Ryan solves the NYT, Tue 9-1-9
I can’t believe how much preparation there’s been for our trip to Italy. Pickles and I are both really excited though. We’re leaving in a little over 48 hours and heading to Rome. First time in Italy. First time in Europe. If anybody has any last minute advice I’d love to hear it.
But, for now, on to today’s puzzle. It was constructed by Steven Ginzburg and features a theme I’m not sure I totally understand.
37A. How 18-, 24-, 47- and 56-Across may be defined (BY HOOK OR BY CROOK).
18A. SHARPTURN
24A. SHEPHERDS CANE
47A. SWINGING PUNCH
56A. RACKETEER
Ok, so does this mean that each entry may be defined by hook or by crook? Or may some of the entries be defined by just hook and the others defined by just crook? I guess a SHARP TURN and a PUNCH can be a hook, a RACKETEER can be a crook and a SHEPHERDS CANE be…something, I don’t know.
I appreciate the idea behind the theme but I find it pretty confusing.
Other highlights:
14A. Musical work that’s often not in English (OPERA). Looks like we’re totally going to miss the opera season in Italy. Not that I’m a huge opera fan but I’d love to experience it in Italy. We are taking a tour of La Scala though. That should be fun.
42A. Tops of many Halloween getups (WIGS). Seeing all the Halloween stuff at the local Rite Aid is always bit depressing. I love the summer. I much prefer it when the Rite Aid aisles are full of coolers and beach chairs.
65A. First, second, third or home (BASE). Hmmm, is home plate a base? I guess technically it is but nobody ever refers to it as such. Is there some sort of job I could get as a Baseball Term Usage Monitor? I think I’d enjoy that.
40D. Giant in pasta sauce (RAGU). Will I ever be able to eat RAGU again after eating in Italy? I hope not.
What did you guys think of this theme? Did you understand it? If you did, could you explain it to me? Thank you.
Next stop, Wednesday.
