A deliciously tough crossword by a constructor whose puzzles skew towards that end of the spectrum -- one Damon J Gulczynski. One's perception of this crossword just might depend on whether you grokked the theme -- in which case it was probably a typical Thursday crossword -- or not, in which case the difficulty hovered somewhere between Saturday and a day so challenging nobody's provided a name for it yet: we recommend Nowaynohowday. 😀 

Show note imagery: A rainfly, an essential camping accessory

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Samuel Donaldson has had 41 crosswords published in the NYTimes, for reasons that are made abundantly clear in today's puzzle - a terrific theme, crisp clues, and references to musical groups that, if you don't already know, you should! We'd mention them here, but no spoilers -- check out today's episode to find out who should be up next on your playlist.

Show note imagery: A big name in Greek yogurt, OIKOS

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Benjamin Panico, in his debut NYTimes crossword (yay!), has put together an excellent puzzle in which he managed to cram 6, count 'em, 6 novels by TONIMORRISON. It is an excellent feat, and a great place to start when looking for your next summer read.

In addition to the crossword, we also have a fine Triplet Tuesday™️ segment, so check it out, and, as usual, let us know what you think.

Show note imagery: THEBLUESTEYE, a TONIMORRISON novel

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This is Shaun Phillips' second NYTimes crossword, and it has only been about 2 weeks since his last one, so clearly he is on a tear! This was a tad easier than the last (a Wednesday), but no less enjoyable -- so we are eagerly awaiting his third crossword, which, extrapolating, should show up about the end of the month!

Show note imagery: The two, the only ... Calvin and Hobbes!!

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A most definitely above average Sunday crossword by Caryn Robbins, thanks to an artful, inspired theme and a few crunchy clues to chew on. We have all the deets inside, so you are cordially invited to download, listen up, and enjoy!

Show note imagery: SNARLUPS can be a real pain, as these Cairenes would no doubt attest.

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Today's crossword was Spencer Leach's fifth, and it is a gem. The clues are challenging, novel (there are 7 debuts) and delightfully deceiving. Definitely worth 5 squares on the JAMCR scale, for reasons ... that are thrashed out in today's episode. We are also proud to announce the winner of this week's JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award), so check that out as well!

Show note imagery: A person, in a BOLERO, throwing a bolo 😀 

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Hemant Mehta has written some dazzling late-week crosswords -- and this is one of them. The clues are so well done, tautly written, prone to make you ponder. We've covered most of them in today's episode, but here are a few others: 40D, Heads, slangily, DOMES; 57A, Why don't sheep shrink when it ________? : George Carlin, RAINS 😀 ; 32D, Meiji and Taisho in Japanese history, ERAS. Just a splendid bit of work all round, definitely a candidate for this week's JAMCOTWA (to be announced tomorrow).

In other news, it's Fun Fact Friday, and today we ponder pastas. And, rounding it off, we have some terrific listener mail.

So, what are you waiting for? Check out today's episode and, as always, let us know what you think.

Show note imagery: Fusilli v. Rotini

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It's Rebus Thursday, not an official holiday as far as we can tell, but a) it is Thursday, and b) the grid is riddled with rebuses (rebusae?), so the name seems apt. The crossword was Christopher Youngs' fifth for the NYTimes, but his first Thursday effort, so it's a debut, of a sort. We're betting his next crossword will be a Sunday.

Show note imagery: Some JAWAs, probably up to no good

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For those of you entranced with the subtleties of English pronunciation (rules? where we're going, we don't need rules!), have we got a crossword for you! Meghan Morris has done a bang-up job shining a bright line on some of the many inconsistencies in our favorite language.

We also have a spot of listener mail, all the more reason to check out today's podcast, and, as always, let us know what you think!

From the mailbag, the difference between GAWP and GAWK.

Show note imagery: Humphrey Bogart, in a FEDORA

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If numbers tell the tale, then Daniel Raymon's favorite day of the week is ... Variety, as he has created 18 variety crosswords for the NYTimes. By that same measure, today would be his second favorite day, when he's had 6 puzzles published.

We liked the theme, we enjoyed the cluing, and if this were an Olympic event he'd definitely deserve a medal!

In other news, it's Triplet Tuesday, and Mike's in the hotseat, where, alas, he flamed out. Deets inside!

Show note imagery: An RCA color television

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