Title: PITFALL
Constructor: Zhouqin Burnikel
Editor: Erik Agard
Theme Answers:
AP ITALIAN (3D: H.S. class that might read Dante or Ferrante)
I'LL KEEP IT SHORT (10D: Phrase introducing some brief remarks)
THE HOPI TRIBE (22D: Sovereign nation in Arizona)
Theme synopsis: The word PIT is found FALLing as it spans two words in each of the vertical theme answers.
Things I learned:
- ALOHA (24A: Kanaka sentiment) Kānaka is the Hawaiian word for the Indigenous Polynesian people of the Hawaiian islands.
- TOM (66A: Children's book illustrator ___ Feelings) TOM Feelings (1933-2003) was a children's book illustrator, and also a cartoonist, author, teacher, and activist. His 1995 book, The Middle Passage: White Ships/Black Cargo illustrates both the pain of slavery and the resilience of Black people. In the book's forward, TOM Feelings wrote, "As the blues, jazz, and the spirituals teach, one must embrace all of life, both its pain and joy, creatively. Knowing this, I, we, may be disappointed, but never destroyed." TOM Feelings was the first Black artist to receive a Caldecott Honor, which he received in 1972 for Moja Means One: Swahili Counting Book.
- ARAB (36D: Nancy Ajram, the Queen of ___ Pop) Lebanese singer, TV personality, and businesswoman, Nancy Ajram, is known as the "Queen of ARAB Pop." She has served as a judge on the reality TV show, ARAB Idol, and as a coach on the show, The Voice Kids Arabia. Her most recent single, "Sah Sah," was released a few weeks ago, and is a collaboration with Marshmello.
- SPORT (52D DodgeBow is one) Although I was unfamiliar with DodgeBow, it sounds like a SPORT, so the answer was inferable. DodgeBow is pretty much what I expected it to be from the name. It's a team-based archery combat SPORT similar to dodgeball or paintball. Fortunately, it's played with specially designed bows and foam-tipped arrows. Up to 24 players compete in a specially-designed arenas. (Now that I know about DodgeBow, that's a pass from me...)
Random thoughts and interesting things:
- CAT (6A: Pet hotel guest) Willow was a bit upset with me because
Willow's favorite answer is CAT
I considered "dog" as a possible answer here. However I reminded her she is not a fan of pet hotels. She came around, and as you can see, she expressed her approval of the appearance of CAT in the puzzle. - AKITA (17A: Japanese dog that loves cold weather) The AKITA is a large, powerful breed of dog originally from the mountainous regions of northern Japan. Their thick double coats of fur make them well-suited to cold weather.
- CORN SALSA (18A: Chip dip with kernels in it) This answer reminds me it's been some time since I've made CORN SALSA. My recipe adapts store-bought SALSA by adding CORN, black beans, and a few other ingredients, and it's a family favorite.
- CHAI (53A: Hot mugful) and COCOA (8D: Hot mugful) This "hot mugful" pair is getting me ready for cooler fall weather that's just around the corner in Iowa.
- NAME DROP (56A: Make a point of mentioning your close friendship with Beyonce) Just before I got out of bed this morning, my daughter texted me, "You know my favorite clue from today's USA crossword :)" Her workday begins early, and she sometimes solves the puzzle on the shuttle
while going to work. When I solved the puzzle, I immediately identified the clue she was referring to. Hats off to this clue for making my daughter, and Beyoncé fans everywhere, happy! (Have I mentioned my friend, Beyoncé...)
Early morning text exchange - AP ITALIAN (3D: H.S. class that might read Dante or Ferrante) Dante (c.1265-1321) was an ITALIAN writer, poet, and philosopher known for his Divine Comedy. I have previously written about the anonymous ITALIAN author who uses the pseudonym Elena Ferrante.
- BFA (9D: Advanced degree in game design) Game design is one area that can be chosen as a specialty when studying for a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). Game design encompasses the elements of gameplay, mechanics and systems, and player experience.
- NEA (62D: Org. that funds museums) NEA here stands for National Endowment for the Arts, an independent agency of the United States federal government that supports and funds not only museums, but also artist communities, arts education projects, theater, and visual arts.
Geography review:
- TEXAS (47A: Juanita Craft's state) Juanita Craft (1902-1985) was an activist and a politician. She was active in the NAACP, and in 1944 was the first Black woman to vote in Dallas County, TEXAS. In 1955, Juanita Craft organized a protest of the State Fair of TEXAS, objecting to its policy of only admitting Blacks on one day, "Negro Achievement Day." After the Supreme Court Decision in Brown v. Board of Education, Juanita Craft was active in working to integrate the University of TEXAS Law School, the Dallas Independent School District, and North TEXAS State College (which is now the University of North TEXAS). Juanita Craft was elected to the Dallas City Council in 1975 at the age of 73. She received numerous awards for her activism, including the NAACP Golden Heritage Life Membership Award, and the Eleanor Roosevelt Humanitarian Award. Her home in Dallas is now a civil rights museum.
- MST (4D: Boulder time zone, for short) Boulder is a city in north-central Colorado, about 25 miles northwest of the state's capital, Denver. Colorado is on Mountain Standard Time (MST).
- THE HOPI TRIBE (22D: Sovereign nation in Arizona) THE HOPI TRIBE is a sovereign nation located in northeastern Arizona. Their headquarters are in Kykotsmovi Village, Arizona.
- GREEK (46D: Athens language) Athens is the capital city of Greece, and therefore, the city's language is GREEK.
Fortunately, the only PITFALL in today's puzzle is the theme. Otherwise, the solve was smooth sailing. I'LL KEEP IT SHORT was my favorite of the theme answers, ironically, perhaps since I rarely do! In addition to the theme, I enjoyed the answers LET'S EAT and BE REAL, and the clue for CAKE (2D: Dessert that might be upside-down). Thank you, Zhouqin, for this puzzle that was a wonderful way to begin my Wednesday.
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