Ev 1169

[x_word_fan]

Enjoyable puzzle with a tricky endgame - I assume there is a typo re "fourteen cells" it's not the number I count!

[roslyn251254]

yes it is surely 15 to be in the line or why should the J be omitted?

[DocHH]

It certainly need the fifteenth letter for completeness! As it's the last day of the Easter weekend, it is now sunny and warmer!!

[jim360]

A bit unfortunate that there should be a possible typo in the preamble. An endgame-heavy puzzle, I thought, or perhaps it just took me a while to figure out what was needed. Along the way I learned a fair bit about Scottish Rock bands, Pakistani towns, and random Norwegian words before I finally got to what was needed in the unclued entries! Oh well -- thanks Stick Insect.

[allanwalls]

I agree with you. Can't see why the first initial isn't included.
I am perplexed that I cannot see the relevance of the shape. I'm sure it will turn out to be blindingly obvious. Any hints?
Fun challenge. Thanks SI.

[roslyn251254]

allan - read the poem down to the end

[jim360]

I've been informed that it should read "fifteen cells" not fourteen.

[roslyn251254]

thanks jim

[DocHH]

I echo roslyn251254's thanks to Jim360 for resolving the issue. However, I think you are all being rather too polite in calling it a typographical error. In all honesty, it is a lack of attention to detail by the editor. Hopefuly an apology will be published in the not too distant future.
Jim360, how is the literature search and initial data gathering proceeding?

[jim360]

It's also one of only two such mistakes in two years. Since the EV editor's job (and any check-solvers he may call on) is voluntary, only two such errors is fairly good going by anyone's standards. Obviously a shame about this particular mistake but the likelihood is that most solvers will see what is intended and those who draw a line through only fourteen characters are also unlikely to be penalised, so no harm done.

I don't really gather data as I'm a theoretician, Doc -- all the same, watch this space (I hope).