francene--blog. Year 2013
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Dec 21st

12/21/2013

 
Picturewww.express.co.uk
After more computer problems caused a two-day delay in posts, I'm back, shaken and stirred. Not only did I hand out money I can little afford to a technician to set Ciboxer to rights, I learned that in April next year, Windows XP will no longer be supported. I'm considering the purchase of a reconditioned Windows 7, which is half the price of Windows 8. Although the cost is hard to bear, the computer is one of my main reasons for motivation. It keeps my mind active and enables me to write and publish books.

You might not be at my stage of life, but, believe me, focusing on a goal is just as important as keeping the mind vital. Another is working out a daily crossword.

One hundred years ago the first proto-crossword appeared in the New York World newspaper on December 21st 1813. Since then, millions of people have chewed pencils, jotted down letter clues on a separate sheet of paper and stared into space.

Apparently, the crossword is the secret of keeping readers happy. The newspaper can alter their politics and even get their facts wrong, but they should never mess about with the crossword. Each time a clever puzzle-setter has tried to vary the style, readers have responded with anger—or stopped buying the paper altogether. Many people turn straight to the crossword and toss the rest aside unread.


Picturewww.express.co.uk
 72% of British adults solve the puzzles, with around three in 10 attempting a crossword at least once a week. My husband and I do it together every day. He makes a start as part of his daily routing and then hands it on to me. If incomplete, I attempt to fill in the missing words. We slap hands when it's finished—a team effort which brings us closer.

I'm new to the world of crosswords, never finding the time or inclination before.  In fact, I never played games—and I guess a puzzle falls under that heading.

Physical newspapers are declining, but the humble crossword puzzle might save them by being one of the few features to benefit from taking physical form. By the time the copies arrive at the kiosk, the news may be out of date but the grids are there—original, interactive, brimming with challenge—waiting to be filled. This could be the one reason to keep printed newspapers alive.

Indulging in this game may not set the world to rights, but it keeps every mind alive no matter what your age and is particularly good for the elderly—like me and my man.

Do you set your mind toward solving the crossword puzzle?


Sol Danmeri link
12/20/2013 06:23:39 pm

I really like the idea of doing the Crossword puzzle with someone else. Even though I am new to doing Crosswords, your post has inspired me. I wonder people had before doing crosswords that was slightly similar like doing a crossword?

ANDREW Ben Ugodo
12/20/2013 07:22:46 pm

I did it long ago. I no-longer read the newspapers because all i need is online. But i think i might give it a try, just hope is in the news papers published in Africa

Dannie link
12/20/2013 08:37:14 pm

to be honest i so need to do cross words it may help improve my grammar! hopeless i am lol
I used to enjoy them as a young kid too x

Veronica Roth link
12/20/2013 09:55:42 pm

I'm sorry for all your pc problems Francine. Technology can be such a drag, but papers and crosswords are great entertainment. Thursday Robert and I were on the train from London to Oxford and someone left a paper there. We're naff at the cryptic but we sure enjoyed the easy one. :)

Lisa Mallis link
12/20/2013 11:21:17 pm

I think I've only attempted 3 or 4 crossword puzzles - ever. Like you, I didn't really play games as a child . . . so now could be a great time to start!

Alana link
12/21/2013 04:51:03 am

A former boss of mine used to lock himself in his office at lunchtime. He lived almost 200 miles away from this job and was only home on weekends. Every lunchtime, he would call his wife and they would do the NY Times crossword puzzle together over the phone. I thought that was so romantic. I love your story of doing the puzzle together with your husband.

Tandy Elisala link
12/21/2013 01:06:50 pm

What a cool activity for you and your husband to do and grow closer in the process. I've done crossword puzzles from time to time but didn't keep up with it. I'm with you on keeping the brain up to speed. Crossword puzzles are a fabulous way to keep you on your toes.


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    Author

    Francene Stanley, author of many published novels. If you like my writing, why not consider purchasing one of my books? You'll see them on the sidebar below.
    Born in Australia, I moved to Britain half way through my long life.

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