Variety Magazine Presents: Acrostic Challenge in The New York Times

ACROSTIC —
Today’s passage delves into the vastness of the world’s oceans and the fearsome creatures that inhabit them. It originates from a 2011 publication titled “Demon Fish” written by the adept Juliet Eilperin, who holds the position of deputy climate and environment editor at The Washington Post. Within these pages, the focus is primarily on a particular shark species.

As we find ourselves amidst the midsummer season, it is highly likely that while solving this acrostic, your toes may be gracing the vicinity of water (cue the melodious symphony of John Williams). Do not fret, for Eilperin’s book offers a broader panorama of the crucial role sharks play in maintaining the delicate equilibrium of marine ecosystems. This enlightening piece of work educates us that merely 6 percent of sharks pose any potential harm to humans (and shockingly, we are more liable to be struck by lightning than to find ourselves trapped within a shark’s jaws).

Speaking of teeth, the clues embedded within this puzzle are rife with sharpness. Some tie directly to the passage, while others may require a touch of ingenuity to unravel. For instance, there’s the reference to the “Portrayer of Amity Island’s Chief Brody in a 1975 Spielberg film” or the hint about “Where capsizing might get you tossed.” These clues lead us to the enigmatic character ROY SCHEIDER, who, in the enthralling movie “Jaws,” finds himself submerged in the depths at the climactic finale.

Others offer a cleverly oblique approach, as seen with “OPHELIA,” the unfortunate “Shakespearean drowning victim.” My mind was left pondering over the clue “Eponymous ex-con of numerous numerically named films,” only to realize later that it was DANNY OCEAN (I also discovered the existence of “Ocean’s Twelve and Thirteen” through this endeavor).

Lastly, there were a few unexpected clues that brought a smile to my face once I unraveled them towards the end of my solving journey — coincidentally after the subject matter of the passage had become apparent. The term “Spoke forcefully and persuasively,” which initially seemed to be “lectured,” turned out to be JAWBONED. And then we have the enigmatic “Gelatinous, lye-cured seafood dish popular in Nordic countries,” none other than the elusive LUTEFISK, a delicacy I have yet to encounter outside of puzzles, and admittedly, it does sound slightly intimidating.

Now, dear reader, I’m curious to hear your thoughts on this intriguing passage. What did you make of it?