March 6, 2023

Title: THREE SIX

Constructor: Erik Agard

Editor: Erik Agard

Theme Answers:

CARBON FOOTPRINT (17A: Term popularized by BP)

SATURN RETURN (33A: Late-20s astrological event)

JUNE JORDAN (53A: "I Must Become a Menace to My Enemies" poet)

Theme synopsis: Today's theme answers begin with THREE things that are the 6th in their respective series. CARBON is the sixth element, SATURN is the sixth planet from the sun, and JUNE is the sixth month.

Things I learned:

• SATURN RETURN (33A: Late-20s astrological event) In astrology, the RETURN of a planet refers to when that planet completes an orbit and RETURNs to the same position in the sky as when a person is born. Because it takes SATURN approximately 29.5 years to orbit the sun, the first SATURN RETURN in a person's life occurs in their late 20s. In terms of Western astrology, the effects of a SATURN RETURN are considered to span two to three years (or more), and coincide with coming-of-age shifts. During a person's first SATURN RETURN (approximately ages 27-31), one is considered to be entering adulthood. A person's second SATURN RETURN (56-60, oh, hello, that's me...) corresponds to maturity. (Hmm, maybe that's not me...) The third SATURN RETURN in a person's life (84-90) is seen as the shift to wise old age.
• JUNE JORDAN (53A: "I Must Become a Menace to My Enemies" poet) JUNE JORDAN (1936-2002) was a poet, activist, journalist, essay, and teacher. Her writing explored race, gender, and representation, and proclaimed a "vision of liberation." You can read JUNE JORDAN's poem, "I Must Become a Menace to My Enemies," on the JUNE JORDAN website. In 2019, JUNE JORDAN was in the inaugural group of "pioneers, trailblazers, and heroes" inducted on the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor inside the Stonewall Inn. Let's call this entry "Things I Re-learned," since I first learned about JUNE JORDAN from the November 5, 2020 puzzle. 

Random thoughts and interesting things:

• CARBON FOOTPRINT (17A: Term popularized by BP) CARBON FOOTPRINT refers to the greenhouse gas emissions caused by the actions of an individual, organization, or event. Greenhouse gas emissions - a result of the use of fossil fuels - are of concern because they contribute to climate changes. As the clue tells us, the term CARBON FOOTPRINT - and the idea of an individual CARBON FOOTPRINT - was popularized by a large ad campaign by BP (the fossil fuel company) in 2005. Though the ad campaign encouraged individuals to reduce their CARBON FOOTPRINT, BP made no attempt to reduce their own. (Sigh.) This weekend my husband and I watched the Disney animated movie, Strange World, which our daughter had recommended to us. If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend it. This may seem like an odd digression, but if you've seen it, or when you do (or if you read the article I linked to), you'll understand the connection. 
• TEN (21A: Jersey number worn by Pele) Soccer legend Pelé died December 29, 2022 at the age of 82. One of the greatest soccer players of all time, Pelé averaged a goal per game throughout his career. 
• ABA (30A: 1976 ___-NBA merger) The American Basketball Association (ABA) was a men's professional basketball league founded in 1967. The National Basketball Association (NBA) was founded in 1946. The two leagues merged (after years of talks) in 1976.
• OSCAR (1D: Isaac or the Grouch) OSCAR Isaac is an actor with extensive film, TV, and stage credits, including the role of Poe Dameron in the Star Wars franchise. OSCAR the Grouch is the grumpy-yet-lovable muppet that lives in a trash can on Sesame Street. 

  

  OSCAR the Grouch

• NEON (7D: "___ Moon" (Brooks & Dunn song) "NEON Moon" is a 1992 song by the country music duo Brooks & Dunn. 
• TWO (8D: Cube root of this clue's number) I'm a fan of self-referential clues, and this one has math, too (TWO)!
• APPLE PIE ALA MODE (9D: Hot-and-cold dessert) Yum! Thanks to this answer, I have taken an APPLE PIE out of my freezer, and it will be served ALA MODE. (Thank you to my past self for making that PIE!)
• BARNES (18D: Bucky ___, the Winter Soldier) Bucky BARNES aka the Winter Soldier, is a Marvel Comics character originally introduced in 1941 as a sidekick to Captain America. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Bucky BARNES is portrayed by Sebastian Stan.

Geography review:

• ASIA (20A: Largest continent) Whether you are looking at land mass or population, ASIA is the largest continent. Africa is the second-largest continent and ranks second in population. After that, the rankings of the continents by land mass and population diverge.
• HAITI (29A: Country also known as Ayiti) HAITI is a Caribbean country. It occupies part of the island of Hispaniola; the remainder of the island is the Dominican Republic. Ayiti is the name of HAITI in Haitian Creole, one of the country's two official languages (along with French). The capital of HAITI is Port-au-Prince. 
• BRIT (31D: Person from London or Liverpool) London is the capital and largest city of the United Kingdom aka Britain. Liverpool is a city in northwestern England. Londoners and Liverpudlians are BRITs.

Me upon opening today's puzzle: "THREE 6. What is THREE 6? Oh, today is THREE 6 (March 6/3-6)! Clever." Though I was feeling pleased to have made that connection, I admit that today's theme stumped me. Many thanks to Shannon Rapp, who came to my aid and helped me see it. I enjoyed everything about this puzzle, the solve, the theme (once I saw it!), and the things I learned while writing this post. Thank you, Erik, for this puzzle that was a stellar way to start my Monday.