Sunday, October 13, 2024 - That's SOMME river ya' got there 🙄🙄
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 Okt 202420min
Saturday, October 12, 2024 - GEEWHIZ this was a tough crossword!
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 Okt 202418min
Friday, October 11, 2024 - Be nice, lest you end up in the SINBIN 😱
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 Okt 202420min
Thursday, October 10, 2024 - Welcome to ECHO ECHO ECHO Park, Los Angeles
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 Okt 202415min
Wednesday, October 9, 2024 - Tis eerily easy to confuse ERIS and EROS
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 Okt 202416min
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 - A crossword with a lot of SWAGGER!
This crossword - the second for the NYTimes by Justin Werfel - was everything that you would expect of a Tuesday NYTimes crossword - fun, educational, and, as befitting its position in the week, not too difficult. It did have its moments, however: 51D, End of a sonnet, often, SESTET; 46D, "Little Shop of Horrors" lyricist Howard, ASHMAN; and 52A, Name of Athena's shield, AEGIS, were particularly notable. It is Tuesday, time for Triplet Tuesday, and in today's episode Jean shows what sh...
9 Okt 202417min
Sunday, October 6, 2024 - An A+ of a crossword!
Today's crossword has a terrific theme, but the supporting cast of clues was also impressive, with gems all over the grid. For instance, 9D, Good "Wheel of Fortune" buy for TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL, ANO (absolutely brilliant!); 51D, "No playing" signs, RESTS (very nice); 87D, Thick plank of a ship, WALE (ok, now we know). Can there be any doubt that this is worth a full 5 squares on the JAMCR scale? No, there cannot be. Bravo, John Kugelman, and we eagerly await your next NYTimes masterpiece. Sh...
7 Okt 202420min
Saturday, October 5, 2024 - A MONSTRO of a Saturday crossword!
This was one of our favorite Saturday crosswords this year - tough but fair, with cheery clues to educate and delight. We've covered most of them in today's podcast, but even the ones that were left on the cutting-room floor were good: 35D, Chest bump?, PEC, and 48D, Whirl, so to speak, TRY. For all these reasons this opus, by Natan Last, has won a highly sought after JAMCOTWA -- Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award. Show note imagery: MARSEILLE, the oldest city in France We love feedba...
6 Okt 202419min
