Wow, I actually beat Amy on a Times puzzle! Yes, it was only by three seconds and, yes, she had a few careless errors...but hey I'll take it!
Stephen | 08.27.06 - 6:32 pm | #

Glad to be of service. :-)
Orange | Homepage | 08.27.06 - 7:01 pm | #

Being a mathematician (or at least a math grad student), it actually took me a few moments to get MATH for the topologist clue, because I was thinking "shapes? do(ugh)nuts? spaces? I don't know..."

("doughnuts" because of the joke that a topologist can't tell a doughnut from a coffee cup because they both have one hole.)
Isabel | 08.27.06 - 8:54 pm | #

Indeed, Isabel. "Topologist's speciality? Um, cohomology?"
dave glasser | 08.28.06 - 6:43 pm | #

I'd say we're being a little harsh on Mr McInturff.

His 3Ys Men was a crafty theme. And even though PADDY CHAYEFSKY was a trifle rich for a Monday, as fine a writer as he seemed, I relished the puzzle's fresh idea.

In fact I've been struggling to dredge up any more 3-y guys. You try it!
DA | Homepage | 08.28.06 - 6:55 pm | #

Obviously, for crossword purposes, it's best to get one's knowledge of topology solely from general-circulation magazines.

DA, did you hear that Wordplay will be showing in Australia? Not sure if it'll play anywhere convenient for you.
Orange | Homepage | 08.28.06 - 7:02 pm | #

Yeah - looking forward to Wordplay. I've been invited to the Melbourne preview as a writer-cum-riddler to review for The Age.

(My real bag is cryptics, but these last 2 years I've been freebasing on Cruciverbus americanus...and luvvin it.)
DA | Homepage | 08.28.06 - 7:12 pm | #

DA, are any of your cryptics available online? I've never done an Australian puzzle.
Orange | Homepage | 08.28.06 - 7:28 pm | #

I'll offer the Fiend chatroom a patch-in on Friday, which is when my puzzles appear in the Sydney Morning Herald + the Age.

(You may need a few weeks - and cultural training - to unravel them!)
DA | Homepage | 08.28.06 - 8:18 pm | #