Nancy J.

Not necessarily related to this puzzle, just something I've been thinking about lately: I've been doing crosswords for a long time, but only started the NYT puzzle in 2016. When I started, I wasn't very good at them, and it would often take me days to complete the end of week puzzles. I never for one minute thought it was the fault of the puzzle, realizing that I had many deficiencies and needed a lot of practice. So I got to work and practiced. I get the feeling that some newer solvers think they should be able to just rip through a puzzle with few struggles. There's nothing wrong with making mistakes or being unable to complete a puzzle. When you finally give up (maybe days later!), check the answers and learn from your mistakes. These are supposed to push, challenge, and, yes, puzzle us. That's what makes us better solvers. Finally, if you come across a word you don't know, don't get mad, memorize it. You will likely see it again.

Some of the comments I see on days like today made me think. Maybe I get it. There's a restaurant I like to go to but I only like one thing on the menu. They serve it every day except Thursday, when the chef likes to be a big showoff and make something that is too clever by half. I mean, it's not even what I consider to be "real" food, just some weird hybrid they try to pass off as a meal. Just to spite everyone, I go each Thursday and get the "special" dish, and of course, I don't like it. I then complain about my meal and loudly bemoan the fact that my favorite dish is unavailable on Thursday. I often get angry and say things that other diners (who seem to love this nonsensical excuse for food) label as "unkind". I let them know that the chef is lazy and the support staff is incompetent for allowing this poor excuse for cooking. I'm sure you'll find this hard to believe, but some people actually seem to think that *I* am the problem. I'd like to make them understand that I'm right and that the chef's real goal is to make me feel unsophisticated, but they are all just so smug and self-satisfied that it might just be beyond them.

Funny themers, especially PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER. The clue for OTS [Draw conclusions, in brief?], is one of my favorite types, where it involves a subtle change in the way you read the clue. UN PC is such an odd term. I was talking with a client a few years ago, and he started to say something, then said "I probably shouldn't, I'll get caught by the PC police", so I said "What do you mean, why don't you just say it?", so he did. I told him not to worry, it wasn't political at all, just incredibly racist. He looked kind of sheepish. He never came back, but it was worth it. I was getting a little sick of hearing his dog whistle racism every week, so it was nice to get it all out in the open.

This has been the best Friday, Saturday, Sunday run in a very long time. Has someone been listening to our complaints or is this an abberation? Time will tell. I love a puzzle that forces you to understand the trick. No, "I finished the puzzle, but have no idea what's going on" today. The way it should always be, in my opinion. Welcome, Oliver. I hope to see more from you.

Ahh, just what I needed, an Eric Agard Saturday. Can we have more of these? BOO crossing CBS. How appropriate.

I was hoping to see far more positive comments today. All of this negativity is disappointing. For the record: I didn't know ABC ISLANDS, BARBIECORE, BLUE MARLIN, FISH EYES, ETONIC, KIVA, SIM, NOLTE, HANK, WIM, LUCIA, NORA or VAL ... and yet, I managed to complete this puzzle. Sure, not knowing those made me work harder on the crosses, but isn't that the point? Saturday used to be all about the struggle. When did we get so soft?

Congratulations on your NYT debut, Benjamin. I wasn't familiar with all of the books, and for some reason, haven't read any of them. That's something I need to fix. Even so, the crosses were very kind, so no trouble filling the grid. For those unhappy about the theme due to unfamiliarity with the books, I'll quote Hakeem Jeffries quoting Notorious B.I.G. "If you don't know, now you know." My own advice is, don't panic when you see things you don't know. Give it time and work the crosses. Use your intuition, and you'll be surprised how well it works.

Previous clues for TESLAS: Magnetic induction units Webers per square meter 10-kilogauss units Inventor Nikola and family Units in physics Magnetic units Let's bring them back!

I keep seeing complaints every time there is a reference to anything related to our LGBTQ+ fellow humans. Do you think if you go through life with your head in a hole, that everything you don't like or understand will go away? I think most posters here are of an age where they would understand object permanence. It's exhausting to read those ridiculous comments, so why don't you just stop? Expand your friend network, get to know people who aren't like you, and maybe you'll feel less stressed about the whole thing.

Having just read the comments, I'd like to say I'm surprised, but some were very predictable. I'm so bored with posters who become apoplectic every time certain words appear in the puzzle. As an atheist, I guess I could complain about "propaganda" every time a religious reference is made in the puzzle. I don't, because you know what? The world doesn't revolve around me. Maybe you should realize that you aren't the center of everything, and you might try to get out more and talk to people with different life experiences. It may just change your perspective.

Yes DENALI, DENALI, DENALI! I said it out loud, I wrote it down, then I said it again for good measure! Nyah, nyah, you can't stop me!

Because I solve in blocks starting in the NW, I kind of knew what was going on right from the start. The fact that that didn't diminish my enjoyment of this puzzle one bit is a testament to how artfully created it was. Usually, I'm looking for a struggle, but this was just pure unadulterated fun. Cruising along wondering when the next rebus or ingredient would pop up, seeing all of the bonus theme material, marveling at how Miranda was able to pull all of this together just made it a delight to solve. Normally, a puzzle has to leave me broken and bleeding to get my POY nod, but this goes straight into the folder. Oh, and Caitlin, best photo title ever: "You can’t spell “lettuce” without “Et tu.”"

I always liked Edmund Burke's quote about EVIL. "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." Unnecessarily gendered, but you get the point. History is watching.

Wow! Construction wise, this was mind-bendingly brilliant. I do wish there was more for the solver to do. The cluing was pretty straightforward and I wonder if solving on paper made the theme too easy to see. I tend to write the letters in circles smaller, so that little "D" in COMPANY CARD just made it too obvious. [Fight back tears?] for DARNS and [Canniest, for instance] for ANAGRAM were so good I wish I could see them for the first time again. Yesterday, I participated in an event in the GAY MECCA of Ogunquit, Maine. One of my favorite signs: No Kings but Yass Queens! Nice touch crossing CLOSET with COME OUT.

Now *that* was a Saturday puzzle. I decided to take pictures of my favorite puzzles so when it's time to vote next year, I'll have something to refresh my memory. This is the first one in my 2025 folder. [Holders of orbs] for EYE SOCKETS and [Body shops?] for MORTUARIES gave me a laugh and the many misdirects made for a welcome challenge. I hope to see more themeless puzzles from Michael. This one really hit the SPOT.

The pictures were so literal, the clues were not really clues but answers. If this ran on a Tuesday, it would have been cute, but on a Thursday? Kind of disappointing. Esha did a great job, the editors, not so much. Total agreement with others who pointed out the tone deafness of the GAZA clue. That never should have made it to print. I did love seeing ZAATAR. Years ago, when I purchased ZAATAR for the first time, it was disappointing. The dish I made with it was underwhelming. What I didn't know back then is that there is ZAATAR and ZAATAR spice blend, ZAATAR being just one ingredient in the spice blend. After mixing it with sumac, etc. it was perfect. One of my favorite blends now.

It's not fair!!! Since Lewis is the co-constructor, not one of the many excellent clues will end up on his weekly list. I hereby nominate [Bed hogs, at times] for WEEDS and [Shifty little sucker?] for BENDY STRAW. For me, this is what a Saturday puzzle is at its best. Some challenge, some humor, with a bonus of numerous lovely debut entries. Thank you, Barbara and Lewis, for a perfect offering.

Evan and Jeffrey packed a lot of fun into one small grid. Besides the very cool expanding STAR, they gave us HAD A BLAST, SUPER NOVA, STAR BURST, MAKE IT POP, NEIL deGrasse Tyson, the EAGLE has landed and AD ASTRA. Then they threw in a rebus as a final treat. I'm looking forward to more from these two.

Congratulations on your NYTXW debut, Kathleen. Reading the comments, I see 2 chief complaints. One is that the puzzle is too easy for a Thursday. True, but, not your fault. The other is that some people have gaps in their knowledge, so they had trouble solving. Also not your fault. Your theme was clever and well implemented, and you should be proud of your achievement. Of the movies in the puzzle, the only one I saw was "This is Spinal Tap", but your crosses were fair. Thank you!

Cute theme. AI poetry is kind of like having a Secretary of Education who doesn't know the difference between AI and A1. Neither should exist. The clue didn't bother me because it was showing just how bad AI "poetry" is, and I assumed, laughing at the concept.

Nice JOINT effort by Oliver and Juan, two debut constructors. It looked way more daunting that it turned out to be, but it was well constructed and fun to solve. I know I've told this before (I hope it was a long time ago), but it's my favorite DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM story. Decades ago, I was working for a marketing research company and witnessed the following. Our receptionist was away from her desk, so a coworker, Maureen, picked up the line, and the call was from the VP of our Chicago office. The VP, Cindy, was not a nice person and frequently got into arguments and threatened to get people fired. Maureen was not one to take stuff from anyone. At some point in the conversation, Cindy pulled the DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM? routine, and Maureen said, "No, DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?" Cindy said "No", to which Maureen replied "Good" and hung up. Cindy called back repeatedly and tried to find out who she had spoken with, but we all pretended we had no idea.

I love the trippy feeling of things not quite working and not knowing why. It's the anticipation that a surprise is in store. This was so well executed and such fun to figure out. Some puzzles wow me with wordplay, others with convoluted clues. This had neither, but the trick was superb. Even after I knew what was going on, I had to pay attention to get everything just right. A big thank you to editing for not circling the boxes where the rebuses were needed.

Dear August, I know you didn't get to decide what day your puzzle ran. If you are reading the comments, realize that if it ran on a Tuesday, you would be getting a lot of compliments. Thursday are kind of sacred around here and strong feelings will be on display. It's not you, it's us. Fondly, Nancy

What a great idea for a trick. It was fairly easy to work out, but the solve was still very enjoyable. Joe Di Pietro's puzzles are always something to look forward to. I have to give a big thank you to the editors for leaving out the circles. That would have taken a lot of the fun away.

Well, there's a lot going on here. First of all, yay to David P. Williams. I'll never understand the reference to the poem, but I know a good puzzle when I see one. I saw his name, and my heart skipped a beat. Wonderful, as usual. Next, this is about a black bird but not a blackbird, but how can I not think of it when I see AUGHT? 16 Shells From a Thirty-Ought-Six <a href="https://youtu.be/qwRkBTG17vk?si=YQUozYKdJE3cTC7s" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/qwRkBTG17vk?si=YQUozYKdJE3cTC7s</a> As for CERTS, I admit I was doubtful that it was ever considered to be candy, but a post-solve check-in with wikipedia enlightened me. "In 1999, the United States Customs Service classified Certs as a candy mint for tariff purposes, since candy was taxed differently from oral hygiene products. In the ensuing suit before the United States Court of International Trade, Cadbury introduced expert testimony that Certs stimulate the flow of saliva, thus flushing bad odors from the mouth, and that its flavors and oils mask bad breath. But the court ruled that, since Certs did not contain anti-bacterial ingredients, they were, indeed, simply a candy mint. This ruling was, however, overturned at the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, making Certs legally a breath mint.[15]" That is all.......

A rebus on a Wednesday, now a non-tricky themed Thursday. Life is full of surprises. Although this was lacking a trick, I found it tougher than recent Thursday puzzles. The non-themed fill was not coming to me that fast, so my first pass was pretty wide open. Once I had enough to recognize the book titles (beginning with ATLAS SHRUGGED), things moved along more quickly. My only gripe is that there is no such thing as a BAD KITTY, just a kitty with a sense of humor you don't understand.

One day in the future, if the editors continue to listen to the complaints about puzzles that puzzle, I imagine someone saying, "What happened to the NYT crossword? It used to have a reputation for being a struggle and fun to do." I'll point them to todays Wordplay column. This is what happens when they try to offer something challenging.

Congratulations on your debut, Justin. Your perseverance paid off with #36, and I'm looking forward to #37. As for Joel's editing, I want to put in my vote for a big thumbs up. It's seems to me that he hit the ground running in very challenging circumstances and is doing a terrific job. Before Will Shortz had to take a leave, commenters often compared him unfavorably to Eugene Maleska. I guess it come with the territory.

On this 54th Earth Day, it's sad to see that there are still so many who pretend that human caused GLOBAL WARMING (or the term I prefer, climate chaos) doesn't exist. We've lost decades to those who care more about money than they do about their (of other people's) children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, etc. Ahem...... Well, I came here to talk about this lovely tribute to Earth Day, so I'll get off my soapbox now. David J. Kahn can be relied upon for a tight puzzle, and the word ladder, going from COAL to WIND was nice to see. There was more going on than in a typical Monday, and I appreciated that.

Timely theme. I think the only time I've seen a pie cooling on a windowsill is in a cartoon or comic. It never ends well.

The theme gave me a laugh, and what more could I ask for these days? Do constructors put OCTOPI in the grid, then rub their hands together and laugh maniacally as they wait for the onslaught? I like to think that they do.

Deb, I knew my husband was a KEEPER when the first time she met him, Stripes (my kitty) jumped up and sat on his lap. She usually hid under my bed when anyone came over. She knew he was special.

Saturday is back, baby! This is the 3rd one in a row that put up a real fight, and I hope they keep coming. Dodger's foes for IRS at 25A, Cinderella's calling card for BIG UPSET at 3D and Black heart? for SHORT A at 40D were downright diabolical clues. The SW was the last to fall for me. I never heard of azimuth (50D), and to me, it looked enough like bismuth to convince me that it was oRe. Not knowing SEACREST didn't help. I finally saw TORA after I got BORA, and that finally moved things along. Thank you, Byron. This was a real workout, which is what Saturday should be.

This isn't related specifically to today's puzzle, just a general observation. Some posters seem to misinterpret the motives of others who express opinions about the puzzle. I see this a lot, and it bothers me. I don't think it's bragging when commenters say a puzzle was too easy for a given day or express how fast the solve was in a disappointed fashion. If the comments are predominently saying the puzzle is too hard, or that it was easy and therefore more enjoyable, word might get out that easier puzzles are what everyone wants. Stating displeasure for a 'too easy' puzzle is really just a vote for keeping the end of week puzzles tough. There are 3-4 days each week for easier puzzles, so when the remaining 3-4 days are not challenging, it's just not so much fun. Can't we at least share the week?

Simeon Seigel never disapppoints. He can always be counted on for an interesting puzzle with varied fill and, often, a good twist. I was struggling until IKEA STORE told me where to go, which is funny because the one (and only) time I was in an IKEA STORE, I got so lost I thought I was going to have to set up camp. Admittedly, I have a poor sense of direction, but as I tried to find my way out, I ran into 2 other people who were lost as well. Anyway, I had a great time with this. I noticed that a few people took issue because WEST was not written backward, but the way I saw it was that you had to get the direction first and then follow it.

When my niece was in the 3rd or 4th grade, she was sitting in her classroom when there was some sound in the hall. Some special needs students were walking by and her teacher started to unkindly imitate them. She scolded him, saying, "Mr. C.! There but for the grace of god GO you or I!" We only learned of this when her teacher, assuming she had told her parents, brought it up at a parent-teacher conference and apologized. I love her as my niece, but I'm even more proud of her as a kind human being.

What a wackily inventive and fun theme. I was almost afraid to read the comments, but I'm happy to see that most people loved it as much as I did. I would have lost all faith in humanity if there was a preponderance of haters, so thank you, fellow wordplayers! Maybe that's an exaggeration, but you know what I mean?

Ryan Judge gives me hope for the future of crosswords. This was a struggle from start to finish, which is what Friday should be as far as I'm concerned. I had 29 erasures, which, if not a record, comes close. There were few gimmes, so I had to crank up the intuition, logic and educated guessing to get this done, and that's the most rewarding type of solve for me. Thank you, Ryan. I really enjoyed this, and hope to see your name again soon.