L.A. Times Crosswork. Wednesday October 15, 2025 Victoria Fernandez Grande

Theme:  The POT has me running in circles.  

17. Like some fast planes: JET POWERED.   Refers to a vehicle or device that is propelled by a jet engine, which creates thrust by expelling a fast-moving jet of gas. While most commonly associated with high-speed aircraft, this principle is also used in jet-powered cars, boats, and even drones for various purposes.  

25. Exclusive excursion: VIP TOUR.   A VIP tour provides an elevated experience at an event or attraction, featuring exclusive perks like private guides, skip-the-line access, and behind-the-scenes looks. These

31. Chili dish served in a corn chip bag: FRITO PIE.   A dish consisting of Fritos corn chips topped with chili, cheese, and other optional toppings. It is not a traditional pie but gets its name from using Fritos as a base, and it's often served directly out of a slit-open bag of corn chips, sometimes called a "walking taco" or "taco-in-a-bag". 

45. Toaster pastry brand: POP TARTS.   An American brand of toaster pastries produced and distributed by Kellanova (formerly Kellogg's) since 1964. The pastry consists of a sweet filling sealed inside two layers of thin, rectangular pastry crust. 

50. Had a decent showing on the links: SHOT PAR.   Achieved the expected number of strokes for a hole or course in golf. It signifies completing a hole in the standard number of shots assigned to it, based on its length and difficulty, or finishing a full round at the course's total par score. 

62. Create tension among friends, or a hint to this puzzle's circled letters: STIR THE POT.  Cause controversy or challenge an established position.

In each theme fill the circled letter are an anagram of POT, hence, they are stirred into other letter sequences.

Hi, Gang - JazzBumpa here to unravel all the confusion.  Let's dive in.

Across:

1. Have a trying experience?: TASTE.  "Try some" is an invitation to taste something.  Could be a trying experience in a different way if it tastes awful.

6. Exceedingly: OH SO.  As in "Oh so much."

10. Torah chests: ARKS.  The Torah ark, or Aron Kodesh, is an ornate cabinet in Jewish synagogues that houses the sacred scrolls of the Torah. It is the holiest place in the synagogue, symbolizing the Holy of Holies in the ancient Temple of Jerusalem, and serves as the focal point for prayer and worship, with the scrolls often removed from it for readings.

14. Common font: ARIAL. Arial is a sans-serif typeface in the neo-grotesque style.  This sentence uses ARIAL.  The rest of the post uses Georgia.

15. Wallpaper unit: ROLL.  A wallpaper roll is a decorative covering for walls, with the standard size being either a single roll (often 21" x 16.5' in the U.S.) or a double roll, which is twice the length (33' long) and sold as a single piece. Rolls also vary by manufacturer, with widths often being 20.5" or 27". 

16. Former Iranian leader: SHAH.   Mohammad Reza Pahlavi [1919 - 1980] was the Shah of Iran from 1941 to 1979. He succeeded his father Reza Shah and ruled the Imperial State of Iran until he was overthrown by the 1979 revolution led by Imam Khomeini, which abolished the Iranian monarchy to establish the present-day Islamic Republic of Iran.

19. Link destination: SITE.  On the series of tubes known as the world wide web.

20. 2007 Apple debut: I-PHONE.    A line of smartphones from Apple Inc. that combines a mobile phone, music player, and internet-enabled device with a touchscreen interface and its own mobile operating system called iOS.

21. Sixth __: SENSE.  A supposed intuitive faculty giving awareness not explicable in terms of normal perception.

22. Mono alternative: STEREO.   Mono audio uses a single audio channel to deliver sound, combining all audio elements into one stream for a consistent listening experience, while stereo audio uses two channels (left and right) to separate sounds, creating a wider, more detailed, and spacious soundstage by directing different instruments to different speakers.

27. Clown: OAF.  a person, particularly a man, who is rough or clumsy and unintelligent.  I don't see this as a synonym for clown.

28. Make a home in: MOVE TO.  As I did to Michigan 40 years ago. 

34. Encrypted messaging software: SIGNAL.    "Signal" can refer to several different software products, most notably the Signal Private Messenger, a free and secure messaging app with end-to-end encryption, and other business or scientific software like Signal AI for risk intelligence, Signal Software (UK) for rail rostering, or Revvity Signals Software for scientific research. It's important to specify which "Signal" you are looking for, such as the messaging app or a specific industry software.  

39. Lion of Narnia: ASLAN.   He is a majestic and powerful lion, king of Narnia and an allegorical representation of Jesus Christ.  He has the power to create and recreate Narnia, bring spring to the land, heal, and has abilities related to teleportation and dream walking.

40. Microdosing study subj.: LSD.  An extremely potent illegal street drug that comes as a white powder or clear colorless liquid.  I can be derived from ergot or artificially synthesized.

42. Bubble bath accessory: LOOFA.   In everyday non-technical usage, the luffa, also spelled loofah or less frequently loofa, usually refers to the fruits of the species Luffa aegyptiaca and Luffa acutangula. It is cultivated and eaten as a vegetable, but must be harvested at a young stage of development to be edible.   The fruit section of L. aegyptiaca may be allowed to mature and used as a bath or kitchen sponge after being processed to remove everything except the network of xylem fibers. 

43. Waged a long campaign against: SIEGED.  A siege is a military operation in which enemy forces surround a town or building, cutting off essential supplies, with the aim of compelling the surrender of those inside.  Not sure this fill is a legitimate construction.  The verb form of siege is besiege.

47. Disquieted state: UNEASE.  Anxiety or discontent.

49. Song list: SET.  A list of the songs that a band or singer intends to perform at a particular concert.

54. Spuds: TATERS.  Potatoes, casually.

57. "Obvi!": TOTES.  Obviously and totally.  Are these equivalent?  You decide.

58. Microsoft business applications suite: OFFICE.   A collection of productivity software from Microsoft, including core programs like Word (for documents), Excel (for spreadsheets), and PowerPoint (for presentations). 

61. First name in jazz: ETTA.   Jamesetta Hawkins [1938 - 2012] known professionally as Etta James, was a Grammy-winning American singer and songwriter who performed across multiple genres, including blues, jazz, R&B, and soul.   I think of her more as a blues singer.  Ella would be the first name in Jazz.

66. Some cold drafts: ALES.  Ale is a style of beer, brewed using a warm fermentation method.  As with most beers, ale typically has a bittering agent to balance the malt and act as a preservative.

67. Car freshener scent: PINE.  Pine oil, derived from the needles, twigs, and cones of pine trees, carries a distinctive coniferous scent that many associate with crisp forest air and serene walks through evergreen landscapes. Its fresh, terpenic, green, woody, and sharper aroma makes it a staple in aromatherapy, perfume, and cleaning products.

68. One of the Coen brothers: ETHAN.   Ethan Jesse Coen (b. 1957) is an American filmmaker. Working alongside his brother Joel, the duo have directed, written, edited and produced many feature films.

69. Musical instrument in Orpheus mosaics: LYRE.  A lyre is a stringed musical instrument with a U-shaped frame, often compared to a small harp, known for its use in ancient cultures like Greece.   Orpheus mosaics are found throughout the Roman Empire, normally in large Roman villas. The scene normally shown is Orpheus playing his lyre.

70. Amino __: ACID.  Amino acids are organic compounds that contain both amino and carboxylic acid functional groups. Although over 500 amino acids exist in nature, by far the most important are the 22 α-amino acids incorporated into proteins. Only these 22 appear in the genetic code of life.

71. Low on cash: SHORT.  Lacking funds.

Down:

1. __ Mahal: TAJ.  The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum in Agra, India, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

From Wikipedia

Also this:

2. Equal: ARE.  Are they the same?

3. Basic command at obedience school: SIT.   Here is one way to teach it.

4. Mammal with a flexible snout: TAPIR.  Tapirs are large, herbivorous mammals belonging to the family Tapiridae. They are similar in shape to a pig, with a short, prehensile nose trunk. Tapirs inhabit jungle and forest regions of South and Central America and Southeast Asia.

Source

5. Wed without a guest list: ELOPE.  Runaway bride - and groom.

6. Cookie preserved in a vault as part of a 2020 publicity stunt: OREO.  Standard crossword confection.

7. Bike attachment: HORN.  Tooting device to avoid dangerous cycling situations.

8. Arm: SLEEVE.  Of an artice of clothing.

9. Ancient: OLD.  Having lived a long time; no longer young.  Like me.

10. Useful quality: ASSET.  A useful or valuable thing, person, or quality.

11. Safari herbivore: RHINO.   Rhinoceroses are large, herbivorous mammals from Africa and Asia that are known for their horns, which are made of keratin. There are five living species: the black, white, Indian, Javan, and Sumatran rhinoceros. All but one species are considered endangered, primarily due to poaching for their horns and loss of habitat.  These horns lead to dangerous situations.

12. Panko-breaded fried cutlet: KATSU.   A Japanese dish consisting of a breaded and deep-fried cutlet, typically made from pork (tonkatsu) or chicken (tori katsu). 

13. Like organza and chiffon: SHEER.    Transparently thin; diaphanous, as some fabrics. 

18. Clobber: WHOMP.   

21. Overly indulged, to a Brit: SPOILT.   Spoiled on this side of the pond.

22. Catnap spots: SOFAS.   A long upholstered seat with a back and arms, for two or more people - or cats; if you want to couch it in those terms.

23. Anklebones: TARSI.  A group of small bones between the main part of the hind limb and the metatarsus in terrestrial vertebrates. The seven bones of the human tarsus form the ankle and upper part of the foot. They are the talus, calcaneus, navicular, and cuboid and the three cuneiform bones.

24. Go paperless on April 15: E-FILE.   File a tax return electronically.

26. "__ my pleasure!": IT'S.  Happy to be of service.

29. Part of EVOO: OIL.  Extra virgin olive OIL.

30. "Roman Holiday" scooter: VESPA.   An Italian brand of scooters and mopeds manufactured by Piaggio.   Roman Holiday is a 1953 American romantic comedy film directed and produced by William Wyler. It stars Audrey Hepburn as a princess out to see Rome on her own and Gregory Peck as a reporter. 

32. Identify on social media: TAG.   Tagging on social media involves mentioning a user's account by using "@" followed by their username, which sends them a notification and links their profile to your post. 

33. Bests: ONE UPS.   "One up" is slang that means to surpass or outdo someone to gain an advantage, or to be in a position of advantage over someone. 

35. India's smallest state: GOA.   Goa is a state in western India with coastlines stretching along the Arabian Sea. Its long history as a Portuguese colony prior to 1961 is evident in its preserved 17th-century churches and the area’s tropical spice plantations. 

36. Viking language: NORSE.   "Norse language" most commonly refers to Old Norse, the language spoken in Scandinavia and areas of Viking expansion from about the 8th to the 14th century.

37. In search of: AFTER.   Used to indicate the object of a stated or implied action.

38. Holds up: LASTS.   Endures.

41. "Por qué no los __?": DOS.   "Why not both?"

44. Double helix molecule: DNA.  DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the molecule that contains the genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of most living organisms. 

46. "Le __ Prince": de Saint-ExupÈry novella: PETIT.   The story follows a young prince who visits various planets, including Earth, and addresses themes of loneliness, friendship, love, and loss. Despite its style as a children's book, The Little Prince makes observations about life, adults, and human nature

48. Spicy, in a way: EROTIC.    Refers to something that arouses sexual desire or excitement, is related to sexual love, or is marked by strong sexual desire. 

50. Incredible bargain: STEAL.   "It's a steal" means something is being sold at a very good price, a great bargain, or is a surprisingly low cost. 

51. With anger: HOTLY.   In a passionate, excited, or angry way.

52. Sea animal with "pockets" to store food and tools: OTTER.

53. Poke fun at: TEASE.   Make fun of or attempt to provoke someone in a playful way.

55. Advil targets: ACHES.   Continuous or prolonged dull pains in parts of one's body.

56. Gear components: TEETH.   A gear tooth is an individual, raised element on the circumference of a gear that meshes with the teeth of another gear to transmit rotational motion and torque. 

59. "Doneski!": FINI.  Concluded

60. VanVleet of the NBA: FRED.   Fredderick Edmund VanVleet Sr. [b. 1994] is an American professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association. He is also the current president of the National Basketball Players Association.

62. Venue offering LED light therapy: SPA.   A commercial establishment offering health and beauty treatment through such means as steam baths, exercise equipment, and massage.

63. Vietnam's national dish: PHO.   a type of Vietnamese soup, typically made from beef stock and spices to which noodles and thinly sliced beef or chicken are added.

64. Crew blade: OAR.   A pole with a flat blade, pivoting in an oar lock, used to row or steer a boat through the water.

65. Explosive letters: TNT.  TriNitroToluene, a high explosive formed from toluene by substitution of nitro groups for three hydrogen atoms. It is relatively insensitive to shock and can be conveniently melted. 

So, we have come full circle.  Hope you enjoyed the ride, and didn't get too dizzy.

Cool regards,

JzB

L.A. Times Crossword Thursday, August 21, 2025 Sean Ziebarth

Theme: Finger Noises.  Each multi-word theme fill contains an example of one.

17 A. "Turn that frown upside down": CRACK A SMILE.    To begin to smile, or to smile slightly, often unexpectedly. It implies a subtle or brief smile.  One can also CRACK one's knuckles.

30 A. "Get your head on straight": SNAP OUT OF IT.   Quickly recover from a negative emotional state, such as sadness, anger, or a bad mood.   Perhaps someone can pull you out of it by snapping their fingers at you.

45 A. "Get on that stage and wow the crowd": KNOCK 'EM DEAD.  Clearly, this is not literal.   It is said to someone to increase their confidence before they appear or do something in public, especially something formal such as giving a speech in front of a crowd.  Literally, KNOCK means to strike a surface noisily to attract attention.  Often, this is done with the knuckles.

61 A. Words of wisdom, and what 17-, 30-, and 45-Across could be called?: SOUND ADVICE.  Guidance or recommendations that are reliable, sensible, and likely to lead to a positive outcome.  The other theme fill employ the other meaning of SOUND - vibrations that travel through the air or another medium and can be heard when they reach a person's or animal's ear.  In context here, the sounds are generated by one's fingers.

Hi gang, Jazzbumpa here, happy to avoid other kinds of finger references.  On to the puzzle - let's knuckle down and finger it out.

Across:

1. Best effort: A GAME.  One's best performance. 

6. Fools: CLODS.  Dummies.

11. Make a mend: SEW.  Using  needle.  Make like a tailor, and be swift.

14. Like much of central Illinois: RURAL.  Away from towns and cities.

15. "The Raven" writer, briefly: E A POE.  Edgar Alan, longly.  He also wrote mystery stories.

16. "Better. Guaranteed." gadget brand: OXO.  A brand known for its kitchen and home products, particularly its "Good Grips" line. They are recognized for their ergonomic designs and focus on user-friendliness.

19. Whopper: LIE.   A statement at odds with the truth.

20. Luau performance: HULA.

 

21. Medium ability: ESP.  Extra Sensory Perception.  ESP is the purported ability to perceive information through means other than the five senses (sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste).  This includes abilities like telepathy (mind-to-mind communication), clairvoyance (seeing things not present), and precognition (knowing future events). 

22. Notes equivalent to C sharps: D FLATS.  These are known as enharmonic equivalents.  They occur when two notes have the same pitch but are represented by different letter names and accidentals.  This of course, depends on your tempering system.

24. Immediately following: UPON.  It ensues shortly thereafter.

26. Earlier: PRIOR.  It precedes shortly there before.

27. Word with shell or shore: SEA.  A vast expanse of water with shell bearing creatures, bordered by land.

34. Late: TARDY.  Failure to get there on time.

36. Sleep acronym: REM.  Rapid Eye Movement, one of four stages the brain moves through while sleeping. In REM sleep, the eyes move rapidly in various directions and dreams can occur..

37. Peel: PARE.  Trim something by cutting away its outer edges.

38. Naan flour: ATTA, a whole wheat flour from the Indian subcontinent, having a high gluten content and used to make chapati and other traditional flatbreads.  The person working with it is an atta boy, or atta girl.  

39. Addresses timeline errors, perhaps: EDITS.  Make needed corrections, not necessarily to a time line.

41. Timeline units: ERAS.  Long and distinct periods of history with a particular features or characteristics.

42. Like much 1980s fashion: NEON.  Neon fashion, characterized by bright, electric colors, is experiencing a resurgence, particularly among Gen Z, after being a dominant trend in the 1980s and 90s. Fashion publications like Vogue suggest the trend is making a comeback, with a modern twist. 

< 43. "C'est la __!": VIE.   The iconic French phrase c'est la vie literally translates to “that's life” or "such is life." In other words, “This is how it is” – often with the implication that there's nothing you can do about it.  In other words: "Oh, well."

44. Fess up (to): ADMIT.  Confess to be true or to be the case, typically with reluctance.  "I'm the one who let him in," Tom admitted.

49. __ as a fox: SLY.  an idiom that describes someone as clever, cunning, and often deceitful. It implies that a person is skilled at getting what they want, sometimes through underhanded means, and is adept at navigating tricky situations. The phrase draws on the historical perception of foxes as intelligent and tricky animals. 

50. Brand of riding mowers: DEERE.   John Deere offers a wide range of equipment for various industries, including agriculture, construction, and forestry. Their product line includes tractors, combines, forestry equipment, and construction machinery like excavators and loaders. 

51. YouTube journal: VLOG.  A personal website or social media account where a person regularly posts short videos.

53. Too: OVERLY. To a higher degree than is desirable, permissible, or possible; excessively.

55. Needlework on a sleeve, for short: TAT.   A shortened, informal way to say tattoo, particularly in American English. 

56. Turkey neighbor: IRAN.  Iran, officially the Islamic Republic of Iran  and also known as Persia, is a country in West Asia. It borders Iraq to the west, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Armenia to the northwest, the Caspian Sea to the north, Turkmenistan to the northeast, Afghanistan to the east, Pakistan to the southeast, and the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf to the south. Iran ranks 17th globally in both geographic size and population and is the sixth-largest country in Asia. 

60. Burrito option: WET.  A wet burrito is generously smothered in a savory sauce. Red enchilada sauce is a common choice, but salsa verde or a creamy cheese sauce can also be used.

64. Melissa of "The Fighter": LEO.  Melissa Chessington Leo [b. 1960] is an American actress. She is the recipient of several accolades, including an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and two Critics' Choice Awards.

65. Come next: ENSUE.  Follows closely, as per 24 A.

66. Moves closer: NEARS.  Approaches.

67. Cheap tix option: SRO.  Standing Room Only tickets should cost less than even the cheap seats.

68. "The Wild Swans at Coole" writer: YEATS.  William Butler Yeats [1865 - 1939] was an Irish poet, dramatist, writer and literary critic who was one of the foremost figures of 20th-century literature.

69. Selling point: ASSET.  A useful or valuable thing, person, or quality.

Down:

1. Foot part: ARCH.   The curved part of the sole of the foot, formed by bones, tendons, and ligaments. It acts as a natural shock absorber and spring, distributing weight and impact during movement.

2. Hindu teacher: GURU.  In Hinduism and Buddhism, a spiritual teacher, especially one who imparts initiation.

3. North __ Sea: Central Asian lake: ARAL. The North Aral Sea is the portion of the former Aral Sea that is fed by the Syr Darya River. It split from the South Aral Sea in 1987–1988 as water levels dropped due to river diversion for agriculture. 

4. Hong Kong neighbor: MACAU.   Macau is an autonomous region on the south coast of China, across the Pearl River Delta from Hong Kong. A Portuguese territory until 1999, it reflects a mix of cultural influences. Its giant casinos and malls on the Cotai Strip, which joins the islands of Taipa and Coloane, have earned it the nickname, "Las Vegas of Asia."

5. Utah's state animal: ELK.   The elk or wapiti, is the second largest species within the deer family, Cervidae, and one of the largest terrestrial mammals in its native range of North America and Central and East Asia.

6. General aviation company owned by Textron: CESSNA.  An American brand of general aviation aircraft owned by Textron Aviation since 2014, headquartered in Wichita, Kansas.   It started as an independent company in 1927.

7. Lava __: LAMP.   A decorative lamp that contains a glob of special wax in a clear liquid, typically mineral oil, within a glass vessel. The heat from a light bulb at the base of the lamp causes the wax to heat up, making it less dense and causing it to rise. As it cools, the wax becomes denser and falls back down, creating a slow, flowing, and mesmerizing effect. 

8. Maker of Talk to the Hand press-on nails: OPI.    A professional nail care brand, and a subsidiary of Wella Company. Founded in 1981 as Odontorium Products Inc., it has become a global leader in nail polish and related products. 

9. Blues: DOLDRUMS.   A state or period of inactivity, stagnation, or depression.

10. Find appropriate: SEE FIT.   To consider something to be the right or appropriate thing to do.

11. Green energy sources in some desert regions: SOLAR FARMS.    Large-scale installations of solar panels designed to generate electricity for the power grid. These farms convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells, which are then fed into the electrical grid for distribution to consumers. 

12. Way out: EXIT.  A portal or passage used to leave a place.  Alternatively, "way out" is an expression indicating something is extremely unconventional, unusual.  So using, frex, the ductwork as an exit would be a way out way out.

13. Heartaches: WOES.   Great sorrow or distress.

18. Very long time: AEON.   An indefinite and very long period of time.

23. Like a lasso: LOOPED.   Folded back in upon itself to form a closed quasi-circle.

25. Therapist's maj.: PSYchology: the scientific study of the mind and behavior. It explores how people think, feel, and act, encompassing a wide range of topics from individual thoughts and emotions to social interactions and mental health. 

26. 68-Across, for one: POET.   A person who writes poems.   Here is one of my demented sonnets.

PASSIONATE PRETENSE

Her throat, no longer perfect, but still white,

Invokes the crimson from the sunset glow,

As she awaits the dark - to taste, to know

Carnality incarnate in the night.

       The sun's suffusion stains her skin to pink

       With its last russet bloom, as if she were

       A blushing maiden, innocent and pure,

       On satin sheets where white and scarlet link.

What has her throat to do with being white?

Like thorn and petals torn they two entwine,

But not as lovers do -- instead, to dine

In sweet engagement of an ancient rite.

Her white throat is a passionate pretense

That now, twice pierced, belies her innocence.

27. Performed terribly: STANK.   Literally, had a bad odor.  Figuratively, failed miserably.

28. All gone: EATEN.  Said of a meal.

29. Luke Skywalker's loyal droid: ARTOO DETOO - A resourceful astromech droid, R2-D2 served Padmé Amidala, Anakin Skywalker and Luke Skywalker in turn, showing great bravery in rescuing his masters and their friends from many perils..  

31. Snooped around: PRIED.  Inquired too closely into a person's private affairs of into things intended to remain hidden.

32. Letter-shaped beam: I-RAIL.  OK, I guess. Not a term I'm familiar with.

33. On edge: TESTY.  Easily irritated; impatient and somewhat bad-tempered.  "On edge" seems a little off the mark.

35. Wearer of tap shoes: DANCER.  A person who dances or whose profession is dancing.  Also one Santa's lead reindeer.

39. With no exceptions: EVERYONE.  Or every thing.

40. Small coin: DIME.  It is the smallest in size, but not in value.

44. Scene: ADO.  Commotion, stir, tumult suggest a great deal of fuss and noise.

46. Plum who was the WNBA All-Star Game MVP in 2022: KELSEY.   Kelsey Christine Plum [b 1994] is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Sparks of the Women's National Basketball Association. Nicknamed "Plum Dawg", she is a four-time WNBA All-Star and was named the WNBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player in 2022. 

47. Sidesteps: EVADES.   to escape or avoid something, often by using cleverness or trickery.

48. Baja's opposite: ALTA.   Low and high, en Español.

52. Caves in: GIVES.  Capitulates.

53. Parliament birds: OWLS.   The most common collective noun for a group of owls is a parliament.

54. Suddenly shift direction: VEER.   Exactly as defined.

55. Letter-shaped fastener: T-NUT.   A type of fastener used to create a threaded insert in materials like wood or plastic. It features a barrel with external threads and a flange with prongs that dig into the material when installed. This allows for a secure screw or bolt attachment. 

57. Coastal inlets: RIAS.    Long, narrow inlets formed by the partial submergence of river valleys.

58. Part of a plot: ACRE.  A plot is a  small area of land.   A standard acre contains 43,560 square feet or 4,047 square meters. A common plot size in some regions is 50 feet by 100 feet, which is 5,000 square feet. Therefore, in this case, an acre could potentially hold approximately 8 or 9 such plots. 

59. Small tree house: NEST.  This home is for the birds.  Or, perhaps, a squirrel.

62. Jenny Thompson's team: USA.   Jennifer Beth Thompson [ b. 1973] is an American former competition swimmer. She is one of the most decorated Olympians in history: twelve medals, including eight gold medals, in the 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004 Summer Olympics.

63. Genetic blueprint: DNA.   DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the molecule that contains the genetic instructions for all living organisms. It's often described as the "instruction manual" for cells, dictating how they function and develop. DNA is a double helix structure made up of nucleotide bases (adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine). These bases pair up in a specific way (A with T, and C with G) to form the "rungs" of the DNA "ladder". 

So we end on that genetic note.  Your DNA is as unique as your fingerprint.  Did you nail this puzzle?  If so, I have to hand it to you.  

Cool regards, see you in September,

JzB

L.A. Times Crossword Wednesday, September 20, 2025 Rebecca Goldstein

Theme:  Geography Lessons, and geography expansions.   As we travel through the locations, they get increasingly larger

16 A. Stop on a fall foliage tour?: LEAVES TOWN.  Ordinarily, this means departing from a TOWN.  Here, it suggests a TOWN with many colorful leafy trees.

30 A. Stop on a victory tour?: PARTY CITY.  This was a retail chain stocking a wide range of themed party supplies, plus costumes & holiday decorations.  It has gone out of business in the U.S., but is still active in Canada.  Here, though, it is a city full of revelry.  Note also, a city is larger than a town.

44 A. Stop on a wine tour?: DRY COUNTY.  This is a county in the United States where the sale and public consumption of alcohol is prohibited.   It's unclear why anyone on a wine tour would visit there, unless it's a place to stop drinking?  At any rate, a county is generally larger than a city.

58 A. Stop on an apology tour?: SORRY STATE.   This indicates being in a situation or condition that is poor, neglected, or unfortunate, often one that is deserving of pity or regret.  Here,  though, it is a place containing many counties where contrition is prominent.  

Hi, Gang, JazzBumpa here with a puzzling travelogue.  Let's embark, and see where it takes us.

Across:

1. Some cuff links: STUDS.  Formal jewelry worn at the shirt cuff in place of a button.  The stud portion is a short metal bar connecting a decoration to a fastener.

6. Passover mo., often: APR.  April.  Passover is a major Jewish holiday and one of the Three Pilgrimage Festivals. It celebrates the Exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.

9. Genesis brother: ABEL.  He was murdered by his twin brother Cain.

13. Number of strands in a simple braid: THREE.  

14. Creative development: IDEA.   The thought before the brainstorm.

15. Proper partner: PRIM.  Stiffly formal and respectable; feeling or showing disapproval of anything regarded as improper.

18. Roman robe: TOGA.  A loose flowing outer garment worn by the citizens of ancient Rome, made of a single piece of cloth and covering the whole body apart from the right arm.

19. The upper crust: ELITES.   A select group that is superior in terms of ability or qualities to the rest of a group or society.   Or so they would have you believe.
 
20. Packers' pts.: TDS.  Touch downs.  The Packers are the team from Green Bay in the National Football League.

22. "Don't know her": WHO?   What or which person or people?

23. Shiny fender material: CHROME.  Chromium plate as a decorative or protective finish on motor-vehicle fittings and other objects.

25. "Critique of Pure Reason" philosopher: KANT.  Immanuel Kant (1724 – 1804) was a German philosopher and one of the central thinkers of the Enlightenment. Born in Königsberg, Kant's comprehensive and systematic works in epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, and aesthetics have made him one of the most influential and highly discussed figures in modern Western philosophy.

27. "Well, shucks": AW, GEE.  Expressing genial self-deprecation or gratified embarrassment.

33. Epic battles: WARS.   A state of armed conflict between different nations or states or different groups within a nation or state.  In a war there may be many distict battles.

34. Section of a race: LEG.   A specific, defined part or section of the race. 

35. Call from a treehouse: UP HERE.  Telling you where to look
 
36. One day __ time: AT A.  To deal with each day's problems as they come instead of worrying about the future.

37. "Restore + Strengthen" shampoo brand: FINESSE.  Finesse shampoo, specifically the Finesse Restore + Strengthen Moisturizing Shampoo, is designed to rejuvenate dry, damaged, or stubborn hair by providing a moisturizing and strengthening treatment. 

39. Announcement makers in HS classrooms: PAS.  Public Address System, a system of microphones, amplifiers, and loudspeakers used to amplify speech or music in a large building or at an outdoor gathering..

40. Criticize harshly: REVILE.   Criticize in an abusive or angrily insulting manner.

42. "Uh-uh": NAH.  Nope, no way, aint gonna happen.

43. Treadmill setting: PACE.  Consistent and continuous speed in walking, running, or moving.

46. Los Angeles restaurant with hot dogs named for celebrities: PINKS.

47. Overnight recipe: STEW.   A stew is a hearty dish that consists of solid food ingredients, such as meat, seafood, and/or vegetables, cooked slowly in liquid and served in the resulting gravy or thickened broth. 

48. Talk and talk and talk: YAMMER.   Talk foolishly or incessantly.

50. Shutterbug's initials: SLR.  Single Lens Reflex, a camera design where the photographer views the scene through the lens itself, using a mirror and prism system to direct the image to the viewfinder. This allows for accurate framing and focus, as you see exactly what the lens sees. 

51. Mule on the Erie Canal: SAL.  A reference to the mule featured in the American folk song, "Low Bridge, Everybody Down," also known as "The Erie Canal Song". The song tells the story of a mule named Sal who works on the Erie Canal, hauling barges filled with various goods. She is portrayed as a reliable and hardworking animal, and the song highlights the close relationship between the mule and its driver.

53. De-lightful time?: OUTAGE.  A time period when electric power is disrupted.  This is often due to storm-related infrastructure damage.  But not always. 

56. One struggling to face facts, maybe: LIAR.   A teller of untruths.  My universal theory of why this happens is that the truth is not compatible with the LIAR's agenda.

61. All-father of the Norse gods: ODIN.   A prominent figure in Norse mythology and Germanic paganism, revered as a god associated with wisdom, magic, death, prophecy, and victory in battle. He is often depicted as an old, one-eyed man with a long beard, wearing a cloak and a wide-brimmed hat, and carrying a spear. Odin is known for his insatiable thirst for knowledge, his role as the leader of the Aesir tribe of gods, and his connection to Valhalla, the hall where fallen warriors reside. 

62. Joint above an ankle: KNEE.   The largest and one of the most complex joints in the human body, connecting the thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone (tibia). It's a hinge joint that allows for bending and straightening of the leg, and it's crucial for weight-bearing and movement. The knee joint is made up of bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and muscles, all working together to enable a wide range of motion and stability. 

63. Pamplona pooch: PERRO.   "Dog" en Español.  Pamplona is a city in Spain.

64. Implements in a lab coat pocket: PENS.  For copious note taking.

65. Vane dir.: SSW.  South, southwest, the compass point or direction midway between south and southwest.

66. Home to the annual Food & Wine Classic: ASPEN.  Aspen, in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, is a ski resort town and year-round destination for outdoor recreation. It's also known for high-end restaurants and boutiques, and landmarks like the Wheeler Opera House, built in 1889 during the area’s silver mining boom.  We missed this year's classic, but can try again next year.

Down:

1. Home of the Blues, for short: ST. L.  St. Louis, Mo. is home to the Blues, a professional hockey team.

2. You, once: THEE.  Archaic or dialect form of you, as the singular object of a verb or preposition.

3. Russian range: URAL.  A mountain range in western Russia that forms a traditional boundary between Europe and Asia. 

4. Tech gadgets: DEVICES.   Things made or adapted for a particular purpose, especially a piece of mechanical or electronic equipment.

5. Stay mad: SEETHE.   Be filled with intense but unexpressed anger, by analogy to a slow boiling liquid..

6. Big fuss: ADO.  A state of agitation or fuss, especially about something unimportant.

7. Alloy in some costume jewelry: PEWTER.   A gray alloy of tin with copper and antimony (formerly, tin and lead).

8. South African currency: RAND.  The basic monetary unit of South Africa, equal to 100 cents.  The rand takes its name from the Witwatersrand ("white waters' ridge" in English, rand being the Afrikaans and Dutch word for 'ridge'), the ridge upon which Johannesburg is built and where most of South Africa's gold deposits were found. 

9. Fitting: APT.  Appropriate or suitable in the circumstances.

10. Dessert tray?: BROWNIE PAN.    A type of baking pan specifically designed for making brownies. It's typically rectangular, with a non-stick surface, and often features a removable bottom or a divider to help with even baking and easy removal of the finished brownies.   The clue is a misdirection, since it usually refers to a collection of sweet treats, typically displayed on a tray or platter, served at the end of a meal as a final course. 

11. Format before cassettes: EIGHT TRACK.    A magnetic tape format popular for music distribution from the late 1960s to the early 1980s. It's characterized by a continuous loop of ¼-inch magnetic tape housed in a rectangular cartridge. Each tape contains eight tracks of audio, arranged in stereo pairs, allowing for four stereo programs on a single tape. 

12. "Ur hilarious!": LMAO.  Laughing My Ahem-buttocks Off, maybe.  Cf. 31D.

14. "Come on in": IT'S OPEN.  Open door invitation to enter.

17. __ and estar: Spanish 101 lesson: SER.  In Spanish, both "ser" and "estar" translate to "to be" in English, but they are used in different contexts. "Ser" is used for permanent or defining characteristics, while "estar" is used for temporary states or conditions, location, and actions. 

21. Service replaced by Microsoft Teams: SKYPE.   An online platform that enables users to make voice and video calls, send instant messages, and share files over the internet. The name "Skype" is derived from "sky" and "peer-to-peer," reflecting its initial design as a peer-to-peer communication tool. 

24. Fuchsia relative: MAGENTA.   A light purplish red that is one of the primary subtractive colors, complementary to green.  Fuchsia is a vivid purplish-red color like that of the sepals of a typical fuchsia flower.

26. "Bah," in Berlin: ACH.  Expressions of contempt or disagreement.

27. Oscar, but not Elmo: AWARD.  The "Oscar" is the common name for the Academy Award of Merit, a golden statuette awarded annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for outstanding achievements in the film industry. It's one of the most prestigious awards in the world of cinema.  Also Oscar and Elmo are Sesame Street muppets.

28. Way to make an entrance at a pool party: WATER SLIDE.  A slide into a swimming pool, typically flowing with water and incorporating a number of twists and turns.

29. Source of easy money: GRAVY TRAIN.   Used to refer to a situation in which someone can make a lot of money for very little effort.

31. Bottom: TUSH.  The buttocks - either of the two round fleshy parts that form the lower rear area of a human trunk.  Cf. 12D.

32. Green lights: YESES.  Grants permission or approval.

34. Stead: LIEU.  The place or role that someone or something should have or fill (used in referring to a substitute).

37. Streams: FLOWS.    Moves along or out steadily and continuously in a current or stream.

38. "I'm listening": SAY MORE.  Yes, I'm interested.  Keep talking.

41. Apply a cold pack to, say: ICE.  Use cold therapy on an injury.

43. Home team at PNC Park: PIRATES.  The Pittsburg team in the National League of Major League Baseball.

45. Pantyhose: NYLONS.  Clothing for women made of thin material that fits closely over the feet and legs and goes up to the waist.  Do they even exist any more?

46. Spot's grooming spot: PET SPA.   A grooming service that offers more than just basic bathing and clipping. It provides a range of specialized treatments designed to pamper and relax pets, promoting their overall well-being. These services often include aromatherapy, calming music, and gentle handling techniques to create a stress-free environment. 

49. Very, in Venezuela: MUY.   Literal translation from English to Español.

50. Unappetizing plateful: SLOP.  A derogatory way to talk about food that doesn't look very tasty.

52. Requests: ASKS.  Says something in order to obtain an answer or some information.

54. Irving character: GARP.   Protagonist in The World According to Garp.  I read this book decades ago and have only vague recollections of a few scenes.

55. 17-Down, in French: ETRE.   To be [or not, I suppose] in any language.

57. Some ER staff: RNS.  Registered Nurses.

59. VCR button: REWind.   It winds a tape or film back to the beginning.

60. Geologic age: EON.   An indefinite and very long period of time.

So, after al that time, we've reached our destination.  Travel broadens one, it's said, and this trip did grow on me  Hope the journey enlarged your enjoyment.  See you in September, a definite and rather short time period way.

Cool regards!

JzB 

L.A. Times Crossword July 16, 2025 Sam Cordes

 Theme: A Tale of Tails. The circled letters combine to make a 4 letter word that can follow TAIL and make a new in -the-language word or phrase.  

18A. New Jersey nickname: GARDEN STATE.  New Jersey is nicknamed the "Garden State" due to its long history of agriculture and fertile land. The nickname was popularized in the late 19th century and has been associated with the state ever since.  

The highlighted letters following TAIL refer to TAIL GATE, a phrase with several meanings: a hinged flap at the back of a truck that can be lowered or removed when loading or unloading the vehicle; to drive too closely behind another vehicle; a style of jazz trombone playing characterized by improvisation in the manner of the early New Orleans musicians; or social gathering at which an informal meal is served from the back of a parked vehicle, typically in the parking lot of a sports stadium.

30A. Vino that doesn't require a corkscrew: BOXED WINE.   

The TAIL BONE is the small bone at the bottom of the spine. It is made up of 3-5 fused bones. Also called coccyx.

45A. Headwear at a 29-Down: COWBOY HAT.   A hat with a broad, often curled brim and a high crown, typically made of felt.  I understand that in Texas, this is just called a hat.  

A TAIL COAT is a man's formal morning or evening coat, with a long skirt divided at the back into tails and cut away in front.

You could really be a Beau Brumell, baby, if you just gave it half a chance.

59A. Full house, at times: WINNING HAND.   In poker, a full house is a 5-card hand containing three of a kind plus a pair.  This powerful hand can only be beaten by a royal flush, a straight flush or four of a kind.

A TAIL WIND is literally a wind blowing from behind that can aid in forward motion. Figuratively, it means positive trends and developments that have the potential to support a company's progress toward growth and profitability.

2 D. Lifting a beer bottle with just a straw, e.g.: BAR TRICK.   A "bar trick" typically refers to a trick or illusion performed by a bartender or someone behind a bar, often using items found in a bar environment like napkins, bottles, or glasses. These tricks are used for entertainment, to impress guests, or as a way to engage with customers and enhance the bar experience. 

In American football, a TAILBACK is a type of running back who typically lines up furthest from the line of scrimmage, often behind the quarterback and fullback in a "T" or "I" formation. Tailbacks are known for their speed, agility, and ability to make explosive plays, often acting as the primary ball carrier on rushing plays. 

And the unifier 40D. Final parts, and what this puzzle's circled letters create: TAIL ENDS.  The last or hindmost part of something.  Note that each TAIL END in this puzzle is made up from the first two and last two letters of each theme entry.

Hi Gang, JazzBumpa here to take the lead and follow up on this excellent puzzle.  Note also, the unusual symmetry, with 5 (!) of the theme fill in their normal horizontal positions, and the remaining theme fill and unifier symmetrically vertical.  That also makes this an extremely theme rich puzzle.    Let's dig in.

Across:

1. "The Graham Norton Show" airer: BBC.  British Broadcasting Company.  Graham William Walker (b. 1963), known professionally as Graham Norton, is an Irish comedian, broadcaster, actor, and writer. He is a five-time BAFTA TV Award winner for the comedy chat show The Graham Norton Show (2007–present). 

4. Owner of a bed deemed too hard: PAPA.   Bear, to be complete.

8. Puccini opera set in Rome: TOSCA.  Not knowing opera, I took a guess.  The work, based on Victorien Sardou's 1887 French-language dramatic play, La Tosca, is a melodramatic piece set in Rome in June 1800, with the Kingdom of Naples's control of Rome threatened by Napoleon's invasion of Italy. It contains depictions of torture, murder, and suicide, as well as some of Puccini's best-known lyrical arias.  Fun?  You decide.

13. "Homemade" pasta sauce maker: RAO.  Tasty - also, relatively low carb.  It's all we use.

14. __-garde: AVANT.  Something that is innovative, experimental, and pushing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable or mainstream, particularly in art, culture, and fashion

16. Theme park with a geodesic dome: EPCOT.  Adjacent to Disney World.  Once I was examining  windshields in the bus garage there.  True story.

17. Globe: ORB.  Figuratively, any spherical object.

20. Most faithful: TRUEST.  Most loyal and faithful, as a friend.

22. Parking area: LOT.  A flat surface.  Sometimes it will be paved.

23. NYC bus org.: MTA. Metropolitan Transit Authority.  Or, in Boston, maybe.

24. Many a Qatari: ARAB.  Qatar is a country located on a peninsula jutting east from Saudi Arabia into the Persian Sea. 

25. Young'uns: TYKES.  Little children.

27. Mail ctrs.: GPOS.  These are General Post Offices. The term is historical, and used more in Britain than America.

28. Trail sighting: HIKER.  A trial walker.  Som people would prefer a bear.

32. Health law since 2010, initially: ACA.  Affordable Care Act.

33. Major work: OPUS.  Of a major composer.

35. Diner pour: JOE.   Slang for coffee.  This likely comes from the term "jamoke," a slang word for coffee that was popular in the 1930s. 

36. Young'uns: KIDDOS.  Tykes.  Moppets, maybe.

38. Yellowjacket kin: HORNET.  Flying insects that hurt you, because they can.

41. Fish that can shock its prey: EEL.  Eels are ray-finned fish belonging to the order Anguilliformes,  Electric eels, are not Anguilliformes, which are 'true' eels. Instead, electric eels belong to the genus, Electrophorus, in the family Gymnotidae of the order Gymnotiformes, also known as knifefishes, and are more closely related to catfishes and carp.  They are known for their ability to stun their prey by generating electricity, delivering shocks at up to 860 volts.

42. Desert that's home to the world's rarest bear: GOBI.  The Gobi Desert is a vast, arid region in northern China and southern Mongolia. It's known for its dunes, mountains and rare animals such as snow leopards and Bactrian camels.  The Gobi bear (Ursus arctos gobiensis), known in Mongolian as the Mazaalai (Мазаалай), is a subspecies of the brown bear (Ursus arctos) that is found in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia. It is listed as critically endangered by the Mongolian Redbook of Endangered Species and by IUCN standards. Currently, there are only 51 bears left in the Mongolian Gobi Desert;

43. Grab: NAB.  Grasp or capture.

49. Bounce: SPLIT.  In slang, both of these words refer to leaving.

51. "I've got this!": ON IT.  You can count on me.

52. Reacts to a tell-all, maybe: GASPS.  Inhales suddenly with the mouth open, out of pain or astonishment.

54. Some fine art: OILS.  Oil paintings.

55. Buzzing insect: BEE.  More useful than hornets.

56. Dearie: HON.  Sweetie.

57. Act as an intermediary: LIAISE.  This uncommon verb means  toestablish a working relationship, typically in order to cooperate on a matter of mutual concern.

62. Explosive stuff: TNT.  TriNitroToluene is a chemical compound with the formula C6H2(NO2)3CH3. TNT is occasionally used as a reagent in chemical synthesis, but it is best known as an explosive material with convenient handling properties. The explosive yield of TNT is considered to be the standard comparative convention of bombs and asteroid impacts.

64. Utopias: EDENS.  Hypothetical idyllic places.

65. Stuffed to the gills: SATED.  Fully satisfied.

66. Princeton URL suffix: EDU.  The ".edu" suffix in a web address signifies that the site belongs to an educational institution, typically a university or college.

67. Exposes, as fangs: BARES.  "Baring fangs" refers to an animal displaying its teeth aggressively, often in a threatening or hostile manner. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a person showing aggression or hostility. 

68. Trees used for longbows: YEWS.  Coniferous trees which have red berrylike fruits, and most parts of which are highly poisonous. Yews are linked with folklore and superstition and can live to a great age; the timber is used in cabinetmaking and (formerly) to make longbows.

69. Mar.-to-Nov. hrs.: DST.  Daylight Saving Time, the period during which the time is adjusted in order to gain an extra hour of daylight in the evening during part of the year. Daylight-saving time begins in the spring, when clocks are set one hour ahead.

Down:

1. Certain sib: BRO.  Brother.

3. "Karate Kid" spinoff series: COBRA KAI.    An American martial arts comedy drama television series created by Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg, and distributed by Sony Pictures Television. It serves as a sequel to the first three The Karate Kid films created by Robert Mark Kamen. Cobra Kai premiered on May 2, 2018, and concluded on February 13, 2025, after six seasons consisting of 65 episodes.

4. Diary sheet: PAGE.  One side of a sheet of paper in a collection of sheets bound together, especially as a book, magazine, or newspaper.

5. Mariner's shout: AVAST.   A command to stop or cease used by sailors.

6. Rental for a night of revelry: PARTY BUS.   A large vehicle, often a converted bus or coach, designed to transport and entertain groups of people for recreational purposes, typically for celebrations or events. 

7. "Then what happened?": AND.  Do tell me more.

8. Lab procedure: TEST.   A procedure intended to establish the quality, performance, or reliability of something, especially before it is taken into widespread use.

9. Decline, with "out": OPT.  To choose not to participate in something

10. Garlicky shrimp dish: SCAMPI.   Large shrimp or prawns, especially when prepared or cooked.

11. Tee fabric: COTTON.  A soft white fibrous substance that surrounds the seeds of a tropical and subtropical plant and is used as textile fiber and thread for sewing.

12. Not on edge: AT EASE.   Free from worry, awkwardness, or problems; relaxed.

15. Fax forerunner: TELEX.   An international system of telegraphy with printed messages transmitted and received by teleprinters using the public telecommunications network.

19. Rhinoplasty, informally: NOSE JOB.   Cosmetic surgery focused on reshaping the nose for aesthetic or functional reasons. 

21. Purple yam: UBE.  A kind of bright purple yam used as a flavoring and coloring in sweet dishes.

More info here.

24. "Oh, that's what you mean": AHA.  Expression of sudden recognition.

26. Cris Cyborg stat: KOS.   Cristiane Justino Venâncio (b.1985), known professionally as Cris Cyborg and formerly by her married name Cristiane Santos, is a Brazilian-American professional mixed martial artist and professional boxer.  "KO" means knockout, often used in sports like boxing to describe a situation where one fighter is rendered unable to continue due to a blow.

27. Longtime "Washington Week" journalist Ifill: GWEN.   Gwendolyn L. Ifill  (1955 – 2016) was an American journalist, television newscaster, and author. In 1999, she became the first African-American woman to host a nationally televised U.S. public affairs program with Washington Week in Review. She was the moderator and managing editor of Washington Week and co-anchor and co-managing editor, with Judy Woodruff, of the PBS NewsHour, both of which air on PBS. Ifill was a political analyst and moderated the 2004 and 2008 vice-presidential debates. She authored the best-selling book The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama.

29. Sport with roping and riding: RODEO.    A competitive equestrian sport and public event that showcases the skills of cowboys and cowgirls, particularly in events like bull riding, bareback riding, barrel racing, and roping. 

31. Historian __ Kearns Goodwin: DORIS.  Doris Helen Kearns Goodwin (b.1943) is an American biographer, historian, former sports journalist, and political commentator. She has written biographies of numerous U.S. presidents. Goodwin's book No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II won the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1995. 

34. Square, e.g.: POLYGON.   A closed, two-dimensional shape formed by three or more straight line segments (sides) that connect to form a closed figure. 

37. Tech __: coder's concern: DEBT.   A concept in software development where choosing quicker, easier solutions over more robust, long-term solutions results in future rework and increased costs.   Hence the aphorism: There's never time to do it right, but always time to do it over.

38. Camping appliance: HOT PLATE. A flat heated surface, typically portable, used for cooking food or keeping it hot.

39. Joined the military: ENLISTED.  Enrolled or was enrolled in the armed services.

42. Shell product: GAS.  Shell Oil is the US-based subsidiary of Shell plc, a global energy and petrochemical company. It's a major player in oil and gas exploration, production, refining, and marketing, as well as petrochemical manufacturing. Shell USA, also known as Shell Oil Company, has its headquarters in Houston, Texas. 

44. "Butter" K-pop group: BTS.   BTS, also known as the Bangtan Boys, is a South Korean boy band formed in 2010. The band consists of Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook, who co-write or co-produce much of their material.  K-pop is a form of popular music originating in South Korea. It emerged in the 1990s as a form of youth subculture, with Korean musicians taking influence from Western dance music, hip-hop, R&B and rock.

I guess I'm too old.

45. Spooky decoration: COBWEB.   A spider's web, especially when old and covered with dust.  That 'cob' in cobweb is a very old, and now forgotten, spider. The Old English word for spider was atorcoppe, with ator meaning 'poison' and coppe meaning 'head' – that's the same 'coppe' that probably gave us the word corncob 

46. Upstate New York lake: ONEIDA.  It's just a bit North-east of Syracuse.

47. __ dog: dachshund: WIENER.  The term "weiner dog" is an informal, often humorous name for the Dachshund breed.

How do you pronounce it

48. Puts up, as a painting: HANGS.  Suspends something from above with the lower part dangling free.

50. Polynesian taro dish: POI.   A Hawaiian dish made from the fermented root of the taro which has been baked and pounded to a paste.

53. Strength: SINEW.   A piece of tough fibrous tissue uniting muscle to bone or bone to bone; a tendon or ligament.   Hence, strength, power or resilience.

56. Cobra's warning: HISS.   A sharp sibilant sound.

58. Does sums: ADDS.   Performs the mathematical process of addition.

60. Coos Bay-to-Portland dir.: NNE.  North-northeast.   Refers to the compass direction that is halfway between north and north east, or NNE. It's 22.5 degrees east of north, and therefore 45 degrees away from an Alfred Hitchcock movie. 

61. Stable fare: HAY.  A stable is secure structure for housing horses or other livestock.  HAY is livestock feed.  Does that seem fair?

63. "Tsk!": TUT.  Sounds expressing disapproval or annoyance.  Less intense than "humbug."  Maybe.

And that wraps it up for today.  Hope you didn't end up too far behind

Cool regards!
JzB

L.A. Times Crossword Thursday, June 19, 2025 Joe Rodini

Theme: I GET A ROUND.  The first word of each theme entry homophonically represents a factor in the formula for the circumference of a circle.

And, in honor of Brian Wilson, who left us a few days ago, here is today's theme song.

17 A. Annoyingly shrewd: TOO CLEVER BY HALF.  A bit of smart-assery, perhaps.  Note the first word.

37 A. Unrealistic enterprise: PIE IN THE SKY.   Something that is pleasant to contemplate but is very unlikely to be realized.  Note the first word.

I hated this song when it came out in 1959, but it was very popular, so I must be wrong.

Yeah - I still hate it.

42 A. "Hello?": ARE YOU THERE?    A common phrase used to check if someone is present, listening, or available to respond.  Note the first word.

58 A. Returns to the beginning, as suggested by the phonetic formula found at the starts of 17-, 37-, and 42-Across: COMES FULL CIRCLE.  Returns to a past position or situation, especially in a way considered to be inevitable.  Or more literally, scopes the circumference.

OK.  Let's put this together [Nobody promised there wouldn't be any math.]. And I won't give you the run around. The formula for the circumference of a circle is 2*π*r, phonetically represented here by TOO, PIE and ARE.  The value of π  is 3.14159 and r is the radius.  Thus, we COME FULL CIRCLE.  But wait -- there's more!

24 D. Sundial three, and a loose depiction of the last part of the geometry formula hinted at in this puzzle: III.  To understand this subtle clue, you have to think about the center of the grid in a way that is literally figurative.  Note that the black squares inscribe a circle about as perfectly as can be done in this medium.  The vertical I-I-I then represents a radius [r] of that circle.  I have seldom been this impressed by a puzzle feature.  Bravo!

Hi Gang, JazzBumpa here to lead us on this circuitous route.  

Across:

1. Package closer: TAPE.   Sticky ribbon that seals the box shut.

5. Closed, as drapes: DREW.  I drew my drapes, then drew my bath, then put away my colored pencils.

9. Skilled: ABLE.   Having a certain skill set.

13. "You beat me": I LOSE. Concession of defeat.

15. Second helping: MORE.  If the first wasn't enough.

16. Place for some finger painting?: NAIL.  Clever clue, leading us to a nail salon. 

20. "Well, aren't you fancy!": OO-LA-LA.  An interjection that expresses surprise, admiration, or excitement, often with a playful or suggestive connotation. It's a French-derived expression, though it's not a direct translation of a common French phrase.  In my experience, there is always a suggestion of something at least risqué, and probably inappropriate.

21. Understand: SEE.   I got it.

22. Basketball Hall of Famer Bob: PETTIT.   Robert Lee Pettit Jr. [b. 1932] is an American former professional basketball player. He played 11 seasons in the NBA, all with the Milwaukee/St. Louis Hawks. In 1956, he became the first recipient of the NBA's Most Valuable Player Award and he won the award again in 1959. He also won the NBA All-Star Game MVP award four times.

26. Reunion attendees: AUNTS.  Mom's or dad's sisters.

30. Wine shop order: CASE.  A box, usually of 12 bottles.

33. __ away from: SHIES.  Avoids something because of fear, nervousness, or dislike.

35. SeaWorld performer: SEAL.   Any of numerous carnivorous marine mammals (families Phocidae and Otariidae) that live chiefly in cold regions and have limbs modified into webbed flippers adapted primarily to swimming.

36. Invoice no.: AMT.  Amount, per item, and total due.

39. Singer Flack: ROBERTA.  Roberta Cleopatra Flack [1937-2025] was an American singer and pianist known for her emotive, genre-blending ballads that spanned R&B, jazz, folk, and pop and contributed to the birth of the quiet storm radio format.  She also won record of the yeat for 1973 and '74.  Sadly, she left us in February.

This might be her most famous song.

41. Tried to win over: COURTED.   Attempted to win someone's favor, affection, or attention, often with the intent of forming a romantic or committed relationship. It can also mean to try to please or improve relations with someone, often to achieve a specific goal. 

44. London facilities: LOO.   What we politely call the rest room or comfort station.  I would have clued this as "John in London."

45. Grow dim: FADE.  Lose luster, strength or brightness.

46. Pink perennial: PEONY.  Peonies are a genus of flowering plants, belonging to the family Paeoniaceae, and are known for their large, showy flowers. They are popular garden plants, especially in temperate regions, and are also widely cultivated as cut flowers.  They come in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, purple, white, and yellow. 

47. __ shui: FENG.   An ancient Chinese practice focusing on aligning environments with the natural world to promote harmony and balance. It involves arranging objects and spaces to optimize the flow of qi (vital energy). The practice aims to create a positive and beneficial environment for occupants. 

48. To-be: ELECT.  In politics, a candidate who hs been elected, but not yet inaugurated.

50. Not wholesale: RETAIL.  Wholesale is the pricing level used between suppliers and commercial sellers.  The sellers' pricing is retail.

52. Chest bone: RIB.   Each of a series of slender curved bones articulated in pairs to the spine (twelve pairs in humans), protecting the thoracic cavity and its organs.

54. MLB sluggers: RBI MEN.  Batters who generate RBIs [runs batted in] This is accurately descriptive, but I'm not aware of this as an in-the-language phrase.

64. Mystique: AURA.   The distinctive atmosphere or quality that seems to surround and be generated by a person, thing, or place.

65. Like the center space on a bingo card: FREE.   Purpose: The free space acts like a "wild" square or a "joker". It doesn't have a number, but it's automatically considered marked for all players from the start of the game.  It's free in the sense that player did nothing to earn it

66. Wild guesses: STABS.   Making attempts or tries, especially when you might not be very confident about succeeding. It implies a willingness to try despite potential challenges or lack of certainty.   This describes me playing Wordle.

67. Hat part: BRIM.    The projecting edge at the bottom of a hat.

68. __ machine: SLOT.  A coin-operated gaming machine that generates random combinations of symbols on a dial, certain combinations winning varying amounts of money for the player.

69. "Make it snappy!": STAT.   Without delay : immediately — used chiefly in medicine. Get this patient to the operating room, stat!

Down:

1. Salsa star Nieves: TITO.   Humberto "Tito" Nieves [b. 1958] is a Puerto Rican-born, bilingual salsa singer and actor with a career spanning over four decades. Born in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico, Nieves started his professional career in 1975 with Orquesta Cimarrón, replacing Rafael De Jesus. 

2. Saag __: spinach and potatoes dish: ALOO.  Saag aloo is a popular Indian and Pakistani side dish made with saag (a variety of greens, including mustard greens), potatoes and spices.

3. Hotel amenity: POOL.   For swiming.

4. Slip away: ESCAPE.   Break free from confinement or control.

5. Real ID issuer: DMV.  Department of Motor Vehicles.

6. Caviar: ROE.  Processed eggs from a large fish, such as a sturgeon, considered a delicacy.  I had shad roe once.  Once.

7. Drop the ball: ERR.  Fail to complete something, or live up to expectations.

8. Halloween decor: WEBS.  Suggestive of spiders.

9. Busch brewing partner: ANHEUSER.  Famous for their horses.

10. Call to Bo Peep: BAA. They cried out, sheepishly.

11. Short, for short: LI'L.   So to speak

12. One with a pole position?: ELF.   North pole laborer.  Well played!

14. Allure competitor: ELLE.  Fashion magazines

18. Falls for something hook, line, and sinker: EATS IT UP.  Something fishy here.  Still - going for something in a big way.  Alternatively, enjoying something immensely, like attention or entertainment 

19. Favorable vote: YEA.  As opposed to neigh - the usual response from horses.

23. Staging area: THEATER.   Usually this means a location in which people, vehicles, equipment, or material are assembled before use.  Here it a place where plays are produced.  Clever mis-direction.

25. Like paperback novels, once: TEN CENT.  Once, long, long ago, they cost one thin dime.  But not any time in my memory, and I'm old.

27. Toll House chocolate chips maker: NESTLE.    A Swiss multinational food and drink processing conglomerate corporation headquartered in Vevey, Switzerland. It has been the largest publicly held food company in the world, measured by revenue and other metrics, since 2014

28. Acquire: TAKE ON.  Take on has many meanings, from hire an employee to accept a task or meet an adversary, to accept a thing or responsibility.

Marginally relevant.  Maybe.

29. Foxy one: SLY DOG.  A person who is very secretive and sly about their activities, though the creatures in the clue and fill are both canines.

30. Wine bar order: CARAFE.   An open-topped glass flask typically used for serving wine or water.

31. Unprincipled: AMORAL.  Lacking a moral sense; unconcerned with the rightness or wrongness of something.

32. "Venerable" monk of Eng. history: ST. BEDE.  Bede [672-735] was an English monk, author and scholar. He was one of the most known writers during the Early Middle Ages, 

34. Multiepisode narrative: STORY ARC.  This is inexact.  It is the overarching structure and progression of a story, guiding the sequence of events and plot progression.  It can also relate to a single episode of a TV series, a movie, novel or even a short story. 

37. Maven: PRO.  One with expertise in a certain field.

38. Tinge: HUE.  Tinge refers to a slight degree of coloration in something, while hue is a specific color or shade.  They don't seem equivalent.

40. Application for crow's-feet: EYE CREAM.  A specialized skincare product formulated to target the delicate skin around the eyes.

43. Turn the soil: HOE.  To labor with a long-handled gardening tool having a thin metal blade, used mainly for weeding and breaking up soil.  Careful, though - Santa might laugh at you.

47. Toys (with): FLIRTS.  Behaves as though attracted to or trying to attract someone, but for amusement rather than with serious intentions.  Seems rather heartless.

49. Poetic contraction: 'TIS.  Meaning "It is."

51. Everglades bird: IBIS.  A large wading bird with a long down-curved bill, long neck, and long legs.

53. Lifetime pals, briefly: BFFS. Best Friends Forever

55. Future doc's exam: MCAT.  The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized, computer-based exam used by medical schools in the United States and Canada to assess applicants' problem-solving, critical thinking, and scientific knowledge. 

56. Idris of "The Wire": ELBA.   Idrissa Akuna Elba OBE  [b. 1972] is an English actor and musician. He has received a Golden Globe Award as well as nominations for three BAFTA Awards and six Emmy Awards. He was named in the Time 100 list of the Most Influential People in the World in 2016. His films have grossed over $9.8 billion at the global box office, making him one of the top 20 highest-grossing actors.

57. Twigs digs: NEST.  A domicile constructed from small tree parts?  It's for the birds!

58. Uber alternative: CAB.  Modes of urban vehicular transportation - the modern and the traditional.  Either way, you pay.

59. First word of the Lord's Prayer: OUR.  I think we all know this.

60. Source of inside info?: MRI.  An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan is a non-invasive medical imaging technique that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the body's organs and tissues - the "inside information."   

61. Dot-com address: URL.   Universal Resource Locator.

62. Sign for most of August: LEO.  The fifth sign of the zodiac, typically spans from July 23rd to August 22nd. It's associated with the constellation Leo and is symbolized by the lion. Leos are known for their confidence, charisma, and natural leadership abilities. They are often described as passionate, loyal, and creative individuals. 

63. Tennis call: LET.   A "let" occurs when a serve hits the net but still lands within the service box. This results in the serve being replayed, according to various tennis resources. Essentially, a let means the point is replayed, offering the server a second chance at serving. 

And with that, we have come FULL CIRCLE.

As usual, I has my nits, but overall, this is a superb puzzle.

Here's a little bonus content.  Expanding on aspects of a circle, this Foxtrot cartoon relates to the area.  I checked the math.  It's right.

Special thanks to those gave me technical and temporal assistance.  You know who you are.

If you're in Plymouth, MI this evening, come to the Concert Band Performance at 7:00 pm in Kellogg Park.  Say hi to me before or after, and I'll buy you an ice cream.

The weekend is almost upon us.  Hope we all get around to having some fun.

Cool regards, 

JzB