Tuesday March 19th 2019, NY Times Crossword

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Time: 7:52
Tuesday Average: 13:01
Best Tuesday: 5:05

I think I've said this before, but nobody types ROFL anymore, do they? That seemed dated in 1996 (and I was young then, so I'd totally know).

I'm not going to run through all the theme answers, because it's another barely noticeable theme, but essentially the alphabet is run through in sequence, spread out through the puzzle. Notice that we have EASY AS ABC to start and XYZ AFFAIR to end and, if you're so inclined, you can track down the rest of the alphabet. Considering that some of these answers have only two letters to contribute, it's not the most impressive feat. However, FILM NOIR has four letters and remains my favorite genre of film and Calvin & Hobbes comics. I'd read Tracer Bullet all day.

"Post office service" for US MAIL is a bad clue. They know that other countries have post offices, right? By the way, I mailed postcards from India in February and then a week later from Pakistan. So far, Pakistan postcards have arrived and still nothing, as far as I know, from India. I hope this isn't too inflammatory.

I loved getting GOETHE and ARISTOTLE right off the bat. Generally, I don't like too much trivia in crosswords, but the exception is obviously  when I know the answers. Then it's fine.

"Ban competitor" for ARRID was tricky because I'd never heard of either brand. It turns out they're deodorants.

Also, ODA just means "room" in Turkish, not a "room in a harem."

I don't mean to be too negative on this puzzle. I'm thrilled to see MOS DEF and OCTAHEDRA. I'm also wondering if SEISMO is a He-Man or G.I. Joe villain. It seems pretty likely. 

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