Jean & Mike Do The New York Times Crossword

This was Colin Adams' fourth NYTimes crossword in under a year, and, as we discuss in today's episode, he remains as proficient as he is prolific. Jean tore through this puzzle in no time flat, Mike  tortuously clawed his way to the finish line, his usual Friday modus operandi. 

For our Fun Fact Friday segment, we take a quick look at a slow-talking comedian, so do have a listen, and then let us know what you think!

Show note imagery: The Kelce boys, doing a JERSEYSWAP

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In the pantheon of comedians, Steven Wright surely deserves a column or three, and in today's crossword Robert Charlton has chosen a great quote to illustrate the point. If you are unfamiliar with Steven Wright, stop whatever you're doing right now (unless it's listening to this podcast -- wait until you're finished) to head over to your favorite streaming source (or library: don't forget your local library!) and be prepared to be entertained.

Speaking of entertaining, the entire crossword was just that, and educational as well. Who knew 62A, Flower whose name means "flame" in ancient Greek, PHLOX? (OK, Jean did). And who knew 2D, 12-time Olympic swimming medalist Ryan ___, LOCHTE? (Yes, again, Jean). But the point is, for at least one of these clues, Jean didn't know it and others might not have as well. 

Show note imagery: What we have been reliably informed is vegan Longganisa, a Filipino delicacy.

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We're welcoming in 2025 in grand style, with a Wednesday crossword by Seth Bisen-Hersh (his 3rd) and Jeff Chen (his 158th!). The theme ties in nicely with an ongoing holiday, and if your reaction to that phrase was "what holiday?", then check out today's episode, where all will be revealed.

Looking for an achievable new year's resolution? Why not resolve to do more NYTimes Crosswords? Subscribing is easy, and the deets are right here.

Show note imagery: a lovely WORKBAG from Dagne Dover

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We're wrapping up 2024 and putting a bow on it, the actual present being today's crossword, a fine bit of work by Michael Lieberman, his 25th for the NYTimes, as deftly edited by -- it gives us such joy to write this -- Will Shortz (see yesterday's episode for the deets on why).

Beyond the crossword, we have a magnificent Triplet Tuesday segment, and some awesome listener mail, so check that all out, and, as usual, let us know what you think.

Show note imagery: Mauna KEA, not to be confused with Mauna LOA (but it will be!

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Today's crossword is a cause for celebration. First, it was a great crossword (no surprise there -- check out the podcast for the deets), and second, it was edited by Will Shortz, the long time editor of the NYTimes crossword who had a stroke earlier this year. But demonstrating his indomitable spirit, Will has returned to the editor's chair, for which we are grateful. [Not that Joel Fagliano wasn't doing a fabulous job -- he was -- but it's just good to see Will's name back up on the marquee.]

Show note imagery: UBE tiramisu, which looks deeeeeelish!

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Today's crossword is the last Sunday of the year, and the finale is a fine one, thanks to Harry Zheng, author of today's puzzle -- edited ably and adeptly, as always, by Joel Fagliano. Deets inside, so have a listen, and don't forget to tell your friends about us on social media!

Show note imagery: An Anteater, Armadillo and ANTELOPE, oh, my!

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We've been off almost a week, so in honor of our reboot we're starting the podcast with some musical fanfare to declare our return. And, for your edification, we are returning with an analysis of a fine NYTimes Saturday crossword -- a debut by Sam Berriman with an astonishing 10 debut answers. We also have some great listener mail, so have a listen, and, as always, let us (and others!) know what you think.

Show note imagery: The Three Gorges Dam, in China, generating HYDROPOWER

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The NYTimes has given us a splendid holiday present, today's crossword -- a chewy, themeless Sunday that you can really sink your teeth into (er, metaphorically speaking, please!).

We. have all the deets inside, plus, the moment you've all been waiting for, the big reveal of our latest Triplet Tuesday Contest winner. You know we're not going to spoil it here, so grab today's episode and have a listen.

We're going to be taking a few days off, but we'll be back hard at it next Saturday. In the meantime, keep plugging away at those crosswords and have a very, very happy holiday!

Show note imagery: MALAGA, birthplace of Picasso

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In today's episode, Jean sails through the toughest crossword of the week, and Mike crashes into the mizenmast, and is still pulling out splinters. We have all the deets inside, so you are cordially invited to download, listen up, and enjoy!

Show note imagery: TITOPUENTE, the King of Mambo

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As the week progresses, the NYTimes crosswords get tougher, and here on a Friday, things can get really sticky. Today's was about a 7-8 out of 10 on the stickiness scale, but the cluing was still entertaining. We had 15D, John, in Portuguese, JOAO (ok, now we know); 32A, The symbol of America's first transcontinental railroad, THEGOLDENSPIKE;  and 46D, Member of the golden horde, TATAR. We also liked the joint appearance of 9D, Spanish 101 verb, SER, and 37D, French 101 verb, ETRE -- vive la différence!

There are a scant 2 days left to get your entry in for our Triplet Tuesday Contest. Deets here, act now, operators are standing by!

Show note imagery: DOLMA (48D, Dish whose name is Turkish for "stuffed")

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We love listener mail! Drop us a line, [email protected].

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