71. Triple Double

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Hello hello! Ironically, the last puzzle "We're Coming Apart!" could have referred to my beloved Chicago Cubs, who came apart at the seams over the last couple of weeks. Granted, they only had a slim chance to make the playoffs earlier in the summer, but these chances increased to 75% or so by early September. Now, they will likely miss them.

In that case, all aboard the Orioles train! (Win it for Brooks.)

But you're here for the metas! (And maybe also the baseball...a little bit?).

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1. Puzzle #70 answer: SEVEN-TEN SPLIT

Correct entries: 54

Shortest explanation: Seven of the entries in the grid have the word TEN "split" across them (such as TE*N or T*EN). This, along with the anchor entries of BOLE and LING ("bowling") suggest SEVEN-TEN SPLIT, the answer to the meta. (I have more bowling puns, but I'll spare you.)

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2. As of this writing, I've spent about 7 hours on the WSJ to no avail, and the new Level 5 MGWCC just dropped, so...mine will be a Level 1 to balance all that because I totally planned it that way.

I did not, haha. But you deserve an easy one once in a while!

Good luck, and may all your solves be beautiful!

Mikey G

The answer to the meta is a famous individual who once opened a restaurant.