Ryan solves the NYT, Sat 7-25-9
Hold on, let me look at the calendar. Yes, it’s true, we are now officially 4 weeks away from Lollapuzzoola. We’re starting to gather up our fabulous prizes. Sure, some will be more fabulous than others but they will all have a degree of fabulousness. But the only way you can win a fabulous Lollapuzzoola prize is to come to Lollapuzzoola.
Today’s puzzle is by Vic [insert sound effect here] “The Gavel” Fleming (pictured at right) and it was a bit easier than most Saturdays. I made a few leaps of faith that turned out to be correct and got it done in about 45 minutes.
Quite a fun solve with four 15-letter answers.
17A. Inquire about a union contract? (PROPOSE MARRIAGE). I was on to this pretty quickly but I couldn’t figure out the phrasing. I knew it ended with MARRIAGE but I was convinced it started with ASK. I thought maybe it was ASK INTO MARRIAGE which, oddly, is not a phrase nor does it make sense.
39A. They benefit personally (VESTED INTERESTS). VESTED INTERESTS, that’s a phrase I use but if Jay Leno came by and asked me to define it I think I’d be at a loss. Then I’d tell him he’s not funny.
60A. Meteorological shocker? (ELECTRICAL STORM). Seriously, what else could this be?
7D. Losing the fuzz? (COMING INTO FOCUS). Great clue and answer although I really wanted it to be about evading the police.
Other highlights:
1A. Brand seen near razors (AFTA). I don’t know what this means. What is AFTA? Is it after shave? According to google, it’s the Association for Temperate Agroforestry. Why would that be near a razor?
26A. Alter in a clothing store? (RETAG). Hey, I got this without any crosses. And I never go clothes shopping. No, seriously, I never go. I pretty much wear the same thing everyday. Ask Brian. I’d tell you to ask my wife but I don’t like to remind her.
35A. Quarter master? (NUMISMATIST). This one was a pretty big leap for me. I’d heard the word but had no idea how to spell it. So I just sounded it out like they do in a spelling bee and wrote it in there and it was right. And that is the manner in which I roll.
44A. Filled treats (OREOS). I guess if I had never solved a crossword puzzle before thin one would have been a little tougher.
46A. Certain joe (DECAF). I am at a distinct disadvantage with coffee clues as I never drink coffee. I will, however, be drinking coffee when we go to Italy. On that note, Pickles thinks I will take me all of 5 minutes in Rome before I say, “When in Rome…” I’m guessing it’ll be sooner than that.
50A. Kind of joe (SLOPPY). Alright, that’s it. I’m making SLOPPY Joes this weekend.
3D. Sing the parts of in succession (TROLL). Music people, please explain.
14D. Hook go-with? (SMEE). This one took me a while but it provided a nice AHA! moment.
45D. Brennan’s successor on the Supreme Court (SOUTER). I had no idea Eileen Brennan was a Supreme Court Justice. Good for her!
Next stop, Sunday.
