April 2, 2023

Title: DEEP DOWN

Constructor: Zhouqin Burnikel

Editor: Erik Agard

Theme Answers:

LOSES SLEEP (3D: Stresses about something)

LOST AT SEA (8D: Like Pi in "Life of Pi")

PETRI DISH (36D: Container used by microbiologists)

I NEED SPACE (31D: Request in a relationship)

Theme synopsis: The bottom word of each vertical (i.e. going DOWN) theme answer can follow the word DEEP. We have DEEP SLEEP, DEEP SEA, DEEP DISH, and DEEP SPACE.

Things I learned:

• ANA (24A: "Simplemente Amigos" singer ___ Gabriel) ANA Gabriel is a Mexican singer and songwriter. "Simplemente Amigos" is one of ANA Gabriel's signature songs. When it was released in 1989, it reached number one on Billboard's Hot Latin Tracks chart.

Random thoughts and interesting things:

• TUTU (15A: Ballet garment with a "pancake" style) The "pancake" style of TUTU may be what first comes to mind when you picture a TUTU. In this style, the skirt is supported by a hoop and comes straight out from the hips. 
• URSA (16A: ___ Minor (Polaris' constellation)) URSA Minor is a constellation also known as Little Bear or the Little Dipper. The constellation consists of seven stars, the brightest of which is the north pole star, Polaris.
• ARE (38A: "___ You That Somebody?" (Aaliyah song)) Aaliyah (1979-2001) recorded the song "ARE You That Somebody?" for the soundtrack of the 1998 movie Dr. Dolittle. 
• TEAPOT (59A: Vessel for brewing pu'er) If your TEAPOT holds pu'er, you will be drinking a variety of fermented tea traditionally produced in Yunnan Province, China.
• LOST AT SEA (8D: Like Pi in "Life of Pi") Life of Pi is a 2001 novel by Yann Martel, which was adapted into a 2012 movie of the same name. Pi, the protagonist of the story, is LOST AT SEA, after the ship his family was traveling on goes down in a storm.
• SULU (9D: John Cho's "Star Trek" role) John Cho first portrayed Hikaru SULU in the 2009 Star Trek movie, which featured the characters of the original Star Trek TV series. He reprised the role in Star Trek Into Darkness (2013), and Star Trek Beyond (2016).
• PET SAT (43D: Cared for a friend's dog or cat) I am grateful for our friend, Deanna, who has PET SAT for us for many years. I know Willow is being well-taken care as I am traveling. (I also know Willow will have plenty to say to me when I return home!) 

  

  Willow

  
  

Geography review:

• PERSIA (23D: Former name of Iran) Historically, the country of Iran was known as PERSIA until 1935, when Reza Shah (then Shah of Iran) requested that other countries use the name of Iran. Some Iranians - sometimes in an effort to distance themselves from the current government - continue to refer to themselves as Persians.

DEEP DOWN is a great theme for a puzzle, and I enjoyed all four theme answers today, especially I NEED SPACE. Other great answers: WASABI PEAS, CHEF'S SALAD, and ATTITUDE. Thank you, Zhouqin, for this puzzle that was a great way to start my Sunday. This puzzle was my warm up for Puzzle 7 of the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament, which is happening this morning. I am looking forward to watching the tournament finals this afternoon.