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.

Show note imagery: Ebla, the oldest library in the world (founded in 2500BC, so hopefully you don't have any outstanding book loans, the fines would be horrendous!)

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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 the JAMCR scale.

Besides the crossword, we also have a spot of delightful listener mail, so check it out!

Show note imagery: MARA Rooney, in the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

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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 rate: Jean, no doubt, is on their mailing list), 26A, ___ Dunn (brand of ceramic art and other housewares), RAE.

We have more fascinating facts inside, so have a listen, and, as usual, please let us know what you think!

Show note imagery: Agatha Christie's "The Mousetrap", now in it's 73rd-ish year!!

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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

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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 😀]

Show note imagery: The original IMACs

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