Jean & Mike Do The New York Times Crossword

Friday crosswords have a lot of weight on their shoulders: they need to be entertaining (of course); themeless (by convention); and ramp up the difficulty to just the right level so that Saturday doesn't see like a quantum leap from Thursday. We are pleased to report that Rachel Fabi's latest crossword checks all the boxes. 
To confirm that, be sure and check out today's episode, available ... right now!
Show note imagery: Negative Nancy, not to be confused with whining Willy!

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This was a terrific crossword by Rafael Musa — who usually works the Friday side of the street — and Sala Wanetick. The theme was ingenious and, as we discuss in today's episode, almost impossible to miss. 
Speaking of miss, we hope you won't miss this or any future episodes: click on follow / subscribe / whatever on your podcast-supplying app of choice to ensure that such a calamity does not befell you!
Show note imagery: a NOSEEUM, member of the family Ceratopogonidae, most definitely not to scale (whew!)
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We are definitely Adam Wagner fans, and our idol does not disappoint today. The theme is inspired, the clues perfect for a Wednesday, and the entire puzzle is suffused with a lively and cheery spirit that put a smile on our faces. We approve, and give it an often sought but rarely delivered 5 squares on the JAMCR scale.
Show note imagery: Members of SKATEPUNK band Blink-182
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Mark Diehl is certainly a veteran crossword constructor — his first NYTimes crossword was published in 1984! He hasn't lost his touch, though: this was a terrific Tuesday with a boffo theme.
Besides the crossword, it's Triplet Tuesday™️, and the spotlight's on Mike. Will he rise to the challenge or, tragically, go down in flames? Tune in to find out!
Finally, we have an inspirational piece of listener mail about that most elusive and valuable of commodities — grit — the internal kind that keeps you driving forward, striving for success (as measured, in this context at least, by the cheery "happy music" theme).
Show note imagery: The Taxman (or woman) cometh!
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This was a splendid Monday crossword, arguably slightly crunchier than usual, but still definitely on the Monday side of the scale. A few of those crunchier clues included 46D, Afghan language, PASHTO (🤔); 28A, "There's ___ in 'team,' but there is one in 'win'", NOI (😀); and 53D, City NE of Manchester, LEEDS (🇬🇧).
In addition to the crossword, we have also selected our JAMCOTWA™️ (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award), and we are sure that you'll agree that ... the crossword in question definitely came out last week 😉.
Show note imagery: A collection of AESOP's fables ( most likely not signed by the author 😀). 

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Contact Info:
We love listener mail! Drop us a line, [email protected].

Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!