IMPORTANT NOTE: As of January 2015 MGWCC is a subscribers-only crossword. The cost is $26 per year, and you can subscribe (or get a free trial month first) here:
LAST WEEK’S RESULTS:
Last week’s four theme entries were all three-word phrases in which the first and third words ended in -GHT:
17-A [Completely ruined] = BROUGHT TO NAUGHT. Naught or nought? Internet says: either.
24-A [Amoral creed] = MIGHT MAKES RIGHT
41-A [Got lucky on the river, maybe] = CAUGHT A STRAIGHT. Texas Hold ‘Em reference, where catching a straight on the river (fifth and final card) is lucky indeed.
54-A [Standard driver’s license data] = HEIGHT AND WEIGHT.
The title tells us that these eight -ghts aren’t enough, and we’re looking for a three-word phrase whose middle word is “or.” Gotta be the Darwinian FIGHT OR FLIGHT, found by 405 solvers. I prefer flight, but don’t test me! I’ll make you pay!
mpstable says:
just had a fraught distraught thought that there’s another double GHT phrase I ought to have sought.
Squonk wonders:
Is there a kidney theme going on this month? Adrenal glands are above the kidneys.
And Scarab writes:
Loved the clue for AUTRY but spent too much time with KRUPA in there!
This week’s winner, whose name was chosen at random from the 405 correct entries received, is David Patrick of San Diego, Calif. In addition to a MGWCC pen, pencil and notepad set, David will also receive a signed copy of Jeff Bartsch‘s new crossword-based young adult novel, Two Across. Next week’s winner will receive the same. 
DON’T FORGET TO FLOSS:
I have a new weekly crossword at Mental Floss. Here is last week’s, along with an intro to the feature; this week’s should be up by the time you’re reading this, or shortly thereafter.
THIS WEEK’S INSTRUCTIONS:
What novel title describes this puzzle’s theme mechanism?
IMPORTANT NOTE: As of January 2015 MGWCC is a subscribers-only crossword. The cost is $26 per year, and you can subscribe (or get a free trial month first) here:
Solve well, and be not led astray by words intended to deceive.