Ryan solves the NYT, 7-20-9
Oh my, I really overslept. It’s already past 10 and I have to get over to the studio so we can record this week’s podcast. I must have been tuckered out from being in the sun at Yankee Stadium yesterday. So now I’ve been to both new New York stadiums. Even though Yankee Stadium cost twice as much I have to say I think Citi Field is a much nicer place to see a ballgame. Much more inviting and MUCH better food options.
So, today’s puzzle by Pancho Harrison featured a fine Monday theme:
57A. Factory supervisors…or a hint to the starts of 20-, 36-, and 42-Across (PLANT MANAGERS).
20A. What the love of money is, they say (ROOT OF ALL EVIL).
36A. Stop a prevailing trend (STEM THE TIDE).
42A. Quickly turn the pages of (LEAF THROUGH).
Ok, two things. First, why isn’t ROOT at the bottom and LEAF at the top of the grid? Or am I being picky? Second, is PLANT MANAGERS the hint or is it just PLANT? Does ROOT manage things by being OF ALL EVIL? Am I thinking too much about this? Probably.
Other highlights:
31A. Ninth-inning pitcher (CLOSER). We got to see Mariano Rivera come in to close out the game yesterday. That was fun. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him pitch in person before.
48A. Mexican revolutionary ___ Villa (PANCHO). This is cool. I’m glad Mr. Harrison got his name in there.
54A. “Oh bushwa!” (MY EYE). I’m quite sure I’ve never heard anybody exclaim either of these. Oh bushwa? Is that a real thing?
70A. Like Georgia Brown of song (SWEET). My English teacher in the 7th grade was named Georgia Brown. She was one of those teachers who arranged the seating alphabetically. For me, this always meant I ended up in the center of the front row. In this particular class John Heim (that’s right, I’m calling him out!) sat behind me and throughout class he slowly pushed my seat forward until I was about 2 inches from the chalkboard. No amount of pleading would make him stop and not-so-SWEET Georgia Brown didn’t do anything about it besides snickering a bit. Ah, junior high. What a freaking nightmare.
37A. Go from gig to gig (TRANSPOSE). Just seeing if you’re paying attention. But the answer still works, right?
Ok, that’s all I have time for today. I’m already going to be late and Brian is not going to be pleased.
Next stop, Tuesday.
