Peter H

As an avid puzzler, I enjoy the challenge of a solid Saturday, and oddly enough, I tend to be better on Saturday puzzles than Friday puzzles. However, this puzzle was no fun at all. Obscure cluing, obscure words (thalami? really?). It was a slog and required way more effort than I care to give to any puzzle. I don't mind the work if the result is a smile or a nod of appreciation for clever work, but this one was boring to boot. Sam, you're real smart, for sure, but stop trying to prove it.

Not a great puzzle - too forced. The real head-slapper is "crossest". Really?