"Rename That Tune" - July 17,2020

[Joe Ross]

My afternoon status is "on the ship." Some days, you're the windshield, some days you suck. Or something like that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdMZy2nky7U

My ratio of "Louisville Slugger" to "Ball" is a lot lower than I'd like it to be. Still on the ship (aka "bug") on this one.

For another angle, there could also be line about some days you're the windshield and some days you're the pigeon!

Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're Randy Johnson.

[mattythewsjpuzzler]

Safely ashore. Took a bit of time and navigation but made it home.

[JennyByrd]

Enjoyed a Ranch Water cocktail this evening with Isaac. Then spent time swimming with bunnies but didn’t make it to shore.
Going to switch to the cryptic for a while.

[Al Sisti]

So, not asking for a nudge, but is it a 100% answer? I've come up with a couple answers that answer the question, but none of them could be considered locks.

[FrankieHeck]

So, not asking for a nudge, but is it a 100% answer? I've come up with a couple answers that answer the question, but none of them could be considered locks.

100%

[ALS]

Very much on the ship. Can't even find the bar.

ALS

[Gpiggies]

New here, have been lurking the last couple months. Life since coronavirus has been sad (my pug passed away) and the metas are the one thing I look forward to each week. I think I'm close this week, or perhaps not. Can someone give me the slightest nudge? Would much appreciate it, and I won't submit for the mug.

Edit: thanks to those who are helping with nudges. On shore now with some red wine

[EVJ]

Gpiggies, I’m so sorry to hear about your pug. I’d love to give you a nudge but I got nothin’.

[LadyBird]

As you can see, I am floundering out here! I would appreciate a confirmation on if I am at least facing shore or heading into deeper water.

[hcbirker]

New here, have been lurking the last couple months. Life since coronavirus has been sad (my pug passed away) and the metas are the one thing I look forward to each week. I think I'm close this week, or perhaps not. Can someone give me the slightest nudge? Would much appreciate it, and I won't submit for the mug.

Edit: thanks to those to are helping with nudges.

So sorry to hear about your pet. DM me if you need a nudge.

[MajordomoTom]

I'm on the boat with Isaac, sadly ...

both Gaffney's beating me up this week.

Thought this grid more difficult than many.

Will keep picking it up and putting it down, hoping to find a tune I can carry.

Which ... ain't many.

EDIT: I'm convinced that, between my left-handed father and the nuns, I started life on this planet as a left-handed (look up the origins of "sinister" sometime) person and was ... shall we say "retrained" as a right-handed person? Cause I try to do as many things left handed as I can, and can do many of them better than a right handed person can.

My favorite is playing tennis - when you're playing right-handed and there's a shot deep down the back-hand side of the court, you lunge left, throw the racquet to your left hand, and make a slicing left-handed forehand shot down the line, spinning nastily out of the reach of your opponent.

I've done it more times than I should have ... and there's nothing in the rules of tennis that, to my knowledge, prohibit you from switching hands, mid-point.

[yungchap]

on shore after a ton of attempts. really feeling good that I was able to crack this one - probably the hardest meta I've been able to solve since starting in March!

[yourpalsal]

So, not asking for a nudge, but is it a 100% answer? I've come up with a couple answers that answer the question, but none of them could be considered locks.

100%

Al, when you get it as I know you will, you'll be amused that you of all people were stumped...

[Joe Ross]

It is a brilliant puzzle.

Friggin' Gaffney must have been cackling around his cauldron while concocting it. I'm torn between genuflecting in his presence or throwing a bucket of water on him, should we ever meet.

Looking forward to muggles' reactions, post-reveal.

[ky-mike]

Well, here it is, Sunday morning and the shore is not in sight. Looking for a nudge or confirmation that my approach is on track if anyone is willing to do so.

[Meg]

So, not asking for a nudge, but is it a 100% answer? I've come up with a couple answers that answer the question, but none of them could be considered locks.

100%

Al, when you get it as I know you will, you'll be amused that you of all people were stumped...

OMG Sal, so true!

[BarbaraK]

I knew, a couple weeks ago when I was bragging about my 52 week solo WSJ solving streak, that I was tempting fate and that the meta gods would ensure that my hubris was punished. I fully expected it to end right then and there. But no, they led me on for just a bit longer. This week though, it's starting to look like the time has come. I'm so totally at sea. Rabbit holes everywhere, but no bunny in sight, and I don't even have a lot of confidence that I've got the right starting point yet. Maybe post enlightenment will strike. And in the meantime, Isaac and my fellow shipbound muggles are good company.

As for the weekly side conversation, I'm very right handed.

[jenirvin]

I see something... a definite theme... or maybe a red herring. I just can't get off the boat. I didn't find the grid especially hard, so I fear this may be one of those where my wiring is opposite of what is needed.

[ky-mike]

Thanks to a couple of confirmations that I was on the right path, I believe that I can now be counted as on shore.

Back to MGWCC (which some commented was easier than the WSJ this week)

[Commodore]

Asea.

Which is exactly where a commodore is supposed to be

Aye. But the Sea o' Gaffney drives one to madness.
(as does watching left-handed golf swings.)
MORE GROG, MISTER ISAAC!