Solving time : 39’54” Typical – my first post and one of my slowest solves for quite some time. Having BLEARY as a poor homonym at 19D didn’t help either. Across 1 PEP,PERMI(N)T 11 CIRCUS … Read more “23589 – SLEEPY and SLIPSHOD”
23588 – got in a MESS and took AGES
Solving time : 2 hours + a bit (in a few sessions) I really struggled to get into this and spent a long time staring at the paper, questioning my ability and my sanity. I … Read more “23588 – got in a MESS and took AGES”
ST 4221 (Sun Apr 22) – Starters’ orders
Solving time: 3:50 This was closer to the daily crosswords than most ST puzzles in terms of clue accuracy, although much easier, with some nice clues. Quite a quick time but I felt I should … Read more “ST 4221 (Sun Apr 22) – Starters’ orders”
Something extra to keep you busy
Just after completing his stand-in spell for Richard, Mr Magoo sent me a couple of puzzles for blog readers. I’ve added these to the guest puzzles section of my crossword-related web site, or if you’d … Read more “Something extra to keep you busy”
Jumbo 693
…will appear here – finally getting a round tuit at 12:30am on Tuesday! Solving time 28:09, although should have been a lot faster. There were a lot of 14- and 17-letter multi-word phrases interlocking in … Read more “Jumbo 693”
Saturday Times 23581
…will appear here. My house was burgled last night so I’ve got a bit to sort out today. I’ll do the blog entry when I get a chance. OK, so I’ve been a bit lazy. … Read more “Saturday Times 23581”
Times 23,586 – too many mistakes!
This was the most difficult of the Friday puzzles I have blogged since I joined the Times team. I started off well enough, but the right-hand side of the grid just wouldn’t come for me. … Read more “Times 23,586 – too many mistakes!”
23585 – Any old iron duke
Solving time: 14:25 Thanks to Magoo for filling in the last three Thursdays while I was away. Now we are back to double-digit solving times. Lord of the Flies at 14A was the first one … Read more “23585 – Any old iron duke”
23,584 – tough for me
Solving time 13:10 Slow progress at first, with most of my answers at the bottom. Then gradually got going. Quite a few two-word phrases to be given the “lift and separate” treatment. Lots of interesting … Read more “23,584 – tough for me”
Bank Holiday Jumbo 692 – Blowing my trumpet
I recently got out of the habit of doing the Times Jumbo, and have never timed myself, but I’d be really surprised if I’ve ever done one as quickly as this – I don’t generally … Read more “Bank Holiday Jumbo 692 – Blowing my trumpet”