Comments on: Guardian 25222 Paul … The Vroom Vroom Show

By: anax

anax — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:05:41 +0000

Mike @43
Well said. I have every respect for solvers’ opinions on the TV show, but that doesn’t preclude a setter from using it as a theme.
Actually, I’m slightly annoyed that John Halpern chose Top Gear as his subject – it’s forced me to scrap the one I was working on! Ah well; his secondary theme made this puzzle far superior to mine anyway.
And I’m with you as regards reasons for watching the programme. It’s just damn funny, and its critics should remember that it doesn’t in any way pretend to be a serious, informative motoring programme. It’s (frequently irreverent) entertainment and whatever rantings (right wing or otherwise) it features are pretty mild compared to those of your average standup comedian. Frankie Boyle anyone?
Sorry – back to the matter in hand; I had huge fun solving this one and, like Uncle Yap, I’m an ORGY fan – that was a real giggle.

By: Scarpia

Scarpia — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:01:45 +0000

Thanks Uncle Yap.
Great puzzle,crap theme.My heart dropped when I twigged that Top Gear was the theme.I always refer to JC as the antichrist,the high priest of the cult of the I.C.E.
I am almost ashamed to admit enjoying the puzzle,although a lot of the references were to a different meaning of top gear.
All fairly and wittily clued so no real cause for complaint.

By: mike

mike — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 23:32:29 +0000

Why do folks get so upset about a motoring – themed tv comedy show? I go camping, drive a Vauxhall (with 6 gears), and disagree with Clarkson’s right wing rantings, but still watch Top Gear because it makes me laugh. Out loud. Frequently. Suggest some of us take ourselves a little less seriously?

By: Carrots

Carrots — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 23:20:16 +0000

John H….I`m actually quite a fan of Top Gear (watching numerous repeats on “DAVE”) but can`t recollect one thing “Just Jezza & The Outlaws” have said in praise of Skodas. Maybe it`s because I have the 2.0TDI, which delivers up to 57.7 mpg and leaves so-called supercars standing at traffic lights.

From Mr Toad….who collects his new one (the latest of three) in March.

By: sidey

sidey — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 20:11:45 +0000

“In order to loathe Top Gear you have to have seen it and clearly remember it well.”

It’s amazing quite how many people do so simply to go apoplectic about it.

By: Kathryn's Dad

Kathryn's Dad — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 19:28:23 +0000

Carrots @ no 34, if you’re still around.

If Gaufrid will permit me to go off-topic for a moment, there is a message for you about the Derby do in the latest update on the event in the Announcements section.

By: John H

John H — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 18:51:40 +0000

@ carrots

Although he generally fits the description “twat” Clarkson has been remarkably supportive of and complimentary towards Skodas over recent years.

He often recommends them over “posher” brands like BMW etc.

He rubbished the mercedes anti collision system a lot more mercilessly – which was fair as it crashed the car within about fifty yards.

By: Brian Harris

Brian Harris — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 17:56:08 +0000

Fab stuff today. Some really imaginative and humorous cluing. We spent ages guessing at what “5th” could refer to…..

By: g larsen

g larsen — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 17:55:38 +0000

Thanks Uncle Yap and Paul. One of the easiest offerings from Paul I can remember, but full of clever and amusing clues -especially the clue for Clarkson himself.

I imagine Paul having a good chuckle at setting this theme for the Guardian, most of whose readers would 9ac the appalling Clarkson and all his works, I guess.

By: Median

Median — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 17:43:19 +0000

Really good puzzle – tough but clever and fair. Needed liberal helpings of TEA to revive me when I got stuck after solving only a few clues. Despite having JERSEY, PULLOVER and JUMPER, it took a while to get TOP GEAR. Thanks, Paul.