DJT surprised us by exhibiting adroit leadership qualities in the face of the devastating California fires. Just kidding, of course. Here’s what he said:
“Governor Gavin Newscum (sic) refused to sign the water restoration declaration put before him that would have allowed millions of gallons of water to flow daily into many parts of California, including the areas that are currently burning.”
Newscum, sorry, Newsome, being a little busy actually dealing with the crisis, kept his response short: “There is no such document as the water restoration declaration.”
The remaining owl terms (just 3, not 4):
1. Gillhooter: Barn owl. Gill is short for the name Gillian, and means “girl” or “sweetheart.” Gillhooter has been, used for male or female (usually barn) owls, however, as can jenny howlett. Here’s our little sweetheart now: Awww.
2. Strix: Owls who lack ear tufts, including the tawny owl and the barred owl. Yup, no ear tufts on this fella (or gal).
3. Saw-whet: a very small harsh-voiced owl that is largely dark brown above and chestnut streaked with white beneath. It was named by someone who thought the owl’s piping, tooting call sounded like a saw being filed. Try to stay on this one’s good side.
The clue at 32D today was “Notable site of enlightenment.” I was pretty sure the answer was CARNEGIE DELI, but I was wrong. Ever hear of the BODHI TREE? It’s a large sacred fig tree known as a tree of awakening or enlightenment. The expression “I don’t give a fig” comes from it. (No it doesn’t.)
It was under this tree that Buddha attained enlightenment back around 500 BCE. The original no longer exists, but there are others, including a descendant of the original. Here’s one: note the heart-shaped leaves.
At 22D, Singer Gomez, was SELENA. It hasn’t all been roses for SG. She grew up very poor and was diagnosed with lupus about ten years ago. In 2017 she received a kidney transplant. During the operation, an artery broke and emergency surgery was conducted to build a new artery using a vein from her leg. Kinehora, she seems okay today.
The puzzle made me draw on all of my knowledge of Italian today, which doesn’t go much beyond the menu at Nonna’s in Florham Park. “Italian for baked,” COTTA, crossed “Entire in Italian,” TUTTO.
Peter from Peter, Paul, and Mary died on Tuesday at age 86 in Manhattan. Paul is the only one left: he just turned 87 and must be getting nervous. Mary was 72 when she died back in 2009. Our Phil was very close with Mary back in the day, and dug this old shot of her out of an old scrapbook for us.
I only learned about the blemish in Peter’s life today from the obit in the Times. I had no idea he went to jail for “taking indecent liberties” with a 14-year-old girl who came to his dressing room for an autograph in 1969. Yikes! The Times implies it played a role in the trio’s breakup. He was pardoned by Jimmy Carter in 1981 but the blemish remained, and a performance by him was canceled in 2019 due to Metoo protests.
Peter married Marybeth McCarthy in 1969, a niece of Pres. candidate Eugene McCarthy. They divorced, but remarried just two years ago. He is survived by Marybeth, their two kids, and a grandchild, each of whom had a hammer.
I’m going to try to remember him without the smudge. Rest in peace, Peter.
Good night everybody. See you tomorrow.
The Wellington Files 