tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post1222396601699323821..comments2024-03-19T00:21:49.519-04:00Comments on Rex Parker Does the NYT Crossword Puzzle: MONDAY, Aug. 6, 2007 - Allan E. ParrishRex Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16145707733877505087noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-78390691012533567422007-08-07T01:32:00.000-04:002007-08-07T01:32:00.000-04:001. New format is somewhat uglier, but in a few wee...1. New format is somewhat uglier, but in a few weeks we probably won't notice it. The Times does feel smaller, though. Like it was made for toddlers or something.<BR/><BR/>2. I enjoy paper. It just looks nicer, I think, and it's great to have something to hold in your hand. Plus, it feels much more holistic to have the entire thing in front of you at once.<BR/><BR/>3. I vote for savor, but I can see the speed aspect being addictive, even for its own sake.<BR/><BR/>4. Few things are better than a crossword and a cup of coffee at a baseball game.<BR/><BR/>5. I want to go stay at a boatel.<BR/><BR/>6. West coast best coast.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03345623954861334689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-55352297031962245532007-08-06T23:33:00.000-04:002007-08-06T23:33:00.000-04:00Sarah-All is forgiven. I didn't call you out by na...Sarah-<BR/><BR/>All is forgiven. I didn't call you out by name because I could tell your blurting out the theme was an honest mistake caused by genuine excitement.<BR/><BR/>RPRex Parkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16145707733877505087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-37014014600172892272007-08-06T22:36:00.000-04:002007-08-06T22:36:00.000-04:00Nah... still nobody beating their chest and puttin...Nah... still nobody beating their chest and putting down anyone who doesn't solve at warp speed - and that's a good thing. It's that difference between playing a pickup basketball game with friends(winning or losing being mostly irrelevant), and someone new walking onto the court, joining a team, and then rudely waving a finger in other players' faces each time (s)he sinks a shot. Big difference in the vibe and atmosphere around the game.<BR/><BR/>We all seem to compare our experiences here, without worrying about or directly comparing times; I like that. Heaven knows I've been crushed enough times on the Saturday puzzles only to have my questions and mistakes explained on this and other blogs.<BR/><BR/>I've said enough for about a week; so keep posting, people, and most of all keep having fun.<BR/>And you over there - yes, I see you - put that thing down! You don't know where it's been!Howard Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00766792795622192271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-63998355079655725022007-08-06T21:55:00.000-04:002007-08-06T21:55:00.000-04:00Guess we've found the Type AGuess we've found the Type Afergushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17056002311944010536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-27731021950169088562007-08-06T21:49:00.000-04:002007-08-06T21:49:00.000-04:00My fastest time ever for a Monday is probably over...My fastest time ever for a Monday is probably over 4 but less than 5 minutes. I lack the dexterity to get much faster and always solve on paper. I try to solve as fast as I can, but have never developed a technique to get much faster. My fastest time ever for a Saturday is under 10 minutes, but barely. My personal view is that someone who can solve a Monday in say two minutes is more dexterous than I am, more disciplined and committed than I am, and involved in an exercise that is not especially important to me--possibly, if not primarily, because I know I could never be that good. Someone who can solve a Saturday in under 5 minutes, on the other hand, is a Michael Jordan, Nureyev, Secretariat of crosswords and has my utter and complete admiration as that person has a mind for crosswords that I could only aspire to.<BR/><BR/>Steve M.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-36172549143658088662007-08-06T20:24:00.000-04:002007-08-06T20:24:00.000-04:00Rex, I've been away for two days and so am late in...Rex, I've been away for two days and so am late in offering you a most sincere apology for my buffoonish behavior on Saturday afternoon. It was I who gave away the theme for Sunday's puzzle. I felt sick at heart and nauseous when I read your Sunday piece and realized what a blunder I had made. I have no excuse to offer other than that I am a huge bird enthusiast and, sadly, lost my sense and sensibility when I saw the theme. I hope you, and everyone else who frequents this edifying site, will accept my apology.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-31676445192483944862007-08-06T20:11:00.000-04:002007-08-06T20:11:00.000-04:00Mantis, I do share a similar vulgar, voyeuristic i...Mantis, I do share a similar vulgar, voyeuristic interest in competitive eating, though I'm much more curious about the commentators' genuine concern.<BR/><BR/>You seem to be a late chimer, so I figure you're on the West Coast, as well?fergushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17056002311944010536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-90992399432000355902007-08-06T20:06:00.000-04:002007-08-06T20:06:00.000-04:00I don't worry about speed, but I'm really glad som...I don't worry about speed, but I'm really glad some others do. When I finally pull out my paper and pencil, and my old person's brain finishes the puzzle, I can be certain that lots of commentary has been posted, and I will probably enjoy it.<BR/><BR/>So thanks to all. Keep doing it fast.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-64270111081829105172007-08-06T19:34:00.000-04:002007-08-06T19:34:00.000-04:00I'm here to defend the honor of an innocent victim...I'm here to defend the honor of an innocent victim amid all this speed-savor vs. leisure-savor debate: the competitive eater. <BR/><BR/>Competitive eating may be unhealthy, ludicrous, and disgusting, but it is also, in a word, awesome.<BR/><BR/>Who here has not yet tasted the bloated thrill of watching Kobayashi devour half his body weight in noodles, or clutched his belly in delicious horror as Sonya "The Black Widow" Thomas, the hundred-pound beauty, swallows 46 mince pies in ten minutes? <BR/><BR/>Who wasn't on the edge of his seat during this year's Coney Island extravaganza when our beloved Takeru suffered what is termed in euphemistic splendor a "reversal of fortune" at the eleventh hour and lost the crown to Joey Chestnut? <BR/><BR/>My god people: get your priorities straight, and think again before disparaging these culinary heavyweights, these giants of compressed consumption, these gods among casual diners.<BR/><BR/>Also hate the new narrow format.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-67429925221145043862007-08-06T19:22:00.000-04:002007-08-06T19:22:00.000-04:00My heavens! -- this controversy "speed" vs. "savor...My heavens! -- this controversy "speed" vs. "savoring" a puzzle seems to keep coming up -- with good reason I expect. And I don't mind the discussion -- I find it useful and helpful. <BR/><BR/>Thing is why would anyone question the method, motivation, or rationale for anyone else doing a crossword. Frankly, it makes me cross!<BR/><BR/>One of the reasons I love c-words is being able to do it in your own way. Let's not make it a mandate that everyone else has to do in the way that "anonymous" or someone else does.<BR/><BR/>Pfft!<BR/><BR/>Thanks again all of you that do the blogs. I can't imagine how much time it takes and we are so appreciative.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-78523684347426861432007-08-06T18:12:00.000-04:002007-08-06T18:12:00.000-04:00And Rex, your jejeune reference to old people was ...And Rex, your jejeune reference to old people was rather quaint. All my contemporaries are turing 50 this year (funny how axiomatic that is), and mostly we find some solace in the glimpse of wisdom that replaces the acuity lost or forsaken. If you lose any sharpness through age I hope it's replaced with even greater knowledge, which you seem to have already in abundant supply.fergushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17056002311944010536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-81042236586232703042007-08-06T17:42:00.000-04:002007-08-06T17:42:00.000-04:00Close friends, and especially spouses, are in debt...Close friends, and especially spouses, are in debt to this therapuetic blog. I hate the look I used to get from people when I was halfway into an analysis of why something was clued slightly askew. Now I just vent and spew along with other affiliates, even if you're unknown.fergushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17056002311944010536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-88750114644246097782007-08-06T17:09:00.000-04:002007-08-06T17:09:00.000-04:00I think doing the puzzle on a computer is faster a...I think doing the puzzle on a computer is faster and, for the most part, I like to solve them that way now.<BR/><BR/>I also like timing myself, but the applet takes some getting used to for me. It skips over letter's you've entered and I'm used to just typing the word, even if it means overwriting letters I've already entered. I can see how the applet's way of doing things can make you faster, but right now, it just slows me down. I figure I'll get used to it.<BR/><BR/>I can tell you that finding this blog has given me an appreciation for "savoring" puzzles with like-minded crossword crazies. My wife thinks I'm just nuts. (Well, its not just crossword puzzles that causes her to think that.)<BR/><BR/>And - Orange - I'm going to buy your book. I looked for it in Barnes & Noble today, but came up empty. I'll get it online.<BR/><BR/>liebAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-23868780059619961262007-08-06T16:36:00.000-04:002007-08-06T16:36:00.000-04:00Justjordan (10:33am), I feel we are in the do-the-...Justjordan (10:33am), I feel we are in the do-the-puzzle-in-the-actual-newspaper minority, but I agree with you on the new look.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-46558973899228257232007-08-06T16:32:00.000-04:002007-08-06T16:32:00.000-04:00... more than once, an agonizing puzzle that invit...... more than once, an agonizing puzzle that invited assistance from a passive ladyfriend turned out to be seductive. Quelle surprise!<BR/><BR/>While that's not the typical effect it is yet another agreeable byproduct of this peculiar affliction.<BR/><BR/>As I mentioned once before, a Saturday afternoon with a good puzzle at a baseball game is such a pure form of 'divertissement', but I would have to reckon I'm in a minority in holding this opinion.fergushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17056002311944010536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-3551951719164369532007-08-06T16:11:00.000-04:002007-08-06T16:11:00.000-04:00Solving a crossword puzzle is a personal experienc...Solving a crossword puzzle is a personal experience (unless one does it with someone else) and therefore it's up to each individual to decide how she/he does it (on paper/online, speed/savor, etc.). I don't understand why some people insist on trying to force their value on to others.JC66https://www.blogger.com/profile/05324615675333287919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-84573099014591252582007-08-06T16:02:00.000-04:002007-08-06T16:02:00.000-04:00I tried on-line solving for the first time a few d...I tried on-line solving for the first time a few days ago, and it took a while to keep track of where the cursor was, and why letters in some of my completed answers disappeared. Having mastered those purely technical problems, however, I still prefer paper-and-pencil because, with all the clues visible, you can be struck by random inspiration. Also, having the entire grid visible allows spotty collections of letters to coalesce into plausible answers, especially for the stacked fifteen-ers on Saturdays.franceshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00621834159626715995noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-81831947617995236592007-08-06T15:28:00.000-04:002007-08-06T15:28:00.000-04:00I enjoy solving both ways, for what it's worth. I ...I enjoy solving both ways, for what it's worth. I find it fun to test myself on speed just for the heck of it, and not so much to compete - I solved like this when first learning how to solve these things on paper (could I finish before the end of my lunch hour?), and before I was aware of online applets and contests and that sort of thing. If I attempt to speed-solve, I read the clues over afterwards, to understand the theme and make sure I don't miss any clever clues or funny wordplay. Essentially, I want to get the most out of someone's hard work in creating the puzzle.<BR/><BR/>I also enjoy working a puzzle at the beach, or struggling through a cryptic on my own time (I'm lousy at them), no matter how long it takes. There's enjoyment to be had both ways. I've yet to meet any solver who lords their abilities at these things over others, although I'm sure there's some extreme type-A personality out there somewhere that might get a buzz out of that. Pity on them.<BR/>I don't care if you solve in 2 minutes, 2 days, or you get only 2 words in the thing after 2 weeks. If it's fun, it's fun.<BR/><BR/>Incidentally, I much prefer solving on paper - seems like a better experience, and I seem to learn better that way, but that's just me. Just adding my 1 9/10 cents (unleaded).Howard Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00766792795622192271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-52366125660432171032007-08-06T15:18:00.000-04:002007-08-06T15:18:00.000-04:00Hmmm, a dash of vitriol in the air ... . I find t...Hmmm, a dash of vitriol in the air ... . <BR/><BR/>I find that doing the puzzle, as ayoung said, is sort of a "fix" in a trippy kind of way. A mental engagement where the ego seemingly disappears -- a pleasurable trance where time is suspended no matter how long it takes. It's addictive, but so what. It's inexpensive, hardly embarassing, and doesn't require a support group to recover from. (Though it is refreshing to hear tales of other who struggle with the habit.)fergushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17056002311944010536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-4143865665697269662007-08-06T14:19:00.000-04:002007-08-06T14:19:00.000-04:00I liked today's puzzle, but was dismayed because I...I liked today's puzzle, but was dismayed because I submitted a puzzle to Will in April with a similar theme and have been waiting to hear back about it. Although my theme entries were totally different, I doubt that mine will be accepted now. All that work down the tubes!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-6544776931494055862007-08-06T13:27:00.000-04:002007-08-06T13:27:00.000-04:00The Times puzzle is my fix for the day. When I'm ...The Times puzzle is my fix for the day. When I'm away where I don't have access to the puzzle (horrors), my husband saves all the papers and I have, on occasion, worked through three weeks' worth. One year I bought the NY Times 365 days calendar and couldn't keep up so I now carry a bunch of the days in my purse and do them on trains, buses and while waiting in doctors' offices. The answers are on the back: I do one and tear it off the pad and throw it away. If that's not enough I do the Sunday puzzles in Will Shortz' collections of 200 puzzles.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-16052343320879882482007-08-06T12:54:00.000-04:002007-08-06T12:54:00.000-04:00Pretty good Monday. OCTAVO definitely threw me for...Pretty good Monday. OCTAVO definitely threw me for a while, esp for a Monday.<BR/><BR/>As for speed, I tend to do my puzzles printed out at work to give me a little break. So, I never really time myself since I don't do it all at once. This seems to work for me for the harder puzzles (sometimes) because if I leave it alone for a while, an answer will suddenly come to me.<BR/><BR/>lolAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-76797302721307939852007-08-06T12:14:00.000-04:002007-08-06T12:14:00.000-04:00I've looked at puzzles from both sides now: paper,...I've looked at puzzles from both sides now: paper, on-line; for speed for solving only. And have enjoyed them all. I never thought I could adjust to online over paper and admittedly felt superior at first. Now know better. As to speed, probably because Ican't compete with the best, I've opted for slowly savoring the puzzle. Although some times enjoy racing through it, like on a Monday when it's not too challenging, a fast time adds to the challenge. As to ego, I'l proudly admit to being an egoist and employ my ego whether I'm racing through the puzzle or slowly savoring it. In both cases my ego gets pleasure, either by figuring it all out without Googling (and my ego gets deflated when I don't) or because my pace has improved when I race through it. Although, I embrace my ego, I also appreciate the more Buddhistic/Hinduistic way of being/doing. However, me thinks the ego doeth protest too much.<BR/><BR/>Although I am open to all who enjoy, I also think most of us think what we like is the best but because on some level we know better, try not to be judgmental.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-8989264080554928962007-08-06T11:55:00.000-04:002007-08-06T11:55:00.000-04:00Well, if it's so unimportant, why did you have a c...Well, if it's so unimportant, why did you have a cow?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-9601763553009234252007-08-06T11:50:00.000-04:002007-08-06T11:50:00.000-04:00Nice Best Western Boatel ad: Jack London Square n...Nice Best Western Boatel ad: Jack London Square needs all the help it can get.<BR/><BR/>Speaking of short-lived Pontiffs, there is an interesting book by David Yallop about the inside-job murder of Pope John Paul I, who lasted 34 days as Pope. Evidently he wanted the church to recognize women and sex. Titled "In God's Name".<BR/><BR/>Did the whole thing without realizing there was a theme at all, so thank you Rex.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com