tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post7728277165109564541..comments2024-03-28T14:47:10.991-04:00Comments on Rex Parker Does the NYT Crossword Puzzle: Palindromic elemento / SUN 7-24-16 / Common Coke go-with / Friend of Lucy RicardoRex Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16145707733877505087noreply@blogger.comBlogger152125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-48642958019174418672016-08-11T15:22:46.127-04:002016-08-11T15:22:46.127-04:00How does 'occupied, as a seat', which is p...How does 'occupied, as a seat', which is past tense, get answered with 'take ten', which is present tense? I hated this puzzle.Joehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05964501472593587070noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-66897671253465279022016-08-05T13:33:52.730-04:002016-08-05T13:33:52.730-04:00Matt Gaffney said it all for me.
I didn't ev...Matt Gaffney said it all for me. <br /><br />I didn't even get the ET invasions, though I'd filled in spaceinvaders, because there were NNA and ONN and all kinds of other things, so I just thought I hadn't figured it out yet. Even at my advanced age and lack of gaming interest, I should have been able to get the ET clues. I think that part was clever even though I missed out.wcutlerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08615799228069705972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-77524814126842802062016-08-01T23:45:55.871-04:002016-08-01T23:45:55.871-04:00Despite being around in the '70s and '80s,...Despite being around in the '70s and '80s, I had no experience with Space Invaders or any similar games whatsover. Still, I managed to complete the puzzle, albeit with a few good guesses. But when it came to figuring out the rebus in those north-central circles,I came up with what seemed to me a plausible ET-type actor: The Shrimp-O. (Or is that instead a Star Wars denizen? Or a Pokemon-Go character?) Torontotomnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-84175713802640178632016-08-01T02:01:29.193-04:002016-08-01T02:01:29.193-04:00NATCH, I had a one letter DNF because for some rea...NATCH, I had a one letter DNF because for some reason I had mONO-gram for 105D instead of SONO-gram. But I guess Dr. Cliff Huxtable could have had "CH" monogrammed on his CHloroform-soaked handkerchiefs (hankerchieves?) that he used to put his patients under. (Isn't it kinda creepy now that Bill Cosby once portrayed an OB/GYN?). <br /><br />I can just imagine ETHELMERTZ saying "OHGREAT, another CHEAPDATE at the AIRPORTBAR!" And Ricky Ricardo probably liked BACARDI and coke. Wooody2004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-51830012689215695462016-07-31T20:54:28.023-04:002016-07-31T20:54:28.023-04:00I was never a gamer, other than MsPacMan at a bar ...I was never a gamer, other than MsPacMan at a bar a friend and I often had lunch in, so the grid's shape meant nothing to me. However, after a few crosses, "spaceinvaders" came to me because of the puzzle's title, tho I didn't know it was a game, just seemed a generic phrase. The 3 circled non-ET answers made sense to me as generic space-related things, well, cannon not so much. After seeing a couple of ETs, I quickly realized that every pair of circles would be ET so I put them all in. It didn't occur to me that they were "invading" the real answers. So although I did get all the answers, I thought some of the clues were ridiculous until I came here. <br />I agree with those who thought there was too much going on and that answers such as "elhi" are icky. <br />Thank heaven I discovered this site a while back or I would be cursing the constructor instead of admiring his ability to cram so much into a puzzle.iRenenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-24799369256884574082016-07-31T18:09:57.791-04:002016-07-31T18:09:57.791-04:00Mr. Gaffney, glad you're here for Rex, but you...Mr. Gaffney, glad you're here for Rex, but you may be a greater nitpicker than even he.<br /><br />Wouldn't ever claim to be anywhere near the level of experience and expertise you have in the puzzle world, but from where I sit down here below, I appreciate a gem of a puzzle when I see one, and this is one.<br /><br />Intricately clever, not overworked or ornately complex.leftcoastTAMnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-90115669928241868172016-07-31T17:39:00.827-04:002016-07-31T17:39:00.827-04:00Last Sunday, I saw Patrick Berry's name and de...Last Sunday, I saw Patrick Berry's name and decided I had to do it, despite reservations about Sunday time sinks. Today, the same with David Steinberg's, which I hate to pass up. I'm glad I didn't.<br /><br />Felt pretty much like a smart COOKIE, not a DODO, when I finished, albeit after investing more time than I would want to otherwise. <br /><br />But self-satisfaction was dampened a bit because I couldn't make out the LASER, MOTHERSHIP, and CANON, as well as the U-shaped barriers protecting us in space over the Earth. Still, I had to marvel at the cleverness and intricacy of it all.<br /><br />Believe I'm with others in having spell before CURSE on Sleeping Beauty, and pausing for a time over MOHEL.<br />AIRPORTBAR may be favorite answer.<br /><br />Had a good time, mostly well spent.<br /><br />Thanks, Mr. Steinberg (and WS, too).<br /><br /><br /><br /> leftcoastTAMnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-15232172874689286422016-07-31T17:14:21.462-04:002016-07-31T17:14:21.462-04:00Way late to the puzzle and the blog, but I felt I ...Way late to the puzzle and the blog, but I felt I should comment anyway.<br /><br />I really liked this puzzle. Diagrammatically, constructively, creatively, and competence-wise, it is just great. But then, I realize, I played Space Invaders back in the day, and so I recognized the representation in the grid immediately. I can understand that people who haven't played it or other video games might be lost, but so be it. I get lost on puzzles that include lots of Americana, but I usually like them anyway. Courses for horses.<br /><br />Has anyone mentioned that ET means "extra-terrestrial" and doesn't necessarily reference the movie? I think some were misled by assuming the movie and the video game were somehow related. <br /><br />A plethora of excellent entries and a nice variety in the cluing, as well as the brilliant theme execution, made this puzzle a lot of fun.<br /><br />Rarely do I have hard liquor in an AIRPORT BAR-way overpriced-but if I do I choose a scotch with a drop of water. Otherwise a glass of Zinfandel does the trick. BACARDI and coke? No.<br /><br />Great puzzle.rain forestnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-67898998630398625412016-07-31T16:56:09.830-04:002016-07-31T16:56:09.830-04:00Let's see - horrible clueing, a grid that does...Let's see - horrible clueing, a grid that does not conform to crossword standards and the best - answers to clues that make no sense. <br /><br />This might be the worst Sunday puzzle ever. I'm glad others like it, but if I never see a mess like this again it will be too soon. AnonymousPVXhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10078186298428497941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-24708947332020522192016-07-31T16:32:37.923-04:002016-07-31T16:32:37.923-04:00Got SPACEINVADERS and all the little ETs, but didn...Got SPACEINVADERS and all the little ETs, but didn't get the point until I got here. Haven't played video games - not in my timeframe. A few woes made this a dnf. Once again, playing horseshoes instead of a puzzle. Almost...<br /><br />Speaking of which, tomorrow I turn 65. Look out discounts! Maybe my best birthday present will be the continuation of noon-moderation. Rex is coming back to Futureland. We'll see. <br /><br />Diana, Lady-in-Waiting for CrosswordsDiana,LIWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-47299663151540940122016-07-31T13:17:43.914-04:002016-07-31T13:17:43.914-04:00At some point I caught onto the theme, but didn’t ...At some point I caught onto the theme, but didn’t enjoy this DS offering as much as usual. Not that it was, bad, it wasn’t, just not all sparkly like usual.<br /><br /><br />@spacey – as I was searching I had the same reaction for Erin MORAN, so . . . great minds. I usually circle the numbers of the clues for any potential yeah baby, and had none. But have to agree, even though the clue was for Bugsy. Also played more pool (and foosball) than video games, but did try SPACEINVADERS when it came out, sometime after Pong. Thought you might have more to say re: ASHARP, DPLUS, TTEST. Ms. MORAN kinda used to give me THEYANKEES.<br /><br />A reasonable Sun-puz that will allow plenty of time for outdoor activities. Regrettably, I still have TAN lines.<br />rondonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-83680138134871538642016-07-31T11:04:48.613-04:002016-07-31T11:04:48.613-04:00I was able to GROK all the features of this, but I...I was able to GROK all the features of this, but I'm GONNA ask one question: If D.S. is still a teenager, how does he know about BACARDI and AIRPORTBARs? Who is bringing this young man up? SPORTSBRAS indeed.<br /><br />I marveled at how the across entries with ET's were real words--and fit the clues without. Then I thought I came across one that didn't fit: DUETO. Man, all the others are real words...but what's a DUETO? Is it Dean Martin and Tony Bennett? Never...oh. The AHA moment hits! DUE [space] TO. It's a stretch, a partial, but we're good.<br /><br />I could never get far with those games. I suppose if you really applied yourself and established a rhythm...but I never bothered. Didn't have that many quarters to squander. In the student union, you could usually find me at the pool table. At least there, a guy could make a couple bucks.<br /><br />Reverie over. Theme & execution: absolutely Steinbergian. Fill? Well, the short stuff has to take a hit with a theme this involved. The longer fill is pretty good. I bumped into the odd fact that two names associated with Lucy end in Z: Arnaz and MERTZ. Wisely, I deferred decision until it was obvious (not long).<br /><br />DOD is Erin MORAN, who so cutely played Joanie Cunningham. I had a thing for her back in the day. Like so many were doing at the 18th at Baltusrol this week, David reached the green in two--but that yucky short fill caused the eagle putt to lip out, so he has to settle for a birdie.spacecraftnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-13418900512252756012016-07-31T10:52:40.268-04:002016-07-31T10:52:40.268-04:00DPLUS SPORTSBRAS
FLO had ENHANCEMENTs, for THAT I...DPLUS SPORTSBRAS<br /><br />FLO had ENHANCEMENTs, for THAT I say, “OHGREAT.”,<br />ASHARP job done not quite FREE, but at a PRESALE rate.<br />With TACT I say, “TAKETEN, you’re more than an EIGHT.”<br />THAT said, my GAMETES are useless for how I OPERATE,<br />but at least THAT DIKES GONNA be a CHEAPDATE.<br /><br />--- MCLEAN MOHEL MORAN<br />Burma Shavenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-81936190212328170302016-07-28T16:16:40.114-04:002016-07-28T16:16:40.114-04:00Hated, hated, hated. And then came my Aha moment.....Hated, hated, hated. And then came my Aha moment...and absolutely loved it. I knew the non-players would mostly disapprove. But if you were a fan back in the day...so so cool. I'll remember this one for a while.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00715267229398753191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-89624121526145244982016-07-26T21:04:29.890-04:002016-07-26T21:04:29.890-04:00https://en.m.wiktionary.org/wiki/solarishttps://en.m.wiktionary.org/wiki/solarisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-80110595672734689242016-07-25T19:47:28.838-04:002016-07-25T19:47:28.838-04:00This puzzle irked me only because of SOLARIS, whic...This puzzle irked me only because of SOLARIS, which was incredibly improperly clued. Will Shortz should have known better than to let such a silly error in the Crossword without fact checking! Correct Latin for 'of the sun' should be SOLIS - I don't know where they're getting SOLARIS.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-78094670675929827822016-07-25T12:20:06.960-04:002016-07-25T12:20:06.960-04:00Space Invaders the game took advantage of tropes w...Space Invaders the game took advantage of tropes which are still everywhere in our culture. I have never played that game (or many games), but the point of the et's in the existing words, the laser, cannon were all clear and even space invaders to me was a generic term - but worked wonderfully! This puzzle was crunchy, to use another Rex word (I think). Kept giving something new, had texture. (and btw, I read the upper circle as shipmother rather than mothership, and thought of course of Aliens.<br />Yes, it could have used a little editing but I very much enjoyed it compared to your average Sunday slog that I do with one half my brain tied behind my back.<br />For Casseiopia (sp?), my 'best ever' Sunday puzzle was a New Year's Eve-themed by Elizabeth Gorski several years ago. Sorry I don't have the exact date. A real beauty!beachcomber108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-53336047641524638522016-07-25T12:05:08.549-04:002016-07-25T12:05:08.549-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Sandyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13047772804363984264noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-24011878285451251232016-07-25T12:03:50.623-04:002016-07-25T12:03:50.623-04:00A clarification for Mr. Gaffney after reading his ...A clarification for Mr. Gaffney after reading his review regarding his puzzlement over the shape of the word MOTHERSHIP:<br /><br />It didn't seem to be mentioned in the comments, so I wanted to point out that in the Space Invaders game, the MOTHERSHIP was not part of the horde of aliens scrolling down at you: the MOTHERSHIP was a moving UFO-saucer target that would stream across the top of the screen from right to left (or perhaps left to right), and the objective would be to try and hit it... a feat made all the more challenging by the aliens blocking your laser beam's path early on.<br /><br />Hitting the MOTHERSHIP was not necessary to advance to the next level, it would just add a bonus to your score. It's shaped in that loop shape because it was meant to represent a low-resolution flying saucer.P Chefnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-15632650420608072242016-07-25T12:02:59.993-04:002016-07-25T12:02:59.993-04:00My grandmother made elderberry wine at home and on...My grandmother made elderberry wine at home and once sent me a bottle (I was a SOPHomore in high school) to help me recover from the flu. Mom didn't let me drink any, but that memory helped me with the clue. Oh, the joys of rural living!Redhednoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-50383427811629957292016-07-25T11:43:28.308-04:002016-07-25T11:43:28.308-04:00@Tim Pierce
1) Let me concede that "more pop...@Tim Pierce<br /><br />1) Let me concede that "more popular" (not "successful") is tough to judge. They were both extremely popular. I should've written that both the Atari 2600 and the home version were very popular, meaning that whichever way you went it was going to be wrong for a lot of solvers. <br /><br />But note that your #s above are apples to oranges, since you compare five years on the arcade version to one year of the home game, and that you get many more plays on the home game than the 1 play you get at the arcade.<br /><br />2) Addressed above already, but to reiterate a) "E.T." now means the movie to 99% of people who hear it, even though the term predates the movie and b) it's clued in crosswords to the generic definition because to be in a crossword it has to be plural, and it's a bit cheap to clue ETS as [Spielbergian creatures] because in the movie it's really just that one alien who's name becomes "E.T.", i.e. they're not really a bunch of ETS in that spaceship. Although I've used the clue myself. Anyway, that's why when it's ETS constructors tend to fall back on the non-movie definition. Matt Gaffneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02147213285563074851noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-71406914586364853232016-07-25T10:03:16.492-04:002016-07-25T10:03:16.492-04:00I really, really enjoyed this puzzle and was very ...I really, really enjoyed this puzzle and was very impressed with the execution. I take Matt's point that, with such a complicated theme and so many devices worked into it, you'll inevitably end up with subpar fill. That didn't detract from the pleasure of solving for me, but I can see why it would for other folks.<br /><br />I do want to respectfully disagree with Matt on two points:<br /><br />1. "Space Invaders" was <i>not</i> more successful in its Atari 2600 incarnation than as a cabinet game. From the game's history on Wikipedia, between 1978 and 1982 the arcade game had grossed $2 billion in quarters, or 8 billion plays. The home version, on the other hand, sold two million cartridges in its launch year, or about 1/4000 as many. It was a very successful home video game, but it's hard to justify grading it as "more successful" than the arcade version by any reasonable metric.<br /><br />2. The use of "ET" to mean "alien" generically has been very well established, in crosswords if nowhere else. I offer to you:<br /><br />* http://www.wordplays.com/crossword-solver/ETS<br />* http://www.crosswordnexus.com/clue/ets<br />* http://www.the-crossword-solver.com/word/ETs<br /><br />And so on. Pick your crossword clue database; you will find ETS routinely clued as "Spacemen", "Aliens", "Alf and Mork", etc.<br /><br />I won't criticize anyone simply for not liking a puzzle, but I think on these two points, you misjudged the puzzle. David Sternberg should not be criticized for his choices here.Tim Piercehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08186514375951991677noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-79517130376604773422016-07-25T07:33:56.387-04:002016-07-25T07:33:56.387-04:00@Nancy, thank you for the explanation and for dire...@Nancy, thank you for the explanation and for directing me to the 3/8/15 puzzle which I'm tackling now. (The paid app has an enormous archive!) I'm already enjoying the pi theme but, of course, that immediately brings up my criticism of why wasn't it published the following Sunday so as to be closer to pi day? :) Anyway thank you again and if I remember, I'll post again with my review comparing it to this Space Invaders theme. <br /><br />@Z, thank you for defining "sparkle", perhaps I haven't played enough to be bored by overused words (although constructors do seem overly fond of Erie, Oreos, and ORs) but to @kitshef's point, I do find Roman numerals absolutely infuriating. It's like, hey, let's give you that 5th grade math test 50 years later! Ugh. So that example resonated with me, and helps me better understand some of the critiques in this blog. <br /><br />Much appreciate the time you all took to help explain...still so much to learn about this fascinating world of words and word play. Cassieopiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12656341974633440703noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-79678390595441441282016-07-25T07:14:28.607-04:002016-07-25T07:14:28.607-04:00It is a LASER, pointed upwards. Agree with you on ...It is a LASER, pointed upwards. Agree with you on ELHI, I was, like, is that now a thing?Cassieopiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12656341974633440703noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-92207817545877820912016-07-25T06:08:24.494-04:002016-07-25T06:08:24.494-04:00Why are the RESALE letters circled? I don't ge...Why are the RESALE letters circled? I don't get it. And stop using ELHI. It's the new ETUI.pdplothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18445279770600961565noreply@blogger.com