It's Academic!
Puzzle Notes
Greetings Friends,
I love living near a university. Every August, the kids start moving back into their dorms and off-campus housing (which in New York City means – 50 feet from the dorms). I never needed to subscribe to Vogue. The students wear the latest fashions: high-waisted jeans and crop tops this year. But year after year, some things never change. Come March, the kids are already in sandals, strappy tops and t-shirts, regardless of the weather (which, just last week, hovered around 32 degrees). Hope springs eternal.
The nabe was quiet a few weeks ago, when the kids were off on Spring Break. But now they’re back and you can feel the electricity in the air – the last stretch towards finals, all-nighters, reading week (if there is such a thing anymore) and graduation.
I especially like living in the shadow of my alma mater during April. I love basking in the heightened cogitation while openly reading a cozy mystery (“A Sheetcake Named Desire”) in the park, without the stress of prepping for exams.
Today’s puzzle was inspired by hearing Brahms’s “Academic Festival Overture” over the radio. I listened to it again on YouTube, and remembered the first time I played it in orchestra. It is a “happy” Brahms piece, quite different from his usual gloriously-melancholy music. Though he loved the viola and gave us some luscious harmonies, he saved the most beautiful melodies for the cello. It’s a piece you’ve probably heard; this recording does it justice, and there's a recognizable “payoff” at 8:58. It's tempting to pop on a mortarboard and listen to it again!
Welcome to Week 566 of Crossword Nation. This week’s homework is “It’s Academic!” There will be no quiz (you already have an "A") . . . just good wishes for the days ahead.
Thank you for subscribing and for re-upping! Until next time, I remain . . .
Cruciverbally yours,
Liz
Solvers of The New Yorker puzzles: Themeless puzzlers, please check out my latest crossword (a "moderately challenging" diversion, per the editors).
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Happy solving and be well!
Liz Gorski