Sally Hoelscher, renowned for her insightful commentary on crossword puzzles, tackles today’s USA TODAY puzzle with her usual flair. If you’re a puzzle enthusiast, you might want to solve it before reading her intriguing take!
Sally dives straight into the puzzle, starting with the origin of salsa dancing in CUBA. Salsa music, a beloved Caribbean style, set the stage for this lively dance to emerge in the 1960s. Meanwhile, our crossword-friend OSLO, Norway’s vibrant capital, makes an appearance early in the year, setting the tone for 2025.
Foodies would appreciate the reference to ITALY, specifically Bologna, known for its rich culinary traditions. Bologna’s contributions to cuisine, from its iconic sauce to its famous deli meats, are highlights. The puzzle also nods to ATLAS, a fitting inclusion given the geographical themes spread across the grid.
From the acting world, Sally touches on Sir IAN McKellen, widely celebrated for his vast array of performances since the 60s, including his role in ‘The Critic.’ Musically, she shifts to the O’ER in ‘Jingle Bells,’ playfully hoping for snow as she hums the tune.
The Asian cultural scene gets a nod with the CHINESE roots of ‘wushu’ and the strategic tile game, mahjongg. Superhero fans will smile at the mention of Kitty Pryde of the X-Men, known for her ability to phase through objects. And, everyone’s favorite red Muppet, ELMO, makes an endearing return to the 2025 puzzle roster.
Science and history lovers will appreciate clues about NASA’s APOLLO lunar program and the ESPY for Best WNBA Player going to A’ja Wilson in recent years. The musical theme continues with PIANO and ADELE, whose age-titled albums resonate with fans worldwide.
Animal enthusiasts can enjoy learning that POLAR BEAR fur is not white but transparent, which helps trap heat. In casual conversation, we see RLY representing a text-speak query, alongside the witty commentary on Tina FEY‘s ‘Bossypants.’
The movie world is represented by EMMA Mackey as Physicist Barbie in the 2023 film, offering a smile to movie buffs. Sally even adds a light-hearted flair with mention of TEAR in reference to the popular Cat Crying With Laughter emoji. Parabolic phrases like FALSE ALARM, FLAT seltzer, and FETCH for Fido, alongside BLEEP, bring a conversational vibe to the puzzle.
The theme of the puzzle is cleverly titled “BEST PART.” With expertly crafted entries, Sally appreciates how each theme answer progresses—”B/EST to BE/ST to BES/T”—adding layers of intrigue and satisfaction for those piecing it together.
Sally’s analysis of today’s crossword is nothing short of delightful. Her witty reflections and insightful critiques make tackling the puzzle a joy, whether you’re an experienced solver or a curious newcomer. So, dive in and enjoy the thrill of uncovering answers with a seasoned expert by your side.
Source: Yahoo
