Author: Guy du Sable

This was a three-ring circus of delights, even including elephants. But seriously, folks, elephants are gradually achieving liberation from their long servitude to the spectacle. Perhaps we can still manage to save these magnificent creatures, … Read more “Sunday Times Cryptic 4971, by Robert Price — cheeky as ever”

I didn’t work this in one go. Finished sometime Sunday (yesterday [last week]). It was striking that “man” or “men” was used in a few (clues or answers) and every time in a different sense … Read more “Sunday Times Cryptic 4969 by David McLean — A man’s a man for a’ that”

Some tricky feints and lunges here to keep you on your toes. The two longest clues are CDs, and as usual they kept me guessing longer than most, especially 9. But my most protracted engagement … Read more “Sunday Times Cryptic 4967 by Dean Mayer — En garde !”

…in geologic time! Well, not quite. But I started on Saturday evening, here, and didn’t finish until Sunday afternoon. I really don’t know why it took me longer than usual… The CD at 1 across … Read more “Sunday Times Cryptic 4965 by Robert Price — a slow, steady accretion”

…with maestro McLean displaying his usual level of 7 (and I’m glad there are no Spoonerisms), presenting us with two deftly executed &lits amid a plethora of other excellent clues, which all seem fairly 2 … Read more “Sunday Times Cryptic 4963 by David McLean — Not amateur hour”

Wonderful puzzle! When I finally arrived at the “part of Botswana” at the end, I felt that I could have, should have, gotten it first, if I’d only taken the time; after all, it’s mainly … Read more “Sunday Times Cryptic 4961, by Dean Mayer — 4-CD Set! All Hits!”

I really enjoyed this. There are no answers shorter than five letters, and (but of course, it’s Bob!) many slick surfaces evoking amusing images that may distract you so much that you skate right over … Read more “Sunday Times Cryptic 4959, by Robert Price — strength in numbers”

Ah, I’ve missed traveling lately, as a second spring has passed without my leaving the country. A few months ago, I discovered YouTube videos shot from the engineer’s cab of trains passing through exotic climes—hours … Read more “Sunday Times Cryptic 4957, by David McLean — strange games”

…wins the race! The week before, I had been out of ink, so Saturday saw me working the five weekday 15x15s, plus test-solving two for my former Nation team, before looking at this stunning offering, … Read more “Sunday Times Cryptic 4955, by Dean Mayer — slow and steady”

A spectrum of life here, with advice to a weary employee, a nightmarish work scene, a brewery mascot, news in men’s fashions, competitive coworkers in an atmosphere of smouldering tension, and, of course, the uninhibited … Read more “Sunday Times Cryptic 4953, by Robert Price — string of pearls”