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“Let’s play a game.”

That’s how NPR’s Puzzlemaster Will Shortz often opens his weekly segment, inviting Weekend Edition Sunday listeners into a moment of wordplay and wit. As host, I admit I was skeptical about adding puzzles, not considering myself much of a game player. But Will’s spirit and dedication won me over.

In his subtle New York accent, Will makes puzzling sound fun, not frustrating. He meets you wherever you are, whether a novice just seeking the thrill of an “aha!” moment or a longtime fan parsing every cryptic clue with relish. His creativity seems to flow as boundless as the wind yet also follows a methodical rhythm, like a perfectly penned poem.

So in preparing to interview Will at his home in Pleasantville, New York, I decided to challenge myself with a puzzle game of sorts – guess the number of ping pong balls in a jar. Though off by a long shot, I now better grasped his father’s road trip game that first sparked Will’s passion. Conjuring something playful, memorable, and deceptively simple takes skill.

The All-American pastime this was not, however, once we arrived at Will’s pride and joy – the Westchester Table Tennis Center. Display cases boasted trophies from junior tournaments alongside recent shots of Willlunging, paddle in hand. Founded with a business partner in 2009, the club welcomes hardcore competitors along weekend warriors, equal opportunity fun seekers.

“I’ve played table tennis every day for the past 11 years,” Will shared. The sport keeps his mind limber andreaction time quick at 71. It also connects him to the community, teammatesand rivals alike relishing the bonds formed over friendly games. The key is keeping ego aside and focus on the flow. Time melts away when fully immersed in the motions.

Much like constructing a crossword, I imagined.

Though Will “retired” decades back from table tennis tournaments, he continues diligently perfecting his skills. The lifelong puzzler applies a similar tenacity in his day job – editor of The New York Times crossword and NPR’s Puzzlemaster since 1987. Rarely has Will missed a Sunday in 36 years of fresh, creative challenges for the listeners.

“It feels great coming up with new ideas every week,” he told me back at his home office, walls and shelves bursting with puzzle ephemera. “I love the people I come in contact with through puzzles.”

He fondly recalls his father, not often one for games, challenging the bored kids in the backseat on a road trip to guess the distance to the next peak. Adventure lurked around every corner of the wild West in young Will’s eyes. He discovered at an early age the power of gamification – the ability to transform any moment into playful competition, intellectual discovery or just good old fun.

In 8th grade, Will penned the ultimate gamer’s daydream when asked about career dreams: “professional puzzle maker.” Not exactly a common path for a star student headed to Indiana University in the early 1970s. Ever the boundary pusher, Willdesigned his own major called “enigmatology” – the study of puzzles. He produced a thesis on wordplay history and painted a vision of puzzle passion as vocation.

“I dreamed of churning out puzzles for $10 a pop from some attic apartment, blissfully flying under society’s radar,” Will recalled with a chuckle. Although destiny had grander plans in store, that spirit still motivates Will’s relentless innovation season after season.

Beyond clever themes and timely references, the most critical ingredient is spark – feeling that surge when an elusive answer reveals itself or nearly omitted letters slide perfectly into place. That’s the puzzler’s high, often flowing easiest when walls and worries fade away. Total presence in the moment, hands of a clock be damned.

A very familiar sensation, it turns out, to the one Will discovered in his 7th decade – the spark of new love when least expected.

Earlier this year, Will opened up publicly in The New Yorker about dating and falling hard for the first time with a man. Last summer, Will and his boyfriend said their vows surrounded by fellow puzzle lovers at the table tennis center that has become his second home and community hub.

Having come of age when being gay felt like ”playing on hard mode” socially, Willfocused on his passion work, friendships and some casual relationships over the decadeswithout entering serious romance. Yet crossing paths with his soulmate proved perfecttiming is sometimes the final hidden phrase that unlocks life’s deepest rewards.

“I have no regrets meeting him when I did,” Will said, visibly glowing. “It worked out perfectly.”

Corny as it sounds, that assurance echoed in my mind later while half-listening to Will’s latest Sunday puzzle with my morning coffee. I startled when hearing him announce the wedding news on-air and congratulate the newlyweds, “Will Shortz and his husband…”

Wait, was that THIS Will Shortz?

Somehow I had missed that sweet reveal to millions of loyal fans. But this moment unveiled the warm, courageous heart behind the genial genius I had come to admire this past year.

By boldly bringing his whole self to puzzles and the public alike after decades in the closet, Will reminds us that growth remains possible at any age. And finding one’s missing piece often appears when least expected, as if the inkling of answers arises subconsciously before intellectual justification.

With that timely wisdom, I gained renewed inspiration to embrace life’s interlocking surprises and delights. Moments of curiosity, playfulness and discovery wait around every corner, across kitchen tables and park benches alike….if only we pose the questions.

Even for info-jaded journalists like me, keeping an open, inquisitive spirit remains imperative, Will helped me recognize. There are always more themes to unpack, individuals to understand, truths to unveil.

As we wrapped our visit, I thanked Will for the puzzle solving spirit he brings to public radio – reminding us each week to nurture our inner child, find connections in apparent disconnects and have fun mingling minds with strangers who become friends.

“Let’s play again next week,” our Puzzlemaster chuckled in closing. And I look forward to many more rounds ahead.

You may listen to Will Shortz Weekly Podcast on NPR by visiting THIS page.

*Image Credit: NPR

The Pioneer of Customized Education: Will Shortz

Will Shortz, a man synonymous with puzzles, has long been an inspiration for those pursuing unconventional career paths. At 9, Shortz crafted his first puzzle, a milestone that set him on a unique journey in the world of enigmatology. By 14, he was already a professional puzzle creator and, at 16, a regular contributor to Dell Puzzle Magazine.

 

Shortz’s academic journey took an intriguing turn during his time at Indiana University. Initially focused on economics, he shifted gears in his junior year, spurred by a childhood joke about majoring in puzzles. The discovery of the university’s individualized major program transformed this joke into a reality. Thus, enigmatology as a field of study was born. Shortz crafted his curriculum with courses like “History of American Word Puzzles Before the 1860s” and “Crossword Construction.” His pioneering effort culminated in a degree that directly fueled his career, leading him to become the esteemed editor of The New York Times Crossword.

The Resurgence of Self-Made Majors

Shortz’s story is not an isolated incident but a precursor to a growing trend in education. The notion of self-made majors, emerging in the 1960s, has seen a resurgence in recent years. Between 2019 and 2021, there was a 3% increase in graduates with individualized studies degrees. The appeal? These degrees are no longer just about niche specializations; they are a strategic response to an evolving job market.

Adaptability is key in an era where full-time jobs give way to gig economies and AI threatens millions of traditional roles. Employers now value individuality and flexibility, skills students believe are best demonstrated through a custom-crafted college degree.

Case Study: Oluwaseyi Onifade

Oluwaseyi Onifade’s story at Rochester Institution of Technology (RIT) illustrates this trend. Struggling to find a degree aligned with his interests in healthcare and biotechnology, Onifade crafted his degree in global health management and healthcare administration. His journey highlights the program’s flexibility but also the need for clarity in one’s career goals.

RIT’s School of Individualized Study (SOIS) typifies this educational shift, with a 45% enrollment increase from 2019 to 2021. The program caters to diverse student needs, ranging from interdisciplinary explorers to those pooling credits for graduation. Essential to this approach are courses like “Individuals and Society” and “Ethics in Leadership,” which equip students with adaptable skills for a changing job market.

The Future of Jobs and Customized Education

The World Economic Forum’s 2023 Future of Jobs report emphasizes the relevance of self-efficacy skills like resilience and agility. Ben Papernick, a seasoned recruiter, confirms this trend, noting a balance between subject expertise and resilience as crucial in the current job market.

However, colleges struggle to keep pace with emerging trends, often lagging behind workforce demands. This gap has led to a decline in the number of students working in industries related to their majors post-graduation. In response, institutions focus on teaching flexibility, a more feasible approach than overhauling entire degree programs.

Does It Work?

The success of individualized study programs heavily relies on student initiative and the support of faculty. While these programs offer interdisciplinary courses and leadership training, their effectiveness depends on the student’s goals and the faculty’s commitment to their interests.

Critics, however, point out potential pitfalls. The emphasis on flexibility can lead to an over-reliance on student-faculty relationships, and there’s a risk of faculty bias in course creation. Despite these challenges, many graduates succeed in the job market, leveraging their unique degrees to explore diverse career paths or pursue advanced education.

Adaptability as the New Normal

In today’s rapidly changing world, where job security is increasingly precarious, the ability to pivot is invaluable. Institutions like RIT and NYU are preparing students for this uncertainty. Whether students thrive or flounder in this environment is ultimately up to them. Customized degrees are not a one-size-fits-all solution, but they represent a significant shift in educational paradigms, acknowledging and adapting to the fluidity of the modern job market.

Insights and Concluding Thoughts on Customized College Degrees

The Impact of Customized Degrees on Career Paths

The rise of individualized study programs marks a significant shift in higher education, directly impacting career trajectories. Graduates from these programs often find themselves well-equipped for unique job opportunities that align closely with their personalized studies. For instance, at New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study, a significant percentage of graduates either proceed to advanced degrees or find their concentration closely linked to their career. Similarly, RIT graduates frequently enter tech and design fields or embark on entrepreneurial ventures, like sustainable chocolate production or textile-making.

The Role of Flexibility in Modern Education

The core principle behind these customized degrees is flexibility, a response to the precarious nature of today’s job market. This approach reflects a broader educational trend towards equipping students with adaptable skills rather than rigid, specialized knowledge. This shift is not just a reaction to the changing job landscape but a proactive measure to prepare students for an unpredictable future.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite the apparent advantages, the path to a customized degree is not without its challenges. The lack of a traditional academic track requires students to be more proactive and reliant on their relationships with faculty. This dependency can sometimes lead to inconsistencies in educational quality and may inadvertently foster an environment where faculty biases influence course content. This aspect requires careful consideration and oversight from educational institutions to ensure that the promise of diverse and inclusive learning is genuinely fulfilled.

The Bigger Picture: Education and Job Market Dynamics

The trend towards individualized study programs reflects the larger dynamics at play in the education sector and the job market. As technological advancements and economic shifts continue to reshape the professional landscape, the conventional education system finds itself under pressure to adapt. Colleges and universities are increasingly recognizing the need to offer more dynamic, flexible educational models that can keep pace with these changes.

Final Thoughts

Building your own major proves the evolving nature of education and work. It embodies a proactive approach to learning, where adaptability and personalization are highly important. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that this approach may not suit everyone. It demands a high degree of self-motivation, clarity of purpose, and a supportive educational environment.

 

In conclusion, the rise of customized college degrees highlights a significant shift in educational paradigms, driven by the need to prepare students for a world where change is the only constant. While this approach offers numerous benefits, it also presents unique challenges that require careful navigation. Ultimately, the success of such programs hinges on institutions’ ability to provide a balanced, flexible, and inclusive educational experience that aligns with their students’ diverse needs and aspirations.

 

Today, the ability to adapt and reinvent oneself is more than just an academic exercise; it’s a vital skill for navigating the uncertainties of the future job market. As we witness the continued growth and evolution of customized degree programs, it’s clear that they represent not just a trend but a necessary response to the demands of a dynamic and ever-changing world.

Crossword puzzles are a beloved pastime for many people, but what goes into creating a captivating puzzle? Matt Jones, a seasoned crossword creator with nearly three decades of experience, shares his journey and thoughts on crafting engaging puzzles.
A Lifelong Passion
Matt Jones’s fascination with crossword puzzles began in elementary school when he stumbled upon a stack of “Games” magazines left by a teacher in a classroom. The allure of these puzzles never waned, and as a teenager, he decided to try his hand at crafting them for submission to various publications.
“I didn’t think I had a chance,” Jones admits. “I was 15 at the time, probably… and I didn’t know if my quality level was right there just yet.” However, after a few attempts, his puzzle was published in The New York Times when he was a mere 19 years old. In those pre-email notification days of the 1990s, Jones received a personalized message from the Times’ renowned puzzle editor, Will Shortz.
Recounting the moment, Jones says, “You get a letter… saying, ‘This is great, congratulations, you’re going to actually be in the paper.’ I think I (still) have that letter somewhere.” Since then, Jones has created and published an impressive 1,163 crosswords.
Jonesin’ and the Alt-Weekly Puzzle Revolution
Jones’s weekly puzzle, aptly named “Jonesin’,” has graced the pages of alternative weeklies nationwide, including Willamette Week, since 2001. Back then, most alt-weeklies featured crosswords similar to those in publications like The New York Times. However, Jones and fellow puzzle writer Matt Gaffney sought to inject a bit of edginess into their puzzles to align with the magazines’ more daring content.
Reflecting on the early days, Jones says, “When we were first going about it, he was like, ‘I want to make this as subversive as possible. It’s going to have R-rated references and, you know, drugs, sex, rock and roll.'” Over time, the puzzles have evolved and mellowed, while still striving to maintain a unique character.
Keeping Clues Fresh and Relevant
Jones remains committed to keeping his crossword clues contemporary by staying in tune with trivia and pop culture trends. However, he acknowledges that he may occasionally slip with references from the ’90s, given his deep-rooted understanding with that era. While he endeavors to absorb the ever-evolving cultural landscape, he humorously concedes that TikTok celebrities might not be his strong suit.
The Recipe for a Memorable Crossword
So, what constitutes a great crossword puzzle, according to Matt Jones? He emphasizes three key elements:
Exciting Clues
The clues must pique the solver’s interest, prompting them to delve deeper into the puzzle.
Fresh Language
The language used in the puzzle should be contemporary and vibrant, ensuring that solvers connect with the clues.
Memorability
A truly outstanding crossword puzzle lingers in the solver’s mind well after it’s been solved. If you find yourself discussing the puzzle for at least 10 minutes after solving it, it’s a sign of a genuinely memorable crossword.
Matt Jones’s dedication to the art of crossword creation continues to captivate solvers across the country, leaving them with puzzles that are as intriguing as they are unforgettable.

Meet Myles Mellor, a true puzzle expert who turned his passion into a thriving crossword business. Born and raised in Oxford, England, Mellor’s journey from creating homemade puzzles for his father to becoming a syndicated crossword creator has been nothing short of remarkable. 

Today, his puzzles are featured in over 600 magazines and newspapers worldwide, captivating puzzle enthusiasts everywhere.

A Puzzle Person with a Purpose

Unlike the average puzzle enthusiast, Mellor’s love for puzzles extends far beyond casual interest. Raised in Oxford, England, Mellor grew up in a household where intellect thrived. With a doctor and a teacher as siblings, his family embodied a wealth of brains. 

After completing his education at Bristol, Mellor relocated to the United States for a career in real estate administration while his family remained in England.

A Journey Sparked by a Memory

Tragically, Mellor’s mother passed away, leaving his father in a state of deep sorrow. Determined to lift his dad’s spirits, Mellor drew upon a cherished childhood memory of attempting to solve the challenging Guardian crossword puzzle together. 

Inspired, he created personalized puzzles to send to his father, resulting in a remarkable transformation in his father’s mood. Encouraged by his dad’s response, Mellor’s homemade puzzles sparked a new idea – publishing his own puzzles.

The Path to Publication

Starting a puzzle business from scratch is not an easy task, and Mellor encountered numerous challenges along the way. Despite the initial setbacks and a lack of response from syndicates and magazines, Mellor persevered, driven by his father’s encouragement. 

Eventually, he connected with puzzle creator David Hoyt at the Orange County Register, who recognized Mellor’s dedication and suggested creating themed puzzles tailored to specific magazine interests. Following Hoyt’s guidance, Mellor made his breakthrough, with his first puzzle published in 2001. 

This breakthrough propelled Mellor’s part-time hobby into a full-time pursuit by 2006. Today, his puzzles are: 

• Syndicated and published in over 600 magazines and newspapers
• Featured in numerous books, and
• Available through his online presence on Amazon

From Hobby to Full-Time Pursuit

With an estimated 16,000 puzzles crafted throughout his career, Mellor continues to astound puzzle enthusiasts with his impressive output. Publishing around 80 crosswords each month, Mellor’s dedication shines through.

Creating a single puzzle can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, requiring meticulous attention to detail. However, Mellor’s hard work has paid off, allowing him to enjoy a fulfilling and financially rewarding career alongside his supportive wife, Debby.

A Master of Themed Puzzles

Mellor’s passion lies in crafting themed puzzles, infusing the clues and answers with the content of the publication itself. From personalized puzzles for engaged couples, families, and businesses to sudokus, cryptograms, and word searches, Mellor’s creativity knows no bounds.

While he humbly admits to being better at puzzle creation than solving it, his humble nature adds to his charm. Mellor’s puzzles can be found in various formats, from novelty books to national newspapers, both in print and online.

A Rewarding Career

Unrelenting in his pursuit of puzzle excellence, Mellor recently founded National Crossword Solved Day, an annual celebration taking place on December 8th. With his undeniable impact on the world of crosswords, Mellor stands as a testament to the passion and dedication required to turn a hobby into a successful career.

Myles Mellor’s remarkable journey from crafting homemade puzzles for his father to becoming a syndicated crossword powerhouse is a testament to his passion and talent. His dedication to his craft has earned him recognition and success, allowing him to turn his love for puzzles into a fulfilling career. 

As he continues to create puzzles that captivate and inspire, puzzle enthusiasts can look forward to experiencing Mellor’s ingenious creations across various platforms, reaffirming his status as one of the best puzzle creators in the world. With each new puzzle, Myles Mellor invites us to engage our minds, embrace the joy of solving, and celebrate the love for puzzles.

Delving into a crossword puzzle takes you on a captivating journey, unveiling intriguing revelations about the intricate workings of the human mind. From the satisfaction of finding an elusive answer to the power of intuition, crossword puzzles offer a unique window into cognition.
Read this article until the end to learn more about the different mental processes involved in crossword puzzle solving and the ways they help us understand our mysterious subconscious mind.

The Mysterious Process of Crossword Solving
The human mind is a complex web of preconscious processes, and crossword solving is no exception. Raymond Nickerson, a psychologist at Tufts University, takes a close look at the role of intuition in tackling crosswords. Often, the preconscious mind supplies answers instantaneously, producing those gratifying moments of clarity.
However, when intuition fails, a more systematic approach may be necessary. Considering potential solutions one by one or listing synonyms, related to the clue, can help unravel the puzzle.
Surprisingly, even if the list seems absurd at first, it may reflect the preconscious mind’s step-by-step problem-solving process. Peter Farvolden’s work in the 1990s demonstrated this phenomenon, suggesting that the mind approaches problems in incremental stages.

The Power of Incubation
When deductions fail, a period of incubation can work wonders! Studies confirm that taking a break from a clue and allowing the mind to engage in other activities can lead to the much-anticipated “aha” moment. However, it’s essential to stay partially engaged.
Engaging in tasks like drawing or reading, which involve verbal elements, tends to enhance the effectiveness of incubation periods.

The Multisensory Nature of Word Retrieval
The mechanics of how the mind retrieves words to answer a clue remain somewhat elusive. As written language is a recent development (compared to the spoken word), researchers suspect that sounds play a significant role. For instance, when presented with word fragments ending in specific sounds, individuals often find it easier to generate words that follow common patterns of stress and pronunciation. Saying the clue or guesses out loud can potentially aid word retrieval.
Decoding the “Feeling of Knowing”
During crossword solving, individuals often experience a strong sense of whether they know the answer or not. Remarkably, these intuitions are often accurate. In tasks involving word associations, subjects reliably predict which words they can and cannot answer. In crosswords, this “feeling of knowing” guides decision-making.
If confident about knowing the answer, individuals invest more time in finding it. Conversely, if certain about not knowing, attention shifts to intersecting words instead.

The Tip of the Tongue Phenomenon:
Psychologists differentiate between the “feeling of knowing” and the more frustrating “tip of the tongue” state. The latter represents the belief that an answer is imminent rather than just eventual. Unfortunately, it often proves false, as the answer remains elusive.
One theory suggests that an initial wrong guess can hinder finding the correct solution, creating a mental blockage in word retrieval.

The Cryptic Puzzle Challenge
Cryptic crosswords pose unique cognitive challenges that can have unexpected effects on the mind. Research by Michael Lewis at Cardiff University revealed that engaging with cryptic clues significantly impairs face recognition, even more so than tasks like Sudoku puzzles or reading a book.
The involvement of suppression

Breaking down linguistic units and Searching for wordplay and hidden meanings in cryptic crosswords
These three factors above seem to hinder the brain’s ability to perceive faces as a whole. This phenomenon suggests an intriguing overlap in processing across different cognitive tasks.
Crossword puzzles serve as valuable tools for studying various aspects of cognition. From intuition and word retrieval to problem-solving and face recognition, the human mind’s intricate puzzle finds parallels in the challenges posed by crosswords.
Psychologists could further explore the potential of crosswords as a tool for studying cognition. As we unravel the mysteries of the human mind, crossword puzzles continue to challenge and enlighten puzzle enthusiasts worldwide.

Who says the younger generation is only glued to their screens? A recent poll conducted by Unscrambled Words shows that Gen Z is taking the classic game of crossword puzzles by storm, surpassing their older counterparts in puzzle-solving fun.

Out of the 1,000 people polled, 50% of Gen Z respondents reported solving crossword puzzles regularly, compared to 38% of Baby Boomers, 31% of Gen X, and only 15% of Millennials. It seems that the allure of solving puzzles printed in books or newspapers still holds strong appeal for the younger generation.

The poll also revealed that most crossword enthusiasts attempt the puzzles because of the mental challenge they offer. Additionally, many said they do it because it exercises the brain, and who doesn’t love a good brain workout? Interestingly, the poll also showed that women are more likely than men to indulge in crossword puzzles, with 31% of women reporting regular play versus 26% of men.

Although some individuals may choose to solve puzzles digitally, most Americans still favor the traditional print version. The preferred locations for completing crossword puzzles include the comfort of one’s own home, during transit, while occupying the bathroom, and even at the workplace. As for the best time to indulge in some serious puzzle-solving time, Sundays have emerged as the most popular day of the week for crossword enthusiasts.

When it comes to the most challenging crossword puzzles, the New York Times takes the top spot, followed by regional publications. These puzzles often require a wide range of knowledge and a knack for wordplay, making them a favorite pastime for many crossword enthusiasts looking for a mental challenge.

Conclusion

In today’s fast-paced world, crossword puzzles provide a perfect escape for people looking to unwind and exercise their mental faculties. Apart from being a source of entertainment, research shows that puzzles also have cognitive benefits, such as improving vocabulary, memory, and overall brain function. With the rise of digital puzzles, crossword enthusiasts can now access a wide range of puzzles online, making it easier for them to indulge in their favorite pastimes. Whether you are a seasoned puzzler or a newbie looking to join in the fun, there is always a crossword puzzle that caters to your skill level. So, why not join the millions of crossword enthusiasts worldwide and challenge yourself to some brain-boosting fun?

A delayed train event was the reason why a guy from London, UK started to play crosswords and challenge other passengers while waiting. As a way to keep them busy and entertained so the delay wouldn’t seem frustrating. He and a couple of his friends had been traveling from a small town towards London when the train stalled because of some water floods in a part of the track.

It seems like the floods which delayed the train would make the group of friends and the passengers remember this seemingly routine trip, for a long time. Due to this problem the train staff suggested everyone to go in the first wagons, which made it very crowded. The people started complaining as some people were sitting on the floor.

He took it upon himself to boost morale of the whole wagon and a video of him on a social media platform has surpassed 3M views. It cheered everyone up and everyone was trying to interact and guess the correct answers. Something rather rare in today’s world where everyone seems so detached with the reality always staring at the mobile screens. What’s even more interesting is that had a paper puzzle.

To ease the tension the almost-drunk group of friends came up with this to ease the tense passengers.
The paper crossword puzzle was an old newspaper which the guy had in his pockets. This made the friends make fun of him for keeping old newspapers in his jacket. In the video Brown is shown asking crossword clues to fellow passengers who didn’t pay much attention to him.

“London street off Trafalgar Square 6 letters?” the puzzle guy asks and his friend tell him you he has no idea what the answer is.

“Animal Doctor in 4 letters”. The silence starts.

A few more questions and some persistence from Brown and the strangers in the train started to relax and started responding and guessing the answers more eagerly. And from a tense delayed train the atmosphere changes and now it resembles a tavern in an old town with people talking from one table to another. The whole wagon started getting involved and to their surprise there were actually people who knew how to answer the clues. It was fun to witness this collective interaction, where people from all age groups were talking and joining in. There was a senior who answered one clue and helped the tipsy guy to spell it on paper.

The video of it became viral on social media as it is something very unique.

@dam.i.on

#puzzle #socialexperiment #socialising @J.Ofosu @benpoole698 @Damion Francis

♬ original sound – Damion

Cryptic crosswords are quite the rage. They’re everywhere – at the office, on holiday, in the waiting room, at the airport, and even in our homes! You might have wondered, hat’s the magic behind these puzzles?’ Why are so many consumed with solving them?

Before tackling that million-dollar question, let’s take a quick peek at the society in which we live. Bombarded with social media, cell phone notifications, and all manner of mobile device overload, we’re constantly receiving information. In this era where FOMO (ear of missing out’) reigns supreme, we’re encouraged to continually consume countless amounts of material. It’s overwhelming and our brains need a rest!

ENTER CRYPTIC CROSSWORDS.

Offering an opportunity for mental self-care, these magnificent puzzles do more than just promote a sense of stillness. They also center mindfulness through extended focus and concentration. Who couldn’t use more help in that department?

But wait, the benefits go further than what I’ve already mentioned. Consider these to get a fuller picture:

* Improved memory
* Stretching the mind’s boundaries
* Learning something new
* Stress reliever
* Social connection (think: colleagues, family, friends)

There’s another crucial component that mustn’t be overlooked when talking about the perks of these puzzles. Looking at their capacity to challenge our brains with new information, this is something very personal to me. As a senior who has become a bit frailer, deciphering a cryptic crossword is music to my mind – they sing to me.

And alongside that singing comes the learning factor.

Trust me, I know what I’m talking about. As a former teacher with 33 years of experience in government secondary schools, I keenly understand the importance of making learning fun. To see the sparkle in the eyes of a student whose brain has made the connection to successfully decode an entire cryptic crossword is sheer joy.

The reasons behind this are multiple. When you start to dissect the setter mindset you begin to comprehend their character, and figuring out how someone thinks is a large part of the game plan. Unraveling the setter’s backstory gives solvers an edge in terms of speed and strategy. It helps the solver to determine the answers more quickly. And if you add to that a puzzle where multiple people are collaborating together, the social aspect too offers its own rewards.

So, back to that initial question surrounding the immense popularity of cryptic crosswords. Certainly, you can now see more clearly what the hype is all about. Everything from stimulating our brain cells through active learning to even improving our social interactions, cryptic puzzles take problem-solving to another level. I should know – thanks to its addictive inspiration, I’ve spent nearly 40 years working on them, both individually and with others.

What are you waiting for?

It’s time to get in on the action with cryptics. You might be surprised at what you learn – about yourself and about the world around you. Be prepared – you’ll likely find the hobby bringing you countless smiles and years of satisfying companionship!

Uncovering the mystery of truth behind a crime novel requires acute investigative skills. Together, the riddles and puzzles embedded in each story form the irresistible recipe enticing the reader – turning them into the metaphorical ly on the wall.’ Along with the protagonist, the reader begins an overwhelmingly thrilling quest to solve the secret. That’s where several inevitable questions arise, like:

* Who’s the killer?
* What was their motive?
* Will they strike again?
* When will the evil perpetrator be crushed?

Crime novels are addicting! And the authors know it. That’s why they make their stories so engaging and challenging for readers. One of the first things we (readers) do when selecting a new mystery novel is to search for clues within the puzzle’s theme. Among a multitude of topics, we find greed, power, money, and love.

Which of these focuses front and center?

Once the reader has figured that out, they’re one step closer to unraveling the puzzle. Therein lies the hook! By blending intrigue and detective work, we’ve now set up a virtual ALLIANCE with the book’s hero. And everyone knows what that means – the crime novelist has lured us in. There is no turning back!

Now that the reader has unequivocally accepted the challenge, it’s time to pursue those initial clues. Scouring line after line, page after page in hopes of uncovering further details to the mystery’s puzzle, the reader must use their discerning eyes to avoid getting thrown off. For example, did the author’s description of the hero’s childhood penchant for playing hide-and-seek in the forest really mean something? Or was it just a distracting element – an irrelevant tangent taking us nowhere?

It’s crucial the reader be well-versed in recognizing the difference. When analyzing the puzzle, staying focused on the key parts offers a certain amount of control over the story. A strongly crafted crime novel uses these puzzles to its advantage. Lacing together elements of intrigue and inquiry, the reader could very easily find themselves going in circles. By knowing how to take a serious deep dive into the story’s nuanced language, the reader has a real chance at Sherlock Holmes-like results.

Another angle to consider when picking up one of these books is to comprehend they are pattern-less puzzles. Unlike newspapers (usually following a particular path), crime novels are designed differently, making the reader sift through a virtual _mountain of debris_ to uncover the truth. Comparing it to a crime scene, where an investigator fervently dissects every ounce of evidence, it goes with this popular literary genre. Each piece of information must be scrutinized to get to the truth. All of it matters – hints, suspicions, intuition, hunches and general mistrust must be closely examined.

A perfect example of this is Nero Blanc’s 12-book Crossword Mystery series. In the first book, Detective Rosco Polycrates joins Crossword Creator, Annabella Graham to uncover the mystery behind a man’s death. This sets the stage for the remaining stories in the series. It is via these types of crime novels that readers like me get to feel that we’re playing a key role in solving the mystery.

On why these novels are so gripping. Do you remember Rubik’s cube? People would spend hours on end attempting to figure out how to align the color scheme, intensely turning the toy’s faces and evaluating which move to make next. Puzzles like these are grand mysteries. It’s the same concept with crime novels. The author’s prime motive is to keep readers so attached that they can’t possibly set the book down. Just like with Rubik’s cube, you can’t let go of the novel until you’ve gone through each phase of the investigation with the protagonist.

Sometimes that means you’re going to re-read several pages, perhaps even a chapter or two. Heck, it might even mean going back to the initial opening to take side notes. Whatever it takes, the reader is in it for the long haul. And that’s another reason why crime novel series do so well. Imagine this: you’ve started Nero Blanc’s 12-book series. As mentioned earlier, you already know the mystery stage is set. You’re already familiar with the main characters. You might start to anticipate who the players will be in the next story. From there, you begin to draw into your memory bank – hhhh, I remember what Detective Rosco discovered in the first book!’

When going through a series, you won’t want to skip any of the parts. And that’s because each book ties into the next – the mystery keeps you coming back for more. This is how authors ensure their readership, and it’s how readers like you and me continue to feel like we’re part of solving the puzzle.

All of this makes crime novel reading one of my favorite hobbies. What about you…..why are you hooked?

The NY Times crossword puzzle keeps up with latest tech trends and now you no longer have to get the paper edition of the newspaper to get your hands on the famous puzzles. In fact all you need to do is open the Instagram app and try solving the game in Augmented Reality.

This new game was built with Facebooks Spark AR technology, nytimes says, and it is not the first time that the company has created an AR gaming version of a game although it’s not the first time the nytimes company has worked with AR technology.

This new A.R version  of the New York Times crossword looks a bit different from the classic one. The popular  newspaper collaborated with Instagram (not for the first time), to reveal a new Augmented Reality effect which allows players to play the puzzle in your story thanks to this new method of playing.

The AR effect for this weeks Wednesday crossword, allows you to visualise in voic space the crossword puzzle grid and join the shattered letters together. So you have to put back the shattered crossword puzzle, find the words among the shards by changing your perspective.

In order to do this simply the phone’s camera in space to quickly find the right angle to find the letters making up the missing answers. This gesture actually proved to be a bit complicated for some users on social media as some people posted on twitter or facebook asking for help because they struggled in trying to find the right angle to arrange the letters.