Ryan solves the NYT, Wed 4-25-9
Ok, super fast post today. I’m leaving work in 13 minutes and need to take advantage of the warm air here in the office. First, a note about yesterday’s puzzle. I had no idea the theme was about birds. I thought the theme was BLANK ONES BLANK and didn’t notice all three phrases started with a bird: CRANE, SWALLOW and HAWK. I needed read Jim’s Wordplay post to discover I completely missed the whole point of the puzzle.
On to today’s Kelly Browder puzzle.
The theme:
48D. What 21- and 52-Across and 3- and 31-Down might be (SPIKED).
There are two theme entries I understand and two I don’t.
21A. Pulitzer Prize entries (NEWS STORIES). I don’t understand this. I’ve never worked at a newspaper. How can a NEWS STORY by spiked?
52A. They may be served at the beach (VOLLEYBALLS). I understand this and it’s a great clue.
3D. Some ornamental barriers (IRON FENCES). I understand this.
31D. Party servers (PUNCHBOWLS). I don’t understand this. Isn’t it the punch that’s spiked? The PUNCHBOWL is just a bowl. This makes no sense.
Other highlights:
11D. Place for a thimble (ETUI). Still remember this from last year’s ACPT. Will Shortz held up an ETUI for all to see not realizing the very next puzzle featured the word.
41A. Burgers on the hoof (STEER). Is this a saying? Or is it just a creative way to turn me off of burgers?
Ok, I’ve got to get going. In lieu of more commentary about this crossword here’s a funny clip of Louis CK on Conan. This has absolutely nothing to do with the puzzle so don’t hurt your brain trying to make a connection.
Next stop, Thursday.
