CROSSWORD #210 and a contest

ACROSS LITE PUZZLE: [ YOU ARE HERE] 
PROGRAM: [Across Lite]

PROGRAM: [Java]

PRINTOUT PUZZLE: [ YOU ARE HERE]

PROGRAM: [Adobe Acrobat]

So much to do today. Is it a bullet point day? I think it’s a bullet point day. Let’s do this:

• I have today’s Wall Street Journal puzzle as well, so let’s play two. Have at it: [Across Lite] [PDF]

• For the love of Joon Pahk all that’s holy, please, please attend this Sunday’s second annual Boston Crossword Puzzle tournament. I missed last year’s cuz I was in Denver, but I heard it was so successful that’s why they’re doing it again this year. Prizes, camaraderie and puzzles are on the agenda (including one from me and JP). Two of the Crossword Family Superstars (yes, capitals C, F and S) are confirmed to show up: Ryan Hecht and Brian Cimmet. Oh you were expecting Will Shortz and yours truly? We’ll be there too, but let’s face it. We’re more modest about our respective notorieties. Kickoff time is at 1:00, and tickets are required. So click away.

  Just curious: if the Tournament is in Cambridge, why is it the Boston Crossword Tournament? If you have the answer, let me know.

• You might have noticed that dapper young fellow in that photograph up above. Say hello to yet another fan of the moment: Keith Oppenheim of Syracuse, NY. It seems, like me, Keith doesn’t go anywhere without some spare puzzles. Keith writes:

  I was trying my hardest to share the puzzle at the Cincinnati Reds/St. Louis Cardinals opening day game, but it was tough when I was wearing the enemies jersey. Between your book and Patrick Berry’s Puzzle Masterpieces I was quite entertained even when my flights were delayed. As always, I enjoy the puzzles.

  Keith, you’re too kind. Looks like there were plenty of good seats available, which makes me wonder why he’s in the nosebleed seats. He must have been wiped out by the airplane costs. No matter, for his bravado, Keith gets a copy of “Diagramless,” so now there’s no excuse for puzzle-free pockets while waiting in line at the bank, opening pitch, or what have you. Thanks again, Keith. And to everyone else: keep those fan pictures rolling in.

• This video really pissed me off. I don’t know where to begin: the awful mugging, the unchecked letters, the fact that I think they’re trying to link crossword solvers/makers with homicidal maniacs, the fact that it’s not funny. This is just embarrassing. Seriously, y’all, cut the shit.

• Quigley, what’s this thing about a contest that you promised in the heading? Right. Like all my contests (the meta-crossword-as-contest idea stolen liberally from “Miracle” Matt Gaffney), first solve the puzzle whose theme answers spell out a riddle. Hit me up with the answer to the riddle via e-mail, a Facebook message, tweet, buzz, paper airplane thrown through my window, singing telegram, you name it. Do not, I repeat, do not put your answers in the comments. Leave that section to wax poetic about my brilliance. Anyway, if you’re right, the name goes into the drawing. And, as always, if I find some evidence that you’ve pimped this site in some sort of fashion (share the puzzle, remember?), I’ll throw your name in the pot additional times at my discretion/amazement at your pimping skills. DEADLINE: Tuesday at 5:00 P.M. Boston-time (adjust your own clocks accordingly). Five randomly selected winners get either whatever they want from ye olde BEQ.com shoppe (their choice), or some piece of crap from my condo I don’t want anymore (my choice). Good luck to all.

  You’ll notice I shut off the solution features for this puzzle. It’s only for this contest. Solution buttons return on Monday.

Share the puzzle. Themeless Monday on deck.