Sunday, February 23, 2025 - Nothing SPURIOUS about today's crossword, all clues have been triple-checked! The podcast though ... 😉

The title of today's episode is a very subtle hint to today's theme, a nice bit of work by Hanh Huynh, his third NYTimes crossword in a year. Beyond those clues covered in the podcast, we'd also like to laud 42D, "Alrighty, then. As I was saying ...", ANYHOO, and 58D, The appearance of a butterfly in a home, for some, OMEN (hopefully a good one!). Good stuff all around, this crossword was definitely worth at least 4.5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Show note imagery: Some very hoppy, er, h...

17 Loka 20249min

Today's crossword, a debut by Lindsay Rosenblum, did not feel like a debut at all, more like a major work by a seasoned constructor. Beyond those clues mentioned in the podcast, we'd also like to point out 52D, Medieval tales of daring adventure, GESTS (and no, we would not jest about GESTS 😉); 43D, Bond film between "Skyfall" and "No Time to Die", SPECTRE (spelled the way SPECTRE should be spelled); and the double threat of the same clue for both 54A and 57D, Expectant parent's selection, NA...

16 Loka 202421min

Just when you thought it was surely impossible for anyone, anywhere, to come up with a new theme, someone, somewhere, does. And that someone is Dana Edwards, the somewhere is here, today, and the results are delectable. Deets inside, so have a listen, and please tell others about us on social media. Show note imagery: One of just 4 people to have scored a QUADRUPLEDOUBLE, the incredibly talented Nate Thurmond We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! ...

15 Loka 202413min

We're starting these show notes with a pun (see title, above, if you dare), to get you in the proper state of mind for today's crossword. You'll see what we mean when you tackle said crossword, or check it out (as you always can) at xwordinfo.com: puns here, puns there, puns everywhere. Well, not quite everywhere, but definitely in the themed answers. Deets and amusing banter within, so we invite you to download, listen up, and ... enjoy! Show note imagery: It's the MARC (Maryland ...

14 Loka 202420min

At the NYTimes, the Saturday crosswords are traditionally the toughest of the week, and today's, a debut (!) by Katie Hoody, is certainly in that vein. Although difficult, the clues were awesome, making that wondrous AHA! moment that comes when you solve one just that much sweeter. For example, we had the magnificent 8D, Took in a bad way, POACHED (woah!); 56D, Lead follower: Abbr, DET (definitely a Saturday level clue); and the subtle 48A, Good point, PRO. Those are just a few of the many, ...

13 Loka 202418min

There was a lot of sparkle in today's crossword - the 10th for the NYTimes by Billy Bratton. We were impressed by the inclusion of 22A, Online provocateur, in slang, EDGELORD (it felt like a debut, and it was); 13D, Prepares for a bomb, GOESDEEP (brilliant!); and we especially appreciated the clue in 23D, Lugubrious, GLUM. In related news, we have a delicious Fun Fact Friday segment, so check it out, and then let us know what you think: crosswordpodcast@icloud.com Show note imagery: ...

12 Loka 202420min

A nice bit of cruciverbial magic by Grant Boroughs, his third NYTimes publication. There were many excellent clues lurking about in the grid, including 8D, Confidently struts, SASHAYS (just a day after SWAGGERS swaggered its way into a puzzle); 57A, Ungulate feature, HOOF (we just like the opportunity to say/think/write the word Ungulate); 13D, Legislative collectives, BODIES (of course ... in retrospect!); and possibly our favorite, 46D, Stee-RIKE three follower, YEROUT. Show note imagery: ...

11 Loka 202415min

Today's crossword was brilliant, and that's not just because of the cracklingly good theme that Jeffrey Lease has penned, but it certainly is a major reason why. We found the top-left particularly crunchy (i.e., tough), but eventually all the grid yielded its secrets, including 16A, Dwarf planet with the largest mass, ERIS (not, as Mike was convinced for about 45 minutes, and Jean for 30-45 seconds, EROS😍) Show note imagery: The AEGEAN, definitely worth a visit We love feedback! Send us a te...

10 Loka 202416min