Victoria R

It’s my birthday, and I managed to solve today’s puzzle without needing the Wordplay column. I’d say that Mr. Marquez has given me a happy start to the day. Thank you!

Some of the most sparkling clues I’ve ever seen. Idris Elba? Sod? Well done!

TIL that Mel Tormé’s nickname is the Velvet Fog and not the Velvet Frog. I always thought it was a touch rude, but that’s what grandma called him.

IRONIC instead of ICONIC gave me LURID instead of LUCID, and it made perfect sense to me.