October 8, 2022

Title: RIGHT, LEFT!

Constructor: Stella Zawistowski

Editor: Amanda Rafkin

Theme Answers:

PROPER NOUN (18A: One is typically capitalized)

SOUND LEVEL METER (38A: Tool for measuring decibels)

GOOD AS HELL (58A: 2016 Lizzo hit)

Theme synopsis: The LEFT word of each theme answer is a synonym for RIGHT: PROPER, SOUND, and GOOD. 

Things I learned:

• NOPE (16A: 2022 UFO movie directed by Jordan Peele) The movie, NOPE, is described as a neo-Western science fiction horror film. Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer star as siblings trying to capture evidence of a UFO. NOPE is the third movie Jordan Peele has directed, following Get Out (2017) and Us (2019).
• RAP (26A: Genre for Eric B. & Rakim) Eric B. & Rakim are a RAP duo that formed in 1986, broke up in 1993, and reunited to tour in 2016. Their debut album, released in 1987, is titled Paid in Full.

Random thoughts and interesting things:

• SOUND LEVEL METER (38A: Tool for measuring decibels) A SOUND LEVEL METER is a hand-held device with an attached microphone. The device measures the SOUND intensity in decibels. If you'd like to learn more about how a SOUND LEVEL METER works, check out this Explain That Stuff! article. 
• PUMBAA (42A: "The Lion King" warthog) PUMBAA the warthog appears in The Lion King alongside his meerkat friend, Timon. PUMBAA and Timon, along with Simba, sing the delightfully catchy tune, "Hakuna Matata." ("It's our problem-free philosophy...")
• AVA (44A: "13th" director DuVernay) 13th is a 2016 documentary movie directed by AVA DuVernay. The title refers to the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which abolished slavery. 13th explores issues of race, justice, and mass incarceration. The movie won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special.
• GOOD AS HELL (58A: 2016 Lizzo hit) In case "Hakuna Matata" didn't plant itself in your head as an earworm, here's another option. ("I do my hair toss / check my nails / Baby how you feelin'?") Lizzo has produced two music videos for "GOOD AS HELL" - one set in a hair salon, and one featuring the Southern University marching band. 
• ESSAY (4D: "Notes on Camp" is one) I have previously written about Susan Sontag's first published ESSAY, "Notes on Camp."
• DAPHNE (8D: "Scooby-Doo" character who wears purple) In the Scooby-Doo franchise, DAPHNE Blake's propensity for getting into danger earned her the nickname "Danger-Prone DAPHNE." Purple is DAPHNE's signature color, which she often pairs with pink.
• ANNA (10D: Pulitzer-winning journalist Quindlen) Author, journalist, and opinion columnist, ANNA Quindlen won a Pulitzer Prize for commentary in 1992 for her New York Times column, Public and Private. 
• DAKOTA (40D: People who include the Wahpetunwan and Yanktonai) The DAKOTA people include four bands of Eastern DAKOTA (Bdewakantunwan, Wahpetunwan, Wahpekute, and Sussitunwan), and two bands of Western DAKOTA (Yanktonai and Yankton). Many DAKOTA currently live in the eastern portion of North and South DAKOTA, central Minnesota, and northern Iowa.

Geography review:

• SOHO (53D: Lower Manhattan neighborhood) The SOHO neighborhood in New York City derives its name from being SOuth of HOuston Street. The area is home to a number of art galleries, artists' lofts, and shops. In addition to New York city, areas called SOHO are found in London, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, and Tampa, Florida.

This is a great example of how a clever title can ELEVATE (25D: Raise up) a theme. So fun to find these RIGHT words on the LEFT! In addition to the theme, I enjoyed the answers SO WHAT, METAL STRAW, NOM DE PLUME, and OH NO. So many good clues today. I especially enjoyed the clues for PROPER NOUN, RHYTHM (19D: Asset for a dancer or musician), and AXE (43A: Tool that might be thrown at a target). Thank you, Stella, for this puzzle that was a great way to begin my Saturday.