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Diabolically Arcane

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The Big A versus The Big C

11 January, 2013

Mr X broke the news on this blog. And today in the Guardian, Araucaria shares his fate in an eloquent crossword. While I’m reluctant to spell things out, I will salute a cryptic hero in a very tough time. I’m sure I speak on behalf of every Dabbler, wishing strength and grace to crossword colossus.

Scrolling the Guardian chatrooms, I came upon a post from Katieq, who summed up my own sentiments with panache:

I’m devastated. One of my dearest friends who has helped me through some difficult times is now suffering and I am unable to repay the debt. Love and Best Wishes to Araucaria, Kate. xxxxx

What she said. If anyone has any ideas as a tribute Storm, or a gesture we might offer en masse, feel free to share in the forum. But to announce your plight in cryptic form, that is the ultimate in class.

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Rewording The Brain

Focus & memory, lateral leaps & logic - every aspect of cognitive health is lit in Rewording The Brain, a book revelling in how puzzles boost your brain. Part 2 equips your brain to conquer any twisty clue, plus the wild crossword finale. Pop science meets neural gameplay, Rewording is rewarding, and out now.

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Rewording The Brain

Care to renew your noodle? Rewording The Brain explores the latest neural studies, seeing how puzzles (and twisty clues) boost your neurons. Part 2 helps you crack such clues, and prep the grey matter for the crossword showcase to finish. More here

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101 Weird Words (and 3 Fakes)

From Ambidextrous to Zugwang, this mini-dictionary teems with rare or alluring words, plus bonus riddles, puzzles and fun word-facts. Dictionary detective will also nab the collection's three fakes. Ideal for late primary schoolers, or word-nuts in general.

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Gargantuan Book of Words

Sneeze words. Fake pasta. Viking slang. Gargantuan is a jumbo jumble of puzzles & games, mazes & quizzes, tailor-made for that wordy wonderkid in your life. Or anyone in love with letters, secret codes, puns, rhymes, emoji & all things languagey. More here 

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Riddledom Rave

If you missed my riddle chat with Richard Fidler, then feel free to slurp the podcast at http://ab.co/1I9t1x5

Text-speak is creeping into Scrabble. Where do you sit?
OBVS I'm fine with it
Entrenched stuff - like LOL and OMG - but no more.
Words With Friends, maybe. Scrabble, no
Let the 'real' dictionaries decide first
Just the handy stuff, like FAQ and EUW
I mean, WTF?! No way
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