Yael

I haven't sat down to create my own crossword in quite a long time, but the simultaneous simplicity and brilliance of this theme has convinced me to get back to it. Great idea that was perfectly executed. Brava.

Solved this in under 20 minutes, which might be a Thursday record for me (still working on my timing)! I feel like this theme might have worked better if it somehow incorporated rebuses (and this is coming from a tried and true rebus hater). It just wasn't satisfying for me how all but one of the theme answers affected only one square, and then you randomly have 41-across affect two squares. Luckily, I was able to reach "AXLES" through the crosses, but otherwise I know I would have been stuck for a while looking for something where only one square was affected. I know when I have submitted my own crosswords before, if the "rules" for one of the theme answers feels different than the rules for all the others, it has been rejected on the basis. Curious what the justification was for letting this one through as is. Ultimately, though, I can't say I didn't have fun! It was a really cool concept. And certainly can't say I wasn't happy with my solve time.

First time ever getting sub 10 minutes on a Friday! To quote Charli XCX: “I love it!”

Mildly interesting fact: the past four crosswords have all had some variation of EASE in it. That being said, congrats Mr.Offerman! I know this was no EASE-y feat.

New record! 2:57! Never thought I'd manage to get under 3:00 :)

Am I crazy or did today feel more like a Tuesday and yesterday feel more like a Wednesday?