Words: 70
Average Length: 5.34
The seed for this grid was 23 Across. After that, not knowing the first thing about cosmetics, I did a great deal of research to come up with other make-up-related puns. (I blush to say it took a while.) Here’s a link to 42 Across, a beautiful, achingly sad song written by James Taylor.
Words: 18
Average Length: 5.00
Thinking about shellfish the other day – as we all do, I’m sure, though it’s common to clam up when asked about it – the answer/clue that’s now 1 Across came to mind. (I liked the pun so much I made it the title of the puzzle.) Alas, there are no pearls (of wisdom or otherwise) in this grid, but it should make for a tasty, bite-sized solve nonetheless.
Words: 68
Average Length: 5.53
The two grid-spanners were the seeds for this themeless, and once I had them in place I decided to design a grid with minimal 3-letter answers (only four, in this case). For solving accompaniment, here’s a link to the late, great Warren Zevon performing “Werewolves of London” (see the clue for 22 Across).
Words: 10
Average Length: 4.80
1 Across and 1 Down were the seeds, not surprisingly, but I also enjoyed putting 3 Down and 4 Down next to each other. Now that would be a mind-blowing show! 7 Across is terrible fill, but I figured I’d include it after realizing that rearranging the letters as the clue suggests would fit with the trattoria theme.
Words: 69 (14×15)
Average Length: 5.10
If a compelling crossword, like compelling drama, requires tension, then today’s theme entries should assure a gripping grid.
Because it’s one of Churchill’s finest orations (which is saying a lot), here’s the relevant passage of the speech excerpted in 1 Down:
“The gratitude of every home in our Island, in our Empire, and indeed throughout the world, except in the abodes of the guilty, goes out to the British airmen who, undaunted by odds, unwearied in their constant challenge and mortal danger, are turning the tide of the World War by their prowess and by their devotion. Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”
Rest assured that your odds of surviving today’s solving experience are far better than those faced by the RAF.
Words: 16 (7×7)
Average Length: 4.88
The puns at 1 Across and 14 Across popped into my head as soon as I started to ponder this week’s mini. Not being one to ignore inspiration, here’s the result.
Words: 72
Average Length: 5.11
This puzzle sets a record (sure to be broken) of the greatest number of my favorite songs I’ve managed to work into clues: (1) The Caves of [18 Across] (Steely Dan), (2) [25 Across] Smile (John Prine), (3) [55 Down] House (Graham Nash), (4) Where Have all the Flowers Gone (31 Down), and (5) Penny Lane (The Beatles, 54 Down). If you know some of these off the bat, you’ve got a head start. If not, don’t fear – everything should be easily gettable from crosses.
Words: 18 (7×7)
Average Length: 5.00
7 Across and 13 Across were the seeds for this mini – and the title, as those of you who are algebraically inclined will figure out, is the product of the seeds.
Jeff's Puzzles