ev 853

[devadolly]

Hello everyone - as usual, am supposed to be doing something else, but as test cake now in the oven thought I would see if the N & C had begun...................No? Well it has now! Haven't had a chance to look at EV yet I'm saving it for a nice peaceful hour or two about 3pm when Himself goes out to start work.

Regards

[novalis]

Hi Devadolly!

Right on both counts.

As for the instructions --- They are formed by taking the first letter of each clue in the normal order i.e. you need to take the first letter ( S ) of the clue which gives you the answer to 1 across and so on.

I agree with Rollo's post. Krugerr must have spent ages devising this.

[novalis]

Hi Rollo!

Yes there are three words to be written below the grid. Unfortunately and unusually there is no line for this.

[Rollo]

Where does it say you have to write three words under the grid?

There is nothing about doing that on my version, which I printed from the cluedup website, and there is nothing about doing it in the "instruction" formed from the first letters of the clues in conventional order either.

Am I missing something?

[devadolly]

Oh I am such a twit! What did my teachers say to me all those years ago? Make sure you read the question properly.........................! I was trying to make sense of the first letters of the answers - too much cake mix, it has addled my brain! Many thanks.

[novalis]

Hi Rollo!

From the paper version:-

Clues are given in alphabetical order of their answers which must be entered wherever they will fit. When rearranged in conventional order, these clues will initially provide the solver with instructions. To demonstrate complete understanding of the theme, they then should express DEEPEST AFFECTIONS in three words below the grid.

[Rollo]

Thanks for that novalis.

The online version is different. Here is a screenshot of what it says:

http://i41.tinypic.com/10oo4kn.jpg

[DocHH]

Hello Novalis,
I was also looking for words, in blocks of 4x6 and also 3x8 etc, then in a sort of circle, 3 horizontal, 3 diagonal 3 vertical etc, which is when the elusive letter shouted at me. So the online Clued-up lived up to its more appropriate name!

[Rollo]

Perhaps the three words should be:

"I LOVE KRUGER"

or maybe

"TELEGRAPH SCREWS UP"

Or maybe not!

[BigDave44]

I have put some info on the c**k up, as supplied by Rollo, on the blog.

If someone would be good enough to check it out, it would be most appreciated.

Also, I can add something about the missing bar if it could be emailed to me (via the contact page) stating where it should be and from which versions it is missing.

Many thanks

http://bigdave44.com/2009/03/08/screwedup-news -mar-8/

[novalis]

Thanks for that Rollo. I note that the missing bar is there in the on-line version.

[copelander]

The missing bar (in the paper version, anyway ) is above the 4th letter of 46a. Also, usually, when EV compilers ask for something to be written below the grid, there is aline drawn on which to write the answer. A small point, I know, just a niggle. Still don't know which 3 words but I don't really love Kruger much at the moment, though having griped, I did enjoy this crossword.

[novalis]

Hi Copelander --- given the title of the puzzle and what you need to shade I think it has to be the obvious three word expression of DEEPEST AFFECTION. ( No.....not "Preston's of Bolton if you remember their adverts. )

[Rollo]

Apart from guessing an obvious three words, I cannot see how anybody is expected to come up with them.

But then I am not very good at completing instructions in preambles.

Maybe the online version is correct, and there is no three word requirement.

[novalis]

Hi Rollo!
You could have a point about there not being a three-word phrase required. The paper version doesn't have a line for it.

[DocHH]

Hello everyone,
I suspect Devadolly was on the button with the Valentine balloon/card suppliers prolific use of those three little words! It would have been nice however if Kruger had given the number of letters in each of the 3 words. My guess would be 1,4,3! A term males tend to use less than they should when with their partners!

[novalis]

Hi Doc HH!

Yes -- it would have been better had the number of letters been given. As you say, not used often enough by males ---but I've been accused of being soppy when I've used it!!

[DocHH]

Hello Novalis
I suspect copelander might have an opinion on this! As will any of the other female contributors to this thread. I hope we haven't spoiled this EV for Christiana, who doesn't try to solve it until monday, and if we haven't I hope Christiana found the thread, and having found it, found it helpful!
Ciao

[devadolly]

Hello! Are we all going to put the 'soppy' 1,4,3 under the grid then? Bet whoever called you soppy Novalis wrote a 'dear diary' in big red letters that night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No you chaps don't say it often enough - have a heck of a job getting Himself to say it face to face, he seems to be able to manage it when one of us is away and we are speaking on the telephone..............note to all girls, get your fella a large brown paper bag to wear and then he can pretend he is not actually there.
A little hint - a tasteful (not necessarily large) and unexpected bunch of flowers is as good as anything and if supported by a sub-hearing mumble can put you right in the good books, even if it is immediately followed by the question "What have you done?"

Regards

[copelander]

You males just don't use it enough!!..... Soppy? I don't think so.. My main concern is the plural form of AFFECTIONS. But, go on, say it tonight, if at all appropriate. I'm sure Devadolly will also agree, if she ever gets that cake sorted out.

[DocHH]

Novalis,
It seems I guessed correctly about the views of our "lady" contributors to this thread! Please follow the 2 "rubrics" preceeding this post with absolute attention to detail!!
Do we get eye-holes cut into the brown bag or can we not know which way we are facing? I am quite concerned about flowers and the hay-fever problem, is a picture OK?