Cryptic Crossword Solving Trials
at the University of Buckingham
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
A number of you may remember the cryptic crossword survey which we ran at Easter last year. In total we have about 750 completed responses to the questionnaire which is a very pleasing number. As a follow-up to the survey, we are currently engaged in lab-based trials at the University of Buckingham involving the filming of individual solvers as they wrestle with a daily blocked cryptic. We’re also getting participants to play a few word-games and to take a pen-and-paper problem solving test. The total time is about 2.5 hours.
Continue reading “Cryptic Crossword Solving Trials”
D-Day Telegraph Crosswords
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
I’m sure that most of you will be aware of the stir that was created during World War II when several secret code words turned up in Daily Telegraph crosswords. Roger “Rufus” Squires has recorded a short piece that will be broadcast tomorrow, Friday 4th February, during the One Show (7.00-7.30pm on BBC 1).
Anyone who has corresponded with Roger will know that he has led an interesting life and has so many stories that he can tell. The following snippets are reproduced, with permission, from his email telling me about the programme.
Continue reading “D-Day Crosswords”
Big Dave’s Crossword Blog celebrates its second birthday today!
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
Two years have passed and the success continues. … Continue reading
Sloggers and Betters (Midlands)
The Waterfall, Derby – 29th January 2011
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
Peter Harvey, known on Fifteensquared as Kathryn’s Dad, has arranged a lunchtime get-together for solvers, setters and bloggers in Derby on Saturday 29th January. Over 40 people have already replied, so it should be an unmissable event.
Continue reading “Sloggers and Betters (Midlands)”
Those of you who look at the Times for the Times blog will know that I’ve just started a new job. I can now tell you that I’ve been appointed on a trial basis to edit the crosswords in the Sunday Times.… Continue reading
Merry Christmas to all our readers
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – +– +– +– + – + – + – +
Big Dave and the team of bloggers would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.… Continue reading
Site Maintenace
WordPress Software Upgrade
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
WordPress have released a new version of he Sandbox theme used by the blog and I will be trying to install it tonight, after 11.00pm. … Continue reading
Sloggers and Betters
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
I’m announcing this rather later than usual, for which I apologise. For two reasons, an S & B meeting will take place on Wednesday 1st December.
Continue reading “Sloggers and Betters”
Church Times – Crosswords
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
I have mentioned the excellent puzzles in the Church Times before. These are edited by Don “Giovanni” Manley, and I am delighted to be able to tell you that this week’s puzzle, #1086, is by Revd Michael Callaghan and can be accessed here. So what is so special? Well, the Revd Michael is actually our very own Prolixic and I’m sure you will all join me in congratulating him on his first puzzle to be published in a newspaper.
Continue reading “Church Times”
Cruciverbalists’ Convention
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
It’s time once again for the meeting at the White Horse pub in Parson’s Green, London tomorrow, 30th October, from 11am till late. Drop in and have a drink with us if you are in town. Full details can be found here:
Continue reading “Parson’s Green”