tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post7702793041204132512..comments2024-03-29T10:04:49.070-04:00Comments on Rex Parker Does the NYT Crossword Puzzle: Old-fashioned wine holder / MON 3-27-17 / What Google's Ngram program tracks for word usage / Labourite's opponent in British politics / Group of books that educated person is supposed to be familiar withRex Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16145707733877505087noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-7008285904203035322017-05-02T18:13:26.853-04:002017-05-02T18:13:26.853-04:00My thoughts were similar to those of Teedmn - is t...My thoughts were similar to those of Teedmn - is there a reason for adding the s? And it might have something to do with coming before a vowel. I don't think that this is really a grammar problem, more like dialect or pronunciation, as those who mentioned other languages were somewhat suggesting.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-62602017024312528582017-05-01T15:09:38.592-04:002017-05-01T15:09:38.592-04:00Lovely Monday puzzle. And a @Rex review that, whi...Lovely Monday puzzle. And a @Rex review that, while he has his nits, I would actually rate a "safe for @Rainy" critique. And I agree with OFL that the revealer was a bit off - one could understand it, but I like his SLOP suggestion better. <br /><br />In retrospect, it must have been a really swell puzzle as I actually forgot that a certain hotel magnate was in it, giving me momentary pause.<br /><br />Fun to relive the ACPT experience. Kudos to the kind staff person at the Marriot who brought a whole truckload of chairs when he saw me stealing one from the registration area!<br /><br />Diana, Lady-in-Waiting for CrosswordsDiana,LIWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-20476584823344290982017-05-01T14:00:36.844-04:002017-05-01T14:00:36.844-04:00Rex, I think you're really going after the nit...Rex, I think you're really going after the nits today.leftcoastTAMnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-4808414601343716702017-05-01T13:47:25.625-04:002017-05-01T13:47:25.625-04:00Clever, fun, and with plenty of bite for Monday. G...Clever, fun, and with plenty of bite for Monday. Great start to the week and I hope a harbinger of what it is to come.<br /><br />Nice work, Mr. McCoy, and thanks.leftcoastTAMnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-26454584852031359442017-05-01T12:21:01.675-04:002017-05-01T12:21:01.675-04:00Didn’t realize the grid was 16 wide until OFL’s me...Didn’t realize the grid was 16 wide until OFL’s mention of it. ODDSARE my solve time went up by nanoseconds.<br />. . . ANDTHENISAYS to myself, ISAYS, “HOWSABOUT that for a Mon-puz?”, ISAYS. As a one-L, my Civ-Pro prof would have bounced anyone right out of class and FAILED him/her for such lingo. But ALLSIKNOW is that he had no sense of humor. A bunch of us dropped his class after hearing he was retiring after that semester; his class was pure MISERY. Paper Chase anyone?<br /><br />STEMS, but only one corresponding SEED? Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen have CHOSEN to use the plural, SEEDs.<br /><br />I will give a nod to billionaire fashionista and yeah baby TORY Burch. YESMAAM! How do I know of her? Too much shopping with the missus will create a MISERY like you’ve never known, whether on 5th Avenue in NYC or just off the Miracle Mile in Chicago. It’s getting to the point that I let her loose in the stores while I RUNSIN to the nearest bar to STAKEOUT a stool. I’ve been in more stores than I knew existed, including TORY Burch’s.<br /><br />ANYways, IHOPE you liked it as much as I SEEMed to.<br />rondonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-40751636254401954702017-05-01T10:54:10.764-04:002017-05-01T10:54:10.764-04:00WOW, Scrabble seX right from BoX 1! I AAHED (NON)....WOW, Scrabble seX right from BoX 1! I AAHED (NON). It was inevitable, I suppose, but here it is: The Donald is in a grid. It made me smile, though, when I wrote FAILED in the east (you know, where Washington is). Further, I refuse to name a family member DOD, so that leaves me only TORY (mis-)Spelling. First shame of the day.<br /><br />No one says the 52-across thing any more; nowadayS it's "And then I'm like..." I don't know how this particular stupidity got started, but it seems to have gotten a stronghold across the country. If I catch my grandson saying it I pull him up short every time. I won't have such nonsense in my house.<br /><br />This has an outrageous feel--but I somehow like it. I agree the revealer is awkwardly phrased as clued, but the other way is too straightforward, even on a Monday. This is better. McCoY, You done good. It's the real McCoY: Yeah! Birdie.spacecraftnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-378420218298222752017-05-01T10:37:09.203-04:002017-05-01T10:37:09.203-04:00CHOSEN ETHOS
ALLSIKNOW is I RUNSIN to this TOPHEA...CHOSEN ETHOS<br /><br />ALLSIKNOW is I RUNSIN to this TOPHEAVY miss,<br />ANDTHENISAYS, “YESMAAM, IHOPE it’s not TOOSOON,<br />ODDSARE it’s ALONGWAYSOFF, your LIPS to kiss?”<br />She ROARed, “LUCKYYOU! HOWSABOUT we spoon?”<br /><br />--- OLAF FLAGON<br />Burma Shavenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-39291811535100147372017-03-28T05:22:26.645-04:002017-03-28T05:22:26.645-04:00@Anonymous 0347, you're dating yourself.@Anonymous 0347, you're dating yourself.Leapfingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14243620614139990887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-59646362060783891592017-03-28T03:47:06.288-04:002017-03-28T03:47:06.288-04:00I would have liked to see the reveal as TAKES OUTI would have liked to see the reveal as TAKES OUTAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-77083796770626682882017-03-28T02:37:05.322-04:002017-03-28T02:37:05.322-04:00My first ACPT and what a nerd fest! Sadly, I fit r...My first ACPT and what a nerd fest! Sadly, I fit right in. When Tyler bonked on that TEATAX thing, it reminded of the Bobby Thompson homerun, which I also witnessed. Not really. If there is any video of that Talent Show extant, it is must see TV for puzzle people. If not, than shame on the management. I'm a tough crowd but I laughed, I cried, and I walked out singing a tune. Larry Gilstraphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15493069947477383208noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-25424467402468165872017-03-28T01:57:53.643-04:002017-03-28T01:57:53.643-04:00At any time it is a strange sight to the TYRO to s...At any time it is a strange sight to the TYRO to see with what wondrous habitude of unconscious skill the whaleman will maintain an erect posture in his boat...Dr. Bungernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-27525570874041680382017-03-28T00:11:45.691-04:002017-03-28T00:11:45.691-04:00@Moly Shu, thanks luv! Go Heels fer sure! Was that...@Moly Shu, thanks luv! Go Heels fer sure! Was that not a spectacular finish? If we're LUCKY, Luke Maye do it again next weekend; it'll be 'Pins on needles' time. Don't want a FLAGON the play...<br /><br />The way I SEED this, today's theme is done right: STAKE_OUT/S_TAKE_OUT needs a tweak on grammatical contortion to clue well, but is a much more clevererer reveal than TAKESOUT or TAKEOUTS. MISO grateful for the new PHO facts, as soup is always interesting, as a matter of course. Otherwise, Id say take this job and schav it. [So sorrel about that...]<br /><br />Relieved I'm not the only one who thought a TROIKA isn't necessarily all work and no play. Or so I've heard.<br /><br />LUCKY YOUse guys who went to ACPT, enjoyed y'all's stories. Pictures, please?Leapfingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14243620614139990887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-89649697682253365952017-03-27T22:58:02.108-04:002017-03-27T22:58:02.108-04:00Does anyone remember big hooters?Does anyone remember big hooters?Oldflappyfrommississappynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-75116207989402006592017-03-27T19:21:33.855-04:002017-03-27T19:21:33.855-04:00Re: ACPT...
My 3rd. Not in a row. 1st as a fello...Re: ACPT...<br />My 3rd. Not in a row. 1st as a fellow 2nd-class against-the-wall citizen.<br />I had decided to save some bucks, and retire from competition at the probable height of my game. (I rose 44 points in my two attempts - chuff chuff)<br /><br />But @mac is so right - not worth it.<br /><br />What @Hartley said - if you're thinking about it, do it!<br /><br />So nice to see everyone I've become great friends with, and each year an opportunity to meet new ones. Michael Alpern organized the Cru Dinner Friday night. Sat with old and new folks. The line for the buffet was interminably long, but, not a problem, as it gave us a chance to make even more friends.<br />As for the "No Fruit Before Dinner" incident, guilty as charged. But not even being deprived of food could dampen my spirits.<br />(If you've had a meal with me, you have also learned not to get between me and a fork.)<br /><br />I also got to meet our time-travelling and gracious friend, Diana-Lady-in-Waiting. Thanks to her we at least got chairs instead of feeling like we were aWaiting the firing squad. Thanks! <br /><br />Thanks everyone for being so friendly and smart.<br /><br />(And extra-special treat - being allowed a few minutes nuzzling with Emmy, JenCT's unflappable and irrepressible service dog!)Titahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16368251255494687496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-43017234610107793492017-03-27T19:04:42.204-04:002017-03-27T19:04:42.204-04:00@Nancy...you've met me - TOPHEAVY is never an ...@Nancy...you've met me - TOPHEAVY is never an adjective that would be applied to me using @MathGent's thought process. And yes, that was a vivid picture he paints!<br />(Wait - that doesn't mean I'm the opposite either...let's just say I have a girlish figure. As long as that girl is 11 y ears old...)<br />(After @lms' Cheesecake, however, bottomHEAVY might be imminent.)<br /><br /><br />Titahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16368251255494687496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-15999360130662959132017-03-27T18:39:56.725-04:002017-03-27T18:39:56.725-04:00How is a novice a tyro?
How is a novice a tyro?<br />Barbara Powellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05664252279840590978noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-36852946253307290662017-03-27T18:39:55.854-04:002017-03-27T18:39:55.854-04:00TAKES OUT - Goes on a date, or Gets food to go, or...TAKES OUT - Goes on a date, or Gets food to go, or Eliminates, or Steals ins opposite. :-) <br /><br />RooMonster <br />RooMonsterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14103892151115549684noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-29132567935403738292017-03-27T17:10:59.831-04:002017-03-27T17:10:59.831-04:00@JoeBleaux, we may disagree, but that was genius! ...@JoeBleaux, we may disagree, but that was genius! @mericaninparis-esque even. Shame it's gone. I genuinely LOL'd. Moly Shuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08469710317471610093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-67882903252664389972017-03-27T15:28:05.566-04:002017-03-27T15:28:05.566-04:00I didn't come up with one in the nano-second I...I didn't come up with one in the nano-second I allotted to the task, but I'm pretty sure there's a way to clue TAKES OUT reasonably to replace (the totally awkward) STAKEOUT reveal.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-60917402129575270822017-03-27T15:14:29.737-04:002017-03-27T15:14:29.737-04:00Exquisite NE/SW weeject stacks. Also, real partia...Exquisite NE/SW weeject stacks. Also, real partial to PHO.<br /><br />S TAKE OUT revealer was ok by m&e. Wondered why they didn't use TAKE OUT S [{Pizza-to-go orders}] instead -- but maybe it was because that looked too obvious?<br /><br />Grid had lotsa good fill -- and all the longest Down stuff was multi-word … nice touch. LUCKYYOU is extra churse. [Had IENVYYOU, at first.] Also, liked the slightly desperate POC finish in square #240.<br /><br />fave moo-cow MonPuz eazy-E clue: { ___ Lanka} = SRI. Honrable mention to the CAW/WOW L-entry, btw. Anagrams to AWW COW, after all.<br /><br />Congratz to Dan Feyer, on his ACPT 7th championship.<br />@muse: yep. Steer clear of the cheap seats, darlin. U coulda been a contender.<br /><br />Thanx, Mr. McCoys. I liked the way yer themers spoke to m&e.<br /><br />Masked & Anonymo6Us<br /><br />Masked and Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16346263641338670679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-34045340015663564302017-03-27T14:17:29.427-04:002017-03-27T14:17:29.427-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Joe Bleauxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13161776968606180476noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-4503472822939286692017-03-27T14:09:17.475-04:002017-03-27T14:09:17.475-04:00Not offended by Xmas--except by the laziness of pe...Not offended by Xmas--except by the laziness of people to spelling Christ out. Kind of a respect thing....evil doughttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17593231055589228837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-41673805651283707112017-03-27T13:54:56.522-04:002017-03-27T13:54:56.522-04:00My thought exactly...along with the poor speech!My thought exactly...along with the poor speech!scaupnychttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17865605872336558189noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-59755255420877436712017-03-27T13:47:16.900-04:002017-03-27T13:47:16.900-04:00@Moly Shu - no explostion from @Evil Doug about XM...@Moly Shu - no explostion from @Evil Doug about XMAS, either -- I seem to remember one from a few years ago. I've always accepted X=Chi=Christ's initial, so thought it was unobjectionable.<br /><br />So, STAKEOUT, a verb (though it could also be a noun -- 'the police set up a STAKEOUT of the drug kingpin'), when read another way, is a noun phrase:<br /><br />S TAKE-OUT, which grammarians (me included) would want for those phrases. Seems fine to me.<br /><br />I never read A Series of Unfortunate Events, so I had to get it from the crosses, but it's still a refreshing new way to clue OLAF. I guess it doesn't let you add I, II, etc. when clued this way, though.jberghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02169065390875378077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-42665831474199860762017-03-27T13:13:25.321-04:002017-03-27T13:13:25.321-04:00Nice puzzle - I tried all of the grammatically cha...Nice puzzle - I tried all of the grammatically challenged themers to see if they tripped off my LIPS easily - I can hear A LONG WAYS OFF (or the A LONG WAYS away, which I tried to fit there) emanate from my mouth - I think I need the S to smooth the way for the next vowel sound. And ALL'S I KNOW or HOW'S ABOUT could be used by me ironically. But I think it's safe to SAYS that 52A has never been uttered by yours truly or at least I HOPE not.<br /><br />The ACPT was a great MIXER. One of my favorite moments was joining 4 or 5 women in an attempt to polish off the ginormous piece of STAKEOUT cheesecake that @Loren Muse Smith shared with us from the Cheesecake Factory (Red Velvet cake cheesecake with whipped cream) and it was almost too much for all of us. Insane portion, but delicious. Definitely a BEST BUY.<br /><br />Great Monday puzzle, Tom McCoy. And thanks, @Hartley70, for the congrats. I was quite pleased to come in at the 50 percent level for my first ACPT. <br /><br />Teedmnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12832353448839187816noreply@blogger.com