tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post5860558507072234891..comments2024-03-29T11:24:03.304-04:00Comments on Rex Parker Does the NYT Crossword Puzzle: MONDAY, Dec. 31, 2007 - Lynn LempelRex Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16145707733877505087noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-23275886198004209662017-10-18T04:16:29.628-04:002017-10-18T04:16:29.628-04:00Lost in the woods for 78 days.
Royal16...Lost in the woods for 78 days.<br /><br /> <a href="https://www.gclub-bet.com/royal1688-play-on-web" rel="nofollow">Royal1688</a> <br /> Online betting sites can choose to play casino games in the form of realistic bets. Play easily. The games that facilitate all of you are betting on the best of the best online gambling games. Can receive news More at galaxies. When journalists were disclosed by Col. Paisawong Sarappo, SR 36 that on October 16. It was informed by a good citizen that there is a forest lost one person know the name of the center of 78 years old, is located at 149 Moo 1 Tambon Mae Kong, Mae Sariang, Mae Hong Son. I have been away from home for 3 days, relatives have found out yet not found.<br /><br /> Know that the lion's out to find the forest in the area. Then disappear not to return home. From October 14, the past. The first batch of special chapters with the people of Thung Dang. Keep searching. But I have not found any. At this point, the staff continues to search for each other. I hope to see you around. Wandering into such woods for online casinos. The game is very popular. The new online gambling. The game is easy to understand. Always bet with us. The standard life style leads you to the path of online gambling. Continuing the game together in the game. <a href="https://www.gclub-bet.com/royal1688-play-on-web" rel="nofollow">Royal1688</a> คาสิโนออนไลน์ Gclub sbobethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17778159157555939498noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-30428531029803476802008-02-12T14:37:00.000-05:002008-02-12T14:37:00.000-05:00I copied a blank NYT puzzle grid and all I did was...I copied a blank NYT puzzle grid and all I did was fill in all the spaces with els and it took me 3:30 to do just that so how do you solve a puzzle in 4:05? Even if you read only half the clues it takes some time. Just wanted to know about your times.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-11033151653045025702008-02-11T19:44:00.000-05:002008-02-11T19:44:00.000-05:006 weeks later:The only answer to pose any difficul...6 weeks later:<BR/><BR/>The only answer to pose any difficulty for me in this easy-even-for-a-Monday puzzle was 9D, TAGSALE. In this neck of the woods, we call 'em GARAGE SALES or YARD SALES. I guess regional differences in English still occur across North America.<BR/><BR/>(And submarine sandwiches are called hoagies in the Philadelphia region for some reason.)Waxy in Montrealhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04395751487137805245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-71122575076992954212008-01-01T15:42:00.000-05:002008-01-01T15:42:00.000-05:00...and I think that tournament attendance shot way......and I think that tournament attendance shot way up after "Wordplay." Can anyone confirm?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-90835390258063897582008-01-01T07:39:00.000-05:002008-01-01T07:39:00.000-05:00It's 2 minutes, not 4. And it's right there on scr...It's 2 minutes, not 4. And it's right there on screen for all to see, in real time.<BR/><BR/>rpRex Parkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16145707733877505087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-11175896058658690662007-12-31T23:29:00.000-05:002007-12-31T23:29:00.000-05:00In Wordplay, Sanders did the puzzle - was it a Tue...In Wordplay, Sanders did the puzzle - was it a Tuesday puzzle? - not too far under 4 minutes, if I remember correctly.<BR/><BR/>To clarify: I have no doubt that Sanders or any of the best solvers can look at a clue and know immediately what the fill should be.<BR/><BR/>It's the physical execution, whether typing or writing. And the need to read at least half of the clues.<BR/><BR/>That's a lot to do in the sub-3 minute times recorded today on the Play Against The Clock list.<BR/><BR/>Happy New Year to all!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-17010906936159976682007-12-31T23:10:00.000-05:002007-12-31T23:10:00.000-05:00Good to hear all the comments about the tournament...Good to hear all the comments about the tournament above. I've just used some frequent flier miles to reserve my ticket from Minneapolis to Laguardia for the ACPT weekend and I expect it will be a blast. I'm shooting for the top 50%, but I don't think I'll be terribly disappointed even if I miss that.<BR/><BR/>Rex, thanks for all your puzzling comments. I second the hope above that you will move up from 166th greatest crossworder in the universe.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-73484862367902551062007-12-31T20:30:00.000-05:002007-12-31T20:30:00.000-05:00And Al Sanders does one even more quickly:)And Al Sanders does one even more quickly:)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-10947486898881838522007-12-31T20:28:00.000-05:002007-12-31T20:28:00.000-05:00Hobbyist: Too cheap is a good excuse; too unskille...Hobbyist: Too cheap is a good excuse; too unskilled doesn't work unless you mean poor social skills.<BR/><BR/>Jerry and others who marvel at those sub 3-minute times, as do I: Have you not seen "Wordplay" in which Al Saunders does a quickie puzzle in real time?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-21713250240241185952007-12-31T18:45:00.000-05:002007-12-31T18:45:00.000-05:00As an ex Canadian, love the photo. Kinda want to g...As an ex Canadian, love the photo. Kinda want to go to the tournament but am too cheap and too unskilled.Happy 2008 to all of us!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-19755410605098082242007-12-31T15:36:00.000-05:002007-12-31T15:36:00.000-05:00I liked this one mainly because I got the theme af...I liked this one mainly because I got the theme after looking at the finished puzzle for a couple of minutes and thought its subtlety was pretty clever.<BR/><BR/>Re: elite solvers, I suspect they are doing something cognitively different than most of us. Perhaps something akin to chess masters who can play a large number of games simultaneously (or blindfolded). In the article on Bob Klahn, he talks about a puzzle's "deep structure." It may be that elite solvers can tap in to this (what ever it means) or quickly see patterns and relationships that are not obvious to the rest of us. What ever it is it is truly amazing!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-75553114171989975732007-12-31T15:34:00.000-05:002007-12-31T15:34:00.000-05:00Mac, the Stamford Marriott isn't a huge hotel, and...Mac, the Stamford Marriott isn't a huge hotel, and there were so many entrants in 2007 (about 700), the competition had to take place in two separate rooms. The Brooklyn Bridge Marriott is big enough to fit all those people into a single ballroom, which is logistically easier and makes for a better experience for solvers (or at least keeps things the way long-time attendees are accustomed to them). It'll be interesting to see if enrollment shoots up because it's closer for New Yorkers, or if it drops because the Brooklyn hotel's more expensive.Orangehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12433254398377357737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-76465957044660449812007-12-31T15:28:00.000-05:002007-12-31T15:28:00.000-05:00P.S. Why did the tournament move to Brooklyn?P.S. Why did the tournament move to Brooklyn?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-81905314537422596312007-12-31T15:27:00.000-05:002007-12-31T15:27:00.000-05:00Easy and quick, also never noticed the theme. That...Easy and quick, also never noticed the theme. That's why we check in with you, Rex! Thanks so much for this most enjoyable blog. Happy New Year to all of you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-41677590392768020132007-12-31T14:53:00.000-05:002007-12-31T14:53:00.000-05:00More on the NY Tmies on-line puzzle. All that was...More on the NY Tmies on-line puzzle. All that was said is correct. Setup requires downloading a short program called Across Lite that decodes the puzzle, stores it and allows you to check it the next day.<BR/><BR/>Happy New Year to all from a newbie lurker up to now.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-45408757005970978352007-12-31T14:05:00.000-05:002007-12-31T14:05:00.000-05:00No problem with today's puzzle but of course compl...No problem with today's puzzle but of course completely missed the theme except for hearing mention of it here.<BR/><BR/>Rex - I just want to thank you for making my puzzle year more interesting, entertaining and educational than before I stumbled upon your blog. May 2008 bring you a higher rating than 166th.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-81570395190304507182007-12-31T13:43:00.000-05:002007-12-31T13:43:00.000-05:00Jerry20020, that's my question too. Today was eas...Jerry20020, that's my question too. Today was easy, but my pencil doesn't move that fast. My time was 7+.<BR/><BR/>It may have to do with entering one answer with the hand while the eyes have already moved on to the next clue (or clues), AND having a super-fast mind to make all this happen simultaneously, AND practicing said technique for some years. <BR/><BR/>Best wishes to all for the New Year.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-47840445037650107202007-12-31T13:25:00.000-05:002007-12-31T13:25:00.000-05:00Easy-peasy, but didn't see the office-chore theme....Easy-peasy, but didn't see the office-chore theme. Suppose that doesn't matter in the tournament, eh? Other than possibly slowing one down...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-60613603578941843182007-12-31T13:15:00.001-05:002007-12-31T13:15:00.001-05:00Orange: how can anybody do the puzzle, albeit a Mo...Orange: how can anybody do the puzzle, albeit a Monday one, in the 2 mins + that Byron W. did?<BR/>Not that he was the fastest, even.<BR/>Even knowing the puzzle in a re-do<BR/>I don't think I could type in the answers this fast!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-13281577410823717732007-12-31T13:15:00.000-05:002007-12-31T13:15:00.000-05:00@ orangeThanks a ton! I am a graph geek and I see...@ orange<BR/><BR/>Thanks a ton! I am a graph geek and I see your point. There really are only a handful of people who have a real shot at the championship. I saw the Documentary on the ACPT and it did look like a great place to meet people. I am now entertaining some new events to add to my 2008 calendar.<BR/><BR/>You are most kind and I have enjoyed your contributions to this blog. Thanks again.PhillySolverhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06896753042626337920noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-80814447603951966062007-12-31T13:03:00.000-05:002007-12-31T13:03:00.000-05:00Phillysolver, don't be silly! There are only about...Phillysolver, don't be silly! There are only about 20 people harboring reasonable aspirations to win the top prize at the ACPT. The other 400 to 700 people are just there to enjoy the crosswords and the camaraderie (there's a huge "This is my tribe" vibe), and maybe to shoot for a regional trophy, a divisional trophy, age-group honors, the best penmanship prize, or the satisfaction of not finishing last. (One year, last place was taken by my friend's husband, who didn't know why he registered instead of just coming along for the weekend. He did lousy on puzzle #1 and didn't bother doing any more of the puzzles. You can top that, Philly!)<BR/><BR/>After the 2005 tournament, Mel Rosen created <A HREF="http://www.crosswordtournament.com/2005/distribution.htm" REL="nofollow">score distribution graphs</A>, which demonstrate how wide the speed and accuracy range is among competitors. For puzzle #1, the easiest one and a 15x15, the top-scoring people scored 1250 points (probably a finishing time of 3 minutes). The average score was 1006, and there were many solvers in the 1100 range: ~6 minutes slower (25 points a minute), or 9 minutes total solving time. So finishing a Monday puzzle in 8 minutes might well put you in the top half at the ACPT.Orangehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12433254398377357737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-24003219002899789812007-12-31T12:39:00.000-05:002007-12-31T12:39:00.000-05:00Thanks to all for the help!Thanks to all for the help!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-23195984262190834142007-12-31T12:24:00.000-05:002007-12-31T12:24:00.000-05:00artlvr - home delivery subscribers have free onlin...artlvr - home delivery subscribers have free online access to the puzzle as a benefit of their subscription. Just go to the crosswords page at nytimes.com and you'll see a line under the two pricing boxes where it says Learn More about the free access to Premium Crosswords. I can't remember how fast it is to set up as I've had it for a long time now, but once you do it, you've got the run of the place. Very worth it because you can access lots of old puzzles as well.wendyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06899889818724088564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-40790462445726406862007-12-31T12:22:00.000-05:002007-12-31T12:22:00.000-05:00artlvr,I believe if you subscribe to The NY Times ...artlvr,<BR/><BR/>I believe if you subscribe to The NY Times you may access the crossword on-line for free. I actually only subscribe to the NY Times crossward on-line for $35 (I think) per year.<BR/><BR/>Go to NYTIMES.COM and in the left hand margin look for crosswords and click (or double click) on it. You may register (I believe there should be instructions there) and the you will have internet access to the puzzles the evening before at 10PM.<BR/><BR/>Happy New Year and thanks again Rex for this great blog.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-80045341300509261962007-12-31T12:18:00.000-05:002007-12-31T12:18:00.000-05:00Rex, The puzzle was an easy one. Your wife is a ...Rex, <BR/><BR/>The puzzle was an easy one. <BR/><BR/>Your wife is a badass but who is the guy, on her site, prancing (raindeer-like) with a young child in the snow.<BR/><BR/>Re the event: I think your plan to focus on accuracy and reading the clue is a wise one. While I no longer teach it was the advise I always gave: grasshopper.<BR/><BR/>Happy New year. Thank you for the blog and the snippets of your life.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com