Sunday Telegraph Enigmatic Variations 926 Sunday August 1st 2010

[Speravi]

This week Loda has given us a splendid, jewel-like offering, in my view. It may be a cliche, but the theme is something which is truly "much loved": the very name raises a smile of recognition and appreciation, at least in the UK. Once the penny drops, completion will be very rapid for most, I would think. The sun is now over the yardarm, so time for some Pinot Noir.

[ulysses100]

I agree Speravi. One of the non-group names leaped out at me and the rest was (relatively) plain sailing. At least I didn't feel stupid by the end of it !

As to the grape nectar for this evening I have been cutting back a bit of late but will open a bottle or two over the weekend. Tonight it'll be an Australian Pinot Grigio ; I'm looking forward to it.

[DocHH]

Hello Speravi,
Early on I chanced on two of the members of the group, and when I saw the extra letters in 6,7,8, 15, 18, 20d, my suspicions were confirmed. I quite liked how the 17 of the squares were formed, and where they were too.
I've just poured a largish preprandial Glenlivet, might even be time for another!

[AndrewG-S]

Got the theme a short while ago and rapidly filling in - fabulous puzzle which as Speravi alluded to almost makes you laugh as you complete it as you recall the subject matter. Best get back to my station to try to finish it off

[DocHH]

Hello again Speravi,
Can I make a suggestion? When you start an EV thread, then use the EV XXX (plus title of EV) format as the title, please. This is how most EVers use the Search facility on AB. I've put a link to here onto AndrewG-S's thread, so we should pick up all the regulars. Of course, with the exception of Dr b, who is hiking in the wilderness and possibly wrassling with bears, and DevaDolly who is visiting relatives, Christiana is probably still battling with an overgrown garden, but may put in a late appearance as she did last week.

[AndrewG-S]

Thanks Doc HH for sorting that out, managed to find the thread but was not competent enough to post the link, looks like I may deserve the sobriquet I suggested on my initial comment. All done now, 9d was my last clue, I wasn't expecting that answer and misprint!

[DocHH]

AndrewG-S,
you must be wetting yourself with laughter at that clue and even at at this weeks EV. A classic!

As for putting a link into a post, go onto the site whose link you want to include in your message, then "right click" anywhere in the address bar of your browser. You will get a "drop-down" menu, "left click" "copy". Start the message you want to be posting, right click, where you want to insert the link, (I normally hit "Enter" a couple of times to ensure it starts on a new line before right clicking) a "drop-down" menu appears, left click "paste", "et voilà, le chainon est là".

[zita-green]

Speravi, what part of the UK do you live in if the sun is over the yardarm by 16.24?

[AndrewG-S]

Doc HH, many thanks for the training, should be able to have a shot at that

[DocHH]

Zita, by 16.24 the sun has been over the yard arm at least 10 hours here on the South Coast, aka Costa geriatrica! Did you read recently that a regular intake of red wine is beneficial to ensuring longevity, I'm immortal!
Practise, AndrewG-S, it works elsewhere, eg if you are sending e-mails with links you wish to include!

[copelander]

Great crossword! AndrewGS, 9D was my last one as well, just not expecting that particular letter change. Dry French here tonight, in front of a lovely roaring fire ( and this is supposed to be summer....doh )

[bobbycollins]

A classic EV. Hugely enjoyable and of middling difficulty.

I'm in work mid afternoon so a snifter is out of the question, but I'm with you all in spirit - 'scuse the pun. Mrs bobbycollins once read somewhere that half a bottle of red wine was good for you, and therefore reasoned that a whole bottle must be REALLY good for you. That's my girl!!

[Speravi]

I take your point, DocHH, regarding the title (I also search on EVxxx). I had assumed that the search facility would be sufficiently sophisticated to pick up the EV abbreviation and assocated number from the site's own "title builder" and direct the searcher appropriately.

[DocHH]

I tried that Speravi, and it didn't find this thread, if it had I wouldn't have put a link on the thread AndrewG-S started. However just searching for 926 threw up both threads, including any threads with 926 in them, even if it was part of a telephone number. As you said, don't panic! Anyone determined enough to N&C with us will find us eventually!
I feel sorry for you, bobbycollins, working on a monday afternoon, phew! Those words brought me out in a sweat, I'd better have a cold beer and a lay down!