Trends Reviews and Recaps

Thursday puzzles make for a nice challenge.

The Philadelphia Inquirer puzzle, which I recently learned is the same as one of two also featured in the Washington Post, was a little disappointing. The tip-off that a letdown was ahead: a quick glance at the clue for 17 Across: "Start of an Evan Esar quip."

Esar again? Give me a break. (Who is this guy anyway? If the weirdos writing Wikipedia haven't come up with anything, why should I?)

Anyway, here's your hint: 39 Down: Call it quits. Answer: R-E-T-I-R-E.

And for New York Times players: 45 Across: Pay no heed to smoking rules. Answer: L-I-G-H-T-U-P.