December 23, 2011 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

Toughie 690

Toughie No 690 by Osmosis

A Gentle Start to the Onslaught

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BD Rating – Difficulty ***Enjoyment ****

Seasons Greetings from the Calder Valley. Osmosis is here today with his usual fiendish constructs, clever surface readings and off-the-wall ideas. I did find it a little easier than his normal puzzles, but it is still quite a stiff challenge.

I am off for a stay in a remote part of the Lake District for most of the next ten days so I’d like to wish you all a pleasant Christmas and the happiest of New Years. Thanks to all the setters for tormenting us during the year, to Phil McNeill and Daniella at the Telegraph for all their efforts in keeping things on the rails, to Big Dave (and Mrs BD) for looking after this wonderful site and finally to all my fellow bloggers who do a marvellous job “putting the words to lights”. I’ll see you next year!

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DT 26743

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 26743

Hints and tips by Gazza

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BD Rating – Difficulty **/***Enjoyment ***

I was expecting a themed puzzle today but it’s a straightforward offering from Giovanni, enjoyable as ever. The grid does contain some of the dreaded double unches which I know that some don’t like although I don’t see them as a problem. Let us know how you fared.
Since this is my last blog before the holiday may I take this opportunity to wish everyone (setters, fellow bloggers, commenters and lurkers) a Very Happy Christmas.

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