Words: 72
Average Length: 5.14
This is a thoroughly reworked version of the themed puzzle I decided not to post last week. How reworked? I kept the four theme answers, chose a new revealer and title, and scrapped everything else. Enjoy!
Words: 81 (17×15)
Average Length: 5.14
I’d had the clue for 20A in my list of ideas for a while. I decided to try coming up with two other grammar-related answers/punny clues, which turned into 36A and 56A. Having said that, my favorite answer/clue combination is 64A – it’s not a pun but it’s a pretty fiendish misdirect!
Words: 40 (11×11)
Average Length: 4.65
Today’s puzzle is my entry into the Crosshare monthly midi contest for April, whose theme is “cryptozoology.” Warnings: Dad jokes ahead and some assembly required.
Words: 74
Average Length: 5.05
The two seeds for this puzzle were 39A (a phrase I heard from my son) and 18A (the debate over which amuses me greatly). My original plan was to make this a themeless, but then I realized that 39A could be part of the title of a well-known book about grammar. Poof, a themed puzzle is born.
Words: 76
Average Length: 4.87
I’ve been passionate about baseball since 1969, when the Miracle Mets blew past the 109-win Baltimore Orioles to win the World Series, four games to one. To my then-11-year-old self, this was a triumph of cosmic significance.
I’ve posted a few baseball-themed puzzles over the years, but this year is special: I had the great good fortune to co-construct this puzzle with Jeanne Breen, a super-talented maker of all sorts of word puzzles who is as ardent about baseball as I am. If you’re not already following her site, In Pursuit of Puzzles, you should be!
Words: 70
Average Length: 5.34
The “theme” of this one is a stupid joke (19A/52A) that popped into my head one morning. Other than that, I think the factoid in the clue for 6D is amusing (my amusement threshold is exceptionally low), and I’m unreasonably happy with the cryptic clue for 33A.
I just got back from three weeks touring Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile, Argentina, and Brazil. I wrote extensively about the trip and posted lots of photos on my travel blog, PuffinlessTravel.com. Check it out!
Words: 31 (9×10)
Average Length: 4.90
The seeds for this midi should be obvious. 13 Across was first in time but then 4 Down popped into my head, and I was glad to be able to clue it with four different meanings of the word. Then came 19 Across.
Jeff's Puzzles