Cryptic way to enter the crypt
The long-serving crossword puzzle builder John Graham (aka Araucaria) is dying of oesophageal cancer and used a crossword puzzle in the Guardian to reveal the news. Above cryptic crossword No 25,842 sat a set of special instructions: "Araucaria," it said, "has 18 down of the 19, which is being treated with 13 15". Those who solved the puzzle found the answer to 18 was cancer, to 19 oesophagus, and to 13 15 palliative care. The solutions to some of the other clues were: Macmillan, nurse, stent, endoscopy, and sunset. Araucaria said a crossword had seemed the most fitting way to make the announcement.
Any nice shots?
The Houston Chronicle takes note of a Twitter exchange between someone at CNN and a young woman who was stuck in a classroom at Lone Star College when shooting began. The girl first tweeted to ask someone to call her mum and let her know she was OK. CNN tweet: "do you have any pictures of what's going on at the school to share with CNN?" Her response: "No because I didn't think to take pictures while I thought my life was in jeopardy."
Sounds like hot air
