For most people, crossword puzzles are just a hobby, an occasional distraction from their daily routine. But for Will Shortz, his obsession with puzzles is nothing short of a lifestyle choice. Since 1993, Shortz has been handpicking the puzzles printed by The New York Times, which are read by more than 50 million crossword enthusiasts every day. He also hosts a puzzles segment on NPR's Weekend Edition Sunday, founded the World Puzzle Championship in 1992, and continues to serve as the captain for the U.S. puzzle team, leading them to their eighth title in 2004.

City Weekly caught up with the self-proclaimed "Puzzle Master" to grill him about the history of crosswords, puzzle-themed pinball games and (strangely enough) Dr. Jack Kevorkian.

City Weekly: What's the most prized possession in your puzzles collection?

Will Shortz: Well, I have the world's first crossword puzzle, created by journalist Arthur Wynne from Liverpool [and] published in the New York World Dec. 21, 1913. I have the only known copy. I also have a collection of riddles from 1545, which was published in Latin in what is now Germany. It's not particularly interesting, but it's extremely rare.