Enigmatic Variations 845

[kayakamina]

Could someone please give me the clues to 32 & 36 down as my copy has a printing error making them unreadable.

Thanks

[DocHH]

Hello Kayakamina,
32d Deposit ships in shifting tides
36d Father's in the groove oddly
Another relatively straightforward offering, just trying to justify the first letter of 15d

[kayakamina]

Thanks Doc.

Have only just started as was busy finishing Azed & Mephisto, but it seems straightforward so far.

Regards K

[midazolam]

thought I would join you all today as I thought I would go out and buy the paper

Very apt crossword in this climate

15 down was the last one I got as well DocHH. Another word for soul inside analyse

[novalis]

Yes - straightforward today - very much helped by the fact that the 8 thematic clues show the original length of answer and not the adjusted length of grid entry despite what the preamble says.

[devadolly]

Oh good, you have all got started! Hello everyone. I haven't looked at mine yet, I have requested that it was hidden to prevent my skiving off and having fun instead of working. Judging by the comments it isn't Mr O and is another possible for me, goody.

Have just got a couple of bits to proof-read so have requested that the mag is retrieved from its hidey-hole and I am now going to make a coffee, light the fire and indulge myself.

Regards to all

[novalis]

Hi Devadolly!

I like mine hot, strong and sweet!!!

[devadolly]

Hi Novalis

Goodness that was quick!

Own blend coffee a mixture of Java, Continental & High Roast El Salvador with a tablespoonful of Choca-Mocha added to each mix - will blow your head off! Do you take milk?

Anyone else whilst I'm brewing?

[copelander]

Yes please, own blend, no milk....might help with the elusive 15d. ( despite the hints I still can't get it )

[midazolam]

working backwards: you should have ?*** for 15 down. as all the thematic answers are in fact real words that leaves 3 possible entries. a popular 3 letter word for soul will then give you that letter and give: ???***** for the full word. You can then use a solver like Chambers or quinapalus to give you the rest.

that sounds complicated but that is how i got it

[DocHH]

Hello Copelander,
I got 15d exactly the way Midazolam described. One exception, I didn't know the 3 letter word for soul, so struggled a bit! I did however get inspiration from the 3 possible words when looking up their definitions up in Chambers (2003). Not got around to buying the latest edition yet.
I guess the coffee is all gone now Devadolly, so I made my own, white no sugar! I love the sound of deadlines as they go whooshing past! Anyway nothing would get done if it wasn't for the eleventh hour!

[copelander]

Thanks, Midazolam, that worked perfectly.

[devadolly]

The coffee worked a treat, apart from that irritating 15d, I have revved up poor old Albert (this computer) to see if there are any clues and I still can't get it (I think I need a G&T now). The only 3 lettered word I can think of for soul is 'ame' and I can't bring a coinage to mind. Used to have fond memories of Old R at one time but am fast going off him now!

Deadlines don't go whizzing past, they just sit on my shoulder like Sir W's black dog until I thrash them into submission and make a dash for the printing press

[DocHH]

Devadolly, ame is correct! I personally would'nt jump out of airplanes, but!!

[devadolly]

DocHH - you are so devious,I am more flummoxed than ever!! I have gone quite faint at the very thought of jumping out of a 'plane (with or without a parachute) and will certainly now have to hit the Gin bottle! No, there is no glimmer of understanding there.

Regards

[DocHH]

Perhaps you need more lemon in the drink!!
Think back to those English lessons and how you had to analyse or "describe a word fully from a point of view of classification, inflection and syntax"! Then think about inserting the soul! Or try a Green Beret! I am just a humble Scientist, so this was pretty difficult for me!!
I have reverted to Armagnac now! it goes well with post dinner cheese!

[devadolly]

Oh dear DocHH - you will be the death of Me................................

English lessons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is only in later life I have found an affinity with grammar! Failed O'Level English first time around - yes, I did mean O'Level.

Syntax? A Green Beret?? Lemon? In Gin? It has to be lime!

Where's my cat, I need a rest...........................................................

[DocHH]

Purrfect, my last offering tonight Devadolly is "Dad, hit, compass direction".
Sadly have some work to do tomorrow, bad news, but will keep a weather eye open from time to time!

[kayakamina]

WOW

All I did was ask for the details of a couple of clues that weren't clear on my copy, and I come back to find my in-box overflowing!

There is clearly a lot of camaraderie around the EV.

[devadolly]

Hello DocHH, Did eventually 'cotton on' and get it in the post pronto, you are far more devious than the blessed compilers!

Hi Kayakamina, yes we are a friendly bunch aren't we? Sort of got a nattering and chattering theme going on, a bit like our own chat room with a purpose. Mostly for obscure help for the Xword but we seem to have developed a nice line in deviation should it (the EV) be one of the less challenging - mind you, they are all challenging to me and a (too large) proportion are damned impossible!

Regards

Devadolly

[DocHH]

Sorry if we filled your inbox Kayakamina! As Devadolly said we seem to do the nattering and chattering deviously to help out each other. I suspect Midazolam started this with the campaign to extend the reply deadline! That was successful, then Devadolly suggested that "first up" started a thread for EV. You unwittingly requested some clues and invited all us squatters into your inbox!! You are welcome to do the same for our next EV challenge.

Devadolly, am pleased that you completed and are contributing to the Royal Mail profits! Asta domingo!!