SP – 013

5 comments on “SP – 013”

1. I intended to spend just a short time on this today but the weather is so foul that I kept going and finished it (helped a lot in the SW by the peripheral locations).
   I can understand the first bit of the 29a answer but not the rest of it.
   There are some tremendous clues here. I especially liked 20a, 35a, the 49/52 pair, 54a, 11d, 34d and 45d. My favourite was 18a.
   Many thanks to Elgar for the brain-stretching.

2. I too found that a lot of fun, with only a few obscure cuckoos, bugs, Maoris and insects. Sure-fire candidates for Terence’ LIST™.
   29a I took to be a definition by example and &lit of the impossible task.
   Discovering the perimeter “address” also helped in the SW but 34d and 47a are refusing to be parsed completely.
   I loved the Sheffield Uni building and 15d was a clever construction, but I will agree with Gazza and promote 54a to the top of my podium. 38d would amuse our resident oral surgeon but I think he may avoid a double toughie from Elgar!

3. A full grid but in almost twice the time it usually takes me to crack an Elgar, although the fastest this year.

   I have a couple remaining unparsed so look forward to the review. Loved 28d.

   Thanks to Elgar.

4. Reasonably gentle from Elgar or at least it took me less time than previous double toughies! Some lovely clues which amused me: buying my train fare onnline, Rhea’s gentleman friend, the singing land, the lying auditor etc. etc. Just got the Io to do now! Happy New Year!

5. I thought this a bit more accessible than many Elgars and certainly more so than previous Specials. No less enjoyable though.

   I was defeated by 49a and needed to check a couple of other bits of GK, but pleased with that after a fair amount of time spent.

   The Nina was helpful in completing it, although I will have to google for what it actually means.

   Thanks

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