WEDNESDAY PUZZLE — There are tribute puzzles, and then there are
tribute puzzles. Most are matter-of-fact, with little connection between the subject and the constructor — not that there is anything wrong with that — but this puzzle felt different.
After reading Ashish Vengsarkar’s notes below, you may agree that there is something warm and fuzzy about his tribute. You may also agree that there is something loud about it. Very, very loud. (I know, tagline for the movie “Alien” notwithstanding. Physicists, please resheathe your lasers. Thank you.)
Mr. Vengsarkar, who returns to the New York Times Crossword after a 10-year absence, is clearly fond of the subject of his puzzle. It’s no surprise, as they worked together, and it’s lovely to see the respect that Mr. Vengsarkar has for him.