10.09 Sun (calendar)

S U N D A Y
October 9, 2011
Merl Reagle

[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: "Surprise Endings" — Each theme answer is a movie title with it's last letter changed to a different letter.

Theme answers:

• 17A: Song about Astaire's arrival? (BORN FRED). [free]
• 22A: Steve Martin in his early days? (THE SINGING NUT). [nun]
• 28A: What forensic shows take a close look at? (THE INSIDES). [insider]
• 40A: New reality show about celebs on a pig farm? (THE STINK). [sting]
• 45A: How you know that it's St. Patrick's Day in kindergarten? (THE GREEN MILK). [mile]
• 60A: Bite-size fast food? (LITTLE BIG MAC). [man]
• 63A: Knight with bad table manners? (IVANHOG). [hoe]
• 69A: Mechanical bull for the kids? (ROBO-COW). [cop]
• 76A: The Big Bang Theory, in German? (DAS BOOM). [boot]
• 80A: The Easy-Bake, for one? (STARTING OVEN). [over]
• 92A: Elvis's least favorite nickname? (MEMPHIS BELLY). [belle]
• 96A: Item in a maternity ward gift shop? (TOY STORK). [story]
• 109A: Mad magazine version of a De Niro movie? (TAXI DRIVEL). [driver]
• 120A: What Beano is? (FOR ME AND MY GAS). [gal]
• 126A: What stockings are called in Indiana? (HOOSIERY). [hoosiers]

Everything — 1A: Detroit's contribution to mag. revenues (CAR ADS); 7A: Like The Who's Tommy (DEAF); 11A: Herpetology subject (ASP); 14A: Epiphany moment (AHA); 17A: Song about Astaire's arrival? (BORN FRED); 19A: Big marine mammal (ORCA); 20A: Nav. rank (CPO); 21A: Oomph (VIM); 22A: Steve Martin in his early days? (THE SINGING NUT); 24A: "Rashomon" star's first name (TOSHIRO); 26A: With 27 Across, excelled in (WAS); 27A: See 26 Across (GOOD AT); 28A: What forensic shows take a close look at? (THE INSIDES); 30A: "Hang ___ your hats" (ONTO); 32A: Put down (DEMEAN); 34A: Foam alternative (GEL); 35A: John Elroy Sanford, casually (REDD); 39A: "Of this ___ certain" (I AM); 40A: New reality show about celebs on a pig farm? (THE STINK); 45A: How you know that it's St. Patrick's Day in kindergarten? (THE GREEN MILK); 50A: Dict. abbr. (OBS.); 51A: Finish (a parking lot) (TAR); 52A: "___ you ready?" (ARE); 53A: "Teacher's Pet" star (GABLE); 54A: Michael Moore documentary (SICKO); 56A: "This ___ sudden!" (IS SO); 57A: Unrevealing skirt (MAXI); 59A: Wrigley's field? (GUM); 60A: Bite-size fast food? (LITTLE BIG MAC); 63A: Knight with bad table manners? (IVANHOG); 65A: Store-hours word (TIL); 66A: Actress Wray (FAY); 67A: Film unit (REEL); 68A: Painter Vermeer (JAN); 69A: Mechanical bull for the kids? (ROBO-COW); 71A: Hood's lead-spitter (GAT); 72A: Pony provoker (SPUR); 74A: Bonehead (OAF); 75A: Horn with keys (SAX); 76A: The Big Bang Theory, in German? (DAS BOOM); 80A: The Easy-Bake, for one? (STARTING OVEN); 83A: Nobelist Octavio (PAZ); 84A: With 70 Down, a Rat Packer's story (YES I); 85A: Delilah opposite Victor's Samson (HEDY); 86A: Tiny Pacific nation (NAURU); 87A: "Stop!" follower (THIEF); 89A: Auric and M's creator (IAN); 90A: Cologne conjunction (UND); 91A: Faraday's forte: abbr. (SCI.); 92A: Elvis's least favorite nickname? (MEMPHIS BELLY); 96A: Item in a maternity ward gift shop? (TOY STORK); 99A: Iowa college (COE); 100A: "There is no try" utterer (YODA); 101A: "Gang" preceder (OUR); 102A: Go by, as time (ELAPSE); 105A: Auto or info follower (BAHN); 109A: Mad magazine version of a De Niro movie? (TAXI DRIVEL); 113A: The second kind of, formally (TYPE II); 118A: Try to win over (WOO); 119A: Admission of a sort (SO I LIED); 120A: What Beano is? (FOR ME AND MY GAS); 123A: 66 Across in "King Kong" (ANN); 124A: Friendly intro? (ECO-); 125A: Hefty instrument (TUBA); 126A: What stockings are called in Indiana? (HOOSIERY); 127A: Rule, for short (REG.); 128A: B'way crossers (STS.); 129A: Tennis term, briefly (AD IN); 130A: Not on the level (SLOPED); 1D: Winning Cagney role (COHAN); 2D: "Give it ___!" (A REST); 3D: Hospital VIPs (RN'S); 4D: Doesn't care ___ (A FIG); 5D: Bond foe (DR. NO); 6D: Utah's lily (SEGO); 7D: Iditarod crew (DOG TEAM); 8D: East extension? (-ERN); 9D: Sharp (ACUTE); 10D: Jazzman Earl "___" Hines (FATHA); 11D: When Romeo meets Juliet (ACT I); 12D: Cartoon sea dweller (SPONGE BOB); 13D: Take hold of (POSSESS); 14D: Enthusiastic (AVID); 15D: Choose for a chore (HIRE); 16D: Singer Tori (AMOS); 17D: Stealth bomber (B-TWO); 18D: Sufficed (DID); 23D: Chuck Berry tune (NADINE); 25D: Sword part (HILT); 29D: Respond add-on (-ENT); 31D: Pyromorphite, e.g. (ORE); 33D: New century's start (MMI); 36D: Dinosaur-to-be (EGG); 37D: Last interminably (DRAGON); 38D: Clean (computers) (DEBUG); 41D: Cornball (HOKEY); 42D: Phone ID of a sort (IT'S ME); 43D: Stuffy-sounding (NASAL); 44D: Burger king? (KROC); 45D: Tritt, for short (TRAV); 46D: Gon or gram lead-in (HEXA-); 47D: Popular street tree (ELM); 48D: D-Day landing vessel, commonly (LST); 49D: Small vulpine varmint (KIT FOX); 52D: "What ___, Fort Knox?" (AM I); 55D: Talon (CLAW); 56D: "___ with a little help from my friends" (I GET BY); 58D: Player's sideliner (INJURY); 60D: Bk. depository (LIB.); 61D: "How can ___?" (gambler's query) (I LOSE); 62D: Gershwin and others (IRAS); 64D: Lyricist Lorenz (HART); 65D: True ___ (as expected) (TO FORM); 69D: Prego rival (RAGU); 70D: See 84 Across (CAN); 71D: Town-square structure (GAZEBO); 72D: Pad user (STENO); 73D: Marty's creator (PADDY); 74D: Broadcasting (ON AIR); 76D: Dagwood's dog (DAISY); 77D: Trompe l'___ (OEIL); 78D: Anthem start (O SAY); 79D: Sec's partner? (MIN); 80D: Word in a Kubrick title (SHUT); 81D: Wrong (INCORRECT); 82D: French sight, or a Saturn model (VUE); 83D: Upsilon follower (PHI); 87D: "Look me in ___ ..." (THE EYE); 88D: Bernanke's purview, with "the" (FED); 91D: Hits the books (STUDIES); 93D: Feminist's target: abbr. (MCP); 94D: U.S. male? (POSTMAN); 95D: Testing setting (LAB); 97D: Potting need (SOIL); 98D: Former "Tonight Show" guitarist Eubanks, familiarly (KEV); 103D: ___ message (LEFT A); 104D: For all to hear (ALOUD); 106D: "___, do I have to?" (AW GEE); 107D: Store selfishly (HOARD); 108D: Meddlesome (NOSY); 109D: Pre-1917 bigwig (TSAR); 110D: Tip-top (A-ONE); 111D: Ped ___ (X'ING); 112D: Some promises (I DO'S); 114D: Oom-___ band (PAH); 115D: Slugger Slaughter (ENOS); 116D: Fan club focus (IDOL); 117D: "___ out of it today" (I'M SO); 121D: Diamond stat (RBI); 122D: Yorkie's bark (YIP).

10.02 Sun (calendar)

S U N D A Y
October 2, 2011
Merl Reagle
[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: "Sugar and Spies" — A spy story with cooking puns.

Theme answers:

• 22A: A2: "... WHAT'S COOKING, Chief? Or Chef? Or Boss?".
• 24A: A1: "One of our guys is in HOT WATER ..."
• 28A: A1: "... for POACHING a sensitive document from the Something-or-other Embassy in Copenhagen."
• 35A: A2: "DANISH?" A1: "No thanks, just coffee."
• 37A: A1: "This may sound like SMALL POTATOES ..."
• 49A: A1: "... but it's no PIECE OF CAKE."
• 57A: A1: "Our guy is being held by a couple of tough MEATBALLS ..."
• 65A: A2: "You mean, they're not exactly CREAM PUFFS."
• 69A: A1: "Right. They're a couple of HARDBOILED types."
• 80A: A2: "I hope the plan isn't HALF BAKED."
• 91A: A1: "PUT A LID ON IT already! Sheesh."
• 98A: A1: "Now listen. Just TURN UP THE HEAT on these ..."
• 101A: "... CRUMBS and bring our guy in."
• 110A: A1: "They're probably GRILLING him as we speak."
• 117A: A1: "So, here's hoping for a job WELL DONE."
• 118A: A2: "Say, what's the 'sensitive document' our guy grabbed?" A1: "A SECRET RECIPE, of course." A2: "Ah! Figures."

Everything — 1A: Some hounds (BASSETS); 8A: Asleep, as a foot (NUMB); 12A: Texas hold 'em org. (WPT); 15A: Improve, perhaps (AGE); 18A: Footstool (OTTOMAN); 19A: Sky bear (URSA); 20A: Elyria's state (OHIO); 21A: La-la lead-in (TRA); 22A: A2: "... ___, Chief? Or Chef? Or Boss?" ("WHAT'S COOKING"); 24A: A1: "One of our guys is in ___ ..." (HOT WATER); 26A: Permits (LETS); 27A: Mine extracts (ORES); 28A: A1: "... for ___ a sensitive document from the Something-or-other Embassy in Copenhagen." (POACHING); 29A: Chemical ending (-ENE); 30A: Spill remark (OOPS); 32A: Bird word (COO); 34A: Female bird (HEN); 35A: A2: "___?" A1: "No thanks, just coffee." (DANISH); 37A: A1: "This may sound like ___ ..." (SMALL POTATOES); 44A: Boy of La Mancha (NIÑO); 46A: Hospital section (WARD); 47A: Cross (ROOD); 48A: Se Ri of golf (PAK); 49A: A1: "... but it's no ___." (PIECE OF CAKE); 53A: Female force (YIN); 54A: Indian outfit (SARI); 55A: Intro to "Is Born" (A STAR); 56A: Eastwood in "Rawhide" (YATES); 57A: A1: "Our guy is being held by a couple of tough ___ ..." (MEATBALLS); 60A: With 86 Down, a gun sound (RAT); 61A: Sonora's sun (SOL); 62A: Regional judicial body that hears appeals: abbr. (USCC); 64A: Fine (AOK); 65A: A2: "You mean, they're not exactly ___." (CREAM PUFFS); 69A: A1: "Right. They're a couple of ___ types." (HARDBOILED); 75A: Fabled flyer (ROC); 76A: Flying start? (AERO-); 78A: Ger. neighbor (AUS.); 79A: Simile center (AS A); 80A: A2: "I hope the plan isn't ___." (HALF BAKED); 85A: Veni (I CAME); 87A: Hosni's predecessor (ANWAR); 89A: High cards (ACES); 90A: Enterprise lead-in (USS); 91A: A1: "___ already! Sheesh." (PUT A LID ON IT); 93A: "Scarface" setting: abbr. (FLA.); 94A: He played Elmer (BURT); 96A: With "breve," 2/2 time (ALLA); 97A: Jazzy Getz (STAN); 98A: A1: "Now listen. Just ___ on these ..." (TURN UP THE HEAT); 101A: "... ___ and bring our guy in." (CRUMBS); 105A: Chicago sights (ELS); 106A: Author Talese (GAY); 107A: Hurt (ACHE); 109A: Still (YET); 110A: A1: "They're probably ___ him as we speak." (GRILLING); 114A: Intro to "girl!" (ATTA); 116A: Nautical term (ALEE); 117A: A1: "So, here's hoping for a job ___." (WELL DONE); 118A: A2: "Say, what's the 'sensitive document' our guy grabbed?" A1: "A ___, of course." A2: "Ah! Figures." (SECRET RECIPE); 122A: United (ONE); 123A: Role for Ronny (OPIE); 124A: Fill with cargo (LADE); 125A: Spruce, e.g. (CONIFER); 126A: Elfin (WEE); 127A: Become (GET); 128A: "Disgusting!" ("YUCK!"); 129A: Cups, e.g. (HOLDERS); 1D: Heard pins drop? (BOWLED); 2D: Greek Minerva (ATHENA); 3D: ___ Island (STATEN); 4D: Overindulgers of a sort (SOTS); 5D: Dash lengths (EMS); 6D: Tic follower (TAC); 7D: Nosy Nellie (SNOOP); 8D: Microwave: sl. (NUKE); 9D: "Topaz" author (URIS); 10D: AOL rival (MSN); 11D: Carry-on item (BAG); 12D: Cowboy's command (WHOA); 13D: Face (a batter) (PITCH TO); 14D: Fair-haired kid (TOWHEAD); 15D: Memo abbr. (ATTN.); 16D: Actor Kinnear (GREG); 17D: Ring location? (EAR); 20D: "I see!" ("OHO!"); 23D: Hosp. areas (OR'S); 25D: "___ She Sweet" (AIN'T); 28D: D.C. denizen (POL); 30D: Willow type (OSIER); 31D: "Horrors!" ("OH NO!"); 32D: Loving touch (CARESS); 33D: Like tall redwoods (OLD); 36D: Cuzco dweller (INCA); 37D: Hit hard (SWAT); 38D: ___ of (utilize) (MAKE USE); 39D: ___-dieu (prayer bench) (PRIE); 40D: Ms. O'Neill (OONA); 41D: Aussie gem (OPAL); 42D: First name in tea (EARL); 43D: Vail needs (SKIS); 45D: "Thinking ___" (OF YOU); 49D: Paris picnic site (PARC); 50D: Munich's river (ISAR); 51D: Kitchen ending (-ETTE); 52D: Junior cow (CALF); 53D: Exercise place (YMCA); 54D: H.H. Munro (SAKI); 58D: Bar amounts (TABS); 59D: Scary word (BOO); 61D: Humane org. (SPCA); 63D: Cereal count (CHOCULA); 66D: Pound sounds (ARFS); 67D: Throng (MOB); 68D: They come and go (FADS); 70D: Hindu hero (RAMA); 71D: Sword fights (DUELS); 72D: Yard grass (LAWN); 73D: Actor Morales (ESAI); 74D: Pub missile (DART); 77D: "Believe It Or Not" name (RIPLEY); 80D: Ax handle (HAFT); 81D: Rights grp. (ACLU); 82D: Literary king (LEAR); 83D: Actor Russell (KURT); 84D: Bk. before Job (ESTH.); 86D: See 60 Across (-A-TAT); 87D: "Not on ___!" (A DARE); 88D: Low-class, in London (NONU); 92D: Hankering (ITCH); 94D: Square-jawed pooch (BULLDOG); 95D: Rising ground (UPSLOPE); 96D: "I see!" ("AHA!"); 99D: Singer Young (NEIL); 100D: Quiche need (EGG); 102D: "For Once in ___" (MY LIFE); 103D: Belt clip-on (BEEPER); 104D: Pilots (STEERS); 107D: Had a bite (ATE); 108D: Emulate Berra (CATCH); 110D: Writer Weingarten (GENE); 111D: Progesterone expert and author, Dr. John ___ (R. LEE); 112D: ___ for the long haul (IN IT); 113D: Born (NÉE); 114D: Current choices (AC/DC); 115D: Hard journey (TREK); 116D: Litmus test result (ACID); 117D: "Amazing!" ("WOW!"); 118D: Like some dogs (SLY); 119D: ___ de cologne (EAU); 120D: Aussie leaper (ROO); 121D: Made bigger: abbr. (ENL.).

09.04 Sun (calendar)

S U N D A Y

September 4, 2011

Merl Reagle



[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 ptzzle here. Scroll down to see today's syndicated puzzle.]

Theme: "Lost in Translation" — What those movie critic blurbs really mean.



Theme answers:

• 23A: "Colossal ... !" (WASTE OF TALENT).
• 35A/45A: "Extraordinary ... !" (with 45 Across) (ACTUALLY THAT / SHOULD BE TWO WORDS).
• 58A: "This is the one ... !" (TO MISS).
• 61A: "It's on my A-list ... !" (AS IN AWFUL).
• 71A/87A: "Four stars ... !" (with 87 Across) (UNFORTUNATELY NO / ACTORS).
• 83A: "It's a ten ... !" (TON TURKEY).
• 97A/124A: "Fascinating ... !" (with 124 Across) (FOR ABOUT TWO OF ITS / NINETY MINUTES).
• 108A: "I smell Oscar ... !" (MAYER BALONEY).

Everything — 1A: Dust-up (SCUFFLE); 8A: Head of the costume department (EDITH); 13A: Proverbial backbreaker (STRAW); 18A: Wear (APPAREL); 19A: Ohio city (XENIA); 20A: Indiana player (HOOSIER); 23A: "Colossal ... !" (WASTE OF TALENT); 25A: Warren married her (ANNETTE); 26A: Dine (SUP); 27A: Totals: abbr. (AMTS.); 28A: The backup one is B (PLAN); 29A: Places to get down to cases: abbr. (CTS.); 30A: With 33 Across, small pets (LAP); 33A: See 30 Across (DOGS); 35A: "Extraordinary ... !" (with 45 Across) (ACTUALLY THAT); 39A: Name on a razor (ATRA); 41A: Diet-ad verb (LOSE); 43A: Parks at a bus stop? (ROSA); 44A: Amniotic ___ (SAC); 45A: See 35 Across (SHOULD BE TWO WORDS); 50A: No-win situation (DRAW); 53A: Exchange (TRADE); 54A: Bulletins and such (NEWS); 55A: Mojito component (RUM); 57A: Industrial ___ (AGE); 58A: "This is the one ... !" (TO MISS); 60A: Critical review (PAN); 61A: "It's on my A-list ... !" (AS IN AWFUL); 64A: Out of date: abbr. (OBS.); 65A: Mom and pop org. (PTA); 67A: Go underground (TUNNEL); 70A: Prominent (NOTED); 71A: "Four stars ... !" (with 87 Across) (UNFORTUNATELY NO); 75A: Functional (UTILE); 78A: Giraffe cousins (OKAPIS); 79A: Lit. initials (TSE); 80A: Cigar city, on bag tags (TPA); 83A: "It's a ten ... !" (TON TURKEY); 85A: ___ Paulo (S&Agilde;O); 87A: See 71 Across (ACTORS); 90A: Homer's path (ARC); 91A: Word before or after "pack" (RAT); 92A: Brother in Genesis (ESAU); 94A: Book after Daniel (HOSEA); 95A: Gag reflex? (HAHA); 97A: "Fascinating ... !" (with 124 Across) (FOR ABOUT TWO OF ITS); 103A: Bikini top (BRA); 105A: Adored one (IDOL); 106A: Hawaiian island (OAHU); 107A: Golden rule word (UNTO); 108A: "I smell Oscar ... !" (MAYER BALONEY); 113A: Guzzlers of a sort (SOTS); 115A: OB-___ (GYN); 116A: Ring legend (ALI); 117A: Ring site? (NOSE); 118A: Niagara byproduct (MIST); 120A: "CSI" setting (LAB); 122A: Albert, to Victoria (CONSORT); 124A: See 97 Across (NINETY MINUTES); 130A: Performer's bane (HECKLER); 131A: Big name in arcade games (BALLY); 132A: Facing a jury (ON TRIAL); 133A: Water opening? (HYDRO-); 134A: Glasgow's river (CLYDE); 135A: Cafe cousin (BEANERY); 1D: Witnessed (SAW); 2D: Figures figure, briefly (CPA); 3D: Delivery giant (UPS); 4D: "The Hustler" character (FATS); 5D: Ego expert (FREUD); 6D: Conductor Stokowski (LEOPOLD); 7D: One with a Pole position (ELF); 8D: Student's hurdle (EXAM); 9D: Big name in faucets (DELTA); 10D: Pending, as a house sale (IN ESCROW); 11D: Like an Oz man (TIN); 12D: Pate protector (HAT); 13D: "___ we go?" (SHALL); 14D: Of sound, in a way (TONAL); 15D: Opie portrayer et al. (RONNYS); 16D: Enzyme ending (-ASE); 17D: Sorcery and such (WITCHCRAFT); 21D: Singer James (ETTA); 22D: Breather (REST); 24D: Cup, in Calais (TASSE); 28D: Early late-night host (PAAR); 30D: "... always the ___ know" (LAST TO); 31D: Pulsating (ATHROB); 32D: Golf events (PRO-AMS); 34D: Slangy sailor (GOB); 36D: Helps to the garage (TOWS); 37D: Show on the front? (USO); 38D: Little bit (TAD); 40D: BMW rival (AUDI); 42D: Sicilian smoker (ETNA); 46D: Chopin's "___ Sylphides" (LES); 47D: Rose (WENT UP); 48D: Exercises (DRILLS); 49D: Rising star? (SUN); 51D: Chills (AGUE); 52D: Fuse, as metal (WELD); 56D: "Death in Venice" author (MANN); 59D: Tanning lotion letters (SPF); 60D: Pfizer subsidiary, ___-Davis (PARKE); 61D: Crumb carrier (ANT); 62D: Take care of (SEE TO); 63D: Try to win over (WOO); 66D: Grew fond of (TOOK TO); 68D: Cycle starter (UNI-); 69D: Bahamian capital (NASSAU); 71D: Nth: abbr. (ULT.); 72D: Prefix with -algia (NEUR); 73D: Scotland's longest river (TAY); 74D: "I support the motion" (YEA); 75D: Setting of HBO's "Big Love" (UTAH); 76D: One-third of a war film (TORA); 77D: Gradually (INCH BY INCH); 80D: Cagney musical, "Something ___ About" (TO SING); 81D: Word with penny or poison (PRETTY); 82D: How Ben-Hur is treated by Arrius in Rome (AS A SON); 84D: Battle of Britain grp. (RAF); 86D: Insurance category (AUTO); 88D: Comic Margaret (CHO); 89D: Hot and sour soup staple (TOFU); 92D: Black, to a poet (EBON); 93D: How to swear? (SOLEMNLY); 96D: Exist (ARE); 98D: Vex (RILE); 99D: Hubbub (ADO); 100D: Scrumptious (TASTY); 101D: Reporter's question (WHO); 102D: Syllabus (OUTLINE); 104D: Historian Toynbee (ARNOLD); 108D: Jet-speed word (MACH); 109D: Natural balm (ALOE); 110D: Hole-making bug (BORER); 111D: Texas player (ASTRO); 112D: Street sign (YIELD); 114D: Cupid's driver (SANTA); 119D: Eyelid woe (STYE); 121D: Create, as a CD (BURN); 123D: ___ blue (SKY); 124D: "Seinfeld" was on it (NBC); 125D: Different ending? (-IAL); 126D: Tough crowd? (MOB); 127D: Reason for overtime (TIE); 128D: Whisperer's target (EAR); 129D: Like some grins (SLY).

08.28 Sun (calendar)

S U N D A Y

August 28, 2011

Merl Reagle

[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: "Invasion of the Tree People" — The grid is overrun with well-known people whose last names are types of trees.



Theme answers:

• 21A: "Boyz n the Hood" co-star (MORRIS CHESTNUT).
• 27A: Star of a 1970s cop sitcom (HAL LINDEN).
• 34A: "Grumpy Old Men" star (JACK LEMMON).
• 37A: Cosmetics queen (MARY KAY ASH).
• 47A: "Other woman" in 1990s tabloids (MARLA MAPLES).
• 58A: "Saps at Sea" co-star (STAN LAUREL).
• 80A: Grammy-winning pianist-singer (FIONA APPLE).
• 87A: Actress in TV's "Picket Fences" and "NCIS" (LAUREN HOLLY).
• 98A: "CHiPs" actress, 1979-82 (RANDI OAKES).
• 101A: "American Beauty" co-star (THORA BIRCH).
• 112A: He played The Chief in "Dirty Harry" (JOHN LARCH).
• 121A: Why there are so many tree people in this puzzle? (BY POPLAR DEMAND).

Everything — 1A: Anthony's "Psycho" co-star (JANET); 6A: JFK sight, once (SST); 9A: Manchurian border river (AMUR); 13A: Sack preceder (KNAP-); 17A: Stevie Wonder's "My Cherie ___" (AMOUR); 18A: Great service? (ACE); 19A: NYC neighborhood (SOHO); 20A: Noted positive thinker (PEALE); 21A: "Boyz n the Hood" co-star (MORRIS CHESTNUT); 24A: "The ___ Queene" (FAERIE); 25A: Ecto's opposite (ENDO); 26A: War zone, 1853-56 (CRIMEA); 27A: Star of a 1970s cop sitcom (HAL LINDEN); 29A: ___ Lanka (SRI); 30A: "It's either them ___" (OR US); 31A: Long intro? (ERE); 33A: No effort (EASE); 34A: "Grumpy Old Men" star (JACK LEMMON); 37A: Cosmetics queen (MARY KAY ASH); 43A: Turkish title (AGA); 44A: Adulterated (IMPURE); 46A: Sunburn sites (NECKS); 47A: "Other woman" in 1990s tabloids (MARLA MAPLES); 52A: "See ya, Sophia" (CIAO); 55A: Sch. on the Charles (MIT); 56A: Losing line in a game (OXO); 57A: Dude (GUY); 58A: "Saps at Sea" co-star (STAN LAUREL); 62A: Tinseltown turkey (BOMB); 64A: Toon collectible (CEL); 65A: English school (ETON); 66A: "___ doozy!" (IT'S A); 67A: "Twice-Told Tales" writer, with 70 Across (NATHANIEL); 70A: See 67 Across (HAWTHORNE); 74A: Voting district (WARD); 75A: Brazilian highlands, the ___ Grosso (MATO); 77A: Aliens, briefly (ET'S); 78A: Slangy sustenance (EATS); 80A: Grammy-winning pianist-singer (FIONA APPLE); 83A: Mae West play, "Diamond ___" (LIL); 84A: Water gate? (TAP); 85A: Be up (BAT); 86A: TV chef Ming (anagram of 66 Across) (TSAI); 87A: Actress in TV's "Picket Fences" and "NCIS" (LAUREN HOLLY); 92A: Shake like ___ (A LEAF); 95A: "Who art thou that ___ to the king?" (I Sam. 26:14) (CRIEST); 97A: Humongous span (EON); 98A: "CHiPs" actress, 1979-82 (RANDI OAKES); 101A: "American Beauty" co-star (THORA BIRCH); 107A: "Born Free" lioness (ELSA); 108A: Greek letter (TAU); 110A: Medal deserver (HERO); 111A: Great time (ERA); 112A: He played The Chief in "Dirty Harry" (JOHN LARCH); 117A: Tiny bit (SMIDGE); 119A: Word related to "admiral" (EMIR); 120A: Repugnant (ODIOUS); 121A: Why there are so many tree people in this puzzle? (BY POPLAR DEMAND); 124A: Bad-service upshot (NO TIP); 125A: First lady's home? (EDEN); 126A: Wrath (IRE); 127A: Hint (TINGE); 128A: Course completer (GRAD); 129A: Artist Magritte (RENÉ); 130A: Hill dweller (ANT); 131A: Pilgrim John (ALDEN); 1D: "Cinderella Man" subject, ___ Braddock (JAMES J.); 2D: Egyptian sun god, variantly (AMON-RA); 3D: From Scandinavia (NORDIC); 4D: Multi-country dough (EURO); 5D: Plex prefix (TRI-); 6D: Pelvis part (SACRUM); 7D: Rift (SCHISM); 8D: Swarm (TEEM); 9D: ___ on the Walk of Fame (A STAR); 10D: Pt. of a three-day weekend (MON.); 11D: Slangy denial (UH-UH); 12D: "The Godfather" composer (ROTA); 13D: Superb visual sense (KEEN EYE); 14D: Aromatic ointment (NARD); 15D: "I cannot tell ___" (A LIE); 16D: Hammer part (PEEN); 20D: Slangy comrade (PAISAN); 22D: Beatlemania sound (SCREAM); 23D: Carly Simon tune, "Have You ___ Lately?" (SEEN ME); 24D: Strong criticism (FLAK); 28D: "The Conquest of Space" author Willy (LEY); 30D: Olympic first name (OLGA); 32D: Outback dweller (EMU); 35D: ___ Kan (KAL); 36D: Slick (OILY); 38D: Secret stuff (ARCANA); 39D: Rider's handful (REIN); 40D: Pinnacle (ACME); 41D: Power-tool brand (SKIL); 42D: Pres. from Missouri (HST); 45D: Sibilant summons (PSST); 47D: Overwhelm with people (MOB); 48D: Impulse carrier (AXON); 49D: Tomato variety (ROMA); 50D: They might be hidden (AGENDAS); 51D: Hungarian sheepdog (PULI); 53D: Somewhat (A LITTLE); 54D: Some are solemn (OATHS); 59D: Japanese studio that made the original "Godzilla" (TOHO); 60D: GI R&R provider (USO); 61D: Few and far between (RARE); 63D: Stealth plane (B-TWO); 64D: Diamond unit (CARAT); 65D: Tel Aviv server (EL AL); 68D: Chewie's chum (HAN); 69D: New York, the ___ State (EMPIRE); 71D: Small dam (WEIR); 72D: Countrywide: abbr. (NATL.); 73D: Latin abbr. (ET AL.); 76D: Cast opening? (TELE-); 79D: Camp intruder (SPY); 80D: FDR's terrier (FALA); 81D: Hwy. thru Houston (I-TEN); 82D: Prepare for a trip (PACK); 83D: Protestant in Garrison Keillor stories: abbr. (LUTH.); 85D: Tavern (BAR); 88D: Dumb as ___ (A STUMP); 89D: Got closer to (NEARED); 90D: Freight-train hopper (HOBO); 91D: Sea-based covert org. (ONI); 93D: Tonsil's neighbor (ADENOID); 94D: Pump purchase (FILL-UP); 96D: Tour's end? (-IST); 99D: She-bears, in Seville (OSAS); 100D: Swiss river (AAR); 102D: "Aw, geez!" ("OH DARN!"); 103D: Contrite feeling (REGRET); 104D: Send back, in law (REMAND); 105D: Draw back (CRINGE); 106D: Set (HARDEN); 109D: In unison (AS ONE); 112D: "Fear of Flying" author (JONG); 113D: "P.U." elicitor (ODOR); 114D: ___ homer (HIT A); 115D: Radio-using trucker (CB'ER); 116D: Jekyll's alter ego (HYDE); 118D: Skating gold medalist Kulik (ILIA); 119D: Man's name (or backward, a citrus fruit) (EMIL); 122D: Write (PEN); 123D: Airport abbr. (ETA).

08.21 Sun (calendar)

S U N D A Y

August 21, 2011

Merl Reagle



[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: Lara's Theme — The word/name/letter string LARA is hidden in each theme answer. And at 115A we find the title of the popular song based on "Lara's Theme" (which is from the film Dr. Zhivago, in case you didn't know).



Theme answers:

• 18A: Securities-buying strategy (DOLLAR AVERAGING).
• 23A: Inexperienced mind, e.g. (TABULA RASA).
• 25A: Historic site in Wyoming (FORT LARAMIE).
• 42A: Security device (BURGLAR ALARM).
• 45A: Be suspicious (SMELL A RAT).
• 57A: Do a trick (PULL A RABBIT OUT OF A HAT).
• 68A: "I'm Chevy Chase" and "You're not," for example (DECLARATIVE SENTENCES).
• 85A: They played their last game on Dec. 24, 1994 (THE L.A. RAMS).
• 88A: Invigorating (EXHILARATING).
• 103A: 1960s muscle car (DODGE POLARA).
• 107A: What we're living in, to Bush or Carter (NUCULAR AGE).
• 115A: Q: "So, where are all of the LARAs in this puzzle, sweetheart?" A: "___" (SOMEWHERE MY LOVE).

Everything — 1A: Clothing line? (SEAM); 5A: Argentine river that sounds like a fish (PARANA); 11A: Ethan's "Gattaca" co-star (UMA); 14A: Osmond and others (DONNYS); 16A: Longtime Chrysler model (LEBARON); 17A: Spill the beans (BLAB); 18A: Securities-buying strategy (DOLLAR AVERAGING); 20A: "Go ahead, ask" ("TRY ME"); 21A: Last three letters of TNT (ENE); 22A: Language that gave us "kayak" (INUIT); 23A: Inexperienced mind, e.g. (TABULA RASA); 25A: Historic site in Wyoming (FORT LARAMIE); 28A: Swedish-born actress who played Candy in "Candy," ___ Aulin (EWA); 29A: Start-up helper: abbr. (SBA); 31A: The Pep Boys, e.g. (TRIO); 32A: Tommy Franks is a ret. one (GEN.); 33A: Drink with dim sum (TEA); 36A: Even though (ALBEIT); 38A: Transpire (OCCUR); 42A: Security device (BURGLAR ALARM); 45A: Be suspicious (SMELL A RAT); 49A: Be finicky (NIGGLE); 50A: Reverse (UNDO); 51A: Instant-messaging pioneer (AOL); 52A: Elocution-class no-nos (ERS); 53A: "There's no one else but me" ("I'M IT"); 55A: Amundsen's quest (POLE); 57A: Do a trick (PULL A RABBIT OUT OF A HAT); 64A: One with burning pants? (LIAR); 65A: Velvet add-on (-EEN); 66A: Home of "Weekend Edition" (NPR); 67A: Cal or Georgia follower (TECH); 68A: "I'm Chevy Chase" and "You're not," for example (DECLARATIVE SENTENCES); 75A: Editor's catch (TYPO); 76A: Courteous enclosure: abbr. (SASE); 77A: It can ache (EAR); 78A: Jamie Foxx film (RAY); 79A: Arizona sight (MESA); 82A: Former N.Y. governor (PATAKI); 85A: They played their last game on Dec. 24, 1994 (THE L.A. RAMS); 88A: Invigorating (EXHILARATING); 91A: Jane Eyre's pupil (ADELE); 92A: James who played a wolf in "Wolf" (SPADER); 93A: Paris preposition (DES); 94A: Referee's last number (TEN); 96A: Big name in game coverage (ESPN); 100A: Alter, in a way (HEM); 101A: Kitten's comment (MEW); 103A: 1960s muscle car (DODGE POLARA); 107A: What we're living in, to Bush or Carter (NUCULAR AGE); 112A: Town, lake, or dam in Panama (GATUN); 113A: Do the floor (MOP); 114A: From Nineveh: abbr. (ASSYR.); 115A: Q: "So, where are all of the LARAs in this puzzle, sweetheart?" A: "___" (SOMEWHERE MY LOVE); 118A: Action (DEED); 119A: Exclusions from Santa's list? (POUTERS); 120A: Joint-account holder (SPOUSE); 121A: CIA precursor (OSS); 122A: Wanders (STRAYS); 123A: Fiji's capital (SUVA); 1D: Architect Paolo of Arcosanti fame (SOLERI); 2D: Blowup: abbr. (ENL.); 3D: "For want of ___ ..." (A NAIL); 4D: William's "Thin Man" co-star (MYRNA); 5D: For each (PER); 6D: Subside (ABATE); 7D: Sitar melody (RAGA); 8D: "Is this ___?" (A RIB); 9D: Low-class, in London (NONU); 10D: Secret motive (ANGLE); 11D: Of a Trojan War figure (ULYSSEAN); 12D: She brings home the worms (MAMA BIRD); 13D: Face on a fiver (ABE); 14D: Giver (DONOR); 15D: Reptile's tail? (-SAUR); 16D: "___ get this straight ..." (LET ME); 17D: Bikini part (BRA); 18D: Skilled (DEFT); 19D: Pfizer product (VIAGRA); 20D: Merry refrain (TRA-LA); 24D: Familiar with (AWARE OF); 26D: Saw, for one (TOOL); 27D: Bach's "Mass ___ Minor" (IN B); 30D: Sphere intro (ATMO-); 33D: Certain music intervals (TRITONES); 34D: Spur (on) (EGG); 35D: H.S. math course (ALG.); 37D: Delaware, the ___ State (BLUE HEN); 39D: In no uncertain terms (CLEARLY); 40D: Good last name for a mechanic? (CARR); 41D: Bear in the sky (URSA); 43D: Ton, for one (UNIT); 44D: Dog food brand (ALPO); 45D: Fall guy (SAP); 46D: Gelatin shaper, in London (MOULD); 47D: "Dallas" Miss (ELLIE); 48D: Shangri-la land (TIBET); 54D: Beginners' rentals on snowy slopes (MINI-SKIS); 56D: Side (LATERAL); 58D: Popular brand of supplement for those who are dairy-intolerant (LACTAID); 59D: Actress Arthur (BEA); 60D: Surprise win (UPSET); 61D: Quattro minus uno (TRE); 62D: Ghana's capital (ACCRA); 63D: In ___ (before noon) (THE A.M.); 69D: Shirts and skirts (APPAREL); 70D: Indy 500 sound (ROAR); 71D: Self-centered (VAIN); 72D: Have to get (NEED); 73D: Raconteur's offering (TALE); 74D: With op, a computer manager (SYS); 79D: Fit together (MESH); 80D: Business deductions (EXPENSES); 81D: Private eyes (SHAMUSES); 83D: Little bit (TAD); 84D: Broke bread (ATE); 86D: Plane's place (HANGAR); 87D: Rod's partner (REEL); 89D: Madagascar primate (LEMUR); 90D: "Little" car of song (GTO); 95D: Finishes the lawn (EDGES); 97D: Stuffed Indian pastry (SAMOSA); 98D: Show to be so (PROVE); 99D: Neck part (NAPE); 102D: Under-eave buzzers (WASPS); 103D: Truman beat him (DEWEY); 104D: Vous ___ (ÊTES); 105D: Gas dispensers (PUMPS); 106D: Elvis hit, "Stuck ___" (ON YOU); 108D: Dancer Charisse (CYD); 109D: Dig like a pig (ROOT); 110D: Manchurian border river (AMUR); 111D: "___ grip!" (GET A); 114D: Hubbub (ADO); 116D: Storefront info: abbr. (HRS.); 117D: Darling, to a Brit (LUV).

07.31 Sun (calendar)

S U N D A Y
July 31, 2011
Merl Reagle

[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: "Space Exploration" — Familiar words, phrases, and names have spaces inserted in "wrong" places.

Theme answers:

• 18A: Daydream? (DEPART MENTALLY).
• 22A: Obvious trait of a certain two-digit number? (TWENTY-FOUR'S EVEN).
• 38A: Rock Star Pays Kid's Bail? (BRUCE SPRINGS TEEN).
• 45A: Prepares to play Scrabble? (TURNS TILES).
• 57A: Tarzan's response to, "Hey, where do they keep the sugar on this ship?" (BOWL IN GALLEY).
• 66A: Request from someone who brought his own cola? (JUST ICE).
• 71A: Bride's guy, in France? (LE GROOM).
• 80A: Choice of sailing topics? (WINDS OR KNOTS).
• 98A: Registers one's answer on a computerized true-false quiz? (HOLDS DOWN THE F OR T).
• 119A: Cowboy? (PERCHER ON HORSES).
• 126A: Florida's new "be kind to golfers" slogan? (SAVE THE MAN A TEE).
• 51D: Injury from an extinct bird? (MOA BITE).

Everything — d in ___ (A DRAW); 108A: Seductress (VAMP); 110A: Poisonous shrubs (SUMACS); 114A: ___ the chase (CUT TO); 117A: Part of ERA (EQUAL); 119A: Cowboy? (PERCHER ON HORSES); 125A: "Hasta ___" (LUEGO); 126A: Florida's new "be kind to golfers" slogan? (SAVE THE MAN A TEE); 127A: Graf foe, often (SELES); 128A: Tries to win at auction (BIDS ON); 129A: Outcome (RESULT); 1D: Spring time, in Minn. (CDT); 2D: Kareem, before (LEW); 3D: Uncouth one (APE); 4D: Needed rewinding (RAN DOWN); 5D: That bleeping droid (ARTOO); 6D: Eyelid woe (STYE); 7D: Vintage autos (REO'S); 8D: Ex-leader of Burma (UNU); 9D: Orch. section (STR.); 10D: Talks back to (SASSES); 11D: "May ___ you in on a little secret?" (I LET); 12D: Edison's middle (ALVA); 13D: With Boy, a fancy chair (LA-Z-); 14D: Genesis victim (ABEL); 15D: Arizona phenomenon (MIRAGE); 16D: "___ Fideles" (ADESTE); 17D: Poet Anne (SEXTON); 19D: Maker: abbr. (MFR.); 20D: So far (YET); 23D: Ex-Sen. Sam of Georgia (NUNN); 27D: Work units (ERGS); 29D: Canine on the case (ASTA); 30D: Locomotive sound (CHUG); 31D: 1947 Bugs Bunny cartoon, "Slick ___" (HARE); 32D: Deck quartet (ACES); 33D: Proposition vote (YES); 35D: Humane org. (ASPCA); 38D: Bingo call (B TEN); 39D: Skin (RIND); 40D: Arm bones (ULNAS); 41D: Ground breaker (PLOW); 42D: Seal again (RECLOSE); 43D: Words from one who's with it (I'M HIP); 44D: Perfect for basketball (TALL); 46D: Heidi's creator (SPYRI); 51D: Injury from an extinct bird? (MOA BITE); 52D: Blue indigo (ANIL); 54D: Illinois city (ALTON); 55D: Rio Grande feeder (PECOS); 56D: High on highballs, e.g. (LIT); 57D: 2007 catchphrase, "Don't tase me, ___!" (BRO); 58D: Whiz preceder (GEE); 59D: "Dee-lish!" ("YUM!"); 60D: Like Tampa weather (HUMID); 61D: Together (AS ONE); 63D: French lace town (ALENCON); 66D: Mandible (JAW); 67D: Dove sound (COO); 68D: Spanish river (EBRO); 70D: Military training ctr. (OC'S); 72D: Popular knife brand (GINSU); 73D: Outback critter, slangily (ROO); 76D: "___ it wouldn't last" (I KNEW); 78D: Slow movement (LARGO); 81D: Utterly exhausted (DEAD); 82D: Tic (SPASM); 83D: Unseat (OUST); 85D: Bartlett, e.g. (PEAR); 86D: "Harper Valley P.T.A." writer Hall (TOM T.); 89D: Lummoxes (OAFS); 90D: A distance (AFAR); 91D: Edelstein of "House" (LISA); 92D: Over again (ANEW); 94D: Orange drinks (ADES); 96D: Agent, briefly (REP); 97D: Felt hats (FEDORAS); 98D: Crude abodes (HOVELS); 99D: Not translucent (OPAQUE); 100D: Traveler Gulliver (LEMUEL); 101D: "I'll meet you further ___ the road" (Johnny Cash) (ON UP); 102D: Quieted (HUSHED); 107D: Do penance (ATONE); 109D: Beeper message (PAGE); 111D: My, to Mimi (MES); 112D: Part of U.A.E. (ARAB); 113D: Human bone total, in Roman numerals (CCVI); 114D: Joel or Ethan of filmdom (COEN); 115D: Albuquerque sch. (UNM); 116D: "___ she blows!" (THAR); 118D: Part of UCLA (LOS); 120D: Aliens, briefly (ET'S); 121D: Greek letter (RHO); 122D: "Simpsons" character, Disco ___ (STU); 123D: Shocking swimmer (EEL); 124D: Become firm (SET).

07.24 Sun

S U N D A Y
July 24, 2011
Merl Reagle

[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: "Inserting a Little Humor" — The letter string PUN is inserted into common words and well-known phrases and names.

Theme answers:

• 23A: Jack-o-lanterns, in a manner o' speakin'? (PUNKIN FOLKS).
• 29A: Departed from part of Pakistan? (LEFT PUNJAB).
• 37A: Tabloid headline about a singer being fined? (CHER PUNISHED).
• 53A: Rudely removed Lurch from the "Addams Family" set? (PUNTED CASSIDY).
• 56A: Where to buy green hair dye and body chains? (PUNKMART).
• 69A: What the 97-pound weakling blamed his physique on? (PUNY CHROMOSOMES).
• 83A: Online columnists? (E-PUNDITS).
• 85A: TV series about an irrepressible lawman? (SPUNKY MARSHAL).
• 99A: "Always serve ___" (dog soiree advice?) (CAT PUNCH COLD).
• 108A: Cause of a Peugeot's flat tire? (LE PUNCTURE).
• 118A: James Bond after a week without a shower? (A PUNGENT OO7).

Everything Else — 1A: Abbr. on a platter (ASCAP); 6A: Old hat (DATED); 11A: Tooth's partner (NAIL); 15A: Simple puppet (SOCK); 19A: Hyphen's cousin (SLASH); 20A: Watson of "Angela's Ashes" (EMILY); 21A: "Free Willy" subject (ORCA); 22A: Leonid's successor (YURI); 25A: Daisy supporter (STEM); 26A: Sack dress creator (DIOR); 27A: Certain 113 Across (SGT.); 28A: Like some editions (LATE); 31A: Archers take it (AIM); 32A: More bananas (BATTIER); 36A: Substantial (MEATY); 41A: In check (AT BAY); 44A: Wander (ROVE); 45A: Without ___ (insouciant) (A CARE); 46A: Plaintiffs (SUERS); 47A: Hair-raising stuff? (GEL); 50A: Chemist's ending (-ENE); 51A: Her, in Hamburg (IHR); 59A: Corned beef dish (HASH); 60A: Away from the wind (ALEE); 61A: Inns and stores: abbr. (ESTABS.); 62A: Inns (LODGES); 66A: Maximas and Stanzas (NISSANS); 72A: Brimming (REPLETE); 75A: Slot machine symbols (SEVENS); 76A: How much there is to go when the white flag comes out (ONE LAP); 80A: Cuba, por ejemplo (ISLA); 81A: Self-satisfied (SMUG); 91A: ___ glance (AT A); 92A: Everyday article (THE); 93A: Like Lamb or Bacon: abbr. (ENG.); 94A: Buy alternative (LEASE); 95A: Sanitation worry (ECOLI); 97A: Name from Chinese history (CHOU); 98A: Howard and James (DEANS); 102A: Asteroids creator (ATARI); 105A: I problem? (EGOTISM); 107A: Olive shaped like a stringbean (OYL); 111A: Actress Skye (daughter of 1960s singer Donovan) (IONE); 113A: Mil. category (NCO); 116A: Ideal for cacti (ARID); 117A: Santa ___, Calif. (ROSA); 122A: Rock climber's grip (CRAG); 123A: Inventory listing (ITEM); 124A: Virtuous (MORAL); 125A: Sound (AUDIO); 126A: Carol of "Taxi" (KANE); 127A: Hiring-firing type (BOSS); 128A: On edge (TENSE); 129A: Pool member (STENO); 1D: Lethal hissers (ASPS); 2D: Belt (SLUG); 3D: "Got other plans, sorry" ("CAN'T"); 4D: Pipe up, perhaps (ASK); 5D: Charles's dad (PHILIP); 6D: Adroit (DEFT); 7D: Of simple organisms (AMOEBIC); 8D: "___ next time ..." (TIL); 9D: Wapiti (ELK); 10D: Functional opening? (DYS-); 11D: Long time follower? (NO SEE); 12D: Forgeries of a sort (ART FRAUDS); 13D: Rapper-turned-actor (ICE-T); 14D: Nightingale's symbol (LAMP); 15D: Opera house city (SYDNEY); 16D: Message board? (OUIJA); 17D: Zagreb native (CROAT); 18D: Bruno of "City Slickers" (KIRBY); 24D: Cinema whale (NAMU); 29D: Eye shade? (LID); 30D: Amherst sch. (U. MASS.); 31D: Word with "so!" or "not!" (ARE); 33D: Pronto, briefly (ASAP); 34D: "No ___ traffic" (THRU); 35D: New driver, often (TEEN); 37D: Fancy flapjack (CRÈPE); 38D: Baseball's Wagner (HONUS); 39D: Happening (EVENT); 40D: Voice-over: abbr. (NARR.); 42D: Electronic dance music (TECHNO); 43D: Lingerie buy (BRA); 46D: Add zing to (SEASON); 47D: River of monsters? (GILA); 48D: "Paradise Lost" setting (EDEN); 49D: Caustic solutions (LYES); 51D: Permeate (IMBUE); 52D: "It ___ been easy" (HASN'T); 54D: A Sunday crossword usually has one (THEME); 55D: Mouthed off to (SASSED); 57D: Kotter portrayer (KAPLAN); 58D: Mom's forte (TLC); 63D: Skeptic's comment (OH SURE); 64D: Wine residue (DREGS); 65D: State VIP (GOV.); 67D: "Too rich for my blood" ("I'M OUT"); 68D: Medicinal shrub (SENNA); 70D: Toady (YES-MAN); 71D: Compass pt. (SSE); 72D: Elevation (RISE); 73D: It has action highlights (ESPN); 74D: Leak fix (PLUG); 77D: Often numbered print (LITHO); 78D: Dramatist Fugard (ATHOL); 79D: Assumed name: abbr. (PSEUD.); 82D: The good-hands people? (MASSEUSES); 84D: ___ in the neck (PAIN); 86D: Anne or Robert (KLEIN); 87D: Verily (YEA); 88D: Canned-soup instruction (HEAT); 89D: Play opening (ACT I); 90D: Chops (LOPS); 96D: Some Chevys (LUMINAS); 97D: 1/4 of M (CCL); 98D: The Internet's Matt (DRUDGE); 99D: Iowa college (COE); 100D: Scoop holder (CONE); 101D: "The Lion King" villains (HYENAS); 102D: Partner of alas (ALACK); 103D: Earth word (TERRA); 104D: Of bees (APIAN); 106D: Fat units (GRAMS); 109D: Tot spot (CRIB); 110D: Baum bow-wow (TOTO); 112D: Eye (OGLE); 113D: Lymph ___ (NODE); 114D: Quarter, e.g. (COIN); 115D: 5 hrs. before noon, in the service (O7OO); 118D: Total: abbr. (AMT.); 119D: The Baltimore Ravens are named in his honor (POE); 120D: Caterer's vessel (URN); 121D: Carter's discovery (TUT).