No 10089, Monday 28 Feb 11, Nita Jaggi

ACROSS
7   - First one can change the attitude briefly as not being flexible (8) - {ADAM}{ANC*}{Ego}
9   - High time during the day (6) - TWELVE [CD]
11 - As a rule the frequent visitor is a bit lonely at the far end of the city (9) - {REGULAR}{L}{Y}
12 - Starts premium lounges at Zambia airport square (5) - {P}{L}{A}{Z}{A}
13 - Reveal oneself when five get together (6) - {E}{MERGE} 'E' being the fifth letter?
14 - Five plunge in after dusk following the river animal (8) - {AAR}{D{V}ARK}

17 - Cone shaped mass will reduce the flashlight in Israel on us (9) - {STROBe}{IL}{US}

22 - Eccentric sailor has body temperature of 98.6 degrees (8) - {AB}{NORMAL}
23 - Get up to tear it out (6) - ATTIRE*
25 - Plans areas for some edible fruit (5) - LANSA [T]
27 - Barmen go in a tizzy over the first Aussie flyer (9) - {BO{O}MERANG*} From where did the second 'O' come? (See comments)

28 - Submit the second point initially raised about the tanker (6) - {BOW}{S}{E}{R}
29 - Wise up to adapt the stratagem not accepted (3,5) - GET SMARTa*
DOWN
1   - Plastic bag is in the vehicle (7) - CARRIER [DD] ?
2   - Complicated mass of things (7) - TANGLED or TANGLES [CD] ?
3   - The fruit of the oak (5) - ACORN [E]

4   - To exchange, barter or trade (4) - SWAP [E]
5   - Mater can go up with the register (7) - {ALMA}{NAC<-} How are we to derive that 'Alma' comes from Alma-mater?
6   - Statements of soldiers indicate at ending wars (7) - {RE}{MARK}{S}
8   - Energetic reptile ate gorilla out in the east (9) - ALLIGATORe* Energetic?
10 - Lively princess is around the borders of Yemen in a morning college (7) - {D{YemeN}{AM}I}{C}
15 - Certainly the Tibetan leader is in to increase the sizes of banks (9) - {DOUB{T}LES}S Where does the second 'S' come from? (Addendum - {DOUB{T}LE}{SizeS} - See comments}
16 - Resin company of father mostly is in the British area front (7) - {CO}{PA}{Is}{B}{A}
18 - Animal is on the parapet in the lane (7) - {WALL}A{BY} Anno pending

19 - Foreign university is new on the map (7) - {U}{N}{KNOWN} 'known' - 'on the map' ?
20 - Sound of falling rain (3-1-3) - PIT-A-PAT [E]
21 - Soundly stands by the scale readings (7) - WEIGHTS(~waits)
24 - Dry the designed robes (5) - SOBER*

26 - Head off for the laden Yemeni port (4) - lADEN

GRID

No 2623, Sunday 27 Feb

ACROSS
1   - Think logically about a boy (6) - {RE}{A}{SON}
4   - Fruit in orchard's first row (6) - {O}{RANGE}
7   - Charging Victoria, say, where juice is sold (7,7) - {FILLING} {STATION}
10 - Friar of noble birth in Spain (9) - {AUGUST}{IN}{E}
11 - Codeword, more used in front of 'Oscar' (5) - {ROME*}{O}
12 - Comment in memo (4) - NOTE [DD]
13 - Cabal can, as represented in film (10) - CASABLANCA*
16 - Governor taking in surprisingly modern small London district (10) - {B{ERMOND*}{S}EY}
17 - Novel set in Salem, Massachusetts (4) - EMMA [T]
20 - Clubs suffer defeat nearby (5) - {C}{LOSE}
22 - Leader in event to head into the wind on the way back - man is brilliant (9) - {E}{FFUL<-}{GENT} New word for me
23 - Reprimand rep in hall (7,7) - {LECTURE} {THEATRE} Anno for 'theatre' not clear
24 - Mimic arrives on board vessel (6) - {P{ARR}OT}
25 - Slowly fencing in a shed (4-2) - {LE{A}N-TO}

DOWN
1   - Stop female artist wearing check (7) - {RE{F}{RA}IN}
2   - Reptile flying at gorilla (9) - ALLIGATOR*

3   - Lazy old couple housing sailor (6) - OTIOSE Anno pending
4   - Where you can see clock's hands, apparently (2,3,4,2,2) - ON THE FACE OF IT [DD]
5   - Last, at the end of the day (5,3) - AFTER ALL [DD]
6   - Good scope for stable hand (5) - {G}{ROOM}
8   - How, stoically, to suffer the unwanted paparazzi? (4,3,4,2) - GRIN AND BEAR IT [CD]
9   - Painter having year in part of India (4) - {GO{Y}A}
14 - After noon, clear up after Brown in his former home? (6,3) - {N}{UMBER} {TEN<-}

15 - Enterprising sort making torte with egg, whisked (2-6) - GO-GETTER*
16 - Second defender (4) - BACK [DD]
18 - Intricately traced round in style of interior design (3,4) - {ART DEC*}{O}
19 - Charge way over the odds for wool (6) - FLEECE [DD]
21 - Greek character making an appearance in home game (5) - OMEGA [T]

GRID

No 10088, Saturday 26 Feb 11, Nita Jaggi

Will have to start thinking of other options on NJ days, I am fed up!!! In no mood to look for cartoons to lighten my mood!!
ACROSS
1   - Ravi talks of some essential things (5) - VITAL [T]
4   - Pump the heart, be there to get some air (7) - BREATHE* I need one of these big pumps on NJ days!
10 - Put up, as a computer file (6) - UPLOAD [CD]
11 - Own crew, overheard (8) - PERSONAL(~personnel)
13 - Somehow bring coal outside the small house (3,5) - LOG CABINr*
14 - Measure a frame (6) - {A}{MOUNT}
16 - Agree with the leaders joining in big establishments (4) - {J}{I}{B}{E}
17 - Recline on a part of the big ship (10) - OCEANLINER*
20 - Loud senator in argument over the first treaty (10) - {STEN{T}ORIAN*}
21 - Swamp thing, for short caught the big bird (4) - {C}{ROC}
24 - Big feller will record the girl's race on the contrary with determination (6) - {LOG}{G}{EcaR<-} Deetermination should have left 'AC' and not 'RE'
26 - It may be exhibited in a bitter fight (8) - ACRIMONY [CD]
28 - Same pattern in a crossword grid (8) - SYMMETRY [DD]
29 - Narrow street in Rhode Island city is odd (6) - {ST}{RI}{CiTy}
30 - Latinos go crazy in this city (7) - STALINO*
31 - Total amount of groceries has no rice it's said initially (5) - {GROcerieS}{S} How does the second 'E' get deleted?
DOWN
2   - Encountered some difficulty reading this kind of handwriting (9) - ILLEGIBLE [CD]
3   - These positions of a small animal needs attention seekers initially (6) - {A}{S}{A}{N}{A}{S}
5   - Timid creature cuts back the plant (4) - REED <- Why 'cuts back' ?
6   - Gathering of people for a military meal in the rear of the British company at the end of the day (8) - {A}{SSEM<-}{B}{L}{Y} How is company and 'L' connected? 'Military meal' is not  'MESS'
7   - Caste member is back at the University (5) - {HIND}{U}
8   - Just swim around the French river (6) - {SUT{LE}J*}
9   - A flautist (6) - FLUTER [E] Terrible!!
12 - Open wrong cases in front of the judge finally again (7) - {SIN}{C}{E}{RE}
15 - What's left in an acrobat's skill (7) - BALANCE [DD]
18 - Contractions developed leaving no time for drugs (9) - NARCOTICSnot*
19 - Light, clear sky over each lake in front (8) - {ETHER}{EA}{L}
20 - Sound of a swimming stroke (6) - SPLASH ?
22 - Reserved a love note for the dog (6) - {COY}{O}{TE}

23 - Mob member is on Rhode Island to go up with difficulty (6) - {RI}{OT<-}{ER}
25 - Sweep the area (5) - GAMUT [DD]?
27 - Smile at the dancing girl no longer in Norway (4) - {GRIl*}{N}

GRID

No 10087, Friday 25 Feb 11, Nita Jaggi

NJ's back to her weird ways again!!
ACROSS
4   - Combatant will first pause for the French King (8) - {W}{REST}{LE}{R}
8   - One who's left the regime group (6) - EMIGRE*
9   - Venue for many a performance (10) - AUDITORIUM [CD]
10 - Identical Uncle is in the east (4) - {SAM}{E}
11 - Third place in an exhibition (4) - SHOW What third place? Anno pending
13 - Is seen somehow in the cryptozoology figure (6) - NESSIE*

15 - Unfavourable nowadays in poetry (7) - {AD}{VERSE}
17 - Knight has leaders in London now in a hot spot (4) - {K}{I}{L}{N}
18 - Show the girl to do work ultimately (4) - {L}{O}{O}{K} Are Show and Look synonymous?
19 - Elemental form is round at the summit in England (7) - {IS}{O}{TOP}{E}
21 - Took on over possessing you (6) - {END{U}ED}
22 - Talk big about the bird (4) - CROW [DD]

25 - Let go of an odd farmer in the East (4) - {FaRmEr}{E}
26 - Material that may keep all the pieces intact? (10) - SHOCKPROOF [CD]
27 - Produce this fruit (6) - EFFECT ?[DD]
28 - Stiffened fabric (8) - STARCHED [CD]
DOWN
1   - It's uplifting to vote for the holy man (5) - {YEA}{ST}
2   - Difficult at times following the king of fortune (6) - {K}{ISMET*}
3   - First boys will individually run ashore (5) - {B}{EACH}
4   - Woman left behind half of the will words heartlessly in retrospect (5) - {WIll}{DrOW<-} How is the 'S' deleted?
5   - Compact accord (7) - ENTENTE [E]
6   - Set of tiles arranged at the subway entrance (9) - {TURN}{STILE*} How is 'set' and 'turn' connected?

7   - Extensive knowledge of printing on an over-run contract (9) - ERUDITION Don't ask me how but it fits the crossings!! (Eureka - I think it is {E{RUn}DITION})
12 - Follows the order of the youth leaders (5) - {OBE}{Y}S 'S' from?
14 - It may be served fresh from the oven? (6,3) - PIPING HOT [CD]
15 - Girl is a little bit on this side of the news reader (9) - {ANN}{OUNCE}{R}
16 - Mythical creature did nothing for a year (5) - {SAT}{YR}
19 - Very detailed popular department of primary health (7) - {IN}{DEPT}{H}
20 - Accepted to collect a degree out here finally (6) - {A}{GREEDe*}
22 - Three, they say are in a big fight in the cabstand at the edge (5) - {C{ROW}D}
23 - Officier is not in charge of the tender (5) - OFFicER Seems to be a typo in the spelling of Officer
24 - Poet takes a decision (5) - KEATS*

GRID

No 10086, Thursday 24 Feb 11, Nita Jaggi

ACROSS
2   - Kind of surgery by this mountain spot (6) - {BY}{PASS}
7   - Choose out the first corner point on the main road (4) - {PIcK}{E}
9   - Lay off one Democratic head of the French (4) - {I}{D}{LE}
10 - Some things secondary in the mind, maybe (5,8) - AFTER THOUGHTS [CD]
12 - Pass on the rest after December, shortly (7) - {DEC}{EASE}
13 - Austere partisan is disturbed leaving an island (7) - SPARTANi*
15 - Placed back the clock face (4) - DIAL <-
17 - Name the following room designed for the fool (5) - {MORO*}{N}
18 - Want a new oriental editor (4) - {N}{E}{ED}
19 - Soccer leaders have an expert to bring in a new one who gets high (7) - {SOccer}{PR{A}{N}O} I pity the Soprano who gets high!!
21 - Very important legendary archer is popular in Germany (7) - {TELL}{IN}{G}
23 - It maybe difficult to maintain this one animal (5,8) - WHITE ELEPHANT [CD]
27 - Furs are a part of the stellar bear (4) - URSA [T]
28 - Initial exercise of training every leader with the fencing blade (4) - {E}{PE}{E}

29 - Fly catcher that frightens Miss Muffet (6) - SPIDER [CD]
DOWN
1   - An illusion of the old space station in gray (6) - {MIR}{AGE} My COD
2   - An author's success is based on these large numbers (10) - BESTSELLER [CD] Should have been 'large numbers of these'
3   - Landing place on the funeral fire, overheard (4) - PIER(~pyre) I don't think this homophone is correct, maybe correct in hinglish.
4   - Turban wearer is back with the Khalistani leaders (4) - {SI<-}{KH}

5   - Half the shop follows the line first written on this kind of list (4) - {W}{I}{SHop}
6   - Moves quietly out with the French dancers finally to notice each foremost dancing step (8) - {GLIdeS}{S}{AD}{E}
8   - Soundly defeat the most tough middle politician (5) - {THe}{U}{MP}

SEE THIS CARTOON

11 - Pile lot of colours for another artist (7) - TIEPOLO*
13 - Cost to somehow secure the terrier (7) - {SCOT*}{TIE}

14 - Most important visible performer in a circus (4,6) - RING LEADER [CD] I thought it was 'Ring Master' !!
16 - I own rare pieces of metal goods (8) - IRONWARE* Can also be an &lit
20 - Family girl is back in the English church (5) - {NI<-}{E}{CE} 
22 - Go on the new tip-off the mat with Lawrence in the rear at last (6) - {N}{mAT}{TE}{R}
24 - I fled to Persia, today (4) - {I}{RAN}

25 - Kind of sugar pulp left back around midday (4) - {pLU{M}P<-} How is midday 'M' ?
26 - Empty money in the small lake (4) - POuND

GRID

No 10085, Wednesday 23 Feb 11, Sankalak

Extra from Sankalak?
ACROSS
1   - The power of the big star (5,6) - SOLAR ENERGY [CD]
9   - Russian, deadly with a drink (7) - MOLOTOV [CD]

10 - Vegetable in jar decays in the outskirts of Betul (7) - {Bet{RINJA*}uL}

11 - Part of an act (5) - SCENE [CD]
12 - A measure to maim Gill, that is about right (9) - {MILLIG{R}AM*}
13 - Do some art work and so on, Henry (4) - {ETC}{H}
15 - Hoped to get the snake the Cockney rented (7) - {ASP}{hIRED}
19 - One of the joints that get rapped as a punishment (7) - KNUCKLE [CD] Have received many at school!
20 - Chopped meat that contains a bit of heat (4) - {HAS}{H}
24 - Nature cult, losing article, turns hostile (9) - TRUCULENTa*
25 - Indian mother close to Asian capital (5) - {AMMA}{N}
27 - It gets knocked down in a bowling alley (7) - SKITTLE [E]

28 - One of those a governor has in President's rule (7) - ADVISOR [CD]
29 - Kind of worker finished off following pre-finals (4-7) - {SEMI-S}{KILLED}
DOWN
1   - Work out love's mystery (5) - SOLVE*
2   - Foam in which one gets very agitated (6) - LATHER [DD]
3   - Patch up by a priest and a redcap (6) - {REV}{A}{MP}
4   - Treat blues in leader of engineers — administer a medicinal spray (8) - {NEBULIS*}{E}
5   - Problem in the nose lands one in endless thirst, oddly (8) - {RH(IN)(I)TISt*}
6   - Holy book that Raju and Davey mastered (5,4) - YAJUR VEDA*
7   - One greatly admired, but a butterfingers? (7) - SMASHER [DD]
8   - The region for beginning to cultivate a citrus (5) - {C}{LIME}
14 - Who said everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it? (9) - CONFUCIUS [E]
16 - Get one used to a conservative tradition (8) - {A}{C}{CUSTOM}
17 - Stupid, and without the means of doing a crossword (8) - {CLUE}{LESS}

18 - Vigorous dance by artist after a heady drink (7) - {BHANG}{RA}

21 - By the way, a deposit of hidden money (5) - {ST}{ASH} My COD
22 - It's art re-presented in clouds (6) - STRATI*
23 - A wonderful person seen in a Myanmar velodrome …(6) - MARVEL [T]
26 - … pondered, as did the doctor, about employment (5) - {M{USE}D}

GRID

No 10084, Tuesday 22 Feb 11, Sankalak

ACROSS
1   - Reform Bala with love, more than anything else (5,3) - ABOVE ALL*
5   - Behind time, an afterthought, they are put on the front and rear of the vehicle (6) - {P{LATE}S}
10 - City with an atmosphere immersed in business (5) - {C{AIR}O}
11 - Offering at the altar (9) - SACRIFICE [CD]

12 - He has porcine responsibilities! (9) - SWINEHERD [E]
13 - For all to see, a craft feared by the allies in WWII (1-4) - {U}-{BOAT}

14 - Top gear for a race (5) - DERBY [DD]
16 - Suffering severe strain from preparing desserts (8) - STRESSED*
18 - Unfairness in shareholding (8) - {IN}{EQUITY}
20 - Long for a period of time, starting now (5) - {YEAR}{N}
24 - Gesture that makes for a gush — about right (5) - {SH{R}UG*}
25 - Pill abuse cured? That can be believed (9) - PLAUSIBLE*
27 - Surgery to treat advancing years absorbs abstainer (9) - {CURE}{TT}{AGE}
28 - Use sense — get a whiff of that! (5) - SMELL [DD]
29 - One from Belgrade perhaps, going round Indian state finds it very great (6) - {S{UP}ERB}
30 - They doubtless have dreams of making it to the games village (8) - ATHLETES [CD]
DOWN
1   - A Conservative caught, exploited and charged (7) - {A}{C}{C}{USED}
2   - I was accepted by a Dickens character as an actor (7) - {OL{I}VIER}
3   - TN town to which the English travelled (5) - {E}{RODE} rides again!
4   - Scientist on a roll, making a mistake, losing ring (6) - {LIST}{ERr}
6   - Taking plenty of time over a garland? Of course (9) - {LEI}{SURELY}
7   - They work to keep us covered (7) - TAILORS [CD]
8   - Having a fragrance reportedly transported editor (7) - (~sent){SCENT}{ED}
9   - That burning in the tummy (7) - ACIDITY [CD]
15 - He won't be what he is after some years (9) - YOUNGSTER [CD]
17 - Temporary measure — to plug a leak? (7) - {STOP}{GAP}
18 - Creatures found in groups (7) - {IN}{SECTS} My COD
19 - An ornament which could make the audio receiver go down (7) - {EAR}{DROP}
21 - Enveloping one in an admission of being corrupt (7) - {AM)(B{I}ENT}
22 - Want the French to get things that can tingle? (7) - {NEED}{LES}
23 - A warning to vacate, perhaps (6) - CAVEAT*

26 - Fibre got from plants is also used in rope-making (5) - SISAL [T]

GRID

No 10083, Monday 21 Feb 11, Sankalak

ACROSS
1   - Public display of bad spirit where trains stop around close of winter (13) - {DEMON}{ST{R}ATION}

10 - Fluent in English and Hindi, say (9) - BILINGUAL [CD]
11 - Check in mineral for a pigment (5) - {O{CH}RE}
12 - Sweet stuff in Himansu Gardens (5) - SUGAR [T]
13 - Song that has, say, ten variations (3,6) - SEA SHANTY*
14 - Inclination to push teacher into a river! (6) - {DE{SIR}E}
16 - Some ice cream, perhaps, for journalistic success (5) - SCOOP [DD]
19 - Healthy food for the French in a gloomy setting (5) - {SA{LA}D}
20 - The iron track of a cat (6) - {FE}{LINE}
25 - He is looking for a job but can't add? That is funny (9) - CAND(I)DAT(E)* My COD
26 - Sign of decay in teeth – first of canines lost (5) - cARIES
27 - Ward off priest returning in the custody of reserve force (5) - {A{VER}T}<-
28 - A salt to abate corn development (9) - CARBONATE*
29 - Chemically treated, like EPNS ware (13) - ELECTROPLATED [CD]
DOWN
2   - Shower praise on one – perhaps one departed (8) - EULOGISE [CD]
3   - He has something to call his (5) - OWNER [CD]
4   - A game to suppress? (6) - SQUASH [DD]

5   - Trust in a cleaner island culture (8) - REL(I)ANCE*
6   - Appetising? For a canine maybe, to an extent (9) - {TOOTH}{SOME}
7   - Operative worker is available if needed (2,4) - {ON} {HAND}
8   - You and me in a part of the garden that is badly treated (6) - {A}{B{US}ED}
9   - Gemstone in a coronet figuring in Holme's work (5) - BERYL [CD]

15 - Down-to-earth articles one fabricated (9) - REALIST(I)C*
17 - A sharp weapon in Britain – one that gives stability (8) - {B{A}{LANCE}R}
18 - To make Tia legit somehow, go to court (8) - LITIGATE*
21 - Direction by queen for a festival (6) - {EAST}{ER}
22 - Fight waste (5) - SCRAP [DD]
23 - Take the cover off Velu in transition (6) - UNVEIL*
24 - Teddy out of bed – face it! (4,2) - {BEAR} {UP}
26 - The subtle fragrance thrown up by balsam or arum (5) - AROMA [T<-]

GRID

No 2622, Sunday 20 Feb 11

ACROSS
1   - Ring number at place where actors may be filming (2,8) - {O}{N} {LOCATION}
6   - See start of Schneider Trophy (4) - {S}{POT}
10 - Device used by sailors on Ark Royal (5) - SONAR [T]
11 - Boastful talk in front of groom as deacon prepared (9) - {G}{AS}{CONADE*}
12 - Local lingo in citadel abroad (7) - DIALECT*
13 - Young child being led, trod awkwardly (7) - TODDLER*
14 - Derogatory post in section of newspaper (8,6) - {PERSONAL} {COLUMN}
18 - Such as dates that can't be kept? (9,5) - FORBIDDEN FRUIT [CD]

20 - Trendy drink, one had by daughter in flat (7) - {IN}{SIP}{I}{D}
23 - Audible cries of disapproval at college drinking spree (5-2) - (~boos){BOOZE}-{UP}

SEE THIS CARTOON

24 - Among other things, bury one in a US city (5,4) - {INTER} {A}{L{I}A} My COD
25 - Woman with husband leaving Japanese dish, last of nine (5) - {SUShI}{E}
26 - Poet dropping in to play a prank (4) - LARKin
27 - Behind me, a lush fumbled with the wine bottle (10) - {ME}{THUSELAH*}Never realised bottles had such names.

DOWN
1   - Working towards the same goal, team gives forward support (6) - {ON}{SIDE}
2   - Listen and learn, dean ordered (4,2,3) - LEND AN EAR*
3   - Reprimand fielders in unsuitable footwear for cricket (6,8) - {CARPET} {SLIPPERS}
4   - Tensed, screwed up? (9) - TIGHTENED [DD]
5   - Attack from the start (5) - ONSET [DD]
7   - Pawn nobleman's precious stone (5) - {P}{EARL}
8   - Bother about closing of station by NY borough (3,5) - {THE BRO*}{N}{X}
9   - The groom may wait a moment (4,4,6) - HOLD YOUR HORSES [DD]
15 - Be eager to land in US naval base (4,5) - {LONG} {BEACH}
16 - Worldwide valuers in resort (9) - UNIVERSAL*
17 - Refuse to entertain ICI functionary (8) - {OFF{ICI}AL}
19 - Giving address, look round quiet church (6) - {S{P}EE}{CH}
21 - Indian lute, one carried by celebrity (5) - {S{I}TAR}

22 - 500 pixies endlessly dig (5) - {D}{ELVEs}

GRID

Special 3, Saturday 19 Feb 11, Shyam

Here's the solution grid

No 10082, Saturday 19 Feb 11, Sankalak

ACROSS
1   - Control religious education by media (7) - {R}{E}{PRESS}
5   - Scot, first man, inventor of road making material (7) - {MAC}{ADAM}and &lit
9   - Shout, “I'm confused, led astray by film” (3,5,2,5) - THE SOUND OF MUSIC*
10 - Peer taken in by big city – or almost (6) - {N{EARL}Y}
11 - Bone, not really an artificial one (5,3) -  FALSE RIB

13 - In the East and South, journalists love coffee (8) - {E}{S}{PRESS}{O}
15 - Counsel for a daughter with a bad habit (6) - {A}{D}{VICE}
18 - Playing cards that start with zero, strangely (6) - TAR(O)TS*

19 - The French girl escorts you and me to a Swiss town (8) - {LA}{US}{ANNE}
22 - Bowing to show respect? So be it – an oddity! (8) - OBEISANT*
24 - Three-quarters of what the doctor prescribed for Florentine family (6) - MEDICIne
27 - Severance package that makes excellent worker tremble (6,9) - {GOLDEN} {HAND}{SHAKE}
28 - He is still learning to walk (7) - TODDLER [CD]
29 - Intentions, not quite chaste, a sham (7) - {PURe}{POSE} 
DOWN
1   - The entire upper-class surprised by followers (7) - {RETIN{U}E*}
2   - A Michelangelo masterpiece (5) - PIETA [E]

3   - Soothing application for English gangster's girl that is not heartless (9) - {E}{MOLL}{IE}{NoT} My COD
4   - Symbol, say, of a mathematical ratio (4) - SINE(~sign)
5   - Mark of glory, British honour, returned for money (6) - {MO}{OLAH}<-
6   - Author seen in a scenic amusement park (5) - CAMUS [T]
7   - Abandonment, a serious offence in the forces (9) - DESERTION [DD]
8   - Horse all over carriage – ghastly (7) - {MA{CAB}RE}
12 - Deposit of money, a hundred short (3) - cASH
14 - Wrapped up rep called out (9) - PARCELLED*
16 - I'd return with the author of The Faerie Queene as a pharmacist (9) - {D'I}{SPENSER}
17 - Karate expert, a Scandinavian, has no English (3) - DANe
18 - Product of the mind (7) - THOUGHT [CD]
20 - Malevolent look, harmful, trapped by the observer (4,3) - {E{VIL E}YE}

SEE THIS CARTOON

21 - Two articles right in a flower part (6) - {AN}{THE}{R}

23 - Fascination for a period of time (5) - SPELL [DD]
25 - Creature found in Dabolim, a Goanese village (5) - IMAGO [T]
26 - Take a picture of overturned vessels (4) - SNAP<-

GRID

No 10081, Friday 18 Feb 11, Sankalak

ACROSS
1   - Game that can surprisingly bind matron right away (9) - BADMINTONr* Read the Wiki page link, interseting origins of the game and name.
5   - The lesson learnt is mostly, to start with, verbal (5) - {M}{ORAL}
8   - Fruit that left worker in suffering (8) - {P{L}{ANT}AIN}

9   - He repairs things beginning to wither, correct? (6) - {W}{RIGHT}
11 - Girl shows annoyance at one point (5) - {IRE}{NE}
12 - The figure to make a mute pair dance around the last character (9) - {TRAPE{Z}IUM*}
13 - It gets the meal off to a start (6) - ENTREE [CD]
14 - A number move slowly, with hesitation, in an argument to settle an issue (8) - {CL}{INCH}{ER}
16 - A doctor has it – seeking perfection? (8) - PRACTICE [DD]
18 - Pamper a Hardy girl going back to business (6) - {CO}{SSET<-}

22 - Save money? What for? (1,5,3) - A RAINY DAY [CD]
23 - A part of Sudan brings a fresh customer, say (5) - (~new){NU}{BIA}(~buyer)
24 - Sagging and penniless back in an empty day (6) - {Da{ROOP<-}Y}
25 - Fighter with the flaming mouth? (8) - SPITFIRE [CD]

26 - A rendezvous to test a good man (5) - {TRY}{ST}
27 - Camel? No, he changes into a lizard (9) - CHAMELEON*

DOWN
1   - Name the foundation housing a news service (7) - {BA{PTI}SE}
2   - In Hindi a lecturer may reveal a sort of language (7) - DIALECT [T]
3   - Where to be if in the process of change tonight? In temple, rolling over (2,3,7,3) - IN THE MELTING POT*

4   - A number in need of water lose the point (6) - THIRsTY
5   - Termination at extremes of exuberance suffered by old queen (5,10) - {MARIE ANTOIN(E)TT(E)*} My COD
6   - To be rough is somehow naughty (7) - ROGUISH*
7   - The French terms of reference reversed by an Oxford Martyr (7) - {LA}{TIMER<-}
10 - Defect that in geology may lead to big shakes (5) - FAULT [DD]
15 - Chemicals generated when crossing detectives (5) - {A{CID}S}
16 - Commendation for a plural inspection of accounts (7) - {PL}{AUDIT}
17 - Likeness of a piece of wood in a city (American) (7) - {A}{N{A}{LOG}Y}
19 - “Can you _ and dulcify? Calcine?” (Ben Jonson) (7) - SUBLIME [E]
20 - Part exchange that a knight tried out (5-2) - {TRADE-I(N)*}
21 - It makes it difficult to take the long view (6) - MYOPIA [E]

SEE THIS CARTOON

GRID

No 10080, Thursday 17 Feb 11, Sankalak

ACROSS
1   - Flier, a burden for the Ancient Mariner (9) - ALBATROSS [DD]

5   - Provide food? React oddly (5) - CATER*
8   - Prohibition covering every tree (6) - {B{ANY}AN}

9   - Surgical procedure on sailor, possibly Italian, having swallowed ring (8) - {AB}{LATI{O}N}
11 - One troubled by a bit of lassitude at Xmas (4) - {NOE*}{L}
12 - Of which Zia-ul-Haq was an ‘imposing' leader (7,3) - MARTIAL LAW [CD]

14 - Made a picture around one back to front — uncanny (5) - {WE{I}RD<-}
15 - Weepy eyed (7) - TEARFUL [E]
16 - Reduce the scope of a failing brigade (7) - ABRIDGE*
17 - One in diplomacy is silent (5) - {TAC{I}T}
19 - Display of article of evidence in court, the first to be returned (10) - {EXHIBIT}{ION<-}
20 - Hard blow from a bit of loss in gamble (4) - {BE{L}T}
22 - Gambling game requires acceptance of obstruction in a way (8) - {ROU{LET}TE}

23 - Tenant, good, older sort… (6) - LOD(G)ER*
24 - … lived almost prosperously in a small district (5) - {D{WELl}T}
25 - Good luck charm for racers! (9) - HORSESHOE [DD]

SEE THIS CARTOON

DOWN
1   - Lack of pigment in a lion, born different (6) - AL(B)INO*

2   - Where does abound, oddly, is a place for storing goods without discharging duty (6,9) - BONDED WAREHOUSE*
3   - A duck among effete aliens (4) - TEAL [T]

4   - Replacement as may be done in football games (12) - SUBSTITUTION [E]
5   - Coaches can bar cash distribution (10) - CHARABANCS*

6   - A test of political backing as may be played out in a legislature (5,2,8) - TRIAL OF STRENGTH [E]
7   - It is a periodical requirement to keep the subscription alive (7) - RENEWAL [CD]
10 - Needlework that makes good man in the seat crave something (6,6) - {SADDLE} {ST}{ITCH}

13 - Antelope, surely not a tame one, by the sound of it (10) - WILDEBEEST(~wild beast)

16 - Made a statement upsetting Virginia and went wrong (7) - {AV<-}{ERRED}
18 - A reportedly severe and strict author (6) - STERNE (~stern)
21 - Somewhat long poem on rock containing ore (4) - {L}{ODE}

GRID

No 10079, Wednesday 16 Feb 11, Sankalak

ACROSS
1   - Can a man train idiots somehow in management? (14) - ADMINISTRATION*
8   - Pass on information to one beginning to mime role (6) - {I}{M}{PART}
9   - Take care of one entering church (8) - {MIN{I}STER}
11 - Exact copy of a broken UP dialect (9) - DUPLICATE*
12 - Something to eat — a knockout with free fat (5) - {KO}{FTA*} Is Kofta on the Menu for S&B III ?

13 - Moulting destroys a cosy side? Nothing lost (7) - ECDYSISo*

15 - Hairstyle of the century, no doubt (7) - {TON}{SURE}

17 - Greeting a good man basking in title (7) - {NAM{A}{ST}E}
19 - Krishna was a divine one (7) - COWHERD [CD]
21 - Patronage given, for example, in All-India service (5) - {A{EG}IS}
23 - The final destination for a craft? (9) - SCRAPYARD [CD]
25 - Highland player (8) - BAGPIPER [CD]
26 - I wear a grin — that's a figure of speech (6) - {S{I}MILE}
27 - Old-fashioned man's position at the breakfast table? (6,3,5) - BEHIND THE TIMES [DD]
DOWN
1   - In Greek mythology, she was a song with new end (7) - {ARIA}{DNE*} Had to Google this
2   - Clean an unfinished musical work in Madhya Pradesh (3,2) - {M{OP Us}P}
3   - A plant for redesigned cars in South America (9) - {NARCIS*}{S}{US}

4   - Objective concealed in torn clothing (7) - {R{AIM}ENT}
5   - One of those a bridge player is keen to make (5) - TRICK [CD]
6   - Such a piano cannot make good music (3,2,4) - OUT OF TUNE [CD]
7   - City English is refined and tactful (6) - {URBAN}{E}
10 - Breakfast food for old English conspirator, reportedly (4) - OATS(~oates)

14 - Mad rogue, for example, losing right, turns into a rabble-rouser (9) - {D(E)MA(G)OGUEr*}
16 - A fresh run of material for dailies (9) - {NEW}{SPRINT} My COD
17 - Close at hand, there is a rising longing to accept supporter (6) - {NE{ARB}Y}<-
18 - Direction to finish a London area (4,3) - {EAST} {END}
19 - Milk product found in old place mentioned in record (4) - {C{UR}D}
20 - Baseball team of people trying to avoid duty? (7) - DODGERS [DD]

22 - I, Robot, for example (3-2) - SCI-FI [CD]
24 - A proposition — or a mantra to suppress team (5) - {A}{XI}{OM}

GRID