I just did the NYT Monday puzzle ... and one clue asked for "Tupperware top", which was "lid" ... but I'll never forget working at Tupperware, and I once asked a co-worker about the lids, and they immediately said, "Are you from Rubbermaid? At Tupperware , they're called seals!"
Two corrections to previous posts: Apparently I do have a streak to lose. I started using the NYT Android app in June when my Crosswords Plus couldn't load the puzzles any longer. It currently stands at 1.
Also, the aforementioned app did not work for Sunday's puzzle. The busy circle just spun and the puzzle never loaded. I solved it in a web browser instead. It shows as complete in the archives within the app, but it still won't load. At least the discussion caused me to explore the app and find the statistics.
Also, the aforementioned app did not work for Sunday's puzzle. The busy circle just spun and the puzzle never loaded. I solved it in a web browser instead. It shows as complete in the archives within the app, but it still won't load. At least the discussion caused me to explore the app and find the statistics.
1
Enjoying my long holiday weekend, good weather for sitting in the backyard while solving the XWP (sipping pink lemonade rather than ICED tea). This one was Monday easy. Only the slightest hesitation wondering if FOSBURY might've been spelled with a 'Z' but STENO cleared that up toot sweet. I liked BROADWAY crossing HOLLYWOOD.
Hall & Oates could do no wrong during the early 80s. The ballad “ONE ON ONE” was one of 12 Top 10 hits for the duo between 1980-84.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXU2tnKEwwo
Jimbo HAS left the building.
Hall & Oates could do no wrong during the early 80s. The ballad “ONE ON ONE” was one of 12 Top 10 hits for the duo between 1980-84.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXU2tnKEwwo
Jimbo HAS left the building.
3
The FOSBURY FLOP transcended sport and became a tribute to human ingenuity. I loved seeing it in today's puzzle.
7
As a lifelong track and field maven, I adored the FOSBURY FLOP clue. And my recent good form continued with a new Monday best time. Very enjoyable little puzzle, this one, and a good cure for the angst caused by yesterday's streak threatening web bug :)
3
Pretty easy solve. Initially had CNN and TNT before realizing TBS for my final entry.
1
FOSBURY FLOP was an absolute gimme, which pleased me no end. Before coming here to celebrate the (minor) victory, I revisited the Sunday WordPlay column/Comments; the count is now over 300, and I added a few notes my own self. I'm still nursing the bruises.
I guess we'll recover some time or other; next time Patrick Blindauer decides to construct a bedeviling puzzle, I'd like to contribute an idea that will be even MORE pioneering. (PB--email!)
I guess we'll recover some time or other; next time Patrick Blindauer decides to construct a bedeviling puzzle, I'd like to contribute an idea that will be even MORE pioneering. (PB--email!)
2
"...I added a few notes my own self..."
(OT):
POSSLQ = Person (of the) Opposite Sex Sharing Living Quarters
Haven't heard or seen it since the 1970's!
(OT):
POSSLQ = Person (of the) Opposite Sex Sharing Living Quarters
Haven't heard or seen it since the 1970's!
3
"my own self" is one of those sweet Southernisnms that make the world sweeter.
4
I enjoyed the puzle a nice mix of "older" clues and current ones. Fosbury Flop is well known to me as I was a timer at many college track meets. I also attended the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. I was about ten rows above where Howard Cosell interviewed John Carlos and Tommie Smith.
As a side note a Canadian woman high jumper Debra Brill developed her on version of the method independently of Fosbury. It was known as the Brill Bend or Brill Drill.
As a side note a Canadian woman high jumper Debra Brill developed her on version of the method independently of Fosbury. It was known as the Brill Bend or Brill Drill.
7
My dad had the biggest crush on Debbie Brill. Caused no end of friction during several Olympics.
4
Nice Monday puzzle. My fingers flew through the first definitions but then a few hesitations: TWIN, FORE (said only for an errant ball?); skipped the long fills until I began the down clues. Had PA_S for 'Hail Mary, for one' which threw me -- note: all my slow ups were sports-related. As a bike rider and badminton player I am at the lowest rung of sport lingo. But now I've got FOSBURY FLOP - what a great addition to my vocabulary - when will I ever have an opportunity to use it?
2
Excellent point. How about applying "a Fosbury Flop" to a solution to a problem never before solved using a means never before attempted?
3
Confession time. I rarely come to the blog on Sundays, primarily because I never seem to enjoy Sundays as much as in the old days and also because they are often busy days. I always do the puzzle first thing --- or whenever my delivery person decides to bring the paper. "Yesterday" was no exception. But, seeing the sheer number of comments compelled me to go back and look at them and I must admit that I feel much better for having done so. That was a ridiculous exercise. I thought the winding road would be filled with letters. What a huge disappointment. A BOMB, FLOP, and a TURKEY.
As for today's offering ... still not feeling it. Way too fast and easy. The only smile stemmed from the clue for YELL, as it reminded me of A Prayer for Owen Meany. Sorry.
I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday weekend!
As for today's offering ... still not feeling it. Way too fast and easy. The only smile stemmed from the clue for YELL, as it reminded me of A Prayer for Owen Meany. Sorry.
I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday weekend!
1
"I thought the winding road would be filled with letters. What a huge disappointment."
One child's spinach (ugh) is another child's oshitashi (yum).
All white squares have entries.
No black squares have entries.
Gray squares...?
After a quick examination of the NW, it was clear to me -- and, I thought, perfectly consistent, that *some but not all* gray squares were to have entries. And the fact that the locations of the grays to be filled in were seemingly random made even simple clues a bit more challenging, since one could not assume the length of the entry.
That it was not translated properly -- or the limitations of translation explained properly (or at all) -- was most unfortunate.
One child's spinach (ugh) is another child's oshitashi (yum).
All white squares have entries.
No black squares have entries.
Gray squares...?
After a quick examination of the NW, it was clear to me -- and, I thought, perfectly consistent, that *some but not all* gray squares were to have entries. And the fact that the locations of the grays to be filled in were seemingly random made even simple clues a bit more challenging, since one could not assume the length of the entry.
That it was not translated properly -- or the limitations of translation explained properly (or at all) -- was most unfortunate.
1
You are so right, Barry. I was just commenting on my solve. And my feelings. I am all for tolerance and believe everyone is entitled to their opinions. I just felt better to see that others may have had similar feelings. Potato, Potato. Vive la difference!
2
Tomato, Tomato.
Amen, CS.
Best wishes.
Amen, CS.
Best wishes.
1
About as fast as I've ever finished a puzzle, but still a nice theme and unusually clean fill. I really think that was a big part of the reason that it was so easy - no real junk or obscurities anywhere.
I remember the FLOP well, though it took a moment to recall the name. Needed crosses for all the other theme entries (though not many).
I'm a big Olympics fan and the 1968 games have to be one of the most memorable ever. Besides FOSBURY, there was Bob Beamon's incredible long jump and John Carlos and Tommie Smith on the medal stand. I still find that one of the most moving images of that era.
I remember the FLOP well, though it took a moment to recall the name. Needed crosses for all the other theme entries (though not many).
I'm a big Olympics fan and the 1968 games have to be one of the most memorable ever. Besides FOSBURY, there was Bob Beamon's incredible long jump and John Carlos and Tommie Smith on the medal stand. I still find that one of the most moving images of that era.
5
Will just make this a reply rather than a separate post.
Wanted to note that the goal in the high jump is to 'get over it.' For whatever that's worth.
Wanted to note that the goal in the high jump is to 'get over it.' For whatever that's worth.
4
I sped through this but did not see the theme, duh!
Actually I was distracted by Fosbury Flop.
That jump looks impossible!
Speaking of distractions...most of the many comments yesterday were directed toward technical issues and not that great Beatle puzzle. What a shame. As a pen and paper solver I was able to focus on what, for me, was a great Sunday.
Actually I was distracted by Fosbury Flop.
That jump looks impossible!
Speaking of distractions...most of the many comments yesterday were directed toward technical issues and not that great Beatle puzzle. What a shame. As a pen and paper solver I was able to focus on what, for me, was a great Sunday.
7
"As a pen and paper solver I was able to focus on what, for me, was a great Sunday."
Even as I was relishing the Sunday solve early Saturday afternoon, I was wondering how well gray squares and (correctly) empty squares would translate into the various online formats....
Even as I was relishing the Sunday solve early Saturday afternoon, I was wondering how well gray squares and (correctly) empty squares would translate into the various online formats....
1
I’m back after a nearly unbroken succession of involuntary absences, during which I was limited to solving MINIs on my phone. My computer is accessible again – for how long, time will tell.
My encounter with today’s puzzle was somewhat disappointing. The disproportionate amount of pop culture didn’t hold me up significantly, but I was annoyed by the amount of trivia with which I had to burden my dwindling stock of brain cells for the dubious pleasure of encountering some of it again in subsequent puzzles
That having been said, it is good to be back.
My encounter with today’s puzzle was somewhat disappointing. The disproportionate amount of pop culture didn’t hold me up significantly, but I was annoyed by the amount of trivia with which I had to burden my dwindling stock of brain cells for the dubious pleasure of encountering some of it again in subsequent puzzles
That having been said, it is good to be back.
8
It's good to have you back, Amitai!
7
'Dwindling stock', my sainted Aunt Hepzibah.
3
I was just about to inquire about you again Amitai. Glad you're here again.
2
I finished this one about half way through my small cup of coffee, got the theme after the first 2 theme answers and knew and remembered the FOSBURY FLOP. I thought there would be a chorus of too easy even for a Monday, but I'm certainly not in a SNIT.
Nice to see DEBs and RICH, and I also liked the two girl friends of the super heroes.
Nice to see DEBs and RICH, and I also liked the two girl friends of the super heroes.
4
and Elke
Nice to be reminded of that gravity-defying FOSBURY FLOP . It looks so scary.
Since --WOOD--- is just above ARLO, I was thinking of WOODy's " This Land is Your Land ". Funny how it still (or again ?) resonates :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/This_Land_Is_Your_Land
Ps-The write-up on xwordinfo by/of the constructor, Randall Hartman, mentions that he is one of the top college wrestling referees. Would he consult for that other Atlanta-based cable network ? :))
Nice to be reminded of that gravity-defying FOSBURY FLOP . It looks so scary.
Since --WOOD--- is just above ARLO, I was thinking of WOODy's " This Land is Your Land ". Funny how it still (or again ?) resonates :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/This_Land_Is_Your_Land
Ps-The write-up on xwordinfo by/of the constructor, Randall Hartman, mentions that he is one of the top college wrestling referees. Would he consult for that other Atlanta-based cable network ? :))
3
I'm new to crosswords, so I really look forward to Mondays. This one was really enjoyable and a nice relief from Sunday's puzzle.
5
Welcome to Wordplay, Thomas!
3
I'm wondering if the answer FAILS was originally meant to be the puzzle's reveal.
2
solved puzzle without thinking about looking for a pattern or reveal. . . till your comment! Thanks!
2
I didn't remember the name Fosbury, or knew the Martin/Lewis movie, but the crosses were easy enough that neither was in any way difficult to get. While this wasn't quite a Monday record-setter for me, it was only by a matter of seconds.
Also a big fan of the paired LANA and LANE. Very nicely done there.
Also a big fan of the paired LANA and LANE. Very nicely done there.
1
I guess I'm truly an old lady because none of the fill felt strange or dated to me. Good Monday fare.
If you retire STENO, I think oleo would have to go as well. Change the clues, not the fills! Think of all the archaic words that are in puzzle circulation. A sou for your thoughts...
If you retire STENO, I think oleo would have to go as well. Change the clues, not the fills! Think of all the archaic words that are in puzzle circulation. A sou for your thoughts...
4
...an écu for yours.
Enjoyed this one, despite the despondent nature of the theme! I definitely knew the FOSBURY FLOP, as I've always enjoyed watching (not so much participating in) track and field. I didn't even notice STENO or some of the other Down clues. A nice start to the week.
2
As a young high-schooler, I loved, loved the hurdles and the high jump! I had read Babe Didrikson's autobiography and used her (at the time, unusual) way of folding one leg under. Worked like a charm! Soccer was another new-to-me sport, also very fun. Then I acquired my clarinet and Band was the substitute for P.E.; end of 'athletic career.'
Fastest Monday in a while. No roadblocks and nice bomb, flop, bust theme. Arlo Guthrie was a welcome giveaway that made the rest of the bottom of the puzzle a breeze.
3
Since I was a high jumper for one season in the late 1960's the Fosbury flop was a gimme for me. I jumped that way, as I could do better than I did with the more traditional scissors method.
Quick, fun Monday. I didn't notice the theme until I read the column. Thanks for the fun.
Quick, fun Monday. I didn't notice the theme until I read the column. Thanks for the fun.
4
The great advantage of the "flop" was that if done correctly the center of gravity of the body actually passes below the crossbar.
What was the landing like when you were competing, Mac? When I was in high school in the mid-60's, the landing was a pile of sawdust at ground level, not the elevated pad in the video. I can't imagine anyone doing a Fosbury flop with that landing (not that it ever occurred to us).
OT but related. When I was in high school, there was a kid in the grade ahead of me named Arthur ___anelli (won't give his full name) who could have been the model for 'the Fonz' in Happy Days. Good looking, tough as nails, had the same slicked back hair style and always wore a black leather jacket. He was a good football player, maybe the best basketball player in the school, except that he was most often ineligible to play for various infractions.
In his senior year he decided to come out for track (for the first time). In the first week of practice he broke the school record in the high jump on his third attempt. And he was ineligible once again by the time the season opened.
OT but related. When I was in high school, there was a kid in the grade ahead of me named Arthur ___anelli (won't give his full name) who could have been the model for 'the Fonz' in Happy Days. Good looking, tough as nails, had the same slicked back hair style and always wore a black leather jacket. He was a good football player, maybe the best basketball player in the school, except that he was most often ineligible to play for various infractions.
In his senior year he decided to come out for track (for the first time). In the first week of practice he broke the school record in the high jump on his third attempt. And he was ineligible once again by the time the season opened.
2
We landed on sawdust too, Rich. At that age (16) I was unbreakable except for my ankles.
1
This was certainly not a dud that laid an egg. Has there ever been a busier day of comments than those generated by Sunday's puzzle?
1
Yes. The 2016 April Fool's puzzle by Peter Gordon. But not by much. :)
2
By 301 to 293. But 18 of those in April 2016 were generated after April 1. So take those away, and that date is beaten handily.
Houston, we had a problem.
Houston, we had a problem.
1
Still. Have. A. Problem.
Now that Monday has arrived, the streaks are all officially destroyed.
Un. Happy. Campers.
Now that Monday has arrived, the streaks are all officially destroyed.
Un. Happy. Campers.
1
I think it is time to retire "steno," as I am sure all the actual stenos already have.
Court reporters are stenos.
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/court-reporters.htm#tab-1
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/court-reporters.htm#tab-1
1
...although the clue is a bit dated, since virtually all stenography these days is typed, not written.
2
But in some, if not all, California courts you don't get court reporters anymore, budget saving. If you want one you have to bring your own. And they don't use shorthand they use that wonderful "magic" machine that gives you the transcript straight onto your laptop in real time in real words.
Thank you for the video, because although it filled in, I didn't know who he was.
1
I am relieved -- for online solvers and the I.T. GUY -- that all squares in today's puzzle are either black or white. Yesterday's gray was a shade too S&M.
4
What he said.
I don't understand why people are still using Across Lire. If I remember correctly some time ago the NY Times had us change from Across Lite to some other display format. I followed their instructions and whatever it is I am using never seems to give me any of the problems that people complain about. I had absolutely no problem with yesterdays crossword, including putting those 10 letters into the grey area. I don't know about the I phone App as I have Android and the last time I looked there was no App for Android.
My timer is still ticking...no word from NYT.
1