Comments on: Financial Times no.13,847 by REDSHANK

By: Niloci

Niloci — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 22:11:45 +0000

The people in Manila have been trying to update the puzzle on website but there are technical problems. But it looks as if the problem can be overcome by astute solvers….!

By: Sil van den Hoek

Sil van den Hoek — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 21:48:49 +0000

As Paul B said, despite the ‘cock-up’ [which was re-paired within two minutes] a good puzzle!

Only PATOIS (5ac) was one ‘pas’ too far for me.
A handful of thanks to Ringo.
The blog was certainly needed for 21ac (and 5ac, of course).

Fine bunch of clues, of which only O SOLE MIO (16d) didn’t appeal to me that much [because of the sole/solo similarity].
But how can I be negative about a solution that was one of the musical tracks at my father’s funeral way back in 1998.

I especially liked 12ac (LIFER) and the three longer ones 14ac, 4d and 9d.
But there was a lot more to admire – for which many thanks Redshank!

By: togo

togo — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:27:17 +0000

Now see what a fine mess I’ve got us into with Redshank. Mercy, please.

By: Redshank

Redshank — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:16:01 +0000

Niloci has manfully taken the rap for what appears to have been my cock-up. Apologies for the extra challenge. I like Togo’s idea; must work on it.

By: Paul B

Paul B — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:05:13 +0000

… though still a tautology. Rats.

By: Paul B

Paul B — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:04:36 +0000

Still a good puzzle though!

By: Niloci

Niloci — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:56:08 +0000

Grid had some rogue black squares for which my apologies. Correct version should appear on website shortly.

By: togo

togo — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:28:18 +0000

Or *something* like..

By: togo

togo — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:25:28 +0000

Thanks Ringo for the de- and re-construction. A good crossword too.

I hope the errors today don’t signify a new style of crossword. Sonthing like “There are 7 deliberate mistakes in today’s crossword. The grid, though symmetrical, requires adjustments. Apparently misplaced clues should be entered wherever they will fit……” Lets hope Rev Graham is not bored and looking for new ways to play…..

By: Eileen

Eileen — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 12:41:48 +0000

Quite clear, thanks, Ringo – ‘consequential errors’, for which allowances are made in exam marking! I just didn’t bother to black out the squares and think it through.