This was a Sunday debut by Hannah Slovut, and a rather novel one. You could tell it was a debut since xwordinfo.com said so; you could tell it was novel because the grid had 27 rows and 17 columns (the standard grid is 21x21). The shape was perfectly appropriate, however, because the ingenious theme centered around giraffes, in celebration of WORLDGIRAFFEDAY. We're not quite sure what is the approved way of celebrating WGD, but we do hope it involves stilts. 😀 

Show note imagery: Some kids having a blast at the ol' CORNPIT

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Katie Hoody makes magnificent Saturday crosswords, and today's is no exception. It is a master class in crossword construction, featuring clues so brilliant that sunglasses are advised when working on it. 😎 We have full coverage in today's episode, so have a listen, and, as always, please tell others about us on social media.

Show note imagery: A master of disguise, the SEADRAGON (really, that's a fish, not a leaf!!)

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Today's crossword — a debut by Jack Hatchett — was an epic struggle for both cohosts, as the puzzle was brimming with craftily clued debuts. We were definitely not expecting 10D, Sudden reversal of fortune, in literature, PERIPETEIA (from the Latin, meaning, you'll never, ever be able to spell this even with spellcheck). To reemphasize just how difficult today's crossword was, one of the easier clues was 13A, Field trip?, HOMERUNTROT. We were glad, though, as we were wrestling with the most cryptic clues, to find that the author had already included our reaction: 29A, "You've gotta be kidding me!", OHCOMEONNOW 😀

In addition to the crossword, in honor of Friday we have a Fun Fact Friday™ segment, featuring an erstwhile department store forever associated with the color blue. Deets inside.

Show note imagery: A delicious AMUSEBOUCHE

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Compared to yesterday's crossword, with its somewhat complex theme, today's was simultaneously both easier and harder. Easier in the sense that once you had enough crosses, you could probably suss out the answer — a fairly common phrase. Harder in the sense that without the crosses the chances of just rattling off the answer were pretty much zero. All in all, we found today's crossword to be a worthy Thursday puzzle, and by the power vested in us by, well, ourselves, bestow upon it a full 5 squares, on the JAMCR scale.

Show note imagery: The most noble of gases

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There are themes, and then there are themes. Today's crossword was definitely a case of the latter, and it was combined with clues that were above average in difficulty. As a consequence, both cohosts had to really put their backs into it, so to speak, in their quest for the happy music. We have the full 411 inside, so have a listen!

Just a reminder that all of our show notes link to the solved puzzle on xwordinfo.com, a famous and fabulous site for all things related to the NYTimes crossword. Be sure and check it out, and tell Jim Horne that Jean & Mike sent ya'!

Show note imagery: Some scrumptious Portobello Osso BUCO!

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Brad Lively is on a tear: this is his second crossword in three weeks, not too shabby! The theme was hilarious, and the rest of the clues were perfect Tuesday fodder. We have the full 411 in today's podcast.

But wait, there's more! Since it is Tuesday, we have a Triplet Tuesday™️ segment, in which, once again, Jean demonstrates her almost superhuman cruciverbial powers. 

Show note imagery: Lake ERIE, although it really isn't 🙄

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Both cohosts found today's crossword to be slightly crunchier (read: harder) than usual for a Monday, but it was a joy to solve nonetheless (or perhaps because of that!). Deets inside.

We have selected our JAMCOTWA™️ (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award) for the previous week, a most deserving bit of work with a dazzling, LOL, and irresistible theme.

Remember that solving the NYTimes Crossword on a daily basis is an excellent way to keep those axons and dendrites taut, and impress people at parties (we're not too sure which parties, exactly, other than that they are the best ones). To make sure that you don't miss a single puzzle, you can subscribe right here, where operators — or, since this is 2026, bots — are standing by.

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This was a crunchier than usual Sunday crossword by a man who knows Sunday crosswords quite well — this is John Kugelman's 16th. The theme was very clever and likely a bear to construct, but the end result was a splendid challenge. In terms of difficulty, Sunday crosswords are often characterized as bigger Wednesdays, but this one feels more like a Thursday or even a Friday — you'll definitely need patience and your wits about you to get through this one!

Show note imagery: CONGEE, congealing 😀 

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This was a highly entertaining Saturday crossword by Ryan McCarty, chockfull of tricky and entertaining clues. For instance, 33D, Is courting out of one's league, so to speak, DATESUP; as avowed Anglophiles we of course appreciated 19A, "Right?," in British lingo, INNIT; and we also appreciated the riddle embedded in 26A, Make it or break it, PAR. All told, we'll add one to Ryan McCarty's Super Saturday tally, and eagerly await his next puzzle.

In addition to the crossword, we have some excellent listener mail about perseverance (and more), so to check all of that out, download, listen up, and enjoy!

Show note imagery: Rare, but not quite obsolete, behold the STAMPPAD!

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This was a quality Friday crossword by Amanda Winters, her second for the NYTimes. It was not hugely difficult by Friday standards, but the quality of the clues was first rate, and there was nary a hint of crosswordese anywhere in the grid. We approve, and give it 5 squares on the JAMCR scale.

In addition to the crossword, we are also having a sale on facts, so we have two fun facts for Fun Fact Friday — check 'em out!

Show note imagery: An elephant who always looks good in green, BABAR!

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Today's crossword was a debut by Nikhil Bailey, and an excellent one, fueled by an awesome theme (but no revealer: you'll have to work this one out on your own, or ... listen to today's episode).

Some other clues raised some intriguing questions: 

• What's the story behind 19D — Gillette Stadium team in the N.F.L., to fans, PATS?
• Is the food alluded to in 52D, Like blue lobsters, RARE, really a thing?; and 
• Was 54D —"Mushy" side dish with fish and chips, PEAS — invented by a chef with anger management issues and a hammer?

Inquiring minds need to know!

Show note imagery: The ARAL Sea, then (left) and now (right)

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