"This, That, and The Other Thing" - April 23, 2021

[Mattbelc16]

...no one seems sure what drink to order (they're staring at the chalkboard menu muttering, "This...? or that...? or the other one...?").

But the choices at R'Noggin Brewery are all so good! (One of several excellent microbreweries in Kenosha!)

Trying to decide between 2 number 7’s or 1 number 8! I’ve never had. Beer at 13%. That sounds like a fun one but a headache tomorrow! Thanks for sharing!

[burak]

Let me be the 123743rd person to say that I'm not 100% confident because the final click is weak/missing but I don't think there is another possible answer here so will submit that.

[otlaolap]

On the boat, happily floating, amidst a myriad of herrings. Will howitzer a Hail Mary Wall-Street-ward in good time. Off to Zion National Park for four days and Bryce for two -- first time out of Silicon Valley since March of last year.

I love Zion. Can’t wait to get out there again. Have a wonderful trip!

My first time there was 1953 or 1954. We camped in what is now a picnic area, slightly farther up the canyon than Zion Lodge. Still remember the feeling of peaceful awe -- green leaves in the campground, blue sky, and red rock. Been back there more that a few times since. Favorite parks -- Zion and Arches, but you can't go wrong in the southern third of Utah.

[Olof]

Not yet onshore, but feel like I'm so close. For the first time, thinking I'd appreciate a nudge.

[steveb]

Hi everyone--I'm new here! I only just discovered the meta puzzles in the paper and I love them. I look forward to the challenge every week but so far I'm on my fifth puzzle and haven't gotten it yet! Tell me there's hope. I make quick work of the crossword, compile the special clues/answers, take note of the weird things about the puzzle but just can't bring it home. I've tried enlisting my family but they are not as committed

Welcome!

In February, WSJ ran some easier metas intended to help the newbies gradually get the hang of this. Sounds like you just missed it, but you can go back and give them a try. All the PDFs are here:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/43ln7h5uvnkj ... tracking=1

There is definitely hope! There's a knack to these, a way of looking at things, that develops with experience.

For PDFs of the entire history of the WSJ Crossword Contest, and solutions, see:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/43ln7h5uvnkj ... yE7Ka?dl=0 (the above link is to the puzzles from 2021)

[Joe Ross]

For PDFs of the entire history of the WSJ Crossword Contest, and solutions, see:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/43ln7h5uvnkj ... yE7Ka?dl=0

Thank you for preserving history for us, Steve, and allowing us to hone our skills!

[auee89]

On the boat despite a gentle nudge. Will keep looking, but the weekend is slipping away. Love this group and am continuously impressed with the ease some of you folks see the patterns.

Update: On shore with a nudge! Thanks Boharr!

[Bob cruise director]

Before I go to bed, a special for Dr. Tom

[otlaolap]

Declaring, with far from certainty, shoreness. I'm shore that one element in my answer is [or had darn well better be] correct, that a second is [reasonably likely to be] correct, and that I [with absolute certainty] am not gonna find anything else to submit other than what I did submit. These recent puzzles have become fun and invigorating again.

Zion doesn't have much in the way of cell phone service, but the Lodge does have low-bandwidth wi-fi, so on Sunday I'll be able to see the result. Until then, like many, I will be feeling anticipation for the reveal. Great group -- glad you all are here.

[edited to fix a typo]

[Olof]

Well, after a gentle nudge (thanks, boharr!) , I'm declaring myself firmly at the bar. Whether that's with Isaac on the ship or on the lanai at Duke's I don't know -- we'll find out soon.

[Franklin.Bluth]

Ashore with 75% certainty...as with some other Gaffneys there isn't going to be 100% verification, but I don't think it's possible there could be any other answer.

Interesting... I've always felt the opposite. Once I find the mechanism of a Matt Gaffney puzzle, I usually find everything falls into place quite neatly and elegantly, and I feel 100% confident. This is one where I'm only 95%, which is what bothers me.

Recently there were MAKE HIM FROM THEM and WE'LL HAVE WATERS ALL AROUND, both of which had answers that weren't fully confirmed; to solve for USHER in the first puzzle required overlapping the pronouns, which was an extra step not suggested by the title or grid, and to solve for THOUSAND ISLAND DRESSING in the second meant adding the word DRESSING without any real logic other than intuitively knowing the product name.

Both of those were ones a lot of muggles got correct but struggled over; they didn't have the satisfying "click" of last week's 100%er.

[hcbirker]

This is for mainemarge. My trumpet vine is going crazy.

[DrTom]

This is for mainemarge. My trumpet vine is going crazy.

Ah botanical revelry, or with trumpet vines is that reveille?

[Tom Shea]

On the boat with Isaac and plan to stay here.

Packing for the return trip to NH and doubt I'll have time. Good luck all.

I will be celebrating our god-child's wedding from afar today. (Corona virus s***'s -- missed two great weddings in the past year)

[PQ63]

I surrender and am submitting my 95% certain answer. I have a feeling we all may be in for a big surprise.

[BeTheLight]

On shore with what is the only answer I could think of. Not sure if it's confirmation bias or real clues that I found supporting it.

[JRS51]

Let me be the 123743rd person to say that I'm not 100% confident because the final click is weak/missing but I don't think there is another possible answer here so will submit that.

Put me down as #123744!
But actually, as I review my thoughts, the mechanism, and what appears to be additional confirmation in the crossword, I’m approaching 100% certainty now.
I’m not seeing the supposed second possible answer some have mentioned.
Very happy to be ashore again after a few weeks with Isaac!

[Collegetowngirl]

So happy for this forum. I am feeling only 90% confident. Have decided to sleep on it before submitting. The fact that some of you are 100% makes me think I am missing something. But also very relieved to see how many folks are feeling like I am.

EDIT: decided I’m on shore. Looking forward to the answer and the shock if I’m wrong.

[wildjed]

Zion doesn't have much in the way of cell phone service, but the Lodge does have low-bandwidth wi-fi, so on Sunday I'll be able to see the result. Until then, like many, I will be feeling anticipation for the reveal. Great group -- glad you all are here.

[edited to fix a typo]

I was in Zion recently! The perk cafe had fantastic wifi, pretty close to the lodge I think. And man, what a beautiful park.

Alas, still on the boat myself. Enjoying the ocean mist, but might be ready for a nudge from a willing soul.

[Joe Ross]

...no one seems sure what drink to order (they're staring at the chalkboard menu muttering, "This...? or that...? or the other one...?").

But the choices at R'Noggin Brewery are all so good! (One of several excellent microbreweries in Kenosha!)

Trying to decide between 2 number 7’s or 1 number 8! I’ve never had. Beer at 13%. That sounds like a fun one but a headache tomorrow! Thanks for sharing!

May I start with that Skirted Scotsman - Wee Heavy, follow with The Lerch - Breakfast Stout, and finish with that Chasing Tires - Porter, SVP?