MGWCC #789 — “Solve for X”

[ricky]

I have at least two (maybe three) different mechanisms that should produce an answer but none have done so. I put it aside yesterday around 3 so it would stop distracting me from my work. I'd rather not have to ask for a nudge on a Week 2 but this feels like at least a Week 3 (except that I did see pieces quickly, I'm probably just not putting them together correctly).

[cbarbee002]

I have what I would believe is a much better answer and a much funnier answer. Not derivable from the meta but perhaps if you started with this as an answer.

Check out the time that @MaineMarge posted. Now that is dedication and perseverance

Submitted and confirmed - with lots of help from the aforementioned young lady from Maine. (that sounds like one of you guys could make a limerick out of that)

There once was a lady from Maine
Who had a superior brain
When asked for a nudge
She helped without grudge
To let the nudgee pop champagne

[Berto]

I’ve submitted with a solid metanism. No side door - in fact pretty sure I blew the front door off its hinges when I finally crashed through it.
Tough one, but not arbitrary in my humble (very humble) opinion.

[markhr]

Beamed up, after just a slight nudge to focus my effort. Fair puzzle, though a bit weird.
This one has some unnecessary distractors that probably ratchet up the difficulty (for some of us).

[Jeremy Smith]

Beamed up after being away from home all week. Fun one!

[DrTom]

I have what I would believe is a much better answer and a much funnier answer. Not derivable from the meta but perhaps if you started with this as an answer.

Submitted and confirmed - with lots of help from the aforementioned young lady from Maine. (that sounds like one of you guys could make a limerick out of that)

A) Cant wait to hear the other answer, I had one too, though I don't know if it was funny

B) MY TURN:

A kind flower lady from Maine
Help a muggle whose face displayed pain
She gave him a shove
Well tempered with love
So his efforts would not be in vain

When asked how he got to the end
He replied, "with the help of a friend"
I believe all her powers
Come from the flowers
To which she just said "Amen!"

[DrTom]

@cbarbee002

Chris, forgot to say that I like your new icon. That is WAY better than the old rabbit from a hat trick! Plus if anyone comments that you look a little bulky in that outfit you can legitimately say. "It's just baby fat"

[MikeyG]

I'd rather not have to ask for a nudge on a Week 2, but this feels like at least a Week 3.

The last two Week 2s (before this one) were MGWCC and X-MEN, and each of those were at the very least Level 3. This one is definitely a Level 3, at least. Fantastic puzzle - but it's been a while since a genuine Week 2 came up. I'm starting to fear these weeks as much as Weeks 4 and 5!

[StunGun]

I got the meta, but am baffled how the bottom across clue relates to it. Anyone willing to IM me the reason?

And keep up the limericks!

[MaineMarge]

MY TURN

Wise ancient cruise director Bob
Was busy keeping track of the mob
Who all threw him kisses
Nary a one threw hisses
And he always came back with “no prob!”

Now the director from Mass.
was really top of his class
So when that bad @DrTom
Lobbed an egregious pun bomb
Bob chided him “don’t be an __.

“Hey! I was just havin fun
And that weren’t no bad pun”
So Bob asked a moderetter
To try to make Tom act better
And now Tom’s cancellation’s begun.

[HunterX]

Beamed up, with a little nudge from @HoldThatThought. It was just enough to get me looking. Pieced it together while typing out what I saw.

Didn't notice one small, particular element to the metanism. But got the answer and didn't feel the need to figure it out. Now know.

Pretty clever.

[Trish]

Might need a small nudge here! Tried many things and not getting anywhere! Anyone??

Ok, with a little help from holdthatthought and boharr, I am submitting an answer. Still unsure of the mechanism and might be totally wrong but it sure could be a good answer if it is not right!,

Beamed…..all is well!

And…finally clicked about the mechanism! Haha!

[Bird Lives]

Submitted, as yet unconfirmed, but I'm fairly certain. My method was straightforward rather than side door. But it was only after I'd gotten the answer (an answer?) that I understood the clue and entry that supposedly unlock the meta. At least, I think I understand that clue and entry.

Update: On the board at #159.

[DrTom]

MY TURN

Wise ancient cruise director Bob
Was busy keeping track of the mob
Who all threw him kisses
Nary a one threw hisses
And he always came back with “no prob!”

Now the director from Mass.
was really top of his class
So when that bad @DrTom
Lobbed an egregious pun bomb
Bob chided him “don’t be an __.

“Hey! I was just havin fun
And that weren’t no bad pun”
So Bob asked a moderetter
To try to make Tom act better
And now Tom’s cancellation’s begun.

I’m afraid I know not what you mean
My intentions, as always, were clean
Egregious I dispute
My puns are all cute
If their meaning you’ll please stop to glean

If I have offended in verse
Without a bad word or a curse
Don’t give me a beating
The harm is all fleeting
I’m sure it could always be worse

Please explain what stuck in your craw
Of some lines meant only to awe
If they caused some pain
And stuck in your brain
They only sought a guffaw

I hope they don’t cancel my lines
Or impose any penalty fines
I’ll plead ignorance
Of all malfeasance
My intent was truly benign

[Ash]

Ahhh I finally understand the mechanism now after putting it down for two days and coming back to it. Fairly confident in my answer now but we'll see!

EDIT: On the board at 190!

[Streroto]

I have thrown in the towel and asked for a nudge. Simply cannot get any traction.

Stay well all

[Kwyjibo]

Submitted and waiting
But still contemplating
Did I get the Meta
Our could I have done betta'
Oh Matt, let my name be in your listing

Update: Beamed up...i think first top 200.

Ugly solve for sure... had to find part of the meta after submitting, although there is still one thing that I can't justify.

[ricky]

I got it with a nudge but this is one of my least favorite MGWCCs ever. I didn't have an "aha" moment, I had an "That? That's how this works? Really?" moment. No offense to Matt - I know he works overtime thinking of new ways to do this.

[b4alltime]

Submitted after a generous nudge by DrTom. Trying to solve at this level makes my head hurt but I admire the craftsmanship.
Jim

[Joe]

After 36,000 nudges, I have confidently submitted. This was one of the five hardest metas I have seen in the over 13 years I've been solving these. Never would I ever have gotten it without help. Congrats to all of you who did. If anyone needs a nudge in the next hour and a half, please don't come to me.

Yours with sour grapes,
Joe