Three years ago, all crossword puzzles except for real easy ones stopped being published in crossword magazine, thus slamming the door shut on a peaceful, pleasant pastime. Sorry, but there’s just no satisfaction in answering “four-letter word for this thing with roots and branches and bark.”
https://leeduigon.com/2015/02/25/proof-that-america-is-getting-dumber/
Update: I am happy to report that a crossword puzzle magazine for literate adults is now being published again–“Solver’s Choice,” by Dell–and we’ve got one! Like, it’s so satisfying to solve a really hard puzzle that makes you work at it!
Thank you, Dell, for coming to realize that there are still some people in America who like to earn their satisfaction.