Friday, January 15, 2010 (DT 26046)

This puzzle was originally published Tuesday, September 29, 2009 in The Daily Telegraph

Introduction

Today's puzzle proved to be a pretty good challenge - but a very enjoyable one.

Revisiting Electric Fires

It has taken some time, but I have finally figured out what an electric fire is. You may recall that this term appeared in Big Dave's review of yesterday's puzzle. An electric fire is what we in North America would call an electric fireplace insert - artificial logs with an electrical element to create the impression of burning logs.

Today's Glossary

Some possibly unfamiliar abbreviations, people, places, words and expressions used in today's puzzle

like the clappers - Brit. informal very fast or hard

Today's Links

Gazza's review of today's puzzle may be found at Big Dave's Telegraph Crossword Blog [DT 26046].

Commentary on Today's Puzzle

2d They arrive followed by empty tails? (6)

. . . and, apparently, leave preceded by their tails. As I understand it, the tails of comets are caused by the solar wind pushing particles or gases away from the comet. As the comet approaches the sun, the tail is therefore behind the comet, but as the comet moves away from the sun, the tail is actually in front of the comet.

Signing off for today - Falcon