Jean & Mike Do The New York Times Crossword

MADISON, Wisconsin is a wonderful city that has received many accolades over the years, but one has always eluded it: recognition in the NYTimes crossword. We are pleased to report that those sorrowful years are now in the past, for in today's crossword Kiran Pandey has chosen to clue it as "Midwest capital named for a president", and in consequence Wisconsinites are dancing in the streets (but slowly: it's 17° out and dropping fast).
In other news, we have another Triplet Tuesday segment for your listening pleasure. This time Jean's the interrogator, so to see how the interrogatee fared, have a listen to today's episode.
Show note imagery: The Capitol building in MADISON, Wi, where it's always 72° with blue skies, and a light breeze from the northwest.
According to the National Institutes of Health, one way to keep your little gray cells running at peak efficiency is to do daily battle with a crossword. The NYTimes would be glad to be your sparring partner: just wander over to the NYTimes subscription page, and they'll do the rest.
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This was a superb and somewhat crunchier than usual Monday crossword, a side-effect perhaps of an excellent, and about as NYTimes-ish as you can hope for, theme. For all those reasons we are delighted to give this a full five squares on the JAMCR scale.
In addition to today's crossword, we've picked out our JAMCOTWA™️ (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award), so to find out who, and why, download today's episode and have a listen.
Show note imagery:  Downtown ORONO, Maine
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Today's crossword was a real deal — two themes for he price of one. But, here's the kicker (and the reason why this puzzle was worthy of the NYTimes): the two themes were slyly related in a way that we will not spoil here, but let you discover on your own, in today's episode.
Show note imagery: ARSENE Lupin, gentlemen thief and nemesis of Herlock Sholmes (really!)
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Kameron Austin Collins (aka KAC) has a reputation for writing streak-killing crosswords. Today, however, KAC is playing against type — and the result is a tough, doable puzzle that doubles as a master class in how to write great clues. 
We've covered our favorites on today's podcast, but here are a few more for your consideration. First, we have 33A, Hip places, BELTLINES (nice!); 32D, Tanning target, PELT (oh, that kind of tan); and the short, sweet, and somewhat cryptic 26A, Flutter, BATS. A fine crossword, most definitely deserving a 5 out of 5 on the JAMCR scale.
Show note imagery: William Pitt "the Younger", a Whig wearing a wig 🙄
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Today marks Joe Marquez's sixth NYTimes crossword. Having started in 2023, that amounts to about 2 crosswords per year — not too shabby! This particular puzzle was particularly non-shabby, with a wry theme and a slew of entertaining clues. We were impressed by 54D, Be important, COUNT (we know you do, listeners!); bedazzled by 51D, Hurricane or mudslide, DRINK (ha!); and suitably perplexed by 12D, Carry the ball in volleyball, e.g., ERR (got it!). 
Show note imagery: Black opal, a rare gem that is suspiciously colorful
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We love listener mail! Drop us a line, [email protected].

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