LA Times Crossword 3 May 23, Wednesday

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Constructed by: Amie Walker
Edited by: Patti Varol

Today’s Reveal Answer: Cool Weather

Themed answers all comprise two words. The first is a synonym for “COOL”, and the second is a WEATHER phenomenon:

  • 61A Feature of early spring and late fall, or an apt description of the answers to the starred clues? : COOL WEATHER
  • 17A *Destructive meteorological events marked by high winds and heavy rain : SUPERSTORMS
  • 28A *Phenomena created by sunlight refracting through ice crystals in clouds : FIRE RAINBOWS
  • 45A *Low-pressure systems also called “winter hurricanes” : BOMB CYCLONES

Read on, or jump to …
… a complete list of answers

Bill’s time: 6m 13s

Bill’s errors: 0

Today’s Wiki-est Amazonian Googlies

Across

1 __ d’Azur: stretch of the Riviera : COTE

The Côte d’Azur is on the Mediterranean coast of France and stretches from Saint-Tropez in the west and to the Italian border in the east. In English, we often refer to the area as “the French Riviera”. It’s a little crowded for me (okay, “expensive”), especially in the summer.

5 Black-and-white mammal : PANDA

Taxonomic classification of the giant panda has been a subject of great debate for years, the main question being whether it belongs to the bear or raccoon family. The accepted opinion these days, based on molecular studies, seems to be that the panda is in fact a true bear.

10 NBC skit show, familiarly : SNL

NBC first aired a form of “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) in 1975 under the title “NBC’s Saturday Night”. The show was actually created to give Johnny Carson some time off from “The Tonight Show”. Back then “The Tonight Show” had a weekend episode, and Carson convinced NBC to pull the Saturday or Sunday recordings off the air and hold them for subsequent weeknights in which Carson needed a break. NBC turned to Lorne Michaels and asked him to put together a variety show to fill the vacant slot, and he came up with what we now call “Saturday Night Live”.

16 Garland that may feature kika blossoms : LEI

A kika blossom, also known as a cigar flower, is a small, tubular flower native to Mexico and Central America. Kika blossoms are said to resemble lit cigars.

17 *Destructive meteorological events marked by high winds and heavy rain : SUPERSTORMS

A superstorm is a relatively uncommon large and destructive storm, something beyond an accepted meteorological descriptor such as hurricane or blizzard. The term “superstorm” was coined by the National Weather Service in 1993.

19 Geologic age : EON

Geologic time is divided into a number of units of varying lengths. These are, starting from the largest:

  • supereon
  • eon (also “aeon”)
  • era
  • period
  • epoch
  • age

20 Director Roth : ELI

Eli Roth is one of a group of directors of horror movies known quite graphically as “The Splat Pack”. I can’t stand “splat” movies and avoid them as best I can. Roth is also famous for playing Donny Donowitz in the Quentin Tarantino movie “Inglourious Basterds”, a good film I thought, if you close your eyes during the gruesome bits.

21 Sun Devils sch. : ASU

Arizona State University (ASU) has a long history, and was founded as the Tempe Normal School for the Arizona Territory in 1885. The athletic teams of ASU used to be known as the Normals, then the Bulldogs, and since 1946 they’ve been called the Sun Devils.

22 Aquaman’s staff : TRIDENT

Aquaman is a comic book superhero who first appeared in 1941. He was inspired by a character in a Russian science-fiction novel named “Amphibian Man”.

28 *Phenomena created by sunlight refracting through ice crystals in clouds : FIRE RAINBOWS

A fire rainbow, also called a circumhorizontal arc, is formed by the refraction of sunlight or moonlight in plate-shaped ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere, typically in cirrus or cirrostratus clouds. They are caused by the same phenomenon that causes rainbows, but they are much rarer because they can only be seen when the sun (or moon) is high in the sky.

33 __ voce : SOTTO

“Sotto voce” literally means “under the voice” in Italian, and describes the deliberate lowering of one’s voice for emphasis.

37 Actress Long : NIA

Nia Long is an actress who is probably best known for playing Will Smith’s sometime girlfriend and fiancee Lisa Wilkes on the TV show “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air”.

41 Piquancy : ZING
[41D Piquancy : ZEST]

Something that is piquant is pleasantly sharp in taste and zesty. “Piquant” is the French word for “prickly”.

44 Ballet jumps : JETES

A jeté is a leap in ballet, with the term “jeté” coming from the French word “jeter” meaning “to throw”. A “jeté en avant” is a “leap to the front”, towards the audience. A “grand jeté” is a long horizontal jump, a split in the air, leaping from one foot to the other.

45 *Low-pressure systems also called “winter hurricanes” : BOMB CYCLONES

A bomb cyclone, also known as explosive cyclogenesis, is a rapidly developing storm that occurs when atmospheric pressure drops at least 24 millibars over a 24-hour period (at a 60-degree latitude). This can happen when a cold air mass collides with a warm air mass, such as air over warm ocean waters. Bomb cyclones are often associated with strong winds, heavy precipitation, and coastal flooding.

58 Blasting material : TNT

“TNT” is an abbreviation for “trinitrotoluene”. Trinitrotoluene was first produced in 1863 by the German chemist Joseph Wilbrand, who developed it for use as a yellow dye. TNT is relatively difficult to detonate so it was on the market as a dye for some years before its more explosive properties were discovered.

59 Michael of 10-Across : CHE
[10A NBC skit show, familiarly : SNL]

Michael Che is a standup comedian from New York City. Che had worked as a writer for “Saturday Night Live” (SNL), and then started to appear in front of SNL cameras in September 2014. One of his roles was co-anchor for the “Weekend Update” segment of the show.

60 “Excusez-__” : MOI

“Excusez-moi” is French for “excuse me”.

64 Nosher’s bite : NOM

“Om Nom Nom Nom” is a slang expression that indicates satisfied eating.

65 Cream-filled pastry : ECLAIR

The name for the pastry known as an “éclair” is clearly French in origin. The French word for lightning is “éclair”, but no one seems to be too sure how it came to be used for the rather delicious bakery item.

66 “The __ Tour”: 2023 Taylor Swift concert series : ERAS

“The Eras Tour” by singer-songwriter Taylor Swift began on Saint Patrick’s Day 2023. Having not toured for her studio albums “Lover”, “Folklore”, and “Evermore” due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Swift pulled together the Eras Tour in support of all of her albums.

67 Flamenco cheer : OLE!

Flamenco is a style of Spanish music and dance. The origin of the word “flamenco” isn’t clearly understood, but the explanation that seems most credible to me is that it comes from Flanders in Northern Europe. Given that “flamenco” is the Spanish word for “Flemish” and Flanders is home to the Flemish people it makes perfect sense, doesn’t it?

69 Intro, in journalism jargon : LEDE

The opening paragraph in any work of literature is often just called “the lead”. In the world of journalism, this is usually referred to as “the lede”. The derivative phrase “bury the lede” means to fail to stress the most important aspect of a story.

Down

1 Surveyed surreptitiously : CASED

The phrase “to case the joint” is American slang meaning “to examine a location with the intent of robbing it”. The origins of the phrase are apparently unknown, although it dates back at least to 1915.

2 Plant structure with reproductive cells : OVULE

As we all remember from botany class (don’t we?), an ovule is a small structure in many plants that develops into the seed after fertilization.

9 Genre of YouTube videos that may bring about brain tingles, for short : ASMR

Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR)

11 Word on really bright Crayolas : NEON

Crayola has made the decision to rename colors of crayons a few times, often with a nod to changing attitudes in society. Some examples are:

  • “Flesh” to “Peach” (1962 … not all flesh is peach-colored)
  • “Prussian Blue” to “Midnight Blue” (1958 … as the Cold War was raging)
  • “Indian Red” to “Chestnut” (1999 … even though the name wasn’t a reference to “American Indian”)

12 Dryer fluff : LINT

“Lint”, meaning “fluff”, is one of those terms that I had to learn when I moved to the US. We call the same thing “fuzz” on the other side of the Atlantic.

18 Part of NPR : RADIO

National Public Radio (now just called “NPR”) was established in 1970 after President Johnson signed into law the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967. The station’s first broadcast took place in April of 1971, coverage of the US Senate hearings on the Vietnam War. The intent of the act was to provide funding for radio and television broadcasting that wasn’t simply driven by profit. As a longtime fan of the state-funded BBC in the UK, I’d have to agree with that intent …

25 Matinee hrs. : AFTS

“Matinée” is a French word used to describe a musical entertainment held during the daytime. “Matinée” is derived from the word “matin”, meaning “morning”, although here the term is used in the sense of “daylight”.

30 Sends a text, briefly : IMS

Instant message (IM)

31 Viognier, e.g. : WINE

The viognier is a variety of white wine grape. It isn’t very common, as it is low-yielding and usually not viable economically.

35 Muscle-strengthening session for a baby : TUMMY TIME

Tummy time is when a baby lies on their stomach. Tummy time helps them develop their neck and shoulder muscles, as well as their motor skills. It also helps to prevent flat spots on the back of their head.

44 Volkswagen sedan : JETTA

“Jetta” is one in a series of model names related to winds that has been used by Volkswagen. “Jetta” comes from the German for “jet stream”, and the model name “Passat” comes from the German for “trade wind”.

46 Comb creator : BEE

Honeybees create a structure within their nests called a honeycomb that is used to contain their larvae and also to store honey and pollen. The honeycomb comprises hexagonal cells made from wax.

48 Bay Area NFLers : NINERS

The San Francisco 49ers of the NFL have been playing their home games in Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara since 2014. The team moved from the famous Candlestick Park, which they had been using since 1971. Levi’s Stadium, the team’s new home, got a big boost in January 2016 when it was used as the venue for the Super Bowl. Given the sponsorship by Levi Stauss, the jeans manufacturer, the venue has the nickname “Field of Jeans”, a play on the movie title “Field of Dreams”.

51 Autumn colour : OCHRE

Ocher is a light, yellowish-brown color, although variations of the pigment are possible such as red ocher and purple ocher. “Ocher” is usually spelled “ochre” on the other side of the pond.

56 Scot’s swimming spot : LOCH

“Loch” is the Scottish-Gaelic word for “lake”. The Irish-Gaelic word is “lough”, and the Welsh word is “llyn”.

57 “Seize the day” acronym : YOLO

You only live once (YOLO)

62 __ Vegas : LAS

Back in the 1800s, the Las Vegas Valley was given its name from the extensive meadows (“las vegas” is Spanish for “the meadows”) present in the area courtesy of the artesian wells drilled by local farmers. Las Vegas was incorporated as a city in 1905, in the days when it was a stopping-off point for pioneers traveling west. It eventually became a railroad town, although with the coming of the railroad growth halted as travelers began to bypass Las Vegas. The city’s tourism industry took off in 1935 with the completion of the nearby Hoover Dam, which is still a popular attraction. Then gambling was legalized, and things really started to move. Vegas was picked, largely by celebrated figures in “the mob”, as a convenient location across the California/Nevada state line that could service the vast population of Los Angeles. As a result, Las Vegas is the most populous US city founded in the 20th century (Chicago is the most populous city founded in the 19th century, just in case you were wondering).

Complete List of Clues/Answers

Across

1 __ d’Azur: stretch of the Riviera : COTE
5 Black-and-white mammal : PANDA
10 NBC skit show, familiarly : SNL
13 Declare bluntly : AVOW
14 Relaxed : AT EASE
16 Garland that may feature kika blossoms : LEI
17 *Destructive meteorological events marked by high winds and heavy rain : SUPERSTORMS
19 Geologic age : EON
20 Director Roth : ELI
21 Sun Devils sch. : ASU
22 Aquaman’s staff : TRIDENT
24 Indulgently lavish : DECADENT
27 Opening : GAP
28 *Phenomena created by sunlight refracting through ice crystals in clouds : FIRE RAINBOWS
33 __ voce : SOTTO
36 Spots for fast cash : ATMS
37 Actress Long : NIA
38 Consequently : THUS
39 Gives in : CAVES
41 Piquancy : ZING
42 Objective : AIM
43 Achy : SORE
44 Ballet jumps : JETES
45 *Low-pressure systems also called “winter hurricanes” : BOMB CYCLONES
49 Favorable vote : YEA
50 Be just right for : SUIT TO A T
54 Altogether : UTTERLY
58 Blasting material : TNT
59 Michael of 10-Across : CHE
60 “Excusez-__” : MOI
61 Feature of early spring and late fall, or an apt description of the answers to the starred clues? : COOL WEATHER
64 Nosher’s bite : NOM
65 Cream-filled pastry : ECLAIR
66 “The __ Tour”: 2023 Taylor Swift concert series : ERAS
67 Flamenco cheer : OLE!
68 Party leaders : HOSTS
69 Intro, in journalism jargon : LEDE

Down

1 Surveyed surreptitiously : CASED
2 Plant structure with reproductive cells : OVULE
3 Discussion point : TOPIC
4 Pasture grazer : EWE
5 Quarterback, often : PASSER
6 Bring into harmony : ATTUNE
7 Prefix for a revived music genre, e.g. : NEO-
8 Move quickly : DART
9 Genre of YouTube videos that may bring about brain tingles, for short : ASMR
10 Go to bed before putting something to bed, say : SLEEP ON IT
11 Word on really bright Crayolas : NEON
12 Dryer fluff : LINT
15 Endorses digitally : E-SIGNS
18 Part of NPR : RADIO
23 Blot : DAB
25 Matinee hrs. : AFTS
26 Goes a long way : TRAVELS
29 Had a bite : ATE
30 Sends a text, briefly : IMS
31 Viognier, e.g. : WINE
32 Droops : SAGS
33 Try : STAB
34 Indiana neighbor : OHIO
35 Muscle-strengthening session for a baby : TUMMY TIME
39 Demurely evasive : COY
40 Curved path : ARC
41 Piquancy : ZEST
43 Not at all abundant : SCARCE
44 Volkswagen sedan : JETTA
46 Comb creator : BEE
47 Get the better of : OUTWIT
48 Bay Area NFLers : NINERS
51 Autumn colour : OCHRE
52 Still to come : AHEAD
53 Brief : TERSE
54 “Uh, guess again” : UM, NO
55 Wrench, e.g. : TOOL
56 Scot’s swimming spot : LOCH
57 “Seize the day” acronym : YOLO
62 __ Vegas : LAS
63 Business card no. : TEL