Monkeys named for monks / MON 3-5-2018 / Santa ___ winds / Fierce fliers of myth / Dev who starred in 2016's "Lion" / Slammin' Sammy of golf

Hey! It's Annabel Monday again! And I'm actually extra tired this time because I'm in the middle of midterms which is, like, a lot. But it's whatever tbh, it was nice to take a break and dive into this puzzle! Anyway I hope everyone is doing well!

Constructor: Lynn Lempel

Relative difficulty: Easy



THEME: DRESSING THE PART— Theme answers are two-word phrases where the second word is an article of clothing.

Word of the Day: BLUE STOCKING (27A: Woman having literary interests) —

A bluestocking is an educated, intellectual woman, more specifically a member of the 18th-century Blue Stockings Society led by the hostess and critic Elizabeth Montagu (1720–1800), the "Queen of the Blues", and including Elizabeth Vesey (1715–91), Hester Chapone(1727–1801), and the classicist Elizabeth Carter (1717–1806). In the following generation came Hester Lynch Piozzi (1741–1821), Hannah More (1745–1833), and Frances Burney (1752–1840).^[1]

(Wikipedia)

Theme answers:

• CITY SLICKER (17A: Country bumpkin's counterpart)
• BLUE STOCKING (27A: Woman having literary interests)
• STUFFED SHIRT (43A: Pompous person)
• SMARTY PANTS (57A: Know-it-all)

OK, I don't want to turn into Rex or anything, but can I just say one pet peeve I have? I'm getting tired of seeing ARIA, and with essentially the same clue every time too! I swear this is like the third month in a row, I just need a little variety! But oh well, I have nothing against opera music. I didn't have a very hard time with this one--just a bit of trouble in the bottom left corner, and having ISLET for INLET so long that I had to get my mom to go over the puzzle with me to figure out where the error was, lol. Not a whole lot to say about the fill, it was simple and good for a Monday. Like, I see what Rex doesn't like about some Mondays, but puzzles like this one are a good way for people to get into the puzzle when they're new to it! It does exactly what it needs to and sometimes that's okay. Oops I ended up ranting again. :P Anyways!

I would've appreciated some puns or an extra clue or something to tie together the theme? But other than that it was okay! I'd never heard of the Blue Stocking Society before, that's pretty cool! I'm all about cool ladies learning stuff--I am at a women's college after all. Also I always liked "stuffed shirt" as an expression. It reminds me of stuffed shells. Mmmm, between that and CURRY, I'm gonna go get some food now.

Bullets:

• JUDY (37D: Children's writer Blume)— Oh I actually have a really funny story about this one! I used to be like Judy Blume's biggest fan, so my mom took me to a book signing when I was a kid. I was really excited, but then when she actually signed my book, I apparently threw a tantrum because I didn't want anyone writing in my books. :( 
• GAYLE (65A: King on "CBS This Morning") — This name always makes me think of one Gayle in particular: the fictional mom played by Chris Fleming. "GET RID OF THE COUCHES! WE CAN'T LET PEOPLE KNOW WE SIT!!!!" 
• EMCEES (31A: Hosts for roasts) — Sooo what are people's thoughts on roasts? I've never been a huge fan of them, but I've seen one or two that are funny. I like when people roast themselves, though! "Annabel thinks she's scarily good at crosswords, but the only scary thing about her is that she has a horror-movie-doll name!" Hmm... "Annabel's trying to do a roast, but she can't even make midnight ramen without burning it!" Okay, ouch!

This is them. They like taking selfies. Obviously.

• AAA (55A: Motorists' org.) — AAA is also the sound I'd make if I forgot my mom's birthday. But today is her birthday!!!!! Happy birthday to my mom and her identical twin!!!!! 

Signed, Annabel Thompson, tired college student.

[Follow Rex Parker on Twitter and Facebook]

[Follow Annabel Thompson on Twitter]