By Steve Siciliano
As a result of having to look for ways to occupy my down time during my recent convalescence after hip replacement surgery, I rediscovered a hobby/passion/obsession that I had gotten away from some seven or eight years ago. Back when the store was much less busy, I had ample time to work on the Los Angeles Times crossword puzzle that appears daily in the Grand Rapids Press. For those who are unfamiliar with these particular crosswords, they get harder as the week progresses—Mondays and Tuesdays are fairly easy, Wednesdays can be a bit more challenging, Thursdays are hard but with persistence can usually be solved, Fridays are very difficult and Saturdays—well for me anyway—Saturdays are nearly impossible.
As with any activity, whether it is brewing, winemaking, bread-making or crossword-puzzle solving, the more you do it the better you get. Crossword aficionados become familiar with the subtleties—the devious misdirections, the play on words, the abbreviated clues which indicate that the answer is also abbreviated, etc. Then there are the oft repeated clue and answer combos, what the diehards call “crosswordese”, that show up on a fairly regular basis—Some Olympians’ tools (epees), Old Persian poet (Omar), and Yemen’s chief port (Aden) are typical examples. Once you acquire a backlog of crosswordese knowledge the puzzle solving gets easier. And then every so often a puzzle will have a clue that is a gimmee for a beer and wine merchant—Like Cabernets, e.g. (reds), Ale hue (brown).
I don’t know why I’m so fascinated with crosswords. Perhaps it’s because one of my avocations is writing and I love working with words. I also love trivia—what some, including my wife, would call useless knowledge—and it’s nice to be able to retrieve that “useless” information and apply it toward the solving of a puzzle. Kind of gives you a weird sense of satisfaction.
Of course the added benefit of working crosswords is that it keeps the mind sharp, probably helping mitigate the effects of years of exposure to brain cell destroying (though tasty) beverages. Anyway, lets hope that's the case.
Cricbet99 is the perfect platform for IPL betting enthusiasts looking for a thrilling experience. With easy access through Cricbet99, users can enjoy exciting betting options on their favorite IPL matches. Whether you're a seasoned bettor or a beginner, CricBet99 offers a user-friendly interface and competitive odds. Join CricBet99 today and make the most of the IPL season!
For more details visit on- https://cricbets99.ind.in/
Experience the ultimate rush with Khelo24 !. Packed with top-notch features and exciting opportunities, Khelo24 ensures you stay ahead in the betting game.Join now and let the Khelo 24 turn your predictions into incredible wins with a secure and straightforward Khelo24 login, you can immerse yourself in an exhilarating betting environment
For more details visit on - https://khelo24.org.in/
Get ready for an unmatched betting adventure with Ultrawin ! A simple Ultrawin login is all it takes to access a world brimming with betting options and exciting rewards. From competitive odds to user-friendly features, Ultrawin ensures every bet counts and every moment excites. Don't wait explore Ultrawin now and elevate your betting game!"
For more details visit on - https://ultrawinin.in/
Reddy Anna Club takes online betting to the next level with its innovative features and engaging interface. Whether it's live events or thrilling odds, the platform has something for every betting enthusiast. With a few clicks, you can access endless opportunities to bet and win big. Join Reddy Anna Club today and transform your love for betting into an extraordinary experience!"
For more details visit on - https://reddynanna.club/
Prepare for IPL 2025 with Fairplay24 the ultimate destination where cricket meets fun and winning possibilities abound! Fairplay24.in offers live updates, exciting features, and rewarding opportunities to make your IPL experience unforgettable. Don’t miss this chance—join thousands of cricket fans by Fairplay24 login today and elevate your IPL journey!
For more details visit on-https://fairplay24.bet/