Stavros

Day 2 of humorous mistakes… With 33D “anathema to an aesthete” and POO_ _ _ _ _ _, I confidently filled in POOPJOKES.

I was disappointed to eventually figure out that 29D “what some workout videos promise” is not ASSOFSTEEL.

This constructor brought me to appreciate the poem. The sparse outline of the poem included in the puzzle highlights the value of all that was removed. After scraping away the meaning, structure, form, literary devices , symbols, themes, emotions, and beauty, what remains speaks loudly of what is missing. I appreciate the journey. Giddy up. .

22D “Bush Senior and Carter each had one” With _ERM, and given their fashion time period, I actually convinced myself to enter PERM.

This puzzle was in a couple of sections a challenge for me. Looking at blank areas with no footholds, I thought that this is why I keep coming back. There is always more to learn. There is always the chance for me to improve. If it was easy all the time, I would get bored. I appreciate the skill of constructors in creating challenging puzzles, their belief in us that we can find the value in their creations, and their thick skins to continue to do this despite the type of feedback that can arise. Thank you, BEQ, for your puzzle today. I struggled a bit, and enjoyed the challenge.

5A “Shape-shifters?” and B_OBS… I alternated between ‘no way!’ and ‘push up bra’ for O, before ‘of course!’ with L.

My experience with this puzzle is that it is beautiful. The black squares form 2 sets of 4 like items, symmetrically placed. Very pleasing to look at. And once completed, even more so. The shape supports the experience of viewing the interconnectedness of words that should have nothing in common, but somehow blend together gently and naturally. Nothing seems forced. There is a flow to it. With some groups and communities of people, I have experienced the same. Reading the constructor’s thoughtful comments, it is no surprise that she can offer this experience of interconnectedness and flow in her creation.

MYEYE is not the MERER mirror of my soul. That would be my ARSE.

While engaged in a crossword, I often think about the constructors and all the effort they put into creating an interesting and entertaining diversion to my day. It makes me smile every time. (Take that, cortisol!) It does not matter if the clues push me, or if the theme eludes me, or if there is a technical difficulty such as an app issue. I think about how constructors are passionate about their craft, and how they partake in a lengthy task that benefits me. As far as I am concerned, the constructors always deserve to receive gratitude. Thank you, Chase Dittrich and Christina Iverson, for a clever and creative crossword! Also, thank you to Deb Amlen and all the columnists for insights that deepen the experience. Thank you to the editing team for guiding good crossword ideas to life. And, thank you to the technical team who make the app experience possible. All of your efforts add a bit of extra joy to my life.

For me, the contrast of Saturday and Sunday puzzles makes each that much more enjoyable. The context of the progression of all past puzzles enhances the present experience. The flow of challenge and ease. The variations in creative ideas from the constructors. I really appreciated the comments yesterday. Some so edgy and raw. Great insights into what makes an effective puzzle. It all brings me to see more than I might have on my own.

My vote would be for more Tuesdays like this one! A fun theme and some answers that were off the beaten Tuesday path and were made accessible with standard crosses. DASHIT brought a smile and took a nice turn away from more obvious fill. I loved learning about NUYORICAN. Thank you to the constructor and editors for your thoughtful and creative approach to an early week puzzle!

To create a puzzle as challenging as this one, I believe it takes complex thinking and a deft sense of connection between hints of meaning in words and phrases. I am grateful to the constructor and the editing team for their time and efforts.

This puzzle challenged me to think about words and concepts from multiple angles. I love that! The puzzle freed me from a number of rigid little thought boxes that I carry as part of my ego and biases. I highly value that in a complex crossword puzzle. Thank you to everyone involved in this puzzle’s creation!

TIL that in addition to Stan Lee, Brad Pitt, and Peter Falk, that ONYXES also appear in cameos. Enjoyed the puzzle! It brought back good memories of my first time riding a bike, followed immediately by my first time wrecking a bike. With sparkly green paint, white handlebar grips with tassels, and a white glittering BANANASEAT, the Schwinn bike looked magnificent tumbling over my back.

Thank you, Katie Hoody, for this wonderfully challenging puzzle that unfolded one gritty step at a time. And, thank you for the story of your mom. Having lived in Duluth (my spouse’s hometown), I can imagine the local and familial pride in Bemidji. Looking forward to more puzzles from you!

I was relieved that 39A “Spot for a pin” was not ZIT.

Beautiful construction. I loved this puzzle. Enjoyed seeing how the circle answers unfolded in two different ways. A clever and thoughtful addition to Thursdays.

For 20A. “Just being honest…” and I_AN___E, I was hopeful for ImANarsE, because it captures the essence of a non-apology.

TIL that “Steve Boulder, CO” and “Steve Boulder CO” (no comma) are considered different user names, and both can exist simultaneously in the comment section. This Steve enjoyed the puzzle, and is considering a less common name.

I am so stuck in my ways with my drink orders that I seem to be missing out. I can only hope that next time I order a chocolate stout or a decaf mocha with almond milk, that the server will reply ISPEPSIOK.