CROSSWORD PUZZLE AUTHORING (Writing! Not Design!) | No special software used
writer /// "Fiction Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword - Spoiler Theme Clues + Answers:
CLUE: African-American novel "translator" who spat on 1940s Paris?
(ANSWER: BORIS VIAN)
CLUE: New York Times "journalist" famed for more than one front-page story?
(ANSWER: JAYSON BLAIR)
CLUE: "Diarist" JT LeRoy's terminated alter ego of sorts?
(ANSWER: LAURA ALBERT)
CLUE: "Memoirist" with over a million fans?
(ANSWER: JAMES FREY)
CLUE: Sub-theme of this puzzle?
(ANSWER: LITTLE WHITE LIES)
writer /// "Fiction Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword (Answer Grid) - *all authors are supposed penners of non-fiction, however veritably craft fiction
WORDS: 74; BLACKOUTS: 34; MISSING: KQX; SCRABBLE SCORE: 313 (1.64 av.)
writer /// "Vanity Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword - *This is a rebus puzzle
Spoiler Theme Clues + Answers:
C: Perfect court preceedings?
(A: 10NIS SERVES)
C: Perfectly Devoured?
(A: EA10)
C: Perfectly bluffed?
(A: PRE10DED )
C: Perfect opinion?
(A: 10ET)
C: Perfectly punk icon?
(A: JOHNNY ROT10)
C: Perfectly smooth move?
(A: SOF10 )
C: Perfect prison term?
(A: LIFE SEN10CE)
C: Perfect invention term?
(A: PA10T NAME)
C: Perfect dictation shorthand?
(A: S10O)
C: Perfect renter?
(A: 10ANT)
writer /// "Vanity Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword (Answer Grid) - *what better way to say 'vanity' than with a perfect 10. 10 thematic answers as well.
this style of puzzle crafting is known as a 'rebus'.
WORDS: 78; BLACKOUTS: 36; MISSING: GQWZ; SCRABBLE SCORE: 303 (1.6 av.)
writer /// "DIY Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword - Spoiler Theme Clues + Answers:
CLUE: Aboriginal woodwind
(ANSWER: DIDGERIDOO)
CLUE: Animated "Mystery Machine" mascot
(ANSWER: SCOOBY DOO)
CLUE: Thingamajig
(ANSWER: DOOHICKEY)
CLUE: Literary character fluent in
parrot, dog, pig, duck, monkey and owl
(ANSWER: DR. DOLITTLE)
writer /// "DIY Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword (Answer Grid) - *Gives DIY new meaning...
WORDS: 74; BLACKOUTS: 39; MISSING: JQZ; SCRABBLE SCORE: 305 (1.64 av.)
writer /// "Singles Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword - Spoiler Theme Clues + Answers:
(clues abbr. here)
C: Cliche excuse used when
explaining the motivation behind...
A: IT'S NOT YOU IT'S ME
C: Hackneyed online personals
dating term describing...
A: PARTNER IN CRIME
C: Well-worn phrase uttered when
the chemistry between a duo...
A: CAN'T WE BE FRIENDS
C: What single guys who don't
have a special lady in their lives...
A: ADDICTED TO PORN
C: Often insincere yet oh-so-
common request after ...
A: CALL ME SOMETIME
writer /// "Singles Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword (Answer Grid) - *Ode to singledom/dating clichés...
WORDS: 72; BLACKOUTS: 40; MISSING: QZ; SCRABBLE SCORE: 297 (1.60 av.)
writer /// "Comix Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword - Theme Spoiler: (abbr. here)
Bruce Wayne's crime-fighting...
A: BATMAN
"The most celebrated graphic
novel of all time,"...
A: WATCHMEN
Alan Moore's illustrated Jack
the Ripper epic...
A: FROM HELL
8-year old comics serial about...
A: POWERS
Gory, B&W film noir comics series...
A: SIN CITY
Craig Thompson's illustrated
(partial) memoir...
A: BLANKETS
"Earth's Mightiest Heroes,"..
A: AVENGERS
Alison Bechdel's graphic memoir...
A: FUN HOME
writer /// "Comix Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword (Answer Grid) - *Ideally I would have been allowed to draw this puzzle by hand, in light of the issue's comix theme. No such luck! (All referenced graphic novel titles are legendary.)
WORDS: 70; BLACKOUTS: 34; MISSING: JQXZ; SCRABBLE SCORE: 287 (1.50 av.)
writer /// "Politics Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword - Spoiler Theme Clues + Answers:
CLUE: How a supporter of one
political party might describe
the opposition?
(ANSWER: PALIN COMPARISON)
CLUE: What every conscientious
citizen does on November 4th?
(ANSWER: BARACKS THE VOTE)
CLUE: What someone waiting
for election results might be
found doing?
(ANSWER: BIDEN SWEET TIME)
CLUE: What an individual might
grumble if asked to vote for
their least favorite candidate?
(ANSWER: JUST MCCAIN'T DO IT)
writer /// "Politics Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword (Answer Grid) - ...conceived before the NYT 'scandal'...
WORDS: 72; BLACKOUTS: 36; MISSING: FQZ; SCRABBLE SCORE: 313 (1.66 av.)
writer /// "Technology Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword - Spoiler Theme Clues + Answers:
CLUE: How an MP3 player addict
hungry for the latest releases
sampled content?
(ANSWER: TOOK ONE MORE BYTE)
CLUE: How a PDA infatuate
accessorized last season's wardrobe?
(ANSWER: QUICKLY REBOOTED)
CLUE: How a digital camera enthusiast
coped with unemployment?
(ANSWER: SEARCHED FOR GIGS)
CLUE: How a laptop organization
fanatic planned a road trop?
(ANSWER: MAPPED OUT A DRIVE)
writer /// "Technology Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword (Answer Grid) - WORDS: 74; BLACKOUTS: 36; MISSING: JX; SCRABBLE SCORE: 319 (1.69 av.)
writer /// "CMJ Preview Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword - *Circles = music genres.
Bands = CMJ'08
(clues abbr. here)
TV shows conceivably
enjoyed by an artist like...
A: soaP OPeras
Irish watering holes perchance
favored by a group such as...
A: DUBlin pubs
Corrupt 19th-century NYC
politician whom a band like...
A: Boss TWEEd
Slow-cookin' appliances
that an outfit such as...
A: cROCKpots
Packing material possibly
preferred by a duo like...
A: bubble wRAP
Route 66 layover visited
by a posse such as...
A: themE MOtel
writer /// "CMJ Preview Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword (Answer Grid) - *CMJ is an annual music festival held in NY each year. Each theme answer contains an encrypted, circled musical genre...and all relate to representative 2008 CMJ bands.
WORDS: 74; BLACKOUTS: 37; MISSING: FJQVZ; SCRABBLE SCORE: 303 (1.61 av.)
writer /// "Media Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword - Preventative procedure which screens
for early detection of blog polls and...
MEMEGRAM
Condition inflicting those who consume
too many newspapers and...
PRINTOXICATION
Hemorrhages brought about from
browsing too much dry gossip?
NEWS BLEEDS
Skin ailment contracted from
overexposure to ad placements?
SELLULITIS
Communicable disease passed around
within online media discussion...
FORUMATIC FEVER
Allergic reaction obtained from
obsessive tabloid perusal?
READ RASH
writer /// "Media Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword (Answer Grid) - WORDS: 74; BLACKOUTS: 38; MISSING: KQ; SCRABBLE SCORE: 302 (1.61 av.)
writer /// "Food & Drink Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword - Spoiler Theme Clues + Answers:
CLUE: Childhood comfort food which
often transforms school lunches?
(ANSWER: PEANUTBUTTERFLY)
CLUE: Land of good and plenty
comfort food waxed poetic?
(ANSWER: MILKANDHONEYBEE)
CLUE: Diner comfort food ordered
by an already roly poly patron?
(ANSWER: MASHEDPOTATOBUG)
writer /// "Food & Drink Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword (Answer Grid) - WORDS: 74; BLACKOUTS: 36; MISSING: JQX; SCRABBLE SCORE: 309 (1.63 av.)
writer /// "Gift Guide Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword - Spoiler Theme Clues + Answers:
CLUE: Holiday parcel decorating
services invested in by the wealthy?
(ANSWER: WRAP ACCOUNTS)
CLUE: Possible holiday gift source
for a local live music lover?
(ANSWER: BOWERY PRESENTS)
CLUE: The nice ones on an intelligently
composed holiday shopping list?
(ANSWER: GIFTED CHILDREN)
CLUE: What to top a holiday pacakge
with targeted towards someone with
flexible tastes?
(ANSWER: BOW AND ARROWS)
writer /// "Gift Guide Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword (Answer Grid) - *Target audience would have been well aware of 'Bowery Presents'....i.e. NY's largest NY-based live music event promoter.
WORDS: 70; BLACKOUTS: 37; MISSING: JQV; SCRABBLE SCORE: 321 (1.71 av.)
writer /// "Fall Fashion Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword - Spoiler Theme Clues + Answers:
CLUE: Cover ups appropriate
for soupy weather?
(ANSWER: PEA JACKETS)
CLUE: Garment material which
often looks slightly battered?
(ANSWER: CREPE FABRIC)
CLUE: Saucy evening gown details?
(ANSWER: SPAGHETTI STRAPS)
CLUE: Accessories worn by hams
such as Charlie Chaplin?
(ANSWER: PORK PIE HATS)
CLUE: What a bakery attendant
wearing low-rider jeans might display?
(ANSWER: MUFFIN TOPS)
writer /// "Fall Fashion Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword (Answer Grid) - WORDS: 76; BLACKOUTS: 36; MISSING: VX; SCRABBLE SCORE: 317 (1.68 av.)
writer /// "Back to School Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword - Spoiler Theme Clues + Answers:
CLUE: Cost of a college education
at Bryn Mawr or Wellesley?
(ANSWER: WOMANSINTUITION)
CLUE: What work-study
participants might cry out in
response to docked per diems?
(ANSWER: INTERNSHIPSAHOY)
CLUE: Means via which a
correspondence course student
might quickly obtain class info?
(ANSWER: SYLLABUSDRIVERS)
CLUE: What may help scale
back college debt after graduation?
(ANSWER: MERMAIDPACKAGES)
writer /// "Back to School Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword (Answer Grid) - WORDS: 72; BLACKOUTS: 36; MISSING: FJQZ; SCRABBLE SCORE: 305 (1.68 av.)
writer /// "L Nightlife Awards Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword - *Answers refer to award nominees.
Clues abbr. due to Coroflot character
limits. Note "L" blocks in grid (!)
Spoilers:
C: "L"ife of the party at Trash!...
(A: REGULAR DIVA)
C: "L"egs Malone, Tigger, Amber...
(A: BURLESQUE)
C: "L"ady Deryck Todd, Rainblo, Epiphany...
(A: DRAGQUEEN)
C: "L"eaps like a bottle service tab at...
(A: RUNS SKY HIGH)
C: "L"oopers at 40 C and Studio B...
(A: TURNTABLES)
C: "L"ives it up at Hugs, Beauty Bar, Motor City...
(A: DRINKS A LOT)
writer /// "L Nightlife Awards Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword (Answer Grid) - *Typically I design a grid around my theme answers. this marks the sole time i designed answers around a constructed grid. Note the shape of the black squares in relation to this issue's theme.
WORDS: 70; BLACKOUTS: 44; MISSING: Z; SCRABBLE SCORE: 313 (1.71 av.)
writer /// "Fall Arts Preview Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword - *Note...originally destined for a
photo-themed issue
Spoiler Theme Clues + Answers:
CLUE: What the falsely convicted photo-
grapher requests for his last meal?
(ANSWER: HE ASKS FOR CHEESE)
CLUE: What the apprehensive
photographer tells cops when
spied at the scene of the murder?
(ANSWER: PLEASE DON'T SHOOT)
CLUE: What the wronged photo-
grapher attempts to prove when
taken in for questioning?
(ANSWER: I HAVE BEEN FRAMED)
writer /// "Fall Arts Preview Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword (Answer Grid) - *Originally intended for the 'Photo Issue'.
WORDS: 76; BLACKOUTS: 36; MISSING: JQXZ; SCRABBLE SCORE: 324 (1.71 av.)
writer /// "Best of NYC Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword - *Rebus in which a star symbol replaces the letters S T A R
C: French consumer goods designer featured at Target
(A: PHILIPPE 'STAR'CK)
C: New York City Marathon advantages
(A: HEAD'STAR'TS)
C: Prove that a kid was born out of wedlock
(A: BA'STAR'DIZE)
C: GM vehicles' built-in GPS system
(A: ON'STAR' SECURITY)
C: Crappy rating
(A: ONE 'STAR')
C: Possible sauce thickener
(A: CORN'STAR'CH )
C: From San Jose
(A: CO'STA R'ICAN)
C: Suffers for fashion
(A: 'STAR'VES)
writer /// "Best of NYC Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword (Answer Grid) - *I'd been wanting to create a rebus with stars for eons, thus appropriated the idea for this issue. The stars relate to common rating systems (*****) for restaurants and the like. I also found ways to pepper my clues with other star fare, e.g. 'Starbucks', 'StarKist' tuna, 'constellation beast' etc.
WORDS: 76; BLACKOUTS: 39; MISSING: FW; SCRABBLE SCORE: 329 (1.77 av.)
writer /// "Sex Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword - *WARNING: Contains modest adult content!
Spoiler Theme Clues + Answers:
CLUE: Take your lover from behind
(ANSWER: DO IT DOGGIE STYLE)
CLUE: Nurse a banana?
(ANSWER: SPANK THE MONKEY)
CLUE: Make a girl prrr...
(ANSWER: STROKE THE KITTY)
CLUE: Perform cowgirl style
(ANSWER: MOUNT LIKE A HORSE)
writer /// "Sex Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword (Answer Grid) - *Once upon a time I was asked to contribute naughty crossword puzzles to nerve.com, which at the time was experiencing a literary renaissance. The online column never happened due to funds, nevertheless latterday brainstorming came in handy for this gem.
WORDS: 78; BLACKOUTS: 38; MISSING: JQZ; SCRABBLE SCORE: 308 (1.65 av.)
writer /// "Book Preview Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword - Spoiler Theme Clues + Answers:
CLUE: Career for someone who enjoys
heeding political pamphlets?
(ANSWER: LEGISLATIVE PAGE)
CLUE: Career for someone who digs
deciphering mystery novels?
(ANSWER: UNDERCOVER AGENT)
CLUE: Career for someone who often
seeks out music biographies?
(ANSWER: INDIE BAND BOOKER)
writer /// "Book Preview Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword (Answer Grid) - WORDS: 74; BLACKOUTS: 36; MISSING: WX; SCRABBLE SCORE: 305 (1.61 av.)
writer /// "City Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword - *SPECIAL NOTE...circular squares
contain the letters "NYC"
Spoiler Theme Clues + Answers:
CLUE: Ralphie's pink nightmare
from "A Christmas Story", in essence
(ANSWER: BUNNY COSTUME)
CLUE: Wildman Steve Brill
foraging tour, in a way
(ANSWER: BOTANY CLASS)
CLUE: One who often
subsists on rabbit food
(ANSWER: SKINNY CHICK)
CLUE: Carnac the Magnificent portrayer
(ANSWER: JOHNNY CARSON)
writer /// "City Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword (Answer Grid) - *Reminder: L is a mag aimed at NYC audiences...This too is a rebus puzzle.
WORDS: 76; BLACKOUTS: 39; MISSING: FQVZ; SCRABBLE SCORE: 327 (1.76 av.)
writer /// "Summer Preview Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword -
Spoiler Theme Clues + Answers:
CLUE: Hot breakthrough director
who starred in her own 2005 film
(ANSWER: MIRANDA JULY)
CLUE: Disco queen whose hits
have burned up Billboard charts
(ANSWER: DONNA SUMMER)
CLUE: Early sitcom prude who
often baked for her family
(ANSWER: JUNE CLEAVER)
CLUE: German Expressionist
who favored a warm palette
(ANSWER: AUGUST MACKE)
writer /// "Summer Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword (Answer Grid) - WORDS: 78; BLACKOUTS: 36; MISSING: X; SCRABBLE SCORE: 314 (1.66 av.)
writer /// "Games Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword - Spoiler Theme Clues + Answers:
CLUE: Self-help action pulled off
by a hipster who appreciates soccer?
(ANSWER: KICKED A BAD HABIT)
CLUE: Habit-forming action performed
by a hipster who appreciates football?
(ANSWER: RAN OUT FOR COFFEE)
CLUE: Festive action brought about
by a hipster who appreciates baseball?
(ANSWER: THREW A HUGE PARTY)
writer /// "Games Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword (Answer Grid) - WORDS: 74; BLACKOUTS: 36; MISSING: QZ; SCRABBLE SCORE: 313 (1.66 av.)
writer /// "Free Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword -
Unlike most of my puzzles, the following
is essentially themeless.
Why?
Novelty extends from the fact that neither
the clues nor grid answers in this puzzle
contain a single letter "o". (Georges Perec,
French author of the classic Ouilipo
masterpiece written without the letter
"e" served as obvious inspiration.)
writer /// "Free Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword (Answer Grid) - *Unlike most of my puzzles, the following
is essentially themeless.
Why?
Novelty extends from the fact that neither
the clues nor grid answers in this puzzle
contain a single letter "o". (Georges Perec,
French author of the classic Ouilipo
masterpiece, 'La Disparition' written
without the letter "e" served as obvious
inspiration. In America it was translated,
without the letter "e" as 'A Void'.)
WORDS: 70; BLACKOUTS: 39; MISSING: JKOQXZ; SCRABBLE SCORE: 278 (1.49 av.)
writer /// "Music Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword - Spoiler Theme Clues + Answers:
CLUE: Indie band which huffs and
puffs until it brings the house down?
(ANSWER: WOLF PARADE)
CLUE: Indie musician who
likes to egg on the crowd?
(ANSWER: ANDREW BIRD)
CLUE: Indie band with
extra fawning fans?
(ANSWER: DEERHUNTER)
CLUE: Indie band which
attracts many a MySpace vixen?
(ANSWER: FLEET FOXES)
writer /// "Music Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword (Answer Grid) - *Music is a huge part of my life. In fact one day I'd like to establish a column or syndicate for nothing but music themed puzzles! Any takers?
WORDS: 74; BLACKOUTS: 39; MISSING: QZ; SCRABBLE SCORE: 310 (1.67 av.)
writer /// "Film Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword - Spoiler Theme Clues + Answers:
CLUE: If "Anatomy of a Murder" had been
directed while under the influence, credit
(ANSWER: BLOTTO PREMINGER)
CLUE: If "Taxi Driver" had been
directed by an alien, credit
(ANSWER: MARTIAN SCORSESE)
CLUE: If "The Gang's All Here" had
beendirected in a cafe, credit
(ANSWER: BUSBOY BERKELEY)
writer /// "Film Issue" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword (Answer Grid) - WORDS: 75; BLACKOUTS: 36; MISSING: JQXZ; SCRABBLE SCORE: 279 (1.48 av.)
writer /// "Premiere Puzzle" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword - SPECIAL NOTE: For those unfamiliar with
NYC, all answers contain compound words
forming duplicate phrases stemming from
popular NYC street names.
Spoiler Theme Clues + Answers:
CLUE: Extra gorgeous Billyburger?
(ANSWER: BEDFORDMODEL)
CLUE: Chick's ballsy rebellion on the LES?
(ANSWER: LUDLOWBLOWS)
CLUE: Mercury Lounge rock icon, perhaps?
(ANSWER: ESSEXSYMBOL)
CLUE: Bushwick booty call?
(ANSWER: MONTROSEBUSH)
writer /// "Premiere Puzzle" /// L MAGAZINE /// Crossword (Answer Grid) - SPECIAL NOTE: For those unfamiliar with
NYC, all answers contain compound words
forming duplicate phrases stemming from
popular NYC street names.
WORDS: 76; BLACKOUTS: 39; MISSING: GJQZ; SCRABBLE SCORE: 307 (1.65 av.)
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CROSSWORD PUZZLE AUTHORING /// L MAGAZINE
CROSSWORD AUTHORING | Befuddling strangers and their chewed No. 2s as a newsstand cruciverbalist? Indeed. Though similar in difficulty to Wednesday/Thursday New York Times fare, these formerly weekly L Magazine crossword puzzles are peppered with mucho pop culture, mp3 references and local Big Apple lore plus general irreverence as befit the pub’s hipster audience. | WEEKLY DISTRIBUTION = 105,000; No special software used.
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