We'll practice solving crossword puzzles as a group, and discuss the tricky clues and funny themes we discover. This intermediate-level, practice-only course will focus on puzzles of NYT Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday difficulty. It is open not only to those who have taken my earlier Crosswords courses, but also to others who would like to improve their crossword skills. Students with Internet access can access other suggested puzzles, and reference materials. More about course topics and style below.
Steve has 40+ years experience with computer software, including research and development for Stanford University, Xerox PARC, Atari, HP Labs and Apple. In 2002, he developed and distributed a crossword application (CrozzWord) for several handheld devices. After moving to Ashland in 2006 (after several visits in mid-70s), he’s been enjoying non-technical activities such as hiking, rock climbing, reading, theater, improv comedy, volunteering, and OLLI classes. At OLLI, Steve has offered CROSSWORDS and YOU, E-books, Evolution of the Internet and an Internet Issues Community Lecture.
I welcome feedback during class or via Contact Us. In particular, let me know which courses you'd like me to offer again.
Topics, Materials, Process
Topics
Practicum: prac·ti·cum [prak-ti-kuhm] n. "(in a college or university) the part of a course consisting of practical work in a particular field"
There will be no planned presentations -- just puzzle practice. However, in the context of solving puzzles, I will highlight interesting/unusual clues and themes, answer questions, and mention reference materials (from CROSSWORDS and YOU) that you can access later.
If you're looking for an introduction to crosswords, including history and culture, formats, sources and applications, vocabulary, clues, themes and authoring -- along with some practice (1/3 of each session), consider taking my OLLI course: CROSSWORDS and YOU. A Practice-only course for Beginners may be offered again in the future -- let me know if you're interested.
Materials
Basically the same as CROSSWORDS Practicum: Beginner, except we will solve and discuss more difficult puzzles, e.g., NYT Wed, NYT Thu, NYT Sun and other Sunday puzzles. Depending on class ability & interest, NYT Fri and Sat puzzles could be added.
You will also find this link on the OLLI site: Course Materials -- at least for the current term & course number.
This online version allows you to explore items (puzzles, articles, web sites) that we skim/skip or that you miss, or want to refer to later; it also allows me to update the course easily with new or revised items. It's scalable and mobile-friendly for smaller screens. These pages may be updated during the course -- and afterwards if I offer it later.
There will be no PowerPoint slides or paper handouts. For those who prefer a printed version, or an offline document for computer, tablet or eReader, you can download a .pdf file for this page: (soon)
During Class
We'll select several puzzles each session, appropriate to your skill levels, for example, NYT Wed, Thu, Sun and other "difficult" puzzles.
A puzzle can be done in any order. However, to minimize group confusion, we'll generally go thru the puzzle sequentially, focusing on each current Across and/or Down clues before filling-in or skipping.
I'll highlight interesting clues or themes.
The solving emphasis will be on learning and fun -- rather than on perfection and speed. Those with the most experience should refrain from answering for a few seconds to allow others to consider the clues.
After Class
Upon request, there will be links (later on this page) to puzzles that we've chosen so that you can review or re-solve on your own.
Each puzzle may be available in these versions:
original (before): the blank, unfilled-in puzzle [.pdf, .puz]
partial (during): our current progress [.pdf, .puz] -- unless we finish
solution (after): the correct, filled-in solution [.pdf] (for .puz, Across Lite > Reveal > Complete Solution)
in these formats:
[.pdf]: for viewing/printing in Adobe Reader and compatible PDF viewers
[.puz]: for solving in Across Lite and compatible apps
[web]: for web browser, if there's an interactive puzzle or online discussion (blog) available
?2013 Fall, Ashland
Steve Weyer is a long-time crossword buff -- solving puzzles sometimes on paper, now mostly on his iPad. He has created crosswords for family and friends -- and the OLLI newsletter; he's also a technology addict, and web site and software developer.
If you're looking for an introduction to crosswords, including history and culture, formats, sources and applications, vocabulary, clues, themes and authoring -- along with some practice (1/3 of each session), consider taking my OLLI course: CROSSWORDS and YOU. A Practice-only course for Beginners may be offered again in the future -- let me know if you're interested.
This online version allows you to explore items (puzzles, articles, web sites) that we skim/skip or that you miss, or want to refer to later; it also allows me to update the course easily with new or revised items. It's scalable and mobile-friendly for smaller screens. These pages may be updated during the course -- and afterwards if I offer it later.
We'll display each puzzle using the Across Lite application (optional: free download for Macintosh, Windows and iPad).
Each puzzle may be available in these versions: