tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post8736371051819614659..comments2024-03-29T04:46:57.646-04:00Comments on Rex Parker Does the NYT Crossword Puzzle: Highland slopes / TUE 6-4-13 / GPS above-the-Equator fig / Great detective of children's literature / Bewhiskered frolickers / How are things in Glocca 1947 hit song / Herr's honey / Archie's sitcom wifeRex Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16145707733877505087noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-54068193572629083522013-07-09T19:53:07.499-04:002013-07-09T19:53:07.499-04:00This was a fun puzzle. The shaded squares in my pa...This was a fun puzzle. The shaded squares in my paper were easy to see. So I was looking at them closely from the start.<br /><br />After I got ADDER and MAMBA I started to guess the other snakes just from the length. I bravely filled in ANACONDA when that area was all blank--fortunately it was correct! (good thing that all snakes went from left to right)<br /><br />There was a bit of fill that was not so hot (ENNEA and ARBS? in a Tuesday?) but other than that I loved the puzzle. Kudos to Kristian House!<br /><br />I don't understand the complaint from Rex that boa is missing. I much preferred the longer snakes. <br /><br />I did wonder if the constructor originally tried to put in one more snake -- maybe garter -- down in the lower SE? Just for fun I tried it and I did manage to get something that work. I'm not sure it's any good but it was fun trying it out.Syndi Solvernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-50872263311283415412013-07-09T18:40:59.163-04:002013-07-09T18:40:59.163-04:00@DM Gramma. I also do the puzz in the S.D. Union. ...@DM Gramma. I also do the puzz in the S.D. Union. This isn't the first time that the "theme" or "instructions" have been left out. It's just too bad because often those theme notes are necessary. BTW, the puzzles in the LA Times have improved quite a bit. I get the U.Trib just for the local news and cw puzz. <br />Ron Diego (Screen name, La Mesa)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-58561577134082959932013-07-09T15:24:32.866-04:002013-07-09T15:24:32.866-04:00I was sitting here staring at my grid which still ...I was sitting here staring at my grid which still had a few blank squares when I decided to see what's up with the shaded ones, and a snake or two appeared. Then I remembered an obviously mis-placed comment yesterday from someone whose grid had gray squares that all spelled the names of snakes. Armed with this illicit insight, I changed RakE to ROUE and put in ARBS to finish the NW, then completed LYNNE down south to complete the puzzle. I'd like to think I would have finished without the spoiler but who knows?<br /><br />I recently read that Ireland does have snakes because some collectors who had imported exotic species could no longer afford to keep them and so released them into the wild. Those that can survive in the climate have no natural predators - yet another consequence of the economic crisis.<br /><br />If the puzzle didn't have UNDERWEAR would it be going "commando"?<br /><br />@JetCT - congratulations on the pup! Labs are wonderful animals and I'm sure yours will be a great comfort and joy to you.<br /><br />ampsaur - prehistoric electric eel?Dirigonzohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03903353503511480168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-51936905825135917822013-07-09T14:52:46.555-04:002013-07-09T14:52:46.555-04:00@Ginger: My avatar is a pic of my upcoming servic...@Ginger: My avatar is a pic of my upcoming service dog, Justice! She's a yellow lab with a black chin & she's adorable.<br /><br />I start training with her on Monday the 15th, and if all goes well, she'll be coming home with me on the 26th.<br /><br />Thanks for asking, and I'll be sure to keep everyone posted.JenCThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18290169184354765840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-64413306467678547042013-07-09T13:38:49.426-04:002013-07-09T13:38:49.426-04:00Noticed the shaded squares (in the print version),...Noticed the shaded squares (in the print version), but as I filled it in the shading was more difficult to see and I forgot about it. Then post solve, went back and there were these reptiles writhing all over the grid. Puzzle lacked only a Hisssssss and a Rattle.<br /><br />I fell into the aRchDUKE trap, and forgot to fix the a to I, so have a sloppy DNF.<br /><br />Thanks to all who clipped Finian's Rainbow. Saw it years ago 'in the round' with Dennis Day. Partickle like 'When I'm not near......'<br /><br />@JenCT - I realize we here in Syndiland are 5 weeks behind you, but I've been eagerly watching for news of your new Therapy Dog. ??Gingernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-18870619453199676462013-07-09T13:30:59.722-04:002013-07-09T13:30:59.722-04:00Circles, what circles? My printed grid ( San Diego...Circles, what circles? My printed grid ( San Diego Union) didn't have any, so II guess I missed half the fun of this one. But, even circle-less it was a good solve. Biggest slow down was at the MOLE/NLAT cross. I really wanted the Russian word to be one of those odd looking things like CCCP. In the long run, however, I've spent about as much time looking for a Captcha I can hope to read as I did on the puzzle!DMGramdmanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-64331591068510717332013-07-09T12:11:03.732-04:002013-07-09T12:11:03.732-04:00Must be something about the climate: the three nor...Must be something about the climate: the three northern snakes are all venomous, while the two southern ones are constrictors.<br /><br />SCAFFOLD as painter's support: two kinds of "painter--" but they meet at the Sistine Chapel ceiling...<br /><br />Hand up for enjoying IAMA/PAUL. The man's a flat-out genius.<br /><br />The bad STUF has been mentioned; if someone groaned about SCHED I missed it. Here's your groan: [GROAN!] Count me as one who never heard of ARBS--or even the longer word. Glocks MORRA to me is one name. Sticking MORRA in there by itself JDLR (Just Doesn't Look Right). And ENNEA? Really? Ick.<br /><br />For the longest time I thought Jethro TULL was the name of the flautist in the band. Made the same mistake with Steely Dan. And I managed to be truly embarrassed on both occasions when I discovered the truth.<br /><br />Overall not bad; how can you pan a grid with UNDERWEAR in it? I'll give it one thumb up.<br /><br />spacecraftnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-8711516550683399182013-07-09T12:05:57.300-04:002013-07-09T12:05:57.300-04:00'Crosses', not 'crossed'.
@Ginger...'Crosses', not 'crossed'.<br /><br />@Ginger Agree that Washington makes great wines. Among my favourites are those from Desert Wind. Also, in Washington, the wines are much cheaper than those in British Columbia. However, a winery tour is much easier, more compact, in BC, than in WASH.rain forestnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-35036706294165569112013-07-09T11:58:57.379-04:002013-07-09T11:58:57.379-04:00I left the window open in the bathroom and 4 moths...I left the window open in the bathroom and 4 moths were there this morning. I have yet to name them.<br /><br />I liked this puzzle, and had no problem with the fill. I didn't know what ARBS were, but that's what the crossed dictated. NLAT seems fine to me, since it is an abbreviation, which was called for. <br /><br />A different sort of theme, and figuring out what the shaded squares were was, well, fun.rain forestnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-33125508126904183162013-07-09T10:32:07.810-04:002013-07-09T10:32:07.810-04:00Yes, the print version I have with shaded squares ...Yes, the print version I have with shaded squares was excellent to work with and, I imagine, a tad easier than circles.<br /><br />Good concept, fun and no problems to complete. Unknowns gettable from crosses and Iron Duke a gimme from history and occasional reading.<br /><br />Are the snakes reading up and down a nod to "Snakes and Ladders"?J.aussiegirlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-44990265311893848492013-06-04T23:51:33.655-04:002013-06-04T23:51:33.655-04:00@Gill I.P.: imelda Marcos and husband were in exil...@Gill I.P.: imelda Marcos and husband were in exile in Hawaii. She returned to the Philippines when hubby died. She's embroiled in tons of legal issues but meanwhile has managed to get herself elected to Congress! Son is a senator, daughter is a governor. That's Philippine politics for you.NYernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-87710173088158682192013-06-04T22:00:25.007-04:002013-06-04T22:00:25.007-04:00@Gill I.P., @Tita: We have 5 new chickens - two p...@Gill I.P., @Tita: We have 5 new chickens - two pullets that are about 7 weeks old, and 3 chicks that are 3 weeks old. No names yet, but we're working on it...<br /><br />We probably have 30,000 to 60,000 bees, for now - although a recent article in the NY Times is frightening: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/29/science/earth/soaring-bee-deaths-in-2012-sound-alarm-on-malady.html?pagewanted=all" rel="nofollow"> Mystery Malady Kills More Bees, Heightening Worry on Farms </a>JenCThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18290169184354765840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-54599057892621189562013-06-04T18:54:51.577-04:002013-06-04T18:54:51.577-04:00Stifle!
Pretty good stuff. A few unheard of (to m...Stifle!<br /><br />Pretty good stuff. A few unheard of (to me) things. ARBS apparently are those engaged in arbitrage. Didn't know LYNNE. Only heard of jPEG, but knew the city was MINSK or PINSK. <br />Mostly had trouble with spelling: MORRA, ENNEA, CINCO. <br /><br />No boa? Sfingihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06903616949048940858noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-9666416945012889732013-06-04T15:32:27.332-04:002013-06-04T15:32:27.332-04:00Also found it tougher than usual Tuesday, due most...Also found it tougher than usual Tuesday, due mostly to some questionable fill. The theme was good, too bad about the rest.<br />Agree most people should know the IRON DUKE Wellington from history class or channel. Benkonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-73677659437868723592013-06-04T15:15:41.587-04:002013-06-04T15:15:41.587-04:00@Evan - I never say CMDR either. I do say Commande...@Evan - I never say CMDR either. I do say Commander. C'mon Mannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-20645198178157066562013-06-04T15:04:20.846-04:002013-06-04T15:04:20.846-04:00Erred on cross of MOLE and NLAT, ending up stupidl...<br />Erred on cross of MOLE and NLAT, ending up stupidly with MOsE and NsAT. Thought the SAT made sense because of that GPS clue but should have known that MOSE was not of interest to the KGB.. Maybe Mose was a spy I'd never heard of! <br /><br />Surely a "medium"for me.LaneBnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-49594705335609862432013-06-04T14:37:31.265-04:002013-06-04T14:37:31.265-04:00I had fun with this. First snake I filled in was ...I had fun with this. First snake I filled in was MAMBA, and thought - oh - dances... Guess I was thinking of a cross between MoMBo and saMBA.<br /><br />Hand up for AMAH making me weepy-eyed, sending me on a stroll down puzzle memory lane.<br /><br />@acme -nice catch on the ESS...<br /><br />@Gill I.P. - yes, @JenCT names her chicks. She also raises BEEs. Let's ask her if she names them too! (The honey she produces is wonderfully fragrant and delicious!)<br /><br />Liked the new-to-me clue for LSD - it totally faked me out.<br /><br />Thanks Ms. House!Titahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16368251255494687496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-13315492633265897332013-06-04T14:16:11.417-04:002013-06-04T14:16:11.417-04:00p.p.s.s. After research (AF) update:
Yep. GRADNER ...p.p.s.s. After research (AF) update:<br />Yep. GRADNER is yer best bet. QED.<br />None of the other possibilities panned out. Even tried DUDE snake, another last-minute entry. Actually, there is a pretty interestin soundin DUDE ranch on the SNAKE river, tho.<br /><br />Also tried EAGER snake. Nope. Sure thought that might get it. Ditto, with AGED snake. Gotta be a lot of those EAGER, AGED snakes out there.<br /><br />Amazin how many snake-searches get hits havin to do with The Simpsons show. Fer instance, did you know that Grade-F meat came from old circus animals?!?<br />Simpsons fact.<br /><br />But I digress.The MandA Research Reportnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-55299709423424266852013-06-04T13:46:00.859-04:002013-06-04T13:46:00.859-04:00My first thought was, “Irregular, but somehow conn...My first thought was, “Irregular, but somehow connected shaded squares (dead tree version)? On a Tuesday?” But it turned out to be a good puzzle. I liked the theme and its application. Some of the cluing was a little difficult for a Tuesday though, IMO. I like that 64D is also in the grid. Didn’t like the NW corner – I kept staring at it and thinking something was wrong. Too bad GRASS didn’t make the grid.<br /><br />Write-overs:<br />PSI before RHO<br />HEAD before PATE<br /><br />Nits:<br />EDDY seems more an effect rather a feature of a drain<br />NLAT? Really?<br />MIDGES are not exactly no-see-ums (remember that Yankees-Indians playoff game when they were all over Joba’s neck?)<br /><br />RIP SAINT EDITHBirdnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-43280719019715806662013-06-04T13:37:57.390-04:002013-06-04T13:37:57.390-04:00NW was a little too old timer/New York for me with...NW was a little too old timer/New York for me with the ARBS/MORRA cross. Only got ROUE and BRAES from crosses. AiBS (Associate Investment Banker)/MOiRA means DNF.andynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-16139895366173964772013-06-04T13:23:45.324-04:002013-06-04T13:23:45.324-04:00Loved it! Snakes on a chain! A crunchy and fun T...Loved it! Snakes on a chain! A crunchy and fun Tuesday. Tip o' the hat to K.H.Notsofastnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-50885270369566896462013-06-04T13:08:47.647-04:002013-06-04T13:08:47.647-04:00p.s. SE snake...
* GRADNER snake. Day-um! So clos...p.s. SE snake...<br />* GRADNER snake. Day-um! So close! I'da gone with it, anyhoo, if I was Kristian. Who'd want to complain?EMM and Anoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-65164090284419413742013-06-04T12:59:16.004-04:002013-06-04T12:59:16.004-04:00A bit tougher than your avg. Tues. on my scale. No...A bit tougher than your avg. Tues. on my scale. Not sure why, nothing jumps out as particularly tricky or tough. Nothing much to rave or complain about. Initially thought I had something wrong in the NW when two words had 3-vowel strings in that one little area - a bit unusual. Nice puzzle. <br />Rob Cnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-41534873547892987962013-06-04T12:51:42.388-04:002013-06-04T12:51:42.388-04:00LOVED it! But I did wonder how loud a scream the D...LOVED it! But I did wonder how loud a scream the Duke of wellington would rated from the historically challenged!(Victor of Waterloo,Prime Minister of England,Eponym of the crusted beef dish) At least the circles didn't bite.syndyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16814698406887041710noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-39826266411391824102013-06-04T12:41:02.190-04:002013-06-04T12:41:02.190-04:00SSSSSSSeven U's. They outnumber the snakes, e...SSSSSSSeven U's. They outnumber the snakes, even. thUmbsUp. Did y'all know there was also a low-budget schlock flick called "Snakes on a Train"? Spoiler alert: at the end of that movie, a really big-assed snake gobbles up the whole darn train. har. Another Friday night of M&A's recent past, well-wasted.<br /><br />Fun puz idea. Only thing... no snakes in the SE. Possible candidates (research yet to be done, tho)...<br />* WINDY snake<br />* WEDGE snake<br />* GRADE-T snake (highly unlikely)<br />* GUY snake (at least sounds like somethin defined on Urban dictionary)<br />* WEDDIN' snake (ditto)<br />* EDGAR snake (possible Poe classic)<br />* ARGUE snake <br />* UPS snake (new logo?)<br />* INDY snake (whoa, Nelly--well, there's yer winner. From that there "Raiders" flick. One of the best, of all time, imo.)<br /><br />M&AI AM A M AND Anoreply@blogger.com