THEMELESS MONDAY: [ ACROSS LITE][ PDF]
PROGRAMS: [Across Lite] [Adobe Reader]
2020 is almost in the books. We could complain, or we could look back at some of what I believe were highlight puzzles on this here blog. That feels a bit more positive.
COVID played a big role in everybody’s life. It inspired me to make a few puzzles. One, right out of the gate. A second a bit later when things seemed to be a bit never ending. And then, probably my favorite puzzle of the year, there was this one. That was one subject I wasn’t quite prepared to tackle, at least I was able to find some humor in the topic.
Speaking of favorites, 47-Across in this puzzle is what I think is my best individual theme answer. The rest of the puzzle ain’t too bad itself.
How about a couple Very Much On Brand BEQ puzzles? Sounds good. There was the very boozy Tossing Back A Few Beers and the “you really went there”/”yes I did” puzzle called Hot Snacks.
I got one of the theme answers in this one from my friend, crossword speed solving legend Jon Delfin. That I was able to get another couple to make a complete set felt like something akin to turning water into wine.
Kids, don’t try triple checking crossword answers at home. Unless you are forced to work out of your home and you have nowhere else to attempt triple checking crossword answers. Anyway, here was this year’s model of the triple checked puzzle.
Last two puzzles: I liked the puns that I pulled off in this one, but as with all pun themed puzzles, your mileage may vary. And lets end on a positive note, shall we? I do puzzles with this sort of gimmick a lot. Still, it’s titled “Say yes,” something we could all stand to say more of this coming year.
This is the last time I’m going to mention the year-end drive. THANK YOU TO EVERYBODY WHO CHIPPED IN. It means a lot. It also means a lot to hear how much my puzzles brightened up your year. Thank you , once again. Anyway, this is it. Long story short, this site is always going to be free. All I ask is if you’ve been enjoying them, a Strictly voluntary tip helps the site chug along smoothly. PayPal or Venmo (@TheBEQ) preferred. Two bonus 21xs are yours to all who can chip in. Oh, and I forgot! One randomly selected donor will get a subscription to the independent puzzle of their choice. If you haven’t got your bonus puzzles yet, let me know. Long form appeal is here.
Looking for more puzzles? The Hub Crossword (Sunday puzzles by me and Emily Cox and Henry Rathvon) and Marching Bands year six have begun. So if that To Do list needs even more puzzles, you know what to do.
Share the puzzle. New one on Thursday.
Happy New Year, Brendan o’ mine, and thank you for your terrific puzzles — today’s included!
Amen, Kelly. Do you remember ever a BEQ puzzle that was a bomb? He’s always consistently great.
And anyone reading this. if you haven’t tipped yet, why not???!! We gotta keep this guy in business. Think of it this way, do you do the NYT? That runs you $35-40 a year. BEQ is worth that and more. So throw some bucks in the pot. $40 is a nice round number.