December 3, 2014 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

Toughie 1303

Toughie No 1303 by Giovanni

100 not out

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

If you get your puzzles from the paper you’ll have noticed that this puzzle marks Giovanni’s century as a Toughie setter – so congratulations to him.
The reason that I’ve given this four stars for difficulty rather than three is due to a) the length of time it took me to see the definition for 1a, although the answer was obvious and b) the NE corner where I didn’t help myself by writing in the wrong answer for 16a. If I’d spotted earlier that we have a pangram I might not have taken so long to get the right answer for 16a.
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DT 27663

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 27663

Hints and tips by 2Kiwis

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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ***

Radio New Zealand told us a couple of days ago that summer has officially started. Doesn’t really feel like it yet as we have had more than our share of cold windy days lately. Today however is calm, clear and warmish so we can feel optimistic of more to come.

Jay has served up another of his tasty delights today, slightly in the gentler range.

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