Dive right into Sally Hoelscher’s intriguing journey through USA TODAY’s crossword puzzle, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the clues and themes.
Crossword enthusiasts, brace yourselves! Sally Hoelscher takes us on another fascinating exploration of USA TODAY’s December 30, 2024, daily crossword puzzle. If you haven’t had a chance to tackle today’s challenge, be warned: spoilers lie ahead. Puzzle constructor Zhouqin Burnikel and editor Amanda Rafkin present a mesh of clues that will keep your mind actively engaged.
Starting with the clue ‘EAGLE’ (6A), golf aficionados will recognize this as a score that’s two strokes under par. It’s not just eagles flying high in the golfing world; other bird-themed scores include birdie, albatross, and condor. Fun fact: Sally humorously recounts how she misread the clue, only realizing her blunder upon revisiting the printed puzzle.
Meanwhile, the ‘RAT’ (22A) clue draws inspiration from the Chinese zodiac. As the cycle kicks off with the rat following the pig, we’re reminded that we’re currently celebrating the Year of the Dragon, with the Year of the Snake on the horizon come January 29, 2025.
Moving to 27A, we find the Sun Devils’ abbreviation ‘ASU’, representing the spirited athletes of Arizona State University. Hop over to 34A, and literature lovers will appreciate the nod to ‘PIPPI’, the endearing, freckled character born from Astrid Lindgren’s imaginative tales during her daughter’s bout with pneumonia.
Belt it out with ‘DAN’ (36A), a term familiar to martial arts practitioners indicating ability level. ‘SNL’ (42A) has been making audiences laugh since its debut in 1975 and is about to celebrate its 50th anniversary. A cultural touchstone, the iconic show began with George Carlin paving the way for future hosts.
Then there’s the ‘BERET’ (44A), which harks back to the Black Panther Party’s distinct uniform choice. Through their iconic black berets and leather jackets, Bobby Seale and Huey P. Newton left an indelible mark on activist fashion.
Science buffs will appreciate ‘PBS’ (47A) for its role in broadcasting ‘Cosmos’, a series spanning scientific frontiers first narrated by Carl Sagan. Over time, Cosmos has continued to inspire, with sequels emerging in more recent years.
Gem lovers might have admired a ‘PRINCESS CUT’ (61A) diamond. These elegant stones shine brilliantly from every angle, capturing the allure of sophisticated designs.
For gaming enthusiasts, 6D’s ‘ESPORTS’ clues them into the expansive realm of organized video game competitions. Titles like Hearthstone and Overwatch continue to draw global attention.
Sally’s insightful retrospective doesn’t miss ‘POLIO’ (35D). The vaccine, a monumental achievement in medical history, highlights the enduring impact of Albert Sabin’s innovations. In a touching aside, Sally reflects on a personal visit to the Smithsonian, recalling her family’s emotional connection to polio’s history.
Finally, Sally wraps up with thematic brilliance: ‘PRINT OUT’ serves as the clever anchor to this crossword’s design. The word ‘PRINT’ cleverly escapes through the grid’s edges, inviting solvers to appreciate the nuanced progression from ‘PR/INT’ to ‘PRI/NT’ to ‘PRIN/T’. A personal chuckle erupted as Sally filled in ‘PRIOR COMMITMENT’, initially misjudged as a perfect excuse for introverts.
Sally Hoelscher enchants her audience yet again, seamlessly intertwining knowledge with lighthearted musings to guide us through the intricate world of crossword puzzles. It’s a testament to the joy and challenge that solving these brain-teasers brings. As the year winds down, we eagerly anticipate more of Sally’s unique insights in the crosswords to come.
Source: Yahoo
