tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626052240584383873.post8960309799179820007..comments2024-01-25T10:14:06.567-08:00Comments on L.A. Crossword Confidential: FRIDAY, Oct. 30, 2009 — Dan NaddorOrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12433254398377357737noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626052240584383873.post-38901783603937974812009-11-04T00:40:53.086-08:002009-11-04T00:40:53.086-08:00What monsters have we become? Please, stop the se...What monsters have we become? Please, stop the senseless hatred. I've become nauseated by just reading some of the above comments. How long does this have to go on until someone realizes that nothing good can come out of it? Whether you write on this blog or comment on it, you should follow one simple rule: "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all". I learned that when I was a little kid, and implementing it has allowed me to lead a stress-free life and to never have anyone be mean to me. Imagine what a wondrous society we would live in if everyone followed this rule, along with others such as the Golden Rule.<br /><br />You may think that what you say has no importance or no effect on others, but some of the above comments have definitely gotten me thinking. Why do people act this way? Is it in our nature? Any sense of rationality would condemn such condescending actions. But alas, some individuals haven't so much as an iota of morality in their souls. I'm hoping to change that. I plead to everyone that when you write, say, or even think something; that you do so only with love and respect. Even one negative thought can have a devastating affect on others.<br /><br />To the lovely bloggers: if you put something negative in your post, I don't see how you can't expect similar responses. Evil only breeds more evil. I understand your longing for a change in your beloved puzzles, but criticism and barbs are not the way to go. Even one little compliment in a post can snowball into something much greater and bring about change in a positive manner.<br /><br />And to everyone, please help make this world a better place. If just one person did something nice for someone else, and then those two both did something nice for someone else the next day, and so on, then the whole world would experience a good deed in just 33 days. If 50 people read this, then it would only take 27 days. Just think, world peace is less than a month away.<br /><br />God bless! =)cheezguytynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626052240584383873.post-40560357504398398222009-10-31T22:55:25.482-07:002009-10-31T22:55:25.482-07:00@JohnsNH, I'd always said tinnitus the second ...@JohnsNH, I'd always said tinnitus the second way for the longest time! My tinnitus/tintinnitus sounds more like water rushing. Maybe I should just give in and ride some class 5 rapids. I might not mind the sound so much! @Tinbeni, I think the tintinnabulation on the blog has quieted. Quasimodo sleeps at last! Time to turn the clocks back.Pete P'Tuinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626052240584383873.post-49482950848283005642009-10-31T11:25:09.170-07:002009-10-31T11:25:09.170-07:00@Pete P'tui & tinbeni
Isn't there an a...@Pete P'tui & tinbeni<br />Isn't there an alternate word for tinnitus? --- tintinnitus<br />I have that disorder and I think I've been pronouncing it incorrectly.JOHNSNEVERHOMEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13447455788629988277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626052240584383873.post-44619709915114597792009-10-31T10:12:30.320-07:002009-10-31T10:12:30.320-07:00@ Pete P'tui
You ARE so right ... I heard the ...@ Pete P'tui<br />You ARE so right ... I heard the clanging giving me a migraine headache. That was the PERFECT word. <br /><br />Tried to divert the missive crap back 'on topic' and was clunk on the noggin (more ringing followed) for using a very common phrase, used almost everyday, hoping for a more erudite reparte' civility and calmness.<br /><br />The ringing has not subsided.Tinbenihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14661395078047234853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626052240584383873.post-59070876006674129012009-10-31T09:54:29.185-07:002009-10-31T09:54:29.185-07:00@tinbeni, my tinnitus was acting up with the cacap...@tinbeni, my tinnitus was acting up with the cacaphony of comments! For whom the bell tolls, it tolled for me! (in my head, anyway);0 @Mac's "kerfuffle" was definitely my fav. Wow, 70 comments! Is that a record?Pete P'tuinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626052240584383873.post-32580096605719966372009-10-31T09:40:54.694-07:002009-10-31T09:40:54.694-07:00Wait, so vitrioled wasn't the right word? :)Wait, so vitrioled wasn't the right word? :)Whitneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12427378278653572523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626052240584383873.post-45621759262419645172009-10-31T07:06:39.216-07:002009-10-31T07:06:39.216-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Tinbenihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14661395078047234853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626052240584383873.post-8374639487288081482009-10-31T07:06:37.286-07:002009-10-31T07:06:37.286-07:00@ PG re: "Lighten Up"
Absolutely nothing...@ PG re: "Lighten Up"<br />Absolutely nothing "mean-spirited" nor judgements being made as to 'peoples lives' when I made that comment.<br /><br />If you had read the discourse that preceded there was not an honest debate occurring but a vitroilic, ego driven, total lack of reasonable perspective.<br /><br />Not a calm and civil interplay.<br /><br />Anyone/Everyone who comes to this Blog or comments thereon takes their Crossword Puzzles seriously. But with all due respect let's not take ourselves into a gutter resorting to name-calling or making unjust value judgements. <br /><br />Therefore in the future I will just "lighten-up" ... enjoy your, Rex's and Orange's Blog keeping my opinion on an even keel.Tinbenihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14661395078047234853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626052240584383873.post-91435929566897346232009-10-31T03:33:53.865-07:002009-10-31T03:33:53.865-07:00I enjoy this blog because it helps me improve my a...I enjoy this blog because it helps me improve my ability to do crosswords. I happen to enjoy Dan Naddor's work. Whenever I see his name at the top of a puzzle I know it's going to be fun. I'm glad he responded to the criticism thrown his way. There's been way too much bitching lately on this blog regarding the lack of difficulty in the LAT crosswords. I have gotten to where I rarely read the comments section for fear that I'll have to deal with more fussing about the constructors. They obviously have bosses & must adhere to certain standards. I just want to do a puzzle and it shouldn't be so sophisticated that it takes me all day to do it.Waynehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16165259499917393643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626052240584383873.post-59441885018735463692009-10-31T03:02:02.960-07:002009-10-31T03:02:02.960-07:00Holey moley!
I had no idea our little blog (techn...Holey moley!<br /><br />I had no idea our little blog (technically *your* little blog since I am, alas, just a commenter) was a collecting point for such a pantheon of crossword stars! (hmmm...idea for next reality show: "Pantheon of the Crossword Stars"? Naaah.<br /><br />I just try to get the right letters in the right boxes...it's like going to a track to jog and seeing Olympic athletes warming up; you kinda stand back and try not to get run over.<br /><br />Now I can grok the 4-minute and 5-minute solving times (for Fridays no less). RP, PG and Orange, my respect to you. Dan and other constructors, my respect to you too for trying to build an obstacle course that suits the pros and us b-teamers also. Editors, well, I guess we agree that the problem must lie with you! <---joke ;^)<br /><br />Question: Does the sudoku crowd have these kind of discussions?<br /><br />(and Mr. Bogle: Thanks, I like seeing your comments too...funny how you get to know people by reading little slices of their crossword thoughts)jazzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02967093995893913338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626052240584383873.post-67377356775891916282009-10-30T22:52:12.444-07:002009-10-30T22:52:12.444-07:00(Cross-posted!)(Cross-posted!)Orangehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12433254398377357737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626052240584383873.post-42357154607764480522009-10-30T22:51:25.493-07:002009-10-30T22:51:25.493-07:00@bohica: Technically, this blog only began seven m...@bohica: Technically, this blog only began seven months ago. It's possible you are more psychic than you know! <br /><br />But your numbers have gone awry. Michael lays claim to being the 44th greatest solver, not 146th. (I am, of course, far too modest to mention that I have placed as high as 6th at the ACPT.) Everyone in this solar system's crossword community knows that Venusian crosswords stink. They're no better than the word-crosses a third-grader can make. It's like the World Series, only without the existence of Japan and Cuba.<br /><br />Also, for the record, bohica, if you will check the byline of the Sunday, July 5, 2009 NYT crossword, you will find my name (together with Tony Orbach). For real!Orangehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12433254398377357737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626052240584383873.post-50587349211375762912009-10-30T22:47:55.958-07:002009-10-30T22:47:55.958-07:00How have you been following this blog for 13 month...How have you been following this blog for 13 months when it has only been in existence for 7? Eerie. <br /><br />The insult today was to a commenter. I still have no idea what DN said about me personally and don't care. I get angry comments directed at me every day of my life. {Yawn] Plenty of constructors (better than DN) respect my criticism. If he doesn't, pfft, big deal. But for a constructor to call a *commenter* a "sycophant" is unseemly at best. (and yes, GLowe, "unseemly" in this case does mean "shitty") :)<br /><br />rpRex Parkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16145707733877505087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626052240584383873.post-66962902059539489462009-10-30T22:42:54.960-07:002009-10-30T22:42:54.960-07:00@bohica The fragile voice of saneness crying out i...@bohica The fragile voice of saneness crying out in the wilderness. Thank you.Crockett1947https://www.blogger.com/profile/06404431645533093707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626052240584383873.post-39009183453216940252009-10-30T21:55:09.950-07:002009-10-30T21:55:09.950-07:00If we all priortize our lives around crossword puz...If we all priortize our lives around crossword puzzles God save us, we're a hopeless bunch. <br /><br />Obviously it's a livlihood for some, and Dan Naddor is making at least some money off of them. <br /><br />But what point does it serve to demean others efforts in a blog? At last check a blog with no advertising generates bupkis for revenue. <br /><br />Oftentimes a good puzzle is just what I need to brighten my day. I am sometimes let down becuase they're too easy, and sometimes frustrated because they're too hard. But never do I question the constructor's methodology or effort. <br /><br />Too call someone formulaic is to call them lazy, resting on their laurel's if you will. <br /><br />If Rich wants word play that's what constructors will present to get published and paid. <br /><br />I agree with Dan in this case, if you've got a problem with the theme; take it up with Rich.<br /><br />And, by the way, I've been following this blog for the last 13<br />months on a daily basis, reading every comment as well as the blog. So I feel that I can "pretend" to know what others are thinking. Maybe I should change my name to Rainman. <br /><br />Perhaps when I see the bylines of Michael Sharp, Amy Reynaldo or you in the NYT or LAT puzzle will I respect you more than Dan Naddor. <br /><br />Number 146 in the universe? I'd be willing to bet there are some Venutians that would argue that.<br /><br />In Rex's own words it's time to be done with this, and move on, hopefully in a more positive way.<br /><br />To quote Rex from an interview:<br /><br />As for what I’ve learned — patience. I have learned to have a D.N.R. (Do Not Respond) policy whenever anyone is insulting (which happens occasionally on the blog, occasionally in private e-mail). I have a combative, competitive instinct, but I have learned, the hard way, that indulging that instinct is rarely a good idea. Let it go — almost always the best policy, but also easier said than done.Bohicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16338679493627934067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626052240584383873.post-3796539446328429472009-10-30T21:44:23.242-07:002009-10-30T21:44:23.242-07:00@PG:
No, the most mean-spirited thing you could sa...@PG:<br />No, the most mean-spirited thing you could say to someone is not "lighten up": that would be "M*A*S*H extra".<br />I dunno if Dan got vitrioled, but he did get criticized. If you put your work on display, people comment. Some comments are negative. If you want only positive comments, post your work on yo momma's fridge attached by a magnet.<br />Personally, I'd love for my work to make it past the editor to be vitrioled by the masses, but alas he/she calls my fill 'workmanlike', and my themes 'uninspiring' (that means 'shitty' and 'stupid', methinks).<br />So I try to do better.GLowenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626052240584383873.post-41449282873476159222009-10-30T21:16:44.464-07:002009-10-30T21:16:44.464-07:00And, as usual, PG is my hero.
But not a psychopha...And, as usual, PG is my hero.<br /><br />But not a psychophant! (we criticize each other all the time — just off-blog, and with love)<br /><br />rpRex Parkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16145707733877505087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626052240584383873.post-22124656382003302302009-10-30T21:12:00.080-07:002009-10-30T21:12:00.080-07:00Whitney,
I promise never to vitriol you (send me ...Whitney,<br /><br />I promise never to vitriol you (send me drafts of your puzzles so I can pre-vitriol them). <br /><br />Your comment made a nice end to this very long day.<br /><br />rpRex Parkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16145707733877505087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626052240584383873.post-53749682585304927572009-10-30T20:36:20.552-07:002009-10-30T20:36:20.552-07:00Okay, I probably shouldn't do this, but I'...Okay, I probably shouldn't do this, but I'm going to anyway. Unless you know someone really well and are talking directly to that person face-to-face, I honestly believe that "lighten up" is probably the most mean-spirited thing you can say to somebody. So can we all just decide we're not going to do that here? Puzzles are important to all of us in one way or another. For someone to participate in this blog and make judgment calls on other people's <i>lives</i> is disrespectful. I don't know what kind of jobs or families or other hobbies any of you have. And I don't know what you do with your time. So I would never presume to tell you you're taking something too seriously. How do I know that today isn't a day when the crossword puzzle is the exact right thing for you to be taking seriously? Why would I tell you to focus your energy on something else when I have no idea if you've already been out saving the world all day and now you just need a break?<br /><br />Yes, it's just a puzzle. But it's the thing that brought us together in the first place. Yes, there are probably more important things we could be spending our energy on. But let's not pretend we know one another well enough to make assumptions about how we all prioritize our lives.PuzzleGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06835502266781516627noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626052240584383873.post-76110207987934785452009-10-30T20:11:17.452-07:002009-10-30T20:11:17.452-07:00Oh, LOL. Late to the party as always so this might...Oh, LOL. Late to the party as always so this might as well be written for the blog crew themselves - if my humble opinion means anything to you :)<br /><br />As an aspiring constructor who was originally inspired by Rex's NYT blog I am VERY VERY hesitant to submit any puzzle without thinking first "What would Rex say?" I hate to think that my first published puzzle would be vitrioled (right word?) by my crossword hero! I think the blog(s) serve to help constructors up their game. Though I can see Dan's side, too. Gettin' paid is never a bad thing...The blog, however, is Rex's creation and therefore he can say what he wants when he wants and we all love it regardless, for whatever reason, right?!? Okay, my two cents is in.Whitneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12427378278653572523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626052240584383873.post-77368267173819853892009-10-30T19:40:08.006-07:002009-10-30T19:40:08.006-07:00Wow, glad I didn't get here until the dust had...Wow, glad I didn't get here until the dust had settled!<br /><br />@Rex: Your accusations we're out of line. Especially since you had previously made them and Dan rebuffed them and gave his reasoning for the "word play" themes.<br /><br />@Dan: Name calling has never resolved any conflicts. And is uncalled for and not tolerated in this forum. <br /><br />@Rich: Perhaps a conference call is in order between yourself, Rex and Dan. Since the puzzle's theme trends and what is accepted/rejected is ultimately on your shoulders.<br /><br />Personally, the only problem that I had with the puzzle was it's Tuesday NYT difficulty level. <br /><br />I know it's too late in the day for anyone else to read this but I just had to chime in. Enough of the vitriol, we do crossword puzzles for FUN! Turn your anger into positive and proactive actions toward health care, joblessness or the overall poor economy. There are people using the newspaper for a blanket tonight, let's get over ourselves and work toward the greater good.Bohicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16338679493627934067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626052240584383873.post-20866774118529158472009-10-30T17:11:07.142-07:002009-10-30T17:11:07.142-07:00@JNH - glad to see you like BROUHAHA too.
Its de...@JNH - glad to see you like BROUHAHA too. <br /><br />Its definition: an episode involving excitement, confusion, turmoil, etc., esp. a broil over a minor or ridiculous cause.<br /><br />Sounds good.hazelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04627015904603641109noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626052240584383873.post-66266017817498520882009-10-30T16:27:12.059-07:002009-10-30T16:27:12.059-07:00@ Pete P'tui ~ Tintinnabulation is a wonderful...@ Pete P'tui ~ Tintinnabulation is a wonderful 16 letter word but I don't hear the 'ringing if the bells' here today.<br /><br />@ JohnNH ~ Brouhaha is quite good. I guess it can be said that today's comments have been on the 'hubbub, uproar, commotion' side. And it does have a humourous lilt.<br /><br />Additionally I would like to tell you personally that your comments here are bright & witty and I look forward to your impression of a days puzzle. You were unjustly labled a sycophant by the constructor. I doubt in any endeavor in life you have ever been anyone's toady.<br /> <br />But I would rather say this little ADO today has been an exercise on the level of being Sophomoric ... self-assured & opinionated. Maybe just a bit Hoity-toity !!!<br /><br />ORANGE ~ Thank you for reminding us this is suppose to be a civil discourse. I hope you had fun with the 4th grader's this morning but this space missed your calming influence initially. <br /><br />Finally, if my memory hasn't failed me, this blog is about Crossword Puzzles. Period.<br /><br />With you, Rex and PGirl giving a bit of insight and knowledge through your Crosswordese 101 lessons, commentary, clips, etc. so we of the hoi polloi can have more FUN doing a simple LAT puzzle each day.<br /><br />Constructor's ... construct these things. And Critic's ... well they sometimes criticize. So toughen up your skin a bit ... AND get over it. This is no place for mudslinging.<br /><br />I look forward to tomorrows LAT x-word test.Tinbenihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14661395078047234853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626052240584383873.post-3333255157927948092009-10-30T15:25:16.634-07:002009-10-30T15:25:16.634-07:00@Van55
I like the word BROUHAHA.
It has a humorous...@Van55<br />I like the word BROUHAHA.<br />It has a humorous ring to it and that can have a disarming effect.JOHNSNEVERHOMEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13447455788629988277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8626052240584383873.post-70311633404585487882009-10-30T14:51:33.059-07:002009-10-30T14:51:33.059-07:00@Van 55, how 'bout "tintinnabulation?&quo...@Van 55, how 'bout "tintinnabulation?"Pete P'tuinoreply@blogger.com