Callie

Most frustrating NYT Crossword to date for me, but that’s not saying much, as I am rather new to the commitment to these puzzles. Typically I learn quite a bit of factual information and love having a laugh when I see various connections. I am still looking up some of how the structure of a clue will impact the correct entry. I did not see or understand the cleverness of this puzzle and felt irritated by that until I came to the comments. I wanted validation for my irritation, and I got that, but finally read a comment that made several sections of the puzzle and cross words click! Whew! So I have mostly changed my opinion of this Saturday puzzle even though it was still frustrating. I am now feeling a good frustration and even that bit of frustration is on me and my inexperience, not the constructors of the puzzle. Thank you for teaching me so much more about the NYT Crossword and not just the basic trivia of different subjects. One thing I can’t reconcile is the FEMININESIDE…it just doesn’t sit right with me no matter how you phrase or interpret clue.

Thoughts on the Purina/Alpo rivalry…competitor and rival can have different connotations. For example, I can have a rival on the same swim team, but they aren’t considered to be my competitor. The clue asks for a Purina rival, so I can see a rivalry, but they aren’t considered competitors.

I can’t help but think that the Brontë sisters could be at one time considered pop culture and from what I have read, were not necessarily well liked for their progressive views in their day. Their family had all the makings of what most would consider a scandalous and dysfunctional family today. Makes me wonder who in today’s world will be so revered 125 years from now…what cause or thoughts will be considered so extraordinary generations into the future? Also, I don’t think knowing the names or the mere existence of a person or group of people, who may not be in one’s sphere of ongoing interest, is an embarrassment. The drama in the comments around how NYT Crossword placed/used “whoever” Kardashian in the puzzle has made me laugh. Whether they have contributed to the world in a manner that I find important or worthwhile makes no difference in whether it should or shouldn’t be used in a crossword puzzle. I have thought about this way too much at this point…I hope everyone has a lovely Thanksgiving. It’s Thanksgiving morning here in Perth and we will be celebrating even though I am the only US citizen in my family here :^)

@Barry Ancona I wanted to acknowledge your reply to my Wednesday comment, but went back after the comments were closed and I am not sure where else to post it. I just finished Fridays crossword and it’s Saturday morning here so needless to say I struggled with Thursday and Friday and I am a bit behind! 😅 Anyway, I wanted to reply to the following: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/shared/comment/415nmm?rsrc=cshare&smid=url-share" target="_blank">https://www.nytimes.com/shared/comment/415nmm?rsrc=cshare&smid=url-share</a> Thank you for taking the time to reply and I do see your point 🙂 Now, I am hoping you (or anyone else willing) can help me with a couple general crossword questions I have, as you seem to be very experienced and willing to help . I am only a month or two into doing the NYT Crosswords. 1. What is/are the emus that people reference in their comments? 2. When a constructor does make an error, such as with the Purina/Alpo clue, have you seen it ever be acknowledged or explained by either the NYT Crossword staff or the constructor? Thanks!