Listener 4300: 22 Across By Calmac

[AHearer]

I suppose it had to come -- I mean both the theme and an easy one after a few gems. I am sure there could have been something more exciting by way of an end-game, but thanks anyway, Calmac.

[s_pugh]

I'm hopeful Contrarian - I think the delay is just with Brewers which is pending reprint. If you don't want to wait for that tome (or have it already) there are other options available which are listed on the Listener website. I chose an alternative last time I won as I had Brewers already and it was delivered pretty swiftly. If any other winners are waiting out there check out the website as there are 3 additional choices available.

[Contrarian]

Thanks for that. I didn't realise that there were alternatives.

Looking forward to my ed. of Chambers.

[doctormatt]

Busy weekend so I enjoyed this one!

[Inanna47]

F

[Inanna47]

Sorry! That wasn't a rude word

[Inanna47]

I wanted to ask if someone could possibly email me a copy of today's listener. I'm in Wales and haven't been able to get a copy of the Times.

[BlackHugh]

Inanna - I can send you one. My e-mail is [email protected]

[Cagey]

Back from hols late yesterday.
Godly mix up went very swiftly this morning, maybe number bias allowed pattern recognition there in a way that find hard with letters. This one, full grid I think, but struggling to highlight required number. Calling it a day, will look again tomorrow. Still last weeks ev to catch up on and a new one of them tomorrow and all. Tv now instead.

[IainGrace]

Been away a lot recently so no real attempt yet at 4299. Noted that 4300 presents less of a challenge. A "must do" given that we are frequent CalMac users?

[Mesnilpat]

I had correctly predicted the theme, so this was an easy one for me. A mon avis (and assuming I have interpreted it correctly) the endgame is highly appropriate. Well done Calmac for combining a good puzzle with respect.

[Cagey]

Yes, within a few moments this morning had highlighting. Thank you calmac, an enjoyable puzzle, that time ways held me longer than last weeks.

[IainGrace]

Finished. Agree with comments. Gentle ride and commendably put together. No issues with rubric or clues.

[contendo]

I liked the wide spread of difficulty of the clues. Some of the misprinted definitions were well disguised. I struggled for a long time with a miscount when "marking the place" until the penny dropped as to why.

[Ruthrobin]

This continuation of the discussion of the relative difficulty of the Listener, the IQ and the EV might be of interest. (I do have permission to post the link).
http://phionline.net.nz/2014/06/update-28-june/

[jim360]

I barely look at the IQ but the EV lately seems to have got a little harder on average. Wonder why. It's nice to have a challenge now and then but sometimes you can be too stretched by a crossword.

This weekend's EV wasn't difficult so much as confusing, for a while, but the endgame was a bit tough (partly because I got two clues wrong that obscured it!). The Listener by contrast felt a lot easier. But it changes every week!

And for a really tough workout it's surely the Magpie (hey, I may as well plug the Magpie as well) with the toughest puzzles ... this month's prize puzzle for example!

[sunny-dave]

Catching up with the backlog ... this one didn't blow me away :)