By MP
A 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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5
2424 ratings
The podcast currently has 1,498 episodes available.
A nice bit of cruciverbial magic by Grant Boroughs, his third NYTimes publication. There were many excellent clues lurking about in the grid, including 8D, Confidently struts, SASHAYS (just a day after SWAGGERS swaggered its way into a puzzle); 57A, Ungulate feature, HOOF (we just like the opportunity to say/think/write the word Ungulate); 13D, Legislative collectives, BODIES (of course ... in retrospect!); and possibly our favorite, 46D, Stee-RIKE three follower, YEROUT.
Show note imagery: A virtuoso of W/DRYHUMOR, Steven Wright
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Today's crossword was brilliant, and that's not just because of the cracklingly good theme that Jeffrey Lease has penned, but it certainly is a major reason why. We found the top-left particularly crunchy (i.e., tough), but eventually all the grid yielded its secrets, including 16A, Dwarf planet with the largest mass, ERIS (not, as Mike was convinced for about 45 minutes, and Jean for 30-45 seconds, EROS😍)
Show note imagery: The AEGEAN, definitely worth a visit
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This crossword - the second for the NYTimes by Justin Werfel - was everything that you would expect of a Tuesday NYTimes crossword - fun, educational, and, as befitting its position in the week, not too difficult. It did have its moments, however: 51D, End of a sonnet, often, SESTET; 46D, "Little Shop of Horrors" lyricist Howard, ASHMAN; and 52A, Name of Athena's shield, AEGIS, were particularly notable.
It is Tuesday, time for Triplet Tuesday, and in today's episode Jean shows what she's made of, and we're not just talking about oxygen, hydrogen, carbon and nitrogen (although according to her physician she is also composed of those).
Show note imagery: Athena's shield, AEGIS
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Today's crossword has a terrific theme, but the supporting cast of clues was also impressive, with gems all over the grid. For instance, 9D, Good "Wheel of Fortune" buy for TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL, ANO (absolutely brilliant!); 51D, "No playing" signs, RESTS (very nice); 87D, Thick plank of a ship, WALE (ok, now we know).
Can there be any doubt that this is worth a full 5 squares on the JAMCR scale? No, there cannot be. Bravo, John Kugelman, and we eagerly await your next NYTimes masterpiece.
Show note imagery: Some AURORAE
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This was one of our favorite Saturday crosswords this year - tough but fair, with cheery clues to educate and delight. We've covered most of them in today's podcast, but even the ones that were left on the cutting-room floor were good: 35D, Chest bump?, PEC, and 48D, Whirl, so to speak, TRY. For all these reasons this opus, by Natan Last, has won a highly sought after JAMCOTWA -- Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award.
Show note imagery: MARSEILLE, the oldest city in France
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An elegant Friday crossword by Zhouqin Burnikel, her 80th for the NYTimes(!). Jean hit a few snags in the bottom right, whereas Mike spun his wheels in the central and upper right regions, before finally getting traction. A fun time was (eventually) had by all, and we have the deets inside, as well as a fine Fun Fact Friday segment (if we do say so ourselves, ... which we do!)
Show note imagery: POORI, Indian fried bread (finally, an Indian bread that is neither NAAN nor ROTI), and a debut answer, thanks to Zhouqin.
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This is a fine debut crossword by Rena Cohen, with an aptly large number of debut entries to accompany a clever but initially cryptic theme. It involved a rebus, but evolved into the rather important question of where should that rebus go? We have the deets inside, so we cordially invite you to check out today's episode.
As a reminder, as you are listening to today's podcast, it always helps to have a completed version of the crossword close at hand so you can follow the conversation. If you have not completed the crossword, and do not plan to do so, just click on the first link in the show notes. That will take you to xwordinfo.com, where you can find a completed version of said crossword.
Show note imagery: The M-5 multitronic computer system, with its creator (seated) and the Star Trek crew, including Mr. SPOCK (standing, center).
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A perfect midweek crossword by Luke K. Schreiber that has echos of yesterday's puzzle. You will recall (or if not, check out our podcast), that yesterday we had a slew of cryptids that couldn't quite be seen clearly. Today we have 13 animals that are, essentially, in hiding; and that entertaining similarity is due, no doubt, to the NYTimes Crossword editor (and person who we hope can be buttered up enough to show up for an interview with us), Joel Fagliano.
Show note imagery: A TEASEL
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Kevin Curry and Jeff Chen have teamed up to create a fun Tuesday crossword, based on an ingenious attempt to merge myth and mystery. We won't say any more about it here (as October is No Spoiler Month), but we have plenty to say about it in today's podcast, so do have a listen.
Beyond our dissection of today's puzzle, we are also delighted to announce the winners of our latest Triplet Tuesday Contest, and ... it was a tie! Congrats to our winners, as well as all who participated: you'll get another chance to snag our piñata of prizes before the end of the year.
Show note imagery: The magnificent WASHU (aka Washington University in St. Louis)
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Today's crossword, by Alexander Liebeskind, does what all good Monday crosswords should do: offer entertaining clues and not crush the spirit of crossword solvers just getting their feet wet. Our favorite entry? 39D, Loud and unhappy sports fans, in slang, BOOBIRDS, although we were also quite taken by 6D, Empire whose capital city was Tenochtitlán: AZTEC.
Show note imagery: Tenochtitlán, in all its ancient glory
We love feedback! Send us a text...
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!
The podcast currently has 1,498 episodes available.
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