Just in case you do puzzles without noticing the name of the constructor, this puzzle, thoughtfully provided today by editor Rich Norris, exemplifies why Dan Naddor was so highly respected. His consistently creative themes made him a favorite.
Today's 21x21 grid features no fewer than eleven phrases with the intrusive letters LI, which happens to be Roman for the Arabic 51; hence the title "51 Pickup." (51 pickup is a card "trick" kids learn early on not to play.)
By intrusive it is meant that to a common phrase, like PAN HANDLER, is added other letters, like LI, making the new phrase read something totally different, like PALINHANDLER, clued by "Sarah's campaign strategist?"
Among others, Dan managed to dream up these goodies:
POLISHSPICE for Seasoning for kielbasa? [Posh Spice of the Spice Girls singing group]
COMEONOLIVER for "Let's go, Mr. North" [Oliver North]
COLLIEPORTER for Lassie's luggage carrier? [Cole Porter]
THELASTSUPPLIER for Ultimate caterer? ["The Last Supper"]
And, his cluing throughout is first rate with "Promise, for one" for OLEO [Promise is a brand name, not a pledge] and "Bridge site" for NOSE [not the card game seat].
Perhaps the 100 or so puzzles he did for the LAT will one day be collected in a volume. I'd be the first customer.
