Tonya

@Jacqui J When I was 12yo (now 48), I was at Camp Sunshine, a summer camp for kids who have or have had cancer. We had a lake day at Lake Burton in GA. At some point, REM showed up. Not sure why or how really, as they didn’t perform. I’ve always just thought they were probably also enjoying the lake, and heard we were there. Many people who lived on the lake brought their boats and jet skis, and made sure we all had an amazing day. Anyway, as word spread that REM was at the picnic area, we, children with cancer, asked for autographs. Not anticipating we would be meeting celebrities, we didn’t bring our autograph books 🙄. Instead, they were asked to sign paper plates, to which Michael Stipe replied under his breath and to his band mate. ‘I am not signing a paper plate.” Did not make for shiny happy people that day.

@Chris R. Great job. You might be surprised by how quickly the Saturday gold star arrives. A few months ago I was still skipping Thursday puzzles, but yesterday I gold starred in record time. You really do get better with practice, and it’s motivating to see the results.

@Ziggy Don’t think I can say it any better than Heathie. Congratulations. Every new step in the world of crossword solving feels like an achievement, and every win is worth celebrating. Thank you for sharing this win with us.

@The X-Phile Your first hypothesis better describes me. The first time I encountered one, I felt like I was in The Twilight Zone, and thought there’s no way I’ll ever be able to finish a rebus puzzle. A little over a year later, I finished this puzzle with relative ease and thoroughly enjoyed it.

@aud Such a great point. I agree. I’m guilty of that. Honestly, I didn’t notice the lack of proper nouns. In the future, when I don’t find myself grumbling about them, I bet I discover it’s because they aren’t there. On those occasions I’ll make a point to celebrate it in the comments.

@Sebastian I loved that clue so much. Very clever.

@Convoid-04 I almost just gave in a did check puzzle, bc I could not find my mistake. Changing the E to I finally put me out of my misery, but not before doubling my average solve time. I still really enjoyed the puzzle.

@Nitpicker I’ve seen several others mention their bonus clues were filled in. I solve on my phone, and they were not for me. Could it be a setting? Or, maybe they updated it after complaints? Either way, I agree. That would be frustrating.

@Dan Collins I liked the puzzle, but this comment made me chuckle.

@Stephen Evans Now that you’ve cracked the code, Thursday just might become your favorite day. Congratulations. The first time is no small task, and it’s provides such a feeling of accomplishment.

@Ellen in Tucson Same. When I give it, I do so with the disclaimer that my children make fun of me, and I know I should change it. I know full well that I will never change it. I will either die with it, or AOL will revoke the privilege of the last dozen or so of us still hanging on. ;-)