Comments on: Independent 6976/Eimi

By: eimi

eimi — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:53:11 +0000

Thanks to all for the kind comments.

Yes, Richard, the idea was that for each of the across lines the clues could read pan, cake, although rather cheekily on occasion.

The constraints brought about the large number of clues, which could only have fitted if some were extremely brief, e.g. 1 Down. It also threw up a few unusual words, for which I’ve tried to provide the easiest clues.

To answer Ali, and I think it’s appropriate as the question was generated by a themed (or is it a Nina as it’s not explicit) crossword, some setters book a spot in advance and occasionally I’ll look in the pot and see if anyone has come up with anything topical and if not, I’ll have a go myself, as here and on Armistice Day, etc.

Paella and patella are both defined as pans in Collins, a coincidence I hadn’t noticed until I became an expert on pans and cakes for this puzzle.

By: Richard

Richard — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:09:11 +0000

Thanks EIMI for a great crossword. (I don’t think it’s been explicitly mentioned above that theme appears in every clued line across, given the diversity of “pans” used.)

By: nmsindy

nmsindy — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:14:25 +0000

I also meant to mention COLANDER as a great clue.

By: Ali

Ali — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:14:10 +0000

A nice way of incorporating Shrove Tuesday I thought, though I found this fairly tough going. My knowledge of pans and cakes has improved though, so all good. Enjoyed the PLUMY clue a lot. I don’t doubt there’s a genius clue involving gr8, u r, lol and suchlike just waiting to be written!

One thing I have often wondered about the Indy puzzle given the tendency towards topical themes (and apologies if this should be asked in the Chatroom!)is if Eimi and co. decide in advance who’s doing what. Do the setters call dibs on time-specific themes way in advance?

By: nmsindy

nmsindy — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:12:45 +0000

DOUGHNUT is where MPs gather around the speaker so the Chamber does not look empty on TV, I think. Some great clues in this, e.g. POACHER, PLUMY. Think it’s just a PANCAKE Tuesday theme. Tough but very satisfying.