For already the fourth time this decade, my final rank at the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament matched the ones digit of the year. How did it all happen? Well, that’s why I’m writing this. Away we go!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The trip got off to a cruddy start, if I’m being honest. I slept badly and then my flight was delayed two hours, though at least I was still in the lounge when I heard about the latter. I landed in New York with little to do but to go to bed, where my exhaustion would surely deliver me restorative slumber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ha ha, nope! Another terrible night of sleep. Maybe jet lag. I don’t know. In any case, though, Puzzmo’s second annual Crossword Con was worthy of rallying. If you missed it, you can check out nearly all the content<\/a> from the comfort of your own home. I hope there’s a third edition next year!<\/p>\n\n\n\n After that fun and an uneventful train ride to Stamford, my travel-related misfortune made its return. I’d previously canceled my Marriott reservation and had my friend put my name on the room I was sharing with him. When I checked in, though, they instead opted to restore my cancellation for some reason, forcing me to move my stuff to another room when I realized what happened. I took a barely perfunctory nap, but managed to have an excellent evening at dinner and at the hotel bar with legions of friends. After that, I actually got myself a good night of sleep. Wonders never cease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Two of Stamford's finest bars, where you can get delicious tacos and celonas
[image or embed]<\/a><\/p>— Tyler Hinman (@thatpuzzleguy.bsky.social<\/a>) April 4, 2025 at 6:07 PM<\/a><\/blockquote>