SUNDAY PUZZLE — We’ve got a Sunday debut today, from a mathematician who’s not afraid to ask the tough questions, or to draw on somewhat squicky activities familiar to pet owners, or bullies, or both. I thought the cluing today was challenging and offbeat, in an appealing way. I liked having a longer introduction, and I thought Richard Crowe’s tone was very distinctive — we’ll see what we get next from him. I also didn’t notice much fill that depended on 21st-century creations, fads or technology, which was refreshing. Also, in the “You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression” department, the cross at 1A of CLAMS, as clued, with CHICHI struck me as charmingly retro.

Source: New York Times January 19, 2019 22:40 UTC