Off the Grid Sally breaks down USA TODAY’s daily crossword puzzle Straight A’s
There are spoilers ahead. You might want to solve today’s puzzle before reading further!
Today’s puzzle, crafted by Dennis Nullet and edited by Anna Gundlach, offers a delightful challenge. One of the highlights is the clue for CAP’N CRUNCH (17A: Breakfast cereal with an “Oops! All Berries” variety). This cereal, developed by flavorist Pamela Low in 1963, has a rich history. The “Oops! All Berries” version, introduced in 1997, features only the spherical crunch berry pieces, omitting the traditional squares.
Another interesting clue is TRAP (9A: Hip-hop subgenre). TRAP music, originating in Atlanta in the 1990s, is known for its synthesized drums and complex patterns. It’s a subgenre that has significantly influenced the hip-hop scene.
ACORN SQUASH (33A: Small gourd often served baked with brown sugar) is another fascinating entry. This winter squash, named for its acorn-like shape, was first popularized by the Iowa Seed Company in 1913. It’s also known as Des Moines squash, a nod to its origins.
The PUPU (41A: ___ platter (tiki bar appetizers)) platter clue brings a taste of Hawaiian cuisine. A PUPU platter typically includes a variety of meat and seafood appetizers, such as egg rolls, spare ribs, and crab rangoon.
MONSTER MASH (42A: Novelty song that was a “graveyard smash”) is a fun entry that might have you humming the 1962 hit by Bobby “Boris” Pickett. This song became a Halloween favorite and topped the Billboard charts just before the holiday.
CANDY CRUSH (65A: Freemium mobile game with confections, familiarly) refers to the popular mobile game that has captivated players since 2012. This “match three” game involves lining up colorful candies to clear the board, providing a satisfying cascade effect with each successful match.
ONE (71A: Number of countries that start with “Y”) is a clever clue. The answer is Yemen, the only country starting with the letter “Y”. Located in West Asia, Yemen’s temporary capital is Aden, though its constitutional capital is Sanaa.
RACK (1D: Scrabble tile holder) is a nod to the classic board game. The writer shares a personal story about their parents playing Scrabble every night until their birth, highlighting a deep connection to the game.
ANNA (7D: “___ Karenina”) references the famous novel by Leo Tolstoy, first published in 1878. This literary classic has been adapted into various forms, including movies and operas, with a notable 2012 film starring Keira Knightley and Jude Law.
O’NEAL (31D: Hoops legend Shaquille) brings sports into the mix. Shaquille O’Neal, known as Shaq, had an illustrious NBA career and is now a sports analyst. His achievements include four NBA championships and an induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017.
LOUIE (52D: Sibling of Huey and Dewey) refers to one of Donald Duck’s nephews. LOUIE, along with his brothers Huey and Dewey, are beloved characters in the Disney universe.
ASIA (62D: Karachi’s continent) is a frequently appearing word in the crossword. Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan, is located in Asia. This clue marks the seventh appearance of ASIA in the puzzle this month, setting a new record.
The theme of today’s puzzle revolves around synonyms for the word STAMP. The answers CAP’N CRUNCH, ACORN SQUASH, MONSTER MASH, and CANDY CRUSH all include words synonymous with STAMP. This clever theme adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the puzzle.
Congratulations to Dennis Nullet on making his USA TODAY crossword debut with this engaging and thoughtfully constructed puzzle!
