MUMS/Cisra 2013

[Bunnylump]

Do you know what? I would love it if I could say that - but sadly, I can't see anyone rushing to get me over to look at things!! Unless, of course you want a few blind alleys supplied and a few red herrings to go and catch, that is. That seems my usual role in puzzle hunts!

[LAT]

Oh it's easy for me to say that you know. I am also fairly confident I won't get asked!

[giraffe]

Well I'll be in and out as usual. Maybe a bit more erratically than normal as Kingsley and Fernando both have exams (In fact they are both sitting the same exam on Tuesday!) but Fernando is on study leave so may be willing to cast an eye over things to give an opinion if needed.

[giraffe]

Is the Jester around or still on his holiday?

We usually have a forum open just for our team / those who have registered interest here don't we?

[Bunnylump]

He's definitely back, but I believe is flat out preparing the next set of puzzles for your perusal!! Scurra, when you get a minute, the forum would be useful, please. Even if it's just so that I can be gobsmacked by how clever you all are.

[giraffe]

Just for future reference:
CISRA 2013
9 May 2013

Puzzle Week dates for the 2013 competition have been finalised! Puzzle Week begins on Monday 29 July, and the competition ends on Monday 5 August. We are still confirming prizes and any possible changes to the competition terms and conditions for this year, as well as the traditional early release date for the Group 1 puzzles. Registration of teams will open once these have all been finalised.

(I'm on holiday so will miss the whole thing, even if I can log in I will have no access to a printer.)

[Bunnylump]

I'll be around for a little bit of that.

[giraffe]

Received this morning.

Hello Puzzlers,

The 2013 CiSRA Puzzle Competition has just opened for registration of
teams. Important dates for 2013 are:

Monday 22 July - Group 1 Puzzles released
Monday 29 July - Puzzle week begins, Group 2 released
Monday 5 August - End of competition

We also want to make you aware that the format of the competition has
changed slightly this year. Feedback in 2011 and 2012 suggested many
teams were not attempting any of the metapuzzle, since it was not worth
points. We thought this was a shame, since we were proud of the
metapuzzles, but we realised that the relatively easy mini-puzzle pieces
were not even being seen, let alone attempted, by many of the teams.

So this year we have removed the metapuzzle, and added some "easier"
difficulty puzzles, one to each puzzle Group. This makes a total of 25
puzzles worth 125 points, rather than the 20 puzzles for 100 points in
all previous years. We hope this makes the competition more enjoyable
for everyone.

Good luck in this year's competition!

[giraffe]

Very annoyed that we are away, but I may be around for some of the first round, which are released a week early.

[Bunnylump]

Well I don't suppose it would make the slightest difference if I was here or not (and after last time I don't think there's any point me even bothering to look, although I do like to see the puzzles and how you are all getting on, even if I can't do any of them.) But as it happens I'm away for the main bit too.

[eirian]

I'll be around, but will have as little time as usual to look at the puzzles. I've tended to find that by the time either I've found a puzzle I can attempt, or someone has pointed me at it, and I've had an initial go at it, the whole thing has finished and I've got nowhere!
I will, however, have a go if I'm pointed/manage to spot a logic style puzzle.

[giraffe]

Or one that needs lego? I was trying to think who would have access to lego if I'm away and Thomas sprang to mind. It's a vital puzzling tool.

[Bunnylump]

I've still got Lego AND Duplo here (mind you it's in the loft so I'm not in a rush...

[LAT]

Oh we've got loads in our loft too. But since it is just through the back of a cupboard in our spare room it's easily accessed.

I don't suppose any of the puzzles ever use Sylvanian Families do they? I'd love an excuse to get all that out again.

[Bunnylump]

I was extremely miffed that K took her Sylvanian families canal boat off to her house!! How very dare she??

[LAT]

K's is in the other loft - through her room, along with the mansion and the windmill and lots of animals and furniture. I particularly liked the loo which had a very realistic sounding flush!

[Bunnylump]

I love the canal boat, it's got a washing line with pegs and everything!! I could quite happily sit and play with it right now... (OMG I really am that sad!!)

[LAT]

Then I must be just as sad!

Maybe we should have a Sylvanian Families themed meet!

[Bunnylump]

Well, I'd be up for that... I could come as Mrs Babblebrook...

[MBH]

And they complain about us with 'boys' conversations?

(Goes off to check that the MOLE is in the pod of Thunderbird 2)