XWord Muggles Forum

Hector wrote: ↑Mon Aug 02, 2021 7:42 pm BTW I believe that the deadline for this one is 3pm Eastern tomorrow.

I wondered about that on Saturday and looked at everything Matt put out. I didn't see an extension.

Wow!

Can’t say I spent a ton of time on this one, but I have been looking at it since Friday. Lots of ideas, none getting anywhere. So I just printed another copy and filled it again from scratch, and thought about something I’d considered earlier, and there it was. Awaiting a board update, but I’m either beamed up or an absolutely amazing coincidence has put me in the same wormhole with all the other wrong answers.

I fought valiantly for hours to reel in two different big fish only to find they were not Right Whales but inedible Red Herrings.

The shore is far away and I am deeply sunburned.

Thanks to a gentle hint and a couple of shoves from Jay I finally solved it.

Well, after a couple of nudges, I am definitely where I need to be. Awaiting confirmation.

Edit - confirmed

OK, I've been doing these for over a year and this is the first time I've been desperate enough to make an account here to post. I don't really know how this forum works but would absolutely love it if I could somehow bounce my ideas off someone to at least see if I'm going in the right direction or completely missing the mark. Thanks in advance! ...signed, a solver in need of a miracle

Wendy Walker wrote: ↑Mon Aug 02, 2021 7:32 pm Thank goodness two of my co-solvers got this one today. I made no contribution whatsoever, so I'm not submitting, but I'm happy nonetheless because I can finally stop staring at the puzzle!

Yes, what Wendy said! There was quite a group trying to solve but I made absolutely no contribution except perhaps throwing a few more fish into the mix. I will not submit even as a group, but will try to get another streak started. You know it really is kind of liberating NOT to have a streak going because you have nothing to sacrifice.

Besides, if I had to look at that grid one more time to confirm my inadequacy I was going to explode. I mean I KNOW I can be thick, but to have a continual reminder of just how bad I really am at these, well that is unconscionable.

NoFeetMcGee wrote: ↑Mon Aug 02, 2021 10:45 pm OK, I've been doing these for over a year and this is the first time I've been desperate enough to make an account here to post. I don't really know how this forum works but would absolutely love it if I could somehow bounce my ideas off someone to at least see if I'm going in the right direction or completely missing the mark. Thanks in advance! ...signed, a solver in need of a miracle

Update: got a few small nudges and de-confirmations of crackpot theories, and I figured it out. Many thanks to this community for making my miracle happen!

NoFeetMcGee wrote: ↑Mon Aug 02, 2021 11:43 pm

NoFeetMcGee wrote: ↑Mon Aug 02, 2021 10:45 pm OK, I've been doing these for over a year and this is the first time I've been desperate enough to make an account here to post. I don't really know how this forum works but would absolutely love it if I could somehow bounce my ideas off someone to at least see if I'm going in the right direction or completely missing the mark. Thanks in advance! ...signed, a solver in need of a miracle

Update: got a few small nudges and de-confirmations of crackpot theories, and I figured it out. Many thanks to this community for making my miracle happen!

Look at the “Come Aboard” index and learn all about the Muggles. Welcome!

NoFeetMcGee wrote: ↑Mon Aug 02, 2021 10:45 pm OK, I've been doing these for over a year and this is the first time I've been desperate enough to make an account here to post. I don't really know how this forum works but would absolutely love it if I could somehow bounce my ideas off someone to at least see if I'm going in the right direction or completely missing the mark. Thanks in advance! ...signed, a solver in need of a miracle

Welcome aboard! This is a wonderful community.

Joe Ross wrote: ↑Mon Aug 02, 2021 8:31 pm

Hector wrote: ↑Mon Aug 02, 2021 7:42 pm BTW I believe that the deadline for this one is 3pm Eastern tomorrow.

I wondered about that on Saturday and looked at everything Matt put out. I didn't see an extension.

My guess is that he just forgot to mention it. I can’t remember ever having a delayed puzzle without a delayed deadline to match.

BarbaraK wrote: ↑Tue Aug 03, 2021 8:14 am

Joe Ross wrote: ↑Mon Aug 02, 2021 8:31 pm

Hector wrote: ↑Mon Aug 02, 2021 7:42 pm BTW I believe that the deadline for this one is 3pm Eastern tomorrow.

I wondered about that on Saturday and looked at everything Matt put out. I didn't see an extension.

My guess is that he just forgot to mention it. I can’t remember ever having a delayed puzzle without a delayed deadline to match.

Just sent Matt an e-mail asking him about today's deadline. Will share any response I get.

I sank a lot of hours into this one and I submitted the answer I was quite confident in, but the "Last updated" time has passed and I don't see my name under "This Week" or "Overall." I can't submit another answer, though. I don't think I've been stuck in limbo like this before -- is it common?

Edit: it appeared eventually. I did get it! Whoo

AB943 wrote: ↑Tue Aug 03, 2021 9:47 am I sank a lot of hours into this one and I submitted the answer I was quite confident in, but the "Last updated" time has passed and I don't see my name under "This Week" or "Overall." I can't submit another answer, though. I don't think I've been stuck in limbo like this before -- is it common?

Sounds like an incorrect submission, but if you want to check that, DM me the answer you submitted and I can let you know if it's the right one (I'm on the board there in #100 place). A typo in your submission is possible too...

I don't remember that board being particularly glitchy, but I suppose it could happen.

AB943 wrote: ↑Tue Aug 03, 2021 9:47 am I sank a lot of hours into this one and I submitted the answer I was quite confident in, but the "Last updated" time has passed and I don't see my name under "This Week" or "Overall." I can't submit another answer, though. I don't think I've been stuck in limbo like this before -- is it common?

Email your same answer to Matt on crosswordcontest@gmail.com and explain the issue. Matt will do right by you.

Per Matt Gaffney: THE DEADLINE REMAINS AS NOON ET.

Ah, well, looks like a DNF. The Muller meta should be arriving at the deadline, then, so probably for the best.

So close. Couldn't get the last step in time. Disappointing.

Ah, crud, I thought the deadline would be extended til 3. And I think I just got the answer, too, although the fact that I'm not totally certain is never a good sign.

EDIT: I was totally wrong.

As often the case with the MGWCCs I can't get, I am frustrated with the quantity of red herrings. The answer I had arrived at:

SOUR

BEER - bitter
PRETZELS - salty
FRUIT - sweet
ASIAGO - umami

Sour is the only flavor not accounted for, although beer and fruit can be sour in certain instances.

I was stuck on the fact that the fifth fifth Friday of the year will be 12/31/2021. So I was forcing all kinds of round pegs into those square holes. Oh well, next Friday is a week one!