April 28, 2021

Title: SPLIT THE COST

Constructor: Zhouqin Burnikel

Editor: Erik Agard

Theme Answers:

COFFEE STAIN (17A: Result of a latte spill)

COUNTRY STAR (63A: Linda Martell, for example)

COMIC STRIP (10D: A Sunday one might have six panels)

COVER STORY (29D: Magazine's featured article)

Theme synopsis: The word COST is SPLIT in each theme answer. CO- appears at the beginning of the first word, and ST appears at the beginning of the second word.

Things I learned:

• COCO (34A: Beef patty and ___ bread) The beef patty referred to here is a Jamaican patty, a filled turnover-like pastry containing meat. The beef patty is often served with COCO bread, a slightly sweet bread containing coconut milk. COCO bread is split in half and stuffed with a beef patty to make a sandwich.
• INKS (44A: Shan shui painting supplies) Shan shui is a traditional Chinese style of painting using a brush and INKS. The paintings depict natural landscapes, such as mountains, rivers, and waterfalls.
• RITES (47A: Jesa ceremonies, e.g.) Jesa ceremonies are usually held on the anniversary of a person's death. The RITES, commonly practiced in Korea, are a way to honor and remember one's ancestors.
• SOFIA (4D: "Love is the Name" singer Carson) SOFIA Carson is an actress and singer. She played the role of Evie, the daughter of the Evil Queen, in the Disney Descendants movies. "Love is the Name" was her debut single, released in 2016.
• GIS (6D: Brazilian jiujitsu uniforms) Brazilian jiujitsu is a martial art based on ground fighting and submission holds. GIS, uniforms for training, consist of a heavy cotton jacket, drawstring pants, and a belt denoting rank. GIS worn in international competitions must be white, black, or blue.
• O'NEAL (53D: Painter Mary Lovelace ___) Abstract artist Mary Lovelace O"NEAL is a Professor Emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley. In February and March of 2020, the Mnuchin Gallery in New York held an exhibition of O'NEAL's work. Titled, "Chasing Down the Image," the exhibit displayed samplings of O'NEAL's works from over five decades.

Random thoughts and interesting things:

• CHA CHA (25A: ___ Slide (dance)) DJ Casper originally wrote the song, "CHA CHA Slide," as a step aerobics routine for his nephew, who was working as a personal trainer. The song, which includes instructions for the dance, became popular in the early 2000s, and is still played at many school dances, weddings, and sporting events.
• COUNTRY STAR (63A: Linda Martell, for example) COUNTRY STAR Linda Martell's music contained elements of gospel and R&B in addition to country. Her album, Color Me Country, was released in 1970. Linda Martell was the first Black woman to play the Grand Ole Opry. 
• PRINCE (9D: "When Doves Cry") "When Doves Cry" was the lead single from PRINCE's Purple Rain album. It was also the top-selling single of 1984. The song is included in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's list of 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll. 
• TOM YUM (50D: Hot and sour soup) Tom yum originated in Thailand. It is characterized by hot and sour flavors, and is usually cooked with shrimp.
• LACES (52D: They might be double-knotted) For many years I have double-knotted my LACES to keep them tied. While effective, double-knotting makes the LACES more difficult to untie. Just yesterday, I looked for an alternative and discovered an article that explains the physics of tied LACES, and more importantly, instructions for how to tie your LACES to increase the likelihood they will stay tied. I am now in the process of teaching myself a new method of tying my shoes.
• SARI (61D: Puja garment) Puja is a Hindu ceremony honoring and offering prayer to one or more deities, or to honor a guest, or celebrate a special event. 

Geography review:

• ETNA (21A: Volcano found backwards in 7-Down) Mount ETNA is an active volcano on the east coast of Sicily, Italy. In an almost constant state of volcanic activity, Mount ETNA is one of the world's most active volcanoes.
• ANAHEIM (15D: Disneyland's city) ANAHEIM, California is home to Disneyland Resort (not to be confused with Walt Disney World located in Florida). ANAHEIM is also home to two sports teams, MLB's Los Angeles Angels, and NHL's ANAHEIM Ducks.
• FASO (27D: Burkina ___) Burkina FASO is a landlocked country in West Africa. Its capital is Ouagadougou. 
• AGRA (37D: ___ Fort (sister monument of the Taj Mahal) AGRA Fort, located in AGRA, India, was the residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638.

After reading the title of the puzzle, I was expecting to find theme answers beginning with CO- and ending with -ST. This "theme answer surrounded by a word" is one we see frequently. I was pleasantly surprised with the variation of this theme type in today's puzzle. Fun to see something a little different, and a nice set of CO- ST- phrases. This puzzle was an enjoyable way to begin my Wednesday.