Wed., 4/22 Mart- DuGuay-Carpenter

[magus]

THEME:   first word of phrase is an object that can be cracked
   
GOOD ONES:     
Begin working {& theme}   GET CRACKING   
Classic cop show catchphrase  BOOK EM DANNO [it's also a "catch phrase" (& so well known that even someone who never saw the show knows it)]   
Sticks figures   HICKS [not stick figures]   
Help-wanted sign?   SOS   
   
BTW:   
Fun time   GAS [last time I heard GAS used that way was by Sinatra trying so hard to be hip in the '60's]   
   
Plastered   LIT [plastered = dead or very drunk; LIT = only slightly drunk or affected by alcohol]   
   
   
RATING:    
Three grins = Loved it; Two grins = Enjoyed it; One grin = A bit bland for my taste; One teardrop = Not much fun   

[Thomps2525]

Today's crossword included LIENEE. I know that the suffix "ee" refers to someone who is the recipient or beneficiary of a specific action, e.g., addressee, honoree and trainee, but I had never heard the word "lienee." It is not in the Merriam-Webster's dictionary but a detailed definition is in the Legal Dictionary:

http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Lienee

In 2010, schoolteacher Tony Hearn posted an essay in which he decried the growing trend of creating words ending in "ee." Everyone who reads this essay will be a "reader" and I suppose that will make Tony Hearn a "readee." (Sorry.)

http://www.dailywritingtips.com/meaning-of-the-suffix-ee/