I can't remember a time when a Tuesday puzzle was such a hard solve. And even though I'm quite familiar with texting anagrams, such as ROFLMFAO, LOL with a Z on the end was a new one for me. IMHO, can't say I really enjoyed this one.
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Looks like my original post didn't make it to the board, so I'll simply congratulate Mr. Wilson on a fun, smooth solve. Great job!
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This was a real workout for a Tuesday puzzle. I went over and over my answers but still the Congratulations eluded me. Had to send clue after clue to various answer sources but the one I actually had wrong never seemed in doubt to me. None of you fellow bloggers had had the same problem I did. Hours later, a desperate query later, I found AGAZE not AGAPE was the MAGIC word.
As far as the theme; I had never heard of TIME or LIGHT in a bottle. So today was a learning experience. I BOW to you Mr. Wilson.
As far as the theme; I had never heard of TIME or LIGHT in a bottle. So today was a learning experience. I BOW to you Mr. Wilson.
2
This was harder for me than usual for Tuesday, mainly because of my incorrigible pop-cultural ignorance. Too many unknown names, some crossing: e.g. BOZ/SIR BARTON/ASTIN. I even needed Google to explain TIME IN A BOTTLE. Incidentally, QUALITY TIME was a gimme.
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Hey, Mr. Wilson! Congrats on your NYT debut. And thanks for sharing your memories of solving with you grandmother. Lovely.
Quite a few pop culture and sports-related clues today. I summoned up the names of the basketball players, but needed some help with the racehorse. And of course knew that Rod Stewart's "Maggie May" was originally a B-SIDE. Several other big pop hits started out that way--back when 45 RPM records actually had B-SIDEs.
Deb already linked my first two ideas, but let's see if I can still conjure up some MAGIC with "Genie IN A BOTTLE," a worldwide #1 hit for "Mickey Mouse Club" alum Christina Aguilera in 1999. (That 90s iteration of the MMC turned out a batch of talented performers, including Aguilera, Britney Spears, Ryan Gosling, Justin Timberlake, and Keri Russell.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIDWgqDBNXA
Quite a few pop culture and sports-related clues today. I summoned up the names of the basketball players, but needed some help with the racehorse. And of course knew that Rod Stewart's "Maggie May" was originally a B-SIDE. Several other big pop hits started out that way--back when 45 RPM records actually had B-SIDEs.
Deb already linked my first two ideas, but let's see if I can still conjure up some MAGIC with "Genie IN A BOTTLE," a worldwide #1 hit for "Mickey Mouse Club" alum Christina Aguilera in 1999. (That 90s iteration of the MMC turned out a batch of talented performers, including Aguilera, Britney Spears, Ryan Gosling, Justin Timberlake, and Keri Russell.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIDWgqDBNXA
2
Ooof! Just returned from visiting Slytherin House and was reminded that I wanted to comment on Forked Lightning.
Many years ago I was a constant visitor to the Natural History Museum in Philadelphia, and loved being greeted in the front display windows by a large piece of Fulgurite - solidified lightning. When lightning strikes in wet sand, and conditions are just right, the lightning transforms the wet sand into glass that is the shape of the lightning itself. Very wonderful to see and contemplate. I doubt that piece of Fulgurite is still welcoming visitors, but I thought of it as soon as I filled in "forked lightning" today.
Many years ago I was a constant visitor to the Natural History Museum in Philadelphia, and loved being greeted in the front display windows by a large piece of Fulgurite - solidified lightning. When lightning strikes in wet sand, and conditions are just right, the lightning transforms the wet sand into glass that is the shape of the lightning itself. Very wonderful to see and contemplate. I doubt that piece of Fulgurite is still welcoming visitors, but I thought of it as soon as I filled in "forked lightning" today.
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I've searched for a link to a photograph, turning up references to "possibly the finest example of fulgurite is found at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia" - but no photos. Maybe somebody who is a member of pinterest or similar photo sites can turn something up. None of the images for a google search for fulgurite is nearly as breathtaking as that example I remember, very "glassy" and very long.
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A nice debut. I especially enjoyed reading of NPW's puzzle beginnings with his grandmother. AMAZE-ing that today would be her birthday. My love of puzzles goes back to similar experiences with my dad, except for the dunking of toast and, of course, the fact that I am not able to construct. LOLZ. Notwithstanding the murmurs about the SOUP NAZI, I think it appropriate to have Uncle LEO in the same grid, although there was only I of him. Congratulations to Mr. Wilson. Say hello to Martha!
pretty good Tuesday. ended with Boz and agaze, initially had agape. liked Seinfeld's soup nazi. Elaineand George were hilarious.
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Thought the cluing was too straightforward today, even a little boring.
BTW it was my mom who got me started puzzling. She did the local paper every day. She said the NYT puzzle was "just too hard, but I'm proud of you, son, that you can do it."
BTW it was my mom who got me started puzzling. She did the local paper every day. She said the NYT puzzle was "just too hard, but I'm proud of you, son, that you can do it."
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Regarding the “aft” controversy, I agree with Barry’s comment below: Aft is a relative direction and acts as an adjective or adverb which indicates at, near, or toward the rear of a boat or airplane when the frame of reference is the craft in question. I don’t agree that it’s an action which would make it a verb nor is it the stern of a craft. It’s an adverb when someone is, for example, ordered to “go aft” when on a boat and it’s an advective when a cabin on a boat is described as “the aft cabin” as opposed to “the forward cabin.” I pulled my trusty Chapman’s off the book shelf - I really do have one (the book and the book shelf) - only to find this slightly unsatisfactory entry in the glossary: “Aft, After: Near or at the stern.”
As usual, I thought the clue was fair and correct. I took “back on a boat” to mean a relative direction. I thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Wilson’s debut and share his feelings about LEO X/ERNO. (I was unfamiliar with Mr. Rubik’s first name and never heard of an exoplanet.)
As usual, I thought the clue was fair and correct. I took “back on a boat” to mean a relative direction. I thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Wilson’s debut and share his feelings about LEO X/ERNO. (I was unfamiliar with Mr. Rubik’s first name and never heard of an exoplanet.)
2
Here's a bit more lore, for the interested.
I got AFT from the clue, with which I have no quarrel, partly because I would have sworn there was something called “the after deck…”
Virtually everything I know about sailing (aside from the few times I’ve actually gotten to do it) I learned from Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey-Maturin novels. So I reached for my copy of “A Sea of Words,” a “lexicon and companion” to the series.
It defines “after-cabin” (“the cabin in the after part of the ship…having superior accommodations” for the captain or admiral) and “afterguard” (crew who work the “after sails”), but not “after” or “after deck.”
So, I switched technologies and Googled “after deck,” and there it was: “In naval architecture an afterdeck or after deck or sometimes the aftdeck or aft deck is the open deck area toward the stern or aft back part of a ship or boat.”
...which, come to think of it, is kind of sneaky, the more I look at "toward the stern or aft back part of a ship or boat"!
I got AFT from the clue, with which I have no quarrel, partly because I would have sworn there was something called “the after deck…”
Virtually everything I know about sailing (aside from the few times I’ve actually gotten to do it) I learned from Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey-Maturin novels. So I reached for my copy of “A Sea of Words,” a “lexicon and companion” to the series.
It defines “after-cabin” (“the cabin in the after part of the ship…having superior accommodations” for the captain or admiral) and “afterguard” (crew who work the “after sails”), but not “after” or “after deck.”
So, I switched technologies and Googled “after deck,” and there it was: “In naval architecture an afterdeck or after deck or sometimes the aftdeck or aft deck is the open deck area toward the stern or aft back part of a ship or boat.”
...which, come to think of it, is kind of sneaky, the more I look at "toward the stern or aft back part of a ship or boat"!
The clue was "Back on a ship."
But one meaning of the word "back" is "to the back," and AFT is defined as "toward the back" — so the clue is sound.
But one meaning of the word "back" is "to the back," and AFT is defined as "toward the back" — so the clue is sound.
I agree the clue was sound. But the clue was "Back on a boat."
LEOX looks LOLZ.
Neil Padrick Wilson, your story of the QUALITYTIME spent crosswording with your grandma Pat really elevated this solving experience for me. I never had anybody to solve with. That's why when I discovered a whole crossword community that blogged about the NYT crossword puzzle ... it blew my mind! And changed my life. I know that sounds overstated, but because of this community and the friendships it brought to me, I not only enjoyed solving more but learned about constructing .. and, yes, that was life changing.
Ok, I'm done. Congratulations on your debut, Neil and celebrate today ... you earned it!
Neil Padrick Wilson, your story of the QUALITYTIME spent crosswording with your grandma Pat really elevated this solving experience for me. I never had anybody to solve with. That's why when I discovered a whole crossword community that blogged about the NYT crossword puzzle ... it blew my mind! And changed my life. I know that sounds overstated, but because of this community and the friendships it brought to me, I not only enjoyed solving more but learned about constructing .. and, yes, that was life changing.
Ok, I'm done. Congratulations on your debut, Neil and celebrate today ... you earned it!
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Not overstated at all, Johanna.
1
When I order takeout at Bojangles, I have to ask for "UN-sweet tea, with no sugar, that isn't sweetened" - and I will still get semi-liquid sugar about half the time. The other half of the time I get the unsweet tea I wanted, plus about fifty packets of sugar in the takeout bag.
House wine of the South may not be a "saying," Rich in Atlanta, but it is a reality. Though it was clever of Liz B thinking of Cheerwine!
I agree with suejean about the shudder over that word - but BOY OH BOY is it timely. Don't forget how many years the trickle of madness took back then, with nice people sitting by going, "well, you people are just silly to worry..."
House wine of the South may not be a "saying," Rich in Atlanta, but it is a reality. Though it was clever of Liz B thinking of Cheerwine!
I agree with suejean about the shudder over that word - but BOY OH BOY is it timely. Don't forget how many years the trickle of madness took back then, with nice people sitting by going, "well, you people are just silly to worry..."
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I started solving with my dad on Saturday mornings. We would celebrate if I got one word. Same cocoa and coffee combo except dunking was not allowed. Puzzling evolved to a family affair with not so subtle teasing to reveal some fill: "I just had a hardy QUAFF of orange juice... would you like some."
Misread the clue for 26D and had unfit and lost track of my Leo count. Manged to correct the first but the second earned me a raspberry from NYT.
Fun solve and glad to read of shared puzzle experiences..
Thank you Neil.
Misread the clue for 26D and had unfit and lost track of my Leo count. Manged to correct the first but the second earned me a raspberry from NYT.
Fun solve and glad to read of shared puzzle experiences..
Thank you Neil.
3
Wow! This seemed pretty stiff for a mere Tuesday--all those unknown people, places, and things....praise be for the crosses! Of course I wanted TRICK for 1A, which made things awkward, so I scuttled down to the bottom of the puzzle where things improved. Last thing into the grid was the B for the Triple Crown winner.
Maybe Monday's sparse turn-out has to do with preoccupation....it is hard to look away from chaos.
Maybe Monday's sparse turn-out has to do with preoccupation....it is hard to look away from chaos.
7
It's always good to welcome a new constructor. This seemed about right for a Tuesday with several very easy answers, but a few complete unknowns, but all gettable with the crosses.
I was very slow with the theme, trying all sorts of word following things, so definitely needed the reveal. I've not heard of TIME IN A BOTTLE, so thanks to Jeff for explaining that.
I got SOUP NAZI almost straight away and it was a clever clue, but have to admit I agree with Jeff that the word always makes me uncomfortable, including the episodes in Seinfeld.
Not to end on a negative note, congratulations on the debut and I hope we see more of Neil.
I was very slow with the theme, trying all sorts of word following things, so definitely needed the reveal. I've not heard of TIME IN A BOTTLE, so thanks to Jeff for explaining that.
I got SOUP NAZI almost straight away and it was a clever clue, but have to admit I agree with Jeff that the word always makes me uncomfortable, including the episodes in Seinfeld.
Not to end on a negative note, congratulations on the debut and I hope we see more of Neil.
3
Interesting to see the reveal clued entirely in reference to the theme. Seems like there's usually an independent definition followed by 'or,' but maybe I'm just not remembering previous examples. At any rate, I tried but couldn't figure it out from the clue and had to work it from the crosses. Very nicely done and a good 'aha' moment when it finally dawned on me.
This was tough in places with some complete unknowns, and there were moments when I thought I might not get it all, but it finally came together. That made for a very satisfying solve. Congratulations on your debut, Mr. Wilson.
Note to Will regarding SWEETTEA: A line from Dolly Parton in 'Steel Magnolias' does not magically make that make a common expression. Either reference the film or find another clue.
Music for today. Can't remember what I had in mind for a connection, but this is connected to something or other. Judy Collins sings Sondheim (are you there, DL?):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8L6KGuTr9TI
..
This was tough in places with some complete unknowns, and there were moments when I thought I might not get it all, but it finally came together. That made for a very satisfying solve. Congratulations on your debut, Mr. Wilson.
Note to Will regarding SWEETTEA: A line from Dolly Parton in 'Steel Magnolias' does not magically make that make a common expression. Either reference the film or find another clue.
Music for today. Can't remember what I had in mind for a connection, but this is connected to something or other. Judy Collins sings Sondheim (are you there, DL?):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8L6KGuTr9TI
..
1
Congratulations, Mr. Wilson! Here's some "QUALITY TIME" (albeit not in a bottle):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMQKLC9u3JA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMQKLC9u3JA
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Aft usually means 'toward the back', the antonym of forward.
2
Had trouble with AGAZE, otherwise a fairly nice solve.
3
and Elke
The attachment has been on my mind lately. The answer to 22A provides the excuse to post it ( btw- I thought we had an embargo on the second half of that answer):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_they_came_...
I'm sorry if people are unhappy with this post, but I really feel we are no longer in happy-go-lucky times.
The attachment has been on my mind lately. The answer to 22A provides the excuse to post it ( btw- I thought we had an embargo on the second half of that answer):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_they_came_...
I'm sorry if people are unhappy with this post, but I really feel we are no longer in happy-go-lucky times.
13
R&E, within an hour after it (we know what 'it' is) started, #2 son texted me the following:
First they came for the muslims...
First they came for the muslims...
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Elke, that quote always gives me chills and today was no exception. Now I know why I can never remember it exactly, very interesting to read all about it. Thanks.
1
On a not unrelated note, my DNF in the Mini puzzle was a result of my refusal to give up a "T" as the first letter in 6 Across...
3
"Back on a boat" for AFT works for me; back *of* a boat would not. "Back on" implies direction (which is AFT), "back of" implies location (not AFT). Your link, Deb, is to a glossary presented by a boat manufacturing association. Sorry. I'll take the word of a sailor or seaman (see Chapman).
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Weighing in late on Sunday's puzzle, I must protest cluing OFFAL as "butcher's discards." Would that it were. If my butcher were willing to give away the liver, kidneys, and heart (not to mention sweetbreads) that are so delicious, my meat bill would be lower. OFFAL may sound awful, but it's in fact delectable.
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Katherine,
While I am sympathetic, the dictionary offers several definitions for OFFAL, at least one of which clearly supports cluing it as "Butcher's discards."
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/offal
While I am sympathetic, the dictionary offers several definitions for OFFAL, at least one of which clearly supports cluing it as "Butcher's discards."
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/offal
1
Katherine,
I also love many "variety meats," from sweetbreads to the wonderful mixed tripes. But in defense of the clue, "offal' more often refers to the discarded portions of an animal than the non-muscle edible bits. Depending on context, offal can include those wonderful bits, or not, by definition:
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/offal
I also love many "variety meats," from sweetbreads to the wonderful mixed tripes. But in defense of the clue, "offal' more often refers to the discarded portions of an animal than the non-muscle edible bits. Depending on context, offal can include those wonderful bits, or not, by definition:
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/offal
1
While visiting Bangkok some time ago, my wife (she's native to the city) and I had lunch one day in an open-air cafeteria that had its menu items painted on boards in both Thai and English. One of the categories was "Offal," which quite startled me, as I always took it to mean the inedible—and more or less icky—parts of an animal. But I told myself that if Americans can eat head cheese, why shouldn't Thais eat offal. Now I learn from Katherine of Michigan that liver is offal, so count me in for chopped chicken livers.
2
Very nice Tuesday puzzle with a fun theme. I thought of Jim Croce's Time In a Bottle and Message In a Bottle while solving, so Deb's music choices were perfect.
I did not consider Dennis the Menace, but I am now. Thanks, Deb. And thanks for the enjoyable puzzle.
I did not consider Dennis the Menace, but I am now. Thanks, Deb. And thanks for the enjoyable puzzle.
4
Well, I knew Dan ISSEL but not Channing FRYE. & was kind of disappointed that Cheerwine didn't fit into SWEET TEA. This felt a little crunchier than Tuesdays often do. I was pleased that I remembered SIR BARTON when I only had the S . . R B . . . . .--not sure where that came from! Welcome, Mr. Wilson!
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