Wednesday, June 14, 2023 - A knotty crossword (not!)

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, "...

10 Dec 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, re...

9 Dec 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...

8 Dec 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 k...

7 Dec 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 terrify...

6 Dec 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 ...

4 Dec 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 ...

3 Dec 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 ...

2 Dec 202511min