Jean & Mike Do The New York Times Crossword

This was a terrific mid-week crossword by Joseph Gangi, number seven since his auspicious debut in March of 2022. The theme was ... magnificent. It is almost guaranteed to make you LOL when you get it, so in the interests of not hugely spoiling the crossword, we'll say no more about it (other than encourage you to, naturally, listen to the podcast for the full 411).
Show note imagery: A Newfoundland (right) and a Labrador retriever (left), meeting with a host of dignitaries, including the premier of Newfoundland Labrador (the Honorable Dr. Andrew Furey, wearing the red tie)
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Any time a Hasbro toy makes an appearance in the grid it puts a smile on our faces, and so we are grinning as a consequence of today's crossword — a collaboration between Sarah Sinclair and Amie Walker.
 The theme was terrific, the rest of the clues equally splendid. Making just his third appearance in the grid, we had at 44D, John _______, longtime writer for The New Yorker, MCPHEE; we had a debut at 37A, "Toy Story 2" character who says "I'm packing you an extra pair of shoes, and your angry eyes, just in case" , MRSPOTATOHEAD; and finally we enjoyed 9D, Do the splits?, DIVIDE. Personally, we are not divided at all: both cohosts adored this crossword.
Show note imagery: a DIY CLAPOMETER, just because
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It never ceases to amaze, how crossword constructors can take a simple phrase and spin it out into as good a puzzle as, say, this one, by Matthew Stock. We liked the theme, and, frankly, everything else in the grid. It included one of our favorite attractions, 15A, St. Louis's Gateway ___ National Park, ARCH; one of our favorite modern British writers, 9D, British novelist Jones, SADIE; and our favorite topographic feature, 40A, Steep-walled canyon, GORGE.
Today's episode also contains our latest JAMCOTWA™️ (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award), going to a debut constructor, no less! Deets inside.
Show note imagery: A Trireme, propelled by a multitude of OARs.
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This was a Super Crossword for a Super Bowl Sunday. The theme was straightforward but cute, and the rest of the puzzle featured a SEA of crafty clues. For instance, we had 24D, Quick hellos, HIS (ha!); 37D, Villainous chortle, HEHE (heh, heh); and 11D, Wee mewer, KITTEN (cute!).
Show note imagery: The Ecstasy of St. Teresa, by BERNINI
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Mark Diehl has been writing NYTimes Crosswords - predominantly Friday and Saturday puzzles - since 1984. He's eased off as of late, his last appearing in 2020. But he's back with an ingenious Saturday crossword that charmed both cohosts. Check out today's podcast to find out why.
Show note imagery: Some SONYREADERS
Show note URL: The House of PUTTEES, one of many, many hilarious skits from the masters of deadpan, Bob & Ray.
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