Tuesday February 19th 2019, NY Times Crossword

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Time: 5:43
Tuesday Average: 13:06
Best Friday: 5:05

Is AMBER known as an "Insect-preserving resin" outside of the Jurassic Park context? I suppose it probably is, but I'm sure that the film is the only reason I was able to drop that answer automatically.

How about the goofiness of the clue "Producer of the Jacksons?" for ATM? As in, Andrew Jackson twenty dollar bills are produced from an ATM. Here's hoping that the clue won't make sense for too much longer. Andrew Jackson was probably the central figure of my disillusionment with the US back when I was in grade school. In 2nd grade, I did a book report on some short biography of Jackson, which was mostly all about how badass he was. I gave a bullish presentation, as I recall, and felt that I'd chosen the coolest president for my report. Then, I read another book about Andrew Jackson in 4th grade that presented, shall we say, a more nuanced look at his life and presidency. I was crushed, but I gained a healthy skepticism of powerful men that never really left me.

Anyhow, the theme is TO BE OR NOT TO BE, or I suppose maybe it's 2 B or not 2 B. The top two phrases have a B added and the bottom two have B subtracted, generating some wacky cluing and answers:

  • "One who's taking a polar vortex pretty hard?" COLD SOBBER. But I'm in Southeast Asia and the Polar Vortex seems remote. 
  • "One who cheats on a weight-reduction plan?" DIETARY FIBBER. WOW, I can't wait to use this egregious pun next time someone tells me they're cheating on their diet. 
  • "Heyday of taxis of Beijing?" CHINESE CAB AGE. I don't know what to say.
  • "Defense against a charge of public nudity. WE WAS ROBED. It's fascinating how common this phrase is, apparently dating back to a 1930s boxing match, according to the internet, anyway.
After an overnight flight from Islamabad from to Bangkok, I am nothing but a pile of YAWNS, so it may be time for yet another nap. The upgrade to business class was shockingly reasonable so I took it and have no regrets whatsoever. 

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