Ryan solves the NYT, Fri 11-21-8
Very enjoyable Friday puzzle by Patrick Berry. Why “very enjoyable”? Well, because I found it to be relatively easy. I think I would have set some all time personal record but, unfortunately, I got handed a job at work right when I was in the middle of getting my solve on. But even with stopping in the middle for 25 minutes or so I still finished the puzzle in about 46 minutes. Ok, not quite as impressive as Dan Feyer, Winner of the C Division’s 2:39 but still, not bad.
I got stumped for a little while on:
29A. Scottish dog breed (SKYE TERRIER). I had SK__ TERRIER.
33A. Unmentionable (PANTY GIRDLE). I had __NTY GIRDLE. Isn’t PANTY GIRDLE two unmentionables?
22D. State capital with just 42,000 people (OLYMPIA). This one was driving me bonkers. I had OL_M_IA and couldn’t think of it. I kept thinking OLEMRIA or something like that. I eventually came to my senses and was able to fill it in.
Other highlights:
20A. “I am an idiot” (DOH). I think there’s been at least one Simpsons clue every day this week. I’m still coming to grips with how cool it was to have Shortz and Reagle and the puzzle I just solved on the show.
24A. Possible response to name-calling? (HERE). My first answer here was CRYING LIKE A BABY UNTIL THE TEACHER MAKES HIM/HER/THEM STOP but it didn’t fit.
26A. They affect one’s constitution (AMENDMENTS). I was on to this one pretty quickly although, to be honest, my first thought was a Cloudkill spell.
16A. Symbol of dissent against British rule (LIBERTY POLE). LIBERTY POLE? Never heard of it. LIBERTY BELL, yes.
27D. Campus gathering place (DINING HALL). I fondly remember the nacho bar in my old dorm. I miss those all-you-can-eat days that made me feel lousy for only a fews hours instead of a couple of weeks.
50D. ___ fighter (”Star Wars” ship) (TIE). TIE stands for TWIN ION ENGINE. It was developed by Sienar Fleet Systems. Interestingly, only the most advanced TIE fighters are equipped with hyperdrive engines. And those with that upgrade don’t perform as well in sublight speeds, obviously, because of the added mass of the hyperdrive and navicomputer systems.
We will be returning this Monday with a new episode of Fill Me In: A Crossword Podcast and, yes, we will be joined by another very special guest.
Next stop, Saturday.
