Reposted by Alan ConnorSusie Mesure @susiemesure.bsky.social · 18/09/2024Cryptic fans might like this photo of my great-grandfather, Afrit, (A.F. Ritchie), the first of three early setters who helped to codify what became the golden rule of cryptic cluing: "I need not mean what I say, but I must say what I mean." (The dog is Caesar.) 2369
Reposted by Alan ConnorNate Chinen @natechinen.bsky.social · 02/09/2026Cassandra Wilson was one of our most gifted vocalists, just an unreal talent. Here is my obituary for NPR Music. (I believe I’ll also be on the broadcast later this evening.)npr.orgCassandra Wilson, Grammy-winning jazz vocalist, dies at 70Wilson, who's deep, dark contralto was one of the most distinctive voices in jazz, died on Wednesday in her hometown of Jackson, Miss. 818079
Reposted by Alan ConnorItIsStevenRhodes @400footghost.bsky.social · 30/08/2026A fabulous book to lift off the shelf every so often and lose yourself in a bit of 80s time travel. 142
Reposted by Alan ConnorPeterMF @petermoorefuller.bsky.social · 03/08/2026My second Genius puzzle for @theguardian.com ⬛️⬜️⬛️⬜️⬛️⬜️ Thanks to @alanconnor.bsky.social for the slot. Lucy @henriwords.com and @mister-norm.bsky.social for testing. Looking forward to seeing what the solvers make of it… if that’s you - enjoy & good luck! 😁 www.theguardian.com/crosswords/2...theguardian.comGenius crossword No 278Deadline for entries is 23:59 BST on Saturday 5 September 5226
Reposted by Alan ConnorGuinevere 🎲🎲 @guineverecryptic.bsky.social · 24/07/2026Don’t miss this bundle of fun tomorrow! Excited! And there may be a little 🎲 in there too… 😁😁 #cryptic #crossword #puzzlestheguardian.comUpgrade your downtime: the Guardian launches its Puzzles summer specialThe Guardian announces its annual Puzzles summer special, a flagship 32-page print supplement designed to offer UK audiences a high-quality, engaging way to “upgrade their downtime” across the summer ... 1154
Alan Connor @alanconnor.bsky.social · 20/07/2026www.theguardian.com/crosswords/2...theguardian.comWendy Law obituaryIngenious crossword setter who compiled the weekly quiptic in the Guardian under the pseudonym Hectence 4268
Reposted by Alan ConnorCharlie Methven @charliemethven.bsky.social · 14/07/2026Cheer up, France, they save the really fun questions for the third-place play-off 051
Reposted by Alan Connorheroncrosswords.bsky.social @heroncrosswords.bsky.social · 12/07/2026Turnstone is back in the Guardian Quiptic slot today! www.theguardian.com/crosswords/q...theguardian.comQuiptic crossword No 1,390Quiptic crossword No 1,390 1176
Reposted by Alan ConnorAlys Cummings @alyseliza.bsky.social · 11/07/2026Very pleased to be making my debut as Garson in the Guardian today 😊 www.theguardian.com/crosswords/q...theguardian.comQuick cryptic crossword No 119Quick cryptic crossword No 119 85111
Reposted by Alan ConnorRaider @mycrossword.co.uk · 08/07/2026No one did the "where does Noah keep his bees?" joke - smh. Anyway, here's the results... 🥇 @matthewcr.bsky.social 🥈 Osmanthus 🥉 @adamlp.bsky.social 0101
Alan Connor @alanconnor.bsky.social · 26/06/2026I was hoping the six bulletin would explain what this means for Economy 7 meters controlled by long wave. 120
Reposted by Alan ConnorFelicity Hannah @felicityhannah.bsky.social · 23/06/2026Bittersweet to win Broadcast of the Year at Headlinemoney for Money Box Live tonight. Congratulations to the team, they are some of the best journalists I know. 1422918
Reposted by Alan ConnorDan Dickens @brockwellgrecian.bsky.social · 20/06/2026I wrote today’s Guardian Prize crossword, for a best friend: 2x + x = y? (6,3) Pig bowl is her potty (9) Nameless casserole recipe for dog (7) www.theguardian.com/crosswords/p...theguardian.comPrize crossword No 30,038Prize crossword No 30,038 11299
Reposted by Alan Connorheroncrosswords.bsky.social @heroncrosswords.bsky.social · 06/06/2026I’m back as Turnstone in the Guardian Quick Cryptic today. Anagrams, acrostics, hiddens and initial letter deletions. Do pop over and take a look! 1154
Reposted by Alan ConnorGroucho Merckx @grouchomerckx.eurosky.social · 09/05/2026Anyway this is why cryptic crosswords are the highest art form yet devised by humanity, I will be accepting no dissenting opinions at this time 2232
Alan Connor @alanconnor.bsky.social · 08/05/2026It *is* live but the index takes a moment to refresh. Everyone will see it at the same time. 150
Reposted by Alan ConnorPhil Gyford @phil.gyford.com · 07/05/2026Betteridge's Law strikes again! But I always enjoy trying. 041
Reposted by Alan ConnorSaganism @sagan.bsky.social · 11/04/2026“Books are patient where we are slow to understand, allow us to go over the hard parts as many times as we wish, and are never critical of our lapses. Books are key to understanding the world and participating in a democratic society.” — Carl Sagan 6348121
Reposted by Alan ConnorSteve @notadric.bsky.social · 11/04/2026Nice Guardian Prize Crossword today from Kite - found this tricky at the start but enjoyed the theme www.theguardian.com/crosswords/p...theguardian.comPrize crossword No 29,978Prize crossword No 29,978 171
Reposted by Alan ConnorDJ Punctum @djpunctum.bsky.social · 06/04/2026Laura bought it when it came out. Bit of a classic, esp. "Religious Persuasion" which should have been a monster hit. 131
Reposted by Alan ConnorChris Drew @mesnilman.bsky.social · 05/04/2026What an absolute joy of an Easter Sunday Quiptic Cryptic crossword in The Grauniad by @guineverecryptic.bsky.social All done. And despite rumours to the contrary, I did it will no assistance from anyone I'm amicable with... www.theguardian.com/crosswords/q...theguardian.comQuiptic crossword No 1,376Quiptic crossword No 1,376 4122
Reposted by Alan ConnorAlys Cummings @alyseliza.bsky.social · 31/03/2026Very excited to be making my debut in the Indy today as Penelope 😊 puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...puzzles.independent.co.ukThe Independent's Cryptic Crossword | Play Online for Free | IndependentPlay The Independent's Cryptic Crossword instantly online. The Independent's Cryptic Crossword is a fun and engaging Online game from The Independent. Play it and other games from The Independent. 113512
Alan Connor @alanconnor.bsky.social · 23/03/2026Quizzy Monday proposal. If production even suspects you have answered e.g. 'Smith' rather offering than a guess or a pass, a mandatory pickup. To replace 'Smith' you must say: 'I *know* this: the answer is Bo, the Portuguese Water Dog of the Obama White House'. That is what is broadcast. 010
Reposted by Alan ConnorDaniel Peake @quizzydan.bsky.social · 22/03/2026Congrats! You don't look a day over 95. Long may the puzzles continue! 051
Alan Connor @alanconnor.bsky.social · 22/03/2026A bigger Everyman and 100 years of cryptic crosswords 1257
Reposted by Alan ConnorDave Gorman @davegorman.bsky.social · 21/03/2026I set today’s Guardian prize crossword: www.theguardian.com/crosswords/p... Clues include: Eco-friendly facts about drilling (5) Thrash a legal case for trial out - it’s iron-clad (10) Tense during drama initially directed like some soaps? (7) No spoilers, ta!theguardian.comPrize crossword No 29,960Prize crossword No 29,960 4455
Alan Connor @alanconnor.bsky.social · 19/02/2026youtu.be/yPyn7mu375I Prince Andrew piece from 2011:youtu.be17 10 O'Clock Live Charlie Brooker Segment 10th March 2011YouTube video by Simon’s Warchest 230
Reposted by Alan ConnorGPWigglesworth @gpwigglesworth.bsky.social · 17/02/2026Packed out tonight at the Betsey Book Quiz. Great crowd, laughed at all the right bits & knew loads of answers. What more could I ask for? Next one is 17/03. 182
Reposted by Alan ConnorGiles Wilson @gillis49.bsky.social · 14/02/2026Nice job from @alanconnor.bsky.socialtheguardian.comRain, rain, go away: the peculiar British stoicism of ‘celebrating’ awful weatherBizarre idioms for downpours are just one facet of how the UK uses dark humour and ritual to brave the wet 001
Alan Connor @alanconnor.bsky.social · 25/01/2026Haggis from Auchtertool Fife with roasted maple-agave neeps, whisky creme fraiche, parsley and caraway tattie scones and an orange, date, radish and rocket salad with an orange blossom dressing. 1101
Reposted by Alan ConnorGuinevere 🎲🎲 @guineverecryptic.bsky.social · 18/01/2026Looking like another well-received debut in the Quiptic today from Budmo! Great to see newer solvers getting an accessible step up from the Quick Cryptics, I just love seeing people progressing on their cryptic journeys! #cryptic #crosswordtheguardian.comQuiptic crossword No 1,365Quiptic crossword No 1,365 061
Reposted by Alan ConnorI’m Dave Williams. You’re probably not @skirwingle.bsky.social · 17/01/2026Security organization backing European nation's capital (4) #cryptic #crossword 141
Alan Connor @alanconnor.bsky.social · 17/01/2026Pick a vexillological lane, Google Featured Snippets. 030
Reposted by Alan ConnorDerek Harrison @derekharrison.bsky.social · 08/01/2026All the latest cruciverbal news in the January edition of the Crossword Centre newsletter. crosswordcentre.blogspot.com/2026/01/cros...crosswordcentre.blogspot.comCrossword News January 2026Crossword News January 2026 Happy New Year! In December the Prize Puzzle was Seasons Greetings XVII by Eclogue, a lovely puzzle based ... 012
Reposted by Alan ConnorGuinevere 🎲🎲 @guineverecryptic.bsky.social · 20/12/2025It’s been a day of many smiles, I do so love when my puzzles bring enjoyment to people! Thank you everyone who has taken the time to feed back! This year has been quite a challenge in many ways, which has made the amazing experiences I’ve had in the cryptic world even more valuable. 🥰❤️🎄🎲 Thank you 0132
Reposted by Alan ConnorJohn Henderson @enigmatistelgar.bsky.social · 14/11/2025Puzzlers! Solve a present problem and do your bit for BBC Children in Need Day: www.fifteensquared.net/2025/11/14/3... #BBCChildrenInNeed @rnib.bsky.social 11414
Reposted by Alan ConnorJames Ball @jamesrball.com · 09/11/2025Neither Tim Davie nor Deborah Turness incited an insurrection against the US Capitol. Congressman didn’t have to flee for their lives because of a BBC Panorama edit. That all happened because of President Donald Trump. If he didn’t resign, it’s truly *insane* that anyone else does. 225974
Alan Connor @alanconnor.bsky.social · 09/11/2025I worked there. This response is quite embarrassing. 040
Alan Connor @alanconnor.bsky.social · 05/11/2025Shuffalo, 3m 58s 🟡🟡🟡🟡 🟡🟡🟡🟡🟡 🟡🟡🟡🟡🟡🟡 🟡🟡🟡🟡🟡🟡🟡 🟡🟡🟡🟡🟡🟡🟡🟡 www.newyorker.com/puzzles-and-...newyorker.comPlay Shuffalo: Wednesday, November 5, 2025Can you make a longer word with each new letter? 020
Alan Connor @alanconnor.bsky.social · 03/11/2025Shuffalo, 8m 46s 🟡🟡🟡🟡 🟡🟡🟡🟡🟡 🟡🟡🟡🟡🟡🟡 🟡🟡🟡🟡🟡🟡🟡 🟡🟡🟡🟡🟡🟡🟡🟡 www.newyorker.com/puzzles-and-...newyorker.comPlay Shuffalo: Friday, October 31, 2025Can you make a longer word with each new letter? 120
Reposted by Alan ConnorBirmingham 81 @birmingham81.bsky.social · 01/11/2025Remembering Mary Hansen on her birthday youtu.be/DSXf0RRtSQ8youtu.beStereolab - Les Yper Sound (Live on Later With Jools Holland)YouTube video by Stereolab 919742
Reposted by Alan ConnorJustin Lewis @whenisbirths.bsky.social · 19/10/2025I think there are still tickets available for this: I will be talking to the great @quantick.bsky.social about my #IntoTheGroove book and 80s pop history at Waterstones Hastings, this Wednesday at 5pm. www.waterstones.com/events/justi... 01714
Alan Connor @alanconnor.bsky.social · 16/10/2025Ulp. Wordle 1,580 6/6 ⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛ ⬛🟩🟩⬛⬛ ⬛🟩🟩🟩🟩 ⬛🟩🟩🟩🟩 ⬛🟩🟩🟩🟩 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 110