Puzzle Compiler's Corner: Hints for the R.E.M. frontman and a Life in Brainteasers
A new publication about crosswords? By one of the renowned puzzle setters? And, one who has designed puzzles across the board, overseen other series, and brought new talent into the game?
This is true. The setter known as Maskarade, alias Tom Johnson, has published All Squared. I recommend it and advise you to learn how to order a edition for your own collection and another as a cherished holiday gift for a friend or family member.
Last time, I pondered why we no longer have. I'm happy to share a commenter's detailed analysis. If your own branch of the world lacks comedy and if you have, similar to Leadballoon, an analysis that doesn't constitute an obvious culture-wars salvo, please share. Also: am I right in thinking that cryptic crosswords are nowadays more – not less – amusing?
A few eye-catching features of the latest Genius puzzle: the underlining in the instruction “Solutions should be fitted into the grid jigsaw-wise, wherever they will go.” Terms familiar from a legendary setter's puzzles, but Soup must mean something different. And is that … eleven lengthy entries?
Indeed! But in this jigsaw puzzle, some of the pieces fit next to one another in those long columns and rows: a distinct type of test and bravo to those who achieved the complete fit.
Odo is behind this month’s Genius: inform your puzzle companions. And if your friends believe they can’t do “difficult puzzles”: point them to resources.
Many thanks for the submitted hints for STIPE. The prize for boldness is awarded to Jacob_Busby for the lengthy “Person contacting Leonard Bernstein, Leonid Brezhnev, Lenny Bruce, Lester Bangs and Penelope Pitstop back, albeit briefly” – and wouldn’t she have enhanced the song?
- Second place include Montano’s ingenious “STEM subjects: Technology, IT, Physics and Engineering, to start with”
- and Newlaplandes’s refined “Vocalist's backing contribution to keep it simple”
- first prize is the splendid “Group losing religion’s lead?”
Kudos to Calmasyoulike; please submit entries for ALL SQUARE in the comments, along with any preferred clues or puzzles you have spotted.
