RJ

Having IGOR on top of CELLO today made my eyes widen, as my flatmate - a cellist - is currently practising for a performance of The Firebird. Bizarre and synchronous!

I also wasn’t such a fan of this one - I look forward to a smooth, satisfying solve on a Monday morning with my coffee. Today was neither for me - had to resort to google quite a few times for the number of proper nouns (though I am surprised about the number of TARDIS complaints - I guess Doctor Who isn’t as well known outside of the UK as I thought!) Today’s puzzle theme, rather than brightening my morning with its usual “Aha!” and a chuckle, came with an eyebrow raise and a “…Really? I mean… I guess?” Just a bit clunky and unsatisfying today, unfortunately….

I know this is an American newspaper and the crosswords are constructed as such… but really?

I found there were a few too many proper nouns today, with trivia that is entirely obscure to me… so naturally, a rather frustrating solve. That being said - I thought the theme was funny and it got a chuckle out of me, so all in all, an OK Monday :)

I loved today’s theme!! I’m surprised there’s discourse about it - I thought it was clever and very funny; misogyny was the last thing would have crossed my mind had I not read these comments. I’ve never been catcalled as a ‘dame’ - that feels far more respectful than vulgarities I’ve received in the past…! As a muso, I particularly appreciated all the musical clues: SLUR was a pleasant surprise, alongside TONES and SOTTO voce, which is one of my favourite performance directions. A very fun Wednesday. Thank you!

Really starting 2024 with a swing beating Monday records one after another - today was my shortest yet, 2/3rds quicker than my average! Thinking it’s time to start braving the later week crosswords…

Not sure if I didn’t get the theme (and some of the clues) because I’m Gen Z, or because I’m not American … maybe both? Though I can understand why those who were already familiar with the phrase CLOSE, BUT NO CIGAR would be pleasantly amused by it! Loved SITE for sore eyes… haha :)

I love a funny theme on a Monday! Made me laugh out loud - what a fun solve!!

Fantastic theme today - won back the chuckle and “Aha!” I missed from yesterday. Laughed out loud at STAB IN THE BACK! A fun solve overall - thank you!

Wow - what a beautiful theme!! A smile spread across my face as it came into focus. A thoroughly enjoyable Thursday :)