01.09 Sun

S U N D A Y (calendar)

January 9, 2011
Sylvia Bursztyn

[Note: This is the puzzle that appears in the Sunday L.A. Times newspaper. If you don't get the paper, you can find the puzzle here. Scroll down to see today's syndicated puzzle.]

As you may have heard, Sylvia Bursztyn, who created this puzzle, passed away December 30. You can read the L.A. Times obituary here. I know Sylvia will be missed.

Theme: "Light Work" — Puns relating to light.

Theme answers:

• 23A: Lighting guru? (DR. FILAMENT).
• 25A: Lapses in light? (LUMEN DROPS).
• 48A: Better lighting line? (SUPERIOR CORD).
• 72A: What lit Mary's way in the dark? (A LITTLE LAMP).
• 95A: Lighting peddler's conveyance? (FIXTURE WAGON).
• 117A: Lighting store? (BULB MARKET).
• 121A: Yank that gets the wire out of the wall? (PLUG WRENCH).
• 33D: Switches stuck on low? (FROZEN DIMMERS).
• 38D: "An amount of power, is that right?" ("WATTAGE YOU SAY?").

Everything Else — 1A: Seizes (GRABS); 6A: Queen who loved Aeneas (DIDO); 10A: Thing to do (TASK); 14A: Pastrami's place, often (ON RYE); 19A: "That's ---!" (A WRAP); 20A: Bath stream (AVON); 21A: Lateral intro (EQUI-); 22A: Indy champ Bobby (RAHAL); 27A: Lacking body (LIMP); 28A: Taco chip dip (SALSA); 30A: Turn off (VEER); 31A: Cradle to grave (LIFETIME); 35A: Florence's --- Palace (PITTI); 37A: Attract (DRAW IN); 41A: Eliza's 'iggins ('ENRY); 42A: Hip joint (COXA); 44A: Native American ears (MAIZE); 46A: Put on the boards (STAGE); 47A: Glop (GOO); 51A: Mount near Messina (ETNA); 52A: European blackbirds (OUZELS); 54A: Tonic go-with (GIN); 55A: Calamitous (DIRE); 57A: Rugrat (TOT); 58A: Shorthand pro (STENO); 59A: Flight to the ER (MEDEVAC); 63A: Set against (COMPARE); 65A: City near Vesuvius (NAPLES); 67A: It has banks and flows (RIVER); 69A: Some oranges (OSAGES); 70A: Current letters (AC/DC); 75A: Noodge (PEST); 76A: Resolute (GRITTY); 78A: More furtive (SLIER); 79A: Tom of "Happy Days" (BOSLEY); 81A: Tec (GUMSHOE); 83A: Turtles ingredient (CARAMEL); 85A: "Get ---!" (A ROOM); 88A: "Stand" band (REM); 89A: "You're not the boss ---!" (OF ME); 91A: Guy's date (GAL); 92A: Ill-treat (MISUSE); 93A: Grade sch. (ELEM.); 100A: Spread (SOW); 101A: Gymnast Kerri (STRUG); 103A: Tropical vine (LIANA); 104A: Reformer Jacob (RIIS); 105A: Galleria (MALL); 106A: Network (SYSTEM); 108A: Vogue (TREND); 110A: Some salmon (SOCKEYES); 112A: Show horse (ARAB); 114A: Movie shots (TAKES); 116A: Crowd noise (ROAR); 126A: "Be-Bop- ---" (ALULA); 127A: Leisure (EASE); 128A: Novelist Hoag (TAMI); 129A: Hi or bye on Lanai (ALOHA); 130A: Poe bird (RAVEN); 131A: Env. abbr. (ATTN.); 132A: RN's device (HYPO); 133A: Rookies (TYROS); 1D: Wander (GAD); 2D: Presidential inits. (RWR); 3D: "Ruff" kin (ARF); 4D: Tony winner Pearl (BAILEY); 5D: Divvy up (SPLIT); 6D: Give the floor a quick clean (DAMP MOP); 7D: "--- had it!" (I'VE); 8D: Puts on (DONS); 9D: Available (ON TAP); 10D: Satellite of 1962 (TELSTAR); 11D: Living in water (AQUATIC); 12D: Bottom line (SUM); 13D: Ukraine's capital (KIEV); 14D: Directives (ORDERS); 15D: Tell (NARRATE); 16D: Pi follower (RHO); 17D: Pie hole (YAP); 18D: Golf champ Ernie (ELS); 24D: Friend, to Flavius (AMICUS); 26D: Beatty of "Deliverance" (NED); 29D: Star vehicle (LIMO); 31D: Kid's building blocks (LEGOS); 32D: Desk tray words (IN/OUT); 34D: Critical interpretation (EXEGESIS); 36D: Big name in sportswear (IZOD); 39D: Disregards (IGNORES); 40D: Most spiffy (NEATEST); 43D: Like Death Valley (ARID); 45D: Idle, Ambler or Burdon (ERIC); 48D: Sty food (SLOP); 49D: It can be a drag (INERTIA); 50D: Wilts (DROOPS); 53D: Passes (ENACTS); 56D: Type measures (EMS); 59D: Blanc or Brooks (MEL); 60D: More nasty (VILER); 61D: Middling (AVERAGE); 62D: Framable frame (CEL); 64D: Documentation (PAPERS); 66D: Let go (LAY OFF); 68D: Gargantua's creator (RABELAIS); 70D: Attack first (AGGRESS); 71D: Harshness (CRUELTY); 73D: Pampering, for short (TLC); 74D: Gretchen who played Bettie Page (MOL); 77D: However, briefly (THO); 80D: Been in bed (LAIN); 82D: Jannings of old movies (EMIL); 84D: Bryn --- (MAWR); 86D: "--- Mio" (O SOLE); 87D: Whimpers (MEWLS); 90D: Way out (EXIT); 92D: Gorky Park locale (MOSCOW); 94D: Inconstant (MUTABLE); 96D: Most pucker-producing (TARTEST); 97D: Like leftovers (UNEATEN); 98D: Major, for one (RANK); 99D: Designer Armani (GIORGIO); 102D: From Frankfurt (GERMAN); 105D: Just (MERELY); 107D: Calf call (MAA); 109D: Third dimension (DEPTH); 111D: Gold standard (KARAT); 113D: La --- Tar Pits (BREA); 115D: Do in a dragon (SLAY); 117D: Slot machine symbol (BAR); 118D: Spat end (-ULA); 119D: Murray Schisgal play (LUV); 120D: Comics' Krazy one (KAT); 122D: Ballpark fig. (UMP); 123D: Scand. land (NOR); 124D: Comedian Margaret (CHO); 125D: Features (HAS).

S U N D A Y December 26, 2010 Sylvia Bursztyn (calendar)

Theme: "It's a Z-in" — The letter Z is added to familiar phrases.

[Note: This is the puzzle that appears in the Sunday L.A. Times newspaper. If you don't get the paper, you can find the puzzle here. Scroll down to see today's syndicated puzzle.]


Theme answers:

• 24A: A nation's sluggards? (THE LAZY OF THE LAND).
• 39A: Cheat Franz out of his change? (SHORT LISZT).
• 50A: Toured westernmost Cornwall? (DID PENZANCE).
• 71A: State of Israel? (ZIONOSPHERE).
• 82A: Obfuscating? (MAKING HAZY).
• 99A: Cold autocrat? (REFRIGERATOR CZAR).
• 3D: Houseplant refreshers? (WATER SPRITZES).
• 53D: Do a marathon in Egypt? (RUN AROUND SUEZ).

Everything Else — 1A: Rubberneck (GAWK); 5A: Adequate (PASSABLE); 13A: Seraglio section (ODA); 16A: ThinkPad co. (IBM); 19A: Olympic skater Lysacek (EVAN); 20A: Tallinn native (ESTONIAN); 21A: Pinch (NAB); 22A: Miss Piggy's pronoun (MOI); 23A: "I can't believe --- ..." (I ATE); 27A: Direct (STEER); 29A: Begrudges (ENVIES); 30A: Dally (LOLLYGAG); 31A: Apollo Theater locale (HARLEM); 33A: Sample (TEST); 34A: Meaningless amount (SOU); 35A: Sup (DINE); 36A: MGM motto opener (ARS); 37A: Mist (VAPOR); 42A: Mister (SPRAYER); 44A: Rose (STOOD); 46A: "Giant" ranch (REATA); 47A: Stallone screen persona (RAMBO); 48A: Stockpile (HOARD); 49A: James who was in "Misery" (CAAN); 52A: Louis XIV et al. (ROIS); 53A: Buff (RUB); 56A: "The First --- the Deepest" (CUT IS); 57A: Thus (ERGO); 58A: Piaf, for one (CHANTEUSE); 60A: Ricelike pasta (ORZO); 61A: Till bills (FIVES); 63A: Pony's paces (GAITS); 64A: No-see-um (GNAT); 65A: Media briefing spot (PRESS ROOM); 67A: Rhine city (BONN); 68A: Rugged rocks (CRAGS); 69A: Carrier to Copenhagen (SAS); 70A: Big name in Vegas (WYNN); 74A: Silk, in Alsace (SOIE); 75A: Manilow hit (MANDY); 76A: "You --- right!" (ARE SO); 77A: Lament (MOURN); 79A: Smooths wood (SANDS); 80A: B.C. ruler of great wealth (CROESUS); 84A: Apple drink (CIDER); 85A: Eggy drink (NOG); 87A: Rapper turned TV detective (ICE-T); 88A: Beehive State native (UTE); 89A: Smidgen (WHIT); 91A: Be a buttinsky (MEDDLE); 93A: Seminary study (THEOLOGY); 96A: Zhivago portrayer (SHARIF); 98A: Cellist's purchase (ROSIN); 102A: "Bro!" ("DUDE!"); 103A: DOJ division (ATF); 104A: Tide competitor (ALL); 105A: Most elementary (SIMPLEST); 106A: Will of "The Waltons" (GEER); 107A: Rocker Tommy (LEE); 108A: Marina del --- (REY); 109A: Birthday bounty (PRESENTS); 110A: Pound of poetry (EZRA); 1D: Osaka entertainer (GEISHA); 2D: Online chat icons (AVATARS); 4D: Prepare to be knighted (KNEEL); 5D: Favorite (PET); 6D: Tennis star Arthur (ASHE); 7D: Loud speaker (STENTOR); 8D: Puzzle enthusiast (SOLVER); 9D: Writer Nin (ANAÏS); 10D: "Carmen" composer (BIZET); 11D: Chip brand (LAYS); 12D: Roxy Music's Brian (ENO); 13D: Promoting a new release, say (ON TOUR); 14D: Writer Roald (DAHL); 15D: Genesis son (ABEL); 16D: Amy Lowell, for one (IMAGIST); 17D: Series about Ben and his boys (BONANZA); 18D: Auto-racing class (MIDGET); 25D: Inundate (FLOOD); 26D: From 80A's kingdom (LYDIAN); 28D: Overhauls (REVAMPS); 32D: "We'll see" (MAYBE); 34D: Sporting loafers (SHOD); 38D: Drudge (PEON); 39D: Ticked off (SORE); 40D: Gets in shape (TRAINS); 41D: Minimum (LEAST); 43D: Transmits (RADIOS); 44D: "Free Bird" and "Wild Horses" (SONGS); 45D: Tex-Mex menu item (TACO); 48D: Seraglio (HAREM); 49D: Layer of polish (COAT); 50D: Sorghum variety (DURRA); 51D: "Werewolves of London" singer (ZEVON); 52D: Warner Music label (RHINO); 54D: Custom (USAGE); 55D: Gets into the pool? (BETS); 56D: The heat (COPS); 58D: Astute (CANNY); 59D: Way out (EGRESS); 61D: Using a skillet (FRYING); 62D: Donovan's actress daughter (IONE); 63D: Merchandise (GOODS); 66D: Under oath (SWORN); 67D: Tight spot (BIND); 68D: Team fan, often (CHEERER); 71D: Madcap (ZANY); 72D: Chalcedony variety (SARD); 73D: Intro (PROEM); 74D: Pitcher of woo (SUITOR); 75D: Labyrinth (MAZE); 77D: Bush whacker (MACHETE); 78D: Painter Georgia (O'KEEFFE); 79D: Sylvan deity (SATYR); 80D: Potential juror (CITIZEN); 81D: More substantial (SOLIDER); 82D: Kind of heart valve (MITRAL); 83D: In a big way (HUGELY); 84D: Word with inner or winner's (CIRCLE); 86D: Biological groups (GENERA); 89D: Phrase provoking "Yeah, you!" ("WHO ME?"); 90D: Stringed instruments (HARPS); 92D: Get out of the way (DODGE); 94D: Tale spinner (LIAR); 95D: Give the glad eye (OGLE); 96D: Use a swizzle stick (STIR); 97D: Quick (FAST); 100D: Nile biter (ASP); 101D: ACLU concerns (RTS.).

S U N D A Y December 12, 2010 Sylvia Bursztyn calendar)

Theme: "Head Game" — The last word of each theme answer can precede the word "head" in a familar phrase.

[Note: This is the puzzle that appears in the Sunday L.A. Times newspaper. If you don't get the paper, you can find the puzzle here. Scroll down to see today's syndicated puzzle.]

Theme answers:

• 23A: Pol's self-serving appropriation (PORK BARREL).
• 28A: Perseids or Leonids (METEOR SHOWER).
• 60A: Considered a matter (THOUGHT IT OVER).
• 71A: Honest one (STRAIGHT ARROW).
• 105A: Shopping a warehouse store (BUYING IN BULK).
• 112A: Plath novel (THE BELL JAR).
• 36D: Gangster aka Gentleman Jack (LEGS DIAMOND).
• 40D: Beef cut (BOTTOM ROUND).

Everything Else — 1A: State of India (ASSAM); 6A: Dance bit (STEP); 10A: Report of a pistol (BANG); 14A: Globes (ORBS); 18A: South Carolina motto's last (SPERO); 19A: Skipjack or yellowfin (TUNA); 20A: "Why would ---?" (I LIE); 21A: Brunch fruit (MELON); 25A: Pop singer Vannelli (GINO); 26A: Olympian Ohno (APOLO); 27A: Napoleon, by birth (CORSICAN); 31A: Chicken-king link (ALA); 32A: Chicken's lack (LIPS); 33A: Bus. course (ECON.); 34A: "The Guns of Navarone"'s Scala (GIA); 35A: "Let me think ..." ("HMM …"); 36A: Headed (LED); 37A: Split for church? (TITHE); 39A: Toon Petunia (PIG); 40A: --- "fide" (BONA); 41A: Luxor's river (NILE); 44A: Religion of Japan (SHINTO); 46A: Tall, thin types (BEAN POLES); 48A: Alpha's opposite (OMEGA); 50A: Margarine (OLEO); 51A: Two-piece piece (BRA); 52A: Roman road (ITER); 53A: Jerk (SPASM); 54A: Done, to Donne (O'ER); 55A: Charmed circle? (BRACELET); 58A: Cod kin (HADDOCK); 65A: "... --- saw Elba" (ERE I); 66A: Western treaty gp. (OAS); 68A: "At Seventeen" singer Janis (IAN); 69A: Kyoto dough (YEN); 70A: --- -en-scéne (MISE); 75A: Tire type (RETREAD); 77A: Rubbed the right way? (MASSAGED); 78A: Leia's love (HAN); 80A: Messes up (SOILS); 81A: Source (ROOT); 83A: Go-ahead (YES); 84A: Ward of "CSI: NY" (SELA); 85A: Blender setting (PUREE); 86A: Graceland's state (TENNESSEE); 89A: Plays for time (STALLS); 91A: Zola novel (NANA); 92A: Chilled (ICED); 93A: Bankroll (WAD); 94A: Shot (PHOTO); 95A: Eye-opener (LID); 97A: Throng (MOB); 98A: Give in to gravity (SAG); 99A: Tina's "30 Rock" co-star (ALEC); 100A: Prune (TRIM); 102A: Shock of locks (MOP); 108A: Guaranteed (MADE SURE); 110A: Lyric poem (EPODE); 111A: Midday (NOON); 114A: "Cold Mountain"'s Zellweger (RENEE); 115A: Popeyed (AGOG); 116A: Hebrides isle (IONA); 117A: Airs for pairs (DUETS); 118A: Cherished (DEAR); 119A: Stirred (WOKE); 120A: "Fight Club"'s Brad (PITT); 121A: Match (AGREE); 1D: Pet protection org. (ASPCA); 2D: Thread holder (SPOOL); 3D: Man with many missions (SERRA); 4D: Sacred chests (ARKS); 5D: Calder creation (MOBILE); 6D: Bridle part (STRAP); 7D: Subway entrance (TURNSTILE); 8D: Benz end (-ENE); 9D: Tree with fan-shaped leaves (PALMETTO); 10D: Digit sometimes stubbed (BIG TOE); 11D: Foreign (ALIEN); 12D: Chichen Itza boy (NIÑO); 13D: Augusta's state (GEORGIA); 14D: D-Day beach (OMAHA); 15D: Taken-back car (REPO); 16D: Whale's breather (BLOWHOLE); 17D: More grave (SOLEMNER); 22D: Shearer and Kamali (NORMAS); 24D: Formic and folic (ACIDS); 29D: Canyon comeback (ECHO); 30D: Portent (SIGN); 38D: Lifeless (INERT); 39D: "Swell!" (PEACHY); 41D: Enjoys a bite (NOSHES); 42D: Convey (IMPART); 43D: Chief (LEADER); 45D: Water pipes (HOOKAHS); 46D: Crow (BRAG); 47D: Artist Mondrian (PIET); 49D: Latin 101 verb (AMO); 51D: Shoe designer Magli (BRUNO); 55D: Get on (BOARD); 56D: Timeless (ETERNAL); 57D: Word with dance or drive (LINE); 59D: Gear teeth (COGS); 61D: A&W rival (HIRES); 62D: Meredith of "Today" (VIEIRA); 63D: Big Sur retreat (ESALEN); 64D: Exodus shortcut (RED SEA); 67D: Hung around (STAYED); 72D: "Must be something ---" (I ATE); 73D: Pulitzer winner James (AGEE); 74D: Kansas crop (WHEAT); 76D: Recipe amt. (TSP.); 79D: Quota (ALLOTMENT); 81D: Got back (RECOUPED); 82D: Single-file (ONE BY ONE); 84D: Investment advice (STOCK TIP); 86D: Lumberjack's "Heads up!" ("TIMBER!"); 87D: Loot (SWAG); 88D: City in Paul Simon's "America" (SAGINAW); 89D: Silverstein of kid-lit (SHEL); 90D: Trombone feature (SLIDE); 94D: Dive (PLUNGE); 96D: Marcos once of Manila (IMELDA); 98D: Vile smile (SNEER); 99D: "I could write ---!" (A BOOK); 101D: Capital of Morocco (RABAT); 102D: Woman of La Mancha (MUJER); 103D: Speechify (ORATE); 104D: By itself (PER SE); 106D: "The very ---!" (IDEA); 107D: NASA nix (NO-GO); 109D: Counterfeit coin (SLUG); 113D: --- polloi (HOI).

S U N D A Y November 28, 2010 Sylvia Bursztyn (calendar)

Theme: "Trial Run" — Legal puns.

[Note: This is the puzzle that appears in the Sunday L.A. Times newspaper. If you don't get the paper, you can find the puzzle here. Scroll down to see today's syndicated puzzle.]

Theme answers:

• 20A: Movie about an unruly judge? (THE WILD BENCH).
• 37A: Certain board member's memoir? (THAT'S HOW I PAROLE).
• 56A: Slippery plea to a higher court? (BANANA APPEAL).
• 72A: Acquittal for Adam and Eve? (PARDON OF EDEN).
• 85A: Docket clerk's dilemma? (WHICH CLAIM FIRST).
• 109A: Taking candy from a baby? (NURSERY CRIME).
• 1D: Request for an attorney's argument? (WHERE'S THE BRIEF).
• 52D: Shoring up the accused's case? (DEFENSE MENDING).

Everything Else — 1A: Finish filming (WRAP); 5A: Pianist Rubinstein (ARTUR); 10A: Goodies (TREATS); 16A: SeaWorld symbol (SHAMU); 17A: Portland's state (MAINE); 18A: Rules often in red (RUBRICS); 22A: Longing (for) (YEARNING); 24A: Hospital unit (WARD); 25A: Measly amount (SOU); 26A: Carrier to Tel Aviv (EL AL); 28A: Stir-fry veggie (SNOWPEA); 29A: Concept (IDEA); 30A: Ultimatum's end (ELSE); 32A: --- were (AS IT); 34A: With glee (GAILY); 35A: Settles in (NESTS); 41A: Skin pics (TATS); 43A: Upset (TIP); 44A: Mindless (INANE); 45A: Dash fig. (MPH); 47A: Rouse (AWAKEN); 50A: Naturally bright (SUNLIT); 52A: Indian lentil dish (DAL); 55A: Forty-niner's find (ORE); 58A: Stubbs of the Four Tops (LEVI); 59A: Power to progress (MOBILITY); 61A: Twosomes (DUOS); 62A: Bistros (CAFES); 63A: Overloads (BURDENS); 64A: Fleeced (SHORN); 66A: Top lines (HEADERS); 68A: Chihuahua "ciao" (ADIOS); 69A: Subpar (POOR); 70A: Campania town (SORRENTO); 71A: Witnesses (SEES); 76A: Divinity sch. (SEM,); 77A: Strip bark (ARF); 78A: Most chilly, as weather (RAWEST); 79A: Threat (MENACE); 80A: Arnhem neighbor (EDE); 81A: Asian antelope (SEROW); 82A: Based --- true story (ON A); 83A: Coal porter (TRAM); 92A: Old Olds (ALERO); 95A: Memorable skater Sonja (HENIE); 96A: Coral line (REEF); 97A: Polish partner (SPIT); 99A: Smooch, in Surrey (SNOG); 100A: Trials (ORDEALS); 103A: Streak (RACE); 105A: Profit add-on (-EER); 106A: Nose tickler (ODOR); 107A: More tapered at the tip (POINTIER); 112A: Respectable behavior (DECENCY); 113A: "Have --- You Lately" (I TOLD); 114A: Crosses over (SPANS); 115A: Unruffled (SEDATE); 116A: Prose piece (ESSAY); 117A: Piquancy (TANG); 2D: Grist for analysis (RAW DATA); 3D: "--- Blue?" (AM I); 4D: Heart throb (PULSE); 5D: Sneak attack (AMBUSH); 6D: "Norma" --- (RAE); 7D: Fork feature (TINE); 8D: Remove, as a bracelet (UNCLASP); 9D: Work over (REHASH); 10D: Adjudicate (TRY); 11D: Nice streets (RUES); 12D: Abba of Israel (EBAN); 13D: Haughty (ARROGANT); 14D: Some metalwork (TINWARE); 15D: Victor over Hannibal (SCIPIO); 16D: Lamp cover (SHADE); 19D: Fishhook holder (SNELL); 20D: Romulus or Remus (TWIN); 21D: Nitwit (DOLT); 23D: Marvin of Motown (GAYE); 27D: Mark Tatulli's comic strip (LIO); 31D: Consumed (EATEN); 33D: Winds like ivy (TWINES); 36D: Livestock stalls (STABLES); 38D: Fey of "30 Rock" (TINA); 39D: "To Live and Die ---" (IN L.A.); 40D: Prop for Jack and Jill (PAIL); 42D: Beau (SWAIN); 45D: Kenyan port city (MOMBASA); 46D: More self-satisfied (PROUDER); 48D: Tiny hill dwellers (ANTS); 49D: Zales' competitor (KAY); 50D: Side track (SPUR); 51D: Drifters' "--- the Roof" (UPON); 53D: Staved off (AVERTED); 54D: Supple (LISSOME); 57D: Deck out (ADORN); 58D: Stow on board (LADE); 60D: Altar vows (I DO'S); 62D: Heavyweight champ Primo (CARNERA); 64D: Lays down the lawn (SODS); 65D: Laugh riot (HOOT); 66D: NBC's Kotb (HODA); 67D: Put up (ERECT); 69D: Antebellum (PREWAR); 70D: DC VIP (SEN.); 72D: Green spot in Grenoble (PARC); 73D: Mil. truant (AWOL); 74D: Potent opener (OMNI-); 75D: Phobias (FEARS); 78D: Warmed in the 'wave (REHEATED); 81D: Word with rocket or earth (SCIENCE); 82D: Paper or fabric remnants (OFFCUTS); 84D: Nonwinner (ALSO-RAN); 85D: Smack hard (WHOP); 86D: Judean king (HEROD); 87D: Nonstudio movies (INDIES); 88D: Court add-on (-IER); 89D: No-goodnik (MEANIE); 90D: Sixth Amendment adjective (SPEEDY); 91D: Arena level (TIER); 93D: Chambers (ROOMS); 94D: Grimm baddie (OGRE); 98D: Assignation (TRYST); 101D: Director Wertmüller (LINA); 102D: Breakaway group (SECT); 104D: Psyche's love (EROS); 108D: Loaf in a deli (RYE); 110D: Hearst kidnap gp. (SLA); 111D: Tax pro (CPA).

S U N D A Y November 14, 2010 Sylvia Bursztyn (calendar)

Theme: "No More" — The letters NO are inserted into familiar phrases.

[Note: This is the puzzle that appears in the Sunday L.A. Times newspaper. If you don't get the paper, you can find the puzzle here. Scroll down to see today's syndicated puzzle.]


Theme answers:

• 22A: Puck, perhaps? (KITCHEN NOTABLE).
• 34A: Rookie fleet head? (NOVICE ADMIRAL).
• 54A: Prize-winning song? (NOBEL CANTO).
• 74A: Wanderers' wherewithal? (NOMAD MONEY).
• 92A: Bamboozler who rules? (KING OF SNOWING).
• 109A: Pick up wine on the way? (MAKE A PINOT STOP).
• 15D: Where golfer Lee serves sundaes? (TREVINO FOUNTAIN).
• 40D: Cheers for singer Jones? (NORAH NORAH NORAH).

Everything Else — 1A: Alicante appetizers (TAPAS); 6A: Pro bono TV ad (PSA); 9A: Deli loaf (RYE); 12A: Frost lines? (POETRY); 18A: Consolation (SOLACE); 19A: Pantomimes (ACTS OUT); 21A: Admittance (ENTREE); 24A: Brewer of music (TERESA); 25A: Berkeley's county (ALAMEDA); 26A: River of Memphis (NILE); 27A: Laments (GRIEVES); 28A: Prominent periods (ERAS); 29A: Bangladesh capital (DACCA); 31A: Winter air (CAROL); 33A: Acct. amt. (INT.); 37A: Rooney or Roddick (ANDY); 38A: Barley beard (AWN); 41A: DEA agents (NARCS); 42A: Indiana pol Bayh (EVAN); 43A: --- -mo (SLO); 44A: "November" author (HOOD); 46A: Reverse of NNW (SSE); 47A: "Isn't it rich? Are we ---?" (A PAIR); 49A: Edberg of tennis (STEFAN); 52A: Show up (ARRIVE); 57A: "Livin' --- Prayer" (ON A); 58A: "High Noon" marshal (KANE); 59A: Flight segment (STAIR); 60A: Crying need? (TEAR DUCT); 62A: Dickinson's home (AMHERST); 64A: Circus prop (STILT); 67A: Apprentice (TRAINEE); 68A: Ordered (MANDATED); 70A: Exploits (DEEDS); 72A: Goons' guns (GATS); 73A: DDE's command (ETO); 77A: Empathize (RELATE); 79A: "Passions and Impressions" penner Pablo (NERUDA); 81A: Rodeo rope (RIATA); 82A: Campus URL ending (EDU); 84A: Gentlemen (SIRS); 85A: Quick --- 86A (AS A); 86A: See 85A (WINK); 87A: "Run Runaway" rockers (SLADE); 89A: MoMA's home (NYC); 90A: Dept. of Labor arm (OSHA); 96A: Scout group (DEN); 97A: "Scent of a Woman" dance (TANGO); 98A: "--- how I roll" (THAT'S); 99A: Soviet news agency (TASS); 102A: Wedding on the run (ELOPING); 104A: Sow chow (SLOP); 105A: Paper art (ORIGAMI); 108A: String of things (SERIES); 112A: Justice Antonin (SCALIA); 113A: Sent via Twitter (TWEETED); 114A: Conceals (CLOAKS); 115A: Acropolis locale (ATHENS); 116A: Cat call (MEW); 117A: 1960s activist org. (SDS); 118A: Chesney or G (KENNY); 1D: Decorative linen (TOILE); 2D: Rite place (ALTAR); 3D: Arcade classic (PACMAN); 4D: Dean in Truman's cabinet (ACHESON); 5D: Bit of finch food (SEED); 6D: Wok, for one (PAN); 7D: Wall brackets (SCONCES); 8D: Theseus' land (ATTICA); 9D: Choir attire (ROBE); 10D: "Taras Bulba"'s Brynner (YUL); 11D: Time before "automne" (ÉTÉ); 12D: Glastonbury gas (PETROL); 13D: Newsman Roger (O'NEIL); 14D: To be, in Burgundy (ÊTRE); 16D: E-mail again (RESEND); 17D: Zestful (YEASTY); 18D: Reggae kin (SKA); 20D: Soup alternative (SALAD); 23D: Lowest points (NADIRS); 27D: "--- Torino" (GRAN); 30D: Highlight (ACCENT); 31D: Palindromic kind of pride (CIVIC); 32D: Peak in the Bible (ARARAT); 35D: Ming thing (VASE); 36D: Square thing (MEAL); 37D: Pub suds (ALE); 38D: "Eureka!" ("AHA!"); 39D: Associate on the job (WORKMATE); 43D: Trunk function (STORAGE); 45D: Took a few courses (DINED); 47D: Slightly (A BIT); 48D: August birthstone (PERIDOT); 49D: Sky light (STAR); 50D: Tree line? (ANCESTRY); 51D: Interior designer Berkus (NATE); 53D: Portico kin (VERANDA); 55D: Western treaty grp. (OAS); 56D: Garden State hoopsters (NETS); 59D: Pipe part (STEM); 61D: Uses an old phone (DIALS); 62D: "You said it!" ("AMEN!"); 63D: Greek colonnade (STOA); 65D: Singer Horne (LENA); 66D: Kickoff aid (TEE); 69D: Intrepid (DARING); 71D: Same-vat yarn batch (DYE LOT); 75D: Down Under dog (DINGO); 76D: Shark variety (MAKO); 77D: Designer Gernreich (RUDI); 78D: PC bailout key (ESC); 80D: MA, IN, LA, ND, etc. (USA); 83D: First "Family Feud" host (DAWSON); 86D: Long arm of the daw? (WING); 87D: Flipped out (SNAPPED); 88D: Authorize (ENTITLE); 90D: Texas oil town (ODESSA); 91D: Take your pick (SELECT); 92D: "Dust in the Wind" group (KANSAS); 93D: NJ town (FT. LEE); 94D: Little pigs (SHOATS); 95D: Has difficulty swallowing (GAGS ON); 97D: Marketing ploy (TIE-IN); 100D: Rosemary's baby-daddy (SATAN); 101D: Great --- Mountains (SMOKY); 103D: Stack (PILE); 104D: Distort (SKEW); 106D: Word with salt or solid (ROCK); 107D: Tape speed meas. (IPS); 109D: "Lou Grant" production co. (MTM); 110D: Blow away (AWE); 111D: Psyche segments (IDS).

S U N D A Y October 31, 2010 Sylvia Bursztyn (calendar)

Theme: "31st Holiday" — Halloween Puns

[Note: This is the puzzle that appears in the Sunday L.A. Times newspaper. If you don't get the paper, you can find the puzzle here. Scroll down to see today's syndicated puzzle.]


Theme answers:

• 22A: Halloween permit? (HAUNTING LICENSE).
• 36A: Halloween VIPs? (GHOSTS OF HONOR).
• 56A: Halloween savvy? (TREAT SMARTS).
• 80A: This or that Halloween spell? (ANY WITCH WAY).
• 97A: Halloween math? (TRICKONOMETRY).
• 116A: Standard Halloween outfitter? (REGULAR COSTUMER).
• 15D: Take flight on Halloween? (BOLT FROM THE BOO).
• 49D: Halloween spuds? (MASKED POTATOES).

Everything Else — 1A: Surrender (CEDE); 5A: One, to Juan (UNO); 8A: Sink (BASIN); 13A: Room at sea (CABIN); 18A: Hungarian-born philanthropist George (SOROS); 19A: Complicated baloney (RIGMAROLE); 21A: Emerged (AROSE); 24A: Esther of "Good Times" (ROLLE); 25A: Kind of duty (EXPORT); 26A: "Darn!" ("HECK!"); 27A: Gave the go-ahead (ASSENTED); 29A: Get engaged (BETROTH); 31A: Oscar winner Guinness (ALEC); 34A: "--- by land ..." (ONE IF); 35A: Spots (ADS); 40A: Rodeo and Tobacco, briefly (RDS.); 43A: Pricy wheels, slangily (BEEMER); 44A: Power network (GRID); 45A: "Chill!" ("BE COOL!"); 47A: Glenn Close and Glenne Headly (WOMEN); 50A: Nobelist Wiesel (ELIE); 52A: Harrow rival (ETON); 54A: "Philadelphia" director (DEMME); 55A: Persia, today (IRAN); 59A: Fret (STEW); 60A: Deliverance (RESCUE); 62A: Deli side (SLAW); 63A: Scabbard (SHEATH); 65A: South Bend neighbor (ELKHART); 67A: --- mickey (SLIP A); 70A: Most musty (STALEST); 73A: Chef Lagasse (EMERIL); 75A: Commotion (FUSS); 77A: Sheepish comment? (BAA BAA); 78A: Emmy winner Alan (ALDA); 84A: Promises (VOWS); 85A: Dupe (REPRO); 87A: Word before go bragh or "Brockovich" (ERIN); 88A: AmfAR founder Mathilde (KRIM); 89A: Mall stall (KIOSK); 90A: Google, say (LOOK UP); 92A: "Picnic" Pulitzer playwright (INGE); 94A: High point (APOGEE); 96A: Ottawa's prov. (ONT.); 100A: "Either he goes, --- do!" (OR I); 103A: Dined at home (ATE IN); 105A: MD's "Immediately!" (STAT); 106A: Manages (HANDLES); 108A: Super Soaker, e.g. (WATERGUN); 111A: Tar, to César (BREA); 114A: Marginal writing? (DOODLE); 115A: Word with the line or the law (ABOVE); 120A: Norse love deity (FREYA); 121A: Verbalized (EXPRESSED); 122A: Delight (ELATE); 123A: Stunning device (TASER); 124A: No-nonsense (STAID); 125A: "Grease"'s Byrnes (EDD); 126A: Without (SANS); 1D: Cajoled (COAXED); 2D: Goes off (ERUPTS); 3D: Supportive sort (DONOR); 4D: Ovary output (ESTROGEN); 5D: Samovar (URN); 6D: Close by (NIGH); 7D: Gawk at (OGLE); 8D: Unfilled orders (BACKLOG); 9D: "--- we there yet?" (ARE); 10D: Abel, to Adam (SON); 11D: She walks into Rick's gin joint (ILSA); 12D: He played Schindler (NEESON); 13D: Tore headlong (CAREERED); 14D: Rice- --- (A-RONI); 16D: Man or Wight (ISLE); 17D: Requirement (NEED); 18D: Yemen, in Solomon's time (SHEBA); 20D: Flaky minerals (MICAS); 23D: Give --- old college try (IT THE); 28D: Elitist (SNOB); 30D: "Odyssey" author (HOMER); 32D: Stephanie Zimbalist's father (EFREM); 33D: Broadway's Rivera (CHITA); 37D: Tennis champ Monica (SELES); 38D: Experiments (TRIALS); 39D: Scents (ODORS); 41D: Taj Mahal topper (DOME); 42D: Did in dragons (SLEW); 43D: Yardstick (BENCHMARK); 46D: "Oh well," in Sainte-Chapelle (C'EST LA VIE); 47D: Tightrope (WIRE); 48D: Baseball's Hershiser (OREL); 51D: Citation abbr. (ET AL.); 53D: Extreme degrees (NTHS); 56D: Earth, to Caesar (TERRA); 57D: Gulliver's creator (SWIFT); 58D: Save for future use (SET BY); 61D: Persian Gulf fed. (UAE); 64D: Battery buy (AAA); 66D: Fork part (TINE); 68D: Hockey prop (PUCK); 69D: Hindu retreat (ASHRAM); 71D: Maxims (SAWS); 72D: Piece of work (TASK); 74D: Songlike (LYRIC); 76D: Filch (SWIPE); 78D: He sang of Alice's (ARLO); 79D: "Delta Lady" writer Russell (LEON); 81D: Flirty signals (WINKS); 82D: Gold brick (INGOT); 83D: Like --- to a flame (A MOTH); 86D: Canal locale (OUTER EAR); 89D: Main ideas (KEYNOTES); 91D: Bluenose (PRIG); 93D: Made possible (ENABLED); 95D: Alums (GRADS); 98D: Toughens (INURES); 99D: Other "mujeres" (OTRAS); 100D: Hemingway title character (OLD MAN); 101D: Leases anew (RELETS); 102D: Grenoble's river (ISERE); 104D: "Tradition" singer (TEVYE); 107D: Birth day party? (DOULA); 108D: Float on the breeze (WAFT); 109D: Julie's "East of Eden" role (ABRA); 110D: Queue cue (NEXT); 112D: Celtic tongue (ERSE); 113D: Served them right? (ACED); 117D: Transcript fig. (GPA); 118D: William Tell's canton (URI); 119D: Unmatched (ODD).

S U N D A Y October 17, 2010 Sylvia Bursztyn (calendar)

Theme: "Book Ends" — The end of each theme answer can be used to describe a type of book.

[Note: This is the puzzle that appears in the Sunday L.A. Times newspaper. If you don't get the paper, you can find the puzzle here. Scroll down to see today's syndicated puzzle.]


Theme answers:

• 24A: Contest won with a pin (WRESTLING MATCH).
• 30A: Ahead of time (BEFOREHAND).
• 45A: Scan for typos (SPELLCHECK).
• 70A: Dylan classic (IT'S ALL OVER NOW BABY BLUE).
• 94A: Film script (SCREENPLAY).
• 111A: Broad view (BIG PICTURE).
• 117A: Core oration (KEYNOTE ADDRESS).

Everything Else — 1A: Quagmire (MORASS); 7A: Took higher (UPPED); 12A: Man in the Iran mosque? (IMAM); 16A: Solo on screen (HAN); 19A: Bless with oil (ANOINT); 20A: Watts in the movies (NAOMI); 21A: Da Vinci signature piece (MONA LISA); 23A: More meager (POORER); 26A: Reese of the Dodgers (PEE WEE); 28A: Green Hornet's sidekick (KATO); 29A: Tennis legend Arthur (ASHE); 34A: Adjusts to fit (ADAPTS); 36A: LAX info (ETA); 38A: Idle or Burdon (ERIC); 39A: Patisserie purchase (TORTE); 40A: Done-turn link (TO A); 41A: Speaker of Cooperstown (TRIS); 42A: Perilous (RISKY); 44A: TV's "can cook" chef (YAN); 48A: Shooting stars (METEORS); 51A: Talks like Daffy (LISPS); 53A: Past time (YORE); 54A: Ninnies (TWITS); 56A: Lesley of "60 Minutes" (STAHL); 58A: Broadway Joe (NAMATH); 62A: Came across (MET); 65A: Student aid (LOAN); 67A: "Encore!" ("AGAIN!"); 69A: Banderas "slasher" role (ZORRO); 75A: Hackneyed (STALE); 76A: Raze (LEVEL); 77A: Jon of "Selena" (SEDA); 78A: Approves (OKS); 79A: Rocker Santana (CARLOS); 81A: Office stamp (DATER); 83A: Big ship (LINER); 86A: Death Valley's county (INYO); 88A: Salon fixture (DRYER); 90A: Looked up to (ADMIRED); 98A: Conned (HAD); 100A: "Uncle!" ("I GIVE!"); 101A: Tool booth (SHED); 102A: Figure head? (CPA); 103A: Parting "palabra" (ADIOS); 106A: Pump part (HEEL); 107A: Feel ill (AIL); 108A: Like "Glee" music (CHORAL); 113A: Knight clothes (MAIL); 115A: Boy, in Coyoacán (NI*Ntilde;O); 116A: Naval habitat (SEA LAB); 121A: Old Testament prophet (ISAIAH); 125A: Patronize (FREQUENT); 126A: Beckett's no-show (GODOT); 127A: Alaska neighbor (CANADA); 128A: Rotter (CAD); 129A: Skin pics (TATS); 130A: Utopias (EDENS); 131A: Start of a classic JFK line (ASK NOT); 1D: Chart (MAP); 2D: John --- Lennon (ONO); 3D: Milne marsupial (ROO); 4D: Turbulence cause (AIR POCKET); 5D: Snide smile (SNEER); 6D: Sesame or Easy (STREET); 7D: Still energetic (UNWEARY); 8D: Protective of offspring (PARENTAL); 9D: "Ulalume" author (POE); 10D: Common pair (EMS); 11D: NFL's Iron Mike (DITKA); 12D: Mirror (IMITATE); 13D: Board game biggie (MONOPOLY); 14D: "Brokeback Mountain" director Lee (ANG); 15D: Papas' singing partners (MAMAS); 16D: "Hey!" ("HI THERE!"); 17D: Spartan (ASCETIC); 18D: "I'll pass" ("NAH"); 22D: Vegas opener (LAS); 25D: Youth (LAD); 27D: "You know --- you are" (WHO); 30D: Road shoulder (BERM); 31D: Buffalo's lake (ERIE); 32D: Stallone's union movie (FIST); 33D: Leary of "Rescue Me" (DENIS); 35D: Falcon's claw (TALON); 37D: Invite (ASK); 41D: Gang of made men (THE MOB); 43D: "That hurts!" ("YOW!"); 45D: Puck's eatery (SPAGO); 46D: Expressions of dismissal (PSHAWS); 47D: Wacko (CRAZY); 49D: Streamlet (RILL); 50D: Seat at the bar (STOOL); 52D: Kiss rocker Paul (STANLEY); 55D: Socked away (SAVED); 57D: Put down in writing? (LIBEL); 59D: Folkie Guthrie (ARLO); 60D: WWII island (TRUK); 61D: Prepares a bed outdoors? (HOES); 62D: Catchall abbr. (MISC.); 63D: James of jazz (ETTA); 64D: Bygone sovereign (TSAR); 66D: Sparks' state (NEVADA); 68D: Olympics great Comaneci (NADIA); 71D: In cahoots (ALLIED); 72D: Sierra --- (LEONE); 73D: Take another shot (RETRY); 74D: Foreigner or America (BAND); 80D: Mesh (SYNCH); 82D: Recovery prog. (REHAB); 84D: UK label (EMI); 85D: Rue de la Paix place (RIGHT BANK); 87D: Schmeling, to Louis (OPPONENT); 89D: Big name in hotels (RADISSON); 91D: Violinist Andrá (RIEU); 92D: Word often before after (EVER); 93D: Proofer's mark (DELE); 94D: FICA-funded org. (SSA); 95D: Grand illusion (CHIMERA); 96D: Passed along (RELAYED); 97D: Roundup ropes (LARIATS); 99D: Abridged books (DIGESTS); 104D: --- -Locka (OPA); 105D: Sand makeup (SILICA); 108D: Pull (CLOUT); 109D: Furthermore (AND); 110D: Get stuck (LODGE); 112D: Josá's houses (CASAS); 114D: Probe, briefly (INQ.); 117D: The Col.'s chain (KFC); 118D: Leaves in a bag (TEA); 119D: Serling or Stewart (ROD); 120D: Stamp add-on (-EDE); 122D: McKellen or McEwan (IAN); 123D: Flutter (ADO); 124D: Pillbox or porkpie (HAT).

S U N D A Y October 3, 2010 Sylvia Bursztyn (calendar)

Theme: 10 A.D. — Ten theme answers are people whose initials are A.D.

[Note: This is the puzzle that appears in the Sunday L.A. Times newspaper. If you don't get the paper, you can find the puzzle here. Scroll down to see today's syndicated puzzle.]


Theme answers:

• 24A: Czech composer (ANTONIN DVORAK).
• 38A: Civil rights movement activist (ANGELA DAVIS).
• 58A: TV's "Police Woman" (ANGIE DICKINSON).
• 76A: Veteran civil rights lawyer (ALAN DERSHOWITZ).
• 93A: Pulitzer-winning historian (ARIEL DURANT).
• 111A: French "Affair" figure (ALFRED DREYFUS).
• 3D: Football Hall-of-Famer (ART DONOVAN).
• 15D: "Falcon Crest" actress (ABBY DALTON).
• 70D: "Purple Noon" star (ALAIN DELON).
• 73D: Classic Hollywood character actor (ANDY DEVINE).

Everything Else — 1A: Physician coalition abbr. (AMA); 4A: Virtuoso (ACE); 7A: Stroke the strings (STRUM); 12A: Barb (DIG); 15A: Barbary beast (APE); 18A: Outlying (FAR); 19A: Contrasting (DIFFERENT); 21A: Cockney castle? ('OME); 22A: Supplicate (BEG); 23A: Tailor's concern (FIT); 26A: Sis's sib (BRO); 27A: Withstand (ENDURE); 29A: "Hurlyburly" playwright (RABE); 30A: Sycophants (LACKEYS); 32A: More intimate (CLOSER); 33A: One-time link (AT A); 34A: Orchestra area (PIT); 35A: Golden number (OLDIE); 37A: Daly of "Judging Amy" (TYNE); 43A: Mary's follower (LAMB); 44A: Whoopi's "Ghost" role (ODA MAE); 46A: Wilder on the screen (GENE); 47A: Louise's film crony (THELMA); 49A: Hardly or softly, briefly (ADV.); 51A: Pop (DAD); 52A: Writer Sarah --- Jewett (ORNE); 54A: Good sign on B'way (SRO); 55A: Slinky, for one (TOY); 56A: Get to (REACH); 63A: Paddled boats (CANOES); 65A: "--- fair in love ..." (ALL'S); 66A: Car deal part (TRADE-IN); 67A: Restrain (TRAMMEL); 69A: Most lacking slack (TAUTEST); 70A: Painter's workplace (ATELIER); 71A: Campaign pros (POLS); 72A: Like "Body Heat", for instance (STEAMY); 79A: Moore's sitcom boss (ASNER); 80A: Spring for a vacation? (SPA); 81A: Let go (CAN); 82A: Arm bone (ULNA); 83A: LAPD alert (APB); 85A: Plaines or Moines intro (DES); 86A: Bleach (WHITEN); 88A: Wiltshire wheel (TYRE); 90A: Ally of "St. Elmo's Fire" (SHEEDY); 92A: Cartoonist Peter (ARNO); 97A: Smith or Sandler (ADAM); 100A: Ways (MODES); 102A: Roadie's tote (AMP); 103A: Nancy salt (SEL); 104A: Blood line (ARTERY); 106A: Preordain (DESTINE); 108A: Ringlet (CURL); 109A: Lots of bread (LOAVES); 110A: Dressing base (OIL); 115A: Acct. amt. (INT.); 116A: From --- Z (A TO); 117A: River, to Rivera (RIO); 118A: Humperdinck hit (RELEASE ME); 119A: "--- didn't!" (NO I); 120A: Mattel doll (KEN); 121A: Prefix for flooey (KER-); 122A: Free as --- (A BIRD); 123A: "That --- then ..." (WAS); 124A: List's last letters (ETC.); 1D: Influence (AFFECT); 2D: In essence (MAINLY); 4D: "Not on ---!" (A DARE); 5D: Widescreen process (CINERAMA); 6D: Baby newt (EFT); 7D: Half of Congress (SENATE); 8D: "Survivor" adjective (TRIBAL); 9D: Lalique or Magritte (RENÉ); 10D: Colditz conjunction (UND); 11D: VH1 rival (MTV); 12D: Conductor Antal (DORATI); 13D: Apple variety (IMAC); 14D: Douglas's "Wall Street" role (GEKKO); 16D: Ebony family fruit (PERSIMMON); 17D: Sense of self (EGO); 20D: Search for food (FORAGE); 25D: Martini morsel (OLIVE); 28D: Not new (USED); 31D: She, in Cherbourg (ELLE); 34D: Knock (PAN); 36D: Cyberbuyer's market (EBAY); 39D: Zilch, in Xochimilco (NADA); 40D: Choreographer de Mille (AGNES); 41D: Exploit (DEED); 42D: Progress (STRIDES); 45D: Faithful support (ADHERENCE); 48D: White House nickname (HONEST ABE); 49D: Pendulum's path (ARC); 50D: DOJ gp. (DEA); 52D: Peer group? (OGLERS); 53D: Brooklet (RILL); 54D: 32-card game (SKAT); 57D: Terra --- (COTTA); 59D: Finger-pointer (NAMER); 60D: Livorno's land (ITALIA); 61D: Tart part (CRUST); 62D: Surfer's stops (SITES); 64D: "Avatar"'s Zoe (SALDANA); 68D: Air (MIEN); 69D: Burg (TOWN); 71D: Guided a gondola (POLED); 74D: Thai dish --- krob (MEE); 75D: Many mos. (YRS.); 76D: Greek Venus (APHRODITE); 77D: Send flying (HURL); 78D: Newscaster Paula (ZAHN); 80D: Competed with Michael Phelps (SWAM); 84D: Sonoma County city (PETALUMA); 87D: Ten below? (TOES); 88D: Oven built-in (TIMER); 89D: "You betcha!" ("YEP!"); 90D: Field and Ride (SALLYS); 91D: Facts (DATA); 94D: Sought, as office (RAN FOR); 95D: Loan shark (USURER); 96D: Go over "The Wall" again, say (REREAD); 98D: "We --- amused" (ARE NOT); 99D: Rasputin, for one (MYSTIC); 101D: Austere (STARK); 105D: Wine cellar staples (ROSES); 107D: "Would --- to you?" (I LIE); 108D: 451, in old Rome (CDLI); 110D: Flooring wood (OAK); 112D: Age (ERA); 113D: Miss coming out? (DEB); 114D: Sprinkling (FEW).

S U N D A Y September 19, 2010 Sylvia Bursztyn (calendar)

Theme: "Five Ws and One H" — Songs that start with question words.

[Note: This is the puzzle that appears in the Sunday L.A. Times newspaper. If you don't get the paper, you can find the puzzle here. Scroll down to see today's syndicated puzzle.]


Theme answers:

• 25A: "Who ---?" (CAN IT BE NOW).
• 32A: "What ---?" (KIND OF FOOL AM I).
• 50A: "When ---?" (WILL I SEE YOU AGAIN).
• 68A: "Where ---?" (IS THE LOVE).
• 85A: "Why ---?" (DON'T YOU BELIEVE ME).
• 104A/112A: And a statement, with 112A, "How ---" (SWEET IT IS TO BE / LOVED BY YOU).

Everything Else — 1A: Ping kin (BLIP); 5A: "Titanic" trophy (OSCAR); 10A: Kristen's "Twilight" role (BELLA); 15A: Circle segments (ARCS); 19A: Bettor place (RENO); 20A: Nursery rhyme food (PEASE); 21A: Director De Palma (BRIAN); 22A: Hold sway (RULE); 23A: Stable fare (OATS); 24A: Seine city (PARIS); 27A: "Awake and Sing!" playwright (ODETS); 29A: "Stand and Deliver" star (OLMOS); 31A: Word with arts or accounting (CREATIVE); 36A: Talked on and on (DRONED); 37A: Necessitate (ENTAIL); 38A: Architectural Southern accent (VERANDA); 41A: Kingpin (BOSS); 42A: Pitfalls (TRAPS); 45A: Supporting (IN FAVOR); 47A: Kemo --- (SABE); 57A: The night before (EVE); 58A: Multitudinous (LEGION); 59A: Paces at races (TROTS); 60A: A.D. part (ANNO); 61A: Like some lines (DOTTED); 63A: Purple shade (PUCE); 65A: Pragmatic person (REALIST); 67A: Squirrel's find (ACORN); 72A: Largo and allegro (TEMPI); 73A: Prepare to fire (TAKE AIM); 75A: Taylor of "Mystic Pizza" (LILI); 76A: Tile art (MOSAIC); 77A: Fall setting (EDEN); 78A: Uttered, old-style (SPAKE); 82A: Carpet cleaner (VACUUM); 84A: Roman "numero" (TRE); 88A: Kernel (SEED); 89A: Places in a pyramid (ENTOMBS); 90A: Fresh (SASSY); 92A: Monk's hood (COWL); 95A: Sends abroad (EXPORTS); 98A: Cattle catchers (LASSOS); 102A: Veracruz's capital (JALAPA); 107A: Everything everywhere (UNIVERSE); 110A: Lord Vader (DARTH); 111A: Castor's sister (HELEN); 115A: Arctic explorer Robert (PEARY); 117A: Palenque people (MAYA); 118A: Robert of "The Sopranos" (ILER); 119A: Surpass (ONE-UP); 120A: Gave the glad eye (OGLED); 121A: Rapper turned TV cop (ICE-T); 122A: Organs with drums (EARS); 123A: Breaks (RESTS); 124A: Hoffmann offerings (TALES); 125A: Give over (CEDE); 1D: Poet Rupert (BROOKE); 2D: Opener (LEAD-IN); 3D: Focused (INTENT); 4D: Write a check for later (POSTDATE); 5D: Acr. from (OPP.); 6D: Words before Galilee or Tranquility (SEA OF); 7D: Producer Ponti (CARLO); 8D: "I, Robot" writer (ASIMOV); 9D: Do some cobbling (RESOLE); 10D: Telly network (BBC); 11D: Diamond stat (ERA); 12D: "The Mod Squad" role (LINC); 13D: Hideaway (LAIR); 14D: Put a stake on the table (ANTED); 15D: "Am not!" comeback ("ARE TOO!"); 16D: Encounters (RUN-INS); 17D: Garlic segments (CLOVES); 18D: Darned, say (SEWED); 26D: She played Yentl (BARBRA); 28D: Nice nightfall (SOIR); 30D: Mumbai attire (SARIS); 33D: Imperfect (FLAWED); 34D: "Olympia" artist (MANET); 35D: Construe (INFER); 39D: Belafonte classic (DAYO); 40D: "--- santé!" (À VOTRE); 43D: Potbellied pet (PIG); 44D: Berth places (SLIPS); 46D: York's river (OUSE); 47D: Tranquilized (SEDATED); 48D: Guacamole base (AVOCADO); 49D: Indicate (BETOKEN); 51D: Lummox (LOUT); 52D: Foot part (INCH); 53D: Bursts of laughter (GALES); 54D: Make Shrek move (ANIMATE); 55D: Motivate (INSPIRE); 56D: Spotted (NOTICED); 58D: Memorable Horne (LENA); 62D: Rock's Reznor (TRENT); 64D: Sushi's unagi (EEL); 66D: Bit of physics (ATOM); 68D: Ascribe (IMPUTE); 69D: As it happens (LIVE); 70D: Norway's patron (OLAV); 71D: Bad habits (VICES); 74D: "Help --- the way!" (IS ON); 76D: Swiss granola (MUESLI); 79D: "... like --- of chocolates" (A BOX); 80D: Politician Jack's kin (KEMPS); 81D: Nudge (ELBOW); 83D: Screen's Thurman (UMA); 86D: Protested like a Pomeranian (YELPED); 87D: "My gal --- hot ..." (Billy Lee Riley lyric) (IS RED); 88D: Affecting the whole body (SYSTEMIC); 91D: Obi, for one (SASH); 92D: Cooking oil type (CANOLA); 93D: Twist of fiction (OLIVER); 94D: Vacillates (WAVERS); 96D: Angela Lansbury cartoon character (TEAPOT); 97D: Italian liqueur (STREGA); 99D: Comfort (SOLACE); 100D: Did as told (OBEYED); 101D: House on the Hill (SENATE); 102D: Christie or Andrews (JULIE); 103D: Shady retreat (ARBOR); 105D: "I knew --- along!" (IT ALL); 106D: Stooges count (THREE); 108D: January 1 song word (SYNE); 109D: Potato spots (EYES); 113D: Loophole (OUT); 114D: FedEx competitor (UPS); 116D: Fabric meas. (YDS.).

S U N D A Y September 5, 2010Sylvia Bursztyn (calendar)

Theme: "Unlabored Day" — The word REST is hidden within theme answers.

[Note: This is the puzzle that appears in the Sunday L.A. Times newspaper. If you don't get the paper, you can find the puzzle here. Scroll down to see today's syndicated puzzle.]


Theme answers:

• 23A: Earthy (TERRESTRIAL).
• 29A: Eminent (PRESTIGIOUS).
• 48A: Sell short (UNDERESTIMATE).
• 84A: Nelson, for one (WRESTLING HOLD).
• 111A: Gorbachev policy (PERESTROIKA).
• 116A: Good-as-new state (RESTORATION).
• 4D: Wilderness warden (FOREST RANGER).
• 67D: Free (UNRESTRICTED).

Everything Else — 1A: Turned over pages (LEAFED); 7A: Tina's "30 Rock" costar (ALEC); 11A: Ghana's capital (ACCRA); 16A: Dinghy thingy (OAR); 19A: Big name in San Francisco politics (ALIOTO); 20A: Grammy winner Erykah (BADU); 21A: Sandbank (SHOAL); 22A: Cartagena article (UNA); 25A: Aegean island (SANTORINI); 27A: Floor square (TILE); 28A: QED part (ERAT); 31A: Nile deity (ISIS); 32A: Brow-slapper's syllable (DUH); 33A: Leader of the band (MAESTRO); 34A: Hill of "The West Wing" (DULÉ); 35A: Medieval narrative (CONTE); 37A: Gutter spot (EAVE); 39A: On the main (ASEA); 40A: Skating gold medalist Carol (HEISS); 41A: Physicist's field (ENERGY); 43A: Goat quote (MAA); 44A: Get into (DON); 45A: Oil can abbr. (SAE); 46A: Pulitzer winner James (AGEE); 54A: Isle of poetry (ERIN); 57A: Sylphlike (SVELTE); 59A: Does and does (DEER); 60A: Bus. card no. (TEL.); 61A: Swamp thing (SEDGE); 63A: Nissan models (ALTIMAS); 66A: Like some professors (TENURED); 68A: Junky (CHEESY); 70A: Keepsake (MEMENTO); 72A: File menu option (RENAME); 73A: Cheer (HEARTEN); 75A: Plate useful at mealtime (DENTURE); 77A: Judge (TRIER); 78A: Put away (EAT); 79A: Natural balm (ALOE); 81A: Straightened (TIDIED); 83A: Purposes (ENDS); 88A: "Bye Bye Birdie" number (KIDS); 90A: "... ain't heavy, --- my brother" (HE'S); 91A: Singsong syllable (TRA); 92A: Pants part (LEG); 94A: In-crowd actors? (EXTRAS); 98A: Altar areas (APSES); 101A: Open carriage (SHAY); 102A: Gouda displaymate (EDAM); 104A: Swift specialty (IRONY); 105A: Anaheim Ducks' disk (PUCK); 106A: Restaurant staff (SERVERS); 108A: Eye opener (LID); 110A: "--- old cowhand ..." (I'M AN); 113A: Trim (PARE); 114A: "Origines" author (CATO); 115A: Irrepressible (EBULLIENT); 119A: Father's robe (ALB); 120A: Sleep disorder (APNEA); 121A: Otherwise (ELSE); 122A: In a fair way (EVENLY); 123A: --- Alamos (LOS); 124A: Lawn interlopers (WEEDS); 125A: Music's Coolidge (RITA); 126A: Hardison of "A Different World" (KADEEM); 1D: Pergola pattern (LATTICE); 2D: "Kyrie ---" (ELEISON); 3D: El Al or Alitalia (AIRLINE); 5D: Tours summer (ÉTÉ); 6D: Medicated (DOSED); 7D: Isaac's father (ABRAHAM); 8D: Milk in Cannes (LAIT); 9D: Educator LeShan (EDA); 10D: Part of a confession (CULPA); 11D: Tax pro (ASSESSOR); 12D: Took to task (CHASTENED); 13D: --- Costa County (CONTRA); 14D: Proportion (RATIO); 15D: Like a bump on --- (A LOG); 16D: ""Absolument, Monsieur!"" ("OUI! OUI!"); 17D: Rescinds (ANNULS); 18D: Elevates (RAISES); 24D: Faithful (TRUE); 26D: "--- cowboy!" (RIDE 'EM); 30D: "The Cloister and the Hearth" author (READE); 33D: Interim (MEANTIME); 36D: Word with good or goose (EGG); 38D: Jumped over (VAULTED); 40D: Do restrainer (HAIRNET); 42D: "You rang?" ("YES?"); 45D: Guide (STEER); 47D: Movies' Mendes (EVA); 49D: Dr. of radio fame (DEMENTO); 50D: Good to go (SET); 51D: Ellington title transport (A TRAIN); 52D: Abounded (TEEMED); 53D: Presbyters (ELDERS); 54D: Shun (ESCHEW); 55D: Try again (REHEAR); 56D: Form thoughts (IDEATE); 58D: Slasher film street (ELM); 62D: Will subjects (ESTATES); 64D: Guadeloupe's group (ANTILLES); 65D: Adorned with nailheads (STUDDED); 69D: Whoops (YELLS); 71D: Tolkien dwarf (ORI); 74D: "There's --- in team!" (NO I); 76D: Comics outcry (EEK); 80D: Put in power (ENTHRONED); 82D: Game piece (DIE); 85D: Kibbutz currency (SHEKEL); 86D: Solemnity (GRAVITAS); 87D: She played Kahlo (HAYEK); 89D: Sixth-century date (DXI); 93D: Pygmalion's love (GALATEA); 95D: Iceberg alternative (ROMAINE); 96D: "Penguin Island" author France (ANATOLE); 97D: Attain for gain, say (SYNONYM); 98D: Charm (APPEAL); 99D: Hopi home (PUEBLO); 100D: Operation attire (SCRUBS); 101D: Unruffled (SERENE); 103D: Joan of art (MIRO); 106D: Michael of R.E.M. (STIPE); 107D: Less seen (RARER); 109D: Jeter or Jacobi (DEREK); 112D: Deli side (SLAW); 113D: Low "Yo!" ("PSST!"); 117D: Wallach or Whitney (ELI); 118D: Gardner of "One Touch of Venus" (AVA).

S U N D A Y August 22, 2010Sylvia Bursztyn (calendar)

[Note: The L.A. Times mistakenly posted the syndicated puzzle in the calendar section today. Because I don't get the actual paper, I won't have access to Sylvia's puzzle until it's available online. Last time this happened, the puzzle was online the following day. As soon as it's available, I'll post it.]

Theme: Poetry Puns — Poetry puns!

[Note: This is the puzzle that appears in the Sunday L.A. Times newspaper. If you don't get the paper, you can find the puzzle here. Scroll down to see today's syndicated puzzle.]


Theme answers:

• 21A: Taking a remedial poetry course? (IN COUPLET'S THERAPY).
• 39A: Promising young poet? (GOOD ODE BOY).
• 55A: Poetry course? (VERSE CLASS).
• 83A: Prosperous period for poems? (SONNET BOOM).
• 98A: Virtually any line from Shakespeare? (IAMB LEGEND).
• 120A: Baseball poem figure? (CATCHER IN THE RHYME).
• 1D: Exhibit of poetic feet? (DACTYL GALLERY).
• 59D: Homegrown poem? (AMERICAN IDYLL).

Everything Else — 1A: Poetic profundities (DEEPS); 6A: Word with wheel or deal (BIG); 9A: Dig bit (SHARD); 14A: MoMA's home (NYC); 17A: Zippy clip (GALLOP); 18A: Oscar role for Ingrid (ANASTASIA); 20A: Battery size (AAA); 23A: CD earnings (INT.); 24A: Witticism (MOT); 25A: Screen's Neeson (LIAM); 26A: Sultry (TORRID); 27A: Pound sounds (BARKS); 29A: --- nitrate (AMYL); 31A: Serpico's org. (NYPD); 33A: Good name for a litigator? (SUE); 34A: Unlikely (REMOTE); 35A: Tennis champ Monica (SELES); 37A: Dele retractor (STET); 42A: Horse's stride (GAIT); 44A: "Time --- My Side" (IS ON); 46A: Muriel Spark or Robert Burns (SCOT); 47A: Turned six? (NINE); 48A: James of "Boston Legal" (SPADER); 50A: Derby town (EPSOM); 52A: "Feed ---, starve ..." (A COLD); 54A: www address (URL); 58A: Inn name (RAMADA); 62A: Ease (RELIEVE); 64A: Grace's prince (RAINIER); 66A: Fiend (DEMON); 67A: Pitcher (EWER); 68A: Ibiza, "por ejemplo" (ISLA); 70A: Went platinum? (DYED); 72A: Guitar part (NECK); 73A: It's a wrap (SARAN); 75A: Add water to (HYDRATE); 79A: Hole in the head (NOSTRIL); 81A: Assignations (TRYSTS); 85A: Tahiti, "par exemple" (ILE); 86A: Kind of dog (CHILI); 88A: Gawk (STARE); 89A: Sister's daughters (NIECES); 91A: Three, in Seehausen (DREI); 94A: Novelist Jaffe (RONA); 96A: This land is Ur land (IRAQ); 97A: Memorable Bombeck (ERMA); 101A: Atlantic fish (SCUP); 103A: "Roots" role (KINTE); 106A: Arthurian paradise (AVALON); 107A: "I like!" ("OOH!"); 109A: Sharp (KEEN); 111A: Evened the score (TIED); 112A: Pay for more People (RENEW); 113A: Old Persian potentate (SATRAP); 116A: Hang in a low place? (SLUM); 118A: U came after him (DAG); 119A: Pier gp. (ILA); 124A: Tippler (SOT); 125A: Cognizance (AWARENESS); 126A: Benefits (AVAILS); 127A: Driver's doodad (TEE); 128A: Cubist Fernand (LEGER); 129A: Pasture call (MAA); 130A: "--- "tov"!" (MAZEL); 2D: "Telephone Line" gp. (ELO); 3D: Month after Av (ELUL); 4D: Drop by (POP IN); 5D: Spreads out (SPLAYS); 6D: Be up (BAT); 7D: "Meet Me --- Louis" (IN ST.); 8D: Felipe's felines (GATOS); 9D: Music setups (STEREOS); 10D: Last name in spydom (HARI); 11D: "Take --- song and make it ..." (A SAD); 12D: Make the rent? (RIP); 13D: Spare room item (DAY BED); 14D: Kenya's capital (NAIROBI); 15D: South Dakota city (YANKTON); 16D: Playing marble (CAT'S EYE); 17D: Folklore fellow (GNOME); 19D: "Beats me," in body language (SHRUG); 21D: "--- corny ..." (IM AS); 22D: Drains (EMPTIES); 28D: Constitutional add-on (AMENDMENT); 30D: Show the way (LEAD); 32D: Eagles classic (DESPERADO); 34D: Helicopter feature (ROTOR); 36D: Colander kin (SIEVE); 38D: Puccini classic (TOSCA); 40D: "Juno and the Paycock" playwright (O'CASEY); 41D: Elmer, to Bugs (DOC); 43D: Coin-filled fountain (TREVI); 45D: --- "me tangere" (NOLI); 48D: Most reliable (SUREST); 49D: Antebellum (PREWAR); 51D: "Whew!" ("MAN!"); 53D: Stripling (LAD); 56D: Hebrew letter (RESH); 57D: Distract (SIDETRACK); 60D: Tractable (DOCILE); 61D: Departs, per Variety (ANKLES); 63D: Cantankerous (IRASCIBLE); 65D: City near Sparks (RENO); 69D: Essential amino acid (LYSINE); 71D: Literature's Lorna (DOONE); 74D: Extreme degree (NTH); 76D: Hosp. personnel (RN'S); 77D: No voter (ANTI); 78D: Drops from ducts (TEARS); 80D: Smug smile (SMIRK); 82D: Rock singer? (SIREN); 84D: Will power? (BEQUEST); 87D: Campfire fuel (LOG); 90D: Give off (EMIT); 91D: Pepys, famously (DIARIST); 92D: Silas Marner's village (RAVELOE); 93D: Send forth (EMANATE); 95D: One more (ANOTHER); 99D: Lite (LOW-CAL); 100D: Quiz scandal's Charles Van --- (DOREN); 102D: "The Taking of --- 1 2 3" (PELHAM); 104D: Cowboys and Spurs (TEAMS); 105D: Advantage (EDGE); 108D: Seraglio (HAREM); 110D: New, in Quintana Roo (NUEVA); 113D: Just for guys (STAG); 114D: Plot part (ACRE); 115D: City on the Arno (PISA); 117D: "I'm Yours" singer Jason (MRAZ); 121D: Dazzle (AWE); 122D: Hush-hush org. (NSA); 123D: Get moving (HIE).

S U N D A Y August 8, 2010Sylvia Bursztyn (calendar)

Theme: "A Vine Thing" — Wine puns.

[Note: This is the puzzle that appears in the Sunday L.A. Times newspaper. If you don't get the paper, you can find the puzzle here. Scroll down to see today's syndicated puzzle.]


Theme answers:

• 21A: Wine studies? (BORDEAUX EDUCATION).
• 35A: Rolling Stones' wine cellar? (GAMAY SHELTER).
• 51A: Captain & Tennille's ode to wine? (MUSCAT LOVE).
• 72A: Hall & Oates' winy expression? (SYRAH SMILE).
• 87A: Opportunity for wine? (GRENACHE TIME).
• 105A: Winy Shakespeare contemporary? (CHRISTOPHER MERLOT).
• 15D: Ministered to wine? (TREATED CHABLIS).
• 46D: Tempted with wine? (DANGLED A CLARET).

Everything Else — 1A: Most precious (CUTEST); 7A: Upgrade an old system (RETROFIT); 15A: Kitchen meas. (TSP.); 18A: Athena's Roman counterpart (MINERVA); 19A: Menu option (ALA CARTE); 20A: Stephen of "The Crying Game" (REA); 23A: Fast opposite (EAT); 24A: Sign of stress (ACCENT); 25A: Prop for Jack and Jill (PAIL); 26A: Final stage (ENDGAME); 28A: Nichelle Nichols role (UHURA); 29A: Too (ALSO); 30A: Music legend Joan (BAEZ); 33A: Ballet slipper fabric (SATIN); 34A: Bell and Kettle (MAS); 39A: Big swig (BELT); 40A: Strung along (LED ON); 41A: Bizet's "with" (AVEC); 42A: Multitudes (HORDES); 44A: Fresno neighbor (MADERA); 47A: More skilled (ABLER); 49A: B-complex's --- acid (FOLIC); 50A: "The Good Earth" mother (O-LAN); 55A: "The Merry Widow" composer (LEHAR); 58A: Radius mate (ULNA); 59A: Watchdog's warnings (SNARLS); 60A: "Restaurante" course (ENSALADA); 62A: Yule drink (NOG); 63A: Dropped down? (MOLTED); 64A: Actor Franz or Farina (DENNIS); 66A: ASCAP alternative (BMI); 67A: "Man of La Mancha" number (DULCINEA); 69A: Not on the level? (TILTED); 70A: Coasted (SLID); 71A: Iron setting (STEAM); 75A: Employ (HIRE); 76A: Plumbing problems (DRIPS); 78A: Baldwin and Waugh (ALECS); 79A: Entertained (AMUSED); 81A: Rare (SCARCE); 83A: Data entry acronym (GIGO); 84A: Philosopher Kierkegaard (SOREN); 86A: Ethel's partner in hijinks (LUCY); 91A: "Stand" band (REM); 94A: Lowest deck (ORLOP); 96A: "What --- can I say?" (ELSE); 97A: Like Obama's office (OVAL); 98A: Cutting-edge item (KNIFE); 100A: Wine-flavored Italian ice (GRANITA); 102A: Soccer success (GOAL); 103A: San --- State Beach (ONOFRE); 104A: Melody (AIR); 110A: Michelle Obama, --- Robinson (NÉE); 111A: Cut short (TRUNCATE); 112A: Perennial candidate Harold (STASSEN); 113A: Ret. jet (SST); 114A: Higher-ranking (SUPERIOR); 115A: Tightens (up) (TENSES); 1D: Ring setting (CIRCUS); 2D: Hypnotized (UNDER); 3D: Typical "Twilight" fan (TEENAGER); 4D: Latin 101 word (ERAT); 5D: "Law & Order: ---" (SVU); 6D: Candidate's platform part, often (TAX PLAN); 7D: Pioneer products (RADIOS); 8D: Month before Tishri (ELUL); 9D: Half a Washington airport? (TAC); 10D: Victrola co. (RCA); 11D: Feedbag bit (OAT); 12D: Band beneath the cornice (FRIEZE); 13D: Take --- the chin (IT ON); 14D: Looks after (TENDS); 16D: Maritime measure (SEA MILE); 17D: Edison held hundreds of them (PATENTS); 18D: Coffee-cocoa combo (MOCHA); 21D: Oz creator (BAUM); 22D: Trouble-free (EASY); 27D: "Sledgehammer" rocker Peter (GABRIEL); 29D: Latin 101 word (AMO); 30D: Cut at an angle (BEVEL); 31D: Bygone Olds (ALERO); 32D: "And so on ..." (ETC.); 36D: "Born Free" author Joy (ADAMSON); 37D: Heeds a sentry (HALTS); 38D: Letter after pi (RHO); 40D: Memorable Horne (LENA); 43D: Stewpots (OLLAS); 44D: Pitchers' places (MOUNDS); 45D: Full-blown (ALL-OUT); 47D: Wise add-on? (ACRE); 48D: Pie finisher? (-BALD); 49D: Parsley relative (FENNEL); 52D: Except if (UNLESS); 53D: Thai appetizer (SATAY); 54D: Starbucks size (VENTI); 56D: Think the world of (ADMIRE); 57D: Pillaged a village (RAIDED); 61D: Handgun (SIDEARM); 63D: Talk like (MIMIC); 64D: Frisbee, for one (DISC); 65D: O'Neill title trees (ELMS); 68D: Plane passenger's tote (CARRY-ON); 69D: Series set in So. Cal. (THE O.C.); 70D: Eschew (SHUN); 73D: "Casablanca"'s Claude (RAINS); 74D: Aquarium issue (ALGAE); 77D: Dowel (PEG); 80D: Compliance (MEEKNESS); 81D: Ad agency creations (SLOGANS); 82D: Grooms horses (CURRIES); 83D: Salon stuff (GEL); 84D: Most musty (STALEST); 85D: Mideast export (OIL); 88D: Show defiance (REAR UP); 89D: "Poltergeist" director Tobe (HOOPER); 90D: "Well, Did You ---?" (EVAH); 91D: Long guns (RIFLES); 92D: "High School Musical"'s Zac (EFRON); 93D: Bump into (MEET); 95D: Brits of old (PICTS); 99D: Like Vikings (NORSE); 101D: Drive- --- window (THRU); 102D: Attend (GO TO); 103D: Yemen neighbor (OMAN); 106D: Chor or chlor closer (-INE); 107D: Part of a CRT (SCR); 108D: It comes before chi (TAI); 109D: AAA info (RTE.).

SUNDAY, July 25, 2010Sylvia Bursztyn (calendar)

---

Theme: "Be There" — The letters BE are inserted into familiar phrases.

[Note: This is the puzzle that appears in the Sunday L.A. Times newspaper. If you don't get the paper, you can find the puzzle here. Scroll down to see today's syndicated puzzle.]


Theme answers:

• 21A: Eyeball Knox? (BEHOLD THE FORT).
• 27A: Have Alex in the lead? (STAR TREBEK).
• 41A: Moral makeup of Kirk's clan? (DOUGLAS FIBER).
• 71A: Player who spelled Ruth? (BABE'S RELIEF).
• 92A: Like a freezer free of Häagen-Dazs? (OUT OF SORBETS).
• 114A: Defame baseball's Doubleday? (LIBEL ABNER).
• 120A: Legit "Lakmé composer? (KOSHER DELIBES).
• 2D: Where it's all Humphrey all the time? (A WORLD OF HUBERT).
• 52D: Asian plateau projectile? (TIBETAN MISSILE).

Everything Else — 1A: Corday stabbed him in the bath (MARAT); 6A: Panoramas (VIEWS); 11A: Highchair neckwear (BIB); 14A: Smart or Smiley (SPY); 17A: Ivanhoe's love (ROWENA); 18A: Succeed (ENSUE); 19A: Outback bird (EMU); 20A: Scoundrel (CUR); 23A: Plane figure? (AIRFARE); 25A: Pong maker (ATARI); 26A: Bollywood wrap (SARI); 29A: Sounded off (RAILED); 31A: Holed up (HID); 32A: Puccini classic (TOSCA); 33A: "... against --- of troubles" (A SEA); 34A: Everly Brothers hit (BIRD DOG); 36A: Just out (NEW); 38A: Coach (TUTOR); 40A: --- many words (IN SO); 45A: Two in Peru (DOS); 48A: Flabbergast (FLOOR); 50A: "Wow!" ("GEE!"); 51A: Juvenal's genre (SATIRE); 53A: Russian villa (DACHA); 56A: Russ. neighbor (NOR.); 59A: Lompoc lockup (CELL); 62A: Pep up (LIVEN); 63A: Monstrous (INHUMAN); 66A: Weak brew (NEAR BEER); 69A: Mamie's predecessor (BESS); 70A: Wild guess (STAB); 73A: Idaho motto word (ESTO); 74A: Stockings (HOSE); 75A: Licorice-flavored liqueur (ANISETTE); 76A: Run like a scared rabbit (SKITTER); 78A: Still (INERT); 80A: Port of Yemen (ADEN); 81A: B'way sellout sign (SRO); 83A: Audacious (SASSY); 84A: Musical intervals (NINTHS); 86A: Mil. ranks (LTS.); 88A: Pitching great Warren (SPAHN); 91A: Bluster (GAS); 97A: Big mouths (MAWS); 101A: Hecuba's husband (PRIAM); 102A: Teensy (WEE); 103A: Innovative (SEMINAL); 105A: Scottish hill (BRAE); 108A: Vagabond (TRAMP); 111A: Big deal (ADO); 113A: "Comunista" who ousted Batista (CASTRO); 116A: Rock's Mötley --- (CRUE); 118A: "Of Thee ---" (I SING); 119A: Place for piercings (EARLOBE); 123A: Hellenic H (ETA); 124A: Cheer competitor (ALL); 125A: Well-heeled ones (HAVES); 126A: Got just right (NAILED); 127A: Hoover, for one (DAM); 128A: "Runaway" rocker Shannon (DEL); 129A: "--- be dreaming!" (I MUST); 130A: Two of Henry VIII's six (ANNES); 1D: Some pricy sweaters (MOHAIRS); 3D: Depended (RELIED); 4D: "Then what?" ("AND?"); 5D: Body images? (TATS); 6D: Shifting sharply (VEERING); 7D: Unbeliever (INFIDEL); 8D: "--- Beso" (ESO); 9D: Knock or brat ender (-WURST); 10D: Tiff (SET-TO); 11D: Smokey, early on (BEAR CUB); 12D: Parrots (IMITATES); 13D: Jefferson veep (BURR); 14D: Picket line crossers (SCABS); 15D: Blender button (PUREE); 16D: Siskiyou County seat (YREKA); 17D: Hire, as an attorney (RETAIN); 21D: Benton of "Playboy" fame (BARBI); 22D: It's a laugh (HAH); 24D: North Carolina cape (FEAR); 28D: "Vino" venue (ASTI); 30D: Extinction exemplar (DODO); 35D: Sludge (GOO); 37D: Shake a tail (WAG); 39D: Spoken (ORAL); 42D: Large vase (URN); 43D: Concealed stuff (SECRETS); 44D: Less robust (FEEBLER); 45D: Sells off (DIVESTS); 46D: Electra's brother (ORESTES); 47D: ESP center (SENSORY); 49D: Skedaddle (LAM); 53D: Sharing gossip (DISHING); 54D: Willa Cather heroine (ÁNTONIA); 55D: Bygone celeb-sighting eatery (CHASEN'S); 57D: Personal identity (ONESELF); 58D: Minds (RESENTS); 60D: Grass skirt go-with (LEI); 61D: Barrel dregs (LEES); 64D: Litigators' org. (ABA); 65D: "Get a Job" syllables (NA NA); 67D: Works at the Getty (ART); 68D: "Bobby" subject, briefly (RFK); 72D: eBay action (BID); 77D: "Sorta" suffix (-ISH); 79D: Son of Odin (THOR); 82D: Verb ending (-OSE); 85D: Fit (SUITABLE); 87D: Plant (SOW); 89D: Qt. halves (PTS.); 90D: "Just ---!" (A SEC); 93D: Journalism legend Ida (TARBELL); 94D: Mideast sultanate (OMAN); 95D: Gets through to (REACHES); 96D: Recuperation requirement (BED REST); 98D: Alpes-Maritimes resort (ANTIBES); 99D: Put on guard (WARNED); 100D: Trudges (SLOGS); 101D: Rigg role (PEEL); 104D: Vote by absentee ballot (MAIL IN); 105D: Extort (BLEED); 106D: Ranchero's rope (RIATA); 107D: Norm of "This Old House" (ABRAM); 109D: Phifer of "ER" (MEKHI); 110D: Tourney type (PRO-AM); 112D: --- "Mutual Friend" (OUR); 115D: Burden (LOAD); 117D: Mystery writer Buchanan (EDNA); 121D: A "Law & Order" (SVU); 122D: Ending for Euclid (-EAN).

SUNDAY, July 11, 2010 — Sylvia Bursztyn (calendar)

Theme: "Pair Exchange" — Theme answers include a four-letter word whose first and last two letters have switched places, creating a new wacky phrase clued "?"-style.

[Note: This is the puzzle that appears in the Sunday L.A. Times newspaper. If you don't get the paper, you can find the puzzle here. Scroll down to see today's syndicated puzzle.]


Theme answers:

• 24A: Peruvian bible story? (INCA AND ABEL).
• 47A: Peter the Great entertainer? (PERFORMING TSAR).
• 62A: Communicates in Navajo? (SPEAKS THE MESA LANGUAGE).
• 82A: Mortgage service for sailors? (SAINT ELMO'S REFI).
• 106A: Subdue a science? (TAME PHYSICS).
• 3D: Gateway for the triumphant? (TADA ENTRY).
• 14D: Tibetan daytime drama? (LHASA SOAP).
• 73D: New Zealand reference site? (KIWIPEDIA).
• 78D: Really big programs? (MEGA SHOWS).

Everything Else — 1A: Kill a bill (VETO); 5A: Massage center (SPA); 8A: Shore things (COASTS); 14A: Spartan queen (LEDA); 18A: Dash (ELAN); 19A: Fennel, for one (HERB); 21A: Magnetism (ALLURE); 22A: Wrong (HARM); 23A: Pheasant brood (NIDE); 26A: Perched on (ATOP); 27A: Resolute (DEADSET); 29A: Cuts into cubes (DICES); 30A: Loggins' rock-pop partner (MESSINA); 32A: Early "golly!" ("EGAD!"); 33A: Visnjic of "ER" (GORAN); 34A: Philosopher in "The Clouds" (SOCRATES); 35A: It can be funny or easy (MONEY); 37A: "--- Thro' the Rye" (COMIN'); 38A: Main arteries (AORTAS); 39A: Choose (OPT); 40A: Taken the wrong way? (STOLEN); 42A: Stockpile (AMASS); 43A: Quercine trees (OAKS); 50A: Butler portrayer (GABLE); 51A: Roy Rogers, n%C3%A9 Leonard --- (SLYE); 52A: WW II agcy. (OPA); 53A: Satirist Mort (SAHL); 54A: Like gift cards (PREPAID); 56A: Choral compositions (MOTETS); 59A: Beer bust buy (KEG); 60A: Long. crosser (LAT.); 61A: Seek a pardon? (BEG); 68A: She, in Lisbon (ELA); 69A: Prez after Harry (IKE); 70A: Hamelin critter (RAT); 71A: Small computers (MICROS); 72A: Driving gear? (CAR KEYS); 74A: Piques (IRES); 76A: I.M. the architect (PEI); 77A: Air condition? (SMOG); 81A: South American monkeys (TITIS); 85A: Winter fall (SNOW); 86A: Boat bottoms (KEELS); 88A: Do the Wright thing (AVIATE); 89A: Jupiter or Mars (GOD); 90A: Nile waders (IBISES); 92A: Sportscaster Musburger (BRENT); 93A: Feed on forage (GRAZE); 95A: Mammoth garb (SKI PANTS); 98A: "--- "bleu"!" (SACRE); 99A: Pairs (DUOS); 100A: Party party (CATERER); 101A: River of oblivion (LETHE); 102A: Did a slow burn (SEETHED); 105A: Between the sheets (ABED); 109A: Bar mitzvah dance (HORA); 110A: Hungarian sheepdog (PULI); 111A: Conceptualize (IDEATE); 112A: WW II atoll (TRUK); 113A: Skater Michelle (KWAN); 114A: First name in scat (ELLA); 115A: "Et tu?" asker (CAESAR); 116A: Infomercials (ADS); 117A: Greek peak (OSSA); 1D: Hawk (VEND); 2D: Nobelist Wiesel (ELIE); 4D: Jumpy (ON EDGE); 5D: Started (SHIED); 6D: Cooped (up) (PENT); 7D: Curve (ARC); 8D: Moulin Rouge dance (CAN-CAN); 9D: Of yore (OLDEN); 10D: Quaint plaint (ALAS); 11D: Temp (SUB); 12D: Small quakes (TREMORS); 13D: Chooses (SELECTS); 15D: 1984 Weird Al hit (EAT IT); 16D: Ongoing monotone (DRONE); 17D: Oscars org. (AMPAS); 20D: Poor portent (BAD OMEN); 25D: Broadcasts (AIRINGS); 28D: Approval power (SAY-SO); 31D: Managua Mrs. (SRA.); 33D: Big biblical baddie (GOLIATH); 34D: Fly high (SOAR); 35D: Beatlesque dos (MOPS); 36D: Autobahn auto (OPEL); 37D: Vies (COMPETES); 38D: Compound (AMALGAM); 41D: Bolshevik biggie (TROTSKY); 42D: Grate stuff (ASHES); 44D: Half an African capital (ABABA); 45D: Light on the set (KLIEG); 46D: Marsh rush (SEDGE); 48D: Disaster relief org. (FEMA); 49D: "Break time!" ("TAKE TEN!"); 50D: Square one (GET-GO); 54D: Single setting pad (PLACEMAT); 55D: Went wild (RAN RIOT); 57D: Steinbeck migrants (OKIES); 58D: Daytime dramas (SERIALS); 62D: Faith factions (SECTS); 63D: No-frills (PLAIN); 64D: Keep an --- the ground (EAR TO); 65D: Mantle teammate (MARIS); 66D: Gloss application guide (LIP LINE); 67D: Cold War inits. (USSR); 75D: Prim (STARCHY); 79D: Garland movie ending (OF OZ); 80D: "The Immoralist" author (GIDE); 82D: Realizes (SEES); 83D: Hillary's conquest (EVEREST); 84D: Smooth move (SEGUE); 86D: Motion-related (KINETIC); 87D: He played Ponch (ESTRADA); 91D: Joint in many a joke (BAR); 92D: Pool patron (BATHER); 94D: Latvian-born artist Mark (ROTHKO); 95D: Suffix with sea or city (-SCAPE); 96D: Capital by the Hindu Kush (KABUL); 97D: "Wait 'til --- your father!" (I TELL); 98D: Nasal membranes (SEPTA); 99D: Roll-tops (DESKS); 101D: Pasturelands (LEAS); 102D: Gulf War missile (SCUD); 103D: Prominent periods (ERAS); 104D: Elcar or Carvey (DANA); 107D: Thai dish --- krob (MEE); 108D: Keogh kin (IRA).

SUNDAY, June 27, 2010 — Sylvia Bursztyn (calendar)

Theme: "Rock of '80s" — Familiar phrases clued as if one of the words is the rock group of that name.

[Note: This is the puzzle that appears in the Sunday L.A. Times newspaper. If you don't get the paper, you can find the puzzle here. Scroll down to see today's syndicated puzzle.]


Theme answers:

• 27A: Romantic rock group? (SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY).
• 44A: "Big Deal" rock star's address? (MADONNA STREET).
• 59A: "Histrionics? These rockers!"? (DRAMA QUEEN).
• 71A: Rock group's featured billing? (AND TOTO TOO).
• 87A: Rock group's volume? (BOOK OF GENESIS).
• 102A: Become a rock group's fan? (JOIN THE POLICE FORCE).
• 33D: Rock group around the fire? (HEART WARMING).
• 38D: Wine à la a rock star? (PORT AU PRINCE).

Everything Else — 1A: Primary (BASAL); 6A: Capacitance unit (FARAD); 11A: Long follower (AGO); 14A: Addis --- (ABABA); 19A: Bonus (EXTRA); 20A: Salah ad Din denizen (IRAQI); 21A: Explorer, e.g. (SUV); 22A: First name in rap (TUPAC); 23A: Stuck together (GLUED); 24A: Drink like a dog (LAP UP); 25A: Spruced-up abode? (TREEHOUSE); 30A: Mind (HEED); 31A: Hammer and sickle (TOOLS); 32A: Hindu divinity (VISHNU); 36A: Meal (REPAST); 39A: Black Sea peninsula (CRIMEA); 41A: "It's in --- Kiss" (HIS); 42A: Ages and ages (EON); 43A: "Do Ya" rock gp. (ELO); 47A: Folk rocker DiFranco (ANI); 48A: Italy's largest lake (GARDA); 50A: QED center (ERAT); 51A: "It's the Same --- Song" (OLD); 52A: Canter kin (TROT); 53A: Concertgoer (ATTENDEE); 55A: --- Oyster Cult (BLUE); 57A: Pretentious (ARTSY); 58A: Meadowlands (LEAS); 63A: Swerve off course (YAW); 64A: Draws forth (EDUCES); 66A: Have --- for life (A LUST); 67A: State with Sparks (NEVADA); 70A: --- Shop Boys (PET); 75A: War god (ARES); 76A: French department (MARNE); 78A: Numskull (DODO); 79A: Frequently (OFTTIMES); 81A: Like fans (AVID); 82A: Rocker Ronnie James (DIO); 83A: Gang land (TURF); 85A: Say "c'est," say (ELIDE); 86A: Rockers --- at Work (MEN); 92A: Old video game inits. (NES); 93A: Winwood's "--- of a Diver" (ARC); 94A: DDE opponent (AES); 95A: "Spirit in the Sky" rocker Greenbaum (NORMAN); 96A: Puts on shows (STAGES); 98A: Braces (oneself) (STEELS); 100A: Bacon bit (STRIP); 101A: Gaffe (SLIP); 109A: Escapade (ADVENTURE); 112A: Skater Slutskaya (IRINA); 113A: "What do --- like to you?" (I LOOK); 114A: Steve Perry asset (VOICE); 115A: Grooved on (DUG); 116A: Finger pointer (NAMER); 117A: Sorbonne student (ELEVE); 118A: Jackson Browne's "Running on ---" (EMPTY); 119A: Freudian factor (EGO); 120A: Sugarcoat (GLAZE); 121A: Venetian rulers of yore (DOGES); 1D: Importunes (BEGS); 2D: Wheel support (AXLE); 3D: Dazzle (STUN); 4D: First name in soul (ARETHA); 5D: Don Juan (LADIES' MAN); 6D: Groomed nails (FILED); 7D: Islands off Ireland (ARAN); 8D: Engrossed (RAPT); 9D: Etching method (AQUATINT); 10D: Sheepskin (DIPLOMA); 11D: Whence lily maid Elaine (ASTOLAT); 12D: Mentors (GURUS); 13D: "Don't Make Me ---" (OVER); 14D: Nonbeliever (ATHEIST); 15D: Lifts, as spirits (BUOYS); 16D: "The Simpsons" storekeeper (APU); 17D: Some degs. (BA'S); 18D: Kiss rocker Frehley (ACE); 26D: Coveted (ENVIED); 28D: Physical intro (META-); 29D: Rockers Strummer and Cocker (JOES); 34D: Taboos (NO-NOS); 35D: Harmony (UNITY); 36D: Entertain lavishly (REGALE); 37D: Jubilant (ELATED); 39D: Chick of jazz (COREA); 40D: Bio class ltrs. (RNA); 41D: Wings' "--- Wheels" (HELEN); 45D: A few bucks? (DEER); 46D: Rakehell (ROUE); 49D: Get down (DESCEND); 52D: Drudgery (TRAVAIL); 54D: ADA member (DDS); 55D: Failure (BUST); 56D: Actor Jared (LETO); 57D: "Yes, captain!" ("AYE!"); 60D: Road safety org. (MADD); 61D: Robert Plant, vocally (ALTO); 62D: Status follower (QUO); 65D: Tours season (ÉTÉ); 67D: Zombies' "She's --- There" (NOT); 68D: One of rock's Ramones (DEEDEE); 69D: Rate (ASSESS); 71D: Parting "palabra" (ADIOS); 72D: Corner (NOOK); 73D: Bogart's "Sirocco" costar Marta (TOREN); 74D: Rubs out (OFFS); 76D: Michelle and Cass (MAMAS); 77D: Turn aside (AVERT); 80D: Took the stand (TESTIFIED); 82D: "Nobody --- Better" (DOES IT); 83D: Fleeting (TEMPORAL); 84D: Merkel of the movies (UNA); 87D: "Horsefeathers!" ("BALONEY!"); 88D: Very active (ON THE GO); 89D: Fairway warning (FORE); 90D: Kvetching (GRIPING); 91D: Wight, for one (ISLE); 97D: Harlem music hall (APOLLO); 99D: Bounce (EJECT); 100D: Gymnast Kerri (STRUG); 101D: Startle (SCARE); 103D: In the altogether (NUDE); 104D: Toledo neighbor (LIMA); 105D: Don Juan's mother (INEZ); 106D: "Performance" director Nicolas (ROEG); 107D: Safe harbor (COVE); 108D: Squeezes (out) (EKES); 109D: St. crosser (AVE.); 110D: Monk's title (DOM); 111D: Biggie (VIP).

SUNDAY, June 13, 2010 — Sylvia Bursztyn (calendar)

Theme: "Initial Offering" — Theme answers are the names of famous people who are known by their initials.

[Note: This is the puzzle that appears in the Sunday L.A. Times newspaper. If you don't get the paper, you can find the puzzle here. Scroll down to see today's syndicated puzzle.]


Theme answers:

• 21A: Artist Escher (MAURITS CORNELIS).
• 36A: Writer Hinton (SUSAN ELOISE).
• 51A: Financier Hutton (EDWARD FRANCIS).
• 73A: Showman Barnum (PHINEAS TAYLOR).
• 91A: Singer lang (KATHRYN DAWN).
• 108A: Psychologist Skinner (BURRHUS FREDERIC).
• 15D: Writer Travers (PAMELA LYNDON).
• 58D: Writer Barrie (JAMES MATTHEW).

Everything Else — 1A: News reporting (COVERAGE); 9A: Playwright G.B. (SHAW); 13A: Syrup source (MAPLE); 18A: Money manager (TREASURER); 19A: Take on (HIRE); 20A: "Encore!" ("AGAIN!"); 23A: Vagabond (NOMAD); 24A: TV plugs (ADS); 25A: Kabuki kin (NOH); 26A: "Casa" cooker (OLLA); 27A: Seraglios (HAREMS); 28A: Some cyberclutter (SPAM); 30A: Companion critter (PET); 32A: Spy plant (MOLE); 33A: Like some signs (VITAL); 34A: Sin city (SODOM); 39A: Tenn. neighbor (ALA.); 42A: Chargers count (ELEVEN); 44A: Dred Scott Chief Justice (TANEY); 45A: Opened, as envelopes (UNSEALED); 47A: Mock (DERIDE); 48A: Yoko from Tokyo (ONO); 49A: Confer closer (-ENCE); 50A: Taunt part (NYAH); 55A: Writer Rice (ANNE); 56A: Modifying wd. (ADJ.); 59A: Camera component (LENS); 60A: Buzzy abode (HIVE); 61A: Shoe brand Top- --- (SIDER); 62A: Goes places (TRAVELS); 64A: Commodious (ROOMY); 66A: Bette Midler classic (THE ROSE); 68A: Bar fruits (LIMES); 69A: "Sud"'s opposite (NORD); 70A: 2010 "The Karate Kid" costar (CHAN); 71A: PM times (NTS); 72A: Declare (AVER); 78A: It's a loch (NESS); 79A: Geraldine Chaplin's mother (OONA); 80A: Kal- --- (KAN); 81A: Persian Gulf peninsula (ARABIA); 85A: Programming opening (TIME SLOT); 87A: Bypass (SKIRT); 89A: Cosine's reciprocal (SECANT); 90A: "Wheel of Fortune" buy (AN A); 94A: Motor lead-in (SERVO); 95A: Many "Glee" fans (TEENS); 97A: "Les États- ---" (UNIS); 98A: Just about forever (EON); 100A: 2009 Miss America Katie (STAM); 101A: Odium (HATRED); 103A: Jazz and Bronze (AGES); 104A: Narrow inlet (RIA); 106A: Wallach of 2010's "Wall Street" (ELI); 107A: Have --- (converse) (A CHAT); 113A: "We hold --- truths to be ..." (THESE); 114A: Hitch (SNAG); 115A: Sought by petition (SOLICITED); 116A: Valjean escape route (SEWER); 117A: Trial fig. (ATTY.); 118A: Confined for privacy (CLOSETED); 1D: Activist for reform (CRUSADER); 2D: Donne's done (O'ER); 3D: Stuck-up (VAIN); 4D: Bar before the bench (ESTOP); 5D: Loses no time (RUSHES); 6D: Pendulum path (ARC); 7D: Old Metro maker (GEO); 8D: Slip (ERR); 9D: He wrote "To a Skylark" (SHELLEY); 10D: Early Talmudic sage (HILLEL); 11D: La Scala solo (ARIA); 12D: Horror maven Craven (WES); 13D: Dugong kin (MANATEE); 14D: Athens landmark (AGORA); 16D: "Nell"'s Neeson (LIAM); 17D: Goals (ENDS); 18D: Infant amphibian (TADPOLE); 21D: Gathered (MASSED); 22D: Alicia Keys hit (NO ONE); 27D: Snake sounds (HISSES); 29D: Reel thing (MOVIE); 31D: After-class coaches (TUTORS); 32D: --- "La Mancha" (MAN OF); 33D: Leonardo's birthplace (VINCI); 35D: Interferes (MEDDLES); 37D: Beach makeup (SAND); 38D: Pound fraction (OUNCE); 40D: Most meager (LEANEST); 41D: Sticks (ADHERES); 43D: Staircase support (NEWEL); 46D: Have --- of confidence (AN AIR); 49D: Begrudge (ENVY); 52D: RSVP (ANS.); 53D: Brenda Morgenstern's sister (RHODA); 54D: Goal (AIM); 56D: Home of the Braves (ATLANTA); 57D: Carhop setting (DRIVE-IN); 61D: Mexican misters (SEÑORES); 63D: Pound output (VERSE); 64D: Jaffe or Barrett (RONA); 65D: Miner concern (ORE); 66D: Quaker pronoun (THY); 67D: NFL cofounder George (HALAS); 69D: Final Beethoven symphony (NINTH); 70D: "Why --- Be Friends?" (CAN'T WE); 73D: Cracow's country (POLAND); 74D: Caterwauls (HOOTS); 75D: Slides sideways (SKIDS); 76D: Olympian Lipinski (TARA); 77D: Regattas (RACES); 82D: Like Smetana's bride (BARTERED); 83D: Baseless (INVALID); 84D: Energy type (ATOMIC); 86D: Bitty biter (SKEETER); 87D: Collaboration's intended bonus (SYNERGY); 88D: Potato-y deli specialty (KNISH); 92D: Toddler (RUGRAT); 93D: Martial arts actor Chuck (NORRIS); 96D: Wipe out (ERASE); 99D: Beatrice, to Prince Charles (NIECE); 101D: Panama and pillbox (HATS); 102D: Pang (ACHE); 103D: Rosemary Clooney, to George (AUNT); 105D: Mine access (ADIT); 108D: "Be Prepared" org. (BSA); 109D: L.A. campus (USC); 110D: Fa follower (SOL); 111D: Ziegfeld, familiarly (FLO); 112D: "Chaud" time (ÉTÉ).

SUNDAY, May 30, 2010 — Sylvia Bursztyn

Theme: "Come and Get It" — Theme answers are familiar phrases that begin with the words come or get it.

[Note: This is the puzzle that appears in the Sunday L.A. Times newspaper. If you don't get the paper, you can find the puzzle here. Scroll down to see today's syndicated puzzle.]


Theme answers:

• 22A: COME --- (APART AT THE SEAMS).
• 38A: GET IT --- (OFF YOUR CHEST).
• 61A: GET IT --- (INTO YOUR HEAD).
• 76A: COME --- (OUT IN THE WASH).
• 100A: COME --- (AS NO SURPRISE).
• 116A: GET IT --- (OUT OF YOUR SYSTEM).
• 16D: COME --- (TO AN UNDERSTANDING).
• 31D: GET IT --- (RIGHT THE FIRST TIME).

Everything Else — 1A: Gala garb, often (BLACK TIE); 9A: SWAT specialist (SNIPER); 15A: Stick it out (STAY); 19A: Candelabra-shaped cactuses (SAGUAROS); 20A: Ring figure (TORERO); 21A: "--- broad stripes and bright ..." (WHOSE); 24A: D-Day beach (OMAHA); 25A: Darth's daughter (LEIA); 26A: Scrap (ORT); 27A: Innovative stylist Vidal (SASSOON); 29A: Collar (ARREST); 32A: Heads-up (ALERT); 34A: Gwen Stefani's group (NO DOUBT); 37A: Tim of "WKRP in Cincinnati" (REID); 42A: Fed. med. org. (NIH); 43A: Accent on food? (MSG); 44A: Univ. VIP (PROF.); 45A: Cheshire Cat, notably (SMILER); 46A: Country's Oak --- Boys (RIDGE); 48A: Playwright Fugard (ATHOL); 50A: Some coll. degrees (BAS); 52A: Equal footing (PAR); 53A: Soda buys (LITERS); 54A: So-so (NOT BAD); 56A: Some old Saturns (IONS); 59A: MacDonald-Eddy Mountie musical (ROSE MARIE); 64A: "Agnus" --- (DEI); 65A: Koop and Elders, for short (SGS); 66A: Track events (HEATS); 67A: Sock synthetic (ORLON); 69A: Lace tip (AGLET); 72A: "How Can --- Sure" (I BE); 74A: Shatner's sci-fi drug (TEK); 80A: Setting of many a teen movie scene (CAFETERIA); 84A: Wiltern Theatre's style (DECO); 85A: River of song (SWANEE); 86A: Skipped over in speech (ELIDED); 87A: TiVo, e.g. (DVR); 89A: Cold War org. (KGB); 91A: Large lemur (INDRI); 92A: Ohio rubber city (AKRON); 93A: Knuckleheads (IDIOTS); 96A: Moxie (GUTS); 98A: AOL chats (IMS); 99A: It makes the van go (GAS); 103A: Macrame unit (KNOT); 104A: Tempts (ENTICES); 106A: City on the Po (TURIN); 107A: Trues up (ALIGNS); 109A: Microblogging service (TWITTER); 112A: Sch. staff (FAC.); 113A: Greek war god (ARES); 114A: "I need to go on ---!" (A DIET); 122A: "My car" anagram (CAMRY); 123A: Like Antoine's cuisine (CREOLE); 124A: Semisweet wine (SAUTERNE); 125A: Monkey puzzle, for one (TREE); 126A: On the up and up (KOSHER); 127A: A cut above (SUPERIOR); 1D: Troop gp. (BSA); 2D: Child support? (LAP); 3D: Turkish title (AGA); 4D: Made waves? (CURLED); 5D: Hudson and Winslet (KATES); 6D: Quisling (TRAITOR); 7D: Letter after theta (IOTA); 8D: Round fig. (EST.); 9D: Sound systems (STEREOS); 10D: Quack cure-all (NOSTRUM); 11D: Fury (IRE); 12D: Gregor Mendel research subjects (PEAS); 13D: Humorist Bombeck (ERMA); 14D: "Looking for Mr. Goodbar" author Judith (ROSSNER); 15D: "Li'l Abner" critter (SHMOO); 17D: Campout fallout (ASH); 18D: Pro vote (YEA); 21D: Finish work, in carpentry (WOOD TRIM); 23D: Sacred (HOLY); 28D: Brillo shelfmate (SOS); 29D: Giorgio with an "emporio" (ARMANI); 30D: Planned Virginia community (RESTON); 32D: Tabloid fodder (AFFAIR); 33D: Junket (TRIP); 35D: Eighteen-wheeler (BIG RIG); 36D: Martin Luther nailed 95 of them (THESES); 39D: Watch pocket (FOB); 40D: Reed instr. (CLAR.); 41D: Biblical king (HEROD); 44D: "Costa" kin (PLAYA); 47D: Señor suffix (-ITA); 49D: Bassoon kin (OBOE); 51D: TriBeCa neighbor (SOHO); 53D: Janet and Jennifer Jason (LEIGHS); 55D: Like some lines (DOTTED); 57D: "I, Claudius" character (NERO); 58D: Toast of "la ciudad" (SALUD); 60D: Usher (SEAT); 62D: Tech support seeker (USER); 63D: Lavish affection (DOTE); 68D: Make the cut? (NICK); 70D: Dawnn of "A Different World" (LEWIS); 71D: McGregor of "Moulin Rouge" (EWAN); 72D: Cold time (ICE AGE); 73D: Albania's --- Peninsula (BALKAN); 75D: Slangy address (KIDDO); 77D: Noodle (NOGGIN); 78D: Talk in church (SERMON); 79D: Hauls of mazuma (HEISTS); 81D: Old Tokyo (EDO); 82D: Doggedness (TENACITY); 83D: Dollar competitor (AVIS); 88D: Drubbing (ROUT); 90D: Clear tables (BUS); 93D: Available for sale (IN STOCK); 94D: See's treat (TRUFFLE); 95D: Hose attachment (SPRAYER); 97D: Shreds (TEARS UP); 101D: Moviemaker's milieu (SET); 102D: Wealthy, in Oaxaca (RICO); 103D: Mug (KISSER); 105D: "If --- a Carpenter" (I WERE); 108D: Gulf in a 1944 battle (LEYTE); 110D: Greece note (EURO); 111D: Hwys. (RTES.); 113D: "Like Water for Chocolate" director Alfonso (ARAU); 114D: Stop stalling (ACT); 115D: --- es Salaam (DAR); 117D: "Impressive!" ("OOH!"); 118D: Ship inits. (USS); 119D: Cycle starter (TRI-); 120D: Rocker Brian (ENO); 121D: Sea, to Simenon (MER).

SUNDAY, May 16, 2010 — Sylvia Bursztyn

Theme: "Almost Painless" — The letters OW are removed from familiar phrases.

[Note: This is the puzzle that appears in the Sunday L.A. Times newspaper. If you don't get the paper, you can find the puzzle here. Scroll down to see today's syndicated puzzle.]


Theme answers:

• 23A: Call from Tweety? (CANARY YELL).
• 25A: Boggy gallerias? (MARSH MALLS).
• 44A: Shakespeare in tears? (WEEPING WILL).
• 61A: Knock down tourists? (FELL TRAVELERS).
• 80A: Visualize a gale? (PICTURE WIND).
• 99A: Launch capsules? (THROW PILLS).
• 101A: Crystal gestures? (BILLY WAVES).
• 36D: Night of Arsenio's family reunion? (ALL HALLS EVE).
• 40D: Suspicious fish? (SHAD OF DOUBT).

Everything Else — 1A: It's game (TAG); 4A: Cooking up (MAKING); 10A: They've got the beat (COPS); 14A: Esau's twin (JACOB); 19A: Bristol brew (ALE); 20A: Pamplona's peninsula (IBERIA); 21A: "Typee" sequel (OMOO); 22A: Plato's marketplace (AGORA); 27A: Cuts out (EXCISES); 28A: "Escales" composer Jacques (IBERT); 30A: "Jaws" island (AMITY); 31A: --- in cat (C AS); 32A: Conspire (PLOT); 33A: Poe's midnight visitor (RAVEN); 35A: Oz creator (BAUM); 37A: More faithful (TRUER); 39A: Took a toll (TAXED); 40A: Retired flier (SST); 43A: Cartoon collectibles (CELS); 46A: "That was close!" ("PHEW!"); 47A: Pepper with missiles (PELT); 48A: Christie or Karenina (ANNA); 49A: Solemn ceremony (RITE); 50A: "Family Circus" cartoonist (KEANE); 51A: Sayings sayer (APHORIST); 53A: Shows a seat? (MOONS); 55A: One under par (BIRDIE); 56A: First name in aviation (AMELIA); 57A: Slip --- (blunder) (A COG); 58A: Conductor Stokowski (LEOPOLD); 59A: Gallaudet U. dept. (ASL); 64A: Tina of "30 Rock" (FEY); 65A: Carrion consumer (VULTURE); 67A: Noah of "ER" (WYLE); 68A: Spoke from a sty (OINKED); 70A: Bean and Welles (ORSONS); 71A: Eliot's Marner (SILAS); 72A: Gorbachev policy (GLASNOST); 75A: Drift (TREND); 76A: Word before Robles or doble (PASO); 77A: Gelatin kin (AGAR); 78A: Enterprise officer (SULU); 79A: Dream, to Vadim (REVE); 83A: Blake's black (EBON); 84A: Check out (EYE); 85A: Active sorts (DOERS); 86A: China's Zhou (ENLAI); 87A: Stake on the table (ANTE); 88A: Bogus (FALSE); 89A: Some evergreens (FIRS); 90A: Langley-based org. (CIA); 91A: British stage great Dame Ellen (TERRY); 93A: Good, to Gomez (BUENO); 95A: Rooming house guest (BOARDER); 104A: Spyri's Swiss miss (HEIDI); 105A: Gist (MEAT); 106A: Beethoven opus (EROICA); 107A: Words before wink (IN A); 108A: Atomic number 54 (XENON); 109A: Paronomasia samples (PUNS); 110A: Coleman of "Nine to Five" (DABNEY); 111A: Fish for a bagel (LOX); 1D: Tic-toe connector (TAC); 2D: Mercury's wings (ALAE); 3D: Boomers' kids (GEN X); 4D: Singer Makeba (MIRIAM); 5D: Vast chasm (ABYSS); 6D: Luke of "Kung Fu" (KEYE); 7D: Ticks off (IRES); 8D: Zip (NIL); 9D: Science legend's last name (GALILEI); 10D: Dancer's teammate (COMET); 11D: Sharif who played Zhivago (OMAR); 12D: Gilbert Stuart specialties (PORTRAITS); 13D: Letters seeking aid (SOS); 14D: In a crush (JAMMED); 15D: From the top (AGAIN); 16D: Stable boy? (COLT); 17D: French hub (ORLY); 18D: Kind of relief (BAS); 24D: Habituate (ACCUSTOM); 26D: Czech Republic's Vaclav (HAVEL); 29D: Leader preceder (BORN); 32D: Insect stage (PUPA); 34D: Auto bar (AXLE); 35D: Pager sound (BEEP); 37D: Pliable (TENSILE); 38D: Enterprise offering (RENTAL); 39D: Sharp pain (TWINGE); 41D: In one's dotage (SENILE); 42D: Collegiately attired (TWEEDY); 43D: Nos. pro (CPA); 44D: Bob Marley's band (WAILERS); 45D: They're on the record (GROOVES); 46D: "Law & Order" quarry (PERP); 50D: Newsstands (KIOSKS); 52D: Pay back (REFUND); 53D: Olympian Retton (MARY LOU); 54D: Sunshine State city (OCALA); 55D: Novelist Malamud (BERNARD); 58D: Crosby hit "Sweet ---" (LEILANI); 59D: " --- "sante"!" (AVOTRE); 60D: "Oklahoma!" carriage (SURREY); 62D: Surprise developments (TWISTS); 63D: Hanks' "Big" keyboard dance partner (LOGGIA); 66D: Firm up (TONE); 69D: Baja port (ENSENADA); 71D: Poirot's exclamation (SACRE BLEU); 73D: Blackthorn fruit (SLOE); 74D: Wine cask (TUN); 76D: Slapstick projectiles (PIES); 77D: Punching tools (AWLS); 80D: Hydra, for one (POLYP); 81D: Horse halter (REIN); 82D: Coated with chocolate (ENROBED); 85D: Natural selection theorist (DARWIN); 87D: Vent (AIRWAY); 88D: Tolkien protagonist (FRODO); 89D: Song and slug enders (FESTS); 90D: "Sleeping Prophet" Edgar (CAYCE); 91D: "America" pronoun (THEE); 92D: One of the Waltons (ERIN); 94D: --- Bator (ULAN); 95D: Steve McQueen movie menace (BLOB); 96D: Ken of "thirtysomething" (OLIN); 97D: Dastardly (EVIL); 98D: Sparks neighbor (RENO); 99D: Letters in a Lucas title (THX); 100D: Little rascal (IMP); 102D: Novelist Levin (IRA); 103D: Woody Herman's woodwind (SAX).