Jean & Mike Do The New York Times Crossword

We start off the work week with a fine debut crossword by Adam Levav -- congrats, Adam!! We particularly enjoyed this puzzle because the theme involved our favorite ENGLISH variant, MIDDLEENGLISH. Even though this was a Monday, there were a few debut answers -- 47A, Feel relief from anxiety, BREATHEEASY; 24A, High school or college seniors, usually, FOURTHYEARS; and 11D, Hangout events for two guy friends, BRODATES. We cover these, and much, much more, in today's episode.

Show note imagery: The name's Kett, ETTA Kett

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Today's crossword was by Jeffrey Martinovic, a mechanical engineering student at Western University in London, Ontario (go JW! -- yes, that's the name of their mascot, no word on whether they were trying to economize on signage when they chose it). And if Jeffrey is able to do mechanical engineering half as well as he constructs crosswords, then he's probably got a great position waiting for him upon graduation, because this is one fabulous puzzle. We have proof, inside, so have a listen, and, as always, let us know what you think!

Show note imagery: A PITCREW, working for only a few seconds at a time

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Today's crossword was a Saturday crossword, and that means tough; it was also by Ryan McCarty, which means, tough bordering on impossible. But not unfair; the clues were deliciously difficult, but -- with practice, patience, a good memory, experience, and a little bit of luck -- doable. And it's for that reason that today's crossword is the winner of our JAMCOTWA!! (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award). Kudos, Ryan!

Show note imagery: OCEANIA

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This was an excellent Friday crossword - not particularly difficult, both cohosts got through it rather expeditiously - but the clues were just fabulous. We've gone through most of them in today's episode, so check that out.

In addition, we have a Fun Fact Friday segment on Sergio Leone, so, make our day* and tell others people about us on "the socials" (aka social media).

Show note imagery: Harry Chiti, who the METS once traded for himself!!

*a Clint Eastwood reference, in case you missed it

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This was a fun and challenging Thursday crossword by David P. Williams, his sixth for the NYTimes, deftly edited by the indomitable Will Shortz. The theme was very helpful, providing a distinct tactical advantage (which we discuss in today's episode). There were scads of thought-provoking clues throughout the puzzle, like 37A, Danger in a Wile E. Coyote cartoon, TNT; 36D, At the end of the day, ALLINALL; and 26D, Leader of Germany?, SOFTG 😀 (Hint for new solvers: clues that start with "leader of" or "head of" may be a sly reference to the first letter of the word to follow).

Show note imagery: Yes, WELCHS does make grape soda

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Today's crossword, by Laura Dershewitz, was her third for the NYTimes, and it was grand. Both cohosts found it a little crunchier (i.e., tougher) than usual, Mike more so than Jean, stymied as he too often is by his arch nemeses -- pop culture references and Spanish. Jean was mainly temporarily at a loss at 64A, Papal vestment, ORALE. Both eventually got the puzzle solved, Jean reporting a decent time, Mike reporting ... a very large number.

tldr: we liked the crossword, a lot -- check out the deets in today's episode.

Show note imagery: An ARROYO, a dry creak or gulch. 

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Dana Edwards has written two NYTimes crosswords, and both have been uniformly excellent. This one had an ingenious theme to it (not that his first was a slouch, but this one just had a little extra sparkle), and the clueing was particularly tricky (i.e., great!). There's simply no other way to describe 53D, Kind of place that's beside the point?, ONES (nice!); 54A, Random number generator, DIE (duh!); and 19A, Valley in which it's easy to get a cab, NAPA (brilliant!).

It's also Tuesday, time for our Triplet Tuesday segment, and Jean gives a quick demo of why, when she's in the zone and in the grid, she is, in the words of Sia, unstoppable.

Show note imagery: REO Speedwagon (the vehicle, not the band)

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Rena Cohen has concocted a fine Monday crossword for your enjoyment, one that checks all the boxes:

1. Cute theme? (check!)
2. Not too hard (check, check!)
3. Entertaining? (check, check, check!)

In short, we won't be checking any doubts at the door, this is definitely worth 5 squares on the JAMCR scale.

Show note imagery: BUSAN, South Korea

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This was an excellent Sunday crossword by Kareem Ayas, the themed clues being particularly ingenious and amusing (deets inside). But Kareem didn't ease off the gas when constructing the rest of the puzzle, there were fabulous clues throughout the grid. Have a listen, and you'll see why we were so enthralled.

Show note imagery: The 2023 DUCATI Panigale, a very fast (of course!) motorcycle

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The name Sam Ezersky strikes fear (or at least mild anxiety) in the hearts of NYTimes crossword solvers everywhere, as he is known for his devilishly difficulty clues. Today's crossword was definitely tough -- 52D, Cook's offering with chips?, IMAC 😀; and 58A, Creature whose name means "forest person", ORANGUTAN come to mind (as do most of the other clues, tbh) -- but the crosses had a little more "give" to them than one might expect. The end result was a challenging and highly entertaining crossword, which is why we are awarding it this week's JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award)! Congrats, Sam!

Show note imagery: CHLOEZHAO, the second woman to win an Oscar for best director

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