VARIETY PUZZLE: Who's Zoomin' Who?

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GOOGLE SHEET (to copy the Google Sheet, click on "File" then "Make a copy"—that should create a version of the sheet that you can edit)
SOLUTION

Variety puzzle time! This one's a Packing Crates, a puzzle type invented by Patrick Berry and seen in the WSJ, where you have to place answers in Rows and rectangular Boxes. And, after spending a year seeing people's faces in little boxes on my little screen while I go to my little classes, this type of puzzle feels especially appropriate.

Credit where credit's due: first, many thanks to Ricky for test-solving—his input really improved this puzzle over the first draft. And, if you like puzzles like these, check out the variety suite Patrick Berry just dropped. All the puzzles are great (of course), but the Packing Crates was a real standout. It's also where I got the idea to make one of these, but he doesn't need to know that

Email me if you have any questions/need help! As always, hope you enjoy!
Paolo

PUZZLE #88: "They Don't Allow You to Have Bees in Here"

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PUZ
SOLUTION to the last puzzle

There are a lot of great Lucille Bluth quotes that pop into my mind on a regular basis, but the titular quote rises to the top for me. Truly an all-time great character—RIP to one of the best to ever do it

Thanks (and apologies) to David Gold for his blessing on the theme!

Hope you enjoy,
Paolo

PUZZLE #87: This Time It's Fursonal

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PUZ
SOLUTION to the last puzzle

BEFORE GETTING INTO THE POST: It's been a rough week, so here are some resources that are worth the time/money (HERE and HERE). Donate if you're able

Themed puzzle this week; tried to get it to play easier than normal. Before you email me: no, I'm not a furry, no, I don't have anything against furries, they rule, and yes, I thought of this theme on the fifth anniversary of "Zootopia."

Hope you enjoy,

Paolo

PUZZLE #86: *sad honk* (remix) (with Malaika Handa!)

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PUZ
SOLUTION to the last puzzle

Collab with Malaika! We also have a puzzle on her site, which you should check out first. I'll be here.

You probably know from her site, my site, and interviews that she's very good at this whole crossword thing, but it also can't be said enough how fun she is to collaborate with. There's something to be said about being in a Google doc with someone and watching them drop multiple fun, clever, funny clues for an entry in a row. My favorite clue in the puzzle full-stop (26A) is all her, as are the rest of the good clues. All this is to say, the vibes on this puzzle were great, I'm a huge fan of this collab, and I hope you are too!

If you're having trouble solving digitally, here's a hint (ROT13'd because spoilers): gur yrggre K jvyy uryc svyy va nal fcnprf

Hope you enjoy!

P & M (on twitter @malisolves)

P.S. She also made "I Fold," which is one of my favorite solving experiences of the year. Check it out!