EV 854 Threesome

[DocHH]

Hello EV N&Cers,
Populated the grid quite quickly, but did not locate the three proverbial recommendations in such a rapid manner. Would have been quite elegant if the 3 had appeared in the form of the first word of 5d!

[dr b]

Got it! Doc's clue got right to the, uh, heart of the matter.

thanks,

dr b

[Christiana]

Just popping in to say 'hello'. Will not be starting EV until tonight - was away over the weekend and out all day today - so have avoided too much perusal of the comments. It's just good to know I have a safety net, if needed. Warm regards to everyone. Back later.

[DocHH]

drb
Pleased to have helped, and you probably now realise why I only do hints/cryptic for what BigDave44 describes as trophy hunters, also for Matakari who is desperate to learn rather than be told the answers. BTW other than in student days was never in the Educational System. Did spend a time at Georgia Tech during my Masters though!
Ciao ciao

[dr b]

DocHH: So if I ever refer to you as a rambling wreck, I know you will take it in the right way.

[DocHH]

drb, certainly not, but I never wore my slide rule on my belt! And met a lady who used to collect me on a friday and take me to Lake Lanere (spelling?) to water ski and enjoy the American way of life in the early 70s for a weekend, returning me back to my font of learning monday morning! Fraternity house conversations were fun too!! In those days a UK accent certainly enhanced the social life! Fond memories.
I suspect that the passage of time will also mean that I will accept your "rambling wreck" description, it happens already I think!

[devadolly]

Thank you for the hints DocHH and everyone else, haven't had a chance to have another look yet but aim to before the night is out. Very distracting week ahead I fear, and don't think I am on form - even the usual half-baked form!
How nice it is to see so many new 'names' appearing for the N & C which seems to be VERY alive and well after last week's little blip! Welcome all.
As to the Echinacea Doc it is taken as well (not instead of) as the single distilled + red/white wines+Hendrick's+ whatever your choice..........
Regards

[novalis]

I get sidetracked for more than 24 hours and come back to finf everybody N-ing and C-ing.
Devadolly - thanks for the medical advice but this sore throat was caused by a virus with resulted in a bout of sickness just after I posted yesterday lunch time. Now feel on top of the world.

Dr B - I've been wrestling with EV for over ten years ( not as long as Devadolly who has been doing it since EV 1 ) and agree with Doc HH about comparative difficulty. This one wasn't too bad, but that's only my opinion. Others may differ.

To help all those who may not have ready access to Chambers I have Chambers Word Wizard on my list of favourite websites.

[novalis]

Sorry I submitted that without finishing. It is very good and gives 5d as it gave a Greek expression which was an answer to a clue about ten weeks ago. It is well worth "bookmarking/adding to list of favourite sites.

[Rollo]

I really do recommend this:

http://www.chambersharrap.co.uk/chambers/books /dictionaries/tcd_cd.shtml

Although it is the 2003 edition I find it invaluable, because it is searchable.

[DocHH]

Christiana,
We await your shout of "Eureka, it's completed", without the need of the safety net.
Ciao ciao

[DocHH]

Dear Devadolly,
Your ethereal friends are always here for you, and not just for EV hints.

[Rollo]

"ethereal or etherial adj consisting of ether; heavenly; airy; spirit-like."

Gosh!

He-he.

[copelander]

Rollo, I think heavenly is as good a synonym as any. I also think that EVs are generally more challenging than Spectator crosswords, but this particular EV was easier than most. But any puzzle that keeps the grey matter working has to be welcomed. DocHH, maybe next week's will have a particularly scientific bias to keep you and Physicsgirl happy.

[devadolly]

Nice words - thank you! Did indeed 'strain the brain' at 3am (insomnia does have its uses) have more or less finished it with 3 of the 4 odd clues but am having trouble with deciding whether 1d is a simple plural or should have a vowel ending also whether 2d is the filthy lucre or the festivities. 14a and 25a are refusing to be solved. No, I haven't got the 5d Latin bit either although I think I have the proverbial entries if they pertain to anorexia, what Physicsgirl must sometimes wish from miniPG, and the effect of just the right amount of Novalis's favourite tincture!
The Chamber's link you give DocHH - is it any different to the actual, beautifully thumbed and friendly looking hard back copy?

[DocHH]

Hello Devadolly
1d, plural, last 5 letters of it are an anagram of the last word of the clue, 2d festival, both of which will help with 14 and 25ac. You are on the right lines with the threesome. As for 5d have a look at the cryptic hints I gave earlier for each of the 2 words.

Personally I prefer the well thumbed hard back, but the CD is probably lighter, and could be carried along with a laptop!

[devadolly]

Carry a laptop.............................!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Where?

[devadolly]

Sorry DocHH, felt so faint after your horrific suggestion I had to rest! That is what I had 1a & d as but still not helping with the 14 & 24, I can feel an 'overtheshoulder' moment coning on!

Regards

[DocHH]

Don't give up yet Devadolly,
5d Cryptically clued the first 4 letters are A vintage of Novalis's favourite tipple and an unknown that marks the spot (3,1) (without the definition) The first 4 letters should then take you to "the heart of the matter"!! Next proceed to thumbed version of our favourite book, and the rest will be revealed.

14a 2 letters meaning "top class" 1 letter meaning "take" put a 3 letter meal inside and reverse.

25a Alternative for counter-tenors, last (coda) to first (intro)
I'm assuming you meant 25a not 24d!
By the way, my laptop doesn't always go with me, certainly not abroad any more, too much trouble at airports.
Hope this prevents a reverse projection of this weeks EV.

[novalis]

Hi Devadolly!

Hope you are well and glad you enjoyed the weekend. How did you find the Old Swan? ( They're sending us to Cedar Cort Hotel in Harrogate this year. )
Doc HH has given you to enough hints to finish this and I'm sitting here with a glass of Cotes Du Rhone ( either premier or grand + Roman numeral for 10 to give you a further hint to the first word of five down. )

[DocHH]

Hello Novalis
Thanks for the additional support to help Devadolly finalise this weeks EV. I wasn't sure if I had perhaps overstepped the hint mark, but your contribution has reassured me I was within our undefined limitations. Thanks for lurking! Pleased to hear the throat is OK now. Would I have stayed at the Castle Hotel on Ilkley, I seem to remember buttresses! Or perhaps a distinct lack of recall while in the north, the motorway signs say that it starts at Luton!!

However, Novalis, I rather fear Devadolly has executed her "over the shoulder" threat although she might just have a momentary lapse and risk another peek at her N&C weekly site!
Any more demands on you for this weekend to put together a quiz?