The last ten days have been very busy, and very enjoyable, for me, and so many people have taken time and effort to make it so. From the February 18th surprise party at my local pub, to a family gathering last weekend in a Derbyshire farmhouse, via a reception at the Guardian on the Eve of my 80th birthday, I have been taken by surprise by the tremendous warmth and friendliness of people in the crossword world.
Month: February 2012
Toughie 728
Toughie No 728 by Osmosis
Fruit Cocktail
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ****
I thought that this was just right for a Wednesday Toughie, with some clever, witty clues and not an obscure word in sight. Thanks to Osmosis for the tussle.
Let us know how you liked it and please take the time to provide your assessment by clicking on one of the stars below.
DT 26801
Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 26801
Hints and tips by pommers
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ***
Hola from the Vega Baja. Well I can’t believe it but this week it’s a year since my “Baptism of Fire” as a blogger – 2 March 2011! Where has the time gone? I’ve really enjoyed doing all the reviews and I thank you all for the nice comments that you’ve made. I hope you’ve found my efforts useful.
Over the year Jay has consistently supplied us with excellent puzzles and this one is no exception. The only problem is that sometimes they’re a bit thin on photo opportunities – not this time though!
Continue reading “DT 26801”
Toughie 727
Toughie No 727 by Giovanni
Geography Lesson
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BD Rating – Difficulty **** – Enjoyment **
What could have been a very enjoyable puzzle was spoiled, for me, by the inclusion of a Japanese city that rightly belongs in a General Knowledge puzzle. The majority of the clues were up to the usual high standard that we expect from Giovanni.
DT 26800
Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 26800
Hints and tips by Gazza
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BD Rating – Difficulty */** – Enjoyment **
There’s nothing too tricky or exciting in today’s puzzle. 11a is a new word (for me anyway) but the wordplay is very straightforward so it should not present any great problems. Let us know how you got on.
The answers are concealed to prevent your seeing them accidentally. To reveal one just highlight the space between the brackets under the relevant clue.
DT 26799
Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 26799
Hints and tips by Digby
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ***
After a week of celebration in Crosswordland, normal service is resumed with today’s challenge from “our” brand-new octogenarian. Rufus provides us with another gentle and enjoyable start to the week – his consistency never fails to impress.
ST 2628 (Hints)
Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 2628 (Hints)
Hints and tips by Big Dave
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As is usual for the weekend prize crosswords, I will select a few of the more difficult clues and provide hints for them.
NTSPP – 107 (Review)
Not the Saturday Prize Puzzle – 107
A Puzzle by Prolixic
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Another great puzzle from Prolixic – I do think he is sneakily increasing the level of difficulty with every new crossword he produces. For some reason, I found the top half harder than the bottom, but the whole thing was just as enjoyable as usual.
NTSPP – 107
Not the Saturday Prize Puzzle – 107
A Puzzle by Prolixic
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Welcome to the latest in our series of puzzles, which have now been running every week for over two years.
This week’s puzzle is by Prolixic. You can also have a go at his puzzle in the Church Times.
DT 26798 (Hints)
Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 26798 (Hints)
Big Dave’s Crossword Club
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As is usual for the weekend prize crosswords, an assortment of clues, including some of the more difficult ones, have been selected and hints provided for them.