Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Check Back
Constructor: Beth Rubin
Editor: Amanda Rafkin
HAITI (35A: Author Edwidge Danticat's birthplace) Edwidge Danticat's first book, Breath, Eyes, Memory (1994), was an Oprah's Book Club selection. Edwidge Danticat was born in Port-au-Prince, HAITI and moved to New York City as a young girl. Breath, Eyes, Memory began as an essay about her childhood in HAITI and expanded into a novel dealing with racial, linguistic, and gender identity. Edwidge Danticat's most recent book, We're Alone, was published in September of last year.
TANGO (61A: Alejandra Mantinan and Aoniken Quiroga's dance) You can find multiple videos online of Alejandra Mantinan and Aoniken Quiroga dancing the TANGO. Here's a link to one to get you started.
CROC (1A: Gator's cousin) When I see a mention of CROCs and gators together, I am reminded of helpful articles I've read that point out the differences between them. One of the differences is that a CROC typically has a stronger bite than a gator. Um ... I prefer not to be bitten by either one, to be honest.
ELLA (14A: Jazz legend Fitzgerald) and ETTA (65A: "At Last" singer James) As a result of their crossword-friendly four-letter names, we see references to ELLA Fitzgerald and ETTA James in the crossword on a regular basis. It was fun to see them appear together today.
HALLE (15A: Oscar winner Berry) In 2001, HALLE Berry won an Oscar (Academy Award) for Best Actress for Monster's Ball.
ALS (48A: Pulitzer Prize winner Hilton) Hilton ALS is a writer and theater critic. He won a Pulitzer Prize for Criticism in 2017, "For bold and original reviews that strove to put stage dramas within a real-world cultural context, particularly the shifting landscape of gender, sexuality and race."
MESA (51A: Costa ___, California) Costa MESA, which is Spanish for "coastal tableland," is located in Orange County in southern California.
EASEL (55A: Means of support for an artist) This is a fun clue, because when I read "means of support," my first thought was financial support. Instead, the support here is an EASEL, a stand that provides physical support for an artist's work.
PETE (67A: Folk singer Seeger) We saw PETE Seeger in the puzzle just six days ago.
PLOT (6D: One might have a twist) This reminded me of last Wednesday's puzzle, which was titled "PLOT Twist."
PLANTAIN (10D: Fruit in kelewele) Kelewele is a Ghanian dish also known as Spicy Fried PLANTAINs.
HAL (15D: Actor Holbrook) In 1954, HAL Holbrook (1925-2021) developed a one-man stage show called Mark Twain Tonight! He portrayed Mark Twain for more than 60 years, winning a Tony Award in 1966 for Best Actor in a Play.
CHAI TEA (31D: Beverage often flavored with cardamom) Yesterday we saw the separate answers CHAI and TEA in the puzzle, and today they have joined forces. Some people are bothered by the expression CHAI TEA, because since CHAI is a Hindi word for TEA, the phrase basically means TEA TEA. However, I recently read a book in which one of the characters opened a TEA shop, and about this very thing, he said, "As long as people are drinking TEA, it doesn't bother me what they choose to call it." I like that approach.
PAM (40D: "Jackie Brown" actress Grier) Jackie Brown is a 1997 crime movie directed by Quentin Tarantino. The movie is based on Elmore Leonard's 1992 book, Rum Punch. PAM Grier stars as the title character, a flight attendant who smuggles money between the United States and Mexico.
YOU (45D: "___ become strong by doing the things ___ need to be strong for") "YOU become strong by doing the things YOU need to be strong for," is an Audre Lorde quote from her book, Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches. This is a lovely way to clue the word YOU.
TAP (61D: Dance like the Nicholas Brothers) Fayard (1914-2006) and Harold (1921-2000) had a dancing style sometimes called acrobatic dancing, which combined elements of TAP, ballet, and acrobatics. The brothers taught master classes in TAP dance at Harvard and Radcliffe Universities. Do yourself a favor and spend three minutes of your day enjoying the Nicholas Brothers performance in the 1943 movie, Stormy Weather.
FILL IN THE BLANK (19A: Test format)
RIGHT AS RAIN (37A: Perfectly fit and well)
VIRTUAL REALITY (57A: Simulated 3D experience used in some video games)
CHECK BACK: The BACK (last) word of each theme answer can be paired with the word CHECK to form a new phrase: BLANK CHECK, RAIN CHECK, and REALITY CHECK.
The theme of this puzzle made me think that perhaps I'll take a RAIN CHECK on doing a REALITY CHECK. However, I won't be writing a BLANK CHECK! It's an interesting theme with a nice set of theme answers. Thank you, Beth, for this enjoyable puzzle.
USA TODAY's Daily Crossword Puzzles
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Crossword Blog & Answers for March 26, 2025 by Sally Hoelscher
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Buzz Feed
2 hours ago
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13 Shows And Movies That Were Actually Filmed In Canada
It's basically a Canadian rite of passage to watch a movie or TV show and suddenly think, "Wait, is that Toronto?" Spoiler alert: it probably is. As it turns out, a ton of blockbusters SET in the U.S were actually filmed in Canada. Once you start noticing it, you can't stop.🍁🍁 So much so that I've made it my personal mission to visit as many of these iconic filming locations as possible. How have I still not been to the actual Camp Rock grounds in Muskoka? Anyway, here are some of the most surprising TV shows and movies that secretly (or not so secretly) made in Canada: Despite being set in a mysterious American town, most of Riverdale was filmed in Vancouver! Cheryl Blossom's family mansion? That's actually the Cecil Green Park House. Even after literally being named after an American city, the Oscar-winning musical Chicago was filmed almost entirely in Toronto! Next time you watch, be sure to look out for Casa Loma, the Distillery District, and the Danforth Music Hall as jazz hotspots. Team Jacob or Edward, it doesn't matter — what matters is that The Twilight Saga: Eclipse was filmed in British Columbia and no one bothered to tell me! This flick was filmed all around Vancouver, including David Thompson Secondary School for several high school scenes, and Belcarra Regional Park for outdoor scenes. This indie dramedy — basically the Friends for Gen Z — is set in New York, but was actually filmed all over Toronto. Yeah that's right, Adults is pure Toronto at heart, and Canadian star Jack Innanen had been loud and proud about his roots. See if you can check out the super blurry "Green Parking" sign in the background — It's there, I promise. Guillermo del Toro's classic sea creature romance may take place in a Cold War-era Baltimore, but was filmed across Toronto and Hamilton. The Shape of Water used key spots like the University of Toronto's Scarborough campus, Massey Hall, and the Elgin Theatre. Yes, its true — Mean Girls was mostly shot in Ontario, Canada. Although its set in Illinois, Sherway Gardens hosted the iconic mall scenes, while school scenes were filmed at the University of Toronto and Etobicoke Collegiate. This retro Baltimore story was actually shot along Dundas West and Roncesvalles Avenue! The main strip from Hairspray was tranformed into a 1960s street, and if you visit today, some of the storefronts still even look the same! Although it's set in the totalitarian city of Gilead in America, The Handmaid's Tale was mostly filmed in Toronto, Ontario! Some specific locations include: City Hall, Harbourfront Centre, and Royal York Hotel! This quirky indie gem known as Juno is originally set in Minnesota, but is actually pure Vancouver! Canadian director Jason Reitman vouched on shooting in Vancouver, and was it ever a great decision. From the cozy suburban vibes to a main Canadian cast including Elliot Page and Michael Cera — this film may be one of the most secretly Canadian flicks out there. The Umbrella Academy family may live in a fictional American city, butttt it's actually if you can spot locations like Victoria Hall, Allan Gardens, and Queen Street East on your next watch! Marvel's The Incredible Hulk starring Edward Norton (nope, not Mark Ruffalo), was filmed all around Toronto. From King's College to Cherry Street bridge, the Toronto streets made many cameos as the backdrop for chaos — with even Yonge Street and it's iconic Zanzibar flashing in the final battle scene. While Overcompensating is set at the fictional American Yates University, as it turns out — it's actually the University of Toronto! The St. George campus pulls double duty as a perfectly gritty, all-American backdrop. Despite My Big Fat Greek Wedding's Chicago setting, this rom-com classic is so Toronto. The beloved flick has a longgg list of filming locations, starting from Toronto Metropolitan University's Rogers Communication Centre to Harbourfront Centre, and not so surprisingly, Danforth's Greektown neighbourhood. The Last of Us set in post-apocalyptic United States? Nope, try again — Alberta! Season 1 of the series was actually filmed entirely in Alberta's Calgary, Edmonton, and surrounding towns! The Alberta Legislature Building and the Fourth Avenue Flyover were just two of many locations that had very drastic makeovers This one's a spicy surprise – check out Fifty Shades of Grey in all its Vancouver glory! The chic cafe "Rainer Provisions" was actually filmed in the historic Gastown. And the dramatic helicopter pickup scene? Yeah, you definitely didn't guess it — it was filmed on the helipad of Global BC studios in Burnaby! Which secretly Canadian film or TV show shocked you the most? And if you have even more examples, let us know in the comments! 🇨🇦🇨🇦 Plus if you're wondering what other TV shows and movies were filmed in Canada, check out our TikTok and Instagram socials!
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
‘I felt my organs shut down': Stars of ‘KPop Demon Hunters' on getting love from BTS, contending for Oscars, and becoming a cultural sensation
KPop Demon Hunters is officially historic. The animated Netflix hit, which has been breaking records for the streaming service since its June 20 release, just notched a No. 1 entry on the Billboard Hot 100 for one of its several trending songs, "Golden." It marks the first time a K-pop girl group (albeit a fictional one, in this case) has topped the chart. The film itself, meanwhile, has become Netflix's biggest animated original feature ever and the second most-streamed English original movie of all time. A sing-along theatrical release is set for Aug. 23-24. KPop Demon Hunters' monumental success shows no signs of stopping, much to the delight and shock of the film's stars. More from Gold Derby 'We're in the club forever': First-time Emmy nominees celebrate their moment in the spotlight 'Landman' Season 2: Everything to know about Billy Bob Thornton series as teaser trailer, return date revealed Arden Cho, May Hong, and Ji-young Yoo, who provide the speaking voices for the demon-hunting girl group Huntr/x, are still wrapping their heads around suddenly being part of a cultural juggernaut. On a busy press day, the actresses sat down with Gold Derby to talk about being noticed by BTS, awards possibilities, and what it's like to suddenly have fans of every age group. Gold Derby: Congratulations. This movie has been such a massive success and has managed to shock the industry, and now it's even an Oscar contender. What would it mean to the three of you to see get that kind of awards recognition? Arden Cho (voice of Rumi): I mean, it would be such an honor. We feel so lucky just to be here and to be receiving all this love. It's amazing to be part of a movie that makes everybody feel good. May Hong (voice of Mira): I only found out a couple of weeks ago that that was a possibility, and I don't really think I can wrap my mind around what that means. A.C.: It's still registering! Ji-Young Yoo (voice of Zoey): I think we long passed the point where I was able to understand any of what's been happening, so I think the fact that we went from making a movie that I think we all really loved and cared about to it developing into this phenomenon worldwide, to what is quickly becoming an Oscar and awards run. … I'm just along for the ride and I'll process it all after. So many K-pop idols have shown love to the movie and chimed in about the accuracies to their real life, and groups covered the songs at KCON this past weekend. What's been your reaction to BTS, Seventeen, and some of the biggest music acts in the world right now embracing this film? A.C.: That stamp of approval! We're like [pumps fist]. Yes, we did it! M.H.: When I see that they all have millions and millions of followers, I also can't wrap my mind around that they're so into what we have done. Obviously we didn't sing or dance personally, but still. Even with Lee Byung-hun [Squid Game's big bad Front Man who voices Gwi-ma, the king of demons], it's like, so that person knows I exist? A.C.: I think we're just so thankful because all of these idols and artists who are loving the movie have really helped us get here, right? I mean, it is thanks to the fans and the viewers and, in a sense, our colleagues, people in the industry. Again, all of us cared about this so much, but especially our writers and directors and producers really worked hard to make this such an accurate and beautiful depiction of Korean culture and music and fashion and all of it. … I'm so grateful. J.Y.: I think it's something that was a concern amongst all of us when we were making the film. We wanted to make sure we got Korea right, that we got the culture right. All of us were like, 'Will they approve? Will they accept it?' So to see them not just accept it but embrace it, and support it, and give us so much love, is just the biggest sigh of relief. The warmth that spread through our bodies when all of this started happening was really just wonderful, and as an ARMY [short for "Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth," BTS' fandom name] for 10 years, going on 11 now, there's no words. I felt my organs shut down [when BTS mentioned the film]. A.C.: All of our phones were blowing up. Everyone was like, 'Did you see it?' JY.: Everyone kept asking me what I thought and there's no thoughts. I thought I might faint. Did you have a moment while recording your lines where you realized the incredible potential this film had to be huge? A.C.: I think for me, it was when I saw the animations really develop and saw the moment where the Saja Boys are introduced, and the girls are being girls and they're like, "Ugh, they're not even good." That whole scene was one of my first times seeing the girls and their reactions, and I was like, "Why are they so stinking cute?" And then the boys. … Like, the popcorn eyes? We were all feeling it in the room and Maggie [Kang, codirector] was like, "We're working so hard to make them so hot." We were seeing these little moments, and of course Maggie and Chris [Appelhans, codirector] saw the vision the whole way, and I'm so thankful that they had this world in their minds to create this. But I think for me, as the sessions went on, I was so, so excited and by the time I watched the screener I was running around like, "Guys, this is going to be incredible. This is going to be so big." We get to show the world Korea and our culture and our food, our music, our fashion, and we're so proud of it. I also love the Konglish [a colloquial mix of Korean and English] that we get to sneak into the movie and not really explain. J.Y.: I think all of us knew that we made something great, and we were all really proud of it and knew it would find an audience, but there's a difference between finding your audience and a success, and what's happening right now. I just don't think anyone was thinking, "Oh yeah, we're going to become the No. 1 most watched animated film on Netflix of all time." We're No. 4 for English language right now and we're still climbing. None of these are things that I think anyone, even the most industry veteran expert, could have foreseen. It's just very special. M.H.: I think my nearest and dearest called it first. I think my most loved ones, when they got to see it early, said, "This is going to be it." I was like, "I mean, I think it's amazing, so I hope so…" J.Y.: My litmus test is my dad. My dad tends to have a very honest take, so he'll always tell me if he thought a project I was in was boring. He'll say, "Oh, I kind of fell asleep in this part." He has rewatched this film almost daily, and he's a 55-year-old lawyer. He was not the target audience for this, so I think the fact that he was connecting to it so much and was so enthusiastic about it made me be like, "Oh, this has a crossover appeal. If we can get it right, it'll spread." And it has. AC: It's the emotional rollercoaster the movie takes you on. I don't think so many people expected to cry or feel all the feels. It's healing. That brings me to my next question, because in the movie there's an important quote: 'Our faults and fears must never be seen.' In the film's context it's technically about being hunters and idols, but obviously so many women and girls can relate to feeling that way. Have you received messages from fans of the film about what Rumi going against that sentiment in particular meant to them? AC: For me, that message hit so close to home, and I think as a woman in the industry, and as an Asian American and a Korean American, I feel like there's so many layers to that. Culturally we've talked about this a lot where I feel like the Asian culture is a lot about not talking about the things that might be embarrassing or shameful, or your struggles. We only want to show the good moments, the pretty moments, and I think there's this expectation to be so perfect. At least on myself growing up, I felt like, as an immigrant family, you're here, so you've got to be the best, be perfect, be great, and be better because of this opportunity, but that's a lot of pressure. Then again, as women, why can't we be goofy and make ugly faces and make funny sounds and not always be attractive? … I think it's been so healing seeing people really let down their guards and saying, "This is who I am." ... I feel like as actors we have an even greater pressure, and I'm sure as idols that pressure is something we can't even imagine. I think that's why we felt this responsibility because as K-pop lovers, and people who respect this industry too, we know that K-pop is a whole other thing. That world is a high bar. J.Y.: Sunlight is the best disinfectant. Beautiful! J.Y.: That's not mine. I took that from someone. [laughs] Your characters go through a wide range of emotions and I imagine that's not always easy to express through the voice. Were there any scenes that were particularly challenging to record? A.C.: It was so much fun, but the beginning was a little bit awkward because we're actors, and we're so used to playing together. … Oddly enough, the easiest thing was all the emotional stuff for Rumi because I feel like everything she was saying, whether it was to Celine or when she felt like Jinu betrayed her, I felt like all those moments. … It was almost weird where it felt like if you'd been with an actor, it would've almost been too vulnerable, but in a weird way I was like, "Oh, this is my first time doing this to no one," and it felt oddly healing and nice for me. M.H.: That's so interesting. I think that there definitely is an emotional intimacy that you're able to access when you're alone and without the influence of somebody playing with you. It's almost like being in your diary as you're reading lines, like you're referring back to something that really is personal to you rather than being there and playing a scene. A.C.: Yeah, and now I'm thinking about how in some of those big scenes Maggie and Chris would look away and give me privacy. I would come back and I was crying and I was like, 'Oh, thanks, guys.' It was also cool to see their response because they were like, 'I'm in this very intimate moment with you.' And then you see the world and the art. M.H.: But I didn't feel watched! A.C.: Yeah, that's great directing. They provided us a safe space to create together. Aw, that makes me sad. I want to go back! M.H.: Yeah, take us back! A.C.: C'mon, sequel! What's the experience of being part of this cultural juggernaut of a film taught you about yourself? A.C.: I think there's a lot of confirmation. I think that so much of my life I tried to be what people wanted me to be. I tried so hard to be this perfect version and obviously we're all so imperfect, so I think I was so unhappy for so much of my younger years fighting myself in a sense. I feel like in my 30s, I was just like, "I'm going to do my best to love who I am, my flaws and everything, and to just be," and I feel like this movie is that message. To know that that's what resonates with people, and that's what makes people connect… Then on top of that, I've been on this journey of seeking projects that make me really happy and proud to tell a story, whether it be something that has a touch of Korean culture or a little Asian American identity without being so in your face about a specific message. ... It just shows that we shouldn't be scared to tell stories that haven't been told before. I really hope this movie is just the beginning of so many more incredible stories for people like us. J.Y.: I think artistically I've long held an opinion that has been certainly confirmed by this movie. During the campaign for Parasite, and I'm sorry because I'm definitely going to butcher this quote, director Bong [Joon Ho] had a really great quote where he said, "If you can get over the barrier of one-inch subtitles there's a whole world of international cinema waiting for you." I've always felt that good art comes from anywhere, and art that is specific and nuanced and complex is universal regardless of where you come from. I think this movie is absolute proof of that. I think lots of people maybe have preconceived perceptions of what KPop Demon Hunters is, and ultimately it is a great piece of art, and it's really wonderful to see that opinion get confirmed on such a global scale. I'm very excited to see more artists stay true to who they are and make some great films. On a sillier note, which Western celebrities do you think would make good demon hunters? All: Ooh! This is hard! J.Y.: The clips of Destiny's Child reuniting, I mean … demon hunters right there! The lockstep? Yeah. Yes. This is not for the demon hunters, but I feel like Pedro Pascal would be an excellent Bobby. He's such a champion to everyone who knows him, and he's the nicest. I think he has a Bobby heart. A.C.: I thought of Olivia Rodrigo, and I don't know why, but I just thought of Anne Hathaway. J.Y.: She's a singer! She could totally do it. Meryl Streep could do it. She could do anything. A.C.: Lady Gaga! J.Y.: Oh my god, singing "Abracadabra" to seal the Honmoon. A.C.: Kelly Clarkson, I feel like, is always sealing the Honmoon. M.H.: I feel like I'm not thinking of really classic female characters, but Parker Posey? [laughs] Which is totally not what we're talking about, but I would enjoy seeing what that interpretation would be. J.Y.: Along the lines of The White Lotus, Jennifer Coolidge! I'm so with you on this. A.C.: Buffy the Vampire Slayer! Sabrina the Teenage Witch! I'm totally aging myself, but all of that good stuff. Lastly, has anyone come up to you and said they were a fan of the film where you were like, "What do you mean? You know who I am?" Who surprised you? A.C.: This has been happening a lot! I've been traveling a ton and I'm having 6-year-old kids running up to me and grabbing my hand and being like, "You're Rumi! You're the speaking voice of Rumi!" I'm like, "Wait, you're a 6-year-old boy. How do you know me?" And they're like, "I did my research." The mom is like, "Oh yeah, the boys have seen the movie like 17 times. They know everything. They Google you guys. They know your face." I'm like, "What? This is incredible." I feel like I'm really impressed by ages 5 to 7 or 8. So far, I feel like that's my most popular age right now. I've been invited to many 7th and 8th birthday parties. Unfortunately I've been too busy to go, but I feel like we really need to start making some appearances. I feel like the really young fans understand the story. Every once in a while I'm like, "What did you like about the movie?" and I love that one of the best responses I got was from a 7-year-old boy. He was like, "I loved the ending scene where they all come together and they learn that you have to be together. You can do it with each other." I'm like, "Yes, that is exactly what this movie is about." And then, you know, he's with his brother and they're dancing to "Golden" at the same time. … Also, all the 60-plus men and women that are just rocking out to the soundtrack. M.H: I like the converts the most. The dads who are like, "I don't even like K-pop or anything but I watched it six times." There's no target audience. A.C.: The target audience has been human. If you're human and you have a heart and any feeling, you are the target audience. KPop Demon Hunters is streaming now on Netflix. Catch a sing-along version of the film in theaters Aug. 23-24. Best of Gold Derby Everything to know about 'The Batman 2': Returning cast, script finalized Tom Cruise movies: 17 greatest films ranked worst to best 'It was wonderful to be on that ride': Christian Slater talks his beloved roles, from cult classics ('Heathers,' 'True Romance') to TV hits ('Mr. Robot,' 'Dexter: Original Sin') Click here to read the full article. Solve the daily Crossword
Axios
3 hours ago
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From Pulitzer winners to pink slips: Chicago media makes big moves this summer
Chicago Public Media's search for a new leader to run the WBEZ/Sun-Times newsroom is over: Pulitzer Prize-winning Kimbriell Kelly returns to Chicago to take the job. Kelly, who once wrote for the Chicago Reporter and produced radio programming for WBEZ, has national experience as a bureau chief for the Los Angeles Times and a reporter at the Washington Post. What they're saying:"Kimbriell has the deep Chicago roots, journalistic excellence, and forward-looking vision to help shape the future of our integrated newsroom," CPM CEO Melissa Bell said in a statement. Zoom in: Kelly returns to Chicago as the public media organization faces turmoil. The company recently offered buyouts to select staff and laid off others to make ends meet. That was before Congress voted to rescind federal funding, which resulted in a loss of $3 million annually, 6% of the organization's yearly budget. Kelly succeeds Jennifer Kho, who the company says will move to a special project dealing with the future of public media. In other local news: 🍽️ Eater Chicago was impacted by its parent company Vox Media's latest round of layoffs. Longtime award-winning editor and journalist Ashok Selvam was let go. It's unclear who replaces him, but the site is still up with feature stories from other writers. 🏀 Earlier this year, sports fans were shocked by the surprise firing of longtime host Dan Bernstein by 670 "The Score." Bernstein had a run-in with another social media user on X. 📺 WGN-TV is bringing in a new news director. Akemi Harrison will oversee all newsgathering on the WGN TV platforms. She previously was the news director at NBC Chicago. On the WGN Radio side, hosts Bob Sirott and John Landecker will host a three-hour show Friday night reflecting on their careers, most notably their time together at WLS in the 1970s. They are calling it "For Radio Geeks Only." It airs 7-10pm. 📈 Finally, the July radio ratings just came out, and for the first time in recent memory, no station scored more than 5% of the market share.
