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politicalbetting.com » Blog Archive » Christmas Day on PB wouldn’t be Christmas without the St. John

SystemSystem Posts: 12,257
edited December 2017 in General

imagepoliticalbetting.com » Blog Archive » Christmas Day on PB wouldn’t be Christmas without the St. John Christmas Crossword

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  • DecrepitJohnLDecrepitJohnL Posts: 13,300
    Merry Christmas. Happy punting on politics in 2018.
  • old_labourold_labour Posts: 3,238
    Happy Christmas everyone.
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 57,864
    Donald Trump has (seriously) commissioned a poll about his first year in office.

    https://action.donaldjtrump.com/inaugural-year-approval-poll/

    Any PBers want to tell me if there any methodological issues that I should be aware of?
  • AlastairMeeksAlastairMeeks Posts: 30,340
    Happy Christmas all.

    6A Iraq
    10A Isle
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 78,617
    Is 1A Pittsburgh ?
  • TomsToms Posts: 2,478
    rcs1000 said:

    Donald Trump has (seriously) commissioned a poll about his first year in office.

    https://action.donaldjtrump.com/inaugural-year-approval-poll/

    Any PBers want to tell me if there any methodological issues that I should be aware of?

    unbloodybelievable. To call it tendentious would be an understatement.
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 78,617
    24a Tate ?

    Tate and Lyle makes sugar, David Davis nleft Tate and Lyle, sugar rots your teeth. TATE is an art gallery.

    1a Pittsburgh; Pitt sold his rotten borough, old Sarum, burgh is more or less borough. Pitt comes first
  • edmundintokyoedmundintokyo Posts: 17,709
    edited December 2017
    rcs1000 said:

    Donald Trump has (seriously) commissioned a poll about his first year in office.

    https://action.donaldjtrump.com/inaugural-year-approval-poll/

    Any PBers want to tell me if there any methodological issues that I should be aware of?

    Looks completely legit as far as I can tell.

    How would you rate President Trump’s first year in office (2017)?
    Great
    Good
    Okay
    Other

    How would you rate President Obama’s first year in office (2009)?
    Great
    Good
    Okay
    Poor
    Other
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 72,929
    rcs1000 said:

    Donald Trump has (seriously) commissioned a poll about his first year in office.

    https://action.donaldjtrump.com/inaugural-year-approval-poll/

    Any PBers want to tell me if there any methodological issues that I should be aware of?

    That's clearly a great poll; just the best poll...

    Anyway, you should be grateful to him for making it possible say Merry Christmas once again:
    https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2017/12/trump-praises-himself-in-call-to-troops-we-say-christmas-again-very-proudly.html
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 78,617
    Is 1 Down
    Pick ?
  • SandraMcSandraMc Posts: 710
    Is 1 Down Cade as in Jack Cade the rebel. Church = CE plus Ad = present day.
  • felixfelix Posts: 15,180
    Feliz navidad y año nuevo from sunny Almería!
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 78,617
    SandraMc said:

    Is 1 Down Cade as in Jack Cade the rebel. Church = CE plus Ad = present day.

    1 across can't be Pittsburgh then !
  • AlanbrookeAlanbrooke Posts: 25,703
    Merry Christmas to all PBers
  • VerulamiusVerulamius Posts: 1,551
    Merry Christmas.

    I am no good at cryptic crosswords, but can just marvel at the explained answers.
  • SandraMcSandraMc Posts: 710
    Is 7 down reserve? Re-serve as in Minister again?

    And Merry Christmas everyone.
  • alex.alex. Posts: 4,658
    10 across ISLE. Hopefully can do the easy ones
  • MortimerMortimer Posts: 14,158
    26 across, Dean?
  • SquareRootSquareRoot Posts: 7,095
    Mery Xmas everyone
  • felixfelix Posts: 15,180
    1 down must be Dean - rebel with a cause?
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,889
    edited December 2017
    Morning all and merry Xmas.

    Correct answers so far are

    6 ac. IRAQ. Intelligence is IQ. Soldiers is RA = Royal Artillery. I (RA) Q.

    10 ac. ISLE. Bute is an isle here not a Prime Minister. His lead after had is cut = ISLE.

    1 down. CADE. Present day = AD, Anno Domini. Church = CE, Church of England. AD CE welcomes = C (AD) E.

    7 down. RESERVE. Double definition. To hold back is to reserve and to minister again is to re-serve.

  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,889
    26 ac. DEAN. Double definition. Principal of a college, for instance, is a dean. Then it’s Howard, “I had a scream”.
  • SandyRentoolSandyRentool Posts: 22,374
    For 364 days a year we have cross words, and then for the PB Christmas truce we have a crossword.

    I'm better at Sudoku, so I'll leave it to the experts.
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,889
    SandyRentool said:

    For 364 days a year we have cross words, and then for the PB Christmas truce we have a crossword.

    I'm better at Sudoku, so I'll leave it to the experts.

    I once described Political Betting social events here. When you face your enemy it’s not so easy to be rude. We meet up in No Man’s Land and suspend hostilities for one day. The talk is often about football.
  • philiphphiliph Posts: 4,704
    Happy Christmas to all.
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 120,334
    Merry Christmas everyone.

    Thanks once again to St John for another great crossword.

    Let us not forget the most important message about Christmas Day.

    A man came from the stars to save humanity and to teach us a better way.

    He died to save humanity and was reborn.

    He will do the same again today, so don't forget to watch Peter Capaldi's final stint as The Doctor on BBC1 at 5.30pm in the Doctor Who Christmas special.
  • SandraMcSandraMc Posts: 710
    14 Across Redact Left wing = red legislation = act. Together = redact or black out.
  • stodgestodge Posts: 14,056
    Morning all :)

    I'll leave the crossword to others apart from thanking all those involved for tying other people up in cerebral knots today.

    Merry Christmas to all on PB, whether regular contributor, occasional participant and especially the lurkers - come out of the lurking chamber and join the debate but remember Stodge's Golden Rule on PB - your first post will always be your best so make it a great one.

    Thanks also to OGH, TSE and others for keeping this site going and a special thanks to all those who contribute guest threads for our perusal. For those who've never put up a guest thread - why not try it ?

    Have a wonderful day and whether your company is your family, someone else's family, last night's takeaway, a fine single malt or the mad people in the flat above going at it like rabbits, be well and at peace.
  • FregglesFreggles Posts: 3,486
    I'm rubbish at these - Merry Christmas all.
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,889
    SandraMc said:

    14 Across Redact Left wing = red legislation = act. Together = redact or black out.

    Yes.
  • Torby_FennelTorby_Fennel Posts: 438
    Verulamius said:

    Merry Christmas.

    I am no good at cryptic crosswords, but can just marvel at the explained answers.

    Likewise. My brain isn't wired that way. Even when I see the answers to a cryptic crossword I struggle to link them back to the clues! :)

    Merry Christmas to everyone. :)
  • dixiedeandixiedean Posts: 29,518
    17 across national anagram.
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,889
    edited December 2017
    dixiedean said:

    17 across national anagram.

    Yes. Built is the anagram indicator. The letters of “on a Latin” are “built” into NATIONAL. Which as an adjective means state. It’s also a horse race of course. I fancy TIGER ROLL for next year’s race, if he turns up.
  • RobDRobD Posts: 60,135
    Thanks stjohn :)
  • AndyJSAndyJS Posts: 29,395
    Merry Christmas everyone, and thanks to St John for the crossword.
  • Beverley_CBeverley_C Posts: 6,256
    edited December 2017
    TheScreamingEagles said:

    Merry Christmas everyone.

    Thanks once again to St John for another great crossword.

    Let us not forget the most important message about Christmas Day.

    A man came from the stars to save humanity and to teach us a better way.

    He died to save humanity and was reborn.

    He will do the same again today, so don't forget to watch Peter Capaldi's final stint as The Doctor on BBC1 at 5.30pm in the Doctor Who Christmas special.

    :+1:

    Merry Xmas everyone

    (I don't do crosswords. Good luck to those who do)
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 52,353
    Merry Christmas everybody!

    I'm more of a "quick" crossword man than a cryptic crossword man :)
  • SandraMcSandraMc Posts: 710
    18 Down Theresa? There's a?
  • SandraMcSandraMc Posts: 710
    13 Down Frank Field?? Frank = open Field = department
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,889
    SandraMc said:

    18 Down Theresa? There's a?

    Yes to THERESA. In that case = There, as in “for instance”. If you have “it” you have sex appeal, which in crossword land can be abbreviated to SA. There + sa = THERESA.

    I’m popping out for some festive cheer. I can monitor progress but probably not post.

    Back later when hopefully the annual joke from our Putney resident will have resurfaced.

  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,889
    SandraMc said:

    13 Down Frank Field?? Frank = open Field = department

    Yes.

  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 33,876
    Having a short break from being a merry old Grandpa, so all the best to all PB- ers.
  • Rebourne_FluffyRebourne_Fluffy Posts: 225
    Whom is Auntie-Hortence today? Could we get that 'gender-fluid' to update the puzzle [image] such that lesser-mortals may participate?

    Hugs, Kent. :)
  • SouthamObserverSouthamObserver Posts: 39,737
    I love Christmas traditions and I am pleased to say that this year just like all previous ones I have no idea about any of the answers to these impenetrable - to my feeble mind - clues.

    Wishing all of you the very best for the day!!
  • SandraMcSandraMc Posts: 710
    8 down Queen Anne's. Queen Anne's War. Plus Ascot's Queen Anne's Stakes with takes off.
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,889
    SandraMc said:

    8 down Queen Anne's. Queen Anne's War. Plus Ascot's Queen Anne's Stakes with takes off.

    Yes. Thanks for keeping it moving along.

  • peter_from_putneypeter_from_putney Posts: 6,956
    stjohn said:

    SandraMc said:

    18 Down Theresa? There's a?

    Yes to THERESA. In that case = There, as in “for instance”. If you have “it” you have sex appeal, which in crossword land can be abbreviated to SA. There + sa = THERESA.

    I’m popping out for some festive cheer. I can monitor progress but probably not post.

    Back later when hopefully the annual joke from our Putney resident will have resurfaced.

    Not wishing to diappoint, here especially for you stjohn, is tne annual Christmas Day airing of what is undoubtedly the finest joke ever recited on PB.com:

    "A Brummie goes for a job interview wearing a polyester shirt, bright
    flares and big boots.The interviewer says "All you need now is a kipper
    tie."The Brummie replies, "That would be love-lay, two sugars, ploise."

    Haha, haha, haha, It's the way I tell 'em you know!



  • dixiedeandixiedean Posts: 29,518
    9 across Dickensian? Former MP Dickens plus Ian (Gilmour).
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,889
    dixiedean said:

    9 across Dickensian? Former MP Dickens plus Ian (Gilmour).

    Yes. Geoffrey Dickens.

  • dixiedeandixiedean Posts: 29,518
    Which would then make 5 Down Tea Party.
    Still is yet. gin is a kind of trap for birds. Reversed before a.
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,889
    dixiedean said:

    Which would then make 5 Down Tea Party.
    Still is yet. gin is a kind of trap for birds. Reversed before a.

    Yes.
  • SandyRentoolSandyRentool Posts: 22,374
    TV highlight of the day just about to start - Tim Farron Lecture on BBC Parliament!
  • dixiedeandixiedean Posts: 29,518
    SandyRentool said:

    TV highlight of the day just about to start - Tim Farron Lecture on BBC Parliament!

    Not "Nativity 3 Dude Where's my Donkey?". Sounds better.
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,889
    stjohn said:

    SandraMc said:

    8 down Queen Anne's. Queen Anne's War. Plus Ascot's Queen Anne's Stakes with takes off.

    Yes. Thanks for keeping it moving along.

    stjohn said:

    SandraMc said:

    8 down Queen Anne's. Queen Anne's War. Plus Ascot's Queen Anne's Stakes with takes off.

    Yes. Thanks for keeping it moving along.

    This one was for Peter The Punter.

    In all previous years 1 across has referenced a PBer. But not this year. There is one answer which pays tribute to a notable PBer but it’s not 1 across.
  • SandyRentoolSandyRentool Posts: 22,374
    I've given up on Farron. He should have been a preacher rather than a politician.
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 52,353
    Hope everyone enjoyed their Brexit Sprouts :lol:
  • stodgestodge Posts: 14,056
    Afternoon all :)

    As usual, I am in charge of the Christmas repast so while keeping one eye on the roast beef, potatoes and parsnips in the oven I've had a quick look at tomorrow's King George.

    I can't believe WHISPER is 7/1 - a knocking each way bet for this observer if all eight stand. MIGHT BE is very short at 11/8, it'll surely happen too fast for BRISTOL DE MAI while FOX NORTON is unproven at the trip and THISTLECRACK ran a stinker at Newbury.

    I'd fancy TEA FOR TWO but he's turned up to the wrong race - he should be in the Welsh National on Thursday.

    Now, where's the horseradish ?
  • rkrkrkrkrkrk Posts: 8,406
    27 Across: Murderhole?
    Dr + Home Rule?
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 54,213
    SandyRentool said:

    I've given up on Farron. He should have been a preacher rather than a politician.

    I got Adults in the room by your picture namesake from my daughter for Christmas. Really looking forward to it.
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,889
    rkrkrk said:

    27 Across: Murderhole?
    Dr + Home Rule?

    No not murderhole.

  • rkrkrkrkrkrk Posts: 8,406
    stjohn said:

    rkrkrk said:

    27 Across: Murderhole?
    Dr + Home Rule?

    No not murderhole.

    I’m rubbish at these.
  • SandraMcSandraMc Posts: 710
    2 down Richard? H for Henry in Ricard - a pastis, I believe.
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,889
    rkrkrk said:

    stjohn said:

    rkrkrk said:

    27 Across: Murderhole?
    Dr + Home Rule?

    No not murderhole.

    I’m rubbish at these.
    Thanks for trying!

  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,889
    SandraMc said:

    2 down Richard? H for Henry in Ricard - a pastis, I believe.

    Yes.
  • SandyRentoolSandyRentool Posts: 22,374
    DavidL said:

    SandyRentool said:

    I've given up on Farron. He should have been a preacher rather than a politician.

    I got Adults in the room by your picture namesake from my daughter for Christmas. Really looking forward to it.
    I look forward to reading your review. Sounds like your daughter may be trying to convert you into a lefty!
  • AndypetAndypet Posts: 36
    24A Eden
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,889
    edited December 2017
    Andypet said:

    24A Eden

    Yes.

    Edentate is toothless. Without Tate = Eden.

  • AndypetAndypet Posts: 36
    22A Frederick North
  • AndypetAndypet Posts: 36
    21D UK-Wide
  • rkrkrkrkrkrk Posts: 8,406
    15A : Question?
  • alex.alex. Posts: 4,658
    22 with a bit of internet assistance...

    Frederick North

    Forth (Scottish village) red (socialist) Eric (blair) kn (half knew)
  • alex.alex. Posts: 4,658
    26A (Howard) Dean
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,889
    Yes to Frederick North as described. Also UK wide. Tusk with the odd letters omitted is UK and an extra is a wide.
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,889
    rkrkrk said:

    15A : Question?

    No. Not question.

  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,889
    edited December 2017
    alex. said:

    26A (Howard) Dean

    Yeahh!

  • DecrepitJohnLDecrepitJohnL Posts: 13,300
    If Father Christmas gave you a book token, then to help you choose, iplayer has eight episodes of BBC Parliament's Book Talk, including the Christmas special:
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b09k97sq/booktalk-christmas-special
  • rkrkrkrkrkrk Posts: 8,406
    23 Down - Name?
  • MaxPBMaxPB Posts: 39,317
    My duck went down very well for the second year running.

    Merry Christmas to all PBers! Here's to a hopefully less combative and divisive 2018.
  • alex.alex. Posts: 4,658
    edited December 2017
    1A Corbynista! :)
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,889
    alex. said:

    1A Corbynista! :)

    Yes! Rotten is the anagram indicator for nista. Corby is the borough which comes first.

  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,889
    rkrkrk said:

    23 Down - Name?

    No. That’s the esteemed the PBer.

  • Ishmael_ZIshmael_Z Posts: 8,981
    3 yvette cooper?
  • SandyRentoolSandyRentool Posts: 22,374
    stjohn said:

    rkrkrk said:

    23 Down - Name?

    No. That’s the esteemed the PBer.

    Ooh - is it Mike?
  • alex.alex. Posts: 4,658
    Ishmael_Z said:

    3 yvette cooper?

    Very good. Another anagram

  • AlastairMeeksAlastairMeeks Posts: 30,340
    23D Fear
  • alex.alex. Posts: 4,658
    Only thing to fear is fear itself
  • AlastairMeeksAlastairMeeks Posts: 30,340
    2D Richard
  • AlastairMeeksAlastairMeeks Posts: 30,340
    14A redact
  • Ishmael_ZIshmael_Z Posts: 8,981
    11D abolitionist
  • alex.alex. Posts: 4,658
    Can’t believe I can’t even do 1d when we’ve got 2 of the letters
  • SandyRentoolSandyRentool Posts: 22,374
    Sorry to drag things back to politics, but:

    'Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been formally barred from competing in next year's presidential election.'

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-42479909
  • SandyRentoolSandyRentool Posts: 22,374
    AlastairMeeks said:

    14A redact

    I can actually understand that one!
  • Ishmael_ZIshmael_Z Posts: 8,981
    12 Martin van Buren
  • rkrkrkrkrkrk Posts: 8,406
    25A - assimilate?
  • nielhnielh Posts: 1,307
    Merry christmas.

    No idea re the crossword. I've never been any good at them, this is no exception.
  • Ishmael_ZIshmael_Z Posts: 8,981
    20D outback
  • alex.alex. Posts: 4,658
    edited December 2017
    Ishmael_Z said:

    12 Martin van Buren

    Seems you need to know your obscure US history for this one!

  • AndrewAndrew Posts: 2,900
    edited December 2017
    SandyRentool said:

    Sorry to drag things back to politics, but:

    'Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been formally barred from competing in next year's presidential election.'


    You could probably file that under least surprising political news of the year.

    I wonder what Putin plans for when his 6 year term runs out in 2024. Formally he can't stand again, so repeat the job-swap stunt with Medvedev? Or screw that, abandon the pretence and declare himself Eternal Leader for life?
  • Ishmael_ZIshmael_Z Posts: 8,981
    27a undertaker
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 1,889
    3D. Yes. Yvette Cooper. Anagram of “type to cover” around E for European.
This discussion has been closed.