Author: ulaca

The first Monday of the new year and very much a typical Monday, straightforward as long as you lived through the 1960s, have watched Austin Powers or know your short-service British PMs. And the setter … Read more “Times 25987 – 60s Retro”

Lots to chew over this morning, as we range from the heavens to India via Italianate Turkey. And talking of turkeys, we have a lesser spotted bird and a deadly poison. In sum, another fine … Read more “Times 25976 – Alien Abductions”

Having come a cropper on Dean’s puzzle yesterday by dint of my shaky Dutch, I was glad to be back in the company of Classical deities today and thought I was on for a time … Read more “Times 25970 – Staines-upon-Thames: from Ghetto to Cathedral Town?”

After perhaps the easiest Sunday puzzle of the Biddlecombe era (especially for those based in the UK), we’re back to normality today with a puzzle that had me a bit flummoxed as I couldn’t get … Read more “Times 25958 – Strictly for the Nobs”

I found this a little chewy for a Monday, though by no means difficult. If difficult is what you are looking for, try Picaroon’s excellent Guardian prize puzzle. (Saturday’s Times was pretty decent too.) 34 … Read more “Times 25946 – I Guess That’s Why they Call it the Blues”

As easy as it gets [on edit – for me – I seem to have been in the zone today like that bloke who tonked the Aussies about for the world’s fastest ton]. 15 minutes. … Read more “Times 25934 – Everything’s bottoms, isn’t it?”

A nice warm-down for those competing at the championships on Saturday, with no need for arcane knowledge or familiarity with Gerry Anderson characters. 26 minutes. ACROSS 1. SUPERB – UP (‘on horseback’ – if it’s … Read more “Times 25922 – Pole Dancing with the Inland Revenue”

This was gentilisimo. I’m expecting single-digit scores from those warming up for the champs. 25 minutes para mi. Switching to cose Italiane, it behoves me to affirm that, contrary to indications, Umberto Eco is neither … Read more “Times 25910 – Who needs Gibraltar?”