Ryan solves the NYT, Sun 1-25-9
This post is going to be shorter than usual. The room in which our computer resides (we call it the “office”, original, yes?) is flipping freezing. We’ve got a Real Feel of 0° outside right now and it’s not much warmer in here. I need to buy either a laptop that I can take into a different room, a keyboard that emits heat, a shawl like they use in Little Women, or some sort of fireplace. Shouldn’t there be heat coming out of our radiator. Isn’t that what it’s for? It’s supposed to radiate heat, right? All it’s doing now is radiating sounds and language from the downstairs apartment.
Well, anyway, I very much enjoyed today’s Michael Torch FIDDLE DEE DEE puzzle. This one completed a no-google week for me. Sure, the NGW was aided by a much easier than normal Saturday but it still counts. The theme today was a classic Sunday-style theme with DD’s replacing TT’s in everyday phrases. The most appropriate entry being:
2D. Why the eBay user was laid up? (BIDDER COLD). This is appropriate because, and forgive me if I’m repeating myself, the room I’m sitting in right now is BITTER FLIPPING COLD.
A few other clues I enjoyed:
12A. Certain audio download (PODCAST). Clearly, this is about us. You can admit it Mr. Torch. You’re a huge fan of Fill Me In: A Crossbag Birdflack and you just had to get us in a puzzle. I mean, to what else could this be referring?
20A. Landlord’s schedule (RENT ROLL). I’ve never heard of a RENT ROLL so I don’t know what it is. Here’s what I do know. Our landlord sucks the weenie with relish.
59A. New York town with Playland amusement park (RYE). How on Earth could anybody who lives outside of the New York area possibly have ever heard of Rye Playland? Discuss.
56D. Angler’s baskets (CREELS). Brian knew someone named CREEL once. He opened a jar of salsa for her and the rest, as they say, is history.
So, that’s it. Great puzzle. Cold office. I must retreat now to the balmier rooms of the apartment.
Next stop, Monday.
(I realize now I could have made some joke about Mr. Torch providing warmth but I didn’t think of it and now it’s too late.)
