Nova Qi’s Inkubator crossword, “Themeless #34″—Jenni’s writeup

This themeless did certainly really feel reasonably difficult, so for as soon as I agree with the editor’s evaluation. When there’s a Game of Thrones reference working during the center of the puzzle, I’m in for at the least a little bit of a battle. Everything I learn about GoT, I realized from crosswords. This can also be true of The Simpsons and lots of the “prestige dramas” of the previous few years.

Despite my stumbles, I loved the puzzle! It was satisfying to see all of it fall into place – ultimately.

Inkubator puzzle, August 18, 2022, Nova Qi, “Themeless #34,” resolution grid

• I didn’t need to get [Title for Daenerys] utterly from crossings. I used to be in a position to infer MOTHER OF DRAGONS as a result of I do know that there are DRAGONS in GoT. I do know this largely as a result of we spent a while in Croatia in June. Split and Dubrovnik are undoubtedly cashing in on GoT-related tourism and there have been a lot of dragons.
• The different 15 was a gimme. 34a [Method used by Rosalind Franklin to visualize 56-across] is X–RAY DIFFRACTION. Always love seeing Franklin acknowledged.
• I additionally loved 12d [“Um, I mind”] for CAN YOU NOT?
• 46d [Chain where you might order “wooder ice”] is RITA‘S. IFYKYK. For more real PA content, check out John Fetterman’s Twitter feed. And don’t say “crudité.”
• Props to Nova Qi and the Inkubator staff for utilizing [2020 Olympic all-around gymnastics champion Sunisa] to cue LEE.

What I didn’t know earlier than I did this puzzle: see above re: MOTHER OF DRAGONS. I additionally didn’t know that Lorde’s debut album was PURE HEROINE, that Viola Davis is a LEO, or that Brie Larson starred in ROOM.

Patrick John Duggan’s New York Times crossword—Amy’s recap

NY Times crossword resolution, 8 19 22, no. 0819

Sorry about all of the shorter-than-usual write-ups this week. Work is extra-busy today, simply attempting to maintain different obligations to a manageable dimension.

Fave fill: FIJI, “SMOOTH MOVE, EX-LAX,” TIP JARS (nice clue, [They’re open to change]), SWAHILI, ATHEIST wanting askance at neighboring ST PETER, “I WON’T MINCE WORDS,” JEOPARDY!, FOXHOLE (the ATHEIST may effectively be in there, although). Not eager on: abbreviated MAIN ST.

TOKES and POT USER are well timed since I did the puzzle a couple of minutes after complaining that somebody’s skunky weed fumes had been wafting by means of my window. I miss the previous days when pot smelled like pot and never skunk juice.

[It’s not your fault] a difficult clue for LET SERVE, which means the tennis courtroom umpire doesn’t name a fault when your serve hits the online. Didn’t know that LET SERVE, versus simply LET, was in-the-language. Is it?

Four stars from me.