Monday, February 17, 2025 - Nothing MOROSE in this grid, except, er, MOROSE 😉

Today's crossword must've surely been challenging to construct, but the end result is brilliant, thanks to constructor Brandon Koppy (under the keen supervision, no doubt, of editor Will Shortz). This puzzle was also very well timed, for reasons that will become clear as soon as you start listening (or have figured out the episode title, whichever comes fourth, er, first). Show note imagery: One AFGHANI (worth approximately US$ 0.014, C$ 0.019, and € 0.012) We love feedback! Send us a text......

5 Maj 15min

This was a very nice Saturday crossword by Michael Lieberman, his 29th for the NYTimes. It had a boatload of fine Saturday-level clues, perfectly positioned as far as difficulty is concerned: enough to make you sweat, but (if you've been solving these puzzles for a while) not enough to crush your spirit, either. There were no major Naticks* (except for the junction of 9D, Japanese energy-healing technique, REIKI, and 20A, Spicy alternative to a Frito, TAKI). We also have identified our latest...

4 Maj 14min

Robyn Weintraub is well known for writing awesomely good clues, and that talent is definitely on display today: it is not for nothing that she is known (eh, at least to us), as the Queen of the Friday crossword. We have proof inside, so do have a listen. Besides the crossword, it's Friday, and we have a fabulous Fun Fact Friday segment for your edification and enjoyment. Show note imagery: A Sunfish, ready to rumble We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop...

3 Maj 15min

If the theme of today's crossword leaves your head spinning, there is a perfectly natural and non-medically-related explanation. We'd like to tell you what that is here, but true to our motto of "as few spoilers as possible, whenever we remember", we will defer that discussion for the moment. Instead, we will celebrate a few other clues of note, such as 56D, Source of Andrew Carnegie's wealth, STEEL; 38D, Language that gave us "Saskatchewan", CREE; and a clue guaranteed to make you go "awww",...

2 Maj 16min

This was a crisply clued Wednesday crossword, with lots of novel takes and perplexing posers in the puzzle. Right away we have, at 1D, Blade sheathed in a saya, KATANA. We have a debut at 30A, Alternative to a blur or pixelation, CENSORBAR. And even 52D, "Hey, I've got a secret to tell you", PSST, felt fresh. A very nice bit of work by Adam Vincent, we eagerly await his next oeuvre. Show note imagery: A Sheltie, aka a Shetland Sheep Dog We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We lov...

1 Maj 13min

Today's crossword was a debut for Gene Louise De Vera, so a few lusty "huzzahs" would not be out of place. The grid had some interesting features: we liked the the juxtaposition of 39D, Children's author Asquith, ROS, and 40D, "Hel-l-lp!", SOS. We were pleased to see the presence of 19A, "The Gift of the Magi" writer, OHENRY, and had hoped to also see OHHENRY, the chocolate bar, but we'll settle for a small glass of 48D, Dessert drink made with frozen grapes, ICEWINE. All in all, ...

30 Apr 15min

This was a gentle Monday crossword. Jean moved through it almost as fast as a MAKO (up to 46 mph, according to 29D). Mike took a tad longer, but was still able to MAKO good time 🙄. We have all the deets inside, so have a listen, and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss another episode. Show note imagery: A few bars from EINE Kleine Nachtmusik, by Mozart We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on ...

29 Apr 9min

In crossword circles, a debut answer is one that has never appeared in the grid before -- and they tend to bet quite interesting. Today, for instance, we had 33A, Food-centric broadcasts originating in South Korea, MUKBANGS (sounds intriguing); 65D, Periods of abstinence from TV, news, social platforms, etc., MEDIAFASTS (sounds like a focused Dandelion Break); and 111A, Some large structures for pet owners, CATCONDOS. All great answers, cleverly clued, and part of an even greater crossw...

28 Apr 16min