Vismut (EV) – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

EV 1573 (Setter’s Blog)

EV1573

Capital by Vismut

Setter’s Blog

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EV 1573 Hints

Enigmatic Variations 1573 (Hints)

Capital by Vismut

Hints and tips by Phibs

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This is my second Vismut EV, following October’s ‘Save’, which was awash with avian anagrams. Last time I speculated on the setter’s pseudonym being linked in some way to the element bismuth, which is called ‘vismut’ in certain languages. I now find that it is also the name of a device used by the KGB in the Lubyanka Building and Intourist Hotel in Moscow to receive the output from hidden microphones and tapped telephone lines. This was during the Cold War, but perhaps I’m getting warmer…?

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EV 1559 Hints

Enigmatic Variations 1559 (Hints)

Save by Vismut

Hints and tips by Phibs

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In several European languages, ‘vismut’ translates to ‘bismuth’. My university thesis (in the dim and distant past) concerned the photoelectron spectroscopy of oxidation catalysis by bismuth molybdate. I can’t see that being relevant here.

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EV 1529 (Hints)

Enigmatic Variations 1529 (Hints)

Pine Box by Vismut

Hints and tips by The Numpties

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Vismut’s last EV crossword, ‘Pretty Lights’, produced that beautiful baptistry window. ‘Pine Box’ we read with a hint of dismay. This sounds more funereal. We know that a Vismut crossword is going to challenge us.… Continue reading

EV 1513 (Hints)

Enigmatic Variations 1513 (Hints)

Pretty Lights by Vismut

Hints and tips by The Numpties

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Solvers will be familiar with Vismut’s puzzles that are usually challenging and rich in thematic material. Of course, she starred during the ladies’ month in the EV and IQ series.

Preamble:  Each clue contains a single letter misprint; in clue order, correct letters spell out what to read sequentially, creating two messages in parallel to reveal two names and a date.Continue reading