tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post8499328140045044274..comments2024-03-28T07:24:00.582-04:00Comments on Rex Parker Does the NYT Crossword Puzzle: Borstal Boy author Brendan / TUE 6-18-13 / 1984 Patrick Swayze film set in cold war / TV addict slangily / Fruity red wine familiarly / Old platter player / Words sung with love in 1967 #1 hit / Like many Mr Bean skit Rex Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16145707733877505087noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-12825703637597492152013-07-23T22:04:05.738-04:002013-07-23T22:04:05.738-04:00Absolutely hated the clue and the answer for 1-acr...Absolutely hated the clue and the answer for 1-across. All answers are, in a way, self-descriptive.englishteacher59https://www.blogger.com/profile/16790678319090827125noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-27768236672419543212013-07-23T21:07:42.879-04:002013-07-23T21:07:42.879-04:00Oops, I erred. You know where the downs are SUPPOS...Oops, I erred. You know where the downs are SUPPOSED to go. My bad.spacecraftnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-91796333327622407922013-07-23T21:05:38.503-04:002013-07-23T21:05:38.503-04:00Nothing wrong with incorporating ampersands into t...Nothing wrong with incorporating ampersands into the grid. Why, just Sunday we had dollar and cent signs, albeit overlaid. It could be part of a standard abbr. one way, and represent the letters "AND" the other, thus:<br /><br /> A R<br /> GR&ST&ING<br /> E D<br /><br />Any of you builders up to it?spacecraftnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-87022052238480482992013-07-23T16:45:35.811-04:002013-07-23T16:45:35.811-04:00I really liked this puzzle. I'm sort of impre...I really liked this puzzle. I'm sort of impressed that a guy who normally resides in the Fri/Sat efforts can do an intelligent Tuesday--a rarity. <br /><br />Before I looked at any downs, I tried to have 1a be ONEA or AONE, but BEHAN was a gimme, as was ASTRO (I'm ashamed to say), and RAYDAVIES. VIDIOT I also knew from way back. <br /><br />Why the fuss over Cleveland, O? Like, I mean, clearly, it's a state ABBR, which helped in getting ERIEPA, but maybe THAT could be ERIEP (no other state begins with P). Doesn't matter. <br /><br />@Spacecraft--I laugh (in a nice way) every time you wax apoplectic over the letterANDletter entries. What if a constructor crossed Q&A with R&D, or A&D? I guess the & symbol is a no-no.rain forestnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-2897104599793432332013-07-23T14:44:57.588-04:002013-07-23T14:44:57.588-04:00Once the R/D showed up, this puzzle sort of solved...Once the R/D showed up, this puzzle sort of solved itself, despite the presence of the likes of RAYDAVIS, an unknown in my world. I'm also unfamiliar with RAZR, but VIDIOT was an old familiar expression. Guess its that age thing, I was a teen in the 40's. At any rate, enjoyed the puzzle with only one correction, CREDO where I had posited CREed. <br /><br />My Captcha rantSta seems to describe how some real time posters have come to use this blog. Glad to be out here in Syndiland where the climate, or whatever, leads to friendlier communications!DMGrandmanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-13700089141785074582013-07-23T14:42:57.242-04:002013-07-23T14:42:57.242-04:00I thought it played pretty easy ("for a Tuesd...I thought it played pretty easy ("for a Tuesday" seems redundant) except for the NW corner, the problems of which have already been well spelled out (but I guessed right on both vowels in BEHAN so all is well). The reaction to VIDIOT appears to be equally divided among the commenters between familiar and WTF (I'm in the latter category) but the crosses all seem fair - unless you don't know olio).<br /><br />Overall, any puzzle with a theme that is based on @spacecraft's favorite rant can't help but be fun. I just bought a Motorola RAZR yesterday so seeing it in the grid so soon seemed like an omen - good or bad remains to be seen. And there's even a shout-out to my female Lab ELLY (although she prefers ELLie). Lots to like!<br /><br />trikersr - literal description of the old guy I saw riding a 3-wheel motorcycle at the VA Hospital yesterday.Dirigonzohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03903353503511480168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-47311411222560414212013-07-23T13:14:17.895-04:002013-07-23T13:14:17.895-04:00That was fun. Only real problem was appropriately ...That was fun. Only real problem was appropriately found in the SW where an unknown (to me) Texas senator crossed both tea that could have been THAI and fruity red wine that could have been anything from ATOZ preceding IN. However, went with CRUZ as the most likely name given the region and all was copacetic.<br /><br />Learnt VIDIOT which probably is cleverer than COUCH POTATO.<br /><br />Surprised at all the foofaraw over O. being used as an ABBR for Ohio as that was the standard until bland two-letter codes were introduced for all states and provinces by the postal authorities.<br /><br />FWIW, I found this a Really Delightful Tuesday puzzle.<br /><br />Waxy in Montrealhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04395751487137805245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-10183470200084101442013-07-23T12:44:41.009-04:002013-07-23T12:44:41.009-04:00What, no love for Robert DeNiro? And yet RAYDAVIES...What, no love for Robert DeNiro? And yet RAYDAVIES. "Pretty damned famous" this name is NOT. OK, the Kinks are cool and all that, but famous as a band, not individually.<br /><br />I agree with OFL about the clue for RHYME: that should read "and," not "or." But I disagree with the overall praise. I just didn't care for it. Yes, the theme is dense, but so what? It's two-word names or phrases with the same set of initials. Big [censored] deal. Certainly that's not enough to suffer fill like QEII, ALOT, AFLAT, ATOZ, and the whole FWIW/AWGEEZ/RAZR complex.<br /><br />And then there's the revealer--the ABBR. with the spelled-out AND in the middle. Grrr...<br /><br />Thumbs down.spacecraftnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-65722305853731886282013-07-23T11:08:32.808-04:002013-07-23T11:08:32.808-04:00This started Challenging; my first pass through th...This started Challenging; my first pass through the Acrosses left me with only the theme answers and a few threes (one of which was cab for ZIN). But the downs fell like a gentle spring rain making me feel very accomplished at the end.<br />Long time listener, first- (well technically second-) time caller, but I hope to check in more frequently as my confidence builds.CaliTinanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-25095143463546764652013-06-19T19:20:20.026-04:002013-06-19T19:20:20.026-04:00It seems weird to me that people wouldn't know...It seems weird to me that people wouldn't know Roald Dahl since I have read so many of his books growing up. They are classics, after all, with many famous movies adapted. However, I am too young to get the 80s references, which only makes me think that my solving will never be great no matter how much crosswordese I learn until I am old enough to understand all the references!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-73112034651334662022013-06-19T16:49:49.719-04:002013-06-19T16:49:49.719-04:00What did @acme call it just the other day...a seri...What did @acme call it just the other day...a serious lack of whimsy?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09567874862630285191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-32485166403063921942013-06-19T16:05:47.602-04:002013-06-19T16:05:47.602-04:00"Ted CRUZ is one of those individuals I just ..."Ted CRUZ is one of those individuals I just don't get. There are those I disagree with but I understand why they believe what they believe. I listen to CRUZ and wonder what alternative universe he is from."<br /><br />Here's the comment -- not a question at all -- that I was reacting to. Do you really believe this was a good faith attempt to understand Senator Cruz? I stand by my original comment about the above statement (not the person who made it) -- it's a juvenile shot that is tiresome and predictable.<br /><br />But you're right, it's a crossword blog. I'm done.<br /><br /><br />Casimirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-63908275964864661092013-06-19T13:24:34.976-04:002013-06-19T13:24:34.976-04:00@Casimir - Nah - but maybe you are over-reacting j...@Casimir - Nah - but maybe you are over-reacting just a little bit. This is, after all, just a crossword blog. <br /><br />You might note, for example, that @Z's response was in the form of a question, suggesting that you took the CRUZ comment for more than was intended. Your response was to call @Z "juvenile." Perhaps if you had pointed out something good about CRUZ (like his stand against bank bailouts and his logic in support of his stance) instead of name-calling the responses would be more engaging. Or you could have commented on the puzzle. Or you could promote your new book. Whatever. But I would suggest Q-TIP to you - It's just a crossword blog.<br /><br />Since @Z has reached his limit of three, on to the future....Zednoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-59500031564529582812013-06-19T13:03:44.502-04:002013-06-19T13:03:44.502-04:00So which is it, I'm confused? Am I pretentiou...So which is it, I'm confused? Am I pretentious for using words over one syllable, or am I a drooling moron incapable of saying nuclear? You all need to huddle up and get your party line straight.<br /><br />The good news is that your comments are so uproariously funny. Keep them coming.Casimirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-19116437653029871732013-06-19T12:40:27.038-04:002013-06-19T12:40:27.038-04:00@Rob C., @Z, @Milford: LOL
@Casimir: don't ...@Rob C., @Z, @Milford: LOL<br /><br />@Casimir: don't go all nuke-you-ler on us...JenCThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18290169184354765840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-82536078261744987932013-06-19T10:04:24.718-04:002013-06-19T10:04:24.718-04:00@Casmir - As the other poster (i think) that took ...@Casmir - As the other poster (i think) that took a "shot" at Cruz, I have to wonder why you didn't mention a thing about the crossword puzzle in either of your posts. ("I'll repeat my question -- can we keep this one space on crossword puzzles?"). Milfordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04923019988243284636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-74251638659111279552013-06-19T07:43:14.732-04:002013-06-19T07:43:14.732-04:00@Casimir - feel free to ignore everything I write....@Casimir - feel free to ignore everything I write. After all, you wouldn't want to waste time on any "juvenile political opinions." Zhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16181544219511150272noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-71452826038651197492013-06-19T01:56:16.609-04:002013-06-19T01:56:16.609-04:00This week's relative difficulty ratings. See m...This week's relative difficulty ratings. See my 8/1/2009 post for an explanation and my 10/15/2012 post for an explanation of a tweak I've made to my method. 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 6:07, 6:12, 0.99, 43%, Medium<br />Tue 8:12, 8:16, 0.99, 48%, Medium<br /><br />Top 100 solvers<br /><br />Mon 3:42, 3:49, 0.97, 28%, Easy-Medium<br />Tue 4:59, 4:55, 1.02, 55%, Medium<br /><br />@Gill I. P. ... thanks for the tip. I'm always up for trying new zins. I'll look that one up at my local wine shop.sanfranman59https://www.blogger.com/profile/15118732156312301425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-22155452344876355052013-06-18T23:16:14.704-04:002013-06-18T23:16:14.704-04:00Sorry, I'll bring it down to your level. Ted ...Sorry, I'll bring it down to your level. Ted Cruz is a former Supreme Court clerk which means he's at least as accomplished as you are, likely much more. The fact that you don't "get him" is a problem with you that, somehow, you fail to grasp. Too much time in your amen corner, probably. I'll repeat my question -- can we keep this one space on crossword puzzles and keep your juvenile political opinions on the NY Times blogs where they belong?Casimirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-33163202106350265342013-06-18T23:09:16.394-04:002013-06-18T23:09:16.394-04:00@Casimir - That was a "shot?" A "sm...@Casimir - That was a "shot?" A "smarmy, supercilious inanit(y)?" Cool. I'm going for unctuous pedantry tomorrow followed by ostentatious non sequiturs.Zhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16181544219511150272noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-57269157353510124202013-06-18T22:50:36.594-04:002013-06-18T22:50:36.594-04:00Two shots at Ted Cruz and one at George Bush. Can...Two shots at Ted Cruz and one at George Bush. Can we leave politics out of one thing -- the NY Times crossword, or are some people so obsessed they can't let it go? Give it a rest. There are plenty of places at the NY Times itself where one can post their smarmy, supercilious inanities.Casimirnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-63447904419561065022013-06-18T22:13:26.968-04:002013-06-18T22:13:26.968-04:00O was a perfectly good abbreviation for Ohio befor...O was a perfectly good abbreviation for Ohio before the Postal-so-called-Service came up with two-digit codes. The brass-trimmed, acetylene-operated headlamps on my 1913 Model T Ford are embossed:<br /><br />FORD<br />The Jno. W. Brown Mfr. Co.<br />Model 16<br />Cincinnati, O.OldCaFuddnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-11691578246349833752013-06-18T20:15:51.329-04:002013-06-18T20:15:51.329-04:00For "Shucks, you're too kind" I had ...For "Shucks, you're too kind" I had "Aw go on" - this would have been closer to humility than "Aw geez." But of course had to change this. <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-63427233136550482172013-06-18T19:45:35.017-04:002013-06-18T19:45:35.017-04:00@sanfranman59: I think winers like to overly use ...@sanfranman59: I think winers like to overly use fruity...A Zin from Lodi California is always my go to wine. They are NOT sweet like your bastard friends [sigh}<br />If you can, try a Gnarly Head. I tried it only because I like the name. It's delish...Salud.GILL I.https://www.blogger.com/profile/05605766053820226324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-13824889443655340702013-06-18T18:55:05.083-04:002013-06-18T18:55:05.083-04:00Agree with the Med-Challenging. No problems but sl...Agree with the Med-Challenging. No problems but slow going for a Tues. Liked all of the scrabbliness, even if a small price was paid in the form of some ABBRs.<br /><br />Also agree that AW GEEZ isn't clued quite accurately. Think Archie Bunker. There's no "shucks your too kind" in his AW GEEZ.<br /><br />I was eating a bowl of GRAPEs as I filled in 45A - is there a name for that?<br /><br />Also, on a non-puzzle related note, I just saw a local weatherman say "there will be some clearing tonight, expecially (sic) after midnight" twice. If George Bush were a weatherman... <br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09567874862630285191noreply@blogger.com