A weekly meta crossword created by members of the forum. Difficulty levels will vary. Hints are usually available starting Wednesday, and solutions are posted on Sunday.
I don't know why (well, actually I do, but it's unrelated to this meta ), but I'm feeling rather sprightly, spunky, and spirited today. In fact, I am feeling so sprightly, spunky, and spirited that I am going to do something that I rarely do - I am going to speak my mind! Well, actually I'm hoping that I can get you to speak your mind - literally - via this meta. But a word of caution - don't be too hasty! Please pause for a moment before you speak your mind and submit your answer. I'd like to thank @Abide, @Al Sisti, @boharr, @whimsy, @Wendy Walker, @KayW, and @Joe Ross for testing and technical help.
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!
Well, the New England weather forecasters have been particularly challenged this winter, and based on the number of incorrect answers in Crosshare, I'd say that I may have underestimated the difficulty of this meta. I had originally assigned it a Level 3 ("A Bit Choppy") then downgraded it to Level 2 ("Gentle Ripple"), but apparently my first impression was more correct. So to make amends I'll change it back to a Level 3 and offer up an early Nudge to help you get started.
Like they say on some TV game shows, "Talk it out."
OK, I fell into the trap apparently. But I am generally terrible at this kind of puzzle
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Still working on the meta but a few chirps on Rick's normal excellent cluing
1) 14A and 13D must have come from Rick's mother when he was growing up
2) we have the normal sea related clues and answers - 16A, 4D
3) The answer to 9D is totally wrong - somehow you have to squeeze "my expensive bird seed no matter how much I try to keep them away"
4) A better clue for 11D would be "MASH episode from 1974"
But... yeah, I suck more than averagely at these things. I definityly had 2/3 of the things from the beginning but I also had 8/3 of the herrings that naturally swam through the red dye with no intent of a conscious creator.
So I just plain couldn't get my meta based on "Up the Down Staircase" to work.
My challenge it to constructors is to make a meta where the meta, theme or metanism is "Up the Down Staircase".
MikeyG wrote: ↑Mon Feb 26, 2024 12:17 pm
Edit #2: Got it! That was...a lot of fun once I saw something a bit shiny that wasn't a rabbit hole, after all!
woozy wrote: ↑Mon Feb 26, 2024 2:35 pm
Oh, my god. I take it all back.
That was a good puzzle.
Good job, @MikeyG and @woozy! Way to stick with it!
Someone mentioned that there is an air of "pageantry" about this one.
Well, looks like I joined the crowd submitting the obvious but wrong answer. Will have to ponder Rick's early nudge.
Edit: Yup, that did it! Off the couch. Good one!
If you want help with a meta, feel free to PM me. The more specific you are about what you have and what you want, the more likely I can help without spoiling.
(And if I help you win a mug, I’ll be especially delighted.)