Across

1 . Strong fiber 5 . Bit 9 . Amounted ( to ) 13 . Archaeological find 15 . ___ lamp 16 . Elliptical 17 . Eloquent 19 . Bondman 20 . Scientist that studies minute forms of matter 21 . Bond , for one 23 . Absorbed , as a cost 24 . Congratulations , of a sort 25 . Roundabout course 27 . Essence 29 . MasterCard alternative 30 . Ring bearer , maybe 31 . Money in the bank , say 32 . On any ____ day 33 . Arch 34 . Separating two adjacent vowels 37 . Appropriate 40 . Rainbow ___ 41 . Sense of touch 45 . “ Flying Down to ___” 46 . Western blue flag , e . g . 47 . Extent 48 . Welcome to _______, son 50 . Clinch , with “ up ” 51 . “ A jealous mistress ”: Emerson 52 . Swindled 53 . Keeps in memory

55 . Elevator inventor 56 . Two forms of an element 59 . Composes 60 . “ Cool !” 61 . Bacteria discovered by Theodor Escherich 62 . Deuce topper 63 . Food sticker 64 . Black stone

Down

1 . “ My man !” 2 . Freshens , in a way 3 . Person who lays slate for roofing 4 . Josip Broz , familiarly 5 . Creme de la creme ( 2 wds ) 6 . Boor ’ s lack

7 . Egg cells 8 . Bodily weakness 9 . Trig function 10 . Like streets 11 . Kind of law 12 . “ The Lord of the Rings ” figure 14 . Skilled event 18 . 100 dinars 22 . Ironware with stone like enamel 23 . Alias 25 . Catlike , carnivorous mammal 26 . “ Don ’ t give up !” 28 . “ 20,000 Leagues ” harpooner ___ Land 29 . Computer woe 32 . Shape of the earth

35 . Brazen 36 . Decline 37 . Branch 38 . Mideast money 39 . Shared annuity 42 . Spiked iron plate on soles of boots 43 . In a short and concise manner 44 . Undertake , with “ out ” 47 . Balance sheet item 49 . Brazen one 50 . Walloped , oldstyle 53 . Brio 54 . Bananas 55 . Decide to leave , with “ out ” 57 . “ Fantasy Island ” prop 58 . Half a dozen

Each of the following cryptograms is a clue to the identity of a renowned ruler . Using the hints Q = E and H = N , decipher the clues to name the ruler .

1

2

3

4

5

M C K K U W

________________________________

Q N L W H K U Y H

________________________________

E Y J Q M H U R W D U Y H

________________________________

K Q M G J Y E

________________________________

Q H A U F P D Q H E Q H D

________________________________

This ruler revitalized their nation , turning it into one of the greatest powers of the time :

_______________________________________

Answers : 1 ) Russia , 2 ) Expansion , 3 ) Modernization 4 ) Serfdom , 5 ) Enlightenment , Catherine the Great

Above Admit Asked Atlas Become Begged Begun Behind Bitten Brave Broken Businessmen Cities Decade Degrees Dense Desperate Diagram Dream Edged Entire Estate

Fault Fired Gazed Grinning Habit Hills Ideas Lanes Nasty Ninth Pages Patch Pears Pianos Races Rented Roars Route Scent Snack Solid Steep

Teddy Tended Threw Tidal Tongue Total Trader Tunnel Upset Worse

Find the Crossword and Word Search answers on Page 13 of this week ’ s issue .

December 22 – January 19

Surely , Capricorn , you jest . There is so much more to do before you are truly ready . Accept any and all offers of help , skilled help , in particular .

March 21 – April 19

The truth is finally revealed , and you have one of two options . Think through the pros and cons carefully , Aries . A memo gets the ball started .

June 22 – July 22

Get ready to celebrate , Cancer . Good news is headed your way . The flames of passion burn bright , and plans are made for a night on the town .

September 23 – October 22

It ’ s obvious to everyone but you , Libra . Take off your blinders and see the situation for what it really is . A change in décor at home inspires more changes .

January 20 – February 18

Cheer up , Aquarius . The battle may be over , and the outcome may not be what you were hoping for , but all is not lost . There are some positives .

April 20 – May 20

You ’ re not a quitter by any means , Taurus , but things are getting nowhere fast with a youngster . Step back and give someone else a chance .

July 23 – August 22

Stop it , Leo . This is not the time for cynicism . If you have nothing positive to contribute , don ’ t say anything at all . A gift sets things right with a coworker .

October 23 – November 21

Welcome , Scorpio . A new friend rolls out the red carpet , allowing you to relax and be yourself . Return the favor . A shopping trip uncovers an alternative solution .

February 19 – March 20

You can ’ t win with a loved one , Pisces . Nothing you do now or in the future will satisfy them , so stop trying . Focus on someone you can help .

May 21 – June 21

Budget constraints put the kibosh on vacation plans . Think smaller , Gemini . A turn of events at work throws everyone for a loop and kicks the rumor mill into high gear .

August 23 – September 22

Personal beliefs are challenged , and you must find the strength to stand behind your convictions . Don ’ t back down , Virgo . Budgetary issues are resolved .

November 22 – December 21

Whoa , Sagittarius . Many ideas will come to the table , but you can only pick one . Look for the one with star power . A legal issue comes to a conclusion .