Joseph Knecht

  The Language of Love* Today's constructor Michael B. Berg made his debut in the New York Times just last year (be sure to read his note about how he got into the construction business ).  Now that he's ready for the big time (😀)  he has come to teach us a little bit about romance.  Some say love is a battleground -- and  if it is, Michael's theme describes where it all takes place ... 16A. "Don't switch to memory foam": KEEP IT DOWN .  It keeps you much warmer, and sometimes it gets hot. 25A. "Pray we can hold on to the smaller one, which is more comfortable than the king": GOD SAVE THE QUEEN .  And more than that it brings lovers closer together. 42A. "Please double-stitch the new sham": MAKE A STRONG CASE .  True love is the best. The themers are all references to the boudoir of course and in this reveal Doris Day   tells us all about the language spoken there ... 5

    Protein Deficiency Today's constructors, Shannon Rapp and Will Eisenberg , remind us that proper diet after vigorous exercise is very important  And they point out that protein , one of the key nutrients, will need to be replenished afterwards.  And as AMINO ACIDS , a cruciverbalist's favorite, are the raw material that comprise proteins I've included a very brief video about the extraordinary process by which our cells converts them into this essential nutrient ... Shannon and Will Eisenberg now proceed to use these 4 themers to teach us a little protein metabolism ... 18A. Forward-looking aesthetic of Janelle Monáe and "Black Panther": AFROFUTURISM .  Afrofuturism is a cultural aesthetic, philosophy of science, and history that explores the intersection of the African diaspora culture with science and technology. It addresses themes and concerns of the African diaspora through techno-culture and speculative fiction, encompassing a range of media and artis