"Drawbacks" - October 2, 2020

[TPS]

Enjoyed the tough grid.

I was so pleased with myself for solving the grid - in my mind I was like I don't even care if I solve the meta - so of course then I immediately solved the meta

[otlaolap]

On shore and enjoying the drink (Hetch Hetch water or Diet Coke -- too early here for dinner). 99.5% confidence. Was nice to meet many of you in the Tuesday Zoom.

Is it [next] Thursday yet?

[oldjudge]

Time to add MGWCC. I think you will really enjoy them, especially the ones in the second half of the month.

[Scott M]

I'm on a shore, but it smells a bit fishy. I'll hold off for now but will submit it if I don't come up with something more elegant by the time I leave for the real shore at the NC Outer Banks on Saturday.

[M and M]

Fun and fair - but there are plenty of available rabbit holes! We are cheerfully on shore leaving rabbit holes behind. (Does this mean there are rabbits on the boat? I am tangled in this metaphor.)

Also, a quick note for beginners - there is a printed collection of the WSJ puzzles right back to the first meta, which was so easy! Starting back with those builds a lot of confidence. Look for the Blue Chip WSJ crossword puzzle collection - you can find it at bookshop.org or you-know-where.

[ky-mike]

I think that I have it, but seem to have a small drawback that I can't get over. Anyone who has solved want to help clarify the drawback for me?

[haari]

never really realized one could do the puzzle on a Thursday until i started reading this blog... so first time solving on a Thursday for me... puzzle is complete, but now it seems i might have three and a half days of frustration instead of just the usual two and a half as i try an solve the meta!

[RobM]

I think that I have it, but seem to have a small drawback that I can't get over. Anyone who has solved want to help clarify the drawback for me?

Sent a private message

[hcbirker]

Finally on shore. Too many rabbits, but got it. Mai Tai please!

[ky-mike]

I think that I have it, but seem to have a small drawback that I can't get over. Anyone who has solved want to help clarify the drawback for me?

Got it. I had the right answer, but just slightly misinterpreted the mechanism.

Safely on shore. Weller Time!

[Joe Ross]

Fun and fair - but there are plenty of available rabbit holes! We are cheerfully on shore leaving rabbit holes behind. (Does this mean there are rabbits on the boat? I am tangled in this metaphor.)

Also, a quick note for beginners - there is a printed collection of the WSJ puzzles right back to the first meta, which was so easy! Starting back with those builds a lot of confidence. Look for the Blue Chip WSJ crossword puzzle collection - you can find it at bookshop.org or you-know-where.

Find all past WSJCC solutions &.and puzzles on this site.

[boharr]

On shore. Had beer with dinner so time for a nip of cognac perhaps.

EDIT: Oh, and the title makes sense to me.

[CPJohnson]

I’ll be the first to say that I am firmly on the boat and have absolutely no clue where to start. I foresee lots of grid-gazing this weekend. And I know so little about the world of art.

[Beth C]

Done and done on Thursday night. Unheard of, for me anyway! Usually don't even look at the puzzle until Friday evening. Found the grid harder than usual but I saw the mechanism for the meta solve very quickly. Now, where's my vino? Good luck Muggles.

[markhr]

On shore after a brief stumble. Tidy puzzle this week.

[TMart]

Scratching my head on the beach. I got it, but don't quite get it, and I'm not sure what to submit. A few rounds from the Tiki Bar should help!

Uh oh. That’s what people were saying about the pageant puzzle.

I’d call this a 100%er.

No pageant here, and I am at 100%. I'm just not that familiar with the phrasing.

[flyingMoose]

Solved. Time for another coffee that will keep me up too late.

[Abide]

Had the mechanism halfway through the grid. I salute the coolness of Shenk.

[RPardoe]

Thought I had a glitch or error - the only error was between chair and keyboard.
Resolved that and puzzled solved with certainty.

[joequavis]

Count me ashore! Grid was much more difficult (for me) than the usual WSJCC. Meta was a snap.