Joseph Knecht

Cheaper by the Dozen Constructor Jeff Stillman is back with a puzzle that is so holy that I fear it might violate the Corner prohibition on religion.  But in this case most people are indeed quite religious about the subject of today's theme, so I don't think we'll have any problem with the censors (although AnonymousDNLC may have a fit 😁).  Here are the theme clues ... 18A. Propaganda technique that attempts to appeal to average Joes: PLAIN FOLKS . American Gothic Grant Wood 26A. Accessory for early U.S. presidents: POWDERED WIG . George Washington 44A. Candy-coated caramels in a yellow package: SUGAR BABIES .   In researching this clue I came across some alternate connotations for the fill, of which Margaret definitely wouldn't approve (solvers so inclined can do their own research). 59A. Like the eyes of a person who hasn't gotten enough sleep: GLAZED OVER .   And what do they have in common ... 52D. Treat whose varieties appear at the starts of four...

    That's Entertainment!   lyrics  Today constructor Jeff Stillman steps into the spotlight for his 51st appearance on the Corner, and entertains us with a bit of slight-of-hand.  The rare solver, who will remain anonymous, may be disappointed that Jeff conceals his tricks in ( horrors! ) , circles.  But I think the former's time for today's puzzle would not have been as lightning fast (as I'm sure it was) without them.  The rest us, incapable of solving 3 dimensional crossword puzzles in our heads, would probably have been AT SEA . Since each of the three themers consist of single letters spread across two consecutive lines and 4 consecutive columns we'll start with the grid ... And here's Jeff's reveal ... 64A. Hollywood honors since 1995, and what the circled letters are?: SAG AWARDS .  The honors he is referring two are those of the Screen Actors Guild A...

Children's Games Georges Bizet's Jeux D'Enfants   Jeff Stillman is a frequent contributor to the LA Times Crossword and today he plays with some favorite phrases for children's games.  Each themer consists of a pun on games we all played when we were kids. No reveal is needed.  Bill here to lead you through some childhood memories: 18A. Tanner's favorite kids' game?: HIDE AND SEEK .   Some parents occasionally "tan their children's hides", the traditional method of behavior control. As confirmed believers in the power of positive re-enforcement, we never found the need for it. 28A. Ornithologist's favorite kids' game?: DUCK DUCK GOOSE 45A. Window retailer's favorite kids' game?: BLIND MANS BUFF .   A bit of misdirection here, as  BUFF in this case is apparently an alternate word for the more common BLUFF ...