No 10168, Tuesday 31 May 11, Spiffytrix

ACROSS
1   - Some mountaineers plan going back for mountains (4) - ALPS [T<-]
3   - Break and remodel empty Fiat car into a much faster vehicle (10) - {SPACE}{CRA(FiaT)*}
9   - Harry stayed around University for a period? (7) - {T{U}ESDAY*}
11 - More elegant banker could be less popular (7) - FinANCIER
12 - Stay in bed and hesitate to prepare a trap (3,2,4) - {LIE IN} {WAIT}
13 - Old artist has little time for a small time artist? (5) - {EX}{T}{RA}
14 - Mail manager is after the other woman (12) - {POST}{MISTRESS}
18 - Two members pay this for something expensive? (2,3,3,1,3) - AN ARM AND A LEG
21 - I followed a short English politician for an explanation (5) - {A}{LIB}{I}
22 - Cynic media unseats queen with one film (9) - {PrESS}{I}{MIST}
24 - Mother covered spy in colour (7) - {M{AGENT}A}
25 - A small shark morphed into an evil spirit (7) - RAKSHAS* (a+s+shark)
26 - Soldiers break up to surround a trail from the east (10) - {PAR{A}T}{ROOPS<-}
27 - Surveys housing for pupils? (4) - EYES [DD]
DOWN
1   - Can't run away after dumping cocaine for a fast buck (8) - {cANT}{ELOPE}
2   - Kids less than thirteen down third Ecstasy for American show (8) - PRETE(-e)NS(+e)E
4   - Drunk happily after saint left group (5) - PHYLApi*
5   - In pursuit of European hiding inside, CIA went round an eatery (9) - {C{AF{E}TER}IA}
6   - What a dishonest dairyman may never sell? (9,4) - CONDENSED MILK [CD]
7   - Hungry having missed dinner at first, devoured fly (6) - {AVId}{ATE}
8   - Two spies turned up for a race (6) - {TAR}{TAR}<-
10 - Keep quiet about Bangalore's claim to fame? Not at all! (4,7,2) - {DON'T MENTION} {IT}
15 - Drop pasta all over the place and get a punishment (9) - STRAPPADO*

16 - Great to land around capital of Meghalaya before end of day (8) - {AL{M}IGHT}{Y}
17 - They boast, so it gets crazy (8) - EGOTISTS*
19 - Practise with wing in the air (4-2) - {W}{ARM-UP}
20 - Hang around in underwear that is transparent (6) - LINGERie My COD
23 - Remove dress and streak after shedding last piece of negligee (5) - STRIPe

GRID

No 10167, Monday 30 May 11, Neyartha

Farming special?
Stumped for lot of annos today.
ACROSS
1   - Spanish saint with sailor Drake let go by a native of California (3,10) - {SAN} {FRANCIS}{CAN}
9   - Farm equipment handle used to turn a rudder (6) - TILLER [DD]
10 - Unusual for queens from the east to protect the bear in retreat (8) - {SIN{GUL<-}AR<-}
11 - Obtain an extract of the listing ethically (3) - GET [T]
12 - Turn up at the quiet Irish lake (6) - {P}{LOUGH}
13 - French wine removed from dressing on savoury cooked in deep fat (8) - vinAIGRETTE
14 - Rodent that may chase a cat? (7,3) - PRAIRIE {DOG} Anno pending

17 - Handled cutting article to get rep on the street (4) - CaRED
18 - Mirrors from the Orient moved to the right of the church recess (4) - APSE Anno pending (Addendum - AP(-e)S(+e)E - See comments)
19 - Recognizing the brew of the nice grinds … (10) - DISCERNING*
21 - … Bill returns to the ship to get a plastic bag (3,5) - {BIN<-} {LINER}
23 - Kitchen utensil made from aromatic wood reportedly (6) - SEEDER(~cedar)
25 - Bowman ignoring her bow (3) - ARCher
26 - Disaster in California's Concord (8) - {CAL}{AMITY}
27 - It is suggestive of a threat for the king exiled by Quebec (6) - RIS(-k+que)QUE

28 - Its load may get lighter near a washing machine (7,6) - LAUNDRY BASKET [CD]
DOWN
2   - Kind of symmetry inherent in a taxi alarm (5) - AXIAL [T]
3   - Glue fruit by mistake to the lightning tube (9) - FULGURITE*

4   - Upset Graham's cut short exclamation of frustration (5) - AARGHm*
5   - Counter rodents in the masticated food with a sweet dish (7) - {CU{STAR<-}D}
6   - Young sage all at sea in the temple (9) - SYNAGOGUE*
7   - A long time back, lining of the Zulu chief's uniform was bright blue (5) - {A{Z}{U}RE<-}
8   - Greek god attached to article about a Roman temple (8) - {PAN}{THE}{ON}

15 - Pay back? (8) - REPRISAL [E]
16 - Typesetting space? (9) - INDENTION [E]
17 - Unity shown by the baffled connoisseurs leaving Rio (9) - CONSENSUSrio*
20 - Vocal individual clutching press release for atomiser (7) - {S{PR}AYER}
22 - Caught the Tibetan priest's pet animal (5) - (~lama)LLAMA
23 - Bush to cancel … (5) - SCRUB [DD]
24 - … musical composition's display without getting a theatre opening for it (5) - E(-x+t)TUDE 

GRID

No 2636, Sunday 29 May 11

ACROSS
1   - Right to go after bankrupt agent (6) - {BROKE}{R}
4   - Calmed down sailor on disastrous date (6) - {AB}{ATED*}
8   - Musical drama in which she (Greta Garbo) performed, receiving extremes of praise (3,7,5) - THE BEGGAR'S O(PE)RA*
11 - Additional passage from book court ignored (5) - EXTRAct
12 - Five in tug and ten lost in pontoon (5-2-2) - (V)INGT-ET-UN*
13 - A Peebles spread cheese (3,5) - BEL PAESE*
14 - Fish, black when small (4) - {B}{AS}{S}

17 - Fish, a freak, thrown back (4) - {TUN}{A}<-

18 - Forward subbed (8) - ADVANCED [DD]
21 - Discover arsenic? Sure (9) - {AS}{CERTAIN}
22 - No power in golf club, say (5) - pUTTER
24 - Soldier's operation, not the NHS's concern (7,8) - {PRIVATE} {PRACTICE}

SEE THIS CARTOON

25 - The person to give one a hand (6) - DEALER [CD]
26 - Mineral's exhausted, for the most part, in the Beaver State (6) - {ORE}{GONe}
DOWN
1   - Intensely cold beer (6) - BITTER [DD]
2   - Clear above top of tower (5) - {OVER}{T}
3   - Stares at the old globes after end of lecture (8) - {E}{YE}{BALLS} Remember the discussion on 'the old' a few months ago?
5   - Helplessly drunk, bishop before game (6) - {B}{LOTTO}
6   - London street that nerds vandalised (3,6) - THE STRAND*
7   - Identify San Diego criminal (8) - DIAGNOSE*
9   - Fair exchange of repartee after somehow evading capture (4,3,4) - {GIVE AND*} {TAKE}
10 - Phones harsh critic for a box wrench? (4,7) - {RING S}{PANNER}

13 - Steal mate's porcelain (4,5) - {BONE} {CHINA}
15 - Son caught and punished (8) - {S}{TRAPPED}
16 - Act up during search for reconnaissance vehicle (5,3) - {SCOU{T CA<-}R}
19 - Understood by few, British composer seen round about (6) - {AR{CA}NE}
20 - Encourage operator to appear topless (4,2) - sURGE ON
23 - Fine German object (5) - {THIN}{G}

GRID

No 10166, Saturday 28 May 11, Neyartha

Swimming styles is the theme today. I am stumped by 4D.
ACROSS
1   - Auditor's waterproof sealant put on clamp for bottle opener (9) - (~caulk){CORK}{SCREW}
6   - Authorized beheading is terrible (5) - lAWFUL
9   - Mani treasures hidden explosive (5) - NITRE [T]
10 - Cuban communist leader confused in the end by smooth purgative (6,3) - {CAST(O<->R)} {OIL}
11 - A match, say, for the ring I sent back with note enclosed (7) - {I}{GNI{TE}R<-}
12 - Move to put male teetotaller inside an isolated area (6) - {G{HE}{TT}O}
14 - Leave missing Ada in Australian city (5) - adELaIDE
15 - Oddly opt for inn that is not commercially motivated (3-6) - NON-PROFIT*
17 - 100-legged arthropod? (9) - CENTIPEDE [E]
19 - Peter out … (5) - ABATE [E]
20 - …in the rush hour, sent away by Tesla, to find the reptile (6) - TURTLE Anno pending (Addendum - (-h+t)TURTLE - See comments)

22 - Land mass I included in the calculated US area (7) - {EURAS{I}A*}
24 - Outrageous semi price is not accurate (9) - IMPRECISE*
25 - Slow speech by Conservative getting rid of daughter's fawn (5) - (-d+c)CRAWL
26 - Credit given to party in the Arab market counter (5) - {KU{D}OS<-} Just 'D' for party? D for Democrats?(Addendum - {KU{DO}S<-} - See comments)
27 - It may flutter by, looking fancy (9) - BUTTERFLY*
DOWN
1   - Swindle the fool behind the trust (10,5) - {CONFIDENCE} {TRICK}
2   - Fired PA's presentation recreated from memory (9) - RETENTIONpas*
3   - Staff with muscles lifting the ruffled European leaders (7) - {SCEP<-}{T}{R}{E}

4   - Smash heard by tenant, one paying exorbitantly for that privilege? (4-6) - R?C?-R?N?E? (Addendum - (~wrack){RACK}-{RENTER} - See comments)
5   - Clean layer (4) - WASH [DD]
6   - Added oxygen gets trapped in a part of the flower (7) - AN{O}THER
7   - Cover rise of an infectious sheep disease in an Australian state (5) - {FRO<-}{NT} 
8   - Flowering herb surrounded by mountains? (4,2,3,6) - LILY OF THE VALLEY

13 - Doctor, neat and decent, needed for the prior (10) - ANTECEDENT*
16 - Pole in an Arizona town (9) - FLAGSTAFF [DD]
18 - Health problem resulting from tangled snell picked up in Iceland (7) - {I{LLNES*}S}
19 - Needing no introduction to peculiar shape of a part of the heart (7) - pAURICLE*
21 - Hurried to find scrap idler concealed (5) - RAPID [T]
23 - It may be cast when broken (4) - LIMB [CD]

GRID

No 10165, Friday 27 May 11, M Manna

MM has reserved his best for the last in this round.
ACROSS
1   - About to set a meal before husband (7) - {RE}{SERVE}
5   - Where one expects to find fruit or vegetable (7) - {OR}{CHARD}
9   - Foreign agent lying low as an inoffensive citizen of a country (7) - SLEEPER [CD]
10 - Cry out in surprise as the old demand, a right (7) - {EX}{CLAIM}
11 - A measure of length — a matter of feet (5) - METRE [CD]
12 - Always the first woman to beam (4,5) - {EVE}{R AFTER}
13 - But is it prepared by the bank teller? (9) - STATEMENT [DD]
15 - English lake giving rise to some apprehension (5) - {E}{ERIE}
16 - He has skill for understanding the innermost feelings (5) - {HE}{ART}
18 - Stunt man challenged by disaster? (9) - {DARED}{EVIL}

SEE THIS CARTOON

21 - To set a limit on the beer shows good sense (9) - {RATION}{ALE}
24 - Laid down on direction for being indisposed (5) - {AIL{E}D}
25 - The storm has wrenched a door half off (7) - {TORN}{A}{DOor}

26 - A host of soldiers take newly wed around Georgia (7) - {BRI{GA}DE}
27 - Discard person receiving and paying of money (7) - CASHIER [DD]
28 - Areas characterised in some way (7) - REGIONS [CD]
DOWN
1   - That's the accounts to date? Gets on! (7) - RESUMES [DD]
2   - Colourful bands (7) - SPECTRA [E]
3   - Stand for army personnel now (9) - {RE}{PRESENT}
4   - Nest of a bird of prey (5) - EYRIE [CD]
5   - A bid up on a single punter (3,6) - {ONE} {BETTER}
6   - Come out with me again and have a drink (5) - {COme}{COme}{A} My COD
7   - More suited to a commercial plug (7) - {AD}{APTER}
8   - Separate again from a united company (7) - DEMERGE [CD]
14 - Aim always, say, to do one's best (9) - {END}{EAVOUR}(~ever) &lit
15 - Really delightful, so absorbing the listener in the finish (9) - {END{EAR}ING}
16 - At this point the jerk holds unorthodox views (7) - {HERE}{TIC}
17 - Kinds of clothing (7) - ATTIRES [E]
19 - Vocal composition needs no fiery outburst (7) - {VOLCA*}{NO}
20 - Trainee having nothing to do with a craft that's not covered (7) - {L}{IDLE}{SS}
22 - Animals in a nature reserve look a picture of health (5) - OKAPI [T]

23 - Mere boy managed to bring piece of live coal (5) - {EM(B)ER*}

GRID

No 10164, Thursday 26 May 11, M Manna

Except for 23D I think todays CW is excellent.
ACROSS
1   - Goes round to, bursting into a flood of tears (7) - {R{OT<-}ATES*}
5   - The fool retired and the wise man's going (7) - {PAS<-}{SAGE}
9   - Domesticated animal having varied employability (5) - HORSE [CD]
10 - Did without having made up (9) - DISPENSED [CD]
11 - Fool to hesitate for time, to lay claim (6) - {ASS}{ER}{T}
12 - A politician eager to alter current strength (8) - {A}{MP}{ERAGE*}
14 - Dispatches termination on board ship (5) - {S{END}S}
15 - Only in pub and church can rudeness be seen (9) - {IN{SOLE}N}{CE}
18 - Mother has a picture inlaid in metal (9) - {DAM}{A}{SCENE}

20 - To one's delight getting wind of a vacancy (5) - {GUST}{O}
22 - Vets crawlers without cash (8) - {INS{P}ECTS}
24 - Questioning direction of the ruler (6) - {AS}{KING}
26 - Horses sadly lost nails (9) - STALLIONS*
27 - Skilled enough for a small government ministry (5) - {A}{DEPT}
28 - Small holes to receive laces or cords (7) - EYELETS [E]
29 - One who helped by encouragement (7) - ABETTED [CD]
DOWN
1   - Practised play (9) - REHEARSED [E]
2   - Attacks and one gets going (5,2) - TURNS ON [DD]
3   - Conjectures about, as the balloon goes up (9) - {THE}{O}{RISES} My COD
4   - Obnoxious persons (4) - SODS [E]
5   - Brilliant history teacher! (10) - {PAST}{MASTER}
6   - Many have seen the picture of action (5) - {S(C)ENE*}
7   - Jack takes new colour to refrain from voting (7) - {AB}{STAIN}
8   - Finally turn direction to invest with clothes (5) - {END}{U}{E}
13 - They are given to guide persons (10) - DIRECTIONS [CD]
16 - Support is delayed but put into force (9) - {LEG}{IS}{LATE}

17 - Do a gentle movement that had been extended (9) - ELONGATED*
19 - Information sent about disorder that builds up as time goes by (7) - {MESS}{AGE}
21 - Outlandish Denis has a way that is most derogatory (7) - {SNIDE*}{ST}
22 - The matter is to go to court (5) - {IS}{SUE}
23 - She will appear with the Italian general (5) - ELLIE*(il+lee) Where's the AInd
25 - A resurgent island bordering a continent (4) - {A}{SI<-}{A}

GRID

No 10163, Wednesday 25 May 11, M Manna

ACROSS
1   - All panicking about the escapee — a killer (6) - LETHAL*
4   - Amelia arranges taxi in a friendly spirit (8) - {AMI{CAB}LE*} One 'A' gobbled up!
10 - Seamen can appear in tattered clothing (7) - {RA{TIN}GS}
11 - Risks redesigning gardens (7) - DANGERS*
12 - One test out of a thousand (4) - {EX}{A}{M}
13 - A public school with screen potential (10) - WINCHESTER [DD] Had to look up the list of Public schools to get this. Screen potential is not clear, the film name I found was 'Winchester 73' (Addendum - WINCHESTER* - See comments)
16 - Observe present and past in child's play (3,3) - {SEE} {SAW}
17 - To believe one can stake on motorway is a bloomer (7) - {MI}{STAKE}
20 - Greek consumer getting to be of more importance (7) - {GR}{EATER}
21 - A bird or two are able to be heard (6) - (~two){TOU}{CAN}

24 - The transferring of property or a vehicle (10) - CONVEYANCE [DD]
25 - Born out of Capone — to be like him? (4) - CAPOne &lit Born is 'nee'
27 - Book to keep for oneself (7) - RESERVE [E]
29 - Criticise long dash (7) - PANACHE [DD] (Addendum - {PAN}{ACHE})
30 - He registers the instrument (8) - RECORDER [DD]
31 - Naval NCOs prepared a milk punch (6) - {POS}{SET} From the recipe it sounds 'yuck'!
DOWN
1   - “Bounty” was a big ship — English (8) - {LARGE}{SS}{E} My COD

2   - ‘e'd rather not rearrange the body (11) - TETRAHEDRON*

3   - Possibly an English grandmother (4) - (~an){ANN}{E} ? Anno  pending.
5   - American health scheme for low income group (8) - MEDICAID [E]
6   - A get-together for traditionalist (10) - CONVENTION [CD]
7   - Busy worker (3) - BEE [CD]
8   - Make certain about the right to succeed (6) - {ENSU{R}E}
9   - There's snake in charge of the jelly! (5) - {ASP}{IC}
14 - Somehow checks a neat gamble (4,7) - TAKE CHANCES*
15 - A quite unrepeatable faux pas! (5,5) - FATAL ERROR [CD]
18 - Plane prepared to see off the foreigner (8) - {NEPAL*}{ESE*}
19 - Not right to be silent on rude and disrespectful behaviour (8) - INSOLENT* Should have been 'INSOLENCE'
22 - He keeps marks in a game (6) - SCORER [E]
23 - Policeman in quarter has room for action (5) - {S{COP}E}
26 - Cancel a French party (4) - {UN}{DO}
28 - Bag like structure (3) - SAC [E]

GRID

No 10162, Tuesday 24 May 11, M Manna

ACROSS
1   - Guy the agent is a lawbreaker (10) - {MALE}{FACTOR}
6   - American editor finally employed (4) - {US}{ED} What is the role of 'finally'?
9   - Say the fellows have it switched on (7) - {MEN}{TI*}{ON}
10 - Have a grudging feeling of others' good fortune (7) - ENVIOUS [CD]
12 - Unkindly handle naughty Tam, later (8) - MALTREAT*
13 - Need to bring forward a point into consideration, sire (5) - {R{A}{ISE}
15 - Cares to pay attention (5) - HEEDS [DD]
17 - The German caller produced a gun (9) - {DER}{RINGER}

19 - Did some more upholstering when fully better (9) - {RE}{COVERED}
21 - Love to tear out the formal speech (5) - {O}{RATE*}
23 - Fault causing the failure on computer to produce expected result (5) - ERROR [CD]
24 - Outline in which one car is overturned (8) - SCENARIO*
27 - Ring-shaped area made for Lara to appear as nun (7) - ANNULAR*
28 - Keep it up as it turns into the light (7) - {SU{STAI*}N}
29 - Facts given to obtain further information (4) - DATA [CD]
30 - To be in harmony, write letters (10) - CORRESPOND [DD]
DOWN
1   - A brief transaction note (4) - MEMO [CD]
2   - Some fiction should be about animals, it's ruled (7) - {LI{NEAT}E} Animals or animal?
3   - Being obese in body, may momentarily lose consciousness (5) - {FA{IN}T}
4   - Cheat sore competitor (9) - {CON}{TENDER}
5   - Not concealed (5) - OVERT [E]
7   - Cutting skin first before removing the centre of the fruit (7) - {S}{CORING}
8   - Pluto to listen to a number that will sadden (10) - {DIS}{HEAR}{TEN}
11 - After green I proceed despite suffering from dizziness (7) - {VERT}{I}{GO}

SEE THIS CARTOON

14 - The mechanic responsible for seeing to the motorist's batteries? (6,4) - CHARGE HAND Incorrect definition.
16 - Leaves out the R in “various” (7) - SEVERAL*
18 - Writing about some furniture restorer (9) - {RE}{DRESSER}
20 - Nothing in ice cream wafer that can be put on the head (7) - {COR{O}NET}

22 - A fighter, thanks to stirring music (7) - {A}{GI}{TA}{TO}
24 - System by which the main mechanism is operated by a subsidiary (5) - SERVO [E]
25 - Dopes on ship at sea (5) - {A{SS}ES*}
26 - Go back to dine with her (4) - ENID <-

GRID

No 10161, Monday 23 May 11, M Manna

Plenty of Girl's around today.
ACROSS
1   - Stealing a hat modelled by wife is illegal (7,3,3) - {AGAINST THE LA*}{W}
8   - A formal document granting a right (7) - LETTERS [DD]
9   - A wealthy person back on road (7) - {RICH}{A}{RD}
11 - This banded stone from Cologne is superb (6) - GNEISS [T]

13 - Violent tempered women (8) - HELLCATS [E]
15 - At times, questions the amount of work undertaken (5) - {T}{ASKS}
16 - Lean on back of credit, taken at point, on line (7) - {R{E}C<-}{LINE}
18 - Make an outline study of tour (7) - {CON}{TOUR}
19 - Re-tax crooked characters more (5) - EXTRA*
21 - Final catalogue impression on an impractical person (8) - {IDEA}{LIST}
23 - On the way make a call for a small piece of cord (6) - {ST}{RING}
25 - Shut off many agitated to have duel in quarter (7) - {SE}{C}{LUDE*}
26 - Simplicity of being unusually vain before summer abroad (7) - {NAIV*}{ETE}
28 - Anything but free and easy wear, their use is restrictive (13) - {STRAIT}{JACKETS}
DOWN
2   - She collects on road, with gun (7) - {GAT}{HERS}
3   - A note full of anger (3) - {I}{RE}
4   - Point made to a dope for his impertinent behaviour (4) - {S}{ASS}
5   - The heart of 3 or twenty times that number (10) - {THREE}{SCORE}
6   - Former chief engineer as beginner was superior (5) - {EX}{CE}{L}
7   - A page containing article describing royal estate (7) - {A}{P{AN}AGE}
8   - Easy work welcomed by importers (5,6) - LIGHT DUTIES [DD]
10 - Needing last eccentric to simplify matters (11) - DISENTANGLE*
12 - Girl climber with black eyes? (5) - SUSAN ? anno pending [DD] See comments
14 - Brilliant hunter on the run from Artemis? (6,4) - {ORIONS} {BELT} &lit ?
17 - Rein on time from becoming chemically inactive (5) - {INER*}{T}
18 - Hairstyle given to a GI recruit (4,3) - CREW CUT [E]
20 - Free accommodation included with the plane (7) - {T{RID}ENT}

22 - Al moved to an old city where she is available (5) -{LA*}{UR}{A} 'A' from?
24 - Old Indian coin (4) - ANNA [E]
27 - Same type as Italian knight (3) - {IL}{K}

GRID

No 2635, Sunday 22 May 11

ACROSS
1   - Reluctant to provide a rhyme (6) - {A}{VERSE}
4   - Diminishing, then stopping, once canine's extracted (6) - cEASING
8   - Remain cheerful in tower in such open ground (4,4,4,2) - {KEEP} {ONE'S CHIN UP*}
10 - Brandish one during lewd dancing (5) - {W{I}ELD*}
11 - Leader of temple to request church working party (4,5) - {T}{ASK FOR}{CE}
12 - Bishop with helmet he misplaced in holy place (9) - {B}{ETHLEHEM*}
13 - Criminal following the Spanish about (5) - {F}{EL}{ON}

SEE THIS CARTOON

14 - Old man returning by ferry in suit (5) - {AP<-}{PLY}
16 - About to get first-year student a cool drink (9) - {RE}{FRESHER}
18 - Girl from city in North Carolina, kind of sweet (9) - CHARLOTTE [MD]
20 - Wader that girl has on (5) - {HER}{ON}

22 - Picture lawyer at meeting (5,9) - {BRIEF} {ENCOUNTER}
23 - Fairly good inside centre, in part (6) - DECENT [T]
24 - Iron Lady's felt hat? (6) - {FE}{DORA}

DOWN
1   - Like famous gardens on one side (5) - {AS}{KEW}
2   - Most serious heading off for mountain (7) - sEVEREST
3   - Second's repartee in lively argument (9) - {S}{WORDPLAY}
4   - Apology for swearing made by foreign monoglot in Paris? (6,2,6) - EXCUSE MY FRENCH [CD]
5   - Difficult son spat (5) - {S}{TIFF}
6   - Gear position in new Renault (7) - NEUTRAL*
7   - Perform a military ceremony in a better theatre, possibly (4,3,7) - BEAT THE RETREAT*
9   - Note's from male singer, by the sound of it (6) - TENNER(~tenor)
12 - Division of British farm that's large (6) - {B}{RANCH}
13 - Complimentary bingo in pub? (4,5) - {FREE} {HOUSE}
15 - Plain English used after couple's arrested right one (7) - {P{R}AIR}{I}{E}
17 - Nelson's short speech after end of skirmish (7) - {H}{ORATIOn}
19 - Feudal lord, say, in story (5) - {LI{EG}E}
21 - Man, or disguised woman? (5) - NORMA*

GRID

No 10160, Saturday 21 May 11, M Manna

ACROSS
1   - Bloody optimistic (7) - EVIDENT [CD]
5   - A large building for Ted if he becomes Chief Engineer (7) - {ED}{IF}{I}{CE}
10 - Joins up with a French site (6) - {UN}{ITES*} Where's the AInd?
11 - Witty report coming from the pear tree (8) - REPARTEE*
12 - He helps carry a coffin at a funeral (6) - BEARER [CD]
13 - Take a breather to telephone for Piggy-wig's ornament (8) - {NOSE}{RING}
14 - She should lie down when sick (6) - {L{ILL}IE}
15 - Roy has the hypothetical reasoning (6) - THEORY*
18 - More may note of a small body travelling through space (6) - {ME{TE}OR*}
20 - Property that goes with rank (6) - ESTATE [CD]
23 - Discharge a public school admitted in time (8) - {D{ETON}ATE}
25 - Best meal made out for her (6) - {AMELIA*} (ai+meal)
26 - I mark his bad language (8) - KASHMIRI*
27 - Where porpoises are taught? (6) - SCHOOL [CD]
28 - Went back and surrendered once more (7) - {RE}{CEDED}
29 - Feeling initially extra movement (7) - {E}{MOTION}
DOWN
2   - Found buyers, so closed after five (6) - {V}{ENDED}
3   - Decide I need, however, to call in (9) - {DE{TERM}INE*}
4   - It joins another for a breather (7) - NOSTRIL [CD]
6   - Instalment is returned and held by warehouse (7) - {DEPO{SI<-}T}
7   - Excitement results as gold is given for animal hair (5) - {FUR}{OR}
8   - Back again among the free lancers in the dailies (8) - {CLEAN{E}RS*} From where do we take the 'E'?
9   - Is it an advantage of working in a hair salon? (6,7) - {FRINGE} {BENEFIT}
16 - Bound to be performed by the ballet dancer (9) - ENTRECHAT [CD]
17 - Tea never served but to show deep respect (8) - VENERATE*
19 - Latch onto a way to raise cash on one's assets (7) - REALISE [DD]
21 - Beam as son breaks into a vehicle (7) - {TRA{NSO*}M}
22 - A monk to request for a Japanese garment (6) - KIMONO (monk+i+o?)Anno?

24 - A chore in a way done for money (5) - OCHRE* Couldn't get the link between 'ochre' and 'money' though I am sure I have heard it somewhere.

GRID

No 10159, Friday 20 May 11, M Manna

ACROSS
1   - Assorted ales again bring freedom from pain (9) - ANALGESIA*
6   - Georgia upset and depressed, yet looking anything but (5) - {AG*}{LOW}
9   - A courtyard that Pat has no joy in it (5) - {PAT}I{O} Anno pending
10 - When put out over a worker he's really aggressive (9) - {AS}{SAIL}{ANT}
11 - Application for injury benefit, perhaps (10) - ANTISEPTIC [CD]
12 - It's up to a king to create revolution (4) - {STI<-}{R}
14 - Ann not to get rid of firedog (7) - ANDIRON* (ann+rid+o)

15 - No aid from Rex to compose introductory parts of composition (7) - EXORDIA* (o+aid+rex) I thought only NJ uses 'O' for 'No'! Never heard this word.
17 - He argues sophistically in case, conscientiously? (7) - CASUIST [CD]
19 - Result of shattering ague fit (7) - FATIGUE* &lit
20 - Charge the boy nothing to go in (4) - {L{O}AD}
22 - To us a Shakespearean character appears successful (10) - {PROSPERO}{US}
25 - Girl coming out only to be taunted gets worked up (9) - DEBUTANTE*
26 - Ten used log to make a snow hut (5) - IGLOO* (io+log)
27 - Mug of beer set down badly inside (5) - STEIN* (set+in)

28 - Credit arranged to provide best care for pregnant women (9) - OBSTETRIC {cr+best+to+i?}Anno pending
DOWN
1   - A Greek letter (5) - ALPHA [E]
2   - Affected postures? (9) - ATTITUDES [CD]
3   - Healthy stock could be transported in it (5,5) - {GOOD}{S TRAIN}
4   - Make a well defined case (7) - SHARPEN [CD]

SEE THIS CARTOON

5   - May be a good omen to put a cap on Sue (7) - AUSPICE* (a=i+cap+sue)
6   - How land looks in Kalahari Desert (4) - ARID [T] &lit
7   - The French worker inclined to rest sideways (5) - {LE}{ANT}
8   - Current speed of charging up main supplies (5,4) - WATER RATE [DD]
13 - Obey orders to set foot on the Equator (3,3,4) - TOE THE LINE 
14 - Received public praises for remodelling a cold case (9) - ACCOLADES*
16 - It takes the lead (3,6) - DOG COLLAR [CD]
18 - Hill overlooking Canadian city (7) - {TOR}{ONTO}
19 - Shuts up when the fellow's holding a gun (7) - {F{A}{STEN}'S}
21 - Doctor takes beer round at an easy pace (5) - {A{MB}LE}
23 - At no cost one can become indifferent to pain or pleasure (5) - STO(I)C*
24 - He'll be one among the workers (4) - STAN (Ants*?) Anno pending

GRID

No 10158, Thursday 19 May 11, Gridman

ACROSS
1   - Manoeuvre performed earlier by one college head is instructive (8) - {DID}{ACT}{I}{C} New word for me
5   - Tiny swimmer will be present after a short period (6) - {MIN}{NOW}
10 - Noticed fallen stud in carpenter's sweepings (7) - {SAW}{DUST*}
11 - Talk about Orissa's leader getting allotment (7) - {O}{RATION}
12 - Reluctant to state group is incomplete (6) - {AVER}{SEt}
13 - Where you have to find differences between two pictures? Not exactly! (4-4) - SPOT ZONE
15 - Small amount I throw back to middleman (4) - {I}{OT<-}{mAn}
16 - Speechless not to impose any condition (4,2,4) - HAVE NO TERM [DD]
18 - “Peanuts” may be found here (5,5) - FUNNY PAPER [CD]
20 - The last word on elegy having neither the beginning nor end (4) - lAMENt
23 - Link delicacy with neta's running away… (8) - {CATE}{NATE*}
24 - Reportedly how food may be brought to the table for dinner course (6) - ENTREE(~on tray)
26 - Mischievous fellow considering laying it thick (7) - {IMP}{AS}{TO}
27 - Was uncertain greeting fifty-one in an African language (7) - {SWA*}{HI}{LI}
28 - Belief in a buffer state? (6) - NUDISM [CD]

29 - Easing up, Alex breaks down in arena (8) - {R{ELAX*}ING}
DOWN
1   - Girl's relaxed, one small group is in malcontent (15) - {DI'S}{SAT}{I}{S}{FACTION}
2   - Boy rises, gets rather wise to its being most moist in the morning (7) - {DE{WIES*}T<-}
3   - Dinner division lacking refinement, it's said (6) - COURSE(~coarse)
4   - Excited about X? (4) - INTO [DD]
6   - Dormancy on the frontline, apparently (8) - {IN}{ACTION}
7   - Clamour over mantra is offensive (7) - {NOIS{OM}E}
8   - Men err, going down abjectly for some saints' act in creating miracles (6-9) - WONDER-MONGERING*
9   - Strove to get a bit of levelling done (9) - {COMP{L}ETED}
14 - Devoid of thought about many a gap in the concrete jungle (6,3) - {VACANT} {LOT}
17 - Practice that one puts in a trance (8) - HYPNOSIS [E]

19 - Father figures in famous text program (7) - {NOTE{PA}D}
21 - Amis, for one, has his heart in the drink (7) - {MARTIN}{I}
22 - Capital to see article making spirit rise up (6) - {AN}{KARA<-}
25 - Sri Lanka, for one, put out lies (4) - ISLE*

GRID

No 10157, Wednesday 18 May 11, Gridman

ACROSS
1   - Sword copper forged lasts (7) - {CU}{TLASS*}
5   - I am retreating in the pink — scrubber's here! (6) - {PU{M'I<-}CE} My dictionary says 'Puce' is Dark Red or Purple Brown!

9   - State group is disturbed (5) - {UP}{SET}
10 - In which one goes to the doctor (3,6) - ILL HEALTH [CD]
11 - Frequenter with dress for regular uses (7) - {HABIT}{UsEs}
12 - Bridge bid — hundred backing at rear end (2-5) - {NO-T<-}{RUMP}
13 - Column type (5) - IONIC [DD]
14 - Criminal who has no wife to lean on (9) - UXORICIDE [CD]
16 - Follow an old coin — church item (9) - {TAIL}{PIE}{CE}
19 - Attempts to bring back core of Essex cricketers (5) - {STAB}{S}<-
21 - Evasive and fishy (3-4) - EEL-LIKE [CD]
23 - No hard hour in France as one goes to a landmass (7) - {hEUR}{AS}{I}{A}
24 - No hen is involved in this scrap (9) - COCKFIGHT [CD]
25 - Cheer western band (5) - {W}{HOOP}
26 - Purloined vestment worn finally (6) - {STOLE}{N}
27 - Dare Ken in more disrobed form (7) - NAKEDER*
DOWN
1   - Arrested while doing something wrong — the acct. apparently (6,2,3,3) - CAUGHT IN THE ACT (c in act)
2   - What an examinee might desire — not exactly! (4,3) - TEST BAN [CD]
3   - A good man with a nervous twitch is unstable (7) - {A}{ST}{A}{TIC}
4   - Let slip control over old calculating device (5,4) - {SLIDE} {RULE} How I slogged using this while doing my engineering!

5   - Political leader stunned only supporter (5) - {P}{YLON*}
6   - Scholar tires replacing eminent conductors (7) - {MA}{ESTRI*}
7   - Ring one about copper having dental deposits (7) - {CAL{CU}L}{I}
8   - Photographer goes after lion tamer — a presumptuous person (14) - {WHIPPER}{SNAPPER}
15 - More than satisfied about each number (9) - {OVER}{EA}{TEN}
17 - Wrong — if one learner were to leave, it's allowable (7) - {I}{L}{LICIT}
18 - Saint hides some information that's not pleasant (7) - {PA{INF}UL}
19 - Girl with a keen beginner in part of Borneo (7) - {SARA}{W}{A}{K}
20 - Escape in cabs don summoned (7) - ABSCOND*
22 - Urge, say, almost disappeared (3,2) - {EG}{G ONe}

GRID

No 10156, Tuesday 17 May 2011, Gridman

Thanks Colonel for the opportunity. Enjoyable puzzle from Gridman as usual.
ACROSS
1 Spread credit by a measure for flying machines (8) AIRCRAFT AIR+CR+A+FT

 5 Body found right in the woods (6) CORPSE CO(R)PSE
9 Quiet! Corrida in a riot has lost core horseman (7) PICADOR P+COR(-r)IDA* 
Complex clue with a charade, deletion and anagram but still handled well.

10 Seeker to question about flavouring compound (7) QUESTER  Q+U+ESTER
About = U as in a turn?
11 Get together again once Verne appears (9) RECONVENE  (once Verne)*
Not a fan of using random proper nouns, but today there seem to be a few artists in the puzzle.
12 Send off the Oriental who is thick (5) DENSE  (Send)*+E
13 …JKMN...? (4) NOEL CD/Pun
The kind of variety clue where getting the answer makes you go ...oh...doh or ugh.
14 Refraining from drinking? Not exactly! (3,3,3) OFF,THE,PEG DD
17 Despicable people holding vandalised oil colour (9) VERMILION  VERMIN+oil*
Wordplay is fine, but wondering about the image this one paints.
19 Parliament writer is pointless (4) DUMA  DUMA(-s)
Who would have thought the author of The Three Musketeers can be pointless!
23 Military forces lose many a sign (5) ARIES AR(-m)IES
24 Swiss cheese for fellows in remote hamlet (9) EMMENTHAL MEN in(hamlet)*

25 PO, skier, trotting out lies (7) PORKIES (PO skier)*
Cockney slang for lies is pork pies or porkies for short.
26 Had a sway though it's said to be controlled (7) REIGNED  (~reined)
Nice surface reminding of may be a ballet dancer.
27 Workman, powerless, to move slowly (6) LUMBER (p-)LUMBER
Wonder if the commas are adding anything to the surface.
28 Statue demolished — only without working in a clever manner (8) ASTUTELY (Statue)*+(-on)ly
Like the agitators on Tank Bund?

DOWN
1 Clear a quiet father (8) APPARENT A+P+Parent
2 Pedal again and be ecofriendly in a way (7) RECYCLE DD 

3 I'd entered into arena for equestrian activity (6) RIDING  I'd in Ring
Said the jockey
4 The reason for many a miss in your life (13) FORGETFULNESS CD
Good misleading clue. Made me think of polygamy at first :)
6 Took too much from the bank (8) OVERDREW CD
7 Force work back on a number in church (7) POTENCE  Op<-- + Ten + CE
8 Money maker's hesitation about composer (6) EARNER ER about Arne
Another British artist.
10 What dissatisfied examinees do when they apply for reassessment (8,5)  QUESTION,MARKS CD
15 Leaving out love letter (8) OMISSIVE  Love(O)+letter(Missive)
It is so easy to fall into the omission trap with this. But we are looking for an adjective for leaving out. Plus mission doesn't mean a letter.
16 Intimate stuffing cover in an ashen manner (8) PALLIDLY Intimate(Pally) about cover(Lid)
18 Saying pie is doled out by weight (7) EPIGRAM pie*+gram
20 One in France consuming asafoetida is upset (7)  UNHINGE Une consuming asafoetida (hing)
While the surface is fine, wondering if a verb like UNHINGE can map to the noun UPSET in the clue...
21 Note Pearl dissecting flower part (6) CARPEL  C+Pearl*
Going with the artist theme today, this gem of an author might be Pearl S Buck.

22 Pin-up, peeled, assumes pose undisturbed (2,4) IN SITU (-p)IN U(-p) takes in pose(SIT)
Like any fan would vouch for.

No 10155, Monday 16 May 11, Gridman

Bhavan has kindly consented to host the CW tomorrow as I will be on the train headed back to Bangalore.
Not adding any pictures or cartoons as I have to beat the 6 to 9 power cut.
ACROSS
1   - Mind each setup is automatically processed (8) - MACHINED*
6   - See 21ac 
9   - Reach at Tamil leader and volunteers home (6) - {A}{T}{TA}{IN}
10 - Where haverel wanders off (2,5) - LE HAVRE*
13 - Assume position on union leader tardily (9) - {POST}{U}{LATE}
14 - Model, being pregnant, has gate moved inwards (3-2) - PIN-UP Anno pending (Addendum - (-in)P(+in)IN-UP - See comments)
15 - Woman versifier dismisses American writer (4) - TESS Anno pending (Addendum poeTESS - See comments)
16 - Came to know individual scholar (7,3) - {LEARNED} {MAN}
19 - He has many servers under his charge (4,6) - HEAD WAITER [E]
21 and 6 - Three children fall on the French back-street (8) - {TRIP}{LE}{TS<-}
24 - Vulgarian has small key put in a container (5) - {CA{S}{E}D}
25 - Jog, for example (9) - WATERFALL [CD]
26 - Spells of a cricket match (7) - INNINGS [CD]
27 - Rome is preparing almost identical compound (6) - ISOMER*
28 - Backlash in sport? (4) - GOLF <-
29 - Writer says site is under construction (8) - ESSAYIST*
DOWN
2   - Demonstrates at examinations (7) - {AT}{TESTS}
3   - Near-smash at you and me taking a break (6) - {HIt}{AT}{US}
4   - The peak that David and Anne reached excitedly (5,4) - NANDA DEVI*
5   - Investigate to find fifty-five are drowned in water (5) - {DE{LV}E}
7   - Moderate holds new mantra as poison (7) - {E{N}VEN}{OM}
8   - Will it act to give you the rest you sought? (8,4) - SLEEPING PILL [CD]
11 - Barge like a mall habitué who's lost his head (6) - sHOPPER
12 - Looking for stains? Not exactly! (4-8) - SPOT CHECKING
17 - Spaceships' homestretches? (9) - REENTRIES [CD]
18 - Breaking news about Press chief in land (6) - {SW{ED}EN*}
20 - Depository of a royal army on the border of Lucknow (7) - {A}{R}{SENA}{L}
22 - They guffaw at MGM's lion, for one, as screening begins (7) - ROARERS [CD]
23 - It is not in preference for the abbey (6) - PRIORY [CD] (Addendum - PRIORitY - See comments)
25 - Sweat-out is useless (5) - WASTE*

GRID