The icky (in the nicest possible way) Thursday, May 1 puzzle (answers) is by Jim Leeds. Is that the same Mr. Leeds who has also published under the moniker (or monicker, either seems to be correct although every single previous NYT reference uses the shorter ick-less version) James R. Leeds? I have no idea but I hope someone will let me know so I can keep my database in order.
We need another descriptive name, this time for clues which distract by being over-specific. 1 Across is "unicorns and griffins" which turns out to be merely BEASTS. Those clues always amuse me. A pedant might argue that it's an inappropriate clue because one of the attributes of beastliness ought to be actual existence, but that didn't stop me from smiling.
One of my favorite moments in crosswords is that aha when you discover there's a rebus involved. When did that moment come for you? I tried to fit PICKWICK into 17 Across but it wouldn't fit so I knew something was up. I wish, though, that the clue for 38 Across, "That's repulsive! ... or a hint to this puzzle's theme" hadn't been quite so specific because my second favorite moment in rebus puzzles is figuring out what re's get bused and in this case the question provided the answer. I shouldn't complain. It would have fallen quickly anyway, but I felt a tiny bit cheated having had Moment Two denied me.
I love STICKY WICKET ("awkward situations, informally") and the fact that the phrase comes from the sport that rhymes with it, cricket, makes it even better. DADO is one of those cross words that sneaks in from time to time. Usually it's clued as some sort of carpenter's groove, but the less groovy "pedestal part" is also popular. I have no idea why a "quiz show gizmo" is a CLICKER. I'd suggest that perhaps it's a button used to turn such off but I already received enough angry letters from rabid game show fans when I dissed that TV crossword show so I won't be quite so rude this time. Or is it too late? Oops.
Ah, I like a survey...It was SNICKER for me, although I certainly thought of Mr. PICKWICK, but maybe it was Mr. Pimm.
I think this puzzle is the work of the artist formerly known as James. His 12/27/07 puzzle was another creative one and carries the same nom de puzzle.
Posted by: PhillySolver | April 30, 2008 at 09:58 PM
I can't hear the phrase LAST DROP without thinking of Ricardo Montalban. With real Corinthian leather!
Posted by: CrossEyedBear | April 30, 2008 at 11:02 PM
Wait, let me get this straight: You dissed Merv Griffin's Crosswords and people rallied to the show's defense? They must not be aficionados of good crosswords.
I don't remember what the MGC producers called the doohickey with the button that players use to "ring" in. I do remember the early TV remote controls that seemed a little clicky, though.
Posted by: Orange | May 01, 2008 at 07:33 AM
It bugs me that AYN Rand shows up so often. I understand it helps out constructors but besides the fact that her personal philosophy is ICKey, her writing is absolutely atrocious. LETS DROPKICK her off the lists, ok?
Posted by: LaurenB | May 01, 2008 at 08:26 AM
I loved this icky puzzle...STICKS did it for me, which was confirmed by SNICKERS.
Thanks for the picture of a griffin...I couldn't remember what that creature was (supposed to look like).
Posted by: Linda G | May 01, 2008 at 04:57 PM
Can someone explain to me the answer: "seans" to 39d "opinionated Hannity and others" the answer has apparantly appeared several times over the years with the last name of a person named Sean followed by "and others". Thanks.
Posted by: Aziz Razzuk | May 01, 2008 at 10:33 PM
Yes, indeedy. I am the Jim Leeds who used to sign as James R. Leeds but thought the latter to be a bit formal and "icky."
Thanks for the feedback. I've a lot more puzzlers coming forth this year. Write me at
goodoljimbo@yahoo.com
and we'll share a few words.
Posted by: jim leeds | May 04, 2008 at 05:07 PM