Because the quality of the paper has gone downhill and there is no city coverage anymore, we have canceled our subscription to Newsday. I can complete the crossword puzzle on the Facebook Puzzle Social app, but I will no longer be commenting on the cryptoquote.
Today's puzzle by Billie Truitt is called "Violet Bouquet" and it's about all things purple! Purple is one of my favorite colors. It is the color of royalty, magic, and mystery. Historically, purple also stands for good judgment, trustworthiness, and leadership. Here are the theme answers:
20A: Overly ornate writing: PURPLE PROSE. As a copy editor and a proofreader by profession, I cringe when I see poorly written sentences. Purple prose contains too many adjectives and sentences run into oblivion. One of the most famous examples of purple prose can be found in the novel Paul Clifford by Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton (1803-1873).
It was a dark and stormy night; the rain fell in torrents—except at occasional intervals, when it was checked by a violent gust of wind which swept up the streets (for it is in London that our scene lies), rattling along the housetops, and fiercely agitating the scanty flame of the lamps that struggled against the darkness.
41A: Chance of a lifetime: PLUM OPPORTUNITY. I wish that opportunity would come along for me one of these days.
60A: Calming aromatherapy liquid: LAVENDER OIL. I love the smell of lavender oil and no home should be without it! Not only is it good for stress, but you can cure basic cuts and bruises too.
I just signed up for Lollapuzzola 5, which is happening on Saturday, August 4. This is a smaller tournament and attracts people mainly from NYC and LI. There are lots of gag prizes and fun games. We're allowed five or six "Google tickets", where we can get help with clues as long as it's not the theme answer. It's more relaxing than the ACPT, which is St. Patrick's Day weekend this year. I've been brushing up on variety puzzles and the tough Saturday puzzles.
There was a big controversy over the use of the word "ILLEGAL" in last Thursday's NYT puzzle. This article by Univision correspondent Juan Gastelum contains comments by NYT puzzle editor Will Shortz and several other commentators.
Tonight we are hearing Woody Allen in a rare interview at the 92nd Street Y. Dick Cavett is one of the moderators. After the interview, they are showing "Radio Days." It should be a fun evening.
We're supposed to get temps close to 60 the rest of the week. This weather's crazy!
Till tomorrow. . . .
Signing off,
The Puzzlechick
Hi there. If you want to see REAL purple prose, I highly recommend that you read the first two pages of the chapter titled "Wormwood Gutter" in Gian Quasar's unforgettable "Scarlet Autumn." It makes Bulwer-Lytton's infamous offering look quite flaccid by comparison:)
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