Ryan solves the NYT, Sat 1-31-9
It took me close to 4 and half hours and the back of my brain started to melt but I was able to no-google this Ken Bessette puzzle. I got off to a quick start with the right side but left side took some doing and the bottom left alone fought with me for at least an hour.
It’s 4 in the morning so I’m just going to quickly list my favorites. All around a very good puzzle.
1A. Seek change? (PASS THE HAT). I knew it was going to be about money. Didn’t make it easy though.
15A. Between wings (ON THE STAGE). This one I got right off. See, kids, being an actor can pay off.
17A. Ad pitcher who’s really a pitcher (KOOL AID MAN). I tried to make JIM PALMER and his Jockeys fit but he just wasn’t the right size.
25A. Chicago Fire’s sports org. (MLS). If I’ve absolutely never heard of the team and it’s from a large city, I go with soccer.
29A. Trials (HARDSHIPS). This was the last one I filled in. Jeez. Just wouldn’t come to me. At one point I had HAPPY HIPS in there.
36A. Blood drive quantity (ONE UNIT). Had ONE PINT for a while which didn’t help things.
37A. Player of the first Bond girl (ANDRESS). I list this clue solely for the opportunity to post a picture of Ursula Andress.
40A. No place for a lady (STAG PARTY). Has anybody actually been to a STAG PARTY? Good times?
4D. Cart (SHLEP). Shouldn’t this clue indicate the answer is a variant?
29A. Copper head? (HONEST ABE). This one took me way too long. I knew it was about the penny but never thought it could be Lincoln. Do I know what a penny looks like? Discuss.
41D. Stand-up routine? (THE WAVE). I am not a fan of the wave. Although sometimes I am a fan in the wave.
51D. Whac-___ (carnival game) (AMOLE). My pick for the easiest clue of the puzzle.
Great puzzle. Fun times. Off to bed.
Next stop, Sunday.
