Tuesday 30 November 2010

No 10012, Tuesday 30 Nov 10, Neyartha

Types of display screens is the theme today with LED(Light Emitting Diode), Liquid Crystal and Plasma.
ACROSS
1   - Erratic, as a result of abrupt decline, possibly (13) - UNPREDICTABLE*
9   - American chief getting pressure to barter hot cloak (6) - (-h+p)PONCHO
10 - Constituent at home with liberal revolutionary entertains model (8) - {IN}{T}{EGRAL<-}
11 - Cave study (3) - DEN [DD]
12 - Greg initially goes back to a Dubai website for some pop music (6) - {(-g){REG(+g)G}{AE}


13 - Sri goes west in an excursion to the small landing field (8) - {A}{IRS<-}{TRIP}
14 - Ripped apart clothes (stylish measure adopted for alteration) (10) - {RE{FINE}{ME}NT} ?
17 - Visionary overheard by char (4) - SEAR(~seer)
18 - Spare this for an unproductive person in the U.S. (4) - TIRE  [DD] From spare tyre(tire) ?
19 - Teacher's pet (not Henry) in trouble with leader (10) - PACESETTERh*
21 - Sculpture with sleaze seized by enraged Surya (8) - {S{TAT}UARY*} Didn't know this meaning of TAT.
23 - Clear solution (6) - LIQUID [DD]
25 - Business partner hiding in a health resort (3) - SPA [T]
26 - Two-thirds of the constituents are upset with the price per piece (4,4) - UNIT COSTnset*
27 - State of matter found in some TVs (6) - PLASMA [DD]
28 - A delicacy peon cooked found in a reference work (13) - ENCYCLOPAEDIA*
DOWN
2   - Tightening this makes the situation even more difficult (5) - NOOSE [CD]


3   - Concierges miss the first training notice (9) - RECOGNISEc*
4   - Auditor's agent got into debt obtaining a semiconductor device (5) - (~dye){DI}{ODE}(~owed)
5   - Article smuggled in by a company in Gingee's outskirts to make metal money (7) - {CO}{IN}{A}{G}{E}
6   - Irish tart ingredients help with inflammatory disease (9) - ARTHRITIS*
7   - Power of the Left overwhelms my leader Ray (5) - (-m+l)LIGHT
8   - Steer through the opening, following northbound Ivan .. (8) - {NAVI*}{GATE} (Correction - {NAVI<-}{GATE})
15 - .. speaking with date upset by the sound of a bell (8) - {EMIT<-}{TING}(Correction - {EMIT*}{TING})
16 - Soothing loss of resistance related to a respiration phase (9) - EXPIrATION (Correction - EXPIrATORY )
17 - Geometry box member made by processing sequestra (3,6) - SET SQUARE*
20 - Call by street gangster to get formal dinnerware (7) - {CRY}{ST}{AL}
22 - Giant Greek god who goes around Saturn (5) - TITAN [DD]
23 - Listen in to the lecturer lifting a cocoon occupant (3,2) - LAP UP<-
24 - Srini ambivalent towards concealing some metrical feet (5) - IAMBI [T]

Monday 29 November 2010

No 10011, Monday 29 Nov 10, M Manna

Photographs of S & B II are posted at the THCC Families blog, link to which is on the left hand side panel of this page. Only the group photo is reproduced below (Note - Kishore wearing my famous Red T-Shirt!!!).
Manna has me stumped today at a number of places.
ACROSS
1   - Capital place for some French islanders (7) - AJACCIO [E] Courtesy Google!
5   - Layer tart up in total (7) - {S{TRAT<-}UM}
9   - Right angled military formation displaying power (7) - POTENCE ?
10 - Parts diverging from a centre (7) - RADIALS [CD]
11 - A sale made in the corridor of a train (5) - AISLE* I for A NJ style?
12 - Outcome of interests becoming hackneyed (9) - TRITENESS*
13 - One of the chosen bar, note, a powerful conductor (9) - {ELECT}{ROD}{E}
15 - Closes on direction, then despatches (5) - {S}{ENDS}
16 - Asserted by standing still (5) - POSED [CD]
18 - A health worker may find a trip's the answer (9) - THERAPIST*
21 - Reading between the lines (4,5) - RAIL G?A?E ? I wonder if Manna wanted to put in RAIL GAUGE ?
24 - Be serious at a deadly place (5) - GRAVE [DD]
25 - Ancient coins confused, ie., with dinar (7) - DENARII*
26 - Annoys those who work by themselves (7) - HATTERS ?
27 - She turns out to be a new leader (7) - {DARLE(N)E*}
28 - Continue to make a fuss (5,2) - CARRY ON [DD]
DOWN
1   - Placate a parish priest with ease (7) - {A}{PP}{EASE}
2   - Resolved to tie star for a public performer (7) - ARTISTE*
3   - Joint where top journalist attends musical performance (9) - {CONCERT}{ED}
4   - Vote right to make it public (5) - {OVE(R)T*}
5   - Divination, kind that is to include member (9) - {SORT}{I{LEG}E} New word for me
6   - Girl takes ride on a hill range (5) - {RID{G}E}
7   - Common garage deal done in traffic at home (5-2) - {TRADE}-{IN}
8   - Makes a mess with us with her evil behaviour (7) - {M{I}S{US}ES*} Another I for A !!
14 - Raise coast somehow, or get cut off (9) - OSTRACISE*
15 - Crime perpetrated by real thugs (9) - SLAUGHTER*
16 - Showed off (7) - PARADED [CD]
17 - One goes round to the pub among returning agents (7) - {SP{INN}ER<-}
19 - I am taking a very long time with lines on figurative illustrations (7) - {I'M}{AGE}{RY}
20 - Rebels stone gunners in an attempt to overthrow government (7) - {T{R}E{A}SON*}
22 - Eat too much cheddar, perhaps (5) - GORGE [CD] Why Cheddar ?

23 - The in-charge made out rules of behaviour (5) - {ETH*}{IC}

L to R - Self, Gita Gopinath, Dr D Srenivasan, Catherine Roy (From The HINDU), Bhargav, Chaturvasi, Rajesh, Krishnamurthy, Kishore, Muthaiah, Vinod Raman, Richard, Shuchi.

Sunday 28 November 2010

No 2611, Sunday 28 Nov 10

ACROSS
1 - Married woman nursing old boy in Canadian province (8) – {M}{ANIT{OB}A}
5 - On the other side of a bridge (6) – ACROSS [CD]
9 - Thought Mike exercised (5) – {M}{USED}
10 - Ensign, using rudder, set out (3,6) – RED DUSTER*
12 - Evidence involving accomplished English monarch (9) – {S{OVER}{E}IGN}
13 - Go round one Italian city (5) – {TUR{I}N}
14 - Tarzan story extremely knowledgeable lodger ordered (4,9) – LORD GREYSTOKE* (story+ke+lodger)
18 - One's not known for one's bad habits? (5,8) – DRESS DESIGNER [CD]
20 - Bike was blue (5) – MOPED [DD]
22 - Reportedly conclude girl is in hospital (9) – (~infer){INFIR}{MARY}
24 - One used to telling stories managed to take in company? True, sadly (9) – {RA{CO}N}{TEUR*}
25 - Article about female, very pale with shock (5) – {A{SHE}N}
26 - Clapped-out car causing bishop wrath (6) – {B}{ANGER}


27 - Habitual repetition, mostly by private soldier, makes nonsense (8) – {TOMMY}ROT Anno pending (Addendum - {TOMMY}{ROTe} - See comments)
DOWN
1 - Sam uneasy about one on second Buck's Fizz (6) – {M{I}{MO}SA*}
2 - Architect meets with very poorly European in a US city (9) – {NASH}{V}{ILL}{E}
3 - Trod carelessly round posh house (5) – {T{U}DOR*}
4 - What the fire-raiser had when setting streetcar alight? (7,6) – BURNING DESIRE [CD]
6 - Fanny Hill, perhaps in tears, cruelly pinched by endless number (9) – {COU{RTESA*}Nt}
7 - Fur cap taken off scoundrel (5) - rOTTER
8 - Southern press operator, one promising a fast run? (8) – {S}{PRINTER}
11 - Excited friends on about stake in film (6,7) – {D{ANTE}S INFER*}{NO<-}
15 - I screened off home (9) – RESIDENCE*
16 - The Lord's Prayer, hour after changes rung? (3,6) – OUR FATHER*
17 - Film barmaids working (5,3) – ADAMS RIB*
19 - Sound of seal and young swan (6) – CYGNET (~signet)
21 - Nut inside Cape Canaveral (5) – PECAN [T]
23 - Kingdom in actual miles (5) – {REAL}{M}

Saturday 27 November 2010

Sloggers & Bloggers (S&B) Meet II - 28 Nov 10

S & B II

The next S & B meet is scheduled to be held at Bangalore at my residence on Sunday, 28 Nov 10. We are meeting at my residence (address and map is available in the Contact details link on the top of this page) around 11 AM and will break off around 3 PM after lunch (I propose a simple Biriyani lunch, which will be ordered from outside)

As of now the following have confirmed attendance

Veer (Present status iffy)
Chaturvasi from Chennai
Bhargav from Chennai
Dr D Srinivasan from Salem
Richard from Mangalore
Kishore in Bangalore
Muthaiah from Chennai
Shuchi from Bangalore
Rajesh from Bangalore
Krishnamurthy Parameshwar from Bangalore
Vinod Raman from Bangalore

Richard is tying up some newspaper coverage of the event.

Anyone else who is attending please do let me know so that administrative arrangements can be tied up.

You may also add your comments regarding your attendance or otherwise here.

No 10010, Saturday 27 Nov 10, M Manna

ACROSS
1   - Minister cutting an artisan, though no big fish (7) - {TI{DD}LER}


5   - Crazily resists senior nurses in charge of wards (7) - SISTERS*
9   - Questions what to wear for dancing (5) - PUMPS [DD]
10 - More certain to tear in and give up (9) - {SUR{REND}ER}
11 - Indicates prevailing directions (6) - TRENDS [CD]
12 - Saying or mishap, perchance (8) - APHORISM*
14 - Six sit around to inspect closely (5) - {VI}{SIT} ?
15 - Build up the head's standing (9) - {ERECT}{NESS}
18 - They are responsible for marking pens (9) - SWANHERDS [CD] Poor CD
20 - Beer about four if you're not late (5) - {AL{IV}E}
22 - Affectation of superiority the chiefs display, are idiots (8) - {AIR}{HEADS}
24 - Send Bill to trace back in time (6) - ASCEND* What a terrible clue
26 - The earthy forecaster! (9) - GEOMANCER [CD] Never heard this before, being a CD had to look it up to get the answer.
27 - Fantastic nothing — could be true! (5) - {O}{UTRE*}
28 - Went round to trade where there's trouble (7) - ROTATED*
29 - Erroneous CID, late in finding guns kept in warship (7) - CITADEL*
DOWN
1   - Court officials making suggestions about break (9) - {TIP{STAVE}S}
2   - Sam led composer to young girls (7) - {DAMSEL*}{S} Where does S come from?
3   - Final desperate effort in closing dump (4,5) - {LAST} {DITCH}
4   - Find sure way to trick the opposition (4) - RUSE*
5   - Priests eat hash — there's an entertaining revelation! (5,5) - STRIP TEASE*


6   - Notes contracted for a report! (5) - STENO* Contracted on double duty. Nice clue.
7   - Knowledge of the product's termination (7) - ENDWISE &lit ?
8   - Shut down and be off (5) - SCRAM [DD]
13 - Had children used the photocopier? (10) - REPRODUCED [DD]
16 - Carriage entrance (9) - TRANSPORT [DD] This clue must have appeared N number of times before.
17 - Career put first, and quite rightly, in this plant (9) - {SPEED}{WELL}
19 - Transport stadium passengers get affected manner having fortified with wine (7) - {AIR}{PORT} Why passengers?
21 - Gave some thought and altered that's dated (7) - IDEATED* (ie+dated)
22 - Divine, we hear, is a bore (5) - AUGUR (~auger) Could be the other way round as well (AUGER~augur)
23 - Tax the engineer in a precise manner (5) - EXACT [DD] I wonder why the poor engineer is here
25 - He would like to have rice arranged for him (4) - ERIC*

Friday 26 November 2010

No 10009, Friday 26 Nov 10, M Manna

No change in my net connection situation.
ACROSS
1   - Pay the bill for seat (6) - SETTLE [DD]
4   - At the match Edward had to be supported (8) - {AT}{TEST}{ED}
10 - Lawrence can have clear molasses to drain crude sugar (7) - {T{REACL*}E}
11 - Enormous disaster — somehow I can't take it in (7) - {T{IT}ANIC*}
12 - A striking display of colours (4) - RIOT [DD]
13 - Word of warning the French give about players found on board (10) - {FORE}{CAST}{LE} or Fo'c'sle for short
16 - Spouted vessel to pour out beverage (6) - I am a little TEAPOT [CD] short and stout, this is my handle this is my spout. Couldn't resist that nursery rhyme!
17 - Assembly for religious worship (7) - MEETING [CD]
20 - Smoothing or shaping wood (7) - PLANING [DD]
21 - Sometimes she may get in coma (6) - MONICA*
24 - Centre sets arranged for an aspiring film star (6,4) - SCREEN TEST*
25 - Can be a bit of a blessing (4) - ABLE [T] (Correction - {A}{BLEssing}- See comments)
27 - Festival now beginning in the Orient (7) - {EASTER}{N}
29 - Learning to lie about the siren (7) - {LORE}{LEI*}
30 - Subtle features found in good quality neckwear (8) - {NICE}{TIES
31 - Chased, so people say, but never actually seduced (6) - CHASTE (~chased)
DOWN
1   - At art use combination to soak completely (8) - SATURATE*
2   - One who counts all the holes, of course, and doesn't touch a drop (11) - {TEE}{TOTALLER}
3   - A kind of nervous disease of cattle (4) - LICE ? (Correction - LOCO )
5   - Tied up? It will deter the wandering (8) - TETHERED*
6   - Birth and death of a backbiter for example (10) - {EX}{TRACTION} ?
7   - Beat to make it a brown colour (3) - TAN [DD]
8   - Judicial decision concerning point in new creed (6) - {DECR{E}E*}
9   - First company of the French may lure you into a trap (5) - {DE}{COY} Why First company ?
14 - In court, they can be served sliced (6,5) - TENNIS BALLS [CD]
15 - Free credit offer failing to excite enthusiasm (2,8) - NO INTEREST [DD]
18 - An example of the well favoured position (8) - {IN}{STANCE}
19 - Vulgar streak at the end of court (8) - {BASE}{LINE}
22 - A nest on road maybe found behind (6) - {A}{STE{R}N*}
23 - Being student Pam on Sunday initiates devotional song (5) - {P{S}A{L}M}
26 - Principal mischief maker (4) - ARCH [CD]
28 - In South America many carry this pouch (3) - {SA}{C}

Thursday 25 November 2010

No 10008, Thursday 25 Nov 10, M Manna

My net connection is still playing truant so not many links or pictures today. The apprentice has got the boot today.
ACROSS
1   - Young Albert has to win the woman completely (10) - {AL}{TO}{GET}{HER}
6   - Common grub found in wheat stalks (4) - EATS [T]
9   - In the citadel Eva tended to raise her feelings (7) - ELEVATE [T]
10 - Hesitate to have trial run about short film on entertainment (7) - {TRAIL*}{ER}
12 - The mulled ale there is heavenly (8) - ETHEREAL*
13 - Stood up to revolt (5) - RISEN [CD]
15 - Anna evidently has some birthmarks (5) - NAEVI [T]
17 - An abundance of wealth (9) - AFFLUENCE [E]
19 - They offer protection of religious progress (9) - CLOISTERS [CD]
21 - Dead keen boy (5) - {D}{AVID}
23 - Honour to last of those carrying a lot of weight (5) - {OBE}{thoSE}
24 - They may retaliate to send some to graves right away (8) - {AV{sENd}GERS*}
27 - State still resistant to change (7) - INERTIA [CD]
28 - Calling for minisso adaptable (7) - MISSION*
29 - Sets out to be a handy girl, we are told (4) - TESS*
30 - Science with a bite only to good new purpose (10) - ODONTOLOGY*
DOWN
1   - Lincoln left as first murder victim (4) - {ABE}{L}
2   - It holds matinees possibly at three (7) - THEATRE*
3   - Care given to girl to be unassumingly attractive (5) - {G}{RACE*}
4   - Tense hate widespread through an upper chamber (3,6) - THE SENATE*
5   - Lot, turn to old one first, to praise highly(5) - {EX}{TOL*}
7   - All find a son to take her place (7) - {ALL}{I}{SON}
8   - Grindstone turns faster and faster (10) - STRINGENDO*
11 - Silver ball on the beach (7) - {AG}{ROUND}
14 - Being broadcast, it's acted on the teller of the tale (10) - ANECDOTIST*
16 - When an insignificant person quietly gets in, check (7) - {INS{P}ECT}
18 - One might make catches if turning up with general (9) - {FI<-}{SHERMAN}
20 - Allow in some exotic food (7) - {OME{LET}S*}
22 - I turn green first with giddiness (7) - {VERT}{I}{GO}
24 - Grant advertisement about war as official (5) - {A{WAR}D} What's official about it?
25 - Start up on the street and go about with great enthusiasm (5) - {G{U}{ST}O}
26 - Feeling of discontent at another's good fortune (4) - ENVY [E]

Wednesday 24 November 2010

No 10007, Wednesday 24 Nov 10, M.Manna

My internet connection is playing truant, so if you'll see an incomplete CW getting published at 8:30 AM please go ahead by posting the solutions in the comments section. Few pictures and links being added due to this.
ACROSS
1   - A tin radio-mast can be used for this novel reconstruction (13) - DRAMATISATION*
8   - Well qualified man and boy in charge of stone work (7) - {MA}{SON}{IC}
9   - Show zeal then thus, especially within (7) - ENTHUSE [T]
11 - Tottered as a result of wound (6) - REELED [CD](Addendum - (DD) - See comments)
13 - New pieces almost all outstanding (8) - {ESPECI}{ALl}
15 - Imbricated pieces of baked clay (5) - TILED [CD]
16 - Recalling an aroma coming into being (7) - {NA<-}{SCENT}
18 - One afflicted with serious degree of intellectual subnormality (7) - AIRHEAD [CD]
19 - Rove freely in all directions (5) - RANGE [E]
21 - Away from the standards (7) - OFFBEAT [CD]
23 - Deliver soldier's signal (6) - {RE'S}{CUE}
25 - Charge for keeping silver in reserve (7) - {STOR{AG}E} Are Storage and Charge synonymous?
26 - One church amidst others is most affluent (7) - {R{I}{CH}EST}
28 - Turning points in town? (6,7) - STREET CORNERS [CD]
DOWN
2   - Ribbed cotton and woollen material left out for boy (7) - RUSSELL ?
3   - An uncommissioned soldier (3) - MAN [E]
4   - Time to perform with fine perception (4) - {T}{ACT}
5   - Avoids walking under a ladder? (5,5) - STEPS ASIDE [CD]
6   - Small part but it helps to take it in (5) - TITHE [T]
7   - He sees eye to eye with anyone who is patient (7) - OCULIST [CD]
8   - Deserving an order, otherwise promises to pay (11) - {MERIT}{OR}{IOUS}
10 - It lets one see the bigger picture (11) - ENLARGEMENT [CD]
12 - Shrub related to honey suckle (5) - ELDER [CD]
14 - Having assumed a clerical habit recommended by the stock broker (10) - INVESTMENT [DD]
17 - Starting point on a Great Lake is weird (5) - {E}{ERIE}
18 - A fellow at scene of hostilities may receive open insult (7) - {A}{F}{FRONT}
20 - Greek letter clear to indicate central mass (7) - {NU}{CLEAR}
22 - Rub out important date on quarter (5) - {ERA}{SE}
24 - Italian spirit (4) - BRIO [E]
27 - Able to have sufficient power (3) - CAN ?

Tuesday 23 November 2010

No 10006, Tuesday 23 Nov 10, M.Manna

Manna seems to have dozed off while preparing the clues for the bottom left corner.
ACROSS
1   - Instruction class for newly drafted marines (7) - SEMINAR*
5   - Sleep disturbed when about to be taken back in Scotland (7) - {PE{EB<-}LES*}
10 - Children after a kind of shirt made of paper (6) - {T}{ISSUE}
11 - Body of fliers measured by Beaufort (3,5) - AIR FORCE [DD]
12 - Clearly the economy was a resounding success! (6) - BOOMED [CD]
13 - Denial, say in the country (8) - {N{EG}ATION}
14 - When girl fails to hit the mark, it is mess all round (6) - {M(IS)SES*}
15 - Engine conks out with French reversing (6) - {DIES}{EL<-}
18 - Said to be a bigger shopkeeper (6) - GROCER(~grosser)
20 - Sad reflection about a gatecrasher on view in theatre land (6) - {D{RAM}AS<-}
23 - The instructor's sister dealt with in writing (8) - {M{ISTRES*}S}
25 - Golf club used to propel the ball (6) - DRIVER [CD]
26 - Express amusement by explosive inarticulate sounds (8) - LAUGHTER ? Anno pending
27 - Small bird steered with a handle (6) - {TIT}{LED}
28 - Frightens people with frequent violence (7) - TERRORS I know it doesn't make sense but .....
29 - Wearing, so may be ignored (7) - ERODING*
DOWN
2   - It's a riot when Ed takes over the publication (6) - {ED}{ITOR*}
3   - One cannot drop off in Masonic order (9) - {IN}{SOMNIAC*}
4   - Business programme of various companies tabulated for discussion (7) - AGENDAS [CD]
6   - Wildly angered (7) - ENRAGED*
7   - Increase pressure to push spacecraft into orbit (5) - BOOST [CD]
8   - Fenced off area for security (8) - ENCLOSED [CD]
9   - Sincere wish and pledge of French father (7,6) - {EARNEST} {DE}{SIRE}
16 - Came up with a diet devised to make one very thin (9) - {EMAC<-}{IATED*}
17 - Provoke one to make him angry (8) - IRRITATE [E] or is it IRRITANT ?
19 - Enter afresh to cut deeper (2-5) - RE-ENTER ?
21 - Examiner to officially verify company accounts (7) - AUDITOR [E]
22 - Humble cathedral dignitary rings me up (6) - {D{EM<-}EAN}
24 - A golfer can possibly be a fierce animal (5) - TIGER [DD]


Monday 22 November 2010

No 10005, Monday 22 Nov 10, M Manna

ACROSS
1   - But this swimmer is not a member of the fencing school (9) - SWORDFISH [CD]
6   - Assume the mail comes about one (5) - {POS{I}T}
9   - Loamy deposit confused Leo on a steamer (5) - {LOE*}{SS}
10 - Taste before accepting favoured fruit (9) - {TANG}{ER{IN}E}
11 - Back garden, perhaps, given a new look (10) - {REAR}{RANGED*}
12 - Levantine and South American table land (4) - {ME}{SA}
14 - Make a path using shear, to cut across quarter building (7) - SCISSOR Anno pending
15 - A medical specialist can put drive into a boy (7) - {S{URGE}ON}
17 - Being ever youthful, get a leg up in choppy seas (7) - {A{GEL<-}ESS*}
19 - Fired for dieting incorrectly (7) - IGNITED*
20 - Some write on it, some provide sketches (4) - DESK [T]
22 - Pretty poor linesmen? (10) - POETASTERS [CD] Another reason for hating CD's. New word for me had to cheat on this.
25 - Hound a member of a socialist clique (3,6) - {RED} {SETTER}
26 - Provide with a view all round the wood (5) - {O}{PINE}
27 - Footsie generally included investment (5) - SIEGE [T]
28 - Let enamel designs be basic (9) - ELEMENTAL*
DOWN
1   - Failing orals, being affected by sun (5) - SOLAR*
2   - Worker having force (9) - OPERATIVE [DD]
3   - Worried after a visit to the hairdresser? (10) - DISTRESSED [CD]
4   - No intern used to modulate voice (7) - {INT{O}NER}*
5   - Wall hooks used to suspend short swords (7) - HANGERS [DD]
6   - Sound support will be given by a member of the Upper House (4) - PEER (~pier)
7   - Finding limes provided, look pleased (5) - SMILE*
8   - Operated on by head surgeon? (9) - TREPANNED [CD]
13 - Stringendo variation provides a sharper edge (10) - GRINDSTONE*
14 - Definite levels of excellence aim to be achieved in school classes (9) - STANDARDS [DD]
16 - Not a middleman! (9) - EXTREMIST [CD]
18 - A small person could be so called (7) - SHORTIE [CD]
19 - Confine terrorist to prescribed area (7) - INTERNE ?
21 - Plant on the south border (5) - {S}{EDGE}
23 - Win by contrivance (5) - STEAL [CD]
24 - Just a lake (4) - MERE [DD]

Sunday 21 November 2010

No 2610, Sunday 21 Nov 10

Stumped by 1A, had to cheat to get the answer, not sure of the annos for 6 & 10A
ACROSS
1 - Unduly led astray by star for so long (6-3) –  {TOO}{DLE*}-{PIP}Had to google search this.
6 - Drank regularly round base (5) – DEPOT Anno pending (Addendum - DEPOT <- -See comments)
9 - It's more than likely this'll give you a good run for your money (4-2,9) – ODDS-ON FAVOURITE [CD]
10 - Sympathetic cheering (6) – GENIAL [DD]
11 - Knife fight about cash register with one pound missing (8) – {S{TILl}ETTO}
13 - Lie in bed, poorly, not fit enough to eat (8) – INEDIBLE*
14 - The pair answer a South African politician (5) – {BOTH}{A}
17 - Father embracing sapper, 22 (5) – {D{RE}AD}
18 - A setter barking round end of rose bushes (3,5) – {TEA TR{E}ES*}
20 - Spelunkers sheltering notice corpses (8) – {C{AD}AVERS}
22 - Troublesome child, last to admit mistake (6) – {T}{ERROR}
24 - Two articles about unseen spymaster in film (3,9,3) – {THE} {INVISIBLE} {MAN}
(Correction - {THE} {INVISIBLE} {M}{AN} - See comments)
25 - Poor performer spending time with teacher (5) - RABBIt
26 - Orchid exposed by peeress (5,4) – {NAKED} {LADY}
DOWN
1 - Right in grip of hard depression (6) – {T{R}OUGH}
2 - One restricted by guns regulation (9) – {ORD{I}NANCE}
3 - Vindaloo and rice prepared for a famous painter (8,2,5) – LEONARDO DA VINCI*
4 - Seabird's lost in gust (4) – PUFFin
5 - Pedestrianise, to make progress easier? (4,3,3) – PAVE THE WAY [CD]
6 - Ambiguous, like Sackville-West? (6-9) – DOUBLE-BARRELLED [CD] 
7 - Suggest a tip (5) – POINT [DD]
8 - Abstemious count after support (8) – {TEE}{TOTAL}
12 - A cleansing process alien to Serbians (10) – ABSTERSION* New word for me.
15 - Teacher confused about one mass, a peninsula (3,6) – {THE CR{I}{M}EA*}
16 - Teacher courted a disaster (8) – EDUCATOR*
19 - Alcoholic drink, make unknown (6) – {BRAND}{Y}
21 - Boring type starts to discuss weatherman's early evening broadcast (5) – {D}{W}{E}{E}{B}
23 - Cream plectrum? (4) – PICK [DD]

Saturday 20 November 2010

No 10004, Saturday 20 Nov 10, Gridman

Gridman on an extended run? Must be because of 9999 and 10000.specials.
ACROSS
1   - Impaired as a result of age, mite may emerge (4-4) - {TIME*}-{WORN}
5   - Language of fellow and child you hear (6) - {MAN}{CH}{U}
10 - Wildly dreamt about sweetheart fetching lamb, perhaps (3,4) - {RED M{E}AT*}
11 - Parachutists have to take a pull at it (7) - RIPCORD [CD]
12 - This type won't stand straight (6) - ITALIC [CD]
13 - Publicity for feminist, an off-the-cuff speaker (2-6) - {AD}-{LIBBER}
15 - Sign from the last two letters of groom taken (4) - {OM}{EN}
16 - Endure to-do in final performance (4,6) - {LAST} {HURRAH}
18 - 50-50 will be one (5,5) - EQUAL SHARE [CD]
20 - Brother to take directions for beverage (4) - {BR}{E}{W}
23 - Lathis go wildly at huge opponents (8) - GOLIATHS*
24 - Area with not much growing for it? (6) - TUNDRA[CD]
26 - A foursome hoarding a new currency (7) - {A}{FGH{A}{N}I} The foursome is FGHI ?
27 - Implore for a group to spend time in bank, we hear (7) - {BE{SEt}ECH}(~beach)
28 - Substitute some farmers at zamindar's insistence (6) - ERSATZ [T]
29 - Judge: fool trampled roses (8) - {ASS}{ESSOR*}
DOWN
1   - Be upset in a rather late reaction (4,2,4,5) - TURN IN ONE'S GRAVE [CD]
2   - Press half a side to intervene (7) - {MEDIA}{TEam}
3   - Beetle is small, bad with no energy (6) - {WEE}{VILe}
4   - Consider part of strategy (4) - RATE [T]
6   - Q & A pileup resolved by design (8) - APPLIQUE*
7   - Slam Australian friend accepting inexperienced driver (7) - {C{L}OBBER}
8   - Not feeling well in a certain environmental change (5,3,7) - UNDER THE WEATHER [CD]
9   - Thieving exotic drape that's on the politician (9) - {PREDA*}{TORY}
14 - English city with cold/hot breeze for invalids (4,5) - {BATH} {C}{H}{AIR}
17 - Agreeable requests to queen's subject (8) - {PLEAS}{ANT}
19 - They are drawn off (7) - ULLAGES [CD] Had to cheat on this, new word for me.
21 - Rectify by changing one's habit? (7) - {RE}{DRESS}
22 - Chase give us pure change (6) - PURSUE*
25 - In the same place exists bird (4) - {IB}{IS} 

Friday 19 November 2010

No 10003, Friday 19 Nov 10, Gridman

7th one from Gridman. I suppose 9999 was a special one that's why.
ACROSS
1   - One new furniture, right to that extent (2,2,3) - {I}{N} {SO FA}{R}
5   - Sulk secretively around a fringe of Assamese capital (6) - {LUS{A}K*}{A}
9   - Fellow in Yale compound that's verdant (5) - {LEA{F}Y*}
10 - Stony, increasingly lost in mountain and sea (9) - {M}{AR{MORE}AL}
11 - Two vehicles on either side of a third (7) - {CAR}{A}{VAN}
12 - Delicate, chummy, yet partially astringent (7) - CATECHU [T]
13 - Authority — putting daughter in it would be cosmetic (5) - POWdER
14 - Torn photo sent there and then (2,3,4) - ON THE SPOT*
16 - One to emulate Oriental style in list (4,5) - {ROL{E} {MODE}L}


19 - Girl gets almost excited in America (5) - {IDA}{HOt}
21 - Group with no members, in math (4,3) - NULL SET [E]
23 - Wine makes Royal Highness sport peculiar shine (7) - {RH}{ENISH*}
24 - Off-the-cuff admission by early arrival to union leader (9) - {I'M}{PROMPT}{U}
25 - Little Tom so didn't finish degree (5) - THUMB (Addendum - {THUs}{MB} - See comments)

26 - For a theologian, half-supper makes sense (4,2) - {A}{DD}{S UPper}


27 - Rigorous detectives return nabbing ruffled star (7) - {D{RAST*}IC<-}
DOWN
1   - Oral inspection carried out in the place of a father or mother (2,4,8) - IN LOCO PARENTIS*
2   - Criticises rising dispute over flier (7) - {SPAR<-}{ROW}
3   - Look down on a road crossing? (7) - {FLY}{OVER}
4   - Via? (5,4) - ROMAN ROAD [E]
5   - Family rich with canned music (5) - LYRIC [T]
6   - Garment that doesn't come full-length (7) - SHORTIE [CD]
7   - Pat and Ella together would make it (7) - KNEECAP [CD]
8   - I curb school PTA out of a dread for confined spaces (14) - CLAUSTROPHOBIA* (Correction - CLAUSTROPHOBIC*)
15 - If you do, you try to change others' opinions (4,5) - TALK ROUND [CD]
17 - Fifty idly scattered around father's perch in pond (4,3) - {L}{ILY {PA}D*}
18 - Woman going round animal acts wrongly (7) - {MIS{DOE}S}
19 - At home, terribly irate, showing sluggishness (7) - {IN}{ERTIA}
20 - Quail to determine an exact divisor (7) - ALIQUOT* First time I'm hearing this word
22 - Convertible driver's option to place at an angle to the deck (3,2) - TOP UP [CD]

Thursday 18 November 2010

No 10002, Thursday 18 Nov 10, Gridman

ACROSS
1   - Ash, for example, to strut. That's a bird! (8) - {WOOD}{COCK}
5   - Looks carefully at policeman on far end of lastage in ship (6) - {S{COP}{E}S}
9   - Call girl said to be a problem (7) - (~dial){DIL}{EMMA}
10 - Dregs in lower piece of garment (7) - BOTTOMS [DD]
11 - In difficulty, there and then (2-3-4) - ON-THE-SPOT [DD]
12 - Best powdered milk — without hesitation! (5) - CREAMer
13 - Rest from work with novice going away from the canvas holder (4) - EASEl
14 - When you can't do more than what you have done (2,3,4) - AT THE MOST [CD]
17 - Arriv? (4,5) - {COME} {SHORT}
19 - To a number, this fever is unspecified (4) - vAGUE
23 - Greek character in the unit (5) - {THE}{TA}
24 - Gushings from an infant or a river (9) - BABBLINGS [CD]
25 - Sing in depression to get approbation (7) - {P{LAUD}IT}
26 - Goth, one turned very active (2,3,2) - ON THE GO*
27 - Name woman playing regularly (6) - {EVE}{L}{Y}{N}
28 - Take me back to the limits of Puducherrynear intimations of heaven (8) - {EM}{P}{Y}{REAN*}
DOWN
1   - Having no restrictions, Poe wined madly (4-4) - WIDE OPEN*
2   - Old boy has what's on top of list of runners moved down for monastery residents (7) - {OB}{(-s)LATE(+s)S} See the explanation for Slate in the link provided with runners
3   - Tent occupant will impede if cold is exchanged for hot (6) - (-h+c)CAMPER
4   - Show impatience as a stable occupant might (5,2,3,3) - CHAMP AT THE BIT [CD]
6   - Vault to get Tom a grooming aid (8) - {CAT}{A}{COMB}
7   - Daring expert, we take a vessel (7) - {PRO}{WE}{SS}
8   - Opening word? (6) - SESAME [CD]
10 - To Rushmore, BBC despatched plant (8,5) - BUTCHERS BROOM*
15 - Proclaim extreme rarity in armorial bearings (8) - {HERALD}{R}{Y}
16 - As used to create a stir at the coffee table? (8) - TEASPOON [CD]
18 - Old area within limit to the superannuated (7) - {O}{VER{A}GE}
20 - Italian dope: nothing to see about (7) - {GE{NO}ESE} (Addendum - {GEN}{O}{ESE*} - See comments}
21 - By the way, plea altered to get basic stuff (6) - {ST}{APLE*}
22 - Rush around pillar in a monotonous way (6) - {F{LAT}LY} Couldn't get the connection between Pillat & LAT is it Latitude?

Wednesday 17 November 2010

No 10001, Wednesday 17 Nov 10, Gridman

ACROSS
1   - Indeed, bed of hare is crooked (8) - {DE{FORM}ED}
6   - Indian community has no time for a couple of last letters? It's an overstatement (4) - {JAt}{ZZ}
9   - Journalist tried extraordinarily to hold a round (6) - {EDIT{O}R*}
10 - Note: hidden in cloth is bun (7) - {CHI{G}NON}
13 - How carpenters might settle after an argument? (6,3) - HAMMER OUT [CD] Blacksmith would have been preferred to a Carpenter
14 - Liking for State disbursement (5) - TASTE*
15 - Cut off the Devil (4) - NICK [DD]
16 - Congratulations (4,3,3) - GOOD FOR YOU [CD]
19 - A don froths widly and the list goes on (3,2,5) - AND SO FORTH*
21 - Remote from a recall of a foreign service (4) -{A}{FAR<-}
24 - Give in return (5) - YIELD [DD]
25 - Uses a bug? (7,2) - LISTENS IN [CD]
26 - No horse stranded in landlubber's locale (7) - ONSHORE*
27 - Protection for Romeo in love in Paris? (6) - {A{R}MOUR}
28 - African country's article thrown out: “Soapy stuff” (4) - SUDan'S
29 - Preferment catapults me in post (8) - NEPOTISM*
DOWN
2   - Prevalent in the area, mice ran helter-skelter following raid of den (7) - {END*}{EMIC*}
3   - Beginning external group (6) - {OUT}{SET}
4   - Explorer to strike back with firm loop redone (5,4) - {MAR<-}{CO} {POLO*}
5   - French nobleman has a bit of taste for old currency (5) - {DUC}{A}{T}
7   - Woman goes around home for forgiveness (7) - {AM{NEST}Y}
8   - Last letter before reportedly moving a kind of grape (5,7) - {Z}{ANTE} {CURRANT}(~current)
11 - Opening bits from quaint rostrum (6) - INTROS [T]
12 - G-man and hobbyist tossed gadgets for which you can't recall the name (12) - {THI{NGAM*}YBOBS*}
17 - Cleverly adapts Met office tool (4,5) - DATE STAMP*
18 - Witchcraft to blind Opposition leader after Opposition leader (6) - {HOOD}{O}{O}
20 - Got into the habit, perhaps (7) - DRESSED [CD]
22 - Pointers to iron and copper covering special opponents (7) - {FE}{S}{CU}{ES}
23 - Noodle casing? (6) - HELMET [CD] Didn't like this clue
25 - If you do, you will rise rather late (3,2) - LIE IN [CD]

Tuesday 16 November 2010

No 10000, Tuesday 16 Nov 10, Gridman

THE HINDU CROSSWORD TEN THOUSAND, well done Gridman
ACROSS
8   - Gamble taking Roy heartlessly for stage effect (3,3) - {D{RoY} ICE}
9   - Lover being reluctant, a revel is left incomplete (8) - {LOTH}{A}{RIOt}
10 - Book between Esther and Ezra (8) - NEHEMIAH [CD]
11 - One who also gets part of what's left (6) - COHEIR [CD]
12 - Greek island with a calm interior (6) - ITHACA [T]
13 - Did he mind only clean cattle? (4-4) - NEAT-HERD &lit
15 - When cells don't have enough oxygen, there's a disease within (7) - HY(POX)IA [CD]
17 - Did without new retreat in stronghold (7) - {FOR{WEN}T} New word for me
20 - One finally therefore takes reporters for coffee (8) - {E}{S{PRESS}O}
22 - British noter analysed old writer (6) - {B}{RONTE*}
23 - Conveyance said to be ample (6) - HANSOM (~handsome)
25 - Fat Bruno fixed jet engine (8) - TURBOFAN*
26 - Model French student takes one's relay (8) - {T}{ELEV{I'S}E}
27 - Enthusiast did a somersault in section of play (6) - {A{DDI*}CT}
DOWN
1   - In a hasty manner, old city fellow and lady put out publicity (8) - {UR}{GENT}{LadY}
2   - One who likes to be in the multiplex milieu (6-4) - CINEMA-GOER [CD]
3   - Trainer drops the last moulded eyepiece (6) - RETINAr*
4   - Experienced person's love for learner at Bihar town ignoring graduate (3,4) - {O}{L}{D HANbaD}
5   - Animals climbed up with another animal on second of podiums and played in a detached manner (8) - {STAC<-}{CAT}{O}
6   - Leader of Secunderabad joins a quiet band (4) - {S}{A}{SH}
7   - Cable about one revolutionary leader being more lean and sinewy (6) - {WIR{I}E}{R}
14 - Polite greeting that might beget the same (3,2,3,2) - HOW DO YOU DO [CD]
16 - One is up against this disease (8) - INSOMNIA [CD]
18 - Bird foreign teachers breed? (8) - {NUT}{HATCH}
19 - What a mineral water plant does to distribute best lot (7) - BOTTLES*
21 - Influenced a head of police in backyard structure (6) -  {SH{A}{P}ED}
22 - Dresser for dandy possessing trimmed wrap (6) -  {B{UR}EAU} Anno for UR pending (Addendum - {B(fUR}EAU} - See comments)
24 - Heard movie episode is no longer secret (4) -  SEEN (~scene)

Monday 15 November 2010

No 9999, Monday 15 Nov 10, Gridman

The shape of the Grid by itself suggested something unusual was up and so it was with the 9's all around. The grid had an error in it with one space not being blanked out which I have corrected before uploading onto my blog.
ACROSS
5   - A chief showing the way (5) -{A}{HEAD}
6   - Expert at Indian village to create software (7) - {PRO}{GRAM}
8   - Enthusiast gets nothing in France — time for fuel for the body (8) - {NUT}{RIEN}{T}
9   - Navy tricolour (6) - ENSIGN [CD]
10 - Dog retirer Rishi in a dodgy manner (5,7) - IRISH TERRIER*
12 - Patient helpers (6) - NURSES [CD]
14 - From Etah, I niftily filched sesame paste (6) - TAHINI [T]
17 - Bairn might result from this dunce (12) - {SCATTER}{BRAIN*}
20 - Job for seamstress — to hothead, it is skirting (6) - hEDGING
21 - Midday number on diet formulation (8) - {NO}{ON}{TIDE}
22 - Bear's appetite? (7) - STOMACH [DD]
23 - Work up: “Breakfast item's ready” (3,2) - {EGG} {ON}
DOWN
1   - Emotional disorder of connoisseur — paranormal, rejecting non-pro (8) - NEUROSIScon*
2   - Least likely to work, I somehow lasted without a bit of activity (6) - {I}{DLESTa*}
3   - One has a plot: isn't love in it? (8) - NOVELIST*
4   - One rubs soap, a small soap (6) - ERASER ? Anno pending (Addendum - {ER}{A}{S}{ER} - See comments)
5   - It has swimmers on show (8) - AQUARIUM [CD]
6   - Depart, bursting explosive device (6) - PETARD*
7   - Periodical — one for the wise men (4) - {MAG}{I}
11 - Without being asked — in the auction house? (8) - UNBIDDEN [DD]
13 - Has transported new Indian cow to a foreign port (8) - {SHA*}{N}{GHAI}Indian Cow is actually pronounced as GAAI
15 - Source of ethnic pride — it's at heart! (8) - HERITAGE [CD]
16 - Small fish — it may wrinkle your nose (6) - {S}{TENCH}
17 - Mistake, wearing a kind of blouse (4-2) - {SLIP}-{ON}
18 - Begin again on work by an uninitiated number (6) - {RE}{OP}{tEN}
19 - Seems to indicate there's no beginning to poems (4) -  bODES

Sunday 14 November 2010

No 2609, Sunday 14 Nov 10

ACROSS
1 - Tax situation after one month (10) – {I}{M}{POSITION}
6 - Fine meadow insect (4) – {F}{LEA}
9 - Anger shown by sailor getting cross (7) – {SALT}{IRE}
10 - Comprehensive cover (7) – BLANKET [DD]
12 - Try a joke (5) – CRACK [DD]
13 - Vehicle's condition entering anticlockwise TT? (6,3) – {E{STATE} CAR<-}
14 - Girl honoured to entertain a duke making a film (5,8) – {PENNY} {SEREN{A}{D}E}
17 - Hastily prepared? No, argued Hardy, after editing (5-3-5) – ROUGH-AND-READY*
19 - Forcibly remove someone from vault round end of evening? (9) – {FRO{G}M}{ARCH}
21 - Gold coin found in one, a glebe-house (5) – EAGLE [T]
23 - A battered sausage on a stick to follow, after cereal (4,3) – {CORN} {DOG}
24 - Mimic one friend drinking it (7) – {I}{M{IT}ATE}
25 - Facts and figures, somewhat contrary? (4) – {DAT}{A} <-
26 - Handle insect let loose by son - this one, perhaps (4,6) – {S}{TAG} {BEE}{TLE*}
DOWN
1 - Batting order in cricket, say (6) – {IN}{SECT} Nice one, was foxed till the end with Batting & Cricket
2 - Friend, old lady, in a tourist centre in the Med (5) – {PAL}{MA}
3 - Get bogged down with fuddy-duddy (5-2-3-3) – STICK-IN-THE-MUD
4 - Goldeneye character, vet, nearly murdered (9) – TREVELYAN*
5 - Coming from moor, bitterns fly in a circle (5) – ORBIT [T]


7 - Furiously, and with great enthusiasm (4,5) – LIKE CRAZY [CD]
8 - One ratty flustered advocate (8) – ATTORNEY*
11 - Simultaneously, nevertheless (2,3,4,4) – AT THE SAME TIME [DD]
14 - Op art cult perplexed a magnate (9) – PLUTOCRAT*
15 - Organ left in body of human (9) – {EAR}{TH{L}ING}Another nice one
16 - Led up to foreword by daughter (8) – {PREFACE}{D}
18 - Harsh cut close to Yuletide (6) – {SEVER}{E}
20 - Genuine religious ceremony, by the sound of it (5) – RIGHT(~rite)
22 - Gift from Greek social worker (5) – {GR}{ANT}