The theme entries all start with different BOWLS ...

How about that, I solved the puzzle and didn't notice. Thanks for pointing it out, it is a very nice touch.

To my surprise, I see the NBA has a couple of games competing with the bowl games. I wonder if there is any TV coverage left over for the NBA games. ESPN et. al. should certainly be busy.
dan | 12.31.06 - 7:48 pm | #

Dan, what'd you think the theme was? If you finish a puzzle and don't see an obvious theme, look for a defining entry (usually smack-dab in the middle of the grid, or in/touching the bottom row) that mentions other clue numbers or says [Theme of this puzzle]. Here, the central across clue for BOWLS is [Starts of 21- and 53-Across and 3- and 30-Down].
Orange | Homepage | 12.31.06 - 8:10 pm | #

Back from a much-needed vacation.

Are you implying that there will be no cage matches? Aww, that could have been such an interesting way to start the new year.

On that note, Happy New Year to you and your family.
Howard B | 01.01.07 - 11:28 am | #

Is CORA Dithers some kind of old-fashioned gimme of which I am (was) previously unaware? Seems something (Very) old people and xword vets would know. Not me. Fun puzzle nonetheless.

Michael
Michael | Homepage | 01.01.07 - 1:04 pm | #

Michael -- Cora is up and running in the Blondie comic strip. Here's her bio: "Frumpy wife of Julius Dithers. When riled, is apt to refer to her husband as a short, fat, sawed-off, tin-can Napoleon. She exerts control over her husband in every conceivable way, but primarily by verbal fusillade and the unmitigated violence of her ever-present umbrella. She loves Blondie to pieces and would do anything for her."
Lee | 01.01.07 - 2:28 pm | #

Not that you care, but tonight's Fiesta Bowl was possibly the most incredible college football game I've ever seen.
Tyler | 01.02.07 - 1:43 am | #

Thanks to the internet I will never have a shortage of puzzles again :)
Matt
Matt Rush | 01.05.07 - 4:18 pm | #