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Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Top Dollar
发布日期:2024-12-23 16:28:56
浏览次数:732

There are spoilers ahead. You might want to solve today's puzzle before reading further! Top Dollar

Constructor: Shannon Rapp

Editor: Amanda Rafkin

Comments from Today’s Crossword Constructor

Shannon: I'm relatively new to the USA TODAY puzzle; this is only my third crossword here so far! One of the things I've loved about making (and solving) the USA TODAY puzzles is that the accessibility of the themes and easiness of the clues allow for constructors to include things that might be new or interesting to solvers. Amanda Rafkin, the puzzle editor, suggested using TREE OF CODES where my original submission used TREE OF LIFE. I had never heard of TREE OF CODES before making this puzzle. It's part book, part physical sculpture and I highly recommend checking it out. I'm happy I got to include my hometown of STL, a hint to my favorite sport with LEADOFF, and a reference to the Humboldt penguins which are native to Peru! (Did you know there are penguins that live near the equator!?) And I'm so pleased that my clue for MOO made it through editing. I crack myself up. Thank you for solving! 

What I Learned from Today’s Puzzle

Random Thoughts & Interesting Things

Crossword Puzzle Theme Synopsis

The TOP word of each vertical theme answer can follow the word DOLLAR to form a new phrase: DOLLAR SIGN, DOLLAR TREE, and DOLLAR BILL.

This is a classic USA TODAY crossword theme type. The word TOP in the title is a hint that the theme might be found in the vertical – or Down – answers, and that was true today. This is a solid set of theme answers, and as I mentioned above, I appreciated learning about the TREE OF CODES. Thank you, Shannon, for this enjoyable puzzle.

One more thing today: This seems like a good opportunity to let you know about a new crossword tournament happening later this year. Shannon Rapp is one of the co-organizers of the Midwest Crossword Tournament, which will be held Saturday, October 5, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Shannon's co-organizer is a name that might be familiar to you.) The Midwest Crossword Tournament will feature puzzles written and edited by Midwest constructors. Participation is open to anyone (not just midwesterners!), and solvers may participate in-person or online. I encourage you to check it out and consider registering.

For more on USA TODAY’s Crossword Puzzles

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