Denise Sutherland's Blog, page 10
June 16, 2012
Time for a little cheating
My Dummies Cheat Sheets are online at last, and this step really marks the absolute end of work on both books. These Cheat Sheets have some good basic tips on solving cryptics, so keep them bookmarked!
Solving Cryptic Crosswords For Dummies Cheat Sheet
Understanding Cryptic Clue AnatomyGetting to Grips with Cryptic DevicesTackling Abbreviations Cryptic Crosswords For Dummies Cheat Sheet Making a Start on a Cryptic CrosswordReference List of Common AbbreviationsSpotting Indicator WordsIn a brilliant display of canine reasoning, Petal and Griff have discovered how to travel overseas real cheap! It just might work ... ;)
Solving Cryptic Crosswords For Dummies Cheat Sheet
Understanding Cryptic Clue AnatomyGetting to Grips with Cryptic DevicesTackling Abbreviations Cryptic Crosswords For Dummies Cheat Sheet Making a Start on a Cryptic CrosswordReference List of Common AbbreviationsSpotting Indicator WordsIn a brilliant display of canine reasoning, Petal and Griff have discovered how to travel overseas real cheap! It just might work ... ;)
June 7, 2012
Yes folks, it's a book!
Look what just showed up in the post! One of the really REALLY good moments of being an author ...
I'm enjoying working at the Attorney-General's Department at the moment, as a copyeditor for their website. It's just a one month contract, so I will only have time to rewrite about 100 pages from their 5,000 page website (which is being completely redesigned as well). Interesting and challenging work, and a lovely team to work with.
The only downside is it's a full time job, and I still have to run my business at the same time, only in evenings and on the weekends :p So posts may be thinner on the ground until July ...
I'm enjoying working at the Attorney-General's Department at the moment, as a copyeditor for their website. It's just a one month contract, so I will only have time to rewrite about 100 pages from their 5,000 page website (which is being completely redesigned as well). Interesting and challenging work, and a lovely team to work with.
The only downside is it's a full time job, and I still have to run my business at the same time, only in evenings and on the weekends :p So posts may be thinner on the ground until July ...
June 2, 2012
Gemini 6270
Here's my analysis of the Gemini Crossword from The Canberra Times, Friday 1 June.
Definitions are underlined (apart from double definition and cryptic definition clues). There are several Libertarian clues in this one, so look out!
Griff as a little puppy ... he still loves this position! Super Griff! ACROSS
1. They may blow the lights out (5)
= FUSES
Cryptic definition.
4. He often resorts to a piece in colour (7) = HABITUE
Container clue. A piece = A BIT, and you put it in HUE (colour)
8. Old agreement from extremely early times (3) = YEA
Hidden word clue. Extremely early times. Times isn't really needed in this clue. From is a rather broad hidden word indicator. Thanks to m1k1 for her more accurate analysis of this clue than mine!
9. Gives up an office from a basic date (9) = ABDICATES
Another anagram clue that's missing a clear indicator! Basic date is the fodder, but there's no anagram indicator. From is not enough to tell you there's an anagram. Libertarian (or just plan badly written).
10. The late converted into the quick? (7) = ATHLETE
Anagram. The late is the fodder, and converted is the anagram indicator.
11. Having no inclination for a palindrome (5) = LEVELA palindrome that has no inclination (or tilt)!
13. More distant relative we hear about (6) = FATHER
Homophone clue. I actually think this clue is incorrect. Written as it is, the thing we hear about is relative = FATHER, and the definition is more distant, which = FARTHER. However the word in the grid is FATHER, not FARTHER!
It may be deemed a Libertarian clue, I suppose (where the order of the parts of the clue can be screwed up). But I think the clue ought to run along the lines of: Relative is more distant, we hear.
15. Much time and trouble is taken in its drafting (6) = AGENDA
Charade. Much time = AGE + an anagram of AND (trouble is the anagram indicator).
18. Another name for a criminal (5) = ALIAS
Double definition, I suppose? Or cryptic definition?
19. Postal despatch means trouble in China (7) = MAILING
Container clue. Trouble = AIL, and you put it in MING (a type of China, as in porcelain). The capital letter is a bit misleading here! Just ignore it.
21. Man to speak to for capital investment (9) = HEADDRESS
Charade clue. Man = HE + speak to = ADDRESS. A rather cryptic definition here — capital = HEAD and vestment can mean a garment (archaic) = DRESS. I don't think investment can really equal vestment, though.
23. Leave the French out of the welcome (3) = AVE
The (in) French = LE, and it's out of leave, for a word that means welcome (in Latin)
24. Used by writer and poet perhaps (7) = NOTEPAD
Cryptic definition, and not all that cryptic, really.
25. People who pull strings create rows (5) = TIERS
Double definition, and a bit of a coined definition. Someone who pulls strings, or ties things can be said to be a tier (although this isn't a dictionary definition!), and a bunch of them are tiers.
DOWN 1. Rugby player is made to run to limited extent (3,4) = FLY HALFCharade. Run to = FLY (as in "I must fly, or I'll be late!"). Limited extent = HALF.
2. Kind of western pasta (9) = SPAGHETTIDouble definition. A 'spaghetti western' is a kind of western movie, and it's also a pasta.
3. A ghost from Hades (5) = SHADEAn anagram clue (Hades is the fodder), but there isn't an anagram indicator! Libertarian, and unfair.
4. Acted evasively being naturally guarded (6) = HEDGEDDouble definition, with a coined word. Your garden may be protected with a hedge, and that's a natural border, so if you're HEDGED, it could mean that you're being guarded by something natural, or being naturally guarded.
5. Combination lock in case is left undone (7) = BACKLOGContainer + anagram. An anagram of lock, indicated by combination = CKLO, in this case. Put that in another word for case = BAG. BA(CKLO)G. Ta dah!
6. A child's drink (3) = TOTDouble definition clue, TOT being both a little kid, and a small amount of a strong drink.
7. An unjustified picture frame (5) = EASEL Cryptic definition? I don't agree with this definition, an EASEL is not a picture frame. I must admit that I don't quite see how this clue works. Unjustified can mean not justified (as in typesetting), or unsupported, or baseless. Meh.
12. Justify making cat dive in (9) =VINDICATEAnagram. Cat dive in is the fodder. Making is the anagram indicator, I suppose, but a poor one. Why not write it as something like Justify making insane cat dive in? It would work so much better!
14. Relaxed in the deep USA perhaps (5,2) = EASED UPAnagram. Perhaps is the anagram indicator. Deep USA is the fodder.
16. Sportsmen seen at the bank (7) = ANGLERSCryptic definition. They're seen at the bank of the river, of course, not the financial institution!
17. Threaten one politician with death (6) = IMPENDCharade. One = I (looks like 1). Politician = MP. Death = END.
18. A female Pole is pale (5) = ASHENCharade. A + SHE (female) + N (North Pole).
20. It's put in during games of tennis (5) = INSETCharade. During = IN + games of tennis = SET.
22. A small court of law (3) = ACTCharade. A + CT (small court, as in mapping). Thanks to m1k1 for her more insightful assessment of the clue than mine!
How did you get on?
Definitions are underlined (apart from double definition and cryptic definition clues). There are several Libertarian clues in this one, so look out!
Griff as a little puppy ... he still loves this position! Super Griff! ACROSS
1. They may blow the lights out (5)
= FUSESCryptic definition.
4. He often resorts to a piece in colour (7) = HABITUE
Container clue. A piece = A BIT, and you put it in HUE (colour)
8. Old agreement from extremely early times (3) = YEA
Hidden word clue. Extremely early times. Times isn't really needed in this clue. From is a rather broad hidden word indicator. Thanks to m1k1 for her more accurate analysis of this clue than mine!
9. Gives up an office from a basic date (9) = ABDICATES
Another anagram clue that's missing a clear indicator! Basic date is the fodder, but there's no anagram indicator. From is not enough to tell you there's an anagram. Libertarian (or just plan badly written).
10. The late converted into the quick? (7) = ATHLETE
Anagram. The late is the fodder, and converted is the anagram indicator.
11. Having no inclination for a palindrome (5) = LEVELA palindrome that has no inclination (or tilt)!
13. More distant relative we hear about (6) = FATHER
Homophone clue. I actually think this clue is incorrect. Written as it is, the thing we hear about is relative = FATHER, and the definition is more distant, which = FARTHER. However the word in the grid is FATHER, not FARTHER!
It may be deemed a Libertarian clue, I suppose (where the order of the parts of the clue can be screwed up). But I think the clue ought to run along the lines of: Relative is more distant, we hear.
15. Much time and trouble is taken in its drafting (6) = AGENDA
Charade. Much time = AGE + an anagram of AND (trouble is the anagram indicator).
18. Another name for a criminal (5) = ALIAS
Double definition, I suppose? Or cryptic definition?
19. Postal despatch means trouble in China (7) = MAILING
Container clue. Trouble = AIL, and you put it in MING (a type of China, as in porcelain). The capital letter is a bit misleading here! Just ignore it.
21. Man to speak to for capital investment (9) = HEADDRESS
Charade clue. Man = HE + speak to = ADDRESS. A rather cryptic definition here — capital = HEAD and vestment can mean a garment (archaic) = DRESS. I don't think investment can really equal vestment, though.
23. Leave the French out of the welcome (3) = AVE
The (in) French = LE, and it's out of leave, for a word that means welcome (in Latin)
24. Used by writer and poet perhaps (7) = NOTEPAD
Cryptic definition, and not all that cryptic, really.
25. People who pull strings create rows (5) = TIERS
Double definition, and a bit of a coined definition. Someone who pulls strings, or ties things can be said to be a tier (although this isn't a dictionary definition!), and a bunch of them are tiers.
DOWN 1. Rugby player is made to run to limited extent (3,4) = FLY HALFCharade. Run to = FLY (as in "I must fly, or I'll be late!"). Limited extent = HALF.
2. Kind of western pasta (9) = SPAGHETTIDouble definition. A 'spaghetti western' is a kind of western movie, and it's also a pasta.
3. A ghost from Hades (5) = SHADEAn anagram clue (Hades is the fodder), but there isn't an anagram indicator! Libertarian, and unfair.
4. Acted evasively being naturally guarded (6) = HEDGEDDouble definition, with a coined word. Your garden may be protected with a hedge, and that's a natural border, so if you're HEDGED, it could mean that you're being guarded by something natural, or being naturally guarded.
5. Combination lock in case is left undone (7) = BACKLOGContainer + anagram. An anagram of lock, indicated by combination = CKLO, in this case. Put that in another word for case = BAG. BA(CKLO)G. Ta dah!
6. A child's drink (3) = TOTDouble definition clue, TOT being both a little kid, and a small amount of a strong drink.
7. An unjustified picture frame (5) = EASEL Cryptic definition? I don't agree with this definition, an EASEL is not a picture frame. I must admit that I don't quite see how this clue works. Unjustified can mean not justified (as in typesetting), or unsupported, or baseless. Meh.
12. Justify making cat dive in (9) =VINDICATEAnagram. Cat dive in is the fodder. Making is the anagram indicator, I suppose, but a poor one. Why not write it as something like Justify making insane cat dive in? It would work so much better!
14. Relaxed in the deep USA perhaps (5,2) = EASED UPAnagram. Perhaps is the anagram indicator. Deep USA is the fodder.
16. Sportsmen seen at the bank (7) = ANGLERSCryptic definition. They're seen at the bank of the river, of course, not the financial institution!
17. Threaten one politician with death (6) = IMPENDCharade. One = I (looks like 1). Politician = MP. Death = END.
18. A female Pole is pale (5) = ASHENCharade. A + SHE (female) + N (North Pole).
20. It's put in during games of tennis (5) = INSETCharade. During = IN + games of tennis = SET.
22. A small court of law (3) = ACTCharade. A + CT (small court, as in mapping). Thanks to m1k1 for her more insightful assessment of the clue than mine!
How did you get on?
Crossword fabric
I've been having fun designing my own crossword fabric!
This is particularly necessary if you want to have British-style crosswords on your cloth, as most crossword fabrics feature the more solid white American-style grids.
Spoonflower is an awesome print-on-demand textile company. You simply upload your designs, and check them with proofs (ie a printed swatch, which is posted to you), and you're away! There are a range of fabrics available, too, from quilting weight cotton and silk crepe de chine, to a more sturdy cotton twill. I've been very impressed with the quality of their fabric and printing.
I've designed two crossword fabrics, and one chihuahua fabric (featuring Petal). Petal's fabric has the motif quite small and repeating. This is just a close-up of my artwork below.
If you'd like to order any, simply visit my Shop on Spoonflower.
This is particularly necessary if you want to have British-style crosswords on your cloth, as most crossword fabrics feature the more solid white American-style grids.
Spoonflower is an awesome print-on-demand textile company. You simply upload your designs, and check them with proofs (ie a printed swatch, which is posted to you), and you're away! There are a range of fabrics available, too, from quilting weight cotton and silk crepe de chine, to a more sturdy cotton twill. I've been very impressed with the quality of their fabric and printing.
I've designed two crossword fabrics, and one chihuahua fabric (featuring Petal). Petal's fabric has the motif quite small and repeating. This is just a close-up of my artwork below.
If you'd like to order any, simply visit my Shop on Spoonflower.
May 31, 2012
Lesson 5: Hidden Words
Hidden word clues are less common in cryptics — a typical cryptic may just have one or two — but they are so nice and easy (which is why they're often in short supply in cryptics!), I thought it would be good to cover them early in the piece. If you can find the hidden word clues in a cryptic, they are a good way to get something entered into the grid, which in turn will help you get a handle on the other clues.
So, why are these clues so easy? Well, the answer to the clue is actually staring you in the face, within the clue! OK, the setter has no doubt tried their best to hide the fact that the answer is right there in front of you, in plain view. So they can be tricky to spot sometimes, but they are basically a very easy clue device.
For example, the word PLAN can be hidden inside BIPLANE. And the word ROSE can be hidden inside the words ALLEGRO SERENADE. The last example is more typical of these sorts of clues ... the word is often split across two or even three words in the clue. Just ignore the spaces and any punctuation like hyphens, or commas, and so on.
Hidden word clues tend to clue short words, too, so they're unlikely to be used in the longest words in a crossword grid.
As with many other types of cryptic clues, hidden word clues have indicator words. These are words that tell you that the answer is within the letters of the clue. so words which give a sense of containment, insertion, or concealment can indicate a hidden word clue. Here are a few examples:a bit ofburied incentral tocoversemployed byfromheld byinpart ofrevealed bysample ofNow that you've got a little idea about the mechanics of a hidden word clue, let's see what a real one looks like:
Herb's buried in a filthy meadow (5)
No need to mourn poor Herb ... In this clue, buried in is the hidden word indicator. Herb is the definition (and it's not a name). Where is the name of a herb buried? In a filthy meadow, of course. Did you spot it? Yes, the answer is THYME (filTHY MEadow).
Here's another example:
Pilfer a bit of waste alexandrite (5) The hidden word indicator here is a bit of. The definition part of the clue is pilfer. Luckily, you don't need to know anything about gemstones to solve this clue ... the answer's right in front of your eyes, within waste alexandrite. You know the answer is 5 letters long, so you can scan through the letters of waste alexandrite, in sets of 5. I'm sure you got it — waSTE ALexandrite. Easy!
Here are 5 hidden word clues to have a go at. Griff (staying warm in his bag) is the guardian of the explanations and answers, scroll past him when you're ready for the full reveal!
1. Scapegoat concealed self esteem (3)
2. Tapestry covers primates (4)
3. Enjoyment from malfunction (3)
4. Rug held by dermatologist (3)
5. Warmth in the atrium (4)
ExplanationsThese are quite straightforward clues, so the explanations aren't long!
1. Scapegoat concealed self esteem (3) Concealed is the hidden word indicator here. Self esteem is the definition, and the 3 letters you're looking for are in scapegoat.
2. Tapestry covers primates (4) Tapestry is what covers another word for primates.
3. Enjoyment from malfunction (3) What can you get from (indicator) malfunction? Another word for enjoyment, of course!
4. Rug held by dermatologist (3) That dermatologist, what's he up to? Holding another word for rug. I'm sure you can find it!
5. Warmth in the atrium (4) This clue splits the hidden word over two words. Warmth is the definition, and the answer is in the atrium.
Answers1. EGO
2. APES
3. FUN
4. MAT
5. HEAT
So, why are these clues so easy? Well, the answer to the clue is actually staring you in the face, within the clue! OK, the setter has no doubt tried their best to hide the fact that the answer is right there in front of you, in plain view. So they can be tricky to spot sometimes, but they are basically a very easy clue device.
For example, the word PLAN can be hidden inside BIPLANE. And the word ROSE can be hidden inside the words ALLEGRO SERENADE. The last example is more typical of these sorts of clues ... the word is often split across two or even three words in the clue. Just ignore the spaces and any punctuation like hyphens, or commas, and so on.
Hidden word clues tend to clue short words, too, so they're unlikely to be used in the longest words in a crossword grid.
As with many other types of cryptic clues, hidden word clues have indicator words. These are words that tell you that the answer is within the letters of the clue. so words which give a sense of containment, insertion, or concealment can indicate a hidden word clue. Here are a few examples:a bit ofburied incentral tocoversemployed byfromheld byinpart ofrevealed bysample ofNow that you've got a little idea about the mechanics of a hidden word clue, let's see what a real one looks like:
Herb's buried in a filthy meadow (5)
No need to mourn poor Herb ... In this clue, buried in is the hidden word indicator. Herb is the definition (and it's not a name). Where is the name of a herb buried? In a filthy meadow, of course. Did you spot it? Yes, the answer is THYME (filTHY MEadow).
Here's another example:
Pilfer a bit of waste alexandrite (5) The hidden word indicator here is a bit of. The definition part of the clue is pilfer. Luckily, you don't need to know anything about gemstones to solve this clue ... the answer's right in front of your eyes, within waste alexandrite. You know the answer is 5 letters long, so you can scan through the letters of waste alexandrite, in sets of 5. I'm sure you got it — waSTE ALexandrite. Easy!
Here are 5 hidden word clues to have a go at. Griff (staying warm in his bag) is the guardian of the explanations and answers, scroll past him when you're ready for the full reveal!
1. Scapegoat concealed self esteem (3)
2. Tapestry covers primates (4)
3. Enjoyment from malfunction (3)
4. Rug held by dermatologist (3)
5. Warmth in the atrium (4)
ExplanationsThese are quite straightforward clues, so the explanations aren't long!
1. Scapegoat concealed self esteem (3) Concealed is the hidden word indicator here. Self esteem is the definition, and the 3 letters you're looking for are in scapegoat.
2. Tapestry covers primates (4) Tapestry is what covers another word for primates.
3. Enjoyment from malfunction (3) What can you get from (indicator) malfunction? Another word for enjoyment, of course!
4. Rug held by dermatologist (3) That dermatologist, what's he up to? Holding another word for rug. I'm sure you can find it!
5. Warmth in the atrium (4) This clue splits the hidden word over two words. Warmth is the definition, and the answer is in the atrium.
Answers1. EGO
2. APES
3. FUN
4. MAT
5. HEAT
May 29, 2012
Chatting with Russell
On Friday 18 May, I was interview by Russell Woolf on his Drive program, on 720 ABC Radio Perth. It was the first time I've been interviewed about my work, so was rather exciting (and only a bit nerve-wracking!).
I have just got a copy of the interview, and you can listen to it too via my website. It's only about 8 minutes long. I hope you enjoy it!
I've had a lovely holiday at Jervis Bay with my husband; we even found heaps of fossils at the beach, which was very exciting! These are just a couple of examples.
This week I've started a copyediting job for a federal government department, just for one month; so if I'm a little absent over June, this is why. I will do my best to keep up with the cryptic crossword lessons as time permits.
I have just got a copy of the interview, and you can listen to it too via my website. It's only about 8 minutes long. I hope you enjoy it!
I've had a lovely holiday at Jervis Bay with my husband; we even found heaps of fossils at the beach, which was very exciting! These are just a couple of examples.
This week I've started a copyediting job for a federal government department, just for one month; so if I'm a little absent over June, this is why. I will do my best to keep up with the cryptic crossword lessons as time permits.
May 24, 2012
1 Across
I'm on holidays at the moment, hence the hiatus ... But as I sit here knitting by the fire at the delightful Huskisson B&B, I've remembered my 1 Across Beanie. It is a crossword beanie pattern I designed, which is published on the free online knitting magazine, Knitty.
So, if it's heading into winter where you live, as it is here in Australia, and you're a knitter, you might like to give it a whirl! There are a couple of design variations, and you can choose an American style crossword grid, or a British style grid.
My gorgeous daughter Jen is the model ... And yes, she's wearing a wig ;)
1 Across on Knitty.com
1 Across on Ravelry
The Ravelry page has a smaller size variation, as the original design is rather large.
So, if it's heading into winter where you live, as it is here in Australia, and you're a knitter, you might like to give it a whirl! There are a couple of design variations, and you can choose an American style crossword grid, or a British style grid.
My gorgeous daughter Jen is the model ... And yes, she's wearing a wig ;)
1 Across on Knitty.com
1 Across on Ravelry
The Ravelry page has a smaller size variation, as the original design is rather large.
May 17, 2012
Secret Messages?
There's an interesting story going around at the moment, about a Venezuelan crossword setter who has been accused of hiding an assassination plot again President Chavez's brother Adan, within the text of one of his crosswords.
Here's the grid with the supposed hidden messages. There are seven words highlighted in the grid ... who has highlighted these, and who decided these particular words were suspect, isn't revealed.
Photograph: Sky News(As an aside, it's interesting to see how the grid has been designed, it's got almost 100% checked (overlapping) letters, like an American crossword, but the grid isn't symmetrical, and there are 2-letter words. The word positions are indicated with coordinates rather than clue numbers in the grid, as we use. The clues are also much more wordy, and they're called Horizontals and Verticals, rather than Across and Down.)
Neptalí Segovia is the hapless setter, who was 'brought to the authorities' attention' by a 'helpful' TV presenter, who felt there were just too many 'assassiny' words in this crossword for it not to be a plot!
Poor Segovia was interviewed by intelligence agents, and is obviously keen to clear the whole thing up.
So, what's going on here? Hiding a bunch of possibly nefarious words in a crossword is hardly a convenient or precise way to instigate any sort of strike action – not like the infamous example where Portugal's song airing in the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest was the secret signal to the rebels to begin the Carnation Revolution coup. And you'd think that if you were actually going to instigate such a plot, with a crossword (really, guys?), you'd use code words to communicate with your co-conspirators, say "Puce" and "Rutabaga", rather than "Adan" and "Kill"!
Now, it's clear that putting together such a highly overlapped (checked) grid is a tough feat, and no word is there by accident, especially not the longer words. Segovia did choose to put them in there.
However, it is just ridiculous to conclude that this logically leads to any plot! Firstly, the people who are looking at the crossword and looking for a plot are doing just that — looking for intent, where I doubt there is any. People do this sort of skewed assessment of texts all the time, think of the ridiculous Bible Code, as just one example. If you look closely enough, you can interpret any text in any sort of skewed and biassed way. You can even find a ton of assassination plots in the text of Moby Dick! That recipe you saw in the Lifestyle Section of the newspaper for Apple Cake with Walnuts? Oh my - the words BEAT and CHOP are in there!
Now, I don't speak Spanish, so I don't know the details of what the words in the grid mean, or the nuances of the clues. But I think it highly unlikely that there is anything serious at play here, other than the crossword being a reflection of what's on Segovia's mind at the moment ...
I know that when I write my crosswords, words that are relevant to my life at the moment are often words I choose to include, either subconsciously or consciously. So, if I'm about to go on holidays, I'm more likely to include words like RELAX, BEACH, CRUISE, or SUN. If I'm feeling worried or annoyed about something, I'm more likely to put words like ANXIETY, VEXED, IRE, or PEEVE into the grid. But that's all they are — a reflection of what's currently going on in my life, and not a hidden message!
I think it's probably fair to say that there is a lot of local anxiety, uncertainty, and anger about the political situation in Venezuela at the moment, and it's hardly surprising that some of this has been reflected in Segovia's grid. Or that some TV presenter chose to over-react to the imagined threat (well ... that is a bit of a surprise, actually ... how much trouble do you want to create for people, after all? Quite a lot, it seems ...)
You can read some more reports about it here, here, and here. I love the Guardian's Crossword Blog take on it too, a very witty response by Alan Connor.
Here's the grid with the supposed hidden messages. There are seven words highlighted in the grid ... who has highlighted these, and who decided these particular words were suspect, isn't revealed.
Photograph: Sky News(As an aside, it's interesting to see how the grid has been designed, it's got almost 100% checked (overlapping) letters, like an American crossword, but the grid isn't symmetrical, and there are 2-letter words. The word positions are indicated with coordinates rather than clue numbers in the grid, as we use. The clues are also much more wordy, and they're called Horizontals and Verticals, rather than Across and Down.)Neptalí Segovia is the hapless setter, who was 'brought to the authorities' attention' by a 'helpful' TV presenter, who felt there were just too many 'assassiny' words in this crossword for it not to be a plot!
Poor Segovia was interviewed by intelligence agents, and is obviously keen to clear the whole thing up.
So, what's going on here? Hiding a bunch of possibly nefarious words in a crossword is hardly a convenient or precise way to instigate any sort of strike action – not like the infamous example where Portugal's song airing in the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest was the secret signal to the rebels to begin the Carnation Revolution coup. And you'd think that if you were actually going to instigate such a plot, with a crossword (really, guys?), you'd use code words to communicate with your co-conspirators, say "Puce" and "Rutabaga", rather than "Adan" and "Kill"!
Now, it's clear that putting together such a highly overlapped (checked) grid is a tough feat, and no word is there by accident, especially not the longer words. Segovia did choose to put them in there.
However, it is just ridiculous to conclude that this logically leads to any plot! Firstly, the people who are looking at the crossword and looking for a plot are doing just that — looking for intent, where I doubt there is any. People do this sort of skewed assessment of texts all the time, think of the ridiculous Bible Code, as just one example. If you look closely enough, you can interpret any text in any sort of skewed and biassed way. You can even find a ton of assassination plots in the text of Moby Dick! That recipe you saw in the Lifestyle Section of the newspaper for Apple Cake with Walnuts? Oh my - the words BEAT and CHOP are in there!
Now, I don't speak Spanish, so I don't know the details of what the words in the grid mean, or the nuances of the clues. But I think it highly unlikely that there is anything serious at play here, other than the crossword being a reflection of what's on Segovia's mind at the moment ...
I know that when I write my crosswords, words that are relevant to my life at the moment are often words I choose to include, either subconsciously or consciously. So, if I'm about to go on holidays, I'm more likely to include words like RELAX, BEACH, CRUISE, or SUN. If I'm feeling worried or annoyed about something, I'm more likely to put words like ANXIETY, VEXED, IRE, or PEEVE into the grid. But that's all they are — a reflection of what's currently going on in my life, and not a hidden message!
I think it's probably fair to say that there is a lot of local anxiety, uncertainty, and anger about the political situation in Venezuela at the moment, and it's hardly surprising that some of this has been reflected in Segovia's grid. Or that some TV presenter chose to over-react to the imagined threat (well ... that is a bit of a surprise, actually ... how much trouble do you want to create for people, after all? Quite a lot, it seems ...)
You can read some more reports about it here, here, and here. I love the Guardian's Crossword Blog take on it too, a very witty response by Alan Connor.
May 15, 2012
Another Cover!
Here's the full cover for Cryptic Crosswords For Dummies! The book went to print yesterday, huzzah! If you click on the image above, you can see it at a better size ...
This book is a companion volume to Solving Cryptic Crosswords For Dummies, which is the in-depth how-to guide. This book has a little basic info on cryptics, but is mainly a collection of 56 new cryptic crosswords, for you to have a go at. There are 25 Easy cryptics, 18 Medium ones, and 13 Hard crosswords.
I was all set to do my weekly analysis of The Canberra Times Gemini Cryptic last weekend, using the Saturday paper. But then I noticed that the paper runs a competition about the Saturday crossword (you can tell I'm not a regular reader!), and I'm sure they would not have been impressed if I'd done a 'full reveal' on all the clues, before the closing date for the competition, LOL! So I decided on discretion over valour, and let it slide.
In some rather exciting news, I am going to be interviewed on ABC Radio in Perth this Friday afternoon! I'll be on Russell Woolf's Drive show, at around 4.10 pm Perth time (6.10 pm Eastern Standard Time). If you go to the Drive webpage, you can Listen Live (use the 720 ABC Perth link in the right hand side bar).
