Words: 42 (11×11)
Average Length: 4.71
I never saw the movie containing the line that underlies this puzzle, but I know the music and much of the plot through sheer osmosis. I hope you enjoy the puzzle, particularly the handful of “?”-designated clues.
Words: 41 (11×11)
Average Length: 5.02
I’d been toying with the idea for this puzzle for a while and finally decided to construct it during one of those games where the Nats offense apparently has better things to do than hit. After several futile attempts at fitting the theme answers into a symmetrical grid, I decided to embrace asymmetry (though if you don’t peer too closely it kind of looks symmetrical). I hope you enjoy the result!
Words: 42 (11×11)
Average Length: 5.00
Strolling along Penny Lane while on a Beatles-themed tour of Liverpool was a thrill I’ll never forget. Every time I’ve heard the song since, the landmarks in the lyrics leap clearly to mind. Last week, as I was trolling for ideas for a mini/midi, I started humming the wonderful piccolo trumpet solo and the grid fell into place.
Words: 34 (10×10)
Average Length: 5.18
Happy 420 to all who indulge. Please enjoy the puzzle in whatever mental state you wish!
Words: 40 (11×11)
Average Length: 4.65
I interrupt my regular Wednesday and Sunday posting schedule with a special announcement (and crossword): Wednesday night (Feb. 1) at 10:57 pm, Sandy and I welcomed our first grandchild, Eleanor Mikayla Fuhrman. Ella and her Mom are doing great.
I had to mark the occasion with a puzzle, of course. It’s sappy, but you can’t blame me for that. After each clue there’s a bracketed comment (for Ella’s eventual benefit) relating the answer to something in our family.
I hope you enjoy it!
Words: 46 (15×9)
Average Length: 4.87
My day in Singapore was a blur of phenomenal architecture, gorgeous gardens, and delicious food. Capturing all that in a grid is difficult, so take a look at my PuffinlessTravel write-up for some photos and sightseeing tips. This is the last Travel Midi, at least for a while – come back next Wednesday for what I think is a brand-new concept in Minis.
Words: 40 (11×11)
Average Length: 4.45
Looking beyond the esthetics – this is by far the least attractive grid I’ve ever designed – I hope you enjoy today’s tribute to two fascinating spots in south and southeast Asia. I’d love to return to both countries at some point, having barely sampled their visual, historical, and spiritual charms. Click here to see some photos and my write-up.
Words: 42 (11×11)
Average Length: 4.71
PuffinlessTravel link: Here
I loved the tiny bit of India I saw – everything from the frenetic, polyglot bustle of Mumbai to the sun and sights of Goa to the lost-in-time charm of Kerala. The people are unfailingly friendly, the food is delicious, the energy is high, and despite the Raj, the beer is ice cold. Today’s puzzle crams in eleven India-related answers (twelve if you count 11 Down), so grab a mango lassi, fire up your pencil/laptop/tablet, and solve away! And be sure to check out the link to my travel blog for some photos and observations.
Words: 46 (12×12 grid)
Average Length: 5.30
Difficulty: Somewhere north of medium
I had lots of fun constructing this one; I hope you have as much solving it. The seeds were 1 and 7 Across, which I’d been saving while looking for a happy home. 24 Down and 30 Down had been chilling in my word/clue list for a while as well. 1 Down is a terrific song from my youth (e.g., a moldy oldie). You can listen to it here.
I saw 16 Down on SNL last month and was blown away by her talent. Of course, I’ve heard her on the radio many times, but seeing her live underscored how amazing she is. Then it occurred to me that a seemingly inordinate number of musicians/compositions have “Zs” in their names, ranging from pop to rock to opera to jazz to conductors, and that there ought to be a grid acknowledging that observation. Et voila!
Have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
