tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post2222798407359310553..comments2024-03-28T06:24:16.730-04:00Comments on Rex Parker Does the NYT Crossword Puzzle: Oenone's peak — FRIDAY, Sep. 25 2009 — Birthplace of Parmenides / Musical featuring Nubians / Tent erector's toolRex Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16145707733877505087noreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-72074981401087631352023-09-10T14:12:55.567-04:002023-09-10T14:12:55.567-04:00No, you absolutely need peas in shepherd's pie...No, you absolutely need peas in shepherd's pie! My mother would turn in her grave!Siannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-15650388053002120842009-10-30T21:04:17.586-04:002009-10-30T21:04:17.586-04:00I had "Star pets" for "They're ...I had "Star pets" for "They're groomed in Hollywood" for quite a while. "Apbas" struck me as an odd word, "Albas" is new to me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-31197542108741984912009-10-30T19:05:24.253-04:002009-10-30T19:05:24.253-04:00I posted the apostrophe comment at 4:13 and immedi...I posted the apostrophe comment at 4:13 and immediately wanted to take it back. I finally got it. Geesh.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-26131150376604040232009-10-30T17:20:56.164-04:002009-10-30T17:20:56.164-04:00Happy birthday five weeks late from syndication la...Happy birthday five weeks late from syndication land.<br /><br />Agree puzzle was pretty crappy, but did learn a couple of things (gull - I wanted mine, mine also). Chiefs and Steelers were gimmes, which made dead zone fall apart. Don't really hear DEAD SPOT as a phrase.<br /><br />Don't tase me bro is you tube pop culture that even this old fart has heard, thought it was pretty solid. <br /><br />Had the most trouble in the bottom three rows. STNS , RDS, LYS are bad news, as was ALBAS. I wanted a triple letter in the long answer, and it really took a long time to get THE POWERS THAT BE. I BEEN HAD just didnt seem right. I wanted an apostrophe in let's have have it, and that made SCOLDS not make sense. I got it when I finally realized that there was no apostrophe.<br /><br />Puzzle took too long, and had too many weird abbreviations and arcana to be enjoyable.Singernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-2467304080261570492009-10-30T16:13:40.970-04:002009-10-30T16:13:40.970-04:00Happy Birthday.
My syndicated clue for the last a...Happy Birthday.<br /><br />My syndicated clue for the last across had not apostrophe. Shouldn't it have had one? Made me look for combinations of LET in the puzzle. Gave up on that.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-4901826601330622072009-09-27T23:34:28.443-04:002009-09-27T23:34:28.443-04:00Congrats on the blog birthday. Too bad the puzzle ...Congrats on the blog birthday. Too bad the puzzle was so craptastic. I been reading (apparently that's a valid construction these days) off and on since the beginning.chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-14093224610070965372009-09-26T22:57:47.510-04:002009-09-26T22:57:47.510-04:00Rex, My boyfriend and I are cruciverbalist newbies...Rex, My boyfriend and I are cruciverbalist newbies and found your blog refreshing and insightful...you just got yourself two more subscribers..yee haw :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-65025635152465876072009-09-26T15:50:39.610-04:002009-09-26T15:50:39.610-04:00@Mike - I concede. I'm sure after 27 years of ...@Mike - I concede. I'm sure after 27 years of your commute you have felt like you were in a zoo from time to time. <br /><br />On the other hand, sitting in slow and go traffic for an AVERAGE of an hour and half was my commute, and it didn't feel zoo-like at all, just really tedious ...hazelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04627015904603641109noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-67554722329172742372009-09-26T02:51:41.241-04:002009-09-26T02:51:41.241-04:00I have used a maul to put up a tent… not! (I used...I have used a maul to put up a tent… not! (I used it to put up a stage truss. I spelt it sledge ‘cause that’s what I called it- otherwise I would have spelled it MAWL. Looks Old English, looks right.)<br /><br />I’m glad I gave up on this one because I don’t think it was possible for me to complete if I took any amount of time. So I think it’s kind of an unfair puzzle.<br /><br />What I dig about the NYT puzzle is that no matter your experience level, if you are inventive and persistent you should be able to solve it, given enough time. This ITSAZOOOUTTHERE puzzle, though, seems to have a lot of weird animals you only meet in crosswordland. I don’t know these creatures and I could never figure them out. So bunk.<br /><br />Also, AMPERSAND is part of the question, and, isn’t it cryptic bending back on itself? Cluing to the text of the clue sucks, incestuously- or am I just sore for not getting this puzzle?<br /><br />REX- Always enjoy your work, only occasionally am I irked, and then only by your minions. Also, when the puzzle becomes savage, you bring civility. Or an avenging sword, or something, appropriate.liquid el layhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00955796642605260715noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-71910986631536107972009-09-25T23:42:11.461-04:002009-09-25T23:42:11.461-04:00Congratulations, Rex, and many more -- by which I ...Congratulations, Rex, and many more -- by which I mean both years to come, and people who help.<br /><br />I got cluing, chiefs, steelers and darers immediately -- not to mention, it's a zoo out there, no dear and ampersand. That's when I knew this was a bad puzzle. I figured there had to be something wrong when I knew, right off the bat, so many of the long answers. That just doesn't happen on Fridays. I'm not that good.Puzzle Momhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16111638177160042286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-67252676953243308692009-09-25T23:25:27.551-04:002009-09-25T23:25:27.551-04:00Two Ponies,
That letter writing correspondence mi...Two Ponies,<br /><br />That letter writing correspondence might not touch the soul of people who are only just younger than I am.<br /><br />Arbitary cutt-off date is now 1975 for DOB.<br /><br />Mechanical typewriters were de riguer in college for my generation; writing letters was standard practice well into the 1990s.<br /><br />If you had anything serious to say, in my youth it was done ink. <br /><br />Looking over carefully opened and much anticipated envelopes, for letters that may include little whiffs of perfume, pictures (chemical compositions), and the feel of your friend or your love-girl's handwriting is something worth remembering.fergushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17056002311944010536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-4005901057332321852009-09-25T23:03:04.619-04:002009-09-25T23:03:04.619-04:00@ Greene well said my friend!
Squeek@ Greene well said my friend!<br />SqueekAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-23978609716048390132009-09-25T22:57:29.545-04:002009-09-25T22:57:29.545-04:00@ Hazel, well I do not drive into the city. Combi...@ Hazel, well I do not drive into the city. Combination of walking/bus/subway. And invariably it IS a zoo at some point. But I do some of my best crossword puzzle on the bus... which allows me to forget about traffic for awhile.<br /><br />I have a good friend who lives in the Bronx near the Bronx Zoo. His patented line is, <br />"I live near the zoo. It's a jungle out there!"MikeMnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-18370037610037894792009-09-25T22:51:06.947-04:002009-09-25T22:51:06.947-04:00As a loyal (as in, every day, no matter what) read...As a loyal (as in, every day, no matter what) reader but traitorous (or maybe fairweather) commenter, I'm also wishing Rex and this blog a happy happy happy third birthday and deep gratitude.<br /><br />-VegaVegahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01893157908004486201noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-58981461538122646772009-09-25T21:50:36.574-04:002009-09-25T21:50:36.574-04:00Late to the show tonight, but couldn't let the...Late to the show tonight, but couldn't let the day pass without a word to Rex on his third birthday. <br /><br />Mr. Parker you are one hellavu good teacher and I feel fortunate to have been one of your long-distance pupils over the past year and a half. You have not only taught me the nuts and bolts of crossword solving, but more importantly opened my eyes to the aesthetics and beauty of the genre. I admire your impeccable standards, marvel at your insights, laugh at your jokes, and accept your daily challenge to not only be a better solver, but a more open-minded, humane, and tolerant person. I have alternately loved you and hated you, wanted to slap you on the back and slap you across the face. Well, maybe not literally, but your passionate views do elicit equally powerful responses from your readers. I think it is the teacher in you that sees beyond the puzzle as an idle entertainment and as more of a mirror in which to examine our culture and the role we each share in shaping it. Who knew a humble crossword puzzle could have such lofty aspirations? You did.<br /><br />I hope you will never tire of this blog and your motley crew of commentators. I offer you my heartfelt thanks for enriching my life and on this, your third blogoversary, I raise my glass and shout...PROSIT!Greenehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10412634072650228847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-19342624578891689482009-09-25T21:17:46.552-04:002009-09-25T21:17:46.552-04:00Happy Birthday Blog. Rex, thanks much for all you ...Happy Birthday Blog. Rex, thanks much for all you do. I love coming here for info, insights, laughs and the occasional explanation. I may not post often but I do lurk a lot.<br />@Bill from NJ - Its nice to see you post. I miss your comments and send you white light thoughts.misstrishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14376940759917166903noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-80008635462322524282009-09-25T21:09:36.626-04:002009-09-25T21:09:36.626-04:00@RP: Many thanks for the daily effort in doing th...@RP: Many thanks for the daily effort in doing the blog--UBERhuman and much appreciated!<br /><br />I've been so glad to meet the many interesting folks here in cyberspace. Thanks to all for taking the time to make this a good return on RP's time investment.Doughttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10389790318218161090noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-55070850960295213012009-09-25T21:08:28.430-04:002009-09-25T21:08:28.430-04:00Negative reviews?? What's the alternative it&...Negative reviews?? What's the alternative it's compared to? <br /><br />I started coming here, incidentally, about the same time I started doing xwords seriously; I've always enjoyed Rex's aesthetic sensibility and I've gone from barely finishing a Wednesday to regularly completing Fridays, even the occasional Saturday. Many thanks, Rex.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-7317800230677007182009-09-25T20:55:05.518-04:002009-09-25T20:55:05.518-04:00@ fergus, I have a dear friend in England who does...@ fergus, I have a dear friend in England who does not have a computer. Through her I keep my stationary and favorite pen from gathering dust. It is a true pleasure.<br /> Have you read "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"? Rather silly title aside it is a delightful book comprised entirely of correspondence. <br />I recommend it to WWII enthusiasts.<br />Three and out.Two Ponieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06896743444873087885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-50007181477464522472009-09-25T20:54:29.513-04:002009-09-25T20:54:29.513-04:00(Hi Susan -- I'm teaching French all next week...(Hi Susan -- I'm teaching French all next week, so I may have a couple of peculiar grammatical questions for you, which we probably ought to discuss dans un autre endroit.)fergushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17056002311944010536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-86429585298393869892009-09-25T20:49:39.624-04:002009-09-25T20:49:39.624-04:00Since I got stuck with NO DEAL on the Domestic den...Since I got stuck with NO DEAL on the Domestic denial Clue, it made me realize how effective this blog has been for me in diffusing and diverting the chatter I have with non-crosswording intimates, domestic or otherwise. How much tedium they've been spared since I've had a forum to listen to and participate in, concerning the daily arcana or creative flourish that they either don't have time for, or to which they aren't yet Clued-in ... <br /><br />So, thanks Rex, for your efforts in the now legitimate art of crossword criticism and for maintaining the temper among obviously highly opinionated observers.fergushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17056002311944010536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-90454835998453949992009-09-25T20:36:57.965-04:002009-09-25T20:36:57.965-04:00Happy Blogiversary, Rex. Your blog and your reade...Happy Blogiversary, Rex. Your blog and your readers' comments have really enhanced my enjoyment of crosswords. Merci!Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06707253125941238251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-50791423998480070162009-09-25T20:15:57.220-04:002009-09-25T20:15:57.220-04:00Correo AEREO brought a pang of nostalgia to those ...Correo AEREO brought a pang of nostalgia to those of us who used to communicate with far-flung friends, using the stylish technology of pen and paper, envelope and stamp. Par Avion! Putting on those little stickers added a dash of panache to trans-Atlantic letters, painstakingly written in one's own inimitable hand. And while I've sent a number of hand-written notes in this century, it has been so long since I really sat down to pen a proper letter. The more I think about it, the more I miss everything about this bygone practice. But not so much as to fail to recognize that e-mail makes so much more pragmatic sense.fergushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17056002311944010536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-48561262005890699242009-09-25T19:58:52.363-04:002009-09-25T19:58:52.363-04:00@MikeM - I think you may have me, but I need more ...@MikeM - I think you may have me, but I need more information. First, I'm definitely not going to top the 27 years - but are you driving or riding? And if you're driving, what's your average speed?<br /><br />Also, how many times when you've gotten home or to work have you said "It's a zoo out there!"?hazelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04627015904603641109noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-54960908150545133192009-09-25T19:46:25.040-04:002009-09-25T19:46:25.040-04:00It took me a long time to get MAUL, since, like ot...It took me a long time to get MAUL, since, like others, I was thinking of camping tents. Nobody who backpacks carries a MAUL. If you really need help driving a stake, a rock is generally nearby. Finally I accepted it, and then the actual application appeared (my thought was circus tents, but I'm sure any number of large tents need some extra help driving their stakes). I've never used a MAUL for anything but firewood.<br /><br />I also wanted LETDIE to be "Let lie", which generated no possibilities for "dot follower", so I was spinning my wheels there for too long.<br /><br />In the end, I just found this to be another Friday I couldn't quite finish (though I probably didn't try hard enough).<br /><br />Finally, I will echo the thoughts of others in celebrating this blog. As someone who is more surprised when people get my jokes than when they don't, finding a crowd that "gets" the puzzle was a godsend. Thanks, RP, and fellow commentors, for creating a community of kindred spirits. Hard to come by and well appreciated by me.treedwellerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12634227778469664442noreply@blogger.com