Puzzle #4: Say What?

Today's puzzle comes with a bit of a twist, but I promise there is at least some method to the madness (which I can detail in tomorrow's post). I also have today's puzzle in The Atlantic, which features what might be my favorite theme find of all time. You can solve it here https://www.theatlantic.com/free-daily-crossword-puzzle/ if you feel so inclined :) Happy puzzling, and I hope you've had a safe and activism-filled week.

Amanda

.puz file

Saturday Midi

A little late to posting today (oops!), but heres's a 9x9 grid for your Saturday afternoon solving pleasure. Full-size grid on deck for tomorrow!

Amanda

.puz file

Friday Minis

We've made it to yet another Friday, and it's wild to think how much has happened since just a week ago. It may be the end of the week, but it's just the beginning for so much else. Thank you to everyone who has protested, signed petitions, donated money, had difficult conversations with friends and loved ones, done some serious self-reflection, etc.

Here are two mini puzzles to close out your week. I also had yesterday's Inkubator puzzle (https://inkubatorcrosswords.com/), which celebrated Pride month 🌈. The Inkubator is a wonderful publication that publishes puzzles by cis, trans, & women-aligned constructors, with the goal of reducing the gender disparity in the crossworld. If you haven't yet, I'd highly recommend checking them out. See you back here tomorrow for a midi puzzle, and Sunday for a full-size grid!

Amanda

.puz file Mini #1
.puz file Mini #2

Theatre Thursday #4

Amidst all the chaos of this week (of both the heart-wrenching and heart-warming variety), the theatre world granted us a tiny gift: The Original Broadway Cast of "Hadestown" performing an NPR Tiny Desk Concert. They performed five songs from last year's Tony Award-winning musical: Way Down Hadestown, Come Home With Me/Wedding Song, When The Chips Are Down, Flowers, and Why We Build The Wall. You can watch it here:
https://www.npr.org/2020/06/01/864566001/hadestown-tiny-desk-concert

Though this week's puzzle deals with a different musical, I hope both elements of this post can bring a little bit of light to your day.

PS: In breaking "Hairspray" news, the creators of the musical just decided to edit out a loophole in the licensing agreement, making it required for the show to be cast as written -- with black performers cast in the black roles.

Amanda

.puz file

Mid-week midi + variety puzzle

I hope everyone is doing well and staying safe while also doing the work that needs to be done. One of the nicest things about having a puzzle blog is getting to post puzzles in real time so that the entries included can reflect a moment in time. In addition to today's midi puzzle, I've also included a Crypto-Family variety puzzle in this post. I don't know how many crossword solvers also solve puzzles of this kind, but I'd love to hear from you! Both puzzles have content borne out of this particular moment in time. Happy solving, and keep fighting the good fight.

Amanda

.puz file

PDF Crypto-Family #1

Tuesday Mini #3

There is so much going on in the world right now, and I have been trying to do a lot of listening. Specifically, listening to those who have had different life experiences than my own. I love open dialogues, where people with differing experiences and vantage points can come together to share ideas. The synthesis of all of these ideas can, ideally, move us closer and closer to truth. And hopefully, one day, that truth will move us closer to humanity. My voice is not one that specifically needs to be heard right now, but I think the voice of the man pictured above does. This mini puzzle is a tiny tribute to a huge voice. And to all of the huge voices that are being heard right now. Listen. And be good to one another. Please. 💗

Amanda

.puz file

Guest Mini: Little Puzzle by Matthew Stock

I am so excited to kick off the puzzle week (and the new month!) by hosting a lovely mini from the delightful constructor Matthew Stock. His website https://www.happylittlepuzzles.com/ has become a part of my regular solving rotation, both for the abundance of great puzzles and also for the giant picture of a cat on a crossword puzzle displayed at the top. With a winning combination like that, how could you refuse a regular visit? I know I can't! Happy solving!

Amanda

From Matthew: "Absolutely thrilled that Amanda now has her own site, and honored to lead off the week with a little guest spot! Hope it makes you smile -- if it does, check out happylittlepuzzles.com for more like it 🙂"

.puz file