Puzzle Notes

Dear Citizens of Crossword Nation, 

In keeping with the spirit of the past week -- when many of us indulged in "extra helpings" of turkey, stuffing and pie -- we serve up a puzzle grid with a slightly larger-than-usual grid. When themed entries don't fit into the usual grid size, it is necessary to roll out the 16x15 format. 

The clue for 54-Down has a special place in my heart, as it celebrates longtime "Jeopardy!" host Alex Trebek, who recently passed away. It's a loss that I share with millions of viewers. I'd watched "Jeopardy!" in high school and intermittently over the years. My parents, immigrants to this country, watched the show in an effort to learn English. They loved how Alex (pronounced "Aaah-leks" in our house) read the "answers." His friendly, yet somewhat formal demeanor, checked off all the boxes. Alex Trebek was a Class Act. 

My own relationship to "Jeopardy!" changed over the years, as I tried to apply the show's style to my approach to puzzlemaking. I admired the show's wide range of subject categories (a good model for crosswords), and Alex's thirst for knowledge (a good model for crossword solvers).

In a recent interview, Alex Trebek said: "I'd like to be remembered, first of all as a good and loving husband and father, and also as a decent man who did his best to help people perform at their best."

That he did, and much more. Alex will always be welcome in these puzzles. Bravo, Mr. Trebek, on a job well done.

Welcome to Week 496 of Crossword Nation. You are cordially invited to solve "K Rations" as your diversion of the week!

Thank you for solving and be well, Dear Ones. Until next time, I remain . . .

Cruciverbally yours,

Liz

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Happy solving and be well!

Liz Gorski

www.crosswordnation.com