Alexia
New York
I respect the constructor and the difficulty in creating with theme. I could not do it. But- I disliked this puzzle. The theme was not witty or funny or interesting. The clues for the fill were mostly boring definitions. I like puzzles where I literally smile or laugh when I uncover an entry. This one? No wit. No fun.
Don’t know nor like the poem. Didn’t like this version. The “theme” tried too hard to be artsy cute. Fell flat. Sorry.
LDOPA to all the comments about this—- Not only is it a common drug name used in media, books, the world, but I’m pretty sure I’ve seen it numerous times in the NYT crosswords. Great puzzle.
@Brian “IKEA” is a concept, an employer, a company. It’s also a literal “store” when used in this context, as an outlet of a particular physical dimension. I thought this was great.
Sometimes I don’t hate a rebus. But I really hate a bidirectional rebus. And the only thing I find even more annoying, is one with difficulty in entering. Wasted more time entering than thinking.
@pkimmel When you value something = you prize something. Perfect synonym here.
Loved this. Not many are complaining about the “duplicate” rule violations. I guess we are all secret rule breakers! Fun puzzle.
Yes it was hard. So what? I still loved it. Very witty construction and I learned some things. (Unlike others here, I care 0 about my “time”. I often look up answers because I learn new things)
@A I hope I never have to read a comment like this again.
@Charlie Fuchs Extreme comments like this, calling accepted popular cultural references “racists” is unfortunately what has added fuel to the other side.
I’m only getting the blanks. And the final only shows the blanks. No rebus entries. So how can I see the double meaning?!
Not enjoyable. I know of the author (who is a very, very, very frequent clue or response here). I do not know all her works. The “theme” was not fun for me. Seemed pretentious.
Fantastic. Too many parts were my “favorites” to list!! Thank you.
Tents is NOT a homophone of tense. What am I missing?, Otherwise, enjoyable. (But this really irked me)
Fun. I love when I actually get the theme early on, and it helps me with the rest.
I like punny witty sundays. I hate anagrams. I’d be ok with anagrams that were a witty take on the clue. Not so here.
Absolutely loved this. I really enjoy when the reveal helps. I solved it early on, and then solved the paired trick answers, then the rest. I actually thought it was a bit easier but in a good way. As to the “too American” comments. Seriously?!? Wow this “New York” Times puzzle should have been what? Scandinavian? I find these comments ridiculous and rude.
Absolutely enjoyed this. So much fun.
Very fun puzzle. Enjoyable, thank you
@J So if we don’t like the poem or know it, we are not well- read or witty? I didn’t like the poem or puzzle. But I really hate faux artsy intellectualism.
Witty. Fun. Fantastic. Thanks for this puzzle.
Absolutely loved this. Much fun! And the tsar clue was great (although I put in shah at first)
Absolutely loved this. What fun with so many long words! Enjoyable, even though I usually prefer themes.
Brilliant. Fun and interesting puzzle. Still not sure how the constructor came up with theme while walking. Really a stunning feat. As you difficulty- yes a bit more difficult than a Tuesday. So what? Most of us do the other days too. Not the constructors fault to run today. Loved it!
Interesting, a bit baffling and frustrating, but overall fun.
Great theme. I got it halfway through before I came to read the column. Love when that happens!
Not fun. Way too many unknown (to me) names. No theme? I feel cheated and disappointed.
It is Teachers’ edition. “Teacher edition” is not a thing. Otherwise, I liked it.
I’ve been doing these for a few years. I’m afraid to ask but- what’s an “emu” in the comments?!?! (I’ve googled, but only get examples of emu responses in crosswords) Thanks
@Steve L Can we not say Greek? Italian? Buddhist? Catholic? Are all these now forbidden? J/e.W is not offensive. Is it?!
Loved this. I generally don’t like revised/rebi, but this puzzle was great. Thanks to the constructor.
Note to Paul/constructor- This was a brilliant puzzle. The theme was amazing and original. Ignore the haters. Tuesday versus other days. Yes, a bit difficult for a Tuesday. Which I PREFER — Mondays and Tuesdays can be boring. Personal attacks?- wow. Depressing to see this deterioration. I purposely read the NY post commentary to understand the “other side”. Much of the commentary here today is between NY post and Jerry Springer level. Really awful and rude.
Fantastic puzzle. 16? Wow. Needle on a thread was brilliant. I don’t understand the wordle clue. Is it because if you get today’s wrong you break a streak?
I love puzzles like this, where you have a clue about where the rebus answers go. Hate the other ones. Good puzzle!
@Jacob Self-addressed stamped envelope. Pretty common term
No graphics showed up for me. iPhone app. Puzzle was fine without the graphics, but missing the something special. I did have it in light mode per the instructions. Not the constructor’s fault.
@Megan But I don’t! Think about what it would sound like. “I’m putting up three tense at camp”?!
Please can someone explain droll? Good puzzle.
@dutchiris Judging from all the responses that came after your comment, you would have lost that bet. Many people did not know the poem. And yes, I didn’t know it. But I looked it up, and now I don’t like it. Not inconsistent.
@StevenR I don’t see nasty comments about people who like the puzzle. Almost the opposite. People who don’t know and or dislike the poem (both versions) are being criticized.
@ I always go to the reveal first, or early on.
@Dan Teabags with green and black variety (tea) The teabags have tea.
@Rick There are several of these every month. You’ll get used to them.
Loved this. I got the revealer and filled in the rebi/rebususes before coming to read the column. Love when that happens! Fantastic puzzle- thank you to the constructor:)
Loved fedora. Can someone explain “light on his feet”?
@suejean East. Not just EA. As in ikEA STore Emuuuuuu