"Want to play 8-ball pool?" [no response] "Ahem. I said, 'Want to play 8-ball pool?'" "Oh! That's my cue!" (I had to rack my brain thinking of this.) (Yes, I know that was a different 8-ball, haha. Fun debut, Daniel!)
@Mike I felt that might be difficult, but give yourself a break. I knew you wouldn't go off the rails. You've got pockets full of sweet tricks. (Have another caromel.)
@Mike Take the bridge the next time you play. Will you have more fun? I’d bank on it.
@Mike Chalk this one up to experience.
@Mike "Break, already!" (Wait, scratch that)
That was fun, a delightful Wednesday, would recommend! Finished just under 10 minutes (always complete these with my wife, couldn't do these without her). Always a joy to breeze through a midweek crossword when there are still other tasks to attend to. We are in the midst of a 234 day streak, hoping to eclipse our record of 258. The crossword is a welcome and worthy distraction, allowing for some connection time, and a moment to relax.
@Andy Blanton Good luck on your streaks. You know what they say: A couple that solves puzzles together, evolves nuzzles together.
@Andy Blanton Congrats! I had my fastest Wednesday solve yet today and got them from the first themed clue. I loved Magic Eight Ball as a kid. Also, loved the reference to Solfege, as I had a special Solfege book we used for exercises in ear training in my first year of voice study in college.
Does a Magic Eightball have a response that says: “Dude. You need to ask her, not me.”
Q: Will we see another puzzle from Daniel? (Shakes the MAGIC 🎱) A: Reply hazy, try again. Q: Will we see another puzzle from Daniel? (Shakes the MAGIC 🎱) A: Concentrate and ask again. Q: Will we see another puzzle from Daniel? (Violently shakes the MAGIC 🎱) A: Outlook good Clever theme that was well executed. Who didn’t ask their MAGIC EIGHT BALL silly life questions?! Such nostalgic memories of an innocent childhood. Congrats on your debut, Daniel. I hope to see more from you.
Congratulations on your NYT debut, Daniel, and thank you for the, erm, magical puzzle, and the heart-warming constructor notes! I finished the puzzle ten minutes ago and still haven't wiped the smile off my face, remembering those Magic 8 Ball days way back when. I, too, would keep asking until I got the answer I wanted — but then I would doubt *that* answer and start asking the ball about its truthfulness... 'Twas a fool's errand if ever there was one. [Still smiling]
What a great idea for a toy! What a great idea for a puzzle! And another solid debut! Three sentences in a row ending with an exclamation mark! Make that four! No, Five! I'm stuck now! I'm amazed by toys and games that have survived as long as I have. Magic 8-ball, Frisbee, Monopoly, what others are there? Oh, yeah, I saw Rock-em-Sock-em robots a while back.
@Francis Oh my gosh, Francis... Careful! They're addicting!! Start adding ellipsis and hars and soon, no one will be able to tell us apart!! And then we'll have them right where we want them... muahahahahahahahahahaha (cough, cough) hahahahahaha!!
@Francis Slinky, Play-Doh, Silly Putty, Operation, Battleship, Sorry!, Life, Clue, Hula-Hoop, Easy-Bake oven, Lite Brite and Etch-A-Sketch.
@Francis They still make Lincoln Logs, but now they’re made of plastic. American Bricks, alas, are no more, replaced by LEGO.
@Francis, Twister! It dates back to the 60s. My son played it (unironically) in high school in the aughts, and looks like it’s still going strong.
@Francis Pick-Up Sticks Card games like Canasta, Hearts, Old Maid, double solitaire (regular cards only, none of those cutesy decks) Carom Checkers Twenty Questions I Spy Hangman Hopscotch Jacks
I had a typo in the NW led me to make other mistakes that left me thinking the theme answers were going to start out nonsensical. Once I cleared up that haze MYSOURCESSAYNO became clear and I smiled through the rest of the puzzle. Years ago I wanted to go to a special Alicia Keys event, so I figured out the A&Rs email address at her record label and asked him for a pass. He ended up giving me a series of vague answers, so I sent him a magic 8 ball to “bring some ease to his decision making” and he gave me the pass lol!!
@Joya Please use your skills to get the House and Senate moving! I had MY SOU---- in place, and I so, so wanted MY SOUL LEAPS UP....but it was just one square too short. Another dream crushed...
@Joya That's a fabulous story. Respect for your determination, persistence, and creativity!
Didn’t guess the revealer until I uncovered MAGIC, and when the answer finally came in a flash, it brought not only a sweet “Hah!”, but it also shot me back into my kid-mind, the actual fun feeling the Magic 8 Ball evoked back then, even images of the answers slowly appearing in its window. That was cool, and then I was utterly charmed by the puzzle’s backstory in Daniel’s notes, drenched in love. So, enthusiastic thumbs up. Then I started wondering more about the Magic 8 Ball, found out: • Inside the device is a floating 20-sided die that offers 10 positive responses, five noncommittal ones, and five negative ones. • You cannot take a Magic 8 Ball through TSA, although one can go in checked luggage. • Live lobsters, however, are allowed through TSA (in clear plastic spill-proof containers). Many smiles from your puzzle, Daniel, and that’s a gift. Congratulations on your NYT debut, and thank you!
@Lewis I can see the sequel now. "LOBSTERS ON A PLANE!!" My jokes will do in a pinch. (Sorry, Mike)
@Lewis 😂 I would love to know the strategy of your research. You have two answers that are pertinent, and one that is hilariously random. Another brilliant post. Thank you.
Was this another delightful debut? "Signs point to yes." What a smile-worthy aha moment once I recognized the reference. I enjoyed Daniel's backstory. So glad Ruby said yes.
Just read an article about how little players in the WNBA make, so I think they'd answer for [something you're under when in court] is PAID! It's so wonderful that the puzzlemaker's spouse is named Ruby. Having not known that while I was solving the puzzle, I thought of Ruby as evoking the (also) magical ruby red slippers Dorothy wore in the Wizard of Oz film, which were also, like the eight ball, a guide to help her on her way: clicking them together three times and saying "There's no place like home..." -- and, snap! you're home. The magic eight ball can be a little more mercurial, even spiteful, but hey, who said all magic is good magic? TIL that volleyball and racquetball were invented at the YMCA. And I was looking for a country! Or one of the Hawaiian islands! And why do I have this unwelcome memory of some friend's bar mitzvah and all of us kids being goaded into dancing and shaping letters by a bored dj spinning Village People? Argh!
Sweet puzzle and sweet constructor notes! Love a good love story! (And Ruby is a great name, shared by my mother-in-law.) Now, the real question is: Will my comments actually get posted? "Reply hazy, try again."
Despite being unfamiliar wth MAGIC EIGHT BALL and much of the trivia, I completed this in Tuesday time, and actually 15% quicker than yesterday's puzzle. That ball thing is completely unknown here. I have a very vague concept of it from American media, but that's it. The themed entries I had to fill in largely from crosses. I balked at ESP being called a skill... Will we be calling divination or necromancy skills soon? I suppose with current anti-science trends all over the world it's sadly possible 🪄🔮🧙🏽
@Andrzej Aw, man... Necromancy is a whole section on my resume!! I have so many solid references! Are you saying all of my skills and experience in necromancing are for naught!?
@Andrzej youre probably just jealous cause you cant do it.
@Andrzej You play video games, ever play a role playing game like Elder Scrolls Skyrim? You can keep practicing your necromancy and mind control spells until you level up. You can get really good at charming people (oops).
Around the turn of the 11th. c., Guido D'Arezzo, a Benedictine monk and choir director, noticed that each line of hymn to St. John the Baptist began with a note one tone higher than the one preceding: "UT queant laxis REsonare fibris MIra gestorum . . ." He realized that he could use the first syllable of each line as method to teach note to his singers: "UT-RE-MI . . ." There have been a few modifications over the centuries--mainly the addition of SI (later TI) as the seventh, leading tone; and, in some countries (but not all), changing UT to DO, so that each note would begin with a consonant: "DO-RE-MI . . ." There is a competing system which uses only four note names--the major scale is sung FA-SOL-LA_FA-SOL-LA-MI. This begame quite popular in 19th. c. America, where tune books would be printed with notes of four different shapes, to reflect the four notes; and, in fact "Shape-note singing" is still a thing, among a small, but very devoted, community of musicians: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=416o9b_pjQk&list=RD416o9b_pjQk&start_radio=1" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=416o9b_pjQk&list=RD416o9b_pjQk&start_radio=1</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNz5sEEBd9M&list=RDuNz5sEEBd9M&start_radio=1" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNz5sEEBd9M&list=RDuNz5sEEBd9M&start_radio=1</a> (I always call 155 Northfield, unless someone beats me to it.)
@Bill I should have added that the term "Solfège" derives from the names for the fourth and fifth notes of the scale: SOL-FA Some more pretty, pretty music: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIMhtO6EClk&list=PLNEGh7eW5NSfjy0duGT_xlJx3Td6Y7-Or&index=5" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIMhtO6EClk&list=PLNEGh7eW5NSfjy0duGT_xlJx3Td6Y7-Or&index=5</a>
Congratulations, Daniel and Ruby! Will she love this magical gift? SIGNS POINT TO YES. Aside from the fun callback to my childhood, I also appreciate the shoutout to my sweet little dog at 4D. This is not his first appearance in the crossword, but because he is struggling with some health issues this week, seeing his name today really raised my spirits. I’ll take it as a good sign.
@Heidi Wishing you a little ROO the best!! ❤️
@Heidi I hope Roo recovers quickly and completely.
Was this my fastest Wednesday solve this year? ALL SIGNS POINT TO YES!
Never having met a magic 8-ball IRL, I had to solve this one without having to count on the theme. And I won't forget again that it is Michael Cera and John Cena, and not the other way around. P. S. Yes, I did look at the Wikipedia page.
@SamG I put Cena before CERA too I always mix them up.
@Kelly we can always confidently claim that we will. Till the next time we see CE_A in a crossword anyways.
The fact that I read the clue as "Will rugby go to the prom with me" kept me confused, even when I recognize all the answers.
This rant is not an indictment of today's puzzle, which is a perfectly good one, if a little on the easy side. Rather, it's a "condemnation" of the NYT for letting the tried-and-true constructors having to seek alternative sites to get their puzzles published. I don't know where else to complain but here. Monday and Tuesday - Kameron Austin Collins and Paolo Pasco in the New Yorker. Week after week, all the familiar names appear elsewhere. And I don't believe it's altruism on the part of the NYT to keep publishing debuts, no matter how good the puzzles are. They pay them far less, and established talent has gone missing. Where's Robyn Weintraub?? I still get delivery of the Sunday times, mostly for the Magazine, since I love the puzzle page. Even there, Patrick Berry has been replaced by Eric Berlin, whose puzzles are not nearly as creative or interesting, IMO. Rant over. YMMV.
@Times Rita Also agree. The Monday and Tuesday New Yorkers fill some of that gap. How about a subscription website populated by tougher wordplay-oriented puzzles every day?
@Times Rita I made the same point sometime near the beginning of the year when one of the columnists, I think Deb, "bragged" about how many new constructors were selected in the past year. It was something like 90. I called her out and compared it to a baseball team (what else, it's me) that started a new rookie pitcher every fourth game. Not a recipe for success. I'm not sure what's going on here, and some of the rookie talent is pretty good, but man, there are so many good puzzles at the New Yorker these days (today there was an easy one by Erik Agard).
@Times Rita Email the editors at <a href="mailto:crosswordeditors@nytimes.com">crosswordeditors@nytimes.com</a>
@Times Rita @her responders OMG. I just realized I've been spouting off for well over a year in a forum which includes the Valar of Crosswords. I bow in humility. (But would still like to take a shot now and then. 😉)
@Times Rita I could not disagree more. I love seeing debuts as much as I love seeing puzzles from more established constructors. After all, those well-known constructors had to get their starts somewhere. The editors are clearly trying to widen their pool of constructors and, most importantly, nurture new talent. One of these new constructors may turn out to be the new Robyn Weintraub--but we won't know if they never get published.
@Times Rita I haven't noticed a decline in quality of puzzles, and I enjoy the new perspectives brought in by new constructors. I'm 58 years old, and the NYT crossword is one of the ways I keep up with the times. I'm also working my way backwards through the archive and it's quite challenging as you realize how many of those older puzzles now seem dated. It's simply not true that "old school" puzzles were somehow more timeless. They were a product of their times as well.
@Times Rita I don’t know if this is part of the reason but the NYT has a limit of three puzzles in the queue at any time. Since it can take a good while sometimes to get reviewed, if you are a prolific constructor you may create more quickly than that. I don’t know if they are really passing on established constructors over new ones. All things being equal I don’t mind if they do if the quality is the same, and I’ve seen many top notch debuts lately. On the other hand maybe it would be nice if they reviewed the puzzles anonymously to avoid any bias. I know they pay more for established constructors (maybe that’s part of the equation) but I don’t think they should take that into account.
@Times Rita Budget cuts at the NYT => can't afford to pay the A List constructors any more? I haven't seen Ross Trudeau here in a while.
@Times Rita I really don't think it's about saving money. Will S. had this to say in Dec. of 2018: ================ It now brings me pleasure to announce that, starting Jan. 1, The Times will be increasing its rates again. For a constructor’s first to 10th crosswords published in the paper, the new rates will be: Daily: $500 Sunday: $1,500 Beginning with the constructor’s 11th crossword, the rates will be: Daily: $750 Sunday: $2,250 The two-tiered scale began several years ago. Its purpose is to reward the most reliable contributors and to encourage them to contribute more often. It’s also a recognition that, generally speaking, puzzles from regular contributors require less editorial time and effort. ===================
@Times Rita, I’m glad that you raised this point. Someone here recently, perhaps you, suggested a challenging puzzle in the New Yorker by KAC. I went to their site and found puzzles by all of the old familiar constructors (Patrick Berry!! Paolo Pasco! Eric Asgard! Natan Last!) and wondered why I hadn’t seen any puzzles by them lately. I guess because they’re all busy constructing puzzles at the New Yorker now. I miss them!
Probably moot point by now, since it's so late in the day, but mo $.02, nonetheless. This is not an affront on the OP, so take it for what it's worth. Do the constructors seek alternative sites, because this publication hard passes on their puzzles? Or have constructors published in other media, polished their skills, then approached the NYT with their product? Then, come to find out, their product falls short of their endorsement. So, has this publication established itself as the holy grail of puzzle publishers? To that end, now everybody wants a piece of the kingdom. Do large, even small corporations, hire people because they have a certain skill and years of experience? Yes, but if you don’t do things “our” way, there’s the door, pal. Have successful musicians practiced their craft for thousands of hours, auditioned for a prominent venue, only to be passed over? “Gee, the London Symphony Orchestra won't bring me on board. Now I have to seek community orchestras to get people to hear me.” Eh, I doubt that.
Was it intentional that this 8 ball themed puzzle was published for Oct 8? I'm telling myself it was! I only wish I had solved in 8 minutes flat.
The theme of today's puzzle had me wondering whether the constructor was intentionally sending a romantic message to Ruby. I was delighted to find that he was. Many congratulations on your anniversary, Daniel and Ruby ❤️
Charming puzzle and yet another excellent column from Sam. Will we get through this in one piece? Will we get through this in one piece? Will we get through this in one piece? Seems like we will!
@Puzzlemucker "Concentrate and ask again" "Reply hazy, try again" "Better not tell you now" At least the Yankees got through tonight. I suppose it would be bad form to say H-e-i-l Schlittler. /s
@Puzzlemucker Five hours ago I posted a reply that has never shown up. And while I don't disagree that the word "Yankees" could be construed as a bad term, there was absolutely nothing in my post that would have emued it! I even spoke about (some) Yankees in a positive light! Ugh. This is why I stop bothering to comment!
Congratulations, Daniel, on a fine, clever debut! I chuckled at memories of shaking my MAGIC EIGHT BALL as a child until it provided my desired (and, surely, scientifically accurate) response. Your lovely comments about constructing a crossword for your wife each year have given me an incentive on ways to be more creative with future gifts for my husband (who always says he doesn't need anything). Thanks for a fun Wednesday, Daniel - hope to see more from you again soon!
Trying again: Although it is not quite the same as shaking a magic eight ball, I had to share this cartoon from the newspaper (hope it shows up): <a href="https://www.gocomics.com/speedbump/2025/10/02" target="_blank">https://www.gocomics.com/speedbump/2025/10/02</a>
@Strudel Dad Funny! AT least he's got a rake, not a leaf blower.
@Strudel Dad Thanks for reminding me that since I have just moved into a condo, I won’t be raking 9/10 of an acre this fall, or ever again.
@Strudel Dad *That* one showed up, and was hilarious. Thanks for your persistence! P. S. Blue Jays didn't get it this, time, but I still have faith...
@Strudel Dad, Love it! That’s just how I feel every time I rake leaves. 😄
This was an absolutely adorable debut. Congrats! I have a MAGIC EIGHT BALL, but it's themed around Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events and only gives depressing answers. I still sometimes ask it things.
@Katie commenting for the first time to thank you for this post! I didn’t know these existed and now i’m buying one on ebay for my daughter’s birthday. She’ll be thrilled.
I am logged into my account (as you can see, since I am able to post here). But I cannot access any of the games that require a subscription. I am prompted to log in to access today's crossword, and when I click on that link, I am brought to the login page. My credentials are accepted. But the result is the same: I cannot access the puzzles and am prompted to log in again. I can comment here, I can see news articles that would be blocked if I had no account, etc. But not the puzzles. Has anyone else experienced this? I have to say -- the NYT login experience has far, far more problems than any of the many other sites I visit on a daily basis.
@CaptainQuahog Just came to the comments to say the same! This was not the case when I played the puzzle this morning, 6am EDT; nor when I first typed a comment, about 9am EDT. Probably a temporary glitch, but seems like a money grab by the NYT. Still, probably best you and I email <a href="mailto:NYTGames@nytimes.com">NYTGames@nytimes.com</a>.
@CaptainQuahog Maybe they didn't want you to see 9D.
The crossword is good for what ails you. Just thinking about Magic 8 Balls put a spring in my step. And TIL GATE!
I really enjoyed your debut, Daniel, and I adore the love note to your wife (Ruby is such a great name.) Looking forward to seeing more from you in the future!
Fun, quick, and cute! Funny that I can easily come up with details from nearly 60 year old memories. I wish I did as well remembering things that happened 60 days ago.
@Dana D ... Or, ummm, 60 minutes ago!? Or is it just me? 😂
Clever puzzle and a good workout for me. And yeah... I've had a magic 8 ball at some point in time, but I really didn't remember those answers specifically. Not a problem - just enjoyed working them out from the crosses. Couldn't help but wonder if it would have been possible to run this one day earlier. Then we would have had a... Ruby Tuesday* *and yes - that was an answer in one puzzle - a Wednesday from June 9, 2010. And it was one of the theme answers. Here's the Xword Info link to that puzzle: <a href="https://www.xwordinfo.com/Crossword?date=6/9/2010&g=50&d=A" target="_blank">https://www.xwordinfo.com/Crossword?date=6/9/2010&g=50&d=A</a> Oh, and... TRUJILLO was an answer in one puzzle - a Tuesday from October 27, 1953. I'm done. ....
Rich, And it seems this one would have been a fine Tuesday! Global Stats Difficulty Easy Median Solve Time 7:05 Median Solver 29% faster ⚡94% of users solved faster than their Wednesday average. 72% solved much faster (>20%) than their Wednesday average. 🐢6% of users solved slower than their Wednesday average. 3% solved much slower (>20%) than their Wednesday average.
Before even reading the column or comments, I just gotta jump in here and say I really really liked this one. Great job Daniel!
Wednesday PB today. It's been awhile since I've been able to say that. Mind meld with the constructor today...live long and prosper 🖖
Remarkable puzzle. Brilliant this theme worked out so well.
Congratulations on your charming debut! (Andrzej, am I using the word to your liking today?) I had no trouble with the theme. Honestly, before I got any of the theme entries I saw the repeated question and filled in MAGICEIGHTBALL without a thought. I was puzzled by Ruby too but figured it was a random name—it’s not often you get to send a love letter to your wife in a New York Times puzzle, that’s sweet! To be honest, it felt a little underwhelming—in a perfect world on a Wednesday I would love a bit more than just three phrases and a revealer—some grid art or a rebus with an 8 or something a bit more, and maybe a few more clever or interesting clues. But that said this was a solid debut and I look forward to more from Daniel. Last comment—everything seems to come back to “Survivor” to me! I mentioned recently I learned about SHAOLIN monks from it; and while I would certainly remember the Magic 8 ball regardless, the last I saw one was when I recently rewatched season six Survivor: Amazon (thanks Rob Cesternino). Who says you can’t learn anything from reality TV?
@SP Honestly? No idea. Magic Eight Ball is largely alien to me so I have no concept of it or a theme revolving around it being charming or not. Also, I'm hard to charm in general. As a hopeless non-romantic and ex-cynic I'm trying to think what - other than puppies - I've actually considered and called charming in my life. Probably nothing. I'll also probably die sooner than use the word "delightful" or some such. Don't let it bother you though 🤪
Whew! Went away last weekend, broke all my streaks, and just finished catching up. Weekend at the Baseball Hall of Fame. History, nostalgia, memories, art. Love of the game. Priceless.
For me, this was the most fun Wednesday puzzle in a long time. Nothing I had to look up, a few things I learned, and a fun theme. I got the theme fairly quickly so once I filled in the revealer, I just filled in the other theme clues and the rest came quickly. I hope the rest of the day is as satisfactory!
Great debut and very entertaining. Didn’t take too long to recognize the Magic 8 Ball references. Now I’m trying to remember whether I actually had one of my own back in the day, or did I just see others using them? It’s a little fuzzy. I look forward to seeing more of your work Daniel 😀
@Shari Coats definitely had one — and used it!
@Shari Coats Okay Shari, I have an idea for you. It's a really good one!! I mean, obviously it's a good one, those are the only kind of ideas I have! Har! Go buy yourself a Magic 8 Ball and then ask it if you used to have one or not. I bet that'll make things clear as day for you!! 😂
Figured out the theme quickly. 5:45 under my Wednesday average. Had LOST instead of LOSS for five seconds. Will I enjoy another puzzle by Mr Diaz? WITHOUT A DOUBT
I liked this entertaining puzzle, and knew what the revealer was going to be once I saw the first themer start to take shape. Never owned one, but I had friends that did, so got to play with them occasionally (way) back in the day. Very nice debut, and the sentiment behind the puzzle is great to read about. Thank you, Daniel!
We need answers now, and reassurance that if we keep asking the right questions we'll finally get the answers we need. Better to be trusting the Magic Eight Ball than to wind up behind the eight ball, but in the end, it will be up to us. This was a fine puzzle, Mr. Diaz, and thank you. When will we see you again?
Fun and humor are good things. I looked at comments to see if there were going to be any whines about this, and SURVEY SAYS NO. Thank you for this puzzle.
@Larry Berger Now I wish I were familiar enough with Magic 8 Ball to have whined about it below 😢
I was behind the eight ball on a few answers. Penny dropped a,k.a. Light went on and the Aha moment was upon me. Perfect for a Wednesday! Great fun!
I found this puzzle great fun! Thank you! I hope to see many more puzzles from Daniel Diaz!
Super fun puzzle! Stumbled on the theme clues quickly. More from this puzzler please.
Clever puzzle with a wonderful trip down memory lane… I can remember using my Magic 🎱 with very similar questions as a child! Oh the nostalgia! Of course I would shake and reshake until I got the answer I desired… 😂
Magic Life Ball Will I become a Millionaire? Keep dreaming
Great debut, Daniel! A fun and clever puzzle. MAGICEIGHTBALL brought back some fond childhood memories for me. Looking forward to your next one!
Why don't people take no for an answer? AI Overview People may not take "no" for an answer due to selfishness, a desire for control or power, fear of rejection or negative perceptions, immaturity, or a lack of understanding of healthy communication and boundaries. They might also be trying to please others or fear negative consequences for themselves. For some, "no" represents a challenge, or they simply haven't learned to handle disappointment or find other solutions.
@aa <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9_TMj8GB6s&list=RDV9_TMj8GB6s&start_radio=1" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9_TMj8GB6s&list=RDV9_TMj8GB6s&start_radio=1</a>
@ad absurdum There is a great scene on this issue in Frances Burney's late 18th century novel, "Evelina". The heroine is unsuccessfully trying to get rid of the [dishonorable] advances of an entitled aristocrat. I learned this from a delightful new book by rare book collector Rebecca Romney: "Jane Austen's Bookshelf". (Janeites/Austenites, are you listening? ) Now to hunt down the whole book.
@ad absurdum I realize the absurdity of your publishing here, I continue; “No” has a profound effect on our 3-year-old grandson, and probably toddlers in general. His parents started early on avoiding the “no” word, using redirects. It was effective, up to a point, until saying “no” really needed to be said. Kids beg for discipline and push the envelope, until they learn boundaries. Now, when he hears “no,” even not with a harsh delivery, it really stirs up his defensive nature. This was not taught. Maybe observed? Maybe instinctive? John Locke’s controversial 'tabula rasa' addresses such human nature (among other topics). As far as we grown adults, on the other hand, well, Ai knows best. But, a better description is from Analyze This: Dr. Ben Sobel: You don't hear the word "no" a lot, do you? Boss Paul Vitti: Well, I hear it all the time, only it's more like "no, please, no!"
Ah, the memories of that sloshing and rattling sound as you shook the magic 8 ball in anticipation, and the frustration that 50% of the time you got a corner and no message. Loved this nostalgic theme! I think I was on the constructor's wavelength today, as it was a Wed PB! Congrats on the debut (and the anniversary)!