Ryan and Brian Do Crosswords

Today’s puzzle by Greg Kaiser (making his NYT debut) and Steven Ginzburg (this is 4th NYT puzzle) is fun one full of puns.

36A. Pun-crimes committed by the answers to the six-starred clues (CAPITAL OFFENSES).  The six theme answers are all world capitals that serve as punny answers to their respective clues.  What is it about puns that make people groan or put their head in their hands or roundhouse kick you in the face?  I think most people don’t want to admit how much they like them.  I do though and my wardrobe certainly reflects it.  Just ask Brian.  He can vouch.

15A. *Final resting place for old autos? (KHARTOUM).  We would also have accepted “somewhere extremely inconvenient between Boston and New York City”.  That’s where our stupid, crap car is resting.  Unless they gave it a new paint job and sold it to someone else.  Hey, maybe we’ll buy it again.  Speaking of old cars, here’s Carhenge:

24A. *Father of the Ziploc? (BAGHDAD).  I like how this is worded.  “The Ziploc” as if it’s some ancient Mayan god for whom they built air tight tombs in order to store sacrifices and tuna fish sandwiches.

49A. *Wide shoe specification (TRIPOLI).  I had very wide feet in junior high school.  I wore quad E’s which meant the I could only comfortably fit into nerdlinger shoes.  Once I said the hell with it and got some high tops.  After one day my feet were two red, chafed, blistery masses.  So, not much different looking than the rest of my 13 year old self.

63A. *Recently opened sandwich shop? (NEW DELHI).  I think we all need to take a group crossword trip to the Carnegie Deli.  It’s rare to go to a place with such high quantity and quality.  Last time I was there I got a corn beef sandwich that was as big as my head.  I ate almost half and made the rest into corn beef hash that lasted for three days.  Great stuff.  Here’s my cousin’s Reuben wearing a cheese toupee:

2D. *Multiplyin’ by 2? (DUBLIN).  I think this my favorite one.

48D. *Base of a fragrant tree? (BEIRUT).  Ok, I’m assuming a bay is a tree…yes, it is.  An aromatic evergreen.  Not my favorite pun in the bunch but it’ll do.

Other highlights:

29A. Extreme Atkins diet credo (NO CARBS).  You know what definitely does  have carbs? Bacon Wrapped French Toast Stonehenge.

57A. Long key (SPACE BAR).  Am I the only one who put SKELETON here?

7D. Big print maker (THUMB).  Another great clue.  I had KODAK first.

57D. ___ Digital Short (SNL).  You know you want to see it again.

Great puzzle by Greg and Steven.

Next stop, Friday.