Ryan solves the NYT, Thu 7-24-8
Fun theme in this Matt Ginsberg puzzle.
35A. Jacqueline Susann novel, and the problem with some of the answers in this puzzle : (ONCEISNOTENOUGH). The theme answers are phrases with repeated words but in the grid the repeated words are not repeated. (I think I’m getting better at describing these themes!) By the way, Once is Not Enough was made into a movie featuring George Hamilton. If it was up to me, George Hamilton would be in just about every movie. Oddly enough, the only movie I wouldn’t put him in is Godfather III. What the heck was he doing in there? Does anybody remember the very short-lived series “Spies”? It had George Hamilton, came out in 1987 and lasted 6 episodes. All I remember about it is a very funny joke about swordfish.
17A. Hollow-point projectiles (DUMBULLETS). Oy, dum dum bullets expand upon impact which create a whole slew of horrible things to whatever they hit.
22A. Mutually beneficial interaction (WINSITUATION). I figured out the theme with this clue.
45A. Puerto Rican-born P.G.A. star (CHIRODRIGUEZ). Is he the one who pretends to stick his club in a scabbard after he sinks a shot?
56A. Child’s fair-weather wish (RAINGOAWAY). This one confused me as I thought it meant a wish during a period of fair weather. Just me? Probably.
Other clues that caught my eye:
15A. Originator of the equation e to the power (pi * i) + 1 = 0 (EULER). There was a time early in my life when everybody was convinced I was good at math. Myself, my parents, my teachers. Then I took Trigonometry and I decided the liberal arts might be more my speed.
20A. Bazaar (EMPORIUM). Did anybody see Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium? It looked terrible. And if your last name is Magorium is there any future for you besides owning an emporium?
25A. Roughly triangular racket (CROSSE). This is the racket used in lacrosse. Makes sense, I suppose. Interesting how some sports are named. Baseball, football and basketball are all named after the main piece of equipment used. While in hockey, tennis, and golf the main piece of equipment is named after the sport: hockey puck, tennis ball, golf ball. Why isn’t hockey called hockeypuck?
4D. River bends (OXBOWS). Named after the u-shaped piece of wood that fits around the neck of an ox and is attached to a yoke. It’s gotta be no fun to be an ox.
13D. One of the Mudville players on base when the mighty Casey struck out (FLYNN). This poem gives me goosebumps every time I read it. It was written in 1888 but change the names and it could be describing any number of games played this season, 120 years after publication. One of the many things I love about baseball. Here’s Leroy Neiman’s rendering of the scene.
25D. Dice, say (CHOP). Nice misdirection here.
27D. “The Lord of the Rings” army (ORCS). I’m still not believing that Peter Jackson is not going to direct The Hobbit. That seems ludicrous to me.
43D. Duke Atreides in “Dune” (LETO). Are these books any good?
Have I plugged Lollapuzzoola 2008 today? No? Hey, everybody, come to Lollapuzzoola 2008. It’s going to be lots of fun. Great constructors, great puzzles, great snacks. All for only $10. August 23rd, 12pm, Jackson Heights. You’ll pay for the whole seat but you’ll only need the edge!!
Next stop, Friday.
