Off the Grid: Sally breaks down Paste BN's daily crossword puzzle, Shuffle Dance
There are spoilers ahead. You might want to solve today's puzzle before reading further! Shuffle Dance
Constructor: Catherine Cetta
Editor: Amanda Rafkin
Random Thoughts & Interesting Things
- GRACE AND FRANKIE (16A: Jane Fonda/Lily Tomlin sitcom) GRACE AND FRANKIE is a Netflix TV series whose seven seasons originally aired from 2015-2022. Jane Fonda (GRACE) and Lily Tomlin (Frankie) portray the title characters, two women who became unlikely friends after their husbands divorce them to marry each other.
- DOT (20A: Nickname for Dorothy) In addition to DOT, other nicknames for Dorothy include Dode, Dolly, Dora, Dorie, Dotty, and Thea.
- SPORKS (45A: Utensils that can be used for both soup and salad) Although the word SPORK – a portmanteau of the words spoon and fork – has only been in use since 1970 (according to Merriam-Webster), the idea of a combined utensil has been around much longer. A patent for a combined spoon, fork, and knife was issued in 1874.
- CAT (53A: Pet that often confuses its status with that of its owner) Ha! This clue made me laugh. In the case of my CAT, Willow, I think the word "often" here could be changed to "always." Of course, to be fair, Willow is pretty much in charge at our house.
- IRIS (62A: Rainbow goddess) In Greek mythology, IRIS is considered to be a personification of the rainbow. She was a messenger of the Olympian gods. In some stories IRIS is described as wearing a coat of many colors. She is also sometimes depicted as riding on rainbows to get from place to place.
- ETTA (64A: "At Last" singer James) "At Last" is the title track of ETTA James's debut album, which was released in 1960. It became her signature song, and her version of it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. "At Last" was originally written for a 1941 musical, Sun Valley Serenade.
- STYLE (66A: Taylor Swift song with the lyric "And I got that red lip classic thing that you like") "STYLE" is a 2014 song by Taylor Swift, from her album 1989. "'Cause we never go out of STYLE / We never go out of STYLE..."
- DEET (67A: Off! ingredient) DEET is the common name for N, N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide. It's easy to understand why it's referred to as DEET, isn't it. DEET is an effective insect repellent, and is found in many commercial products, including Off!
- PGA (4D: Ryder Cup org.) The Ryder Cup is a competition between European and United States golfers. It occurs every other year, and is organized by PGA of America (Professional Golfers Association of America) and Ryder Cup Europe. The trophy for the tournament was donated by an English businessman, Samuel Ryder, which is how the tournament got its name. The next Ryder Cup will be held in September of this year.
- HER (8D: "To a Girl Who Knew What Side ___ Bread Was Buttered On" (Audre Lorde poem)) Audre Lorde (1934-1992) was a self-described "Black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet." You can read "To a Girl Who Knew What Side HER Bread Was Buttered On" online.
- ESME (17D: Name hidden in "She loves me") I enjoy seeing the phrases constructors choose for hidden word clues such as this one.
- FIB (58D: Tell a tale, in a way) and RAT (61D: Tattletale) It was fun to see the similar "tell a tale" and "tattletale" in these consecutive clues.
Crossword Puzzle Theme Synopsis
- GRACE AND FRANKIE (16A: Jane Fonda/Lily Tomlin sitcom)
- FUN SIZE CANDY BAR (39A: Small treat that often comes in a bag)
- HIDDEN CAMERAS (54A: Spying tools)
SHUFFLE DANCE: An anagram (with SHUFFLEd letters) of the word DANCE is found in each theme answer: GRACE AND FRANKIE, FUN SIZE CANDY BAR, and HIDDEN CAMERAS.
Today's grid has left-right mirror symmetry. That is, it is symmetrical around a vertical line down the center of the puzzle. Mirror symmetry often results in some interesting grid patterns. I am seeing the face of a dog (ears, eyes, and nose) in the upper central part of the grid. Do you see that? Thank you, Catherine, for this enjoyable puzzle.