EV 864 Undercover Agents

[DocHH]

Hello N&Cing EVers,
Found the quote quite quickly, but it took a while to realise how to apply it. Have yet to relate that to the title! Thoughts?!?
Was it significant that the 2 surnames in EV 862 and EV 863 could be linked to reveal a famous fictional lawyer? About to decamp to the sunshine with a cold beer.

[dr b]

Have a 2/3 populated grid, with (I think) the author revealed, but am off to a graduation party for the better part of the rest of the day (5 hours of driving for 4 hours of visiting! Argh!).

Will try to ponder EV in the car but not likely to get too far (with the puzzle that is).

[copelander]

Evening, all EVN&Cers.I thought that was a most enjoyable EV, with the added bonus of no dreaded highlighting. I don't understand your surname comment, DocHH. ???. how was the birthday party? (or is that next weekend ). For a change we're having a beautiful day here today,so I'm off outside to enjoy the last few moments of sun.

[DocHH]

Hello both,
I do not envy your drive dr b for such a short occasion.
Copelander, I was thinking about the wheelchair bound character played by Raymond Chandler. The party is next sunday afternoon, 13.30 to 18.30! Which, given travel times, means EV will be on the back-burner. Didn't participate in N&Cing too much last week, despite finishing, due to other committments! Speccie was OK this week too, managed most of it sans Chambers.

[novalis]

Hi Doc HH!

Am in " mourning". The dreaded relegation is a reality!! Will shortly be drowning my sorrows with a 14% proof S. African red which is very palatable.
Enjoyed today's EV and won't need any protection from fellow EVers.
As far as the title is concerned I think it refers to the various "covers" needed to complete the puzzle.

[DocHH]

Sorry to hear about the reality, but at least next season they should be somewhere near the top and with a little effort, get back to where they should be. You still can't have Harry!

Your suggestion for the title sounds good, but I have reservations, it doesn't seem quite as elegant as previous links.

[devadolly]

Hello all! Haven't even opened EV this week yet, though it sounds as though it is doable even with my half a brain. Problem is, have only one eye at the moment.....started on Thursday in the early hours with a wish to gouge out the offending optic and endless waiting in the Opthalmic dept on Thursday night and again most of Sat pm. Seems I have (yet another) corneal ulcer which causes no lack of vision, just the feeling that there is a very sadistic little person inside my eyeball alternating between thumping it with a hammer and poking it with a very pointy stick, if I get my hands on the little devil..................................................! Pain-killing drops have sorted the little S but have also resulted in my being so light sensitive a patch is necessary! AAhhhhh! Jim-lad! I don't half feel a twit! Will have a look tomorrow when I have caught up with everything that had to be left.
Not done too well with the Speccie, despite taking it into various waiting rooms for hours! Help, I'm feeling frail;.....

[novalis]

Hi Devadolly!
Hope you are soon on the mend. Funny that you should mention "Jim lad" given 42a in this week's EV!!

[DocHH]

Sorry to hear of your plight Devadolly, hope the problem is resolved quickly. I am sure all your friends here will echo that.

[novalis]

Hi Devadolly --- Just a hint for the unclued answers from the Speccie. Think of the drink of heroes according tro the old proverb/saying.

[copelander]

Poor Devadolly, how miserable (and painful). I think you'll enjoy this EV....when you can eventually focus on it. Speaking of invalids, no word yet from PG and her miniPG. Novalis, will Alan Shearer stay, do you think?

[dr b]

As expected, the drive to scenic Decatur, Illinois yesterday was no fun, but you will all be pleased to know that this year's soybean (soyabean?) crop is coming along nicely, as far as I can tell. Made a little headway on the EV during the drive there as Mrs dr b took the wheel, but the meaning of the quote finally sunk in this morning and the rest was pretty straightforward. Agree with doc hh that the puzzle's title is no great shakes (BTW Doc it was Raymond Burr that played Perry Mason - Chandler wrote the Philip Marlowe books).

Nice drenching rains falling on the US Midwest today; good for all the annuals we planted on Saturday! Today is a day of frantic packing as my oldest gets ready to move to NYC tomorrow for her summer internship. *sniff* Anyone care to join me in a chorus of "Sunrise, Sunset"?

devadolly hope your eye ailment clears up quickly!

[Christiana]

Hello all, had to attend a meeting at the other end of the Algarve today, so barely started EV but it sounds as if I have a chance of catching up.

Sorry to hear about the eye, Devadolly. My father used to suffer from corneal ulcers - nasty little beasts. I seem to have started with a sore throat, so shall apply my usual remedy. I'm no hero but I certainly find their drink a great help, not to say comfort for anything loosely in the category of a cold.

[novalis]

Hi Copelander!

I reckon Alan Shearer's staying or going will depend on what reassurances he gets later this week when he has his meeting with the "big wigs". I'd be happier if Mike Ashley went.
Dr B --- With my voice you'd have rain for the rest of the year!!
As you say, once you have the quote the rest is quite straightforward. I don't have Bradshaws but a certain list in my Chambers' Crossword Dictionary provided a short cut.

[devadolly]

Thank you for all your kind thoughts everyone. With the number of visits and their infinite kindness, our local Opthalmic Dept is definately on my Xmas card list! I have managed to get rid of the patch and have reverted to sunglasses so feel less of a prat but it is not good, that little S is continuing to wield his/her hammer and pointy stick at about the fifth hour and the drops are getting ever stronger......temper not good! All very stressing as middle tier cake for No 1 Nieces wedding cake is in the pipeline for cooking on Wednesday or at the very least Thursday..I suppose only one eye is needed really!!!!
Novalis, see your connection to the Jim-lad! he he. Have managed to connect the lout bit but not the rest.
Not really concentratring but should I have conflicting letters in certain squares? Am afraid hints (that shouldn't be needed are............Sorry, plead banging head against wall syndrome)
Physicsgirl, do let us know about MiniPG

[novalis]

Hi Devadolly!

Glad you've moved one stage on with your eye problem. Here's to a rapid recovery. ( Raises a glass of S. African red. ) Yes there are conflicting letters Conflicts will be resolved once you "gird on your protection from the conflict" so to speak.

[DocHH]

Hello everyone,
Sorry I got the wrong Raymond br b, but pleased Mrs dr b could relieve you, so you could exercise brain rather than concentrate on driving. Herself doesn't drive,so our return journey from the funeral on friday, a mere 120 miles which took over 4 hours due to a broken down Lotus Elite on the Dartford Bridge was a little tedious. I'd also be non-harmonious with novalis on any singing!
Christiana, how was Rustington, your Aunt and the UK retail therapy?
Devadolly, on a health situation your progression to "shades" is encouraging, perhaps even "cool", "wicked" or "safe" in the language of the youth of today! The word "shades" may also be germane, albeit a bit modern, in the protection of your "eyes" in the context of this weeks EV.
I am sure that No 1 niece's cake will not only be superb, but greatly appreciated.
As far as Speccie is concerned, I don't know the proverb novalis is referring to, but 8 and "having one too many" is relevant to the unclued 18d. Perhaps even to the overindulgence of some of our EV Wine Club Members!

[Physicsgirl]

Hello all! Been rather busy - long drive on Sunday to attend Godmother's grandson's christening in High Wycombe. Being bereft of other relations except my brother who lives in NY (or the large mango as he calls it) my Godmother has assumed the role of mother in my life, so we have to make the effort. Visited the "mouseman" workshop on Monday to drool over oak furniture. We're thinking any spare cash is better spent that way than in the bank at the moment! Mini PG pretty much recovered except for lingering cough that occasionally causes emptying of stomach contents - thank you for your concern. Have only managed to glance at EV but ticking along nicely so far. Devadolly, hope the eye recovers quickly.

[Christiana]

DocHH - Enjoyed the Rustington visit. My auntie is a poppet and made me very welcome. She enjoys company. Her husband, always somewhat pessimistic in nature, is now a real moaner - understandable given his age - 85 - combined with his health - poor. I felt sorry for him, but also for her as she is still lively and optimistic. We managed to laugh a lot. I also managed a trip to Arundel Castle.
For some reason can't really get into EV this week, but will plod on.

[novalis]

Hi Physicsgirl!
Glad to hear that mini PG is now almost 100%. Mousema's workshop is always worth a visit.

Christiana, there are enough hints above as to what is needed this week Just remember to "cover your back" and, more importantly, other parts as well.

DocHH, Re The Speccie, it's actually a Samuel Johnson quote rather than a proverb. Sorry to have misled you.
"Claret is the liquor for boys; port for men; but he who aspires to be a hero ( smiling ) must drink B......"

[DocHH]

Novalis, I like that quote, but never heard it before, as a simple Techie, Literature was an anathema to me. It is however most fitting to Speccie last week. I hear Shearer is in a meeting with Management, no doubt the outcome will soon be known. What is your preference, go or stay?

Physicsgirl, you must be relieved minipg is making a rapid recovery. You could try negotiating interest rates with your bank, they don't like losing deposits! I achieved a three-fold increase on one account. On the other hand, given the depressed state of the FTSE I am also buying shares, but picking carefully.

Christiana, despite having driven past Arundel Castle numerous times, have yet to visit it. Would you recommend a visit? Pleased you enjoyed the trip to "the old country". Your uncle sounds the archetypal Victor Meldrew!

Do you all think that ringer has taken advantage of "half-term" to go on holiday?