tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post2683260395264866142..comments2024-03-29T04:46:57.646-04:00Comments on Rex Parker Does the NYT Crossword Puzzle: Not just mess up in modern lingo / FRI 5-7-10 / Film character who lives to be 877 / Musician nicknamed El Rey / His #2 was retired in 1997Rex Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16145707733877505087noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-66114424896589774952010-06-11T11:13:35.505-04:002010-06-11T11:13:35.505-04:00A remarkable post and comments today. And quite a ...A remarkable post and comments today. And quite a history lesson, too. From syndication land, so doubt this comment will reach anyone. Have NYTimes account but not access to archived articles. Anyway, interesting to me to find there was a 49-star flag for one year before Hawaii's star was officially flown on July 4, 1960. I definitely 1-A'd this.paulinSWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-83657714770481369362010-05-08T21:40:38.200-04:002010-05-08T21:40:38.200-04:00This is Mrs.Stan posting, and we know we're a ...This is Mrs.Stan posting, and we know we're a little late, but on vacation and with computer difficulties, we feel it's not too late to chime in. We really enjoyed this puzzle, which we did together while driving to Western New York. We did it in 198.7 miles, laughing all the way. Your mileage may vary!<br /><br />PS The avatar is Willow's good friend Russell.Arundelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15171078182761035785noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-69129679888395654752010-05-08T00:24:57.777-04:002010-05-08T00:24:57.777-04:00I loved this puzzle and not just cuz of the shout ...I loved this puzzle and not just cuz of the shout out (total coincidence, as Young Tyler wrote it months before we knew we were going to do the play- by- play!)<br />I loved the definition about the Italian boy's name bec I have to always explain that and how Andrea actually MEANS "man"...<br />but I am secure about it all. 30 years of therapy notwithstanding! ;)<br /><br />I had never heard of EPICFAIL and I never did parse STAGNES which I thoughts was pronounced STAINS so seemed odd to meean pure!<br /><br />Since FIN was my first entry, I put in Marriott instead of LAQUINTA which I also didn't know...and sadly the A, I and T fit! So, that was tough.<br />Also since i had goatMILK the G worked for gENeRAL which had the same 5 of 7 letters for CENTRAL!<br /><br />SNOW GLOBE crossing was lovely.<br /><br />The finals took ten minutes, but they all finished within seconds of each other so we were stunned into silence (a first for me, as I had 20 more minutes of material!) ;)<br /><br />To clarify, I understand I was shushed initially bec one of the contestants in the audience solving along didn't realize the ones on stage had on head phones!!!!! And it is terribly hard to keep up, not give away stuff, elucidate and attempt to be mildly amusing, but it was lucky that Tyler could give the constructor's viewpoint and I could give the solver's perspective.<br /><br />I didn't want to give away 1A till the contestants did, and I was aware others were slving along...it all went by so fast, I only vaguely remember trying to make a joke about LANDHO could've been defined as the gal who waits on shore for the sailors to come back!<br /><br />I don't think any of it was recorded. Normally West Coast tourneys are dominated by the Erics (and there are more coming up; #4 was an Eric, and my pal Eric Seale who competed with his wife Sandy won the doubles competition and walked off with a gift basket as big as their car...<br />Elissa was amazing with her prizes...<br />But this was the year of the John. John Beck and Jon Berman (both of whom had done in the top 50 at the ACPT, so folks to watch out for)were great, nice, humble...<br />Lots more to say, but I think Rex and PuzzleGirl and 2 Ponies + CrazyCatLady (whom I didn't meet) covered it pretty well.<br />The fact that no one even quite remembers who won and in what time I think says the most about the fun that was had.andrea andrea michaelsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-18962497721693480042010-05-07T23:18:29.131-04:002010-05-07T23:18:29.131-04:00It's reassuring to find that I made the same i...It's reassuring to find that I made the same initial mistakes as others (crucial, frond) and was not alone in puzzling over stagnes. But I eventually got it all -- slowly at first, but then quickly after figuring out Tito Puente.<br /><br />I had prorated for a while (instead of amortize).michaelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-62621897392139523322010-05-07T23:18:11.215-04:002010-05-07T23:18:11.215-04:00It's reassuring to find that I made the same i...It's reassuring to find that I made the same initial mistakes as others (crucial, frond) and was not alone in puzzling over stagnes. But I eventually got it all -- slowly at first, but then quickly after figuring out Tito Puente.<br /><br />I had prorated for a while (instead of amortize).michaelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-36679260029818040422010-05-07T22:13:16.843-04:002010-05-07T22:13:16.843-04:00This week's relative difficulty ratings. See m...This week's relative difficulty ratings. See my <a href="https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=35115061&postID=3588389571383499624&isPopup=true" rel="nofollow">7/30/2009 post</a> for an explanation. In a nutshell, the higher the ratio, the higher this week's median solve time is relative to the average for the corresponding day of the week.<br /><br />All solvers (this week's median solve time, average for day of week, ratio, percentile, rating)<br /><br />Mon 6:57, 6:55, 1.01, 58%, Medium<br />Tue 8:45, 8:51, 0.99, 51%, Medium<br />Wed 13:13, 11:52, 1.11, 80%, Challenging<br />Thu 14:23, 19:20, 0.74, 6%, Easy<br />Fri 24:46, 26:26, 0.94, 36%, Easy-Medium<br /><br />Top 100 solvers<br /><br />Mon 3:51, 3:40, 1.05, 71%, Medium-Challenging<br />Tue 4:15, 4:31, 0.94, 39%, Easy-Medium<br />Wed 6:35, 5:50, 1.13, 82%, Challenging<br />Thu 6:45, 9:15, 0.73, 5%, Easy<br />Fri 11:39, 12:46, 0.91, 29%, Easy-Mediumsanfranman59https://www.blogger.com/profile/15118732156312301425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-79164332467285454232010-05-07T22:04:05.737-04:002010-05-07T22:04:05.737-04:00@Cathyat40 - My thoughts exactly.. I do the puzzle...@Cathyat40 - My thoughts exactly.. I do the puzzle on the bus on the way into NYC. The first thing I do when I get to the office is see what Rex and the gang have to say about it. I do not post often... I am at work most of the time... but I do read this forum almost everyday and, truthfully, it is every bit as enjoyable as the puzzle itself<br />@Jeff Spicoli - Awesome, dudeMikeMnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-25551219524172420732010-05-07T21:41:20.574-04:002010-05-07T21:41:20.574-04:00@joho, I don't know about Hawaii, but I'm ...@joho, I don't know about Hawaii, but I'm in a state.<br /><br />@moonchild, Correct to the last molecule!!! I cannot wait to use that on the step twins. Bless you.<br /><br />Wanna rock to Eric Burton in living black and white: cut and paste.<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQknxjce3_Q<br /><br />Back to what ever it was I was doing.<br /><br />@ulrich, facts with no relevance? tsk tsk :)<br /><br />nite alldkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17317008233459295376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-11269202648361362772010-05-07T21:05:18.723-04:002010-05-07T21:05:18.723-04:00@Ulrich,
Good point. We do know "Aloha Stat...@Ulrich,<br /><br />Good point. We do know "Aloha State" was adopted by an <a href="http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/histatutes/1/1/5/5-7" rel="nofollow">act of the Hawaiian legislature in 1959</a>.<br /><br />We don't know whether they called it in from Kenya.Martinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-36452399276443106812010-05-07T20:55:01.093-04:002010-05-07T20:55:01.093-04:00Hawaii is a state?Hawaii is a state?johohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12708487230515532492noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-32998071296502166702010-05-07T20:47:46.490-04:002010-05-07T20:47:46.490-04:00Sometimes I can only shake my head in wonder: The ...Sometimes I can only shake my head in wonder: The people here are supposed to be smart, so how can some of them miss the point so totally? As SethG says, the issue is the year when the name "Aloha State" was established, which happened in 1959 from the sources quoted, period. What the hell does this have to do with the year Hawaii became the 50th state (I know this anyway b/c I collected the state quarters--never mind)? Or with awards given a year after the event? Or with the year Charlemagne was crowned, to name just one other fact that is of no relevance here?Ulrichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02086202853174403008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-2850750553439028452010-05-07T20:31:18.608-04:002010-05-07T20:31:18.608-04:00The Oscar for the best picture of/shown 1959 was p...The Oscar for the best picture of/shown 1959 was presented/celebrated in the spring of 1960.<br /><br />Catches the neos every time.<br /><br />P>G>Look at it this way, perhapsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-84635141165222800752010-05-07T19:24:29.827-04:002010-05-07T19:24:29.827-04:00For someone who was not there at the time and real...For someone who was not there at the time and really doesn't care that much the Aloha State clue was "close enough for government work."<br />That's all I need.<br />Is being correct to the last molecule what we need to get the correct answer and solve the puzzle? If the answer is No then let's savor this juicy puzzle, enjoy it, and be glad we weren't on that stage, OK?Moonchildnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-72681062479875930692010-05-07T18:38:50.581-04:002010-05-07T18:38:50.581-04:00Here's the one I found: www.hawaiireporter.com...Here's the one I found: <a href="http://www.hawaiireporter.com/story.aspx?3036fea4-7b53-460f-850c-8721151b1eea" rel="nofollow">www.hawaiireporter.com</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-56105470517325017512010-05-07T18:34:48.812-04:002010-05-07T18:34:48.812-04:00Aw, Ben, you're givin' away all my secrets...Aw, Ben, you're givin' away all my secrets!<br /><br />Steve ;>)Bob Kerfufflehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02615811802419025933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-65469651343706750962010-05-07T18:24:45.638-04:002010-05-07T18:24:45.638-04:00Elaine, it's no less tiresome when you're ...Elaine, it's no less tiresome when you're repeatedly incorrect by name about easily checked facts.<br /><br />In furtherance of the conspiracy, here's a New York Times <a href="http://select.nytimes.com/mem/archive/pdf?res=F00910FB3958137B93C0AB1783D85F4D8585F9" rel="nofollow">article</a> from August 21, 1959 about the state of Hawaii. <a href="http://midlifecrisis.honadvblogs.com/2009/08/21/5050-celebration-hawaii-statehood/" rel="nofollow">Here's</a> a Honolulu Advertiser page with lots of pictures from 1959.<br /><br />July 4, 1960 was the <a href="http://select.nytimes.com/mem/archive/pdf?res=F00811FD3D581A7A93C7A9178CD85F448685F9" rel="nofollow">first time</a> the 50-state flag was raised over the palace. Maybe that's what you're remembering? <br /><br />In any case, the clue was [Nickname since 1959]. The Hawaiian Legislature, by joint resolution, instituted "The Aloha State" as the official nickname in late <a href="http://select.nytimes.com/mem/archive/pdf?res=FB0B16FD355B107B93C7AB178FD85F4D8585F9" rel="nofollow">April, 1959</a>.SethGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13753036404140901368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-12833442169862636062010-05-07T17:54:42.385-04:002010-05-07T17:54:42.385-04:00Well, here's the thing: there are official da...Well, here's the thing: there are official dates, and there are 'the way things actually went.' <br />Setting aside how tiresome it is when some folks must be anonymous as well as tacky-- allow me to share the following:<br /><br />The way it was explained to us fifty years ago, Alaska wanted to be The Only State for 1959. All statehood ceremonies in Hawaii were deferred. There was a lot of excitement that day in March, '59 (and it rained, a traditional sign of good fortune,) when the Congressional votes were cast. <br /><br />I did start thinking, 'Could I have forgotten the sequence?' because yeah, I saw the 'official record.' But I have pretty strong memories-- it was a pretty big deal to all of us who were living there. So I unearthed my rather small box of surviving memorabilia, and on the desk in front of me is an official letter from the Chairman of the 'State Spelling Bee' -- on the letterhead of the Department of Public Instruction, dated May 10, 1960. And the letterhead reads:<br />TERRITORY of HAWAII. <br /><br />Now that so much time has passed, the record reflects officialdom, but not the way things played out. The Statehood ceremonies were in late May, 1960.Elainehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13195458656221202202noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-66116796340675284752010-05-07T17:46:55.551-04:002010-05-07T17:46:55.551-04:00@Anon 2:54 I wasn't really looking at the cloc...@Anon 2:54 I wasn't really looking at the clock when the three finalists finished, but I think it was around 10 minutes or maybe a little less. They all finished within a few seconds of each other. Does anyone know the exact times?<br /><br />@Lit.Doc About ENA. Me too.CrazyCathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00245025301434920905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-40086192826280667602010-05-07T17:29:42.911-04:002010-05-07T17:29:42.911-04:00@Anon 2:54
I'd second the response that there...@Anon 2:54<br /><br />I'd second the response that there's no such thing as an "average" or "target" time for any crossword. If you enjoy the solving experience, the time is just right.<br /><br />On the other hand, it's reasonable to ask what a competitive speed-solver will do. I don't know what the winning time in LA was, but the top tier speed solvers can be expected to solve a Friday or Saturday puzzle in six or seven minutes. There aren't many solvers in that tier, but those who are are remarkable consistent. These solvers will do a Monday or Tuesday in 2 minutes and change. <br /><br />I personally don't like solving against the clock. We've had the debate many times whether savoring a puzzle like a fine meal or downing it like 50 hot dogs in seven minutes is more satisfying. Of course, there is no correct answer to where you find the most enjoyable solving experience. If you do want to train as a speed-solver, you need to know your bar is very high.Martinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-80979454332146791042010-05-07T17:27:59.530-04:002010-05-07T17:27:59.530-04:00@Anon 2:54
I'd second the response that there...@Anon 2:54<br /><br />I'd second the response that there's no such thing as an "average" or "target" time for any crossword. If you enjoy the solving experience, the time is just right.<br /><br />On the other hand, it's reasonable to ask what a competitive speed-solver will do. I don't know what the winning time in LA was, but the top tier speed solvers can be expected to solve a Friday or Saturday puzzle in six or seven minutes. There aren't many solvers in that tier, but those who are are remarkable consistent. These solvers will do a Monday or Tuesday in 2 minutes and change. <br /><br />I personally don't like solving against the clock. We've had the debate many times whether savoring a puzzle like a fine meal or downing it like 50 hot dogs in seven minutes is more satisfying. Of course, there is no correct answer to where you find the most enjoyable solving experience. If you do want to train as a speed-solver, you need to know your bar is very high.Martinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-88892189107673836402010-05-07T16:46:58.713-04:002010-05-07T16:46:58.713-04:00My father was always concerned about what I was re...My father was always concerned about what I was reading, never more so that when I dicovered the subset of marytred Irish saints which included St Dymphna and St Agnes.<br /><br />"We're not even Catholic," he would mutter, "why are you reading this pagan stuff?" I read what I read when I read it and never judged its worth, regardless if it was Sci-fi or US History. It'll all come in handy someday. Like today.<br /><br />I feel like Ruth does almost every Friday and Saturday and usually end with a feeling of satisfaction. I'm a retired school teacher and I always get a twinge when I see Tyler Hinman's byline. I fought this one for almost an hour and my last letter was the S in ASPERESES.<br /><br />And, please, to any Catholics reading this, I do not ascribe to my father's beliefs.edith bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12048817959846956992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-24933647247126353482010-05-07T16:42:58.380-04:002010-05-07T16:42:58.380-04:00Fine puzzle which was on the easy side for me due ...Fine puzzle which was on the easy side for me due to several gimmies (ANNA..., PANETTA, TITO.., LASORDA, ...). Only missteps were STUN for DRUG, and ECSTASY for 1d. I did struggle a bit with the KWANZAA spelling and had to stare at STAGNES to get it to sink in. Solid Fri. Mr. Hinman!jaehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03385568014046336373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-41881344773424283902010-05-07T16:34:22.766-04:002010-05-07T16:34:22.766-04:00This took me forever, ecstacy before ELATION, need...This took me forever, ecstacy before ELATION, needed before chefbea noodged me for BEET RED, wouldn't take out idolize so I failed epically with a big fat DNF. So close but yet so far.<br /><br />ALOHAchefwenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03999206352243329280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-14410239416666442102010-05-07T16:20:12.577-04:002010-05-07T16:20:12.577-04:00PETR Korda was a deeply talented lefty on the pro ...PETR Korda was a deeply talented lefty on the pro tennis tour but too big a head case to sustain a long run at the highest level. He'd beat Sampras one day, lose to Sampras' racket stringer the next.<br /><br />@Abigail, nice job.<br /><br />@Cathyat40, "Bob Kerfuffle" is just a stage name he uses on the Internet. His real name is Steve Kerfuffle.Benhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04754156636762779545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-14284897492463037972010-05-07T16:00:40.149-04:002010-05-07T16:00:40.149-04:00March 11, 1959- The Senate passes Hawai‘i’s Stateh...March 11, 1959- The Senate passes Hawai‘i’s Statehood Bill 75 to 15.<br /> <br />March 12, 1959- The U.S. House of Representatives passes Hawai‘i’s Statehood Bill, 323 to 89.<br /> <br />March 18, 1959- The Act to Provide for the Admission of the State of Hawai‘i is signed by President Eisenhower. Hawai‘i’s delegate, John Burns, is not invited to the signing ceremony.<br /> <br />June 27, 1959- A plebiscite is held to allow Hawai‘i residents to ratify the congressional vote for statehood. Out of 155,000 registered voters throughout the territory, 140,744 ballots are cast. The “yes for statehood” garners 94.3% (132,773 votes) while the “no” ballots equal 5.7% (7,971 votes).<br /> <br />August 21, 1959- President Eisenhower makes Hawai‘i Statehood official by signing the proclamation that welcomes Hawai‘i as the 50th state of the union. He also unveils the new fifty star flag.<br /><br />[http://hawaii.gov/statehood/history]Prince Kuhio Kalaniana`olenoreply@blogger.com