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° 25,789 by Bonxie

Fri November 9, 2012 at 2:53 am by PeterO

I’m back in business – if only just; in the aftermath of Sandy, after getting power back on Monday, on Wednesday an early winter storm blew in, dumping four inches of wet snow, and I was without power for another nine hours.

Guardian Cryptic N° 25,775 by Gordius

Wed October 24, 2012 at 2:23 am by PeterO

This one gave me something to think over, and to amuse me in the process. Thanks Gordius.

Everyman N° 3,445 (14 October)

Sun October 21, 2012 at 12:01 am by PeterO

The odd less common reference, the inevitable bit of geography, notably coherent surfaces – what more can one say? Everyman continues to produce crosswords which are not pitched too high for most beginners, but have enough spice to satisfy more experienced solvers.

Guardian Cryptic N° 25,771 by Brummie

Fri October 19, 2012 at 11:01 amFri October 19, 2012 at 2:32 am by PeterO

An éclair of a crossword.

Guardian Cryptic N° 25,765 by Araucaria

Fri October 12, 2012 at 2:26 am by PeterO

The theme centred on 24A made the puzzle seem daunting at first, but it yielded gracefully in the end.

Guardian Quiptic N° 673, by Arachne

Mon October 8, 2012 at 1:28 pmMon October 8, 2012 at 2:02 am by PeterO

It is always a pleasure to see the name Arachne at the head of a crossword.

Guardian Cryptic N° 25,757 by Philistine

Wed October 3, 2012 at 2:07 am by PeterO

Philistine has been in the Guardian stable for a little over a year now, but I still made a slow start to this puzzle, trying to get on his wavelength. The effort was well worth it; I found it a fine crossword with plenty of well-camouflaged ingenuity.

Guardian Cryptic N° 25,751 by Gordius

Wed September 26, 2012 at 4:35 pmWed September 26, 2012 at 2:27 am by PeterO

Gordius seems to be following me around, or I him.

Everyman N° 3,441 (16 September)

Sun September 23, 2012 at 12:01 am by PeterO

It took me a little casting about to find an easy entry into this puzzle, but once started, it fell into place handily.

Guardian Cryptic N° 25,747 by Pasquale

Fri September 21, 2012 at 11:07 amFri September 21, 2012 at 3:53 am by PeterO

A couple of words new to me, clearly clued.

Guardian Cryptic N° 25,741 by Gordius

Fri September 14, 2012 at 12:13 pmFri September 14, 2012 at 3:48 am by PeterO

The crossword was quickly solved; the blog took quite considerably longer.

Guardian Quiptic N° 669 by Hectence

Mon September 10, 2012 at 3:20 am by PeterO

I made heavy weather of this one, and there are a couple of clues where I am not sure if the wordplay.

Guardian Cryptic N° 25,733 by Chifonie

Wed September 5, 2012 at 2:01 am by PeterO

A collection of finely turned clues, with nothing too difficult.

Guardian Cryptic N° 25,727 by Gordius

Wed August 29, 2012 at 11:25 amWed August 29, 2012 at 3:18 am by PeterO

My ISP has been bouncing up and down all evening, so I have published a preliminary version and will polish it up as and when I can do so.

Everyman N° 3,437 (19 August 2012)

Sun August 26, 2012 at 12:01 am by PeterO

The puzzle includes one or two things which might be less well known to some, but I do not see any great difficulties. Across 1. One unable to cope with everyday life in … Read more >>