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.

Financial Times N° 14,091 by Falcon

Fri August 24, 2012 at 3:48 amFri August 24, 2012 at 2:48 am by PeterO

After a rocky start with 1A, this was plain sailing.

Guardian Cryptic N° 25,717 by Araucaria

Fri August 17, 2012 at 6:22 pmFri August 17, 2012 at 3:46 am by PeterO

As always, Araucaria provides much to chew over and digest.

Guardian Cryptic N° 25,713 by Rufus

Mon August 13, 2012 at 11:03 pm by PeterO

A brief blog to fill in.

Guardian Quiptic N° 665, by Nutmeg

Mon August 13, 2012 at 2:35 pm by PeterO

I was wondering why there was no Quiptic blog yet; then I discovered that I was due to write it. I think this hits just the right note for a Quiptic.

Guardian Cryptic N° 25,709 by Paul

Wed August 8, 2012 at 1:59 am by PeterO

A sparkling offering from Paul.

Guardian Cryptic N° 25,703 by Boatman

Wed August 1, 2012 at 3:44 am by PeterO

Boatman can come up with some tough puzzles; I found this one easier than some of his, but by no means a pushover.

Everyman N° 3,433 (22 July 2012)

Sun July 29, 2012 at 12:01 am by PeterO

Thank you, Everyman.

Guardian Cryptic N° 25,699 by Gordius

Fri July 27, 2012 at 10:36 amFri July 27, 2012 at 2:26 am by PeterO

I found this a pleasing puzzle from Gordius, with some fine surfaces and a generous sprinkling of wit.

Financial Times N° 14,065 by Cinephile

Wed July 25, 2012 at 5:22 amWed July 25, 2012 at 4:42 am by PeterO

Two fill-ins in a row give me Cinephiles. This one came with special instructions, that

A at the beginning of a clue always has the same meaning.

Guardian Cryptic N° 25,693 by Tramp

Fri July 20, 2012 at 4:15 pmFri July 20, 2012 at 4:04 am by PeterO

I found this fairly tough, and there are still three places where the answer is clear, but I cannot fully explain the clue. Doubtless help will be coming shortly.

Guardian Quiptic N° 661 by Orlando

Mon July 16, 2012 at 3:52 am by PeterO

I was just about to pick up this puzzle when there was a loud clap of thunder, and my cable went down hard – no internet, phone or TV; and it stayed that way for three hours. Fortunately, Orlando came up with crossword that I could sail through (I do not think I will catch so much flak for saying that this time!), and I hope the blog is up too scratch, if a little rushed. And the internet stayed up, even though thunder continues to rumble around.

Guardian Cryptic N° 25,685 by Pasquale

Wed July 11, 2012 at 2:22 am by PeterO

I would put this at the easier end of the Guardian spectrum; the clue constructions are generally straightforward, with finely crafted surfaces. All in all, just the kind of puzzle that I an happy to see when it is my turn to blog. Thank you, Pasquale.

Financial Times N° 14,047 by Cinephile

Fri September 7, 2012 at 1:00 pmWed July 4, 2012 at 3:30 am by PeterO

When I volunteered to fill in for PeeDee, I did not realize that I was down for the Guardian as well – nor, of course, that I would be served up with Cinephile and Arachne. I have managed to digest this embarras des richesses. I hope it sits well with me in the morning.

Guardian Cryptic N° 25,679 by Arachne

Wed July 4, 2012 at 3:35 amWed July 4, 2012 at 2:27 am by PeterO

A masterly (mistressly?) offering from the Spider Lady.

Everyman N° 3,429 (24 June 2012)

Sun July 1, 2012 at 3:51 amSun July 1, 2012 at 12:01 am by PeterO

This time Everyman’s vocabulary has returned to normal.