Listener No 4224 How To ----- By Colleague

[Ruthrobin]

Another gentle grid fill to start off the year. We have just had the pdm and are happily checking the endgame in Brewer. Thank you, Colleague!

[starwalker]

Yes, I got the theme a few minutes ago and am just in the process of filling in a few annoying gaps. Hope that my version of Brewers is up to the job. Thanks for the entertainment and the education, Colleague.

[trux]

All finished. Nice aesthetic (and unambiguous) finish, but perhaps all a bit straightforward in the end. Many thanks to Colleague, nonetheless, for a gentle workout, leaving weekend mercifully free.

[jim360]

I managed to guess at the theme after not much more than ten clues solved -- that sped up my progress tremendously as I was able to insert the required thematic members and fill the grid around them. It all came together nicely apart from one or two annoying points in the grid. But all sorted now I think, although two words seem not to be in my BRB (at least, not with the definition I was expecting). Ho Hum.

I enjoyed the clue to 38d, though it was my last to solve.

[perseverer]

Actually had the pdm purely from the preamble - not like me! Didn't spoil the solving process. Haven't been able to find the theme in my 1975 Brewer's - must get a new one some time, but Wiki to the rescue for confirmation.

[bobbycollins]

If you haven't tackled today's Guardian (free on line) puzzle, I urge you to do so. It is so terribly poignant, ballsy and brave. If you don't have time and wish to know what I'm on about please mail me at [email protected].

Just about to start this one with a glass of merlot.

[emcee]

A nice puzzle. I liked the clues - not too easy but difficult enough to allow a steady gridfill. I thought the checking in the grid was a tad generous.

I too had a good idea of the theme from the very start!

Thanks to Colleague for an entertaining solve.

[easterfool]

Grid filled and all the shading done but I can't explain 23 down, 43 and 49 across to myself and I can think of 2 ways of completing the title. Thoroughly enjoyed finding the shading/highlighting.

I can't find the theme in my Millennium Edition of Brewers'. Any hints as to where it is?

A nice straightforward fill, no misprints - so should be a good one for new solvers to have a go at - especially if they can explain my missing full solutions!

The first time that I have completed the grid on Friday for a very long time, probably from when The Listener came out on a Thursday! The New Year Resolution is still holding.

[Alekhine]

I remain bedecked in the metaphorical tracksuit. How long can it last?

An intriguing and educational topic. I loved 22D and 39D.

[olichant]

Can I possibly second bobbycollins' suggestion to try Friday's Guardian? 13, 15 - in its own unique, poignant way - may go down in crossword history as one of the finest clues ever. I don't think I am exaggerating.

[easterfool]

Oh what a fool I am. The 3 clues are obvious - especially when I stop thinking about them and use my eyesight. Still can't locate the theme in my Brewers, but the title completion I have decided on - again by letting my brain do something else.

I do so agree with Alekhine that 22 down is fun (it made me laugh out loud) but I liked 11 down particularly too.

[tilbee]

No, do not yet have my paper as yet, but just wanted to post here after learning on the news of a very poignant story about Araucaria's latest puzzle. I must confess that I have not had the pleasure for a long time, but back in my younger leftward leaning Guardian buying days, a puzzle by Araucaria was always a delight to be looked forward to, and hopefully there are still many more for his fans to look forward to.

[IainGrace]

May we endorse the comments from bobbycollins, olichant and tilbee regarding yesterday's Guardian puzzle?

[Stavrolex]

I thought that was pretty straightforward, but had no idea of the theme until the final grid-staring, at which point Google came to my assistance, and everything fitted together very nicely. A good one for new solvers in that most of the clues were very easy, but I still don't understand 23d or 26a...

[Ruthrobin]

Araucaria's puzzle appeared already in the current 1 Across and deeply moved us. What courage to face the situation in the way he has. Isn't he a wonderful inspiration to all of us?

[tnap]

Am I alone in thinking that the second replacement is incorrectly spelled? For a while that had me thinking that I'd misunderstood the theme.

[tnap]

Answering my own question, I see now that it's the BRB that's not up to international standard! Can't blame Colleague for that.

[aldanna]

Full grid without too much trouble but, as ever, no idea as to what to do next, and I don't own a copy of Brewers. A bit of grid-staring beckons.

[tenflags]

Whilst I have a 2009 edition of Brewers I suspect what you are looking for is in earlier editions as well Perseverer and Easterfool... consider the theme and then re-read the pre-amble and then my message will be understood.

[tenflags]

.... oh and in the online version I think there may be a typo in the clue for 39 D; I might be missing something of course (very possible) as no one else has noted it but it makes more sense to me with an 'S' instead of a 'P' at least.

[jim360]

I wondered about 39d too. It's clear what the answer has to be, but what it has to do with bees is beyond me.