Apparently not everyone got the memo when it comes to the overarching theme of this Halloweek, I guess. There's nothing remotely spooky about today's puzzle! Unless you think an EXDA shouldn't be in politics, I guess.
Instead, we get an amusing reparsing of phrases where the first word or words can be reinterpreted as verbal hesitation. Thus, the classic comparison of two people who can never get along is instead discussing two paint bases (LIKEOILANDWATER). I particularly liked 55A: It's ... (what am I trying to say?) ... it's what my dentist uses (YOUKNOWTHEDRILL). I chuckled at this one.
I'm not convinced by the use of giant commas in the grid to help us see what's going on. Are they necessary? They certainly helped me see how to solve some of the answers by showing me where word breaks in the phrases occurred. But I could have solved the puzzle without them, and maybe have found the "aha!" moments on my own. Your mileage may vary, I expect. Also, I think the NYT likes putting in visual elements now to spice up the grid, so it's become a trademark.
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| SALMAN Rushdie |
Some fun clues today. 25D: She has a lot of young followers (MOTHERDUCK) is a nice example of this style of direct referent clue. 48A: Paper you can trip on? (LSDTAB) took so many crosses before I understood what we were looking for. But how about 57A: Cause of dog bites (LICE) - no question mark here at all! I love that the clue changes the meaning to ways in which dogs are bit.
It's a fun theme and a strong grid. Keep up the good work, Sam! You might have a future in puzzling. Now we just have to get you to accept more acceptable words in the Spelling Bee.
- Colum
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