Are you ready to delve into the mind of a crossword puzzle aficionado? Michael David Sharp, better known to the world as Rex Parker, isn't just a blogger; he's a cultural phenomenon, a king in the realm of crosswords.Michael David Sharp, born on November 26, 1969, has carved a unique niche for himself. While he is an English professor at Binghamton University in New York, it's his alter ego, Rex Parker, that has captured the attention of thousands. Through his blog, "Rex Parker Does the NYT Crossword Puzzle," he offers daily insights, critiques, and solutions to the New York Times crossword, transforming a solitary pursuit into a communal experience. Parker's blog has become a vital space for crossword enthusiasts, a place to dissect clues, debate answers, and celebrate the sheer joy (and occasional frustration) of the puzzle. He is also the 2025 pairs division champions, american crossword puzzle tournament (acpt).
Category
Information
Real Name
Michael David Sharp
Pseudonym
Rex Parker
Date of Birth
November 26, 1969
Occupation
English Professor at Binghamton University; Crossword Blogger
Blog
Rex Parker Does the NYT Crossword Puzzle
Known For
Writing about the New York Times Crossword Puzzle
Address
Rex Parker c/o Michael Sharp 54 Matthews St Binghamton, NY 13905
Social Media
Bluesky (formerly Twitter)
Achievements
2025 Pairs Division Champions, American Crossword Puzzle Tournament (ACPT)
Payment Option
Venmo
Reference Link
Rex Parker Does the NYT Crossword Puzzle
"Rex Parker Does the NYT Crossword" isn't just a blog; it's a community hub. Parker's writing style is engaging and accessible, making complex crossword strategies understandable to novice solvers while still providing valuable insights for seasoned experts. He doesn't shy away from offering his opinion on the puzzle's quality, often critiquing the fill (the non-theme words in the grid) or the cluing. For instance, he once noted, "The fill is surprisingly weak today. Cheater squares in the corners (nw, se) and yet you've still got stuff like hahas and lis and sou and aone and anal.that last one you could easily eliminate by changing tuna to something like cora or hora or even toga—i'd take a partial like a gal or a pal or something like that over anal." This willingness to offer candid critiques, even when they are less than flattering, is part of what makes his blog so popular.Beyond the daily analysis, Parker delves into the art and science of crossword construction. He explores the nuances of clue writing, the importance of grid symmetry, and the subtle strategies that constructors use to challenge solvers. He often shares his own experiences as a constructor, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. This dual perspective – as both a solver and a constructor – gives him a unique understanding of the crossword puzzle and allows him to offer insights that are both practical and thought-provoking.Parker's influence extends beyond his blog. He is a sought-after commentator on crossword-related topics, often appearing in news articles and podcasts. He has also become a figure of authority, someone who can speak knowledgeably about the history, culture, and evolution of the crossword puzzle.But what makes Rex Parker so compelling? Is it his expertise? His wit? His ability to connect with a large audience? The answer, perhaps, is a combination of all three. He possesses a deep understanding of the crossword puzzle, honed by years of solving and constructing. He has a sharp wit and a distinctive voice that is both entertaining and informative. And he has a genuine passion for crosswords that shines through in his writing, creating a sense of community among his readers.One example of Parker's ability to dissect a puzzle and offer valuable insights can be seen in his analysis of the March 16, 2025, crossword. While clues and answers are often ephemeral, Parker's focus extends to the underlying construction, the cleverness of the theme, and the overall solving experience. He encourages readers to engage with the puzzle on a deeper level, to appreciate the artistry and ingenuity that goes into creating a well-crafted crossword. He even provides answers for rex parker crossword march 16, 2025 crossword clue, 6 letters.Parker's blog also serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to improve their crossword-solving skills. He offers tips and strategies for tackling difficult clues, deciphering cryptic wordplay, and recognizing common crossword patterns. He emphasizes the importance of building a strong vocabulary, developing pattern recognition skills, and learning to think like a crossword constructor.And he’s not just confined to the digital world. July 19, 2024, he mentions in his blog, “…not sure why you’d ever find yourself in kingsville, ont (3), but if you do… we somehow stumbled into the best gelato we’ve ever had, with a proprietor who is not shy about telling you about why it’s so good. Rex parker does the nyt crossword puzzle is at mari's artisan gelato and paletta.” He connects with his audience in more tangible ways, such as interacting on facebook.The definition of "kealoa" is another example of Parker’s contributions to the crossword community. As he explains, a kealoa is "a pair of words (normally short, common answers) that can be clued identically and that share at least one letter in common (in the same position)." This concept, while seemingly esoteric, is a common source of frustration for crossword solvers, and Parker's clear definition helps to demystify it.His impact on the crossword world is undeniable. He has transformed the way people approach the New York Times crossword, turning it from a solitary pursuit into a shared experience. He has elevated the level of discourse surrounding crosswords, encouraging solvers to think more critically and creatively. And he has inspired a new generation of crossword enthusiasts, eager to learn from his expertise and share his passion.The "Rex Parker Does the NYT Crossword Puzzle" blog, posted by rex parker at 6:02 am with 170 comments, is more than just a crossword blog; it's a testament to the power of online communities and the enduring appeal of the crossword puzzle. It's a place where solvers of all levels can come together to share their love of language, their passion for puzzles, and their appreciation for the art of the crossword.Even his preferred method of receiving funds reflects the digital age. “The third, increasingly popular option is venmo; If that's your preferred way of moving money around,” writes Parker, demonstrating his adaptability and understanding of contemporary communication and financial tools.The clues he tackles aren't always straightforward. For instance, "Earl is [ rank associated with tea and sandwiches?]" leads to a discussion about Earl Grey tea and the Earl of Sandwich, highlighting Parker's ability to connect crossword clues to broader cultural references.Parker's influence is also evident in his participation in crossword tournaments, such as the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament (ACPT), where he was crowned a 2025 pairs division champion. His participation in these events further solidifies his status as a prominent figure in the crossword community.When Sharp visited our studio, we handed him a newspaper and set him loose. You can hear him tackle a friday newsday crossword, and give some pointers on solving strategy. You'll note that the audio file is about 12 minutes long. His ability to solve puzzles under pressure and articulate his thought process is a testament to his expertise.Rex Parker's journey from English professor to crossword blogging sensation is a remarkable story of passion, expertise, and community building. He has transformed the way people approach the New York Times crossword, creating a vibrant online space where solvers can connect, learn, and celebrate the joy of puzzling. His blog is a testament to the enduring appeal of the crossword and the power of online communities to bring people together around shared interests. Whether you're a seasoned solver or a curious newcomer, Rex Parker's blog offers a wealth of knowledge, insights, and entertainment. It's a must-read for anyone who wants to delve deeper into the world of crosswords and discover the magic that lies within the grid.Recently, Parker announced that he has "abandoned twitter" and encourages followers to connect with him on Bluesky. This shift highlights the evolving landscape of social media and Parker's willingness to adapt to new platforms in order to stay connected with his audience. Even this change of social media platform, shows his ability to move ahead with the digital world.Rex Parker does the nyt crossword puzzle. 5,186 likes · 2 talking about this. Writing about the nyt crossword, every day. His consistent engagement with his audience through social media and his blog has helped to cultivate a loyal following and solidify his position as a leading voice in the crossword community.It’s clear that Michael Sharp, as Rex Parker, has constructed more than just a blog; he’s built a thriving community around a shared love for the art and challenge of the crossword puzzle, and his influence will continue to shape the world of crosswords for years to come.
Rex Parker Does the NYT Crossword Puzzle December 2024
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