As a couple of regulars to Big Dave's site point out, the date of publication of this puzzle in Britain (December 10) marked the anniversary of the date in 1948 on which the United Nations ratified the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Introduction
I think today's puzzle was almost perfectly matched to my solving ability. Although I did find it to be a fair challenge, I was able to complete it without the need of any external aids. However, I would say that it was certainly near the upper limit of my unassisted skill level. I was, therefore, not surprised to see that Libellule rated it only two stars for difficulty.
Today's Glossary
Some possibly unfamiliar abbreviations, people, places, words and expressions used in today's puzzle
board - [Collins English Dictionary] noun 4. Archaic a table, esp one used for eating at, and esp when laden with food
duck3 - noun Cricket a batsman’s score of nought (ORIGIN short for duck’s egg, used for the figure 0)
rumble - verb 4 Brit. informal discover (an illicit activity or its perpetrator)
Today's Links
Libellule's review of today's puzzle may be found at Big Dave's Crossword Blog [DT 26108].
If, on reading the comments posted on Big Dave's site, you are left scratching your head by the term NINA, you can find out what it means at Big Dave's Crossword Blog [DT 26044].
Commentary on Today's Puzzle
20a Where the skipper might find a game of cards (6)
The first thing to pop into my head was ON DECK, but - as I quickly realized - that candidate solution does not satisfy the numeration criterion.
23a Criminals executed for swindles (5)
It would undoubtedly benefit you to recall that beheading was the traditional form of capital punishment practiced in Britain.
5d One gets driven on course (4,4)
I spent too long driving around in a GOLF CART when I should have been teeing off.
8d Almost recognize material for plant (8)
It is not bad enough that this insidious weed has infested my lawn, it now seems to have spread to my crossword puzzles.
21d Knock quietly or finally attempt connection (7)
This clue contains a commonly encountered member of a family of musical directions which include:
- piano2 (abbreviation p) - adverb & adjective Music soft or softly, quiet or quietly
- pianissimo (abbreviation pp) - adverb & adjective Music very soft or very softly, very quiet or very quietly
- forte2 (abbreviation f) - adverb & adjective Music loud or loudly
- fortissimo (abbreviation ff) - adverb & adjective Music very loud or very loudly
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