Laney

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LaneyCAOct 17, 2025, 6:14 AM2025-10-17neutral49%

I sped through most of this puzzle until, like many it seems, I got stuck in the NW corner. I had no foothold except CHARLIXCX. I was stuck on rocks being "loose" & America being only a country until finally my brain became UNSET and LET me puzzle out the rest. The satisfaction of all the pieces clicking together at the end leaves only ECHOS of annoyance (not Alexa...sigh) and I have to say I enjoyed it!

13 recommendations3 replies

LaneyCAAug 28, 2025, 7:25 AM2025-08-28negative72%

Well... TIL what a spoonerism is. I managed to solve by predicting phrases & getting the crosses, but it felt like nonsense until I read the blog!

9 recommendations

LaneyCAOct 10, 2025, 7:26 AM2025-10-10positive54%

As an older Gen Z: I could not believe my eyes when I saw that SIGMA clue! I cringed so hard and then couldn't stop laughing thinking about that term being broadcast to this audience. It's almost more of a Gen Alpha thing & they've added more (nonsensical) nuance than just "lone wolf". Definitely sharing this clue with the middle school boys at my club because they'll get a kick out of it. Otherwise I really enjoyed everything about this puzzle!

8 recommendations8 replies

LaneyCAAug 26, 2025, 3:20 AM2025-08-26positive98%

This was great! Super clever and the difficulty was right in line with my usual Tuesdays. I'll admit I didn't notice the "A" SYMMETRY until I completed the puzzle, but when it popped up I went "ooooh!" My favorite clues were SALMONBERRY and ON THE DL.

7 recommendations

LaneyCAAug 27, 2025, 4:43 PM2025-08-27positive92%

This was so good! I love rebuses, so I was actually a little disappointed when the 27A UPS reveal came too early/easily. Since I generally solve [across -> some crosses -> downs], I basically finished the entire puzzle before finding the DOWNS reveal. Duh! My first thought on 18A was "I'm down for anything" and I totally dismissed it. I love it when I'm surprised (and humbled by how clever other people are)! Side note: my nerd heart loved the Tolkien reference of the Prancing Pony. Although maybe I should read Treasure Island too?

5 recommendations

LaneyCASep 2, 2025, 5:35 PM2025-09-02positive96%

I was very excited to see SAL Khan in the puzzle -- I felt very aligned with the constructor today as a young person lol, enjoyed the clues. I did very confidently fill in CHEXMIX instead of PRETZEL though... had to sadly delete once the crosses proved me wrong :(

5 recommendations

LaneyCAOct 17, 2025, 5:07 PM2025-10-17negative48%

@Francis I'll admit it didn't make me feel sophisticated to automatically know CHARLIXCX but not have a clue who Emile Zola is! I have never heard of JACCUSE and only managed to guess it with minimal knowledge of French. A crossworder must be the ultimate jack of all trades, it seems!

4 recommendations

LaneyCASep 2, 2025, 5:42 PM2025-09-02neutral46%

@LJADZ I definitely wouldn't say they "obviously" had to google these... I think this was a good quality puzzle. It's just that the fills are gimmes for a different audience than the ones from 15 years ago. Most of those clues seem like naticks for me when I go back to solve them, but I wouldn't complain that they're bad puzzles.

3 recommendations

LaneyCAOct 17, 2025, 6:17 AM2025-10-17neutral47%

@john ezra agreed about the water :) I did this puzzle right after yesterday's and felt shocked to see that fill appear!

1 recommendations

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