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Zany

Do you know someone called John or Jack who you would describe as zany?

This word meaning bizarre, way out or wacky comes from the Italian form of John, Giovanni.

The name John and its European counterparts such as Jean and Giovanni were very popular, they came to be used to denote the common man. Jack [more…]

Khaki Enquiry

You use the clue ‘Army fabric’ for the solution KHAKI. Is not khaki the colour? The actual fabric is not khaki. I’d reckon the actual fabric would be cotton or some synthetic these days?

Margaret Worrington
Belfield, NSW

What’s The Connection?

I knew that RABBITS ON was the answer to ‘Chatters away’ in Mega 1, 163ac in Holiday Collection 67, but can you tell me why? What is the connection between a rabbit and a talkative person?

Lucy Allen
Fairy Meadow, NSW

Grey Matter Staying Alert

I love Starhunts, Skeletons, Wheel words and anything that makes the grey matter stay alert. Thank you so much for all the work you do.

Mrs N B Sheldon
Davistown, NSW

I Love Cryptics

At last. I have finished both the word list and the answer line in the Editors Challenge. I love the Cryptics best. My neighbour and I are on our second lot of cryptic books numbered from 1-8. Thank you for keeping our brains active.

Irene Atkins
Korumburra, Vic

Any clues on what books to use?

I enjoy your Cluewords, Starhunts and really do like the Maxis but have yet to complete the Baffler. Any clues on what books to use? It certainly keeps my mind active.

Dulcie Heffernan
Mansfield, Qld

Internet Opens Up Whole New World

For Christmas my daughter Kate gave me her ‘old’ laptop and signed me up to the internet for a year! After learning how to use it, for the first time ever I have been able to complete the Demon! Wow – the world has opened! Win or not this is by far the best [more…]

The Tale of Sisyphus, King of Corinth

King Sisyphus, as I’ve heard tell,
Died and went down straight to hell.
Stan said “O, welcome sire,
For you I’ve punishment most dire,
Because you’ve been a bad, bad boy.
You’ve never brought your people joy.
Up that great hill you’ll push this stone
And mind, you’ll do it all alone.
You’ll push and shove, then near the top
The stone will [more…]

Demon from the Dungeon

BIG was a special treat with the Demon from the Dungeon. I hope this will be a regular from now on? May we all have many more years of puzzling ahead.

Linda Watson
Warnbro, WA