Saturday, November 30, 2019

Saturday, November 30, 2019 — Triskaidekaphobia

Introduction

Here is today's puzzle from Cox & Rathvon.

In case readers have been wondering about my recent absence, I had emergency back surgery on November 22 and am currently recuperating in hospital where I expect to be for an extended period of time. Whatever I am able to post over the next while is likely to be somewhat hit and miss.

I solved the puzzle but failed to notice the theme. hank you to Henry for the theme and solution (posted in the comments below).

I invite you to leave a comment to let us know how you fared with the puzzle.

Signing off for this week — Falcon

7 comments:

  1. Hi Falcon,

    Thank you for the update and also for posting today. Just think, now you have a good excuse for not shovelling any snow!

    Praying for you,
    MG

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  2. Hello Falcon--

    I'm sorry to hear that it was "emergency" back surgery, but I hope it went well and you have my best wishes for a quick recovery. Take whatever time you need to recover properly; as much as I (and we) enjoy these puzzles, they're secondary to one's health. Be well, good sir.

    --Rob C

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  3. I hope the puzzle will offer enough divertisment to make your stay more bearable, take your mind off things.
    And thanks for your postings. Can't tease out the theme.

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  4. Hi everyone and you Falcon - I hope you're doing better. Back pain can be such a pain in the ---. I know, I've had some.

    I call this week's puzzle 'Triskaidekaphobia.' The numbers one to thirteen are consecutively found in the Across clues. And they stop there.
    Afraid to go on?
    Quite an entertaining puzzle this week. Needed a lot of thought to get the solution.

    Across
    9a T(R|ACE)ABLE R=River, ACE=one, contained in (containing) TABLE=chart
    10a GEN|II Gen(eral), with II=Roman number for two
    11a PA(TRIO)T TRIO=three musicians, contained in (embraces) Pat(rick)
    12a FORBORE˜ Homonym (reportedly) of 'four boar' = four swine
    13a EERIE˜ Homonym (heard) of Erie, one of the five Great Lakes
    14a EXPIATORS* Anagram (straying) on 'top six are'
    16a SIN|BAD T(HE S)AILOR SIN=wrong, BAD=inept, HE’S+, contained in (maintaining) tailor
    19a (CORREL ATE)˜ Homonym (sounding) of choral eight
    22a A NNIE* NNIE=Anagram (clowns) of nine, after (following) A+
    24a DE(CAD)ES CAD=reprobate contained in (holding) DEES+
    26a PAC(K)ERS K=1000, contained in (taken by) Pacers (Indiana team)
    27a NO ON|E NOON=twelve, E(mpty) at the end (after)
    28a TETHERIN*G TETHERIN=Anagram (bananas) on thirteen, G=last of string (last letter of word ‘string’)

    Down
    1d STA(P)LE STALE=no longer fresh, containing (sandwiches) P=quietly (musical shortform)
    2d C(AST IR)ON ASTIR=moving, contained in (keeps) CON=jailbird
    3d DELI|BERATE BERATE=scold, after (stands behind) DELI=sandwich shop
    4d A(BUT|MEN)T BUT=save, MEN=guys, all contained in (trapped inside) AT+
    5d {B(EEF) UP}< Reversal of (going back) FEE=payment, contained in (in) PUB=bar
    6d A GAR< Reversal of (upon return) RAG=make fun of, A+
    7d IN TO|TO Hidden in (partially) plaIN TO TOscanini
    8d LICENSER* Anagram (after adjustment) on reclines
    15d AVALANCHES* Anagram (unstable) on canals have
    16d SEC|ED|IN|G SEC(ond) ED(ition) IN+ G(eneral)
    17d E|YES|POTS E(nglish), YES=okay, POTS=planter’s
    18d LIN(GERI)E GERI+ contained in (engages) LINE=business
    20d RECT|OR˜ Homonym (according to hearsay) of wrecked=destroyed, Ur=Sumerian city
    21d AS|SETS AS=like, SETS=parts of a tennis match
    23d {EN SIG N}< Reversal (returning) Hidden in (among) teN GIS NEwly
    25d DIE|T DIE=stop running, T=Toronto’s foremost (first letter of word Toronto)

    I found a number of typos after I posted the solution to last week's puzzle. If anyone wants to see a fixed version - just leave a note and I will post it.
    This week I will work a little slower.

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  5. Please look after yourself Falcon!! YOU are such an amazing teacher. I was introduced to cryptic in 2012 and, initially, heavily relied upon your explanations and guidance to learn. I can now normally complete a puzzle on my own...THANK YOU!! I have now introduced many more people to this activity and always show them this site. Hope you are feeling a little better every day. Know that people like me are cheering you on in your recovery!

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  6. Thank you to everyone for your kind words. It is gratifying to know that readers are enjoying my efforts.

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  7. Thank you Henry for the solution to the theme. Don't think I would have seen it.
    Falcon, a good time to be in Hosp. I was on the road last night. Best wishes for your recovery.

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