Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day is girandole, which is new to me. It’s fitting for the day because it covers certain fireworks: a radiating and showy composition (such as a cluster of skyrockets fired together). It’s also often used for an ornamental branched candlestick, or a pendant earring usually with three ornaments hanging from a central piece.
Here’s a nice one, followed by my Aunt Bertha showing off some girandole earrings she found at a flea market somewhere.
A pair of Rex comments today about the puzzle’s theme (which was burger toppings):
Dr. Haber: Was wondering, can “plain” be a topping? Asking for a friend.
Bageleater: No. Plain can not be a topping. When a burger is plain, there is nothing on top.
Thanks for clearing that up, fellas.
So, as noted, the puzzle theme was burger toppings, with each topping part of long answer: TOMATO METER (Movie rating scale with “Fresh” and “Rotten” labels); GLASS ONION (2022 murder mystery movie with cameos by Serena Williams and Yo-Yo Ma); PICKLEBALL (Sport craze of the 2020s); and GREEN CHEESE (Moon’s makeup, fancifully).
And the toppings were sort of stacked (in the grid) on top of the
CHEESE BURGER
About “Glass Onion,” Joe Dipinto noted “before the movie, there was this song,” and he shared this Beatle tune that reminded me how long it’s been since I’ve heard a Beatle tune.
But the most exciting news of all is that our favorite commenter, LMS, is back, after a long (unexplained) absence, and the commentariat (and Owl Chatter) are delighted. Here are her comments on two of today’s puzzle answers: BUTTS (Cigarette discards), and NAME IT (“Whatever you want — just say!”).
“Mr. BUTTS is our tech guy at school and he’s a beast. Love him. But what a tough name to have if you work with teenagers. In WV, we had a Mrs. Butts who retired and was replaced by Ms. Heiney. I. Kid. You. Not.
“NAME IT. Hmm. Whatever you want. Apparently they’re offering signing bonuses to any teacher willing to work at Turning Point. So many are afraid of the idea of working at an alternative school that it’s extremely hard to find employees. (A substitute teacher was attacked a few months ago, and she was interviewed on the news. I’m glad she shared her story – every bit of it true – but it didn’t help in our constant endeavor to fill positions.) The obvious question for those of us who’re already there is obvious: what about us? Don’t we deserve a little something, too? I heard that they’re actually going to meet with us and ask what it will take to get us to stay. I haven’t worked out my demands yet, but honestly, I love it there so much that I don’t really need any kind of incentive.”
Here’s the TV report on the attack:
On Sunday, “Contents of some streaks on cheeks,” was MASCARA.
C’mon. Cheer up young lady. Tomorrow will be brighter. See you then!
The Wellington Files 