Jean & Mike Do The New York Times Crossword

This was a fine Saturday crossword - tough but fair, as Saturday crosswords were meant to be. Our favorite clue had to be 29A, Some dragonflies, DARNERS (really: apparently people used to believe that dragonflies could sew your lips shut!). We were entranced with 38A, Mediterranean plant named for its brightly colored flowers, SUNROSE. And finally we just loved discovering  27A, George ______________, voted "Coach of the Century" by the International Swimming Hall of Fame, HAINES. 

For Saturday, we have of course bestowed our JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award), so to discover who won an...

This was a Friday crossword, and even a casual glance through the clues and grid makes it clear that co-constructors Willa Angel Chen Miller and Erik Agard are dialing up the difficulty. Clues like 33D, This too shall pass, PHASE; 26D, What one might subscribe to, ISM, and 30D, Seeking comment, READYORNOT (brilliant!) make it perfectly clear that this is not a Monday crossword, far from it. [Four days from it, to be precise 😀]

Show note imagery: DRU Hill, an R&B group

18 Interesting Facts about Back to the Future

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It seems appropriate that MENSA was in the grid (well, 4/5 of it, anyway - see the podcast for deets), because this crossword was genius. It had a stunning theme, which made the puzzle much tougher than one might expect for a Thursday. In short, think of this less as a "walk in the park" and more of a "sprint through Disneyworld". 

Show note imagery: Alain-René Lesage, simultaneously sitting for a portrait and (probably) plotting out his next novel.

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We have it on good authority that yesterday was Wordle Day - ironic, because one of the answers in today's puzzle also solved today's wordle! That cannot possibly be a coincidence, in our humble opinion, because the odds are too low and Will Shortz is too smart. The rest of the crossword was a delight, as constructor Tom McCoy apparently does not know how to write any other kind. Deets inside, so have a listen, and, as always, we welcome your feedback.

Show note imagery: Pittsburg, PA, meet Pittsburgh, PA

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This was a terrific Tuesday crossword by Enrique Henestroza Anguiano, featuring -- of course -- a terrific theme and a strong supporting cast of "other clues". As an example of the latter, we have 60A, Ocean, poetically, MAIN; 70A, They need a push to get started, PEDALS; and the indisputable 1D, Crossword construction, e.g., CRAFT.

Wrapping it up, we have a great Triplet Tuesday™ segment, in which Mike demonstrates that stalling, too, is a CRAFT 😀.

Show note imagery: GIL SCOTT HERON, author of "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised"

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We try and be as impartial as possible while discussing the crossword, but when our favorite vehicle -- the DeLorean, of course -- appears in the grid, we find it very difficult to stay neutral, so, we won't! Instead we will sing the praises of Eric Rolling's third NYTimes publication. Well, done, Eric!

Show note imagery: TAMARA de Lempicka and friend (Salvador Dali, to be precise), undoubtedly pegging the "Great Artist Meter".

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Today's crossword must've surely been challenging to construct, but the end result is brilliant, thanks to constructor Brandon Koppy (under the keen supervision, no doubt, of editor Will Shortz). This puzzle was also very well timed, for reasons that will become clear as soon as you start listening (or have figured out the episode title, whichever comes fourth, er, first).

Show note imagery: One AFGHANI (worth approximately US$ 0.014, C$ 0.019, and € 0.012)

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This was a very nice Saturday crossword by Michael Lieberman, his 29th for the NYTimes. It had a boatload of fine Saturday-level clues, perfectly positioned as far as difficulty is concerned: enough to make you sweat, but (if you've been solving these puzzles for a while) not enough to crush your spirit, either. There were no major Naticks* (except for the junction of 9D, Japanese energy-healing technique, REIKI, and 20A, Spicy alternative to a Frito, TAKI).

We also have identified our latest JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award) winner, and so to find out...

Robyn Weintraub is well known for writing awesomely good clues, and that talent is definitely on display today: it is not for nothing that she is known (eh, at least to us), as the Queen of the Friday crossword. We have proof inside, so do have a listen.

Besides the crossword, it's Friday, and we have a fabulous Fun Fact Friday segment for your edification and enjoyment.

Show note imagery: A Sunfish, ready to rumble

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If the theme of today's crossword leaves your head spinning, there is a perfectly natural and non-medically-related explanation. We'd like to tell you what that is here, but true to our motto of "as few spoilers as possible, whenever we remember", we will defer that discussion for the moment. Instead, we will celebrate a few other clues of note, such as 56D, Source of Andrew Carnegie's wealth, STEEL; 38D, Language that gave us "Saskatchewan", CREE; and a clue guaranteed to make you go "awww", 8D, Some comforters for toddlers, BLANKIES.

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This was a crisply clued Wednesday crossword, with lots of novel takes and perplexing posers in the puzzle. Right away we have, at 1D, Blade sheathed in a saya, KATANA. We have a debut at 30A, Alternative to a blur or pixelation, CENSORBAR. And even 52D, "Hey, I've got a secret to tell you", PSST, felt fresh. A very nice bit of work by Adam Vincent, we eagerly await his next oeuvre.

Show note imagery: A Sheltie, aka a Shetland Sheep Dog

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Today's crossword was a debut for Gene Louise De Vera, so a few lusty "huzzahs" would not be out of place. The grid had some interesting features: we liked the  the juxtaposition of 39D, Children's author Asquith, ROS, and 40D, "Hel-l-lp!",  SOS. We were pleased to see the presence of 19A, "The Gift of the Magi" writer, OHENRY, and had hoped to also see OHHENRY, the chocolate bar, but we'll settle for a small glass of 48D, Dessert drink made with frozen grapes, ICEWINE.

All in all, a fine crossword, and we give it a 5 squares on th...

This was a gentle Monday crossword. Jean moved through it almost as fast as a MAKO (up to 46 mph, according to 29D). Mike took a tad longer, but was still able to MAKO good time 🙄. We have all the deets inside, so have a listen, and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss another episode.

Show note imagery: A few bars from EINE Kleine Nachtmusik, by Mozart

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In crossword circles, a debut answer is one that has never appeared in the grid before -- and they tend to bet quite interesting. Today, for instance, we had 33A, Food-centric broadcasts originating in South Korea, MUKBANGS (sounds intriguing); 65D, Periods of abstinence from TV, news, social platforms, etc., MEDIAFASTS (sounds like a focused Dandelion Break); and 111A, Some large structures for pet owners, CATCONDOS. All great answers,  cleverly clued, and part of an even greater crossword: we give it 5 squares on the JAMCR scale.

Show note imagery: The PENTAX 17, a film camera!!

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Today's crossword was a "relatively" straightforward Saturday crossword.  Saturdays are always tough, and this was by no means a walk in the park, but neither was it a rope-free climb of El Capitan. There were a few surprising clues in the grid -- most notably 27A, "That's so relatable," in modern slang, MOOD -- a very modern clue for an ancient answer, which made its first appearance on New Year's Eve, 1944. And right next to that we had the very witty 29A, Aquarius is one, perhaps surprisingly, AIRSIGN (nice!). And one that was a novelty (to Mike, at any r...

This was a nice Friday crossword by Adrian Johnson, a bit of a palette cleanser after yesterday's definitely crunchier-than-usual epic. We found some great clues in the puzzle, such as 34A, Passage in a mystery novel?, HIDDENSTAIRCASE (😀); 12D, Light touch from a decorator?, ACCENTLAMP (brilliant, especially when it's turned on 😎); and the very best of the best, 23D, Styles of music, HARRY (😀 😀).

Show note imagery: Bahla Fort, OMAN, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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This was a debut crossword by Kathleen Duncan -- congrats!! -- and it was a doozy. Jean managed to get through it in fairly good time, but Mike ran into the proverbial lexicographic abyss in the southwest corner, and managed to escape just in the NICK of time. To hear more about his harrowing escape, and Jean's easy sashay through the very same puzzle, have a listen to today's podcast, and, as always, please tell others about us on social media.

Show note imagery: A SHEAF of paper, not to be confused with a SHEATH of ... paper<...

One of the most enjoyable moments in NYTimes-crossword-solving, is when one is completely floored by an answer, only to discover, with a bit of research, that it is apparently the 5th most popular word of the year, and that you are the only person in a 10 mile radius who has not heard of it. We had such an experience in today's puzzle -- a fine effort by Brandon Koppy -- and we leave it to you, the listener, to determine which answer we are referring to. [Hint: it won't take you long to do so 😀]

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We had a fine Tuesday crossword by a frequent contributor to the NYTimes, Alex Eaton-Salners. There are many perfectly good reasons why AE-S has had 73 puzzles published in the pantheon of crosswords, and they are all on display in today's work. So check it out, and, as always, let us know what you think.

In other news, we have our latest Triplet Tuesday Contest winner, and very soon that winner will have ownership of a lovely bit of northeast Wisconsin swag, and a lovely t-shirt to boot. For those of you who entered but did not win...

This was Thomas van Geel's second NYTimes crossword, and it is an awesome example of an LOL theme. Have a listen, and you'll see what we mean.

A reminder, this is your last day to enter last week's Triplet Tuesday Contest, and potentially win some magnificent swag. Just check out last Tuesday's episode, and then send your entry our way.

Show note imagery: Mount DENALI

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Today's crossword was somewhat of a gently sloping foothill for Jean, and an Everest atop an Everest for Mike. The former made it through the crossword in a longer-than-usual-but-still-reasonable time frame, whereas for the latter it seemed that several civilizations rose, prospered, and fell, before he finally got the happy music. 

We've covered the theme in today's episode, but some of the (many) notable clues that did not make the cut include 103D, Support line?, ISECOND 😀; 71D, Blood line, VEIN (😀 😀); and 49A, Honcho, NABOB (also an excellent brand of coffee, sold primarily in Canada ☕️☕️☕️). 

Show note imagery: A delicio...

We are delighted to announce the purely coincidental arrival, on the same day that this fabulous crossword brought us BARBIECORE,  of crosswordcore™ -- the rules of which are quite straightforward, and we are very pleased to be able to set forth, for the first time AFAWCT, right here:

The puzzle that inspired crosswordcore was a fine one - Jean breezed through...

Our cohosts took highly divergent paths towards victory on this crossword - Jean took the high road, and had a lovely time; Mike took the low road, and for his pains got repeatedly stuck in the mire. Still, there was a lot to admire in today's grid, and to find out what that was, check out today's episode.

Show note imagery: The JETSONS!

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This was a slightly crunchier than usual Wednesday*, for one very good reason. We're not going to tell you that reason just yet, but we cerealously believe you'll like it once you hear it 😀😉🙄.

Besides the terrific theme, we had numerous intriguing and occasionally perplexing clues, such as 18A, Flying Cloud and Royale, for two, REOS; 60A, "Nelson's blood", RUM; and the fun to say 33D, For sure, for short, DEF.

Show note imagery: Fred and Barney, making a splash

*the crossword, not the day: the day was merely averagely-crunchy.

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In today's episode, we have a two-fer. First, an awesome crossword, a debut by Per Bykodorov that is just brimming with microtome-sharp clues, and an LOL theme. But wait, there's more 😀 

We have our latest Triplet Tuesday Contest, your chance to go (asynchronously) head-to-head against Jean to see who can grab the TTC ring. The rules are straightforward and brilliantly (ok, adequately) explained, so have a listen, and then get your entry in by next Tuesday at 6 PM CDT (2300 Zulu time for those in other time zones), and good luck!

Show note imagery: A LUNK alar...

This was a very nice Monday crossword, and an NYTimes debut for both of its authors, Stacy Cooper and Ken Cohen. There were, of course, a variety of clues, some fun -- 51A, Roller coaster exclamation, WHEE 😀; some enlightening -- 65A, Elite group whose members include Steve Martin and Geena Davis, MENSA; and some particularly timely -- 30D, Org. that reviews W-9s, IRS.

Show note imagery: a MOSCOWMULE, served in the traditional copper mug.

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This was a sweet Sunday crossword, with an unusual theme, unusual grid size (!), but the usual great clues that we expect from a Sunday NYTimes crossword. We've covered the biggies in today's episode, but we'd also like to note the "little" people, er, answers, without which this grid would be comically empty. For example, 32D, Prefix with bel, DECI (ha!); 87D, Items being replaced, OLDONES (duh!); and our favorite, 95D, Snatches, comic-book style, YOINKS (rah!).

Remember our Triplet Tuesday Contest is coming up faster than a speeding bullet, so tune in Tuesday and see if you can...

This was a very nice (i.e., quite tricky) Saturday crossword. Fortunately (for Mike), there were not a lot of pop culture references, and fortunately (for Jean), she knows things™️. This marks the third NYTimes crossword penned by Jesse Cohn, and we eagerly await his fourth.

Besides this crossword, we also have our JAMCOTWA - Jean and Mike Crossword Of The Week Award - so download and check out this episode, to see who's the big winner. Also, don't forget to subscribe / follow this podcast, so you never miss an exciting installment!

Show note imagery: WOND...

Today's crossword had OCEANS of great clues. To pick just three, we had 1A, Some pops, COCACOLAS (Mike's favorite beverage!); 12D, Fabulizes, SPINSAYARN (the answer was fine: the clue, divine); and 34A, Vulgarian, BOOR (Vulgarian sounds Shakespearean, but, alas and alack, the bard never penned it).

Show note imagery: A few of a SEASCALLOP's many eyes

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Both cohosts found this to be an exceptionally tough Thursday crossword -- but they are not complaining, as many of the clues were home runs, and the theme was a grand slam. Somehow, Adam Wagner -- the author of today's oeuvre (ably abetted by Will Shortz) -- always manages to produce great works. Deets inside, so have a listen, and let us know what you think!

A reminder, our Triplet Tuesday Contest is coming up this Tuesday. If you haven't already, start practicing up (re-memorizing the OED, limbering up those fingers, etc., etc.).

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This was an exceptionally memorable Wednesday crossword. The theme was inspired, but the rest of the puzzle was just chockfull of equally brilliant entries. We have all the deets inside, so we earnestly invite you to download, listen up, and ... enjoy!

Show note imagery: RIP, TAN M&Ms

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Today's crossword was fun (absolutely!), fast (YMMV), and this episode has exactly the same characteristics! So have a listen, and remember, we're having our next Triplet Tuesday Contest next week, so listen to today's segment to get the format, start practicing, and start honing your acceptance speech (you know, just in case ...)

Show note imagery: NACL (aka table salt) crystals, as seen in an electron microscope

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One of the best parts of doing the NYTimes Crossword is the thrill of learning something new. For example, today our hosts learned that ASH Ketchum is no longer the star of the Pokémon anime series, and sorely missed (at least in some quarters). 

We have all the deets inside, as well as numerous amusing Easter eggs, so have a listen, and as always, remember that we thrive on feedback.

Show note imagery: ASH Ketchum, in the flesh, ..., er, ink?

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Kareem Ayas has put together an ingenious Sunday crossword, with a lot of layers - wheels within wheels, you might say, and as soon as you see the grid you'll understand exactly why that would be so apropos. We cover a lot of territory today, so grab your favorite beverage, hit play, and prepare to a) sip, and b) enjoy!

Show note links: NILE green and various RAKE types available at Amazon

Show note video: An EHRU, a Chinese two-stringed fiddle

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Saturdays are supposed to be the toughest crosswords of the week, and Rafael Musa definitely got the memo: the amount of misdirection in today's puzzle would have David Copperfield nodding approvingly. 

We've covered most of Mr. Musa's masterpieces in today's episode, but a few others worthy of note are the fabulous 8D, Gag order?, TMI (hah!); 35A, Time to give up, LENT (magnifico!); and the cryptic 23A, Human Geography and Calculus BC, for short, APS (we didn't realize that Calculus was that old, but anyhoo...).

In addition to the crossword, we also are pleased to a...

There were a lot of long answers in this crossword, but fortunately they were also very common phrases. Otherwise, this would've been a Saturday or perhaps an Impossiday™️ crossword. As it stands, this puzzle was a terrific Friday, and the reason why is no mystery: Karen Steinberg wrote it and Will Shortz edited it.

Show note imagery: JETHRO Tull (the band, not the agriculturalist

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Today's crossword was by Hanh Huynh. His Thursday crossword themes have always been brilliant, and we are pleased to announce that with today's puzzle his streak remains intact: may it live long and prosper!

Show note imagery: BARQS Rootbeer

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This was a highly pleasing mid-week crossword by Daniel Bodily. There were some NEAT clues (including 15A, "Sweet!", NEAT); clues with a lot of HEART (25A, Trick-taking card game, HEARTS); and clues that we got right away (51D, "Pronto!", STAT 😀).

All told, a fine puzzle, and it is therefore with great pleasure that we award it a full 5 squares, on the JAMCR scale.

Show note imagery: The Civilian Conservation Corp official (and very spiffy) logo

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Today's crossword was the perfect April 1st crossword -- as a Tuesday, it was not too difficult, but it was very meta, and very relatable, making for a great solve. We have Sande Milton (supervised, of course, by Will Shortz)  to thank for this, his third crossword for the NYTimes.

Beyond the crossword, we have our heavily trademarked and patented Triplet Tuesday™️ segment, so have a listen, and let us know how you did!

Show note imagery: A Commodore AMIGA, with a whopping 256K of RAM!

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OK, perhaps "obsessed" is a little over the top, because technically ZEST itself only showed up once, as per custom; but the clues and answers were still quite snappy. Our particular favorite? 46D, Producers of six-packs, SITUPS (nice!). We were also delighted to see 15A, King of the gods, in Egyptian myth, AMON. And while AMON may not translate as "God of Aliases", since AMON is aka AMUN, AMUNRA,  AMONRA and AMUNRE, we would not be surprised if it did.

For the deets, and some interesting listener mail, have a listen, and feel free to leave us a...