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Diabolically Arcane

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Which Clue, What Show? [May 23-28]

23 May, 2011

A bonus puzzle for those tackling the Times crossword today. One of Monday’s answers can be mixed to spell a current Australian TV show, did you know? But you’ll have to tell me which clue, and what’s the show? The programme you seek has two words.

And speaking of shows, you’ll need to show your mettle with Monday’s 9010. A rigorous bout for the brain, with several gems – 17dn and 21dn for two – among a swag of elegant clues. Though I’m beginning to worry that my superstition is being borne out. Against my better instincts, I’d only just counted my consecutive tally of Times – 33 – to now find myself seven short with this beast.

Though together as solvers, with non-spoil support, we are stronger. And we will prevail, maybe. Not just 9010, but the whole week – so long as I dodge ladders, cats, indoor umbrellas, spilt salt, hats on a bed….and counting.

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Rewording The Brain

Focus & memory, lateral leaps & logic - every aspect of cognitive health is lit in Rewording The Brain, a book revelling in how puzzles boost your brain. Part 2 equips your brain to conquer any twisty clue, plus the wild crossword finale. Pop science meets neural gameplay, Rewording is rewarding, and out now.

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Rewording The Brain

Care to renew your noodle? Rewording The Brain explores the latest neural studies, seeing how puzzles (and twisty clues) boost your neurons. Part 2 helps you crack such clues, and prep the grey matter for the crossword showcase to finish. More here

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101 Weird Words (and 3 Fakes)

From Ambidextrous to Zugwang, this mini-dictionary teems with rare or alluring words, plus bonus riddles, puzzles and fun word-facts. Dictionary detective will also nab the collection's three fakes. Ideal for late primary schoolers, or word-nuts in general.

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Gargantuan Book of Words

Sneeze words. Fake pasta. Viking slang. Gargantuan is a jumbo jumble of puzzles & games, mazes & quizzes, tailor-made for that wordy wonderkid in your life. Or anyone in love with letters, secret codes, puns, rhymes, emoji & all things languagey. More here 

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Riddledom Rave

If you missed my riddle chat with Richard Fidler, then feel free to slurp the podcast at http://ab.co/1I9t1x5

Text-speak is creeping into Scrabble. Where do you sit?
OBVS I'm fine with it
Entrenched stuff - like LOL and OMG - but no more.
Words With Friends, maybe. Scrabble, no
Let the 'real' dictionaries decide first
Just the handy stuff, like FAQ and EUW
I mean, WTF?! No way
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