"Financial Downturn" by benchen71

Can you storm the castle by getting across the MOAT? A weekly meta crossword constructed by forum member Ben (aka benchen71). These metas range from relatively easy to more challenging, depending on how many Australianisms he puts in them! Puzzles are posted in a new thread every Tuesday, with nudges appearing on Saturdays, and the solution coming out on Mondays. (At least, that's the plan. Given he lives in Australia, and they are so far ahead of the US time-zone-wise, things may get posted early!)
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benchen71
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"Financial Downturn" by benchen71

#1

Post by benchen71 »

OK, I've stepped out and created my very first puzzle, so go easy on me. It's also a meta because I've been getting into these recently and thought I'd give it a try. Turns out these things are really hard to construct! I've definitely made some concessions to crossword conventions in order to get the grid filled. But hopefully I've made up for any shortcomings with some fun cluing. Enjoy!

Title: Financial Downturn
Meta Prompt: The answer to the meta is something that would surely have felt the bern had history gone differently

Available to solve online here: https://crosshare.org/crosswords/4DxgBqcHR4PwVbG4bkjA

PDF from PUZ - 1 page

EXCEL

The solution is posted here: viewtopic.php?f=14&p=66893#p65918
Last edited by benchen71 on Mon Sep 06, 2021 7:41 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Check out "The MOAT MEOW Mashup Pack" here. US$10 for 14 metas that don't always abide by the "rules" of the game: asymmetry, 2-letter words, uncrossed letters, who knows. And this time there's a mega-meta! :shock:
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benchen71
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#2

Post by benchen71 »

Nudges, in order of increasing blatancy:

1. In the meta hint, "feel the bern" refers to Bernie Sanders and a parallel universe where he becomes president of the US.

2. The direction "down" is involved (puzzle title, clue for the central word).

3. There is also a clue in the top and bottom rows.

4. In the top row you find CEOS. In the bottom row you find "The REST of us".

5. Try to find a connection between CORPORATETAXCUT and REST.

6. Start on the E in CORPORATETAXCUT.

7. Start on the E in CORPORATETAXCUT. You can follow the word "ECONOMICS" down to REST. What does the nature of this pathway suggest?
Last edited by benchen71 on Wed Aug 25, 2021 9:01 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Check out "The MOAT MEOW Mashup Pack" here. US$10 for 14 metas that don't always abide by the "rules" of the game: asymmetry, 2-letter words, uncrossed letters, who knows. And this time there's a mega-meta! :shock:
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Meg
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#3

Post by Meg »

After a ton of help, I have submitted!
And confirmed. There’s a cat under the couch in the transporter room.
Check out and support http://CrosswordsForCancer.com.
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BrennerTJ
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#4

Post by BrennerTJ »

Done and submitted on Crosshare -- congratulations on debut and thanks for a fun puzzle!
-Tamara
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Dannyvee
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Location: Jamaica Plain, MA

#5

Post by Dannyvee »

Solved with nudges. Nice debut!
I can be found in Sheridan, NY, veejaying. (8)
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whimsy
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#6

Post by whimsy »

Got it (Crosshare) -- but never would have without the lucky 7 nudges. :D
Fun grid -- congrats on your debut, Ben!
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boharr
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#7

Post by boharr »

Got it but needed the nudges.
EDIT: Confirmed on Crosshare.
Very nice debut puzzle.
Last edited by boharr on Wed Aug 25, 2021 10:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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RPardoe
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#8

Post by RPardoe »

Submitted (and confirmed) via Crosshare.
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Al Sisti
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#9

Post by Al Sisti »

Impressive debut... keep them coming!
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Abide
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#10

Post by Abide »

Good debut! A word of caution: this is how @madhatter5 started...
The site is just a web page, a meeting place, a clubhouse - it's the group that's special.
—Brian MacDonald
madhatter5
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#11

Post by madhatter5 »

Not yet confirmed but pretty sure. Very clever!

And yes, as Peter says, you are on a dangerous path


Edit: confirmed!
https://pandorasblocks.org/crosswords-for-cancer
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benchen71
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#12

Post by benchen71 »

I'm not sure what the etiquette is, but here's the leaderboard for successful solvers of "Financial Downturn":

1. Dannyvee
2. Meg
3. BrennerTJ
4. whimsy
5. RPardoe
6. boharr
7. Al Sisti
8. Abide
9. madhatter5

I have three more metas completed and ready to come out each week on Wednesdays, so be on the lookout!
Check out "The MOAT MEOW Mashup Pack" here. US$10 for 14 metas that don't always abide by the "rules" of the game: asymmetry, 2-letter words, uncrossed letters, who knows. And this time there's a mega-meta! :shock:
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benchen71
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#13

Post by benchen71 »

Here's the answer to the meta:

TRICKLE DOWN ECONOMICS

And here's an image of the completed grid with all of the mechanics revealed:
Financial Downturn (solution).png
Hope you enjoyed this puzzle. The plan is to release one a week on Tuesdays. So be on the lookout for the next one, which should be somewhat easier.
Check out "The MOAT MEOW Mashup Pack" here. US$10 for 14 metas that don't always abide by the "rules" of the game: asymmetry, 2-letter words, uncrossed letters, who knows. And this time there's a mega-meta! :shock:
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lbray53
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#14

Post by lbray53 »

Looking forward to it.
My avatar proves that it is sometimes better to be lucky than good!
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ChrisKochmanski
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Location: Saline, Michigan

#15

Post by ChrisKochmanski »

I came to this one very late (was traveling), and came up with an answer, though I suspected I was missing something, and there was more to it. But, aha, here in this thread are the spoilers and solution. I was correct-a-mundo (sp?)! Fun!
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Darth
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Location: Champaign, IL

#16

Post by Darth »

Congrats on this first puzzle, Ben! I wish I could have solved the meta, but sadly this topic isn't in my knowledge area. I enjoyed the grid fill anyway. :|
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