No 9676, Saturday, 31 Oct 09, Sankalak

ACROSS
1 - Dire prospects improved by loyalty to the group (6,2,5) - ESPRIT DE CORPS* The army runs on this
10 - Sausage that gives vigour through ion change (9) - {PEP}{PER}ONI*
11 - Work unit captured by an Anjou lensman (5) - JOULE [T]
12 - The endless spirit needed to pluck idly at the guitar strings (5) - {TH(-e)}{RUM}
13 - A companion, though a fool to an extent (9) - ASSOCIATE Anno pending
14 - Stupid chap returns money with funny remark (6) - {NIT<-}{WIT}
16 - The way to cook British fat (5) - {BR}{OIL}
19 - Place for a grown cygnet (5) - {A}{SWAN}
20 - Topless cloak, right at the end for a deer’s feature (6) - (-m)ANTLE{R}
25 - Outward appearance of a doctor, 50, in a ‘spirited’ meeting (9) - SE{MB}{L}ANCE
26 - Tie up returned pieces (5) - STRAP <- )
27 - Trendy, small flat but not suitable (5) - {IN}{APT}
28 - Assume children disagree (with others) (4,5) - {TAKE} {ISSUE}
29 - Examination in a Tamil court disrupted (13) - MATRICULATION*
DOWN
2 - Distinctly different eastern trooper included in an odd set (8) - S{E}{PARA}TE*
3 - Discharge of a male in strange garb (5) - R{HE}UM
4 - Norse god with a cross on the chest (6) - {THOR}{A}{X}
5 - Man (or woman) with a message (8) - EMISSARY [E]
6 - Disapproval of a thing, one in action (9) - {OBJECT}{I}{ON} Nice clue
7 - One cannot be this (6) - PLURAL [CD]
8 - Behave amorously around dawn of Tuesday? Exactly what is needed (4-2) - SPO{T}-ON
9 - Even this kind of field ensures playing on equal terms (5) - LEVEL [DD]
15 - Poor conductor! (9) - INSULATOR [E]
17 - Captivating cinema, great production (8) - MA{G}NE{T}IC* How does T come about?
18 - A student, nearly new, with business in the open air (8) - {A}{L}{FRES(-h)}{CO}
21 - Charge that is right for a sword (6) - {RAP}{IE}{R}
22 - Jelly got from some sapotas picked in season (5) - ASPIC [T]
23 - Graceful creature of Africa (6) - IMPALA [E]
24 - Germany’s first woman Chancellor (6) - MERKEL [E]
26 - Change of costume (5) - SHIFT [DD]

GRID

No 9675, Friday, 30 Oct 09, Sankalak

ACROSS
1 - Greek god, a revolutionary with self-assurance (7) - {PAN}{A}{CHE}
5 - The lump I have is solid and heavy (7) - {MASS}{IVE}
9 - Body tissue under one’s control (9,6) - VOLUNTARY MUSCLE [CD]
10 - Kind of sale, sad trial around the east (6) - R{E}TAIL*
11 - Village headman attends Amritsar panchayat heads meet (8) - SARPANCH [T] Nice clue
13 - Desire for making money after end of anxiety (8) - {Y}EARNING
15 - Choice of work, note, with no backing (6) - {OP}{TI}{ON<-} )
18 - A lot of money for including the limits of knowledge in an agreement (6) - PAC{K}(-nowledg){E}T
19 - A plant that could reveal a love tangle (4,4) - AL{O}E VERA*
22 - Result of too much water in the tank (8) - OVERFLOW [E]
24 - Uprising relating to current potential (6) - {RE}{VOLT}
27 - I go from the yards, excited at finding unexpected sources of help (5,10) - FAIRY GODMOTHERS* Another nice anagram
28 - He has called it a day! (7) - RETIREE [E]
29 - Closely related to a Teutonic language and English (7) - GERMAN{E}
DOWN
1 - Want fresh poetry about victory? (7) - PO{V}ERTY*
2 - An African gets nothing with occupational therapy but… (5) - {NIL}{OT}
3 - … he gets the goods … (9) - CONSIGNEE [E]
4 - … and other things shortly (2,2) - ET AL [E]
5 - A sign of distress when labour celebrates (6) - MAYDAY [DD]
6 - Decline that has affected a million plus (5) - SLU{M}P*
7 - Kind of bonus to induce better performance (9) - INCENTIVE [E]
8 - Butler’s fictional land nowhere spelt out (7) - EREWHON*
12 - What a writer needs is found in the middle of a golf field (3) - (-l)INK(-s)
14 - An old scientist was little Albert, one licensed to dispense medicines (9) - {AL}{CHEMIST}
16 - Guru with a soft eye, for example (8) - {P}{RECEPTOR}
17 - Expression of approval in Spain (3) - OLE [E]
18 - Extend a public relations bid (7) - {PR}{OFFER}
20 - Performer remains the same even when docked (7) - ARTISTE Anno pending (Addendum - ARTISTE~ARTIST(-e) see comments of Shuchi & Chaturvasi in comments section)
21 - A creature that the old coot disturbed (6) - CO{Y}OT*{E}
23 - Entrance area for accommodating you (old fashioned) (5) - FO{YE}R
25 - Mantra, say, with a letter from Greece (5) - {OM}{EG}{A}
26 - Bad weather made worse by emission (4) - SMOG [E]

GRID

No 9674, Thursday, 29 Oct 09, Sankalak

ACROSS
1 - Horses? What jokes! (9) - CHESTNUTS [DD]
5 - Sweet for most but bad news for some (5) - SUGAR [CD]
8 - Highly skilled teacher is chased by heartless woman (8) - {MASTER}L(-ad)Y
9 - It tells players what to say (6) - SCRIPT [E]
11 - Part of the gut of carnivorous mammal, a bit long inside (5) - CO{L}ON
12 - His job is to help something that goes with something else (9) - ATTENDANT [DD]
13 - Rock star that none troubled in the outskirts of London (6) - L{ENNO*}N
14 - They take big steps with half of the best horsemen (8) - (-be){ST}{RIDERS}
16 - A job with the French disciples (8) - {A}{POST}{LES}
18 - Approach one with what some studies on tobacco strongly suggest (6) - ACCOST [T]
22 - State of playwright Williams (9) - TENNESSEE [CD]
23 - Electrical device for finding temperature in open land with peaty soil (5) - MO{T}OR
24 - Doctor to be treated by one who owes money (6) - DEBTOR*
25 - Say no to Sid, eager to dance (8) - DISAGREE*
26 - Such photographs are unlikely to seem natural (5) - POSED [CD]
27 - Clumsy girl with daughter thwarts riot (9) - MALA{D}{ROIT*}
DOWN
1 - Funny, finding mineral in a mountain pass (7) - CO{MICA}L
2 - Character of English in Greece (7) - EPSILON [CD]
3 - That’s where the journey finishes (3,3,2,3,4) - THE END OF THE ROAD [E]
4 - Popular computer activity, a state burden (6) - {UP}LOAD
5 - He is not the chief, but his authority is not really momentary (6-2-7) - SECOND-IN-COMMAND [CD]
6 - Expression of an unsmiling, stern expert (7) - {GRIM}{ACE}
7 - Circles round gallery wearing hollow robes (7) - R{O}{TATE}(-obe)S
10 - The way tea is blended, say (5) - {ST}{ATE*}
15 - It makes for restraint on a pet (5) - LEASH [CD]
16 - Chewing the cud, a pet behaved badly (5,2) - ACTED UP*
17 - Collection of writings on transport (7) - OMNIBUS [DD]
19 - Train derailed between two rounds in a Canadian location (7) - O{NTARI*}O
20 - Great rush for gold found in English river (7) - T{OR}RENT
21 - Defence mechanism to shut out painful thoughts (6) - DENIAL [CD]

GRID

No 9673, Wednesday, 28 Oct 09, Sankalak

Phew! some long words here today and Sankalak has anagrammed 6D very nicely
ACROSS
1 - It keeps the helmet in place (9) - CHINSTRAP [E]
5 - Range seen in Peruvian desert (5) - ANDES [T]
8 - Transfer from one place to another to put the accountant in depression (6) - DE{CA}NT
9 - Aversion caused by a girl’s preference (8) - {DIS}TASTE
11 - Award for removing the top from a burglar’s tool (4) - (-j)EMMY
12 - A drink to flatter and draw off (10) - {BUTTER}{MILK}
14 - Union leaders, with a seizure, become incapable (5) - {UN}{FIT}
15 - People in university show a range of mental powers (7) - FACULTY [DD]
16 - Author of “Paula in Trouble” (7) - NAIPAUL*
17 - It’s hard and makes for a rub for the fiddler’s bow (5) - ROSIN [DD]
19 - Body of water once traversed by dhows (7,3) - ARABIAN SEA Dhow's still ply there
20 - Strong desire to find the heart of a caviar source (4) - (-st)URGE(-on)
22 - Analytical assessment that made Eric quit dancing (8) - CRITIQUE*
23 - Would a lady (non-eastern) question this material? (6) - DAM(-e){ASK}
24 - Shabby record, one hears (5) - SEEDY(~CD)
25 - A tray on the dining table of a wild, zany upper-class lass (4,5) - LAZY S{U}SAN*
DOWN
1 - Club, one of those which can be taken up in strong argument (6) - CUDGEL [CD]
2 - You cannot expect a Trappist to be otherwise (15) - INCOMMUNICATIVE [CD]
3 - Mathematical function, an outrage in the east (4) - SIN{E}
4 - It gives a member a chance to interrupt business (5,2,5) - POINT OF ORDER [E]
5 - But he may still like to back a horse! (10) - ANTIRACIST [CD]
6 - Strict task masters give new shape to Iranian disciples, jettisoning English (15) - DISCIPLINARIANS(-e)*
7 - Smoothly mischievous, eating vegetable (7) - S{LEEK}LY
10 - Such a one is unlikely to be lost for words when travelling (12) - MULTILINGUAL [CD]
13 - Trained bailiff, at the end of the day, shows a friendly nature (10) - AFFABILIT*{Y}
16 - Subtle variations seen in Ainu ancestral traits (7) - NUANCES [T]
18 - You and I, beginning to argue, understand and ease up (6) - {WE}{A}{KEN}
21 - A fish with a singing voice (4) - BASS [DD]


GRID

No 9672, Tuesday, 27 Oct 09, Sankalak

Almost 50% of CD, DD & E's, not to my liking
ACROSS
1 - Crazy charterer makes a study of business prospects (6,8) - MARKET RESEARCH*
8 - Succession of notes, a gift returned, in my keeping (6) - M{ELOD<-}Y
9 - Source of vitamin A, a walker’s aid involving mechanical use of memory (8) - CA{ROTE}NE
11 - Where an eyewitness should have been (2,3,4) - ON THE SPOT [CD]
12 - Slow in movement in a Bastar dyeing unit (5) - TARDY [T]
13 - Say, the girl’s clothing is covered with hair! (7) - (~her){HIR}{SUTE}{~suit)
15 - The loan, rewritten, may go to one’s head (7) - ETHANOL*
17 - Copper — deserter or keeper? (7) - {CU}{RAT}{OR}
19 - Being thus could have been deadly for Arjuna, having no goal! (7) - AIMLESS [DD]
21 - Quantitative relation revealed when head office deserted Nelson (5) - (-ho)RATIO
23 - It provides cover for a lady in retirement (9) - NIGHTGOWN [E]
25 - Expelled from college, dons went wild (4,4) - SENT DOWN*
26 - It helps keep the craft on course (6) - RUDDER [E]
27 - Comedy stars who were together through ‘thick and thin’? (6,3,5) - LAUREL AND HARDY [CD]
DOWN
1 - Insect straddling a small length becomes very, very large (7) - M{A}{MM}OTH
2 - Ignited afresh (5) - RELIT [E]
3 - The final outcome could make the eldest run berserk (3,6) - END RESULT*
4 - Cause a fright, beginning with the French (7) - {START}{LE}
5 - Miscarry (5) - ABORT [E]
6 - The kind of sale for getting rid of mounting inventory (9) - CLEARANCE [E]
7 - Stevenson hero, the better half? (6) - JEKYLL [E]
10 - It is part of a church, in it a chap sees the light (4) - APSE [T]
14 - A Turin aria composed for an imaginary kingdom (9) - RURITANIA*
16 - Unpleasant fact but not really confined to the residence (4,5) - HOME TRUTH [CD]
17 - Gesture of respect becomes rudely brief with extremes of snobbery (6) - {CURT}{SY}
18 - The way to keep membership going periodically (7) - RENEWAL [CD]
19 - Seaweed, perhaps (4) - ALGA [E]
20 - Bridge partners, two unknowns, involved with work unit, getting the benefit of combined action (7) - SYN{ERG}Y
22 - More rum, stranger? (5) - ODDER [CD]
24 - Command a group of people who have been rewarded for their contribution (5) - ORDER [DD]

GRID

No 9671, Monday, 26 Oct 09, Neyartha

ACROSS
1 - Lure CIA devised to trap retreating animal is a vegetable (11) - CAULI{FLOW<-}ER*
9 - Bring out the discount after commencement (5) - (-r)EDUCE
10 - Attendant with a pub career, possibly (9) - CUPBEARER*
11 - Terrible claw fully concealed (5) - AWFUL [T]
12 - An adjustable seat for the folk dance committee leader (6,5) - {MORRIS} {CHAIR}
13 - Oriental revolutionary back to embrace son, gives a school supply item (6) - {E}RA{S}ER<- )
14 - Vegetable apothecary cooked without pepper and rosemary initially (7) - CHAYOTE(-par)* Called Chow-Chow in India
18 - Peculiar looking bag here has silo contents (7) - HERBAGE*
20 - Also includes flipped Scottish cap with vegetable (6) - TO{MAT<-}O
24 - Inexperienced adult captured in unscripted upset (11) - UNPR{A}CTISED*
26 - Administration’s audacity (5) - BRASS [DD]
27 - Vegetable picture I lose in a bad way (9) - {ART}{I}{CHOKE}
28 - What we have here is given by some hypotheses (5) - THESE [T]
29 - Told a tale about titanium and copper being distributed (11) - RE{TI}{CU}LATED
DOWN
1 - Vegetable vitamin (suitable for all) combined with beer lacks energy (8) - {C}{U}{CUM}{BE(-e)R}
2 - Capital (9) - UPPERCASE [E]
3 - Engineer eliminates missing aluminium nitride from the list (7) - ITEMISE(-aln)*
4 - Song line full of feeling (5) - LYRIC [CD]
5 - Aggressive routes endured, say, on the trails (8) - (~wore)WAR{PATHS}
6 - It might not have been possible for a Sati victim to do (7) - REMARRY [CD]
7 - Climber sails with article for Somalian leader (5) - {LUFF}{A} ? (Correction - LUFF(-s+a)A called ridgegourd or Turai in India, my favourite vegetable)
8 - Two students yet to come back around with the screen device (5) - TE{LL}Y<- )
15 - Convey delight (9) - TRANSPORT [DD]
16 - Vegetable pudding ingredient, perhaps from the factory (8) - {EGG}{PLANT}
17 - Ditchmoss found deep down, surprisingly (8) - PONDWEED*
19 - Boast about taking out a support railing (7) - B(-a)LUSTER
21 - Tap coil used in a type of storage media (7) - OPTICAL*
22 - Condones the neighbours’ direction to get rid of uranium (5) - AB(-u+e)ETS
23 - Chatterbox loses his first love to the punter (5) - RACER Anno pending (Correction - TA(-l)KER )
25 - Article Mark pronounced as clownish (5) - {AN}TIC(~tick)

GRID

No 2555, Sunday, 25 Oct 09

Had to Google for 12A

ACROSS
1 - Term applied to some shares down 1p? Check inside (4-4) – {BLUE}-{CH}{IP}
5 - Goddess entering this gutted ancient city (6) – {T(-hi){HEBE}S}
9 - Outraged at university, fashionable members (2,2,4) – {UP} {IN} {ARMS}
10 - Cipher worked out in game (6) – ENIGMA*
11 - Blow caught ruffian (5) – {C}{LOUT}
12 - Left old Stowe novel and newspaper in Suffolk resort (9) – {L}{O}{WESTO*}{FT} Result of a Google search
14 - Guard in round eight's knocked out (4,7) – RIDE SHOTGUN*
18 - Shining through, managed cryptic clues in first of Torquemada books (11) – {T}{RAN}{SLUCE*}{NT}
21 - Agent's good order went out around end of June (2-7) – {G}{O-BE}{TW{E}EN*}
23 - Artist on way out? One being ignored more (5) – EX{TRA(-i-st)*} Ex from ? (Correction - {EX(-i)T}{RA} )
24 - Burning, forest close to coast (6) – {ARDEN}{T}
25 - Philosopher reacts so unexpectedly (8) – SOCRATES*
26 - Sample taken from plant after end of shift (6) – {T}{ASTER}
27 - Untidy woman, nurse, gulping coffee (8) – {S}{LATTE}{RN}
DOWN
1 - Black, wild cat in spring (6) – {B}{OUNCE}
2 - Complete agreement in marriage about son (6) – UNI{S}ON
3 - Author, one entering into agreements (9) – CHARTER{I}S Loved reading his SAINT series.
4 - Film in Ecuador and Mali, possibly (4,2,5) – IRMA LA DOUCE* Made into Manoranjan in Hindi
6 - Leading actor sank at sea after onset of hurricane (5) – {H}ANKS*
7 - Exclamation made by singer when first disc is released (2,6) – B(-o)Y GEORGE
8 - Knocks up, then thrashes hardy fellows (8) – {SPAR<-}{TANS}
13 - Method used to clear a bar shown in cowboy film reel (7,4) – {WESTERN} {ROLL}
15 - In a row to do with article written by radical? (2,3,4) – {ON} {THE} {TROT}
16 - Standing still, deer stalked by worker after noon (8) – {STAG}{N}{ANT}
17 - Island's local drink, first of beverages to be served up (8) – {BAR}{B}{ADOS<-} )
19 - See figure of importance right away (6) – STATU(-r)E
20 - Mean boy to become a clergyman (6) – {PAR}{SON}
22 - This may be present in Austen's Emma (5) – TENSE [T]

GRID

No 9670, Saturday, 24 Oct 09, Neyartha

Note:Solutions to the starred clue (Which carry no direct definition) are all Indian music producers (see all of them at this link)
ACROSS
1 - Miss Cairns goes mad with egomania (10) - NARCISSISM*
6 - Employed and exploited (4) - USED [DD]
10 - Get out of unsegregated accommodation in jeans (9) - DUNGAREES(-get)*
11 - Encountered vocal Greek character underground (5) - {MET}{RO(~rho)}
12 - Post original copy to the railway employee (7,6) - {STATION} {MASTER}
14 - Characters from the Far East provinces (5) - AREAS [T]
15 - The guileless ones in conversation display moral purity (9) - INNOCENCE(~innocents)
17 - Division doctor meant to accept the returned fee (9) - A{LLOT<-}MENT*
21 - Student taken out by a follower’s heavy shove (5) - (-l+b)BARGE
22 - Ominous antics, strangely holy (13) - SANCTIMONIOUS*
24 - Allow time to frame the note (5) - AG{RE}E
25 - Trade union embraced by emissary of the fashion designer (9) - COU{TU}RIER
26 - Odd squad spotted initially with beer (4) - {S}{U}{D}{S}
27 - Measure of how thick something might be in a pit within the plant (10) - CRE{A}{MINE}SS
DOWN
1 - *Drunk ad-man saw Egyptian god inside (10) - NADASWA{R}AM*
2 - Familiar action of a cyclist needing attention? (4,1,4) - RING A BELL [DD]
3 - Italian boxer with caesium shows signs of stress (7) - {IT}{ALI}{CS}
4 - *Lady’s greeting welcoming North American premiers (7) - {SHE}{H{NA}I}
5 - Maintain support (7) - SUSTAIN [DD] (Addendum - Missed out while typing)
7 - *Rodents turn up to surround the Indian capital (5) - S{I}TAR<- )
8 - *Should change leave us with this? (4) - DHOL(-us)*
9 - Quote Neyartha about a medicine (6) - E{ME}TIC<- )
13 - Weighs again, for instance (10) - {RE}{MEASURES}
16 - Mysterious container with opium extract (9) - NARCOTINE*
18 - Vision that may reveal restricted thinking (6) - TUNNEL [CD]
19 - Tell revolutionary to entertain navy decoy (7) - E{N}TICER<- )
20 - *Volunteers’ doctor in ancient city (Asian capital) (7) - {TA}{MB}{UR}{A}
21 - *Retired army officer repairs binoculars (7) - BANSURI(-col(THAT'S ME))*
22 - *Article used to expel carbon from fish (5) - S(-c+a)AROD
23 - A selection of classes for the young girl (4) - LASS [T]

GRID

No 9669, Friday, 23 Oct 09, M.Manna

In a hurry as I am off to display my 56 model FIAT at the Oktober Fest being held at Bangalore from today till the 25th
ACROSS
1 - When distressed by failure have tea with a smile (7) - {CHA}{GRIN}
5 - Influencing a course of action (7) - SELLING [CD]
9 - Lou is game to make moulds of objects to help investigation (7) - MOULAGE*
10 - An old soldier of many battles (7) - VETERAN [E]
11 - Aids given on road after hostile incursions (5) - {R}{AIDS}
12 - It’s found on the beach, a piece of litter perhaps, an abrasive substance (9) - {SAND}{PAPER}
13 - Weed — taking care, gets it dealt with (9) - CIGARETTE* Where's the S gone
15 - The fibre used in evening dresses is a lustrous synthetic (5) - SISAL [T]
16 - Rebuked angrily on charged value (5) - RATED [DD]
18 - House of ancestral plan founded by Henry IV (9) - LANCASTER*
21 - Tears madly around for certain prizes (9) - TREA{SURE}S*
24 - Beats improperly a contemptible person (5) - BEAST*
25 - Relates to the orientals (7) - EASTERN [E]
26 - Avail of right type of proper hard work (7) - {TR<-}{AVAIL}
27 - Carrying capacity of gent on a bender (7) - TONNAGE*
28 - Grant forgiveness to the sailor and provide a solution (7) - REEDEMS [DD]
DOWN
1 - A fine lawn — though it’s never mown! (7) - CAMBRIC [CD]
2 - A sad lapse in a fool or comic (7) - A?U?I?G
3 - Are free and hot under duress, anyhow, which was encouraging (9) - {REA*}SSURED*
4 - Send breakdown course requirements (5) - NE{E}DS*
5 - A number viewed outside sporting contest (9) - S{EVENT}EEN
6 - Lessen intensity to release impediment (3, 2) - LET UP [DD]
7 - Rushes forcibly to rip out rust (7) - IRRUPTS*
8 - Common sorts left behind (7) - GENERA{L}
14 - Why one doesn’t give the sack to the bad cleaner? (9) - {TO}LERANCE*
15 - Eminent directors? Right! (9) - {STAR}{BOARD}
16 - Go back and resume negotiations (7) - RETREAT [CD]
17 - Patriot’s final excuse for betrayal (7) - {T}REASON
19 - Gather outside — note the small bill for a snack (7) - T{E}{AC}AKE
20 - Shaking noises startle alarmingly (7) - RATTLES
22 - At least it may be used as an upright stone slab (5) - STELA*
23 - Is back on pitch, as it is played in India (5) - SI<-{TAR}


GRID

No 9668, Thursday, 22 Oct 09, M.Manna

Some big new words today. Foxed by a couple of answers and annotations
ACROSS
1 - Set wrong about gold and silver safe keeping (7) - ST{OR}{AG}E*
5 - Large predatory insects (7) - LOCUSTS [E]
9 - Moves on wheels (5) - ROLLS [E]
10 - Tuna nicer when spread? Doubtful! (9) - UNCERTAIN*
11 - Depression of values causes widespread fright, to many in Spain (6) - PANI{C}S* What is depression of values doing here? Is it part of the definition?
12 - Going round the open country is sheer delight (8) - P{LEAS}URE
14 - Lovely smell sounds like a wanderer (5) - AROMA (~a roamer)
15 - Old soldiers set on drill (5,4) - T?A?N ?A?D The old soldier is foxed here?
18 - Then one’s chipping the ball in to win (2,3,4) - ON THE N{O}SE*
20 - Rice mixed up around fifty reveals a trace of the past (5) - RE{L}IC*
22 - Spare man crocked. Hard cheese! (8) - PARMESAN*
24 - It can project an optical counterpart (6) - IMAGER [CD]
26 - Craving post-Christian clarity of speech (9) - {AD}{DICTION}
27 - Prepared to tax the French to demand more payment (5) - {E}XA{C}T* is as per definition and {E}XA{L}T* is as per word play. Which is right?
28 - Spin the French out with a Greek letter (7) - EPSIL{O}N* Where did O come from?
29 - Fault that needs patience, though it’s a source of dread (7) - {BUG}{BEAR}
DOWN
1 - Dropping the subject of torture? (9) - STRAPPADO [CD] New word, result of a Google search
2 - In the middle of the moorland one perceives the lover of Arden (7) - ORLANDO [T]
3 - Fool around – call about a colleague (9) - {ASS}{O}{CI{A}TE}
4 - Tall flightless birds (4) - EMUS [E]
5 - What the pub charges? (5,5) - {LOCAL} RATES or FARES [CD]
6 - Assembly place of ancient Roman tribes (5) - CURIA [E]
7 - Bone cup, alas is broken (7) - SCAPULA*
8 - It implies ability to judge and decide with intelligence (5) - SENSE [E]
13 - Garden paling puts Spanish uncle in high spirits (10) - E{TIO}LATION New word for me. Had to Google search this one too.
16 - Rail workers take me back to mountain in Germany (9) - NUR{EM<-}BERG Anno pending
17 - Last month’s speaker has room for improvement (9) - {DEC}{ORATOR} What is the definition here? 'Has room for improvement' cannot lead to the answer
19 - Dear, it’s not proper to use harsh censorious words (7) - TIRADE*
21 - Pledge to carry the cases (7) - LUGGAGE Anno pending
22 - Pact to end hostilities (5) - PEACE [E]
23 - A large number found Lee to surpass the other ten (5) - E{X}{C}EL*
25 - He avoids those considered inferior (4) - SNOB [E]


GRID

No 9667, Wednesday, 21 Oct 09, M.Manna

ACROSS
1 - A festival when a steer is cooked (6) - EASTER*
4 - Drugs have made him dotty (8) - {CRACK}{POT}
10 - The action will involve police, that’s for certain (7) - DE{CID}ED
11 - Settle down though you don’t like other people’s music (7) - COMPOSE Anno pending
12 - A plant stags retreat from (4) - REED <- )
13 - Suffering for having no looks (10) - DISTRESSED [DD]
16 - Go round the lane that’s where you will find her (6) - {E}LA{I}NE Emotioanl Intelligence for Go
17 - Lace, it’s made to be flexible (7) - ELASTIC*
20 - Talks one into becoming robbers (7) - P{I}RATES
21 - I am at the harbour to receive goods from foreign source (6) - {IM}{PORT}
24 - Single maid turns out deceitful (10) - MISLEADING*
25 - Graduate quarter made the starting point for action (4) - {BA}{SE}
27 - Going up the pole at first, as it’s starting to develop (7) - {N}{ASCENT}
29 - Prepared, now, to have one with a grass border (7) - RE{AD}{I}ED
30 - Ghostly lines of prismatic light (8) - SPECTRAL [DD]
31 - Annoyed the fellow going through, who made the search (6) - RI{F}LED
DOWN
1 - Signed at the bottom “Rose D Wheeler” (8) - {END}{ORSED*}
2 - Undisclosed sign employed by executives (11) - {SECRET}{ARIES} Can secretaries be classified as Executives
3 - Aims and finishes off (4) - ENDS [DD]
5 - Public exhibitions of dances by performers (8) - RECITALS [CD]
6 - Obstruct a few being unwieldy (10) - {CUMBER}{SOME}
7 - In favour of professional (3) - PRO [DD]
8 - Current preferences is to follow a general course (6) - TRENDS [CD]
9 - I really must concede right of entry, dam it! (5) - ADMIT*
14 - Young lady’s petticoat (4,2,1,4) - SLIP OF A GIRL [DD]
15 - A passage of arms for a linking of arms (10) - ENGAGEMENT [DD]
18 - Dave with team leader and ten retaliate with hostile acts (8) - VENDETTA*
19 - Was there a couple of hours before twelve as per the French note (8) - {AT}{TEN}{DE}{D}
22 - Changes ends round about half time (6) - E{(-ti)ME}NDS
23 - Typical measure to attempt to gain access (5) - {EN}{TRY}
26 - For transport I charge in advance (4) - TAX{I}
28 - Examine the Bishop’s authority (3) - SEE [DD]

GRID

No 9666, 20 Oct 09, M.Manna

ACROSS
1 - Stake found by hollow containing engineers earlier (10) - {ANTE}{CE}{DENT}
6 - Butter up a biscuit (4) - FAWN [DD] The last to fall, good clue
9 - They are not big and they are not long (7) - MINUTES [DD]
10 - A cop wrapped child taken out in warm garment (7) - TO{PCOA*}T
12 - Conversely this is the time when traffic is at its lowest (4,4) - RUSH TIME ? [CD] (Addendum - HUSH HOUR [CD]- Thanks to Jotter)
13 - Have Queen as the property holder (5) - {OWN}{ER}
15 - Leaves no dues on either side (5) - EVENS [CD]
17 - Teams awarded points during tea break (9) - {ELEVENS}{ES}
19 - A person considering a road safety device (9) - REFLECTOR [DD]
21 - New point to rest as latter part is harsh (5) - STER*{N}
23 - Fish taken out is right back in fresh water (5) - {TR<-}{OUT}
24 - Ability to cover a large town (8) - {CAP}{A}{CITY}
27 - An inn to rest, made out for graduate students (7) - INTERNS*
28 - Ignorant about French (7) - UNAWARE Anno pending
29 - Terminates action (4) - ENDS [E]
30 - Guy the agent is a lawbreaker (10) - {MALE}{FACTOR}
DOWN
1 - Calms headless poor with free distribution of food and money (4) - (-c)ALMS
2 - Not ordering a certain cut (7) - {TON*}{SURE}
3 - Discover unexpectedly Tom at the church (5) - CAT{CH}
4 - Crooked underworld boss puts on edge with time (9) - {DIS}{SIDE}N{T} Origin of N not clear (Addendum - {DIS}{HONES}{T} - Thanks to Jotter see his comments below)
5 - Time to rein its use, as fertilizer (5) - NI{T}RE* (Addendum - NI{T}ER*)
7 - Tied in because it runs rampant (7) - A{BOUND}S
8 - Clearly payment will be demanded if absent (3,7) - NOT PRESENT Anno pending
11 - Quiet pairs of lapwings (7) - {P}{LOVERS}
14 - Concealed anger about a writing desk (10) - {SECRET}{A}{IRE}
16 - Let her take proper protection in a mountain cave (7) - S{HELTER*} S from ?
18 - Cunningly put nearer entrance (9) - ENRAPTURE*
20 - Fled out when treated with contempt (7) - FLOUTED*
22 - Draw out what should be a short passage (7) - EXTRACT [DD]
24 - Price to that which resembles a rib (5) - {COST}A
25 - Many mistake Lara for her (5) - {C}LARA
26 - Drop and damage (4) - TEAR [DD]

GRID

No 9665, Monday, 19 Oct 09, M.Manna

ACROSS
1 - See how many letters there are to contend with (8,5) - MEASURES WORDS [CD] See or sees?
8 - Marches airborne troops around Delaware (7) - PARA{DE}S
9 - Foreign body hostile to army chief (7) - ANTI{GEN}
11 - Publicly exercise in Lyon in an eccentric way (6) - O{PE}NLY*
13 - One doesn’t feel obliged to see Tangier’s ruins (8) - INGRATES* One doesn't feel or They don't feel?
15 - Done by deceit to frame someone (5) - SETUP [E]
16 - Leave the port when social cliques become ill (3,4) - {SET S}AIL
18 - More anaemic, doctor gives poor (7) - {PALER}{MO} ??????????????
19 - Played to produce an effect (5) - ACTED [E]
21 - Make fast with lines on expanse of textile land (8) - {MOOR}{LAND} I don't see the connection between textile land and moorland?
23 - Margaret going over the border with a headache (6) - {MEG}{RIM}
25 - Zero on to him to find subterranean plant (7) - RHIZOME*
26 - Catches in the river and locals are worried about (7) - COLLA{R}S*
28 - Doesn’t allow to go free! (5,2,6) - HOLDS TO RANSOM [E]
DOWN
2 - Serious matter for listener to find place of rest (7) - {EAR}{NEST}
3 - Sorrowful attorneys returning (3) - SAD <- )
4 - Gave one’s seat to the lady (4) - ROSE [DD]
5 - Not against development of non-progressive state (10) - STAGNATION*
6 - Trot out east for a large aquatic fish-eating carnivore (5) - OTT{E}R*
7 - Dig it out with Al for a calculation by numerical method (7) - {DIG}{IT}{AL}
8 - Is he always in low water? (4,7) - POOR SWIMMER [CD]
10 - Changes in Mars astound the astrologer (11) - NOSTRADAMUS*
12 - All in Peru fold front of a coat (5) - LA{PE}L
14 - Severe strain unsettled the man (10) - ASTRIN*{GENT}
17 - Have knowledge of an armed conflict in East (5) - {A}{WAR}{E}
18 - It may qualify as part of an agreement (7) - PROVISO [E]
20 - To the navy trouble is on the way! (7) - {TO}{RN}{ADO} [CD] Is this statement an Amphiboly? What kind of clue is this?
22 - Dolly can turn over for him (5) - LLOYD*
24 - Mark left by crash of vehicles (4) - SCAR*
27 - The French point out to him (3) - {LE}{N}

GRID

Sunday, 18 Oct 09

No paper today as yesterday was a Holiday for Diwali

No 9664, Saturday, 17 Oct 09, M.Manna

ACROSS
 1 - Refusal by you to enter also caused irritation (7) - AN{NO}YED Anno pending (Addendum - AN{NO}{YE}D - Thanks to Jotter, see comments)
 5 - Complains often weeping like a child (7) - {CRY}{BABY}
10 - Swear to having visited Lord’s (6) - {AT}{TEST}
11 - Not all returns to do with gold are for opening (4,4) - {TRAP<-} {DO}{OR}
12 - Succeeded by a narrow margin — so capers about (6) - SCRAPE*
13 - Ravel’s specialist point of view? (8) - {ENT}{ANGLE}
14 - Possibly those over 50 will get basic accommodation (6) - HOSTE*{L}
15 - Rid the ash around the plant (6) - RADISH*
18 - Initially, please turn over sister, from the act of falling (6) - {P}{T}{O}{SIS}
20 - Great gorge could be seen over there (6) - {CAN}{YON}
23 - Canons’ religious observance in car I overturned (8) - C{RITE}RIA*
25 - Incarnation in human form (6) - AVATAR [CD]
26 - A lot of people after assistance back verbal attack (8) - {DIA<-}{TRIBE}
27 - Stay over with the French in order to eat (6) - {EDIB<-}{LE}
28 - Averse to getting in a pious man (7) - {A}{GAIN}{ST}
29 - No point made that is about God, since he does not believe in Him (7) - ATH{E}IST*
DOWN
 2 - Observe the overweight get really cold (6) - {NOT<-}{ICE}
 3 - Workers in the theatre? (9) - OPERATORS [CD]
 4 - Plead for net rate to be reviewed (7) - ENTREAT*
 6 - A clergyman outside the nuclear device (7) - RE{A}CTOR
 7 - Continue to offer a price (3,2) - BID ON [CD]
 8 - Punt shorter and ineffective (8) - {BOOT}{LESS}
 9 - Jumper replaces these, surprisingly (13) - STEEPLECHASER*
16 - Write briefly on how to commence angling (4,1,4) - {DROP} A {LINE}
17 - Making a beginning may be disturbing (8) - STARTING [DD]
19 - Music writing families (7) - S?R{KINS} Answer eludes me (Addendum - STRAINS [DD] Thanks to Jotter & Suresh, the word writing could hav been avaoided in the clue)
21 - Exceptionally earnest characters, close as can be (7) - NEAREST*
22 - Everybody in sad disarray in an American city (6) - D{ALL}AS*
24 - All instruments performing together on direction (5) - TUTTI [CD] New word for me, got this from a google search

GRID

No 9663, Friday, 16 Oct 09, M. Manna

Anagram day today from Manna
ACROSS
 1 - Dogs dried, are given drinks (9) - {AIRED}{ALES} The dog in TINTIN comics
 6 - Food for Dad’s Army? (5) - {PAS}{TA}
 9 - Disruption of airflow caused by aircraft’s high angle of attack (5) - STALL [E]
10 - Partisans can be such trying people (9) - ASPIRANTS*
11 - More luxurious liner price subject to fluctuation (10) - PRINCELIER*
12 - Aquatic bird to change course, would you say? (4) - TERN(~turn)
14 - Plot after soldiers withdraw (7) - {RE}{TRACT}
15 - Contract to construct a viaduct (7) - {A}{BRIDGE} This doesnt gel with 5D there seems to be an error somewhere
17 - Acts to seize and deal with the problem (7) - TACKLES [DD]
19 - Secures one to be free from immediate danger (7) - RESCUES*
20 - Capital solo arrangement (4) - OSLO*
22 - Fussy detail (10) - PARTICULAR [DD]
25 - Keyboard instrument used extensively (9) - ACCORDION [CD]
26 - He stands out for greatness of achievement (5) - TITAN [CD]
27 - I left Elaine in distress for another girl (5) - ELENA(-i)*
28 - It’s clear Eton developed the liberal spirit (9) - TOLERANCE*
DOWN
 1 - Fabulous type striking a pose (5) - AESOP*
 2 - Facing facts, it is clear, but confused (9) - REALISTIC*
 3 - Belle acted in a way that was delightful (10) - DELECTABLE*
 4 - Pamphlet with two pages to hire (7) - {LEAF}{LET}
 5 - C-in-C gets drink, gets more merry (7) - {SUP}{REMA} The word should have been {SUP}{REMO*} as per word play but that doesn't gel with 15A?
 6 - Dad right to have an essential portion (4) - {PA}{RT}
 7 - Burn one slightly to make one give information to English (5) - SING{E}
 8 - They agree a ship lists (9) - {A}{SS}{ENTERS}
13 - One in court to deal with trespassers? (10) - PROSECUTOR [E]
14 - Limit the beer — there’s good grounds for that (9) - {RATION}{ALE}
16 - Two in the same suit wearing a sleeveless jacket (9) - {DOUBLET}{ON}
18 - Sits at square to correctly advocate economic planning (7) - STATIS*{T} New word for me
19 - Learn to arrange it when involving eye membrane (7) - RETINAL*
21 - Cruel to go berserk on monetary gain (5) - LUCRE*
23 - Anger about a series of things in a line (5) - RANGE*
24 - Locality of a region (4) - AREA [E]

GRID

No 9662, Thursday, 15 Oct 09, Gridman

Bye-bye Gridman it's Manna from tomorrow
ACROSS
 1 - Witness to examine a hill (8) - {TEST}{A}{TOR} Is the definition correct, a testator is one who makes a will ?
 5 - Bill sound to be playing a part (6) - {AC}{TING}
10 - Critic, an unsolicited caller (7) - KNOCKER [DD]
11 - Tapa cloth is such a fabric (7) - UNWOVEN [CD]
12 - Merchant recalls edit substituting ‘centre’ with ‘right’ (6) - T(-c+r)RADER <- )
13 - Silver bedding shining (8) - {AG}{LITTER}
15 - Repeat from noble Cholas (4) - ECHO [T]
16 - One might dip into it to get some key work done (6,4) - TYPING POOL [CD]
18 - Without human responses this study cannot be conducted (10) - REACTOLOGY [CD] Never thought there was a study like this!
20 - Gridman backs one student — a boy (4) - {EM<-}{I}{L}
23 - Publicist gets certain words in axioms (8) - PROVERBS [CD]
24 - Uncle Richard’s minister (6) - CLERIC [T]
26 - Too old (7) - OVERAGE [E]
27 - Artist with instrument not entirely used to make a pasta dish (7) - {RA}VIOLI(-n)
28 - Figurehead to steer roughly? Rot! (6) - {F}ESTER*
29 - Horse towering in Mumbai suburb (8) - S{TALL}ION
DOWN
 1 - Finally let people know by an uncovering (4,3,5,3) - TAKE THE WRAPS OFF [CD]
 2 - Bear with Tom’s rolling with endless pain (7) - STOM*{ACH(-e)}
 3 - Don’t begin to fret over primarily trivial ornament (6) - (-r)ANKLE{T}
 4 - Partially took rare vegetable (4) - OKRA [T]
 6 - Covers for hundred and fifty steeped in debts (8) - {C}OW{L}INGS
 7 - Where an artificial fertilisation might take place (2,5) - IN VITRO [E]
 8 - When candidates are chosen in all or most constituencies (7,8) - GENERAL ELECTIONS [E] (Correctio - GENERAL ELECTION)
 9 - Yet these expenses have to come into the books (9) - OUTGOINGS [CD]
14 - This has one but long words have more of these (9) - SYLLABLES [E]
17 - Cattle on time in a part of the ship (8) - {STEER}{AGE}
19 - They worship Senior coming up to a doer’s play (7) - {A}{DORE*}{RS<-} )
21 - Radio pioneer to spoil for exotic icon (7) - {MAR}CONI*
22 - Yoke a leading villain in unhealthy cell (6) - CL{A}{V}EL*
25 - Worry about ornamental work (4) - FRET [DD]

GRID

No 9661, Wednesday, 14 Oct 09, Gridman

ACROSS
 1 - Harsh treatment to war-weary boy turning around end of lane (3,4) - RAW* {D{E}AL<-} )
 5 - Policeman on beat to choose not to do anything (3,3) - {COP} {OUT}
 9 - Requests for umpire’s decisions (5) - CALLS [CD]
10 - Cheat gets French car without tailboard to rest awkwardly (9) - {FR}{AUD(-i)}{STER*}
11 - New? Hesitations by one hundred over kind of keypad (7) - {N}{UM}{ER}{I}{C}
12 - Beastly drone in almost vapid surroundings (7) - IN{HUM}AN(-e)
13 - Cadet, in a flutter, didn’t just stand there (5) - ACTED*
14 - Smashing descent (5-4) - CRASH-DOWN [E]
16 - Yet these may take a big step (5,4) - SMALL FEET [CD]
19 - Old actor returns to first-class emirate (5) - {DUB<-}{AI}
21 - Free sailor loves to wander (7) - {AB}SOLVE*
23 - Secret remedy can be found in perennial (7) - AR{CAN}UM
24 - Where you might collect some money with a swipe (4,5) - CASH POINT [E]
25 - Nibs scattered around eastern dramatist (5) - IBS{E}N*
26 - Indirect efforts in a second on a Roman date (6) - {A}{S}{IDES}
27 - Meet by chance in a collision? (3,4) - {RUN} {INTO} [DD]
DOWN
 1 - Preliminary survey by cheat in revival (14) - RE{CON}NAISSANCE
 2 - It follows “Hail-fellow” in an old, back-slapping greeting (4-3) - WELL-MET [E]
 3 - Made certain Sen rued sufficiently enough (7) - ENSURED*
 4 - Fiftyone rather fleecy about origin of core in biological series (4,5) - {LI}FE CY{C}LE*
 5 - Film one raccoon-like creature (5) - {COAT}{I}
 6 - High eminence to dash around in New Zealand stockade (7) - P{ADSH*}AH
 7 - Worker in University post office is musically bouncy (2-5) - {U}{P-{TEMP}O}
 8 - General proclamation in favour of Papal representative having the last word on end of conflict (14) - {PRO}{NUNCI{AMEN}{T}O}
15 - He will get his pupils to draw (3,6) - ART MASTER [E]
17 - Helps fool to sit properly on edge of sofa (7) - {ASS}{IST*}{S}
18 - Y’all dip into where a frog might be perched (4,3) - LILY PAD*
19 - A line taken away from the lexicon, in a manner of speaking (7) - DICTION(-a ry)
20 - Brother creates noise about gran’s last blessing (7) - {B}ENISO*{N}
22 - Elucidates a clue is out; revises the rest and sends for publication (5) - EDITS(-clue)*

GRID

No 9660, Tuesday, 13 Oct 09, Gridman

ACROSS
 1 - Poor folks, they don’t have a roof over their heads (8) - HOMELESS [CD]
 5 - Senior citizen looked and fell in line (6) - {OB}{EYED}
 9 - Every ogre driven off at a brisk speed (7) - {ALL}EGRO*
10 - Associate — one may be sleeping (7) - PARTNER [CD]
11 - In which ships are tossed (5,4) - HEAVY SEAS [E]
12 - Consumed masala tea in some measure (5) - E{ATE*}N
13 - Contributes to a disease? (4) - AIDS [DD]
14 - Brand new is one that is … … (5,4) - NEVER USED [CD]
17 - £ (5,4) - POUND SIGN [E]
19 - And others return behind time (4) - LATE <- )
23 - Sound part of the telecast (5) - AUDIO [E]
24 - For three-quarters of an hour, ring wild boors for representation of endlessness (9) - (h)OUR{O}{BOROS*}
25 - Am sure about the quarter portion to be administered (7) - MEASUR*{E}
26 - Greeting leaders of New Delhi in Dutch nation (7) - {HOLLA}{ND}
27 - Had a beat with dupe running around Lok Sabha (6) - PU{LS}ED*
28 - Clothes to appear shockingly on the left side (8) - APPARE*{L}{S}
DOWN
 1 - Catch repeatedly a sign of approval (4,4) - {HEAR} {HEAR}
 2 - Duck on a road beyond the public walk (7) - MALL{A}{RD}
 3 - Extra member’s so long (3-3) - {LEG}-{BYE}
 4 - Where one shouldn’t light a cigarette? (9,4) - SMOKELESS ZONE [E]
 6 - French wine for former cricketer (auxiliary) (8) - BORDE{AUX}
 7 - Get zany about Chinese river (7) - YANGTZE*
 8 - Boldness of American lawyer’s circle (6) - {DA}RING
10 - A sheep springs out of what isn’t a cargo vessel (9,4) - PASSENGER SHIP*
15 - One northern village officer’s instrument is spiral (8) - {I}{N}{VO}LUTE
16 - Looks overwhelm crazy aids in beaches (8) - SE{ASID*}ES
18 - Strange guy’s opening offer for Doordarshan dance (7) - {O}{DD}BALL
20 - From where fliers take off and where they return (7) - AIRBASE [E]
21 - Become more friendly with branch in western state (4,2) - W{ARM} UP
22 - Loss of willpower by cartoonist — one in U.S. city (6) - {ABU}{L{I}A}

GRID