tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post4269090605063265486..comments2024-03-28T20:49:13.267-04:00Comments on Rex Parker Does the NYT Crossword Puzzle: Dickinson with modeling agency / WED 6-1-16 / Elephant boy boy / One-named singer from Iceland / Coffehouse combo often / Em polly in literature / NCAA's Aggies informallyRex Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16145707733877505087noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-92091195529601679922016-07-07T09:30:33.073-04:002016-07-07T09:30:33.073-04:00@Spacey - My tolerance level is becoming more crit...@Spacey - My tolerance level is becoming more critical as well. However, thee might calm down. Try this: breathe in - think happy thoughts - breath out - let go of crappy thoughts. Repeat as needed. Then, do a trick I've learned. Do some really crappy puzzles. When I get the Monterey Herald, there are two, small, crosswordese-filled puzzles every day. The NYTP will once again shine as a beacon of hope and reason and zest. (Altho I also retched at XED. Life has small speed bumps.)<br /><br />@Rondo - Another lesson from the language-fluent - thanks. Was hoping for Ste. Theresa. Teed me off that she didn't show. (Breathe in, breathe out.)<br /><br />@BS Saw that one coming. (Get it?)<br /><br />I now see that @Crabsofsteel agreed with my Garcon note.<br /><br />Per @Kimberly's comment - at least with RRNs we have 7 letters to remember, but the Greek alphabet? At least nine, right? Teedmn? Anyone?<br /><br />@Spacey - my old eyes do tricks on me every day. I've learned to check "Was that 38 across or 58 across?" and check that I've read the words correctly. lotsa humorous changes ensue<br /><br />@Woody - Erik E was in today's paper's "people" column. Apparently, he's joining the law enforcement folks round abouts to help teach kids how to be safe on the internet. Good for him. <br /><br />ALLTHEBEST<br /><br />Diana,LIW<br />Diana,LIWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-88128268608883038942016-07-06T22:41:53.345-04:002016-07-06T22:41:53.345-04:00@rondo, thanks for the discussion of Scandinavian ...@rondo, thanks for the discussion of Scandinavian vowels vs. the umlaut. Kevin Brixius, the late, great leader of the band I was in, wrote a song and submitted it to some group that was soliciting songs to celebrate the opening of the Blue light rail line back in the day in Mpls. He wrote one called <a href="https://youtu.be/5l6E19SO67Q" rel="nofollow">Two Vikings</a> which they accepted. I had suggested that in the chorus, the drummer and I should be singing "Å, Ä, Ö" behind him (even though the two Vikings in question came from Norway - just a little Swedish joke there). So we did.Teedmnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12832353448839187816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-1093458315699121052016-07-06T18:05:29.731-04:002016-07-06T18:05:29.731-04:00"Welcome To The Jungle" would be a good ..."Welcome To The Jungle" would be a good title for the next MAD AXE sequel. <br /><br />Didn't like ESTRADA crossing RERUN. That show hasn't been on in eons. Erik ESTRADA was on my flight the other day. I said "Hey, you're the guy from "CHIPS." He said, "Yes. Would you like another drink before we land?" Wooody2004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-91785633068019766372016-07-06T18:03:19.641-04:002016-07-06T18:03:19.641-04:00@bananafish: I'm fully with you on the roman n...@bananafish: I'm fully with you on the roman numerals issue. You make a very good case for those of us who like to puzzle them out.leftcoastTAMnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-85521902034674775822016-07-06T15:04:19.431-04:002016-07-06T15:04:19.431-04:00The last letter I put in the grid, the "a&quo...The last letter I put in the grid, the "a" at the end of ASGARa, gave me my dnf at this Natick. Now I see - Texas A and M. Like our old friend Channel "A and E."<br /><br />Very clever "nyah nyah" at a common crossword complaint. <br /><br />Anyway... "Don't just sit there, eat!" could be a good motto. <br /><br />Haven't read all the comments yet - did anyone mention that "GARCON!" can be considered rude? Monsieur or Madame is what I've always heard in France. <br /><br />Good Wednesday, all.<br /><br />Diana, Lady-in-Waiting for CrosswordsDiana,LIWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-4082750073178056802016-07-06T14:16:05.820-04:002016-07-06T14:16:05.820-04:00I like it when a constructor tries for something n...I like it when a constructor tries for something new, inventive, different, and sometimes educational. I knew all the diacritical mark terms, but it was still fun to find them at the crosses of two words. I don't know how to include them in my typing, so I won't even try here. Just fun to see how they were presented. <br /><br />This was a fine example of and easy puzzle that was fun, and like others, I didn't notice the -ease. Rarely do anyway. Alas, as with all theme puzzles, once done, never to be seen again lest @Rex go all TRex on it.rain forestnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-9288770518417872912016-07-06T13:36:58.664-04:002016-07-06T13:36:58.664-04:00When someone informs/corrects you regarding someth...When someone informs/corrects you regarding something ("we here at the New Yorker use diacriticals - as a new writer here, you will have to get used to adding them"), you can reply with either "Gotcha" or "I see", both of which in that context mean "I understand and will comply". So there is absolutely nothing wrong with one being clued for the other.<br /><br />I also want to make the case for use of roman numerals. I actually enjoy their use in crosswords. When you know a roman numeral has been used, you have narrowed down from 26 possible letters to 7 possible letters (I, V, X, L, D, C and M). This is a tremendous help in most cases and can add tremendously to the detective work part of solving a crossword - you know, the "puzzle" part of "crossword puzzle". (Too many here seem to be fans of words and not fans of, well, puzzling.)bananafishnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-69291273538105843012016-07-06T13:17:02.006-04:002016-07-06T13:17:02.006-04:00Loved this puzzle, AND the comments it generated. ...Loved this puzzle, AND the comments it generated. One of the most entertaining mornings since I've been coming 'round here.Sailorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05185068601066087185noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-17264792702464622792016-07-06T12:55:31.817-04:002016-07-06T12:55:31.817-04:00Very easy Wednesday--EXCEPT for the ASGARD/ACU/USA...Very easy Wednesday--EXCEPT for the ASGARD/ACU/USAIN/CIRCUMFLEX/SISENOR cluster. SISENOR was key to sussing out the others, fortunately.<br /><br />Then, carelessly stayed with AANDe (engineering)instead of going for the familiar AANDM, resulting in a dnf with CIRCUeFLEX instead of the very gettable CIRCUMFLEX.<br /><br />Fault myself first, but the confusing clue for AANDM second, because AANDM does not "informally" refer to the Aggies; it is a more complete and formal completion of the name of the university.<br /><br />Dammit!<br /><br /><br /><br /> leftcoastTAMnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-63239322717523184042016-07-06T12:40:09.969-04:002016-07-06T12:40:09.969-04:00 Again, to be accurate, it is not an UMLAUT (used ... Again, to be accurate, it is not an UMLAUT (used to change the pronunciation of a common vowel in German) nor is it a diaeresis used for emphasis when used in her name BJÖRK. In the Icelandic and Swedish alphabets Ö is a distinct vowel; in German it is not, it is a modified O with an UMLAUT. Swedish has three extra distinct vowels in Å, Ä, and Ö, so a 29 letter alphabet. German has the same 26 letters as English. Metal bands use the UMLAUT over any vowel they see fit, and sometimes Y. Actually, as clued in this puz, as long as foreign words are being used, the correct answer for ASGARD could/should have been ÅSGARD or ÅSGÅRD, depending on which Norse language you want to use, but then how would you cross that? Only in the Swedish korsord puzzles I’ve done. Or by using the TV show Stårgåte (ever notice that?).<br /><br />I actually though it was cool that the Ö was crossed correctly and didn’t expect to see others until seeing more clues. Very cool idea save for the above mentioned ÅSGÅRD issue.<br /><br />So we have crossing yeah babies in JANICE Dickinson and BJÖRK today; the “first” supermodel and the singer who has been known to lose her tutu. I guess Erik ESTRADA, his teeth, and his motorcycle cop outfit made him a yeah baby for the ladies back in the CHIPs days; cue disco music.<br /><br />Then there was the RRN, the RD, and the ampersandwich. Those are sure to increase @spacey’s golf score.<br /><br />I was hoping to see a “TEED off” answer today to complete the trifecta from the MN Xword tourney cohort. It’ll happen sooner or later. But still SORTA fun with the diacritical stuff.<br />rondonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-58743336077072162402016-07-06T10:59:15.708-04:002016-07-06T10:59:15.708-04:00I think my tolerance level is shrinking. (Wish it ...I think my tolerance level is shrinking. (Wish it could trade places with my belly!) The north was so painful to fill out...the RRN not bad enough, but forcing the horrid XED; but then when I got to the Aggie clue and realized it had to be A&M (no, I will NOT type out the conjunction!), I was a straw's weight away from tossing--along with my breakfast--it in.<br /><br />The straw was my bad eyesight. The print is so small I sometimes can't make out the numbers in the grid. I saw the "_De la Cite" clue and knew it was ILE, but in my confusion I thought it belonged at 25-across. But there is no MARMet, it's MARMOT. I never double-checked that there could be a SECOND IL_ entry so close by. What are the odds? So I just quit there. A second DNF in a row--and it isn't even Thursday yet! All I can say is, PLEASE get rid of all the crappy fill!spacecraftnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-85395321296714546962016-07-06T10:27:13.102-04:002016-07-06T10:27:13.102-04:00ISEE SISEÑOR
With no SHAME BJÖRK and AXLROSE LAYB...ISEE SISEÑOR<br /><br />With no SHAME BJÖRK and AXLROSE LAYBARE INTIME to do it,<br />ALLTHEBEST with no clothes, she SAID,”AH” and BLEWIT.<br /><br />--- JANICE FAROE KAGAN<br />Burma Shavenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-22794339589394413872016-06-02T14:40:20.465-04:002016-06-02T14:40:20.465-04:00@Lobster11 - Well, as long as you gave yourself a ...@Lobster11 - Well, as long as you gave yourself a good strong one. ¡Har!<br />Zhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16181544219511150272noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-79362975778420568632016-06-02T12:28:29.323-04:002016-06-02T12:28:29.323-04:00@Jane B - USAIN Bolt is the two-time and current O...@Jane B - USAIN Bolt is the two-time and current Olympic champion in the 100 meters, 200 meters and 4x100 relay, and the world record holder in all three events - the 'fastest man on earth'.kitshefnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-9894763740093611712016-06-02T10:57:18.662-04:002016-06-02T10:57:18.662-04:00I had 'circonflex', the English circumflex...I had 'circonflex', the English circumflex never crossing my mind, (strong French teaching) and that stumped a and m and rerun. But what's USAIN?<br />Agree with all that this was fun and liked the theme.Jane Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06868110786569584584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-25050683613576491882016-06-02T08:04:59.611-04:002016-06-02T08:04:59.611-04:00@Sue in France...I can speak for Portuguese puzzle...@Sue in France...I can speak for Portuguese puzzles...diacritics count. in all 1 of the xword books I have owned.Titahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16368251255494687496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-84677515916302368912016-06-02T01:14:05.099-04:002016-06-02T01:14:05.099-04:00Cirsusflea seemed possible for cirumflex to me. Cirsusflea seemed possible for cirumflex to me. Snaghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10209206261460595883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-58698138545337629702016-06-02T01:13:51.430-04:002016-06-02T01:13:51.430-04:00Cirsusflea seemed possible for cirumflex to me. Cirsusflea seemed possible for cirumflex to me. Snaghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10209206261460595883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-31055895002725446602016-06-02T00:05:16.922-04:002016-06-02T00:05:16.922-04:00@jberg AandM usually is Agriculture and Mechanics ...@jberg AandM usually is Agriculture and Mechanics but some schools out West its Mining (New Mexico). The common nickname of course is Aggies as in Texas (A&M) Aggies and New Mexico State Aggies. <br /><br />Many land grant schools were A&Ms that later changed to State as in Oklahoma A&M => Oklahoma State and New Mexico A&M = New Mexico State. Purdue University is the only land grant school named for a person. Otherwise it might have been Indiana A&M. In some states an existing school got the land grant charter, such as University of Illinois.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-20730726252111785632016-06-02T00:04:28.391-04:002016-06-02T00:04:28.391-04:00@M AND A, if your abbreviated alias was crossed wi...@M AND A, if your abbreviated alias was crossed with A AND M it might have provided an opportunity to include ampersand as an answer to potentially add to your list of potential WTF marks, SORTA impressed that it can ampers& part of itself. <br /><br />I appreciated your interpretation of the meaning of ASGARD far more than the INFANCY PANTS in a former puzzle. It also covers both an END and an ANO in the puzzle.Aketihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07059835429995060000noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-20707773004973216292016-06-01T23:03:04.897-04:002016-06-01T23:03:04.897-04:00Hüsker Dü! One of the best shows in my undergrad d...Hüsker Dü! One of the best shows in my undergrad days in the Social Room. Finished the puzzle with no difficulty. Like someone else said this was easy for a Monday. Altonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09291867697202868416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-76323143376159714602016-06-01T17:02:23.660-04:002016-06-01T17:02:23.660-04:00Diacritical marks in puzzles have been the subject...Diacritical marks in puzzles have been the subject of many a comment on this blog so I thought I’d chime in about how they work here in France. It’s quite simple, diacritical marks are ignored. Here are a couple of examples from a puzzle I just looked at. “Fané” and “être” cross on the final “e” of each word. “Reçu” and “chaire” cross on the “c”. “Active” and” île”cross on the “i”. This is no more a problem than the fact that an apostrophe is missing in “AESOPS” in today’s grid. It’s a convention.<br /><br />According to the Wikipedia article entitled “Crossword” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crossword ) in the section on orthography, each language has its own conventions. German, for example, doesn’t really use umlauts in puzzles, but rather the vowel follwed by an e. The article states that Spanish, like French, ignores diacritics, except for the tilde.<br /><br />Does anyone have any practical experience with Spanish language crossword puzzles so we can know for sure that Wiki is right and that ñ and n are always distinguished in them? (Crosswords made for students of Spanish don’t count!)Sue in Francehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04327395018500461077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-30677224033692748662016-06-01T16:51:49.987-04:002016-06-01T16:51:49.987-04:00@jberg - thanks for the BLEWIT mushroom info, I ha...@jberg - thanks for the BLEWIT mushroom info, I hadn't heard of them. I'll take a pass on the jellied soup, but the other recipies sound delicious. I'd have to use a substitute or grow my own.<br />(Still think it sounds like a songbird)chefwenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03999206352243329280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-65335028253664622772016-06-01T16:42:10.962-04:002016-06-01T16:42:10.962-04:00@GFRCPB&J - In addition to "caught you!&q...@GFRCPB&J - In addition to "caught you!" gotcha can mean "I understand."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-49315863318294973532016-06-01T16:10:46.665-04:002016-06-01T16:10:46.665-04:00I was stationed in Schwäbisch Gmünd for two years ...I was stationed in Schwäbisch Gmünd for two years ('57 - '59). Talk about Umlaut City'<br /><br />The English version seems to be Schwaebisch Gmuend. This was too long a version to write down. Written name was usually Schwabisch Gmund. And close enough for any one seeing the letters or hearing the mispronunciation.<br /><br />Our former Kaserne, The Bismark was built in 1937 as a modern complex for trained battalions. It was not dubbed the "Bismark" Kaserne. Can you guess what popular leader's name night have adorned the entrance sign? Right! (Names beginning with "T" and ending with "P' are close seconds).<br /><br />It no longer contains our tracked 8" howitzers and mobile rockets (atomic, if the need arose)). It became a demonstration sight for German Greens, Univ of MD Extension, and now a school and festival site for events including a Festival of Medievil Church Music.<br /><br />Yes, please excuse me. I know this point-out on umlauts has become a trollish fantaszie. This is what happens when you get old but can still type.Dick Swarthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05916582540029654250noreply@blogger.com