No. 9468, Saturday, 28 Feb 09, Nita Jaggi

Another quick CW for today. Posting early and without many links to beat the power cuts of Bangalore which have started
ACROSS
 8 - A bullet tinker had destroyed in a hopeful attempt (1,4,2,3,4) – A SHOT {IN THE DARK*}
 9 - Draw back from a physician (6) – SHRINK [2]
10 - Not used up the surplus food? (8) – LEFT OVER [2]
11 - Charged particles left in the city of Turkey within a long time (8) – E{L}ECTRON
13 - Disentangle the long twisted noose (6) – L{OOSEN*}
14 - Soldiers’ behaviour needs an improvement (6) - RE{FORM}
16 - Depletes energy sources within the Tundra instantly (6) – DRAINS [T]
19 - Cigarette end with almost one fastener (6) – {BUTT}ON(-e)
21 - Totally different work at the Post Office location (8) – OP{PO}SITE
23 - Lie or go back to the sister having a scar tissue (8) – FIB{RO<-}SIS
24 - Salesman has an alternative Tuesday to give a detailed statement (6) – REP{OR}T
26 - Handles foreign styles without being offended (2,4,8) – NO HARD FEELINGS*
DOWN
 1 - Musician has a role taken up for an unmarried man (8) – BACH{ELOR<-} 2 - Order for the first class tea (4) – CH{AI}
 3 - Holy man is alright for a note written up on a device (6) – ST{OK}ER
 4 - Measure the weight of the dry surface in a nation (7) – EN{G}LAND
5 - Careless to ruffle after a quiet card player (8) – SH{UFFLER*}
 6 - Thoughts of goodies lie broken (10) – IDEOLOGIES*
 7 - Told to stop moving the decorative band on the wall (6) – FRIEZE (~freeze)
12 - Accountant has a party on Rhode Island, specifically in restaurants (10) – CA{FETE}{RI}AS
15 - Sound surface of a seating area (8) – RING{SIDE}
17 - One in artists orders a comedian (8) - SAT{I}RIST* Can a satirist be classified as a comedian?
18 - Party on the ship that is right for a person’s record (7) – DO{SS}{IE}R
20 - Formed unions at the same time (6) - UNISON*
22 - Panama has announced an official list for the release of an inmate (6) – PA{ROLE}
25 - Father has a small measure taken up on the window glass (4) PA{NE<-}

No. 9467, Friday, 27 Feb 09, Nita Jaggi

Another starightforward CW. Did not like a couple of the clues though.
ACROSS
 7 - Good-natured prince has an endless lease for the social worker (8) – P{LEAS(-e)}ANT
 9 - Spanish aristocrat turns back the rubber mass (6) – DON<-{U}LE
11 - Right poet perhaps is on a high wire (9) – TIGHTROPE* Read this interesting articles about the daredevils who walked on a tightrope over the Niagara falls
12 - Tradesmen have speakers before the last bulb (5) – TU{LIP} The Tulip farms of Holland are a sight to be seen
13 - Oriental queen also mostly has the same numbers (6) – E{QU}ALS(-o)
14 - A German soldier has an incomplete symbol of parts to fit together (8) – A{SS}EMBLE(-m)
17 - One with wings on a dwelling in an aviary (9) – BIRD{HOUSE} [CD]
22 - An announcement of a periodical (8) BULLETIN [2]
23 - Biological process featured in a message in Greek (6) – AGEING [T] I liked the construction of this clue
25 - Shelter for the small inlet on the side (5)- COVE{R}
27 - The Arctic constructed by a master builder (9) – ARCHITECT*
28 - Not applicable for us at a point of advanced sickness (6) – NA{US}EA
29 - Fabric for a six-footer officer (8) – {SERGE}ANT Do not know how ANT is connected with a six-footer. A Sergeant is not an officer in the classical sense, he is only a Non-commissioned officer or an NCO. (Update - Six-footer relates to the six feet of an ant hence ANT)
DOWN
 1 - Stained pots broken by Edward (7) – SPOT*{TED}
 2 - Left to beg in for nothing in a country (7) – BE{L}GIUM Annotation of IUM not clear
 3 - Plant on one leg (5) – ONION Annotation for second ON not clear (Update - Second on in from leg stump cricket which is known as ON side)
 4 - Start off the game with the red wine (4) – (-s)PORT
 5 - Left you with fifty-pounds at hand at the end of the day for a song (7) – L{U}{LL}AB{Y} Annotation for AB not clear
 6 - Journalist sent up in the East on second thoughts for water in the middle of the ocean (4,3) – {DE}{E}P SEA Annotation of PSEA and connection with second thoughts not clear (Update - PS comes from second thoughts which still leaves EA to be explained)
 8 - South Africa to give evidence for one alien taken up on a celestial body (9) SA{TELL}I{TE<-} 10 - Head of the party makes noise about the new retirement pay (7) – {P}E{N}SION* I wonder when I am going to get my new pension what with all the controversy over the 6th pay commission! Sorry for being personal here
15 - Not worried about the casual act of leaving (9) – {EASY}GOING
16 - Crazy kind of terrorists left for an officer (7) – ADM*{IRA}L
18 - Notice around a bachelor scion losing heart to depart away secretly (7) – A{B}SCON(-i)D
19 - Left in to promote over another distinctive taste (7) – F{L}AVOUR
20 - Broad-minded politician is the real model (7) – LIB{ERAL}
21 - A soldier at an art gallery to stir up public opinion (7) – A{GI}TATE
24 - Eight performers caught at a point in a good book (5) – O{CT}{E}T

No. 9466, Thursday, 26 Feb 09, Nita Jaggi

Quite a straightforward CW today not many complications or controversies. I have got stuck on 21A though
ACROSS
 1 - Old man to take advantage of a short silence (5) – PA{USE}
 4 - Catches the rare kind of holy man at day’s end (7) – ARRE*{ST}S
10 - Tradesmen are to seize back the headgear (6) – TUR{BAN<-} Annotation of RUT not clear. Do you know that the turbans tied by Army officers will display exactly six folds on one side irrespective of whether he is in uniform or civil clothes . Have a look next time you see an army officer 11 - Commander to put with difficulty an electronic data (8) – COM{PUT}ER Clue appears to be incomplete should have been electrnic data processor
13 - Due to be acknowledged? (8) – CREDITED [2]
14 - The boy is in doubt to turn in to the former students (6) – {AL}UM{NI<-} 16 - To appear in Home Counties small square (4) – S{EE}M
17 - Sister is at the market at nine confused by girl making a neat appearance (10) – S{MART}{ENIN*}G
20 - Appealing quality of a race cart designed for the number one returning (10) – A{TT}{RACT*}{ION<-} 21 - Chamber has a cross notch (4) - (Addendum - VEN{T} VEN from ventricle and T from crossing)
24 - Cloak cover on the good book in Spain (6) – CAP{OT}E
26 - Judgment for the southern teen confused many in north-east (8) - S{ENTE*}N{C}E
28 - Withdrawal of troops in private places (8) – RETREATS [2]
29 - American man has the right to trouble (6) – BO{THE}R
30 - Small section of a record is a poem (7) EP{IS}ODE
31 - Railway system in a large city (5) – METRO [2] Wonder if any of our metro's will look like the one shown at the link. The Bangalore Metro is creeping along and has only added to the traffic jams of Bangalore.
DOWN
 2 - People in to address after fifty reaching a common understanding (9) – {A}GREE{MEN}T
 3 - Saint has a muscle twitch in a fixed position (6) – ST{A}TIC
 5 - Lacking leadership, stable hand has enough space (4) – (-g)ROOM
 6 - Discharged four hundred in a river left to the French democrat (8) – EX{P}E{L}{LE}D
 7 - Small child has a small measure of the symbolic thing (5) – TOT{EM} The work on some of the Totem's which the Red Indians have is fascinating
 8 - Fixes the thin pieces of wood (6) – STICKS [2]
 9 - Attempting to cross the railway in Germany (6) – T{RY}IN{G}
12 - Gives consent to trip me anyway in space (7) – PERMITS*
15 - Heard of an entertainer on a cavalry horse (7) – {C}ROONER [Update - TROOPER (~trouper)]
18 - In charge of a number within each alternative device (3,6) - {IC}E A{N}CH{OR}
19 - Can a youngster have a bit of sandwich in snack-bars? (8) – CAN{TEEN}S
20 - Proper proportion of Honda’s sedan (6) - ACCURA [2] (Correction - ACCORD)
22 - Viewpoint of an article that Roy disclosed (6) – THE{ORY*}
23 - Stoker hits a blow! (6) – STROKE*
25 - Install a note in a young animal (3,2) - PU{T} UP
27 - Horse is on the way for all to see at the beginning of dawn (4) – ST{U}D

No. 9465, Wednesday, 25 Feb 09, Nita Jaggi

I for one did not enjoy today's crossword, though I have completed it. The compiler has repeated parts of clues at various places like AD for example and has not clearly come out with the wordplay in some places. (Update - I have added as comments Chaturvasi's explanations which he gave on another community)
ACROSS
 1 - Totally commit to bargain at the opening sound of the house girl (2,3,5,3) – GO THE WHOLE HOG Annotation not clear
 8 - Sound way to reason around in Durham area (9) – RESONA*NCE ?
 9 - Heard of a grille relatively large in size (5) – GREAT (~grate)
10 - Commotion surrounding the right training for a sea weapon (7) – TO{R}{PE}DO
12 - Essential component proper for Albert (6) – PRIM{AL}
14 - Well-informed of the battle in the East (5) – AWAR{E}
16 - Get rid of the gardener’s building (4) – SHED [2]
19 - Leave out the doctor returning the thing (4) – OM<-IT
20  - Evaluation of a para slip device (9) – APPRAISAL*
21 - Added profit from an investment (4) – GAIN [CD]
22 - Reasonable bridge opponents after it (4) – SA{NE} Annotation for SA not clear
25 - To remove all contents of the large family around Spain (5) – CL{E}AN Connection between E and Spain not clear
27 - Short period of a flash of lightning (6) – STREAK [CD]
29 - Overeat in a large state around Iowa (7) – SAT{IA}TE*
32 - Half keep the black tar for grilled food (5) – {KE}BAB
33 - Destroy the half dry area perhaps for the trap laid back (4,5) – T{EAR A*}{PART<-} Annotation for T not clear 34 - Regular article has the dimension of a full-time film (7-6) FEATURE LENGTH
DOWN
 2 - Second boy has a verse formed to celebrate (7) – OB{SERVE*} Annotation for OB not clear
 3 - A joint greeting is no good for the Oriental (5) – HI{N}{G}E No indication for taking the first letters of no good
 4 - Blow away the success at present (6) – WIN{NOW}
 5 - Left hand going up to measure the kiln (4) – OV{EN} Connection between OV and left hand not clear
 6 - Enthusiastic about each point in Greece (5) – EAGER Annotation not clear
 7 - Single degree of a colour change (9) – GRADATION Annotation not clear
 8 - Amounts for an artist set comes up (5) – RA<-{TES<-} 11 - Rucksack has a notice turned up at the end of the way for a container (7) – DA<-{Y}PACK
12 - For each, issue the first letter of an identity (7) – PERSON{A}
13 - Solid design on objects of worship (5) – IDOLS*
15 - Saying on the present day period (5) – AD{AGE}
17 - Central part of a French note taken up as a herb (5-4) – HEART PLANT (Correction - HEART-LEAF) I have this plant at home and never new its name!!! See its picture at the link
18 - Turn up this era on a new chapter of an Eastern art form (5) – DA<-{N}{C}E Again no indication for taking the first letters of New Chapter
23 - Very determined today, in the morning for a worker (7) – AD{AM}ANT
24 - Put pressure right after the river (5) – EXE{RT}
26 - Foolish person is unwell to launch an attack (6) – ASS{AIL}
28 - A very black Old Testament for the head monk (5) – {A}BB{OT}
30 - An entourage in railroad cars (5) – TRAIN [2]
31 - Popular performer hiding in the best area (4) – STAR [T]

No 9464, Tuesday, 24 Feb 09, Nita Jaggi

Easy outing today though some of the clues I felt were innapropriate, few repetitions also which normally is never done by a compiler.
ACROSS
 1 - Gal upset after admitting the morning mischief of a get together (10) – AM{ALG*}AMATE ? Annotation for amate not clear in relation to mischief, see the meaning at the link
9 - Begin the campaign on a motorboat (6) – LAUNCH [2]
10 - Port authority has a track on the surface of an outdoor area (10) – {P}LAY{GROUND}
11 - Misguided monarch makes a loud speech (6) – ER{RANT}
12 - Charming to beat a few (7) – WIN{SOME}
16 - Odd part of nugget has a sharp point (5) – PRO{N}G ? Annotation not clear to me
17 - Left one learner at the end of the day with a white flower (4) – L{I}{L}Y
18 - Thousand in row over a big cat (5) – TI{G}ER ? Thousand should be M and not G
19 - Rodent consumes one unit of an Indian dish (5) – RA{I}T*{A} Also known as 'pachadi' to South Indians
20 - One to control an organization (4) - BOSS
21 - Tries different ceremonies (5) – RITES*
22 - Supreme Court has a chart rewritten in poor handwriting (7) – SC{RATCH*}
27 - Representations of famous people (6) – IMAGES [CD]
29 - Inappropriate international petition of an expert (10) – UN{SUIT}ABLE
30 - Device to support the queen (6) – HOLD{ER}
31 - Passes through the unusual steep coral (10) – PERCOLATES*
DOWN
 2 - Scholar has fifty pounds in the shopping complex (4) – MA{L}{L}
 3 - Pupil has a troubled year at seven levels (6) – {L}AYER*{S}
 4 - Central chamber of the heart (6) – ATRIUM [CD]
 5 - Keen for a slice of the cake layer (5) – A{CUT}E ?
 6 - Senior beheaded the worker (5) – ELDER (welder – w)
 7 - Worker, as tigon changes an opponent (10) – {ANT}AGONIST*
 8 - Snapshot of the piano on the house to plot(10) – {P}{HOTO*}{GRAPH} I presume ‘On The House’ is the origin for the anagram for OTHO though not specifically indicated by the compiler (Addendum - {P}{HO}{TO}{GRAPH})
12 - Having no doubts of the impermeable element (10) – WATERTIGHT [2]
13 - Open to discussion, information comes up in the good book for one expert (10) – {NEG*}{OT}{I}{ABLE} Expert is repeated in 29A with the same answer, normally not done by compilers
14 - A joint on the Spanish weapon (5) – EL{BOW}
15 - An explanatory phrase on superficial attractiveness (5) – GLOSS ? Annotation not clear to me
23 - Accountant has a coil twisted on the cotton cloth (6) – CA*{LICO*} Did you know the word Calico originated in Kozhikode (earlier Calicut)
24 - Painter conceals the large spa for a Hindu nymph (6) – A{PSA}R{A}
25 - Take control on America and an ancient city President (5) – US{UR}P
26 - Note the old thing taken up by the penny pincher (5) - {MI}SER Cannot explain how SER is indicated by ‘old thing taken up’
28 - Heard of an insect to disappear quickly (4) - FLEE (~flea)

No. 9463, Monday, 23 Feb 09, Nita Jaggi

Delay in posting as I am watching the Oscars side-by-side waiting for our very own AR Rahmans performance, as such the thinking is diverted and I am unable to get 10A and 6D will be back to complete after the show
ACROSS
 4 - Changed the state around an old city area to fill up completely (8) – SAT{UR}ATE*
 8 - Shock to give back the cunning universal master (6) – TRA{U}MA
 9 - Operator confused to clear out following the starting price (10) – SP{ECULATOR*}
10 - Cattle without water (4) - (Addendum NEAT ?)
11 - First winter really encourages new bird (4) – {W}REN
13 - In fancy clothing, doctor is at the Oriental liner at the end of the day (6) – DR{E}{SS}Y
15 - Find out the measure of the queen in rage (7) – EN{QU}IRE ?
17 - Going through the mountain way (4) – PASS [2]
18 - Sell yarn regularly in a stylish way (4) - ELAN ?
19 - Holy man has a mere form of paddle ship (7) – ST{EAMER*}
21 - Creatures live at home with the general staff (6) – BEIN{GS}
22 - A brief stay on the way to work (4) – ST{OP}
25 - Reminder of a referee’s decision (4) – CALL [CD]
26 - Feline covering the motor way going back at it from right to left (10) – LI{MI}{TATI*}ON
27 - Almost call for a trivial sum for the hot religious leader (6) – CAL{I}{P}{H}
28 - Common speech is the usual standard for the large clan in the East (8) – PAR{LANC*}E
DOWN
 1 - To get up on a platform (5) – STAND [2]
 2 - Gangster in speed at the king’s house (6) – PA{LA<-}CE
 3 - Real charge around the side of the optical device (5) – LA{S}ER*
 4 - Lady has a measure for fine clothing (5) – SHE{EN}
 5 - The measuring stick covers no date on the wheel (7) – TRU{ND}LE
 6 - To care for the last monarch in a road accident (4,5) - (Addendum - REAR END{ER})
 7 - Uses a tour to change the bridal collection (9) – TROUSSEAU*
12 - Start to burn half of the deer put in position (5) – {ER}UPT*
14 - Bachelor has fifty pounds forever for a dancer (9) – BA{LL}ERINA
15 - Seen a list altered for the basic thing (9) – ESSENTIAL*
16 - Celebration of an open air meal (5) – ROAST ?
19 - To withstand the space above America for a line in a worker (7) – S{US}TA{I}N
20 - Calm mountain retreat has detectives (6) – PLA<-{CID}
22 - Hen is disturbed by the reflected light (5) – SHINE*
23 - Very small amount almost out around in the north-east (5) – {OU}N{C}E
24 - First test version found in a real pharaoh (5) – ALPHA [T]

Anti Climax

Woke-up early all eager to tackle the Sunday CW did 1A and suddenly it was deja-vu and I realised that someone in The HINDU had slipped up and repeated last sunday's crossword. So that's it for today till tomorrow

No 9462, Saturday, 21 Feb 09, Nita Jaggi

Another easy CW after the two by Neyartha. I wonder why our editor has the same compiler repeated continously instead of having a different one each day. Have yet to get the annotation for some of the solutions and the solution to 22A eludes meto
ACROSS
 1 - Crazy covering one servant (4) – MA{I}D
 9 - Positive reasoning set to shift hulk in the wing (7,8) – WISHFUL THINKING*
10 - Speak of the spiritual depth of a fish (4) – SOLE [CD]
11 - Hit out after the gangster turns back with a baton (5) – LA<-THI*
12 - Loud protest for a woman leader in trouble (4) – W{AIL}
13 - Calm an individual member, overheard (5) – PEACE (~ piece)
14 - To provide help for one into display information at the end of the day (7) – CHAR{I}TY
16 - Large body part of a mythical creature (7) – BIGFOOT [2] Is he real or imaginary, the controversy still remains?
18 - Catch the noisy breath when one is taken for nothing (5) – SNARE (- o + A)
22 - American man performing for good fortune (4) - (Addendum - BOON [2])
23 - Turn in to notice the stream of liquid (5) – SPOUT ?
24 - Catching device has a component turned back (4) – TRAP <- 25 - About to count nine tosses having an inclination to fight (15) – CONTENTIOUSNESS*
26 - Serious attention paid to the male editor (4) – HE{ED}
DOWN
 2 - Sprinter insane halting an alien at a point (7) – ATHL*{ET}E
 3 - Cheating to stand-in at the intersection (6,8) – DOUBLE CROSSING [CD]
 4 - Turning movement of the left hand in a large hole (5) – PI{VO}T Annotation of ‘VO’ not clear
 5 - Condition of an occupied territory of a nation (5) – STATE [2]
 6 - Adding the last detail to the end part at home for the girl having a distinctive style (9,5) – FINISH{IN}{G} TOUCH
 7 - King in to do needlework for the queen using a long metal pin (6) – S{K}EWER That looks YUM I must have a BarbQ one of these days, all cruciverbalists are invited :-)
 8 - Mental state of an amateur having the number eleven for an alien at the end of the day (7) – A{N XI}{ET}Y
 15 - Doctor within the family group has big loose robes (7) – KI{MO}N OS Annotation of OS not clear (Addendum - big = OS for Outsize)
 17 - Limited fish part at a point after the thing (6) – FIN{IT}E
 19 - Followers of one in a troubled tenure (7) – RET{I}NUE*
 20 - Sailor turns up the cover of the three-dimensional object (5) SO{LID} Annotation of ‘SO’ not clear 21 - Reason for the accountant to practise (5) – CA{USE}

No 9461, Friday, 20 Feb 09, Nita Jaggi

Just back after a short holiday to Mysore, saw a lot of discussion on Neyartha's CW of yesterday. Todays has nothing much to talk about and was too easy. Not putting any links on accounto f the late posting.
ACROSS
 2 - A small drink for each drinker (6) – SIPPER [CD]
 7 - Discomfort caused by glass in the window, overheard (4) – PAIN (~pane)
 9 - Essential part of computer memory (4) – CORE [CD]
10 - Open disrespect follows ordinary natives as a failure to follow a court order that others benefit (5,8) – CIVIL CONTEMPT [CD]
12 - Ice list assorted, provokes a reaction (7) – ELICITS*
13 - An increase in an amount paid before it is earned (7) – ADVANCE[2]
15 - Hand-sized measure of a tropical tree (4) – PALM [2]
17 - Market-places true in red-planet (5) – MAR{T}S
18 - Old style lot incomplete in Norwegian capital (4) – OSLO [T]
19 - Changed the scene to cover the greeting from the Ming people! (7) – C{HI}NESE*
21 - Small charge for a revenue and expenditure account (7) – NOMINAL [CD]
23 - Blade entering ship is fun for kids (13) SKATE{BOARDING}
27 - Carbonated drink for a company in Los Angeles (4) – CO{LA}
28 - So be it! — a force of workers (4) – A{MEN}
29 - Remove the cover of United Nations head garment (6) – UN{VEIL}
Down
 1 - Father has a red cross on the Spanish box (6) – PA{RC}EL
 2 - Gas station attendant is a member of the armed forces (10) – SERVICEMAN [2]
 3 - Physical exercise for Albert on sound of bell (4) – PE{AL}
 4 - French street taken up with circular letter currency (4) – EUR<-O
 5 - Dishonest scheme under cover in business camps (4) – SCAM [T]
 6 - Networking rules for the correct code of conduct (8) – PROTOCOL [CD]
 8 - Greek letter to Edward in a softened tone (5) – MU{TED)
11 - Small waterfall pours downwards rapidly (7) – CASCADE [2]
13 - Aerial signal for insects! (7) – ANTENNA
14 - A second grade innovative inhabitant of Australia (10) – A{B}ORIGINAL
16 - Notice for the governor is taken up on the basis of loyal support (8) – AD{HESION} ?
20 - To rob a metal alloy, overheard (5) – STEAL (~steel)
22 - Scheming person left inside a large range (6) – ANG{L}ER*
24 - First class not to a sister by bad luck (4) – ALAS
25 - Obese people eat nuggets in public at first (4) - OPEN [T]
26 - Principle measuring stick (4) RULE [CD]

Out of town, Thursday, 19 Feb 09

Going on a trip to Mysore on 19 Feb, so will not be blogging CW No 9460 of the day

No. 9459, Wednesday, 18 Feb 09, Neyartha

New constructor today for me, need to get used to the style of a new constructor as such I have missed out on some answers. Posting without any links or explanations as I am already delayed for the reasons mentioned yesterday
ACROSS
 1 - Harbours a revolutionary doctor (cheat) besieged by misfortune (11) – CAT{ASTROP?}HE* Revolutionary should have been Castro ?
 9 - Who leads an anarchy resulting from one Pole getting rid of another with a trap (2,3) – NE WIN ?
10 - Integral compound of lawrencium doesn’t contain tungsten (9) – NUMERICAL (lawrencium – w)
11 - Case result (5) -
12 - Animal found on newly laid thin rail around Gujarat forest (7,4) – NIL{GIR}I TAHR*
13 - Father went back inside the garden building and did some potter’s work (6) – SH{AP<-}ED
14 - Chinese bears circle the unknown rulers (7) – PAND{Y}AS
18 - Number of old Asian tribal doctor in the outskirts of Edlabad (7) – {HUN}{DR}ED
20 - Part of face revealed by damaged chinstrap (not at suggested retail price) (6) -
24 - Ocean liner model not found at coastal attraction in 2 Dn (5,6) – SHORE TEMPLE Annotation not clear
26 - Flag a vehicle for concealing the tequila plant (5) – AGAVE [T]
27 - After breaking up the //stir, inn// in-charge finds the native (9) – INTRINS*{IC}
28 - Squares up with the First Lady’s bridge partners (5) – EVE{NS}
29 - Bird removed deal management (7,4) – EMERALD DOVE*
DOWN
 1 - Confession topic brought up in craft by saint (8) – CANONI{ST} ?
 2 - Mail unusually wrapped by worker returning from the French state (5,4) – T{AMIL} NA{DU}
 3 - Lowly work putting 50 in place of 100 (7) – SERVILE (service – c + l)
 4 - Practice exercises (without headgear) for the muscles (5) - RECTI
 5 - Everyone in Pennsylvania and Virginia (South) has rulers (8) – P{ALL}A{VA}S
 6 - Recorded that the drunk teen and the German went up (7) – ENTERED*
 7 - Tug at the loom (5) -
 8 - A spacious necessity in the avoiding process (5) -
15 - Toss pasta into the Italian appetiser (9) - ANTIPASTO*
16 - Extermination gone wrong: Team report (8) – GENO*CIDE (~side)
17 - Smart Alec gives telegram containing points for the bill (8) -
19 - It is rot to turn off censored Polish website (7) – DIS{EASE} ?
21 - Letters from Kramer in Detroit are in this language (7) – AMERIND [T]
22 - Understood the speaker’s musical direction (5) -
23 - Commotion results when a follower takes off the learner tag (5) – LABEL ?
25 - Do more than what is expected by travelling this mile (5) – EXTRA [CD]

No. 9458, Tuesday, 17 Feb 09, Sankalak

Another nice and smooth crossword by Sankalak got through quite easily, again did add a few new words to my vocabulary
ACROSS
 1 - In a bank it may be current, to be important (7) - ACCOUNT
 5 - Mexican location where new copper was found in prison (6) – CA{N}{CU}N Nice place to go for a holiday sigh!!
11 - The fibre of French friend captured by British Engineers (5) – R{AMI}E
12 - Verb form used in times gone by, stressful (4,5) – PAST TENSE
13 - Inferior writing — to keep the kitchen fires burning (9) - POTBOILER
14 - Poetry from Shang//hai, Ku//ala Lumpur or Tokyo (5) - HAIKU
15 - Slope that models like to walk? (4) - RAMP
17 - Brilliant red mark, a hindrance (7) – {SCAR}LET
21 - Never growing old, like eagles flying around top of spire (7) – AGELES*{S}
22 - Hand out two notes (4) – {CE}{DE} (Addendum - CEDE is incorrect it should be {ME}{TE} from the song DO-RE-ME in the classic movie 'The Sound of Music')
26 - One who takes steps in reverse for a summing up (5) – RECAP <- 27 - Amusing or otherwise, he knows nothing (9) – IGNORAMUS*
29 - Such a question could be put to Google perhaps (9) - SEARCHING
30 - Subject for a top gear conservative (5) – TOP{I}{C}
31 - Bovine infuriator (3,3) – RED RAG I wonder why Bulls get irritated when they see red, and I also wonder if this is the origin of 'Seeing Red', must ggogle it to find out
32 - Put through the press to facilitate reading? (7) - PRINTED
DOWN
 2 - Celestial body that may arrive before end of Lent (5) – COME{T}
 3 - American state where //no gore// gets spilt (6) – OREGON*
 4 - Sodium on hand as a weapon (6) – NA{PALM} Extensively used to devastating effect by the US during the Vietnam war, I still remember the horrifying picture of a young vietnamese girl running away from the scene of a Napalm drop the picture won an international award for the photographer, look it up on the net
 6 - Player without the traditional virtues is opposed to girl’s love (8) – ANTI{HER}O
 7 - Creature dispatched, say, with one //deep// in trouble (9) – CENT{sent}I{PEDE*}
 8 - Birthmark that may trouble a Venus (6) - NAEVUS
 9 - Curtains for a healer, imitator on track (7) – DR{APE}RY
10 - Bird that is very big, beginning to turn full of calories (7) – OS<-{T}RICH
16 - Stick wielded by the conjurer (5,4) – MAGIC WAND
18 - Baldness of oil exporters, ‘inter alia’ (8) – AL{OPEC}IA
19 - Pain reliever for one hoping to lose tail (7) – ASPIRIN - g
20 - What a sailor cannot afford to be (7) – SEA SICK
23 - Tool for undoing a writer’s work (6) - ERASER
24 - Variety of wild ass from the //iron age// recently found (6) – ONAGER* Known in India as the Indian wild Ass and is a resident of the Rann of Kutch. A popular word forcrossword builders I have seen it many a time in crosswords
25 - A shrub to study, with decay inside (6) – C{ROT}ON The variety in Crotons is numerous, I still remember the large number of them that we used to have in our house when I was in school/college
28 - Tree with //ample// spread (5) – MAPLE* What a beautiful sight, reminds me of our very own CHINAR trees of the Kashmir valley a beautiful sight when they become a golden orange just before they shed their leaves

PS - I may not meet tomorrows dealine as I have to go to the airport to pick up a relative. Ciao till we meet again

No. 9457, Monday, 16 Feb 09, Sankalak

Monday morning blues. Got stuck on 14A and 15D. Otherwise I found it to be a very invigorating with a lot of new words added to my vocabulary. Posting without the above two answers to meet my deadline. (Addendum - Got stuck on 15D as I took "Is Emil fit" instead of "Emil fit to" as the anagram fodder, kicked myself for getting stuck on 14A which turned out to be so easy.)
ACROSS
1  - Public display of a document with a note on … (13) – MANIFEST{A}{TI}{ON}
10 - …where directors can meet (9) - BOARDROOM
11 - Try to throw up, unsuccessfully in st//retch//ed conditions (5) - RETCH
12 - In which a mate can signal the end (5) - CHESS
13 - Go looking for fun with //tall Ivan// dancing with first of girls (9) – {G}ALLIVANT* Can also be spelt as Gallavant
14 - A trophy for protection (6) - SHIELD
16 - Water basin with a funny spout (5) - STOUP Ecclesiastical A basin or font for holy water at the entrance of a church.
19 - I’m back, teacher, as a fielder (3-2) – MI<-{D ON} From the game of cricket so popular in our country
20 - Megalith — people with 60 minutes accept one (6) – MENHIR Remembered the answer from all the Asterix comics I have read
25 - Old school to change, carrying two masters … (4,5) – AL{MA} {MA}TER
26 - …predisposed to lying (5) - PRONE
27 - Trainee soldier Tom accepts two notes (5) – CA{D}{E}T
28 - A feeling of absence, powerful, can be prevented (9) – A{VOID}ABLE
29 - //Finer starlets// develop the ability to control one’s desires (4-9) SELF RESTRAINT*
DOWN
2  - A college staff member dealing with theory only (8) - ACADEMIC
3  - A flower in H//indus//tan (5) - INDUS
4  - Adequate quantity makes //no huge// difference (6) - ENOUGH*
5  - A pattern cut out to render casual worker dead (8) – {TEMP}{LATE}
6  - //I’d putter// about around university showing depravity (9) – TURPIT{U}DE*
7  - Deny legal protection to a fugitive from justice (6) - OUTLAW
8  - Early computer that works without power (6) - ABACUS
9  - The colour of innocence (5) - WHITE
15 - Is //Emil fit to// play some thematic music? (9) - (Addendum LEITMOTIF*)
17 - Gentle conflict on English computer programmes (8) – {SOFT}{WAR}E
18 - Endless pitch by doctor at home for an enzyme (8) - {THRO-w}{MB}{IN}
21 - Cigarette containing marijuana (6) – REEFER Answer reminded me of those heady college days of the late 60s and early 70s
22 - What a fielder should hold — something worth holding (5) - CATCH Again from our popular cricket
23 – Viscou//s mud ge//nerally leaves a mark inside (6) - SMUDGE
24 - Receive treatment to cure addiction and become completely dull! (3,3) – DRY OUT
26 - The kind of award for a daughter escorted by parents (5) - {PA}D{MA} All our national awards llike Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan etc

No. 2521, Sunday, 15 Feb 09

Sunday has always been my day of relaxation and rest as such the delay in posting and no explanation or links or else I would get delayed. Didnt enjoy todays crossword as there were too many vague clues. Am stuck on 25 Across, anyway here are the rest
ACROSS
1 - Be proud to attract attention (5,3) - STAND OUT
5 - Son, reportedly reserved in group (6) - {S}"CHOOL"
9 - Three-wheeler could make short journey round (8) - TRICYCLE
10 - Heated chow? (3,3) – HOT DOG
12 - Lead found amongst Wensleyda//le - a sh//eepdog's (5) – LEASH*
13 - A swindler, in //contrast, I// suspect (3,6) – CON ARTIST*
14 - Drink port, the best (7,5) - BRISTOL CREAM
18 - Cat by track moving stealthily (12) - PUSSYFOOTING
21 - Lizard caught by hole - name's peculiar (9) - CHAMELEON
23 - Country home rejected financial assistance perhaps (5) - {IN}DIA<- 24 - Promote nurse (6) - FOSTER
25 - Dance from musical (not British) (8) - (Addendum being added with some help from another blog B<-{RIGADOON} )
26 - Shrewd capturing an English king (6) - CANUTE
27 - Pangolin seen in //tent area//, possibly (8) – ANTEATER*
DOWN
1 - Bench alight (6) - SETTLE
2 - Pakist//ani mal//e keeps swine (6) - ANIMAL
3 - Thirsty? Slip up in attempt to get a drink (3,6) - DRY SHERRY
4 - Dangerous antagonist threatening person who's always right? (4,8) – UGLY CUSTOMER
6 - Group of singers sing mostly about love (5) – CH{O}IR
7 - Veteran's antique stopwatch? (3-5) – OLD TIMER
8 - One wicket left, say - defeat must follow (3,5) - {L}EG {STUM<-}P*
11 - With a good chance of winning at home, struggle (2,10) – IN CONTENTION
15 - Applicant outspoken at start of exchange (9) – {CANDID}{AT}E
16 - Exact remedy (8) - SPECIFIC
17 - Two brutes with it, hit man (8) - ASSASSIN
19 - Dexterous with //it, a rod// at sea (6) – ADROIT*
20 - Girl in bedroom making flag (6) - B{ANNE}R
22 - Tennis champion always last to protest (5) – {EVER}T

No. 9456, Saturday, 14 Feb 09, Sankalak

Happy Valentine's day, though I do not know why we have started aping the west on these issues, I never heard of all these days while in scuool and college, anyway its something for the gen-next to do to distract them from their busy work schedules. Happy crosswording from my side
ACROSS
1 - Incapacitate the biased student somehow (7) – DISAB{L}E*
5 - Would such a house be full of ‘spirit? (7) - HAUNTED
9 - Completing studies — at a place where social graces are taught (9,6) – FINISHING SCHOOL
10 - Take for granted that flightless birds return after a bit of a sortie (6) – {A}{S}SUME <- 11 - Permit holder is untruthful reportedly, never beginning to understand (8) – “LICE”{N}SEE
13 - Choke one in a car (8) - THROTTLE
15 - Abe put out but optimistic (6) – UPBEAT*
18 - Caught one in a handout being submissive (6) – DO{C}{I}LE
19 - No end confident? Get on, conquer! (8) – SUR{MOUNT}
22 - Supplemented by a prosecutor and finished off (8) – A{PP}ENDED
24 - A tree for the general public, say (6) – “PEEPAL” Remember the big Peepal tree from the film Sholay?
27 - A levy by which Delhi earns money? (7,5,3) – CAPITAL GAINS TAX
28 - Three feet and one upper limb seen on a ship (7) - YARDARM
29 - Overdue, found dead in bed (7) – BE{LATE}D
DOWN
1 - Fed up, one worker is mutinous (7) – DEF<-{I}ANT
2 - Bodily cavity in humans in use constantly (5) - //SINUS//
3 - Copper, say, in a lab meets disaster (4,5) – BASE METAL*
4 - The way out for an alien escorting a team (4) – E{XI}T
5 - An unpleasant woman soldier’s meat dish (6) – HAG{GIS}
6 - Relative who makes advances (5) - UNCLE
7 - Bride’s wardrobe beginning to trouble French philosopher and writer (9) – {T}ROUSSEAU
8 - The water added to milk, say (7) - DILUENT
12 ,17 - Using the maximum powers — to get ten wickets down? (3-3) – ALL OUT
14 - Stationery for consumption that I prepare afresh with carbon (4,5) – R{I}{C}E PAPER* Just realised that Rice has nothing to do in the manufacture of rice paper!!
16 - Orczy’s floral hero’s signature! (9) - PIMPERNEL I have never read any of her books was more of the pure fiction type of reader.
17 - See 12
18 - Daily record includes honour for a government with two heads (7) - DIAR{CH}Y
20 - Message sent: Delete unknown error (7) - TELEXED
21 - Utter confusion that led MBA astray (6) – BEDLAM*
23 - Jejune traditions that capture a girl (5) - NETRA
25 - __ bourgeois — the lower middle class (5) - PETIT
26 - Aggressive remark from advocates: brouhaha starts (4) – BAR{B}

No. 9455, Friday, 13 Feb 09, Sankalak

Delay in posting due to early morning power failure. However could not add many links, not needed in any case as most answers are straight-forward.
ACROSS
1 - A game target for dead art directors (9) - DARTBOARD
5 - Firework, if damp, has a disappointing outcome (5) - SQUIB Comes from the idiom 'A Damp Squib' and I always thought it referred to the Squib in the oceans
8 - Place for dance, black chamber accommodating everyone (8) - BALLROOM
9 - Stock exchange in which neighbours expect luck (6) - BOURSE
11 - The material of the clergy (5) - CLOTH
12 - Agony e.g. is overcome when relaxed and tolerant (4-5) – EASY GOING
13 - Inveigle people losing head with reversed role (6) - ENTRAP
14 - None could be more shrewd than this (8) - CANNIEST
16 - One of three in the sharing of a secret (8) - GATEPOST see the origins of this idiom
18 - Bachelor doctor ducks tall grass (6) - BAMBOO
22 - A goddess of the arts said to be intended for fun (9) - AMUSEMENT
23 - The way to cook oats right (5) - ROAST
24 - One gets up for some flowers (6) - IRISES
25 - Total LAN dislocation? Don’t mention it (3,2,3) – NOT AT ALL
26 - One wielding the clock returns for terms of reference (5) - TIMER
27 - Would a crooked spy relent soon? (9) - PRESENTLY
DOWN
1 - Total collapse of French cable distribution (7) - DEBACLE
2 - Preclude regulation? Not to be considered (4,3) – RULE OUT
3 - A gift to mark the passage of years (8,7) – BIRTHDAY PRESENT
4 - A party revolutionary is greatly loved (6) - ADORED
5 - A union under duress, to escape getting fired at? (7,8) – SHOTGUN MARRIAGE
6 - Part of Europe, showing a fall in British English (7) - UKRAINE
7 - Evidence of indulgence in drink, a terrible urge covered in a wager (4,3) – BEER GUT
One must visit this link if you are a heavy beer guzzler
10 - A vessel, yes, to test ore (5) - ASSAY
15 - Small insular area, one’s hindrance (5) - ISLET
16 - One working with glass, leader of group, less inclined to work (7) - GLAZIER
17 - Our trade mark is travelling, travelling for pleasure (7) - TOURISM
19 - Very noticeable infectious disease enveloping a part of South Africa is reversed (7) - BLATANT
20 - Do better — at Wimbledon, say (7) - OUTPLAY
21 - Path homelovers tread, holding a reception (2,4) – AT HOME

No. 9454, Thursday, 12 Feb 09, Sankalak

Another easy crosssword for today and did not need too much of thinking.
ACROSS
 1 - Traveller who does not pull his weight? (9) - PASSENGER
 5 - The way a member may make an impression (5) -STAMP
 8 - His power came from locks (6) -SAMSON I did not know there is a song on Samson and Delilah sung by the group Grateful Dead, see the link.
 9 - Doubting Thomases misconstrue ICC’s step (8) - SCEPTICS
11 - A long, hard journey from Montmartre knocks one out (4) - TREK
12 - Fuel to drive student worker (10) - PROPELLANT
14 - A foolish chap’s fruit (5) - LEMON Have any of you heard the Lemon Song by Led Zeppelin? A great song they were one of my favourite groups when I was in college, I have the original LP with this track on it.
15 - Fireworks, not necessarily from the boss (7) - ROCKET
16 - A gun, his remedy for mental distress (7) - ANGUISH
17 - A note can be a pick me up (5) - TONIC
19 - Kind of vibrations used in diagnosis, extremely reliable (10) - ULTRASOUND
20 - Language used in speech by commoners especially (4) - ERSE See the origin
22 - Widespread disease made mice die horribly around centre of Rampura (8) - EPIDEMIC
23 - Test for a food fish that has swallowed something unknown (3,3) – TRY OUT
24 - A spectacle on location, say (5) - SIGHT
25 - Male attitude about one shows doubt (9) - HESITANCE
DOWN
 1 - The language to persuade a labour organisation (6) - PUSHTU Also known as Pashto and spoken in Afghanistan and the NW Frontier Province of Pakistan
 2 - PGW work, a flash in hot weather (6,9) – SUMMER LIGHTNING Have not read this book or even heard of it. Not one of my favourite authors.
 3 - God is angry, upset (4) - EROS
 4 - Regaining health but creating pure chaos (12) - RECUPERATING
 5 - One making an earnest appeal to displace about 99 (10) - SUPPLICANT
 6 - Tom and Jerry, for one (8,7) – ANIMATED CARTOON
 7 - A prerequisite for shopping in Madrid (7) - PESETA
10 - Varnish for furniture from one European country and another (6,6) – FRENCH POLISH
13 - Unable to decide what to do? Use contents of native balm (10) - AMBIVALENT
16 - High-class metals used in making charms to protect one from evil (7) - AMULETS
18 - Mortar’s partner in mixing things up! (6) - PESTLE
21 - Court order to contain beginning of ribaldry in humorous speech (4) - WRIT

No 9453, Wednesday, 11 Feb 09, Sankalak

Today onwards have started adding some links to interesting sites related to the answers plus also few comments from my side. Please feel free to agree-disagree and comment.
ACROSS
 1 - Cargo vessels that put certain shops in disarray (9,5) CONTAINER SHIPS
 8 - Ceremonies said to give privileges (6) RIGHTS
 9 - Some footballers are singular cry-babies (8) SWEEPERS
11 - Group of people going around ol’ university for a wild flower (9) COLUMBINE [What a lovely flower]
12 - Notice Lee dancing for a girl (5) ADELE
13 - A letter from the Book (7) EPISTLE
15 - Dead artist left at the side (7) LATERAL
17 - Wrong-doer’s record prison term cut all around (7) CULPRIT
19 - Kitchen appliance puts students in a drinking binge (7) BLENDER
21 - A chewy roll for a member and sailor in retreat (5) BAGEL
23 - The business end of an archer’s missile (9) ARROWHEAD
25 - Willful destruction of wooden shoe takes a long time (8) SABOTAGE
26 - Girl cited in a Hindi rapid reader (6) INDIRA
27 - Lawyer appointed by the church — to plead Satan’s cause? (6,8) DEVILS ADVOCATE
DOWN
 1 - Craft of the conservative prophesier (7) CORACLE [never knew Coracle was of welsh origin, I always thought it was typically Indian]
 2 - Name of group leader included in Nile cruise (5) NIGEL
 3 - Navigational aid, an item later modified (9) ALTIMETER
 4 - Unfair treatment of unseasoned wood (3,4) RAW DEAL
 5 - Creative with a yearning to enter the borders of Havana (5) HYENA [Though I have written this I do nut understand the link between creative in the clue and Hyena which I have got as the answer]
 6 - Kind of stock with a priority claim on dividends (9) PREFERRED
 7 - A spring initially, in good shape in addition (2,4) AS WELL
10 - Weak eastern money, ten cents worth (4) DIME
14 - Difficult to read, sick member with bile trouble (9) ILLEGIBLE
16 - Martial art used to break new teak wood (9) TAEKWONDO
17 - Artist who was a junior scout first (6) CUBIST [Pablo Picasso comes to mind]
18 - What might make rioters weep (4,3) TEAR GAS
19 - Where drinks may be served, starting now, in farm building (4) BARN
20 - Colourful record symbolising unnecessary official rules and procedures (3,4) RED TAPE
22 - Its use may precede that of 18 (5) LATHI [A lathi charge is popularly used by Police in India to chase protesters]
24 - List of notables of Argentina inevitably includes her (5) EVITA [aka Eva Peron]

No. 9452, Tuesday, 10 Feb 09, M.Manna

Today was too easy to comment. Went through the CW as fast as I could write. Did scratch around a bit for 16A. 6D should be Muslim religous leaders and not just Muslim leaders.
ACROSS
1 - They are of Asian origins but also aborigines of America - INDIANS
5 - Soldiers ordered to carry kit - BRIGADE
9 - Clover like plant as fodder for cattle - LUCERNE
10 - In time Paulette displays an ornamental shoulder piece - EPAULET
11 - Fix or mark deeply - STAMP
12 - Viewing to excess is a mistake - OVERSIGHT
13 - Suspiciously detect vermin – SMELL A RAT
15 - Lines forming part of a boundary - SIDES
16 - Set of rules and characters for converting one form of dates to another - CODES
18 - Moving with all speed when without cover - STREAKING
21 - Likely place for tennis elbow— mind out! - WIMBLEDON
24 - Lease taken for a frame to support a picture during painting - EASEL
25 - Ran on to go to the erstwhile capital of an Asian country - RANGOON
26 - Ordered to an isle in a detached situation - ISOLATE
27 - Hideaway provided by South-East Mediterranean island - SECRETE
28 - Arrange to lie in tent to give claim - ENTITLE
DOWN
1 - Treats bad habits very badly – ILL USES
2 - Announce in last month real alternative - DECLARE
3 - A harvest on new soil in ancient Greece - ACROPOLIS
4 - Constricted form for a shorthand character - STENO
5 - The warder is no vegetarian apparently - BEEFEATER
6 - Titles given to Muslim leaders - IMAMS
7 - Upon oath, Lee glad to have informed court - ALLEGED
8 - Total possessions of property - ESTATES
14 - Seen to ride around dwelling place - RESIDENCE
15 - He’s given unwarranted responsibility - SCAPEGOAT
16 - Taking care of charges they’re timid - COWARDS
17 - Able to con a dim character like him - DOMINIC
19 - Immediate? No, just a moment - INSTANT
20 - Fish with a Midas look? - GOLDEYE
22 - The ball not in possession of any footballer - LOOSE
23 - Disturbing sound - NOISE

No 9451, Monday, 09 Feb 09, M.Manna

Almost there, its infuriating when the word is at the tip of ones tongue and doesn't come out :-( . I plan to post by 8:30 AM daily whatever I am able to complete by then. Others are welcome to comment or give the answers to the rest in their comments. Whatever I solve after 8:30 AM I will show as Addendum
Cheerio

ACROSS
1 - What’s to be done when a king gets on his hind legs – ARREARS
5 - The time intervening - INTERIM
9 - Stage performer - ACTOR
10 - Pure but has not been seen - UNSPOTTED
11 - Farmhouse found at a range in Greece - GRANGE
12 - Defective hearing - (Addendum - MISTRIAL)
14 - It’s hard to row backward - STERN
15 - Mexican dish originating from Chaldean one - ENCHILADA
18 - Dad again sees the damaged letter for him - (Addendum - ADDRESSEE)
20 - Henry boos foolishly at the tramps - HOBOS
22 - He is unable to make his presence felt - ABSENTEE
24 - Tincture applied on sprain and bruise received in a car crash - ARNICA
26 - Fashion model glad to win first prize – GOLD MEDAL
27 - Undergo instruction in a particular skill - TRAIN
28 - Desire to be in castle as an inhabitant - RESIDER
29 - Senor tried to take long steps to cover distance -STRIDER
DOWN
1 - Galen worked in his part of the world for relief of discomfort - ANALGESIA
2 - Once more go over touching evidence - RETRACE
3 - Contempt shown for car with no gear change - ARROGANCE
4 - Small hut to close - SHUT
5 - Laughing one’s head off just after a surgical operation - IN STITCHES
6 - An unpleasant interfering old woman - (Addendum - TROUT)
7 - Produced Greek wine thanks to resin plant - RETSINA
8 - The French mad to treat metal coin as reward - MEDAL
13 - The paper-seller never downs rum – NEWS VENDOR
16 - Does he succeed by will-power? - INHERITOR
17 - Jack ordered retsina; this man wouldn’t! - ABSTAINER
19 - Does away with dry or pungent wit - (Addendum - DESALTS)
21 - Pirate’s kit carried by players - BRIGAND
22 - Range of displeasure provoked hostility - ANGERS
23 - On mad spree to wander about - NOMAD
25 - Golfer having an adverse handicap - PLUS

No 2520, Sunday, 08 Feb 09

Have always been intimidated by the Sunday Crossword. Made good headway today but not sufficient to crack it completely. Did'nt like the clue for 12A
ACROSS
1 - Knock it back and fall - TOPPLE

4 - Told stories, on the way back, about volunteers, soldiers given a special task - DETAIL

8 - Fool, one gatecrashing party wearing it – IDIOT

9 - Has rector involved a group of musicians? - ORCHESTRA

11 - Irishman returned book purchased by post – MAIL ORDER

12 - Relative has contaminated article taken away - UNCLE

13 - Appropriate classes in game - (Addendum - HAPPY FAMILIES)

17 - If the correct keys are pressed, one may get some notes out of this – CASH DISPENSER

19 - Free, the BBC? Not originally - UNTIE

21 - One may be in the high street selling sheets - (Addendum - NEWS AGENT)

23 - How Ms Blaise may have introduced herself, showing indecorum – IMMODESTY

24 - Tree with less on top and lacking breadth - (Addendum - CEDAR)

25 - Cheap whisky about and foremost of drinks, see – RED EYE

26 - Deceive the Parisian, a lecturer - LEAD ON

DOWN
1 - Trump his assorted achievements – TRIUMPH

2 - Verbal attack making boy snap - (Addendum - PHILLIPPIC)

3 - Game, extremely tight once opener's dismissed - LOTTO

5 - Senior manager put a plan into effect around four - EXECUTIVE

6 - Frolic with worker in charge - ANTIC

7 - Rolling drunk - LOADED

9 - Miscellaneous pieces from unusual beach crossing point – ODDS AND ENDS

10 - Transports from terribly raw icy areas – CARRIES AWAY

14 - A standard only a short time ago - YESTERDAY

15 - Stayed in South America over round Paraguay's capital - (Addendum - SUSPENDED)

16 - Brothers, British, joining RN, there, at sea ... - BRETHREN

18 - . . . Jack, in our resort, is younger - JUNIOR

20 - Lacking courage in obscure Italian uprising – TIMID

22 - Wonder about painter turning up well - (Addendum - AWARE)

No 9450, Saturday 7 February, M.Manna

Aced the Crossword today. Here are the answers

ACROSS
1 – Tell tales at school - {IN}{FORM}

4 – Train Rita to drop a bothersome nuisance - IRRITANT(-a)*

10 – Sailor achieves ambitions - {TAR}{GETS}
11 – Greets with words or gestures - SALUTES [CD]

12 – Term to express contempt or strike breakers - RATS [CD]

13 – A sorry state - REPENTANCE [CD]

16 – A site for a roadway - {A}{VENUE}

17 – Unrevealed facts from others - SECRETS [CD]

20 - Quarter paces turn made to gain freedom - {E{SCAPE*}S}

21 – Made the best arrangement to lure her - LAURIE

24 – Firm trust in secret - CONFIDENCE [CD]

25 – Something that points to a solution - CLUE [CD]

27 – Get no quack remedy - {PRO}{CURE}

29 – Allowed to bring in some cooked food - {OME{LET}S*}

30 – Substances that provide solutions - SOLVENTS [CD]

31 – Struck, ran fast - BELTED [CD]

DOWN

1 – Time to set out for ten, to rival for excellence - {I{NTE*}RVAL*}

2 – I, as pioneer – FIRST PERSON [DD]

3 – Fast running bird or mad hare - RHEA*

5 – Listed employees assigned on duties - ROSTERED [CD]

6 – Attempt to intimidate that does not work – IDLE THREAT [CD]

7 – Pat may be found to be suitable - APT*

8 – Made a sale on road of a gold plate on a vestment - {T}AS{S}EL*

9 – Easterner to rush about to escort people to their seats - {USH{E}R*}

14 – Why some people find it easy to be crooked – NATURAL BENT [CD]

15 – Made a silhouette look impressive – CUT A FIGURE [CD]

18 – Building for the workers in principle - {TENE{MEN}T}

19 – Let out and let out again - {RE}{LEASED}

22 – Manage on board ship fields of activity - {S{COPE}S}

23 – Coins changed for young member of a family - SCION*

26 – Holiday for an outdoor entertainment function - FETE [CD

28 – Greasy liquid used as lubricant – OIL[CD]

Col_Gopinath

No 9449, Friday, 6 February, M.Manna

Stuck again on a few clues. Not veryhappy with yesterdays clue for AUREATE any way here are todays answers to the ones I got
ACROSS
1 – None the less and none the more either! - ALL THE SAME

6 – Boss of animal farm, say – STUD

9 – Slick winger – a model – PATTERN

10 – Waste scrap of cloth for vessel – DISHRAG

12 – Frittered away on a girl? Shut up! – (Addendum - MISSPENT)

13 – Attempted to ride on time for a change – TRIED

15 – New leader prepared game for her – MEGAN

17 – Communist officer seen on British merchant ship - RED INDIAN (Addendum - RED ENSIGN)

19 – Plain individuals making insinuations – (Addendum - OVERTONES)

21 – Accountant set to form an exclusive social class – CASTE

23 – Area of higher land for Chandrayaan’s landing? – TERRA

24 – To me, the unexpected rise in it is aggravating – TIRESOME

27 – The densest part of a comet’s head – NUCLEUS

28 – Turn about a metrical composition – REVERSE

29 – The first mate goes by river always – EVER

30 – The top 50 per cent mate – BETTER HALF

DOWN

1 – Mountain ranges of Europe – ALPS

2 – Allowing for rental – LETTING

3 – Attends to notices – HEEDS

4 – Jewish council and shrine reorganized – (Addendum - SANHEDRIN)

5 – About the centre position – MIDST

7 – Better half takes car to the very limits – TERMINI

8 – Mess fare for man’s best friend – DOG DINNER

11 – Behaves like a devil – SATANIC

14 – Meaning one without name or weight - (Addendum - IMPORTANCE)

16 – To crack it needs crackers, and that’s what he is – NUT CASE

18 – To run away twice – not like this soldier – DESERT RAT

20 – Raising a cheer maybe about a complaint made – EARACHE

22 – Salvation army girl of great importance once in the holy land – SAMARRA (Addendum - SAMARIA)

24 – Have an experience – TASTE

25 – Make a point to always separate – SEVER

26 – Vigorous muscle force - BEEF

Col_Gopinath

No 9448 Thursday, 5 February, M.Manna

Got badly stuck on 2 Down as a result could not finish, anyway here are the rest

ACROSS

1 - Stuff in a stable - EAT LIKE A HORSE

8 - The hair one leaves alone - (Addendum - STRANDS)

9 - Menaces again and that's about it - THREATS

11 - Reads note about recording on video tape to be effaced - ERASED

13 - Mild cheese made in this county - CHESHIRE

15 - Not right for daughter to read with fear - DREAD

16 - Another lone revolutionary inside part of the hierarchy - ECHELON

18 - He makes out a packing case to carry gold - CREATOR

19 - Time to race about to provide food - CATER

21 - Thought I put a drink in the sea - IMAGINED

23 - Rip off a wollen coat - FLEECE

25 - It feeds on wood and damages building - TERMITE

26 - Diving birds who make a dash - DARTERS

28 - As shipmates are sharing rough passage - IN THE SAME BOAT

DOWN

2 - Elaborately or excessively ornamented - (Addendum - AUREATE)

3 - The French point out to him as thier boy - LES (Addendum - LEN)

4 - Two orbicularis muscles in a state of contraction - KISS

5 - Play a leading role to put on a show of bravado - ACT THE HERO

6 - They get a nervous child frightened and so upset - OGRES

7 - Position of one intending to travel - STATION

8 - Made purchases with parsimony? Not he! - SPENDTHRIFT

10 - Crooked pastoral lady - SHEPHERDESS

12 - He may sound like a whirlwind - EDDIE

14 - With grub the head shows moderation - GENTLENESS

17 - No call made to person belongin to a particular place - LOCAL

18 - Mortification of King George put in restraint - CHAGRIN

20 - Girl sat here fidgeting - THERESA

22 - The Celtic language of this country - IRISH

24 - First man! - ADAM

27 - Move with friction - RUB

Col_Gopinath

No 9447 Wednesday, February 4, 2009, M.Manna

Hello to anyone who is a crossword freak. I am starting today a blog with the answers for The Hindu Crosswords. I hope to keep it up daily.
Todays crossword was quite an easy one and I must have spent hardly any time on it

ACROSS

1 - No shams to set out in two-wheeld horse cabs - HANSOMS*

5 - Again consider in another form, the rink - RETHINK*

10 - One herding animals right into port - {D{R}OVER}

11 - A characteristic of houses perhaps - PROPERTY [DD]

12 - Lion eats tiny creature in shed - {LE{AN T}O}

13 - A little difference about one's causing a hassle - {NU{I'S}ANCE}

14 - Twin stars - GEMINI [DD]

15 - Gets ready to run lots of coaches together - TRAINS [DD]

18 - A denial by a literary corporal - an unidentified one - {A}{NO}NYM

20 - Gunners trapped in boggy ground or marsh - {MO{RA}SS}

23 - The rest poured the water through a filter - {ST{RAIN}ER*}

25 - One examining bed canopy - TESTER

26 - Snarl the net badly when you fish with - {ENT*}{ANGLE}

27 - Sent abroad once one had taken command - {EX}{I}{LED}

28 - Said "Off to take a look round the holiday spot" - {SE{ASID*}E}

29 - Stowed in a hiding place at a shed on misused road - {ST}{A}{SHED}

DOWN


2 - Something like a rush on silver is accepted - {AG}{REED}

3 - Almost adult, so interviewed about an incident - {S{EVENT}EEN}

4 - Wireless pioneer from Minorca - MARCONI*

6 - Self caterer - EGOTIST [E]


7 - Animal that produces a hysterical sounding laugh - HYENA [E]

8 - Being observant when it is thawing? - {NOT}{ICING}

9 - Where all the goods will be sold out - OPEN AIR MARKET [CD]

16 - After dope, like wrongdoing thugs - {ASS}{AS}{SINS}

17 - Popular viewpoint for example - {IN}{STANCE}

19 - Still got by and ran the company - MANAGED [B]

21 - Be driven back to the refuge - RETREAT [DD]

22 - Look up to as always, taken in by again - {R{EVER}E}

24 - Am dope to gather items in great quantity - {AM}{ASS}

Col_Gopinath