Words: 77
Average Length: 4.86
Some time back, I passed a frustrating morning trying to get through to a live person at various institutions, each of which robotically reassured me of my valued status. A couple of hours later I figured out a way to create a puzzle around the statement beginning at 20 Across. (I don’t believe the statement generally is true, but if it is, why does it keep happening?) Any way, I hope you solve this in less time than you normally have to wait on hold.
Words: 42 (11×11)
Average Length: 4.81
This puzzle is my entry to the Crosshare monthly midi contest (theme: music; I promise I didn’t pay anyone to choose that, but thanks, Sommersmith!). If you’re not yet familiar with Crosshare (crosshare.org), it’s a wonderful online community for independent crossword constructors, as well as for people who enjoy solving puzzles by independent crossword constructors.
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: 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: 12 (6×6)
Average Length: 5.50
Here’s a medium-difficulty grid with some elementary music theory and a Dolly Parton song that, in my opinion, is one of the best songs ever.
online | puz | pdf | solution | alternate puz link
I just learned the original puz link may be broken. If so, please try the alternate.
Words: 72
Average Length: 5.19
This one shouldn’t be too tough, but don’t fall! I was happy to work in 60 Across – my team’s glory days ended (temporarily, right?) four years ago, but they went out with a bang! And I just realized the unintentional but at least slightly amusing symmetry between 1 Across and 66 Across.
Words: 10
Average Length: 4.80
Don’t get lost in 1 Across. (“Danger, Will Robinson” – and if that means something to you, you’re at least as old as I am!) Please enjoy, and come back Sunday for a medium-difficulty themed puzzle.
[Photo: see 1D; taken in the Hungarian Parliament, July 2023]
Words: 70
Average Length: 5.34
I like books in the way Justice Kavanaugh likes beer. I read a hundred or so a year (not sure what % of his beer consumption that is, but it’s roughly 1000% of mine, being more of a Scotch aficionado). When I saw this marvelous quote from 34 Across I thought, as kids today, or yesterday, or possibly last month, say/said: “it me.” Hence the puzzle.
Jeff's Puzzles