Via Nancy Friedman, I learned of the Survey of American Jewish Language. It'll take you about 10 minutes if you're not Jewish, 20 if you are (and get more detailed questions). The researchers are particularly keen on surveying more non-Jewish folks, so whether you are or aren't Jewish, go take the survey. What, you have something better to do? You're so busy? It won't kill you to take the survey.
I received an e-mail today from Blogged.com, whatever that is. Their tagline is "Find better blogs," and the site's editors assess blogs' "Frequency of Updates, Relevance of Content, Site Design, and Writing Style" in order to assign a score. Diary of a Crossword Fiend clocks in at 8.2, or "Great." Hey, I'll take it! Most of the blogs listed under the "crossword" tag aren't crossword commentary blogs at all. These are the other still-active daily crossword commentary blogs I'm aware of (most of them not yet rated, some not listed on that page at all):
- Rex Parker Does the NYT Crossword Puzzle—rated "Very Good," 7.8; discusses the New York Times crossword
- The Jim H Crossword Blog—discusses the New York Times crossword and integrates his NYT crossword database
- Ryan and Brian Do Xwords Blog—two guys discuss the New York Times crossword; they used to mention other puzzles too, but haven't lately; they also do a podcast, which I haven't heard (not much of a podcast person)
- Square Times—discusses the New York Times crossword
- The New York Times Crossword in Gothic— discusses the New York Times crossword
- Sun Blocks—discusses the New York Sun crossword
- Star Tribune Crossword Corner—discusses the Tribune Media Services crossword
