Life
2414: Matchplay
Seven unclued entries had the same relationship to an eighth (appearing as the two other unclued lights). Across 1 …
to 2411: Left Out
The unclued lights are famous LEFT-HANDED people. First prize Tony Hankey, London W4Runners-up Chris Butler, Borough Green, Kent; Julie Sanders,…
Britain is becoming more meritocratic, not less
You have to admire the Sutton Trust’s PR skills. For those who don’t know, the Sutton Trust is a social…
The Battle for Britain
Got something to add? Join the discussion and comment below.
Sports journalism in Britain is being attacked by an American predator
Forty years ago the football transfer market went crazy: the British record was broken four times in 1979, more than…
Dear Mary: How do I handle the dreaded ‘B word’ at supper parties?
Q. I have lost many friends and acquaintances by discussing Brexit and finding fundamental differences of opinion. Recently I have…
I didn’t know kosher food this good existed: Decks in Tverya reviewed
Decks is a restaurant built on the Sea of Galilee. It is Benjamin and Sara Netanyahu’s favourite restaurant (it is…
Watch out for ‘watch on’
In Casablanca, Mr and Mrs Leuchtag resolve to speak English to each other in preparation for emigration to America. Mr…
After the week I’ve just had will my liver ever recover?
Bellamy’s and Oswald’s are the two best restaurants in London. They are owned by two friends of mine — both…
Up close and personal with Thomas Hardy
I walked in out of the rain, dripping, and sat down beside the fire on the primitive high-backed settle. ‘Is…
This prospective lodger was clearly barking mad
‘Take a seat,’ said the prospective lodger as we stood in my dining room. ‘I’m sorry, I don’t understand,’ I…
In praise of geldings
Boris Johnson, Remainers might like to be reminded, does sometimes change his mind under pressure. Some years ago, as editor…
Bridge
Here we go again. The ninth European Bridge Championships are upon us, this time taking place in Istanbul. Hundreds of…
Fortune’s wheel
The elite tournament at Stavanger in Norway has resulted in yet another victory for the world champion Magnus Carlsen. The…
no. 559
Black to play. This position is from Grischuk-Anand, Altibox (Armageddon game), Stavanger 2019. How does Black break White’s resistance? Answers…
Talking heads
In Competition No. 3103 you were invited to submit a Shakespearean soliloquy delivered by one of the contenders for the…
2413: Sign here please
The unclued lights are of a kind, verifiable in Brewer. Across 11 Oil-well cap adjusted as ornamentation (10, two…
to 2410: Alphabetical Jigsaw
First prize Susan Edouard, Bexhill-on-SeaRunners-up Joan Sutton, Canterbury, Kent; Harry Duff, Machen, Caerphilly Got something to add? Join the discussion…
Is this a turning point in the culture war?
Something rather wonderful happened last week for those of us who have been the victims of a public shaming —…
The Battle for Britain
Got something to add? Join the discussion and comment below.
The service station problem: it’s becoming impossible to correct a mistake
My first award for intelligent design this week goes to Dublin airport for displaying a sign which reads ‘Lounges. Turn…
Dear Mary: How can I stop the book club gossip from snooping around my house?
Q. One of the members of our book club is particularly nosy and gossipy. I like this woman, but when…
Ian Botham’s Ozzie Chardonnay is too good for the convicts
Cricket is the most gracious of games. County grounds in the lee of cathedrals, village greens in the perfect setting…
The barking world of ‘doggo lingo’
Doggy sounds childish. ‘How much is that doggie in the window?’ asks the popular song. (The song title used the…
Boris is the only one who can save the Tories
A lady once offered to go to bed with me if I could ensure that she would write The Spectator’s…
