@M&A I half-heartedly looked for other words through the circled A's. Would have looked harder if the title had been "Solvers Triple Checked"
The circled A's reminded me of a possible modification to this puzzle http://crosswordfiend.com/forum/download/file.php?id=235&sid=5b8ad109f42afc2a8f7384c5ee98e855 written by Andrea Carla Michaels and Doug Peterson before the fallout. Andrea could modified it so the only circled letters were the A's. Get it?
Tomorrow is Rex Parker's 46th birthday. What better way to celebrate it than to solve the NYT puzzle published on his birthday. It is eminently doable but I didn't know enough about blubber to finish it without errors.
Look M(&)A, no cheats! A new runt record for me. Thanks! Certainly the salad which may or may not be named after 9A was a staple at our Thanksgiving dinners.
Turkey Runt http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=Mzg4MzUxODUwNjE4NjA5NA
A perfect Thanksgiving puzzle. Thanks for providing these puzzles for us. I will include your work as one of the things that I am thankful for tomorrow.
Psycho Spaghetti Server http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=OTA3MzAzODc0MjY5MTg3MA
@Teedmn Re: not reporting first entry correctly. You retyped a couple of letters which the program interpreted as vacillating on the answer. I will fix this on the next release.
Side by side stumpers: http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/CompareSolutions?p1=NTQxMDMzODc0MDQyNjU0OA:teedmn&p2=MjkwMjkxODczMDc0NjMxNw:r.alph
I am very impressed that you got rid of the incorrect answer to {Lead role in a 2015 blockbuster film} so soon!
When I step through the side by side I often want to know what your grid looked like when you entered a particular answer. For example, I wanted to know when you entered the short story award. I will add the ability to do this in the next release. Please let me know any features that you think would help with the comparison.
@r.alph, thanks for the explanation on the first entry. It seemed rather far down on the list from where it belonged. And as far as erasing that grid spanner in the Stumper, I really wanted that to be right but had to bow to the fact that it wasn't working. The feature you want to add sounds very useful.
@Bob, great Psycho solve!
M&A, thanks for the laugh regarding your special kitchen talents and how to divvy up cinnamon rolls.
@BobK: hars. Could even say that the runt Halled off and Decked U? But, hey -- 5 min solve time is not all that unrespectable. And U seemed to blaze right thru the dreaded Antimony Area.
@Teedmn The URL you posted for Deck the Halls may have a missing character at the end, at least I hope it does. It says that solution is not in the database. If you open the Deck the Halls puzzle again, you should see your comments and you can upload them again.
Yeah, I noticed that this morning - I must not have highlighted all the way when I copied the URL. I assume I have to be on the same computer to get the comments back, (at least it isn't working on this one) so I'll have to try it from home later today. Meanwhile, my time was 4:09, so not so bad.
@M&A Good find! @Teedmn Stream of consciousness comments are perhaps the best way to comment on a runt puzzle. You made me aware that how ironic its was that I was in the dark regarding 12D for such a long time.
@everybody: If U are just maybe sittin around, on a gloomy, rainy day … this cruel and unusual runt will provide potential hours of entertainment … unless you get it ...
"U-Turns" -- Turned on the light in my room ("the computer room," previously "the dining room") on this still-dark day. Didn't help, unfortunately. I "got" some of it, but not quite enough. Had to be shown which letters were wrong, then made corrections, still left with some puzzlement. Overall, a brilliant puzzle!
@BobK: Well, U probably did a lot better solvin that U-Turn thing than M&A would have, if he'da been in yer place. So, congrats. I have noticed from yer avatar photo, that U kinda prefer darker lighting schemes.
Anyhoo, here is a Runtpuz Regal Recap of the solution for "Deck the Halls (Fe La La Li Lu)".
A long and pointless tale: I read your comment, "FRAU Blucher, mit umlaut over the U," and thought, for the sake of the many impressionable young minds following this blog, I should point out that there is no umlaut in FRAU, although there is one in FRAÜLEIN, This caused me in typical internet fashion to look more deeply into the Mel Brooks reference, where I found that the umlaut to which you refer actually appears in the Blücher! So you are right as always, and I am abashed, but it was interesting to read about:
http://www.snopes.com/movies/films/blucher.asp
And, BTW, if you looked like me, you would prefer dark lighting schemes, too!
Bank Phobia - should we find it disturbing that both @r.alph and @ Bob's first correct answer was 12A? And @r.alph, funny that we both had the same reaction to 9A.
The M&A extended fam plays a game called "Fictionary" every holiday season: Everyone tries to pick out the right definition (donated by the moderator from a really ginormous dictionary) from among a bunch of bogus definitions (donated by the other players). Happy holidays …
Replacement Team http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NDc0Nzg5OTI1OTQ3ODYzMA
@M&A Am watching the movie "Masked and Anonymous" mainly waiting for Bob Dylan to sing. Given that I am a big fan of "The Big Lebowski" it is painful to watch the interaction of Jeff Bridges and John Goodman.
I have an idea how I can get the DVD to you. I can send it to Will Shortz. When he notifies you that your puzzle is about to be published you can ask him to mail the DVD to you (he presumably has your address to mail you the check). I will also include some money for postage. What do you think?
@r.alph: Gotta give U points for an elaborate plan, but I already have the DVD for that flick. M&A has the DVD for almost every movie, of that there caliber. (Except for a few choice want list items.) But, mucho thanx, for yer good intentions.
@r.alph -- re: yer Overall comment for "Replacement Team": yep. That's it. Considered adding the extra team member U were wondering about. Thought circled grid letters was too easy and too random -- if it had been 8-letters, coulda used an appropriate set of capitalized "replaced" letters … maybe?
p.s. Sorry, no good new atomic scoreboard candidates, in all that 2-letter material.
Thanks, @Teed (if I may call you that!) I was careful, though it may not be the distinction I think it is, to say they played the same character, or perhaps I even should have said the same-named character, since the roles were very different. ;>)
Re: "Runt Fictionary" -- I was so surprised to read that M&A had visited the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, because I was hung up on thinking it was in Russia. Had to Google just now to get it straight!
"Red and Green" - not my best Runt outing - one "check letter", should have known. http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NzQwNDMwOTQxNzc3NDg1MA
@r.alph, thanks for the explanation of 5D for "Holiday Boogers", I had a mental block there. And great alternate, runt-style clue for 1D on "Red and Green".
"Cheffing with a Snarl" - brutal. You must add 15 minutes plus multiple checks for wrongness to my solve. I quit after 15 minutes and then had a sudden inspiration at 4D and went back to finish.
@r.alph -- When I click on the address posted for your solve of "Cheffing with a snarl" I get my own solution, via the original puzzle. Yet M&A seems to have accessed your solution, since he refers to your comments, and I have no problem getting to @Teedmn's solution.
@M&A, BobK I posted the link to the puzzle rather than my solution. Here is the correct link. http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=OTc3MzQzOTU4MTcyNDcxOQ Thanks for pointing this out
I have concluded that the last stumpy stumper maybe shoulda been advertised as a "biter" runt. But, hey -- who doesn't enjoy a 7x7 surprise challenge, now and then.
Did y'all know that there is also a category of runt called "Maddog Runt"? It is a fairly nuclear option, sorta like the use of the dreaded triple-??? clue. Somethin to put on yer Christmas wish list, maybe?
@Bob, nice solve! @r.alph, great writeup on "Cheffing with a Snarl". I was wondering about the puzzle solution in your first post but I went all Emperor's New Clothes and thought it was just me.
M&A, I hope you give us the Maddog rating in the title when one appears - like five alarm chili, a heads-up is nice.
"North Pole Faves" -- 5:53, depending on the definition of a cheat. If I am told there are wrong letters, but don't ask which ones they are, does that count as a cheat? Since I couldn't do that on a paper solve, I guess it is a cheat. So I really shouldn't post a time.
@BobK: The runtz are an online phenom; they prefer not to leave an incriminatin paper trail. Just bein told U ain't got a runtpuz right yet don't seem like a cheat, in my book. More like a gentle slap in the face -- or a warning snarl, if U will. Shootz, U still have to spend all them additional valuable nano-seconds, figurin out the correct solution, on yer own. What the hey!
I say that yer (runt) solve time is perfectly legit.
"Snot Cat Snot" http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NjYyMTI5OTI3NDIwMzE3 @Teedmn Me neither. Will wear a helmet while reading M&A's explanation.
@Teedmn, @r.alph: No biggie. Like most non-themed runtz, M&A got the title by extractin words from the clues. "Snot Cat" was my original title, but then thought that "snot" also sounded like a hippy-dippy "it's not". So went with 'Snot Cat Snot, using "snot" with both interpretations. Kinda like a first, in runtpuz titling, if U will. But nothing more.
Themeless runtz do not necessarily have Christmas themes. But they may occasionally mention Christmas stuff.
Elementary/Nursery School Crush http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NDY0NzExMzE3OTkwOA Good job @M&A and @BobK (especially getting 14A as second correct answer!)
@Teedmn - Be careful what U wish for, on that there maddog runt. My Saturday Stumper solve went on and on, off and on, for many hours, due mostly to that nasty NE area. Never did finish the whole thing correctly.
"Santa Pickup" -- 6:18, no cheats, but a couple of lucky guesses. Had the good fortune to be foiled again. (There's a good laugh line in there somewhere, if only I had an elemental grasp of humor.)
"Santa Pickup" I think @Bob said it,"Curses, foiled again". And I really was. 17:21 and more Checks than I kept track of. And it wasn't even considered a biter.
Mysterious Presents http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=ODczNDI5MTk3MTIxNTQ1 @Teedmn Nice solve time. We had the same comment for 10A!
Numinous, a long time commenter on the Rex Parker blog has consented to having some of his runt cryptic puzzles published on this blog. These are not Guardians of The Galaxy! I have had more success with his puzzles than with those of any other setter.
The blog posting now contains a link to a brief tutorial on the types of clues that can appear in a cryptic puzzle. You can also google for other tutorials.
Here is Cryptic # 4 http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetPuzzle?url=http%3A%2F%2Fpuzzlecrowd.com%2Fcryptics%2FCryptic04PG13.puz&hidden=
And here is my solution with extensive comments http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NTkzNzk0MjAzMTUyMDEx
Thanks @Numinous and welcome to the world of runt puzzles!
Cryptic # 4 -- "Finished" in 31:51. Not as bad as that looks, because I was interrupted by An Important Phone Call, and then An Important Visitor, and I didn't know how to pause the puzzle, if that is possible. Also not as good as it looks, because I had to flat-out ask for the last two letters, not unusual when I tackle cryptics. But a nice cryptic, several aha moments when I sussed the answers.
Yay, @Numinous!! Been missin other fellow runt puzzle constructioneers here, for waaaaay too long now. Thanx so much, for contributin.
Lookin forward to both solving yer Cryptic #4 (today) and also getting tips on how to make a better Galaxy of the Guardian runt (someday -- maybe during the post-Christmas M&A runt truce). I'm told I ain't quite got the hang of it yet.
p.s. @BobK: I find that if U open a second window in yer computer browser, that stops the timer in the runtpuz solver window, until U return to it. One way to skin a cat.
I'm wondering, @M&A, how you construct yer runtz. I stumbled on Crossword Maker For Cruciverbalists for iPad in the iTunes Store. It seems to be the best available for the iPad but I hate the wordlist. I've recently found a resource in Cross Help that not only suggests words with only a couple of letters selected but offers anagrams as well. Cumbersome, switching between apps but still a vast improvement. I'm really pleased to be joining up in this creative venture.
@Numinous: Good question, on how M&A makes runtz. U need to know about this, so U can avoid that technique at all costs.
Basic procedure: 1. Think up an idea that (usually) don't have any themers longer than 7 letters. Fortunately, that's pretty easy, since not many people are creatin puzs with such (what I like to call "tight") themes. 2. Print off a piece of paper with a 7x7 empty grid on it. I usually print off an empty 15x15 grid, and use it for four runtz. 3. Put into grid a long word that has a U or two in it. This is essential. Good Karma demands it. 4. Put themers into grid. Try to do it symmetrical, but don't hurt yerself over that. 5. Dream up words that will fill out the rest of the grid. Surprisingly, there rarely is a complete set that will do that, unless U really really dare to be desperate (as in a forthcoming Maddog Runtpuz). So, U will have to resort to placing in some black squares here and there. Again, symmetric black square placement is preferred, but I find the world don't end, if U don't. 5.5. I might add that I often use the xwordinfo.com word Finder page, to help m&e come up with words that might work. 6. Enjoy a tasty cinnamon roll. 7. Clue 'er up. If U have unchecked squares, do something sneaky, like usin the circles or runt-rolls(™), to check em up. Hold a small ceremony, where one (most desperate or otherwise deserving) entry is awarded the coveted double-?? clue. 8. Sleep long time. 9. Review clues and make em better. This almost always helps. 10. Send runtpuz to here. Try to be unpredictable on when U do it, becuz who wants to be on a clock, at our age. 11. Sit back and enjoy the yelps from test solvers.
Thanks, Ralph. I'm glad you are enjoying my Crypts and I hope anyone else who tries them will too. I've played with other American cryptics and just don't like the clues very much. With these, I'm trying to learn how to make good solvable puzzles with decent AHA! moments in them. For the next while, I will be focusing on a given sort of clue in a given puzzle; for example, I might concentrate on anagram clues. I will also try to include one difficult clue in each.
As I said, I really hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoy creating them.
Wowch. @Numinous's Cryptic #4 stumped me. Had to reveal lots of letters in 7-A, 4-A, 8-A, 10-A, 6-D area. I clearly need more practice solving these puppies. Did get just about all the lower half, without cheats.
p.s. Really clever clues, on that cryptic, btw! After reading @r.alph's commentary, I learned to appreciate them even more. And understand most of the ones I couldn't get, myself.
Fun stuff. I'm gonna beat that numi-cryptic, next time! (Snort.)
Read through the tutorial if you haven't already and if you have, read through again then check Ralph's solve comments, he clarifies the clues very well. Never feel bad about having to cheat on a cryptic when it's by a setter who's mindset you are unfamiliar with. Use each of those opportunities to learn instead. :-) I hope you enjoyed this in spite of your initial difficulty.
I did make one recently that was designed to be Casco Kidnergarten easy. I'll send it along.
@Numinous -- Actually, whenever I've tried to work a cryptic crossword in the Guardian, the result has pretty much always been of the trainwreck persuasion. So, I did pretty good, getting about 2/3 of yours, before starting to have to do "research". I owe it all to yer very nice constructioneering, and hardly anything to clean livin.
Biggest problem with the Gurdain and the other English papers is that their puzzles are VERY UKcentric. They use a lot of abbreviations that would be entirely unfamiliar to Americans in thier charade clues. Many locations that are unfamiliar to us as well. I think a lot of American cryptic clues are lame too though, I try to bridge the gap between styles of cluing without going too far out with wordplay.
"Merry Runtness Gift" -- 4:41, no cheats. I don't know about "non-difficult." Now if someone had mentioned third parts of triadic Greek odes following the strophe and the antistrophe . . .
Man, getting pretty excited now, about makin a brand new Galaxy of the Guardian runt. Didn't know, up to now, that I was allowed to make em that feisty. But, I digress.
@r.alph: Also, thanx for that cryptic tutorial, btw. I shoulda read it, Before doing Cryptic #4. Now I am pumped to come up with a cryptic clue that doesn't follow any of the tutorial's patterns. (Other than the runt-roll and unchecked circled letters, of course.)
@Teedmn - Wow! I didn't look at the source, but your tutorial examples seem to be perfect cases of the UK-centrism mentioned by @Numinous! I don't think more than two of them felt in my American wheelhouse.
And the "easy cryptic"? I gave it a shot, solved about half correctly, but gave up (in part because I want to get to bed.) But, c'mon, 1 A -- do you have that in Minn? I never heard of it, and it sounds suspiciously British to me! :>))
@Bob, sorry to have misled you. I was dabbling in Cryptics earlier this year but had made little headway except for identifying these resources. Then @Numinous sent me some of his and it renewed my interest but I never really delved back in all the way. I guess I'll have to take a look at the puzzle you mention. I don't think my Cryptic skills were developed enough before for me to even identify them as Anglocentric :-).
I found the puzzle fairly easy but I have to agree with you. 1A is defined as European. 4D I believe is not in common usage in the US. Neither is the phrase at 12A. The first word in that seems to me to be more British than American though the rest of the phrase is common enough. 19A might have been clued a bit better too.
@M&A
ReplyDeleteI half-heartedly looked for other words through the circled A's. Would have looked harder if the title had been "Solvers Triple Checked"
The circled A's reminded me of a possible modification to this puzzle
http://crosswordfiend.com/forum/download/file.php?id=235&sid=5b8ad109f42afc2a8f7384c5ee98e855
written by Andrea Carla Michaels and Doug Peterson before the fallout. Andrea could modified it so the only circled letters were the A's. Get it?
Stumpy Stumper: "Atomic Cowgirl" - 7x7 themeless:
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetRunt?url=OTU5OTY2ODQxNTE4NDc0NQ.json
M&A
"Atomic Cowgirl" -- 5:43, no cheats.
Deletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NzQwNzM5ODQxNzcxNzkwOQ
Thanks.
Atomic Cowgirl
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=ODQ1MjM5ODQ1NzM4NTgxOA
Atomic Cowgirl, much slower than @Bob Kerfuffle.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NjcwNTAwODQ2MDY5NjAxMw
A pre-Thanksgiving tradition, sorta …
ReplyDeleteStumpy Stumper: "Monster Thickburger" - 7x7 themeless:
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetRunt?url=OTkzOTU1ODQ2NzIzNTE2Nw.json
M&A
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMonsterburger
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=OTI2NTM3ODQ2ODc1MTU3MQ
Tomorrow is Rex Parker's 46th birthday. What better way to celebrate it than to solve the NYT puzzle published on his birthday. It is eminently doable but I didn't know enough about blubber to finish it without errors.
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetPuzzle?url=19691126.json&hidden=
My solution:
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MTcyNjU2NzY5NDI1NzQzMw
"Monster Thickburger" -- 2:36, no cheats. A real holiday treat! Beautiful grid.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MjU5OTEwODQ2OTkwOTI1NQ
Thanks.
@BobK: Real "holiday trick" to follow, tonite.
DeleteM&A
Rex's Birthday Puzzle -- Took me forever (17:02), but no cheats. Turns out I knew more about blubber than I thought I did!
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=ODcyOTUzODQ3MTQwMzcwNQ
@BobK
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/CompareSolutions?p1=ODcyOTUzODQ3MTQwMzcwNQ:BobK&p2=MTcyNjU2NzY5NDI1NzQzMw:r.alph
Monster Thickburger:
ReplyDeleteLook M(&)A, no cheats! A new runt record for me. Thanks! Certainly the salad which may or may not be named after 9A was a staple at our Thanksgiving dinners.
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=ODk2MTI1ODQ3NTI2OTA0NQ
@Teedmn: Mighty proud of U. Keep up the good work.
DeleteM&A
p.s. I personally have never been able to tear thru a Monster Thickburger that fast.
@009's B-day puz solve by M&A:
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NTIxNjczODQ3NTYyNjM4Nw
I had to reveal one incorrect letter one time, in the dreaded blubber area. Otherwise, clean solve in 13 min. and change.
M&A
Rex puzzle, took longer than it should have, but don't they all?
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MjAwNTY4NDk4MTY5OTIy
Happy Thanksgiving, to runt fans everywhere …
ReplyDelete"Turkey Runt" - 7x7 themed:
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetRunt?url=ODU3MzY4NTA0MTg4MDU2.json
Have fun, be safe & don't overeat.
M&A
Turkey Runt
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=Mzg4MzUxODUwNjE4NjA5NA
A perfect Thanksgiving puzzle. Thanks for providing these puzzles for us. I will include your work as one of the things that I am thankful for tomorrow.
Turkey Runt. I'll add my thanks to @r.alph's, much appreciated.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=ODY2NTUyODUwODg0NzYxNg
Turkey Runt -- 7:35, no cheats.
ReplyDeleteAnd my thanks also for so many fun puzzles. May you and yours have a great Thanksgiving.
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NTU2MDQzODUwODkxNTk1Mg
Y'all are sure nice test solvers. Have an extra helping, welcome guests …
ReplyDeleteStumpy Stumper: "Think with a Net" - 7x7 themeless:
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetRunt?url=OTMxMTQ4ODU1NTY4MzQ0Nw.json
M&A
"Doin Some of the Dishes, as I Go Along"
"Think with a Net" -- 7:00, no cheats. (Darn that turkey overload slows me down!)
Deletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MjI1NTg3ODU5MTA2NTQzMQ
Thanks again.
Think with a Net - No cheats. Thanks for the after dinner aperitif.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MzAwOTQ0ODU4OTQ3MDk3Nw
Think with a net
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MzkxMDgzODYzMDM2MjI1NA
@Teedmn
ReplyDeleteYour comments on 1A and 15A were very timely!
"Knowing the Score" - 7x7 themed:
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetRunt?url=MzkyMTcxODYzODY0MDM3NQ.json
M&A
"Knowing the Score" -- 5:57, no cheats. Another brilliant puzzle!
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NzcxMDQ2ODYzOTI1NTgzMg
Thanks.
Knowing the Score
ReplyDeleteI laughed out loud when I finished and reread the title, har! Multiple Checks but no reveals or Googles. Fun.
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NDc0ODEzODY0Mjc5MzQxNg
Another Thanksgiving tradition …
ReplyDelete"Leftovers" - 7x7 themed and feisty:
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetRunt?url=NzU4NjQyODY1MTM4ODAwMA.json
M&A
"Leftovers" -- 9:43, but no cheats.
Deletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MTY3MDAyODY1NjM5NzAxNQ
Thanks (and, oh yeah, I got it.)
Knowing the score
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=ODYxMTU1ODY0NDY3NDM3NQ
Leftovers
ReplyDeleteCouldn't match Bob's performance - 10:56 and multiple checks (no reveals or Googles.)
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MjQxMDk0ODY3Mzc0NjY4Ng
Leftovers
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NTYzNjE3ODczNDUwODM3Mw
My Saturday Stumper experience
http://puzzlecrowd.com/puzzlereportStumper.html
Stumpy Stumper: "Psycho Spaghetti Server" - 7x7 themeless:
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetRunt?url=Mjg2OTg0ODczODExMzk4Mw.json
M&A
Saturday Stumper
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NTQxMDMzODc0MDQyNjU0OA
Psycho Spaghetti. Thanks, M&A.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=Njg0MTI3ODc0MTYzNDMyNA
Psycho Spaghetti Server
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=OTA3MzAzODc0MjY5MTg3MA
@Teedmn
Re: not reporting first entry correctly. You retyped a couple of letters which the program interpreted as vacillating on the answer. I will fix this on the next release.
Side by side stumpers:
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/CompareSolutions?p1=NTQxMDMzODc0MDQyNjU0OA:teedmn&p2=MjkwMjkxODczMDc0NjMxNw:r.alph
I am very impressed that you got rid of the incorrect answer to {Lead role in a 2015 blockbuster film} so soon!
When I step through the side by side I often want to know what your grid looked like when you entered a particular answer. For example, I wanted to know when you entered the short story award. I will add the ability to do this in the next release. Please let me know any features that you think would help with the comparison.
"Psycho Spaghetti Server" -- 2:42, no cheats.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NTE5MjE4NzQ0NTEwNTc2
Thanks.
Runtpuz Fearless Recap of solution for "Turkey Runt".
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=OTE4MTU1ODc0NTY4OTUwNA
M&A
@r.alph, thanks for the explanation on the first entry. It seemed rather far down on the list from where it belonged. And as far as erasing that grid spanner in the Stumper, I really wanted that to be right but had to bow to the fact that it wasn't working. The feature you want to add sounds very useful.
ReplyDelete@Bob, great Psycho solve!
M&A, thanks for the laugh regarding your special kitchen talents and how to divvy up cinnamon rolls.
"DiUrama" - 7x7 themed:
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetRunt?url=Njk5Nzg2ODgxNDkzNjU4Nw.json
M&A
DiUrama - not one I would like to display. But fun stuff.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NzQyNDMyODgxNzYzNTQwMA
"DiUrama" -- 5:16, no cheats. Only "got it" post-solve; still don't understand why the clues say "diarama" instead of "diorama."
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=OTY4MTU1ODgxNzcwNjcwMw
Thanks.
@BobK: Not sure why M&A managed to misspell "diorama" twice, since only one was intentional. New, improved version:
Deletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetRunt?url=NDU4NjM3ODgxOTU0MzU2Ng.json
M&A
Runtpuz Random Recap for solution to "Knowing the Score".
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MTQyNDQ4ODgyNjA4NDU5Mg
M&A
Runtpuz Reverant Recap of solution to "Leftovers".
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MjYzNTg4ODgyNzI5Njk1Mg
M&A
Stumpy Stumper: "Electricity Is Magic" - 7x7 themeless:
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetRunt?url=NTU1ODYzODg1Mzk2NTI4NQ.json
M&A
Electricity is Magic:
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NTExNjY2ODg1NzI0MzM4MQ
Nice puzzle not in my wheelhouse.
"Electricity Is Magic" -- Or, as Thomas Edison could tell you, electricity can also be a killer.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NjI5MDg3ODg4MjcxMDExNg
Thanks.
DiUrama
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=Njg1NjYzODkwMDIzOTk0NA
Electricity is magic
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MjE2MzMzODkwMTQzNTgzNw
Electricity is magic
ReplyDeleteSo are Navaho blankets in a runt puzzle. M&A forced the wrong answer on all of us!
Runtpuz Recollection Recap for solution to "Psycho Spaghetti Server".
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=OTUwMDU1ODkyMjk0NjIzMg
M&A
Runtpuz Reckless Recap for solution to "DiUrama".
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=OTI0NjA5ODkyNDM5MzU3MA
M&A
"Deck the Halls (Fe La La Li Lu)" - 7x7 sorta themed:
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetRunt?url=MTQ0MjE2ODk0MDM4NTgwOQ.json
M&A
Deck The Halls - Rats, one typo away from no cheats. One marked as wrong, should have just proofread.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MjMwNTU3ODk0Mjg0ODA2M
"Deck the Halls (Fe La La Li Lu)" -- Decked me!
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=ODQ3MzQ1ODk2OTEyOTAyMA
Thanks.
@BobK: hars.
DeleteCould even say that the runt Halled off and Decked U? But, hey -- 5 min solve time is not all that unrespectable. And U seemed to blaze right thru the dreaded Antimony Area.
M&A
Deck the Halls
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NjUzNjkxODk3NTM2MTc1Mg
@Teedmn
ReplyDeleteThe URL you posted for Deck the Halls may have a missing character at the end, at least I hope it does. It says that solution is not in the database. If you open the Deck the Halls puzzle again, you should see your comments and you can upload them again.
Hi @r.alph,
DeleteYeah, I noticed that this morning - I must not have highlighted all the way when I copied the URL. I assume I have to be on the same computer to get the comments back, (at least it isn't working on this one) so I'll have to try it from home later today. Meanwhile, my time was 4:09, so not so bad.
@Teedmn's URL is missin a "g" at the end.
DeleteHow's that for a puz solve? (4:28)
M&A
Thanks, M&A. Though, reading my comments, maybe it should have been left unavailable. I guess I shouldn't comment after 8 PM. :-).
Deletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MjMwNTU3ODk0Mjg0ODA2Mg
@M&A Good find!
ReplyDelete@Teedmn
Stream of consciousness comments are perhaps the best way to comment on a runt puzzle. You made me aware that how ironic its was that I was in the dark regarding 12D for such a long time.
Stumpy Stumper: "Jungle Stocking Stuffer" - 7x7 themeless:
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetRunt?url=NzA5ODc3OTAyNjE3NjQ1Nw.json
M&A
Jungle Stocking Stuffer - Fun, thanks.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=OTYyNzcxOTAyNzM0NDY5OQ
Jungle Stocking Stuffer
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NjkzMjIzOTA2MDk3NDI2NA
@Teedmn
"Especially when holding a flambe dish." :-)
Also nice Dr. Seuss reference.
Jungle Stocking Stuffer -- 2:12, no cheats. Woulda been faster if I, not a touch typist, weren't doing it in a dark room on a gloomy, rainy day.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NzY3MjE5OTA3MDUzMzQxMQ
Thanks.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete@BobK: Nice solve time!
ReplyDelete@everybody: If U are just maybe sittin around, on a gloomy, rainy day … this cruel and unusual runt will provide potential hours of entertainment … unless you get it ...
"U-Turns" - 7x7 themed biter runt:
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetRunt?url=Mzk2MTgzOTA4MjkxODI3MQ.json
M&A
p.s.
ReplyDeletePrevious message was re-done, on account of a minor typo ("Eatern", corrected to "Eastern") in the "U-Turns" runtpuz.
M&A Help Desk
"This runpuz hurt my head"
"U-Turns" -- Turned on the light in my room ("the computer room," previously "the dining room") on this still-dark day. Didn't help, unfortunately. I "got" some of it, but not quite enough. Had to be shown which letters were wrong, then made corrections, still left with some puzzlement. Overall, a brilliant puzzle!
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=OTExNzQ4OTA4NDEzMTU2NA
Thanks.
@BobK: Well, U probably did a lot better solvin that U-Turn thing than M&A would have, if he'da been in yer place. So, congrats.
ReplyDeleteI have noticed from yer avatar photo, that U kinda prefer darker lighting schemes.
Anyhoo, here is a Runtpuz Regal Recap of the solution for "Deck the Halls (Fe La La Li Lu)".
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MzMxMTY4OTA4ODUwMjA3MA
M&A
A long and pointless tale: I read your comment, "FRAU Blucher, mit umlaut over the U," and thought, for the sake of the many impressionable young minds following this blog, I should point out that there is no umlaut in FRAU, although there is one in FRAÜLEIN, This caused me in typical internet fashion to look more deeply into the Mel Brooks reference, where I found that the umlaut to which you refer actually appears in the Blücher! So you are right as always, and I am abashed, but it was interesting to read about:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.snopes.com/movies/films/blucher.asp
And, BTW, if you looked like me, you would prefer dark lighting schemes, too!
And I am so busy being a busybody that I got it wrong again: the umlaut is over the A in FRÄULEIN!
ReplyDeleteU Turns - Got me per M&A's prediction.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=OTQyMjE3OTA5NjU4MjQ4NA
And per the threat to make up some elements - the first time I saw the UUS, UUT, UUP and UUO, I thought you had done exactly that.
Thanks, it certainly is a dark and gloomy day here today.
U-turns
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NTE0NTgwOTE0ODg4NjQ4Ng
Stumpy Stumper: "Bank Phobia" - 7x7 themeless:
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetRunt?url=MzU2OTc4OTE2MTA0NDM1NQ.json
M&A
"Bank Phobia" -- 5:30, but no cheats.
Deletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=OTg5MDY0OTE2NTA3NDQ0Mg
Thanks.
Bank Phobia - No cheats, yay!
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=ODY3NzQ5OTE3ODM1NTQ2MQ
Bank Phobia
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NTEwMTM5MTkzMDg2MTE0
Bank Phobia - should we find it disturbing that both @r.alph and @ Bob's first correct answer was 12A? And @r.alph, funny that we both had the same reaction to 9A.
ReplyDeleteThe M&A extended fam plays a game called "Fictionary" every holiday season:
ReplyDeleteEveryone tries to pick out the right definition (donated by the moderator from a really ginormous dictionary) from among a bunch of bogus definitions (donated by the other players). Happy holidays …
"Runt Fictionary" - 7x7 themed:
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetRunt?url=NTg0NjY1OTE5OTQ2OTAyOQ.json
M&A
Fictionary
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MjE0ODgwOTIzNjUzOTEzNw
Runt Fictionary - Like Balderdash!
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=Mjg2MDc3OTIzOTA3MTEyMg
Fictionary -- Guess I wouldn't do so well at this game!
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MjgzODE5MjQ2OTk0NTIw
Thanks.
@BobK: Well, then on to the next game …
ReplyDelete"Replacement Team" - 7x7 themed:
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetRunt?url=Njk1NzYzOTI1NzgwNTM1NQ.json
M&A
Replacement Team
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NDc0Nzg5OTI1OTQ3ODYzMA
@M&A Am watching the movie "Masked and Anonymous" mainly waiting for Bob Dylan to sing. Given that I am a big fan of "The Big Lebowski" it is painful to watch the interaction of Jeff Bridges and John Goodman.
I have an idea how I can get the DVD to you. I can send it to Will Shortz. When he notifies you that your puzzle is about to be published you can ask him to mail the DVD to you (he presumably has your address to mail you the check). I will also include some money for postage. What do you think?
@r.alph: Gotta give U points for an elaborate plan, but I already have the DVD for that flick. M&A has the DVD for almost every movie, of that there caliber. (Except for a few choice want list items.)
DeleteBut, mucho thanx, for yer good intentions.
M&A
"Replacement Team" -- Sorry I had to use a bit of electronic help, but mostly, I *got* it. Thanks, S&A!
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NzM1MTE4OTI2MDQ5MDM2OQ
Replacement Team - Great "aha" moment.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MzA2NjkyNjU1Nzg3Mzc
@BobK: S&A? Do I have a replacement team member?
ReplyDelete@r.alph -- re: yer Overall comment for "Replacement Team": yep. That's it. Considered adding the extra team member U were wondering about. Thought circled grid letters was too easy and too random -- if it had been 8-letters, coulda used an appropriate set of capitalized "replaced" letters … maybe?
p.s.
Sorry, no good new atomic scoreboard candidates, in all that 2-letter material.
M&A
I was thinking more of a replacement team leader. Don't know if I could have found an emoji of an "ant".
Delete"Holiday Boogers" - 7x7 themeless:
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetRunt?url=NTQ0MTY4OTI5MDY0NTE5MA.json
M&A
"Holiday Boogers" -- 9:55, but no cheats. Such a beautiful grid, I just didn't want to give up.
Deletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=ODI4NTU2OTMxNTM5ODI2Ng
Thanks, S (ant) A.
Holiday Boogers - Thanks, M&A
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NTQ5MjE0OTMzMjMzNjYyOQ
@Bob, I agree with your @Rex comment on Richard Gere and John Cleese sharing a role - I thought, "Really?"
Thanks, @Teed (if I may call you that!) I was careful, though it may not be the distinction I think it is, to say they played the same character, or perhaps I even should have said the same-named character, since the roles were very different. ;>)
DeleteSaturday Stumper - easier than the NYTimes today, something is wrong in the universe.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=OTc1NTE4OTMzNzE4NzIxMA
Runtpuz Nonfiction Recap of solution to "Runt Fictionary".
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MzQ5ODc0OTM1MzE3MDc2OA
M&A
Re: "Runt Fictionary" -- I was so surprised to read that M&A had visited the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, because I was hung up on thinking it was in Russia. Had to Google just now to get it straight!
DeleteRuntpuz Replaceable Recap for solution to "Replacement Team".
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NDk0MTUxOTM1NDU3NjYyNg
M&A
Runtpuz Pacer Recap of solution for "U-Turns".
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=ODQyMTY2OTM1ODg3MzMwNQ
M&A
"Red and Green" - 7x7 themed:
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetRunt?url=MTQ3NTQzOTM3OTcyMjM0MA.json
M&A
"Red and Green" -- Left me "Black and Blue."
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=OTM4NzU5NDAzMzEyMDIx
Thanks.
"Red and Green" - not my best Runt outing - one "check letter", should have known.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NzQwNDMwOTQxNzc3NDg1MA
Thanks, M&A for the heads-up on the runt-roll.
Holiday Boogers
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MzYzMTg0OTQzMDI1ODMyNQ
Red and Green
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=Njg2NTE0OTQzMDY3NjM4Mw
@r.alph, thanks for the explanation of 5D for "Holiday Boogers", I had a mental block there. And great alternate, runt-style clue for 1D on "Red and Green".
ReplyDeleteThis theme idea turned out kinda weird …
ReplyDelete"Elfin Autocorrect" - 7x7 whimsical themed:
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetRunt?url=MzA4Njk3OTQ1NzA1MzUyMA.json
M&A
"Elfin Autocorrect" -- Lot of sweat, but no cheats.
Deletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=OTY5NTc4OTUwMzM3MzQzOA
Thanks.
Elfin Autocorrect
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=Njg2MzgwOTUwNjI4OTE0Nw
Runtpuz Re(d)cap for solution to "Red and Green".
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=Mzk3MTI4OTUxMDY2NzYwMQ
Man -- in retrospect, the title was a pretty hefty hint, on this one.
M&A
Elfin Autocorrect -
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MTg2NzkwOTUxMzIxMjIxMg
Stumpy Stumper: "Cheffing with a Snarl" - 7x7 themeless:
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetRunt?url=OTMyNjk1OTU0NDUxNTQ3OA.json
M&A
Cheffing with a snarl
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetRunt?url=OTMyNjk1OTU0NDUxNTQ3OA.json
Commenting with a snarl.
@r.alph: Your comment file looks more like the original M&A runtpuz file (with a snarl).
DeleteM&A
"Cheffing with a Snarl" - brutal. You must add 15 minutes plus multiple checks for wrongness to my solve. I quit after 15 minutes and then had a sudden inspiration at 4D and went back to finish.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NjM5MjQzOTU4MjM3MTE1Nw
Possible clue for 11A {Mediocre, with 11A} _ _
ReplyDelete"Cheffing with a Snarl" -- 9:07, but no cheats.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=ODQ4Nzc1OTU4ODQxNzI2Mg
Thanks.
@r.alph -- When I click on the address posted for your solve of "Cheffing with a snarl" I get my own solution, via the original puzzle. Yet M&A seems to have accessed your solution, since he refers to your comments, and I have no problem getting to @Teedmn's solution.
ReplyDelete@BobK: yep … I mean, nope … I got the same thing as U, when I looked at @r.alph's solution; just got my own unsolved runtpuz grid.
DeleteM&A
@M&A, BobK
ReplyDeleteI posted the link to the puzzle rather than my solution. Here is the correct link.
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=OTc3MzQzOTU4MTcyNDcxOQ
Thanks for pointing this out
@r.alph: Got it. Thanx.
ReplyDelete"… like calling 911 because your windshield is iced up and you don't know where your gloves are …" har. Primo snarlin!
M&A
I have concluded that the last stumpy stumper maybe shoulda been advertised as a "biter" runt. But, hey -- who doesn't enjoy a 7x7 surprise challenge, now and then.
ReplyDeleteDid y'all know that there is also a category of runt called "Maddog Runt"? It is a fairly nuclear option, sorta like the use of the dreaded triple-??? clue. Somethin to put on yer Christmas wish list, maybe?
M&A
@Bob, nice solve! @r.alph, great writeup on "Cheffing with a Snarl". I was wondering about the puzzle solution in your first post but I went all Emperor's New Clothes and thought it was just me.
ReplyDeleteM&A, I hope you give us the Maddog rating in the title when one appears - like five alarm chili, a heads-up is nice.
"North Pole Faves" - 7x7 themed:
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetRunt?url=MTk5MTU5NjMzNzUxMzY1.json
M&A
"North Pole Faves" -- 5:53, depending on the definition of a cheat. If I am told there are wrong letters, but don't ask which ones they are, does that count as a cheat? Since I couldn't do that on a paper solve, I guess it is a cheat. So I really shouldn't post a time.
ReplyDeleteBut another brilliant puzzle!
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MjQyNDI3OTY2MTcwODIwNw
Thanks.
@BobK: The runtz are an online phenom; they prefer not to leave an incriminatin paper trail. Just bein told U ain't got a runtpuz right yet don't seem like a cheat, in my book. More like a gentle slap in the face -- or a warning snarl, if U will. Shootz, U still have to spend all them additional valuable nano-seconds, figurin out the correct solution, on yer own. What the hey!
DeleteI say that yer (runt) solve time is perfectly legit.
M&A
North Pole Faves: Great puzzle, one "check",so a cheat here.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MjAwNDIwOTY2OTc1NjE1Mw
North Pole Faves
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=Mjk4NzE2OTY3ODAzNzQ5Nw
Runputz Recrap of souliton to "Elfin Autocorrect".
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=Nzk2NDQxOTY4NzM5MzA0Nw
M&A
Stumpy Stumper: "Crossswords" - 7x7 themeless:
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetRunt?url=NTg1OTQ5NzE2ODYzMTcw.json
M&A
"Crossswords" -- Clever; too clever for me. When finished, I wondered if the grid design was sending me a message.
Deletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource
/GetSolution?id=NTkzMzM1OTcxODg4Mjc4Ng
Thanks.
Sorry, messed up the copy and paste:
Deletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NTkzMzM1OTcxODg4Mjc4Ng
"Crossswords" - No cheats. 7:10. I agree with @Bob, grid meta? Can't suss it myself.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NzQ0ODU5NzI1NjIyOTYy
Crossswords
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NTI1Mzk3OTc1NDU2Mzc3Mg
Ho ho ho
"Seasonal Spree" - 7x7 themed and slightly dependent on yesterday's NYTPuz:
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetRunt?url=MzM1Mzk0OTgwNzgxMTQ3Ng.json
M&A
"Seasonal Spree" -- 6:29, no cheats. LOL!
Deletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=OTAzMDQ0OTgzMzkyMTYwNQ
Thanks.
"Seasonal Spree" - 7:50 and my usual one Check, rats.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NDMyODM0OTg0NTc3NzA1Ng
Thanks, M&A.
Seasonal spree
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=Njg3Mjc5ODQ3ODk2MDMy
Ha, @r.alph, I see, at 13A, we both acknowledged our Runt puzzle addiction!
ReplyDeleteRuntpuz recap and Santafest for solution to: "North Pole Faves".
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MjcwMDEzOTg3NDE1NjU3NQ
M&A
Stumpy Stumper: " 'Snot Cat Snot" - 7x7 themeless:
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetRunt?url=Mjk0ODMxOTg5NDY4ODkzNw.json
M&A
Snot Cat Snot -- Beautiful grid, and all real words - I shoulda done better!
Deletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NDYyNTk5OTkyMDM3NDUzMw
Thanks.
"Snot Cat Snot" - I don't get the title so I'm expecting a head slap when M&A posts the solution.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MTE0MjA2OTkyNTYzMTk1NA
"Snot Cat Snot"
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NjYyMTI5OTI3NDIwMzE3
@Teedmn
Me neither. Will wear a helmet while reading M&A's explanation.
@Teedmn, @r.alph: No biggie. Like most non-themed runtz, M&A got the title by extractin words from the clues. "Snot Cat" was my original title, but then thought that "snot" also sounded like a hippy-dippy "it's not". So went with 'Snot Cat Snot, using "snot" with both interpretations. Kinda like a first, in runtpuz titling, if U will. But nothing more.
ReplyDeleteThemeless runtz do not necessarily have Christmas themes. But they may occasionally mention Christmas stuff.
M&A
Saturday Stumper
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NTcyNzgzOTk0NjI5MzYxOQ
Runtpuz Recap for solution to "Seasonal Spree".
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NTg3MTM3OTk0NzcyNzI4Ng
M&A
This one may possibly be a biter …
ReplyDelete"Elementary/Nursery School Crush" - 7x7 Christmas for Allchemists themed:
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetRunt?url=NjgyNDUzOTk3MjYxMTA4Ng.json
M&A
"Elementary/Nursery School Crush" -- 10:18, but no cheats! Not easy for me, but it was possible to think it through!
Deletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=ODAwNzI5OTk3NDA4NzgzMA
Thanks.
Good job, BobK.
DeleteM&A
Elementary/Nursery School Crush
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NDY0NzExMzE3OTkwOA
Good job @M&A and @BobK (especially getting 14A as second correct answer!)
Elementary Nursery School Crush - Nearly 20 minutes, cheated left and right, I bow to @Bob's perspicacity!
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=OTA2MjUxNjM0MjYxMQ
Saturday Stumper - Thank goodness for that Marked as Wrong button - No Googles or inserts but cheating all the same.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=ODE1NzQ5MjM0OTY3NDU
@Teedmn - Be careful what U wish for, on that there maddog runt.
ReplyDeleteMy Saturday Stumper solve went on and on, off and on, for many hours, due mostly to that nasty NE area. Never did finish the whole thing correctly.
M&A
Stumpy Stumper: "Santa Pickup" - 7x7 themeless:
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetRunt?url=ODUwNTgxNDg5ODg2MDY.json
M&A
"Santa Pickup" -- 6:18, no cheats, but a couple of lucky guesses. Had the good fortune to be foiled again. (There's a good laugh line in there somewhere, if only I had an elemental grasp of humor.)
Deletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=Mzg4MDQ0NDk4NTM4Njk
Thanks.
"Santa Pickup" I think @Bob said it,"Curses, foiled again". And I really was. 17:21 and more Checks than I kept track of. And it wasn't even considered a biter.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MzM5ODM2OTk2OTM3NDA
Santa Pickup
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MzU5MTk2MTAwNDEyNjM0
Thanks, @r.alph, for the help on understanding "Santa Pickup" 13D. Too runtish for me in the morning.
ReplyDeleteAtomic Runtpuz Recap to solution for "Elementary/Nursery School Crush".
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=Njg2MTc4MTQwMTU0NTE3
M&A
@M&A, I did notice the complete consistency of your theme answers, which was nice to see. Not that it helped me solve it :-).
DeleteM&A gets vibes of "biter runt" again, on this puppy …
ReplyDelete"Mysterious Presents" - 7x7 themed:
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetRunt?url=NzAwOTM5MTQ2ODYzMTM4.json
M&A
"Mysterious Presents" - 5:54, no cheats. I think I even got the meta. Are the planets weirdly aligned? Strange radiation?
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=ODQyOTYwMTQ5NTQ2OTY4
@Teedmn: Very well done on yer cheatless solve time. You are gearing up quite nicely for the ACPT.
Delete(High-bar goal to shoot for: Dan Feyer solved one of these little pups in just under one minute.)
M&A
"Mysterious Presents" -- 10:32, no cheats, and also no comprehension.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NTI4NTAxMTUxOTE1ODky
Thanks.
Mysterious Presents
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=ODczNDI5MTk3MTIxNTQ1
@Teedmn
Nice solve time. We had the same comment for 10A!
Numinous, a long time commenter on the Rex Parker blog has consented to having some of his runt cryptic puzzles published on this blog. These are not Guardians of The Galaxy! I have had more success with his puzzles than with those of any other setter.
ReplyDeleteThe blog posting now contains a link to a brief tutorial on the types of clues that can appear in a cryptic puzzle. You can also google for other tutorials.
Here is Cryptic # 4
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetPuzzle?url=http%3A%2F%2Fpuzzlecrowd.com%2Fcryptics%2FCryptic04PG13.puz&hidden=
And here is my solution with extensive comments
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NTkzNzk0MjAzMTUyMDEx
Thanks @Numinous and welcome to the world of runt puzzles!
Cryptic # 4 -- "Finished" in 31:51. Not as bad as that looks, because I was interrupted by An Important Phone Call, and then An Important Visitor, and I didn't know how to pause the puzzle, if that is possible. Also not as good as it looks, because I had to flat-out ask for the last two letters, not unusual when I tackle cryptics. But a nice cryptic, several aha moments when I sussed the answers.
DeleteThanks.
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NjE1MDAyMDc2MjEwMTE
Yay, @Numinous!! Been missin other fellow runt puzzle constructioneers here, for waaaaay too long now. Thanx so much, for contributin.
ReplyDeleteLookin forward to both solving yer Cryptic #4 (today) and also getting tips on how to make a better Galaxy of the Guardian runt (someday -- maybe during the post-Christmas M&A runt truce). I'm told I ain't quite got the hang of it yet.
M&A
p.s.
Delete@BobK: I find that if U open a second window in yer computer browser, that stops the timer in the runtpuz solver window, until U return to it. One way to skin a cat.
M&A
I'm wondering, @M&A, how you construct yer runtz. I stumbled on Crossword Maker For Cruciverbalists for iPad in the iTunes Store. It seems to be the best available for the iPad but I hate the wordlist. I've recently found a resource in Cross Help that not only suggests words with only a couple of letters selected but offers anagrams as well. Cumbersome, switching between apps but still a vast improvement. I'm really pleased to be joining up in this creative venture.
Delete@Numinous: Good question, on how M&A makes runtz. U need to know about this, so U can avoid that technique at all costs.
DeleteBasic procedure:
1. Think up an idea that (usually) don't have any themers longer than 7 letters. Fortunately, that's pretty easy, since not many people are creatin puzs with such (what I like to call "tight") themes.
2. Print off a piece of paper with a 7x7 empty grid on it. I usually print off an empty 15x15 grid, and use it for four runtz.
3. Put into grid a long word that has a U or two in it. This is essential. Good Karma demands it.
4. Put themers into grid. Try to do it symmetrical, but don't hurt yerself over that.
5. Dream up words that will fill out the rest of the grid. Surprisingly, there rarely is a complete set that will do that, unless U really really dare to be desperate (as in a forthcoming Maddog Runtpuz). So, U will have to resort to placing in some black squares here and there. Again, symmetric black square placement is preferred, but I find the world don't end, if U don't.
5.5. I might add that I often use the xwordinfo.com word Finder page, to help m&e come up with words that might work.
6. Enjoy a tasty cinnamon roll.
7. Clue 'er up. If U have unchecked squares, do something sneaky, like usin the circles or runt-rolls(™), to check em up. Hold a small ceremony, where one (most desperate or otherwise deserving) entry is awarded the coveted double-?? clue.
8. Sleep long time.
9. Review clues and make em better. This almost always helps.
10. Send runtpuz to here. Try to be unpredictable on when U do it, becuz who wants to be on a clock, at our age.
11. Sit back and enjoy the yelps from test solvers.
Hope that abets yer laudable quest a little bit,
M&A Help Desk
Thanks for your answer, It's clear I'm going to have to stock up on cinnamon rolls.
DeleteThanks, Ralph. I'm glad you are enjoying my Crypts and I hope anyone else who tries them will too. I've played with other American cryptics and just don't like the clues very much. With these, I'm trying to learn how to make good solvable puzzles with decent AHA! moments in them. For the next while, I will be focusing on a given sort of clue in a given puzzle; for example, I might concentrate on anagram clues. I will also try to include one difficult clue in each.
ReplyDeleteAs I said, I really hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoy creating them.
Cryptic 4: Full disclosure, I did this very same puzzle several weeks ago, and I still had to hit the Mark as Wrong on 1D.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MTgwNTM0MjIxODE5MTYw
And I even posted that very clue on Rexworld which is what got this puzzle started.
DeleteWowch. @Numinous's Cryptic #4 stumped me. Had to reveal lots of letters in 7-A, 4-A, 8-A, 10-A, 6-D area. I clearly need more practice solving these puppies. Did get just about all the lower half, without cheats.
ReplyDeleteM&A
p.s.
DeleteReally clever clues, on that cryptic, btw! After reading @r.alph's commentary, I learned to appreciate them even more. And understand most of the ones I couldn't get, myself.
Fun stuff. I'm gonna beat that numi-cryptic, next time! (Snort.)
M&A
Read through the tutorial if you haven't already and if you have, read through again then check Ralph's solve comments, he clarifies the clues very well. Never feel bad about having to cheat on a cryptic when it's by a setter who's mindset you are unfamiliar with. Use each of those opportunities to learn instead. :-) I hope you enjoyed this in spite of your initial difficulty.
DeleteI did make one recently that was designed to be Casco Kidnergarten easy. I'll send it along.
@Numinous -- Actually, whenever I've tried to work a cryptic crossword in the Guardian, the result has pretty much always been of the trainwreck persuasion. So, I did pretty good, getting about 2/3 of yours, before starting to have to do "research". I owe it all to yer very nice constructioneering, and hardly anything to clean livin.
DeleteM&A
Biggest problem with the Gurdain and the other English papers is that their puzzles are VERY UKcentric. They use a lot of abbreviations that would be entirely unfamiliar to Americans in thier charade clues. Many locations that are unfamiliar to us as well. I think a lot of American cryptic clues are lame too though, I try to bridge the gap between styles of cluing without going too far out with wordplay.
DeleteThis runt was designed to be non-difficult, so let's see if it was designed right …
ReplyDeleteStumpy Stumper: "Merry Runtness Gift":
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetRunt?url=OTUwOTUwMjI5MzY1MzQy.json
M&A
Merry Runtness Gift
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NzE3NTAyMjMwODI2ODcx
"Merry Runtness Gift" -- 4:41, no cheats. I don't know about "non-difficult." Now if someone had mentioned third parts of triadic Greek odes following the strophe and the antistrophe . . .
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MTE2NzM0MjM0MjMwMTE0
Thanks.
Merry Runtness Gift - Thanks, M&A.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=OTUzMjQ3MjM0NjEzMjcy
Man, getting pretty excited now, about makin a brand new Galaxy of the Guardian runt. Didn't know, up to now, that I was allowed to make em that feisty. But, I digress.
ReplyDeleteSpeakin of feisty …
"Holiday Inn" - 7x7 themed:
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetRunt?url=MTI3NTUzMjg3NTQ2MTM5.json
M&A
Whinny!
ReplyDelete"Holiday Inn" -- Too feisty for me!
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NDM3NzE2MjkzMDg3ODkw
Thanks.
Holiday Inn
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MTAzNDQ3Mjk4NzE2OTA5
@BobK
The next release of the program will give you the ability to pause the solve.
@r.alph: Also, thanx for that cryptic tutorial, btw. I shoulda read it, Before doing Cryptic #4. Now I am pumped to come up with a cryptic clue that doesn't follow any of the tutorial's patterns. (Other than the runt-roll and unchecked circled letters, of course.)
ReplyDeleteM&A
Holiday Inn - 16:O2 and I hit the Check button quite merrily.
ReplyDeleteI see that @r.alph and I were on the same wavelength for 7A and I appreciate his explanation of 4D. Nice time on that one!
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NDgzNTkxMzAxNDAyMjY3
Here is another Cryptic tutorial:
ReplyDeletehttp://bestforpuzzles.com/cryptic-crossword-tutorial/complex-clues.html
And here is a page with easy Cryptics to solve:
http://bestforpuzzles.com/daily-cryptic/daily-cryptic.html
@Teedmn - Wow! I didn't look at the source, but your tutorial examples seem to be perfect cases of the UK-centrism mentioned by @Numinous! I don't think more than two of them felt in my American wheelhouse.
DeleteAnd the "easy cryptic"? I gave it a shot, solved about half correctly, but gave up (in part because I want to get to bed.) But, c'mon, 1 A -- do you have that in Minn? I never heard of it, and it sounds suspiciously British to me! :>))
@Bob, sorry to have misled you. I was dabbling in Cryptics earlier this year but had made little headway except for identifying these resources. Then @Numinous sent me some of his and it renewed my interest but I never really delved back in all the way. I guess I'll have to take a look at the puzzle you mention. I don't think my Cryptic skills were developed enough before for me to even identify them as Anglocentric :-).
DeleteI found the puzzle fairly easy but I have to agree with you. 1A is defined as European. 4D I believe is not in common usage in the US. Neither is the phrase at 12A. The first word in that seems to me to be more British than American though the rest of the phrase is common enough. 19A might have been clued a bit better too.
DeleteStumpy Stumper: "Christmas Pizza":
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetRunt?url=NjA3OTE5MzIzMjc3NTY1.json
M&A
"Christmas Pizza" -- 3:01. As in, "Easy as pie"? Woulda been faster if I weren't so bad at typing and cursoring.
Deletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MTM3MTUyMzIzOTMwOTYy
Thanks.
Christmas Pizza - 4:57 and I couldn't keep my mouse off that blasted check button. Arrgh.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MTIwNjMzNTc4MDk1OTM
Christmas Pizza
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MzYwNzA0MzY0ODY0Mjkw
A pizza cake.
Time for a new post.