"Two By Two" - August 23, 2019

A place to discuss the weekly Wall Street Journal Crossword Puzzle Contest, starting every Thursday around 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. Please do not post any answers or hints before the contest deadline which is midnight Sunday Eastern time.
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BarbaraK
Posts: 2592
Joined: Tue Apr 09, 2019 2:37 pm
Location: Virginia

#141

Post by BarbaraK »

Kris Zacharias wrote: Sat Aug 24, 2019 8:02 pm On shore--after first being a bit puzzled because an obvious approach did not work, and then becoming cross because repeated attempts at this approach never provided an answer. After a few hours away from the rabbit hole, a renewed attempt resulted in success.
I know that one too well. This approach clearly doesn't work. But I'll try it again anyway. And again. And again.
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DrTom
Posts: 3765
Joined: Sat Apr 20, 2019 6:46 pm
Location: Jacksonville, FL

#142

Post by DrTom »

BrianDavidson wrote: Sat Aug 24, 2019 8:10 pm
DrTom wrote: Sat Aug 24, 2019 1:22 pmSo here is the first shot across the bow, I'll defer to any and all of my brilliant co-members of the Muggleopolis for improvements.

Some years ago, when I was still green
I was playing with a version that starts:
A long time ago when Mike was Marie...
Love to see where that one goes!
NUDGES!I am always willing to give nudges where needed; metas should be about fun, not frustration. Send me what you have done so far because often you are closer than you think!
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DBMiller
Posts: 537
Joined: Wed Apr 10, 2019 8:59 pm
Location: New Hampshire

#143

Post by DBMiller »

Here's as much as I got...

Some years ago, when I was still humble,
I did all kinds of puzzles, like the Daily Jumble.
I like all kinds, I truly must confess,
but my favorite is the WSJ Contest.

Type of shoes: Alligator.
It's a gaggle of geese.
Dromedary camels. Orangs or Chimpanzees?
Ivory tusks from elephants, I don't want to sound smug,
But someday I'm going to win that mug.

Some people use Google, and that's okay.
Mike Shenk's puzzle came out this Friday,
From the title, we might just have a clue:
This one's called, "Two by Two".

Celebes ox: Anoa
Young newt: Eft
African eland; there's plenty more left.
Were looking for an animal. Do you need a clue?
Title, title, title! Two by Two.

I logged onto the forum,
to report on my progess.
Lots of muggle are on shore,
Was it easy? Just ask Kas.
It's a one on the scale. For others, it's a four.
A wild tusk-ed animal? That would be a boar.

Type of shoes: Alligator.
It's a gaggle of geese.
Dromedary camels. Orangs or Chimpanzees?
Ivory tusks from elephants, I don't want to sound smug,
But someday I'm going to win that mug.

Still looking for meta?
You won't find it here.
I'm just killing time,
don't mind me, dear.
I'm running out of animals
with which to make a rhyme.
So you'll find me at the bar,
Isaac! Get me a lime.
If I'm around, I am willing to join the Muggle Zoom room at other times to lend a hand to those in need.
Gwyneth_S
Posts: 25
Joined: Sun Apr 28, 2019 4:17 pm

#144

Post by Gwyneth_S »

I know I’m apt to have a big “duh!” moment on Monday, but I’m just not making the connections. So, Isaac, I’ll try a cappuccino to sharpen my brain, please.
I like the hope that there are others keeping us company who may just want to lie low....good luck to us all!
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Deb F
Posts: 393
Joined: Fri Apr 12, 2019 4:02 pm
Location: Hilton Head Island

#145

Post by Deb F »

Just got to the puzzle and, after one false start, find myself on shore. Nice way to start the day. Once again, applaud all you talented muggles!!
Dennis
Posts: 102
Joined: Sun May 12, 2019 4:58 pm

#146

Post by Dennis »

Ashore....I think....as I almost always say, but only after chasing several rabbits around. As usual, a night's sleep helped. Cute puzzle.
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Eric Porter
Posts: 466
Joined: Sun May 05, 2019 2:19 am
Location: Nashville, TN

#147

Post by Eric Porter »

I'm seasick and hungover from spending so much time with Isaac this weekend, but I finally stumbled to shore. My streak is still alive! Apparently I needed to sleep on this one for 3 nights.

I was trying far more complicated solve methods because I really, really thought that it would work that way! Thanks BarbaraK for the hint that the song had nothing to do with it.

I'll interested to see how many correct entries this puzzle gets. My informal threshold for an easy puzzle is 1000.
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Patty
Posts: 84
Joined: Sat May 11, 2019 12:33 pm
Location: Basel

#148

Post by Patty »

On shore this week. Glad to be in such good company!
Emmaa
Posts: 25
Joined: Sat Jun 29, 2019 11:16 am

#149

Post by Emmaa »

And then there were 2 ... ER,eh, shore experiences

Ode to a Muggle

My first was “First and Foremost.”
(On shore after weeks lost at sea).
It’s so hard to explain, what I really obtained,
Try, I must, but it’s just too insane.

My second is “Two by Two.”
Perhaps mathematics could help me get through.
After championing Rabbit Holes most, and thinking I’d give up the ghost,
I sweat, again and again, to the bitterless ends,
Shored-up twice now with new meta-friends.

Feeling now a bit celebratious,
Thoughts change toward perspicacious.
My spirits have taken a turn,
in the shade where my hide won’t burn.

The mirages, you see, now aren’t there,
And I think I can regrow my hair.
If only a mug soon would show up,
I wouldn’t need to throw up.
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DrTom
Posts: 3765
Joined: Sat Apr 20, 2019 6:46 pm
Location: Jacksonville, FL

#150

Post by DrTom »

DBMiller wrote: Sat Aug 24, 2019 11:15 pm Here's as much as I got...

Some years ago, when I was still humble,
I did all kinds of puzzles, like the Daily Jumble.
I like all kinds, I truly must confess,
but my favorite is the WSJ Contest.

Type of shoes: Alligator.
It's a gaggle of geese.
Dromedary camels. Orangs or Chimpanzees?
Ivory tusks from elephants, I don't want to sound smug,
But someday I'm going to win that mug.

Some people use Google, and that's okay.
Mike Shenk's puzzle came out this Friday,
From the title, we might just have a clue:
This one's called, "Two by Two".

Celebes ox: Anoa
Young newt: Eft
African eland; there's plenty more left.
Were looking for an animal. Do you need a clue?
Title, title, title! Two by Two.

I logged onto the forum,
to report on my progess.
Lots of muggle are on shore,
Was it easy? Just ask Kas.
It's a one on the scale. For others, it's a four.
A wild tusk-ed animal? That would be a boar.

Type of shoes: Alligator.
It's a gaggle of geese.
Dromedary camels. Orangs or Chimpanzees?
Ivory tusks from elephants, I don't want to sound smug,
But someday I'm going to win that mug.

Still looking for meta?
You won't find it here.
I'm just killing time,
don't mind me, dear.
I'm running out of animals
with which to make a rhyme.
So you'll find me at the bar,
Isaac! Get me a lime.
I LIKE it!!! You obviously put in way more time than I did. You need to change your screen name to DB Miller Berlin!
NUDGES!I am always willing to give nudges where needed; metas should be about fun, not frustration. Send me what you have done so far because often you are closer than you think!
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Bob cruise director
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Joined: Thu Apr 11, 2019 2:38 pm
Location: Any golf course within 500 miles of Littleton MA

#151

Post by Bob cruise director »

Good Sunday morning Muggles

First we welcome our newest muggle since yesterday - "horsesense".

And I suspect for our 4 muggles on the ship and a few others, this will be a Kas 4 in about 12 hours

Our shore has gotten more crowded with 106 finding a place near the tiki bar

new to the ship since yesterday is Gwyneth

and joining the shore crowd are
horsesense
Joedbee
phofer
Jacksull
Ann P
Kris
Judy - who we have not seen in a while
Deb
emmaa
Dennis
Patty
and Eric P


By the way, we have had over 100 on the shore for 5 of the last 6 weeks and Chain Gang had 98. The last killer was AP Chemistry on July 12
Bob Stevens
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Kas
Posts: 265
Joined: Thu Jul 11, 2019 9:23 pm
Location: Usually in a rabbit hole.

#152

Post by Kas »

On shore! Enjoying the easy one this week (1-2 on the Kas Scale (?), and in the “you know for sure” category...). I’ve been in a slump...but I’m this is my week to win the mug, finally! :D Good luck, Muggle nation!
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Colin
Posts: 546
Joined: Sat Apr 13, 2019 11:57 pm

#153

Post by Colin »

Like a true Englishman, building my sandcastle on the shore with a pint in hand. Is it me, or has this shore gained in popularity over recent weeks? It never used to get this crowded. Maybe I should buy a beach hut before prices go up? On the other hand, the meta-phoric winds that either allow or deny passage to this place each week could change direction in an instant and place my investment at the mercy of supply and demand. What to do? Perhaps I will consult with Isaac next time I settle in for an 'all-nighter' in the ship's bar.
One world. One planet. One future.
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Bob cruise director
Cruise Director
Posts: 4515
Joined: Thu Apr 11, 2019 2:38 pm
Location: Any golf course within 500 miles of Littleton MA

#154

Post by Bob cruise director »

Colin wrote: Sun Aug 25, 2019 12:44 pm Like a true Englishman, building my sandcastle on the shore with a pint in hand. Is it me, or has this shore gained in popularity over recent weeks? It never used to get this crowded. Maybe I should buy a beach hut before prices go up? On the other hand, the meta-phoric winds that either allow or deny passage to this place each week could change direction in an instant and place my investment at the mercy of supply and demand. What to do? Perhaps I will consult with Isaac next time I settle in for an 'all-nighter' in the ship's bar.
Colin = good question on the shore popularity. Although we have more muggles than ever, the last several weeks have had over 100 on the shore each week. Are Matt/Mike et al being kind? taking a summer holiday from hardness? or are we getting better? Unfortunately Isaac is suffering because of the small group however he hopes business will pick up after Labor Day
Bob Stevens
Cruise Director
31 Down
Posts: 130
Joined: Wed Apr 10, 2019 1:16 pm

#155

Post by 31 Down »

Wow. Feeling like a charter member of the Not Quite Dead Poets Society this week.

FWIW, yes - no doubt we as a group have improved our meta-cracking skills. Experience matters.
Thomas W (since there's already a Tom W)
Geoduck
Posts: 156
Joined: Fri Jun 21, 2019 6:40 pm
Location: Somewhere Nawth of Bangaw, or on The Other Cape

#156

Post by Geoduck »

Finally got it. Phew!
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Al Sisti
Posts: 2039
Joined: Thu Apr 11, 2019 1:28 pm
Location: Whitesboro NY

#157

Post by Al Sisti »

Okay, here's my foray into Poetry Wars:

Afternoons on every Thursday
Notebook open, pencils near,
Click the link, refresh a few times…
Yes! The Contest Puzzle’s here!

Check the title! Who’s the author?
What’s the thing we’re looking for?
Clock is ticking, nothing’s clicking,
Occam’s Razor or KAS 4?

Chasing rabbits, diving rashly;
Warrens deep as War and Peace.
Highlight words! Check for diag’nals!
Will this torture never cease??

Then, a spark; a whim, a notion…
What if…yes! And there again!
Concatenate, corroborate,
Check for “Pageant,” then click “send”!

* * * *

On the shore of Aha Island
Past the blue of Muggles’ Bay,
Beat the grasp of Isaac’s blender…
“Nothing, sir, for me today.”
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Bob cruise director
Cruise Director
Posts: 4515
Joined: Thu Apr 11, 2019 2:38 pm
Location: Any golf course within 500 miles of Littleton MA

#158

Post by Bob cruise director »

Al Sisti wrote: Sun Aug 25, 2019 1:52 pm Okay, here's my foray into Poetry Wars:

Afternoons on every Thursday
Notebook open, pencils near,
Click the link, refresh a few times…
Yes! The Contest Puzzle’s here!

Check the title! Who’s the author?
What’s the thing we’re looking for?
Clock is ticking, nothing’s clicking,
Occam’s Razor or KAS 4?

Chasing rabbits, diving rashly;
Warrens deep as War and Peace.
Highlight words! Check for diag’nals!
Will this torture never cease??

Then, a spark; a whim, a notion…
What if…yes! And there again!
Concatenate, corroborate,
Check for “Pageant,” then click “send”!

* * * *

On the shore of Aha Island
Past the blue of Muggles’ Bay,
Beat the grasp of Isaac’s blender…
“Nothing, sir, for me today.”
Al
We expect that you will put this to music, record it and post it for us to hear.
Bob Stevens
Cruise Director
matthewmoravec
Posts: 59
Joined: Mon Aug 12, 2019 11:37 am

#159

Post by matthewmoravec »

Definitely ashore this week!
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Doug C
Posts: 93
Joined: Sat May 04, 2019 3:03 pm

#160

Post by Doug C »

On shore. Enjoyed this one - both puzzle and meta.
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