Jean & Mike Do The New York Times Crossword

Sam Buchbinder ha a reputation for writing splendid clues and crosswords, and he certainly lives up to it today, with some very amusing clues, including one that one of our cohosts was unable to even read, after much practice, without bursting into a mild chortling fit half way through. Which cohost? And which clue? Well, we all live for suspense, so we'll keep you in it ... unless you want to download today's episode, highly recommended!

Show note imagery: TAIGA, TAIGA, burning bright 😀 

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A surprising Monday crossword by Kenneth Cortes, who has gone against the convention that themed clues run in the same direction -- but he had an excellent reason for so doing, as we explain in today's episode.

Show note imagery: The Washington METRO

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Take two really superb crossword constructors and put them together, and what do you get? A crossword like this one, chock full of heart, artistry, and attention to detail, clearly written by two cruciverbalists at the top of their games.
Deets inside, as well as some fine listener feedback on the proper pronunciation of POMPANO Beach, so do have a listen!

Show note imagery: Christina's World, by Andrew Wyeth, hanging at MOMA

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It's been a challenging couple of days, crossword-wise, and Joel Fagliano didn't let up on the gas when selecting today's, which happens to be a) by Brandon Koppy, and b) our JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award) winner. For the record, the two are not a coincidence!

Deets inside, so have a listen, and, as usual, please tell others about us on social media.

Show note imagery: Jeera ALOO, made with, of course, ALOO (potatoes)

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A frisky Friday crossword from Kate Hawkins - her 14th - on her lucky day, Friday, when 6 out of those 14 puzzles have been published. This was a great themeless puzzle, with some stellar cluing -- 41D, Number of sides for a hendecagon, ELEVEN; 32D, [I won't repeat myself in this note], SEEABOVE (very nice!); and 4D, Arch, SLY (yes, yes it is). 

In other news, it's Fun Fact Friday, and we have a great FFF of particular interest to small children, parents, and ... dentists!

Show note imagery: MONACO, certainly the densest, and arguably the most beautiful, country in Europe

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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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