REPEAT STEP TWO: [ ACROSS LITE][ PDF]
PROGRAMS: [Across Lite] [Adobe Reader]
The results of the latest BEQ meta are in. Solvers of last week's had to suss out a two word phrase that is currently in the news. 66 out of the 76 entrants found the FISCAL CLIFF. (In the spirit of being generous, I also accepted FISCAL DOWNTURN.) Let's look at the solution grid, shall we? Highlighted for your approval, the FIS/CALs I hid in a cliff-like shape. Just watch that first step, it's a doozy.
By the way, tip of the hat to Paul Kuttner of Boston who sent in the boss Wile. E. Coyote illustration as his contest entry. I love, love, love the "Looney Tunes," so running this one was a no-brainer. Anyway, when you're done with today's puzzle, why not visit Paul's website?
Now, Google has helped me solve metas in the past. So too did Google help many of you. Erik Agard of College Park, MD was one of the first. He writes: "I was staring at the first word in each phrase for a long time, then I saw the FIS in each long answer. Went to Google News. Typed in 'FIS' and autocompleted my way to victory."
Our three randomly selected winners are Tim Platt of South Berwick, ME, Rachel Park, and G. P. Ryan, both of Parts Unknown. Maybe they're neighbors? They'll receive either both of my books in the Puzzazz app as well as Peter Gordon's Celebrity: Get a Clue app if they're digitally inclined, or a copy of "Sex, Drugs & Rock 'n' Roll Crosswords," if they like dead trees. For those who didn't win, feel free to pick up your copies in the above links.
Congrats to all who solved it correctly. Share the puzzle. New one on Monday.
Brendan Emmett Quigley creates custom-made puzzles for all occasions: birthdays and bar mitzvahs, anniversaries and retirements. You name it. Need a puzzle for your website or your publication? He can do that, too.
Brendan's custom work clients have included The American Crossword Puzzle Tournament, BeerAdvocate, Boston Magazine, De Beers, The Decemberists, ESPN, The Improper Bostonian, Lollapuzzoola, McSweeney's, Phish, Reflexive, The Smithsonian Magazine, St. Martin's Press, Uncle John's Bathroom Reader, and Andrew Weil.
Call (617) 2-999-BEQ or click 
