Joseph Knecht

 This is Alexander Liebeskind 's 4th appearance on the Corner, his most recent being on October 21, 2022 blogged by the Chairman.  And this is his third collaboration with Jeff Chen, who needs no introduction. Today they explore different ways to LIFT OUR SPIRITS  17A. Mexican tradition that will 62-Across?: DIA DE LOS MUERTOS .  Today's Spanish lesson: " The Day of the Dead ", is a holiday traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2 ( AKA All Saints and All Souls days) to commemorate the spirits of departed loved ones. It is widely observed in Mexico, where it largely developed, and is also observed in other places, especially by people of Mexican heritage.  Here the Tempest Quartet performs La Martiniana , a folk song popular during this celebration ( lyrics ): 27A. Celebratory moments to 62-Across?: WEDDING TOASTS .  These spirits are decidedly more animated than those in 17A , particularly after a few glasses of bubbly.  Here is soprano Zor...

Katherine Baicker has had 3 LAT outings and Ross Trudeau has had 10 , plus 54 with the NYT , including a collaboration with his Dad, whom you may recognize .  I think this is the first time Katherine and Ross have teamed together for the LAT and for today's theme they present us with 4 iconic mascots on a FAST TRACK TO THE TOP But let's begin at the bottom : 58A. Marketing strategies, and what the mascots in this puzzle have all been given?: SALES PROMOTIONS . 17A. Mascot who pursued the Hamburglar: DETECTIVE BIG MAC .  He started out as a beat cop who  always got his HAM and was eventually promoted to the rank of Detective Big Mac 23A. Mascot with a goatee and a string tie: GENERAL SANDERS .  This humble COLONEL leveraged his good looks and Southern charm to get promoted to the rank of   General Sanders ...

    You have to dial your Wayback Machine to  September 16, 2013 to find veteran Jerry Edelstein's first LA Times puzzle, blogged by the inimitable Argyle .  This marks Jerry's 39th appearance here, and today he schools us in a little business management with a lesson about The C Team As there are no circles, no stars, and no question marks you have to put your ear to the ground and listen very closely to hear the 4 homophonic themers: 20A. C's: MEDIOCRE GRADES .  Hand up if you never got one of these in college (I got some even worse).  Don't be shy ... 33A. Seas: GLOBAL SEPTET .   Our GLOBE is girt with Seven Oceans , traditionally called "The Seven Seas", but some sources cite others : The Seven Seas 43A. Sees: GETS THE POINT . 58A. Seize: CAPTURE BY FORCE .  "Well it seemed like a good idea at the time." - V. Puti...