Welcome to today's podcast! Today, we're diving into the joyous atmosphere of the 47th American Crossword Puzzle Tournament held in Stamford, Connecticut. This is a gathering like no other, where all the word nerds come together to celebrate their favorite pastime. The energy is palpable as veteran puzzlers reunite with old friends and newcomers nervously navigate the excitement.

Participants quickly realize the depth of their passion—some can complete a Saturday puzzle in just three minutes! One attendee even dressed as the Phantom of the Opera, showcasing their love for crosswords with a grid-printed cape. As one participant observed, "There are no casual puzzle people here."

Beyond the puzzles themselves, the tournament fosters a unique sense of community. Strangers become friends in an instant, bonding over shared frustrations and triumphs from the puzzles. The author reflects on the contrast to daily life where we often hide behind our devices: “In an elevator, we nod, we smile, but we withdraw."

Heading home, the author reminisces about how special it is to connect with someone who truly knows you, while also yearning for that shared passion in close relationships. Imagine the ideal balance of intimacy and shared interests! That's it for today—thanks for tuning in!
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