lawrenceb56

@Marcia---Marcia, Marcia, Marcia---(sigh)

@Desert Dweller--More than fair. Barry never misses the chance to tell us all how we can be a little bit more like him. It brings him much joy. Don't let it bother you. You are allowed to make a small gripe.

@SRD I second this. Though I give big ups to the NYT for being quite willing to take the foul. Big people aren't afraid to say that they were mistaken. In these days of spinning, deflection and flat out lying, it's pretty refreshing.

@Bruce LOL--That's the funniest self-righteous solver indignation I've seen on these threads in a long time. We need more solvers who can add just a touch of honest humor to their huffiness and indignation. It might start a wave and then even the subtle score braggers might want to get involved. Thanks, Bruce!

@Pax Ahimsa Gethen I agree. A goal is a goal and a lifetime is a lifetime no matter who is talking about it. Serious congrats to one sharp kid!! This was stunning.

@Ken S So true about the great Roger Maris. I saw a pregame interview when he had been traded to the Cardinals and it seemed like five hundred pounds had been taken off of his shoulders. Smiling, good humored and still a winner. I'm also glad that Judge was the one who eclipsed this amazing record. A good guy and wonderful baseball player.

@Michael G If you read this column often enough, you will soon find out that this is not the nitpickiest of nits ever picked. Many nits have been picked here that are ten times more nitpicky. I say good call! The Who!

@Crevecoeur Those little globs of mercury coming together and then splitting up into little balls always fascinated and entertained me and helped me to nearly fail Mr. Goss's 8th grade science class.

You'll learn more, sir. She has the Trumper's heads exploding right about now. Great puzzle and thanks!

@Marshall Walthew I hope that sharing a good memory of your dear mother brought you a little relief too, Marshall and I loved reading about her. Thanks and I hope you find comfort and solid ground over the next few days.

@The X-Phile Send me any of your extras. I'll toast those babies up for breakfast and coffee.

@Andrzej I've started to think that it makes sense. I'm miserable with a cold and don't want much of anything to eat, but chicken soup simply makes me feel less miserable. Today's puzzle was Chicken Soup for the recent Donald Trump week. Thanks! Keep 'em coming because we're going to need it!

@Lewis "Not even when vig'rously boiled," was my favorite part. Thank you, Lewis! Well done!

@Wehbe---I agree 100%. And a stunningly cool picture of the great Alan Trammell to top it off! Go Los Tigres!!!!

@Once a Marine --Oh yeah. Just last night. Spoiler alert--it's not really that fun by yourself.

@Robert Kern Exactly the two same difficulties, Robert. I got lucky too. I had a terrible time but greatly enjoyed this solve because the rest of the puzzle was so interesting.

@C-64 Ill bet you're fun at parties.

@Cathy Maybe she was just really into lyrics.

@Norwood Me too! And I sincerely hope that all are invited back next week to this lo--cality. In order to---you know--set a spell. Take our shoes off.

@Suzie Lee---I'll go less than positive to say that I believe Shawn has a point. Not every puzzle is groovy or awesome and the constructors are not your grand kids. And it's quite telling how on these threads the need to be "everybody loves everything" positive suddenly can turn into a very polite---but obviously angry ganging up on anyone who has even the slightest criticism. To my mind, it becomes a bit like mentioning that you happened to dislike a teen pop idols latest effort and the response from the kids who adore him/her.

@Paul R Very cool one too. I'm going with Ike Litchi for mine.

@The X-Phile--I was a Marine aboard the carrier Midway 75-77. I must have heard that song a hundred times when it came out. When we were passing through the storied Malacca Strait narrows I found it kind of disturbing. Good thing Gord's voice was so soothing.... I loved that guy!

@Rich Rodgers--Sincerely appreciate that clearing up of the barrel/drum confusion, Barry. Good man. Credit to us all.

@Mean Old Lady ---I won't judge. But what would be wrong with doing a little quilting down at the bar?

@Barry Ancona Written with perfect Church Lady crispness. Bravo.

@Bill---You made my morning. This is wonderful. "She then proceeds to bear him eight daughters."

@C----My exact same thoughts. This was full of wonderful clues that made brilliant sense upon reveal. Congrats to you, Joyce. Beautiful debut for you!

@David Ramos---I kept thinking crapart and slopart would fit in there. But Plopart and Lifestylecreep are two that are so appropriate today and for so many reasons.

@D Meanwhile, being very negative toward anyone who might have the slightest nit to pick, and doing so in either a condescending or superior minded way, seems heartily encouraged. We should all strive to be more Minnesota Nice as opposed to Wordplay Nice.

They are really trying hard to turn this comment section into the Everybody Loves Everybody Club. Sometimes people just aren't crazy about a particular puzzle. That isn't a crime that seems to necessitate being banished from the kingdom.

@Mean Old Lady I've heard the reference "split a cab" a hundred time and when I was asked if I wanted to do that, I never once thought I was being asked to help destroy property.

@Nobis Miserere Drool on the pillows.

@Min I had forgotten that she said, "Is this the party to whom I'm speaking?" Thank you. You made my morning.

@Michael---And I loved your post. You didn't complain or slyly find a way to brag about your time or current streak, or chew others out for daring to vent a little. But you're from Minnesota and I've noticed that lots of people from that beautiful state are like that.

@Dave S I'm an actor and have worked with a few Brit directors and I've often been told to "get the dashed lines down!" But to be honest, they usually used the F word instead.

@Barry Ancona --It wasn't my usual Saturday stumper either. It's funny, I always end up trying to do those on Saturday.