The Beatles

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Beatles' appearance on the Ed Sullivan show in my usual way...puns! Happy solving.

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• Click here to see the answer grid. *Check back on Friday, February 7 for the answer grid.

Hercules

For a minute, I thought I was seeing double--there are two different Hercules movies coming out this year. Then, I wondered how many actors have portrayed Hercules, and that search inspired this week's crossword puzzle.

Hint: Arnold Schwarzenegger does not appear in this puzzle. His name is too long.

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• Click here to see the answer grid. *Check back on Sunday, January 19 for the answer grid.

Turkey Leftovers

This week's puzzle has a Thanksgiving theme: What to do with leftover turkey. It's the reason I cooked a 15-pound turkey for only two people. Coming up: Turkey Hash, Turkey Salad and gallons of Turkey Soup. This week's puzzle features some of the things you can make with leftover turkey. As a bonus, the .pdf version has links to the Food Network's recipes so you can use those leftovers to make something delicious.

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• Click here to see the answer grid.  *Check back on Friday, December 6 for the answer grid.

Dystopia

The biggest movie this week is the "Hunger Games" sequel, "Catching Fire." My daughter loved those books, and after hearing her talk about them, I just had to check them out myself. Unlike the time I checked out the "Twilight" series, the "Hunger Games" books were a pleasant surprise. Yes, they're Young Adult books, but that doesn't mean they're not enjoyable.

This week's featured StearsWords crossword puzzle is a salute to dystopian futures in literature. So, hide your books and grab a dose of Soma. There are so many dystopian futures, this week's puzzle is extra large.

Next week: A new contest! I'm doing some Christmas shopping for a few lucky fans. If you know someone who would love a copy of "StearsWords: Volume 1," all you (or someone you know) has to do is send me an email telling me why your friend or family member deserves a free crossword puzzle book. The contest starts on Thanksgiving, and ends on December 15.

On December 21, in honor of the 100th anniversary of the modern crossword puzzle, I will offer 100 themed crossword puzzles for only $1. But Team StearsWords members will receive it free! Tell your friends. Everyone loves freebies.

Meanwhile, there's a puzzle to be solved! May the odds be ever in your favor...

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• Click here to see the answer grid. *Check back on Friday, November 29 for the answer grid.

Horror Movie Trivia Challenge

This week's puzzle is a real scream...

It's a salute to horror movies, and it's loaded with killer trivia. Personally, I'm not a fan of horror movies...real life is horrible enough, in my opinion. But I'm surrounded by horror fans, and I know a lot of people who will love this crossword trivia challenge. Be sure to share it with the horror movie trivia fans in your life, the ones who know who played the Thing in "The Thing from Another World," and who directed "I Spit on Your Grave," and the ones who can quote Burt Gummer from "Tremors," and know the color of Carrie's prom dress. You know the type.

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• Click here to see the answer grid. *Check back on Friday, November 1 for the answer grid.

Salute to Netflix

It all started so innocently...I just needed a day off. But one day turned into two, and the next thing you know, I'm binge-watching "Continuum" on Netflix and surrounded by empty Kit-Kat wrappers, and contemplating never going back to work again. Ever.

So this week's StearsWords puzzle is a "Salute to Netflix," the number one reason why I don't get things done. It's a procrastinator's dream-come-true.

Just a warning...there's so much great stuff on Netflix that this week's puzzle is bigger than usual.

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• Click here to see the answer grid. *Check back on Friday, September 27 for the answer grid.

It's Friday! Friday! Gotta post answers on Friday!

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What's the Theme?

Five theme entries, and they all have something in common. Figure out what it is, and send me an email; don't send the completed grid, just a note with a few words describing what you think those four things have in common. A randomly-selected solver will receive a signed copy of StearsWords: Volume 1, and a Starbucks gift card.

I've been told my themes are too difficult, so in response, I've created one that's even more difficult. Are you up for the challenge?

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• Click here to see the answer grid.*Check back on Friday, July 26 to see the answers.