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:
Title: “Early Learning”
Instructions: This week’s contest answer is a two-word phrase.
Answer: IVY LEAGUE
This played much tougher than I’d intended. The first three letters of each word in the theme entries was also the first three letters of an Ivy League school:
PRIVATE BROWSING = PRINCETON + BROWN. Small ding for the extra W used there but I couldn’t find a way around it.
COREY HART = CORNELL + HARVARD
DARK COLOR = DARTMOUTH + COLUMBIA
YALTA’S PENINSULA = YALE + PENN. I thought this one would give the game away since that’s obviously a contrived entry so I figured YAL–>YALE and then off to the races, but my difficulty-o-meter is way off this month.
This week’s winner, whose name was chosen at random from the 183 correct entries received, is Peter Fridy of New York City, N.Y. In addition to a MGWCC pen, pencil, and notepad set, Peter will also receive a signed copy of my book Pint-Size Crosswords.
MGWCC WEEK 563 WINNER:
With my short post last week (due to technical issues since resolved) I forgot to post the weekly winner’s name. It was Paul Manaster of Irvine, Calif. Sorry about that, Paul!
NOTE ON THIS WEEK’S PUZZLE:
I had trouble writing a Week 2 puzzle this month, so a friend has stepped in to assist. Please enjoy Jeff Chen’s MGWCC #565, “Early Education.”
This puzzle is available in two difficulty levels: Week 2 and Week 5. If you really missed the missing Week 2 in March, then here it is — just solve the Week 2 version. If you didn’t miss the Week 2 and want a tougher challenge, solve the Week 5 version.
Since last week’s puzzle turned out to be Week 5 difficulty, solving either version of today’s puzzle will get you full credit for the solve. You won’t break any streaks or lose credit toward your Lucky March or yearly totals by solving the Week 2 version.
However, there will be a special drawing of a book and stationery prize for those who solve the Week 5 version. So if you go this route, please put the phrase WEEK 5 in the comments box along with your submission. I’ll draw one prize next week for which both Week 2 and Week 5 solvers are eligible, and then one prize where only Week 5 solvers are eligible.
Thanks and have fun!
THIS WEEK’S GUEST CONSTRUCTOR:
Jeff Chen is one of the very best constructors publishing these days. He writes:
I’m a Seattle author and crossword puzzle maker. My debut novel, ULTRABALL: LUNAR BLITZ, came out recently (HarperCollins, Jan 2019). I’m currently in the final stages of editing ULTRABALL book 2, as well as drafting book 3. I’m also working on THE STONE CROSS ENIGMA, a novel about two kids who crack a 20-year-old puzzle mystery — involving a crossword!
Mostly though, I chant “Serenity now” in hopes that my two kids don’t drive me insane. Ha ha ha, I love them! But seriously, Serenity Now.
There’s Jeff flanked by rock-climbing pals holding copies of his book, and then goofing around with daughter Tess. In addition to a MGWCC stationery set, winners of this week’s contest will receive an autographed copy of Jeff’s book linked above.
So thanks, Jeff, and everyone enjoy his Week 2/Week 5 challenge!
THIS WEEK’S INSTRUCTIONS:
This week’s contest answer is how an easy Week 5 meta might make you feel.
Solve well, and be not led astray by words intended to deceive.