Jean & Mike Do The New York Times Crossword

Byron Walden has had 110 crosswords published in the NYTimes, of which 71 were Saturdays. If you are wondering why, then take a gander at today's grid, and peek at the podcast; Byron has served up a master class in how to write delectable, diabolically deceptive clues. Deets inside.

Show note imagery: PHILO Farnsworth, the "Father of Television" and an expert 31D, Improviser at a workbench, TINKERER

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It is hard to believe that today's crossword was a debut, but ... believe it! By turns elegant, hilarious, engaging and definitely taxing, both cohost were decidedly enamored with today's work. We have all the many reasons why inside, so have a listen, and let us know if you concur.

In other news, in honor of the day, we have another Fun Fact Friday segment, and we guarantee that, like the fun fact itself, you will either love it or hate it. (We're hoping, of course, for the former!)

Show note imagery: Dr. Frankenstein and the monster, rendezvousing somewhere in the Alps

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This were a lot of jewels in today's grid, including, well, JOULES (56A, Units equal to roughly a quarter of a calorie). We also were glad to learn the last name of 60A, Lou ___, "Mambo No. 5" singer, BEGA; and the full name of 45A, Star of NBC's "The Blacklist", JAMESSPADER. We confess, we haven't see The Blacklist, and wanted to plead "lack of time" as an excuse; but it was on the air for ten years, and truth be told, we weren't busy the entire time.]

Show note imagery: Just waiting for THUMBINDEXES (THUMINDICES?) to make a comeback

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This was a gem of a Wednesday crossword. The theme was, as you might expect, unexpected: the rest of the grid, as you might also expect, excellent. We covered most of our favorites in today's episode, but we would also like to direct your attention to 11D, Whirling visual effects in video games, PORTALS; 39A, Bubbly bar, SOAP; and 5D, Electroreception for sharks, SENSE. 

Show note imagery: Lisa Meitner (left) and OTTOHAHN (right), Austrian-Swedish and German chemists, respectively, who pioneered radiochemistry — which, sadly, does not deign to answer the question why Abbott and Costello were so hilarious 😀 🙄. 

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Spencer Leach's crosswords have appeared most frequently on Saturday*, meaning he likes to make 'em tough. Todays is his first Tuesday outing, and it is quite good.  We'd say more, but since our footnote has mysteriously become almost as long as our usual show note, we'll wrap it up here and remind you to check out today's episode for the full 411 on the puzzle -- as well as an awesome Triplet Tuesday segment.

Show note imagery: In the immortal words of Réne Magritte, Ceci n'est pas une Casio

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*as a reminder, the NYTimes crosswords get more difficult as the week progresses; Monday is the easiest, Saturday's most definitely the hardest. Sunday's are big, but generally regarded as being "Big Wednesdays"** in terms of difficulty.  Of course, YMMV depending on your upbringing, how much sleep you've had, and, occasionally, serendipity.

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**no relation to the gangster of the same name

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This was a nice Monday crossword, the 17th by Adam Aaronson, who is more partial to Saturday but we're glad to see him wander over to this half of the week. Jean tore through the puzzle so quickly her iPad caught fire, whereas Mike's was never at risk. The clues were mainly Monday fare, but we did have the fabulous 2D, End of some sentences, PAROLE (walked right into that one!); the high-falutin' 39D, Aforementioned, VERYSAME; and an apt description of this VERYSAME podcast, 55D, Not interrupted by commercials, ADFREE. 

In addition to today's crossword, we are proud to announce our latest JAMCOTWA. If you've listened to last week's episodes it won't be any surprise, but just in case we won't spoil it here: listen in for the Big Reveal.

Show note imagery: HAYAO Miyazaki, who recently won an Academy Award for The Boy and the Heron.

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This was a truly epic Sunday crossword by Daniel Grinberg, one with a theme guaranteed to put a smile on your face and/or cause your jaw to drop in amazement at the artistry and effort that clearly went into today's puzzle. We have much more to say about this magnificent opus, so pull up a chair, go for a jog, whatever it is that you do while listening to this podcast, and enjoy!

Show note imagery: Domo arigoto, MRROBOTO 🤖

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This was Samuel Smalley's second crossword, and his second on a Saturday . He certainly seems to have internalized the make-it-as-tough-as-you'd-like spirit that distinguishes Saturday crosswords, and unquestionably knows how to peg the meter. There were 13 debut answers in today's grid, and virtually every single clue put up a fight. We have the deets inside, including the highs, the lows, and the BASSOS 😀.

Show note imagery: a HELIOSTAT, which — based on how much extra electricity ChatGPT and friends are now burning through — we are going to need plenty of

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This was a splendiferous Friday crossword by Karen Steinberg. It was not particularly difficult, but it was particularly fun to solve, and for that we are grateful! Check out today's episode for all the deets, and drop us a line -- we love feedback!

Show note imagery: What may (or may not: we make absolutely no promises) be the correct set of rules for BEERDARTS

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This was an ingenious and entertaining crossword by Kareem Ayas, his 7th for the NYTimes. The theme was very (n)ice indeed, but the rest of the clues were not just there for show. We loved 34A, High lights?, AURORA; were delighted by the nostalgia-inducing 25D, What allows Neo to disconnect from the Matrix, REDPILL; and were amazed to discover the answer to 47A, Tonkatsu coating, PANKO. All in all a fabulous effort, a solid 5 squares on the JAMCR scale.

Show note imagery: for practitioners of CHIROMANCY, this cheat-sheet may come in very handy 🙄😎

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