88. On That Note

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Hello hello! The weather, albeit a bit cooler, was nearing springtime (even in the region!), so it's fitting that the Winter Solvestice will soon be drawing to a close. Three more consecutive puzzles (counting today's) before we're back to every other week for a bit. Let's get to it!

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1. Puzzle #87 answer: GETTYSBURG ADDRESS

Correct entries: 71

Shortest explanation: The four silly themers conceal SCORE, and the central spanner references a year SEVEN years ago from date of publication (although, if you're solving this in 2025 or beyond for some reason, that year does have a SEVEN hidden within!). These signal the famed "Four score and seven years ago" opener (and that is 4 x 20 + 7 = 87 years, a numeric tie-in!) from Lincoln's GETTYSBURG ADDRESS. Note Abe's full name around the grid also.

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2. Some toughies this week with WSJ and MGWCC (at least I thought so!), so those are some solid Level 3's or above. Mine might trend downward to 2.5, but I'll put it at Level 3, just to be safe.

Good luck, and may all your solves be beautiful!

Mikey G

The answer to the meta is what crosswords might be for you.