A Bite of Banality

Across

** denotes Answer of the Week • * denotes Answer of the Day

 

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*26 Across: Area of frenetic dancing - MOSHPIT
30 Across: "Stan" rapper - EMINEM
40 Across: Donkey Kong Country console, for short - SNES
New York Times, Wednesday, February 26, 2025 • Author: Dan Caprera; Editor: Will Shortz

1 Across: Mario Kart item providing temporary invincibility - STAR
20 Across: Meg Ryan's co-star in "When Harry Met Sally …") - BILLY CRYSTAL
*44 Across: “The Simpsons” grandfather - ABE
48 Across: Gesture with razzle-dazzle - JAZZ HANDS
53 Across: One most likely to get pwned - NOOB
66 Across: Extra life, in video games - ONE UP
New York Times, Tuesday, February 25, 2025 • Author: Greg Snitkin; Editor: Will Shortz

*7 Across: Omelet component - EGG
New York Times, Monday, February 24, 2025 • Author: Rena Cohen; Editor: Will Shortz

20 Across: Hint at L.G.B.T.Q.+ story lines to generate buzz - QUEERBAIT
**67 Across: Totally the wrong way … or what's found in 79-Across? - ASSBACKWARDS - [79 Across: "It'd be my pleasure" = IMHAPP(YTOOB)LIGE (BOOTY)]
New York Times, Sunday, February 23, 2025 • Authors: Daniel Grinberg and Rafael Musa; Editor: Will Shortz