brutus

🤩My name in print, this makes people. I feel like Naven Johnson when he found his name listed in the phone book; if you get what I’m saying. I’d shout it from the rooftop but ‘tis too icy plus I have a case of acrophobia.

Caught the crossword puzzle solving bug so long ago, the T.V. Guide cost a whopping 15 cents. And on this late, summery Saturday, I, at long last completed a NYT’s Saturday sans any form of mystical (or any other form) prompting. ‘Tis been a journey. Thanks Adrian J. et al for the puzz; it resulted in my beating some fairly steep ODDS. 😀 BYE(S) Youse Guys, Bru

Gave a cursory ear to the “LOTTA Sea Lice” title; those artists rate. And their vibe FITS, IN a kinda sorta Lucinda Williams-esque style. Baseball clues are always a sight for sore eyes during my solving. Today’s was a good one. On the diamond, the PHANATIC is the gold standard of mascots. DITCH DAY I’ll always recall was when 6 classmates & myself cut out from McCarter THEATER’S Shakespearean show, A Midsummers Night’s Dream. In lieu of the show, we went bowling on Nassau Street. good abandonment deserves another, and we were deserted by the return bus. Left to find our way home, a 40/50 mi. excursion, a not too pleased parent retrieved the seven of us. ASHAMEDly we were marched to the principal’s office the next morning to pay our dues. Deets of the punishment I have long since forgotten.

Whinny whinny……chicken dinny. A real honey of sis/bro teamwork. Hanky very much.

Aye yi yi; a puzzle that simultaneously managed to not only be dazzling but dizzying. This morning’s solved was quite the appetizer; so, let’s eat. I ordered up a concerto (W. A. Mozart style) with a side of Andante; and I loved the way it came out. <a href="https://youtu.be/_3n3AHx6Qtk?si=CxsAz2Mrpfg9DSyC" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/_3n3AHx6Qtk?si=CxsAz2Mrpfg9DSyC</a> AMEN(S), Bru

It never ceases to amaze how shelving the puzzle for a while results in a fluid solve. Prior to the break, it (my effort) was more fits than starts. Still, I needed few checks and balances to get in the end zone. Thanks all. I think you will easily connect this vintage (‘89?) Grateful Dead clip to the puzzle. ‘Tis a vivid one with a twirling, calypso tempo. <a href="https://youtu.be/li4VQ8kwl-4?si=WLHgZYu8bdUZhU1Y" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/li4VQ8kwl-4?si=WLHgZYu8bdUZhU1Y</a> Happy Summer, Bru

Call me crazy (you wouldn’t be the first) but I pondering whether the Dept. Of Redundancy Dept. was Jeffrey’s silent construction partner. Thanks for a swell puzzle. And sorry RiA but Neil Young Carrie’s the day musically.

I assembled and quarter-cut enough clubs during my HoJo restaurant short order work (one LOVE OF my many LABORS) so as not to fall prey to that misdirection. But the dells, say, was a horse a different hue. Could not get the “Stay In My Corner” ‘68 ballad out of my head. <a href="https://youtu.be/nhnJI6Z__08?si=svipYxBn7RCQtgw6" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/nhnJI6Z__08?si=svipYxBn7RCQtgw6</a> Speaking of corners, the NW beat me to my socks. Had to seek a remedial reveal or three to finish. I LOST, Bru

What do Wiccan genies grant? Three witches? Already, I can here the moans & groans.

Mornin’ WPers and a belated happy 🌏 Day wish to the band…This communique is not germane the puzzle as I have not unraveled it yet. It’s the centennial today of the revered Dept. of Redundancy Dept. co- established in N.Y. N. Y. by Tom Thomas Phil Phillips, on 4-24-24….Now, on to this Bread Spread Biz.

No qualms, quibbles or questions from this solver. Whence uncovered, the squeeze play (rebus) serves as a pressure release valve. What the hey, every so often, the day of the week has been known to be as elusive as the solve. 😁

P.S.S., …….and ticklish ELMO gazing at the trio from the grid’s cellar. My sun sign is the scales, but plagued by a lifelong curse of acrophobia. I’ll have to leave the BOULDERERS be for now; and the goats & big horn sheep. O. T. but newsworthy and in today’s Zeitgeist marks 66 years ago, “The Day The Music Died.” 😢 <a href="https://youtu.be/Z13vOA7s0FI?si=k0McTqzCDtwkSmAD" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/Z13vOA7s0FI?si=k0McTqzCDtwkSmAD</a>

Prefacing a clue with ‘slangy’ does not make the answer a thing. Maybe WHATS CRACKING is a colloquial phrase but it has never, for my dime, been a thing anywhere; and I’ve been around the block once or thrice.

Pooh corner today was up in the right side. Trying to muscle in the wrong two-valver in the NE did not render much assistance. But the most wince inducing, thorough AMBUSHing I fell prey to was my failing to POUNCE on the ‘plain as the nose on my face’ character of this puzzle. I’m talking ‘bout the clues and the all ‘b’ words that each & every pointer opened with. Awe inspiring puzzle that this Jersey clam digger found delightfully inspirational. This ‘82 Squeeze up tempo song doesn’t mince words within the lyric. See and hear for yourself. This is “Pulling Mussels (From The Shell.”) <a href="https://youtu.be/nbx_6gavLno?si=vADldUKSGcSjc8oH" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/nbx_6gavLno?si=vADldUKSGcSjc8oH</a> With Appreciation, Bru

Q.) Do I, every Friday, pine for a Rockin’ Robyn Weintraub puzzle?A.), THAT’s A YES, not A NO…I consistently have more winners with Robyn’s works than I do nonstarters. My thinker MEREly seems to fire on all cylinders. Robyn’s long answers, in mine EYES, do not intimidate where others ARE more prone to stifle…The NE was a bit thorny but my stick-to-itiveness up there was its’ own reward, delivering me to solvation…Number please? Pre 17A (& dial tone) era, at home when you picked up your device, an actual person on the other end would ask you to announce the number where you wanted the call directed. <a href="https://youtu.be/H2jnUjA_Ims?si=k5ocBuj9M6O7IXCT" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/H2jnUjA_Ims?si=k5ocBuj9M6O7IXCT</a> Thinker/THE KISS and sodas/COLAS are two of a few speed bumps I encountered today…Chubby’s mis-direction provided a nice TWIST. And these two, 31/35 across, stacked up nicely. Also, I enjoyed the name game that was underway in the NW. Matter of fact, I got a kick out of all the cryptonyms I unearthed that were dotting the gridscape today…Bye for now WPers on this first weekend of the last month of 2024; my three minutes has ended and I’m fresh outta nickels.

With all due respect and for all practical intents and purposes, ‘tis an Elks Lodge, not a club. Mine, when a member was in Elmwood Park NJ; just sayin.’

TRASH PANDA had me singin’ this bluesy ballad by the late John Mayall. Btw, today’s Strands introduced me to another beaut from the ursine world, (strands spoiler ahead) the Andean spectacled bear. Here’s a link to MEET the CUTES. <a href="https://reidparkzoo.org/animals/andean-bear" target="_blank">https://reidparkzoo.org/animals/andean-bear</a>/ And the link for Mayall’s ballad is below. <a href="https://youtu.be/FKYA5Rn5z7s?si=PR28wBL06f3Nt3B6" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/FKYA5Rn5z7s?si=PR28wBL06f3Nt3B6</a> YER Welcome, Bru

Clues for 38a and 54a were pure dope…I call the merged art forms of Country/Rock Rockabilly. 24d had me humming this little ditty, por ejemplo, by Dwight Yoakam. “PUT THAT (the spray CAN) DOWN, Connie.” This quote by Dwight from the lyric at 3:00 or so of the clip. <a href="https://youtu.be/SqAlBiYoZS8?si=zpXHT5vAeAHznEPE" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/SqAlBiYoZS8?si=zpXHT5vAeAHznEPE</a> Wake up temps down the NJ shore were nice’n cool, in the upper 50’s today. I dug the Friday this fare from G.S.. ET TU, WPers? Chillin’, Bru

A rebus with a twist; neat!

Speed dates determine compatibility? Dunno; but it sounds like a far cry from logic. Better, a date at a chess match…I missed by a Tuesday p. b. time by a few (25) seconds while shaving a chunk of time off my solve average. Easier than Monday? And how and with distinction. The theme reminded me of this Durante ditty from ‘33. Harry James orchestra backs up the schnozz. <a href="https://youtu.be/6YCOIMkvFt8?si=3ondvicNeOxPOAj6" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/6YCOIMkvFt8?si=3ondvicNeOxPOAj6</a> And this beaut of a ballad, from Johnny Mathis, closes out the twofer Tuesday. This Erroll Garner composition became Johnny’s signature number. <a href="https://youtu.be/0gfYChjh9ak?si=BLDgrGGf64hQBP91" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/0gfYChjh9ak?si=BLDgrGGf64hQBP91</a> With A WINK And A Nod, Bru

Recently, I am not too sure exactly why I’ve caved to speed solving. Perhaps a throwback to my k-6 years of test taking. A FAULT that followed me for quite a while. Me thinks solving on the information speedway also could be (more like is) a co-conspirator. And natch, the Mini, indeed, lends itself to the rush more mind frame. Rarely, if ever, do I hurry when solving ink on paper…Welcome Mr. Grubb, and I’m hoping you’ve submitted follow-up creations for the puzzle’s editorial pipeline. Speed deets today; finished in a flat 17 mins.; 2 mins. 2 secs over my batting average. Here is some too cool doo wop from The Bonzo Dog Do Dah Band, “Death Cab For CUTIE.” <a href="https://youtu.be/qKXsrWrmbAg?si=juAy4xADmBFIrBm3" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/qKXsrWrmbAg?si=juAy4xADmBFIrBm3</a> Under A Sweltering Heat Dome, Bru

A casual thought on the WP pic: Ring toss anyone? Looks like two coneheads prepping for the Freakers Ball…Well played boys. Easy to dance to, balanced and smooth. I give it a solid 99…But I managed to flip-flop my facts of World History part 1, (thanks Mel Brooks.) Again I had to off Caesar, this time at 13a when crosses set me straight…David Bromberg’s “A Man Should Never Gamble” came to mind post solve…That’s it folks. I’ll beg off for the moment. ANDALE ANDALE Arriba!, Bru

A terse digression on today’s Strands: Maybe I did just fall off the turnip truck. 😉

IN A word, this one played SENS(E)ationally! Yay team; thanks all.

Shaved a minute+ from my Monday average; that’s affirmative. As Monday’s go, I dug this one as it had a good beat and was danceable. Voiceless it cries, / Wingless flutters, / Toothless bites, / Mouthless mutters. I took this J R R Tolkein riddle from The Hobbit. It came to my mind’s eye thanks to the overnight (and current) Middle Atlantic Coast atmosphere. It’s UNDER PRESSURE. With Respect To George And Abe, Bru

This one was tough, as tough as the $2 steaks that used to be served up in Times Square’s Childs restaurants. 😃 My solving needs some brushing up on, as the clues seem to be a ways from my wavelength…On positive note the puzz had a freshness factor purely off the charts; which brings on today’s music from Emmett Rhodes. The title is “Fresh As A Daisy.” <a href="https://youtu.be/0uHamlvvUHc?si=VAjoK9c-Ta8QYBpC" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/0uHamlvvUHc?si=VAjoK9c-Ta8QYBpC</a>

Woe is me! As a confirmed DOG (& pony) LOVER, 16a really threw me for a loop. Here is why the NE was pretty thorny on this, the first Wednesday of ‘26. WHOA is an assembly of concerned folks in thoroughbred racing that typically refers to the Water Hay Oats Alliance, a grassroots movement advocating for drug and medication reform. Nice, crisp, fresh puzzle Adrianne Baik; chock full of new entries for the NYT’s puzzles. Did some serious TINKERing to get the winning BELL to toll. And it did indeed eventually peal. Thanx all. SEE YOU, BRU

There’s the rub? My silent tactic reliably works for me every time. And you’re welcome to some, none or all of it. ‘Tis simple; put down the ducky (the x-w puzz) and go get that 2nd cup. And when you return from the urn to the solving, if still in a cruciverbial quandary, just rinse and repeat. Get what I’m sayin,? Yer Welcome, Bru

I’m all mixed up; to ‘splain. I solve ink on paper on weekends. But my trusty net access is always within an arm’s reach. Minutes ago, I wanted to enter 1a’s answer. Problem was I had my screen stylus, not my pen, raised to square 1. To quote Popeye- “well blow me down!” I expect I’ll be reposting more, later.

41a was a session favorite at our South Amboy roller rink. The theme, in my mind’s eye, had an elusive quality. My comfort came from being able to complete the puzzle. Sam C. put me straight by expertly detailing said theme; WHATITSALLABOUT. GREG S., congrats on your being published on the NYT’s puzzle page. When my 4 were your children’s ages, the ‘on repeat’ button actually was to rewind the vhs cassette of Grease. This during living room dancing that went on ad infinitum; my kids were hopelessly devoted…Hope you’ve readied some more puzzles that are in the pipeline. The Flatlanders have this to say in relation to the theme. <a href="https://youtu.be/kCHdvQP2Bn0?si=GcHvvXJs2d0MeJLF" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/kCHdvQP2Bn0?si=GcHvvXJs2d0MeJLF</a> And so goes the time/space continuum. Happy Leap Day Eve, Bru

Yesterday, I had a catastrophic, cruciverbal conniption when discovering news of Will’s early February medical event; bummer. Purporting strong hope for a speedy recovery, I am anticipating a hearty, bounce back rehab; get well soon. The WP puzzlers form a worldwide support system that is in the blue penciler’s corner. This is a LeAnn RIMES ballad, “Blue,” <a href="https://youtu.be/GozdIQx1Wow?si=WgxU4YguQXqpDX1X" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/GozdIQx1Wow?si=WgxU4YguQXqpDX1X</a> Congrats to you and your team Jackson. You’re one SHREWd CAT. Courageous of you, jumping right into the deep end of WP pool. With Well Wishes For Will, Bru

Certain puzzles (today’s, for example) have a built in ear worm randomizer. This song by The Essex illustrates where I am coming from with this POST. As active USMC musicians, the Okinawa stationed group of early 1960’s vintage, the Metro area band is worth a listen, quite wiki worthy. 🎼🎤🎵🎹🎷 <a href="https://youtu.be/HxAaNsOETMk?si=c4EkIZCoIN-n8hSG" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/HxAaNsOETMk?si=c4EkIZCoIN-n8hSG</a> Truth RETOLD, BRU

This piece might me a rerun as the info motorway might have wrecked my first post. If so, all apologies. Don’t look now folks but it’s 2-5-25! <a href="https://youtu.be/zKQfxi8V5FA?si=DH3fflq-7wMWbwnc" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/zKQfxi8V5FA?si=DH3fflq-7wMWbwnc</a> Now on to Kieran’s creation.

Was a time in these here parts when breaking 100 posts was not a given; and we are at 330+ before breakfast. Also was a time when this song was an am-radio staple. From ‘62, This is Brooklyn born Marcie Blane’s “Bobby’s Girl.” <a href="https://youtu.be/MJPTqcVcZNU?si=95Mque54fSIDZi-7" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/MJPTqcVcZNU?si=95Mque54fSIDZi-7</a> I GOTTA Get Some Grub, Bru

Solved with relative ease, but a full 8 minutes north of average time. But I am hardly strictly a speed demon on the cruciverbial OVAL. Mass’s The Stone Coyotes have another idea in mind with “AT THE HOP.” <a href="https://youtu.be/MwRL-_sTBnI?si=dPL93RD5-ulwxkGV" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/MwRL-_sTBnI?si=dPL93RD5-ulwxkGV</a> Bye FIR Now, Bru

Anyone else consider spitunes for 3d? My baptismal was manned by the Summerhill Gang. For real, the rap genre AIN’T chiseled on to my Mt. music version of Rushmore. There I go again, waxing all slangy. If the phrase BEFITs, coin it.

55+ years ago an LP by Pink Floyd (the boy’s 2nd studio brainchild) “A Saucer Full Of Secrets” came to mind while solving this beaut of puzzle by Peter Gordon. Side 1 cut 3, “Set The Controls For THE HEART OF THE SUN,” all 5 1/2 minutes of it is, for my dime, a most apropos piece of accompaniment while star gazing today. Furthermore, thanks to Peter and the whole of WP for a most suitable enigma to kick start the day. <a href="https://youtu.be/JcfgJrHo9XA?si=C7qGgJBQ35WyA_cR" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/JcfgJrHo9XA?si=C7qGgJBQ35WyA_cR</a> Catching some Rays, Bru

In my day, I’ve dug a bunch of 8a ditties. And I recall 8a is/was Led Zep’s platter tag…This calm, cool mid-60 degree morn in Central Jersey sports a flock of blackbirds cawing up a racket. This, as I solve away out on the porch. The oft accompanying graceful gulls must have the day off. Aw shucks, I was hoping for a duet…More to follow.

AKIN to the Hippocratic oath, cruciverbally, first I solve the puzzle. And if that action does no harm, then I will hunt for the darned theme. This method of mind (no typo) is flexible though, as I get the value of theme identification early on in a solve…12 seconds over my Monday avg. but I hardly strictly solve for speed…If you ever get the chance to take in the seascape from San LUIS Obispo, you’ll keep that Pacific memory in your mind’s eye forever…Germane to content, but not the theme, this Chuck Berry rock/doo-wop amalgam is probably early 60’s vintage, if not late ‘50’s…Bye for now WPers. <a href="https://youtu.be/kORzqpAbpTY?si=RXvSi7zR7gSuL8Af" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/kORzqpAbpTY?si=RXvSi7zR7gSuL8Af</a> On Summer’s Crowning Monday, Bru

Wordplay; what a concept. This comment is hardly strictly puzzle pertinent today. No, nay, never have I heard this word until today. And then this morning, it tweaked my interest in lexicology twice. The initial finding had me looking up the term. That word appeared in today’s fine front page, above the fold, article about RFK Jr.. Couple hours later, while watching season one episode one of the soapy 2016 hbo series Divorce, the word appeared for the 2nd time in my life (73+ yrs.) I am glad I looked up the Greek/Latin noun at first glance. It’s ‘anathema’…used when Sarah Jessica Parker is on the train commenting into the city with her divorcee gal pal. I have a half of a toehold on it and will continue the solve post haste.

👍; if you get what I’m saying. Save the NW corner, this one solved like a song. <a href="https://youtu.be/RkycBqjU2Co?si=wij2Wbs5Nh6ieTvi" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/RkycBqjU2Co?si=wij2Wbs5Nh6ieTvi</a> I THANK All, Bru

Back in the Mid 60’s as a teenaged (16) usher at a Walter Reade Theater I had to quell an eruption from a discontented audience at curtain time. This on account of the fact that the print of Bonnie and Clyde arrived from Hollyweird with the dialogue in Spanish; the 46a with English subtitles. There was as much popcorn airborne in the aisles as is in Blue Man Group shows.