In the pantheon of great cruciverbalists, there clearly needs to be a pedestal with Erik Agard's name on it. Why? Just check out today's crossword (and podcast!), or any of Erik's 81 other crosswords that have appeared in the NYTimes. This one being a Saturday, it was tough -- and Mike found it almost streak-breakingly-so, whereas Jean, to whom people are apt to turn when Wikipedia doesn't deliver the goods, had a much easier time of it. Deets inside!

Show note imagery: An AIREDALETERRIER (from the Anglo-Saxon for "awwwwwww, so cute").

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Kelly Morenus has crafted a superb Friday crossword, challenging but not overwhelming (although YMMV depending upon your life experiences, how many crosswords you have solved previously, and, at least a SKOSH of good luck). We've covered a hefty tranche of clues in today's episode, but we'd also like to give a shoutout to 4D, The Brickyard 400 or Southern 500, e.g., NASCARRACE; 32A, Between then and now, SINCE (good one!); and something that you should utter once you've solved a crossword this challenging, 31A, Verbal flourishes, TADAS.

Show note imagery: a LUGER, in action

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Thesauri will have to be cracked open to do justice to today's crossword, it was that extraordinary/astonishing/engrossing/ingenious/delightful. It was, of course, the theme that made it so, one that took both cohosts, working independently as always, no little time to suss out; but that just made the eventual "aha!" moment that much sweeter. Deets inside!

Show note imagery: From left to right, Alpha Centauri A, Alpha Centauri B, and Proxima Centauri, a triple star system!

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This was a highly elegant Wednesday crossword, featuring that most elegant of drinks (and one of the most famous letters in the English alphabet 😉). If you haven't figured it out by now, then we'll keep this short so you won't have to wait tOOLONG to achieve enlightenment.

Show note imagery: Bud Abbott (left) and Lou Costello, two legendary old-time radio comedians who definitely would've appreciated the tOOLONG pun.

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For those of you pondering the episode title, no, our quality control department has not dropped the ball, but rather made a wry (but not awry 🙄) joke that is highly germane to today's crossword. 

We discussed some great clues in today's episode. We were also glad to see 8D, Capital city on the banks of the Rideau River, OTTAWA (🇨🇦);55A, Bad way to run, AMOK (😀); and one of the worst inventions of whatever century it was invented in, 40A, Auto-___, setting for many subscription services, RENEW (👎).

Show note imagery: The Centre Block of the Parliament Buildings, in beautiful OTTAWA.

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This was a Monday crossword, which means that a) it should not be particularly difficult for experienced solvers, and b) entertaining. We are pleased to report that it met both criteria, and we submit today's podcast as Exhibit A.

Remember, the NYTimes crossword is a great way to keep expanding your lexicon and keeping those neurons in peak fighting form. To subscribe, just cruise over to nytimes.com/subscription/games, signing up is as easy as 🥧

Show note imagery: The Golden Raspberry Awards, affectionately known (by everyone except the recipients!) as the Razzies.

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Today's crossword had bells, whistles, and even an EHRU thrown into the mix. It was by Brandon Koppy, however, so at no time did the quality of the puzzle ever dip below 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Quite a few of the clues got our attention, including 30D, Strung rungs, ROPELADDER (that clue is just sooo much fun to pronounce!); 100A, Chore-o-graph, TODOLIST (brilliant!!!); and 55D, The old you?, THEE (tee-hee 😀).

In addition to the analysis of a great crossword, we also have some fabulous listener mail, and our first ever Sunday JAMCOTWA™️ (Jean And Mike Do The New York Times Crossword Award). Have a listen, and please remember to subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Show note imagery: Coco Kou, available for EHRU lessons, if you happen to be in her neck of the woods.

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This was a terrific Saturday crossword, because the clues were just brilliant. Who could resist the allure of 58A, Member of a sub-Saharan matriarchal clan, HYENA; or the sly 61D, Wit's end?, NESS; or the witty 29D, Went from 0 to 60?, AGED. And the rest of the clues were of similar caliber, the quality control was that good. Kudos to Katie for this splendid, JAMCR scale-pegging puzzle!

Show note imagery: Sidney Crosby (airborne), celebrating his GOLDENGOAL in the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, in Vancouver

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Kudos to James McCarron, on creating an excellent Friday crossword, a debut, no less. Among our favorite clues (not mentioned in the podcast) were 21D, Film star whose name consists of two presidents, HARRISONFORD (not to be confused with the slightly lesser-known star, ABRAHAMNIXON); 6D, Nash who wrote "The cow is of the bovine ilk; / One end is moo, the other, milk" (udderly brilliant 🙄); and 36A, "Poppycock!", PISH (the most British word ever 😀).

Show note imagery: A BENIHANA chef showing off what might (or might not) be an onion volcano

Show note URL: Everything you ever wanted to know about Alfred (yes, that one)

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This was an awesome Thursday crossword, courtesy of Emily Biegas and Sala Wanetick (with Will Shortz, as always, at the helm). The were oodles of cunning clues, some of which were quite educational. Par example (as the French like to say), we had: 10D, Like Stonehenge vis-à-vis the Parthenon, OLDER (🤔); 67A, It can follow anyone, ELSE (😀); and 49A, Sparking water additive, ESSENCE (🧐). We cover many of the remainder in today's podcast, and wrap it up with another letter from the ol' mailbox.

Show note imagery: ELIO, Pixar's latest film

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