Thursday 30 April 2009

No 9520, Thursday, 30 Apr 09, Sankalak

Another easy outing building up towards a tough weekend I suppose
ACROSS
 1 - Is Longman scared off by one who loves to gossip? (13) - SCANDALMONGER*
10 - Prosperity of a dealer in stolen goods carrying infection (9) - AF{FLU}ENCE Appropriate with the Swine flu going around nowadays
11 - Bit of a rare curiosity that may happen again (5) - RECUR [T]
12 - Invitees give up time to make an inference (5) - GUES(-t)S
13 - Specialist in one sense, would love to record Indian time (9) - {OTO}{LOG}{IST}
14 - Girl in outskirts of Trinidad is browned (6) - T{ANNE}D
16 - Very pale cover for four or six (5) - L{IV}ID
19 - Archer’s weapon that is a kind of knife (5) - BOW{IE}
20 - Snake encircles general in slumber (6) - AS{LEE}P
25 - Remarkable things bring, for men, a new hope perhaps (9) - PHENOMENA*
26 - Look, American English from a mean chap! (5) - {LO}{US}{E}
27 - An hour after midnight in Michigan? No, in Florida (5) - M{IAM}I
28 - What smoking may turn out to be (9) - ADDICTIVE [CD]
29 - Going easy with some mild cycling (4-9) - SOFT PEDALLING [CD]
DOWN
 2 - What is it in it in tea that may make it 28? (8) - CAFFEINE [CD]
 3 - In grammar, they may be proper (5) - NOUNS [CD]
 4 - Embryonic cover seen back in Locarno in mammals (6) - AMNION<- [T]
 5 - An aid to memory that married men coin (8) - MNEMONIC*
 6 - Illegal drugs found in North Arcot by old civilians (9) - {N}{ARCOT}{ICS}
 7 - He made geometry somehow lucid, after end of muddle (6) - {E}UCLID*
 8 - Tom’s contribution to the strings in the orchestra? (6) - CATGUT [CD] Has nothing to do with cats though!!
 9 - Beginning today, compassion is a proven fact (5) - T{RUTH}
15 - An expert maybe but he need not necessarily advocate thrift (9) - ECONOMIST [CD] Amartya Sen for one
17 - Able to read and write but tardy about strange rite (8) - L{ITER*}ATE
18 - Mistaken belief, one of those associated with grandeur (8) - DELUSION [CD]
21 - Kitchen device for old English leader with queen’s support (6) - {PEEL}{ER}
22 - Resort to litigation involving post master, fume and froth (5) - SPUME* (sue+pm)
23 - Smooth and flowing bit of music gets support at start of orchestration (6) - {LEG}{AT}{O}
24 - A girl among students and radicals (6) - SANDRA [T]
26 - Neighbourhood watering hole (5) - LOCAL [CD]

Wednesday 29 April 2009

No 9519, Wednesday, 29 Apr 09, Sankalak

Today's CW was too simple, managed to get 25 out of 30 without even looking at the grid
ACROSS
 1 - Poetry not to be expected from a professional writer? (4,5) - FREE VERSE [CD]
 5 - Open the bottle! (5) - UNCAP [CD]
 8 - A construction by new guild in capital of Belgium (8) - {B}UILDING*
 9 - Afraid of attention in South Dakota (6) - S{CARE}D
11 - Caterpillar’s future (5) - IMAGO [CD]
12 - Master in casino suffering from lack of sleep (9) - INSO{M}NIAC*
13 - A reformed criminal perhaps (2-4) - EX-HOOD [CD]
14 - After the note of an awfully loud mate (8) - MODULATE*
16 - Act according to rules in theatrical work? Good! (4,4) - PLAY FAIR [CD]
18 - Financial part of Qaddafi’s calculations (6) - FISCAL [T]
22 - Poor writer with half your promissory notes (9) - {PEN}{(-yo)UR}{IOUS}
23 - Cavities in body of an artist imbibing a drop of tea (5) - AN{T}{RA} Could also be clued as an Indian musical term
24 - Shutting down, dropping hundred and becoming the poorer for it (6) - (-c)LOSING
25 - Preparation for an exam about a faculty (8) - RE{VISION}
26 - What may be missing in 1 Ac. (5) - RHYME [CD]
27 - Prison inmate, reportedly occupying chair, is arrogant (9) - {CON}{CEITED} (~seated)
DOWN
 1 - Feverish? Relief possible with a bit of bother (7)- FE{B}RILE*
 2 - The last word (7) - EPITAPH [CD]
 3 - Live discussion using modern means over confidence-building around the east (15) - VIDEOCONFERENC*{E}
 4 - ”Managed” detectives are sour (6) - {RAN}{CID}
 5 - What a Trappist monk may be (15) - UNCOMMUNICATIVE [CD]
 6 - Island made famous by Bonaparte (7) - CORSICA [CD] I think ELBA and St Helena were made more famous
 7 - A part of a plant gets tailless lice deep in trouble (7) - PED{ICL(e)*}E* This word has so many meanings
10 - A place to bet, for one from Edinburgh, say (5) - {A}SCOT Also famous for the outlandish Hats worn by women to the Ascot races, see one example at the link
15 - Fielder on a highway party, beginning now (3-2) - MI{D O}{N} For non-cricket buffs see the explanation at the link
16 - Kind of front for a left-wing group (7) - POPULAR[CD]
17 - Many set free in general pardon (7) - AMNESTY* Nice clue
19 - Head of conservation at money-making unit, a plant (7) - {C}AT{MINT}
20 - Old English king, young hooligan but erudite (7) - {LEAR}{NED}
21 - A small bird at the tail of an airplane (6) - {A}{S}TERN

Tuesday 28 April 2009

No 9518, Tuesday, 28 Apr 09, Sankalak

An easy error free outing today except for the extra 'i' in 19A
ACROSS
 1 - Canine racer for a reported elegist to pursue (9) - {~gray)GREY{HOUND}
 5 - Fundamental computer programme (5) - BASIC [DD]
 8 - Hammer’s partner in communist symbolism (6) - SICKLE [CD]
 9 - Kiss an outsize copper tardily (8) - {OS}{CU}LATE
11 - Slippery swimmers caught in a creel somehow (4) - EELS [T]
12 - Indian greeting a new red-back amphibian (10) - SALAM{A}{N}{DER<-}
14 - Kind of optical lens, a bit of a historical development (5) - TORIC [T]
15 - A heavy smoker maybe, needing a sweep from time to time (7) - CHIMNEY [CD]
16 - What the temple visitor gets — an audience (7) - DARSHAN [DD]
17 - Sailors heard in a Cheshire town (5) - CREWE (~crew)
19 - Give up devious inquiries involving left hand (10) - RE{L}INQUIS*{H}
20 - The same but different flat-topped hill (4) - MESA* Named Walker's Table in Phantom Comics
22 - They travel for pleasure, agents escorting teacher in retreat (8) - TOU{RIS<-}TS
23 - Weaver’s aid, in extremes of gravity, is depressing (6) - G{LOOM}Y
24 - Thing that strains is back with girl (5) - SI<-{EVE}
25 - One who shells out local taxes, a rare type however (9) - RATEPAYER*
DOWN
 1 - Good theatre attendant but an overeffusive person (6) - {G}USHER
 2 - In a contract it takes care of variations in cost (9,6) - ESCALATOR CLAUSE [CD]
 3 - A golfer’s objective, one of many on course (4) - HOLE [CD]
 4 - Box for papers to which, oddly, pet had access (8,4) - DESPATCH CASE*
 5 - Treated savagely, reserve force student is wounded externally (10) - BRU{TA}{L}ISED
 6 - Do not sit over ritual, insist on formality (5,2,8) - STAND ON CEREMONY [CD]
 7 - Leaders of class before time, without doubt (7) - {CL}EARLY
10 - One that is not conducive to current flow? (3,9) - BAD CONDUCTOR [CD]
13 - Awful oriental peril surrounding egg producers is catching (10) - PRE{HENS}ILE*
16 - Downgrades engagements involving emergency room (7) - D{ER}ATES
18 - What one my hear in Budapest (6) - MAGYAR [CD]
21 - Black sauce causes a spot on the radar screen (4) - {B}LIP

Monday 27 April 2009

no 9517, Monday, 27 Apr 09, Sankalak

As Chaturvasi mentioned we are over to Sankalak today and the change is perceptible .....
ACROSS
 1 - The prevailing circumstances need a fresh, safe staff ratio (5,2,7) - STATE OF AFFAIRS*
 8 - Half a moment that is totally empty (6) - {MO}{IE}{T(-otall)Y} Totally new word for me
 9 - One like Ferdinand whose death sparked a great war (8) - ARCHDUKE [CD]
11 - Passe, churlish, Chief Engineer may get what he needs from someone else (9) - {OUT}{SOUR}{CE}
12 - Extinct birds are so odd, somehow (5) - DODOS*
13 - Thralldom, say, in deceptive garb (7) - SLAVERY Anno eludes me (Addendum with help from Chaturvasi SL{AVER}Y )
15 - Buy food to eat at home (4,3) - TAKE OUT [CD]
17 - City Improvement Trust involved in a genuine performance (7) RE{CIT}AL
19 - Protection from slipping after a shower (4,3) - BATH MAT [CD]
21 - A meeting to discuss the Foreign Office spirit (5) - {FO}{RUM}
23 - Factional race isn’t a novelty (9) - SECTARIAN This appears in 14D which is a no-no in crosswords
25 - A game involving amphibian progress (8) - {LEAP}{FROG} This should have been shown as (4-4) as it is a hyphenated word
26 - He works for a club and with clubs (6) - CADDIE [DD]
27 - Designed to reduce sweat, it traps painter in disarray (14) - ANTPERSPIRANT*
DOWN
 1 - A call to court (7) - SUMMONS [CD]
 2 - A soldier’s beginning to turn into one who treats older people unfairly (5) - {A}{GIS}{T} Another new word for me
 3 - Mover is hemmed in by one-time abstainer, one who likes company (9) - {EX}T{ROVER}T 
4 - Prefer men to contain confusion? (7) - FERMENT [T]
 5 - Greenfly, say, that a state concealed (5) - {AP}{HID} Why say?
 6 - A rum word on destroying parasitic nematode (9) - ROUNDWORM*
 7 - Wealthy high-flyers! (3,3) - JET SET [CD]
10 - System of weights? Right in a plaything! (4) - T{R}OY
14 - Make sure of a sectarian distribution (9) - ASCERTAIN*
16 - Ali, joining a North Indian dance, makes it South Indian (9) - {KATHAK}{ALI}
17 - Another glassful for laid-back convict, a drop of lemonade (6) - REFIL<-{L}
18 - The girl is so meticulous and graceful to an extent (7) - LISSOME [T]
19 - German composer returning in a hot taxi (4) - BAC<-{H}
20 - Brown man representing a ratio in a triangle (7) - {TAN}{GENT} or popularly known as TAN in Trigonometry
22 - Civilian clothes, not uniform (5) - MUFTI [CD]
24 - Indian god or part Indian-Egyptian god (5) - {IND}{RA}

Sunday 26 April 2009

No 2530, Sunday, 26 Apr 09

Some interesting clues today otherwise reasonably easy for a Sunday THC except 9D. (Addendum - anno for 23D added with thanks to Chaturvasi)
ACROSS
1 - Recently stolen items, things of outstanding interest (3,5) - HOT STUFF [CD]
5 - Turning point in cold river, the Thames at Oxford (6) - {C}{R}{ISIS}
10 - Furious, corsair losing face (5) - (-p)IRATE
11 - Ruling passion of old boy at meeting (9) - {OB}{SESSION}
12 - Keeps that man's heroin and cannabis (7) - {HAS}{HIS}{H} Nice clue
13 - Pop has injection after 12 (7) - {POT}{SHOT}
14 - Loaded with gold, both row boat out (5,1,3,2,3) - WORTH A BOB OR TWO*
17 - To add to distress of platoon, hygiene is badly affected (4,2,3,5) - PILE ON THE AGONY*
21 - Capital Jack provided, got by force? (7) - {CARD}{IF}{F}
23 - Almost prevent Dr No seizing one young child (7) - BAMBINO ( {BA(-n)}{MB}{I}{NO} )
24 - River rose unexpectedly, forming a lake (9) - RESERVOIR*
25 - Left A-Z on one round Italian region (5) - {L}{AZ}{I}{O}
26 - Mother meeting grandmother tomorrow (6) - {MA}{NANA} (With grumpy Mr Manna one is expected tomorrow) is my clue for this :-)
27 - Hungry? Tureen is prepared (8) - ESURIENT*
DOWN
1 - Stature of hard rowing crew (6) - {H}{EIGHT}
2 - Contemptible person with small weapon, a jacko'-lantern? (9) - {TOAD}{S}{TOOL}
3 - Poet's new titles describing love (1,1,5) - T S ELI{O}T*
4 - All over the farm, food, too contaminated (4,4,2,4) - FROM HEAD TO FOOT* From head to toe is more popular I think
6 - A German schoolmaster served up an Italian dish (7) - {RIS}{OTTO}<-
7 - Smart wife is employed by southern hospital (5) - {S}{W}{IS}{H}
8 - Support a coercive measure (8) - SANCTION [CD]
9 - Boss put career in jeopardy, accepting ring as bribe (1,3,2,8) - A SOP TO CERBERUS* I had to do a google search to get this one even though it was only an anagram
15 - Money girl needed for an old car (3,6) - TIN LIZZIE [CD]
16 - Range of toasted crumpets (8) - SPECTRUM*
18 - Greek character, moronic criminal (7) - OMICRON* Nice clue
19 - Good writer of thrillers is better (7) - {G}{AMBLER}
20 - Closed trunk as well (2,4) - TO {BOOT} Anno for To eludes me
22 - Sticky substance found in hare's innards (5) RESIN [T]

Saturday 25 April 2009

No 9516, Saturday, 25 Apr 09, Neyartha

Chemistry was my downfall in school and college, I could never remember chemical names, atomic numbers and formulae, today however I fared well, 21D was the first to fall in the starred clues after which the rest was easy. An excellent CW with some outstanding clues. I leave it to visitors to work out the portion regarding the area of Hawaii. (Addendum as a refinement)
Note: The five starred clues carry no direct definition, but their solutions share a rare commonality. At the end of each solution, you will also find an isolated area in an Hawaiian island retreat, which is unclued.
ACROSS
1 - Sir, her shoes were trampled by draught animals! (5,6) - SHIRE HORSES*
9 - Prior leaves Father’s office with the address (5) - (-pri)ORATE (Addendum - (-past)ORATE)
10 - *Yankee rail conductor (Rob) loses heart (9) - {Y}{TTE}{R(-o)B}{IUM}
11 - Fold the contents of the purple attache (5) - PLEAT [T]
12 - Baffled courier holds a coin of western focus (11) - EURO{CENT}RIC*
13 - Takes care of harbours (6) - NURSES [DD]
14 - Rig the net gains to include a large vase (7) - F{URN}ISH
18 - *Dry year-round (7) - {Y{TT}R}{IUM}
20 - Navy chief leaves orphans upset in the lighthouse (6) - PHAROS*(-n)
24 - Need (unwritten) inside rickety canoe when you fall over (11) - O{VERBAL}ANCE*
26 - Enthusiastic people may be full of this (5) - BEANS [CD]
27 - Pulls back to interrupt the erratic siren with the guides (9) - IN{SPIR<-}ERS*
28 - Present? It is not our auditor’s (5) - THERE (~their)
29 - Troops from the east captured by scheming Maori rep in Nero’s kingdom (5,6) - ROMA{N EM<-}PIRE*
DOWN
1 - Oil source revealed in an odd story about 26 Ac (8) - {S}{O}{Y}BEANS
2 - Explain the note found inside the malfunctioning printer (9) - IN{TE}RPRET*
3 - Area destroyed by revolutionary because of a canal issue (7) - EARA*{CHE}
4 - Greek hunter loses the right to a new kitchen bulb (5) - O(-r+n)NION
5 - *A degree held by the senior (8) - {S{A}{MA}R}{IUM}
6 - Fake coupons identified by touch (7) - SOUPCON*
7 - Mined aluminium is partially returned and taxed (5) - LADEN [T<-] 8 - Harbour hammock (5) - BERTH [DD]
15 - An almost tranquil gite built in the African grassland (9) SEREN(-e){GETI*}
16 - *A musical instrument for the Taiwanese leader (8) - {LUTE}{T}{IUM}
17 - The ship in the sea goes west to follow the auditor’s victim (8) - {A{SS}ES<-}{SEE}
19 - Nature’s alarm destroys 70 per cent of the storerooms (7) - ROOSTER*(-mos)
21 - *Dr. Watson’s friend takes down the Spanish website (7) - {HOLM}{IUM}
22 - Peter out to exchange the note for a discount (5) - (-re+a)ABATE
23 - People die to meet him (5) - MAKER [CD]
25 - Say salaam to the star officer (5) - (~bow){BO}{SUN}

Friday 24 April 2009

No 9515, Friday, 24 Apr 09, Neyartha

Wow!, what a relief after the error prone last few days, though not starred but there was a theme in Neyartha's CW today. I must confess that not being a lover of dance forms I had to look them up to get 1D where I was stuck, after I got that the rest just seemed to flow in
ACROSS
1 - Railway employees sees distance to winding stream and takes time out (10) - {YARD}{MASTER}
6 - Are these open in Munich during Oktoberfest (4) - TAPS [CD]
10 - Dance, boxer, dance! (9) - {KATHAK}{ALI} I liked this clue
11 - Show tension (5) - DRAMA [DD]
12 - Old African leader puts his allies at ease somehow by relieving volunteers (5,8) - HAILE SELASSIE*
14 - Smirks when model takes out the North American breakfast dish (5) - GRI(-n+t)TS
15 - Peter out to embrace the bitter revolutionary on the ground (9) - PRE(DICA<-)TE*
17 - The debate participant is not eating properly (9) - NEGOTIANT*
21 - Spice made from clipped trefoil (5) - CLOVE(-r)
22 - The dance at Amarnath Bay is outlandish (13) - BHARATANATAYAM*
24 - Article lamented reported covert comment (5) - {A}SIDE (~sighed)
25 - Change direction (5,4) - ABOUT TURN [CD]
26 - Some pursue training to get fat (4) - SUET [T]
27 - Frenchman surrounded at dangerous altitudes gets provoked (10) - STI{M}ULATED*
DOWN
1 - Dance with the oxen and the witch is in the anecdotes collection (10) - {YAKS}{HAG}ANA I would never have got this without cheating
2 - Stirring up the pot that contains brewed tea for selling (9) - R{ETA*}ILING
3 - The oarsmen turn into cybabies (7) - MOANERS* Cybabies typo for crybabies
4 - Disturbance results when you eat and digest fish (5-2) - S{HAKE} UP
5 - Radium found in Oriental clock sent back to Dubai (7) - EMI{RA}T<-{E}
7 - Swiftly announce raise for the champion (5) - AP<-ACE
8 - Flat block gets letters from Khosla Builders (4) - SLAB [T]
9 - Cricket team skirting the ship’s party turns up at the dance (6) - {OD<-}I{SS}I
13 - With a limited time in private, cook indeed has to be purposeful (10) - DE{TERM}INED*
16 - Newspaper columnist to torture relative (5,4) - AGONY AUNT [CD]
18 - Investigator climbs up farm vehicle with hesitation (6) - TRAC<-ER
19 - Old gem set (7) - ADAMANT [CD] Nice clue
20 - Discuss reversal notice inside small restaurant (7) - T{EAR}OOM<- Notice and ear? 21 - No iodine in the athletic doctor’s personal possession (7) - CHATTEL(-i) New word for me
22 - Outside tech graduate begins education in Greek with light coffee (5) - B{E}{I}{G}E
23 - Goes off course as power is usurped by unknown hands (4) - Y{A{W}S} I suppose thw W is from (-po)w(-er) usurped but why hands?

Thursday 23 April 2009

No 9514, Thursday, 23 Apr 09, M.Manna

Reasonably error free CW today with 11 CD/DDs and 7 Anagrams which is more than 50% of the 32 clues
ACROSS
1 - By betraying the government, Lawrence resorts to arson (7) - TREASON (TE+ARSON)* No indicators for an anagram
5 - Very small music centre’s records (7) - MINUTES [DD]
9 - A coarse rug (7) - DRUGGET [CD]
10 - Worries about second horse in the river first (7) - NIGGLES Wherefrom GG and S?
11 - Go back around, to secure the due to be paid (5) - O{WIN}G<- 12 - In military resistance sappers gain respect (9) - DEFE{RE}NCE
13 - Teams awarded points during tea break (9) - ELEVENS{ES}
15 - Subjects of investigation (5) - CASES [CD]
16 - Draw off by degrees, right to nadir (5) - DRAIN* Right to Nadir or wromg to Nadir?
18 - A game soldier given a direction to express regret (9) - A{POLO}{GI}{SE}
21 - Soldier has little hesitation in becoming a sea dog (9) - {PRIVATE}{ER}
24 - In some ways Tom, a hard man to find in Nebraska (5) - OMAHA [T]
25 - Unusually smart do for film eminence (7) - STARDOM*
26 - Adds salt and pepper to one’s cooking (7) - SEASONS [CD]
27 - A Canadian steel town on East river (7) - TRENTON Had to google this answer
28 - Surrendered what was produced (7) - YIELDED [CD]
DOWN
1 - Earliest stage of a potential wooer, heigh-ho? (7) - TADP{OLE} Anyone for a better annotation?
2 - Evil Sue in disguise, is deceptive (7) - ELUSIVE*
3 - Dull colour for the prudent environmentalist (4,5) - SAGE GREEN [DD]
4 - Marked out to Ned (5) - NOTED*
5 - Open circular letter publicising party policy (9) - {MANIFEST}{O} Lots of them seen nowadays which are meant to be forgotten immediately after the elections
6 - An African river (5) - NIGER [CD]
7 - Disposition of last ten ancient coins (7) - TALENTS*
8 - Nuns having same parents! (7) - SISTERS [CD]
14 - Reform tests mean politicians (9) - STATESMEN* Can be applied to only a handful among the indian ones
15 - Hot cola mixed in church — then sold in bars (9) - C{HOCOLAT*}E
16 - Very large and very small figure in small department store (7) - DEP{O}{S}{I}T
17 - Keep moving to stir up public feeling (7) - AGITATE [DD]
19 - I do moan in confusion when upset (2,1,4) - IN A MOOD*
20 - Teddy took a fall but still passed (7) - E{LAPSE}D
22 - Evaluation of a specified quantity (5) - AUDIT [CD]
23 - Liable to accident (5) - RISKY [CD]

Wednesday 22 April 2009

No 9513, Wednesday, 22 Apr 09, M. Manna

No comments .....
ACROSS
1 - A fruitful field of production (7) - ORCHARD [CD] I remember the fantastic Orchard at my Grand Uncles place at Wellington, Coonor from where I used to pluck pears, plums etc put them into my pocket and eat them walking to school (St Josephs) in the mornings
5 - The era of tranquillisers and vandalism (7) - {PILL}{AGE}
9 - Vehicle to depart with goods (5) - {CAR}{GO}
10 - Concert — goers’ walk (9) - PROMENADE [CD]
11 - Cockney chap strode off — with his sweetheart? (6) - (-h)E{LOPED}
12 - Proceeds of fine bits composed at performance went to a player (8) - BENEFITS*
14 - People of fashion take silver back in light two wheeled vehicle (5) - {TON}{GA<-} 15 - Danger — set at odds — set at odds? (9) - ESTRANGED* Good one
18 - Legal non-payment of tax? (9) - AVOIDANCE [CD]
20 - Refer to another court to appear at right time (5) - {R}{EMIT*}
22 - That woman has to betray one of cabinet fame (8) - {SHE}{RAT}{ON}
24 - Character of the alphabet (6) - LETTER [CD]
26 - Future outlook for dollars for pet crop not bright (9) - PRO{$}PECT*{$}
27 - The character of the rent collector (5) - ERNIE [CD]
28 - Considers an affront not to be seen with right partner (7) - {R{ESEN*}T}S
29 - Relinquish a position in home for alcoholics (7) - RETREAT [DD]
DOWN
1 - Short race organised by an association of players (9) - ORCHESTRA* Nice clue
2 - Funny drawing of haywain, unladen? (7) - CART{O}{ON}
3 - A warning of course uttered beforehand (9) - {A}{FORE}{SAID}
4 - A fool taking opium (4) - DOPE [DD]
5 - Appropriate restrictions in real estate (10) - {PROPER}{TIES}
6 - Rest for example back in Belgium (5) - LIE{GE<-}
7 - Fully aware (7) - AWAKING [CD]
8 - Equals opponent’s score (5) - EVENS [CD]
13 - Strengthens strap and strains it (10) - {REIN}{FORCES}
16 - People engaged in a welcome correspondence (9) - {A}GREE{MEN}T
17 - Check on fellow cleaner (9) - {DETER}{GENT}
19 - Difficult person turning sour (7) - {ONE}{ROUS*}
21 - Play in afternoon with new England opener in team (7) - MATIN{E}E*
22 - Drink, though with hesitation, what is exceptionally good (5) - {SUP}{ER} I always thought Sup was only short form of Supper
23 - No sane person initially gets tremulous (5) - AS{P}EN*
25 - A person appointed as adjudicator on some subject (4) - TSAR ? Appointed ??

Tuesday 21 April 2009

No 9512, Tuesday, 21 Apr 09, M. Manna

Silence is golden and ignorance is bliss!!
ACROSS
1 - A small gate in the middle of the field (6) - WICKET [DD]
4 - Obscure about agreement not properly laid out (8) - MIS{DEAL}T
10 - Moved in a great hurry to fire rifle (7) - {RAN}{SACK}
11 - Fit grip around the prisoner necessary (7) - C{APT}IVE ??
12 - Leave out Tim back with nothing (4) - {O}{MIT<-}
13 - Raises weapons in holders to cover chair perhaps (10) - {U}{HOLSTERS}
16 - Many arrange to store solid higher alcohol (6) - STERO*{L}
17 - Thing about duty is to again examine properly (7) - {RE}{STUDY*}
20 - Fought about the time table being wrong (7) - BAT{T}LE*{D} Don't know where D came from
21 - To reverse in speed turn around (6) - R{OT<-}ATE
24 - The school for learning chemistry? (10) - ELEMENTARY [CD] Not so elemantary Watson!!
25 - Maid may be in the midst (4) - AMID*
27 - You may find her coming late in an assembly (7) - NATALIE*
29 - One receives waves from girl, about ten (7) - AN{TEN}NA
30 - A writer offering serving men a drink (8) - {RE}{PORT}ER
31 - Pigs so assemble for idle talk (6) - GOSSIP*
DOWN
1 - Old veteran worse if injected with hemolytic factor (3,5) - W{AR H}ORSE
2 - Look carefully to study side charge (11) - {CON}SIDE{RATE}
3 - Antelope losing tail in a dash (4) - ELAN(-d)
5 - One North Carolina ladies’ man living luxuriously (2,6) - {I}{N C}{LOVER}
6 - Evidence of a monarch’s overthrow (10) - DEPOSITION [DD]
7 - Al takes one for him (3) - {AL}{I}
8 - The saint is one who believes in God (6) - {THE}{I}{ST}
9 - Omits large containers for transporting building material (5) - SKIPS [DD]
14 - Tender names are in order! (11) - ENDEARMEANTS*
15 - Ordered writer to hold the German dog (10) - ROTTWEILLER (Anagram of writer+tole) Don't ask me what TOLE is. But Rottweilers are the Dogs which were seen in the movie 'The Omen'
18 - The seat ’e removed from one affecting an extravagant love of art (8) - AESTHETE*
19 - Help a mad eccentric with the front light (8) - HEADLAMP*
22 - The wife and I commonly appear more common (6) - {ME}{AN}{ER}
23 - Large regions are found in S. Africa backyard (5) - ARE{AS<-}
26 - Crazy to request tot of damask rose oil (4) - {OT*}{TO}(-t)
28 - Cover pot on return (3) - TOP<-

Monday 20 April 2009

No 9511, Monday, 20 Apr 09, M. Manna

What a terrible way to kick off a Monday morning, I don't feel like commenting about the clues of today's crossword, so I am leaving it at that.
ACROSS
1 - In support of motorised farming apparently, albeit muscular too (10) - {PRO}{TRACTOR}
6 - Boy goes out for a contest (4) - {B}{OUT}
9 - Craftsman who developed a strain (7) - ARTISAN*
10 - Daughter is still to arrange the flow gently, in drops (7) - {D}I{STILL} I am not convinced about this clue
12 - Splendour of ancient city (8) - GRANDEUR [CD] Again not convinced by the clue
13 - British den made out for former PM (5) - {B}{LAIR}
15 - Many hope about time fixed is for a great event (5) - EPO{C}H*
17 - Blast! Mother has people coming (9) - {DAM}{NATION}
19 - Rulers needing a spell of bowling at a famous cricket ground (9) - {OVER}{LORDS} Rulers or rules?
21 - They make up a large base of alcohol (5) - {ETHY*}{L}
23 - Draw about a hundred in cash (5) - LU{C}RE
24 - In surroundings of stress I had a crash (8) - ACC{ID}ENT
27 - Profile of Conservative leader visiting constituencies? (7) - C?U?T?R ? The only thing I could fit in here was COUNTOR this appears to be a mistake by the setter I think he intended {C}{ON}{TOUR} which is a profile or else my answers at 16D and 20D are wrong which is unlikely
28 - Stalemate produced by admission of obsolescence (7) - {IM}{PASSE}
29 - Separate structure for storing (4) - SHED [CD]
30 - Repeatedly went over a tree — tries to shape it (10) - REITERATED* Where did the D come from and where did the S go?
DOWN
1 - Scheme to accomplish a purpose (4) - PLAN [DD]
2 - Lake province (7) - ONTARIO [DD]
3 - Pine extract engineer found over the wilderness (5) - {RE}SIN Sin - wilderness ?
4 - Study an offer made by a competitor (9) - {CON}{TENDER}
5 - Make regular request (5)- ORDER [DD]
7 - Folding sheets, Japanese fashion (7) - ORIGAMI [CD]
8 - Patiently allot entry form (10) - TOLERANTLY*
11 - Deny a new table for us (7) - SUBLATE*
14 - Calls to mind soldiers’ prayers (10)- RECOLLECTS Why soldier's prayer?
16 - Most perfect in a moral sense (7) - HOLIEST [CD]
18 - Willing sufferer the scholar — to his cost maybe (9)- {MA}{SOCHIST*}
20 - Shut out crazy old English duel (7) - {EX}C{LUDE*}
22 - Mobile device not attached to fixed holder (7) - HANDSET [CD]
24 - Eager to get on together (5) - AGREE*
25 - Disguised as quite pure — to trick others (5) - {D}{UPER}
26 - The French nowadays show the way by going first (4) - {LE}{AD}

Sunday 19 April 2009

No 2529, Sunday, 19 Apr 09

Not too bad for a Sunday CW, had to google for an answer. Never heard of 2D as well.
ACROSS
1 - Flag officer in the US navy (6) - ENSIGN [DD] Flag officer is Commodore rank and above in the Navy, as such I have shown it as a DD for Flag and Officer separately
4 - Ballet's second week, an excess (4,4) - {S}{W}AN {LAKE}
9 - Chest getting tender after onset of cold (6) - {C}OFFER
10 - Drink in nightspots a party knocked back (4,4) - {CLUB S}{ODA<-}
11 - A series of steps in pool-based exercises (4,5) - PASO DOBLE* Never heard of this dance form
13 - Sign of tooth decay? Canine must be extracted (5) - (-c)ARIES Check your Star Sign at the link
14 - One making plans? Game chap (11) - {DRAUGHTS}{MAN}
18 - A herbicide spy ring applied to field (5,6) - {AGENT} {O}{RANGE} Infamous from the Vietnam War
21 - Winning a crown (5) - {A}{HEAD}
22 - Words associated with a photographer, for example, visiting Cheshire? (3,6) - SAY CHEESE [CD]
24 - Greek warrior in a cell - his undoing? (8) - ACHILLES* Prudes excuse me for the image at the link
25 - March past a row of shops (6) - PARADE [DD]
26 - Guess tie's sorted - game over! (8) - ESTI*{MATE}
27 - Guy almost rented a small cabin (6) - CHA(-p){LET} I always though a Chalet was an affluent persons house more like a palace, never thought of it as a small cabin
DOWN
1 - Get away, carrying diamonds after a stunt (8) - ESCAP{A}{D}E
2 - First to spot a spot of misplaced flattery (4,4) - {S}OFT SOAP*
3 - Accepted going topless is a sin (5) - (-a)GREED
5 - Millions found under table, reportedly collected by funny fictional character (6,5) - WALTER MITTY [CD] Cannot figure out the Anno so I have put it as a CD, I must confess I googled this answer, never heard of him
6 - Renoir ban ridiculous? It requires little thought (2-7) - NO BRAINER*
7 - A university teacher is a handsome young man (6) - A{DON}{IS}
8 - Undergraduate ultimately failing to pass (6) - {E}{LAPSE}
12 - Climber biting piece of confectionery (11) - BITTER{SWEET} Anno for BITTER eludes me
15 - August - run into major competition (5,4) - {GRAND} {SLAM}
16 - Fully at home with squad (2,6) - {IN} {DETAIL}
17 - Forceful tough guys kept in check (8) - VE{HEMEN}NT
19 - Location around a royal residence (6) - P{A}LACE
20 - Wager involving revolutionary jazz musician (6) - BE{CHE}T
23 - Statesman becoming hot under pressure (5) - HEAT{H}

Saturday 18 April 2009

No 9510, Saturday, 18 Apr 09, M. Manna

Some inconsistencies in few clues today, otherwise an easy crossword
ACROSS
 1 - Though in a car, one can take a jar (5,8) - SHOCK ABSORBER [CD]
 8 - Some continentals find this a softening influence (7) - CEDILLA [CD]
 9 - Theory about the mains I’m diverting (7) - ANIMISM*
11 - Acid found in a can! (6) - NIACIN* A appears to be indicating the second I here
13 - French best in North East, became unconquered (8) - U{N{BEAT}E}N Best here is indicating French best (UN) as well as BEAT
15 - One resort that is perfect (5) - I{DEAL}
16 - Left in the lurch (7) - DITCHED [CD]
18 - Concealed gaol-break from a Spanish bigwig (7) - {HID}ALGO*
19 - To form an intelligible pattern (3,2) - ADD UP [CD]
21 - Litmus paper might be used in the final analysis (4,4) - ACID TEST [CD]
23 - Salesman given help is reimbursed (6) - {REP)AID
25 - Previous head admits I need to make amends (7) - {EX}P{I}ATE
26 - Mean to use our charm to inspire (7) - ENAMOUR*
28 - Go into marquee containing main partition for public performance (13) - {ENTER}T{AINM*}ENT
DOWN
 2 - Arty, he’d removed a chemical compound (7) - HYDRATE*
 3 - Pass given to senior army officer (3) - COL [DD] Link provided for those not familiar with the ranks
 4 - Indeed surprise to find South African nurse maid (4) - AMAH Annotation not clear; if CD then why the surprise; if surprise is indicating AH then how is South Africa and MA related, or else my answer is wrong
 5 - Not against development of non-progressive state (10) - STAGNATION*
 6 - 45th element in German river (5) - RH{IN}E
 7 - Time Ted was sent out (7) - EMITTED*
 8 - Kind of desecration, perhaps (11) - CONSIDERATE*
10 - Promising spinner? (5,6) - MINOR SPIDER [CD]
12 - Daughter lied about being unoccupied (5) - I{D}LED*
14 - Teenager creating a scene told off (10) - ADOLESCENT*
17 - Have to give direction to lift up with great effort (5) - H{E}AVE
18 - Sharp bend on a mountain road (7) - HAIRPIN [CD] Reminds me of the 14th Hairpin bend on the road to Ooty from Mettupalayam which is hardly a hairpin bend, but was added to avoid the unlucky number 13
20 - Hector, the old serving man (7) - DRAGOON [CD]
22 - Not proper to cater to small quantity that can just be detected (5) - TRACE*
24 - Endless danger for a fairy (4) - PERI(-l)
27 - Direct a remark with personal application (3) - A{IM}

Friday 17 April 2009

No 9509, Friday, 17 Apr 09, M. Manna

Bottom left corner took me a little while, otherwise quite an entertaining CW, needed the grid to get quite a few
ACROSS
 1 - Notedly more eccentric member of the band (7) - {D}{RUMMER}
 5 - Initial electric lantern may be everlasting (7) - {E}{TERNAL*(-n)} Deletion of N not clearly brought out, may can indiacte an anagram as well as usage of some of the letters
10 - Be of service (6) - ASSIST [CD]
11 - Rebuke salesman for taking fish (8) - {REP}{ROACH}
12 - Certain to get up to chase (6) - {PU<-}{RSUE*}
13 - Goods put into containers (8) - PACKAGED [CD]
14 - Use proper road to traverse on courses (6) - {R}{OUTES*} Surface reading of clue not very good
15 - Lee is left out — that’s not right for him (6) - {L}ESLIE*
18 - Go back and give in again (6) - {RE}{CEDE}
20 - Newspaperman got some credit originally (6) - EDITOR [T]
23 - Foreign aristocracy exploding grenades (8) - GRANDEES*
25 - Plan to have a purpose (6) - INTENT [DD]
26 - Cheat a servile dependant to get control (8) - {DO}{MINION}
27 - Impart changes with hollow result (6) - ARMPIT* Did not like this clue
28 - Shatters violently and creates a quiet mess (7) - SM{A}{SH}ES
29 - A repairman going round a winding course (7) - ME{A}NDER
DOWN
 2 - Free to secure the injured (6) - RESCUE*
 3 - Change dominates this part of Kent (9) - MAIDSTONE*
 4 - Plead for net rate to be reviewed (7) - ENTREAT*
 6 - Optical illusion that is currently popular (7) - TOPICAL*
 7 - Woman soldiers taking a carrier in (5) R{HOD}A
 8 - A couple of hundred possibly tried to get commission (8) - {A}{CC}REDIT*
 9 - Attractive way of prematurely acquiring proprietorial rights (13) - {PRE}{POSSESSING} Nice clue
16 - By temperament he is given to playing game (9) - SPORTSMAN [CD]
17 - To her, appear to be hiding one object of value (8) - HE{I}R{LOOM}
19 - Write a song of mourning (7) - ELEGISE [CD]
21 - Impersonate (7) - IMITATE [CD]
22 - Conforming to being properly dressed (2,4) - IN LINE [DD]
24 - Hard-bitten things? (5) - NAILS [CD]

Thursday 16 April 2009

No 9508, Thursday, 16 Apr 09, M. Manna

Over to Manna from today, lots of new words, needed a lot of thinking and crosschecking of meanings to get the right answers
ACROSS
 1 - Seaboard churning up ocean silt (9) – COASTLINE*
 6 - Beam like Her Majesty after 50 (5) – {L}{AS}{ER}
 9 - All including a young child and Al (5) – {TOT}{AL}
10 - Being furious about subordinate, egg-head made complaint (9) – MA{UNDER}{E}D New word for me
11 - Turn the corner and create pure chaos (10) – RECUPERATE*
12 - Separate with violence to cause pain (4) – TEAR [DD]
14 - New flat with Ron has a pediment over a door (7) – FRONTAL*
15 - Engraving can be done on very soft tiles (7) – STI{PP}LE* Another new word for me
17 - Mournful in hotel eg I acknowledged (7) – ELEGIAC [T]
19 - Goes out of the French constituents (7) – {DE}{PARTS}
20 - Access of little force? (4) – GATE ?
22 - Taking off the stamp (10) – IMPRESSION [DD]
25 - Watch what musicians do with a metronome (9) – TIMEPIECE [DD]
26 - Keen to somehow agree (5) – EAGER*
27 - Serves as a cavalryman (5) – RIDES [CD]
28 - Confident the new variety of aster will bring in prizes (9) – TREA{SURE}S*
DOWN
 1 - To provide food for (5) – CATER [CD]
 2 - Flower pictures I suppress (9) – {ART}{I}{CHOKE} Artichoke by itself does not indicate a flower
 3 - Giving some thought to others (10) – TELEPATHIC [CD]
 4 - Dissolute, but I’m getting the message (7) – {IM}{MORAL}
 5 - Reduces to a common standard of comparison (7) – EQUATES [DD]
 6 - Load we hear, out of an open ditch (4) – LODE (~load)
 7 - Russian clothing material (5) – SERGE [DD]
 8 - Without a clause added to an already complete contract (9) – RIDERLESS [CD]
13 - Won’t let you have anymore (10) – DISPOSSESS [CD]
14 - About to enter an aircraft carrier (9) - F{RE}IGHTER
16 - Dish served by midshipman or his double (9) – {PO}{R}{RINGER} Yet another new word, however origin of second R not clear, moreover midshipman cannot be PO as PO stands for Petty Officer
18 - Tom with large number of men made an observation (7) - {C}{OM{MEN}T*} No anagram indicator for Tom
19 - She may be a born leader (7) – DARLE{N}E*
21 - I’d make out Tim to be a coward (5) – TIMID*
23 - Annoying persons who curry favour? (5) - NARKS [DD] Annoying person from Aus/NZ Last new word learnt for the day
24 - A piano is a god to some (4) – {A}{P}IS

Wednesday 15 April 2009

No 9507, Wednesday, 15 Apr 09, Gridman

Another easy run today. Maybe late with tomorrows post as I have to make a trip to the airport
ACROSS
1 - Seizure suffered by animal has Tamil put out (5,3) - {PET}IT MAL*
5 - Got worried about some nonsense in cave (6) – G{ROT}TO*
10 - Passed on the song in a rush (7) – RE{LAY}ED
11 - Worth taking quarters in (7) - LIVABLE [CD] ?
12 - Arranges signal differently (6) – ALIGNS*
13 - A cry for help arrests gutless creature for fire prevention (8) - {A}S{BE(-a)ST}OS
15 - Nervous journalist on the borders of Gooty (4) – {ED}{GY}
16 - One can live large by making use of every __ __ of space (6,4) – SQUARE INCH [CD]
18 - Within which one has to hit (6,4) - TARGET AREA [CD]
20 - Lime-squash for the girl (4) - EMIL* I always thought Emil was a man's name like Emil Zatopek the runner
23 - One that an ornithologist spots infrequently (4,4) – RARE BIRD [CD] Remember the famous Indian ornithologist Salim Ali
24 - Hundred also ran more tightly packed (6) – {C}{LOSER}
26 - Avoid the sailor with the stigma (7) – {AB}{STAIN}
27 - Call to account everyone going after the rogue (7) - IMP{EACH}
28 - Follows many directions to catch ultras’ leader (6) – ENS{U}ES
29 - Increased with more supplies to the overhead tank? (6,2) – PUMPED UP [DD]
DOWN
 1 - The sort of garment that needs no ironing (9,6) – PERMANENT CREASE [CD] See the link on methods of getting permanent creases
 2 - What a gossip or informant may be doing (7) – TELLING [CD]
 3 - Irksome attempt in Gujarat’s capital (6) – {TRY}{IN}{G}
 4 - Helper has a different idea (4) – AIDE*
 6 - Saw again and wrote a critique (8) – REVIEWED [DD]
 7 - Bet ain’t about a neighbouring national (7) – TIBETAN*
 8 - Educational grant by no reservation (4,11) - OPEN SCHOLARSHIP [CD]
 9 - Lodger sat uncomfortably with veteran (3,6) - OLD STAGER
14 - What members of a peer group shares with each other (5,4) - EQUAL RANK [CD]
17 - Staff has unending prejudice for an overabundance of words (8) - VER{BIA(-s)}GE
19 - Father gets up again in reserve — gets up again (7) - R{ERIS<-}ES
21 - Indicator discs I’m turning over were temporarily lost (7) - {MI<-}{SLAID<-}
22 - Mistake raised by schoolchildren (4-2) - SLIP UP<-
25 - Hercule Poirot’s Lord? (4) - DIEU [CD]

Tuesday 14 April 2009

No 9506, Tuesday, 14 Apr 09, Gridman

Happy VISHU (New Year) to all visitors to my blog. Nothing spectacular in todays CW other than a lot of CD/DD which is Gridman's style.
ACROSS
 1 - Line turning with vessel in temple activity (7) - WOR<-SHIP
 5 - Defeat a challenge at an airport ceremony? (3,3) - SEE OFF [DD]
 9 - Minimum disposal of slate (5) - LEAST*
10 - Do run nimbly to find clever architectural feature (5,4) - ROUND* {ARCH}
11 - “Here lies….” statement (7) - EPITAPH [CD]
12 - Eccentric fellow features a politician in satire (7) - L{A}{MP}OON
13 - Wood spirit (5) - DRYAD [CD] Never heard this word, I must admit I googled this answer
14 - What you pay for rummaging (6,3) - SEARCH FEE [CD]
16 - Not a “morning person”? (4,5) - LATE RISER [CD]
19 - Revolutionary has one following the principal (5) - CHE{I}{F}
21 - Two scholars have one learner writing at last for a newspaper column (7) - {MA}{I}{L}{BA}{G}
23 - With Leonard, I got rash — “freckles”, actually (7) - {LEN}{TIGO*}
24 - One month after artist’s short handbook on mathematician (9) - {RA}{MANU}{JAN} Manu - short for Manuscript - handbook !!
25 - More frosty — To 500, more chancey (5) - ICIER Annotation anyone?
26 - Scour freshly one-sixth of the forest for explorer (6) - CRUSO*{E} I thought he was a castaway, not an explorer !!
27 - Marine colour (3,4) - SEA BLUE [CD]
DOWN
 1 - English poet dismantles Delaware armlet (6,2,2,4) - WALTER DE LA MARE* Remember studying some of his poems in school cannot rememebr the names of any though
 2 - Later I went round to the Yard for truth (7) - REALIT*{Y}
 3 - Worker carrying twisted tab for ribbon in topper (7) - HA{TBA*}ND
 4 - Buys up, crashes brutally (9) - PURCHASES*
 5 - Head-covering (5) - SKULL [CD]
 6 - Local to finish mice off (7) - END{EMIC*}
 7 - Say rapidly: “Shoot” (4,3) - FIRE OFF [CD]
 8 - What students may seek, what rowers may adopt (6,2,6) - CHANGE OF COURSE [DD] Rowers normally avoid adopting a change of course !
15 - Dismantle Air Nepal’s flying machines (9) - AIRPLANES* North American way of saying Aeroplane
17 - An excellent thing: what may be found in a hairdresser’s (7) - TRIMMER [DD] An Australian/New Zealand definition
18 - Strips Brand 1’s components (7) - RIBANDS* What I used to wear over my left pocket while in service 'Medal Ribands'
19 - Open with a Shavian play (7) - CANDID{A} Did not know Shavian stood for George Bernard Shaw's works
20 - Character starting to make a name (7) - INITIAL [CD]
22 - Toy soldier (2,3) - GI JOE [CD]

Monday 13 April 2009

No 9505, Monday, 13 Apr 09, Gridman

No Monday morning blues today, had an easy run today. A Happy New Year in advance to all visitors as tommorow is VISHU which is the new year for us Keralites
ACROSS
 1 - Bulletin gives points to the accountant, by the way (8) - {N}{E}{W}{S}{CA}{ST}
 5 - Without any change, a small relative grabs the object (2,2,2) - {A}S {IT} IS
 9 - Indian spies return last letter to operative in the East where fighting is on (3,4) - WAR<- {Z}ONE
10 - They are written regularly by journalists but not necessarily in support (7) - COLUMNS [DD]
11 - Inspiring ideal culled from E-mail (9) - ORIFLAMME*
12 - A novice has no mantra to retrieve money (5) - {MO}{O}{L}{A}<- 13 - Therefore one who plays a big part in children’s tales is back (4) - ERGO<- 14 - Fellow who has oodles of 12 (6,3) - MONIED MAN [CD]
17 - With which a chair is wobbly (5,4) - SHAKY LEGS [CD]
19 - Keep on complaining it’s unending case (4) - GRIP(-e)
23 - Insurgent spills beer on learner (5) - REBE*{L}
24 - Listens again to the young boy’s practice (9) - {REHEARS}{AL}
25 - Roused as former edict’s revised (7) - {EX}CITED*
26 - Knocking down Spanish article in escapade (7) - F{EL}LING
27 - Take one’s breath away (6) - STIFLE This one took my breath away for a while as I had SKELETON for 15D initially
28 - Eleven come out of a gate to create disturbance and so on (2,6) - E(-xi)T CETERA*
DOWN
 1 - Late arrival makes men cower nervously (8) - NEWCOMER*
 2 - Lookout for Indian spies going round in no good surroundings (7) - WAR<-{N{IN}G}
 3 - Murmur about learners putting an end to revelry in a composed manner (6) - COO{LL}{Y}
 4 - Overwhelmed by stream, lo, elder is washed away (13) - STEAMROLLERED*
 6 - Such a person has risen in life without anybody’s help (4-4) - SELF MADE [CD]
 7 - Boy last to grab nothing in U.S. city lottery (7) - {TOM}{B}{O}LA Another version of yesterday's Lotto or Housie
 8 - Walk ostentatiously, say, having possessed a second home (6) - S{ASH}AY How are the first letters of a second home indicated as ASH here?
10 - Gossiping about the revolutionary section one day altering fate (7,3,3) - {CHE}{WING} {TH}{E FAT*}
15 - Not fleshed out! (8) - SKELETAL [CD]
16 - Public defences for a game getting endless gain crookedly (8) - A{POLO}{GIA(-n)*}
18 - Couple of greetings swamp cab returning with small grill (7) - {HI}{BAC<-}{HI}
20 - Priest unwound, taking a drop of elixir, in a lull (7) - {RESPIT*}{E}
21 - Cases for lawyers’ documents? (6) - BRIEFS [DD]
22 - Old French leader’s rancour is pronounced (6) - GAULLE (~gall)

Sunday 12 April 2009

No 2528, Sunday, 12 Apr 09

I seem to be getting better at the Sunday Crossword. Interesting CW today took me some time to get 5 and 10A and 7D. Excellent surface reading in all the clues
ACROSS
1 - Film, hi-tech, BT released (3,5) - THE BITCH*
5 - Wine in tavern, endless wine (6) - {BAR}{SAC}(-k) Sack is a type of wine
9 - Holder's jacket (8) - ENVELOPE [DD]
10 - Cannon and Ball? (3-3) - POM-POM [DD] In the Indian Army troops of The Madras Regiment wear a POM-POM on their headgear
11 - Cannon in capital - one fired by me, originally (5) - CA(-i)RO{M}
12 - Legitimate, our Brent activity (4-4) - TRUE BORN*
15 - Better skill shown by PM's gardener (10,5) - {CAP}{ABILITY} {BROWN}
18 - Satanist crudely drawn in book (1,5,2,7) - A STUDY IN SCARLET*
19 - Unmarried man, composer, rejected part (8) - {BACH}{ELOR<-} 21 - King, a set behind, is broken (5) - {K}{A}{PUT}
24 - Notice one present in strange metallic element (6) - R{AD}{I}UM
25 - Adult to draw off small measure if need be (2,1,5) - {A}{T A P}INCH}
26 - Bombed British house (6) - {B}{LOTTO} I think house is a typo for housie which is the british game lotto
27 - Nondescript articles that snow damaged (8) - WHATNOTS*
DOWN
1 - Swimming coach in river finds item of clothing (6,4) - TREN{CH COA*}T
2 - Caught in the Ivel, very young eel (5) - ELVER [T]
3 - I criticise a bum in capital city (9) - {I}{SLAM}{A}{BAD}
4 - Political organisation adopting hard line with the US Congress (7,4) - CAPITOL {H}IL*{L}
6 - Sailor holding crowd up, producing weapon (1-4) - A {BOM<-}B
7 - Hooter goes at end of marvellous championship game (5,4) - {SUPER B}{OWL}
8/13 - Happen to score, to make the grade (4,2,2,7) - {COME UP TO} {SCRATCH}
14 - Splitting your sides? Hospital may have to put you -- -------! (2,8) - IN STITCHES [DD]
16 - Finished up at top, surprisingly, around one, accompanied by daughter (3,4,2) - PUT PA{I}{D} TO*
17 - Where accidents often occur - parking lots back abroad (5,4) - BLACK S{P}OT*
20 - Heroin planted on relative in resort (5) - {H}{AUNT}
22 - Punter initially taking a lively interest in a horse (5) - {P}{INTO}

Saturday 11 April 2009

No 9504, Saturday, 11 Apr 09, Gridman

Finished in express train time today as there were too many CD's and DD's, had to google out the answer for 14A

ACROSS

1 - Note clothesmaker said to be no wholesale merchant (8) - {RE}{TAILER} (~tailor)
6 - Steady company? (4) - FIRM [DD]
9 - Posts additions to population register, we hear (6) - BERTHS (~births)
10 - Disappointment that has descended on you? (3-4) - LET DOWN [CD]
13 - You listed cooks in a tiresome manner (9) - TEDIOUSLY*
14 - ”Behind the ___I’ll convey myself”: Polonius (5) - ARRAS [CD]
15 - Woman coming from behind us (4) - INDU [T]
16 - I adapt Salk’s interpretation of a Marx work (3,7) - DAS KAPITAL*
19 - Kind of package for a concertina? (7,3) - SQUEEZE BOX [DD]
21 - Father allies himself with a goon in India (4) - {DAD}{A}
24 - Bibi and ghulam go with him in an Indian film (5) - SAHIB [CD] Have not seen this movie, must do so one of these days
25 - Write something to say what’s being left? (4,1,4) - MAKE A WILL [CD]
26 - Low gags featuring a city (7) - GLASGOW*
27 - Officer Commanding on eastern grounds finds a prowler from Central America (6) - {OC}{E}{LOT}
28 - Tribal doesn’t complete now (4) - TODA (-y) Have gone up a number of times throughthe Botanical Gardens in Ooty to see the Toda settlement
29 - Cart nearabouts ___ a traveller’s need, perhaps (4-1-3) - RENT-A-CAR* Clue needs refinement (Anagram of CART & NEAR) removal indicator of abouts from nearabouts missing
DOWN
2 - Gridman, having finished case, is changed (7) - E{ME}NDED
3 - What you see when the first part of play is staged (6) - {ACT}{I}{ON}
4 - Is deprived of prestige ___ a dancer in a masked ball does sometimes (5,4) - LOSES FACE [DD]
5 - Team race in which last runners have to make it (5) - RELAY [CD]
7 - Piscator, needing no introduction, turns an advocate of equal power (7) -(-p) ISOCRAT *
8 - A brief word __yes or no? (12) - MONOSYLLABLE [CD]
11 - Vagrants are soft in public vehicles (6) - TRAM{P}S
12 - Without going into details ____how love might happen sometimes (2,5,5) - AT FIRST SIGHT [CD]
17 - Sort of furniture that a DYI enthusiast would buy (5-4) - KNOCK-DOWN [CD]
18 - As soaked in water for a cuppa (3,3) - TEA BAG [CD]
20 - How something remains if a person turns a deaf ear to it (7) - UNHEARD [CD]
22 - State ship sunk at Pearl Harbour (7) - ARIZONA [DD]
23 - Scot is up to taking time in judge’s room (6) - {CAM<-}{ERA}
25 - More thrown all over with this garden tool (5) - MO{W}ER

Friday 10 April 2009

No 9503, Friday, 10 Apr 09, Gridman

All done took some time to get 27A.
ACROSS
1 - A target of the bowler that the cricketer has to defend (6, 5) - MIDDLE STUMP [CD]
9 - Right to end our dissipating circle (7) - {R}ONDURE*
10 - Close to the ace behind is Oriental (7) - {E}{ASTERN}
11 - A once-rolling sea (5) - OCEAN*
12 - 11 coming round to achieve yet another time (4, 5) - {ONCE A*}{GAIN}
13 - Antelope heads for old region in Bargur interior (5) - {O}{R}{I}{B}{I}
15 - Aeroplane Pop or Burt flies (9) - TURBOPROP* Like the old AVRO aircraft whihc Indian Airlines used to have for a long time.
18 - What new rulers of a country will want people to forget (3, 6) - OLD REGIME [CD]
21 - Embarrassed to follow heads of Emergency Room, having got it wrong (5) - {ER}{RED}
22 - Hunt for fourth shelf in Erode, maybe (5, 4) - T{RACK} {D}OWN
24 - Force politician to wear garland the wrong way round (5) - I{MP}EL<- 26 - Tossed, moreover, in one bed that’s crumpled (7) - B{AND}{I}ED
27 - Eccentric fellow without a sound of disapproval for a kind of syllogism (7) - BO{CARD}O
28 - Watchful until slaver is set free (11) - SURVEILLANT*
DOWN
1 - Spoil firm game of explorer (5, 4) - {MAR}{CO} POLO
2 - Ball can be rolling within the limits of Davangere (5) - D{ANC*}E
3 - As heard when the firecracker is burst (4, 5) - LOUD NOISE [CD]
4 - Search for outspoken Punjabi gone abroad (4, 3) - (~sikh) {SEEK} {OUT}
5 - It may still be on the road even as one tries to sell it off (4, 3) - USED CAR [CD]
6 - Cake line is out! Get a different dish! (5) - PAST(-ry){A}
7 - One who mends things by uniting couples again? (8) - {RE}{PAIRER}
8 - Churchmen should give up their extreme positions soon (4) - (-c)ANON(-s)
14 - Writing fluid for Bharatvasi, one in thousand (5, 3) - INDIA {I}N{K}
16 - Like a printing character, starting off with an honour and raking up lots of money finally (9) - {OBE}{LI}{SCAL<-} Origin of LI eludes me 17 - One may foot it in a ride on a lake, perhaps (5, 4) - PEDAL BOAT [CD]
19 - Ready — being part of what the waiter took? (2, 5) - IN ORDER [CD]
20 - Confer a subject with a title, perhaps (7) - ENNOBLE [CD]
22 - Meet up with brass band player (4) - TUBA<- 23 - King, with fools, works with some yarns (5) - {K}{NITS}
25 - Windcheater for father going around a boat (5) - P{ARK}A

Thursday 9 April 2009

No 9502, Thursday, 09 Apr 09, Gridman

Have to get used to Gridman's style now for next few days, anyway a welcome change from a long spell of Nita Jaggi. Addendum from comments below
ACROSS
1 - Old cart for member of a U.S. party (8) - {DEMO}CRAT* Annotation of DEMO eludes me, no anagram indicator for CART (Addendum this is a [DD] DEMOCRAT being a wagon as well)
5 - Rob and Eli together refitted pot for stewing (6) - BOILER*
9 - Between which a scared cur may tuck its tail (4,4) - HIND LEGS [CD]
10 - Not completing the ride in one beachwear (6) - BIK(-e){IN}{I}
12 - Gadding about without showing impudence and without noise is a Russian (4) - IVAN Annotation eludes me (Addendum - [-gall]IVAN[-ting])
13 - Cleaned lip by fits and starts with substance a writer has (6,4) - PENCIL LEAD*
15 - What one has to pay to confine new ruler (6) - PRI{N}CE
17 - Silly things to look back within the boundaries of grange (5) - G{EES<-}E
20 - Nice boss abandons Hobson’s choice to produce illicit liquor (5) - HOOCH* (-nice boss)
21 - Wish to reside in a different style (6) - DESIRE*
24 - Being revengeful, five in the limits of Delhi evict Dotty (10) - {V}{IN}{D(-elh)I}CTIVE*
27 - Dotty with Indian flower losing heart (4) - GA(-n)GA
29 - Justice denied, combatant on horseback faces dispossession (6) - (-j)OUSTER
30 - Shrub in balustrade destroyed without notice (4,4) - BLUE STAR* (-ad) Also known as Juniper
31 - Insect besets French friend’s household (6) - F{AMI}LY
32 - Endure the fall — after which there’s nothing to lap up (4,4) - LAST DROP [CD]
DOWN
1 - Writer gets first-class return in a bloomer (6) - DAHL{IA<-}
2 - When a girl embraces a weary don (6) - M{OND*}AY
3 - Reserved with the aged (4) - C{OLD}
4 - Band’s leader leaves ornament in corner (5) - (-b)ANGLE
6 - Alternative garland hoisted at the window (5) - OR{IEL<-}
7 - One who waits to see it go wrong about the end of phase (8) - LO{IT}ERER Annotation eludes me (Addendum - {LO}{IT}ER{E}R)
8 - Beasts, free, grinned, we hear — regular losses there! (8) - REINDEER Annotation eludes me (Addendum - Typo in print, it is ginned and not grinned so we get all the alternate letters from free, ginned we hear to get REINDEER)
11 - Bill has a levy for admission (6) - AC{CESS}
14 - Leader of Maoists sneaks out of demonstration at curved gateway (4) - (-m)ARCH
16 - In which state one remains uncovered (6) - NUDITY [CD]
17 - Bloody try at the lines (4) - GO{RY}
18 - Chauffeur said to be on leave. Go away! (5,3) - SHOVE OFF SHOVE does not sound like Chauffer?
19 - Not cornered with problem for a large amount (5,3) - ROUND SUM [CD]
22 - Talk with Helen at terrace’s centre (6) - NATTER [T]
23 - Leaders of New Delhi leave bunker at golf course with Governor (6) - SA{TRAP} Connection between SA and 'leaders of New Delhi' not clear (Addendum - SA(-nd)TRAP)
25 - Perfect notion advanced by the learner (5) - IDEA{L}
26 - Scoundrel not in residence (5) - VILLA(-in)
28 - Soft is the French nuisance (4) - {LE}ST ?? (Addendum - {P}{EST})

Wednesday 8 April 2009

No 9501, Wednesday, 08 Apr 09, Nita Jaggi

I am lost today and left with some unsolved, todays clues are not very good from the point of surface reading and as usual I feel there are a lot of inconsistencies, don't know if I am right or whether the clues were too good for me. Addendum based on comments below
ACROSS
1 - Decorative object is at the end part of the surface on the east most borders (7) - TRINKET ?? (Addendum - {T}{RINK}{E(-as)T})
5 - Adopt Kate by the order in court (4,2) - TAKE UP What is court doing in this clue?
10 - Reformer pursuing a political cause (8) - ACTIVIST [CD]
11 - Invasive growth found in the pelican cerebrum (6) - CANCER [T]
13 - Attempts to boil dish oddly (4) - {B}IDS Annotation for IDS eludes me, is it a Dish? (Addendum - {B}{I}{D}{S}
14 - Putting right the wrong bandage again (10) - REDRESSING [2]
16 - Sound of a musical instrument for ever in the book (6) - READER ?? (Addendum - READ(~reed)ER)
18 - Street made in the style to cover the gym for group action (8) - {ST}{AM{PE}DE*} Strange explanation for group action!!
21 - Strange to greet sir in an official list (8) - REGISTER* Is a Register a List? (Addendum - Yes it is)
22 - Grain on each part of an eye (6) - {CORN}{EA}
25 - Officials for the participants hold the hand of the leader of the dynasty (10) - (Addendum - COM{MAN}{D}ERS)
27 - Repeat of a sound from the speech overheard (4) - ECHO [T]
30 - Girl is at the University with Albert once a year (6) - {ANN}{U}{AL}
31 - Destroyed your band at the border line (8) - BOUNDARY*
32 - Tough tissue (6) - MUSCLE [2]
33 - Turn back the animals to the French in the farm buildings (7) - STAB<-LES
DOWN
2 - Judged the Republican side of Edward (5) - {R}AT{ED} ??
3 - Peculiar van covering a round star (4) - N{O}VA*
4 - Weekend festival in spring (6) - EASTER [CD]
6 - Natives take up a drinking place within half of Asia (5) - A{RAB<-}S (asia - ia)
7 - Uncle aide sets geometry with similar axioms (9) - EUCLIDEAN*
8 - Religious, naughty child is in a canoe (7) - (Addendum - PI{ROGUE})
9 - Head boy to shear the bear on the side by the hairdresser (6) - {B}{ARBE*}{R}
12 - Make forth the small bubbles (5) - FROTH*
15 - Dining room in a state of disorderliness (4) - MESS [2]
17 - Developed a doubt in the strange discussions (9) - ARG{UM}ENTS*
19 - Nomadic person in a wild area (4) - MOOR [2]
20 - Large dew holding a layer of seven plants (5) - ( Addendum - W{E}ED*{S})
21 - Recipe left with an intention to extract useful substances (7) - {REC}{L}{AIM}
23 - Unnamed author is new on the track in America (6) - A{N}ONYM Annotation eludes me
24 - You are in a fix inside the court to shout loudly (3,3) - CR{Y} OUT*
26 - Make use of the road for five in trouble (5) - {A{V}{A}IL} How does A stand for road?
28 - Machine bird (5) - CRANE [2]
29 - Arrogant son is upset by the bishop (4) - SNO*{B}

Tuesday 7 April 2009

No 9500, Tuesday, 07 Apr 09, Nita Jaggi

Lot of question marks in my solutions for today. The length of the clues are still too long
ACROSS
1 - Give an account of the French journalist (8) - {DE}{SCRIBE}
5 - Irritated a woman over a bit of the thing (4) - {F}{RE}{T}
9 - Thousand workers cover the German in searches conducted (8) - {M}{AN{HUN}TS}
10 - Almost mark one active rock (6) - {SCAR}{I}{A} ?? Why almost mark ?
12 - Prophet inside a house erected (4) - SEER [T]
13 - Able to withstand the evidence following an emotional disturbance (5-5) - SHOCK PROOF [CD]
15 - What happens to an editor when the blood does not reach the arteries? (3,11) - BAD CIRCULATION [CD]
17 - State of being liable for the written record by hand for one settled at the end of the day (14) - {ACCOUNT}ABIL{I}T{Y} Annotation eludes
21 - Her glance is to order around the student contestant (10) - CHAL{L}ENGER*
22 - Health resort has a lot of junk mail (4) - {SPA}{M}
25 - Alternatively, turn back to the scholar being not specific about the good book (6) - RO<-{MA}{NS}
26 - Epic poem has a long series of adventures (8) - ODYSSEYS
27 - Reported to sleep lightly having a portion of medicine (4) - DOSE (~doze)
28 - Stage films at festivals (8) - RELEASES Annotation eludes me
DOWN
1 - End of the wrong side covering half of them (6) - D{EM}ISE*
2 - Slight burn on the surface is an offense, for example to be taken up (5) - {SIN}GE<- 3 - Cut off an open way for a confused crowd of people (4) - ROUT (-e)
4 - Herb cut is scattered by the slaughterer (7) - BUTCHER*
6 - Part of a plant is in the container (10) - RECEPTACLE [2]
7 - One to instill fear is a member of a militant group (9) - TERRORIST [CD]
8 - Cast off things in lunch affairs (5) - CHAFF [T]
11 - Oddly, each round has colour (4) - {E}{C}{R}{U}
14 - Clean the large city in bits of nodes of regions having less vegetation (10) - {SCRUB}{LA}{N(-o)D(-e)S}
16 - Approved of an amateur around to calm one kind of an editor (9) - AC{CLA{I}M*}{ED} Amateur AC ?
18 - Note the vibrant shade of a colour (4) - TONE*
19 - Group of workers ride high in a drinking game (4,3) - {BEE}{R DIE}* Never heard of such a game if my answer is correct. Group of workers should be BEE and not just BEE
20 - Keeps people entertained in the morning for us to be at ease (6) - AM{US}{E}S Origin of second S not clear
21 - Restores the health of the parish priest on Saturday (5) - {CURE}{S}
23 - President as in the print media (5) - PRESS (~pres)
24 - Passageway without article, is on land surrounded by water (4) - ISLE (-t)