"Talking To Camera" 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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"Talking To Camera" by benchen71

#1

Post by benchen71 »

Welcome to...

benchen71's Metas on a Tuesday (MOAT)

Can you storm the castle by getting across the MOAT? I had a lot of trouble turning this meta idea into a workable grid. I tried a few different grid arrangements, until I arrived at this one. There might still be some challenging entries here, but I think I've provided you with enough info in the clues to make it easy enough to resort to Google, if need be. Persevere, and you will hopefully discover the answer to the meta, which is someone who should be in the grid but isn't.

PM me with your submissions or submit on Crosshare. Either way, I'll compile a list of those who successfully solve the meta.

Talking To Camera - Online Form
Talking To Camera - PUZ
Talking To Camera - PDF
Talking To Camera - spreadsheet

Nudges are here.
The solution is here.

havefun.gif
Last edited by benchen71 on Tue Mar 29, 2022 2:43 am, edited 2 times in total.
Check out "The MOAT Mini Pack of Marching Bands" here. US$5 gets you 7 Marching Bands which, hard enough on their own, now contain metas too. And once again there's a mega-meta! :D
Dow Jones
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#2

Post by Dow Jones »

Crossing the moat was a bit tricky this week. Confirmed on Crosshare. I'm not familiar with the answer, but the meta is solid. Thanks, Ben.
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oldjudge
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#3

Post by oldjudge »

“I’ve been confirmed as solved, but I had no idea who the answer was. By the way, who am I talking to and why am I still up at this hour?”
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benchen71
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#4

Post by benchen71 »

We have some solvers already!

Hector
Laura M
Dow Jones
oldjudge

However, I should probably mention that I am currently dealing with a couple of kidney stones. The first one made its presence known on the weekend and was promptly dealt with, but its lingering effects are still being felt in the form of a stent. The second one (found during the scan for the first one) is due to be treated in a week's time. In the meantime, I may or may not answer PMs all that quickly or put out regular solver updates as per usual!
Check out "The MOAT Mini Pack of Marching Bands" here. US$5 gets you 7 Marching Bands which, hard enough on their own, now contain metas too. And once again there's a mega-meta! :D
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ChrisKochmanski
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#5

Post by ChrisKochmanski »

Moat crossed. Castle stormed.

Fun! And it didn’t take me as much googling as I feared it would. (I’m not COMPLETELY out of it yet, I’m relieved to learn.)

Be well, Ben!
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HeadinHome
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#6

Post by HeadinHome »

Solved! Been a while since I did a MOAT, and this was fun… though I suspect the usual gripes will be posted here post haste. Yes you will need google, because yes you will possibly be unfamiliar with some things… but you will learn some interesting tidbits, so there’s that. (I personally enjoyed it, and would rather be doing this “work” than my actual work today!

Also - Ben, get well soon! Here’s to tiny kidney stones that disappear quickly!!
The other Wendy. :roll:
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lbray53
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#7

Post by lbray53 »

Crossed the MOAT!
My avatar proves that it is sometimes better to be lucky than good!
Tom Wilson
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#8

Post by Tom Wilson »

After dipping my toes in the wrong streams altogether, I finally made it across. Thanks, Ben ... and best wishes in transcending this most unenviable predicament.
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Bird Lives
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#9

Post by Bird Lives »

oldjudge wrote: Tue Mar 22, 2022 4:54 am “I’ve been confirmed as solved, but I had no idea who the answer was. By the way, who am I talking to and why am I still up at this hour?”
Definitely worth watching, and if you're up all night anyway, binge-watching.
Jay
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rjy
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#10

Post by rjy »

Castle stormed, and 100% agree with @Bird Lives above. And yikes! best wishes, Ben!
Ray
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CromsFury
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#11

Post by CromsFury »

Successfully Across the MOAT!

Image
Flectere si nequeo superos, Acheronta movebo. - Virgil
Quand on lit trop vite où trop doucement, on n'entend rien. - Pascal
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oldjudge
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#12

Post by oldjudge »

Speedy recovery Ben!
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boharr
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#13

Post by boharr »

Crosshare confirms my conquering of moat and castle. Feel better soon, Ben.
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KayW
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#14

Post by KayW »

⚔️🐰🏰

I also am unfamiliar with the answer - tho I’ve heard of it. Added to my ever-expanding “to watch” list.

Thanks for a fun puzzle Ben and hope you feel better soon!
Dave C
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#15

Post by Dave C »

Crossed the moat, with only a few assists from Mr. Google.
LindaPRmaven
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#16

Post by LindaPRmaven »

Highly entertaining puzzle.

Thanks so much.

Get well soon.
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ky-mike
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#17

Post by ky-mike »

Moat crossed (confirmed on crosshare)

Semi-tough fill.

Get well soon Ben.
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SJMcK
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#18

Post by SJMcK »

Cross(hare)d the MOAT

Steven McKinney
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whimsy
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#19

Post by whimsy »

Capturestones.PNG
Cross that moat! Stomp out kidney stones!
Take care, Ben, and thanks!
Dplass
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#20

Post by Dplass »

Got it. Thanks for the puzzle!
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