Monday January 14th 2019, NY Times Crossword

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Time: 6:19
Monday Average: 8:28
Best Monday: 4:10

What's not to enjoy about a DISGUSTING puzzle? As you can see, the circled letters in DOUBLE CHIN, MAGIC KINGDOM, JUGHEAD, and SAY A FEW WORDS all have classic grossed out sounds like blech, which makes me think only of Mad Magazine, and ick, which of course calls up Calvin & Hobbes. The theme was perfectly fine, even if there wasn't much in the way of exciting cluing to pair with our disgust.

Somehow I remembered PECTIN from the few times that I've made marmalade or jam. But it's KINDA important, as I recall.

ULEE's Gold is another film that seems to have a lot of traction in crosswords. Should I watch that one too? Honestly, I started reading the plot description and I was immediately won over when I learned that the title character is a beekeeper. I assume he runs around yelling "I'm covered in bees!" but maybe that's something else.

RAMADA? I opted for that less expensive choice in Mumbai one time and that was enough to sour me on the whole brand. I'm sure it's actually fine. 

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