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luftmensch - in what way isnt it irrational?

Before I attempt to move to the shading, can anyone help with the parsing of ...

17d - Vulnerable spot for news journalist (10)

Is the "spot for news" TEN?

24a - Absolute stunner (5)

I did think "absolute" might be (utt)ER but that would mean the final A in 8d seems is not included in the wordplay but isn't it A(cting) and dodgy ON A?

PS Up to 5 letters may be omitted in the wordplay.

PPS I've got 8d as one of the 25 so 24a can't be 'utter' for absolute - so what is the parsing?

17: First 5 letters unclued. You're right about TEN, and it's followed by usual abbreviation for journalist

24: A is abbreviation for absolute - other letters unclued. Answer is something the police use

That's great, I had all the answers but wasn't sure about the shading, however ..... while awaiting a reply, I not only found the "author" but also exactly what needs to be shaded.

Many thanks Loge, much appreciated:-)

Have the puzzle complete, although not 100% sure of answer to 11 as can't figure out wordplay. I have an answer meaning far away, but am mystified by the california surf.

The end-game is frustrating me yet again. I have shaded four depictions of the same letter but am unhappy with the third in. I am struggling to justify the letters I need from 7 down and 16 across. A hint to the nature of the "author" would be welcome.

Not as brutal as a first reading of the preamble promised but still a bit of a bugger!

Hi SH,

11d - Yes, that's the word. The wordplay is a 4 letter word for the California surf roar (more commonly means 'mechanical learning') around E(uropean)

Hi Bobby,

Yes, it is the same 4 letters and the third one is written differently to the others. Just Google them as they appear and the author's name immediately appears (in bottom half of grid over 2 lines)

Aha! Thanks v much, brendan😊