Jean & Mike Do The New York Times Crossword
1,437 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 days ago - ★★★★★ - 24 ratingsA short, fun and occasionally not unintentionally educational podcast in which two fans of the New York Times crossword describe their puzzle-solving travails.
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Episodes
Monday, April 24, 2023 - One NEATO crossword
April 25, 2023 01:00 - 7 minutes - 5.46 MBSend us a Text Message. There appeared to be, along with the explicit and enjoyable main theme, there is a sub-theme involving Star Wars - witness 9D, Humanoid robot who appears in all nine "Star Wars" episodes, informally, THREEPIO, 17A, Childhood nickname for Darth Vader, ANI, and 52D, Decide one will, OPTTO (which has a decidedly Yoda-ish sound to it). So, two themes for the price of one, sounds like a great deal to us! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodc...
Sunday, April 23, 2023 - Catastrophe! We're Missing an Apostrophe!
April 24, 2023 02:00 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MBSend us a Text Message. A crossword that's sure to be a hit with English teachers everywhere, today's rather subtle -- almost to the point of invisible -- theme reminds us of the importance of proper punctuation. There were numerous other noteworthy gems in the grid, including 97A, Twisted do, LOCS ; 92A, Muppet bear, FOZZIE; and 40D, Oviform:egg :: pyriform:____, PEAR (huh!). And there's more where those came from -- for all the deet's, um, we mean deets, check out today's episode, and, a...
April 22, 2023 - JUNEAUITES and NADERITES and NIXIEs, oh, my!
April 23, 2023 02:00 - 18 minutes - 12.8 MBSend us a Text Message. The only thing that was 46A -- A piece of cake, SOEASY -- about this puzzle was, well, 46A. The rest of the grid was crackling with fiendishly clever and often quite arcane clues, such as 61A, Dead letter in a mail sorter's vernacular, NIXIE (woah!); 39D, One with an "If You Choose the Lesser of Two Evils -- You Are Still Choosing Evil" bumper sticker, perhaps", NADERITE (both clever, obscure, and in the running for longest-clue of the week award); and the delicious ...
Thursday, April 20, 2023 - The Mona Lisa of Crosswords!
April 21, 2023 02:00 - 9 minutes - 6.87 MBSend us a Text Message. We would need to break out the thesaurus to do justice to today's crossword, an absolutely brilliant theme. We'd say more here, but we don't want to spoil the surprise, so download, listen up, and be prepared to be amazed. The crossword can be seen, in all its glory, right here. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, [email protected]. Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
Wednesday, April 19, 2023 - 🎶 HEYMRDJ! 🎵
April 20, 2023 01:00 - 14 minutes - 10.2 MBSend us a Text Message. For all you poetry aficionados, your time has come -- a crossword theme built around an octad of famous (?) poets. This was definitely a crunchier than usual crossword, Jean had to work slightly harder than was the norm, while Mike feared for his streak , almost done in by his completely erroneous conviction that "How Firm a Foundation" was an advertising slogan for Serta. Today's crossword is available here And if you want to read some of the poems alluded to in ...
Tuesday, April 18, 2023 - The works of DURER ... endure!
April 19, 2023 02:00 - 18 minutes - 12.9 MBSend us a Text Message. As the week progresses, the crosswords tend to get more difficult, and while Tuesday is therefore on the easier side, this puzzle did have a few crunchier clues, including: 19D, Showy basket, DUNK (hah!); 10A, Hip-hop subgenre pioneered by Gucci Mane, TRAP (one word, for the record); and 47D, Comma, colon or apostrophe, MARK (probably lonely because it's missing its traditional partner, PUNCTUATION). A fun crossword, and for those of you starting to feel confident a...
Monday, April 17, 2023 - An EELY good crossword 🙄
April 18, 2023 02:00 - 11 minutes - 7.95 MBSend us a Text Message. Last Tuesday, MONDEGREEN made its way into the grid for the very first time, and so we were delighted to find an example of that -- ODETOJOY -- make an appearance today: first because we just adore ODETOJOY, and second because we love to work MONDEGREEN into a sentence, as many times as we can possibly get away with it -- so far, our record is two. 😉 And for those of you wondering about what appears to be a suffusion of emojis in today's grid, they are there for a r...
Sunday, April 15, 2023 - ACUTETRIANGLE in a cute crossword!
April 17, 2023 01:00 - 20 minutes - 14 MBSend us a Text Message. We found a lot to like in today's crossword -- a debut by Chicago real estate agent Mike Hobin -- as well as a few fascinating mysteries lurking in the grid. Intrigued? Want to know more? In that case, subscribe / download / listen up and prepare to be entertained and educated! Also, here's today's puzzle, fully solved, for your viewing pleasure. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, [email protected]. Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free...
Saturday, April 15, 2023 - KAC Alert! KAC Alert! Tough crossword, comin' at ya!
April 16, 2023 00:00 - 19 minutes - 13.3 MBSend us a Text Message. Anytime you see Kameron Austin Collins in the byline, be afraid, be very afraid ... of having a really great and epic time doing battle with the master of opaque cluing. Today's crossword was perfect, and to find out why, have a listen. Also, we're curious to know -- based on our JAMCOTWA award this week -- what's your favorite MC Hammer episode. Let us know on our Facebook page. Finally, do you want to check out today's crossword, solved? It'll make following our...
Thursday, April 13, 2023 - BACHATA Rules!
April 14, 2023 02:00 - 15 minutes - 11 MBSend us a Text Message. An excellent Thursday crossword, with a theme that, once again, requires we metaphorically doff our hats in awe and astonishment at the creativity of constructors such as today's -- Robin Yu -- for whom this is a debut. Deets are inside, so download, listen up, enjoy and ... don't forget to write! ([email protected]) Today's solved crossword is right here. A good article on BACHATA is available as well. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line,...
Wednesday, April 12, 2023 - Need some flour? ATTA oughta do!
April 13, 2023 01:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MBSend us a Text Message. An ingenious theme made today's crossword slightly crunchier than usual (and we're not just saying that because NUT appeared in the grid). Fortunately the theme did not detract from the rest of the puzzle, which included such notable clues as 67A, Tempeh alternative, TOFU, immediately atop 70A, Like forgiving lighting in photography, SOFT (😀); 37A, One of three in "To be or not to be", IAMB (cool!); and 51D, "The Queen of Soul", ARETHA (sigh). Overall a great cross...
Tuesday, April 11, 2023 - Today's color is ... MONDEGREEN??
April 12, 2023 02:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MBSend us a Text Message. A nice Tuesday crossword by Taylor Johnson and the indefatigable Jeff Chen, with an almost-under-the-radar theme, and some quality clues, including 25D, Jackapoo or schnoodle, DOG (in the running for the best-clue-involving-a-DOG award, which we just totally made up but still want to confer on the authors); the educational 52D, The "Z" of ZIP code, ZONE (huh!); and 28D, Scientist on one side of the "War of the Currents", TESLA (not, as Mike had originally theorized, ...
Monday, April 10, 2023 - SUFFIXED sufficed! 🙄
April 11, 2023 00:00 - 12 minutes - 8.38 MBSend us a Text Message. A fun and frothy Monday crossword by Gia Bosko, who apparently has an eye for redundancy and a talent for writing great clues. Want to hear more? We know you do, so download, listen up, and be sure to hit the ol' subscribe button. To see the solved version of today's crossword, all you need do is click here. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, [email protected]. Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conve...
Sunday, April 9, 2023 - This crossword was a HOOT! And, yes, we are SIRIUS about that 🙄
April 10, 2023 01:00 - 25 minutes - 17.2 MBSend us a Text Message. A relatively easy Sunday crossword -- not a walk in the park, by any means, but the clues did seem a little less intense than last week's ... and the week before that -- and we are not complaining! To find out what we are doing, just download today's episode and ... don't forget to hit the ol' subscribe button, you'll be glad you did! Want to see the entire crossword, clues, answers and everything else? Here you go! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a li...
Saturday, April 8, 2023 - Sid Sivakumar, ONETOWATCH
April 09, 2023 01:00 - 19 minutes - 13.3 MBSend us a Text Message. Sid Sivakumar, the author of today's fine, fine crossword, has definitely got a reputation (at least here, at Jean And Mike Do The New York Times Crossword HQ) for writing extra-challenging crosswords, and he definitely lived up to that reputation today, with clues that were stellar, sneaky, and (if you can figure them out!) extremely satisfying. We enthusiastically approve - 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. If you want to see the solved crossword -- clues and answers...
Friday, April 7, 2023 - This puzzle is not EASYPEASEY, but it is filled with DELIGHTS
April 08, 2023 01:00 - 20 minutes - 13.8 MBSend us a Text Message. Today's crossword has an ominous, daunting-looking grid, but you can't always judge a B by its C, as Bertie Wooster would undoubtedly say, and this puzzle proves the point: it is challenging but fair, and we loved it! Deets inside, as well a Fun Fact Friday segment that we hope you'll find fun -- and that's a fact! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, [email protected]. Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a...
Thursday, April 6, 2023 - Did RIO make an appearance in today's grid? SIM!
April 07, 2023 01:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MBSend us a Text Message. A challenging Thursday puzzle, thanks to ... a tricky wicket, as cricket aficionados like to say, a gimmick that left both cohorts slightly but fortunately only temporarily bedazzled. Jean had trouble getting started, and Mike, finished. But fortunately, both rallied. Deets inside, so subscribe / download / listen / enjoy / leave us a 5 star review 😀 Today's crossword, with all the clues and answers, can be found right here. Contact Info: We love listener mail! D...
Wednesday, April 5, 2023 - This puzzle has *just* the right amount of TMI 😀
April 06, 2023 01:00 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MBSend us a Text Message. Brandon Koppy knows how to make great crosswords, and is at the top of his form in this one! An amusing and unexpected theme is the topper, but the rest of the clues are designed to educate and make you think. Five squares on the JAMCR scale, we can't wait for his next opus. Here's the entire crossword, solved, in case you want to check it out. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, [email protected]. Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free t...
Tuesday, April 4, 2023 - Ah, the AROMA of freshly cooked ORZO
April 05, 2023 01:00 - 14 minutes - 10 MBSend us a Text Message. Andrea Carla Michaels and Christina Iverson have devised a COZY Tuesday puzzle, with just the right HEFT, never a BORE. We enjoyed the crossing of 32D, They're made by doing jumping jacks lying downs ", SNOWANGELS, and 35A, "Band on the Run" band, WINGS; and 51D, Decimal measuring system, METRIC, and 53A, Opposite of well done, RARE, the latter representing the chances that the former will become widely adopted in the US! All in all, we consider this crossword a genu...
Monday, April 3, 2023 - No SPINJOB, this crossword was très CHIC
April 04, 2023 00:00 - 8 minutes - 6.21 MBSend us a Text Message. A nice Monday crossword, with nothing too overwhelmingly difficult, as befits a Monday -- and a clever "vowel progression" for the theme. We approve! Five squares on the JAMCR scale. Also, if you haven't already done this crossword, and do not plan to do so, feel free to feast your eyes on the clues and solution Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, [email protected]. Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a c...
Sunday, April 2, 2023 - A work of art, a real RIPSNORTER! 😍
April 03, 2023 01:00 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MBSend us a Text Message. Ease over to your easel, and get ready to BINGE on 7 different works of art, all ensconced in a puzzle which is not coincidentally also a work of art (albeit of an entirely different hue). While this crossword was undoubtedly difficult - both Jean and Mike (solving independently as usual) had to strain to the utmost, it was assuredly worth the effort. Deets inside, and if you want to check out the paintings in question here they are: THESTARRYNIGHT REDBALLOON THEM...
Saturday, April 1, 2023 - This was a grrrrrreat crossword - no foolin'!
April 02, 2023 01:00 - 14 minutes - 10.3 MBSend us a Text Message. It's not clear if today's crossword-constructing duo -- Wyna Liu and Joel Fagliano -- regard themselves as iconoclasts, but they certainly broke a few rules in today's puzzle, in fact, one of the cardinal, inviolable rules of the New York Times crossword. Intrigued? We thought you would be, so check out today's episode for all the deets (as well as to discover who won our JAMCOTWA - Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award). Want to see the solution to today's cros...
Friday, March 31, 2023 - SISAL and CANTAB and HACEK, oh my!
April 01, 2023 01:00 - 20 minutes - 14.1 MBSend us a Text Message. An epically difficult Friday crossword, as one can expect towards the end of the week. But this one seemed especially fiendish, like a Saturday crossword that slunk into a Friday slot by mistake. Clues like 46D, Harvard or Cambridge grad, CANTAB (say what?); 39A, Heavens, ETHER (fair but good); and 44D, Senator, in brief, NHLER (nice!) just give a small taste of what's in store, a real mental workout. We loved it, and only regret that we haven't seen more of Rich Nor...
Thursday, March 30, 2023 - Need to left off some steam? Head for the RAGEROOMS!
March 31, 2023 02:00 - 19 minutes - 13.3 MBSend us a Text Message. A very pleasing Thursday crossword by Adam Wagner and Brooke Husic. Jean's overly large vocabulary got her into slight difficulty in the middle of the grid, whereas Mike's smaller lexicon, once again and just as ironically as always, came to his rescue! There were numerous TWL (Today We Learned) moments in today's grid, for instance, 28D, Two-stringed Chinese instrument, EHRU; 26A, Faith that follows the teachings of The BáB, BAHAI; and 32D, Spaces where people pay t...
March 29, 2023 - Pass the PADSEEEW, hold the NACHOs 😀
March 30, 2023 02:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MBSend us a Text Message. Once again, the NYTimes rises to the occasion with a great, great crossword, with an inspired theme and one answer in particular that has to be seen (and possibly Googled) to be believed. We won't spoil it by saying any more here, but we will say that this was a delicious crossword and are convinced that you'll feel the same. In today's listener mail, a reference as made to Thinking Inside the Box, by Adrienne Raphel, and the book sounds great, so check it out. Fin...
Tuesday, March 28, 2023 - A SLEEK and TONY Tuesday crossword
March 29, 2023 01:00 - 20 minutes - 14 MBSend us a Text Message. Tuesday crosswords need to walk a fine balancing act - they have to be harder than Monday's, but not too much harder -- and today's puzzle would have the Flying Walendas nodding in approval (unless they were on a tight-rope: they might wait until they were back on terra firma to do so). And for listeners looking to branch out beyond Monday, definitely try this crossword (and then have a listen to today's episode). For those who have already attempted the crossword a...
Monday, March 27, 2023 - It's not just HYPE, this crossword was DOPE 😀
March 28, 2023 01:00 - 13 minutes - 9.43 MBSend us a Text Message. A pleasant Monday crossword, not too difficult, we would conjecture, for newer solvers, and with a frothy but clever theme that will make them want to come back for more. Starting today, in the show notes, we are going to provide a link to the solved crossword (in xwordinfo.com) -- so if you haven't solved the crossword and do not plan to, then feel free to check out the solution so you can more readily follow along. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a ...
Sunday, March 26, 2023 - Did someone call for a plangonologist?
March 27, 2023 01:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MBSend us a Text Message. Today's crossword has some remarkable words in the clues, let alone the answers. Certainly plangonologist has to win some sort of prize (77D, Things a plangologist collects, DOLLS), but we were also pleased to see a pentad pop up (52A, Pentad for a poetry performance?, FIVEPILLARSOFSLAM), and finally stan (2A, Band stan, GROUPIE). Some of the clues not mentioned in today's episode but also worthy of note include 62D, "Do"-to-"do" delivery", SCALE (nice!); 29A, Nickn...
Saturday, March 25, 2023 - A Robyn Weintraub crossword ❤️😀
March 25, 2023 22:00 - 16 minutes - 11.1 MBSend us a Text Message. Robyn Weintraub has a well-deserved reputation for writing magnificent clues, and she shows off that talent in spades today: point at any clue in the grid, and you'll find a put-a-smile-on-your-face answer. If you haven't done today's crossword (and don't intend to), then head over to xwordinfo.com and check out the entire puzzle - clues and answers - to see what we mean. It is Saturday, time for our JAMCOTWA - Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award - and the win...
Friday, March 24, 2023 - To ERR is human, to OOP ... divine??
March 25, 2023 02:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MBSend us a Text Message. A remarkably curious Friday crossword, especially the grid. How so, you ask? We could answer that here, but then a little suspense is good for the soul, so instead we will simply direct you to today's episode, where all will be revealed, we promise! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, [email protected]. Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
Thursday, March 23, 2023 - Cheer up, NIOBE, there's a NOBU's coming to your neighborhood!
March 24, 2023 02:00 - 18 minutes - 13 MBSend us a Text Message. A brilliant Thursday crossword by David Kwong: a theme that make you just want to stand up and cheer, in the midst of a grid full of great clues. Yes, it's the NYTimes Crossword at its finest, and that is saying a lot. Definitely worth the full 5 squares on the ol' JAMCR (that's Jean And Mike Crossword Rating) scale: have a listen, and you'll hear why. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, [email protected]. Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel...
Wednesday, March 22, 2023 - Do us a FAVA and check out this FINE crossword
March 23, 2023 02:00 - 16 minutes - 11.2 MBSend us a Text Message. A FINE crossword, a debut, in fact, by Madeline Kaplan, with an interesting cinematic twist. Beyond the clues covered in the podcast, we would be remiss if we didn't mention 50D, March madness number (not 16, nor 8, nor 4, but ... SEED 😀); 55D, #s, NOS (a rarity, a clue with a hashtag!); and the relatively novel 60A, Attention-hoarding, say, NEEDY. But there are many more gems in the grid, so grab your loupe and your sluice box, and join us inside! Contact Info: We ...
Tuesday, March 21, 2023 - A MERRY Tuesday crossword
March 22, 2023 01:00 - 18 minutes - 12.5 MBSend us a Text Message. There were no SNAFUs in today's crossword, and no TABOOBOOBOOs, for that matter: just a bevy of brilliant clues (especially the "themers" as we like to call them (as of today, when we first thought of it 😉)). There's more inside, so you are cordially invited to download, listen up, and enjoy. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, [email protected]. Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
Monday, March 20, 2023 - EXPO and ESPO? UHOH 🙄
March 21, 2023 02:00 - 15 minutes - 11 MBSend us a Text Message. Generally speaking, the New York Times crosswords get more difficult as the week progresses, with Monday being the easiest, Saturday the hardest, and Sunday more like a large-ish Wednesday. Today's crossword, however while ostensibly a Monday, was teetering on the edge of Tuesday, with some trickier clues to liven things up. Intrigued? Want to know more? Then hit the ol' download button, followed by the ol' play button, and then ... enjoy! Contact Info: We love list...
Saturday, March 18 & Sunday, March 19, 2023 -- that's right, a double header!!
March 20, 2023 01:00 - 20 minutes - 13.8 MBSend us a Text Message. They said it couldn't be done, but, amazingly, we were able to squeeze in two crosswords analyses into one podcast. Not only that, we also managed to work in: a) the announcement of our JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award); and b) (gasp! the episode is now bursting at the seams at this point!), the moment you have all been waiting for with bated breath, the announcement of our Triplet Tuesday Contest winner. Enjoy, and as always, let us know wh...
Friday, March 17, 2023 - And a Happy St. Patrick's Day to you too!
March 18, 2023 02:00 - 10 minutes - 7.13 MBSend us a Text Message. A cheery Friday crossword, with tough, tough clues (for one of our co-hosts). But the pop-culture meter was reading almost 0, which helped said co-host immensely. Deets inside, so download, listen up, and enjoy!! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, [email protected]. Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
Wednesday, March 15, 2023 - Dare to shred the GNAR??
March 17, 2023 02:00 - 13 minutes - 9.33 MBSend us a Text Message. A lively Wednesday puzzle by Michael Berg, with lots of entertaining and educational clues. If you wish for us to elaborate -- and we hope you do -- then fear not, we already have! Just download, listen up, and enjoy. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, [email protected]. Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
Thursday, March 16, 2023 - He shoots, he scores! HOWE does Gordie do it?? 🙄
March 17, 2023 01:00 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MBSend us a Text Message. YAANYTC (Yet Another Awesome New York Times crossword): the NYTimes is really on a tear this week, and this puzzle in particular really hit the SUHWEET spot, with a dizzying theme and brilliant clues. All the deets are inside, so have at it, and please let us know what you think: [email protected]. P.S. Remember that there is still time to enter our Triplet Tuesday Contest: drop us a line at the aforementioned address, after trying your hand at the contest...
Tuesday, March 14, 2023 - A crossword that's SWEET, not ELITE and that's FINAL!
March 15, 2023 01:00 - 21 minutes - 15.1 MBSend us a Text Message. A creative tribute to the impending MARCHMADNESS, with some extra flourishes that elevate this from a merely good crossword to a great one. And speaking of contests ... we're running our own Triplet Tuesday Contest, and you are invited to participate! Listen to the podcast, send us an email ([email protected]) letting us know how many guesses it took you to figure out the clues, and you may win some absolutely fabulous swag! Good luck, and have fun! Con...
Monday, March 13, 2023 - DEREK Jeter: when you absolutely, positively, need to win a World Series 😀 ⚾️
March 14, 2023 01:00 - 12 minutes - 8.94 MBSend us a Text Message. A slightly spicier Monday than usual, with clues such as 64A, Regarding this point, HERETO; the terrific 36A, "_______ is a lie that makes us realize truth" : Picasso, ART; and 52D, Pro pitcher, of a sort?, ADREP leading the way. Sam Koperwas and Jeff Chen were at the helm, and they did not lead us astray with this fine start to our puzzle solving week. Remember our Triplet Tuesday Contest is coming up tomorrow, so start working on your victory dance moves - we reco...
Sunday, March 12, 2023 - PSST! Be on ALERT for a non-ANODYNE, very FINE crossword!
March 13, 2023 01:00 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MBSend us a Text Message. An intricate and ingenious Sunday theme by David Tuffs that must have taken forever to perfect, but perfect it he did, as a quick glance at today's crossword will reveal. Jean got through the puzzle expeditiously, while Mike took time out of his busy schedule to coin several words that, unfortunately, the rest of the world had not deigned to adopt, and unravelling that took a bit. Deets inside, so have a listen and let us know what you think! Contact Info: We love l...
Saturday, March 11, 2023 - One COOLIO of a crossword!
March 12, 2023 02:00 - 18 minutes - 12.9 MBSend us a Text Message. An ENDEARING Saturday crossword, with nary a GIMMICK to be seen (except, of course, for the answer GIMMICK), and at least an OCTET of great clues, including, 1D, Four+Four, OCTET 😀. Mike's favorite in the grid was undoubtedly 17A, Northwest of 1, ESC (wow!), while Jean was partial to 33A, Apt anagram of "I sew a whole", ELIASHOWE; but we enjoyed the entire puzzle, so much so that it's our JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award) winner! Huzzah! Contact I...
Friday, March 10, 2023 - HOLYTOLEDO this was a tough crossword!
March 11, 2023 01:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MBSend us a Text Message. A very satisfying Friday crossword - not a lot of pop culture references, some marvelous mis-direction in the clueing, and not a "blah" answer to be seen anywhere in the grid. We appreciated that the top left of the grid, 1D, A bad joke might land with one, THUD, was paired with the top right of the grid, 14D, Jazz trumpeter jones, THAD. That's artistry right there, and the person who should be credited with that is the crossword's creator, Claire Rimkus. We can't wa...
Thursday, March 9, 2023 - All hail the mighty STRAT! 🎸
March 10, 2023 02:00 - 15 minutes - 10.7 MBSend us a Text Message. There were no downsides to this crossword, whose theme revolved around FLIPSIDES. Jean had just a spot of bother, conflating STRAT with STRAD, and Mike felt cert. that Colombo was in the NYPD, not, as 1D, "Colombo org." would have it, the LAPD. All in all a fine puzzle, we give it 5 squares on the JAMCR scale, encore! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, [email protected]. Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike u...
Wednesday, March 8, 2023 - Hail to Chester ALAN Arthur!
March 09, 2023 02:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MBSend us a Text Message. Someone -- to be precise, Miranda Kany, the constructor of today's delicious crossword -- has embedded an entire (very tasty) recipe into today's grid. So, don't try this on an empty stomach, and if you do follow the recipe, send us a pic! We had listener mail today, in which our correspondent recommended the "Fifty Nifty United States" song. The YouTube version is a hoot, so check it -- as well as today's episode, of course! -- out. Contact Info: We love listener ...
Tuesday, March 7, 2023 - Don't worry, that's a TAMEIMPALA
March 08, 2023 02:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MBSend us a Text Message. A very pleasing Tuesday crossword, with a theme that was an echo / homage to Monday's HUMANNATURE -- surely not a coincidence, with the crossword force-of-nature Will Shortz in charge. Today's puzzle included a few spicier clues - 17A, Best competitive stuff, AGAME (cute); the combo 28D, That one and that one, in Spanish, ESOS, paired with 65A, That one and that one, THOSE (now that's artisanship). Definitely a 5 squares on the JAMCR scale, and for all the deets, ple...
Monday, March 6, 2023 - We Loved, Loved, Loved This Crossword!
March 07, 2023 02:00 - 12 minutes - 8.45 MBSend us a Text Message. This is Lynn Lempel's 100th crossword in the New York Times, and if you ever needed proof that practice makes perfect, just check out her latest -- fun clues, a cute theme, everything you want in a Monday crossword. Just to let everyone know, we are gearing up to have -- gasp! -- another Triplet Tuesday Contest in about a week, so be sure and listen to tomorrow's TTC so you'll be all practiced up. Of course, don't forget to listen to today's episode: subscribe, d...
Sunday, March 5, 2023 - This crossword deserves a lot of R-E-S-P-E-C-T
March 06, 2023 01:00 - 17 minutes - 12 MBSend us a Text Message. A fine Sunday crossword by John-Clark Levin - the clues are uniformly delightful, and over a grid the size of a Sunday (21x21, in case you hadn't measured lately), that's saying a lot. And we have a lot to say about this crossword, so go ahead and subscribe / download / listen and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, [email protected]. Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
Saturday, March 4, 2023 - KACHINAs and BENTOBOXes and ESSAYMILLs, oh, my!
March 05, 2023 02:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MBSend us a Text Message. Another tough crossword for one of our co-hosts, for whom KACHINA dolls were a revelation. As part of his cunning plan to keep mementos of especially challenging clues close at hand, he hopes to soon add a KACHINA doll to his lovely SANLUISOBISPO t-shirt and KATANA sword collection. Since it is Saturday, we have once again identified our JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award) winner (deets inside), and we have some fascinating LARB-related listener ma...
Friday, March 3, 2023 - In like a lion, out like a ... LARB?
March 04, 2023 02:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MBSend us a Text Message. An epically challenging Friday crossword, with delightfully devious and deceptive clues that have to be seen to be believed -- or if not seen, at least heard, and for that we've got you covered! Get the blow-by-blow as your cohosts (solving independently as always) bash away at today's puzzle. It's also Friday, which means time for our weekly segment, Fun Fact Friday™️, and today's fun fact is really hot (but not LARB-hot). For all the deets, subscribe, download, ...