Just like the answer to 29D, "Too ___" (2024 #1 Hozier hit), this was a SWEET Wednesday crossword, and we're not just saying that because Jared Cappel took the time to introduce us to a magnificent book and movie (17A, Acclaimed 2004 science fiction work by David Mitchell made into a 2012 film, CLOUDATLAS). However, between that, and the appearance of our favorite 18th century Austrian composer (51D, "Surprise symphony" composer, HAYDN) we are compelled to give this a full and enthusiastic 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Deets within.

Show note imagery: My goodness there are a lot of famous actors in CLOUDATLAS.

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This was an Erik Agard puzzle, meaning the clues were fabulous; but it was a Tuesday Erik Agard puzzle, which means that the clues were not too difficult. We loved 45D, He or I, but not she, ELEMENT 😀; 6D, Like some R's and oats, ROLLED; and our favorite Australianism, the clue in 44D, "No worries", THATSOK. 

In honor of Tuesday we have another Triplet Tuesday segment, so have a listen, and see if you can do better than Mike (which we definitely hope you can!).

Show note imagery: In days of yore, every household had a telephone book, a very tactile way of finding the phone number of a person or business. Alas, telephone books have gone to that great recycler in the sky, replaced by the inter... inter something 😀 😀 

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Rebecca Goldstein has won awards for her crosswords, and today's is another fine example of why she has been so afforded. Jean, as is so often the case, made short work of today's puzzle, while Mike took more of a tai-chi-like meander through the grid. We have all the deets inside, so hit that download button post-haste, repeat with the like/subscribe/follow button, and then, of course, enjoy!

Show note imagery: A MINIFIG, out for a hike

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This was an elegantly crafted crossword by Adam Wagner and Chandi Deitmer. We were thrilled and delighted to welcome back the rebus, which we have not seen in several Sundays (or so it seems). Jean was able to solve the puzzle quite readily, whereas Mike had to dig (much) deeper to get to the happy music. We have the deets inside, as well as the announcement of our latest JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award™️) winner, so have a listen, and let us know what you think!

Show note imagery: A HONEYEATER (of the white-eared variety, to be precise), found predominantly in Australia and New Guinea.

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This was a splendid crossword by Ben Zimmer. There were no rebuses, but the ingenious theme was a surprise and a delight. We give it a 5 squares on the JAMCR scale, and for the reasons why, have a listen to today's episode.

A logistical note: we are going to be taking Friday and Saturday off, due to anticipated connectivity issues. But we will, of course, be doing the crossword, and will be back to talk about our cruciverbial exploits on Sunday.

Show note imagery: The Minceta Tower (Dubrovnik) in CROATIA, the real home of the Game of Thrones

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The appearance of YEET in the grid is always cause for celebration, a reminder that the English language is not set in its ways, but evolving at a rate that would've made Noah Webster exclaim "YEET this language is ... hang on, let me check my dictionary for a good word here ... deucedly difficult to keep up with!". 

For the record, we enjoyed this crossword for innumerable reasons; but we nonetheless do attempt to enumerate them in today's podcast, so have a listen, and please remember to tell all your friends about us on social media!

Show note imagery: A SCREENPASS blueprint

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This was a picture-perfect Tuesday crossword by Gary Larson and Amy Ensz, marking their second collaboration. The theme was suitably surprising, and the rest of the puzzle equally excellent. Besides the crossword itself, we have another installment of our Triplet Tuesday segment, with Jean facing her inquisitor with that Princess Leia-like combination of aplomb and insouciance. 

Show note imagery: Satchel PAIGE has played, apparently, almost everywhere! 

Show note URL: The greatest French hero ever, Asterix!

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This was a satisfyingly crunchy Monday crossword; it took both cohosts, laboring independently as usual, a significantly longer time than usual to complete. They blame it on the AQI, which in NE Wisconsin is currently hovering somewhere between "hey, what happened to the houses across the street?" and "if you must go outside, don't forget your respirator!" levels. Fortunately they had today's crossword -- the third NYTimes publication by Patti Varol -- to provide a welcome distraction. You can find all the deets in today's episode.

Show note imagery: A gorgeous LANAI (beautiful scenery not included)

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Today's crossword was an homage to the iconic series STARTREK, which has been around since the 1960s and at this rate seems likely to continue to exist until its actual putative time, in the 2260's.

While this likely gave an advantage to trekkies, we suspect that most readers will at least be familiar with the major characters -- and if not, that the crosses would come (as they often do) to the rescue.

Besides the crossword, we have selected our JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award), deets inside.

Show note imagery: The original STARTREK cast.

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This was a superlative Saturday crossword, thanks to an ocean of uber-crisp clues, each forming a "mini-mystery" that you had to solve en route to the happy music. 

Marvel at the handiwork of, for instance, 9D, Mountain range that spans 67º of latitude, ANDES; 6D, Key for getting rid of your work, in brief?, DEL; and 29D, They're all equal in a circle, RADII; The vast majority of the clues were of that ilk, making for a very satisfying puzzle indeed.

Show note imagery: Chuck MANGIONE, nominated for 14 Grammy awards and winning twice.

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