Common Knowledge
Difficulty ● ● ◐ ○ ○
Puzzle Notes
"We can find common ground only by moving to higher ground" ~Jim Wallis
Greetings Crossword Nation Friends,
On the subway recently, a man sat down next to me, pulled out his phone, opened up an app and started to solve a crossword. Based on the grid's screen appearance, I could tell that it was The New Yorker crossword. And just like that -- I felt a kinship! Surely this person knows the names of certain European rivers, cartoon dogs and four-letter smoothie berries. Should I strike up a conversation or leave him be? I didn't have my sunglasses with me, so I couldn't discreetly peek over and check the author of the puzzle -- but did it really matter? Here's someone enjoying a quiet moment before starting his work day, engaging in that subway solitude bubble that commuters do so well. I love finding out how solvers got into the puzzle game, and their "why?" Do they use puzzles as a form of relaxation or a challenge? Do they solve to wake themselves up, or to lull/bore themselves to sleep?
If I was to say something, it was now or never because 50th Street -- my stop -- was coming up. I almost said something but -- no. This man was so engrossed in the game, it would have been a breach of the Cruciverbal Code of Ethics to intrude. I silently gathered my things and exited the train. It was gratifying to see a crossword do its job -- that is, nourish our minds for a few minutes before we tackle the problems of the day. How nice to find a patch of common ground with a fellow commuter. That leads us to today's crossword.
In the spirit of common ground, welcome to Week 680 of Crossword Nation. We invite you to solve "Common Knowledge" as your diversion of the week.
Thank you for subscribing to our little shop of puzzles. If you enjoy this crossword, please give it a good rating on Amy Reynaldo's site. Your positive ratings help us stay strong and independent!
Cruciverbally yours and with respect,
Liz
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Solvers of The New Yorker puzzles: Please check out my most-recent crossword, a "challenging" affair.
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Happy solving and be well!
Liz Gorski