Listener 4159 - Crovvword by Pointer

[starwalker]

Some lovely clues have brought me to the point where I just have to find the third item to illustrate, and I feel a need to rest. Thanks (in advance) Pointer. You have enlightened me and revived long-lost lessons.

[dr b]

Another very quick grid fill, and a clever way of concealing the "hidden message". I'll have to get back to executing the instruction therein a bit later this afternoon.

[contendo]

That's two quick grid-fills in succession. 1A actually appears in almost the same form in this week's Big Issue crossword. That can't happen very often. I've got the unclued entries and therefore the theme, but haven't yet got the three thematic items. Like Starwalker I feel it's time for a rest.

[Ruthrobin]

Yes, we thought this was beautifully clued and, with a full grid, stopped looking for how and what we are illustrating a while ago. A break seems to be a sound method of moving onward.

[Ruthrobin]

Yes, indeed, 'a clever way of concealing the hidden message'!

[easylistener]

Hurray my quickest grid fill ever and a theme I remember from A level studies. Now to start the grid stare.

[AHearer]

As has been said, quite an easy grid fill (helped by the fact that one or two of the more obscure words have turned up in other crosswords recently). The message was indeed neatly hidden, but I still have to work out how to obey its instruction. A glass of wine might help....or it might not, and tomorrow is another day.

[emcee]

Just back from the hostelry. A fairly rapid gridfill with a handful to check in the BRB and the hidden message found which was very satisfying. I'm going to take a break too and hopefully finish off tomorrow. I have an idea what's required but more research necessary.

[sunny-dave]

Full grid, message found - brain/eyes not up to much else tonight (hello Mr Viognier) ....

[Zabadak]

It's one of those isn't it? A quick grid fill - no more than a slightly tricky Times - followed by guess what private code has been employed to place what where. (No doubt it'll be obvious when you see it)
I have the two wordsearch items, and have a pretty clear idea of what the final shape will be - the description doesn't leave you many choices. There's at least one thematic way to identify the "more specific information" that leads to words, at least two of which are connected. How to apply? D'you know, I don't think I care. Like (it seems) the whole company, I'll sleep on it and see if anything dawns and or enthusiasm for wordsearch re-emerges in the morning. Sorry to be so grumpy.

[contendo]

So we're all stuck at the same point. It seems to me that the word is going to be awfully long if you follow the hidden message - minimum of 24 letters...

[AHearer]

Contendo, read the rubric again.

[sunny-dave]

Interesting comments Zabadak. I've had an 18 month or so break from Listeners & am using a £1 for 1 month TCC offer to have a look again.

I've done virtually all of the last fifteen or so puzzles over the past three weeks (numeric aside) and two definite patterns have emerged. Either fiendishly difficult Carte Blanches or very easy grid fills with tricky pdm grid alterations (sometimes quite inadequately confirmed).

Have I just got older and grumpier, have I just been unlucky with the recent run of puzzles, or has some of the previous "infinite variety and amusement" gone missing ??

[Ruthrobin]

A sleep helped and we've got there. Indeed, we did just what it said. No sunny-dave, there have been some of all kinds this year including nuclear physics, foreign flags, witches on broomsticks and the Pushmipullyu, for example. Stick with it.

[trux]

Grid filled in record time ; hidden message just about excuses resultant simplicity of clues, I suppose - now scratching my head (a little sore after guests for last two nights) to work out how to execute instruction. Thanks, Pointer (although final endgame is not really helping speed of my recovery).

[AndrewG-S]

Quick grid fill but enjoyable clues. Best part was the instruction which was well concealed and the final illustration which took a little head scratching. Thanks Pointer

[borealis]

Very satisfiying all round, this one. Multiple pdms, great finish (and reason for grid shape) and a bit of education, for me at least. Although the "grid fill" was relatively quick, I notice a distinct absence of Friday night club finishers here! Thanks, Pointer.

[silversolver]

Yes, very enjoyable and a lovely puzzle. Like others, a quick grid fill last night then sorted out the endgame this morning. The hiding of the message was indeed original and fun. Thanks, Pointer.

[midazolam]

Same boat here too. Friday grid finish and everything apart from the illustration until this morning when the last piece fell into place. Excellent all round, thanks Pointer

[cluelessJoe]

Me too. A sleep helped, and it's remarkable how much an early morning flu-jab concentrates the mind - particularly when it's in the wife's arm while you sit in the waiting room finishing the crossy :)