Listener 4089 Vive la Difference by Kevin

[starwalker]

A very pleasant and enjoyable debut by Kevin. Some nice clues and a familiar theme which made me realise how quickly time passes. Possibly suitable for newcomers, but personally, I think that 32D is a bit of a beast. (I'm still not 100% convinced I have the correct answer) Interesting to see what others make of it.

[Zabadak]

Decent enough exercise with a pretty dénouement on several levels. I thought the workings on the clashing letters was very well done, so credit to Kevin. I'm with you on that bottom right corner: though in the end 35 and the crossing 24 sort out their variant spellings, I think there's a decent case for 32d being either of two possibilities, depending on which way round you read the clue. I know which one I prefer, but would fight for your right to put in the other one!

[midazolam]

I agree an enjoyable début, although I wished there was something extra on top of what the misprints spell out.

32 down just does not make sense to me. If it was "Dull became..." then it would make perfect sense but given the meaning of "passing" it just does not add up as a clue. Reminds me of my Latin days when I had to translate sentences and rearrange words to make it work grammatically.

[midazolam]

Although scrutinising Chambers further, under the definition(s) of "passing" it could be construed either way and therefore it might make sense as it stands.

[tweaker]

Just made a start, already have a few in. Debut by Kevin, I'm enjoying it so far...

Thanks mr M.

[turnerjmw]

Sorry, but despite the generally fair clueing I'm afraid I found this pedestrian, with a humdrum finale and a final grid with non-words. Oh for numbers every other week for a bit more mental stimulation. A great shame that we have to wait three months for another. I agree about 32dn - a dreadful clue. I've no doubt all-corrects have gone up in smoke in similar circumstances, though I think the position of the definition in the clue probably seals it for me

[Zabadak]

Perhaps we should campaign for a regular and separate strand of number puzzles, keeping everyone happy. While I enjoy the occasional maths exercise, it's words that make it all worthwhile to me. I can't remember the last time I smiled at a mathematical pun! The ST has fro years done a weekly logic puzzle which I only rarely attempt. Are numericals harder to set, or does the current 1 in 13 ratio reflect their popularity?

[Ruthrobin]

Oh dear, turnerjmw, have pity on those of us for whom the numericals are sheer misery. Lots of us would throw in the towel if we had one every two weeks. One a year would do for me. Yes, this has been a pleasant stroll in comparison, so far - but I haven't got 32d yet. (Spotted the theme - somewhat introspective!)

[dr b]

Z, enjoying mathematical puns is a sine of madness!

This was was OK, perfectly good cluing but a so-so PDM. Still pondering 32d but I will put it down for a bit.

[turnerjmw]

Ruthrobin, one a year, however can you hope to improve? Fortnightly is the answer, my letter is winging its way to the Editor as we speak . . .

[cluelessJoe]

Good one dr b

I think there was a time when the Listener crew published one numerical each month. One sure way to scare off the masses nowadays I'm sure - hope they don't ever decide to bring back the good times.

[Zabadak]

tjmw: My letter will be wingeing its way right behind yours. I'm in favour of (or not actively against) one a week - but alongside the crossword. On a point of info, just what has been the regularity of number puzzles? I checked one year at random on the Listener site and found only 2 in the year. Maybe there's just not that many setters with a mathematical frame of mind.

[thebuzz999]

I have to disagree on 32d - while not the best clue I've ever seen, I think it is perfectly sound and there is only one answer that comports with strict cryptic clue rules.

23a had me stumped the longest - I had the answer but figuring out the wordplay was tough for me.

[u10]

For a superb mathematical every month, you could subscribe to Magpie crosswords - www.piemag.com for details. As well as that there are crosswords at least as difficult as the average Listener word puzzle. I'd recommend it.

[Mysterons]

Once a month has my vote - interestingly, the final puzzle to appear in The Listener magazine in January 1991 was a posthumous numerical by Klan (http://www.listenercrossword.com/Years/Puzzl
es/L3/L30/L3089.html)

[easylistener]

Well I thought at last an easy listener to match my name. Made a good start, woke in the heat of the night with more solutions, got on with it before breakfast but now hit a brick wall. Only stuck on 15a, 26a,35a, 9d, 32d. Can't yet see the theme. Googling the date hasn't helped. Any hints gratefully received. This doesn't count a scheating in my book as I don't submit for prizes! Oh and regarding the debate about numericals, just keep them well away from me and I will be happy!

[dr b]

Upon further review, I find 32d to be perfectly fine. I know you all have been waiting to hear this so you can get on with your Saturday.

[Lewap]

Zabadak - For the uninitiated, what is the ST? I enjoy (and look forward to) the numericals, as they tend to keep me going all week!
Cheers

[jacinth]

Probably my quickest finish.

easylistener - four of your five were in my last five - 15a, 9d and 26a are all in Bradfords which I didn't look at until this morning. I agree 32d is a bit of a stinker. I usually get these the wrong way round.

[easylistener]

Thanks, Jacinth, I have all clues (pretty much) but am stuck on the milestone thing. I can guess where to and the like but no idea how it relates to the date. Have an idea it is to do with a tv drama I have little interest in?

[jacinth]

e.l. - I think you should take another look at Ruthrobin's post!