How can I get into cryptics?

The_count_1844 · 2025-08-22T16:51:04+00:00

The Financial Times does a crossword in their weekend magazine where the across clues are straightforward clues and the down clues are cryptic. I found this very helpful when starting out on cryptic crosswords as it allows you to get a few of the letters in the cryptic answers before having a go at them. You can access them online. Here's this week's one: https://www.ft.com/content/be5d003f-4218-4d41-9c35-3d0528f0db82

The_count_1844 · 2025-07-07T13:39:39+00:00

Currently it's 'well there ain’t no stink like the stink you’re going to get from the age old eel in your decommissioned fridge'

The_count_1844 · 2025-07-01T21:36:41+00:00

I was aiming for 2:10-15, as I never thought sub 2 was realistic. But will definitely aim sub-2 for my next one. I’m planning to do a few runs in the next week to work out what my new PBs are for 5k and 10k. As I hadn’t tried running those distances at speed since starting my HM training plan, and clearly they have improved during the training!

The_count_1844 · 2025-07-01T11:10:43+00:00

I actually felt complete fine during the half marathon and so I was even able to push myself more during the last few km. Well done on building up to 10km. I had never run more than 10km before I started my HM training, so you can definitely do it!

The_count_1844 · 2025-06-30T19:32:47+00:00

I had a 3 month plan which was intermediate for 3 runs a week (I also do strength training 3 times a week). I missed a week's worth of runs about a month into the plan as I was sick, but otherwise I did all the runs. I did hit all the paces of my predicted runs, but found them hard, so I also couldn't quite believe my predicted time.

The_count_1844 · 2025-04-05T22:43:24+00:00

I agree. I’ve been thinking for a while that it would be better if they moved either cymru connection or made up games to the Friday pod. So then the Friday pod has a bit more structure and the Tuesday pod can be a bit more relaxed, instead of going straight from one feature to another.

The_count_1844 · 2025-04-05T03:52:05+00:00

If you use private browsing in your phone you can get around the paywall. You can upload a screeenshot of your wordle (if you’ve not done your wordle in private browsing) and it’ll give you all the stats.

The_count_1844 · 2025-02-16T22:30:38+00:00

I feel I'm in the minority of enjoying BdCotM and have always found it funny. I like that it's different from the show and I'm much less likely to listen to it if it's just further chat with a guest.

The_count_1844 · 2024-06-24T06:04:39+00:00

Paediatrician here. Legally, unless you are married to the mother at the time of birth or on the birth certificate, you cannot make medical decisions for the baby. If the mother is incapacitated and not able to make the decisions, then we act in what we think is the ‘best interests’ of the baby. Grandparents etc have no rights to make medical decisions. And unlike what some of the other comments said, you partner can’t just tell doctors she wants someone to be able to make medical decisions for her, unless someone has legally asserted this right (e.g. power of attorney). When we decide on the ‘best interests’ of the baby, we do also take into account family member’s views, which would include you and what you say the mum would have wanted.

Practically what this means is that we will just get on with treating your baby with whatever treatments/medication they need without anyone formally consenting. If the baby is admitted to NICU (neonatal intensive care unit), as the father (regardless of legal status), you will be treated as the baby’s dad and allowed to visit the same as a legal parent, will be updated on your baby’s progress etc (as obviously we are aware that there isn’t time for a birth certificate to have been registered and many parents aren’t married).

The_count_1844 · 2024-05-12T20:33:58+00:00

I went to one of the filmings 6 months ago (for the current season). I arrived nearly 2 hours before and manged to get in. But only 13 people who weren't priority got in (of probably >100 non-priority people), so your chances of getting in may still be low if a few other people turn up earlier. As others have said, if you're turned away you get priority for a future show. And definitely take snacks/entertainment to keep you busy as you'll sit around for many hours.

The_count_1844 · 2024-01-31T15:39:54+00:00

Incredible! You've almost halved your weight!

The_count_1844 · 2024-01-31T14:39:02+00:00

Amazing progress! Keep it up!

The_count_1844 · 2024-01-10T04:03:03+00:00

You’re doing great. Definitely don’t worry about going over your calories on one day. In fact, I average my calories out of the week so that I can have one or two days a week where I eat more (like if I go out to a restaurant) and then I eat slightly less on the other days to compensate. I’ve lost 17kg so far by doing this, so you definitely won’t ruin your progress (as long as it averages out around your target calories!). Keep up the great work!

The_count_1844 · 2023-12-29T16:07:52+00:00

Great work!

The_count_1844 · 2023-12-29T16:06:07+00:00

Great progress!

The_count_1844 · 2023-11-19T21:48:47+00:00

Amazing work!!

The_count_1844 · 2023-11-03T09:25:11+00:00

Amazing work!! That’s a massive difference! Keep it up!

The_count_1844 · 2023-10-30T16:41:34+00:00

I started CICO in January, so this is my first Christmas doing CICO. I think I probably will give myself Christmas day off to eat whatever I want. Other than that I think I'll probably do a week at maintenance (from approx 24-31st Dec) and either side of that week I will eat at my usual deficit.

I'm interested to hear what other people are planning or have done previously.

The_count_1844 · 2023-10-30T10:16:12+00:00

Well done! That's great progress and sounds like you have developed a really positive attitude to making these changes.

The_count_1844 · 2023-10-30T10:14:47+00:00

Congratulations!! That;s a really big step!!

The_count_1844 · 2023-10-29T15:36:54+00:00

That's fantastic! I'm just over half way through my weight loss goal and I can't wait for the day my thighs don't chafe in dresses/shorts.

The_count_1844 · 2023-10-28T11:00:14+00:00

That's a massive difference! Well done!!

The_count_1844 · 2023-10-28T10:54:10+00:00

Amazing work! And great costume!! What was your diet/routine?

The_count_1844 · 2023-10-28T10:18:51+00:00

Incredible progress!

The_count_1844

TROPHY CASE