Friday October 12th 2018, NY Times Crossword

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Time: 20:26
Friday Average: 28:41
Best Friday: 10:21

I always worry a little when I see a nearly isolated piece of grid on a Friday or Saturday, because I suspect that if there's a central clue that I draw a blank on, I'll get stuck for an inordinate amount of time. Today, in addition to the middle, which is shaped like a LIGHT BULB (sure), the east and west barely connect. I cruised through the east easily and eventually the west as well. For some reason "Question after 'Hey!'" gave me WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA almost immediately even though I can't remember the last time I heard it. But, as I suspected, I got stuck for about 10 minutes in the center where playwright Enid BAGNOLD (how's that for a non-inferrable name?) eluded me completely along with SLATE for a "Group running together." After looking it up, I suppose I've heard people talk about a slate of candidates, but it has always passed right through me. BID as a synonym for "Tender" didn't really sit with me either. Good thing I'm up on my MEGADETH and SNOW CRAB, otherwise I might never have made it out!

Several years ago I memorized all of the world capitals from a set of flashcards on my phone and I asked people to test me. Some clever person immediately said South Sudan and stumped me. So, while I've forgotten many of the capitals, I'm not forgetting JUBA any time soon.

I don't love the word heavy long downs today, with NOW LET ME SEE, AS EASY AS ABC, and THAT IS TO SAY being just too boring and similar when you have all of them in one puzzle. I don't think ECHO BOOMERS ever took off as an alternative name for the Millenial Generation, since this is the first time I'm hearing it. "'Hope' and 'Friendship,' for two" is a fun enough clue for STATE MOTTO. 

But that's enough GAB and JABBER for one puzzle. Tonight I fly to Muscat for a hopefully relaxing weekend (of catching up on emails, sigh). 

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