Algorithm technique illustration by Ernest Orlando Lawrence, Berkeley National LaboratorySaturday, April 4, 2009
Puzzle by Matt Ginsberg, edited by Will Shortz
An algorithm of eleven entries and all of the clues is the thread in this Saturday crossword -- The first letter of the across clues spell out ANY CLUE OF A WORD OF EIGHT OR MORE LETTERS, and continuing with the first letter of the down clues, IS THE OPPOSITE OF THE WORD TO BE ENTERED -- this directive includes, of course, the entry of LAST LETTERS (33A. Explanatory information about his puzzle is revealed by reading these in the clues); continuing with OPPOSITION (18A. Friendly side in a debate); EVENNESS (23A. Asymmetry, as in a relationship); RELEGATE (49A. Make more important); INACTIVATE (54A. Energize); GRACEFUL (3D. Tripping over one’s feet); ESSENTIAL (4D. Hardly necessary); IN SECRET (9D. Overtly); IRREGULAR (32D. Well-proportioned); TRUSTING (35D. Remaining leery of); SEPARATE (36. Draw together). This is the second crossword in the New York Times this past year in which the first letter of the clues spell a message, the other being Sunday, November 16, 2008, which was a made-for-television puzzle (as was the recent Thursday, April 2, 2008). The "after-solve" gimmick of these types of crosswords is a nuisance in that after the solution is complete, one is asked to dwell upon it -- frankly, once there are no blank squares staring out at me anymore, I don't really care! Four links: 22A. Rival of Roach in early film comedy, SENNETT; 37A. Its streets are immortalized in a classic cowboy ballad, LAREDO; 12A. Tears may be brought to one’s eyes, RIOTER; 42A. Event for a marshal, PARADE.
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For today’s cartoon, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.
For the complete post, go HERE.
