LAT 08/13

Difficulty: *** (out of 5)




i think I came up with this theme while i was high or something, but it turned out well enough. Some notes:
* 32-Across is the first overt hint i've put in a published puzzle that I'm an academic (who else would clue it that way?).
* 43-Down was originally clued [Surfer's souvenir], but I guess that was too tricky.
* 48-Down was inspired by the housemate, who made us haupia once and enlightened me on what it was (su-lin: all is now clear; i was serious about having referenced event though).
* 51-Down was [Pattern for Poe, periodically], which I still like better :)