Podcasts about Crossword

This was a relatively straightforward Saturday crossword, but the clues included 7 debuts (and 2 that have not been seen in donkey's years): that made for an intriguing grid, and we definitely enjoyed the solve. Of course, based on the Law of Conservation of Crossword Difficulty (which, as we recall, won Margaret Farrar a Nobel prize in Cruciverbalism in 1960), it means that tomorrow's crossword could be nigh well impossible. We'll find out then!Show note imagery: Brooke Ashby, a WVU Mountaineer mascot (during the COVID-19 pandemic)We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard dive deep into Safari extensions that can improve how you browse the web on iOS and iPadOS. From blocking annoying ads and cookie prompts to creating custom search shortcuts and saving articles for later reading, these browser add-ons turn Safari into a swiss army knife of functionality. Wipr - A simple, effective ad blocker that works silently in the background without multiple extension instances cluttering your Safari menu, making it ideal for less tech-savvy users like elderly relatives Keyword Search - Creates custom search shortcuts using semicolons and keywords to search specific websites directly from the address bar, perfect for frequently searched sites like Apple Support or AP Stylebook GoodLinks - Save articles for offline reading later with support for paywall login credentials, allowing you to build a personal reading library that syncs across devices Browser Note - Add digital sticky notes to specific web pages that appear whenever you revisit them, perfect for remembering discount codes, login preferences, or shopping reminders Hush Nag Blocker - Specifically targets and removes cookie consent banners and privacy prompts without using third-party dependencies or tracking user behavior Printer Friendly for Safari - Edit web pages before printing by removing unwanted sections like headers, footers, and ads to save ink and paper while creating cleaner printouts Share Tabs for Safari - Export lists of open browser tabs with titles and URLs for easy sharing with others, eliminating the need to manually copy multiple links URL Linker for Safari - Format shared links in specific styles like markdown or plain text with customizable formatting options News Apple News Plus Emoji Game - New puzzle game available to News Plus subscribers where players decode emoji combinations to fill in word blanks, joining existing games like Crossword and Quartiles Shortcuts Corner Podcast Reminder Shortcut - Kevin's request for creating Apple Reminders from podcast episodes gets solved with a shortcut that captures both episode titles and URLs, with built-in artwork display when URLs are properly formatted App Caps Endel - AI-powered soundscape app that adapts background music based on time and location, featuring new ADHD-focused modes including Solfeggio tones, 8D audio, and binaural beats for improved focus Lock your Notes on iPhone - Built-in iOS feature allowing users to lock specific notes with Face ID or passcode protection, perfect for sensitive information like payment details or secret gift ideas Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard dive deep into Safari extensions that can improve how you browse the web on iOS and iPadOS. From blocking annoying ads and cookie prompts to creating custom search shortcuts and saving articles for later reading, these browser add-ons turn Safari into a swiss army knife of functionality. Wipr - A simple, effective ad blocker that works silently in the background without multiple extension instances cluttering your Safari menu, making it ideal for less tech-savvy users like elderly relatives Keyword Search - Creates custom search shortcuts using semicolons and keywords to search specific websites directly from the address bar, perfect for frequently searched sites like Apple Support or AP Stylebook GoodLinks - Save articles for offline reading later with support for paywall login credentials, allowing you to build a personal reading library that syncs across devices Browser Note - Add digital sticky notes to specific web pages that appear whenever you revisit them, perfect for remembering discount codes, login preferences, or shopping reminders Hush Nag Blocker - Specifically targets and removes cookie consent banners and privacy prompts without using third-party dependencies or tracking user behavior Printer Friendly for Safari - Edit web pages before printing by removing unwanted sections like headers, footers, and ads to save ink and paper while creating cleaner printouts Share Tabs for Safari - Export lists of open browser tabs with titles and URLs for easy sharing with others, eliminating the need to manually copy multiple links URL Linker for Safari - Format shared links in specific styles like markdown or plain text with customizable formatting options News Apple News Plus Emoji Game - New puzzle game available to News Plus subscribers where players decode emoji combinations to fill in word blanks, joining existing games like Crossword and Quartiles Shortcuts Corner Podcast Reminder Shortcut - Kevin's request for creating Apple Reminders from podcast episodes gets solved with a shortcut that captures both episode titles and URLs, with built-in artwork display when URLs are properly formatted App Caps Endel - AI-powered soundscape app that adapts background music based on time and location, featuring new ADHD-focused modes including Solfeggio tones, 8D audio, and binaural beats for improved focus Lock your Notes on iPhone - Built-in iOS feature allowing users to lock specific notes with Face ID or passcode protection, perfect for sensitive information like payment details or secret gift ideas Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard dive deep into Safari extensions that can improve how you browse the web on iOS and iPadOS. From blocking annoying ads and cookie prompts to creating custom search shortcuts and saving articles for later reading, these browser add-ons turn Safari into a swiss army knife of functionality. Wipr - A simple, effective ad blocker that works silently in the background without multiple extension instances cluttering your Safari menu, making it ideal for less tech-savvy users like elderly relatives Keyword Search - Creates custom search shortcuts using semicolons and keywords to search specific websites directly from the address bar, perfect for frequently searched sites like Apple Support or AP Stylebook GoodLinks - Save articles for offline reading later with support for paywall login credentials, allowing you to build a personal reading library that syncs across devices Browser Note - Add digital sticky notes to specific web pages that appear whenever you revisit them, perfect for remembering discount codes, login preferences, or shopping reminders Hush Nag Blocker - Specifically targets and removes cookie consent banners and privacy prompts without using third-party dependencies or tracking user behavior Printer Friendly for Safari - Edit web pages before printing by removing unwanted sections like headers, footers, and ads to save ink and paper while creating cleaner printouts Share Tabs for Safari - Export lists of open browser tabs with titles and URLs for easy sharing with others, eliminating the need to manually copy multiple links URL Linker for Safari - Format shared links in specific styles like markdown or plain text with customizable formatting options News Apple News Plus Emoji Game - New puzzle game available to News Plus subscribers where players decode emoji combinations to fill in word blanks, joining existing games like Crossword and Quartiles Shortcuts Corner Podcast Reminder Shortcut - Kevin's request for creating Apple Reminders from podcast episodes gets solved with a shortcut that captures both episode titles and URLs, with built-in artwork display when URLs are properly formatted App Caps Endel - AI-powered soundscape app that adapts background music based on time and location, featuring new ADHD-focused modes including Solfeggio tones, 8D audio, and binaural beats for improved focus Lock your Notes on iPhone - Built-in iOS feature allowing users to lock specific notes with Face ID or passcode protection, perfect for sensitive information like payment details or secret gift ideas Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard dive deep into Safari extensions that can improve how you browse the web on iOS and iPadOS. From blocking annoying ads and cookie prompts to creating custom search shortcuts and saving articles for later reading, these browser add-ons turn Safari into a swiss army knife of functionality. Wipr - A simple, effective ad blocker that works silently in the background without multiple extension instances cluttering your Safari menu, making it ideal for less tech-savvy users like elderly relatives Keyword Search - Creates custom search shortcuts using semicolons and keywords to search specific websites directly from the address bar, perfect for frequently searched sites like Apple Support or AP Stylebook GoodLinks - Save articles for offline reading later with support for paywall login credentials, allowing you to build a personal reading library that syncs across devices Browser Note - Add digital sticky notes to specific web pages that appear whenever you revisit them, perfect for remembering discount codes, login preferences, or shopping reminders Hush Nag Blocker - Specifically targets and removes cookie consent banners and privacy prompts without using third-party dependencies or tracking user behavior Printer Friendly for Safari - Edit web pages before printing by removing unwanted sections like headers, footers, and ads to save ink and paper while creating cleaner printouts Share Tabs for Safari - Export lists of open browser tabs with titles and URLs for easy sharing with others, eliminating the need to manually copy multiple links URL Linker for Safari - Format shared links in specific styles like markdown or plain text with customizable formatting options News Apple News Plus Emoji Game - New puzzle game available to News Plus subscribers where players decode emoji combinations to fill in word blanks, joining existing games like Crossword and Quartiles Shortcuts Corner Podcast Reminder Shortcut - Kevin's request for creating Apple Reminders from podcast episodes gets solved with a shortcut that captures both episode titles and URLs, with built-in artwork display when URLs are properly formatted App Caps Endel - AI-powered soundscape app that adapts background music based on time and location, featuring new ADHD-focused modes including Solfeggio tones, 8D audio, and binaural beats for improved focus Lock your Notes on iPhone - Built-in iOS feature allowing users to lock specific notes with Face ID or passcode protection, perfect for sensitive information like payment details or secret gift ideas Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Joseph Gangi has had 4 NYTimes crosswords published, all of them Wednesdays. He clearly has the difficulty level down pat, and his themes are always inventive: today's crossword being a case in point.Apart from the clues scrutinized in today's podcast, we'd like to draw your attention to 33A, "I don't mind ___ / Except as meals. / And the way they feels": Ogden Nash, EELS; 37D, Word aptly hidden in "turned yellow", DYE; and our favorite rapper, 61D, ______ Nas X, LIL.Show note imagery: The ISUZU river, with, alas, no ISUZU vehicles crossing the bridgeWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard dive deep into Safari extensions that can improve how you browse the web on iOS and iPadOS. From blocking annoying ads and cookie prompts to creating custom search shortcuts and saving articles for later reading, these browser add-ons turn Safari into a swiss army knife of functionality. Wipr - A simple, effective ad blocker that works silently in the background without multiple extension instances cluttering your Safari menu, making it ideal for less tech-savvy users like elderly relatives Keyword Search - Creates custom search shortcuts using semicolons and keywords to search specific websites directly from the address bar, perfect for frequently searched sites like Apple Support or AP Stylebook GoodLinks - Save articles for offline reading later with support for paywall login credentials, allowing you to build a personal reading library that syncs across devices Browser Note - Add digital sticky notes to specific web pages that appear whenever you revisit them, perfect for remembering discount codes, login preferences, or shopping reminders Hush Nag Blocker - Specifically targets and removes cookie consent banners and privacy prompts without using third-party dependencies or tracking user behavior Printer Friendly for Safari - Edit web pages before printing by removing unwanted sections like headers, footers, and ads to save ink and paper while creating cleaner printouts Share Tabs for Safari - Export lists of open browser tabs with titles and URLs for easy sharing with others, eliminating the need to manually copy multiple links URL Linker for Safari - Format shared links in specific styles like markdown or plain text with customizable formatting options News Apple News Plus Emoji Game - New puzzle game available to News Plus subscribers where players decode emoji combinations to fill in word blanks, joining existing games like Crossword and Quartiles Shortcuts Corner Podcast Reminder Shortcut - Kevin's request for creating Apple Reminders from podcast episodes gets solved with a shortcut that captures both episode titles and URLs, with built-in artwork display when URLs are properly formatted App Caps Endel - AI-powered soundscape app that adapts background music based on time and location, featuring new ADHD-focused modes including Solfeggio tones, 8D audio, and binaural beats for improved focus Lock your Notes on iPhone - Built-in iOS feature allowing users to lock specific notes with Face ID or passcode protection, perfect for sensitive information like payment details or secret gift ideas Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

In honor of the heatwave that some of you may be experiencing, Jeremy Newton has crafted a cool crossword to cool you down. ☃️ You are cordially invited to chill out with us as we frolic through the grid (and, of course, another great edition of Triplet Tuesday™️).Show note imagery: CICERO, who presumably was at a very bad party when he uttered his famous phrase, "Silence is one of the great arts of conversation".We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

Kelly Morenus has crafted a superb Friday crossword, challenging but not overwhelming (although YMMV depending upon your life experiences, how many crosswords you have solved previously, and, at least a SKOSH of good luck). We've covered a hefty tranche of clues in today's episode, but we'd also like to give a shoutout to 4D, The Brickyard 400 or Southern 500, e.g., NASCARRACE; 32A, Between then and now, SINCE (good one!); and something that you should utter once you've solved a crossword this challenging, 31A, Verbal flourishes, TADAS.Show note imagery: a LUGER, in actionWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

This was a highly elegant Wednesday crossword, featuring that most elegant of drinks (and one of the most famous letters in the English alphabet

This was a SERENE crossword -- and we say that not  because of the presence of SERENE in the grid, but because of the, well, SERENE theme -- one that ought to bring a smile to your lips, or, if you're having a frowny sort of day, at least help you transit from ☹️ to

What's a 5-letter word for brilliant? ROBYN. Robyn Weintraub ('91) is a crossword puzzle constructor for the New York Times, New Yorker, People, and more. She joins us to share her road from U-Hall 3 to puzzle fame, how she constructs with personality, and what makes a great clue.Special thank you to her husband, Jeff Weintraub, who introduced us to Robyn and gave us a day filled with fun, learning, and an inside look at a world we were dying to understand.Google Robin's puzzles — and get hooked!Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University 

Once again the NYTimes crossword has set a new high bar, thanks to the dynamic duo of Zhou Zhang and Kevin Curry. This magnificent opus featured a puzzle within a puzzle, surrounded by a sea of crisp and amusing clues -- just a delight. If there was an Academy Award for best crossword in a major newspaper, this would definitely get the nom.Show note imagery: GIZA, home of the SphinxWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

For those of you wondering about the episode title, it is explored and explained, along with a multitude of other topics riffing off of today's excellent puzzle, in our "Canada Day" special. In addition, Mike may (or may not) have gone down in flames in today's Triplet Tuesday™ segment; place your bets, and then have a listen to see if you (unlike, possibly, Mike) are a winner!Show note imagery: Some delicious ELOTE, a delicious Mexican street food, which often, understandably, causes partakers to EMOTE

This was Jesse Guzman's third NYTimes crossword, and with quality this good it's no surprise that the publication of his fourth NYTimes crossword is imminent. There was no theme, but the clues were uniformly brilliant and tricky, perfect for the "Hardest Crossword of the Week", aka, Saturday's. We approve, and bestow upon this puzzle the maximum number of squares -- that would be 5, for those of you not keeping track -- on the JAMCR scale.Show note imagery: Just a few of the many characters in the Mario universeWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

This was a surprising crossword, in a number of ways that we will not enumerate here, but dive into in depth in today's episode. There were too many great clues to squeeze into the podcast, so we'll just mention the also-rans but also-great trio of 43D, Acquisition that may solve a mouse problem, PETCAT (meow!); 42A, Olympic blade, EPEE; and 44A, Olympic "blade", OAR (nice juxtaposition!!).Remember, the NYTimes crossword makes an excellent gift, either for yourself, a friend, or a loved one: just wander over to the NYTimes website, they will be glad to get you set up!Show note imagery: An UPROOTER, brought to you by the same company that brought you the Weed Wrench!We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

For those of you pondering the title of today's episode, fear not: all, well, nearly all, will be revealed in today's podcast, covering Zhouqin Burnikel's 28th Monday crossword, among a very respectable 82 that she has had published in the NYTimes.Show note imagery: While this might seem like a high tech torpedo bay, it is in fact possibly a claustrophobic's worst nightmare, a good old fashioned MRIWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

Malaika Handa! Crossword constructor! Friend! Delight! More! In her own words from her website: "My name is Malaika Handa and I've made 565 crossword puzzles. You'll find me in Vulture magazine several days a week, and writing for rexwordpuzzle about once a month. I'm also sporadically published in other outlets (see below); if you'd like to get an email when that happens, sign up here. In the past, I ran the 7xwords project and blogged for Diary of a Crossword Fiend. When I'm not crossword-ing, I write code, play volleyball, teach high schoolers computer science, drink cocktails, and read romance novels. Find me on Twitter, bluesky or Instagram." Also, she and I were on a show together a few months ago and here is the talk she gave at that show! It's great! We have a great chat! You can have a great listen! And this is only the first HALF of our chat! For part two, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR simply head on over here to Patreon!

This was Tarun Krishnamurthy's second NYTimes crossword. It was just as good as his first, and considering that he wrote it while still in high school, we can anticipate him constructing a long, long string of great puzzles. A few clues (not mentioned in the podcast) of note include 26D, Get tangled up, RAVEL (oh, so that's what happens when you don't UNRAVEL); 36D, A sixth of the way through the hour, TENPAST (uh, oh, math

This was the second crossword and collaboration between Jill Rataloff and Michelle Sontarp. Both are lawyers, and while they might be, and it would be awesome if they were, partners in the firm Cross, Down and Diagonal, Attorneys at Law, that is only speculation on our part.The puzzle itself was great -- a gentle Monday with several surprising clues and answers that we hone in on in today's episode.Show note imagery: A KITTENHEELWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

If crosswords were paintings, today's would be hanging in the Louvre, it is that good. The theme is a winner, but the rest of the clues are magnificent. We're not just speculating here, though, we have proof -- all of which can be found in today's episode.Show note imagery: The mighty MISSISSIPPIWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

Today's grid had a few surprising entries. One that in particular caught our eye, because it has never caught our eye, was 30A, Altar constellation, ARA. It is located in the southern hemisphere, and, alas, never visible from Northeast Wisconsin (and when we've been in the southern hemisphere, we forgot to look). We also liked 44A, Flim-________, FLAM, mainly because of its origin story: it came from the Norse, flim, which at some point, for reasons unknown, became yoked to flam. Really, that's no flim-flam!Show note imagery:  To ARA is human, to forgive (including for bad puns like this one), divine

This was John Kugelman's twelfth NYTimes crossword in about 2 years, and today's puzzle makes it clear why he keeps getting published. The theme was fantastic, and there were enough challenging clues everywhere else to transform this into one of the tougher Sunday's we've seen in a while. We have the deets inside, so please, subscribe / download / listen / enjoy!Show note imagery:SALERNO, gateway to the Amalfi coast (and fully reassembled after the big move from Spain to Italy

Today's crossword was Blake Slonecker's 9th in the NYTimes, and his 4th Saturday, so he definitely knows how to write challenging clues. The grid here was impressive, with 4 full-width and 4 full-height answers -- no easy feat. And the clues were engaging, amusing, and educational. Apart from the clues mentioned in today's podcast, we did appreciate learning about 52A, Colorful knit top with Scottish origins, FAIRISLESWEATER; enjoyed 47D, Core location, TORSO; and were suitably deceived by 49A, Corruption below deck, perhaps, WOODROT. Apart from the crossword, today's episode features our JAMCOTWA - Jean and Mike Crossword Of The Week Award™️ - so have a listen, and, as usual, please tell others about us on social media.Show note imagery: A FAIRISLESWEATER by Stella McCartney (eh, the company, owned by Stella McCartney, the designer)We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

What, you may ask, makes for a perfect Friday crossword? We're not sure about the what, but we are about the who: Adrian Johnson, the author of today's and 5 prior NYTimes Friday crosswords, definitely knows how to make one. Both hosts found his latest to be exceptionally tricky, but, ultimately (with a little luck, a lot of experience solving past NYTimes crosswords, and a surfeit of caffeine), doable.Besides the crossword, we also have a Fun Fact Friday™️segment, and it's a really sockerooni

This was a very fine sophomore crossword by Anthony V. Grubb, appearing almost exactly one year after his NY Times debut (also a Monday). The theme was cute; the clues, at an apposite Monday level, included a few gems. For instance, 19D, Superfan, in slang, STAN (we're big STAN STANs

This was a fine end-of-work-week crossword by Rafael Musa, his 19th for the NYTimes and his 9th Friday, so he certainly knows this day well! Though seemingly not hugely difficult, it was a good warmup for Saturday, with fun late-week clues, such as 24D, 4 is a good one, in brief, APSCORE (

FREE WORD SEARCH and CROSSWORD for this episode: https://weirddarkness.com/AmericasFirstUFOsWhen Puritan settlers first witnessed strange lights over Massachusetts in 1639, they couldn't have imagined it would spark a centuries-long mystery involving government cover-ups, Project Blue Book, and the terrifying Men in Black who silence anyone who gets too close to the truth.Join the DARKNESS SYNDICATE: https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateABOUT WEIRD DARKNESS: Weird Darkness is a true crime and paranormal podcast narrated by professional award-winning voice actor, Darren Marlar. Seven days per week, Weird Darkness focuses on all thing strange and macabre such as haunted locations, unsolved mysteries, true ghost stories, supernatural manifestations, urban legends, unsolved or cold case murders, conspiracy theories, and more. On Thursdays, this scary stories podcast features horror fiction along with the occasional creepypasta. Weird Darkness has been named one of the “Best 20 Storytellers in Podcasting” by Podcast Business Journal. Listeners have described the show as a cross between “Coast to Coast” with Art Bell, “The Twilight Zone” with Rod Serling, “Unsolved Mysteries” with Robert Stack, and “In Search Of” with Leonard Nimoy.DISCLAIMER: Ads heard during the podcast that are not in my voice are placed by third party agencies outside of my control and should not imply an endorsement by Weird Darkness or myself. *** Stories and content in Weird Darkness can be disturbing for some listeners and intended for mature audiences only. Parental discretion is strongly advised.IN THIS EPISODE: The Men in Black, the beginning of Project Blue Book, America's first UFO sighting from 400 years ago… and a mysterious incident experienced by actor and comedian Dan Aykroyd. This and more from the world of space, extraterrestrials, and government secrecy.CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…00:00:00.000 = Lead-In00:03:26.615 = Show Open00:04:36.586 = America's First UFO Sighting00:22:54.997 = The Men In Black, Part 100:35:19.592 = The Men In Black, Part 200:52:17.119 = Show CloseSOURCES AND RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE…“America's First UFO Sighting” by Christopher Klein: https://tinyurl.com/y3ex36n4; Greg Daugherty: https://tinyurl.com/yyog7d5n“Men In Black”: Lee Speigel for Huffpost: https://tinyurl.com/wps8b8e; Steve Rose for The Guardian: https://tinyurl.com/z8d5wqd; Jacob Geers for Thought Catalog: https://tinyurl.com/qldplkwDan Aykroyd interview: https://tinyurl.com/v4e8qhq“Mirage Men” documentary: https://weirddarkness.com/archives/5894“UFOs: Past, Present and Future” documentary: https://weirddarkness.com/archives/5898=====(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.=====Originally aired: July 2018EPISODE PAGE at WeirdDarkness.com (includes list of sources): https://weirddarkness.com/AmericasFirstUFOs

This was a fine Tuesday crossword by Ginny Too, with a twee theme that lent itself to some amusing segues, as you will discover in today's episode. We also have our Triplet Tuesday segment, so to see how Jean does (hint: A frequent source of water on a farm), check out today's episode.Just a friendly reminder that solving the NYTimes crossword has been proven to keep your neurons in peak form, and make you more attractive to whomever you want to appear more attractive to! Just wander over to nytimes.com, subscribing is easy and just $1 a week for the first 6 months, cheap as borscht.Show note imagery: Some cheese rollers, pursuing their passion (and a large wheel of cheese).We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

FREE WORD SEARCH and CROSSWORD for this episode: https://weirddarkness.com/KCMassacreA hail of gunfire ended the life of Depression-era outlaw Frank “Jelly” Nash in 1933—but nearly a century later, it seems his ghost still refuses to leave Union Station.Join the DARKNESS SYNDICATE: https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateABOUT WEIRD DARKNESS: Weird Darkness is a true crime and paranormal podcast narrated by professional award-winning voice actor, Darren Marlar. Seven days per week, Weird Darkness focuses on all thing strange and macabre such as haunted locations, unsolved mysteries, true ghost stories, supernatural manifestations, urban legends, unsolved or cold case murders, conspiracy theories, and more. On Thursdays, this scary stories podcast features horror fiction along with the occasional creepypasta. Weird Darkness has been named one of the “Best 20 Storytellers in Podcasting” by Podcast Business Journal. Listeners have described the show as a cross between “Coast to Coast” with Art Bell, “The Twilight Zone” with Rod Serling, “Unsolved Mysteries” with Robert Stack, and “In Search Of” with Leonard Nimoy.DISCLAIMER: Ads heard during the podcast that are not in my voice are placed by third party agencies outside of my control and should not imply an endorsement by Weird Darkness or myself. *** Stories and content in Weird Darkness can be disturbing for some listeners and intended for mature audiences only. Parental discretion is strongly advised.IN THIS EPISODE: Weirdo family member Kara Moore tells us about the town she grew up in – with too many ghosts and specters to count. (“The Ghost of St. Clair's Defeat”) *** Gangsters, guns and ghosts… they've all resided at Kansas City's Union Station. (“The Kansas City Massacre”) *** If you live in a house that seven generations of your family have lived and died in, you have to expect there might be a little bit of paranormal activity. (“The Spirit Of Our Grandfather Won't Leave Us Alone”) *** Dorothy Dingley haunted a young farm boy back in the 1600's. But now it appears she has come back… or she has never left. (“The Cornish Ghost of Dorothy Dingley”) *** Ghosts have been seen in bathroom… but do ghosts ever need to use the bathroom? It appears one did. (“The Ghost Who Used Our Bathroom”) *** AND MORE!CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…(Sorry, this episode is a re-upload and time stamp information has been lost over the years.)SOURCES AND RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE“Haunted Student Apartment Occupied By A Friendly Ghost” submitted anonymously:https://www.myhauntedlifetoo.com/2018/03/20/haunted-student-apartment-occupied-by-a-friendly-ghost/“The Ghost of St. Clair's Defeat” submitted by Kara Moore to WeirdDarkness.com:https://www.myhauntedlifetoo.com/2018/03/19/the-ghosts-of-st-clairs-defeat/“The Spirit Of Our Grandfather Won't Leave Us Alone” written by John Waken:https://www.myhauntedlifetoo.com/2018/03/16/the-spirit-of-our-grandfather-wont-ever-leave-us-in-peace/“The Cornish Ghost of Dorothy Dingley” written by G. Michael Vasey:https://www.myhauntedlifetoo.com/2018/03/16/the-cornish-ghost-of-dorothy-dingley/“The Ghost Who Used Our Bathroom” written by Michelle Walton:https://www.myhauntedlifetoo.com/2018/03/15/the-ghost-who-used-our-bathroom/“The Kansas City Massacre” written by Troy Taylor: https://www.americanhauntingsink.com/kansascity=====(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.=====Originally aired: March 20, 2018EPISODE PAGE at WeirdDarkness.com (includes list of sources): https://weirddarkness.com/KCMassacre

Both cohosts found today's crossword to be a tad on the easy side (for a Saturday), but it nonetheless had some brilliant clues. Among these were 32D, Eton ___ (traditional English dessert), MESS (yum!); 28D, Shelters from the heat?, SAFEHOUSES (har!); and 54D, Magnum and Spade, for short, PIS (book 'em, Dano!). In other news, we have our JAMCOTWA winner (hint: if you read our podcast titles for this week, it won't take long to spot), and some terrific listener mail. Enjoy!Show note imagery: A delicious Eton MESSWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

FREE WORD SEARCH and CROSSWORD for this episode: https://weirddarkness.com/LuridLocationsSome places don't just feel haunted — they attract the unexplained like a magnet, drawing in ghosts, UFOs, curses, and creatures that defy logic and lurk just beyond the veil of reality.Join the DARKNESS SYNDICATE: https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateABOUT WEIRD DARKNESS: Weird Darkness is a true crime and paranormal podcast narrated by professional award-winning voice actor, Darren Marlar. Seven days per week, Weird Darkness focuses on all thing strange and macabre such as haunted locations, unsolved mysteries, true ghost stories, supernatural manifestations, urban legends, unsolved or cold case murders, conspiracy theories, and more. On Thursdays, this scary stories podcast features horror fiction along with the occasional creepypasta. Weird Darkness has been named one of the “Best 20 Storytellers in Podcasting” by Podcast Business Journal. Listeners have described the show as a cross between “Coast to Coast” with Art Bell, “The Twilight Zone” with Rod Serling, “Unsolved Mysteries” with Robert Stack, and “In Search Of” with Leonard Nimoy.DISCLAIMER: Ads heard during the podcast that are not in my voice are placed by third party agencies outside of my control and should not imply an endorsement by Weird Darkness or myself. *** Stories and content in Weird Darkness can be disturbing for some listeners and intended for mature audiences only. Parental discretion is strongly advised.IN THIS EPISODE: From haunted houses and cursed lakes to mysterious roads where ghostly figures appear out of thin air, our planet is home to some truly chilling locations. (Lurid Locations, Spooky Spots, and Paranormal Places) *** How could a person seemingly burst into flames without any external ignition source? We'll look at the chilling story of Mary Reeser and others like her, that continue to baffle and intrigue both scientists and the public, leaving us to ponder the true nature of what has been termed “spontaneous human combustion.” (The Bizarre Phenomenon of Spontaneous Human Combustion) *** The remains of nearly a dozen sex workers were carelessly discarded in the New Mexico desert between the years of 2001 and 2005. And today it is still not known who is responsible. (Unsolved: The West Mesa Bone Collector) *** Have you seen the mischievous spirits of Tinker Swiss Cottage or met Galena's Lady in Black? Perhaps you've had a run-in at DeKalb's Egyptian Theatre? These are all areas within a short distance of each other, northwest of Chicago, that can give the Windy City spooks a run for their money. (Rock River's Residual Revenants)CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…00:00:00.000 = Dedication Of This Episode To Paul Spangler00:01:23.934 = Lead-In00:03:04.406 = Show Open00:05:01.575 = Lurid Locations, Spooky Spots, and Paranormal Places00:31:07.265 = The West Mesa Bone Collector00:37:43.525 = Spontaneous Human Combustion00:48:37.279 = Rock River's Residual Revenants01:08:30.909 = Show CloseSOURCES AND RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE…***If you have an information regarding the West Mesa murders, Albuquerque CrimeStoppers is still offering a $100,000 reward. Call (505)768-2450 or Crime Stopper at (505)843-STOP.*** “The West Mesa Bone Collector” by Kelsey Christine McConnell for The-Line-Up.com:https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/yckux8v6“Lurid Locations, Spooky Spots, and Paranormal Places” by Marcus Lowth for UFOInsight.com,https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/mty2p4eb“The Bizarre Phenomenon of Spontaneous Human Combustion” by Rachel Elizabeth for The-Line-Up.com:https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/3a4vdzue“Rock River's Residual Revenants” by Jim Taylor for the Northwest Quarterly: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/mr6k3hwmDedication Of This Episode To Paul Spangler: https://www.facebook.com/paul.spangler1/,https://www.facebook.com/cryptdaddy/=====(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.=====Originally aired: July 04, 2024EPISODE PAGE at WeirdDarkness.com (includes list of sources): https://weirddarkness.com/LuridLocations

There was art in today's grid -- specifically at 29A, "The most beautiful deception of all," per Debussy, ART, and more generally, everywhere else; because only the most artful of crosswords make their way into the hallowed NYTimes crossword pantheon. Beyond the brilliant themed answers (discussed at length in today's episode), a few examples of the authors' craft are on display at 12D, Try again, REHEAR (nice one!); 5D, Smallest three-syllable number, ELEVEN (huh!);  and 53A, Best way to sing, INTUNE (

This was a fun, fast, frothy Monday crossword. It would be a great crossword to solve with the young'uns, for reasons that will become evident as you listen to today's episode.Also, as presaged in yesterday's episode, we do indeed have a Joke for your consideration. It might not leave you ROTFL, but hopefully it will at least make you TYCS (Tip Your Chair Slightly).Show note imagery: Erykah Badu, queen of NEOSOULWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

This was an excellent Saturday crossword -- with some Ginsu-knife-sharp cluing, and just a light dusting of pop culture references -- which is precisely the reason why it is now the latest winner of our JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award™️). Deets inside, so have a listen, and then tell all your friends and relations about us on social media.Show note imagery: Parts of a violin, including the (non-amphibious, thankfully) FROG.We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

On a stormy night filled with board games and boredom, two siblings answer a knock at the door — only to find two very strange visitors whose motives are anything but clear.FREE Word Search and Crossword puzzles, plus a fun Q&A for you and your kids to see how closely they were paying attenetion to the story! https://weirddarkness.com/mt-checkmateFind more family-friendly frights and creepy games to play on our website at http://MicroTerrors.com!Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/microterrorsOther stories, novels, and more from author Scott Donnelly: https://amzn.to/3LymHaUOther narrations, podcasts, and audiobooks from voice artist Darren Marlar: https://WeirdDarkness.com= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =Weird Darkness©, 2025Micro Terrors: Scary Stories for Kids™, 2025

On a stormy night filled with board games and boredom, two siblings answer a knock at the door — only to find two very strange visitors whose motives are anything but clear.FREE Word Search and Crossword puzzles, plus a fun Q&A for you and your kids to see how closely they were paying attenetion to the story! https://weirddarkness.com/mt-checkmateFind more family-friendly frights and creepy games to play on our website at http://MicroTerrors.com!Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/microterrorsOther stories, novels, and more from author Scott Donnelly: https://amzn.to/3LymHaUOther narrations, podcasts, and audiobooks from voice artist Darren Marlar: https://WeirdDarkness.com= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =Weird Darkness©, 2025Micro Terrors: Scary Stories for Kids™, 2025

This was a nice Tuesday crossword by Joe Rodini, his second for the NYTimes. He's now been published on Monday and Tuesday, so ... 5 to go, Joe! Today's theme was a bit messy, but that's by design, as you'll discover when you check out today's episode. Of course, it's also Tuesday, and today Jean's in the hot seat for Triplet Tuesday; so keep listening to find out how she did, and see if you can do better (good luck!).Show note imagery: HYDRA, a monster out of Greek mythology with a concerningly large number of heads.We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

It is hard to believe that today marks the 500th appearance of OREO in the NYTimes crossword, but that's the word according to xwordinfo.com, and they oughta know! Now that might sound like Nabisco has architected one of the greatest product placement campaigns in the history of advertising. Truth be told, though, from the beginning of the NYTimes crossword up until 1993, OREO was always clued as a prefix for mountain; but it's been cookies or bust ever since Will Shortz took over the reins.Show note imagery: Some Shetland ponies, on the SHETLANDISLANDSWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

Brendan Emmett Quigley is famed for writing tough crosswords, and he has the pedal to the metal today. First, the grid: it is the standard 21x21 Sunday, but has only 54 black squares, a record. So, that means more to figure out, i.e., more fun! While clue difficulty is often a YMMV affair, we can say that, in general terms, some of these clues would've felt right at home in a Saturday crossword. In short, if you struggled working through this crossword, that is perfectly normal; and if you succeeded, that is a perfect cause for celebration.Show note imagery: A MANTARAY, which is capable of self-recognition!We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

It seems appropriate that MENSA was in the grid (well, 4/5 of it, anyway - see the podcast for deets), because this crossword was genius. It had a stunning theme, which made the puzzle much tougher than one might expect for a Thursday. In short, think of this less as a "walk in the park" and more of a "sprint through Disneyworld". Show note imagery: Alain-René Lesage, simultaneously sitting for a portrait and (probably) plotting out his next novel.We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

This was a terrific Tuesday crossword by Enrique Henestroza Anguiano, featuring -- of course -- a terrific theme and a strong supporting cast of "other clues". As an example of the latter, we have 60A, Ocean, poetically, MAIN; 70A, They need a push to get started, PEDALS; and the indisputable 1D, Crossword construction, e.g., CRAFT.Wrapping it up, we have a great Triplet Tuesday™ segment, in which Mike demonstrates that stalling, too, is a CRAFT

The boys are back from the Bet GalaYou can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. Prime Members can listen ad-free on Amazon Music. For more, visit barstool.link/barstoolyak

We try and be as impartial as possible while discussing the crossword, but when our favorite vehicle -- the DeLorean, of course -- appears in the grid, we find it very difficult to stay neutral, so, we won't! Instead we will sing the praises of Eric Rolling's third NYTimes publication. Well, done, Eric!Show note imagery: TAMARA de Lempicka and friend (Salvador Dali, to be precise), undoubtedly pegging the "Great Artist Meter".We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

Robyn Weintraub is well known for writing awesomely good clues, and that talent is definitely on display today: it is not for nothing that she is known (eh, at least to us), as the Queen of the Friday crossword. We have proof inside, so do have a listen.Besides the crossword, it's Friday, and we have a fabulous Fun Fact Friday segment for your edification and enjoyment.Show note imagery: A Sunfish, ready to rumbleWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

Today's crossword was a debut for Gene Louise De Vera, so a few lusty "huzzahs" would not be out of place. The grid had some interesting features: we liked the  the juxtaposition of 39D, Children's author Asquith, ROS, and 40D, "Hel-l-lp!",  SOS. We were pleased to see the presence of 19A, "The Gift of the Magi" writer, OHENRY, and had hoped to also see OHHENRY, the chocolate bar, but we'll settle for a small glass of 48D, Dessert drink made with frozen grapes, ICEWINE.All in all, a fine crossword, and we give it a 5 squares on the JAMCR scale.Besides the crossword, we also have a spot of delightful listener mail, so check it out!Show note imagery: MARA Rooney, in the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

This was a debut crossword by Kathleen Duncan -- congrats!! -- and it was a doozy. Jean managed to get through it in fairly good time, but Mike ran into the proverbial lexicographic abyss in the southwest corner, and managed to escape just in the NICK of time. To hear more about his harrowing escape, and Jean's easy sashay through the very same puzzle, have a listen to today's podcast, and, as always, please tell others about us on social media.Show note imagery: A SHEAF of paper, not to be confused with a SHEATH of ... paperWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

This was Thomas van Geel's second NYTimes crossword, and it is an awesome example of an LOL theme. Have a listen, and you'll see what we mean.A reminder, this is your last day to enter last week's Triplet Tuesday Contest, and potentially win some magnificent swag. Just check out last Tuesday's episode, and then send your entry our way.Show note imagery: Mount DENALIWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

What can you implement into your day to continue to sharpen your mind? Concentration Grids, Crossword Puzzles, Sudoku, Reading a Book, and even Bad Dad Jokes. Give yourself a chance to be better every single day.