Hi all.
Jeffrey here.
“Crossing Paths” is this week’s puzzle title and did you figure out the theme? Unlike most puzzles, looking only at the long across answers won’t be enough. You have to look for the “paths” that cross.
17a [Had a growth spurt] – SPROUTED/ 4d [Carpentry insert that gets in the groove] – ROUTER BIT. ROUTE is the path in each answer that cross each other at the U.
35a [Innards] – ENTRAILS/ 11d [Saloon patrons’ foot rests] – BOOT RAILS. TRAIL is the path that crosses at the I.
54a [Woman, in old gangster films] – BROAD/ 34d [Convicts hastily and unfairly] – RAILROAD. ROAD is the path that crosses at the O.
56a [Make a simple breakfast, say] – BOIL AN EGG/ 36d [Mars, as it’s called, with “the”] – RED PLANET. LANE is the path that crosses on the A.
Canadian content:
4a [Outspoken Mair of ‘80s talk radio] – RAFE. He was well-known in British Columbia but likely not so much in the rest of the country.
16a [Conservative leader Erin] – O’TOOLE. Recently became the Leader of the Opposition in Canada. If he becomes Prime Minister, perhaps other crossword constructors will follow Barb’s lead and stop using Peter as the only O’Toole clue. Remember where you saw it first!
23a [Fairy tale beginning] – ONCE. The TV series “Once Upon A Time” was filmed in Vancouver. (Hey, there’s not a lot of obvious Canadian content in this puzzle. I have to find it where I can.)
25d [Giller prize nominee, say] – AUTHOR. Winners of this Canadian literary prize include Margaret Atwood, Mordecai Richler and Alice Munro.
27d [Scottish singer Sheena] – EASTON. Sheena Easton sang “We’ve Got Tonight” with Kenny Rogers, who sang “Lady” written by Lionel Richie, who sang a remake of “Endless Love” with Shania Twain, who is Canadian. Ok, too far a stretch, even for me.
Tip of the Week:
If you can’t figure out the theme, check the title of the puzzle for a hint.
See you next week!