Constructor: Ilana Levene and Scott Hogan
Relative problem: Straightforward
THEME: direct tackle — acquainted two-word phrases are clued as if the second phrase is a well-known time period of tackle:
- “CHEESE, DOG!” (17A: “Smile for the photograph, dude!”)
- “DELIVERY, MAN!” (24A: “Work in your enunciation, bro!”)
- “TWISTED, SISTER!” (33A: “That’s tousled, lady!”)
- “BLOCK, BUSTER!” (49A: “Defend the quarterback, buddy!”)
- “WILD, HONEY!” (57A: “That is unbelievable, love!”)
Phrase of the Day: Tin lizzie (6D: Tin lizzie = MODEL T) —
The Ford Mannequin T is an vehicle that was produced by the Ford Motor Firm from October 1, 1908, to Could 26, 1927. It’s typically considered the primary mass-affordable vehicle, which made automobile journey out there to middle-class Individuals. The comparatively low value was partly the results of Ford’s environment friendly fabrication, together with meeting line manufacturing as an alternative of particular person handcrafting. The financial savings from mass manufacturing allowed the value to say no from $780 in 1910 (equal to $26,322 in 2024) to $290 in 1924 ($5,321 in 2024 {dollars}). It was primarily designed by three engineers, Joseph A. Galamb (the principle engineer), Eugene Farkas, and Childe Harold Wills. The Mannequin T was colloquially generally known as the “Tin Lizzie“.
The Ford Mannequin T was named probably the most influential automobile of the twentieth century within the 1999 Automotive of the Century competitors, forward of the BMC Mini, Citroën DS, and Volkswagen Beetle. Ford’s Mannequin T was profitable not solely as a result of it offered cheap transportation on a large scale, but in addition as a result of the automobile signified innovation for the rising center class and have become a strong image of the US’ age of modernization. With over 15 million bought, it was the most bought automobile in historical past earlier than being surpassed by the Volkswagen Beetle in 1972. (wikipedia)
A 1922 Automotive Race
Within the early 1900s, automobile sellers would attempt to create publicity for his or her new vehicles by internet hosting automobile races. In 1922 a championship race was held in Pikes Peak, Colorado. Entered as one of many contestants was Noel Bullock and his Mannequin T, named “Outdated Liz.”
Since Outdated Liz seemed the more severe for put on, because it was unpainted and lacked a hood, many spectators in contrast Outdated Liz to a tin can. By the beginning of the race, the automobile had the brand new nickname of “Tin Lizzie.”
However to everybody’s shock, Tin Lizzie gained the race. Having crushed even the costliest different automobiles out there on the time, Tin Lizzie proved each the sturdiness and velocity of the Mannequin T.
Tin Lizzie’s shock win was reported in newspapers throughout the nation, resulting in using the nickname “Tin Lizzie” for all Mannequin T automobiles. The automobile additionally had a few different nicknames—”Leaping Lena” and “flivver”—however it was the Tin Lizzie moniker that caught. (thoughtco.com)
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This one obtained higher because it rolled alongside. You actually should mentally add a bunch of phrases to make these first two themers work. You are asking somebody (on this case, “canine”) to say CHEESE. Leaving the precise instruction half out of the expression creates confusion, particularly because it’s the primary themer anybody’s more likely to encounter. Even when I have been being tremendous caszh (that is informal for “informal”) with my, ahem, canine, I’d most likely nonetheless say the “Say” a part of “SAY CHEESE.” The subsequent themer (“DELIVERY, MAN“) requires you to deduce loads of phrases: particularly, the phrases “You could work in your.” These opening theme clues are doing loads of work to make the theme phrases appear believable. However for the following three, all of them sound fairly pure. Sounds completely regular to confess, as an illustration, the “that’s” half and simply say “TWISTED, SISTER” or “WILD, HONEY.” And the direct command (“BLOCK, BUSTER!”) might be probably the most natural-sounding of the bunch. No psychological supplying of phrases vital. A really self-contained, clear expression. So, first rate idea with midway first rate execution. All the time higher when the theme will get sharper / tighter / clearer because it goes on. Significantly better than the alternative, that is for certain.
The puzzle general was super-easy, with an admirably clear grid. That cleanness is said to the easiness, I feel. There’s simply not loads of popular culture trivia or correct nouns typically, or archaic, odd, crosswords-only kind phrases or expressions. I imply, there’s ANAIS Nin and ANG Lee and EMMA Thompson / Stone, however these persons are constants. There’s FERMI and ESAU however you actually are usually not being tasked a lot in any respect with retrieving names at this time. The straightforwardness of all of it does put the grid in peril a bit of little bit of being boring, however vivid phrases like SPLURGES and STOLID present some distinction and character, and infrequently the clues come alongside and assist out as effectively. The clue on SICKNESS is especially well-handled, because it turns a bummer of a factor right into a non-existent factor *and* evokes an iconic film (effectively, iconic for those who have been an ’80s teen (responsible) (34D: One thing feigned by Ferris Bueller to get out of faculty). Additionally iconic to ’80s teenagers: TWISTED SISTER:
Bullets:
- 21A: Mythological devices of vengeance (FURIES) — “devices” is gonna journey up lots of people right here. It tripped me up, and I educate concerning the FURIES frequently. I simply assumed the “devices” have been going to be, like, instruments, or implements of some type. Weapons, maybe. Not anthropomorphic hell creatures.
- 7D: Language by which “Kia ora” means “Whats up” (MAORI) — the most recent episode of Conan O’Brien Should Go has him going to New Zealand, the place many a “Kia ora” is heard. I watched the ep with my spouse (who grew up on the South Island) and he or she assumed it was going to make her cringe, seeing her native nation caricatured and condescended to. However it’s Conan, so after all it’s very absurd and nearly utterly formless, as he careens across the nation visiting a few of his podcast followers, moving into shenanigans, and never even bothering to attempt to offer you something like a traditional travelogue overview. There is a household dwelling off-grid, in a repurposed transport container, on the western aspect of the South Island (“there’s nothing over there however sand flies”—my spouse). Conan officiates a bungee-jump marriage ceremony. My favourite half was most likely when Conan obtained pushed round by a KEA (they’re mountain parrots that appear lovable, however they haven’t any worry and can straight-up steal your lunch cash—or your whole lunch). Regardless of not reminding me a lot of the NZ I do know in any respect, the episode made me wish to return once more, instantly, like tomorrow. Greatest place on earth.
- 12D: Strive once more (REHEAR) — oh, strive. Like a case. OK. I’ve no love for REHEAR. RETRY, sure, REHEAR, ugh. However in an in any other case clear grid, I suppose it is tolerable.
Signed, Rex Parker, King of CrossWorld
