Parhaat The New York Times Podcastit (2025)

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Wednesday, January 29, 2025 - No BADEGGS in this crossword! 17:14

10h ago17:14

17:14

This was a tricky Wednesday, thanks mainly to its clever theme (created by Sophia Maymudes, adroitly edited by Will Shortz). We have nothing but good things to say about it, although we are now on tenterhooks wondering what Thursday will bring. Just a reminder that our show notes always include a link to the wonderful website xwordinfo.com, where y…

1
Tuesday, January 28, 2025 - ALL RISE! because, um, ALL RISE is in the grid 🙄😉 15:58

1d ago15:58

15:58

This was an intriguing Tuesday crossword by Dan Margolis -- his 5th in the NYTimes. The theme was delicious (literally), and indeed the grid was rife with food for thought, including 3D, Cookie with its name on it, OREO; 52D, _______ ghanouj, BABA; and 58D, _______ slaw, COLE. Yum! Also, today being Tuesday, we have another Triplet Tuesday™ segment…

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Monday, January 27, 2025 - TAPAS and SWISSROLLs and BRIE? Great in a grid, not so great on a plate 😀 14:55

2d ago14:55

14:55

This was a clever Monday crossword from a clever constructor, Alexander Liebeskind, who seems to excel at Mondays. Both cohosts found today's puzzle a bit crunchier (tougher) than usual, but the entertainment value was higher than usual, so it's a wash. Deets inside, including a fascinating attempt to decode SMH that was, TBH, waaaaay off. Show not…

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Sunday, January 26, 2025 - Hop on the re-bus 🙄 30:57

3d ago30:57

30:57

Today's crossword was a rarity -- its themed clues had pictures 🖼️ that had to be interpreted 🧐, as they were part of a rebus. By "rebus", we don't mean the "multiple letters scrunched in one square" variety, encountered frequently on Thursdays. Rather, we mean the more traditional definition: a puzzle in which pictures and typography are used to s…

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Saturday, January 25, 2025 - Begone, you ARMRESTHOG, you! 18:44

9h ago18:44

18:44

Today's crossword, by Michael Lieberman, was a bear (not the growly kind, obviously, but one of the tougher-leaning Saturday NYTimes crosswords). It was an excellent mental workout, and the cluing really was deviously delicious, just the way we like it! For those of you just starting to solve NYTimes crosswords, just a reminder that the Saturday NY…

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January 24, 2025 - We'd like to AMEND our definition of EMEND 🧐 20:33

1d ago20:33

20:33

This was a fine Friday crossword, and not just because the FLINTSTONES were in the grid ❤️. Jean tore through it, Mike spent an inordinate amount of time sorting out the difference between AMEND and EMEND. But both eventually got it solved, and had oodles of fun doing so, as you can tell from today's episode. In addition to the crossword, we are ho…

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Thursday, January 23, 2025 - Another epic from Natan Last & the JASA Crossword Class 21:00

2d ago21:00

21:00

It is always a treat to see Natan Last and the JASA Crossword Class in the marquee, because ... well, just take a look at today's crossword to see why: a theme guaranteed to put a smile on your face, and great cluing everywhere. For instance, 37D, Geologic formation from glacial melting, ICECAVE (OK, that's a thing); 28D, Canadian province where "A…

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Wednesday, January 22, 2025 - Egad, this grid's got EGOT 😀 13:22

3d ago13:22

13:22

Today's crossword was looking sharp -- and not just because ARMANI was in the grid (but it helped). We liked the daunting open-endedness of 48A, "_____ intended!", NOPUN; appreciated the BROW knitting induced by 24A, Move slightly, BUDGE; and just the opportunity to say 7D, Italian anise-flavored liqueur, SAMBUCA. A great debut crossword by Landon …

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Tuesday, January 21, 2025 - A crossword that's firing on all CYLINDERs 18:21

4d ago18:21

18:21

This was a terrific Tuesday crossword by Dan Caprera, his 6th in the NYTimes. The clues were fun, fresh, and the theme was a wry one. Besides the clues covered in today's podcast, we'd like to give a shout out to 52A, ___ Jordan, a.k.a. the Green Lantern, HAL (we're just suckers for superheroes); 43A, Figure painted by Warhol, MAO (Will's definitel…

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Monday, January 20, 2025 - When AI's on the blink, time to break out the ol' Strunk & White! 12:39

5d ago12:39

12:39

Today's crossword was a debut for Katie Byl (pronounced "bill") and most definitely not a debut for Jeff Chen (pronounced "chen" 😀). Together they have crafted a perfect Monday puzzle, and only one of our cohosts found this to be slightly more daunting than usual for a Monday, for reasons entirely of his own making. Jean's favorite clue in today's …

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Sunday, January 19, 2025 - All rise, Strega NONA is in the grid! 24:50

6d ago24:50

24:50

For those of you who like mathematics and puns, Emily Sharp and Kunal Nabar have got your number, with this fine debut (for Emily) and debut-follow-up (for Kunal) crossword. The grid had a lot of great clues, including 117A, Social workspaces for some remote workers, CAFES (cute!); 109A, Like some parking and poetry, METERED (an echo of last Thursd…

1
Saturday, January 18, 2025 - Three stacks of three answers apiece, gasp! 16:47

7d ago16:47

16:47

Today's crossword was remarkably daunting. The grid consisted of three stacks of three answers, each stack spanning the width of the crossword. Constructing this must've been a bear, but Scott McMahon pulled it off. [He also managed to work most of his last name into the grid, in 2D, Capital and second-largest city of Minorca, MAHON, a very nice to…

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Friday, January 17, 2025 - Look out, on the port side, it's the Jörmungandr!! 🦑 22:20

8d ago22:20

22:20

This was Willa Angel Chen Miller's second Friday crossword, and like the first one, this was a beaut! Jean found it easy going, Mike ... found it ... and then found his footing (eventually). The clues were sharp (54A, Bit of a subway station wall, TILE), enlightening (39A, First capital of Alaska, SITKA); and amusing (42D, Quarter back?, EAGLE 😀). …

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Thursday, January 16, 2025 - Oh, the irony, ATOM, WHIT and TSP in a hugely well-done crossword 😀 20:18

9d ago20:18

20:18

Rebecca Goldstein is a great crossword constructor. Adam Wagner is no slouch himself. Put them together and you get ... well, this crossword, a crafty puzzler with some delicious clung. We have all the deets inside, a few (possibly even useful 😀) tips for new listeners, and some awesome listener mail. Enjoy! Show note imagery: A slab of grenadilla,…

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Wednesday, January 15, 2025 - It's Higgins, Sir! 19:57

10d ago19:57

19:57

Today's crossword is by Parker Higgins, and it was a joy. We had a lot of fun -- some might argue too much, but not us! -- digging through the grid, as you'll discover when you check out today's episode. Show note imagery: A LUTE (left) and a LYRE (right) We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, cross…

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Tuesday, January 14, 2025 - Today's crossword? WHATATREAT! 17:09

11d ago17:09

17:09

This was a very entertaining Tuesday crossword by Lance Enfinger, with some thought-provoking clues such as 40A, News of an alien landing, probably, HOAX (probably??); 51A, Response in a game of Battleship, HIT (inspired clue for a ho-hum -- no offense, HIT-fans -- word); 57D, Hamm of soccer fame, MIA. Besides the crossword, we have a tantalizing T…

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Monday, January 13, 2025 - Didst thou enjoyth said crossword? We certainly didith 😀 15:53

12d ago15:53

15:53

We start off the work week with a fine debut crossword by Adam Levav -- congrats, Adam!! We particularly enjoyed this puzzle because the theme involved our favorite ENGLISH variant, MIDDLEENGLISH. Even though this was a Monday, there were a few debut answers -- 47A, Feel relief from anxiety, BREATHEEASY; 24A, High school or college seniors, usually…

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Sunday, January 12, 2025 - Not puns are knot allowed ... or something like that 🙄 21:23

13d ago21:23

21:23

Today's crossword was by Jeffrey Martinovic, a mechanical engineering student at Western University in London, Ontario (go JW! -- yes, that's the name of their mascot, no word on whether they were trying to economize on signage when they chose it). And if Jeffrey is able to do mechanical engineering half as well as he constructs crosswords, then he…

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Saturday, January 11, 2025 - Ryan McCarty dials it up to 12!! 23:33

14d ago23:33

23:33

Today's crossword was a Saturday crossword, and that means tough; it was also by Ryan McCarty, which means, tough bordering on impossible. But not unfair; the clues were deliciously difficult, but -- with practice, patience, a good memory, experience, and a little bit of luck -- doable. And it's for that reason that today's crossword is the winner …

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Friday, January 10, 2025 - Robert Logan hits out of the ballpark with crossword # 5! 18:47

15d ago18:47

18:47

This was an excellent Friday crossword - not particularly difficult, both cohosts got through it rather expeditiously - but the clues were just fabulous. We've gone through most of them in today's episode, so check that out. In addition, we have a Fun Fact Friday segment on Sergio Leone, so, make our day* and tell others people about us on "the soc…

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Thursday, January 9, 2025 - A NATO-themed crossword? Neato!! 😀 😀 18:39

16d ago18:39

18:39

This was a fun and challenging Thursday crossword by David P. Williams, his sixth for the NYTimes, deftly edited by the indomitable Will Shortz. The theme was very helpful, providing a distinct tactical advantage (which we discuss in today's episode). There were scads of thought-provoking clues throughout the puzzle, like 37A, Danger in a Wile E. C…

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Wednesday, January 8, 2024 - ARROYO, fun to say, fun to spell, essential to solving today's crossword! 19:55

17d ago19:55

19:55

Today's crossword, by Laura Dershewitz, was her third for the NYTimes, and it was grand. Both cohosts found it a little crunchier (i.e., tougher) than usual, Mike more so than Jean, stymied as he too often is by his arch nemeses -- pop culture references and Spanish. Jean was mainly temporarily at a loss at 64A, Papal vestment, ORALE. Both eventual…

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Tuesday, January 7, 2025 - OOHBABY this was an awesome crossword! 😀 19:36

18d ago19:36

19:36

Dana Edwards has written two NYTimes crosswords, and both have been uniformly excellent. This one had an ingenious theme to it (not that his first was a slouch, but this one just had a little extra sparkle), and the clueing was particularly tricky (i.e., great!). There's simply no other way to describe 53D, Kind of place that's beside the point?, O…

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Monday, January 6, 2025 - Worried you'll forget what FOMO stands for? That's FOFFOMO 😀 😀 13:13

19d ago13:13

13:13

Rena Cohen has concocted a fine Monday crossword for your enjoyment, one that checks all the boxes: Cute theme? (check!) Not too hard (check, check!) Entertaining? (check, check, check!) In short, we won't be checking any doubts at the door, this is definitely worth 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Show note imagery: BUSAN, South Korea We love feedbac…

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Sunday, January 5, 2025 - Deep philosophical question here, did Batman ever have a BATPUP? 🧐 17:58

20d ago17:58

17:58

This was an excellent Sunday crossword by Kareem Ayas, the themed clues being particularly ingenious and amusing (deets inside). But Kareem didn't ease off the gas when constructing the rest of the puzzle, there were fabulous clues throughout the grid. Have a listen, and you'll see why we were so enthralled. Show note imagery: The 2023 DUCATI Panig…

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Saturday, January 6, 2025 - A not-entirely-impossible Sam Ezersky Saturday spectacular!! 15:41

21d ago15:41

15:41

The name Sam Ezersky strikes fear (or at least mild anxiety) in the hearts of NYTimes crossword solvers everywhere, as he is known for his devilishly difficulty clues. Today's crossword was definitely tough -- 52D, Cook's offering with chips?, IMAC 😀; and 58A, Creature whose name means "forest person", ORANGUTAN come to mind (as do most of the othe…

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Friday, January 3, 2025 - A Colin Adams' crossword? Yup, we're ALLIN 18:04

22d ago18:04

18:04

This was Colin Adams' fourth NYTimes crossword in under a year, and, as we discuss in today's episode, he remains as proficient as he is prolific. Jean tore through this puzzle in no time flat, Mike tortuously clawed his way to the finish line, his usual Friday modus operandi. For our Fun Fact Friday segment, we take a quick look at a slow-talking …

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Thursday, January 2, 2025 - All hail the genius of dead pan 16:12

23d ago16:12

16:12

In the pantheon of comedians, Steven Wright surely deserves a column or three, and in today's crossword Robert Charlton has chosen a great quote to illustrate the point. If you are unfamiliar with Steven Wright, stop whatever you're doing right now (unless it's listening to this podcast -- wait until you're finished) to head over to your favorite s…

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Wednesday, January 1, 2025 - Happy New Year!! 🎉🎉🎊 16:07

24d ago16:07

16:07

We're welcoming in 2025 in grand style, with a Wednesday crossword by Seth Bisen-Hersh (his 3rd) and Jeff Chen (his 158th!). The theme ties in nicely with an ongoing holiday, and if your reaction to that phrase was "what holiday?", then check out today's episode, where all will be revealed. Looking for an achievable new year's resolution? Why not r…

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Tuesday, December 31, 2024 - Our New Year's Eve Spectacular (fireworks, champagne, this episode's got it all!) 19:45

25d ago19:45

19:45

We're wrapping up 2024 and putting a bow on it, the actual present being today's crossword, a fine bit of work by Michael Lieberman, his 25th for the NYTimes, as deftly edited by -- it gives us such joy to write this -- Will Shortz (see yesterday's episode for the deets on why). Beyond the crossword, we have a magnificent Triplet Tuesday segment, a…

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Monday, December 20, 2024 - Welcome back Will Shortz!! ❤️❤️❤️ 11:33

26d ago11:33

11:33

Today's crossword is a cause for celebration. First, it was a great crossword (no surprise there -- check out the podcast for the deets), and second, it was edited by Will Shortz, the long time editor of the NYTimes crossword who had a stroke earlier this year. But demonstrating his indomitable spirit, Will has returned to the editor's chair, for w…

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Sunday, December 29, 2024 - Happy Penultimate Day of the Year Eve! 16:29

27d ago16:29

16:29

Today's crossword is the last Sunday of the year, and the finale is a fine one, thanks to Harry Zheng, author of today's puzzle -- edited ably and adeptly, as always, by Joel Fagliano. Deets inside, so have a listen, and don't forget to tell your friends about us on social media! Show note imagery: An Anteater, Armadillo and ANTELOPE, oh, my! We lo…

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Saturday, December 28, 2024 - Reboot! 17:54

28d ago17:54

17:54

We've been off almost a week, so in honor of our reboot we're starting the podcast with some musical fanfare to declare our return. And, for your edification, we are returning with an analysis of a fine NYTimes Saturday crossword -- a debut by Sam Berriman with an astonishing 10 debut answers. We also have some great listener mail, so have a listen…

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Sunday, December 22, 2024 - The Happy Holiday Edition! 15:08

1M ago15:08

15:08

The NYTimes has given us a splendid holiday present, today's crossword -- a chewy, themeless Sunday that you can really sink your teeth into (er, metaphorically speaking, please!). We. have all the deets inside, plus, the moment you've all been waiting for, the big reveal of our latest Triplet Tuesday Contest winner. You know we're not going to spo…

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Saturday, December 21, 2024 - Get ready to swing, TITOPUENTE is in the house! 12:22

1M ago12:22

12:22

In today's episode, Jean sails through the toughest crossword of the week, and Mike crashes into the mizenmast, and is still pulling out splinters. We have all the deets inside, so you are cordially invited to download, listen up, and enjoy! Show note imagery: TITOPUENTE, the King of Mambo We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love l…

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Friday, December 20, 2024 - ESSO, the NYTimes Crossword's favorite gas station 😀 9:21

1M ago9:21

9:21

As the week progresses, the NYTimes crosswords get tougher, and here on a Friday, things can get really sticky. Today's was about a 7-8 out of 10 on the stickiness scale, but the cluing was still entertaining. We had 15D, John, in Portuguese, JOAO (ok, now we know); 32A, The symbol of America's first transcontinental railroad, THEGOLDENSPIKE; and 4…

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Thursday, December 19, 2024 - Brandon Koppy? We're definitely STANs 16:58

1M ago16:58

16:58

This was a slick Thursday crossword by Brandon Koppy, with some significant Golidlox cluing - not too easy, not too hard, just right -- assuming that you've been doing the crosswords for a while. If you're just starting out, the clues might be better characterized as hard, impossible, and huh? Some of the lesser known clues (to us) include 23D, 13t…

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Wednesday, December 18, 2024 - If you're a YUTZ, don't try this crossword 17:17

1M ago17:17

17:17

The themed clues in today's crossword were so good that they might've out shone some other gems. Fortunately we always solve our crosswords while wearing shades, so we can report that these clues -- 64D, Sending help?, UPS; the delicious combo of 6D, "It's so c-c-c-old!", BRR and 7D, Refreshment served with a spoon, ICEE; and 4D, Fool, from the Yid…

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Tuesday, December 17, 2024 - Our Triplet Tuesday Contest Spectacular!!! 20:01

1M ago20:01

20:01

Yes, the moment you have all been waiting for has finally arrived, another Triplet Tuesday Contest! Of course, for those of you who are fans of Kathy Lowden, the constructor of today's crossword, if that was the moment you were waiting for, well, your ship has come in as well -- and the great thing is that we cover both in today's episode. Yes, it'…

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Monday, December 16, 2024 - Ah, the pause that refreshes! 13:54

1M ago13:54

13:54

This was a fun, frothy Monday crossword by Ailee Yoshida, her second for the NYTimes. The theme was (as always) ingenious, and, being a Monday, the grid was populated with words that we mainly know. It did have two debut answers (19A, Tidbit in a nutritious pudding: CHIASEED; 23A, Department handling media inquiries: PRESSOFFICE) and one not seen s…

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Sunday, December 15, 2024 - Magic is in the grid! 27:13

1M ago27:13

27:13

This was an extraordinary Sunday crossword by David Kwong, his 24th for the NYTimes. David is a magician, fitting since there is so much magic in today's grid ... and art! In fact there is a palette of artists (and if palette's not the unit in which artists are measured it ought to be) as well, all part of a very, very clever theme. Deets inside! A…

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Saturday, December 14, 2024 - Welcome to BISMARCKND 23:42

1M ago23:42

23:42

This was a remarkable NYTimes crossword, first because it was a debut Saturday crossword for Owen Bergstein (not too many cruciverbalists debut on a Saturday), and second, because Owen is a high school junior! Talk about starting young! The crossword itself is great, and we have all the deets inside, as well as our JAMCOTWA winner, some listener ma…

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Friday, December 13, 2024 - CAVA, champagne for the rest of us 😉 23:39

1M ago23:39

23:39

Our cohosts had slightly different experiences solving today's crossword ... Jean found it to be a tricky but straightforward Friday, Mike found solving it more akin to climbing the Hoover Dam one-handed: doable, but only with a lot of patience (and possibly a temporary repeal of the law of gravity). Deets inside, as well as a fine Fun Fact for Fun…

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Thursday, December 12, 2024 - Daniel Bodily's crossword hits the sweet spot 😀 19:56

1M ago19:56

19:56

This was a fine Thursday crossword by Daniel Bodily, including a slick theme, smartly implemented. There were some great clues, including 42A, It makes Max profits, HBO 😀 ; 24D, Plant used in xeriscaping because of its tolerance to drought, AGAVE (we just love the word xeriscaping 😀); the delicious 57A, Low-key place for gnocchi, TRATTORIA (which i…

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Wednesday, December 11, 2024 - A brilliant midweek crossword 18:01

2M ago18:01

18:01

This was a fabulous Wednesday crossword, a collaboration between Kathy Bloomer and the prolific Jeff Chen, that includes a theme that is clever, complex, and some other word that starts with the letter c but isn't cozy ... er, we'll get back to you on that 😀 Beyond the aforementioned clever, complex and not cozy theme clues, we had some other fine …

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Tuesday, December 10, 2024 - The answer might be UGLI, but the clue is beautiful 😀 19:05

2M ago19:05

19:05

This was a quintessential NYTimes crossword, featuring an arty theme with a twist, and a SWARM of supporting clues guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, including 51D, Give a take, OPINE; 6D, Likely aftermath of a toddler's playtime, MESS; and 50D, "No can do, lassie", NAE. Brilliant, the lot of them! Speaking of lot, we're going to be having a…

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Monday, December 9, 2024 - NASA's just landed ... in the NYTimes Crossword! 🌛 13:20

2M ago13:20

13:20

Another Monday, another debut crossword constructor! This was from Elliot Caroll, and both cohosts found her work to be a bit crunchier than usual for a Monday, as evidenced by their longer-than-average solve times and higher HSPMs (Head Scratches Per Minute) than usual. We aren't complaining, though, we wouldn't think of ONBLASTing this fine work.…

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Sunday, December 8, 2024 - John Kugelman is on a tear! 21:33

2M ago21:33

21:33

The numbers are extraordinary, and speak for themselves: this is John Kugelman's 8th NYTimes crossword, his 7th Sunday oeuvre, and he's been cranking them out at the rate of approximately 1 per month. So, in honor of all that, we present the following clue for your consideration: 3D, Indefatigable (12 letters), JOHNKUGELMAN. The crossword itself wa…

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Saturday, December 7, 2024 - In tomorrow's mailbag, we expect a bit of TUMULT about how to pronounce TUMULT 😀 20:00

2M ago20:00

20:00

The first thing that grabs your attention when looking at today's crossword is the grid - a pinwheel built on a few black squares, but mainly impressively tall stacks of answers. In a switch from the usual state of affairs, Jean found this crossword to be a tad on the daunting side, Mike not quite so much. Both agreed that it was an excellent cross…

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Friday, December 6, 2024 - It's a Robin Weintraub puzzle, so, chances of fun? 100% 17:55

2M ago17:55

17:55

Robin Weintraub is legendary for her joyous crosswords, and today's puzzle is a perfect example: there are LOL clues everywhere you look, and we looked everywhere! Deets inside, as well as listener mail, and a fabulous fun fact for Fun Fact Friday™️. Show note imagery: Oh, the irony, a Shindig! DVD! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info:…

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