www.usatoday.com Open in urlscan Pro
151.101.66.62  Public Scan

Form analysis
0 forms found in the DOM

Text Content

Best movies of 2023 🍿 How he writes From 'Beef' to 'The Bear' Our free games

U.S. Elections Sports Entertainment Life Money Tech Travel Opinion
ONLY AT USA TODAY:
Newsletters For Subscribers From the Archives Crossword eNewspaper
Magazines      
Investigations Podcasts Video Humankind Just Curious Best-selling Booklist
OUR PORTFOLIO:
10Best Reviewed Coupons Homefront Blueprint Best Auto Insurance
Best Pet Insurance Best Travel Insurance Best Credit Cards Best CD Rates Best
Personal Loans Home Internet




SALLY HOELSCHER
Crossword Puzzles
Add Topic


OFF THE GRID: SALLY BREAKS DOWN USA TODAY'S DAILY CROSSWORD, SMACK DAB IN THE
MIDDLE

Sally Hoelscher
USA TODAY


PlayPause
Sound OnSound Off

0:00
1:29
AD

SKIP
ClosedCaptionOpen ShareEnter Full ScreenExit Full Screen



There are spoilers ahead. You might want to solve today's puzzle before reading
further! Smack Dab in the Middle

Constructor: Beth Rubin

Editor: Jared Goudsmit




WHAT I LEARNED FROM TODAY’S PUZZLE

 * BEARD (5A: Chin curtain or goatee) "Chin curtain" was a new term to me. I
   have learned that it refers to a full BEARD grown over the jaw and chin, that
   meets the sideburns, but without a moustache (that is, the hair above the
   mouth is shaved). Other names for this type of BEARD are a Shenandoah, an
   Amish BEARD, a Lincoln, or a whaler. Fortunately, the clue gave two examples,
   and I was familiar with a goatee, a BEARD grown on one's chin that does not
   extend to the cheeks.
 * MILLA (18A: "Resident Evil" actress Jovovich) Resident Evil is a series of
   Japanese horror video games. The video game series has been adapted to
   movies, a TV series, comic books, and novels. To date, there have been seven
   Resident Evil movies (2002-2021). In the first six movies, MILLA Jovovich
   portrays Alice, a former security specialist and covert operative.
 * COSTA (46A: ___ Mesa, California) COSTA Mesa is a city in Orange County,
   California. COSTA Mesa is located about 40 miles southeast of Los Angeles.
 * ONE (60A: Crystal Langhorne's jersey number) Crystal Langhorne is a retired
   professional basketball player. She played for WNBA's Washington Mystics from
   2008-2013, and WNBA's Seattle Storm from 2014-2020. She is currently the
   Director of Community Engagement for Force4Change, Seattle Storm's social
   justice platform. I have said many times that "(almost) everything I know
   about sports I learned from crossword puzzles. As such, there are only a
   handful of players whose jersey number I could tell you. That's okay, I
   simply waited for help from crossing answers here to figure out whether the
   answer here was ONE, two, six, or ten.
 * CLAMS (51D: Mollusks in coctel de conchas) Coctel de conchas is a Salvadoran
   shellfish cocktail made with raw black shell CLAMS, tomatoes, onions,
   cilantro, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and salt.
 * VEAL (57D: Cachopo meat) In Asturian cuisine (associated with the Asturias
   region of Spain), cachopo is a dish that consists of ham and cheese
   sandwiched between two thin VEAL fillets. This "sandwich" of meat and cheese
   is then breaded and fried.




RANDOM THOUGHTS & INTERESTING THINGS

 * AVE (10A: Melrose, in L.A., e.g.) Melrose Avenue is located in Los Angeles,
   California. The abbreviation of L.A. in the clue lets us know the answer will
   be the abbreviation AVE. Paramount Pictures is located on Melrose AVE.
 * ARIAS (13A: Solos for Jessye Norman) Jessye Norman (1945-2019) was a Grammy
   Award-winning opera singer. Her many notable performances include singing at
   the second inauguration of Ronald Reagan, the second inauguration of Bill
   Clinton, and Queen Elizabeth II's 60th birthday celebration.
 * ORG (19A: yesmagazine.___) YES! is a magazine published by YES! Media, an
   independent, nonprofit, and nonpartisan publisher of "solutions journalism."
   The magazine "analyzes societal problems in terms of their root causes and
   explores opportunities for systemic, structural change," while spotlighting
   "the ideas and initiatives of people building a better world." I am a fan of
   clues for ORG that highlight a specific organization.
 * UTE (22A: Muache people, e.g.) The Muache were a band of the UTE that lived
   in the eastern part of the Rocky Mountains.
 * TUX (32A: Formal outfit ... or Linux's penguin mascot) Linux is a family of
   open-source operating systems. Their mascot is TUX, the penguin. I know of
   Linux, and have seen their mascot, TUX, but I appreciate that the clue is
   accessible to solvers who might not be familiar with Linux.
 * MOVIES (35A: "Twilight" and "Moonlight") Twilight is a 2008 MOVIE based on
   the 2005 novel of the same name by Stephenie Meyer. It is the first MOVIE in
   The Twilight Saga series. Moonlight is a 2016 MOVIE based on an unpublished
   semi-autobiographical play by Tarell Alvin McCraney titled In Moonlight Black
   Boys Look Blue. Moonlight won an Academy Award for Best Picture.
 * PANDA BEAR (37A: Black-and-white mammal) and BAMBOO (5D: 37-Across food) A
   PANDA BEAR can eat up to 40 pounds of BAMBOO a day. In fact, a PANDA BEAR's
   day is pretty much made up of eating BAMBOO and sleeping. One of the reasons
   PANDA BEARs eat so much BAMBOO is because although they are well-adapted to
   procure and eat BAMBOO, they are less well-adapted to digest it.
 * NEA (54A: Teachers' union) The National Education Association (NEA) was
   founded in 1857. It represents public school teachers and support personnel,
   college and university faculty and staff, and retired teachers, as well as
   college students preparing to be teachers. With just under 3 million members,
   the NEA is the largest labor union in the U.S.
 * ADELE (61A: "Rolling in the Deep" singer) "Rolling in the Deep" is a 2010
   song by ADELE. It is the lead single on her album, 21. The song won three
   Grammy Awards: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Short Form
   Music Video.
 * URANIUM (2D: Radioactive element) URANIUM is a naturally occurring
   radioactive element; it is present in very low concentrations in nearly all
   soil, rock, and water. First discovered in 1789, URANIUM was named after the
   planet Uranus. URANIUM is used in the generation of nuclear power.
 * SADE (4D: "Kiss of Life" singer) "Kiss of Life" is a 1993 song by SADE, from
   the album Love Deluxe.
 * DAD (34D: Maurice to Belle) This is a reference to the Disney movie Beauty
   and the Beast. Belle is a young woman who loves books. Her DAD is Maurice, an
   eccentric inventor.
 * IAN (36D: Janis ___ ("Mean Girls" character)) In the 2004 movie, Mean Girls,
   (written by Tina Fey based on a book by Rosalind Wiseman), Janis IAN is the
   former best friend of "mean girl" Regina George. Janis befriends the new
   girl, Cady, and hatches a plot to take down Regina. The Mean Girls character,
   Janis IAN, is named after singer, Janis IAN, whose song, "At Seventeen," is
   used in the movie.
 * LIONEL (45D: "All Night Long (All Night)" singer Richie) "All Night Long (All
   Night)" is a 1983 song by LIONEL Richie, from his album, Can't Slow Down.
   This puzzle has lots of earworm potential. What will I have stuck in my head
   today? Will it be "Rolling in the Deep," "Kiss of Life," "At Seventeen," or
   "All Night Long (All Night)?"
 * ADA (48D: Poet laureate Limon) ADA Limón is the current U.S. Poet Laureate.
   Her signature project as Poet Laureate is titled "You Are Here." One of the
   "You Are Here" initiatives involves the installation of poetry on picnic
   tables in seven national parks. These installations will be unveiled this
   fall.
 * OBVS (53D: Texter's "Of course!") OBVS is short for obviously. I had "obvi"
   here at first, but that was incorrect, OBVS!
 * RENO (59D: Nevada casino city) RENO, Nevada, located along the
   Nevada-California border, is known for its casino and tourism industry.
   RENO's nickname is "The Biggest Little City in the World."




CROSSWORD PUZZLE THEME SYNOPSIS

 * I NEED A BREAK (20A: "This job tires me out!")
 * PANDA BEAR (37A: Black-and-white mammal)
 * LIVED ABROAD (56A: Spent a year in another country, say)

The word DAB is IN THE MIDDLE of each theme answer: I NEED A BREAK, PANDA BEAR,
LIVED ABROAD.



Not only does each theme answer contain the word DAB hidden among its letters,
but the word DAB is SMACK DAB IN THE MIDDLE of each theme answer, with the same
number of letters on each side of it. This is a fun title and theme. Thank you,
Beth, for this enjoyable puzzle.


FOR MORE ON USA TODAY’S CROSSWORD PUZZLES

 * USA TODAY’s Daily Crossword Puzzles
 * Sudoku & Crossword Puzzle Answers







Webinar Wealth Academy Global

Revealed: Ultimate Framework For Winning InvestmentsJoin Our Free Webinar to
Learn MoreWebinar Wealth Academy Global|
AdAd
Click Here


Undo
Best Gadget Discounts

Invincible US Military Smartwatch Finally on Sale In Singapore. How Tough?Best
Gadget Discounts|
AdAd
Read More


Undo
Senior Cruise Deals

All-Inclusive Senior Cruises From Singapore 2024: Prices Might Surprise
YouSenior Cruise Deals|
AdAd
Learn More


Undo
Car Insurance Discounts

Seniors Can Pay Next to Nothing on Car Insurance (See How)Car Insurance
Discounts|
AdAd
Learn More


Undo
Superfood Reviews

Do This Everyday to Ease Eczema Flare-UpsScientifically proven relief: Drink
this daily to halt eczema flare-ups. Your skin's salvation is just a sip
away.Superfood Reviews|
AdAd
Shop Now


Undo
URUHIME MOMOKO

A woman in her 40s drank "Ceramide" and her skin became…Bulk buying rush at
Watsons! This tasty powder saved many aging facesURUHIME MOMOKO|
AdAd


Undo

PanzerQuest

If you own a mouse, you will never turn off your computer again.No Install. Play
for free.PanzerQuest|
AdAd
Play Now


Undo
Hair’s Rich

Doctors are amazed! This Amazing-gel tranforms hair lookHair’s Rich|
AdAd
Learn More


Undo

Body Design News

42-year-old man changed drastically in a few months! THIS at Watsons too
effective42-year-old man changed drastically in a few months! THIS at Watsons
too effectiveBody Design News|
AdAd
Learn More


Undo
FedEx

E-commerce Roadblocks? Unlock Success with This GuideFedEx|
AdAd
Learn More


Undo


Deal of the Day
Reviewed Deal of the Day

Sign Up For A Costco Membership And Get A Free $40 Costco Gift CardREVIEWED
View Deal
Recommendations are independently chosen by our editors. Purchases you make
through our links may earn us a commission.


Undo


Recommended

Average net worth by age: See how you compareBlueprint


Undo



Featured Weekly Ad

More Stories


Disney reveals 'final straw' in firing 'Mandalorian' actor Gina
Caranoentertainment


Undo

J.K. Rowling won't forgive 'Harry Potter' actors for supporting transgender
peopleentertainment


Undo
Car Insurance Discounts

Seniors: Say Goodbye to High Car Insurance Premiums & Save TodayCar Insurance
Discounts|
AdAd
Learn More


Undo







About Us Newsroom Staff Ethical Principles Responsible Disclosure Request a
Correction Press Releases Accessibility Sitemap Subscription Terms & Conditions
Terms of Service Privacy Policy Your Privacy Choices
Contact Us Help Center Manage Account Give Feedback Get Home Delivery eNewspaper
USA TODAY Shop USA TODAY Print Editions Licensing & Reprints Advertise With Us
Careers Internships Support Local Business
News Tips Submitting letters to the editor Podcasts Newsletters Mobile Apps
Facebook X Instagram LinkedIn Threads Post YouTube Reddit Flipboard
10Best Reviewed Best-selling Booklist Jobs Sports Betting Sports Weekly Studio
Gannett Classifieds Amazon Coupons Target Coupons Walmart Coupons Homefront Home
Internet Blueprint Auto Insurance Pet Insurance Travel Insurance Credit Cards
Banking Personal Loans LLC Formation Payroll Software
© 2024 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC.

Best movies of 2023 🍿 How he writes From 'Beef' to 'The Bear' Our free games

U.S. Elections Sports Entertainment Life Money Tech Travel Opinion
ONLY AT USA TODAY:
Newsletters For Subscribers From the Archives Crossword eNewspaper
Magazines      
Investigations Podcasts Video Humankind Just Curious Best-selling Booklist
OUR PORTFOLIO:
10Best Reviewed Coupons Homefront Blueprint Best Auto Insurance
Best Pet Insurance Best Travel Insurance Best Credit Cards Best CD Rates Best
Personal Loans Home Internet

Keep on reading


Viral conjoined twins say the internet's obsession has gone too farConjoined
twins Brittany and Abigail Hensel have addressed the internet's recent
fascination with their personal lives, saying it has crossed a line.USA TODAY


Undo

Webinar Wealth Academy Global

Revealed: Ultimate Framework For Winning InvestmentsJoin Our Free Webinar to
Learn MoreWebinar Wealth Academy Global|
SponsoredSponsored
Click Here


Undo
Best Gadget Discounts

Invincible US Military Smartwatch Finally on Sale In Singapore. How Tough?Best
Gadget Discounts|
SponsoredSponsored
Read More


Undo


World’s oldest conjoined twins, Lori and George Schappell, die at 62The world's
oldest conjoined twins, Lori and George Schappell, have died in Pennsylvania at
age 62, Guinness World Records has announced.USA TODAY


Undo

NBA Twitter reacts to Klay Thompson going scoreless in play-in tournament vs.
KingsWith Steph Curry being the only member of the Golden State Warriors to
register over 20 points in their blowout season-endiUSA TODAY


Undo

World's oldest conjoined twins dead at 62Lori and George Schappell, the world's
oldest conjoined twins, have died at age 62, as confirmed by Guinness World
Records.USA TODAY


Undo


K-Pop singer Park Boram dies at 30, reports sayPark Boram, who reportedly died
Thursday at age 30, was a popular K-Pop singer in South Korea who rose to fame
on a reality TV singing competition.USA TODAY


Undo

Cole Brings Plenty, '1923' actor, found dead at 27Cole Brings Plenty, an actor
in Taylor Sheridan's 'Yellowstone' spinoff '1923,' was found dead at 27 after he
was originally reported missing.USA TODAY


Undo

Senior Cruise Deals

All-Inclusive Senior Cruises From Singapore 2024: Prices Might Surprise
YouSenior Cruise Deals|
SponsoredSponsored
Learn More


Undo
Car Insurance Discounts

Seniors Can Pay Next to Nothing on Car Insurance (See How)Car Insurance
Discounts|
SponsoredSponsored
Learn More


Undo


Disney reveals 'final straw' in firing 'Mandalorian' actor Gina CaranoDisney
filed a motion to dismiss Gina Carano's wrongful termination lawsuit over her
2021 firing from "The Mandalorian" amid controversial posts.USA TODAY


Undo

O.J. Simpson's Longtime Friend Thinks He Will Admit to Double Murder and Tell
Public 'I'm Sorry, Everybody, But I Did It'Ron Shipp, a longtime friend of O.J.
Simpson, tells PEOPLE he believes Simpson will eventually confess to murdering
ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald GoldmanUSA TODAY


Undo