Words: 72
Average Length: 5.31
Get those neurons firing – this one will probably put up a fight. Just a couple of notes: (1) the new book from 3 Down, “Everybody’s Fool,” is excellent. (2) If you ever get the chance to fly 60 Across, do so – my 12-hour flight from DC to Dubai was a pleasure! (3) If you ever get the chance to go to Iceland (see 47 Down), do so – it’s a beautiful, friendly, fascinating country with a great music scene.
Words: 19
Average Length: 4.37
I wish the people I’ve listened to since my high school days would stop dying, especially at such young ages. RIP Jimmy Buffett. For all his wonderful, good-time music, my favorite song of his is “Come Monday,” a beautiful ballad. Here’s a link to Buffett introducing and then singing it.
(As drafted last Friday, this post continued: “here’s hoping we make it through this week without any more musicians leaving for that great gig in the sky.” Since then, at least two well-known musicians, Steve Harwell (Smashmouth) and Gary Wright (“Dream Weaver”) have passed. What is going on?!?!)
Words: 70
Average Length: 5.34
Like some subatomic particles, crossword-worthy words or phrases sometimes pop into existence in my head and quickly vanish. (This usually happens either in the bathroom or while walking my dogs.) Occasionally, one will leave enough of a trace to make its way into my “crossword ideas” spreadsheet. 20 Across was one such phrase; the other theme entries were manufactured in what passes for an internal brainstorming session these days. I hope at least one of them triggers a snicker/giggle. Enjoy and share!
Words: 17 (7×7)
Average Length: 4.71
Another musical hero gone. Maybe he’s jamming with David Crosby and Jeff Beck. Thanks, Robbie, for all the great music!
For anyone who’s new to my puzzle site, I posted a series of 30 Mostly Musical Minis (some masquerading as Midis) in 2022. Check them out!
Words: 70
Average Length: 5.43
This one may not play as difficult as my usual themeless, but I’m really not sure. I was aiming for a smooth, open grid with relatively few 3-letter answers (6 in this case) and this is what emerged.
I’m inordinately pleased with the clue for 57 Across, though I don’t wish to presume anything about the relevant couple’s legal affairs. Please enjoy and share!
Words: 15 (7×7)
Average Length: 5.73
A few days ago I read an article about the never-to-be-equaled season that a certain baseball Hall of Famer enjoyed in 1968. Then I watched an episode of Cash Cab where a certain cocktail came up in the answer – and it shared a name with the baseball player. I realized that the crossword gods were sending me a message; hence the grid. (Think of the partial duplicate as a feature, not a flaw.)
Words: 11
Average Length: 5.27
This one started with the answer/clue pair in 7 Across, which proved surprisingly difficult to build a small puzzle around. I tried it in every row before finding a layout that worked. Ah, the woes of constructing!
Jeff's Puzzles