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December 02, 2010

CROSSWORD #285: Themeless Thursday

ACROSS LITE PUZZLE: [ THEMELESS THURSDAY] 
PROGRAM: [Across Lite]

PROGRAM: [Java]

PRINTOUT PUZZLE: [ THEMELESS THURSDAY]
PROGRAM: [Adobe Acrobat]

Two themeless puzzles this week. But, I'm not sure that's such a big deal with you rabid BEQheads out there. If it is, shoot me an email, preferably one with an idea for a theme. If I take anyone's suggestion, I'll give that person something from the BEQ Gift Shoppe.

Two quick notes: For those who guessed 50-Across was the theme entry, you'd be correct. And, why'm I surprised nobody's used 19-Across yet? If I'm wrong, I'm sure somebody'll let me know.

Wait, did I say two themeless puzzles this week? I really meant three. As part my year-end drive I'm offering up a bonus 21x, only-available-here, megathemeless to all the BEQheads who are able to support this site with at least a $10 tip in the BEQ tip jar. "Steely" Dan Feyer, our current ACPT champion, opined in Monday's comments: "So Patrick B. gives us ten puzzles and a meta for $10, and you're offering just one? ... What's that? Today's is the two-hundred-eighty-fourth free puzzle on this site? Say no more!" Dan later wrote back after obliterating it in minutes: "All the envelope-pushing clues and answers we've come to expect from BEQ, stuffed into a 78% larger puzzle ... though I don't actually know what percentage larger it is, so if you want to do the math and replace my number, that would be fine."

Thanks for the kind words, Dan. So, be like Dan. Start solving 35 puzzles a week day. Start by hittin up the tip jar if you can. (After that, hit up Blindauer as well). My bonus puzzle will be available for those who are able to give between now and January 7. Many thanks to all who have been so supportive of the site.

Share the puzzle. New one on Monday.

Posted at 09:12 AM in Hard |

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