tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post5360561661604580521..comments2024-03-29T11:51:10.649-04:00Comments on Rex Parker Does the NYT Crossword Puzzle: FRIDAY, Aug. 29, 2008 - Mike Nothnagel ("Step the meek fowls where ..." / _____ Bulba (literary Cossack) / Annual college event since 1935)Rex Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16145707733877505087noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-18773117372512934272017-05-09T08:55:00.582-04:002017-05-09T08:55:00.582-04:00How can "Big blast" be a clue for "...How can "Big blast" be a clue for "din?" (53D) a din is a loud, prolonged noise. A big blast is a loud, short noise. Tedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06745416143822842584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-40985892488732854852008-10-04T18:42:00.000-04:002008-10-04T18:42:00.000-04:00No one objected to 27D: stockyards as the answer f...No one objected to 27D: stockyards as the answer for Where many heads are put together? Yeah, I got it, but "head", as in 20 head of cattle, is a plural; in this sense, "heads" is a grammatical error.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17881519960894477962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-56262762909687610342008-10-04T00:22:00.000-04:002008-10-04T00:22:00.000-04:00This is the anonymous L. L. Thrasher again. I hav...This is the anonymous L. L. Thrasher again. I have a general question about the blog and I hope it isn't inappropriate to ask. I was just wondering about the clues that are quoted at the beginning of each blog, following the name of the constructor and the date. <BR/><BR/>I've been trying to come up with some rhyme or reason behind your choices, but I'm still, well, puzzled. My best guess so far is that you pick some of the most unusual clues so that people will immediately know they're looking at the puzzle they just finished and haven't landed on the wrong day's blog by mistake. I'm mostly just curious, but also I keep wondering if I'm missing the point, the way I often find I missed the whole point of a clue when you explain it in your blog.<BR/><BR/>Thanks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-53128309688197645322008-10-03T12:46:00.000-04:002008-10-03T12:46:00.000-04:00PETESEEGER - Just met the man a few months ago, ev...PETESEEGER - Just met the man a few months ago, even got to shake his hand! A thrill for one of us, and it wasn't him... I'm not a drinker, so STOLI was a complete mystery, thank goodness for the crossing entries. I, too, finished in the SW corner, 10 minutes, which is decent for me for a Friday. The times you folks get scare me!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11757170805697711598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-31463283013465983042008-08-30T11:54:00.000-04:002008-08-30T11:54:00.000-04:00Too funny, as I was sitting here typing my last co...Too funny, as I was sitting here typing my last comment, my father actually yelled "STUFF A SOCK IN IT" at the annoying yippy yappy dog out the window. He doesn't even do crosswords; he's a Jumble guy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-14073840172960424222008-08-30T11:51:00.000-04:002008-08-30T11:51:00.000-04:00Dorky Trivia: KITT= Knight Industries Two Thousand...Dorky Trivia: KITT= Knight Industries Two Thousands<BR/><BR/>Those of you with quarter collections must have your own washers and dryers! I don't think a quarter collection would last very long in my house; nickles maybe, quarters definitely not.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-949519884272280232008-08-30T08:30:00.000-04:002008-08-30T08:30:00.000-04:00@ acme -- We have a new documentary on Pete Seeger...@ acme -- We have a new documentary on Pete Seeger which has aired several times this year on PBS in the Albany NY area. He's very much involved in keeping the Hudson River clean -- water, air and embankments -- and regularly takes youngsters' classes out on the River in his beautiful old-fashioned sailing ship to teach them about the ecosystem as well as getting the sails up properly! It was thanks to his help that a major new construction project including multiple tall polluting smokestacks was killed after a decade of legal wrangling. That was scheduled to be built in the heart of the historic scenic near Hudson, NY, and Frederick Church's home/museum, Olana.<BR/><BR/>∑;)ArtLvrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03869528391374878601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-71918210220899471132008-08-30T03:26:00.000-04:002008-08-30T03:26:00.000-04:00@michaelI too am always surprised what folks know ...@michael<BR/>I too am always surprised what folks know and don't know...but let's not scare young Kevin off from admitting his gaps, it's a wonderful reminder<BR/>how arbitrary and cultural and random our collective and individual knowledge is!<BR/>I still give Will shit about not knowing who Hello Kitty is, I bring it up EVERY chance I get, but then I turn around and was clueless about Senta Berger or Dumbledore or whatever Potter-du-jour clue turns up.<BR/>I'm very interested in what folks know/don't know so when making a puzzle I can gauge the difficulty level...it usually is about age more than any other factor.<BR/>And face it, it's amazing anyone knows who Pete Seeger is any more.<BR/>I know folks lionize him, but I still think of him getting irked that this Bob Dylan upstart was upstaging him and he refused to play at one of his own "peace" concerts (I know I'm probably getting the story half wrong, but I feel like I saw it in a documentary) and that already is<BR/>40+ years ago!!!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-52940309436773571112008-08-30T03:03:00.000-04:002008-08-30T03:03:00.000-04:00Loved the puzzle; only required three googles. It...Loved the puzzle; only required three googles. It all worked for me.<BR/><BR/>One word about being political and not voting: one can be extremely political and not think either party reflects one's views or what one thinks should be done to solve world or domestic crises and problems (notwithstanding a brilliant and historic candidate).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-74551822911726979002008-08-29T21:43:00.000-04:002008-08-29T21:43:00.000-04:00The Anonymous confession about blog addiction was ...The Anonymous confession about blog addiction was very amusing. I'm ever so slightly embarrassed by my crossword nerdiness, and how it has grown due to finding a forum with others so obsessed. The puzzle isn't a big deal and nor is it profound, but it does represent a great deal of effort on the constructor's part and embodies some of the same for the solver. So, even if it's sort of a trivial exercise, it's not insignificant -- because it holds a nice magic trick matrix of ideas that lots of other people were juggling with, more of less at the same time. And it is enjoyable to see how other people arrive at their thoughts, especially in a territory as neutral as the NY Times crossword puzzle.fergushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17056002311944010536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-28500828827465035422008-08-29T21:30:00.000-04:002008-08-29T21:30:00.000-04:00The phrase put a sock in it may have originated as...The phrase <B>put a sock in it</B> may have originated as a British expression but it has become an American one also. It wouldn't be the first example of cross-pollination across the pond and it won't be the last one either.<BR/><BR/>We are two distinct cultures that share a language after all.<BR/><BR/>I'm sorry to say that I missed the fireworks today and the imposition of martial law that followed. Imagine my surprise to find the chilling <B>Comment moderation has been turned on</B> suddenly appearing on my screen when I tried to post my take on today's puzzle.<BR/><BR/>I'm glad things are back to normal<BR/> {if, in fact, they are}Bill from NJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10103923612595508277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-78611756592471660312008-08-29T21:02:00.000-04:002008-08-29T21:02:00.000-04:00finally back from working all day!! Must admit I l...finally back from working all day!! Must admit I loved Rice product even tho it was not food related.chefbeahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15195945085405126511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-48758515384663806392008-08-29T20:55:00.000-04:002008-08-29T20:55:00.000-04:00@KarenThank You! Exactly apropos to my question cu...@Karen<BR/>Thank You! Exactly apropos to my question cuz I wasn't really sure if was an fair comparison. (I kinda like the fact that Eartha Kitt was in Batman, thanks Jeff!)<BR/>Would Will Schultz even allow a reference to Knight Rider, being mindless pop and all? (Just call me the Sarah Palin of crosswords. If something happens to Rex, I do not have the experience to shepherd this blog.)fikinkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06324570637549775751noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-19535778254691743752008-08-29T20:34:00.000-04:002008-08-29T20:34:00.000-04:00Anybody else remember the comic book "Batman and t...Anybody else remember the comic book "Batman and the Outsiders"?Jeffreyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01699404861773455504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-47556865107295964502008-08-29T20:30:00.000-04:002008-08-29T20:30:00.000-04:00Mark me down as another woman with a 48-quarter co...Mark me down as another woman with a 48-quarter collection.<BR/><BR/>No one else tried to use ONE TRACK MIND? Oh well.<BR/><BR/>Fikink, I don't think the Batmobile and KITT are much alike other than both being cars. KITT had an AI with a personality and was the driving force (sorry) for a series; the Batmobile had good tracking computers, but no voice. It was essentially a tool, but Batman could go on without it. Kind of like comparing the Invisible Jet to Airwolf. Oness an accessory, one's the reason for the show.<BR/><BR/>A very good time for me, and a perfect Friday, yea. Knowing the Outsiders definitely helped; and Tati is one of those names stored behind my eyeballs.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-22642258336369724892008-08-29T20:02:00.000-04:002008-08-29T20:02:00.000-04:00When I started this puzzled, I was horrified when ...When I started this puzzled, I was horrified when I could get very few answers. But I poked away at it and eventually finished it in just-about-average Friday time. As also with Nothnagel, an enjoyable puzzle.<BR/><BR/>I know several women who are avid state-quarter-collectors.<BR/><BR/>I know Kevin Der is young, but still am struck that such a clever, knowledgeable guy has never heard of Pete Seeger. I hope he knows Woody Guthrie...Michael Chibnikhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04700426644898924644noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-4253524255924813022008-08-29T19:21:00.000-04:002008-08-29T19:21:00.000-04:00Anon, it may have begun in England, but Americans ...Anon, it may have begun in England, but Americans know and use the phrase "put a sock in it" too. (See comments from 12 and 13 hours ago on this thread.)Orangehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12433254398377357737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-87917026291203677732008-08-29T19:12:00.000-04:002008-08-29T19:12:00.000-04:00Here's a new word for all you constructors out the...Here's a new word for all you constructors out there:<BR/><BR/>ONSERT<BR/><BR/>A publication I just received has an erratum to a previous issue stapled to the cover, which it calls an "onsert", as opposed I guess to an insert which would be placed inside.<BR/><BR/>It doesn't appear in Jimh's databaseJeffreyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01699404861773455504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-44439756024640806812008-08-29T19:00:00.000-04:002008-08-29T19:00:00.000-04:00Not that it matters that much but according to thi...Not that it matters that much but according to this site the term<BR/>"Put a sock in it" is British.<BR/><BR/>http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/292100.htmlAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-48027706464889392472008-08-29T18:40:00.000-04:002008-08-29T18:40:00.000-04:00Great puzzle, write-up, comments, post by me . . ....Great puzzle, write-up, comments, post by me . . . .<BR/><BR/>This might be my fastest Nothnagel. I'm on to the guy now.<BR/><BR/>S.E. Hinton is from Oklahoma. That's close to Texas when somebody from Oklahoma does something cool. So far that's S.E. Hinton, Ralph Ellison and Troy Aikman.<BR/><BR/>I'm going to the baseball game tonight! Yay! Except that I hate baseball!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-55399686456900576502008-08-29T18:16:00.000-04:002008-08-29T18:16:00.000-04:00Crosswords! And the things that appear in them! To...Crosswords! And the things that appear in them! Topic of this blog!<BR/><BR/>I am distressed to learn from Anonymous Quarter-Collecting Woman that the assorted U.S. territories will have quarters. I mean, I can't wait to have a Northern Marianas quarter, but my nerdy quarter holders (like Ulrich's, with spaces for the D and P mints' outputs) end with Hawaii and Alaska. I have no holes for territory quarters. At least I'm in the middle of the country, so I have just a smattering of D and P gaps rather than a bunch of gaps for just one mint.<BR/><BR/>/numismatic nerdery<BR/><BR/>By the way, not only does this Nothnagel puzzle have a load of great answers, it has no crappy ones. None! That's quite difficult to pull off. I do usually like 68- to 72-word themeless puzzles (this one's 68, I think) because they allow for fresher, more interesting fill and fewer compromises.Orangehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12433254398377357737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-20488678204477267962008-08-29T17:55:00.000-04:002008-08-29T17:55:00.000-04:00@Rex: I accept your apology.Pick one argument out ...@Rex: I accept your apology.<BR/><BR/>Pick one argument out of the list: A, say, very political Hillary supporter might not vote for Obama but will simply stay home rather than cross over to McCain. A highly political Republican may be unmotivated to the point of not supporting the party ticket by McCain's weakness in some traditional conservative positions, but still refuse to support a Democrat.evil doughttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17593231055589228837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-80226398007213129882008-08-29T17:41:00.000-04:002008-08-29T17:41:00.000-04:00@anonymous 3:24pmnonomatopoetic!Perfect!!!!!!! Si...@anonymous 3:24pm<BR/><BR/>nonomatopoetic!<BR/>Perfect!!!!!!! Simple, clever, right on! Spelling be damned!<BR/>You rock!<BR/><BR/>@anonymous 4:18pm<BR/><BR/>Bravo, in general. <BR/>I'm thinking of starting an RA chapter- <BR/>"My name is Andrea and I'm a Rexaholic...at first I started just reading his blog once a day...to unwind, in private...it made me feel all light-headed and giddy...then I started coming back to it for a little quick read, just to see if I was alone or not... <BR/>The time I used to spend reading literature and creating puzzles, I now spent reading Rex's blog and the people who blogged about the blog and those who responded to those who blogged about the blog.<BR/><BR/>I started posting more than 3 times a day, I didn't care that people were telling me, that it had become a problem and I was no longer the life of the party..."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-16989416421422665312008-08-29T17:18:00.000-04:002008-08-29T17:18:00.000-04:00Perhaps a neater clue for TATI would be "He shot m...Perhaps a neater clue for TATI would be "He shot my uncle in Paris". Because clever does ace obscure.<BR/><BR/>Growing up in Sydney in the 60's, it was ultra-cool to be a Jacques Tati fan - his movies were shown in late night sessions in little single screen art cinemas like the Gala in Pitt St and the Lido in George St, which sold (gasp!) coffee instead of popcorn.<BR/><BR/>For all those Rexers who have never encountered the timeless M. Hulot, do take the time to read the Wikepedia entry on Tati, and maybe even track down a copy of Mon Oncle - just a remarkable, brilliant, eccentric film maker who after winning his Oscar eventually went bankrupt pursuing his impossibly uncommercial impossible dream.<BR/><BR/>Finally got to Paris some 20 years later and was intrigued to discover an even smaller cinema in St Germain that showed only Tati films, all day, every day of the year. Talk about impossibly uncommercial, what a hommage!<BR/><BR/>All these lovely venues have closed now, driven out by the videotape, the DVD and the avi file, no doubt. But on the bright side, Rex, there are a few classic Tati clips on YouTube which you could put up on the blog next time his name bobs up.qvhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14166953775920575544noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-23907894267127980932008-08-29T17:11:00.000-04:002008-08-29T17:11:00.000-04:00I visited CRATERLAKE on July 4th and it was snowin...I visited CRATERLAKE on July 4th and it was snowing.<BR/><BR/>@everyone -- thanks for the extensive discussion of TATI, I will hopefully remember him next time.<BR/><BR/>@puzzlegirl -- my first thought on finally getting IRKSOME was very cool word!jaehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03385568014046336373noreply@blogger.com