Listener 4139: An Unsettled Spell by Nutmeg

[AHearer]

I spent a long time staring at a grid with the source filled in and a knowledge of the letters that had slipped before I started cracking the clues. Having basically solved it in the reverse order I feel slightly dissatisfied, but that's my fault rather than Nutmeg's.

[contendo]

Thanks Philoctetes. 29ac seems obvious now.

[AndrewG-S]

I really care very little for what Leeds fans sing or sung. What I do care about is following this crass and now offensive debate on this site. Please stop or start another thread elsewhere.

[cluelessJoe]

AndrewG-S, you are dead right and, strangely enough, I had just decided to come here and make a final post (I presume from your note that the removed one above yours was offensive?).
All I want to say is that I apologise unreservedly to all for daring to comment on a footy result - something which sadly ended up with me being branded a racist / Nazi. There is a very good reason why I objected so strongly to being so labelled, and the perpetrator might one day just wish to wonder why.
Thanks to those who expressed support, and who appreciate that personal slanderous attacks on this board are simply not tolerable. However, it seems that in mentioning that result, I supposedly invited personal onslaught, so it's clearly my fault for daring to make a light hearted quip in the first place. How sad!
I must also apologise to Nutmeg if he/she reads this thread.
Because (hovewer unintentionally) my first post caused this thread to go so bad, I feel obliged to offer my instant resignation from the AnswerBank. I also don't think I should stick around as there is no guarantee that I won't suffer similar school bully tactics in future weeks, and I do not wish to expose anyone to that stuff again, it has no place on these Listener forums.
Thank you all for your companionship over the years, it has been fun and I have met some great people. Maybe we'll meet again some time.
Very best regards, cJ

[Ruthrobin]

CJ, as one of the AB regulars and on behalf of almost all the others, I refuse to accept your resignation. You are one of the most appreciated and most honest and rational voices here, never overstepping the limits that we have almost all imposed on ourselves.
Yes, it is very sad for Nutmeg, if she does read the thread, to see that it has gone so wildly off the topic of her superb creation, but that is not your doing. Some of us hate soccer, but it is a sub-thread whenever there is something going on in that parallel world. I understand that you are feeling very sour but plead with you to have a break and come back here in a while.

[AndrewG-S]

cJ, you are right that the post above mine was offensive. While I appreciate your sentiments I also find it sad that anyone should be driven to a position of no longer wanting to participate in what is for the most part a light-hearted discussion as a consequence of a one-man crusade which does not in any way reflect the substantial majority of opinion on the site. I hope that at some stage you will decide to reconsider.

[Clamzy]

Sorry cJ I can't accept your resignation either.
Come back soon.

[Clamzy]

The distraction has taken away my manners.

Many thanks Nutmeg for a most enjoyable solve.

[midazolam]

cJ - it would be a shame to lose you, as you have brought many light-hearted comments to this board that have made me smile (or laugh out loud e.g. 4 quenelle). It has been over 3 and a half years since we have commented on Listener puzzles here and have fought together to keep these listener threads going with hints only (many may not know the difficulties back then).

Personally I have made bonds with a number of AB users off line including yourself and I agree you are not one to rock the boat. The freedom of the internet means we cannot bar those who continually stir up unfounded arguments, several of us have now been in the firing line. I am pleased this community has expanded, but we do not need to put up with individuals like him spoiling it for everyone with hurtful comments.

I hope to see you back here in the future

[pushmi-pullyu]

Please don't leave us CJ - I always enjoy your comments. It will be a sadly diminished forum without you.

[Philoctetes]

I was the one that reported the removed post (there may have been others) and it did indeed breach ALL of the rules for posts on the board. However, the fault was not with C-J, and i would hope that all here can just take a deep breath and concentrate on the rational delights of the Listener. Sty with us, CJ - if nothing else I still need hints for the SW corner!

[AndrewG-S]

Philoctetes, you were certainly not the only one.

[Apemantus]

I withdraw my confused remarks re: 30ac. All is clear now.

As for football, hmm. Idiot has broken bat in game (8)

It is of course supposed to be a beautiful game. Sadly I have joined the conversation at a time of conflict. I agree that there must be specialist fora - don't start me on one of these clues ;) - for this activity. All tastes are catered for on the internet. This is for the crossword.

[AndrewG-S]

Maybe we can get to 100 posts with "answer removed"s - that would be a first.

[Patch49]

I suppose you clever lot have all shut up shop and moved on to challenges new, but spare a though for those of us still struggling! Barely half the clues solved and still no idea what's going on. Maybe a couple more answers will provide the adrenaline rush of the PDM

[Clamzy]

Ninety-seven.

[Philoctetes]

Finished - some unusual cluing in SW corner but I suppose it makes sense. On the subject of heroes, I am missing two, IMHO the only two of the group that show real character and spirit. Admittedly the smaller one is present in a way, but I think he deserves a place!

[Ruthrobin]

99! I think you should only be missing one! Most people's favourite!

[Mysterons]

The setter's missed a character ? 'E ought to have known better !