EV 1042 - Tempting Fate by Samuel

[Twit-Who]

Hello EVers,

I had no knowledge of this theme and also didn't have the biographical dictionary recommended but it wasn't difficult to find on the web. This poses a problem for setters nowadays - do they presume that everybody has access to the internet or a very comprehensive library? A little unfair to those that don't I suppose.

Anyway, a straightforward puzzle if a little on the easy side for an EV once the theme is found.

[kayakamina]

I agree Twit-Who that this was one of the easier EV's.

It was only recently that I got to thinking about modern crossword solving,
with the abundance of search engines and the vast resources available through the web.
Do I get as much satisfaction completing a puzzle as I did when all I had was dusty old reference books & trips to the library?
Certainly solving is easier & I suppose technology attracts more people to
puzzle solving which is a good thing.
Heigh Ho

[DocHH]

Hello Twit-Who and kayakamina,
The theme certainly was not known to me. There were at least 2 new words for me! I am a simple scientist, and I do not have access to all the appropriate books cited in the rubric, to be honest that without access to the Internet I would have had zero chance of solving this EV! Tomorrow, using some book tokens i will be buying Bradfords! That's not to say I always need to use the Internet, frequently the BRB is adequate!
Time foe a glass of Merlot!

[Twit-Who]

Certainly we won't be hearing the points of view of solvers without the internet on this forum.

[DocHH]

Today, using some book vouchers from years ago I added to my Crossword Solving Library! I bought Bradford's Crosssword Solver! What a gem, every household should have one! Even some of the words that were not in my vocabulary for this EV are in it! I now have the BRB, Brewers, ODQ and Bradford's, future EV's should be a doddle, I think not!

[Christiana]

It's certainly difficult without the internet. I am away in the Algarve with only a dongle at present, and wary of being on too long as it runs out of money very fast if you do more than look at e-mails. This posting is an indulgence. I managed to finish last week's EV without recourse to internet or BRB etc, but this week still have some of top right to complete, plus not yet sure re. theme though I have the 'members'.

I'm hoping a quick search will suffice.

[Christiana]

Getting there - have theme and final unclued entry. Went astray on top right as had alternative answer for 14a which worked perfectly with the cryptic element of the clue, but put me out for the clues intersecting it. Now should be able to solve the three I have left.

[Jogler]

Also in agreement that this was straight forward - but interesting. Also interesting to read your comments on Bradfords, DocHH, perhaps I will have to purchase one for the h-g's impending anniversary.

[kayakamina]

Has anyone heard from Novalis ?

He has been a regular contributor on the EV weekly thread for years yet hasn't posted for a long time.

I hope everything is OK.

[DocHH]

Jogler(s),
I would have been veryhappy to have received a copy of Bradfords as an anniversary present. I have checked for several words that were not in my vocabulary. They were there, viz, this week I looked for the definition of 10a, the grid entry was there. I needed to check in the BRB that the cryptic section worked though. I always check that, even when using Chambers Word Wizard! It isn't very satisfying if the definition and cryptic section don't fully connect!
K, the use of the internet is a hot subject. I think Compilers actually take account of it and compensate accordingly, particularly for barred crosswords.
Although I rarely offer solutions to clues for cryptic crosswords on AB. I think it is essential that responses should give the logic behind the answer, so the person enquiring can be guided to solving future clues! I'll get off my hobby horse now!
K, I also hope all is OK with Novalis. I enjoyed the banter with him/her! Perhaps marking is a heavy responsibility, given the news about the last exam results!

[Christiana]

I used to do exam marking and it does, indeed, take up a lot of time and effort. I hope that is all that is keeping Novalis from us and she/he will be back soon.
Regarding Bradfords - an absolute gem. The only reference I currently have with me is a Franklin Collins Bradford Crossword Solver. It's a little calculator type device which gives Bradford's in a somewhat different form, plus a few other (very basic) references, including a small encyclopaedia, which proved enough for me to do this week's offering without recourse to the internet. It's really handy when travelling, although nothing substitutes for the BRB