PeterO

Born 1944. I was introduced to cryptics, mainly the Telegraph, in the sixth form, as a group effort. This continued through college (physics), and after, but more sporadically after I moved to the US forty years ago. Now I am semi-retired from programming - I drive school buses - I have time to troll the internet for crosswords to my heart's content. I regularly do the Guardian, Independent FT and Private Eye. Despite rather regular entries to Private Eye and the Guardian Genius, the nearest I have come to winning anything was on a book publishers' website, a crossword compiled by Eddie James, I think. As the prizes included a bottle of Champagne, to avoid customs problems, I entered in my brother-in-law's name. He was somewhat surprised to win.

Guardian Cryptic N° 25,860 by Brendan

February 1, 2013 at 1:29 pmFebruary 1, 2013 at 3:08 am by PeterO

Again, I have had a problem (quite different this time) with a utility. Is it out to get me? At least, I am getting adept at the work-around.

Guardian Quiptic N° 689 by Orlando

January 28, 2013 at 11:17 amJanuary 28, 2013 at 4:31 am by PeterO

I had some trouble with the blogging utilities, so I hope the results make some kind of sense.

Guardian Cryptic N° 25,852 by Paul

January 23, 2013 at 10:29 amJanuary 23, 2013 at 2:32 am by PeterO

This crossword may be found at http://www.guardian.co.uk/crosswords/cryptic/25852.

Guardian Cryptic N° 25,846 by Paul

January 16, 2013 at 3:55 amJanuary 16, 2013 at 3:08 am by PeterO

The crossword may be found at http://www.guardian.co.uk/crosswords/cryptic/25846 for as long as it is archived. I had quite a struggle with Paul’s wit and ingenuity in this one. It was not made any the … Read more >>

Everyman N° 3,457 (6 January 2013)

January 13, 2013 at 12:01 am by PeterO

Everyman’s usual mix of fine clues, with nothing that I saw as too obscure or difficult. Across 1. Girl having a short walk (6) ASTRID A charade of ‘a’ plus STRID[e] (‘short walk’). … Read more >>

Guardian Cryptic N° 25,842 by Araucaria

January 11, 2013 at 4:50 am by PeterO

Araucaria has used this crossword to impart some very sad news.

Guardian Cryptic N° 25,836 by Picaroon

January 4, 2013 at 7:33 amJanuary 4, 2013 at 2:49 am by PeterO

To solve this, I had to negotiate my way past an impressive array of diversionary tactics. Across 9. Opponent finished Old Course (9) ANTIPASTO An charade of ANTI (‘opponent’) plus PAST (‘finished’) plus … Read more >>

Guardian Quiptic N° 685 by Arachne

December 31, 2012 at 12:01 pmDecember 31, 2012 at 2:57 am by PeterO

It is always a pleasure to see Arachne’s name on a crossword that I have to blog.

Guardian Cryptic N° 25,828 by Orlando

December 27, 2012 at 1:20 amDecember 26, 2012 at 2:43 am by PeterO

Nothing too taxing to solve after a sumptuous Christmas dinner, but a fine set of witty clues.

Guardian Cryptic N° 25,823 by Arachne

December 19, 2012 at 3:18 am by PeterO

Given the ingenuity of the constructions, I think a lot of work must have gone into this puzzle. Thank you, Arachne.

Everyman N° 3,453 (9 December 2012)

December 16, 2012 at 1:44 am by PeterO

A couple of things that might be unfamiliar, but mostly the usual precise clues.

Guardian Cryptic N° 25,819 by Audreus

December 14, 2012 at 12:45 pm by PeterO

Apologies for the late posting, and the brevity – I am about to have minor surgery. Across 1. Very cold parrot starting a course of action (6) POLICY A charade of POL[ly] (‘parrot … Read more >>