Author: kororareka

Solving time: 35 minutes, give or take the complete obliteration of the puzzle when I hit the spacebar attempting to type the solution to 13ac This seemmed pretty easy, even in the straitened circumstances, but … Read more “Times 24892 – $10 a night if you make your own bed; so he handed me a hammer and some nails”

Solving time: 1:12:29, it says The left half was done in about 20 minutes, and then the combined effects of Bob the Builder, Big Ted, Postman Pat, the Wiggles et al and the search for … Read more “Times 24880 – Oright guv, ow’s abart a bit of brussel and sprout”

Solving Time: 40 minutes ‘Tis me again, standing in for vinyl1, who will return next week. This puzzle contained some of the easiest clues we have seen for some time and yet still managed to … Read more “Times 24862 – Heads or Tails?”

Solving Time: 43 minutes Was this difficult for a Monday or was it me? Time and the first few comments will tell. I struggled to find the wavelength (see 5ac), whose generator seemed to be … Read more “Times 24856 – Is that all there is?”

Solving Time: 30 minutes Another typical Monday puzzle, with some plants and geography which might slow novices (13d, 29ac, 15ac for example) but which experienced solvers should write straight in, being familiar parts of the … Read more “Times 24844 – Where ignorance is bliss”

Solving Time: 28 minutes A methodical solve after a slow start. Only two false steps along the way, which were non-fatal errors. Otherwise nothing to scare the horses here. Across 1 WRAPPED UP, double definition. … Read more “Times 24832 – You don’t have to say you love me…”

Solving Time: DNF Began with 5d, in Procrustean stride, then got the wind up. Slowed to a brisk plod and finally reached Morocco. Gave up in sight of the pole. I had come far enough. … Read more “Times 24820 – A fine mess”

Solving Time: 45 minutes Not a stinker, but a thorough workout for my besieged little brain on a Monday… no, that’s the Times 24796 report… no, it’s this one. Well, c’est la même chose only … Read more “Times 24808 – Tinker, Taylor, soldier, sailor…”

Solving Time: 45 minutes Not a stinker, but a thorough workout for my besieged little brain on a Monday. 6ac went in almost immediately and then nothing but a tentative MAT? for several very long … Read more “Times 24796 – Ginger & Fred by the seaside”

Solving Time: 19 minutes Another Monday morning stroll with a nostalgic air. Lot’s of old favourites, a bit of cricket, an instance of Shakespeare and some pre-agrarian revolution dirt. Without further ado, it’s… Across 1 … Read more “Times 24784 – Hello sailor”