New York Times, Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was my high school musical. My theatrical skills skidded to a halt at song and dance, but watching my friends perform that show many times planted a seed — which Sam Ezersky confirmed bore fruit with the nicest acceptance email.

This will be my last puzzle in the NYT for a while — and that's a good thing. Will has been very intentional about making space for new and more diverse constructors. In 2021, 20% of submissions were from women, but women constructed 30% of published puzzles. Last year, 92 constructors made their debuts; 35% were women. If you have ever considered adding your voice to help grow the diversity of the crossword constructor community, you can apply until March 7 for a chance to be mentored by one of the NYT crossword staff. I feel fortunate to be part of this community at a time when such progress is valued and when so many continue to fight for progress. Crossword construction is the greatest hobby.

But, if you think solving crosswords is the greatest hobby, I understand that too — because this is the golden age of solving. After extending your daily streak, if you're still thirsty for more, there are so many great, free, indie crossword puzzles out there. At www.proulxsclues.com, you'll find a few of mine and links to some great constructor sites which have lots more — plus links to other indie crossword sites. If you've never explored the rabbit hole of indie crossword sites, you have a treat in store.

My father-in-law — who was instrumental in hooking me on crosswords — passed away last year. Today would have been his 93^rd birthday. He was a New York City school teacher, author, and WW II veteran. This one's for you, Gus.

A. A. MILNE shows up often in crosswords. "People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day" is a great quote.

Milne wrote all those stories that allow giddy children to say POOH out loud. He also wrote poems for them. The King's Breakfast is charming, amusing, and clever. Try reading it out loud. (You have to know that an Alderney is a dairy cow.)

Hardly a JOYLESS solve, four phrases hinting at elements that might gild the lengendary COAT OF MANY COLORS. I used to listen to "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" on repeat decades ago — and if you've completed Puzzle Boat 8, I want to chat with you about how awesome it was!

WHITE COLLAR is a bit drab for a COAT OF MANY COLORS, but SILVER LINING perfectly fits the Elvis-like role of the Pharaoh in "Joseph."

I wish YELLOWTAILS didn't sound odd in the plural. It does fit the flashy dreamcoat image, though.

I appreciated Rich's efforts to sizzle up his grid, especially for those who might not be into musicals or Bible stories. Adjacent Downs are hard enough, but when they run through two themers, they can be downright nasty, almost always forcing trade-offs. ECARTE crossing SCRY is some old-school mystical material (then again, I am a huge Jonathan Strange fan). For a mid-week puzzle, it's reasonable(ish) as the price to pay for SECRET PLAN and ACTIVE ROLE.

Hilariously baffling clue — [Line when you're late for the punch line] — for OH I GET IT. Oh, the IRONY that I didn't get it.