"To Really Foul Things Up Requires a Computer" 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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"To Really Foul Things Up Requires a Computer" 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? Something seems to have gone seriously wrong with this puzzle. Typical! As they say, "To err is human, to really foul things up requires a computer!" Because computer involvement is required, there is no PDF version (and therefore no Excel file either) this week. I trust you can look past my mistakes and find your way to the meta answer which in this case is a word.

Important note regarding submitting on Crosshare (once you think you have the meta answer):
You will have to reveal the "correct" grid in order to submit your meta answer. This will very definitely reveal how badly things got messed up. Ah, computers!

The easiest way to submit is on Crosshare (and you get instant feedback and unlimited attempts!) But you can also PM me with your submission. Either way, I'll compile a list of those who successfully solve the meta.

To Really Foul Things Up Requires A Computer - Online Form
To Really Foul Things Up Requires a Computer - PUZ

Nudges are here.
The solution is here.

havefun.gif
Last edited by benchen71 on Sun Apr 23, 2023 6:00 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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benchen71
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#2

Post by benchen71 »

Fun fact: I posted this puzzle in the middle of Lilydale Lake as I paddled an inflatable kayak! Wowza!!

lilydale lake.jpg
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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#3

Post by benchen71 »

And here's a panorama, just for fun!

PXL_20230418_055719782.PANO.jpg
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:
Schmeel
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#4

Post by Schmeel »

MOAT's crossed.
Interesting idea - thanks for the puzzle!
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Meg
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#5

Post by Meg »

Brought some pies over the moat to the hungry rabble in the castle. Thanks, Ben!
Check out and support http://CrosswordsForCancer.com.
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rjy
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#6

Post by rjy »

Crossed and stormed… Fun idea, Ben!
Ray
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ky-mike
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#7

Post by ky-mike »

Woo Hoo! Fun one Ben! MCACS!
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boharr
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#8

Post by boharr »

Got it.
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Cap'n Rick
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#9

Post by Cap'n Rick »

Now that was a clever idea! Thanks, Ben.
Ahoy! Check out my meta puzzles here! Check out "Smooth Sailing Sundays" here!
MatthewL
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#10

Post by MatthewL »

Moat crossed, castle stormed. Nice grid. Heh. Thanks Ben!
Last edited by MatthewL on Tue Apr 18, 2023 10:46 am, edited 1 time in total.
Matthew
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Darth
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#11

Post by Darth »

Shot over the castle like a 35A! :shock:
ee822274264039.5c291f42dbb27.jpg
P.S. I sent over a bit of "hammock reading"
for you, @benchen71, via Crosshare. 8-)
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ChrisKochmanski
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#12

Post by ChrisKochmanski »

Crossed! Stormed!
Ergcat
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#13

Post by Ergcat »

Moat is crossed! Very clever idea!
Dow Jones
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#14

Post by Dow Jones »

Excellent meta, Ben. Fun and inventive !!
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sharkicicles
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#15

Post by sharkicicles »

benchen71 wrote: Tue Apr 18, 2023 2:01 am Fun fact: I posted this puzzle in the middle of Lilydale Lake as I paddled an inflatable kayak! Wowza!!


lilydale lake.jpg
Weird, you’re not as yellow as you look in your profile picture.
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MikeyG
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#16

Post by MikeyG »

Bahahaha, what.

Edit: Oh, okay, haha.
Less cross words, more crosswords.

Solve my latest "Pun of a Kind" Meta!: 91. You'll Turn It Around
hoover
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#17

Post by hoover »

Crossed the moat!
What kind of inflatable? I've got a Sea Eagle that I've taken out a few times now.
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ajk
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#18

Post by ajk »

Solved, though not 100% I did it right. :)
Check out this very cool project by many of your favorite muggles to raise money to fight cancer. You get a fun puzzle bundle and good causes get $. Win-win: Crosswords for Cancer
Qmark
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#19

Post by Qmark »

Got it...somehow.
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benchen71
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#20

Post by benchen71 »

sharkicicles wrote: Tue Apr 18, 2023 12:21 pm
benchen71 wrote: Tue Apr 18, 2023 2:01 am Fun fact: I posted this puzzle in the middle of Lilydale Lake as I paddled an inflatable kayak! Wowza!!


lilydale lake.jpg
Weird, you’re not as yellow as you look in your profile picture.
That's only because of the yellow life jacket!
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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