Mini 20 seemed to go well, so trying another go with the same grid structure (eight 7-letter entries). Feedback appreciated! Photo by Kameron Kincade on Unsplash.
I started with math on my mind and 7A and 13A in particular, but then things took a turn and led to a different mini-theme (and thus to the cover photo).
Yes, crossword was good... but I blew my chances at actually successfully solving a double black diamond puzzle by not paying attention to 14A (simply because I filled in 3D too early and forgot to check it again not knowing it was wrong).
Chicago expressway named after DuSable in 2021 (abbr.)
7A
Adjective for a group whose operation is commutative (or, punchline of the classic abstract algebra joke: "What do you call a grape that commutes? An _______ grape.")
9A
Aruba, Cuba, Uba, Hawaii… and 8D
10A
German article for masculine nouns
11A
Very active shield volcano in Hawaii
13A
Conic section often used for whispering galleries
14A
National Solar Observatory (abbr.)… don't overthink it
15A
Persistent computer storage without moving parts
Verticali
1D
Purported WonderWater®
2D
Goes down a near-vertical face using a rope, in the UK
3D
Author Don of White Noise, Underworld, and Mao II
4D
Haircuts where the outline of the forehead is shaved
5D
"Inside Out" character voiced by Phyllis Smith
6D
The "phonebook of the Internet" (abbr.)
8D
Hawaiian veranda
11D
Character portrayed by Ryan, Simu, Ncuti, or Kingsley