Among other hobbies I took up when I retired from teaching 20 years ago, was NYT Sunday Xwords. Not an avid puzzler, I enjoyed them and usually got through one in a day or so of casual effort. Recently I found a compilation of puzzles published since 2000 and I found them much harder. Takes several days and some help from my wife and even an occasional peek at the answer sheet. Finally figured out the change. In short, I have less knowledge of events of the past 20 years than of the 55 that went before. Language and terminology have changed, as have many societal mores and standards. I suspect that the next batch will be beyond my comprehension. Will be interesting to find out.
Among other hobbies I took up when I retired from teaching 20 years ago, was NYT Sunday Xwords. Not an avid puzzler, I enjoyed them and usually got through one in a day or so of casual effort. Recently I found a compilation of puzzles published since 2000 and I found them much harder. Takes several days and some help from my wife and even an occasional peek at the answer sheet. Finally figured out the change. In short, I have less knowledge of events of the past 20 years than of the 55 that went before. Language and terminology have changed, as have many societal mores and standards. I suspect that the next batch will be beyond my comprehension. Will be interesting to find out.