AVCX Classic

Frustratingly, though the heat is thankfully back in the apartment, my jaw is still sore from the root canal I had yesterday, so I won't be streaming tonight. Will be back with cryptics from @gnomoncryptics.bsky.social and @unchcrosswords.com and @avcx.bsky.social later this week, or next Tuesday.

The best time to announce that you've constructed another cryptic crossword was when it was published, last year. The second-best time is now. Many thanks to @francisheaney.bsky.social for another fine round of editing, and to the good people of @avcx.bsky.social for having me again.

(Don’t mind me, just talking). But ya know, in these times. Does anyone know of a marxist recipe platform we could partner with?

Maybe AVCX starts a journalism concern.

It sort of makes sense to build out from the gewgaws people subscribe to to the rest of the paper, since the financial models already work that way.

Fun one from Brian tonight

You can't trick me into trying cryptic crosswords @avcx.bsky.social, I know my limits.

Also I highly recommend them as an NYT alternative for anybody looking for one.

Well, thank you.

Yup, that must be it. Among the purchases were a bunch of single orders of a 2021 Pao Roy puzzle co-edited by @burrata.bsky.social and Wyna Liu. Appreciate that.

Sometimes (as today) we have no idea why a flood of subscriptions come in all at once. Regardless, thank you, welcome, and we’ll certainly do our best to make you happy!

Truly truly, as a person who plays games online, you are invariably propping up something. Media companies financially depend on games in a huge way right now. So make choices about what you support consciously and with the awareness that you have power in doing so.

And if the media company that runs the puzzle is doing transphobic coward shit because they think that’s just the vibe right now, do not let them off the hook.

If your favorite crossword runs the answer ELON with the clue “Inventor Musk,” tell them you don’t want to see that trash, any more than you would “Politico Heinrich” for HIMMLER. Shove that Overton window hard.

Leisure is political under capitalism. Support puzzles and games that resist fascism, in some meaningful way. There are lots of avenues and words matter.

Puzzle makers make choices about humor, about common knowledge, etc. what choices are the games you play making?

And how and where does the money flow? Ask these questions about the puzzles and games you play.

Happily, there are many great puzzle outlets with ethical sensibilities.

Puzzles and games are a respite from daily stresses, which everyone deserves and in fact needs.

But that doesn’t mean that their makers exist outside politics, or should be exempt from political responsibility. Saying nothing is a political choice — a conservative one, in fact.

Allies in all this

You will be delighted to know that there is an annual crossword puzzle awards event, happening this year on 2/23. Details are below (I'll be a presenter!), along with info about how to receive the nominated puzzles in advance - namely, by donating to the Trevor Project, which we should all do anyway

A 7x7 crossword grid with no black squares. The puzzle is titled "i just think the state shouldn't murder people and kidnap children like this" 1A "When I say "Fuck ICE!", you say "___" 8A Now say it again 9A A little louder for the people in the back 10A Once more in case they didn't hear you 11A Stand together and shout it together 12A You’re doing great, now say it again 13A Make sure they hear you! 1D With 2-Down, 3-Down, 4-Down, 5-Down, 6-Down, and 7-Down... 2D ...shout... 3D ...it... 4D ...LLLL... 5D ...OOOO... 6D ...UUUU... 7D ...DDDD!!!!

Let’s talk about a puzzle-related donation drive of some kind

Stand With Minnesota Donation Directory Stand With Minnesota is a hub for supporting, learning, and taking action to support Minnesotans impacted by ICE and federal enforcement.

A lot of good ways to show support here: www.standwithminnesota.com

Attention crossword constructors: FUCKICE (7)

Completed cryptic crossword grid with solving scribbles and detritus.

I just completed my first ever @avcx.bsky.social cryptic with no hints (and on examination one error). It was from 08-31-2023 Rebecca Bridge edited by @naytnaytnayt.bsky.social I'm feeling pretty smart right now.

Pleased to report that Will Shortz liked Marty Supreme.

Hmm the Times puzzle though?

If you hear back from us with revision requests, please know that it’s common, and also that most of the time both constructors and editors end up happy with the improvements!

One of the best things about open submission season is revising puzzles with constructors. Often, we accept work provisionally, asking for edits to make the work its best self.

Constructors are almost always open to it (which is appreciated!) and we love the mutual revision process.

Submissions to AVCX Classic are now closed for the December-January cycle — alas, we have to shut it down when we get to a certain number, since we only publish once a week.

We reopen in May, and look forward to seeing your pitches then!

Submissions to AVCX Classic are now closed for the December-January cycle — alas, we have to shut it down when we get to a certain number, since we only publish once a week.

We reopen in May, and look forward to seeing your pitches then!

You did amazing. Check out the solution! It takes time to learn how to do metas, but I promise you’ll get there.

We got a record 455 submissions (mostly correct) for @francisheaney.bsky.social ‘s December 25 meta contest.

Winners will be announced and meta solution will go out with tonight’s puzzle … which happens to be a PDF-only doozy by Mike Schlossberg. Don’t miss any of it.

Avxwords.com