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:
You don’t have to shout! Actually, you did if you wanted to get last week’s meta. SO THERE!
We were looking for a famous one-word song title, and successful metapuzzlers noticed there were a lot of words known for being shouting in the grid. In order: GOL (by that super-annoying soccer commentator), HELP, ORDER (by a judge), SURPRISE, TIMBER, BINGO (in a bingo hall), UNCLE, STOP, TAXI, ENCORE, RAH, and, if you’re Marlon Brando, STELLA!.
The first letters of those spell out one of the great movie theme songs of all time, Ray Parker Jr.’s GHOSTBUSTERS. Fitting, since the title is shouted rather than sung throughout the song.
This week’s winner, whose name was chosen at random from among the 141 correct entries received, is Barbara Koehler of Warrenton, Va. In addition to a MGWCC pen, pencil, and notepad set, Barbara will also receive a 1-year subscription to Peter Gordon’s Fireball Newsflash Crosswords. Peter’s over halfway to his goal with 9 days left — so kick in now if you’re planning on it.
JANUARY WINNERS:
Congratulations to the following ten January MGWCC winners, whose names were chosen at random from among the 79 solvers who sent in the correct contest answer to each of last month’s four challenges (COCO, CLEVELAND BROWNS, FRANCE/GERMANY et al., GHOSTBUSTERS). Each will receive a MGWCC pen, pencil, and notepad set:
John Ananny — San Mateo, Calif.
Laura Braunstein — Lebanon, N.H.
Matt Breen — Madison, Wisc.
Diana Breithaupt — Santa Rosa, Calif.
Ethan Budin — Deerfield, Ill.
Brian Kell — Pittsburgh, Penna.
Jesse Lansner — Rochester, N.Y.
Alexander Miller — Grand Rapids, Mich.
Jesse Simons — Somerville, Mass.
Doug Zongker — Mountain View, Calif.
Congratulations to our ten winners, and to everyone who went 4-for-4 in January.
FEBRUARY AT MGWCC: SHARE THE LOVE!
This month, we’re sharing the love here at MGWCC. That means more prizes than usual, and expanding the scope of prize-awarding. To be precise:
1) Instead of needing to go 4-for-4 on metas to be eligible for a monthly prize, in February you only need to go 2-for-4 or better. Just because the tougher metas are tricky for you shouldn’t mean you can’t get in on the prize action!
2) Instead of 10 monthly prizes, I’ll be giving away 24 in February. Like two dozen roses, dig?
3) Instead of one weekly stationery prize, I’ll be giving away three per week. Spreading cruciverbal love like it’s going out of style!
So good luck, and here’s to lots of you winning your first MGWCC prizes! You’re the best solvers in the world and I’m glad to have you! And send you stationery with my name on it!
THIS WEEK’S INSTRUCTIONS:
This week’s contest answer is a brand of soap.
Solve well, and be not led astray by words intended to deceive.