Both were good fun, and none too hard. (Or maybe the brain had the right caffeine buzz...)

With Patrick's romp I stuttered for a minute by entering MITE as 'speck' for 45-dn, instead of MOTE. (I loved 'Pot plants?' as ANTES.)

Though how does the gang see Gary Steinmehl's use of 'Lab gel' (as 17-ac) when LAB later occurs as an entry - at 55-dn?

Lesser words will fall into both camps of course, but what about this example? Is that worth avoiding as a setter, or no biggie?
DA | Homepage | 08.23.06 - 11:52 pm | #

I missed the split PE-As theme entirely, even after finishing. Did not affect my solving though. Once again, Amy to the rescue.
Barry A Weprin | 08.24.06 - 10:22 am | #

And what does Count CHOCULA have to do with boxers?
Barry A Weprin | 08.24.06 - 10:41 am | #

Simple... Count Chocula comes in a box, as most cereals do...
Dave | Homepage | 08.24.06 - 11:15 am | #

doh!

Here's a rare bit of Crossword music I came across. He's talented too:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0...h? v=0ITd8mDgaHE
Barry A Weprin | 08.24.06 - 12:37 pm | #