XWord Muggles Forum

This is KayW, posting on behalf of Dr Tom who is on the road this week:

This is an interesting puzzle because it was inspired by a different puzzle. Joe Ross (yes our Joe) got this idea and since he knows I have the computer program and a lot more time than he has, asked me if I would like to collaborate on a meta. Well if you know me, asking me to collaborate on a meta is like saying "Hey Tom, you want a beer/glass of wine?" Unless I have reached my limit (which I do with beer/wine but apparently not metas) I am going to say YES!!!

This will be at least a 2.5 and might be harder simply because even when you are done solving you are going to say, "What in the Hellenic is that?" Google will be the majority of solvers' friend this week. But hey, Mr. G has to eat too!

Good luck my little souvlaki lovers!

Crosshare

PUZ

PDF

Proud of myself this week, think I actually got it without nudges and in maybe an hour from start to finish. Hopefully I'm not just confidently incorrect!

Gata free. Thanks.

Cat's free... thanks, DrT!

In a little post-game back-and-forth, I discovered that

Not so tough (I’d say it’s a 1.5 or 2, with google usage). Cat on the prowl.

Grid was a calico, but the (#) are giving me nightmares.

Cat’s out!

Well, I didn't need google for what I assume you assume we would. That was my wheelhouse and a lot of fun, I thought.

But next... huh?

As to your nudges:

1: Totes obs

2: Um... but they arent'...

3: What? No, I don't!

4: But google what?

5: Oh, that's cute. Let's see... fire up the ol' googi-tran and... nothing....

So, a big huh... I think there needed to be a nudge between the 2 and 3 particularly about what the heck are those numbers for


....

EDIT: And I get a PM that makes me feel completely abashed. But ... You absolutely have to know what the numbers mean. It's actually the third most common use, maybe, but.... I just couldn't see it. And if you don't see that you can be 95% of the way there and have no idea.

woozy wrote: Wed Oct 09, 2024 6:19 pm Well, I didn't need google for what I assume you assume we would. That was my wheelhouse and a lot of fun, I thought.

But next... huh?

As to your nudges:

1: Totes obs

2: Um... but they arent'...

3: What? No, I don't!

4: But google what?

5: Oh, that's cute. Let's see... fire up the ol' googi-tran and... nothing....

So, a big huh... I think there needed to be a nudge between the 2 and 3 particularly about what the heck are those numbers for

I just realized that there are nudges on Crosshare. My browser doesn't show me any nudges in this thread. Off to check the CH nudges....

....

Cat is free. Took me WAY too long considering that I was a test solver. In my defense there were a lot of changes. My memory finally kicked in.

This cat is out of the bag.
I was able to meet this fine fellow finally while visiting Big Brother the other day.

Thank you to the team that brought us this puzzle!

The cat has been freed! Went down a long windy path to nowhere before realizing it was but a step away. Thank you!

Opa! 23 solvers for the first day:

1. Cindy W
2. Kay W (tester)
3. Serafin
4. Lars C
5. Cindy H
6. boharr
7. rjy
8. Hector
9. Mr Tex
10. Steve M
11. HeadinHome
12. DannyKB
13. Meg (who I hope is safe from Milton!)
14. hoover
15. ChrisKochmanski
16. JakeDaSnake
17. jbird
18. schmidzy
19. woozy
20. lbray53
21. whimsy
22. CPJohnson
23. Berto

Please let me know if I missed anyone, or failed to recognize a Crosshare/muggle name transposition.

Since the good doctor pre-posted his nudges on Crosshare, I'd best share them here, too:

NUDGES:

Are there clues that seem forced, or more exactly are there clues that seem to be Greek related and forced?

The Greeks were all about beauty and symmetry, so is this puzzle - well the symmetry part at least

OK, you got 6 letters wonder how you put them together to form two words - there might be a hint!!!

Remember what we said about Google!!!

If EVER there was a "READ THE TITLE" this is the puzzle

Stay safe, Florida muggles.

I’m drawing a blank on this one. Anyone willing to nudge me on the proper application of nudge #3?

KayW wrote: Wed Oct 09, 2024 10:20 pm Opa! 23 solvers for the first day:

13. Meg (who I hope is safe from Milton!)

BREAKING NEWS: Meg has been spotted, the hope and assumption is that she is safe and well!
Last active:Thu Oct 10, 2024 1:15 pm

Stay safe, Florida muggles.

StunGun wrote: Thu Oct 10, 2024 12:12 pm I’m drawing a blank on this one. Anyone willing to nudge me on the proper application of nudge #3?

PM sent, but posting here as well in case others are stuck:

I wonder what those numbers in parentheses could mean...?

After solving... this is a genius/clever/haha idea for a meta. Kinda hidden, kinda right there for the taking...

A pentad of additional solvers today:

24. JM
25. Morendil
26. DCBilly
27. Laura M
28. Jaclyn