tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post6900596549031125072..comments2024-03-28T06:58:56.261-05:00Comments on L.A.Times Crossword Corner: Saturday August 8, 2009 Gail GrabowskiZhouqin (C.C.) Burnikelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12750267554729853785noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-24277634702095805512009-08-09T01:22:07.912-05:002009-08-09T01:22:07.912-05:00A quick comment on why I came to this blog. I had...A quick comment on why I came to this blog. I had Googled a clue for an answer and this Blog came up. I became facinated by the expertice of C.C. and the banter of all the Bloggers. I lurked for almost a year, then finally commented for the first time at the urging of WM. <br /><br />We lost our L.A. Times Crossword and I e-mailed WM that I had sent a complaint to our editor at the Mercury News in San Jose. <br /><br />WM told me to stop lurking, go on-line and print the puzzle out there. We both e-mailed our paper, and lo-and-behold the L.A. Times puzzle was put back into our paper! <br /><br />Since then, I have met two of the Bloggers (WM and JD) who live here in the San Jose area, and hope to meet others as time goes on. This has been a fun journey with everyone here.Chickiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18116766478313653724noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-62833997676366396722009-08-09T01:15:02.966-05:002009-08-09T01:15:02.966-05:00KittyB did you not receive your "shipment&quo...KittyB did you not receive your "shipment"? I have a tracking number if not. Just thinking about my neighbors to the east.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-57413731256931718192009-08-09T01:12:53.893-05:002009-08-09T01:12:53.893-05:00PBJ in Chi-town...re: the "Z" word ummm....PBJ in Chi-town...re: the "Z" word ummm...not me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-30524936530250311982009-08-09T00:04:52.941-05:002009-08-09T00:04:52.941-05:00As another "old timer" here on the blog,...As another "old timer" here on the blog, I found it by going to the g-spot for an answer I couldn't get, and there was C.C. and this marvelous blog. I lurked for a while and finally posted a comment. Didn't know how to blog or really understood what a blog was. I've watched it grow into a great community, and miss it greatly when I can't access it.<br /><br />I can understand the smile on windhover and lois' faces. It's so good to meet a friend in person after establishing the relationship over the internet.<br /><br />Good night, all -- see you tomorrow!Crockett1947https://www.blogger.com/profile/06404431645533093707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-70490253683234274752009-08-09T00:01:21.274-05:002009-08-09T00:01:21.274-05:00Dennis, An even better topic of discussion...how&...Dennis, An even better topic of discussion...how'd that green paint work out for you today?<br /><br />Moving on with my last post of the night. Thanks to that half bottle of Semillon and instructions from Crockett and Embien, I've already finished up Sunday's puzzle via Cruciverb.com It's a goodie. I hope those of you who will wait until tomorrow morning's newspaper can sleep well knowing that a fun and (a little) frustrating time awaits you.Clear Ayeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14463641770718104835noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-62100489774246561682009-08-08T23:55:56.482-05:002009-08-08T23:55:56.482-05:00Dennis. agreed!
New topic: who put the zucchini ...Dennis. agreed! <br />New topic: who put the zucchini on my doorstep!?<br />Wait, there's an Enya c.d. too. Do I smell hay?!<br /><br />Night, all...<br />pjbPJB-Chicagohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18442942109541224252noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-9608092601853226312009-08-08T23:44:33.908-05:002009-08-08T23:44:33.908-05:00Hey, I don't wanna see this become an 'us ...Hey, I don't wanna see this become an 'us against them' thing (well, I don't care, but I know that's not what C.C. wants), and I think we're all on the same page, so let's see if we can't move on to a different subject, say, why both Windhover and Lois were grinning so much in that picture, for example. I'm the one that started the 'other blog' thing, and I'm gonna get hollered at enough already for that.Dennishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05476669744435495547noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-43269900246221042162009-08-08T22:40:48.735-05:002009-08-08T22:40:48.735-05:00There are so many witty, intelligent and just plai...There are so many witty, intelligent and just plain nice people here. Every day brings a new tidbit of knowledge and always, two or three good laughs. To top it off, we start with an excellent breakdown of the daily crossword. What's not to like?<br /><br />Geri, I found the blog last summer, the same way everyone else did. I was stuck on some obscure piece of crosswordese, googled it and there was C.C.'s blog. Like most everyone else, I lurked for a while and watched the fun, until it was just too tempting and I had to jump in.Clear Ayeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14463641770718104835noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-42617482355069236462009-08-08T22:25:46.036-05:002009-08-08T22:25:46.036-05:00Good evening, all!
Reading the discussion here abo...Good evening, all!<br />Reading the discussion here about "the other blogs" has me thinking. As a relative newcomer to the group, I have to say a few things.<br />I admit to checking on the other blogs from time to time, and don't wish to play down their contributions to lovers of crosswords, but I cannot understand why they wouldn't link here as they do to so many other tools or resources for solvers. <br /><br />There is, after all, no competition for ad dollars, awards or viewership. Better said, if someone reads--or posts at--all, one or none of the blogs, no blog-host gains or loses anything tangible that I can figure out. Am I missing something?<br /><br />This blog is a community. Everyone is welcome and greeted once they start posting comments. That is huge for me. second, no polite question is met with derision. I may get hard clues about golf or French or history, for example, but anything involving, say, hockey or physics is goin' straight over my head. No prob here.. If someone says "please explain....", someone does.<br /><br />The depth and breadth of expertise here in our circle is a huge draw. Among many others, we have constructors, artists, scientists, linguists, historians, teachers, scientists....the list unfurls. Can most of us do a Saturday puzzle in under five minutes? Probably not. I doubt most us consider speed our top priority. <br /><br />Of course, top of the list, it's the magnanimous, whipsmart C.C. who keeps us coming back. She sets the tone through her careful parsing of clues, explanations, comments and interviews.<br />Dennis and Argyle contribute as well, and we're all lucky that CC has such good people to help her out as needed.<br /><br />She deserves acknowlegement not just from her followers, but from her peers, too. Any of us who host or co-host a blog (or blogs) would do well to take a long look at her playbook, and emulate her ethics, drive, class and poise.PJB-Chicagohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18442942109541224252noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-39506986028849997322009-08-08T21:47:06.594-05:002009-08-08T21:47:06.594-05:00As a newbie at this site, here's my take on th...As a newbie at this site, here's my take on the current discussion.<br /><br />@CA-- I think you summed it up well when you wrote "People come for the crossword information and they stay for the personal interaction." That's how I found this site, and why I'm sticking around.<br /><br />ALSO...I'm blown away by C.C.'s incredible grasp of the English language and culture.<br /><br />ALSO...Many of the posters tickle me! I giggle, LOL, chuckle, guffaw, and more at many of the postings. Thank you all. (My award for today goes to Irish Jim!)MJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17409431043640770889noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-70521576794992505112009-08-08T21:46:49.910-05:002009-08-08T21:46:49.910-05:00I started here last July after landing here from g...I started here last July after landing here from google. I had never blogged or had any online contacts other than email before.<br /><br />I have several friends who do the XW daily, but are still working and don't have time to blog. I've told them all and forwarded them the website though. Maybe some are lurking, like one of DH's cousins said she would.kaziehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06761801803016465459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-77304861785660388382009-08-08T21:03:16.493-05:002009-08-08T21:03:16.493-05:00Hi C.C and all,
I have been here since about day o...Hi C.C and all,<br />I have been here since about day one.<br />I found this blog googling.<br />How about the rest of you?<br />I also tell everyone who will listen to me about it as well.<br /><br />Best to all,<br /><br />GeriAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-59013574221672187172009-08-08T21:01:02.557-05:002009-08-08T21:01:02.557-05:00Jimbo, A while back you offered to send copies of...Jimbo, A while back you offered to send copies of the xeroxed pages you have from"Santa anna's Peak". I did not respond because I wanted to see if the book is available from our library. I have found out it is in the UW Historical Library so I will plan to make a trip over ther soon to check it out. In the meantime, we're ready for another story.<br /><br />Also, if anyone is interested in WW II stories, I just received notice that a book about the woman who was taken prisoner by the Japanese from Attu Is., Alaska will be released Oct. 1. The book is, "Last Letters from Attu" by Mary Breu. Many people are not aware of the fact that the Japanese invaded Alaska. Foster & Etta Jones were the last white people on Attu. Foster was killed & Etta was held as a prisoner in Japan along with some Australian <br />nurses from a different island. I'm looking forward to reading the book.<br /><br />DotAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-63629198494978736682009-08-08T20:41:20.329-05:002009-08-08T20:41:20.329-05:00We all start the day by doing the puzzle and comme...We all start the day by doing the puzzle and commenting about it. That is our common thread so to speak. I am stepping up to the plate. I have been a part of this blog for over a year. Not always a popular one, but none the less I have changed my ways for the most part. I would be willing to bet that 95% of the people on this site found it "googling" an answer. (I really wondered how Dennis found it.) I degress. Dennis has made a great point as some of us have become friends via e-mail, visits to other's towns, (Lois/WH) is a good example. It is what makes this site so enjoyable. We want to hear about a new birth of a grandchild, a new scrape Brady might acquire, and even sickness and death that a blog friend is facing. Moon, when you lost your job, everyone here rallied around you. That's just another example why this bog site is special. C.C. I implore you, don't change it.Jeanniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14901963533031920633noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-87310965447374663172009-08-08T20:37:26.604-05:002009-08-08T20:37:26.604-05:00Kazie, an excellent point - there can only be one ...Kazie, an excellent point - there can only be one reason why they wouldn't want to acknowledge C.C.'s blog.<br /><br />Moon, I missed it too - only had time to skim the posts today. Congratulations and good luck - it was apparent from the beginning that you had a winning attitude.Dennishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05476669744435495547noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-72353546536865269022009-08-08T20:27:26.091-05:002009-08-08T20:27:26.091-05:00Dennis, Sam, CA and Jerome,
If the other blog site...Dennis, Sam, CA and Jerome,<br />If the other blog sites don't admit that we're their equal, then they must just have their noses out of joint because we have more fun. At least in that sense we're superior!<br /><br />Moon, <br />Congrats on landing the great job. I just got around to reading your comment more thoroughly.kaziehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06761801803016465459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-84234782273023591752009-08-08T20:08:46.318-05:002009-08-08T20:08:46.318-05:00Sam, as Jerome so eloquently stated, the concern i...Sam, as Jerome so eloquently stated, the concern isn't about other bloggers joining us, it's about the snub from the other crossword blogs. I wrote a very nice, polite email (I know, I know, hard to believe) to the 'gentleman' who runs another crossword blog, and pointed out that C.C. has a link to his blog, and would he consider doing the same. I wasn't deemed worthy of a response. I don't get it. Hell, we even have regular bloggers here that won't hesitate to post a link to his blog, but wouldn't think to do the same on that blog.<br /><br />Sorry for the mini-rant, and I know C.C. won't be happy with my talking about it, but it truly pisses me off.Dennishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05476669744435495547noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-50894973267376413642009-08-08T19:28:06.300-05:002009-08-08T19:28:06.300-05:00Just got home a little while ago. We had some won...Just got home a little while ago. We had some wonderful wines and a very good lunch too. The rest of the evening will be devoted to patio relaxation and a bottle of newly purchased Semillon.<br /><br />I'm with you Jerome. I think this blog is plenty crossword concentrated. Our first comments of the day zero in on problems, questions and opinions of the daily puzzle. But after that, how much can be said about the clues and answers? I've read some of the other crossword blogs and the "Comments" usually stick to "I liked this", "I didn't like that", or "Help!". <br /><br />For some, a crossword blog should be about the puzzle and nothing else, but C.C. has encouraged us to range free. People come for the crossword information and they stay for the personal interaction. Other blog hosts or participants may not consider this blog to be "crossword pure" enough.<br /><br />Not being included in the other blogs list of links is the price to be paid for apparent crossword blog heresy, but the price is being paid by their participants, who may not be aware of the great vibes going on over here.<br /><br />I'm certainly glad that C.C. is independent enough to steer her blog in a way that is the most informational, instructive AND the most fun for any Free-ranger who happens to drop by.Clear Ayeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14463641770718104835noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-87742587456461916312009-08-08T19:21:05.501-05:002009-08-08T19:21:05.501-05:00Barb B - re Babette's Feast, yes the exact sam...Barb B - re Babette's Feast, yes the exact same meal. We had dinner first, then the movie, so some of the preparations had us wondering what was going on here! The Mercury had an article about the restaurant's effort, so we weren't totally in the dark.JimmyBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05586278242399205933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-30612418119393615262009-08-08T19:17:25.566-05:002009-08-08T19:17:25.566-05:00Hi everyone,
I have to admit failure today. My 20...Hi everyone,<br />I have to admit failure today. My 20 minute effort over breakfast wasn't enough to get real traction. I had HAGUE, SEAS, EDT, DUPES, NOTER, ENTRE and DUNES before we had to leave for the day. On arriving home about an hour ago, there has been too much to do to get into it again. So I came here to admit defeat.<br /><br />Tarrajo,<br />I repeat, if you'd like those recipes, I have them scanned ready to email you if you will just drop an email to me so I have your e-address. I promise I won't haunt you for any reason afterwards!<br /><br />WH et al,<br />I also have a lamb shank recipe from my Oz life:<br />Fry shanks in a pan until browned slightly, then place in a pot big enough, with a little oil in the bottom. Sauté2 chopped onions in the pan juices, add 4 oz. sliced mushrooms (canned or fresh) with some green pepper and a 15 oz can crushed tomatoes, or fresh equivalent. When soft, add to meat in pot, sprinkle with thyme, paprika, salt and pepper and add a bay leaf and a little white wine. Simmer slowly until meat starts to leave the bones. Then thicken the sauce before serving with rice or potatoes.kaziehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06761801803016465459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-36925362205103137312009-08-08T19:10:55.599-05:002009-08-08T19:10:55.599-05:00CC:
Very enjoyable puzzle today.. really made me ...CC: <br />Very enjoyable puzzle today.. really made me think. Loved the Carnival ride clue! Made me laugh when I finally figured it out. Still working on the Edsels??? <br /><br />Don't stop thinking about tomorrow!Libearahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05687761099484535358noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-63651808246577628672009-08-08T18:59:06.337-05:002009-08-08T18:59:06.337-05:00Sam- The fact that other bloggers don't post h...Sam- The fact that other bloggers don't post here is fine with me. Nothin' wrong with that. And you're right, sometimes this site does seem like a coffee klatch or a chatroom for sharing recipes. However, most folks here are serious solvers, love crosswords and often make astute and clever observations about puzzles. C.C. is a terrific blog host and her affection for crosswords is clear. I would also add that many top constructors have gladly consented to be interviewed here. That list includes people like Nancy Salomon and Merl Reagle. Both legendary constructors.<br /><br />That said, my beef is this. Almost all crossword blogs publicize links to other crossword discussion sites. I cannot find one that has a link to this site. Cruciverb does, but that's not a blog. I find this no less than a slight done knowingly and with snide intentions. This omission looms even more ridiculous and foul when this blog is, in fact, among the most popular. There's a stink to this that reeks all the way to hell.Jeromehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06174332800591939009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-5289230641501925332009-08-08T18:53:54.907-05:002009-08-08T18:53:54.907-05:00I’m with Irish Jim today, or worse. I looked up ev...I’m with Irish Jim today, or worse. I looked up everything, but wouldn’t give up. It’s all good. <br /><br />Congratulations Moon! I’m not surprised that your attitude helped land the job. We’ve noticed that here too.<br /><br />JimmieB, thanks for the info on Babette’s feast. I liked it the first time I saw it, but liked it even better the second time. Did the restaurant really serve all the same food? I’m not sure I could enjoy the quails in their coffins. <br /><br />I’ve been busy in the kitchen, but not making dinner. Today it was german chamomile infused oil, orange skin cream, and elderberry toner. Added them to the cuticle cream, night cream, marshmallow hand lotion, and green salve previously concocted. Comfrey cream is next. So much cheaper and more fun than commercial products, but can’t compete with Eminence. (that’s a line Melissa Bee introduced to me. Unbelievably fragrant and expensive.) MBee makes some pretty nice things herself. We share recipes but rarely have the chance to work together.<br /><br />Tarrajo, I’d dig those plants up and use them for compost. ☺Barb Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14939627110461264552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-23142645479083309352009-08-08T18:18:39.448-05:002009-08-08T18:18:39.448-05:00Hello, all. Tough puzzle, eh!? I am relieved that...Hello, all. Tough puzzle, eh!? I am relieved that at least some of the many mistakes I made were the same ones made by some of our veteran solvers. <br /><br />In my defense' "BOX OF WINE" has the same number of letters as WINE PRESS for 34D, and "MICHELLE'S NEW PAD" <i>could</i> have fit quite nicely in 36A. Those darn perps would't cooperate.<br /><br />Since I was solving in a crowded non-chain coffee shop, I was more than a little hesitant to see what turned up when I google-ized 30D. Kind of a risk, there for me because I don't want people thinking I am looking online for "exotic dates." "Ruins" was my first semi-informed guess, but later perped my way to DUNES. <br /><br />@Moon. Congrats on the job! They're lucky to have you. You and your husband have much to celebrate.<br /><br />@C.C.: Thanks for the clear & helpful write up as well as the fine interview with today's constructor. I think I would have given up on the brain-wracking grid if not for this blog & the people you've gathered here. Thanks!PJB-Chicagohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18442942109541224252noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-51881150802142210332009-08-08T18:00:25.261-05:002009-08-08T18:00:25.261-05:00Hi everyone, For a bit of a chuckle, check out Pea...Hi everyone, For a bit of a chuckle, check out Peanuts in Sunday's comics.<br /><br />eddyB.eddyBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00905272532346939000noreply@blogger.com