December 10, 2023

Title: REACH FOR THE STARS (Freestyle)

Constructor: Jared Goudsmit

Editor: Jared Goudsmit

Freestyle: This is a themeless puzzle. REACH FOR THE STARS is a nod to SPACESHIPS (25A: Many sci-fi vehicles).

Things I learned:

• KARMA (23D: Prarabdha is a type of it) Prarabdha KARMA is a concept in Hinduism. Prarabdha is past KARMA that influences the present life. One way to consider prarabdha is that it is paying one's past debts, those accrued in former lives.
• THAI (47D: Kaeng khan cuisine) Kaeng khan is a curry made with vegetables and herbs. It is part of northern THAI cuisine.

Random thoughts and interesting things:

• PEELE (15A: "Key & ___" (sketch comedy series)) Key & PEELE is a TV series that originally aired from 2012-2015 on Comedy Central. The show featured sketch comedy by Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan PEELE. Key & PEELE won two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award.
• PITA (16A: Bread often served with souvlaki) and NAAN (38D: Bread often served with balti) PITA and NAAN are both flatbreads. PITA bread is associated with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. Souvlaki is a Greek fast food. It consists of meat, and sometimes vegetables, grilled on a skewer. It may be served wrapped in a PITA. NAAN is often associated with the cuisines of the Indian subcontinent, Iran, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and the Caribbean. Balti is a type of curry named for the bowl in which it is served. Balti is often serve with NAAN.
• RASTA (18A: Worshipper of Jah) Rastafarianism developed as a religion in Jamaica during the 1930s, and is based on a specific interpretation of the Bible. RASTA beliefs include monotheism, a belief in one God, referred to as Jah.
• DOLLY PARTON (20A: Country star who said, "It costs a lot of money to look this cheap!") This made me laugh! I am a DOLLY PARTON fan, and one of the things I like about her is her ability not to take herself too seriously. Although she got her start in country music, DOLLY PARTON's songs span multiple genres. Last year DOLLY PARTON was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, an honor she initially tried to turn down because she felt like she didn't qualify. Last month, DOLLY PARTON released her first rock album, titled Rockstar.
• SAYS (24A: "Simon ___ ... solve this crossword puzzle!") Ha! Aren't you glad Simon SAYS to solve this puzzle?!
• CUB (28A: Baby lion) In honor of this feline baby answer, here's a photo of

  

  Willow

  Willow from 12 years ago when she was a kitten, aka baby cat. 
• NENE (38A: Actress Leakes) NENE Leakes was an original cast member on the reality TV series, The Real Housewives of Atlanta. She also played the role of Roz Washington on the TV show, Glee.
• AGENT (39A: ___ P (Perry the Platypus' codename)) Perry the Platypus is a character on the animated TV series, Phineas and Fern. Unbeknownst to his owners, Perry leads a double life as AGENT P, a member of an animal espionage organization referred to as O.W.C.A. (Organization Without a Cool Acronym).
• PEAS (43A: Khumb matar veggies) Khumb matar is an Indian curry with mushrooms and PEAS. 
• MARSHA (44A: Gay liberation activist ___ P. Johnson) MARSHA P. Johnson (1945-1992) was a self-identified drag queen, performer, and activist. The "P" stands for "Pay It No Mind." I have previously written about MARSHA P. Johnson, and we saw the full name as a theme answer on August 26, 2022. 
• TET (51A: Vietnamese holiday during which thit kho nuoc dua is served) Thịt kho nước Dừa is also known as braised pork belly and egg. Pork is braised in coconut water for this traditional dish served during TET, the Vietnamese New Year.
• PANDA (55A: Bear such as Po) Po is the name of the title PANDA in the Kung Fu PANDA franchise. In the movies, Po is voiced by Jack Black.
• SISSY (58A: "Bloodline" actress Spacek) Bloodline is a TV series that originally aired from 2015-2017. SISSY Spacek portrayed Sally Rayburn, the matriarch of the Rayburn family around whom the series revolved. SISSY Spacek has an extensive filmography, and has so far had a career that spans six decades.
• TYRA (60A: TV star Banks) TYRA Banks began acting on TV in 1993 on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. TYRA is now the creator and executive producer of America's Next Top Model.
• ACAI (49D: ___ na tigela (fruity Brazilian dessert)) AÇAI na tigela is essentially a smoothie in a bowl. Originating in Brazil, the dish consists of frozen and mashed fruit of the AÇAI palm, and may be topped with granola, banana, and other fruits.

Geography review:

• ALTA (37A: Utah ski town) ALTA, Utah is located approximately 30 miles east of the state's capital, Salt Lake City. ALTA is located in the Wasatch Mountains, and its vertical gain of 2,538 feet combined with its annual snowfall of 545 inches makes it a good place for a ski resort.
• ERIE (57A: Great Lake home to Ballast Island) Ballast Island is a privately-owned island in Lake ERIE. Like Rattlesnake Island that was mentioned a few days ago, Ballast Island is considered part of the U.S. state of Ohio.

OH WOW! It occurred to me while I was writing this, that in addition to referring to SPACESHIPS, the title, REACH FOR THE STARS, could also be referring to the STARS mentioned in today's puzzle: DOLLY PARTON, SISSY Spacek, TYRA Banks, NENE Leakes, and Jordan PEELE. Other great answers today: COVER STORY, UP IN THE AIR, RAISE HELL, AFTER PARTY, STRESS BALL, BABYSITTER, STOLEN BASES, and LAST RESORT. A lot to like here! Thank you, Jared, for this great Sunday puzzle.