It's apparently Clever Feats of Construction by Kevin G. Der Week at the New York Times. Two days after his record-setting Friday puzzle he comes up with a completely original new twist in his Sunday, August 24 puzzle (answers.) Before today, the history of crosswords has been so, how can I say this, two-dimensional. Now we have an origami crossword. Very cool.
At least this puzzle helps settle one great philosophical question. In certain circles, there's a great teleological debate about whether God designed the universe for us to solve crosswords in Java applets, on a computer in Across Lite, or on paper. At least for today, the answer is to download the Across Lite version and print. Along with your choice of pen or pencil (let's not start that one again) you'll also benefit from having a pair of scissors close by. Please don't try cutting or folding your LCD monitor. [Update: Orange recommends printing the original PDF with the dotted line around the grid.]
In order to accommodate the improved aerodynamics of a greater airfoil surface, Mr. Der opted for a larger 23 by 23 size. It took a while for the gimmick to work itself out for me. When the numerals started to appear I thought some sort of connect-the-dots image would emerge. Instead, the directions became a Boeing construction kit. How does Mr. Der think of stuff like this?
Ten precisely positioned numbers in the grid means 19 answer words that have to be accommodated. (One answer used two numbers.) Quite a challenge.
I was pleased the hockey power played correctly counted only skaters, not the goalies, so the most common version is indeed 5 AGAINST 4.
The MIT motto MENS et manus means "mind and hand." It's a great motto. Academic solutions to problems are interesting but the application of the concepts is what matters. Look at the problem, invent the solution, and then do something about it. Mr. Der wanted to create something entirely new, but at the end of the day the practical application of heavier-than-air crossword flight is the practical application. Or, uh, something like that. [Update: check out this astounding mens et manus origami video.]
Once again, well done, Kevin G. Der.