Going for a Spin
The New York Times • • technology
Key Points:
- Ralph Sharaga, a mostly retired comedy writer and longtime New York Jets podcast host, makes his first crossword puzzle debut in The New York Times, co-created with veteran Doug Peterson.
- The puzzle's theme humorously depicts a dilapidated car being marketed with euphemistic "adspeak," turning negative car conditions into positive-sounding descriptions.
- Key themed answers include phrases like OFF-ROAD VEHICLE for a car found in a ditch, NEW SHOCKS for a car struck by lightning, LOW EMISSIONS for a dragging tailpipe, and BUCKET SEATS for a leaky roof.
- The puzzle's title, "Going for a Spin," cleverly references both driving and the act of putting a positive spin on a bad situation, adding an extra layer of wordplay to the theme.
- The theme's broad but accessible humor and clever wordplay make the puzzle entertaining and engaging despite its straightforward premise.
