Happy 2015, everyone. I’m starting off the new year with an easy one, something I cooked up in only a matter of hours — in fact, I believe it’s my fastest starting-from-scratch-to-completed-puzzle yet. Somewhere in the six-hour range, I think.

SORT-OF-A-SPOILER ALERT: the puzzle isn’t really about Arnold Schwarzenegger or Mr. Freeze, per se. I just wanted a funny picture, as well as a reminder that “Batman and Robin” is still one of the worst movies I’ve ever seen. They had Mr. Freeze conduct a frozen ice symphony in one scene, for fuck’s sake. This puzzle is fairly straightforward but it’s better than “Batman and Robin.” That I can promise you.

In other news, here’s yet another reminder to new constructors about submissions to the Indie 500 Crossword Puzzle Tournament! The deadline for sending in your entry to be the sixth puzzle for the tourney is fast approaching on January 15. So get your submission in soon!

Enjoy the puzzle. There will be a new on January 10.

       





Short post here, as I’ll be putting up a separate one with a blog announcement in a little bit. This puzzle’s meant to be on the easier side, though I think it would probably fall somewhere between Mild and Medium — Mildium, I suppose. Have to give credit to Peter Broda for making me add 4-Down to my word list.

And if you’re visiting from Brendan‘s site, thanks for coming over, and yes, I did turn 31 today. Hopefully this puzzle — and the announcement to follow — will be a good gift to you in return.

Enjoy. There will be a new puzzle tentatively scheduled for Saturday, October 11.