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Guardian Cryptic 25395 Rufus

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This is an Occasion – my first blog of the most prolific crossword setter in the world.  Thanks Rufus, for all those crosswords, including those not covered in 15sq’d.  (My wife does the … Read more >>

Financial Times 13761 Jason

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Thanks Jason, I continue to enjoy all your puzzles to date.  The easiest of the Big 3 today, but great cluing, clever surfaces and some spicy definitions.  (Definitions are underlined in the clues) Across … Read more >>

Guardian Quiptic 611 Beale

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A straightforward puzzle from Beale.  A tricky bit of parsing with 23A, though its solution was readily apparent.  Thanks Beale.  (Definitions are underlined in the clues) Across 8 One very absorbed by erotic … Read more >>

Guardian Cryptic 25386 Pasquale

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This is my debut Guardian Cryptic.  Hence, this preamble to a preamble, in case you’re wondering why the detailedness… I’m going on the basis that the 15sq’d motto means “… and never knowingly … Read more >>

Financial Times 13755 Armonie

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This was a pleasant puzzle, thanks to Armonie.  Got held up a little with the last couple, but no trouble in the end.  (Definitions are underlined in the clues) Across 1 Property like … Read more >>

Financial Times 13749 PHSSTHPOK

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There was a problem with the link to the online version, which meant that I started late.  (Thanks to those who responded to my call for help in trying to get the crossword.)   … Read more >>

Financial Times 13743 Redshank

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This was no pushover.  Enjoyable mental workout with quite a few of the clues.  Some nice surfaces.  There’s a minor reference to an annual event, but can’t find anything else significant.  Small quibble … Read more >>

Financial Times 13737 Jason

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This was a pleasant solve, quite straightforward with some nice surfaces.  Thanks Jason.  (Definitions are underlined in the clues.) Across 1 One in west coast city selling aromatic shrub (8) LAVENDER :  An … Read more >>

Guardian Quiptic 607 Orlando

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This is one of the better Quiptics I’ve completed.  Not difficult, but a balanced mix of tricks to enjoy.  Thanks Orlando.  (Definitions underlined in clues.) Across 1 Cab heading off to the centre of Rome? It’s taken … Read more >>

Financial Times 13731 Courtier

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Since this setter was new to me, I searched and found that he/she makes just a single appearance in the FT every 2nd half of June, since 2008.  This coincides with another annual event, … Read more >>

Financial Times 13725 Neo

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This was a relaxing puzzle with which to restart blogging.  All straightforward, and perhaps made easier by quite a few anagrams (9 answers which are complete anagrams).  Got off to a roaring start … Read more >>

Financial Times 13707 Jason

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This was quite a challenge, partly I think because I’ve not done any or many Jasons.  After some time, though, things came together, and finally had only one iffy answer.  A 4-letter light … Read more >>

Financial Times 13701 REDSHANK

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First time I’m blogging this setter, and can’t say whether I’ve done his puzzles previously.  Slow start, but progressed steadily.  He seems to favour &lits, at least in this puzzle, and there are … Read more >>

Financial Times 13695 PHSSTHPOK

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My first FT blog was a PHSSTHPOK, so I’ve come full circle.  But this was slightly more difficult than the first.  But got there in the end, after correcting a spelling error in … Read more >>