Universal Crossword

ACROSS 1 Beginning of a new episode, often Qualifier that the K.C. Royals won in ’15 Fidget spinners, e.g. Meat safety concern British fellow What ebbs and flows *Line inspired by a scene? (Note this answer’s last 4 letters) Graph line “Just kidding!” It may lead to a call in poker Place for a pinch *Wagner piece played at weddings (Last 5 letters) Future ferns “In ___ of gifts ...” Swirly snack cake Of hearing Soup often served with bean sprouts ’80s sitcom character from Melmac Blessing

... or, read differently, a theme hint “Boom Boom ___” (Black Eyed Peas song) 6 39

Dairy farm sound Tricks

In this spot Greek letters that sound like a flower Beautifies *“The Thinker” sculptor (Last 4 letters) Dandelions’ supports Gives for a time TikTok or Spotify Pro-vegan org. *Warrants a “TMI” (Last 4 letters) Speed skater Jackson Bunch of quail Olympic blades Minor criticism “Ah, OK” Button for beginning a video game DOWN

1 Rider’s strap 2 Repeat ... peat ... peat Layer of paint

PC key under X Midwestern capital that shares no letters with its state Pungent Tibetan capital Oasis drinker

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63 64 3 4 5 6 7

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21

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30 31

Place to get mud on your face ... in a good way House that needs work Farewell that’s bid Some transition from sitting to standing Chevy SUV Orator’s platform Iconic chef Julia Dude Scottish group Something fake Water ___ (aquatic sport) “Never mind” Intros to many videos? Manipulate Hi-___ monitor 33 34

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46

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57 58

Tuba, e.g. Is behind financially Icky Depose “Dear” You or me Totals up China as a whole? Colorado ski town Wombs Tolkien creatures with pointy ears “Superman” actor Christopher How a Reuben is served Word before “rug” or “map” Certain research reviewer “Hey,” in the library Kimono sash Well-chosen

Answers to yesterday's puzzle