June 30, 2021

Title: THE LAST O.G.

Constructor: Zhouqin Burnikel

Editor: Erik Agard

Theme Answers:

NAVAJO RUG (17A: Handwoven Southwestern floor covering)

NO LITTERING (30A: Sign phrase encouraging trash can usage)

BUFFALO WING (49A: Spicy piece of chicken)

DO NOTHING (65A: Fail to act)

Theme synopsis: The LAST letter of the first word of each theme answer is O; the LAST letter of the second word of each theme answer is G.

Things I learned:

• DRUM (7D: Instrument for Senri Kawaguchi) Senri Kawaguchi began playing DRUMs when she was five years old. At the age of 13, Drummerworld (an online DRUM encyclopedia-like site) added her to their list of top 500 drummers. Now in her twenties, she has accompanied many professional musicians, produced multiple recordings, and performed worldwide. You can find many examples of her DRUM skills on her YouTube channel. Senri Kawaguchi was born in Aichi Prefecture, Japan.
• JOAN (18D: "The Home Song Stories" actress Chen) The Home Song Stories is a 2007 Australian movie that is an autobiographical account of the director, Tony Ayres's, life at the age of eight. JOAN Chen played the role of the mother who was a nightclub singer in Hong Kong, a role for which she won Australian Film Institute, Golden Horse, and Asia Pacific Screen Awards for Best Leading Actress.
• SLOE (45D: Fruit in patxaran) Patxaran is a SLOE-flavored liqueur served chilled or on ice as a digestif. Patxaran originated in the Basque regions of Spain. SLOE is the fruit of a flowering plant in the rose family, and are related to plums. SLOE is also used to make SLOE gin.
• SNOT (62D: Gorilla ___ (hair gel product)) I am not familiar with Gorilla SNOT, but I am in awe of its name! I learned Gorilla SNOT is also a brand of drumstick and guitar pick grip. 

Random thoughts and interesting things:

• MUTE (21A: Volume-off button) It's a little embarrassing that, in this age of numerous Zoom events, I needed the help from some crossing answers to fill in MUTE.
• SAFFRON (26A: World's most expensive spice) SAFFRON is derived from the flower of a particular crocus species. It is the world's costliest spice by weight. Ninety percent of the world's SAFFRON is produced in IRAN.
• TYSON (40A: Stage and screen legend Cicely) Cicely TYSON's career spanned an impressive seven decades. TYSON died in January of this year, just a couple of days after her memoir, Just As I Am, was published. She was 96 years old. When she was asked how she wanted to be remembered, TYSON said, "I've done my best, That's all." May we each aspire to be able to say the same.
• SISSY (63A: Oscar winner Spacek) Although she has numerous film credits, I always think of SISSY Spacek in her role as Loretta Lynn in the 1980 movie, Coal Miner's Daughter, and in the role of Babe in the 1986 movie, Crimes of the Heart. 
• ODOR (70A: Argon lacks one) The noble gas, argon, is colorless as well as having no ODOR.
• AUGUST (8D: National Watermelon Day month) National Watermelon Day is AUGUST 3, so mark your calendars and make plans to celebrate. 
• RARE FEAT (9D: Getting a perfect 36 on the ACT, e.g.) How much of a RARE FEAT is an ACT score of 36? In 2020, only 0.334% of test takers achieved a score of 36. This clue elicited some proud Mom memories, as my son was one of those to accomplish this RARE FEAT.
• EWE (10D: Mama merino) Merino is a specific breed of sheep known for its fine soft wool.
• STRONG (13D: Like some black teas) This is how I like my tea - STRONG with a splash of milk.
• ATE (29D: Enjoyed some prawn crackers, say) Prawn crackers are made by mixing prawns (yes, the crustaceans), tapioca flour, and water. The mixture is rolled out and sliced, and the crackers are dried before frying in oil, which causes them to puff up and expand. 
• THIS (39D: "Born ___ Way") As I've said many times, I'm a fan of using song titles to clue common words. "Born THIS Way," is a 2011 song by Lady Gaga, and apparently now my earworm for the day. 
• BEASTS (49D: Lions and tigers and bears) Oh my! Fun clue.
• OCHOA (57A: Astronaut Ellen) This is the second day in a row we've had an astronaut in the puzzle, as yesterday I learned about Anne McClain. Ellen OCHOA was the first Hispanic woman to go to space. She was part of a 1993 mission on the Space Shuttle Discovery. 

Geography review:

• PERU (15A: Country that produces a lot of quinoa) The South American countries of PERU and Bolivia produce 99% of the world's quinoa.
• STL (64A: First U.S. city to host the Olympics (Abbr.)) ST. Louis (STL), Missouri hosted the 1904 Summer Olympics. Fun fact: The three-medal format of gold, silver, and bronze, was introduced at the 1904 Olympics.

THE LAST O.G. is a TV series, and also our puzzle's theme. I liked that the theme answers with short first words alternated with those with longer first words - a minor thing, but a nice touch. In addition to the answers I've already highlighted, I especially liked LIVE CHAT and I SAID YES. This puzzle was an enjoyable way to begin my Wednesday.

I want to let you know about a crossword opportunity. Like many 2020 events, the Washington D.C.-based crossword puzzle tournament, The Indie 500, was canceled last summer. The Indie 500 has released the puzzles from their canceled 2020 tournament, and are available for a $10 donation to a select group of charities (chosen by the puzzle constructors and tournament organizers). Get some great puzzles and support some worthy organizations...this is a win-win opportunity!