Posted on 05/07/2007 12:36:32 PM PDT by Freedumb
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton has a new pastime far from fund raising for worthy causes -- designing a crossword puzzle for The New York Times.
Clinton wrote the clues for an online crossword puzzle published this weekend by the Times, filled with puns, pop culture references and plays on words.
The theme of the puzzle is "Twistin' the Oldies," with clues seeking updated versions for baby boomers of musical hits by artists such as Neil Sedaka and Carly Simon.
In an editor's note, Times' puzzle editor Will Shortz wrote: "The clues in this puzzle are a little more playful and involve more wordplay than in a typical crossword. You have been warned.
Shortz told Reuters the Times gave Clinton the puzzle grid and the theme, and the former president provided the clues. Shortz said he did very little editing.
"I wanted it to be Clinton's voice, not my voice," Shortz said. "I touched up a few things here and there, but basically what President Clinton wrote for the clues is what appears in the puzzle.
"His clues make you laugh out loud," he added. "He's got a flair for this."
Answers will be posted the weekend of May 11, the Times said.
A known crossword buff, Clinton appeared in the 2006 movie "Wordplay" about devotees and an annual puzzle convention.
Since leaving office in 2001, Clinton has worked as an advocate for international relief efforts; launched the William J. Clinton Foundation which, among other efforts; is trying to make HIV and AIDS drugs more affordable; served as a spokesman in such health efforts as fighting childhood obesity, and organized the Clinton Global Initiative to help fight poverty, disease and climate change.
Most recently, he has been campaigning on behalf of his wife, U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, who is seeking the Democratic Party's presidential nomination in the 2008 race for the White House.
Hmmmmm. a seven letter word for the willful giving of false testimony under oath or affirmation? Full marks for the guy or gal who gets it.
Clinton is supposed to be able to do the New York Times crossword very rapidly, which is impressive. But I’m not sure that thinking up the clues ranks with designing the puzzle.
perjury?
Is that what they used to call it in the Oval Office...
I have to admit I do listen to Will Shortz' puzzle segments Sundays on NPR, but he really is a suck-up when it comes to X42.
he is supposed to be able to break 80 when he plays golf...I believe that one as much as I believe that he finishes the NYT crossword.
15 Across 6 letters starts with “V” Where I should not stick my cigar...Oh my Mr Clinton, you are very playful!
Got it in one! Just send me your name, address, social security number and bank account routing and I’ll have the full $77 million wired from Nigeria to you this afternoon.
Only with a liberal use of his "hand wedge".
Since leaving office in 2001, Clinton has worked as an advocate for international relief efforts; launched the William J. Clinton Foundation which, among other efforts; is trying to make HIV and AIDS drugs more affordable; served as a spokesman in such health efforts as fighting childhood obesity, and organized the Clinton Global Initiative to help fight poverty, disease and climate change.
Wipe your chin, Reuters.
He’s known for “S_X” (3 letters).
Sax? He played saxamophone on Arsenio.
Sox? He had a cat named Socks/Sox that he gave away when he left office.
Six? Six scandals?
...
No mention of teaming up with President George Herbert Walker Bush to provide aid for Katrina victims.
He played a round with Tiger Woods who gave a description of his play which left no doubt that Clinton's 80 was more like a three-digit score!
. . . without making it easier to make a living producing them . . .
They sure make him sound busy with all that philanthropic work..... no mention of his two-hundred speaking engagements a year and his earnings of something like $40M the last couple of years.
One clue was, “Is.”
But the ‘Toon had no idea how to define it.
Memo to self: READ HEADLINES MORE SLOWLY.
This is probably subconsciously how you read it...
11 down the word was “frigid”.......the clue......a very cold climate and a woman I know well !!!
NICE!
I also like the 15 foot “gimmees”!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.