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: “The Big Picture”
Instructions: This week’s contest answer is a classic movie that would have made a good fifth theme entry.
Answer: KING KONG
That was easy, as the Staples ads say. Successful meta-solvers recognized the pattern in the four theme entries:
15-A: [“Inside Out” character voiced by Richard Kind] = BING BONG
9-D: [Doorbell’s sound] = DING-DONG
52-A: [Will Shortz’s sport] = PING-PONG. And mine, too — here’s a view from my office chair to prove it. I bet Shortz could crush me, though. I only play four times a week.
28-D: [Having a rising and falling rhythm, as someone’s voice] = SINGSONG.
So we need another ?ing-?ong phrase, and the 1933 classic KING KONG it is.
JanglerNPL writes:
Possibly the easiest meta ever. Going for an entry record? 🙂
Yes, and got it! 653 right answers, beating the old Subscription-Era record by two. But still shy of the Pre-Subscription Era record, which was 723.
Amy Reynaldo says:
Putting GO APE and FAY Wray in the middle is a nice touch.
Tough to sneak anything by someone who’s blogged many thousands of puzzles…
Laura M says:
Well NOW I feel “babied.” 🙂
And finally, StevetheSax argues that my Difficulty-O-Meter is still off!
This is a week zero!!!
This week’s winner, whose name was chosen at random from among the 653 correct entries received, is Jeff Davidson of Mountain View, Calif. In addition to a MGWCC pen, pencil, and notepad set, Jeff will also receive a signed copy of my book Pint-Size Crosswords.
THE 2019 INDIE 500:
I’ll be there as a competitor! Definitely say hi if you’re there, too. It’s Saturday, June 1st, 2019, in Washington, D.C., and a lot of fun (this’ll be my third year). Hosted by a band of high-powered young crossword stars. All the info here. I’m going to win the whole thing so don’t get your hopes up.
THIS WEEK’S INSTRUCTIONS:
This week’s contest answer is something you might say while struggling with a tough meta.
Solve well, and be not led astray by words intended to deceive.