Words: 10
Average Length: 5.00
Here’s some fun with near-homophones. Come back Sunday for a new Themeless.
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Author: Jeff
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Hammer Knows
Words: 76
Average Length: 4.87
I hope you nail this one! As always, thanks for solving. I really do appreciate it. If you ever have questions, comments, suggestions, or even complaints, please share them!
Words: 28 (9×9)
Average Length: 4.93
So here’s the deal; I’ll get straight to the point: flush with excitement, as if playing to a full house, I present you this week’s midi. The only other thing I have to say is that of all the songs listed in the clue to 11 Across, Janis’s is the best, Paul’s the catchiest, Billy’s the silkiest, and Lobo’s the, um, Lobo-est.
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Themeless 66
Words: 66
Average Length: 5.50
As an avid reader/book hoarder, I often include books or authors I’ve particularly enjoyed in my theme answers or (more often) clues. This puzzle has two book recommendations: Isabel Wilkerson’s “The Warmth of Other [20 Across],” a brilliant account of the Great Migration (her recent book, “Caste,” also is terrific), and J. Ryan Stradal’s novel, “The [25 Down] Queen of Minnesota,” which is sympathetic, humane, funny, and evocative. (I’ve loved all of Stradal’s books!)
The seeds for this puzzle were the pairs at 3 Down and 31 Down, and 11 Down and 33 Down. Building a puzzle around them required some architectural experimentation, and I’m happy with the ultimate grid design, which flows vertically and diagonally.
Finally, I recently finished posting about my recent Cuba trip. if you’re interested (you might pick up some intelligence about future puzzles!), head over to PuffinlessTravel.com.
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Acmes of Science
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Color Meld 2 – Books
Words: 75 (16×15)
Average Length: 5.33
I hope all of you who celebrate Thanksgiving had a meaningful and enjoyable holiday. In today’s puzzle: more fun with colors, and a pangram to boot! The third puzzle in this series (involving food) will appear in a couple of weeks.
Words: 14 (7×7)
Average Length: 5.57
I figured I’d construct a Thanksgiving-themed mini but 8 Across popped into my head and I ended up with a puzzle better suited for St. Patrick’s Day. I did construct a Thanksgiving-themed puzzle a couple of years ago (“I’ll Never Be Your Feast of Burden”), which you can find here. Have a wonderful holiday, y’all, and sláinte!
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Themeless 65
Words: 75 (16×15)
Average Length: 5.39
The seeds for this moderately challenging themeless were 22 and 37 across. 22 across is a question I hear all the time (the answer usually is “no”). I first heard 37 across while on one last fall; it fits!. Finally, if you aren’t familiar with Jason Isbell (see 55 across), check him out. I think he’s one of the best songwriters working today, and his music kicks ass, to use the technical term!
I’ve published several posts about my recent trip to Cuba. Please visit my PuffinlessTravel blog if you’re interested.
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Answer Keys
Words: 10 (5×5)
Average Length: 5.00
Here’s a mini I constructed on the airplane last week. It’s amazing how quickly a flight can go in the “flow state” of crossword construction. I’ve got a 16-hour flight to Australia coming up in January – who knows how many puzzles I’ll construct!
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Place Names
Words: 88 (17×17)
Average Length: 5.30
I’m writing this while sitting in the lounge at the Houston airport on my way from Cuba (land of scarcity) to Washington DC in the super-size everything USA. Hence a supersized puzzle. Enjoy!
Cuba is a fascinating place whose wonderful people are suffering greatly as a result of the Cuban government’s regressive policies, the ill effects of which are exacerbated by the US government’s nonsensical and inhumane embargo. I’ll be posting write-ups of my trip all week on my PuffinlessTravel.com blog – check them out if you’re interested or just want to see some pictures of what life is like 90 miles from Key West.
Jeff's Puzzles 