This meta has been bouncing around in my mind for well over a year. I first got the idea researching another meta and thought, "could I do that" and back then I felt "Nope!" However, I have gotten bolder (no better perhaps but bolder) and while doing a back and forth with Al Sisti on another meta this topic came up and I thought "what the heck I can give it a try", so I did. Thanks soooo much to Al and to KayW, my testers/mentors, who helped me hammer this into shape.
I think it turned out well, but of course I ALWAYS think these turn out well. However, it only matters what YOU think, I hope you all like it.
My bias is that it will play as a S.A.D. because it is soooo simple that you may not see it. However, given how inventive all of you are and your toolchests of solving techniques I am sure a lot will hop on board (or out of the bag as it were).
Difficulty rating:
Kitten
֎Calico
֎Persian
Puma
Lion
Reveal Sunday
NUDGES:
Nudge 1] One tester said it should have been named "Vowel Movement".
Nudge 2] Whether people like it or not, they certainly will not be able to utter the hated phrase - "That was Z"
Nudge 3] Something very common is not present in the grid
Nudge 4] Something very common is also not present in the clues
Nudge 5, well actually a mechanical solve] If you evaluate the puz file using the Mechapuzzle utility the answer should be immediate.
THE REVEAL!
Rather easy this week because the solve relies on noticing that there are no E's anywhere in the grid or clues. That makes this a "lipogramatic" text and there is only one book published in 1939 using no E's and it is the book, "Gadsby" (no relation at all to "The Great Gatsby")
For a more complete discussion please go to: