June 12, 2007
Squaresville
Tomorrow's Onion puzzle is by me -- if you don't want to wait until then for the print edition, here's an Across Lite version for you.
UPDATE -- Some comments on this puzzle from the NY Times forum:
"This theme of hate brings crossword puzzling to a new low."
"It's not 'cute' and totally uncalled for."
"The crossword puzzle as an art form has always had the unstated goal of being upbeat and fun. [This] doesn't serve that lofty ideal."
"I think Francis should be ashamed of herself."
(Some people liked it.) Anyway, it's true this puzzle is bound to alienate some people, but (a) I figure most of those people don't read the Onion, and (b) I don't like them anyway.
Posted by Francis at 06:35 PMI wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your puzzle of new words at this year's ACPT. I have begun to constuct some crosswords myself and was wondering; how far in advance you are notified by a crossword editor that your puzzle will be published? For example the NY SUN, NY Times or LA Times. Thanks, I look forward to tackling your Onion puzzle later tonight. Thank you
Posted by: Jim Mudrak at June 13, 2007 10:08 PMThe Sun tells you six weeks in advance, in most cases the NY Times doesn't tell you (as far as I know), and I don't know about the LA Times.
Posted by: Francis at June 13, 2007 10:38 PMLA Times usually about 2 weeks. With the Sun you get a look at the final puzzle, with the LAT you get the date, with the NYT you get a surprise.
Haven't done the Onion yet, but if you ought to be ashamed, I'm looking forward to it.
- John
this long time nyt puzzle snob is now a heaney convert. just did this puzzle and wholly appreciate the difficulty as well as the SLANT it took.
one of these days i hope bucky KATT DERAT(S)us all of those TWO LINTbag CONSORTS and their ORNERY, IMMORAL RABBLE. may they RUE the day...
HOH! i'll SAYNOMORE for now. must run to purchase some GASX as IM(')S a startin' to feel ILL. those TICks IRRITATE me so.
your new and biggest fan,
rick
You *should* be ashamed of yourself! Clueing NIMH with the crappy movie instead of the award-winning book? Tsk, tsk.
Posted by: Lance at June 15, 2007 11:00 PMI am so glad you saw that "ashamed of herself" remark!
Wait, why didn't you persuade Peter to run this puzzle in the Sun? I think the readership would have enjoyed it.
Posted by: Orange at June 17, 2007 11:21 PMHow does Across Lite work? Do I have to download a program before I can view the puzzle?
Posted by: This is some kind of test I have to pass before I'm allowed to do the puzzle, right? at June 19, 2007 12:01 AMIt works pretty self-explanatorily once you've installed it:
http://www.litsoft.com/across/alite/download.htm
Posted by: Francis at June 19, 2007 10:50 AM