September 6, 2023

Title: GOOD ENOUGH (FREESTYLE)

Constructor: Ada Nicolle

Editor: Amanda Rafkin

Freestyle: This is a themeless puzzle. GOOD ENOUGH is a nod to I CAN'T WIN WITH YOU (5D: "Nothing's ever good enough!")

And now a word from our constructor:

Ada: I'm so excited to have my first freestyle for the USA Today! I have more puzzles on my new website luckyxwords.com too, so check that out.

Things I learned:

• TEA (37A: ___ pets (ceramic toys that react to hot water) TEA pets originated in Yixing, China, and are small clay figures that are placed on a TEA tray. During TEA time, TEA is poured over the TEA pet. The unglazed pottery of the TEA pet absorbs some of the tea; over time this results in the TEA pet changing color and absorbing a TEA scent. I did not know about TEA pets, and I enjoyed learning about them.
• GRAY ASEXUAL (54A: Person who may occasionally experience attraction) An ASEXUAL person has a low or absent desire for sexual activity. The umbrella term of asexuality is a spectrum that includes GRAY ASEXUALs who, as the clue informs us, may occasionally experience sexual attraction. GRAY ASEXUAL is a term I've heard before, but didn't know much about.
• EDIE (28D: "Bupkis" actress Falco) Bupkis is a TV series that premiered on Peacock in May of this year. The series is described as a fictionalized version of Pete Davidson's life, in which actor and comedian Pete Davidson plays himself. EDIE Falco portrays Pete Davidson's mother, Amy Davidson.
• RIA (46D: Mathematician and classical musician Persad) RIA Persad was born in Trinidad and Tobago, and immigrated to the United States with her family when she was young. When she was 12 years old, RIA Persad was doing research at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology. She has worked for NASA during the Mars Pathfinder Mission, and is currently a climatologist. It's long been known that there's a link between mathematics and musical ability. When she was six years old, RIA Persad taught herself to play the piano by ear after she heard her teacher play "When the Saints Go Marching In." RIA Persad is also a model. I'm always delighted to learn about women in science.

Random thoughts and interesting things:

• AMA (15A: Online Q&A event, for short) AMA stands for "ask me anything," a genre of interactive interviews that are especially popular on Reddit.
• RENAISSANCE (16A: Beyonce album with the song "Break My Soul") RENAISSANCE is Beyoncé's seventh studio album. "Break My Soul," was the album's first single, released in June 2022. RENAISSANCE is also the name of Beyoncé's current, ongoing World Tour.
• SCREAM (24A: Horror franchise with Ghostface) There are six movies in the SCREAM franchise. Roger L. Jackson has a voice role in all of the movies, providing the voice of Ghostface.
• BRIDGE POSE (31A: Setu Bandhasana, in yoga) BRIDGE POSE, also known as Setu Bandhasana, is a back-bend asana in modern yoga as exercise.
• SPIDER-GWEN (38A: Superhero in a universe where Peter Parker didn't get bitten) SPIDER-GWEN is a comic book series by Marvel Comics. The series began in 2015, and revolves around an alternate universe in which GWEN Stacy was bitten by a radioactive SPIDER instead of Peter Parker. The character of SPIDER-Woman that appears in the Marvel Cinematic Universe SPIDER-Verse films is based on SPIDER-GWEN.
• BADU (59A: Singer Erykah) I have previously written about Erykah BADU.
• SKYE (60A: ___ terrier (dog breed)) The Scottish dog breed known as the SKYE terrier is named for the Isle of SKYE, where the breed was discovered. This breed is considered vulnerable and in danger of extinction.
• OREO (2D: Cookie in some cocktails) I haven't had an OREO cocktail, but I'm not opposed to the idea. Here's a selection of OREO cocktail recipes.
• SIN (18D: The S in trig's "SOHCAHTOA") SOHCAHTOA is a math mnemonic used to remember which angles of a triangle are used to calculate the trigonometric functions, sine (SIN), cosine (cos), and tangent (tan). SOHCAHTOA: SIN = opposite / hypotenuse; cos = adjacent / hypotenuse; tan = opposite / adjacent.
• SHE'S (24D:" ___ Got You" (Patsy Cline hit)) "SHE'S Got You" is a 1962 song first recorded by Patsy Cline. Thanks for this earworm, Ada. "...I've got your picture / SHE'S got you..."
• RESISTANCE (26D: Opposition to the Galactic Empire, in "Star Wars") In the Star Wars franchise, the RESISTANCE is a movement led by General Leia Organa. The RESISTANCE was first introduced in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015). Edited to add: My Star Wars-loving friend has informed me this clue isn't quite accurate. The Rebel Alliance is the group that opposed the Galactic Empire. The empire has already fallen by the time the RESISTANCE rises. The RESISTANCE is in opposition to the First Order. 

Geography review:

• IRAN (5A: Country where Nowruz is celebrated) Nowruz is the Iranian New Year. Nowruz is celebrated on the day of the vernal equinox (it was March 20 this year), and marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Nowruz marks the first day of Farvardin, the first month of the Iranian calendar. Nowruz is certainly celebrated in IRAN, but I would note that's not the only country where it's celebrated. Iranians living in other countries may also celebrate Nowruz. I noted last month that my collaborator and friend, Olivia and her family celebrate Nowruz, for example.
• PENN (3D: Harrisburg's state (Abbr.)) Harrisburg is the capital of Pennsylvania (PENN). Harrisburg is located along the Susquehanna River, which is the longest river on the East Coast of the United States.

I'm always happy to see Ada Nicolle's byline, and today was no exception. A smooth and ACHIEVABLE solve all around today. CONGA LINES, SLUMBERS, and TAKES NOTES are some great answers I haven't mentioned yet. Thank you,  Ada, for this puzzle that was a wonderful way to start my Wednesday.