"I Won't Spoil The Ending" - January 15, 2021

[CPJohnson]

I finished the puzzle yesterday and am going stir crazy today... My husband suggested I plan a long trip for later when it's safe someday!!! Any favorite suggestions?

We love Breckinridge in the summer!

15 day round trip cruise to four main Hawaiian islands out of San Francisco. Did it 5 years ago and loved it. Afternoon tea, Bridge and trivia on cruise days. Wonderful classical music mini concerts. 4 cruise days each way. Surprisingly affordable and adult.

Which cruise line, please?

[BarbaraK]

I am certain I have the right answer, but I'm unable to submit. (And I see others are having this problem.) If anyone keeps statistics on these (not sure why anyone would), this contest should have an asterisk or explanatory footnote -- not comparable to other weeks.

You can submit via email

Email your answer—in the subject line—to crosswordcontest@wsj.com

[rosiegirl]

I have read comments before about problems submitting an answer. I have always submitted by e-mail...what is the other way that has given people problems?

[howardl]

Replying to Rosiegirl who asks: "I have always submitted by e-mail...what is the other way that has given people problems?" I do the puzzle online, and just beneath the puzzle is a button that says "submit". That's what has always worked before this week, but did not work this week. And thanks to Barbara K who explains how to submit via email. I'll do that.

[HunterX]

So this is one of those where I think I’m on shore, but with a nagging doubt that it might be the wrong shore. I’m going to submit tonight before the deadline, and in the meantime plan to keep looking for the tiki hut to make sure I’m in the right place.

I find it rare to have that nagging doubt you refer to, though I have been there. (e.g. With MMMM puzzles.) With Matt Gaffney and Mike Shenk, it's usually a 100%-er. The pieces just fall into place so beautifully. This one (no spoiler) uses a mechanism that I (IMHO) consider very "Matt Gaffneyesque."

[mel87]

On shore!

[Joe Ross]

Replying to Rosiegirl who asks: "I have always submitted by e-mail...what is the other way that has given people problems?" I do the puzzle online, and just beneath the puzzle is a button that says "submit". That's what has always worked before this week, but did not work this week. And thanks to Barbara K who explains how to submit via email. I'll do that.

I started emailing in my answer because I was growing skeptical they looked at the form submissions on the site! I often wish they would send an automated confirmation email after you submit so that when I don't win the mug for the umpteenth time I'll know it at least wasn't because my submission didn't go through.

Well, I can confirm that submitting via the website does work, since I managed to win a mug that way last year. From a previous posting on this thread, apparently it works via email as well, so both are okay.

A possible caveat on submitting using using the WSJ online form: As of January 1st, Adobe stopped supporting Adobe Flash. Some browsers now flag Flash as a security risk. WSJ's online form uses Flash, which, IMUnqualifiedO, might have been leading to issues the last couple of months. If you can use the form, then your submission should go through. However, it might be safest to email your entry to crosswordcontest@wsj.com.

[FirstMax]

I’m on shore. Fun puzzle.

[rosiegirl]

Replying to Rosiegirl who asks: "I have always submitted by e-mail...what is the other way that has given people problems?" I do the puzzle online, and just beneath the puzzle is a button that says "submit". That's what has always worked before this week, but did not work this week. And thanks to Barbara K who explains how to submit via email. I'll do that.

Thanks for your answer. I always print out the puzzle and then e-mail my answer (if I get one!)It is easy enough, so I will just stick with doing it that way!

[ChimiSeanGa]

Well, I'm finally on shore, but only after diving down a rabbit hole of astounding coincidences. I'm wondering if anyone else noticed the same thing. All in all, great puzzle!

[sphorning]

Getting a really late start on this one! Finished the grid, loved it. Tried something with the dates, but nothing clicked. I"ll take a nudge if anyone is still working on this.

[Lyman]

I've submitted an answer, but based on what I hope is a hint in the grid. I look forward to learning the actual meta-mechanism.

[wordsmith]

Ashore, with a giant push! Won't submit.

And in hindsight, the mechanism was hiding in plain sight!

[JennyByrd]

I would very much like a nudge - i got nothing...

[Bob cruise director]

Our final count is 23 on the ship and 160 on the shore

Filling out the bridge tournament with Isaac are
Tom S
Commodore
Ed S
the Thurman8er
andn sphorning

Making it to the shore are
Richard
jhseeman
Tom Wi
Mattbel16
Ann
JRS51
SusieG
mel87
howardl
FirstMax
ChimiSeanGa
RichA2
Wordsmith
and Lyman

Good luck to all winning the mug and stay safe

[Inca]

Not the meta for me: Gaffney and entertainment...and surely would need a lot of googling for me

[MatthewB]

Still on the boat after much googling, to no avail.
Giving it one last once over.

[JennyByrd]

Thank you for the nudges. I’m ashore, but wouldn’t have made it on my own. Bummed to break my streak so early in the year!

[JeanneC]

We love Breckinridge in the summer!

15 day round trip cruise to four main Hawaiian islands out of San Francisco. Did it 5 years ago and loved it. Afternoon tea, Bridge and trivia on cruise days. Wonderful classical music mini concerts. 4 cruise days each way. Surprisingly affordable and adult.

Which cruise line, please?

Sorry for the delay. Princess Cruises.

[whimsy]

In spite of "caving" and finally checking out a nudge from a "super friendly" muggle, I am
STILL ON THE SHIP.
I'm all googled out and fractured on fairy tales at this point, so say goodnight, Gracie!