"Dude Where's My Car?" - September 10, 2021

[boharr]

I think an interesting question is if anyone dictates the difficulty level of these puzzles each week (other than February). Is it the editor or the constructors? Or both?

My bet: They collude.

[EdStrong]

Ashore

[Bob cruise director]

Yes, it can be that simple.

A friend's late father's favorite saying: "Give a bug a break & it takes Bug-a-boo."

Joe
You need a Bug-A-Salt - it fires salt at those bugs. And it has a laser sight. Deadly to bugs from about 3 feet.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bug-A-Salt-Bug ... lsrc=aw.ds

[Tom Shea]

On the beach, but I have to believe someone stole Matt Gaffney's byline.

[Kris Zacharias]

Ashore, enjoyed the clues.

[Plymouthrock]

Feels like Lauderdale in April. How about a nip of
Elmer T Lee to get the weekend started.

[bhamren]

Maybe it has been mentioned, but hasn't there been another meta puzzle recently with the "Dude, Where's My Car" title? Obviously another answer, but it sure rung a bell when I first saw it.

[Larrry]

Feels like Lauderdale in April. How about a nip of
Elmer T Lee to get the weekend started.

Cant find Elmer T Lee around here (St. Louis) anymore. Send some my way.

On the (very crowded) shore. Getting in line to see the sequel, 20 years later, "Dude Where's My Car Keys?"

[Kalamitykatie]

On the shore 3 weeks in a row! Either they've been throwing easier puzzles our way, or I'm finally learning!

[Bob cruise director]

Existential question: if there is only one Isaac and one boat how can some Muggles be ashore (as I am) while others are not?

The Love Boat has a large number of tenders and drivers to get muggles to shore quickly as in this week. If the ship's tender drivers are not needed, they double as bartenders to help out Isaac.

Hopefully that assuages your existential concerns.

[Bob cruise director]

Existential question: if there is only one Isaac and one boat how can some Muggles be ashore (as I am) while others are not?

Or: Do Isaac and the Cabana Boy split tips?

Yes and they share with the tender drivers and other staff also

[Bob cruise director]

Existential question: if there is only one Isaac and one boat how can some Muggles be ashore (as I am) while others are not?

Or: Do Isaac and the Cabana Boy split tips?

Or: Are Isaac and the Cabana Boy one and the same?

Consider: They've never been seen in the same place at the same time. Plus, people are always looking for the Cabana Boy, meaning he's not always where he's expected to be. Coincidence?

Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle after a few drinks

[mattythewsjpuzzler]

Just got to the puzzle this morning. Quick and easy swim to shore. Coffee for now!

[TeaJenny]

Or: Do Isaac and the Cabana Boy split tips?

Or: Are Isaac and the Cabana Boy one and the same?

Consider: They've never been seen in the same place at the same time. Plus, people are always looking for the Cabana Boy, meaning he's not always where he's expected to be. Coincidence?

Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle after a few drinks

Gee, how'd you guess?

[Katiedid]

Cute and so easy!

[hoover]

I think an interesting question is if anyone dictates the difficulty level of these puzzles each week (other than February). Is it the editor or the constructors? Or both?

This is the second mention of February. What's special about February? I joined this spring, so I haven't experienced a February WSJ meta.

[sharkicicles]

I think an interesting question is if anyone dictates the difficulty level of these puzzles each week (other than February). Is it the editor or the constructors? Or both?

This is the second mention of February. What's special about February? I joined this spring, so I haven't experienced a February WSJ meta.

WSJ ran a "metas for beginners" series in February, and lowered the difficulty of the puzzles that month to help new solvers.

[flyingMoose]

This is the second mention of February. What's special about February? I joined this spring, so I haven't experienced a February WSJ meta.

WSJ ran a "metas for beginners" series in February, and lowered the difficulty of the puzzles that month to help new solvers.

Additionally, those four puzzles from February were the basis for a tutorial, Contest Crosswords 101 https://www.wsj.com/articles/contest-cr ... 1625757841. There was no indication that this would be an annual February event.

[rosiegirl]

Just got to the puzzle this morning and made it to the crowded shore rather quickly for me...hard to find a place to lay down my towel!

[Barney]

I think Ada either constructed or could solve this puzzle.