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BWS Puzzle 52: Themeless #1

I've posted a lot of midi-sized themeless puzzles on this blog, and a handful of 15x ones (see here and here and here), but this one feels like the first "proper themeless" to me, for some reason. Maybe it's because I spent a little more time than usual on the fill and the clues. Maybe it's because, looking back at those other 15x puzzles, I realize I would do things differently now, even though they're not from all that long ago. Regardless, all of this is to say: I'm starting a new "Themeless" series right now with #1.

I think this will be hard by my blog's standards because of some entries and clues, so I'll label it as such, but it might be much easier for you speed-solving whizzes out there, considering it has 74 words and not a ton of tricks.

In other news: there's a few weeks left to support the Kickstarter campaign to expand the American Values Club Crossword (AVCX). Even if you don't know what that is, just check it out and I know you'll love it! I'm not really a great crossword solver and I have trouble keeping up with all the great puzzles shared by constructors every day, but the AVCX is one subscription whose puzzles I always make time for because they're consistently awesome and fun.

This campaign, if (when!) it gets fully funded, will see the AVCX expand to include a few 15x puzzles every week (both themed and themeless), as well as regular midis and a cryptic and even a trivia game, all overseen by some fantastic folks from crossworld. Check out all the details on the Kickstarter page and, if you can, lend your support for a) getting more great puzzles out there and b) paying constructors fairly for that great work.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/avcx/avcxpansion-embiggening-an-indie-puzzle-outlet

Enjoy the solve, and share if you do! Constructive feedback in the comments is always welcome.

Download links:   [puz]   [pdf]   [solution]        Direct link: [play online]

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