Comments on: Financial Times no. 13,727 by AARDVARK

By: Abby

Abby — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 17:41:10 +0000

Cobbler is American in reference to pies? Didn’t know that, but being American, guess I have an excuse.

Cobblers are a sort of pies- the top crust is very, very thick (and the main point of the dish), and there’s usually not a bottom crust. I thought they came here from England with the early settlers.

By: nmsindy

nmsindy — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 16:39:43 +0000

Yes, this was good, thanks, Aardvark, and Ringo. Favourite clues COCK-EYED and NORSEMEN.

By: scchua

scchua — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:57:46 +0000

Sorry, sports fan!

By: scchua

scchua — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:56:16 +0000

Thanks Ringo for the blog, and Aardvark for a really good workout.

One of those puzzles where you have to keep at it, but savouring each clue and answer as you got it. Favourites were 13A INTESTINE, 21A KARATE, and 27A CREOSOTE, all with lovely definitions. 23A BOB BEAMON, thanks for the reminder Aardvark – not only do you have to be a sporting fan, but also of a certain generation to recall that fantastic feat

By: Thomas99

Thomas99 — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:29:41 +0000

Aagh! I mean he IS a major sporing hero, of course. Currently a valued member of staff at Chicago State University, I see.

By: Thomas99

Thomas99 — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:27:02 +0000

I agree that this was difficult – very difficult in places. I only got Bob Beamon from the wordplay; had to google to find out who he was. But I see he was a major sporting hero and maybe we should thank Aardvark for raising his profile. I always defend Araucaria when he alludes to literary classics etc. that are in danger of being forgotten and I suppose this is the sporting equivalent.

By: Ferret

Ferret — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 12:13:25 +0000

Failed today – couldn’t get 9A for love nor money. Thanks for putting me out of my misery.

Little quibble with 27A, easily solved but does a liquid count as “gear”. Is petrol classed as motoring gear?

The double usage of love might be a forewarning of Courtier’s annual outing?

I remember seeing a great picture of Bob Beamon during his world record. At the height of his “long jump” he is considerably higher than an official sat just behind him.

By: crypticsue

crypticsue — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 11:54:35 +0000

Of all the major cryptics today, this one took me the longest time to finish. Agree that there are some great clues – I was impressed that I remembered 23a. I always forget the pencils when trying to solve clues like 19a, more often than not we seem to need p for piano for soft. Thanks to Aardvark and Ringo