May 27, 2023

Title: MIND BLOWN (FREESTYLE)

Constructor: Kate Chin Park

Editor: Erik Agard

Freestyle: This is a themeless puzzle. The title, MIND BLOWN, pairs well with IT'S SHOCKING! (22A: "Truly Wild!"

Things I learned:

• SHA (23A: ___cha sauce) SHAcha sauce is a condiment made from soybean oil, garlic, shallots, chilies, and seafood. The slightly spicy sauce originated in Chaoshan, China, and is used as a soup base, a meat rub, a dipping sauce, and in stir-fries.
• SHO (40A: "Yellowjackets" channel, for short) Showtime (SHO) describes their TV series, Yellowjackets, as "part survival epic, part psychological horror, and part coming-of-age drama." The show tells the story of a high school girls' soccer team whose plane crashes in the wilderness. The show recounts the time of survival after the crash, as well as events that occur 25 years later. I have never seen Yellowjackets, but it comes recommended by Sally's Take guest blogger, Mollie Cowger. 

Random thoughts and interesting things:

• DEE (28A: Kool Moe ___) In the 1980s, Kool Moe DEE was a member of the pioneering hip hop group, the Treacherous Three. He has also had a successful solo career, releasing several albums including How Ya Like Me Now (1987).
• COSTUME (32A: Banana or Sexy Banana, for example) Ha! This clue made me laugh. Yes, a Sexy Banana COSTUME is a thing. You can also get a yellow t-shirt that says, "This is my sexy banana COSTUME."
• THE LAST OF US (47A: HBO show starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey) THE LAST OF US is a TV series based on a 2013 video game of the same name. In March, we saw THE LAST OF US as the title and theme of a puzzle. Also in March, we saw THE LAST OF US in a clue for PEDRO Pascal, who portrays Joel, a smuggler tasked with escorting a teenager across the country. And just a few weeks ago, we saw the show used in a clue for BELLA Ramsey, who portrays Ellie, the aforementioned teenager. 
• UNTIL (53A: From now ___ / Forever / And ever, my darling" (Mariah Carey lyrics)) These lyrics are from Mariah Carey's 1996 song, "Forever." 
• ALEUT (5D: Language also known as Unangam Tunuu) Unangam Tunuu, also known as ALEUT, is a language spoken by the ALEUT, indigenous people living in the Aleutian Islands and surrounding areas. Unangam Tunuu is considered a critically endangered language, with fewer than 100 ALEUT speakers estimated remaining. ALEUT is considered extinct in the Russian portion of the Aleutian Islands.
• GEORGE (12D: ___ Washington Carver) GEORGE Washington Carver (c. 1864-1943) was a scientist and inventor. His focus was using chemistry and scientific methodology to improve the lives of farmers. He developed hundreds of uses for peanuts, sweet potatoes, and other plants (though he didn't invent peanut butter - that's a myth). Sidenote: GEORGE Washington Carver has something in common with my husband and son. They are all alumni of Iowa State University (agricultural science, 1894 and 1896 (BA, Mac); speech communication, 1981; and aerospace engineering, 2016, respectively). 
• ROCCO (19D: "How is ___ gonna eat that cookie, Zoe? Tell Elmo! ___ doesn't even have a mouth!") Another delightful clue! I have previously written about the ongoing feud between Elmo and Zoe's pet rock, ROCCO, which went viral early in 2022. In case you've been living under a rock (sorry, I couldn't resist...), here's a Good Morning America recap of the Sesame Street feud.
• ARLO (21D: Singer Parks or Guthrie) I learned about ARLO Parks from the December 27, 2022 puzzle. And we saw Sarah Guthrie's father, ARLO, in the puzzle on August 2, 2020.  
• STACKS (42D: Piles of books) I might have looked around at my STACKS of books after filling in this answer...
• OHTANI (43D: 2023 World Baseball Classic MVP Shohei) As you may know by now, I am fond of saying that "(almost) everything I know about sports, I've learned from crosswords." Therefore, I am always excited when there's a sports clue I know! Shohei OHTANI is one of those rare baseball players that is an excellent pitcher and hitter. He currently plays for MLB's Los Angeles Angels as a pitcher, designated hitter, and outfielder. You just don't see that combination often. Earlier this year, Shohei OHTANI represented his home country of Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Japan won, defeating Team USA, and Shohei OHTANI was awarded MVP honors. 
• FUNKO (49D: Toy company with bigheaded Pops) FUNKO, Inc. manufactures licensed pop culture collectibles, 
• ITO (54D: Midori ___, first woman to land a triple axel in competition) I knew this sports answer as well! ITO Midori is a former professional figure skater. She represented Japan in the 1992 Olympics, winning a silver medal. She has been ranked among the "Top 10 Greatest Female Figure Skaters of All Time."

Geography review:

• LAS VEGAS (3D: City with concert residencies) In contrast to a tour, a concert residency is a series of concerts (10 or more) performed in a single location. Singer-pianist Liberace is credited with pioneering the concert residency idea. Having first performed in LAS VEGAS, Nevada in 1944, Liberace performed there regularly in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, with his shows becoming known for their elaborate sets and his extravagant costumes. The months of June and July this year will see Garth Brooks, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Usher, Miranda Lambert, and Maroon 5 all doing concert residencies in LAS VEGAS. This clue reminded me of my Grandma Doris who loved going to LAS VEGAS. She never once gambled, but she enjoyed going to all the shows. I have never been to LAS VEGAS, but I was extremely tempted to visit earlier this year when Adele did a residency. I see she's extended her residency and is performing in LAS VEGAS on weekends from June 16-November 4. Hmm, I will have to look into this.
• LSU (7D: Baton Rouge school) Baton Rouge is the capital of Louisiana. It is also the home of Louisiana State University (LSU). 

What a great puzzle! I thoroughly enjoyed the four interlocking long answers that form a square around those distinctive blocks of black squares in the center of the puzzle: IT'S SHOCKING, BRACKET BUSTERS, THE LAST OF US, and FAILING UPWARDS. They're all so enjoyable that I'm going to refrain from picking a favorite (although...nope, not gonna do it). BUCKLE UP (36D: "Hold on to your butts!") made me laugh; Kate is a master of playful cluing (just ASK AROUND). Thank you, Kate, for this puzzle that was a marvelous way to start my Saturday.