You’re going to hate me for this because — if it grabs you — there goes an hour of your otherwise well-planned day. (Now who’s gonna take the dog to obedience school?) But when I was sent this link last week . . .
Bill Clinton Didn’t Want His New York Times Crossword to Be Boring
. . . how could I resist? (My dog went to collie heaven more than 50 years ago, so I had the morning free.)
When you finish, the screen suddenly changes to “ta-DA!” . . . and you can go back to your triumph and search for the Easter Egg.
When I found it, I almost started to cry.
Oh, to have this brilliant, competent, progressive, globally-respected man back helping humanity confront its urgent challenges. Or, for that matter, to have his equally amazing wife or vice president in that role.
But — as President Clinton tells the Times — solving crosswords is meant to take your mind off such cares . . . so forget all that and just get to work.
If you get stuck, scroll down . . .
. . . and further down . . .
. . . because I don’t want to ruin it for you if you don’t need hints . . .
. . . but I’m hoping you’ll find the Easter Egg, and who doesn’t need a hint or two? . . .
. . . okay: here’s one: the capital of the Philippines is Manila, sure — but half a million Filipinos live in ILOILO CITY. I hadn’t known that, but sure enough (2 down): it’s true.
. . . click here if you’re stuck on 38 down.
. . . another clue for 9 across could be “sickle cell ——.”
. . . and (57 down) if you’re a fan of Chinese take-out, you’ve likely eaten his chicken . . .
. . . and if Kim Jong-Un goes nuts, you won’t want to be anywhere near 58 down, a city of more than 10 million souls.
If you’re still annoyed with me and have no further time to waste on this, click here for the Easter Egg (17, 35, and 57 across).
