Spectator 2008

[Ironie]

Greetings to all Speccie fans from Minty's 'deputy';-)
Here is Mr Magoo's latest:
http://www.spectator....6828013/Crossword.pdf

[kayakamina]

Thanks for the link Ironie.

[barrybutler]

May I be the first to thank you in your new position!

[AHearer]

Thank you, Ironie, and a here's wishing mintyman a safe and trouble-free flight.

[kayakamina]

Mark Goodliffe (Mr Magoo) is a four time winner of the Times Crossword Championship, but I was a bit disappointed in the quality of some of the clueing in today's puzzle.
It's probably just me as it is raining & dreary here.

[mad max]

many thanks for link

[tenflags]

Thank you indeed Ironie.
Interesting comment K. I have always found Mark Goodliffe's cluing to be very distinctive. Often very clever and a unique style (certainly from the other established setters) and occasionally stretching the generally accepted principles. It takes me a while (more so than usual that is) to 'get into' his approach but usually I think it's worth the effort - so I look forward to seeing how this pans out 'fun and frustration' or disappointment.

[zita-green]

Thanks for the link, Ironie

[kayakamina]

Hi tenflags

I'm probably just being an old grouch!

[bellabee]

thanks for the link ironie - whilst i have a couple of quibbles regarding the clueing [i think 8dn doesn't quite equate] for the most part i agree with tenflags - very quirky and good fun. i particularly liked how mr magoo resisted the obvious for 34ac and got in a sly dig - found the theme very easy, it's surprising how something you dislike so much comes so readily to mind.

[djawhufc]

Hi

Just finished can I check a few:

1a- Sound
5d-Improbably
23a-Bottega
13d-Upstart
35a-Mirth
12a- Amalgam
32a-Smalti


Thanks in advance

DJA

[toalisi]

We don't usually give specific answers on this weekly thread, and I note you have now re-posted your request elsewhere

[bellabee]

hello djawhufc- i'm only an occasional visitor to this site myself so it's not really for me to say but i think you may be being too direct here [yes, i know it's called the answerbank!] - hope you don't mind my comment.

[djawhufc]

Apologies Toalisi & Bellabee

I will in future post elsewhere rather than on this link.

I will also make my answers cryptic rather than direct so as not to upset other solvers.

Thanks

DJA

[bellabee]

thanks dja.

[ixion]

Thanks for the link!

[cruciverbals]

Is five down Improbable or improbably?

thanks all

[bellabee]

the end should equate with 'could be questioned' [appropriately!]

[mintyman99]

I agree with tenflags. Goodliffe's cluing is quirky and unexpected. 8d does work perfectly bellabee. I also liked 23a which works on two levels and 40a.

[bellabee]

i'm not sure 'imaginary' and 'theoretical' are quite the same mintyman [although 'imaginary numbers' are theoretical i suppose] but i thought the clueing was very good and i enjoyed it so i'll concede the point. cheers.