Ev 100 Compere By Oxymoron

[dr b]

Not a surprising theme, but clever execution, sly title, & remarkable that only real words fill the final grid, so everything you'd expect from Mr O., I suppose.

A balmy 25F today after several nights of single-digit lows.

[dr b]

Gah! EV 1100 of course!

[novalis]

Hi Dr B.

Totally agree with your sentiments. Much better and more challenging than EV 1000.

[DocHH]

Hello both, it took me an age to work out where the 24 empty cells were, then I asked myself, WHY? I had an American MD who would have used the last 2 words.

[novalis]

Oxymoron was responsible for EV 800 as well and used a similar device there with what filled the gaps indicated either by corrected misprints or redundent letters - I think the former. I remember helping Devadolly with it.

[jim360]

Solved this one all right -- thankfully not a difficult theme to guess in the end which helped me when I moved into the top half of the grid. Thanks Oxymoron.

[devadolly]

Good Heavens! I'm swimming in mud here. Will plod on, but was beginning to lose hope when no-one had posted.................at least I know it is doable by the higher levels brains among you! How are you all? Nice to see your reappearnce novalis!

[novalis]

Hi Devadolly! Work has got in the way of EV-ing recently. A synonym of the title may help you on your way.

[devadolly]

Thanks novalis, had already wandered down that lane with no bright star in the sky as yet, am plodding along little by little, at least it keeps me occupied!

[DocHH]

Devadolly,
You could also continue your astronomy and include Roman Numerals when considering the hint that Novalis gave! In fact although dr b was only correcting his typographical error in the title of his original post, it turns out to be quite a good hint!

[devadolly]

Now you have all lost me completely!

[novalis]

Hi Devadolly!

If you have the right synonym think about its usual pronunciation and, as Dr. HH suggests, think what that usual pronunciation represents in Roman numerals. That shouild give you the two blank shapes which need filling in accordingly. The abbreviation referred to in the preamble is one with which all EVers are totally familiar.

[Twit-Who]

Excellent puzzle and thanks to Oxymoron. Despite a quick grid fill on Sunday I've only just picked it up again for the final step of filling the gaps due to having to say a very sad but peaceful goodbye to the younger of my two elderly cats - a mere 20 years old.

[devadolly]

Thanks novalis, I really am losing the plot! So obvious when a little brain power is activated.
Christina, how sad, I do feel for you, I have yet to work out which is worse, when they finally give in to old age and illness, or when they cross the road once to often whilst in the prime of life.