EcclesCrosswords

I set today’s Independent Cryptic Crossword, which can be solved for free here… puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-…

@Tilsit @CrypticQix The reason is mainly that so many drugs can be single letters or useful words (like pot), and other associated words (taking, injecting) are also insertion indicators, so a meaningful surface is easy

@EcclesCrossword @CrypticQix I’ve heard the ‘pot’ expression a lot in football, it’s a clever misleading clue, but I have a thing about a number of setters who feel they need to put a drug or innuendo-laden reference in every puzzle. Kicking myself for not spotting it.

From today’s Times Quick Cryptic. Disaster as endless pot and ecstasy is introduced by jazz fan. (11) How does this work? There are bits there but not everything. Answer is fairly obvious but I don’t get where the T And H is indicated

@CrypticQix @Tilsit It is in Chambers and Collins, though

@Tilsit @EcclesCrossword “Pot” = TROPHY? Not for me.

@Tilsit I'm not sure what you were trying to do, but it is jazz fan + as + synonym for pot - last letter + ecstasy

@Tilsit Different pot, I think

@MalvernianKarl @Spurs_Optimist Saying you're right because you've written an article elsewhere and therefore know what you are talking about isn't a good argument, it's a logical fallacy.

@Spurs_Optimist cps.org.uk/research/takin…

The lack of numeracy among MPs is a real problem. Given that only around 17% of migrants come on working visas, and that the majority of those 17% are at best on or close to to the OBR’s yellow line (which, incidentally, assumes zero dependants), Zarah is objectively wrong.

@SoozUK @Herring1967 #notallverytediouspeople

No fan of the lyrics to Do They know it’s Christmas but you could argue it’s not saying people in Africa don’t know when Christmas is, just that if you’re in the midst of something like that, Christmas might not be something you’re thinking about.

@happinesskitbag @AdamRutherford That implies there is some sense in the thousands of words that could be summarised, whereas the point of all the words is to hide that it is all nonsense. Thackray was great, though.

@AdamRutherford I’m always reminded of the late great Jake Thackray’s line about people who ‘never use one or two words when a couple of thousand will easily do’ whenever I see his convoluted pseudo-intellectual wafflings. (See also Kathleen Stock and Russell Brand)

It is of course good that the new mad Jordan Peterson book is getting the shoeing it so clearly deserves. But to those saying he has lost it, addled as he is by illness, drugs, small glasses of cider, and the curse of fame, he has always been this demented. His first book is absolute nonsensical flapdoodle, garbled postmodern drool, dragons and Jung (whom he appears to not understand despsite idolising him). Here's a diagram from Maps of Meaning.

@Scientits @AdamRutherford He is.

@AllisonPearson This would imply that you think journalists could commit any crime with impunity, though, if the police couldn't knock at your door.

Yes, Jon. I refused to appear because your bias against anyone on the right is clear. Also you defended your friend, the child pornography viewer Huw Edwards, and attacked those who called him out. Yet, as a journalist, you think the police visiting a fellow hack, is ok?

I set today's cryptic crossword in the Guardian, available at theguardian.com/crosswords/pri…. Today's will be my last Guardian puzzle for the foreseeable future as I'm thrilled to be taking on the role of Times Crossword Editor from 2 December.

It’s my puzzle in the Independent today, featuring: Old lovers view sex differently (2-5) Greatness can emerge from Harpenden (or MIT/Yale) (8) Time for Biden to wander around shopping centre? (4,3) #cryptic #crossword puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-…

All proceeds being donated to @BBCCiN and @RNIB, the beautiful 2025 3D Crossword Calendar is now available to buy. Featuring the world's top compilers and cryptic drawings by the great @FrankMPaul. Head to: 3dcalendarpuzzles.co.uk/shop/ for your copy.

@NickMotown @AlexHorne I think the success of the programme is partly down to having great groups of people every time. The format brings out the best of everyone, showing them all as personable and funny. One imagines the troublesome characters of comedy never get invited.

I thoroughly enjoyed that series of Taskmaster. What a lovely group they were. Oh and just a little idea for the next cast, @AlexHorne: Ian Wright Danny Dyer Tamsin Greig Kathy Burke Rich Hall

A happy publication day to @alanconnor! 188 Words for Rain - a lexical celebration of a British obsession - is published by @BBCBooks @EburyPublishing today.

@RodneyJ40882293 @Independent I can't, René

@EcclesCrossword @Independent But my name isn't Rene,it's Reine,can't you understand?

Bananas aren't nice fruit (9) My puzzle today in the @Independent, free at puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-… #cryptic #crossword

@RodneyJ40882293 @Independent Can it, René

@EcclesCrossword @Independent Correct,you should hear my niece rant about them

Wow. I knew she was a powerful player, but even so

I meant to change one slightly ambiguous clue, but forgot.

Maybe there are more important things going on, but take your mind off things with my puzzle in the @Independent , free at puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-… Head of Football League stopping team getting debilitating illness (3,3)