Jean & Mike Do The New York Times Crossword

It's been almost 2 years since Nate Cardin last graced the pages of the NYTimes, and from our perspective that's almost 2 years too long. But he's back now, and in excellent form, with a wry theme and some amusing other clues. We were buoyed by the juxtaposition of 53A, Beyond well-done, BURNT, and 56A, Exceptionally good, in Gen Z slang, FIRE (a GUCCI of a clue, in our opinion 😀). We also were cheered by the appearance of both 57A, "Very funny!", HAHA, and 66A, "Say cheese!", SMILE. We did both while solving this excellent puzzle.

Besides the crossword, we have a Triplet Tuesday segment for your enjoyment and edification: see if you can beat Mike and seize the Triplet Tuesday crown (or possibly tiara, or babushka, we're still working that out 😀).

Show note imagery: The SHAKESHACK is hopping!

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The Cardinal Rules of Crossword Construction:

• Rule # 1: never repeat an answer in the grid
• Rule # 2: ignore rule 1 if it'll make for an especially awesome  crossword

We are pleased as punch to report that the authors of today's crossword — John Ewbank and Colin Thomas — have taken great pains to adhere to the  aforementioned cardinal rules, and the result of that adherence is most gratifying: check out the podcast to find out why.

In addition, it's Monday, and we therefore have a new JAMCOTWA™️ (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award) to announce. No spoilers, but if it were a poem it would be fair of face. 😉

Show note imagery: Punxsutawney Phil, ready for his photoshoot

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Both cohosts found today's crossword, a collaboration between Lance Enfinger and John Kugelman, to be a real workout (mentally, of course: physically they were pretty much doing their best mannequin imitations throughout the entire process). The theme was intriguing, to put it mildly: and the clues were definitely crunchier than usual for a Sunday, making the happy music, when it did at last arrive, particularly gratifying. Deets inside.

Show note imagery: It's Seabiscuit and Jockey George Woolf in the lead, War Admiral and jockey Charles Kissinger right behind, a real nail-, er hoof-biter!

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This was a strenuous Saturday workout, no doubt, with more misdirection then you'd see at a Penn & Teller performance. Consider 15D, "Science is ___ that works": Kurt Vonnegut, MAGIC (what a fabulous quip!); 31A, Dice rolls from Jail to Free Parking, in Monopoly, TENS (easy if you'd memorized the board!);  and 8D, Part of a great deal?, ACE (what an ACE clue! 🙄). These are just a few of the many delights skulking about in the puzzle and brought to light in today's episode.

Show note imagery: The ol' SNELLEN chart  (and ol' really does apply: it was created in 1882).

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Robyn Weintraub is one of our favorite constructors, and today's crossword shows why. It is, in a word, the clues. OK, technically that's two words, but we're feeling generous after having just enjoyed Robyn's handiwork. Pick a clue anywhere in the grid, at random, and you'll find it to be excellent. Repeat, and the result will still be excellent, there are no meh clues anywhere, at all: it's classic Robyn Weintraub.

Show note imagery: The Milky Way assembly line, yum!

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This was a debut crossword by Kit Sheffield — kudos! — with a cute theme that must've been a bear to put into practice. Somehow Kit managed, though, and we are better off for it! Apart from the theme, today's crossword seemed a little crunchier than usual for a Thursday, with awesome clues such as 61A, "Think again!", NOPE; 42A, Sound made with a wince, OOF; and 66A, Five train in Brooklyn, NETS. Bravo, Kit!

Show note imagery: Not sure if we'd be as enthused with a giant glass of TANG about to annihilate us 😀 

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This was a fun mid-week crossword, built with HI (Human Intelligence), with just a skosh of (non-AI) assistance from Excel. (See the xwordinfo.com entry for the gory details). 

The theme was, well, punny, and the surrounding clues intriguing. We liked 1D, It goes down in flames, ASH; a reference to a lady desperately in need of Aveda, 5D, Monster whose gaze remained lethal after her death, MEDUSA; and our favorite artist, 47D, Painter Matisse, HENRI. Mais oui!

Show note imagery: Your typical Wisconsin ICEHUT

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Miranda Kany and Tracy Bennett have teamed up to create a sweet Tuesday crossword, most definitely not  for the birds (even though birds did manage to glide into the grid). We found the theme sweet, and the rest of the clues just right for a Tuesday. Deets inside.

Show note imagery: Some COYOTEs are slyer than others.

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There's a lot of pressure on a Monday crossword. It needs to be easy (well, easier), entertaining, and educational. Today's puzzle definitely checks all the boxes:

• Easier: 44A, Food court pizza chain, SBARRO ✅
• Entertaining: 6D, "Aiiiiieeeee!," SCREAM; ✅ and 
• Educational: 28A, Purple yam used to flavor desserts, UBE.✅

We've also selected our JAMCOTWA™️ (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award) winner. Have a listen, and let us know if we got it right!

Show note imagery: A CHERUB, as seen, among other places, in Raphael's "Sistine Madonna."

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If you're a member of the Geek Squad or work at Apple's Genius Bar, you'll find today's crossword to be a breeze. If not, fear not: the crosses were not too difficult, as befits a Sunday puzzle. We have all the deets inside, so, if you need something to listen to while you're digging out from this weekend's snowcopalypse, we've got your back!

Show note imagery: Just one more thing ... Peter Falk in his most famous role, Columbo

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