Of course the best part of the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament is that it's the only competitive activity around that ESPN has not yet seized in its bony talons. Although it might be fun to watch Mike & Mike host it.

Over the weekend, various competitors wondered aloud why ESPN hadn't yet picked up coverage of this event. After all, they air Scrabble and the spelling bee, why not crosswords? Probably because for a spectator, the first seven rounds of the ACPT are very, very boring. People file into a ballroom to work silently on a crossword. As they finish, they raise their hands and skulk out. Sure, the format could be reworked for TV, ginned up with intensive editing and post-production, but it would destroy the homey feel of the affair. As a CNN marketing producer who flew up from Atlanta for the competition remarked, "I like that it's not polished. It's not quite together."

GREENBERG (studying sheet): "Hey, what's a eight-letter word for work break?
GOLIC: (accidentally stabs self with No. 2 pencil).

Now I Know What An Etui Looks Like [Geek Out New York]
American Crossword Puzzle Tournament
Hey Kids! It's The Deadspin Crossword Puzzle! [Deadspin]

There were 16 nominees, and we were going to have a runoff election; but Fuck Lion was such a runaway choice that we decided to forgo further balloting. It doubled the vote of the No. 2 choice, "Schrutebag." Come to think of it, I'd like to see Schrutebag locked in a cage with Fuck Lion for a few hours. "Aw, don't bother them; they're in love."

It was quite touching when Marques Slocum himself came up to the podium to accept the award, and thanked his mom, Carla.

Sadly, my choice, "Stabby," finished a distant 14th. See you next year!

It's DWOTY Votin' Time [Deadspin]
Marques Slocum Has Fascinating Pets [Deadspin]

Look 'em over and vote for one, and only one. Then we'll collect the top five vote-getters and have a runoff election next week. The winner will then be crowned in a lavish ceremony, with folding chairs and many varieties of luncheon meats. And finally we'll have a Deadspin Word of the Year!

Vote, Maria! Vote like the wind!

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Last Call For Deadspin Word Of The Year Nominations [Deadspin]

Sorry the crossword isn't interactive — technology confuses me. But you can print it out and pretend that you're working at your desk! I'll post an answer key later, but I don't think anyone will need it. First one done wins a pint of Chunky Monkey! Oh, and if you don't finish it, I'm afraid that Mr. Crossword here will be waterboarded.

No real rules, as you can see from last week's post. Everything from the beginning of Deadspin is fair game. Put on your thinking goggles, begin fantasizing about that hot English teacher you had in the eighth grade and get nominatin'.

What Is The Deadspin Word Of The Year? [Deadspin]

So we were thinking, why should dictionary aficionados have all the fun? This here web site has been around a little more than two years, and we have yet to choose a Word of the Year. So if you're up for it, let's see some nominations, and we can vote on an overall winner later in the month. Just to get the ball rolling, we'll offer as possible nominations:

• Smoot.

• Fixed.

• Affirmed.

• Schrutebucks.

• The Balls.

No real rules, just nominate a word you would like to see dipped in bronze and forever associated with Deadspin. It can be from 2006 if you like, or even two words, such as "nightmare fuel," if you think that's appropriate. But It probably shouldn't be a profanity, because that would look awkward on the plaque.

(Ed. Note: It can be a profanity.)

Vote ForThe 2007 Word Of the Year [Merriam-Webster OnLine]