Words: 72
Average Length: 5.36
20 Across was the seed for this one, for obvious reasons. Then came 45 Across, just because I think it looks cool in a grid. I hope you enjoy the result – come back Wednesday for a midi puzzle inspired by my recent visit to Australia (I’ll get to New Zealand the following Wednesday).
Words: 10 (5×5)
Average Length: 5.00
Not surprisingly, the seed for today’s puzzle was 6 Across, which I visited last week. It’ss magical place that changes color and feel as the light shifts from day to sunset. The title of the puzzle was the result of free association: one “flavor” of 1 Down is “strange,” and having listened to Cream recently my brain automatically appended “brew.” Here’s a link to the song – it’s a trippy, iconic track of the late ‘60s.
Words: 68
Average Length: 5.36
Greetings from Melbourne, Australia. I landed not long ago, some 28 hours after leaving home. Fortunately (and uncharacteristically) I had the foresight to write this post ahead of time so all I have to do is hit “Publish” before falling into bed.
I titled this a themeless because of its low word count and high difficulty level, but there’s a mini-theme among the grid-spanners. 20 Across was the seed; after I found out they’re going to play a game at Nationals Park next summer I had to put them in a grid. I can’t wait to see them!
ERRATA: IN THE CLUE FOR 37 DOWN, FRK SHOULD BE FRA, NOT THAT IT AFFECTS THE ANSWER. IT’S CORRECT IN THE ONLINE VERSION BUT NOT THE PUZ AND PDF FILES.
Words: 66
Average Length: 5.67
I’m calling the cluing of this one “treeky” – a combination of tricky and cheeky. Actually, it’s probably more cheeky than tricky, so maybe it’s “chicky.” Either way, I hope it’s enjoyable. I’ll post the next puzzle on Monday, Nov. 13. It’s a super-size (17×17) grid called “Place Names.”
Words: 68
Average Length: 5.68
A terrific constructor, Tim Croce (club72.wordpress.com), often creates grids around a 12-15-12 stack in the middle. It’s not a trivial undertaking, as I learned in trying his architecture here. He also includes lot of common-but-not-too-common expressions in his grids, so I figured I’d up the constructing challenge by making all three answers in the middle stack “in the language” phrases.
Enjoy, share, and please check out Club 72; you’re in for a treat. (I don’t know Tim, and I’m sure he has no idea who I am. I just like pointing solvers to other constructors whom they might appreciate.)
Words: 72
Average Length: 5.42
I’m not usually one to pat myself on the back – for one thing, I’m not that flexible – but I’m really pleased with this grid. It’s packed with juicy answers, including Taylor Swift lyrics, two historical French scandals, some schmaltz, and jeans from the ‘70s. I hope you enjoy it!
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: 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!
Jeff's Puzzles