Wednesday, January 8, 2024 - ARROYO, fun to say, fun to spell, *essential* to solving today's crossword!

This was Kate Hawkins' eighteenth NYTimes crossword, and while mainly distinguished by its brilliant theme, gems could be found throughout the grid. We enjoyed the range of emotions conveyed by 32D, "By Jove, that's it!", AHA, and 45D, "How stupid of me!", DOH. We also were absolutely enthralled by, and are now seeking a t-shirt emblazoned with, 54A, "Education is not for the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a ______" (old maxim), FIRE. Show note imagery: Computing pioneer ADA Lov...

10 Joulu 202513min

Today's puzzle had a wry, perfect-for-a-Monday theme: if it was a hat, it would definitely be stylish and arranged at a rakish angle. We were surprised, tickled, and put into full chortle mode by, respectively, 1D, Magic charms, MOJOS (assuredly not on our Monday crossword bingo card); 5D, The eyes may have it, MASCARA; and 24A, Run out of clothes?, STREAK. Besides the crossword, in honor of Monday we have picked our JAMCOTWA™️ (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award), and we challen...

9 Joulu 202512min

We treasure any excuse to break out into Lewis Carroll adjectives, and today's frabjous crossword provides just that opportunity. This is a debut, no less, by University of Wisconsin Madison professor Kate Jensen, who we imagine, based on the clues in today's grid, to be particularly beamish, and not at all manxome (except when dealing with irksome students). There were boatloads of great clues in today's grid. We felt educated by 13D, One chain x one furlong, ACRE; entertained by 28A, They'l...

8 Joulu 202516min

Our cohosts had vastly different experiences tackling today's crossword. Jean found it to be quite challenging, whereas Mike was (for a change) definitely working, but not fighting tooth-and-nail to keep his streak alive. Deets inside: we cordially invite you to download, listen up, and enjoy! Show note imagery: "A New English Dictionary", as the first edition of the OED was originally called. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, cross...

7 Joulu 202511min

This was a challenging Friday crossword, the second by James McCarron since August, of the year: in short, he's on a roll. There were some simultaneously terrific (if you like a challenge) and terrifying (if you value your streak) clues. Among the best not mentioned in the podcast were 37D, Minimal coverage provider?, THONG (ha!); 27D, Silent sort, CLAM (not FILM or MIME); and 15D, Show stoppers, sometimes, RAIN (true, dat). Show note imagery: Egyptian football/soccer star Mohamed...

6 Joulu 20256min

Today's crossword, by Victor Barocas, had a fun and frothy theme that came from a galaxy far, far away. We loved it! We also enjoyed the very strong cast of supporting characters, including 49D, Cold call?, ACHOO (🤧); 43D, Golden-tan dog of multiple films, BENJI (wait, a tanning booth was involved? 🙄); and 42A, Animal in more than70 Bugs Bunny titles, HARE (natch! 🐰). Show note imagery: IKEA, home of the blue totes We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop ...

4 Joulu 20256min

Today's crossword was a debut for Jonathan Baude, kudos for that! The theme was uplifting (literally), and the rest of the puzzle was perfect Tuesday fare. We had some entertaining clues -- 46A, Top of the hour?, XII (😀); some educational clues -- 62D, Communication syst. in which the letter Z is drawn with one's index finger, ASL; and some clues of the product placement variety -- 15D, Grey Goose competitor, BELVEDEREVODKA. Cheers! Show note imagery: Banana Bread EGGOs, sadly no longer...

3 Joulu 20256min

Today's crossword was perfectly timed, at least for those of us living in those northern regions currently besieged by winter storms. We were intrigued to learn of the existence of NAURU, the world's third smallest country (behind Vatican City and Monaco, for those of you keeping score). We were glad to see that Ms. Adler made a reappearance in the grid (66A, Woman who bests Sherlock in "A Scandal in Bohemia", IRENE); loved the nostalgic 58A, Creator of Asteroids and Pong, ATARI (ah, the clas...

2 Joulu 202511min