One thing M&A has never completely been able to explain: How test solvers often manage to easily solve the Desperate Word Square runt puzzles. Take this one, for instance … looks impossible, to m&e.
Well, rat fudge. The "Hold Your Horses" runt was all messed up. 11-Across answer was mis-spelled, in its solution. Sorry, @BobK. & @r.alph. Corrected version attached, here…
@r.alph: har. There yah go… the runtz are just too "urbane" for their own good, sometimes.
@BobK.: Mighty sweet solve time, on the revised version! Only good thing about the mistake, besides your solve time, was that the revised version got an extra "U'.
re: "Long Story Short": Oh, man … all the test solvers so far got this runt's double-?? clue's 4-letter answer offa just one letter. day-um. Perhaps M&A is not makin his double-?? clues tricky enough??
I can’t take that credit. At 3:02, I had 10A filled in but took the 2nd letter out again before alighting on the ?? clue and fooling @r.alph's program that I'm quick on the uptake.
I'm not getting anything right today. My comment above is re: "The Bridge Is Out", and it should have said, "The last two sentences were my original comment."
For some reason the "Brain Teaser" runt reminds me of a puzzle I have seen. Maybe it was from M&A, maybe from Car Talk, I really don't know. Anyhoo, a man says, "I have five children. Half of them are boys." Explain. Extra points if you can tell me where I saw this.
@BobK. - yep. I forgot to mention, I'd not heard of that particular brain teaser of yours, before. Another solutions: Maybe that man tended to speak in inexact approximations? Or one of his children was metaphorical -- he considered a NYTPuz he had had published to be a "child", or somesuch?
@r.alph: yep. U R right. That third "Red Shift" themer really sucked. Don't know what came over m&e. Here's a better, maybe even improved, version of the puz…
My "Overeall comment" on this runt is so totally off-base that I can only laugh at myself - especially since I don't know how to change it. Please ignore it.
@BobK. - Primo solvetime, on "Bottom of the Barrel" snot-hard stumper. Still scratchin my head, on what makes them easier vs. harder … 1. Easiest: Clues are same as answers. 2. Middle: ??? 3. Hardest: All the clues just say: "IOU one clue".
With 100% credit to crossword solver extraordinaire Glen Ryan, this website should surely take notice of: SIRKI - the culms of munj. (it's in Wikipedia.) (And is richly endowed with *U*s.)
@BobK. - yep. Agreed. Under 3 min. on a Desperate Word Square is nutsy good. Congratz, @r.alph. U seem to be gettin the hang of these runtz, post-bankruptcy. U sure Word Square Danced all over this puppy.
M&A
p.s. Did I ever mention that Desperate Word Squares are pretty much all BobK.'s fault?
Not sure what to make of runtz like this pup. Is it easy or hard? Obscure or obvious? Dumb or dumber? Confuses the M&A. Let's agree to call it an experimental "extra" …
p.s. U may have noticed with some relief that M&A is only doin a runtpuz every *other* day or so, lately. This is becuz I'm tryin to make more 15x15 NYT-possible puzs. Some of the results of this constructionquest have been better than others. The bad news is that y'all might get to try out one of the ones I couldn't bring myself to send off to the Shortzmeister, real soon. It'll sorta make up for 4 missin runtpuzs, if you kinda squint a little. Will try to throw in a few double-?? clues, to make U feel at home.
I'll leave this post up for your amusement, but as so often happens, after writing out the problem, I got the answer myself. (Below) --
Completely off-topic for Runts, but for a second time I address a plea for help to the four smartest people I know:
I have completed a variety cryptic Emily Cox/Henry Rathvon puzzle which was published in the Wall street journal 6/15/2013. I filled in 1 D with an answer which fits the space, but I can't make sense of it.
The clue is, "Villain and captain fight about a piece of ivory." The answer appears to be CASTOFF. I do not understand the meaning of this answer, nor do I see how it might be derived from the clue.
The puzzle has the gimmick that the last letter of the correct answer is moved somewhere within the word, but I have corrected for that. As usual in a cryptic, two letters in the answer, S and O, are not checked, so I may be wrong about them.
Thank you in advance for any help you might give.
Bob Kerfuffle
After I wrote the above, I went to the One Look Dictionary, put in CA?T?FF, and got the word CAITIFF, a word 100% unknown to me, meaning a contemptible person, and composed of CA for Captain and TIFF for fight around the I from ivory.
Aside to M&A - Sorry, I have been wandering in a desert devoid of U's for quite a while, but today, looking at an old copy of the NY Times (just this past Monday, in fact) I stumbled upon a group with a U-licious name. I have not dared to listen to any samples of their music, but here is JJUUJJUU:
JJUUJJUU Profile: JJUUJJUU is a rotating ensemble of domestic & international collaborators, wrangled by Los Angeles based musician, Phil Pirrone. He began his career as a touring musician at the age of 15, playing bass. In 2011, Pirrone borrowed an SG and a DL4 and began his exploration of recording looped based music. He later brought song ideas to life with the rhythmic companion of friend and then collaborator, Andrew Clinco (aka Drab Majesty mastermind Deb Demure). Around the same time Pirrone launched the Moon Block Party and Desert Daze festivals, and Space Agency Booking. By then, a veteran of multiple bands and several years of touring, he shifted much of his attention and vision to organizing festivals around Southern California and booking North American tours for an artist roster that includes SUUNS, Acid Mothers Temple, Ulrika Spacek, Follakzoid, L.A. Witch, Holy Wave, Imarhan, Khun Narin, and more. Less Sites: jjuujjuu.org, Bandcamp, Facebook, instagram.com, setlist.fm Members: Phil Pirrone
@r.alph: Glad to hear U are still out there, in runt land. Have been concerned about both U and one-time regular @bodgit1. I'd thought @BG1 was even up for a Spring Runtpuz Shootout, right before that primo test solver seemed to disappear off the map. I made a pretty good runt from one of @BG1's suggested 5 Shootout titles, plus four more sorta clunkier runtz. Still real hopeful @BG1'll come back, eventually.
More "fun" with yer over-active vowels? …
ReplyDelete"Vowels on the Side" - 7x7 themed:
**gruntz**
M&A
"Vowels on the Side" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=ODQzNzkxNDA3MjU1NjE3OQ
Thanks, M&A, for the puzzle, and thanks, r.alph, for explaining it to me!
"Glue-All" - 7x7 themed:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"Glue-All" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=OTMxMTMwNDEzNTY0ODI3Mw
Thanks, though there were some sticky spots for me.
@BobK.-Stickier than snot?
Deletep.s. Thanx for the inspiration on this one, @r.alph.
M&A
"Vowels on the Side" A tasty side-dish.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NjM4MTc0MTQzNDI3NjQ4
"Glue-All" I didn't get stuck on this too much. Thanks.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MTU3OTkzNDIyODY0MDM3Mg
Stumpy Stumper: "Really Real" - 7x7 themeless:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"Really Real" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NTQzMzY0NDIzNDIxNzM2Nw
Thanks.
"Really Real"
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MjQ0NzcyNDI3NjUwNTE3Mg
One thing M&A has never completely been able to explain: How test solvers often manage to easily solve the Desperate Word Square runt puzzles. Take this one, for instance … looks impossible, to m&e.
ReplyDelete"Desperate Word Square #47" - 7x7 sorta themed:
**gruntz**
M&A
"Desperate Word Square #47" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NzMyMTgzNDMwOTI1MTg0MQ
Turned out not to be easy for me! Thanks.
Har, when " moo-cow easy "isn't the way to go!
ReplyDelete"Desperate Word Square #47" Thanks.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MTY2NzM2NDMyNjM2NjU2Mg
"Hold Your Horses" - 7x7 themed:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"Hold Your Horses" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NDU1OTQzOTQ3NTQzMjE
Thanks, but I was a nonstarter in this race.
Well, rat fudge.
ReplyDeleteThe "Hold Your Horses" runt was all messed up. 11-Across answer was mis-spelled, in its solution. Sorry, @BobK. & @r.alph.
Corrected version attached, here…
"Hold Your Horses" - 7x7 themed:
**gruntz**
M&A
"Hold Your Horses" -- Corrected version --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NjY5Njg4NDQwOTgyMjgyMw
Thanks!
@M&A Check out https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Fanagle
ReplyDelete@r.alph: har. There yah go… the runtz are just too "urbane" for their own good, sometimes.
Delete@BobK.: Mighty sweet solve time, on the revised version! Only good thing about the mistake, besides your solve time, was that the revised version got an extra "U'.
M&A
"Hold Your Horses" version I. I see my warning on the Urban Dictionary arrives too late.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MjUzNjE5NDQzOTY1NTk2Nw
"Long Story Short" - 7x7 themed:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"Long Story Short" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MzIzMzExNDQ3OTQ2MDc2OQ
Thanks.
"Long Story Short"
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NDEzOTE0NDQ4ODI1NjUzNw
re: "Long Story Short": Oh, man … all the test solvers so far got this runt's double-?? clue's 4-letter answer offa just one letter. day-um.
ReplyDeletePerhaps M&A is not makin his double-?? clues tricky enough??
M&A
p.s.
DeleteActually, @Teedmn got that double-?? answer without any letters at all showing! Erm City!
M&A
I can’t take that credit. At 3:02, I had 10A filled in but took the 2nd letter out again before alighting on the ?? clue and fooling @r.alph's program that I'm quick on the uptake.
Delete"Talked Up a Bit" - 7x7 themed:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"Talked Up a Bit" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=ODY2NzczNDU2NzU5NjY4NQ
Thanks.
"Talked Up a Bit" Tricky!
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NDU5NDU5NDU3NDM1OTI5Mg
Stumpy Stumper: "Doctors and Droolers" - 7x7 themeless:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"Doctors and Droolers" -- Count me among the droolers, I guess --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=ODUyMTg3NDYyNDM4MTM1Nw
Thanks.
"Doctors and Droolers" Fun!
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NTY4ODQyNDY2MTE1MjU1Mg
This just out … the daring exposé …
ReplyDelete"Why I Runt" - by M&A (7x7 themed):
**gruntz**
… Be the first in your area code, to discover the astoundin secret!
M&A
"Why I Runt" --
ReplyDeleteLOL! --
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MTM3NTc1NDY4ODM1MDA3OQ
Thanks.
"Runtfraction" - 7x7 themed:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"Runtfraction" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NzQyMDUxNDczOTU5NzcwNw
Thanks.
"Why I Runt"
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NjU0NzkwNDc0NzE5MzEwOA
If ever there was gonna be a logic-oriented runtpuz, this probably oughta be it …
ReplyDelete"Brain Teaser" - 7x7 themed:
**gruntz**
M&A
"Brain Teaser" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=ODk4MDk0NzgyODYwNjI0
Thanks!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete"Runtfraction"
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MjA3NzAwNDgyOTU1OTYyMg
"Brain Teaser" My brain is not teased, it is crushed. Way to go, @BobK!
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NzgyMzkzNDgzMDI2NTQ4Ng
"The Bridge Is Out" - 7x7 themed:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MTM0Mzc0ODUyNTg3ODAz --
ReplyDeleteThe comments box doesn't seem to allow leaving empty space, but my last sentence was my original one.
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MTM0Mzc0ODUyNTg3ODAz
Thanks.
I'm not getting anything right today. My comment above is re: "The Bridge Is Out", and it should have said, "The last two sentences were my original comment."
ReplyDeleteRuntpuz Far-Out Recap for solution to: "The Bridge Is Out".
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=OTY4MTE2NDg2MjUwNTI0Mg
M&A
Runtpuz Teasing Recap for solution to: "Brain Teaser".
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MjM4MTk4NDg2MzUxOTI4Nw
M&A
I see now - you actually have to READ THE CLUES to get it. One of my bad habits....
DeleteFor some reason the "Brain Teaser" runt reminds me of a puzzle I have seen. Maybe it was from M&A, maybe from Car Talk, I really don't know. Anyhoo, a man says, "I have five children. Half of them are boys." Explain. Extra points if you can tell me where I saw this.
ReplyDelete@BobK. - Well maybe all five of em are boys; then, in a way, any half of em are certainly boys? Sorta desperate way of looking at it, tho.
DeleteM&A
@M&A - Yes, that was the answer as I heard it. We'll blame the Car Talk guys!
Delete@BobK. - yep. I forgot to mention, I'd not heard of that particular brain teaser of yours, before.
DeleteAnother solutions: Maybe that man tended to speak in inexact approximations? Or one of his children was metaphorical -- he considered a NYTPuz he had had published to be a "child", or somesuch?
Anyhoo, cool brain teaser. Thanx.
M&A
"The Bridge Is Out" Thanks.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NzM0NDU0NDg3OTk1NDg1Mg
Stumpy Stumper: "Hairy Potato" - 7x7 themeless:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"Hairy Potato" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MTEyMzcwNDkzOTkxOTYxNg
Thanks!
"Still Has a Few Kinks" - 7x7 themed:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"Hairy Potato"
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MjE0MDY3NTAwOTM2MDMyMg
@Teedmn: yep. M&A was also weirded-out by the fact that ancient priests named their breasts like Odin's wolves.
DeleteM&A
"Still Has a Few Kinks" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NTM0MjM1MDE1MjE4NTQ3
Thanks.
Boosted the feistiness on this Stumper, just a little, as a minor experiment. Hope y'all don't mind too much.
ReplyDeleteSnot-Hard Stumper: "Show Dog" - 15 min. 7x7 themeless:
**gruntz**
M&A
"Still Has a Few Kinks" Kinky, thanks.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NjMzNDM1NTA4OTY0NzU4Mw
"Show Dog" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=ODQ2MTA3NTA5ODM5OTMxMA
Thanks!
"Show Dog" Looks like I was the only one who needed the extra time, thanks!
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=OTU2NzA1NTEyOTc0OTA1Nw
"Here Are The Scores" - 7x7 themed:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"Here Are The Scores"
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NzY3OTM3NTE3OTEzNjM5MQ
"Here Are The Scores" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=Nzg3NDk2NTE4ODA2NDYyNQ
Thanks!
"Red Shift" - 7x7 themed:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"Red Shift" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=OTI4NDUzNTIzMDIxOTQwNw
Thanks
@r.alph: yep. U R right. That third "Red Shift" themer really sucked. Don't know what came over m&e.
ReplyDeleteHere's a better, maybe even improved, version of the puz…
"Red Shift" - 7x7 themed sorta redo:
**gruntz**
M&A
Improved "Red Shift" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NzA2NjYwNTI1Nzc1MDI2MA
Thanks again!
"Red Shift" revised version.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=ODAxOTA4NTI2NTk0MTIxOQ
"Mud Bath" - 7x7 themed, 15 min.:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"Mud Bath" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NzUwODY2NTM0NDk2Njk4MQ
Thanks!
"Mud Bath" Fun!
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NjMwMjU1NTM1MzExMjUzOQ
Snot-Hard Stumper: "Pop Cyclops" - 7x7 themeless, 15 min.:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"Pop Cyclops" Thanks.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MzIxMzM4NTQzNzU5Njc2MA
"Pop Cyclops" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=OTI4NjE1NTQ0MzQxMzczNg
(Please note my implied request for an explanation.)
Thanks.
@BobK. - See recap, below.
ReplyDeleteRuntpuz accurate-as-snot recap for solution to: "Pop Cyclops".
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NTA3OTc4NTQ3MDQyMjA4Mw
M&A
D'oh!
ReplyDeleteThanks.
"Logo Motive" - 7x7 illustrated themed:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"Logo Motive" --
ReplyDeleteA work of art!
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=ODAxNDQxNTQ4MDkyNTAzMw
Thanks.
"Logo Motive"
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=OTUyNzMzNTUyMjUzOTQ4NQ
Re: Pop Cyclops http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NTE4NDE2NTUyOTA0OTA4Nw
ReplyDeleteShould that have been 'snot hard stumper?
@r.alph: Too easy, huh? Will keep that in mind, for snot-hardening future Stumpers.
DeleteM&A
"Bookends" - 7x7 themed:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"Bookends" -- Or for me, "Dead Ends" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MTc0MTgwNTYwMzcyNDk3Mw
Thanks.
Corrected version of "Bookends". The cross-ref clue at 16-Down was off a bit.
ReplyDelete"Bookends" - 7x7 themed, corrected:
**gruntz**
M&A
Runtpuz bookish recap of solution to: "Bookends".
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MTIwNTc3NTYwNDY2MjI3Nw
M&A
"Bookends" Very nice but over my head.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MjMyNjcxNTYxNDU1MDQ1Mg
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteRe: Bookends --
I would say this puzzle's solution took some sharp turns. No wonder solvers' satisfaction dropped off!
(Actually, a very familiar gimmick, but for some reason, maybe distracted by the wording and a red herring circle, I didn't catch on.)
;>)
@BobK. - Good point; I have amended my runtpuz recap, to mention the circled "red herring" letter.
DeleteThanx,
M&A
Another desperate attempt. I fear it will always be the themed runtz, that will prove to be the "snot-hard" ones, tho…
ReplyDeleteSnot-Hard Stumper: "Surprise Attack" - 7x7 themeless:
**gruntz**
M&A
"Surprise Attack" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=Mzg5ODcwNTYyNTc1NjIwMA
Thanks.
"Back Word" - 7x7 themed:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"Surprise Attack" Snot-hard, as advertised.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MjkzNjU1NzAwMjk4Mzk0
"Back Word"
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NDIxNjYxNTcwMTA0ODQ4MQ
"Back Word" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NjI4NDU2NTcwMzAxNzA3Nw
Thanks.
"Just A-Runtin' A-Long" - 7x7 themed:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"Just A-Runtin' A-Long" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NTI2MTMxNTcyMDk0OTY2NQ
Thanks.
My "Overeall comment" on this runt is so totally off-base that I can only laugh at myself - especially since I don't know how to change it. Please ignore it.
DeleteRuntpuz overall recap of solution to: "Just A-Runtin' A-Long".
Deletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NzQ2NTIwNTgwMzI4ODgyMA
M&A
"Just A-Runtin' A-Long"
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NjA4Nzc3NTc4MDc4OTQ1Ng
Snot-Hard Stumper: "Bottom of the Barrel" - 7x7 15 min. themeless:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"Bottom of the Barrel" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=ODUyMjY0NTgwMzYwMTQ1Mg
Thanks.
@BobK. - Primo solvetime, on "Bottom of the Barrel" snot-hard stumper. Still scratchin my head, on what makes them easier vs. harder …
Delete1. Easiest: Clues are same as answers.
2. Middle: ???
3. Hardest: All the clues just say: "IOU one clue".
M&A
With 100% credit to crossword solver extraordinaire Glen Ryan, this website should surely take notice of: SIRKI - the culms of munj. (it's in Wikipedia.) (And is richly endowed with *U*s.)
ReplyDelete"Desperate Word Square #48" - 7x7 sorta themed:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"Bottom of the Barrel"
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MjgwNzE1ODY5NjQ5OTAw
"Desperate Word Square #48" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NjM4MDgwNTg4MTY2OTg2MA
Thanks. (And @r.alph - Wow!)
@BobK. - yep. Agreed. Under 3 min. on a Desperate Word Square is nutsy good.
DeleteCongratz, @r.alph. U seem to be gettin the hang of these runtz, post-bankruptcy. U sure Word Square Danced all over this puppy.
M&A
p.s. Did I ever mention that Desperate Word Squares are pretty much all BobK.'s fault?
"Foursome" - 7x7 themed:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"Desperate Word Square #48"
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MzU3NDI4NTk1NjIwOTA1Nw
"Foursome", thanks.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MzYxMzAyNTk1NzA0NjY5Ng
"Foursome" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MjI0MjAxNTk2Mjc0MTAwMA
Thanks.
@Teedmn - A Wow! to you also on "Desperate Word Square #48" -- I see you and @r.alph had exactly the same times to complete solve!
ReplyDelete@Teedmn - ditto, what @BobK. said. Congratz.
DeleteMay be a possible need, at this point in runtpuz evolution, for the dreaded "Desperater Word Square" … ?
M&A
@M&A
ReplyDeleteǝdʎʇ uʍop ǝpᴉsdn ʇǝƃ oʇ ʍoɥ
http://www.upsidedowntext.com
Hey! Thanx!
DeleteI had already mastered a couple of related tricks:
* Upside-down Z:
Z
* Sideways Z:
N
M&A
Stumpy Stumper: "Slow As Snot" - 7x7 themeless:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"Slow As Snot" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NzM3Njc4NjAwNTQxNjQxMA
Thanks.
"Slow As Snot" Story of my solve!
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=ODM2ODUxNjA0MzA2MzMwNg
"Latex" - 7x7 themed:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"Latex" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MTcyODkxNjEyMzQxNjA2Ng
Thanks (but one "Huh?")
Hold the presses! Dopey Frequent Flyer I just got the joke! I really should learn to read! Thanks for trying to educate me!
DeleteOrphan Pups Anonymous Dept.
ReplyDeleteNot sure what to make of runtz like this pup. Is it easy or hard? Obscure or obvious? Dumb or dumber? Confuses the M&A.
Let's agree to call it an experimental "extra" …
"Where's Waldo?" - 7x7 themed:
**gruntz**
M&A
"Where's Waldo?" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NTc1NTgwNjE1NTU5MTQ2MQ
Thanks.
Runtpuz "we warned you!" recap for solution to: "Where's Waldo?".
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=ODQyNzkwNjE1Njc3ODIzMw
M&A
Stumpy Stumper: "Rubber Chicken" - 7x7 themeless:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"Latex"
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=OTc0ODMzNjI0MDM2MTIyMQ
"Where's Waldo" Tell his mom and dad I have no idea.
ReplyDeletehttps://condenaststore.com/featured/waldos-parents-roz-chast.html
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NDgxMTY5NjI0MTI3NDAyNg
"Rubber Chicken" Fun, thanks.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NzQ3NTI2MjQxNTg4MzE1
"Rubber Chicken" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MzYwNTUwNjI2MjkyOTY2NA
Thanks. Interesting to see the three different guesses three solvers made at first for 6 A!
"At The Zoo" - 7x7 themed:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"At The Zoo" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NDAzNDcyNjMzNDU1Mjg3NA
Thanks.
"At The Zoo"
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NzkzMzUwNjM4ODEyNjk4Mw
"Part Timers" - 7x7 themed:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"Part Timers" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=ODgxMDU4NjQwMTcyNjYwNw
Thanks,
YOURS,
Bob K
@BobK. - Great solve time, and yep -- U have the puztheme works corralled, moreorless.
DeleteM&A
"We Got the Goods" - 7x7 themed:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"We Got the Goods" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NzY0MDIwNjQ4ODE5Mjg3NQ
Thanks.
Runtpuz semi-timely recap for solution to: "Part Timers".
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NjY5OTg2NjQ5NjQ1OTg5Mw
M&A
"Part Timers" Theme was over my head. Thanks, M&A.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=ODIwMzU2NjUxODQ5NDkxNQ
"We Got the Goods"
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=ODgzNTY5NjU2MTAyNDE4MA
Stumpy Stumper: "Blindsiders" - 7x7 themeless:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"Blindsiders" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NDI1NDIyNjU3Mzg4MjM2MA
Thanks.
"Rhymes for a Dime" - 7x7 themed:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"Rhymes for a Dime" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=ODM4NDI3NjY1MjIwNDA4NA
Thanks.
"Blindsiders"
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NjE0NzYyNjY1NTQ2MTIzNg
"Rhymes for a Dime" Nice!
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=OTAxNDg0NjY1NTg0NzMxOA
"Itemize" - 7x7 themed:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"Itemize" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NTM1ODIxNjc0NTg2OTQ1MQ
Thanks.
"Itemize" Very nice!
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MzYxNTE5Njg2NTUyODEzNg
"Brave New World" - 7x7 themed:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"Brave New World" -- Um, seems not to agree with puzzle --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NjYyMjYyNzAwMDQ2MzcyNg
Thanks.
yep. Runtpuz title "Brave New Word" is actually the right one. Other title is just a nickname, let's say.
DeleteM&A
"Brave New Word" Fun, thanks.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MzM2NjAzNzAzNTAzMjg2Ng
Stumpy Stumper: "Honking Senators" - 7x7 themeless:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"Honking Senators" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MjExMDcxNzE3MTk1MTM3OQ
Thanks.
"Honking Senators"
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=OTE3Njk4NzIxNzc1MjAyMw
"Desperate Word Square #49" - 7x7 sorta themed, 12 min.:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"Desperate Word Square #49" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MTAxOTEzNzMzMTIxNDA5Ng
Thanks.
"Desperate Word Square #49" Thanks.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MjI3MTc0NzM0ODE4ODg0MQ
Stumpy Stumper: "Honker Wax" - 7x7 themeless:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"Honker Wax" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MzcxMjQ3NzUyMDY3NDA3MQ
Thanks.
"Honker Wax" Nice grid.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=ODI1NDU2NzUyMjcwOTMwMQ
"Tense Words" - 7x7 themed:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"Tense Words" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=Nzg0MzMzNzY5Mjg2MjI1OA
Thanks.
"Tense Words" I had a couple of tense moments, but, fun!
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NjQ5NzE3NzI4ODA1Nzk5
"The Spy Who Loved M&e" - 7x7 themed:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"The Spy Who Loved M&e" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=Njk3NTA4NzgyMjI5MDgwMw
Thanks.
"The Spy Who Loved M&E" That first answer was a long time coming :-).
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=Njg2NDU2Nzg1NzA1NzQ1OQ
Runtpuz lovin recap for solution to: "The Spy Who Loved M&e".
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NjI4MjU3Nzg2MTA1NjYyMA
M&A
Stumpy Stumper: "Hunk of Drink" - 7x7 themeless:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
p.s.
U may have noticed with some relief that M&A is only doin a runtpuz every *other* day or so, lately. This is becuz I'm tryin to make more 15x15 NYT-possible puzs. Some of the results of this constructionquest have been better than others. The bad news is that y'all might get to try out one of the ones I couldn't bring myself to send off to the Shortzmeister, real soon. It'll sorta make up for 4 missin runtpuzs, if you kinda squint a little. Will try to throw in a few double-?? clues, to make U feel at home.
"Hunk of Drink" Thanks. I'm glad to solve any sized M&A offerings so bring 'em on.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NzM3NzQzODAyNzI2MTg5MA
"Hunk of Drink" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=Njg2MzY5ODAyOTAwNjY3OA
Thanks. (See comment, please.)
Refreshed "Hunk of Drink" version, where "cited" is spelled right in 12-A clue:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
Thanx, BobK.
M&A
As sorta promised, a runtpuz on steroids:
ReplyDelete"Daily Dosage" - 15x15 30 min. themed:
**giant gruntz**
M&A
"Daily Dosage" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MTQ3Mjg0ODA2MTQ3Mjc1NA
Thanks, very curative!
A few constructor notes about makin a 15x15 crossword like "Daily Dosage", from an M&A perspective:
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NDgzMzY1ODA2NjIxODg5MQ
M&A
"Daily Dosage" Title explains how we like our Runt puzzles delivered!
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=OTUxMzQ5ODE1OTkyMzMzMA
"Advanced Runtology" - 7x7 themed:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"Advanced Runtology" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MTM2NDYxODIyNDI2NzkyMg
Thanks.
"Advanced Runtology" I'm not advanced enough for this one...
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MzI1NjU4ODI0NjkxNzk2Nw
I'll leave this post up for your amusement, but as so often happens, after writing out the problem, I got the answer myself. (Below) --
ReplyDeleteCompletely off-topic for Runts, but for a second time I address a plea for help to the four smartest people I know:
I have completed a variety cryptic Emily Cox/Henry Rathvon puzzle which was published in the Wall street journal 6/15/2013. I filled in 1 D with an answer which fits the space, but I can't make sense of it.
The clue is, "Villain and captain fight about a piece of ivory." The answer appears to be CASTOFF. I do not understand the meaning of this answer, nor do I see how it might be derived from the clue.
The puzzle has the gimmick that the last letter of the correct answer is moved somewhere within the word, but I have corrected for that. As usual in a cryptic, two letters in the answer, S and O, are not checked, so I may be wrong about them.
Thank you in advance for any help you might give.
Bob Kerfuffle
After I wrote the above, I went to the One Look Dictionary, put in CA?T?FF, and got the word CAITIFF, a word 100% unknown to me, meaning a contemptible person, and composed of CA for Captain and TIFF for fight around the I from ivory.
Sorry for the interruption!
Bob
A few notes on the "Advanced Runtology" solution.
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NTY5MzM5ODMwMzI1NTI3Nw
M&A
"Retro Grade" - 7x7 themed:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"Retro Grade" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=MzM1MDE2ODM4NjUyMjQ1Ng
Thanks.
@BobK. Cool crypto-clue. Wouldn't have got, as CAITIFF with them uncrossed letters woulda been a Do-Not-Know, for M&A.
ReplyDelete"Retro Grade" theme clarification to the rescue … Recap:
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=ODQ3MDM3ODM5NDM3MjM2OQ
M&A
Aside to M&A - Sorry, I have been wandering in a desert devoid of U's for quite a while, but today, looking at an old copy of the NY Times (just this past Monday, in fact) I stumbled upon a group with a U-licious name. I have not dared to listen to any samples of their music, but here is JJUUJJUU:
ReplyDeleteJJUUJJUU
Profile:
JJUUJJUU is a rotating ensemble of domestic & international collaborators, wrangled by Los Angeles based musician, Phil Pirrone. He began his career as a touring musician at the age of 15, playing bass. In 2011, Pirrone borrowed an SG and a DL4 and began his exploration of recording looped based music. He later brought song ideas to life with the rhythmic companion of friend and then collaborator, Andrew Clinco (aka Drab Majesty mastermind Deb Demure). Around the same time Pirrone launched the Moon Block Party and Desert Daze festivals, and Space Agency Booking. By then, a veteran of multiple bands and several years of touring, he shifted much of his attention and vision to organizing festivals around Southern California and booking North American tours for an artist roster that includes SUUNS, Acid Mothers Temple, Ulrika Spacek, Follakzoid, L.A. Witch, Holy Wave, Imarhan, Khun Narin, and more.
Less
Sites:
jjuujjuu.org, Bandcamp, Facebook, instagram.com, setlist.fm
Members:
Phil Pirrone
I have fallen behind because for some reason I have not been getting emails when M&A posts a new puzzle. Let's see if I get this one.
ReplyDelete"Retro Grade" I was retro, all right!
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NDk5MTk4ODQ1OTcwOTM5Nw
@r.alph: Glad to hear U are still out there, in runt land.
ReplyDeleteHave been concerned about both U and one-time regular @bodgit1. I'd thought @BG1 was even up for a Spring Runtpuz Shootout, right before that primo test solver seemed to disappear off the map. I made a pretty good runt from one of @BG1's suggested 5 Shootout titles, plus four more sorta clunkier runtz.
Still real hopeful @BG1'll come back, eventually.
M&A
Stumpy Stumper: "Squished Snickers" - 7x7 themeless:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
"Squished Snickers" --
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=Mjk5NzkzODU2Mjc3NDQ5Ng
Thanks.
@BobK. -- Thanx for yer usual brave, early test solve. Allowed me to confidently splatz a "Squished Snickers" link into my Rex Parker comment today.
Delete@r.alph: We're gettin near that magic-200 comment limit. Thanx.
M&A
"Squished Snickers"
ReplyDeletehttp://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=Mzc1NjQ2ODYzNjU1ODMzNg
"Speaking in Tongues" - 7x7 themed:
ReplyDelete**gruntz**
M&A
p.s. This is comment 200. May have to punch "more comments" button at bottom, to see more. Or the mighty @r.alph maybe could start a new thread?
"Speaking in Tongues" --
ReplyDeleteAfter yesterday's comment, how could I put this off until after breakfast?
http://puzzlecrowd.com:8080/CrowdSource/GetSolution?id=NDQ3MjU5ODcyNDY2MDcwMg
Thanks.