July 11, 2023

Title: THREE INCHES

Constructor: Catherine Cetta

Editors: Jared Goudsmit & Amanda Rafkin

Theme Answers:

MANDARIN CHINESE (16A: Language with the highest number of native speakers)

TAKES A RAINCHECK (36A: Postpones for a later date)

WISCONSIN CHEESE (58A: Dairy product made in the Midwest)

Theme synopsis: Each of the THREE theme answers contains the word INCH.

Things I learned:

• MOON (25A: What the perfume Eau de Luna claims to smell like) Financed by a Kickstarter campaign and released in 2020, the perfumes Eau de Luna ("smell of the MOON") and Eau de Space ("smell of space") were developed based on the reports of astronauts about what the MOON and space smell like. Who knows whether the perfumes actually smell like the MOON and space? It doesn't really matter to me. I love everything about this nerdy project!
• EATS (62A: Enjoys some laksa) Laksa is a spicy noodle dish that originated in Southeast Asia. Laksa is commonly served in Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
• ODE (26D: "___ to Gold Teeth" (Danez Smith poem)) I learned about Danez Smith's book, Homie, from the March 14, 2022 puzzle. Today I learned that one of the poems in that collection of poetry is titled "ODE to Gold Teeth." Although I wasn't familiar with the poem, the answer was inferable. 
• RICE (54D: Galinhada grain) Galinhada is a stew in Brazilian cuisine that consists of RICE and chicken.

Random thoughts and interesting things:

• OREO (19A: Cookie with a Blueberry Pie variety) Blueberry Pie was one of the OREO Limited Edition flavors. The Blueberry Pie OREO featured graham-flavored cookies and a blueberry-flavored crème filling, and was first released in 2016.
• EDGE (20A: "The ___ of Glory" (Lady Gaga hit)) "The EDGE of Glory" is a song from Lady Gaga's 2011 album, Born This Way.
• RASTA (21A: Follower of Jah) The religion known as Rastafari or Rastafarianism developed in the 1930s in Jamaica. Rastafari is based on a specific interpretation of the Bible. RASTA beliefs include monotheism, a belief in one God, who is referred to as Jah.
• DEEP (46A: "How ___ Is Your Love") I know "How DEEP Is Your Love" as the 1977 Bee Gees song that started running through my head the moment I read this clue. "How DEEP is your love? / How DEEP is your love? / I really mean to learn..." However, there are several songs titled "How DEEP Is Your Love."
• EGO (50A: Anton ___ ("Ratatouille" critic)) This reminds me of the trio of Ratatouille references we saw recently in the June 28th puzzle. 
• MISS (66A: ___ Piggy (diva Muppet)) "Moi?! A diva? Why, yes!" I imagine MISS Piggy saying in response to this clue, following up with a stern, "Is that a problem?!?!"
• UNDO (3D: "Go back" computer command) Shoutout to my favorite computer command. "UNDO! UNDO! UNDO!"
• NECK (29D: Place for a boa) Hopefully we're talking about a feathery boa around one's NECK, and not a boa constrictor!
• CAKE (32D: Gooey butter ___ (rich dessert)) Gooey butter CAKE originated in St. Louis Missouri in the 1930s or 1940s (the origin is contested). The name appropriately describes this rich, decadent dessert. 
• GERI (57D: Actress Jewell) GERI Jewell portrayed the recurring character, GERI Tyler, on the 1980s sitcom, The Facts of Life. The character of GERI was the cousin of main character Blair Warner (portrayed by Lisa Whelchel). GERI Jewell has cerebral palsy, and she was the first person with cerebral palsy to appear as a recurring character on a TV sitcom. 

Geography review:

• ERIE (50A: Great Lake bordering Ohio) In addition to bordering Ohio, Lake ERIE also borders the U.S. states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New York, and the Canadian province of Ontario.
• WISCONSIN CHEESE (58A: Dairy product made in the Midwest) One of WISCONSIN's nicknames is "America's Dairyland," a nod to the state's long history of CHEESE production. WISCONSIN produces more CHEESE than any other U.S. state.

Today's theme reminded me of the "3 CM" puzzle we saw on June 17. Whether you prefer to measure in centimeters or INCHES, the USA Today crossword has you covered. Three great grid-spanning theme answers today. Congratulations and welcome to Catherine Cetta, who is making her USA Today crossword debut today! Thank you, Catherine, for this terrific Tuesday puzzle.