tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post8801332694604211631..comments2024-03-28T18:12:10.683-04:00Comments on Rex Parker Does the NYT Crossword Puzzle: TUESDAY, Sep. 11, 2007 - Christina Houlihan KellyRex Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16145707733877505087noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-36426967592974314242007-10-24T17:33:00.000-04:002007-10-24T17:33:00.000-04:00anon-thank you for the illumination on "Oyez."- - ...anon-<BR/><BR/>thank you for the illumination on "Oyez."<BR/><BR/>- - RobertAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-15877688750925642492007-10-23T23:03:00.000-04:002007-10-23T23:03:00.000-04:00Robert:Below from Wikepedia (though I think Oyez i...Robert:<BR/><BR/>Below from Wikepedia (though I think Oyez is actually the equivalent of "Here come da judge").<BR/><BR/>Oyez (IPA pronunciation: /ojej/) is an interjection said three times in succession to introduce the opening of a court of law.<BR/><BR/>Up until the 18th century, speaking English in an English court of law was not required and one could instead use Law French, a form of French that evolved after the Norman Conquest, when Anglo-Norman became the language of the upper classes in England.<BR/><BR/>Oyez descends from the Anglo-Norman oyez, the plural imperative form of oyer, from French ouïr, "to hear"; thus oyez means "hear ye" and was used as a call for silence and attention. It would have been common in medieval England, but it was recorded up until Middle English.<BR/><BR/>The term is still in use by the United States Supreme Court. At the beginning of each session, the marshal of the Court (Court Crier) announces: "Oyez! Oyez! Oyez! All persons having business before the Honorable, the Supreme Court of the United States, are admonished to draw near and give their attention, for the Court is now sitting. God save the United States and this Honorable Court!" [1]<BR/><BR/>The interjection is also traditionally used by town criers to attract the attention of the public to public proclamations.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-5225514789580233492007-10-23T16:14:00.000-04:002007-10-23T16:14:00.000-04:00Haven't seen from too many time travelers lately, ...Haven't seen from too many time travelers lately, but: I still don't get 5A: "OYEZ". Can someone help me here? Also, on the last 2 days' discussions: rant and read, read and rant. I enjoy this site for all of you and your words, opinions, insights and rants. PG: pithy!<BR/><BR/>- - RobertAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-50371000310444709842007-09-13T01:23:00.000-04:002007-09-13T01:23:00.000-04:00To Pen GirlI'm not sure you'll see this since it's...To Pen Girl<BR/><BR/>I'm not sure you'll see this since it's over 24 hours ago. But thank you for both the original opinion and the apology... I'm relatively new to the blog and could imagine that I might have missed the mark on what the readers want to see (or not see). And if I spout out about accepting feedback and having a sense of humor, then I better live up to it, right? <BR/><BR/>For the record, I'm not a psychiatrist and don't necessarily agree with the way psychiatrists think... I feel it does not give the brain its due. But that's for another blog. <BR/><BR/>Anyhow, thanks again for being gracious. <BR/><BR/>And thanks Rex for the kind invitation to come back. I will use it sparingly : )Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-11728569122447468102007-09-13T00:55:00.000-04:002007-09-13T00:55:00.000-04:00To Anybody Still Out There:Well I said I was sorry...To Anybody Still Out There:<BR/><BR/>Well I said I was sorry. I am. I won't be losing sleep though. And that's because I don't feel I caused anybody in particular to suffer through my words. <BR/><BR/>Neuroscientist's comments were made under the veil of anonymity.<BR/><BR/>Had there been a proper name to those comments I would not have launched into my tirade.<BR/><BR/>(Nor would I stake my real name to such a tirade).<BR/><BR/>And that's the beauty (imho) of the internet -- one can obtain freely-formed ideas (and opinions) -- and contribute to same. <BR/><BR/>That might soon change. To some, this lack of accountability is a serious concern.<BR/><BR/>It is to me, too. This push for accountability (on the net) threatens (again, imho) much.<BR/><BR/>I did take exception to Neuro's comments -- and I feel I should have forum to say so -- and one unrestricted by censure.<BR/><BR/>This fits with what has been discussed here of late -- the right to say unpopular things -- even the right to be wrong.<BR/><BR/>Anyway, this is my final farewell. I'd love to (I really would you know) go on about why I did take such exception to Neuroscientist's comments but I won't because I'm sure you all would find that quite boring.<BR/><BR/>PGAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-78885846010943317482007-09-12T23:44:00.000-04:002007-09-12T23:44:00.000-04:00Rex, I've recently started doing the NYT Crossword...Rex, I've recently started doing the NYT Crossword (and crosswords in general) and I absolutely love to check out your comments afterwards. When I find a clue to be especially annoying I want to see what you thought about it, as well. The same goes for what you found particularly interesting and fun about the puzzle (pop culture, amusing crosses). So, don't apologize. Keep on ranting on!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-12743302051010173592007-09-12T18:05:00.000-04:002007-09-12T18:05:00.000-04:00British people (and some Canadians) pronounce the ...British people (and some Canadians) pronounce the 26th letter of the alphabet as 'zed', rather than 'zee' as we Americans do.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-3605824409571648202007-09-12T12:49:00.000-04:002007-09-12T12:49:00.000-04:00I understand 1-A ATOZ but can someone explain 4-D ...I understand 1-A ATOZ but can someone explain 4-D ZED please?<BR/><BR/>Thanks!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-41682053300853215522007-09-12T11:06:00.000-04:002007-09-12T11:06:00.000-04:00And I'd just like to thank Pen Girl for not leavin...And I'd just like to thank Pen Girl for not leaving me alone in the "I-was-rude-and-now-I-need-to-apologize" zone.<BR/><BR/>rp<BR/><BR/>PS This site would have fewer "balls" were it not for your comments<BR/><BR/>PPS I really enjoyed the neuroscientist's comments and hope s/he comes back to explain brains more often.Rex Parkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16145707733877505087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-77193365101287789102007-09-12T10:23:00.000-04:002007-09-12T10:23:00.000-04:00Hello Rex:Me again. Just wanted to apologize to t...Hello Rex:<BR/><BR/><BR/>Me again. Just wanted to apologize to the Neuroscientist.<BR/><BR/>Neuroscientist: sorry for being such a bitch. Really I think science is good stuff and I hold in high esteem those who give it to us.<BR/><BR/>But with all the debate around here as to puzzle criticism, it is my profound hope that this forum stays just as it is.<BR/><BR/>There are already plenty of 'genteel' puzzle discussion sites; this one has some balls and I don't want to see it neutered apropos over-analysis and second-guessing, or from an unwillingness to hurt feelings, etc, etc.<BR/><BR/>And while it's true there's bigger things to worry about than crosswords (and whatever discussion they may engender), that shouldn't be a cross to bear here. Because if it is, then puzzles themselves become suspect -- as do all forms of leisure and enjoyment -- and quite frankly I don't need more guilt thank-you very much, I'm already well-stocked.<BR/><BR/>Anyway, I feel I shouldn't have been so rude, and I again apologize for that...<BR/><BR/>Hope you can forgive me,<BR/><BR/><BR/>Pen Girl :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-45556557054910446592007-09-11T23:25:00.000-04:002007-09-11T23:25:00.000-04:00"There you go! I can taste it! Oestrogen. Definite..."There you go! I can taste it! Oestrogen. Definitely oestrogen. Take the pill, flush it away, it enters the water cycle. Feminizes the fish. Goes all the way up into the sky then falls all the way back down onto me. Contraceptives in the rain. Love this planet. Still, at least I won't get pregnant. I'm never doing that again." Capt Jack Harkness, 'Torchwood'<BR/><BR/>Thanks, anon 9:11, for reminding me.<BR/><BR/>Re the puzzle, if X-MEN and SUPERHERO don't cross or abut, I'd rather see them on opposite sides of the grid for balance. Running parallel like they did looks odd.Karen from the Capehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11476512301997985060noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-25629921193165784552007-09-11T22:24:00.000-04:002007-09-11T22:24:00.000-04:00I thought it was all pretty reasonable today excep...I thought it was all pretty reasonable today except for the OMOO/AMAIN crossing. I guess OMOO is pretty pantheonic, but I'm still working on some of my crosswordese. And the meaning used for AMAIN is archaic. I guessed ONOO/AMAIN, because nothing sounded right. I'm just saying, it seems like a tough crossing for a Tuesday.<BR/><BR/>And with regards to yesterday's discussion, it seemed like both Will and Rex maybe said a couple of things they shouldn't have. I like both of them and didn't want to take sides. But I should point out that, even if Rex complains about the crossword, hello, the fact that he does the puzzle every day and puts this much time into the blog means he loves the _New_York_Times_ crossword!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-29291092699190287242007-09-11T21:39:00.000-04:002007-09-11T21:39:00.000-04:00Karmasartre:It's nice to be back.Viva la revolucio...Karmasartre:<BR/><BR/><BR/>It's nice to be back.<BR/><BR/>Viva la revolucion.<BR/><BR/><BR/>PG :}Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-72787724489378247222007-09-11T21:29:00.000-04:002007-09-11T21:29:00.000-04:001) I agree, let's analyze the puzzle not the peopl...1) I agree, let's analyze the puzzle not the people.<BR/><BR/>2) Pen girl: you're welcome.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-71302895731559422142007-09-11T21:11:00.000-04:002007-09-11T21:11:00.000-04:00Hi Rex:Geez, I know I'm comin' on strong after bei...Hi Rex:<BR/><BR/>Geez, I know I'm comin' on strong after being away for so long and all -- but it appears that a neuroscientist is about, and I am hoping that a few questions (that I have) might be answered.<BR/><BR/>To wit: What is consciousness? Do human beings have a soul? What is that exactly (if they do)?<BR/><BR/>Why are there so many more 'afflictions' in the DSM today, as opposed to 20 years ago (like hyperactivity and seasonal affective disorder)?<BR/><BR/>And don't these people just need a good kick in the ass?<BR/><BR/>Also: Is it true that modern psychiatry was founded upon some guy getting a steel pike rammed through his head? I know this was accidental (or so I assume), but isn't this what based the practice of lobotomization on?<BR/><BR/>And -- sorry for going on here -- is it true that all the SSRI's and anti-depressants people are taking (some 30% of the population) are adversely affecting the biology of marine life in streams and lakes and such?<BR/><BR/>Don't feel you need to answer these questions, Mr. Scientist, but please save your quackery (at least in terms of subjective opinions) for the appropriate forum (instead of trying to browbeat us po' folks into accepting the solipsistic crap you spout as gospel).<BR/><BR/>PG :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-57075199141415898652007-09-11T21:05:00.000-04:002007-09-11T21:05:00.000-04:00First of all, my wife gets the blame for my mistak...First of all, my wife gets the blame for my mistaken "Hee" in place of "Hem". She did the puzzle on our shared laptop first this morning. She blurted out, "Hee Haw is in the puzzle!" She neglected to correct herself at dinner tonight. So when I finally got the laptop this evening I chuckled knowingly at the clue "Haw's partner". SUBTERFUGE!<BR/><BR/>Secondly, I immediately and instinctively inserted "CRETE" into the northeast for "Mediterranean island country", and was sure it was correct when I discovered "CRATE" and "CREATE" crossing in the same quadrant. "How clever of our constructor," I thought, admiringly. Imagine my chagrin to discover MALTA. (and yes, I know Crete is part of Greece and therefore fails the "country" part of the clue)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-90646364755916915042007-09-11T20:40:00.000-04:002007-09-11T20:40:00.000-04:00Hi Rex and Others:Grinder? What the heck is that?...Hi Rex and Others:<BR/><BR/>Grinder? What the heck is that? Must be one of those regional things... <BR/><BR/>As a Canuckistani I can tell you: there ain't no grinders (as in sandwiches) up here (one may, however, find the odd TONGUE sandwich). Which is to say that I found both theme and fill rather sucking in this puzzle.<BR/><BR/>Top marks for GLOMS though.<BR/><BR/><BR/>Pen Girl :) <BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>PS: Thanks to whomever it was for reminding me of 'My Dinner With Andre.' Great film. Check it out (if you haven't already).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-66018133479955245822007-09-11T20:30:00.000-04:002007-09-11T20:30:00.000-04:00hey RexI missed yesterday and based on the last pa...hey Rex<BR/><BR/>I missed yesterday and based on the last paragraph in today's blog went back and read the exchange. Since I am a neuroscientist who studies emotions, it was fascinating for me to wonder what triggered the whole cascade. I could even imagine which part of your brain helped guide your hand yesterday (Amygdala), and which part turned on today when you wrote the last paragraph (Frontal cortex). <BR/><BR/>You did tell us that you felt betrayed, and I think it's interesting to figure out why. Obviously, you must care about Will's opinion. He was doing OK, being spirited yet rational until towards the end. Then he said "I never want to hear..." and that probably sounded condescending, and he went on from there. <BR/><BR/>But a question that's worth asking is why he chose to write what he wrote? After all, Will has a great sense of humor as evidenced by his taste in puzzles. I understand that he wants to be kind to a first time contributor, but he could have made those well argued technical points in a more neutral, or even humorous way. I am guessing that he's taking the criticisms of the puzzles a bit too much to heart. That tells me that he too must be feeling betrayed? Maybe we can reassure him that we , your readers, don't love the NYTimes puzzles any less because they can be imperfect. Your comments are usually well balanced, with admiration for ideas, construction or particular clues, along with criticism. And you're willing to expose your own uncertainties. This is good feedback for the author of the puzzle, and should be for the editor. But mostly, it's all in fun and I wish Will could see that. I don't know which part of his brain needs to turn on, but I'm certain it's a highly evolved region and I am equally certain that it's well developed in him.<BR/><BR/>Cheers to all...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-5612293082893707232007-09-11T19:58:00.000-04:002007-09-11T19:58:00.000-04:00I knew I phrased that as a question for a reason! ...I knew I phrased that as a question for a reason! Can I blame dyslexia again?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-72774880450085125992007-09-11T19:29:00.000-04:002007-09-11T19:29:00.000-04:00Rex, I wonder how much your hits increased yesterd...Rex, I wonder how much your hits increased yesterday/today. I've visited the site three more times than usual today.Stephenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15449858447953736269noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-45898493698278718992007-09-11T17:11:00.000-04:002007-09-11T17:11:00.000-04:00I'm going to have to bristle at that extra "e" in ...I'm going to have to bristle at that extra "e" in Tehran. Commence bristling. <BR/><BR/>Even the official-looking "Welcome to Tehran" website spells it with just the one "e." <BR/><BR/>That said, how great of a word is "glom"? Answer: very.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-22899692002848856842007-09-11T16:53:00.000-04:002007-09-11T16:53:00.000-04:00Orange, that concoction leaves the poo boy not sou...Orange, that concoction leaves the poo boy not sounding so bad. I had my semi-annual visit yesterday to the King, and the experience may make my custom even more infrequent. My 11 year old has foresworn junk food for a couple of years now, but every so often the TV ads must be working their subliminal power on the less resolute father.fergushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17056002311944010536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-2896578166790272332007-09-11T16:46:00.000-04:002007-09-11T16:46:00.000-04:00I continue to be surprised at my inability to pred...I continue to be surprised at my inability to predict what folks will be commenting on. Yes, it was determined by the crosses, but wasn't OYEZ wonderful? (I can just hear those bailiffs now .. at least, the ones on TV). And how about YADDA (as in YADDA, YADDA, YADDA)? - obviously a pop culture reference that I don't know. Finally, AMAIN - not exactly an everyday word ... and on a Tuesday!<BR/><BR/>As always, a pleasure to read everyone's thoughts.<BR/><BR/>DSAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-46583175567599731142007-09-11T16:32:00.000-04:002007-09-11T16:32:00.000-04:00As a recent visitor to Rex's blog I was SO impress...As a recent visitor to Rex's blog I was SO impressed that my arch nemesis Will made an appearance. My daily friendly battles with him have been inhanced by Rex's comments. I am surprised some days by what stumps Rex but I have my own blank moments and that's what makes the world go 'round. But yesterday's melt-down was over the top! Rex, please relax. You have plenty of friends out here and you got Will himself to comment. Very cool. So let's keep playing and have a great time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35115061.post-23585225673726772932007-09-11T16:12:00.000-04:002007-09-11T16:12:00.000-04:00Jae, you're killing me! If we just leave off the R...Jae, you're killing me! If we just leave off the R, of course we're left with "poo-boy" and that doesn't sound so appetizing. I've seen po-boy, poboy, po'boy as the condensed form of the word.<BR/><BR/>Fergus, my husband recently made a Burger King frittata—leftover chicken tenders, fries, and Cheesy Tots mixed in with the eggs. He and the boy finished every bite, to my lasting horror. (At least the kid ain't a picky eater...)Orangehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12433254398377357737noreply@blogger.com