What's in the Box - December 2022

A monthly, music-themed meta crossword published at noon on the first Tuesday of every month. The puzzles increase in difficulty each month, and at year end there is a 13th puzzle (the "Mega-Meta") that invokes each of the 12 monthly puzzles. Currently available at https://pmxwords.com/, as well as through the Washington Post website here: MMMM at WaPo
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mkmf
Posts: 899
Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2019 12:22 pm

#21

Post by mkmf »

Joe Ross wrote: ↑Thu Dec 08, 2022 12:16 am H. C. Birker?

More like E. F. Hutton.

Muggles 10 years younger than me might scratch their heads.
So funny, Joe! And apt.

For any head scratchers, here's one of many variations on the theme.

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rjy
Posts: 1032
Joined: Fri Oct 08, 2021 12:52 pm
Location: Gaithersburg, MD

#22

Post by rjy »

Fortunately (?) an injury has had me on the couch most of the day, so I could devote stupid time to this. Got a nudge that confirmed some vague thing I noticed, and was able to work it from there. Wow, just wow! Destination was worth the journey… very, very cool construction. Reminded me of a brilliant Evan Birnholz puzzle from a few years back, will discuss further after this closes.
Ray
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Leslie
Posts: 238
Joined: Wed Apr 10, 2019 2:18 pm

#23

Post by Leslie »

Wow! Just saw the whole thing, and am standing back to appreciate the beauty of all the parts. Amazing doesn’t even begin to describe it. Definitely the best meta I’ve seen in a while. (And thanks to Wendy for the small nudge in the right direction!)
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ky-mike
Posts: 1987
Joined: Thu Apr 11, 2019 4:22 pm
Location: Near Louisville Ky

#24

Post by ky-mike »

I am in awe, as are many other solvers. Thanks to WW for just the right hint to get me out of the unproductive rabbit holes I was in.
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Someguy
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Dec 08, 2022 4:56 pm

#25

Post by Someguy »

I and my kin are banging our heads against the wall on this one. I still don't even have a thread to grasp.
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Joe Ross
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Location: Cincinnati

#26

Post by Joe Ross »

Someguy wrote: ↑Thu Dec 08, 2022 4:58 pm I and my kin are banging our heads against the wall on this one. I still don't even have a thread to grasp.
Preach, brother! We'll get there.
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BarbaraK
Posts: 2615
Joined: Tue Apr 09, 2019 2:37 pm
Location: Virginia

#27

Post by BarbaraK »

As is typical with Pete's puzzle, I found the grid very challenging. As is also typical, with patience and perseverance, I was able to complete it. Google even confirmed that my educated guesses and assumptions were right. I think the extra time spent with the grid may have helped me see the meta without too much fuss. I tried to over-complicate the second step but not for too long.

The meta is clever and clean and elegant, but that's just what I've come to expect from MMMM.
If you want help with a meta, feel free to PM me. The more specific you are about what you have and what you want, the more likely I can help without spoiling.

(And if I help you win a mug, I’ll be especially delighted.)
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auee89
Posts: 1097
Joined: Tue Feb 02, 2021 10:55 am
Location: Indiana

#28

Post by auee89 »

Incredible. Thanks Pete!

And thanks to the Wendy/Heidi combo for the nudge.
Kevin
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BarbaraK
Posts: 2615
Joined: Tue Apr 09, 2019 2:37 pm
Location: Virginia

#29

Post by BarbaraK »

Joe Ross wrote: ↑Thu Dec 08, 2022 5:13 pm
Someguy wrote: ↑Thu Dec 08, 2022 4:58 pm [b]I and my kin[/b] are banging our heads against the wall on this one. I still don't even have a thread to grasp.
Preach, brother! We'll get there.
Wait... is this metaphorical brother, or have you been recruiting your family?
If you want help with a meta, feel free to PM me. The more specific you are about what you have and what you want, the more likely I can help without spoiling.

(And if I help you win a mug, I’ll be especially delighted.)
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Joe Ross
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Location: Cincinnati

#30

Post by Joe Ross »

BarbaraK wrote: ↑Thu Dec 08, 2022 8:56 pm
Joe Ross wrote: ↑Thu Dec 08, 2022 5:13 pm
Someguy wrote: ↑Thu Dec 08, 2022 4:58 pm [b]I and my kin[/b] are banging our heads against the wall on this one. I still don't even have a thread to grasp.
Preach, brother! We'll get there.
Wait... is this metaphorical brother, or have you been recruiting your family?
Mugglephorical... Well, wait, METAphorical, yes.
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m5rammy
Posts: 47
Joined: Mon Oct 12, 2020 12:30 pm
Location: SW Ohio
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#31

Post by m5rammy »

I am #45 on the board, so I don't need a hint, but I am curious as to what hints and nudges are being given.
I can't think of any "nudges" just things that I would give way ... too much (IMO)

So after the submission form is closed, please share what you considered a nudge.
Last edited by m5rammy on Fri Dec 09, 2022 3:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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runart
Posts: 12
Joined: Tue May 25, 2021 1:56 pm

#32

Post by runart »

I have everything I need (at least I think I do) but can't seem to close on the answer. Could someone review what I have? Thanks!
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stmv
Posts: 298
Joined: Sun Apr 05, 2020 5:12 pm

#33

Post by stmv »

I'm on the board at #15 (posting late). I also had some trouble filling in the grid. And then for a couple of hours I couldn't see anything at all. But then a loose end caught my attention, and then another, and I was off to the races. I agree that this is an exceedingly impressive construction.
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sharkicicles
Posts: 848
Joined: Fri May 10, 2019 12:03 pm
Location: Chicago

#34

Post by sharkicicles »

Joe Ross wrote: ↑Thu Dec 08, 2022 12:16 am H. C. Birker?

More like E. F. Hutton.

Muggles 10 years younger than me might scratch their heads.
Mid 40s, got the reference. Still haven’t gotten the meta :)
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jbird
Posts: 63
Joined: Fri Oct 08, 2021 1:53 pm
Location: Maryland

#35

Post by jbird »

Grid complete. 3-4 rabbit holes traversed. Taking a break and coming back after the WC games.
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Katiedid
Posts: 346
Joined: Mon Aug 30, 2021 8:53 pm

#36

Post by Katiedid »

I've got nothing so far. I'm going to start over on paper and see if that gives me any ideas.

Update: I found out that I had made an error, an interesting one, but I'm still stuck. I'll ask someone for a tiny nudge.
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BarbaraK
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Location: Virginia

#37

Post by BarbaraK »

Katiedid wrote: ↑Sat Dec 10, 2022 1:55 pm I've got nothing so far. I'm going to start over on paper and see if that gives me any ideas.

Update: I found out that I had made an error, an interesting one, but I'm still stuck. I'll ask someone for a tiny nudge.
This is a very good idea and what I'd suggest to anyone else still stuck.
If you want help with a meta, feel free to PM me. The more specific you are about what you have and what you want, the more likely I can help without spoiling.

(And if I help you win a mug, I’ll be especially delighted.)
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lbray53
Posts: 1223
Joined: Fri May 08, 2020 8:34 am
Location: Elkhorn, WI

#38

Post by lbray53 »

I also owe Wendy for the perfect nudge. I still had a lot of work to do. I actually am embarrassed that it took me so many hours to find this artist since I was a fan and actually painted a mural of one of his works on my dorm wall in college.
My avatar proves that it is sometimes better to be lucky than good!
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sheeparenotgreen
Posts: 31
Joined: Mon Sep 27, 2021 5:09 pm

#39

Post by sheeparenotgreen »

This was an amazing meta. Thanks @Cinny for a perfect nudge.
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Joe Ross
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Location: Cincinnati

#40

Post by Joe Ross »

WOW!

Possibly my favorite solve, ever. Whoa! I hated this, until I solved it.
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