Sat., 1/3 Brad Wilbur

[magus]

THEME:   none
   
GOOD ONES:     
Darn things   SEW [I read it first as "darned"]   
Berth place   WHARF   
Farm addition?   STEAD   
Almond relative   ECRU [I thought some nut I never heard of]   
It can be used to make gin   DISCARD PILE [as in gin rummy]   

BTW:   
Snicker follower   SNEE [the expression is "snick or snee"; if the term "snickersnee" is meant, then the clue needs a question mark as in "Farm addition?" at 48-Down]   
   
Tool for making precise crosscuts   MITER SAW [yes, but when I want (not that I always get) precision,  I use a table saw]   
   
   
RATING:    [for a themeless, this was an enjoyable challenge]
Three grins = Loved it; Two grins = Enjoyed it; One grin = A bit bland for my taste; One teardrop = Not much fun   

[Thomps2525]

The clue "It can be used to make gin" appeared twice. One answer (referring to the two-player card game) was DISCARDPILE and one answer (referring to the alcoholic beverage) was SLOE. Very clever! I'd love to see more puzzles with duplicate clues.

Today's crossword included THEDEEP and THEMOORS. Lately I've notice the word THE appearing in a lot of puzzle answers. Didn't editors forbid the use of THE at one time?

[magus]

Most I should think still do unless THE is often used with the noun, as in THE MOORS and, of course, THE DEEP, which is a movie.  I believe even THE DEEP referring to the ocean would be acceptable.

[Thomps2525]

...and I suppose we could include the name of this British alternative rock band: The The.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_The