August 31, 2023

Title: ENTER STAGE LEFT

Constructors: Amie Walker & Amanda Rafkin

Editor: Amanda Rafkin

Theme Answers:

MAKEUP EXAM (16A: Option for a student who missed a test)

DOOR PRIZE (33A: Raffle winner's reward, maybe)

NAME BRANDS (52A: Nongeneric store offerings)

Theme synopsis: The first word of each theme answer (that is, the one ENTERing on the LEFT) can be paired with the word STAGE to make a new phrase. We have STAGE MAKEUP, STAGE DOOR, and STAGE NAME.

Things I learned:

• UKE (17D: Taimane Gardner's instrument, for short) Taimane Gardner, who uses the mononym Taimane as her STAGE NAME, has been playing the ukulele (UKE, for short) since she was five years old. I recommend checking out the Tiny Desk Concert that Taimane did for NPR on March 13, 2020.

Random thoughts and interesting things:

• ICEES (13A: Drinks invented as a result of a broken Dairy Queen soda machine) If you are a regular reader of this blog, you might remember reading about the happy accident that resulted in ICEES being invented. It's a fun story; I wrote about it on July 31. 
• REIKI (19A: Japanese energy healing) The practice of REIKI is based on the belief that an experienced practitioner can use a technique called "hands-on healing" to alter energy fields in the body.
• FROZEN (22A: Like a bag of peas used as a cold pack) FROZEN peas make a great ice pack, and provide an added benefit of humor when one thinks about the fact that they are holding peas on their head, ankle, or whatever body part needs an ice pack.
• FISK (40A: Nikki Giovanni's alma mater) Nikki Giovanni is a poet, writer, activist, and educator. I have written about her several times previously, and we saw her as a theme answer on November 25, 2022. When I wrote about Nikki Giovanni last November, I discovered a wonderful bio she wrote about herself for her website. In that bio, she talks about getting expelled from FISK University, which is located in Nashville. She did get readmitted, and graduated from FISK in 1967 with a B.A. in history.
• SON (43A: Kylo Ren, to Leia) The Star Wars' antagonist Kylo Ren was played by Adam Driver in The Force Awakens (2015), The Last Jedi (2017), Star Wars Resistance (2018-2020), and The Rise of Skywalker. Kylo Ren is the chosen name of Ben Solo, the SON of Princess Leia Organa Skywalker, and Han Solo. Kylo Ren was originally trained as a Jedi by Luke Skywalker (his uncle), but is persuaded to join the dark side (as his grandfather did).
• TOE BEAN (48A: Kitty's paw pad) After much persuasion, I convinced Willow to let me take a

  

  Willow's TOE BEANs

  
  picture of her TOE BEANs. TOE BEAN is an adorable name, in my opinion.
• STAKE (57A: Vampire slayer's weapon) and BAT (49D: Vampire in disguise) We have a pair of vampire clues today. The clue for BAT is especially fun, and made me smile.
• ALBA (51A: "Dark Angel" actress Jessica) In the TV series, Dark Angel, Jessica ALBA played the role of Max Guevara, a genetically enhanced transgenic supersoldier created in a government lab. The show originally aired for two seasons. The year the season premiered (2000), Jessica ALBA won a Saturn Award for the Best Actress on Television. (The Saturn Awards honor the best in science fiction, fantasy and horror.)
• ERA (61A: "I'm in my villain ___") The phrase, "I'm in my villain ERA," started making the rounds on TikTok beginning sometime last year. The phrase is generally used to refer to a decision to do what's right for you, by setting healthy boundaries and advocating for what you need. The "villain ERA" isn't about becoming an actual villain, but is so named because sticking up for oneself (particularly if you are a woman) may result in other people viewing you as a villain in their story. Here's one article that explains the villain ERA idea if you want to learn more. 
• TAKE ONE (3D: Sign often ignored on a platter of free samples) This clue made me laugh!
• THE SIMS (8D: Video game franchise with the cheat code "rosebud") THE SIMS is a series of video games in which the player creates and controls virtual people, called "SIMS," and manages their living environment. While playing THE SIMS, the cheat code "rosebud" gains a player money. The term "rosebud," is a reference to the 1941 movie, Citizen Kane.
• FLO (22D: Progressive's saleswoman) Since 2008, ads for Progressive insurance have featured Stephanie Courtney playing the role of a saleswoman named FLO.
• DONATE (41D: Give to Planned Parenthood, say) If you'd like to DONATE to Planned Parenthood, you can do so on their website. 
• PANS (45D: Karahis and woks) Karahis and woks are both deep, circular PANS that may have a round or flat bottom. The karahi originated on the Indian subcontinent, and the wok is believed to have derived from it.

Geography review:

• BAYS (32A: Small bodies of water) BAYS are coastal bodies of water that are directly connected to other larger bodies of water. This connection distinguishes them from lakes and ponds. 

ENTER STAGE LEFT is a great title for a puzzle. I liked today's theme and its great set of theme answers. Lots of entertaining clues sprinkled throughout the puzzle made for an enjoyable solve. Congratulations to Amie Walker, who is making her USA Today debut! Thank you, Amie and Amanda, for this puzzle that was a terrific way to start my Thursday.