Comments on: Independent 6703/Punk

By: Paul B

Paul B — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 22:33:00 +0000

Yarze. The ultimate, as in final, offer would be the only remaining alternative to the different types of sugar previously offered, we might have to assume. Apart from ‘no sugar’ of course.

I can’t believe I just wrote that sentence.

By: fgbp

fgbp — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:39:33 +0000

“I agree that “Texas” = S US but didn’t think that it was too much of a liberty.”

This reminds me of Richard Browne’s “fiendish” competition clue in the Times Crossword club, cluing THESEUS as FLORIDA!

By: Testy

Testy — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:26:22 +0000

I liked this one too. I didn’t get the “many Russians” bit so thanks for explaining that one. I agree that “Texas” = S US but didn’t think that it was too much of a liberty.

However I still don’t think I fully understand the LIKE IT OR LUMP IT clue:
“Here’s some granulated sugar - and that’s my penultimate offer!”

I guess the granulated sugar is the penultimate offer because the ultimate offer is lumps of sugar???

By: Michod

Michod — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 11:54:41 +0000

Nice bit of topicality there indeed, well done.
Re 10ac, I eventually decided it must be Southern US. I agree Texas = S US is a bit vague, but it’s essentially analogous to Kent = SE. “Bible Belt?” and “Home Counties” might be fairer indications.

By: Ali

Ali — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 11:52:17 +0000

Liked this one a lot. As always with Punk, edging towards the trickier end of the scale, but mercifully easier than the recent Nimrod and Bannsider puzzles. Plenty to admire here, and extra plaudits for the T5 clue and managing to get WAZZOCK into a puzzle!

By: eimi

eimi — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 11:43:18 +0000

Re: 26 Across, I had a different Punk puzzle scheduled for this week, but I was happy to replace it at the last minute as (at least British Airways hope) it won’t be a laughing stock for long.