I'm confused by 7D. I was hung up there for a long time because I learned that a female caribou was a COW. I finally gave in and put in DOE because of the crosses. The research that I did still calls a female caribou a COW. Frustrating.
I must have a mental block on this one, but why is the answer to 4A, "Roundup targets," "Weeds"? I've checked the down answers so I am sticking with that answer but I don't see the connection between clue and solution. Everything else went pretty smoothly for me.
There's a brand of weed killer--I think it's a spray--called Roundup. Capital R obscured by starting the first word of the clue. Typical sneaky ploy.
1
Roundup is Monsanto's brand for glyphosate, a very potent herbicide. You can buy it premixed in spray bottles, but farmers and homeowners with major weed issues buy it as a liquid concentrate.
A lot of the genetically-modified food controversy is about Monsanto inserting genes for glyphosate immunity into crop plants and selling the seeds for high prices. Farmers can then spray Roundup before planting. Nothing will survive in those fields except for Monsanto's seeds. Monsanto has an army of ag lawyers who then sue any farmer who saves some of their crop as seed for next year, as violating Monsanto's intellectual property rights. If a soybean farmer wants the benefits of Roundup resistance, he must buy seeds every year as opposed to growing his own.
A lot of the genetically-modified food controversy is about Monsanto inserting genes for glyphosate immunity into crop plants and selling the seeds for high prices. Farmers can then spray Roundup before planting. Nothing will survive in those fields except for Monsanto's seeds. Monsanto has an army of ag lawyers who then sue any farmer who saves some of their crop as seed for next year, as violating Monsanto's intellectual property rights. If a soybean farmer wants the benefits of Roundup resistance, he must buy seeds every year as opposed to growing his own.
Whooosh, Martin!
I'd never heard that. I must research. Thanks.
I'd never heard that. I must research. Thanks.
This was a roller coaster solve for me today. Began well enough and caught on to the theme. I watched pro basketball in my youth and still watch NCAA level so the terminology was familiar, though PASSJUDGMENT made me look sideways for a bit for reasons others have already discussed. Had SHOOTERUPS before the correction once I saw the BAR instead of BAM crossing made no sense.
Then came the ending with the first letter empty for 21A and 36A remaining with no good answer for the French term at 21D and no familiarity with tiny dogs or 1990's singers. French clues are my Achilles heel in these puzzles - note to self-improvement self - learn some dang French...how hard could it be? Finally, my lovely Linda provided the French term but then received the dreaded "Almost There" message. After several grueling trips around the puzzle found a misspelling of ANECDOTAL as well as the previously mentioned BAR - BAM mixup and all was well.
Thanks Mr. Sewell for an enjoyable, if bumpy, ride!
Then came the ending with the first letter empty for 21A and 36A remaining with no good answer for the French term at 21D and no familiarity with tiny dogs or 1990's singers. French clues are my Achilles heel in these puzzles - note to self-improvement self - learn some dang French...how hard could it be? Finally, my lovely Linda provided the French term but then received the dreaded "Almost There" message. After several grueling trips around the puzzle found a misspelling of ANECDOTAL as well as the previously mentioned BAR - BAM mixup and all was well.
Thanks Mr. Sewell for an enjoyable, if bumpy, ride!
2
Minor quibble - in my mind, the REBOUND GUY is the person who 'gets used,' not the recent breakup person looking for something temporary.
In other words, I'd expect a clue more like 'What a woman might find after a breakup.'
But fun puzzle overall.
In other words, I'd expect a clue more like 'What a woman might find after a breakup.'
But fun puzzle overall.
I'm reading the clue -- as written -- to mean exactly what you suggest in your rewrite, Rick, except that the clue does not specify the gender of the break-up-ee (only that they be interested in men).
What Barry said.
And I'd never heard the term before.
And I'd never heard the term before.
Have your heard the term "rebound relationship?"
(Been there, done that)
(Been there, done that)
Sure is a good thing I didn't need the theme to finish the puzzle! Of course, I forgot to think about a theme until I got to the revealer. To which I said Huh? First I tried putting the word FAST in front or behind the first words of the cited entries. That didn't help. Deb's column did not enlighten. Jeff's column seemed to be in some other language.
I'm guessing that the first words of the themers are all ... what? moves? plays? actions? ... in basketball, and that doing them in the order of the puzzle at the beginning of the game is called a FAST BREAK. I doubt this is going to stay in my memory box for very long.
(BTW, another reason I don't watch basketball is illustrated by the photo accompanying today's column--those ugly droopy-drawer costumes.)
Never heard the term REBOUND GUY, but it seems useful. Thought SHOOT-'EM-UPS were western or action movies, and the games were point-and-shoots, like cameras. Only remembered SURETE (from books mainly) when I went with the U in REBOUND. Never heard of Jon SECADA or his song.
Loved all of the non-theme vertical longies. And, of course, any reference to Bert LAHR.
Building employees started taking down the Christmas/Kwanzaa/Hanukkah decorations today. What's next? Maybe fix the elevators?
Bao Bao is preparing to leave for China, per the agreement that cubs born here must go there before they are 4. http://tinyurl.com/zg75e3o
Thanks to all.
I'm guessing that the first words of the themers are all ... what? moves? plays? actions? ... in basketball, and that doing them in the order of the puzzle at the beginning of the game is called a FAST BREAK. I doubt this is going to stay in my memory box for very long.
(BTW, another reason I don't watch basketball is illustrated by the photo accompanying today's column--those ugly droopy-drawer costumes.)
Never heard the term REBOUND GUY, but it seems useful. Thought SHOOT-'EM-UPS were western or action movies, and the games were point-and-shoots, like cameras. Only remembered SURETE (from books mainly) when I went with the U in REBOUND. Never heard of Jon SECADA or his song.
Loved all of the non-theme vertical longies. And, of course, any reference to Bert LAHR.
Building employees started taking down the Christmas/Kwanzaa/Hanukkah decorations today. What's next? Maybe fix the elevators?
Bao Bao is preparing to leave for China, per the agreement that cubs born here must go there before they are 4. http://tinyurl.com/zg75e3o
Thanks to all.
3
Dear un-sportsed Deadline, you are mostly correct in your assessment of a FAST BREAK, except it doesn't occur at the beginning of the game. It happens when the team on defense stops a shot by the opposing team, and races lightning-fast to the other end to score, all of which happens in a matter of a few seconds. Of course, there has to be a clear lane available for the player(s) to do so, but it does happen from time to time.
And although the specific sequence mentioned in the puzzle is an example of a FAST BREAK, that particular combination of events need not occur. There doesn't have to be a BLOCKed shot, nor a PASS (the same person can take the ball across the court and make the SHOT).
It can't happen at the beginning of the game, as the tip-off occurs at center court.
And although the specific sequence mentioned in the puzzle is an example of a FAST BREAK, that particular combination of events need not occur. There doesn't have to be a BLOCKed shot, nor a PASS (the same person can take the ball across the court and make the SHOT).
It can't happen at the beginning of the game, as the tip-off occurs at center court.
Thank you, dear sportsed Steve.
But I'd think those awful slovenly basketball suits would impede moving all that quickly.
But I'd think those awful slovenly basketball suits would impede moving all that quickly.
You remind me of my friend who chooses who to root for in the Super Bowl by which uniform she likes better!
Pleasant and with almost no resistance other than the OHM. Did not know phrases BLOCK HEEL or REBOUND GUY or Mr. SECADA. (And had thought SURETE was the generic name of a francophone insurance agency rather than police force.) I guess BLOCK, REBOUND, DRIBBLE, PASS, SHOOT signify a FAST BREAK — good to know. Surprised that ANECDOTAL was clued as "Not based on fact or research," since I thought the main flaw of ANECDOTAL evidence is that it's based on mere facts rather than statistics. Deem SPED UP for "Floored it" another case of clue and anagram Differing Dramatically in Degree and propose to call such by the moniker DDiDs.
1
Should we count DRIBBLEGLASS as a double theme answer, since both DRIBBLE and GLASS are basketball terms?
One writeover today: BLOCKsole/HEEL
One writeover today: BLOCKsole/HEEL
2
Finally an appropriately clued TBAR - Rope tow alternative. The are, nearly, equally outdated. In the dozens of resorts I've skied in the US, Canada & even Europe, I recall TWO t-bars, and I haven't seen a tow rope in a couple of decades. And yet most crossword creators seem to think ski resorts are rife with them. They've gone the way of laced up leather boots, bamboo pools and bear trap bindings. Usually using TBAR as an answer shows the puzzler's cluelessness about skiing. Sounds like Deb Amlen has been on a run or two.
Once. And that was enough for me. I went with a REBOUND GUY who convinced me that we were on a beginner's run and it turned out to be a black diamond (horrifically advanced) slope. I cried my way down.
1
I went skiing only once, too. The sport shouldn't be called "skiing," is should be called "falling."
3
I Googled "bamboo pools" and found pictures of very fancy, and apparently very contemporary, swimming pools. Confusing.
"Bear trap bindings" did have pictures of boots tied to skis though.
I've always wanted to go skiing, but by the time I could afford it I was too old and arthritic.
"Bear trap bindings" did have pictures of boots tied to skis though.
I've always wanted to go skiing, but by the time I could afford it I was too old and arthritic.
"...and what do I get?--a one-way ticket to PALOOKAville!" --Marlon Brando, "On the Waterfront"
A nice sporty little puzzle this Wednesday. A surfeit of pop culture clues, but that's OK by me. Like Deb, I knew SÛRETÉ from the Pink Panther movies. Like Rich, SHOOTEMUPS had me thinking westerns. A brief bout of dyslexia saw me enter ANECTODAL @10D, but quickly fixed.
OLDIE crossing CDS? What are you trying to tell me, Matthew Sewell?
Back in 1985, during the early days of rap, Kurtis Blow squeaked into the Top 100 with the inoffensive "Basketball," which name-checked many NBA stars of the era.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_shxzlTRK44
A nice sporty little puzzle this Wednesday. A surfeit of pop culture clues, but that's OK by me. Like Deb, I knew SÛRETÉ from the Pink Panther movies. Like Rich, SHOOTEMUPS had me thinking westerns. A brief bout of dyslexia saw me enter ANECTODAL @10D, but quickly fixed.
OLDIE crossing CDS? What are you trying to tell me, Matthew Sewell?
Back in 1985, during the early days of rap, Kurtis Blow squeaked into the Top 100 with the inoffensive "Basketball," which name-checked many NBA stars of the era.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_shxzlTRK44
3
Very great theme treatment!
For once I guessed right for the missing letter, in the 21 square: I ran the alphabet and decided L, P, S, and T were the likeliest suspects and picked one.
Just looked SURETE up and found that it means "safety." I was looking for something "police"-like so it was pure luck I got it.
Please make some more puzzles, Matthew Sewell.
For once I guessed right for the missing letter, in the 21 square: I ran the alphabet and decided L, P, S, and T were the likeliest suspects and picked one.
Just looked SURETE up and found that it means "safety." I was looking for something "police"-like so it was pure luck I got it.
Please make some more puzzles, Matthew Sewell.
2
Judge for yourselves:
http://blog.dictionary.com/judgement-vs-judgment/
http://blog.dictionary.com/judgement-vs-judgment/
So why isn't the guy making the judgment called a judg?
The same reason the actual money part isn't called an emolu?
After reading it and spelling it thousands and thousands of times, I still - still! - pause at JUDGMENT and wonder about that E!
As an addendum, I'd add that I taught ESL for many years and spent what seemed like half that time apologizing for the spelling, fiendishly difficult for non-natives.
Nobis, you've likely seen this before, but my sister recently sent me a photo of a t-shirt with this one the front:
English is weird. It can be understood through tough, thorough thought though.
My wife helps out with ESL classes for the refugee population around here. She says it's been quite an education for her too.
English is weird. It can be understood through tough, thorough thought though.
My wife helps out with ESL classes for the refugee population around here. She says it's been quite an education for her too.
3
Hadn't seen it. Thanks.
Yesterday I hoped today would be a better day. Today was a great day for me as a newer solver. Sitting at MSP with twenty minutes to board for my business flight when I realized I hadn't yet started the puzzle and wouldn't have the chance to do so today unless it was completed before I board.
Gold star, which makes the FASTBREAK clue perhaps the most apt I've yet seen. And it's four minutes to boarding time.
If it's possible to get a NYT crossword high, I've got one. Thanks and have a great day!
Gold star, which makes the FASTBREAK clue perhaps the most apt I've yet seen. And it's four minutes to boarding time.
If it's possible to get a NYT crossword high, I've got one. Thanks and have a great day!
7
Yay you, RP! Keep it going!
For future reference, once you've started/downloaded the puzzle on your phone, you don't need internet access to finish it! Just finished one on a plane last week :).
1
I will keep that in mind, though I hate using my phone for crosswords (I have rented fingers). Used my laptop for this one.
The solve rate mattered to me (being competitive and not especially skilled is not an especially good combination!) Thanks for the tip!
The solve rate mattered to me (being competitive and not especially skilled is not an especially good combination!) Thanks for the tip!
Martin, "I've got this thing and it's (expletive) golden."
Yesterday's tie was space travel.
Yesterday's tie was space travel.
1
Today was golden, but so was yesterday (her 95th birthday).
AHA, I recognize one. She was one of the leading ladies who was at the summer theater I worked in on Cape Cod in 1954. Very nice as I recall. I'll have to look at the puzzle again to get the connection.
1
and Elke
John- your avatar was hot in Cleveland and in Florida with BEA, but I am COOL-- here.
John- your avatar was hot in Cleveland and in Florida with BEA, but I am COOL-- here.
1
I also for some reason was wondering about the "missing" e in JUDGMENT. I thought the sequence of words leading to fast break was ingenious.
As a child we had a dribble glass and would delight in having guests use it and watch their confusion as their drink constantly ended up on their chin and shirt. PALOOKA reminded me of the comic strip of old, "Joe Palooka".
As a child we had a dribble glass and would delight in having guests use it and watch their confusion as their drink constantly ended up on their chin and shirt. PALOOKA reminded me of the comic strip of old, "Joe Palooka".
1
Hand up for remembering both the comic strip--which IIRC I avoided as unpleasant--and the "On the Waterfront" quote.
Being Canadian, I always hate when there is a Canadian clue and I don't get it right off (same as with with Jeopardy). SURETE stumped me initially, and it didn't help that I didn't know Jon SECADA. I have not thought of the cereal that's shot from guns for a while.
2
Just needed ACME to remind me how to spell 19A.
FYI: The only sport currently discussed in WI is football.
FYI: The only sport currently discussed in WI is football.
2
For a Wednesday puzzle, this one was kind of hard for me. JUDGMENT got me for awhile because I always thought it was spelled with an "e." I also never heard of a dribble glass, a teacup chihuahua, palooka, block heel, or Sûreté du Québec.
1
Hi Chris,
As a patented Older Sister, the DRIBBLE CUP was standard in my arsenal of ways to play pranks on my younger sibling. And she still talks to me.
But at least Now You Know what all these things are, right?
As a patented Older Sister, the DRIBBLE CUP was standard in my arsenal of ways to play pranks on my younger sibling. And she still talks to me.
But at least Now You Know what all these things are, right?
2
Chris, JUDGMENT is one of those words that annoys me. In British, it's spelled JUDGEMENT, which is what it sounds like. You can't pronounce JUDGMENT! At least I can't. It needs that middle E to give it the J sound. And dropping one letter from the word doesn't exactly save you a lot of space or time. Or SPACETIME.
/end rant/
/end rant/
1
Only British English ads for an infamous gym use the E to the best of my knowledge, Liz.
How do you feel about acknowledgment,?
How do you feel about acknowledgment,?
A third of the way through, I was looking at HEEL and GUY and thinking the theme was building in that direction. But after seeing DRIBBLE, I realized I should have been looking at BLOCK and REBOUND. It wasn't until the revealer that I glommed onto the realization that the terms were not in random order and I knew that SHOOT was coming. Fun!
2
Can't believe I missed the PASS. Till just now.
Yesterday ALLEE, today OOPS.
OHMy, that's synergy!
OHMy, that's synergy!
6
Leave it to you to find another themer. Well done!
1
I stumbled at BLOCKHEEL as the clue cried out for "wedge." But a BLOCKHEEL is definitely a thing, in fact, very popular right now. (Hi, Liz B!)
Loved how having to change an answer resulted in a Q and a pangram.
Also loved how active BLOCK, REBOUND, PASS, DRIBBLE and SHOOT are. Can't you see the players on the court?
Today you score, Matthew!
Loved how having to change an answer resulted in a Q and a pangram.
Also loved how active BLOCK, REBOUND, PASS, DRIBBLE and SHOOT are. Can't you see the players on the court?
Today you score, Matthew!
1
Confidently started with WEDGEHEEL, then had to modify it to STACKHEEL, and then pretty humbly filled BLOCKHEEL. That's one of the pleasures of crosswords, isn't it?
Ended with EXPO and OSSIAN, managing to guess right before resorting to Google. Know little about basketball but solved them through the clues. OK, on to Thursday.
Ended with EXPO and OSSIAN, managing to guess right before resorting to Google. Know little about basketball but solved them through the clues. OK, on to Thursday.
1
But would a BLOCK HEEL actually be on a platform shoe? Wouldn't the platform shoe have a sole that's one big base for the whole foot?
I remember having a pair of Famolare platform sandals back in the 1970s that I absolutely loved.
Hi Johanna!
I remember having a pair of Famolare platform sandals back in the 1970s that I absolutely loved.
Hi Johanna!
I know! The platform you're describing is what I call a wedge, thus no heel. A shoe with a BLOCKHEEL has a regular sole like a shoe with a stiletto. But much lower & easier to walk on.
We'll be back with more comments after a TV time out.
3
OK, we're back. Minor gripe (not a word nit). The "starts" of the five words apply to *any* basketball strategy, not just the FAST BREAK, so this is sort of an OAK - TREE issue (see Martin, above), and, in any case, the "reveal" seemed flat (under-inflated?). I would have preferred a clue that alluded to something consumed after a long PERIOD that *also* can be comprised of.... I don't think I'm being too TECHNICAL.
2
Yes, you are.
1
Decent puzzle and theme and a pretty good solve - maybe a tad easier than a typical Wednesday. ANECDOTAL was nice and there was some other good fill as well. Took a while for SURETE to pop into my brain even with most of the crosses, but it was in there somewhere (probably from old detective novels). Didn't know that SHOOTEMUP was used in reference to video games, but the results of a Google search would suggest that the reference to westerns has faded in comparison.
Minor nits: With this kind of theme I would usually expect the theme answers to have some sparkle on their own and I didn't think the first two quite lived up to that, though I guess there wasn't a lot of leeway there. BLOCKPARTY (or maybe BLOCKBUSTER) might have been a bit better, but there's not much you can do with REBOUND (or DRIBBLE for that matter). Also, UPC / USB is not a great way to start a puzzle.
CHAVEZ has an unusual clue history. It appeared in 1951 and 1956, both times clued to a senator from New Mexico. Then it didn't appear again until 1997 and has appeared twice more since then, always clued to Cesar. Hugo is about the only other famous CHAVEZ I can think of (well a couple of baseball players, but not really big names), and I'm a bit surprised by that; it seems like a fairly common surname.
Minor nits: With this kind of theme I would usually expect the theme answers to have some sparkle on their own and I didn't think the first two quite lived up to that, though I guess there wasn't a lot of leeway there. BLOCKPARTY (or maybe BLOCKBUSTER) might have been a bit better, but there's not much you can do with REBOUND (or DRIBBLE for that matter). Also, UPC / USB is not a great way to start a puzzle.
CHAVEZ has an unusual clue history. It appeared in 1951 and 1956, both times clued to a senator from New Mexico. Then it didn't appear again until 1997 and has appeared twice more since then, always clued to Cesar. Hugo is about the only other famous CHAVEZ I can think of (well a couple of baseball players, but not really big names), and I'm a bit surprised by that; it seems like a fairly common surname.
1
I never got SURÉTÉ , ( it just filled I from the crosses) and I'm currently reading a Maigret book for French class. I blame it on being vertically challenged.
4
SURETE was my one goof (sorry, I don't know how to do accents). I had entered CURETE (which didn't affect the pronunciation of SECADA crossing it) - somehow I processed it as being a short version of SECURETE and only when I had finished the puzzle and got no MHP did I look for a mistake and there it was.
I thought it was a delightful puzzle.
I thought it was a delightful puzzle.
3
I meant Sûreté.
1
Similar to yesterday in that even though I don't follow basketball, I found this a fair puzzle for a Wednesday, with loads of fun entries as has been noted.
"Have a go" is a quite popular expression here, but one time I didn't like hearing it was from the pilot of the plane I was in as he decided to try to land at Leeds/Bradford airport in spite of very strong winds.
The good week continues. Well done Matthew.
"Have a go" is a quite popular expression here, but one time I didn't like hearing it was from the pilot of the plane I was in as he decided to try to land at Leeds/Bradford airport in spite of very strong winds.
The good week continues. Well done Matthew.
6
A creditable Wednesday with a clever theme. I was slowed down a bit by the unknown names (SECADA, BEA, HARRIS) but pleased to meet old acquaintances (AKIRA, LAHR, OSSIAN). DRIBBLE GLASS and SHOOT EM UPS are new to me. So were UPC, XKE and KIX.
3
DC,
I want to add a few words to the INE discussion. I apologize for it being OT today, but I wouldn't count on a comment added now to yesterday's discussion being seen.
Specifically, it's about the rules for clue-by-example in crosswords. I find it non-intuitive, but some people think it makes sense: a class may be clued with a member but a member cannot be clued using the class. The classic example is OAK may be clued as "Tree," but TREE cannot be clued as "Oak." "Oak, for example" is a valid clue for TREE. I remember this rule as, "if ',e.g.' is appropriate, it's mandatory.
That said, "In E-major, e.g." would be a valid clue for HAVING FOUR SHARPS (since c-sharp minor is another example) but "In E-major" would not be a properly formed clue because it invalidly clues by example. The converse is that "Having four sharps" is a valid clue for INE.
Admittedly, I'm ignoring the fact that any tonality can be notated with four sharps and accidentals, and am only addressing your comment about "a" being required.
As I said, sometimes I grok the rule but other times it seems backwards from what I would intuitively expect. That's why I use the mnemonic. Many solvers have said things like, "it's so obvious that all oaks are trees but not all trees are oaks." Yes, that's obvious but it doesn't help me with the clue rule. It's just something I've learned.
I want to add a few words to the INE discussion. I apologize for it being OT today, but I wouldn't count on a comment added now to yesterday's discussion being seen.
Specifically, it's about the rules for clue-by-example in crosswords. I find it non-intuitive, but some people think it makes sense: a class may be clued with a member but a member cannot be clued using the class. The classic example is OAK may be clued as "Tree," but TREE cannot be clued as "Oak." "Oak, for example" is a valid clue for TREE. I remember this rule as, "if ',e.g.' is appropriate, it's mandatory.
That said, "In E-major, e.g." would be a valid clue for HAVING FOUR SHARPS (since c-sharp minor is another example) but "In E-major" would not be a properly formed clue because it invalidly clues by example. The converse is that "Having four sharps" is a valid clue for INE.
Admittedly, I'm ignoring the fact that any tonality can be notated with four sharps and accidentals, and am only addressing your comment about "a" being required.
As I said, sometimes I grok the rule but other times it seems backwards from what I would intuitively expect. That's why I use the mnemonic. Many solvers have said things like, "it's so obvious that all oaks are trees but not all trees are oaks." Yes, that's obvious but it doesn't help me with the clue rule. It's just something I've learned.
Interesting choice of TREE/OAK - the etymon for "tree" DRUS (Old English dreo) was the ancient word for "oak." In a certain historical sense, every "tree" is an "oak." And the same root gives us the word "true" and "trusty."
The rules you cite are based on an intuitive sense of what's fair in a riddling game (thinking of Bilbo Baggins' famous question that ended the riddle game with Gollum...). Part of the fairness here depends on the cycle of weekdays ("fair for this day of the week"), and part on what's known or knowable, guessed or guessable. Part of the riddle-play depends on multiple possibilities (misleads, parts of speech, "Roundup" at the beginning of a clue). That's where we get natick problems, wheelhouse issues, and much of the fodder for the blog and comments. MTF often says that there are just letters that go in boxes and the game is to put them there, which could perhaps be described as the libertarian approach. INE fits, IN F-SHARP DORIAN doesn't fit. Fair enough. Just outside my window is a little female cardinal foraging for seeds. She isn't a red bird, but a lovely "buffy greenish brown bird." But "Red bird" still leads to CARDINAL. In that sense, I accept "Four sharps" leading to INE.
The rules you cite are based on an intuitive sense of what's fair in a riddling game (thinking of Bilbo Baggins' famous question that ended the riddle game with Gollum...). Part of the fairness here depends on the cycle of weekdays ("fair for this day of the week"), and part on what's known or knowable, guessed or guessable. Part of the riddle-play depends on multiple possibilities (misleads, parts of speech, "Roundup" at the beginning of a clue). That's where we get natick problems, wheelhouse issues, and much of the fodder for the blog and comments. MTF often says that there are just letters that go in boxes and the game is to put them there, which could perhaps be described as the libertarian approach. INE fits, IN F-SHARP DORIAN doesn't fit. Fair enough. Just outside my window is a little female cardinal foraging for seeds. She isn't a red bird, but a lovely "buffy greenish brown bird." But "Red bird" still leads to CARDINAL. In that sense, I accept "Four sharps" leading to INE.
What is a natick problem?
Meg H, it's a name for the crossing of two proper nouns that you don't know! The eponymous example was a puzzle that crossed NC WYETH (artist & illustrator) and NATICK (town in Massachusetts). If you didn't know either name, there was no way you would get the right answers other than by guessing.
and Elke
The title of the puzzle is "Dynamic Sequence ; M.S. sets us up to score". Looks like M.S. snuck one by the --EMU--- (hidden in SHOOTEMUPS). I see BLOCK- , REBOUND--, PASS--, DRIBBLE__ ,SHOOT--, FAST--- and then in the bottom right : SEX.
Where does it say "basketball"?
Had to google DRIBBLEGLASS . I thought it referred to OLDIE(s) or us ELDers, but I will EVADE the answer...except to say "vide supra". Oh, yes, there's Kama SUTRA , too.
Glad I HAD A GO at this fun puzzle. Now I will look for pictures of TEACUP Chihuahuas, hope they are not CURs.
BAM and TATA
The title of the puzzle is "Dynamic Sequence ; M.S. sets us up to score". Looks like M.S. snuck one by the --EMU--- (hidden in SHOOTEMUPS). I see BLOCK- , REBOUND--, PASS--, DRIBBLE__ ,SHOOT--, FAST--- and then in the bottom right : SEX.
Where does it say "basketball"?
Had to google DRIBBLEGLASS . I thought it referred to OLDIE(s) or us ELDers, but I will EVADE the answer...except to say "vide supra". Oh, yes, there's Kama SUTRA , too.
Glad I HAD A GO at this fun puzzle. Now I will look for pictures of TEACUP Chihuahuas, hope they are not CURs.
BAM and TATA
5
Never heard of OSSIAN, BLOCK HEEL, TEACUP chihuahuas, or Jon SECADA, but I still thought this puzzle was easier than yesterday's. Doesn't mean I didn't like it.
Quibble: Purists would say that XKE is a misnomer for the fabulous Jaguar E-Type, the XK having been incorrectly been borrowed from the XK120-160 line of coupes and softtops.
Quibble: Purists would say that XKE is a misnomer for the fabulous Jaguar E-Type, the XK having been incorrectly been borrowed from the XK120-160 line of coupes and softtops.
1
Did this one (as always, on my clipboard) while watching an exciting college hoops game on TV. So a perfect match with a very clever theme, and all in the right order. A slam dunk for Matthew.
2
Having read a series of books about a Chief Inspector in Canada, I was familiar with the Surete due Quebec. I also got the theme as basketball terms, which assisted me with BLOCK HEELS. So I got finished quickly for me.
The books are by Louise Penny. I recommend them highly.
The books are by Louise Penny. I recommend them highly.
4
Louise Penny and Ins Gamache are among our favorite reads, along with
British procedural. Second person I have encountered this week who reads Penny.
British procedural. Second person I have encountered this week who reads Penny.
2
I will check them out (in two ways).
1
I'll also be in for a Penny.
3
I'm more of a baseball fan than basketball. But this puzzle went smoothly without any issues. Surete is familiar from Inspector Maigret French mysteries.
4
I'm not so sure that BLOCK HEEL is actually a thing as clued, but it felt close enough to work, and the rest of the theme answers were delightful. Well, as long as the GLASS doesn't DRIBBLE on me.
I really like crossword puzzles that bring together totally unrelated and widely separated words--like OSSIAN and CHAVEZ and TEACUP Chihuahuas and QATAR. And PALOOKAS and KIX and ASHER. What fun to find such a wide range of concepts all in one place!
I really like crossword puzzles that bring together totally unrelated and widely separated words--like OSSIAN and CHAVEZ and TEACUP Chihuahuas and QATAR. And PALOOKAS and KIX and ASHER. What fun to find such a wide range of concepts all in one place!
8
I was also puzzled by BLOCK HEEL and looked it up. Some are on platform sandals and some on other footwear (male and female). Some platform sandals have them and some don't. I didn't detect any connection at all between the two features. It's sort of like cluing "black" as "like some loafers."