There are spoilers ahead. Before you read on, you might want to try solving today’s puzzle.change of plans
constructor: Dylan Schiff
Editor: Jared Gosmit
What I learned from today’s puzzle
- EDAMAME (25A: Zunda Mochi Soybean) Zunda Mochi, also translated as edamame mochi, is a rice cake made from glutinous rice topped with sweetly ground EDAMAME (immature soybean). Zunda mochi originates from Japan and is especially popular in the Tohoku region.
- EVANESCENCE (3D: “Bring Me to Life” Rock Band) The rock band EVANESCENCE was formed in 1994 in Little Rock, Arkansas. “Bring Me to Life” is the debut single from their debut studio album. fell (2003). The song won a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance.
- Alana (32D: Actress de la Garza) Alana de la Garza plays Special Agent in Charge Isobel Castille on the TV show FBI, FBI: Most Wanted; and FBI: International.
- PATE (37D: ___ Chaud) PÂTÉ Chaud is a type of flavorful puff pastry that originated in Hanoi, Vietnam. Meat filling wrapped in crispy dough.
Random thoughts and interesting things
- ASPCA (9A: Pet Rescue Organization) The abbreviation for the word organization in the clue alerts the solver that the answer is an abbreviation. In this case, his ASPCA, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The ASPCA is a nonprofit organization founded in 1866. Its mission is to “provide an effective means to prevent animal cruelty throughout the United States.”
- TEVA (14A: Sandal brand hidden behind “absolu”)TevaTEVA is a shoe brand that is part of Deckers Brands, the company that makes UGG boots. TEVA specializes in sports sandals.
- His Holiness the Dalai Lama (18A: Dalai ___) His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. The current 14th Dalai Lama is Tenzin Gyatso. This is a book that I really liked, and I’ve mentioned it before. The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing WorldThis is an account of the week author Douglas Abrams spent with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
- Davis (31A: EGOT-winning actress Viola) EGOT stands for Emmy Award, Grammy Award, Oscar Award, and Tony Award. Viola Davis wins 2023 Grammy Award for Best Audio Book, Narration, or Storytelling Recording and earns EGOT status (2022 Memoir) find me). She previously won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (2015). how to get away with murder), Academy Award (also known as Oscar) Best Supporting Actress (2017, fence), Tony Award for Best Actress in a Drama (2001, King Hedley II) and Best Actress (2010, fence).her husband and I heard it find me During an expedition earlier this year. It was amazing and I can see why it won a Grammy.
- Monk (41A: Resident of Shaolin Temple) Shaolin Temple, or Shaolin Temple, is located in China’s Henan Province. It is known as the birthplace of Chan Buddhism. Shaolin Kung Fu combines martial arts with the Chan philosophy developed in the Shaolin Temple. Shaolin monks study, continuously develop and perfect Shaolin Kung Fu.
- AOC (44A: _lexandria _casio-_ortez) This is an expanded fill-in-the-blank clue (my own terminology) where each blank represents one letter, rather than a long blank that indicates an answer of arbitrary length. In this case, the missing character is AOC. Alexandria Oasis Cortez represents New York’s 14th District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
- Sitar (45A: Instrument of Hindustani Music) The sitar was invented in India in the 13th century. This plucked string instrument is widely used in Hindustani classical music. SITAR is available with 18, 19, 20, or 21 strings. The instrument is played by plucking six or seven strings that pass over raised frets. The remaining strings are “resonant strings” that sit below the frets and resonate with the strings played.
- Cheetah (50A: A large cat without a roar) The cheetah is unique among large cats in that it cannot roar. This is due to the shape of the larynx. Instead, cheetahs communicate by chirping, stuttering, growling, barking, and purring. My cat Willow doesn’t bark either. But I think she realizes that she is a relative of big cats.
- Dylan Sprouse (55A: played Zack in “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody”) The Suite Life of Zack and Cody is a television sitcom that originally aired on Disney Channel from 2005 to 2008. The series is set at the Tipton Hotel in Boston, where twins Zack and Cody live in a suite with their mother, a singer, in the hotel lounge. Dylan Sprouse played the role of Zack, and his twin brother Cole Sprouse played the role of Cody.
- NATE (61A: “___ The Great and the Sticky Case”) NATE The Great and the Sticky Case (1978) is one of the 31 detective novels for children written by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat. In the book, NATE solves mysteries with her dog Sludge.first Nate the Great This book was published in 1972. I still own some of it. Nate the Great I ordered this book from Scholastic when I was in elementary school.
- CLUE (62A: 1985 Mystery Film Based on a Board Game) It’s only been 4 days since I told you how much I enjoy playing board games clue. It’s no surprise then that I love his 1985 film. clue. The film was created with three possible endings. When this movie was released in theaters (yes, I saw it in theaters), different theaters played different versions of the movie. Home media and streaming versions include all three endings. clue It had an ensemble cast of Eileen Brennan, Tim Curry, Madeline Kahn, Christopher Lloyd, Michael McKean, Martin Mull, and Lesley-Ann Warren. There is also a play that is an adaptation of the 1985 film. Hint: on stage. Yes, I saw it too last November. I enjoy it too.
- Denali (2D: North America’s Highest Mountain) With a summit elevation of 20,310 feet, Denali is the tallest mountain in North America. Its name is based on the Koyukon word meaning “high.” The Koyukon are an Alaska Native people. Denali is part of the Alaska Range and the center of Denali National Park.
- CDC (12D: Atlanta-based health organization) Consecutive appearances on CDC (Center for Disease Control). I also saw this organization. (Organization) of yesterday’s puzzle.
- STYLES (45D: “Watermelon Sugar” Singer Harry) “Watermelon Sugar” is a song from Harry Styles’ second studio album. good quality (2019). The song was inspired by Richard Brautigan’s 1968 novel. With watermelon sugar.
Overview of crossword puzzle themes
- BANANA SPLITS (20A: Ice cream and fruit dessert)
- Personal Space (38A: You may need more space if you ask someone to step down)
- Dylan Sprouse (55A: played Zack in “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody”)
Anagrams (changes in the order of the letters) of the word PLANS are included in the answers for each theme: BANANA SPLYes, PersonaNaru SPace and dieLANSPMake noise.
For me, the anagrammed letters are not distinct as separate words, so finding hidden anagram themes can be difficult. Luckily, from the word “CHANGE” in the title, I guessed that I might be looking for an anagram today, so I was able to find it quickly. Congratulations to Dylan Schiff on your USA TODAY crossword debut! Dylan, thank you for this fun puzzle.
