tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post3487005933312669494..comments2024-03-28T18:52:07.432-04:00Comments on Rex Parker Does the NYT Crossword Puzzle: Hurt in the bullring / MON 12-2-2019 / Sean Penn and Guy Ritchie, to Madonna / High point / Many an Eastern EuropeanRex Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16145707733877505087noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-57666975147251591982020-01-13T11:30:34.719-05:002020-01-13T11:30:34.719-05:00LEGOS is not a thing!!!! It is the LEGO Company, w...<b>LEGOS</b> is not a thing!!!! It is the LEGO Company, which makes LEGO bricks. It is not proper to pluralize it with an S. "I play with LEGO." "I build with LEGO." never "I play with LEGOs." This is really bad editing Will Shortz. Any LEGO fan knows better. The LEGO company has tried many times to discourage people from improper pluralization!CLhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07366827763691666066noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-51366664015067897562020-01-06T20:13:59.288-05:002020-01-06T20:13:59.288-05:00After working out at gyms over many years, I decid...After working out at gyms over many years, I decided to switch to a new regimen of "Domestic Exercises": basic, everyday activities around home -- like walking, stretching, lifting, stair-casing, etc., -- that seem to work pretty well.leftcoasternoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-12301473967211227822020-01-06T18:51:41.182-05:002020-01-06T18:51:41.182-05:00I never make "New Year's resolutions.&quo...I never make "New Year's resolutions." If I decide to better myself (lotta room there!), I just go ahead and start in, whatever the date. Gyms are so crowded you can't get a machine...for the first two weeks in January. By Groundhog Day we're back to normal. If you're gonna do it, do it, calendar be damned.spacecrafthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09125304293611865503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-49038329294112214022020-01-06T16:00:20.542-05:002020-01-06T16:00:20.542-05:00Raising THE Mon-puz BAR by LOWERingTHEBAR. Perfect...Raising THE Mon-puz BAR by LOWERingTHEBAR. Perfect.rondonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-86204247490416857062020-01-06T15:44:50.154-05:002020-01-06T15:44:50.154-05:00Too bad we didn't get Zanzibar for a last lowe...Too bad we didn't get Zanzibar for a last lowering of the BAR. I'll bet Ms. Lempel considered that, but grid restrictions... However, the puzzle today reeks of professionalism and care, even if poor @Nancy didn't have to "think" much. Aw.<br /><br />Ms. Lempel never fails to construct Monday puzzles that are beginner-friendly yet do not waste the time of more seasoned solvers. Entries like FEIGN, READS UP ON, BAGGED, OF NO USE in addition to the themers 'raise the bar' for a Monday. Much appreciated.<br /><br />She is a treasure.rainforestnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-11056705454612195612020-01-06T15:37:47.150-05:002020-01-06T15:37:47.150-05:00good Monday all
a bit harder than the usual faire...good Monday all<br /><br />a bit harder than the usual faire for the start of ye olde week. But not enough to LOWERTHEBAR for new c-workers. <br /><br />Managed to be on time today.<br /><br />Any new resolutions? Any having to do with chocolate? <br /><br />Diana, Lady-in-Waiting for CrosswordsDiana, LIWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-35207739694968990332020-01-06T14:11:24.751-05:002020-01-06T14:11:24.751-05:00A Monday-NEAT and clean SERIES of LOWERingTHE BAR ...A Monday-NEAT and clean SERIES of LOWERingTHE BAR by a master of easy Mondays.leftcoasternoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-17902892262099385962020-01-06T13:23:32.386-05:002020-01-06T13:23:32.386-05:00To my mind, the change in majors is secondary to t...To my mind, the change in majors is secondary to the fact that not once was the word "tired" used. Geritol helping?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-60260728278749356582020-01-06T12:32:08.677-05:002020-01-06T12:32:08.677-05:00HDTV SERIES
Vanna READSUP on her GAME show,
BRO, ...HDTV SERIES<br /><br />Vanna READSUP on her GAME show,<br />BRO, it’s OFNOUSE to scowl<br />re: THE BAREMINIMUM ONE OWEs<br />when EWES SELECT AVOWAL.<br /><br />--- ANDY AMES<br />Burma Shavenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-21064306893092817612020-01-06T10:55:55.310-05:002020-01-06T10:55:55.310-05:00Well, maybe no women as such, but if we can take a...Well, maybe no women as such, but if we can take a slight liberty with ANDY we could convert to ANDi McDowell, and for DOD, that's close enough. Actually, honorable mention to the constructor herself, and to longtime contributor to this page and fellow (?) puzzle builder ACME.<br /><br />Hard to imagine one who has never heard of LIONELBARRYMORE...MYGOD, I'm getting old. Oh well, beats the alternative. Anyway, a fun theme, hidden just well enough to make you wait for the revealer, but not obscure at all, and typically clean, for Ms. L, fill. Birdie.spacecrafthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09125304293611865503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-54918771013560691242019-12-02T23:21:56.277-05:002019-12-02T23:21:56.277-05:00Thanks, CDilly52!Thanks, CDilly52!Nancyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16737377749030219974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-45449362773742247382019-12-02T22:27:28.218-05:002019-12-02T22:27:28.218-05:00Forget the assisted checkouts what about the self ...Forget the assisted checkouts what about the self inflicted ones. Did anyone look in on Nancy, she was jumping on the barbs in desperation? A cry for help perhaps. Good Samaritannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-42348204788351925112019-12-02T22:23:22.083-05:002019-12-02T22:23:22.083-05:00@Anonymous7:46 - The need for data scientists is n...@Anonymous7:46 - The need for data scientists is not as high as you might think. Construction trades need workers in much of the country. Plumbers,, HVAC, and electricians are also in short supply. The local community college here is filling a local need by offering a program in craft brewing. There is data suggesting that the US needs another 50,000 truck drivers right now with another 100,000 positions to be filled in the next decade. What that 55 year-old coal-miner (and the 25 year-old coal miner) needs is someone saying to them, “stop thinking of yourself as a coal-miner. It is a figurative and literal dead-end. Do something else. And, no, not Wal-Mart.”Zhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16181544219511150272noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-45542737214097187482019-12-02T22:08:36.710-05:002019-12-02T22:08:36.710-05:00@Anon 5:17 – Oh, *those*. :-)@Anon 5:17 – Oh, *those*. :-)Joe Dipintohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07922691457886440325noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-21350875098195997452019-12-02T19:48:23.514-05:002019-12-02T19:48:23.514-05:00In the quarto edition of 1597 the word used is pox...In the quarto edition of 1597 the word used is pox . In the later editions Shakespeare changed it to plague. Both can thus be claimed to be correct<br />Tybaltnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-72858773503483718852019-12-02T19:48:17.606-05:002019-12-02T19:48:17.606-05:00@CDilly52:
Oh.
I should admit not the same anony...@CDilly52:<br /><br />Oh.<br /><br />I should admit not the same anonymouse. Similar thinking, though.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-18988349735965956932019-12-02T19:46:40.368-05:002019-12-02T19:46:40.368-05:00@CDilly52:
There's one major issue with '...@CDilly52:<br /><br />There's one major issue with 'automation/robots/machines' taking over human tasks: Pollyanna (false) memory of the Great Migrations from farm to factory from the late 19th century to early 20th century. It took/takes more brain power (or skill) to work the land effectively than it did/does to turn a wrench (now, a power tool so that not even muscle power matters) in a factory. IOW, the transition for poor folk from the South (white and black) to middle class, unionized, Northerner was easy. No greater demand on labor, but better wages.<br /><br />Today, how would you recommend that a 55 year old laid off coal miner (may be has a HS diploma?) become a data scientist? Ain't gonna happen. The Left thinks it can, while the Right simply blames Mexicans and Chinese for what American corporations do every day.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-15017035486197235102019-12-02T19:20:21.111-05:002019-12-02T19:20:21.111-05:00Nice puzzle & nice review leads to pleasant bl...Nice puzzle & nice review leads to pleasant blog posts. Blimp worthy all around....but I do miss Rex.Newboyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03435490871212357035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-77846093045245640182019-12-02T18:19:10.789-05:002019-12-02T18:19:10.789-05:00@anonymous 9:52. The problem with many of the jobs...@anonymous 9:52. The problem with many of the jobs related to automation as they relate to the people these gadgets replace is that the “new” or “other available” jobs you mention typically are not “available” to the folks whose jobs the automation has replaced. Much like the voters who still feel abandoned by the Democrats with the closing of mines and textile and steel mills and the like, the jobs offered, or for which these folks might be (forcefully) retrained (there being no other alternative in the immediate vicinity) are not jobs in which these good people have interest and/or aptitude. The self checkout jobs in one of the more rural areas I serve are the only jobs that have any benefits for which these folks with little education, skill and experience are qualified. <br /><br />As for the puzzle, I found it a nearly perfect Monday offering, and thought the theme exceptionally clever and well-executed.CDilly52https://www.blogger.com/profile/07727001753847073030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-71692699143244300582019-12-02T18:07:27.598-05:002019-12-02T18:07:27.598-05:00Clever, you @Nancy!Clever, you @Nancy!CDilly52https://www.blogger.com/profile/07727001753847073030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-28741781343232758692019-12-02T17:51:56.084-05:002019-12-02T17:51:56.084-05:00@Joe Dipinto - I too thought this one merited POW ...@Joe Dipinto - I too thought this one merited POW from Jeff. jaehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03385568014046336373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-81575024901063045092019-12-02T17:17:49.728-05:002019-12-02T17:17:49.728-05:00@Joe Dipinto:
no. this: https://www.etsy.com/li...@Joe Dipinto:<br /><br />no. this: https://www.etsy.com/listing/527481633/pearl-glasses-lanyard-glasses-holder?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=pearl+eyeglass+chain&ref=sc_gallery-1-1&plkey=2b8d3ab816abf2931cd21c136489d74edc94efcf%3A527481633&cns=1Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-77601981691552594862019-12-02T16:35:50.756-05:002019-12-02T16:35:50.756-05:00@JOHN X...You forgot one crucial thing when you ch...@JOHN X...You forgot one crucial thing when you check out. Wait till everything is BAGGED then fiddle around with your wallet and try to find your debit card. Pretend to forget your password and then dig around for your money. Count out the change and be less a penny. Dig around your pants for the remaining penny. Then tell the cashier you forgot to pick up the charcoal and would she mind grabbing some for you. Oh...and while she's at it, the 10 lb bag of ice your wife told you to bring home. GILL I.https://www.blogger.com/profile/05605766053820226324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-85280472519767950282019-12-02T15:30:43.193-05:002019-12-02T15:30:43.193-05:00@SouthsideJohnny
...Rex’s inane drivel
Beautiful...@SouthsideJohnny<br /><br />...Rex’s inane drivel<br /><br />Beautiful email to Rex which he posted on Facebook. And the touching comments!<br /><br />“Here’s wishing to you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving. My wife Karen and I enjoyed your blog for many years. When we finished an interesting or tough puzzle (I do Friday and Saturday and she would do Sunday), we would check with you. Karen died a few months ago after a long illness and among the thousands of other things I will miss most and never have again (we were married just under 47 years) will be solving all kinds of puzzles with her.”<br /><br />Thank you, RexJFehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00982935553415005741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-56428832628180844942019-12-02T15:00:31.218-05:002019-12-02T15:00:31.218-05:00This was a pretty fun Monday puzzle!
My favorite ...This was a pretty fun Monday puzzle!<br /><br />My favorite answer was GORED, especially since it was clued with bullfighting so it brought back some fun memories. I watched the running of the bulls in Pamplona a few years back. I never got to see a <em>torero</em> get gored (I always root for the bull, at rodeos too) but during the run I saw a drunk moron get gored, and dang if that wasn’t impressive. I’m pretty sure they took him straight to the emergency room, right after they got the bull’s horn out of his thigh.<br /><br />As for self-checkout, it seems like that’s an ideal place to give <em>yourself</em> an employee discount. Just get two of the same item, hold them together thusly, scan one, and put both in the bag. I would never do this, of course, but whenever I go somewhere I like to develop theories on the best way to rob it. This is just an academic exercise. I actually prefer the staffed check-out, because I like being waited on. I like to call the checker “hon” and refer to the bagger in the third person as “the boy” or “your boy.” I’ll be reading a magazine from the rack and without looking up I’ll say “Listen, hon, have your boy put everything in the one bag there” and then I’ll put the magazine back in the rack upside-down, pay, and then walk out. “Thanks hon” I’ll say, without even acknowledging the bagger’s existence.<br /><br />RED BARON was pretty cool too. His airplane didn’t have one wing, nor two wings. It had <em>three wings.</em> He got shot down and killed anyway, so there goes <em>that</em> theory.<br />JOHN Xnoreply@blogger.com