There are spoilers ahead. You might want to solve today’s puzzle before reading further! Thought Leaders
Constructor: Sam Cordes
Editor: Amanda Rafkin
What I Learned from Today’s Puzzle
- BARS (18A: Top-quality hip-hop lyrics) In the world of hip-hop, the word BARS refers to the lyrics, particularly strong or impactful lyrics.
- OTTER (51A: Mammal form of the shape-shifting creature Kushtaka) The Tlingit are Indigenous peoples of North America’s Pacific Northwest. In Tlingit folklore, Kushtaka are mythical shape-shifting creatures capable of assuming human form and the form of an OTTER. Kushtaka are far from friendly; they attempt to trap souls and prevent reincarnation.
- GENE (70A: Patton known as “the Dancing Machine”) GENE Patton (1932-2015) was better known by his stage name, GENE GENE the Dancing Machine. GENE GENE the Dancing Machine gained popularity in the 1970s for his appearances on the talent search game show The Gong Show. GENE Patton worked as a stagehand at NBC Studios, and was one of several amateur performers who warmed up the audience. Eventually, GENE GENE the Dancing Machine became a recurring feature on the show, coming on stage in his signature green sweater jacket, flat cap, bell-bottoms, and sneakers, and performing a shuffling dance.
- OTHER (2D: “The ___ Guys” (2010 comedy film)) The OTHER Guys stars Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg as New York City Police Department officers.
- SAW (4D: Horror franchise with Billy the Puppet) The SAW horror franchise began with the 2004 movie, SAW. The franchise now includes ten movies as well as other media. The series involves a serial killer known as Jigsaw, who uses Billy the Puppet to communicate with his victims. It’s possible I’ve known this at one time, but horror movies are not my genre of choice, so if I did know it I had blocked it out. Fortunately, crossing answers helped me out.
Random Thoughts & Interesting Things
- BOSS (1A: Video game hurdle) In video games, the term BOSS refers to a significant computer-controlled enemy. This is something I learned four years ago from a crossword puzzle.
- ATTA (12A: Roti flour) ATTA is a wholemeal wheat flour. ATTA flour is used to make flatbreads such as roti, chapati, and naan. Because of the high gluten content of ATTA flour, dough made with it is strong and elastic, and can be rolled into thin sheets.
- SHOWER GIFT (16A: Diaper cake, perhaps) A diaper cake is not an actual cake (thank goodness!), but rather a baby SHOWER GIFT in which diapers are arranged to resemble a tiered cake.
- SHUI (34A: Feng ___) The practice of feng SHUI involves situating buildings and furniture in specific orientations in an attempt to increase harmony between individuals and their environment. The Chinese term feng SHUI translates to “wind-water” in English. The biggest challenge for me here was remembering how to spell feng SHUI.
- DEEP DISH PIZZA (38A: Chicago-style pie) One of the many things Chicago, Illinois is known for is DEEP DISH PIZZA aka Chicago-style PIZZA. Chicago-style DEEP DISH PIZZA was invented at Pizzeria Uno in 1943. I am a fan of all kinds of PIZZA, including Chicago-style DEEP DISH PIZZA.
- TANTRA (46A: Hindu text) In Hinduism, the TANTRAs are scriptures dealing with techniques and practices aimed at expanding one’s consciousness and channeling divine energy. The tantric texts are generally in the format of a dialogue between god and goddess.
- MAYO (60A: PB&M sandwich ingredient) Peanut butter and MAYO sandwiches (PB&Ms) became popular in the 1930s, particularly in the southern United States. The popularity of the PB&M seems to have decreased in the 1960s, but occasionally the Internet will discover it again (as it does…).
- SECOND CITY (61A: Improv troupe based in Chicago) The SECOND CITY improv troupe debuted in Chicago in 1959. SECOND CITY’s alumni list is impressive and includes Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Jordan Peel, Stephen Colbert, and many other well known names.
- OREO (65A: Cookie in some cheesecakes) OREO cheesecake sounds delicious at the moment (or at any moment to be honest). Our crossword friend OREO is making its third appearance of the month and its eleventh appearance of the year.
- BEST (68A: “___ in Show” (2000 mockumentary)) BEST in Show is a mockumentary about dog shows. The movie follows five dogs and their owners as they travel to compete in a dog show. Much of the dialogue in BEST in Show was improvised by the cast: Jennifer Coolidge, Christopher Guest, John Michael Higgins, Michael Hitchcock, Eugene Levy, Jane Lynch, Michael McKean, Catherine O’Hara, and Parker Posey.
- ABBI (8D: “Broad City” actress Jacobson) ABBI Jacobson and Ilana Glazer co-starred in the TV sitcom, Broad City (2014-2019). The show was developed from a web series of the same name and is based on the stars’ real-life friendship and New York City adventures.
- SEA BREEZE (9D: Drink similar to a Cape Codder) A SEA BREEZE is a cocktail made of vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice. The related cocktail known as a Cape Codder lacks grapefruit juice.
- SPHERE (24D: Round Las Vegas entertainment venue) The Las Vegas entertainment venue SPHERE opened in 2023. When we saw SPHERE referenced in a puzzle earlier this year, I geeked out learning about the science of constructing a SPHERE-shaped building.
- OTOH (27D: “That being said,” in a text) OTOH = on the other hand
- SEAN HAYES (34D: “SmartLess” co-host) SmartLess is a weekly comedy podcast co-hosted by SEAN HAYES, Jason Bateman, and Will Arnett. Each week, one of the co-hosts introduces a mystery guest to the others. Recent guests include Jeff Goldblum, Maria Shriver, and Elton John & Brandi Carlile.
- INTO (39D: “___ the Wild” (Jon Krakauer book)) Jon Krakauer’s 1996 non-fiction book INTO the Wild is about Chris McCandless, a man who after graduating from Emory University, stopped communication with his family and began traveling west, eventually making his way to the Alaskan wilderness, where his body was eventually discovered in an abandoned bus. A movie adaptation of Jon Krakauer’s book, also titled INTO the Wild, was released in 2007.
- EATEN (53D: “___ Alive” (1985 Diana Ross album)) EATEN Alive is Diana Ross’s sixteenth studio album. Fun fact: The album was produced (and primarily written) by Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees.
- EDU (62D: www.uoregon.___) The University of Oregon is located in Eugene, Oregon. Its sports teams are the Oregon Ducks.
- CIG (64D: Prop for Cruella, for short) In Disney’s 1961 animated movie, One Hundred and One Dalmatians, the evil villain Cruella de Vil is rarely seen without a cigarette, CIG for short, in hand. This was also true in other 101 Dalmatians movie adaptations and spin-offs … until the 2021 live-action reboot, Cruella. In 2007, Disney banned smoking in its movies.
- A few other clues I especially enjoyed:
- ALIBI (21A: “It couldn’t be me! I was out of town!” e.g.)
- SPOT (36D: Help out in the gym)
- RHYME (54D: Four and score, for example)
Crossword Puzzle Theme Synopsis
- SHOWER GIFT (16A: Diaper cake, perhaps)
- DEEP DISH PIZZA (38A: Chicago-style pie)
- SECOND CITY (61A: Improv troupe based in Chicago)
THOUGHT LEADERS: The first word of each theme answer can be placed in front of the word THOUGHT to form a new phrase: SHOWER THOUGHT, DEEP THOUGHT, and SECOND THOUGHT.
I am familiar with a SHOWER THOUGHT – a flash of inspiration while taking a SHOWER or doing some other mundane chore – but I hadn’t heard that particular phrase to describe it before. Therefore, although I was able to fill in SHOWER GIFT right away, I needed DEEP DISH PIZZA for the “Aha!” moment of recognizing the theme. Thank you, Sam, for this excellent puzzle.
One more thing today: It’s fun that two of today’s theme answers are related to Chicago. Speaking of Chicago, the Midwest Crossword Puzzle Tournament will be happening in Chicago on Saturday, October 4 this year. Why not make plans to attend? And while you’re in Chicago, take in a show at The SECOND CITY and enjoy some DEEP DISH PIZZA.
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