Friday Minis

Each of today's mini puzzles has a tasty treat inside of it -- and I do mean that literally. The now-famous/infamous Sid Sivakumar has officially inspired me to start adding more foods from my culture into puzzles. So here we are. This certainly isn't the last you'll see of such entries 😉🧩

Amanda

Theatre Thursday #12

Puzzle spoilers and hot theater takes ensue. Read after solving if you care about either. 

Have you ever loved something so much that you don't even know how to talk about it? That's how I feel right now, writing about "Come From Away". In actually, I have an ungodly amount to say so I'm hoping I'm able to be articulate and reasonably concise in the sentences that follow. I saw "Come From Away" about a year and a half ago and it's truly difficult to capture the power and heart that this show has managed to embody with little to no fanfare. The set, as you can see from the photo above, is nearly non-existent, as is the presence of any major props, costumes, or production value to speak of. Instead, you find yourself confronted by perhaps the strongest ensemble work of any show you've ever seen -- with each actor double-cast and not a single one emerging as the lead or the star. Rather, the ensemble as a whole elevates itself and rises to a new level of excellence that I've never seen before in the theater. If you've yet to experience the magic of this show, there's some good news: 1) It's slated to go on tour again next year (fingers crossed that the arts will be in a position to return by then); and 2) the musical is almost entirely sung through, so by listening to the cast album you are able to catch all but about 20 minutes of the story. STORY. That is really what this musical does so well. Tells a story. Tells a true story. And not only tells a story but tells the story that we so desperately need to hear and be reminded of right now: that there is good among us and within us.

This is a beautiful and unusual show. The songs, barring a few, do not feel like show tunes. The function of the music is so narrative that it's possible to even forget that the storytelling is being done through song. The handful of characters present in the show were condensed from hours of interviews with tons of real life people and yet the narrative comes out feeling seamless and natural. So much could have gone wrong at so many points in the development of a true story centering around 9/11 that would then be produced in New York. But it's perfect. (And in my opinion should have won Best Book at the Tony's that year). Perhaps right now as much as ever its message serves as a hopeful reminder that there can be acts of kindness that bridge our differences in response to a terrible event. I hope you feel inspired to either visit or revisit the cast album, and/or keep an eye out for tickets whenever the world resumes as normal. For now, I'm including a link to the cast of "Come From Away" performing an NPR Tiny Desk Concert that I just cried through all 18 minutes of. I hope you enjoy -- and be sure to grab a box of tissues! 🎭🧩

Amanda

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Guest Midi by Ken Stern

I'm super happy to be hosting a midi puzzle by Ken Stern today, which I learned from his notes below is his first solo puzzle in thirteen (!!) years. What an honor! :) Ken is a great guy and a fun constructor and it was a blast to work with him on this puzzle. One of the things I like best about both working with and hosting other constructors is that it gives me an endless opportunity for learning. That's also something I like about solving crossword puzzles in general. 1-Across was something that I got to discover through editing this puzzle, and it's something that I am now happy to know. Continued learning is by far one of my favorite things about making and solving crosswords, and I continue to be surprised by all of the amazing stuff I come across. I hope you enjoy today's mouth-watering offering! 🧩

Here's Ken: This is my first solo crossword in 13 years, and my first attempt at a freestyle grid. I took Amanda up on her open offer on Twitter to publish a puzzle -- you already know how wonderful (and daily!) her puzzles are, but she also has a really keen eye as an editor -- if you are working on a puzzle, she will undoubtedly help you help it better, as I'm grateful to her for doing with this one. Thank you, Amanda! This puzzle is also partly inspired by an interview with Sid Sivakumar (who you might be aware has his own crossword site at sidsgrids.com) in which he talked about including more world cuisine in puzzles. 1-Across is not my native cuisine, but I certainly enjoy both eating and spelling it. Finally, if you haven't already, I hope you'll make a donation to a COVID or racial justice charity and pick  up Grids For Good (gridsforgood.org), the collection of 44 excellent original puzzles, to which Amanda and I both contributed.

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Tuesday Mini

Honestly, any opportunity to celebrate Phoebe Waller-Bridge should be taken, so that is just what I did in today's puzzle. And in the photo for today's puzzle. I know mini puzzles aren't necessarily everyone's bag, so I do my best to keep the entries, the clues, and the grid designs feeling as fresh and interesting as I can. I hope I've succeeded. And if not, I'll see you back here tomorrow for something else. 😉🧩

Amanda

Monday Midi

Well yesterday was quite an eventful day at the Boswords tournament! What a fun afternoon! Thanks to everyone who reached out with kind words after the tournament, and congrats to Paolo, Erik, and David for your huge successes! If you weren't able to participate in the tournament, the pack of tournament puzzles can be purchased for (I believe) $5 on the Boswords site. I've also been told that the full interviews with everyone will be accessible somewhere/somehow, so I'm looking forward to checking those out. If anyone is here for the first time after hearing about this site during the tournament, 1) Welcome!, and 2) No, I'm sorry this is not sidsgrids.com. But there's the link if you meant to go there instead ;)

I was feeling pumped up after the tournament yesterday, so I went kind of crazy with the clues for today's puzzle. I hope you find them fun! In other clue news, a few of my wackier clues got edited from my Boswords puzzle, so when I stream on Twitch this week, maybe I'll have a "cut clues" segment amidst our group solving. We'll probably solve some more cryptics, and maybe some other variety puzzles or NPL flats. Hope to see you there, and in the meantime, enjoy the puzzle! 🧩

Amanda

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Puzzle #11: "Led Astray" by Enrique Henestroza Anguiano

What a total thrill to be hosting Enrique Henestroza Anguiano on Brain Candy today! Enrique has his own site (Datalexic) where he posts crosswords, and he's also been popping up on other indie constructors' blogs lately as well, and I've had a blast solving all of his puzzles. It was so great to work with him on this one, especially since the idea was such a fun one! And honestly, he's just a really delightful guy. I'm really looking forward to seeing more of his work in the future :)

In other news, today is the long-awaited Boswords tournament (which I have a puzzle in), so if you're planning on participating in that...happy solving and I hope you enjoy the puzzle! I look forward to talking shop with you all afterwards! 🧩

Here's Enrique: I'm stoked to have a puzzle on Brain Candy! I've been following Amanda's superstar trajectory and puzzles across a number of venues over the past year, but I also love her level of dedication to publishing a high-quality puzzle on the daily here. This guest crossword was something in my files that I loved, but that was in an in-between zone on the trickiness scale. Amanda had great suggestions for improving the fill and thoughtful feedback on the clues that helped make this the best puzzle it could be -- much appreciation for her awesome editing skills. Hope you enjoy!

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Saturday Midi

I am so happy to have 24-Across in this puzzle. I feel like no matter what your background is, there's some version of this for every culture. I'd love to compare and contrast. While they're all probably rooted in something fairly serious, there's also something to be said for a shared experience that ultimately can bring people closer together. A big part of my cultural involvement in this capacity centers around cuisine, and what I wouldn't give for a deli right now. (Thanks a lot, PICTURE). Happy Saturday, and happy solving everyone! 🧩

Amanda

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Friday Mini (Super-sized!)

Today, instead of two minis I'm posting one "super-sized" mini....which is really kind of a small midi? Just roll with it. This was obviously going to be the theme of today's puzzle, and the puzzle is running a little late as a result. I wouldn't have had it any other way.

I'm listening to this right now. Are you?🎵🧩

Amanda

Theatre Thursday #11

The seed for today's puzzle was, of course, 25-Across. While the clue for it states that it is a 2014 play (and it is), it didn't make it to Broadway until this day in 2018, at which time Young Jean Lee (pictured above) made history by being the first Asian-American woman playwright produced on Broadway. All five of the plays leads also made their Broadway debuts, including 14-Across. I hope you enjoy today's puzzle (and its wacky grid shape) 😄🧩

Amanda

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Wednesday Midi

Sometimes I forget that there are no rules here (aside from, you know, the general conventions that make a crossword puzzle not terrible) so I made today's midi puzzle a funky shape for no other reason than because I could. And because it was fun. I hope you have as good a time solving it as I had making it! 🧩

Amanda

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Guest Mini by Matt Gaffney

I'm beyond excited to be hosting a mini puzzle today by crossword constructor extraordinaire Matt Gaffney. Matt is the brilliant mind behind "Matt Gaffney's Weekly Crossword Contest," which I'm sure many of you not only have already heard of, but actively participate in. The website for the contest can be found here. Matt is also the constructor behind the Daily Beast's new midi puzzles. You can find these puzzles five days a week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday), and as someone who solves them myself, I can say they are extremely enjoyable and very accessible. I hope you enjoy today's solve, and you can find Matt on Twitter at @metabymatt.

Amanda

Monday Midi

The above photo corresponds to 35-Across, as you'll quickly discover upon solving ;) I understand that this site may have been presenting some technical difficulties for some solvers recently. If you are one of them, feel free to shoot me a message. It appears to have something to do with the PuzzleMe software, and I'm sort of hoping it works itself out in short notice. In the meantime, if the grids on the actual site are giving you any trouble, the .puz files should all be working just fine. Happy solving, and I hope your Monday is off to a solid start. Tune back in tomorrow for a guest 7x7 mini from a constructor you all know and love! Hint: these days, he's making five weekly midi puzzles for a popular site 🙂🧩

Amanda

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Puzzle #10: All Rise

I made this puzzle quite a while back and, as it happens, I somehow got distracted by other puzzle projects and forgot about this one until I was rummaging around in my puzzle folder this weekend. There's something about the simplicity and pseudo-goofiness of the theme that makes me smile -- or perhaps it's just that it's reminiscent of the good old days of going to the theater. I hope this proves to be a fun Sunday solve! 🧩

Amanda

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Saturday 13x13: It's Complicated...

We've all experienced some complications. Work them out in today's lightly-themed 13x13 puzzle, and maybe have a little fun along the way. See you back here tomorrow for a full-sized grid! 🧩

Amanda

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Guest Minis by Luciano Spanto

Read after solving to avoid spoilers! A couple of weeks ago, I put the feelers out for guest constructors (thank you to everyone who reached out!) and was excited to hear from Luciano Spanto, a constructor from Argentina. While I myself am a Francophile and made the possibly insane decision to take French for 17 years instead of learning a language I could actually use, I do know that Spanish is the second-most-common language spoken by people in the United States and thought it would be fun to include a mini puzzle in Spanish that could be solvable both by fluent speakers and by folks who were at least somewhat proficient. When I received a grid from Luciano, he pointed out that he had chosen a lot of words for the grid that were also words in English. After looking at the grid more closely, it occurred to me that nearly all of the words in the grid could be clued with different meanings in English and Spanish. Thus, the idea of the "double grid" was born: utilizing the same grid but with two separate sets of clues, with as few overlapping definitions as possible. Even if you figure out what's going on and can't actually "solve" both grids, I hope it's still interesting to look at the functions of language that are present. Language and languages fascinate me, and the idea of cognates and false cognates are just one of the many interesting facets of language learning that got me hooked decades ago. So getting to present these in grid form is really a nerdy little dream come true. So thanks Luciano! (You can find him on Twitter at @spantonline).  And special thanks to Enrique Henestroza Anguiano for proofing the grids for me, since I don't speak a word of Spanish. Well...maybe A word...🧩


Here's Luciano: Amanda tweeted looking for guest constructors for her blog, and I thought it would be a great opportunity to try making a crossword in English for the first time. I did misread her tweet though...where she said she wanted to make having guests a "more intentional practice," I read "international". So I pointed out I'm from Argentina. From this accident comes this bilingual crossword. Also, I couldn't stop myself from leaving some Argentinian references scattered around. Thanks for having me!

Theatre Thursday #10

The seed for this week's puzzle was, obviously, 12/25-Across. When I realized her name split perfectly symmetrically, well...you know what had to be done. Plus, I don't think anyone who has seen her in "Hamilton" has walked away not being like "DAMN, MY NEW QUEEN!". In the past, she has also graced us as Nala in "The Lion King", Mimi in "Rent", and Nettie in "The Color Purple", to name a few. I hope in solving this puzzle you either audibly yelp with delight upon seeing her name, or will now take the opportunity to go explore her talents. Here's a tiny clip from Hamilton to whet your appetite. Now go watch the rest. 🧩

Amanda

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Wednesday Midi

Today's midi was seeded with 12-Across, which is one of those internet phenomenons that I saw was trending and ultimately had to google in order to understand wtf was going on. (Disclaimer: this happens a lot). I'll give you one guess what today's picture is of ;)

In other puzzle news, I had yesterday's AVCX puzzle, which was a 66-word themeless that was a bit too risque for the mainstream outlets. Luckily for all of us constructors (and solvers), there are other outlets that let us fly our freak flags sky high. If you're not an AVCX subscriber, I'd consider changing that. But until then, you can buy the individual puzzles for $1 each at the AVCX website.

I hope both puzzles add some spice to your solving rotation! 🧩

Amanda

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Tuesday Mini

It's time again for the Tuesday mini and today's feels a little wacky, so I hope you enjoy it! Would you believe me if I told you that I used to be hardcore obsessed with American football? Like next-level obsessed? But ever since Peyton Manning's retirement, it's just not the same. And now I'm left to make peace with the fact that ELI shows up in crosswords a whole lot more. Is there something we can do about this? Happy solving! 🧩

Amanda

Monday Midi

Welcome back to another day in paradise! Today's puzzle is a 9x9 freestyle midi accompanied by a picture of Jabba the Hutt. I'll just let all of that speak for itself. 💁🧩

Amanda

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Puzzle #9: Guest Themeless (Sid Sivakumar)

I'm beyond thrilled to say that today's guest puzzle comes courtesy of fan-favorite Sid Sivakumar. I actually clearly remember the first time I was ever blown away by Sid. Back in October, he had an AVCX puzzle called "Bursting With Pride", and it's one of the most memorable puzzles I've ever solved. I was overcome with a combination of the joys of representation, amazement at Sid's craft, and jealousy that I hadn't thought of that awesome idea myself. (If you somehow missed the puzzle, you can probably still buy it for $1 on the AVCX site). Sid has rapidly become an indie crossword powerhouse (who also happened to have an amazing NYT debut a couple of weeks ago). He is one of those people whose site you rush over to when you learn a new puzzle has been posted because you just know it's going to be epic. What an honor it is to have him here today. Happy solving! 🧩


Here's Sid: Amanda is a truly inspiring puzzle maker. She somehow publishes an ultra-fresh puzzle on her blog every day (something that can't even be said of most newspapers), and her voice shines without the interference of editors. Good crossword puzzles are authored -- not just made -- and it's rare to find an author you love who delivers a bite-sized work of art to your inbox every morning. When Amanda asked if I would contribute a guest puzzle to her site, I replied that it would be a matter of when, not if.  

Naturally, this grid started with 32A, and knowing that Amanda and I have a shared interest, I seeded the corners with 4D and 34D. I recently re-scored my word list, prioritizing references to BIPOC culture (see entries 29A, 5D, 26D, and 47D), but I also continue to seek out inclusive cluing opportunities like 35A and 44D here. Hope you enjoy the puzzle!

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Saturday Midi

Oh hello! I hope this unusual photo gives you some kind of feeling on this fine Saturday. I sort of...can't...stop...looking at it? Hm. I hope that you enjoy today's midi puzzle when you yourself have moved on from staring this creature dead in the eyes. Tomorrow brings a guest themeless puzzle from a constructor you all know and love. See you then!🧩

Amanda

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Friday Minis

Another Friday descends upon us and this one comes not only with two mini puzzles, but with some wise advice from Yoda as well. I hope everyone had a nice week and has something relaxing planned for the weekend. Until tomorrow! 🧩

Amanda

Theatre Thursday #9

The seed for this puzzle, which was 12-Across, came courtesy of Ken Stern who won last week's "Guess How Many Times Amanda Will Cry While Watching Hamilton" contest. He guessed 15 times and, what do you know, 15 it was! (In my defense, I was mostly just overwhelmed to be watching a theatrical production after a 4 month dry spell). Anyway, when he presented me with 12-Across, I knew it would make for the perfect opportunity to do a Les Mis-inspired Theatre Thursday, so here we are! Given that the show ran for 16 years on Broadway, for a whopping total of 6,680 performances, I suspect no one will have any complaints 😄🧩

Amanda

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Wednesday Midi

Today's puzzle is for the for the video game lovers among us. I will admit I'm not a huge gamer, but I do enjoy playing certain games here and there even though I'm pretty terrible at all of them. The game that makes up today's mini theme is one that I've been watching my girlfriend play over the past few weeks and, much to our delight, there's a lesbian story line included. As pictured above. A few months ago, I would have had no idea what this was, but here's to always being open to learning new things. And apparently the game is massively popular, so I'm assuming it's fair game here. Feel free to let me know in the comments if it's not ;) Happy solving! 🧩

Amanda

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Tuesday Mini

6-Across in today's puzzle mentions the 11:00 number of a musical, so it should come as no surprise that today's photo is of Queen Idina Menzel performing the 11:00 number from "If/Then". Idina comes just behind Julie Andrews in my list of favorite humans, so obviously this opportunity could not be missed. Enjoy today's mini puzzle! 🧩

Amanda

Monday Midi

Today's puzzle is my first attempt at using diagonal symmetry, which to me always kind of looks a little like an insect and whose weirdness I am fully here for. (See the antennas in the top left and the little legs in the bottom right? No? I see. That's fine). I also capitalized on the opportunity to use a picture of America's Sweetheart for today's post. I can't think of a single person who doesn't love this guy, and I know that many folks in the crossword community have had a chance to be on Jeopardy! and see him in action firsthand. One of the best birthdays of my life was sitting in the front row at a taping of Jeopardy! It actually turned out to be James Holzhauer's first game; I congratulated him after the show, having no idea what was to come. A few months later, I returned to go to another taping and, much to my intense surprise, James was STILL FUCKING PLAYING! Suffice it to say that was a bit of a spoiler for the insane run that was to come, but that wouldn't be aired until about 4 months later. Anyway, story time is over. Here's the Monday midi! 😄🧩

Amanda

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Puzzle #8: Themeless

Hi everyone! I took yesterday off because I was extremely busy staying at home and not spreading diseases. Plus, I've heard it's OK not to work on a federal holiday; I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me ;) Today, I'm coming at you with a 70-word themeless and, apparently, a picture of Cousin Itt. What's that all about? I guess you'll just have to solve and find out! Happy Sunday and I hope you had a safe and relaxing holiday. 🧩

Amanda

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Friday Minis

Oh who is this perfect specimen, you ask? Why this is my fur baby Zelda (after Zelda Fitzgerald, not the video game. Sorry). I promise this is not a random photograph, but is in fact related to something in one of these grids. (Also, if you have a pet you know as well as I do that any excuse to post a photo will very quickly be acted upon). Anyway, it's Friday, which can only mean it's time for two mini puzzles. I hope they're a pleasant and bite-sized start to a holiday weekend that's full of safe, curve-flattening choices. 🧩

Amanda

Theatre Thursday #8

Whether you saw it in the room where it happened on Broadway, or you're satisfied watching the filmed version tomorrow, I think it's safe to say that all theater fans are pretty excited that this day has finally arrived. If you've somehow missed the big announcement, the original Broadway cast of Hamilton was filmed at the Richard Rodgers theater back when the show came out, and this film is being released tomorrow (July 3rd) on Disney+. I think Disney+ costs under $10/month and the price of a single Hamilton ticket is usually at least ten times that, so if you're interested in seeing the show without paying an arm and a leg, this is absolutely your opportunity. The film will be up indefinitely so there's no rush to watch, and that also sets you up to watch it on repeat if you find yourself a major fan. Today's puzzle is an opportunity to test your Hamilton knowledge before the big day, with plenty of other theater stuff sprinkled in too. Happy solving, enjoy the show, and get at me with your punny Hamilton-inspired food ideas. History Has It's Fries On You, anyone? 🧩

Amanda

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Wednesday midi

Because I'm about 40 years behind on television, I've been watching the Golden Girls all the way through for the very first time. As everyone else already knows, it's the best. So when I saw that I had the opportunity to put 4-Down in this puzzle and clue it the way that it's clued, well that just about made my day. Weirdly, this puzzle is sort of television themed (with a nod to crosswords themselves) and also has a lot of television-related things in the fill. I don't know who I think I am making a ballsy move like that, but here's hoping it turned out alright 😉 In addition to today's midi puzzle here, Ross and I also have today's New York Times puzzle. I hope you enjoy both!

Amanda

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