Author: ulaca

With an old (and therefore not known to all), but brilliant, book fairly clued (i.e. not as an anagram), this setter shows how to handle such things in an equitable way. Well done, sir! Or … Read more “Times 27601 – No ludicrous clues”

Definitely a cut above your average Monday in terms of difficulty, with one or two cunning definitions and a soupcon of tricky clueing. I staggered home in 34 minutes, just above my NITCH (for all … Read more “Times 27589 – Wot’s that thingummy?”

Despite a smattering of tricky vocab, the congruous nature of the literals made this a pretty straightforward Monday offering. Special thanks to the setter on two counts: evoking images of horryd at 1d and referencing … Read more “Times 27577 – Harmony and Prosperity?”

A bit of a skeletal blog, I’m afraid, as I have to attend a hastily arranged meeting with Louisa, the scary head of our newly established Projects and Administration Department. This was a workaday Monday … Read more “Times 27565 – Christopher Newport Meets Bo Peep”

Pretty much where I left off in 2019, puzzle difficulty wise, with this pleasant offering doing nothing to disturb any swallow-like creatures who might be constructing their nests in soft cliff material and digging in … Read more “Times 27553 – It’s That Bird Again!”

I was bang on the wavelength for this one, romping home in 11 and a half minutes. I never thought one of CS Lewis’s favourite expressions would become a chestnut, but MARES NEST is in … Read more “Times 27541 – Baldrick meets Benny Hill”

For those looking for a gentle reintroduction to the art of solving after losing a brain cell or two at Times HQ or in the George, this was a nigh-on perfect puzzle. One or two … Read more “Times 27529 – Mother and Father of Mondays”

Quite a few double definitions (DDs) and cryptic definitions (CDs) in this more difficult than usual (SNITCH allowing) Monday offering from a setter who was either in his/her most mischievous mode or had perhaps been … Read more “Times 27517 – Absolutely spliffing!”

For those who were worried that Monday has become the new Friday, this was very much a throwback to the old days (like a fortnight or so ago). With all its recent bells and whistles … Read more “Times 27505 – Schindler’s Missed?”

A bit short of time again this week – and I will be in meetings most of the day – so something of a skeletal blog. If you require extra elucidation please ask the extremely … Read more “Times 27493 – Epic Fail”