CROSSWORD SOLVER PUZZLE:
[ THEMELESS MONDAY]
PROGRAM: [Crossword Solver]
PROGRAM: [Java]
PRINTOUT PUZZLE: [ THEMELESS MONDAY]
PROGRAM: [Adobe Acrobat]
ACROSS LITE PUZZLE: [ THEMELESS MONDAY]
PROGRAM: [Across Lite]
A fascinating news article surfaced late last week. In it, Venezuelan puzzle writer Neptalí Segovia was accused of not-so-subliminally hiding a threat of assassinating Hugo Chavez in the Últimas Noticias newspaper crossword. He claims innocence, and perhaps he may have a point. Lord knows many accidental entries just happen to appear in crosswords all the time. But does that claim pass the smell test? (See above grid with the supposed coded message highlighted.) Crucigramas are more blocked off than American crosswords, complete with unches and two-letter words. Because of that, any constructor worth their weight in salt could certainly cram more seed entries in said grids. My nose tells me that Neptalí knew exactly what he was doing.
Is it likely that an American crossword would do something similar? Aside from the obvious fact that it’s a crime to threaten the President’s life, I believe most major newspaper crosswords would deliberately avoid overt-editorializing on any topic. The crossword is intended to be a diversion from all the other stuff in the news, not a contributor to that discussion. But perhaps the real reason is best summed up by the actions of a Michael Jordan. Jordan is one of the most marketable stars who ever lived. He’s also one of the biggest liberals, but has never taken a political stance. His explanation: “Republicans buy shoes too.” Last time I checked, [members of a political affiliation] solve crosswords too.
Share the puzzle. New one on Thursday.
So, 64-Across… inside joke? Way to get lots of esses on the bottom row? Response to the complaints about SIXERS GAME in a recent themeless?
3 for 3!
This Venezuelan xwp reminded me of a Armed Forces Network psa I had seen when I was stationed in Kitzingen, West Germany in 1986-1988. 2 soldiers were talking about upcoming tank maneuvers and unbeknownst to them a German was taking down bits of information. He would feign solving a xwp but what he was actually doing is espionage! Xwps could be a wellspring for big trouble. Also, if you’ve read books on the history of xwps, the infamous OMAHA-UTAH xwp comes up. In 1944, a British cruciverbalist was accused of leaking vital information – thru certain answers that emerged from the xwp. It concerned upcoming operations that would take place on DDay. Conclusion – it was all consider a coincidence albeit incredible. As for yr. xwp. Loved it! Kept me going around in squares! 47D Love this middle name. Shud adopt it. ICYDNK, it was orginally the name of a Greek God. 58A Thot this was _____________ SHOES. 16A Interesting you refer to this near forgotten sitcom. If you know the last name of this Charles, why you ought to be the High Sovereign Ruler of the xwp solvers! Or longtime occupier of the Jeopardy game stage. 27A Thot this was CIDER. 13D Looked forward to an offbeat answer here. Got it. + Back to your comments. Re “People of a political persuasion solving xwps.” Why this has been something I’ve always wondered about. Seems like there are plenty of conservatives out there who are doing the things. Ought to do a major survey and find out what the landscape looks like. Any considerations regarding this?
Little bit of all three, now that you mention it. But is it an outhouse entry?
Not going to do a major survey of the political leanings of crossword solvers, but I can vouch that a little bit of the entire spectrum is represented.
I appreciate your help. You really helped me.