Comments on: Private Eye/Cyclops 389 – Mock election

By: Bellers

Bellers — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:12:08 +0000

100 submissions and not yet won, eh, ManFromBamberg? http://abcpdfcerts.abc.org.uk/pdf/certificates/15434209.pdf states that Eye circulation for this time last year was 205000. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/why-you-buy-a-particular-paper-9-426912.html suggests that 10% of readers attempt the crossword. Say half of those manage to complete the grid, and half of those again remember to send in the answers, then we have 5000 submissions to the Eye for each edition. So I expect you to win once every 200 years! Don’t lose heart.

By: ManfromBamberg

ManfromBamberg — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:57:21 +0000

I was introduced to the PE crossword by a work colleague just over 5 years ago. At that time I had tried the Telegraph crossword about 6 times a year but I have really got into the PE crossword.At first I was lucky if I could get more than 3 clues out but over the years I have got familiar with Brian= Prince Charles, Brenda = ER , piss =ale or beer or anagram indicator or urine etc. Usually I get about 10 clues out quickly, 10 with a bit more thought by which time most of the crossing letters are in place and I’m usually left with 2 which I may or may not get out. And so to this one. I scanned the acrosses and downs -nothing. I scanned again – nothing. I really thought I might not get one out. I slowly went over the acrosses and downs again -absolutely nothing. I then realised that 1d must be anagram though I couldn’t get the answer -was it player in the sense of “footballer” or even the name of a footballer? Eventually-forgive me Father for I have sinned- I used an anagram solver. I then recalled medicine balls thought interestingly that did not feature in this Eye. Last in was 16a. Well done to anyone who got 3d without checking letters “Insistent type, Bill, when stradding Lewinsky’s head.” I had Bill =Clinton =Ac =cotton=cash=banknote. I must have submitted over 100 crosswords but have never won a prize -it’s not the money , just the kudos I’m after.

By: Handel

Handel — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 09:07:34 +0000

Thanks for the blog. Most of this went in quickly enough (Paddington to Reading) with the last couple taking a bit longer (finished just before Oxford).

I too found 22d tough, as the ‘eye’ definition was misleading in the context of a PE crossword. The ‘say’ in that clue is necessary in my view, as the solver needs a general term (red) from the specific term that is given (cardinal).

Another enjoyable puzzle.