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The Good Cry
Perhaps we need art because, at times, it makes us cry. I cried when I first saw a replica of this sculpture in Brooklyn's Green-wood Cemetery. The original sculpture, by William Wetmore Story, is...
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The King's Speech -- Ode to Beethoven
Ah, Beethoven -- what would gridographers do without him? Those "smalls" that help support crosswords (VON, FUR, ODE) have classical applications: Ludwig VON Beethoven composed "FÜR Elise" and "ODE to...
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Key Notes: Cactus Cuties
Poor Francis Scott Key . . . he's rarely called on as a clue for KEY. You'd think that writing the The Star-Spangled Banner would get you into the crossword from time to time. What is he -- chopped...
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It's Elementary, My Dear Watson
Though I love the game, Jeopardy! hasn't been on my radar for ages.I TIVOed yesterday's game to catch a glimpse of Brad Rutter (I've had a game show crush on him for years!) compete against Ken...
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Final Jeopardy -- Fantasy Round
Congratulations to Watson on winning the Jeopardy! IBM Challenge. I liked Watson's voice, wagering skills and the occasional charming/wacky answer. Truly impressive.When Alex Trebek announced "19th...
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Ladies of the Bass
Enraged Justin Bieber fanswill never read this, so I can write freely without safety concerns.But, if Bieber fans -- particularly the twitter-mob that attacked Esperanza Spalding for having the...
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Firth Love and Fantasy Oscars Host Pick
An odd moment at the Oscars: Hearing that Anne Hathaway's co-host, James Franco, is responsible for carpooling moms being late for their pick-up duties. Supposedly they're glued to the TV, watching...
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He's Got Rhythm
Orchestral musicians and concertgoers will recognize the movements herein. Three-year-old Jonathan has jaw-dropping conducting skills. His favorite conductor is Herbert VON Karajan. Jonathan will...
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Hanami
Soon it will be cherry blossom time at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. After a harsh winter, one dreams of that warm Sunday afternoon at the Garden, looking at the cherry blossoms in full, riotous bloom....
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Taylor The Activist
Elizabeth Taylor did for seven husbands what Henry VIII did for his six wives. She made them famous and crossword-ready. She was decidedly nicer than the testy Henry; she divorced her spouses without...
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Mass Hissteria
Calling all puzzle constructors in the Bronx:An Egyptian cobra (ASP) ison the loose . . . and heading home (to the nearest crossword grid). She's homesick. Totally understandable. Why live in a...
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Joanna S. Rose and The 651 Quilts
ImagineStonehenge, Frank Lloyd Wright'sGuggenheim spiraland anAlexander Calder mobileall rolled into one . . . then QUILT-IFY that image by 651 red-and-white quilts. That was the effect of The Joanna...
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Lucas Amory -- a Puzzlemaker's Best Friend
When eight-year-old Lucas Amory performed Aram Khachaturian's Bitter Biddies Battle in recital a few months ago, I was moved to tears because: 1) He played the piano piece from memory, with...
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The Hungarian Pastry Shop -- A Crossword Solver's Haven Turns 50 Today
Two score and ten years ago,The Hungarian Pastry Shop served its first flaky, buttery and delicious pastry. Since then, it's been the go-to place for Morningside Heights regulars, Columbia University...
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My Hero: Maura B. Jacobson -- New York Magazine's Gem
Everyone remembers the first time. The first time. It was amazing. Sparks flew. The earth shook and then, a warm afterglow. A cigarette, a sip of champagne. I was in love . . . and could hardly...
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Pet Peeves
The editors of theJournal of Animal Ethics would like us to stop referring to pets as pets, beasts or critters. What does this mean for crossword cluing?I've always loved the word CRITTER, and its use...
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Crosswords LA Tournament, Sunday May 1
William and Kate are all smiles because the wedding weekend schedule (pronounced shedjool) is going according to plan:1. Fri., April 29: Get married in London2. Sat., April 30: Hop on a plane...
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Get Your Crosswords LA puzzles today!
Good Tuesday! If ever there's a win/win for crossword fans, this is it. Many of us couldn't attend the Crosswords LA tournament on Sunday. Not to worry -- now the puzzles are available to you. With...
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Rosie the Riveting
After reading Seabiscuit a few years ago, I came away feeling that the world of jockeys is about as alien to me as space aliens. It's a tough life. Constant travel. Sunburn. Weight issues -- a few...
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Naval Gazing on the Hudson
While tending to the flowers on our rooftop garden this morning, I noticed a lot of ship activity on the Hudson River. I'd almost forgotten -- today is the start of Fleet Week. Ahoy!You and I are...
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I came. I saw. I crowdsourced?
I used CROWDSOURCE in a puzzle lately. What is it?Wikipedia describes CROWDSOURCING thusly:Crowdsourcing is the act of outsourcing tasks, traditionally performed by an employee or contractor, to an...
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An Ending and a New Beginning
I've been away from the blog lately, for which I apologize! It's been busy around here. I recently started writing a new weekly puzzle for Crossword Nation, which has acquired this blog.Thank you all...
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Kimchi Dreamin'
Gosh, I love Kimchi. Or is it Kim Chi, kimchee, kim chee or kimchi? After tasting Korean vegetarian cuisine at HanGawi, (an extraordinary restaurant in the shadow of the Empire State Building on 32nd...
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