COILS); 16D: Actress Balin (INA); 20D: "No turn ___" (ON RED); 22D: Perches (ROOSTS); 24D: Trivial stuff (FLUFF); 25D: CIO partner (AFL); 29D: Questioner's quest: abbr. (ANS.); 31D: Green feat (EAGLE); 32D: Borden bovine (ELSIE); 36D: Pirate (RAIDER); 37D: Derek and others (BOS); 38D: Mitty portrayer (KAYE); 39D: Places for prices (TAGS); 40D: Horn great (HIRT); 41D: Arab League VIP (EMIR); 42D: Mogul who wed Jane (TED); 43D: Diligent effort (PAINS); 44D: U.A.E. neighbor (OMAN); 45D: Scrubbed, as a launch (NO-GO); 46D: Road marker (SIGN); 49D: Cuzco dweller (INCA); 50D: Little setback (SNAG); 53D: Godzilla target (TOKYO); 55D: Played a pipe (FIFED); 56D: Start of a Bard title (ALL'S); 57D: Toga party setting (FRAT); 58D: Soup server (LADLE); 60D: God, to Godard (DIEU); 61D: Free, in a way (ON ME); 64D: Lug: slang (SHLEP); 65D: Black and green, e.g. (TEAS); 66D: Work units (ERGS); 67D: South-of-the-border order (TAMALE); 68D: Current choice (AC/DC); 69D: Brad, e.g. (NAIL); 70D: Austen novel (EMMA); 73D: Opera opening (ACT I); 74D: Chase (SHOO); 75D: Dot on a map (TOWN); 77D: Chimney part (FLUE); 78D: Prank (GAG); 79D: "Sayonara" Oscar-winner Miyoshi (UMEKI); 80D: Travel info (MILES); 84D: Gal of song (SAL); 85D: In chains (MANACLED); 88D: Eliot hero (MARNER); 89D: Rejected (SPURNED); 90D: Polliwog (FROGLET); 91D: Rio de ___ (LA PLATA); 92D: Seed covering (TESTA); 94D: Portrayer of Max and Hamlet (MEL); 95D: Edwards, for one: abbr. (USAFB); 97D: Show place? (THIRD); 98D: Skate great (HENIE); 99D: Following (AFTER); 100D: Sellout abbr. (SRO); 102D: Zoo sights (CAGES); 103D: Not hidden (OVERT); 104D: Brando's role in "On the Waterfront," ___ Malloy (TERRY); 106D: Arizona city (YUMA); 107D: Richard of "A Summer Place" (EGAN); 108D: ___ consequence (OF NO); 109D: Class action grp.? (PTA); 111D: Grouse like a spouse (NAG); 112D: Lennon's middle name (ONO).