After the excitement of the last few days, we confess a certain pleasure in tackling a more laid-back crossword, one that did not require all neurons on deck, and what some might term an excessive amount of gnashing of teeth, to get the job done. We were anticipating that this might be the case, but appreciated the confirmation nonetheless. Hats off to Joel Woodford (this is his second NYTimes crossword) for an entertaining start to our puzzle-solving week.

Show note imagery: Vientiane, Laos!

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Today's crossword was — depending on which cohost you ask — a slightly crunchier than usual Sunday, or a puzzle just a shade less difficult than decrypting the Rosetta Stone in the dark while wearing gloves. Regardless, the puzzle could be solved, and the payoff was extraordinary, with the AHA! moment in the center of the grid being particularly epic. Deets inside.

Show note imagery: Feng Wang, playing an EHRU.

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This was an awe-droppingly good Saturday crossword by Katie Hoody. Each clue, individually, is a work of art in miniature, and collectively, this crossword is simply a work of art. This was, make no mistake about it, a tough crossword: but it was fair, with little to no use of pop culture (Mike's nemesis), just inspiring plays on words.

This definitely, positively, pegs the meter on the JAMCR scale — a full 5 squares.

Show note imagery: AMYS, one of our favorite pizzas!

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Today's crossword was (checks calendar) classified as a Friday, but it was definitely on the tougher side of the Friday spectrum. Did our intrepid cohosts manage to solve the puzzle? Or did they go down in flames? To find out, as well as hear a fabulous Fun Fact Friday™️ segment, checkout today's episode.

Show note imagery: MANIOC (aka cassava or yuca) is a woody shrub native to South America from which we get, among other things, tapioca.

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Today's crossword — the product of two highly accomplished crossword constructors, John Guzzetta and Jeff Chen, and one world-renowned crossword editor, Will Shortz — is, in a word, an absolute delight. OK, technically that's three words, but this crossword is so impressive that it deserves the extra praise. We explain why in detail in today's episode, so do have a listen, and, let us know if you concur.

Show note imagery: A SKUA, on the hunt!

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A second constructor in a row is making their debut — today it is James Mattina, an internist in Montréal, who has delivered a lovely crossword that is guaranteed to grow on you — a sentence that will become uproariously funny* once you've checked out today's episode.

Show note imagery: The Stax Museum of American Soul Music, in Memphis, TN

*or at least cause a mild twitching of the zygomaticus major and zygomaticus minor muscles**

**the muscles repsonsible for smiling

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Today's crossword was a debut for Max Schlenker: congratulations, felicitations, etc., first for writing such a fine crossword, and second, for getting it accepted. We take a stroll through the grid in today's episode, and you, dear reader/listener, are cordially invited to join us on the journey.

Besides the crossword, since it is Tuesday, we have a Triplet Tuesday™️ segment, and this time Jean's doing the high-wire act, and without a net (gasp!) or even Annette (who?! 🙄) .

Show note imagery: Alpha-Bits, they're ABC Delicious 😀 

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Today's crossword marked a fine way to start our crossword-solving week, with a witty theme, straightforward clues, and — as one would expect on a Monday — very few problem areas. And yet, demonstrating his ability to be OTM (OBTUSER Than Most™️), Mike was able to get temporarily mired in the grid. You can hear all the shocking details inside, and discover the well-deserved winner of this week's JAMCOTWA™️ (Jean And Mike Crossword Of the Week Award).

Show note imagery: Don't delay, learn how to BELAY today 🙄

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This is Mark Diehl's 80th NYTimes crossword since 1984, so it is abundantly obvious that he knows a thing or twenty about writing great crosswords. His talents are on full display today — the theme is a puzzle in a puzzle, and the rest of the clues are quite crunchy. Jean & Co. worked through the crossword fairly expeditiously, Mike got bogged down in several areas, but managed to haul himself out in spite of not knowing a distressingly high number of clues.

Show note imagery: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, by KENKESEY

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Our cohosts had very different takes on today's crossword, a truly extraordinary work of art by Hannah Slovut. Jean & Co. found it to be a stiff breeze, Mike found it to be more of an F-5 tornado. Happily, all parties did get the puzzle solved (er, eventually), and were appropriately awed and energized by the experience. 

Show note imagery: Artemis II, just getting started.

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Kudos to Rena Cohen for crafting an excellent crossword, her first to appear on a Friday. The clues were quite interesting: we always appreciate crosswords that both entertain and teach, as this one does so well.

Speaking of entertaining and teaching, we also have a Fun Fact Friday segment that does just that. Check it out!

Show note imagery: Yes, this too is a baguette (technically, it's a type of cut, used for diamonds and other precious stones)

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