New York Times, Friday, June 5, 2020

I submitted this crossword puzzle last May and it was accepted in August. The seed entry for this puzzle is BALLOON ARTIST. The editors made material changes to about 16 out of the 70 clues. In most cases, it appears that the changes were made to increase the difficulty level. Some of the changed clues include TRUCK [Skateboard piece that connects the wheels to the deck], STEEL [What recycling code "40" is used for], BEAR [Direction word] and GRANT [50s president]. My favorite clues that survived are DUTY FREE STORE [Outlet for international travelers] and TOKE [Drawing of grass?].

FYI: Every morning I've been doing the New York Times Spelling Bee. It's a good brain tester that everyone can do. I've even learned some new words like BIBIMPAP. I encourage everyone to it a try.

I've dabbled at BALLOON ARTISTry, and I can vouch for the fact that things blow up. Not just literally in my face, but it turns out that kids explosively bawl when I hand them balloons shaped like dying amoeba.

[Outlet for international travelers]? Electrical plug? AC converter? D'oh, it was "outlet" in the sense of "place that sells things." DUTY-FREE STORE; brilliant!

The third marquee entry, PASSENGER VANS, didn't do as much, especially with a ho-hum clue. I'll take two out of three winners any day, though. That entire middle executed with just a SYS to hold it together? Solid.

I also liked how John made great use of his mid-length slots, GOD MODE such an evocative, descriptive entry.

There was so much crossword glue, though. Minor as it all was, ATA BCE HAR HRE SYS UKE USH ... inelegant. Given that this is a 70-worder, not a high degree of difficulty, I wanted a smoother product.

Thankfully, some amazing clues elevated the solving experience. PUSHPINs as colorful spots on a map. GRANT as a [50s President], that is, on the $50 bill. Even EGG getting a goodie, a common thread between tempera and tempura.

A few clues that might confuse:

• M.O. as STYLE? Think about it in terms of "that's his M.O., that's how he rolls. That's his STYLE." (I can hear all the kids mocking me.)
• How is a STAG one who gets into a seasonal rut? The "rut" is a period of increased sexual desire for STAGs, including combative behaviors and "bugling." That seems like anything but a rut!
• BEAR = [Direction word] ... refers to the stage direction, "exit, pursued by a bear"? Ah! It's in the sense of "bear right."

I enjoyed some of the final touches, LHASA crossing DHAKA so pretty, trivia about a SEAHORSE's prehensile tail, and a throwback to Lucille Ball with the POODLE CUT. There was a lot to love, helping me to overlook some of the gridwork blips.