CROSSWORD #206

ACROSS LITE PUZZLE: [ SPEAKING IN CODE] 
PROGRAM: [Across Lite]

PROGRAM: [Java]

PRINTOUT PUZZLE: [ SPEAKING IN CODE]
PROGRAM: [Adobe Acrobat]

I have a humiliating confession to make: I froze a frame of the "Lost" episode Liz and I watched last night so I could figure out whose crossword puzzle one of the main characters was solving. I mean, it was a shot long enough that answers could easily be read, so, damn it, I figured I could easily confirm who made the puzzle.

Side bar: I loved seeing Alan Arbesfeld's name above a Times crossword that Miles solved in the movie "Sideways." That shot required no Internet sleuthing. There's a long shot of Miles hand as he works the grid and there's Alan's by-line plain as day on the page. Couldn't happen to a nicer guy. Was I jealous? Hells yeah. That was a great movie! Who wouldn't want a cameo like that? I even went back to try and figure out whose puzzle Miles solves whilst driving (love that scene, cuz I'm so busted for doing that when I had a car). Lo and behold: Craig Kasper. Couldn't happen to another nice guy! Who's doubly jealous?

So, I was kinda hoping another one of my crossword buddies would have appeared in "Lost." According to Google, looks like George Shayler wrote the puzzle in question, and it was in the L.A. Times 7/31/06. Alas, I've never heard of him. Another search confirms that's the only puzzle he's made. Lucky guy. The one puzzle he makes, it's in a popular TV show. Who's triply jealous?

I highly doubt it was written for the show. That would have been a Monday puzzle, and as we all know by now, those are some of the hardest puzzles to make: all easy answers, no ambiguities, no crosswordese, simple-to-grok theme, etc. It also seems highly unlikely that a puzzle by a one-and-done constructor could have been polished enough to have no technical errors, no clue and/or grid rewrites, yet would be chock-a-block with "Lost" clues. Gimme a break. You can't cram that much information into a puzzle without the wheels coming off somewhere. Of course, that hasn't stop bulletin boards of "Lost" fans trying to glean symbolism in the answers.

Anyway, just a big thanks to all who were able to tip so far this week. Quick reminder: the puzzles will always be free, but feel free to show a little tip jar love if you liked the puzzles this month. Remember: another child is born in India every time you tip! As always, one randomly selected donor for this week will receive a copy of my "Diagramless" book. Thanks again for the continued support.

Share the puzzle. New one on Friday.