 | From what I can tell, people who love cryptic crosswords have certain things in common. They're clever. They're cerebral. They relish word play (I'd wager they've rarely heard a pun they didn't appreciate). But perhaps the most important thing about cryptic crossword solvers is this: They are not satisfied with a right answer alone. |
From time to time, when I'm solving a puzzle, a word comes to mind that fits the pattern of letters and blanks in the grid, and satisfies the definition portion of the clue. Technically, I've got the answer. But unless I figure out the riddle, I am not satisfied: the rush that comes from cracking the setter's code evades me.
This might be more my cup of tea. This is also why I read "Fifty Shades of Grey" last summer. I had heard that it wasn't very good and I can confirm that that is true. (It is poorly written, entrenched in archtype, and not particularly taboo.) But a book that is being read that widely is sure to have an influence on the world -- especially the world of publishing -- and I wanted to find out for myself what that might be.
Perhaps this is why I'm so drawn to travel: I want to see for myself what it's like to be in distant places. Given the opportunity to see something new, I'll virtually always say "yes!" even if it means a long uncomfortable journey, or sacrificing sleep.
Perhaps this is why I'm so drawn to travel: I want to see for myself what it's like to be in distant places. Given the opportunity to see something new, I'll virtually always say "yes!" even if it means a long uncomfortable journey, or sacrificing sleep.
A few years ago, when the book Twilight became a smash best-seller, my Book Club put it on the reading list. This was an odd choice. Virtually everyone in the Club has an advanced degree (typically a doctorate) and as such, we are not keen on reading drivel. But we did it because we knew the book would come up in conversation and we wanted to have an informed opinion about it. And as any researcher knows, that means reading the primary text.
It's just a hunch but I'll bet that studies would show a correlation between interest in cryptic crossword puzzles and staying late at work to solve problems, taking on do-it-yourself home projects, and engaging in exploration-based activities (trekking, orienteering, etc.).
If you're reading this, you must like cryptics. So tell me: how does the need to figure out the right answer translate to other aspects of your life? Are you a researcher? A coder? A chef? Do you stay up late figuring out new crochet patterns or solving math equations? And when you do finally figure it out, do you have the same rush as when you decode a particularly clever cryptic clue?
Sarah
If you're reading this, you must like cryptics. So tell me: how does the need to figure out the right answer translate to other aspects of your life? Are you a researcher? A coder? A chef? Do you stay up late figuring out new crochet patterns or solving math equations? And when you do finally figure it out, do you have the same rush as when you decode a particularly clever cryptic clue?
Sarah
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