NYT Crossword Solutions: Portmanteau Unit of Computing Data

FRIDAY PUZZLE — For folks first beginning to clear up crosswords, there’s typically a sense of trepidation when they’re confronted with a clean grid.

That is sensible if you concentrate on it. A puzzle is ideal earlier than you start scribbling letters. There’s the pristine grid in stark black and white, with sharp traces and completely aligned squares. The clues have been written and edited by professionals who certainly know extra about this than you do. These similar clues are double-checked by different specialists who’re definitely not cackling maniacally about how shortly this may take solvers down.

It additionally has that “new puzzle” odor — the fragrance of risk and soy-based ink — that’s detectable even should you clear up within the app. Go on, increase your cellphone to your face and take a deep whiff. In case you are exterior, clarify to the folks round you that you’re simply smelling the each day crossword puzzle. I’ll vouch for you.

I carry this up with the intention to reassure people who find themselves working up the braveness to strive the more durable puzzles that regardless of how lengthy you’ve been fixing, there’ll at all times be one that you just wrestle with. On the floor, this doesn’t actually sound comforting. However it could assist to keep in mind that while you’re struggling to resolve a Tuesday puzzle, another person — somebody extra skilled — tried their mightiest to overcome a Friday version. You aren’t alone in your trepidation.

The truth is, I discovered Kyle Dolan’s participating puzzle to be tough, and I’ve been fixing for a very long time. Some solvers name this “not being on the constructor’s wavelength,” however in my case, it’s only a matter of not being warmed up.

I hope this can be a good analogy, however that is how I think about it feels to be at bat in a baseball sport. If I’m not warmed up and feeling sharp, the balls — the crossword clues — that the pitcher throws at me go whizzing previous my head, and I begin feeling discouraged. Upon studying the clues a second time, I’ll take a few swings within the hope that I’ll join with one thing. At this level, I’m starting to acknowledge among the clues, and I’d be capable to write in a solution or two. Now I’m warmed up and beginning to fill in additional solutions, however it doesn’t occur unexpectedly. For my part, working the crossings and rereading the clues fastidiously are the very best methods to remain warmed up.

What are your go-to strategies for breaking right into a puzzle like this? And what do you do whenever you’re caught?

Difficult Clues

18A. Even if you’re undecided who her great-grandfather (8D) was, should you see any indication of lyre-playing within the clue, the reply shall be ERATO, one of many 9 muses in Greek mythology.

Can’t inform Eos from Erato? Right here’s some assist:

24A. That is what I imply by not being warmed up. I misinterpreted “Drugstore model named for its goal space” and smacked myself on the brow after I lastly bought the reply. At first, I assumed the clue was speaking a few brick-and-mortar drugstore (model or possibly chain) and its geographical location (“goal space”). The reply is TUMS, which, after all, targets the stomach. Ethical: When doubtful, reread the clue. Once more. OK, one final time. Good.

33A. Very intelligent clue, and I knew this one. I actually did. I simply couldn’t consider the reply as a result of — say it with me — I wasn’t totally warmed up. “Providing with a blessing?” sounds as if it have been hinting at some kind of non secular providing, however that query mark signifies there’s wordplay occurring. What different kinds of blessings are there? How concerning the “Bless you” we are saying when somebody sneezes? I knew that the providing needed to be some form of material you would possibly lend to the sneezer. It seems that the reply is KLEENEX.

38A/45D. Right here’s one other fixing lesson: When the clues ask about presidents or first girls, don’t assume that these are leaders of the US. That data was omitted intentionally with the intention to make the clue trickier. The primary woman on this cut up clue is EVA Perón, nee DUARTE, who went on to star on Broadway as Patti LuPone.

4D. Clues resembling “Consultant” are difficult as a result of there is no such thing as a data telling us whether or not the phrase is a noun or an adjective. It’s an adjective right here, and the reply is TOTEMIC.

7D. A QUBIT is a portmanteau of the phrases “quantum” and “bit.” Primarily based on data from the Wordplay analysis division, a quantum bit is rather like a classical bit, besides that it’s extra … quantum.

Ha! Simply kidding. The folks with the sharp sticks would really like me to elaborate, so in line with the web site Quantum Encourage: “In classical computing, the data is encoded in bits, the place every bit can have the worth zero or one. In quantum computing the data is encoded in qubits.” So far as I can inform, QUBITs are additionally depicted as zeros and ones, however with fancier punctuation.

9D. This “Ebook agent?” will not be somebody who guarantees you fame, glory and riches past your wildest desires in return for 15 p.c of the cash you aren’t but making. It’s somebody who makes books, or takes bets, on sporting occasions. The reply is ODDS MAKER.

23D. The phrase “inclined” within the clue “Place to drive, should you’re so inclined?” ought to set off alarm bells in your head. This isn’t about doing issues if you wish to. It’s about driving onto one thing, and that might be an ON RAMP.

50D. I’ve been owned by canines my complete life and spent a very good period of time as a canine behaviorist, however I had by no means heard of a BITON. The BITON is a hybrid, designer canine that may be a cross between a Bichon Frisé and a Coton de Tulear. I assumed it was attention-grabbing that the entry had not appeared within the New York Instances Crossword since earlier than Will Shortz turned crossword editor in 1993, and it seems that this can be a debut for the entry as a canine breed. It was previously clued because the awkward phrase BIT ON. I can perceive why the editors went in a brand new path.

Constructor Notes

Following a interval of establishing themelesses with black squares specified by advance of filling (together with the SPREZZATURA themeless from April), I modified my strategy, beginning with STATUS QUO at 1A and letting the grid design emerge organically as dictated by the fill. This required a variety of guide filling with out using laptop aids.

The northeast and southwest quad stacks have been serendipitous, and I’m particularly pleased with how they turned out.

I’d prefer to acknowledge Sam Ezersky, whose notes from his Jan. 15, 2021, puzzle served partially as an inspiration, in addition to for his useful discussions about themeless development philosophy. I hope you discover the puzzle a enjoyable begin to your fixing weekend!

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The Tipping Level

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