ACROSS LITE PUZZLE: [ PULL DOWN MENUS]
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PRINTOUT PUZZLE: [ PULL DOWN MENUS]
PROGRAM: [Adobe Acrobat]
When I go about making a fill, one of the things I like to do is put in some eye-popping letter combinations. Matt Gaffney once wrote that he had enjoyed specifically putting in bizarre combinations that made the solver think he was making a mistake, but in fact was correct all along.
I guess that must have made a big impression on me because I continue to liberally rip off Matt’s style.
What’s better that pulling off phrases like JK ROWLING, PUB QUIZ, and WHAT THE to name a few? What words could possibly fit the _ _ _ T T H _ pattern? The Marquis de Sade side of us constructor shines through, especially in rather tough puzzles where you really have to work for each crossing.
One of the favorite entries I’ve put in isn’t really all that amazing, letter-wise: SHOWS HOW. Yet, when you put it in the grid it’s hard for the eyes to not read it as SHOW SHOW. It’s almost like a combination Magic Eye and Eye Chart.
For those who forgot, the Magic Eye were those crappy computer pixel designs that were sold at Malls during the 90s. Apparently, if you stared at them in just the right way, a 3D image of say Abraham Lincoln appeared.
Okay, new puzzle on Monday. Have a good weekend everybody.
Okay, I’m slow-witted, I get it. The third line of the eye chart seems appropriate: WTF????
Oh, there’s PRIMENUMBER. Finally get it.
best. eye. chart. ever.
PRIMENUMBER?
(I like Magic Eye pix. And what’s your problem with malls, anyway?)
Malls are for squares.
Brendan, I think this (cool) theme would be a lot more impressive if you hadn’t just had that amazing one two days ago. That was a tough act to follow. Shoulda dogged it and gone with one of those “the first word can precede CORN” themes as a bland palate cleanser.
What a great puzzle – wonders seem to never cease at this blog!
On another note, I must say that I enjoy the spiels about as much as I love the puzzles, so please keep them up, as well!
yeah, but there’s so much good STUFF at malls. and i still like magic eyes.
karma, i didn’t appreciate the spoiler.:-(
Great puzzle, Brendan. Thanks for setting up the subscription facility. And I still like Magic Eyes. (My previous comment vanished. Did I offend? Sorry.)
wow, two groundbreaking themes in a row. amazing.
Quigley on fire, world watch out.
Amy: Sequencing is an art, and I learned that the hard way by being involved with seven different albums. And whatever song/puzzle/netflix movie/etc. appears immediately after a crowd pleaser is going to pale, no matter how good it is.
But then again, who’s to say the future puzzles aren’t going to be as (Matt Gaffney sez) “on fire?”
Jim: I think I got both of your posts back up there. Hit me up again if they aren’t.
LedFloyd: GREAT handle.
Amy,
Yer a tough customer. This puzzle had me stymied even longer than Wednesday’s.
Brendan,
Solving this was — even after discovering the theme — made me wish for a Jolt Cola. I can’t imagine contructing it with only one pair of eyes.
You are, truely, a demon among monsters.
The first place I saw the Magic Eye thing was in Games Magazine, back in 91 or so. Also the first place I ever saw BEQ. I already said this to you Brendan, but I thought for sure your name was an anagram for the hidden contest because it just seemed made-up.
Sigh. I wish Games was great again.