Here is the complete list of clues and answers for the Saturday March 11th 2023, LA Times crossword puzzle.
ACROSS
- Stress-relieving gifts : SPA PACKAGES
The answer to this clue is SPA PACKAGES. Spa packages are collections of spa treatments that are designed to help people relax and relieve stress. They typically include massages, facials, body treatments, and other services that are meant to promote relaxation and rejuvenation.
- Title in an order : FRA
The answer to this clue is FRA, which is short for “Frater” or “Brother.” It is a title that is used in some orders, such as the Order of Friars Minor or the Franciscans. The title is used to address members of the order and is equivalent to “Brother” in English.
- Feature of the Bush and Johnson White Houses : TEXAS ACCENT
The answer to this clue is TEXAS ACCENT. Both George W. Bush and Lyndon B. Johnson were from Texas and had distinctive Texas accents. This accent is known for its drawl and twang and is often associated with the southern United States.
- Court call : LET
The answer to this clue is LET. In tennis, a “let” is a call that is made when a serve touches the net but still lands in the correct service court. If a let is called, the server is allowed to serve again without penalty.
- Fox on TV : AGENT MULDER
The answer to this clue is AGENT MULDER. This is a reference to the television show “The X-Files,” which aired from 1993 to 2002. Agent Fox Mulder was one of the main characters on the show and was played by David Duchovny.
- Prelude to a kiss? : I DO
The answer to this clue is I DO. In a traditional wedding ceremony, the exchange of vows is typically followed by the question “Do you take this person to be your lawfully wedded spouse?” to which the response is “I do.” Therefore, “I do” can be seen as a prelude to a kiss, which often follows the exchange of vows.
- Podcast feed letters : RSS
The answer to this clue is RSS. RSS stands for “Really Simple Syndication” and is a format used to distribute content, such as podcasts, on the internet. It allows users to subscribe to a podcast feed and automatically receive new episodes as they are released.
- Zelle and Venmo : APPS
The answer to this clue is APPS. Zelle and Venmo are both mobile payment apps that allow users to send and receive money electronically. They have become increasingly popular in recent years as more people have started using mobile devices for everyday tasks.
- Editor’s tool : RED PEN
The answer to this clue is RED PEN. A red pen is a common tool used by editors to mark up and correct written documents. It is often used to indicate errors, suggest changes, and provide feedback to the writer.
- Any of 12 popes : PIUS
The answer to this clue is PIUS. There have been 12 popes with the name Pius, starting with Pope Pius I in the second century and ending with Pope Pius XII in the mid-20th century. The name “Pius” comes from the Latin word for “pious” or “devout.”
- Run : OVERSEE
The answer to this clue is OVERSEE. “Run” can be used as a synonym for “oversee,” meaning to manage, supervise, or be in charge of something. For example, a CEO might “run” a company, or a manager might “run” a department.
- Some highlands musicians : PIPERS
The answer to this clue is PIPERS. Pipers are musicians who play the bagpipes, a traditional instrument that is commonly associated with Scottish and Irish culture. Bagpipes consist of a bag that is inflated by the player’s breath and several pipes that produce different notes.
- Salt Lake Bees and Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp : AAA TEAMS
The answer to this clue is AAA TEAMS. In baseball, the term “AAA” refers to the highest level of minor league baseball. AAA teams are affiliated with major league teams and serve as a development system for young players.
- “Who’s better than me?!” : I RULE
The answer to this clue is I RULE. This phrase is often used to express confidence or dominance. It can be interpreted as “I am the best” or “I am in charge.”
- Drops in the air : MISTS
The answer to this clue is MISTS. A mist is a type of precipitation that consists of small droplets of water suspended in the air. It can be caused by condensation, evaporation, or other atmospheric conditions.
- Red choice : CAB
The answer to this clue is CAB. In wine, “cab” is short for “cabernet,” which is a type of red grape that is commonly used to make red wine. A “cab” or “cabernet” is a type of wine that is made primarily from this grape variety.
- Tips for a writer : NIBS
The answer to this clue is NIBS. A nib is the pointed end of a pen that is used for writing. Tips for a writer might refer to advice on how to use a pen or pencil effectively, or it could refer to more general writing tips.
- 2020 Isabel Wilkerson bestseller subtitled “The Origins of Our Discontents” : CASTE
The answer to this clue is CASTE. Isabel Wilkerson’s book “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents” explores the role of social hierarchy and inequality in American society. The book examines how caste systems have shaped American history and culture, and how they continue to influence contemporary issues such as racism and discrimination.
- Stud locale : LOBE
The answer to this clue is LOBE. A lobe is a part of an organ or structure that is separate from the rest of the organ. For example, the brain is divided into several lobes that each have a different function. In this context, “stud locale” could refer to a piercing in the earlobe or another body part.
- Night sch. class : ESL
The answer to this clue is ESL. ESL stands for “English as a Second Language,” which refers to a type of language instruction that is designed for people who are learning English as their second (or third) language. ESL classes are often held at night to accommodate students who work during the day.
- Gals, in dated slang : MOLLS
The answer to this clue is MOLLS. “Molls” is a slang term that was used in the early 20th century to refer to women who were associated with gangsters or organized crime. It is considered a dated term and is not commonly used today.
- Winds : COILS
The answer to this clue is COILS. A coil is a length of wire or other material that is wound into a spiral shape. In the context of this clue, “winds” could refer to the act of coiling or wrapping something.
38 Member of a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame girl group : SHIRELLES
The Shirelles were an American girl group formed in 1957 in Passaic, New Jersey. They were one of the first and most successful girl groups of the 1960s. The group consisted of four African-American women: Shirley Owens (later Shirley Alston Reeves), Doris Coley (later Doris Kenner-Jackson), Beverly Lee, and Addie “Micki” Harris. Their hits included “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” “Mama Said,” and “Soldier Boy.” The Shirelles were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.
40 Polarizing figure? : MAGNET
A magnet is an object that produces a magnetic field, which attracts certain materials, such as iron or steel. The north and south poles of a magnet have opposite magnetic polarity, and opposite poles attract each other while like poles repel each other. This is why the term “polarizing figure” can be used to describe a person or thing that attracts some people while repelling others, much like the opposite poles of a magnet.
41 Agreements : ACCORDS
An accord is an agreement or a formal treaty between two or more parties. It can also refer to a harmonious relationship or a pleasing combination of musical notes. In the context of a crossword clue, “accords” can refer to agreements in a general sense, or specifically to the musical term.
42 “Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are __!”: 1978 album : DEVO
“Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!” is the debut album by the American new wave band Devo, released in 1978. The album was produced by Brian Eno and features the band’s quirky, robotic sound, as well as their satirical lyrics and social commentary.
43 Opening night invitee : CRITIC
A critic is a person who evaluates and analyzes works of art, literature, or music, and provides commentary or reviews. In the context of a crossword clue, “opening night invitee” refers to a critic who is invited to attend the premiere or first performance of a play, movie, or other cultural event.
44 Untimely? : LATE
The word “late” can refer to something that is past its expected or desired time, or to someone who has died. In the context of a crossword clue, “untimely” can be a play on words, as it can mean both “late” in the sense of being delayed or overdue, and “untimely” in the sense of being premature or unexpected.
45 Evil computer who says, “I’m sorry, Dave. I’m afraid I can’t do that” : HAL
HAL 9000 is a fictional computer character and the primary antagonist in the 1968 science fiction novel “2001: A Space Odyssey” by Arthur C. Clarke and the subsequent film directed by Stanley Kubrick. HAL is depicted as a highly advanced artificial intelligence with a calm, even voice, but he becomes increasingly sinister as the story progresses. His most famous line is “I’m sorry, Dave. I’m afraid I can’t do that,” which he utters when he refuses to open the pod bay doors for astronaut Dave Bowman.
48 Bulls and bucks : HES
“Hes” is a crossword puzzle abbreviation for “he’s,” which is short for “he is.” The clue “bulls and bucks” is a play on words, as “bulls” can refer to male cattle, while “bucks” can refer to male deer, but both are also slang terms for money, which can be used to describe
49 Tailor’s device : TAPE MEASURE
A tape measure is a flexible ruler used to measure lengths, widths, and depths. It is a tool commonly used by tailors to measure the dimensions of fabric or clothing. Tape measures can come in various lengths and units of measurement, such as inches, centimeters, or millimeters.
52 “Dig in!” : EAT
“Dig in!” is a common expression used to encourage someone to start eating, especially when presented with a delicious or hearty meal. It can also be used more generally to encourage someone to start a task or activity with enthusiasm.
53 Actor who played Tony Rodriguez on “NYPD Blue” : ESAI MORALES
Esai Morales is an American actor who is known for his roles in film and television. He played the character of Tony Rodriguez on the television series “NYPD Blue” from 2001 to 2004. Morales has also appeared in a number of films, including “La Bamba,” “Bad Boys,” and “Fast Food Nation.”
54 Some corporate IP : TMS
“TMS” can refer to a number of things in the context of corporate intellectual property (IP). It could be an abbreviation for “trademark service,” which provides legal services related to trademark registration and protection. Alternatively, it could refer to “transaction management system,” which is a software system used to manage and track business transactions. TMS could also stand for “technology management system,” which is a system used to manage technology assets within a corporation.
55 Display that may have rotating shelves : DESSERT CASE
A dessert case is a refrigerated display case typically found in bakeries, cafes, and restaurants that showcases various desserts and pastries for sale. It may have rotating shelves to make it easier for customers to view all of the available options. Dessert cases can be used to display cakes, pies, cookies, muffins, and other sweet treats, and can be a tempting sight for those with a sweet tooth.
DOWN
1 Nicola Yoon’s “The Sun Is Also a __” : STAR
“The Sun Is Also a Star” is a young adult novel written by Nicola Yoon, published in 2016. It follows the story of two teenagers, Natasha and Daniel, who fall in love in New York City over the course of a single day. The title of the book is taken from a line in a poem by the 19th-century British poet Gerard Manley Hopkins.
2 Cribbage pieces : PEGS
Cribbage is a card game that is typically played by two players using a specialized board and pegs to keep score. The pegs are moved around the board to keep track of each player’s score during the game. Cribbage is a popular game in English-speaking countries, particularly in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
3 x, y and z, in math : AXES
In mathematics, the terms “x,” “y,” and “z” are often used to represent the variables in a three-dimensional coordinate system. The x-axis represents the horizontal dimension, the y-axis represents the vertical dimension, and the z-axis represents the depth dimension. These axes are used to plot and analyze mathematical functions and data sets.
4 All-Clad product : PAN
All-Clad is a brand of high-quality cookware that is known for its durability and performance. Their products are made with multiple layers of stainless steel and aluminum to provide even heating and prevent sticking. An All-Clad pan is a versatile cooking tool that can be used for frying, sautéing, searing, and more.
5 “Steps in Time” memoirist : ASTAIRE
“Steps in Time” is a memoir written by Fred Astaire, one of the most famous dancers and actors of the 20th century. The book was first published in 1959 and covers Astaire’s early years in show business, his partnership with Ginger Rogers, and his work in films such as “Top Hat,” “Swing Time,” and “The Band Wagon.”
6 Intellectual property? : CAMPUS
In the context of crossword clues, “intellectual property” can refer to a variety of things, depending on the intended meaning. In this case, the answer “campus” may be a play on words, suggesting that a college or university campus is a place where intellectual property is created and developed. This could refer to the research, writing, and creative work produced by students, faculty, and staff at academic institutions.
7 Keurig pods : K-CUPS
K-Cups are small plastic cups that contain a single serving of ground coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They are used in Keurig coffee makers, which use a specialized brewing system to produce a single cup of hot beverage quickly and easily. K-Cups are available in a wide range of flavors and varieties, making them a popular choice for coffee drinkers who enjoy convenience and variety.
8 Concerns for some orthopedic surgeons, initially : ACLS
In the field of medicine, orthopedic surgeons specialize in the treatment of disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system. One common concern for orthopedic surgeons is the health and function of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which is a major ligament in the knee that provides stability and support during physical activity. Injuries to the ACL can be serious and may require surgical intervention.
9 HS proficiency test : GED
The General Educational Development (GED) test is a high school proficiency exam that evaluates the knowledge and skills of individuals who did not complete high school. The GED test assesses proficiency in four subject areas: Reasoning through Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematical Reasoning.
10 Sap : ENERVATE
The verb “enervate” means to weaken or drain of energy or vitality. Therefore, sap is an appropriate synonym for enervate as both words refer to a reduction in strength or energy.
11 Doja Cat hit with the lyric “Send your location, come through” : STREETS
“Streets” is a song by American rapper and singer Doja Cat, which was released in 2019 as a single from her second studio album “Hot Pink”. The song gained popularity on TikTok in 2021, leading to its viral success.
12 Ensures that change is in the air? : FLIPS A COIN
Flipping a coin is a way of making a random choice between two options. The phrase “ensures that change is in the air” is a play on words, as flipping a coin can lead to a change in decision or outcome, while the idiom “change is in the air” refers to an impending shift or alteration.
13 Scrooge, ultimately : REDEEMABLE
Scrooge is a fictional character in Charles Dickens’ novella “A Christmas Carol”. Initially portrayed as a miserly and selfish person, Scrooge undergoes a transformation and ultimately becomes a benevolent and compassionate individual. Therefore, Scrooge is ultimately redeemable, as he is capable of change and redemption.
14 In top form : AT ONE’S BEST
The phrase “at one’s best” refers to being in a state of optimal performance or condition. When someone is in top form, they are operating at their highest level of ability or potential.
22 One of the “Black-ish” parents : DRE
“Dre” is the nickname of Andre Johnson, the main character in the American sitcom “Black-ish”. Dre is a successful advertising executive and the father of four children.
23 NOLA cagers : PELS
The “Pels” is a nickname for the New Orleans Pelicans, a professional basketball team in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The team was previously known as the New Orleans Hornets before changing their name to the Pelicans in 2013.
24 Brewery equipment : OASTS
An “oast” is a type of kiln used for drying hops in the brewing process. Oasts are commonly found in the UK, particularly in the county of Kent, which is known for its production of hops.
25 Pouch with a woodsy scent : PINE SACHET
A sachet is a small cloth bag filled with fragrant herbs, flowers, or other scented substances used to freshen the air or clothing. A pine sachet, as the name suggests, contains pine needles or other pine-scented materials and is often used to impart a woodsy aroma to a space or to deter insects.
26 Mudslide element : IRISH CREAM
The Mudslide is a popular cocktail that typically consists of vodka, Kahlúa, and Bailey’s Irish Cream. Bailey’s Irish Cream, which is a sweet and creamy liqueur made from Irish whiskey and cream, is the key ingredient that gives the Mudslide its distinctive flavor.
27 Attention getters : PUBLICISTS
A publicist is a professional who is responsible for promoting and creating publicity for an individual or organization. Therefore, attention getters is an appropriate term to describe publicists, as their job involves getting attention and generating media coverage for their clients.
28 Target section : AISLE
An aisle is a passage between two rows of seats, shelves, or other objects. In a store, the aisle refers to the space between two rows of merchandise, and is often used to identify the location of a particular product or category of items.
30 Shop keepers? : MALLS
The term “shopkeepers” typically refers to the people who own or operate small retail stores. However, the clue is using a play on words, as malls are large shopping centers that contain multiple stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. Therefore, in this context, malls could be considered the “shopkeepers” of the various stores and businesses within them.
33 Focus of many a true crime podcast : COLD CASE
A cold case is a criminal investigation that remains unsolved and inactive for a prolonged period of time. True crime podcasts often focus on these types of cases, delving into the details of the crime and attempting to uncover new evidence or leads that could help solve the case.
34 Letterhead feature, often : LOGO
A logo is a symbol or design that represents a company or organization. It is often featured prominently on letterheads, which are sheets of paper that contain a company’s name, address, and other contact information.
36 Just : MERITED
The word “merited” means to deserve or be worthy of something, usually as a result of one’s actions or qualities. Therefore, the term “just” is an appropriate synonym for merited, as both words imply fairness and deservingness.
37 The Lascaux bulls, e.g. : CAVE ART
Cave art refers to the prehistoric drawings, paintings, and engravings found on the walls and ceilings of caves and rock shelters. The Lascaux bulls are a famous example of cave art, as they are a set of well-preserved paintings of bulls that were created by prehistoric humans in the Lascaux Cave in southwestern France.
39 Rubbish : ROT
The term “rot” can be used to describe anything that is decaying, decomposing, or otherwise falling apart. In the context of the clue, “rubbish” is a synonym for “garbage” or “trash”, which can be considered to be rotting or decaying organic material.
40 Shower element : METEOR
The term “meteor” refers to a small piece of debris from space that burns up upon entering the Earth’s atmosphere. In the context of the clue, the word “shower” is a reference to meteor showers, which occur when the Earth passes through a cloud of debris left behind by a comet or asteroid, causing a temporary increase in the number of meteors visible in the night sky.
42 Actor Jean-Claude Van __ : DAMME
Jean-Claude Van Damme is a Belgian actor, director, and martial artist. He is known for his roles in action movies such as “Bloodsport”, “Universal Soldier”, and “Double Impact”.
44 Fragrant neckwear : LEIS
A lei is a garland or wreath typically made from flowers, leaves, or shells. They are often used in Hawaiian and other Polynesian cultures as a form of decoration or to honor someone special, and can be worn around the neck as a fragrant necklace.
45 Dance with a kahiko style : HULA
Hula is a traditional dance form originating from the Hawaiian Islands. It is often accompanied by chant, song, or music, and incorporates hand motions, footwork, and storytelling. Kahiko is a style of hula that emphasizes ancient dance forms and costumes, and is often performed in a more serious and ceremonial manner.
46 Trojan War god : ARES
Ares is the Greek god of war and violence. In Greek mythology, he was the son of Zeus and Hera, and was often depicted as a fierce and brutal warrior.
47 __-majesté : LESE
Lèse-majesté is a French term that refers to the crime of violating or insulting the dignity of a reigning sovereign or state. It is a form of treason or sedition, and was historically punished severely, often with death.
50 Pops : PAS
The word “pas” is a French term that translates to “step” in English. In the context of the clue, “pops” is likely a reference to a style of dance that involves quick and light footwork, often characterized by small, bouncing steps.
51 Pollen holder : SAC
A sac is a small pouch or bag that can be used to hold various objects. In the context of the clue, a pollen sac is a structure found in plants that contains pollen grains, which are responsible for fertilization and reproduction.
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