Thanks Kishore for the excellent work on CWE-3 and congrats once again to all the participants. I accept the poisoned chalice with the hope that I can live upto the high standards set by CV sir and Kishore. The baton has been handed to me at a perfect time since I am on vacation from 28-02 Nov to attend my sis-in-law’s marriage. So I will (hopefully) have more time to do justice to the task at hand.
Clue writing may not be rocket science but the word I’ve chosen this week definitely is and could not be any more Indian in keeping with the spirit of this contest. So get on the launch pad and let the countdown begin for “MANGALYAAN”. Please note that no other spelling variant of the given word is allowed.
A few guidelines: -
Clue writing may not be rocket science but the word I’ve chosen this week definitely is and could not be any more Indian in keeping with the spirit of this contest. So get on the launch pad and let the countdown begin for “MANGALYAAN”. Please note that no other spelling variant of the given word is allowed.
A few guidelines: -
- Two clues allowed per person but no edits or deletions once entered.
- Closing time 2359 on Friday (31 Oct 14). If things go as per plan I will be posting the results sometime after lunch on 1st Nov.
- Complete annotation mandatory, no matter how obvious.
- I would like to try something different in picking the winners this time. One set of top clues will be picked by me (Critic’s choice if you will) and other set selected by popular vote. For the latter, I request everyone, participants or otherwise, to take the effort to mail me their pick for the top three positions (excluding your own clues, of course) by 1200 noon on 1st Nov 14. Reasons for your choices may be given but not mandatory. Would very much prefer that this is mailed to me and not posted as comments, so that others are not influenced. I will work out some point system (not yet decided) to declare the winners in the popular category as well as the overall top three. My id – anish_madhavan2001@yahoo.co.in
- The privilege (?) of conducting the next contest would go to the overall winner decided by a points system averaging my score and the popular choice score.
- What I am primarily looking for, other than the standard clue writing basics, are seamless surfaces and innovative definitions, which is easier said than done for such words. A dash of humor would definitely be an added bonus.
Happy clueing and hope the response this time round is as enthusiastic as for the earlier CWEs. All the best everyone, let the games begin ….
First -
ReplyDeleteSomething I discovered in the Comments section under CWE - 3.
If you have posted any Comment beyond 200, you won't see it until you click on a pointer in red and underlined at the end - upon which the rest show up.
Fellow and mistress, extremely randy, with a couple of articles, are gone into a spin (10)
ReplyDeleteAny guess as to what things they took along with them.
ReplyDeleteA wag says they are the book and the protective.
Don't know if the FB group OneAC, always on the qui vive, has tackled this word.
ReplyDeleteMohsin had set a clue for MOM .
DeleteThere was another game Spaces set by our admin Martin , on the next day of the launch :) Don't remember if any of the members clued Mangalyaan.
LV
DeleteThanks for your response. It's so kind of you.
I am a very casual visitor there. The clues come too thick and fast and as I already spend much time in crossword sites. So I am deliberately keeping myself away from that lest my wife, searching for me, should put a notice in the LOST classifieds.
Plus 1 - for LV's comments above - We had a fantastic time cluing all kinds of words related to Space and the ISRO scientist himself did quite a few:) We would certainly look forward to some more rationing of your time at 1AC - your wife wouldn't need advertise, she just needs to look for the 1 across:)
DeleteIndian scientists' probe into bar (10)
ReplyDeleteJust thought I would stray into the BL Brand Crossword setter's territory!
ReplyDeleteFunny you should, say that:) Had recently clued "Space for chocolate (5,3)"
DeleteAs I quickly wrote that first clue, I envisioned only the mistress being randy, but finally, with all those commas carefully placed, I think that both man and miss may be considered being as such.
ReplyDeleteCV,
ReplyDeleteMaddy wants the annotations also
Sorry, adding them...
ReplyDeleteFellow and mistress, extremely randy, with a couple of articles, are gone into a spin (10)
MAN GAL [rand]Y A AN
"[...]gone into a spin" - def
Indian scientists' probe into bar (10)
A CD for the MOM. Cryptic ref. to the chocolate.
My first:
ReplyDeleteMOM's vehicle: Where a man may embrace any gal when both are sozzled (10)
M(ANGALY*)AAN*
Meant to read like a definition from The Devil's Dictionary (Ambrose Bierce) which is full of tongue in cheek definitions. MOM's vehicle is the thing being defined and also stands for Mars Orbital Mission, ie. MOM's vehicle Mangalyaan. A MAN and ANY GAL are both sozzled (an ind being applied to two fodders using both). Embrace is the wrapping indicator for putting AMAN* around ANYGAL*. Meant to evoke last scene of The Spy Who Loved Me, where Bond has just splashed down in a space capsule and is 'making out' with the aptly named Russian agent 'Triple X'.
The dialogue (courtesy IMDb) goes:
M: 007!
General Anatol Gogol: Triple X!
Sir Frederick Gray, Minister of Defence: Bond! What do you think you're doing?
James Bond: Keeping the British end up, sir.
No wonder, in that movie, the actor who played BOND was ROGER MO(o)RE ;-). Of course, he does not make them Moms...
My second:
ReplyDeleteAfter impure metal is taken away from Mangalore, unknown leaders of ADE and NASA make spacecraft (10)
MANGALORE(-ore)+Y+Ade And Nasa= MANGALYAAN = spacecraft
After is for surface and also acts a positioning indicator to place YAAN.
I find that ADE is Aeronautical Development Establishment.
ReplyDeleteGeneral question
ReplyDeleteDo we come across in UK crosswords this device of selecting the initial letter from an acrnym/abbr.?
I used ADE and NASA since I wanted A and N with some institution which is connected with aircraft/spacecraft technology so that the surface looks plausible. I do not know if it is an accepted device.
DeleteMOM in adult party ? Young inside and active at end of autumn (10)
ReplyDeleteMOM - Definition
Adult - Man
Party - Gala
Young - Y
Inside - container indicator
Active - A
End of Autumn - M
MAN GAL (Y) A A N
Typo - End of Autumn is N .. Don't want to delete and repost
DeleteMom gets multiple articles about girl(10)
ReplyDeleteGal in Many A AN
No coming back after barbecue in the Middle East with entry of a space traveller (10)
ReplyDeleteDef: a space traveller
No=NAY coming back = YAN with entry of a = YAAN
Mangal = barbecue in Turkish/Persian
MANGAL YAAN.
Article found behind Angamaly building is a product of Indian science (10)
ReplyDelete(ANGAMALY)* + AN. Angamaly - a place in Kerala (Kochi airport is in Angamaly)
Nice anagram. Is this Ssv?
DeleteYes
DeleteJust his real Avtaar, Rainmon:)
DeleteSSV - Space Shuttle Vehicle?? ;-)
DeleteIndian space mission chap orbited a new spiral galaxy, blowing a kiss (10)
ReplyDeleteM (a n galya*-x) AN
A layman creatively described gravity with an Indian spacecraft (10)
ReplyDelete(A lAYMAN)* around G + AN
Nag a layman in India and see him shooting away to Mars(10) anagram
ReplyDeletea couple of 'layman' clues already!
ReplyDeleteLayman trained to get a proper hang (not hard!) of spacecraft (10)
M(A NGA(-h)* )LYAAN*
"Layman trained" = MLYAAN (anagram of LAYMAN)
"to get" = containment indicator
"a" = A
"proper hang (not hard!)" = NGA (anagram of HANG - H)
"of" = connector
"spacecraft" = definition
Indian Clan on an Indian vehicle goes around Mars(10)
ReplyDeleteIndian Clan = Mangal (It's a Clan or GOTRA of the Agrawals)
Indian Vehicle = Yaan
goes around Mars = Def
Second attempt:
ReplyDeleteJapanese comic lay-out an inspiration for the scientifically inclined (10)
MANGA LYA* AN
"Japanese comic" = MANGA
"lay-out" = LYA (anagram)
"an" = AN
"inspiration ..." = definition
I exactly wrote the same clue .. instead of lay out made it as lay scattered , then could not connect it to definition . left it
DeleteThrowing my hat in! My two attempts:
ReplyDelete1) Guy's sure on buying girl a new and powerful vehicle (10)
2) Guy certainly captivates girl with a new and powerful vehicle (10)
MAN (Guy) + YA (certainly/sure) around (on buying/ captivates) GAL (girl) + A N(ew)
Clue no. 1:
ReplyDeleteCreative Narayan’s Malgudi outing oddly rescued his celestial craft (10)
(Putting the annotation in a follow-up to give those interested a chance to parse it themselves!)
Annotation for clue no. 1:
DeleteCreative Narayan’s Malgudi outing oddly rescued his celestial craft (10)
{NArAYAN’s MALGudi}*
anind - Creative
deletion indicator - outing ‘oddly’ ReScUeD hIs (deletions in order, so no anind needed)
definition - celestial craft
Clue no. 2:
ReplyDeleteMary, Ngaio, Alice, Yann, Anita - each one's first offerings revealed a truly celestial craft (10)
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAnnotation for clue no. 2:
DeleteMary, Ngaio, Alice, Yann, Anita - each one's first offerings revealed a truly celestial craft (10)
First two letters (“first offerings”) of each name spell out the answer, for which “celestial craft” is the definition. [All the names are first names of famous writers - Mary (Shelley), Ngaio (Marsh), Alice (Walker), Yann (Martel), Anita (Desai).]
I deleted my earlier annotation post as I had made an error in re-typing the clue. I hope this does not infringe the rule set by the 'quizmaster' about deletions (the main post with the clue has not been deleted).
DeleteHow does "first offerings" indicate first two letters from each word?
DeleteI intended "first offerings" to mean the first [few things] offered by each word; the exact number is a function of the number of words in the answer. Clearly, intent didn't translate into impact! :)
DeleteThis was an excellent idea as much care has gone in executing it by selecting the names of writers,
DeleteHowever, I too thought that the term "first offerings" is not quite adequate for the solver to pick up two letters. Well, if in a clue we needed to pick two/three letters from A SINGLE word, that might have been somewhat acceptable. But here we need to pick up from multiple words and so the plural stands for that operation.
Trust what I have written is clear.
Maddy might excuse me if I ask Abhay to submit a revised version to fix the problem that the Col first broached.
To respect the rules, the revised clue may be kept out of the shortlist/podium lists.
Thank you for the feedback, DG and CV. In retrospect, the clue could have worked if I had made it "...first couple of offerings..." - it would have clarified the wordplay without changing the surface reading. (This is, of course, not intended as an amendment to the submitted clue.)
DeleteAs an aside: I wonder whether any of the regular setters do beta-testing of their clues.
Lots of protection for woman on a hollow American-Indian spacecraft (10)
ReplyDeleteLots of - MANY
Protection for - Containment indicator
Woman - gal
hollow American - AN
Indian Spacecraft - Definition
MAN(GAL)Y A AN
Numerous articles covered girl's mission - its success made India proud (10)
ReplyDeleteMAN Y + A + AN outside GAL
1) With Yin's complementary force, heartless Mandala managed India's space vehicle (10)
ReplyDeleteYin's complementary force - YANG
heartless Mandala - MAN[-d]ALA
managed - Anagram Indicator
Defn: this space vehicle (YANG+MANALA)* = MANGALYAAN
2) In orbit around the Red Planet, confused Bangash brothers give up alapana's ends for light ghazal openers (10)
confused - Anagram Indicator
Bangash brothers - AMAAN-AYAAN
give up AlapanA's ends = -AA
for light ghazal openers = +LG
Defn: (it's) in orbit around the Red Planet = (AM[-aa]N AYAAN LG)* = MANGALYAAN
Indirect anagrams are tough to crack
DeleteA contraption from ISRO cracked any anagram by changing hands (10)
ReplyDeleteDef: A contraption from ISRO
(any anagram)* with L replacing R
Very nice
DeleteYou mean if Mr V, the grumpy old man, operated it, the contraption won't throw up the anagram, but if Miss R, the young, attractive, sprightly woman does, it will? !!!
DeleteGood one.
DeleteMOM endlessly nags any Lama differently (10)
ReplyDelete(nags-s any lama)*
In crossword clues,in surface we do use false capitalization.
ReplyDeleteClues which use MOM as def require that acronym to be considered as 'mom' (meaning mother) in surface reading.
What is your take on this?
This question of mine is similar to an earlier one - I had asked whether we can be asked to pick up the initial letter from an acronym/abbr.
Here I am asking whether an acronym - which is OK as def - can be expected to lose the capitals as part of surface reading.
Trust I have expressed clearly what I have in mind.
Not sure if it all works, but anyway ...
ReplyDeleteOne's had a taste of Mars bar beginning to melt, an M&M, and a Galaxy all in an assortment; leaving Kiss aside for the night (10)
def - one's had a taste of Mars ( the spacecraft ... a bit cryptic ... like a taste of the whip/a taste of work etc. )
bar beginning to (m)elt - remove M
fodder - AN M (and) M (and) A GALAXY - M
all in an assortment - all the components are anagrammed together
leaving Kiss aside for the night - replace X with N
The fellow will follow up any changes involving American space mission.
ReplyDeleteThe fellow- man. follow- lag[reversal of gal] up being the rev.ind. changes anagind for any[fodder] involving American A Space mission-def
Mars explorer's affirmative article on island's measure(10)
ReplyDeleteThe surface is intended to convey something ( left unsaid) spoils the positive article written by an explorer about a course of action undertaken by the island's natives
Cryptic reading
Mars explorer = Defn
's = is = Link word
Affirmative = Ya
Article = An
On = Connector
island = Man ( isle of Man )
measure = gal ( Gallon )
Indian craft Mangal Pandey ultimately accepted to hang centrally (10)
ReplyDeleteIndian craft = Definition = {MANGAL}{(-pande)Y}{A}{(-h)AN(-g)}
Mangal = MANGAL
Pandey ultimately = Y
accepted = A
to
hang centrally = (-h)AN(-g)
Second Attempt:
ReplyDeleteHe needs a string of aluminium and unknown quantity of articles to make an Indian space craft. (10)
Indian Space craft = Def
He = Man
String = G
Aluminium = AL
Unknown quantity = Y
Articles = A, AN
MOM employee joyous about youth's article.
ReplyDeleteMOM= Def.
employee: MAN
joyous about youth's : GAL(Y)A
article: AN
MAN GAL(Y)A AN
XYZ Down: Many great and learned heads participated, in South Sriharikota at a final countdown of our spacecraft (10)
ReplyDeleteG A L (heads) participated = entered = Got inside MANY. South (Sriharokota) = A + A + Final countdowN = MAN(G A L)Y A A N = our (Indian)Spacecraft
2. Man! A new swirling galaxy's crashed in, destroying bridge of our spacecraft! (10)
Swirling GALAXY* = GALYAX* . Destroying "bridge" = remove X (bridge) = (GALYA*). Crashed in = GALYA* going into MAN + A N (new) = MAN(GALYA*)A A N = our (Indian) spacecraft
Just elaborating on XYZ Down:
DeleteG(reat) A(nd) L(earned) (heads) participated = entered = Got inside MANY= MAN(GAL)Y. South (Sriharokota) = A + A + Final countdowN = MAN(G A L)Y A A N = our (Indian)Spacecraft
Down Clue::
ReplyDelete1. Many arranged to take a pradakshina around ascendant (lagna), prepared for Mars transit (10)
(MANY A)*<<<<( L A G N A <<)
Arranged - Anagrind
pradakshina around - Content indicator for (Many a)* going around (ANGAL)
Ascendant - Reversal indicator (also, the English term for Lagna)
Definition - (it was) Prepared for Mars transit
The surface seeks to convey the diversity of India, a bit tongue in cheek While we successfully complete the Mars mission, we also simultaneously have temples offering "remedies" every time planets - transit in our horoscopes and people seeking them. No complaints- we are what we are and proudly so.
:)
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMy Second
DeleteMOM conceived by Maylswami Annadurai brains, national leader happy about first launch accepted as top execution ultimately (10)
MOM – Definition
Maylswami Annadurai brains – M A
National leader – N
Happy – Gay
About – container indicator
First launch – L
Accepted – A
As top – A
Execution ultimately – N
The enormity of what I ve got into has only hit home now. 33 clues from 21 clue writers and still counting! I was busy travelling yesterday so have been able to read the submissions only now. I must admit there are a few beauts already and also some great ideas perhaps let down somewhat by clunky and crosswordsy surfaces. I seem to have underestimated the hustle bustle of a marriage house when I thought that I will have more time during this vacation. Anyways I am now collating all the clues in a word document now and will write the critiques as and when I mange time and post them in batches.
ReplyDeleteMy take on CV sir's two queries -
ReplyDelete1. I personally don't have any issues in choosing first letters from an acronym since they are written without any spacing though I am not aware as to what is the accepted convention is in this regard.
2, I did expect lot of MOM clues for this word and false capitalisation is inescapable for it to stand as a defn. I will therefore accept MOM to convey Mom in surface reading though it would be great if a clue could use MOM creatively in the surface to express shock or anger with something like "MOM! that's crazy"or "What were you thinking MOM?" . In such cases the uppercase would blend more naturally with the surface and convey the impression of shouting or incredulity on the speaker's part . Similar to online chat convention where text written in uppercase is equated to shouting.
First Clue:
ReplyDeleteAnang Malya Mars mission.
Mission= Definition
Anang Malya = Anagram Fodder
Mars = Anagram indicator. It may be on double duty, being part of the definition too.
I don't know whether such clues work. First I thought to write the clue as ' Anang Malya mars the Mars mission' but the clue i presented above seemed more appropriate, at least, it seemed so to my inexperienced eyes.
Second Try:
ReplyDeleteMom adorns Manya in part of South Indian Dress (10)
Mom= Def
Adorns = Anagrind
Manya goes in Langa (Part of South Indian dress)
My second clue (Down clue) :
ReplyDeleteWork to follow up with any organisation covering American space program(10)
MAN -Work LAG - Follow ( up is GAL) ANY*( organisation- anagind) covering A (American)
Space program - Definition
And err.. a shorter attempt!
ReplyDeleteA good number taken aback by a layman flying this spacecraft (10)
MA(NGA<-)LYAAN*
My second clue
ReplyDeleteServant maid along with Doctor Ayan was sent to probe our neighbour (10)
Servant = man
maid = girl = gal
along with = connector
Doctor = Angrind
Ayan = fodder (yaan)
was sent to probe our neighbour = defn
Rocket with a strong flavour (after opening) is put in a layman's salad (10)
ReplyDelete{M (tANG) ALYAAN*}
First clue:
ReplyDeleteRaga Yaman played without lead, to inspire learner with new impressive craft (10)
Wordplay: {([r]AGA YAMAN)* around i.e. to inspire L (learner)} + N (new)
Defn: impressive craft (skill on the surface, vehicle in the cryptic)
This way 'Y' also could be removed?
Delete@Raghunath: Yes! I changed the draft version that had the deletion indicator before "Raga", for a better surface - and missed the cost to the cryptic.
DeleteSecond clue:
ReplyDeleteMan, I must quit Indian streets to become a space traveller! (10)
Wordplay: MAN + GALIYAAN (streets in Hindi) - I
Defn: a space traveller
OK, "galiyaan" is not an English dictionary word but the "chhod aaye hum wo galiyaan" parallel was irresistible :-)
Since we are clueing Indian words in English and since this is a CWE for fun by a community (with no Editor with his specs sheet and blue pencil around), I think we can use Indian words to indicate components. Indeed many others here seem to have done that. And 'gali' and its plural form are widely known - right up the street of a self-admitted non-Hindi fellow like me.
DeleteVery innovative clue!
DeleteJust to mark my attendance here !
ReplyDeleteAman and Ayan play regularly jugalbandhi into outer space on this !
Aman and Ayan play jugalbandhi-- anagrind--G and L from juGaLbandhi (regularly)
How is anyone to decide that G and L are to be taken?
DeleteG & L regularly? This is mystically cryptic, isn't it? Maajor surgface reading has been covered?
DeleteThere is nothing regular in the way you have selected G & L from 'jugalbandhi' G comes after two alphabets then L after one alphabet and then there are 6 alpahbets left
DeleteTake a gander at 16 across in yesterday's 11227, by Arden. Some liberty to be taken to let the solver to seek and find !!
DeleteRaju that had a letter taken after every two letters, which is regular, unlike your clue, I don't understand why you cannot accept that the device used by you is flawed.
DeleteA new gay animal without me orbited the spacecraft (10)
ReplyDeletethe spacecraft = def,
orbited = anagram indicator
new = N
me = I
A N GAY ANIMAL (-i) = anagram fodder
in the above please add, without is deletion indicator
DeleteHe, she back regular neat lady -- MOM!!! (10)
ReplyDeleteAnno:
He -- Man
She -- Gal
NeAt lAdY <--
Man + gal + ya + an -- MOM!
Clue no.1
ReplyDeleteDamaged Goods lying on the seafloor taken by a person of Mesoamerican civilization raised my curiosity,perhaps(10)
Curiosity,perhaps - definition (curiosity rover)
A person of Mesoamerican civilisation - Mayan : raised my --> Myaan
Goods lying on the seafloor - Lagan: Damaged - Anagrind angal
Taken by - containment indicator - M(angal)*yaan
Clue No. 2
ReplyDeleteVikram Sarabhai's better half or his brainchild's precious mom (10)
DD
Vikram Sarabhai is Father of India's Space Programme. So his better half is Mother (or MOM) - :) lol!
An Indian bird is joyful on launch of Mars Mission vehicle (10)
ReplyDeleteAn-An
Indian bird - Myna
joyful-gala
on launch - anagind
Defn Mars Mission vehicle
This is my second clue
I'm amazed at the multifarious choices on the platter ! May lead to mental dyspepsia !!
ReplyDelete(1) Amala, with new Hindi knowledge,irritated space explorer (10)
ReplyDeleteirritated - AnagrInd
Amala+n(ew)+gyan (Hindi for knowledge) - Anagram fodder
Definition: Indian space explorer - MANGALYAAN*
Clue 1:
ReplyDeleteDistraught monsieur Glynn achieves four ayes reportedly for a ticket to outer space(10)
Distraught - anagram indicator
monsiuer = M
four ayes reportedly = AAAA
(M+GLYNN+AAAA) = MANGALYAAN = a ticket to outer space !
Clue 2:
ReplyDeleteAnn and her amygdala poorer by 500 manage a ride to Mars(10)
ANN + AMYGDALA
500 = D
manage = anagram indicator
(ANN+AMYGDALA - D)= MANGALAYAAN = a ride to Mars!
Well, this exercise turned out to be much tougher than I expected and here comes the first instalment. Please take it with a pinch of salt ‘coz I certainly ain’t no expert and my views are totally subjective. For instance if I was the judge of CWE-2, VJ would have been doing this, not me.
ReplyDeleteVinod Raman’s clue can be slightly modified to best describe my efforts- “A layman creatively described clues with half-baked knowledge.” Please feel free clarify in case I’ve misunderstood any of the clues or if you don’t agree with my interpretation. Also, apologies in advance if my critique comes across as curt or dismissive to anyone. Hands on heart, that has not been the intention.
Now that the disclaimers are dealt with, let me explain the method in madness. This may be a fun exercise for everyone, but the question I ve asked myself while reviewing each clue is ‘will it stand its ground in any published crossword grid?’ Further, I may not have shortlisted some perfectly fine clues only because there were other ones (for me) with better story telling surfaces. For single letter indicators I refer The Chambers, I’ve no answer other than a sheepish grin to the question - why only Chambers?
Chaturvasi
ReplyDelete1. Fellow and mistress, extremely randy, with a couple of articles, are gone into a spin (10)
MAN GAL [rand]Y A AN
"[...]gone into a spin" – def
I liked the allusions in the surface but not very convinced with the definition. Also, mistress = gal is one step too far for me.
2. Indian scientists' probe into bar (10)
A CD for the MOM. Cryptic ref. to the chocolate
I like a good CD if/when the penny drops and I do get the bar = space reference. My issue with this clue is that it may be too generic and equally applicable for any other effort by our Indian space scientists other than Mangalyaan
Kishore
3. MOM's vehicle: Where a man may embrace any gal when both are sozzled (10)
M(ANGALY*)AAN*
First of the MOM clues and one of the best, if not for the definition. I may be wrong but I think Mangalyaan is not MOM”s vehicle but MOM itself. PSLV would be MOM/Mangalyaan’s vehicle. This is what keeps it out of the shortlist since vehicle is pivotal to the clue but padding IMO. If any one more knowledgeable can prove it otherwise, this will certainly enter the shortlist.
4. After impure metal is taken away from Mangalore, unknown leaders of ADE and NASA make spacecraft (10)
MANGALORE(-ore)+Y+Ade And Nasa= MANGALYAAN = spacecraft
No such ambiguities about this one. (Mangalore – ore) is a great find and the clue has a nice story telling surface right out of a sci-fi tale. Like already stated, I don’t have any issues with taking the initial letters from acronyms, though I am not sure what the normal convention is. SHORTLISTED
Shrikanth
5. MOM in adult party ? Young inside and active at end of autumn (10)
MOM – Definition Adult – Man Party - Gala Young – Y Inside - container indicator
Active - A End of Autumn - M , MAN GAL (Y) A A N
I really liked the first part of the clue and ‘man gala’ for adult party is a great touch. But the second part of the clue lets it down. Liked the thought process and wish the second half of the surface was bit more refined which would have made it a great clue. Further, though I’ve seen it used before, not sure about Y= young bit.
Maddy I accept your views. In case it was missed - I used 'end of autumn' as something late ( in life maybe ) . that's how I thought the surface would make sense. Y for young is in Chambers XWD Dict.
DeleteShrikanth, thanks for responding. I did get where you were going with 'end of autumn', but the sentence did not read very natural to me. Again, it's more a reflection of my idiosyncrasies than the quality of the clue. Regarding Y= young also, I do know that it is used in crosswords, but it is not there in the regular BRB I have nor do I think ( not 100% sure though) that it is used in crosswords like The Times. I don't have the Chambers Xwd dict.
Delete6. MOM conceived by Maylswami Annadurai brains, national leader happy about first launch accepted as top execution ultimately (10)
ReplyDeleteMOM – Definition, Maylswami Annadurai brains – M A, National leader – N, Happy – Gay, About – container indicator, First launch – L, Accepted – A, As top – A
Execution ultimately – N
Too many things going on here and five separate letter pick up indicators in one clue is four too many. I did like the attempt to make it topical by using Maylswami Annadurai but then again am not convinced with brains as an initial letter indicator.
I would highly recommend this article by Alberich on letter indicators to anyone interested in clue writing. I always go back to it when in doubt regarding letter indicators Alberich
Ajeesh
7. Mom gets multiple articles about girl(10)
Gal in Many A AN
Multiple for many is a nice touch but ‘gets’ is not a valid link word here and may not be accepted in any standard crossword. Further, MOM has to be in caps for it to qualify as the definition. I can’t put it better than what Shuchi has written in her blog about this and I quote :-
“The setter can tweak the initial from lowercase to uppercase in any word to dress it up as a proper noun, but can't do the reverse (i.e. change uppercase to lowercase) to disguise a proper noun.”
8. Indian space mission chap orbited a new spiral galaxy, blowing a kiss (10)
M (a n galya*-x) AN
Liked the wordplay here specially the ‘galaxy blowing a kiss’ bit, But I don’t think ‘spiral’ by itself works as an anagram indicator. It can mean wind, twist etc but requires something like spiral out of control to indicate rearrangement.
Sreeni
9. No coming back after barbecue in the Middle East with entry of a space traveller (10)
Def: a space traveller, No=NAY coming back = YAN with entry of a = YAAN
Mangal = barbecue in Turkish/Persian, MANGAL YAAN.
Mangal for Barbecue is not new to me since that’s what it is called in Russian also, a language I have smattering knowledge of though I didn’t know it had its roots in Persian. The word is found in standard dictionaries including Chambers so is perfectly fair. Although Sreeni has given defn as “a space traveller’ in which case ‘a’ is doing double duty, I will ignore that and take ‘space traveller’ as the defn with ’a’ as part of word play. Without further ado this goes into the SHORTLIST
10. Article found behind Angamaly building is a product of Indian science (10)
(ANGAMALY)* + AN. Angamaly - a place in Kerala (Kochi airport is in Angamaly)
Once again, though Angamaly may not be that well known, the fact that it has an intl airport makes it fair IMO. The fact that I live just 40 kms away at Cochin and frequent the airport more often than I care to doesn’t hurt either. The unique anagram fodder and the seamless surface sends this one also into the SHORTLIST
Thanks Maddy for the incisive analysis. You are right, definition is "space traveller"
DeleteVinod Raman
ReplyDelete11. A layman creatively described gravity with an Indian spacecraft (10)
(A lAYMAN)* around G + AN
For some strange reason, the first thought that came to my mind on reading this clue was Aamir Khan’s “What is a machine” scene from three idiots and the smile stayed on my face for some time. By far the best clue from the “layman” lot and without doubt a worthy contender. SHORTLISTED
12. A contraption from ISRO cracked any anagram by changing hands (10)
Def: A contraption from ISRO
(any anagram)* with L replacing R
Any clue which uses “anagram” as an anagram fodder can’t go wrong which coupled with a perfect definition makes it top drawer stuff. Me thinks the contraption has biometrics fitted and will work only with authorised ‘hands’. Without a doubt SHORTLISTED
pavalamani pragasam
13. Nag a layman in India and see him shooting away to Mars(10) anagram
Thanks Maa’m for contributing but I am not sure what the anagram indicator or what ‘in India’ is doing in the cryptic reading
Mohsin
14. Layman trained to get a proper hang (not hard!) of spacecraft (10)
M(A NGA(-h)* )LYAAN*
"Layman trained" = MLYAAN (anagram of LAYMAN)"to get" = containment indicator
"a" = A "proper hang (not hard!)" = NGA (anagram of HANG - H) "of" = connector
"spacecraft" = definition
Not totally convinced about ‘proper’ as anagrind, otherwise the clue is perfectly fine but it lacks that extra something for me to make the shortlist.
15. Japanese comic lay-out an inspiration for the scientifically inclined (10)
MANGA LYA* AN "Japanese comic" = MANGA "lay-out" = LYA (anagram) "an" = AN "inspiration ..." = definition
I used to follow some Manga comics during college days so this clue brings back memories. Good definition is an added bonus. Though a colon or hyphen after lay-out would better the surface this goes to the SHORTLIST while I give it some more thought.
Vinod Raman's two wonderful clues makes me wonder why he quit setting as "Texturous"
DeleteMy second Clue:
ReplyDeleteWithout current layman again assembled the spacecraft (10)
Without = deletion indicator
current = I
layman again = anagram fodder
assembled = anagram indicator
spacecraft = definition
Nice reviews Maddy
ReplyDelete+1
Delete+2
DeleteAmerican Indian civilisation have a confused directionless angel, but have a craft that will take them to Mars.
ReplyDeleteCraft- Def.
American Indian civilisation- Mayan
Have - container indicator
Confused directionless angel- (ANGEL-E)*
Laxman
ReplyDelete16. Indian Clan on an Indian vehicle goes around Mars(10)
Indian Clan = Mangal (It's a Clan or GOTRA of the Agrawals)Indian Vehicle = Yaan, goes around Mars = Def
Indian clan for Mangal is acceptable considering the spirit of the contest but Yaan for vehicle is weak and non-cryptic since that’s what it means in the actual definition also
17. He needs a string of aluminium and unknown quantity of articles to make an Indian space craft. (10)
Indian Space craft = Def, He = Man, String = G, Aluminium = AL, Unknown quantity = Y, Articles = A, AN
Nice creative surface but too many padding for the clue to be technically sound.
Shyam
18. Guy's sure on buying girl a new and powerful vehicle (10)
19. Guy certainly captivates girl with a new and powerful vehicle (10)
MAN (Guy) + YA (certainly/sure) around (on buying/ captivates) GAL (girl) + A N(ew)
I liked the second one better and it goes into the SHORTLIST though the clue could have been bettered with a more out of the box definition.
Abhay
20. Creative Narayan’s Malgudi outing oddly rescued his celestial craft (10)
{NArAYAN’s MALGudi}*
anind – Creative, deletion indicator - outing ‘oddly’ ReScUeD hIs (deletions in order, so no anind needed), definition - celestial craft
It is obvious that lot of hard work has gone into framing this clue and most of it works sufficiently well to enter the SHORTLIST.
21. Mary, Ngaio, Alice, Yann, Anita - each one's first offerings revealed a truly celestial craft (10)
First two letters (“first offerings”) of each name spell out the answer, for which “celestial craft” is the definition. [All the names are first names of famous writers - Mary (Shelley), Ngaio (Marsh), Alice (Walker), Yann (Martel), Anita (Desai).]
Once again a clue with lot of research put in with the added bonus that all the authors ( other than Ngaio Marsh (for me at least)) are well known. But as already brought out, “first offerings” to pick up the first two letters from many words is not fair and is unlikely to clear any crossword editor’s desk.
Srivathsan Santhanam
ReplyDelete22. Lots of protection for woman on a hollow American-Indian spacecraft (10)
Lots of – MANY, Protection for - Containment indicator, Woman – gal, hollow American – AN, Indian Spacecraft - Definition MAN(GAL)Y A AN
The ‘a’ is a padding in the clue and that lets it down specially ‘coz it is next to a letter pickinh device
VJ
23. Numerous articles covered girl's mission - its success made India proud (10)
MAN Y + A + AN outside GAL
Nice surface and unfussy word play. I am only unsure about MANY being split by GAL. I may be wrong but according to me word play indicates MANY(GAL)AAN or MANYA(GAL)AN.
Nadathur Rajan
24. With Yin's complementary force, heartless Mandala managed India's space vehicle (10)
Yin's complementary force – YANG, heartless Mandala - MAN[-d]ALA, managed - Anagram Indicator, Defn: this space vehicle (YANG+MANALA)* = MANGALYAAN
25. In orbit around the Red Planet, confused Bangash brothers give up alapana's ends for light ghazal openers (10)
confused - Anagram Indicator, Bangash brothers - AMAAN-AYAAN, give up AlapanA's ends = -AA, for light ghazal openers = +LG, Defn: (it's) in orbit around the Red Planet = (AM[-aa]N AYAAN LG)* = MANGALYAAN
I did like the surface of the second clue but indirect Anagrams no matter how enticing the surface or unambiguous the fodder, is a strict No-No for any standard cryptic crosswords.
Aakash Sridhar
26. One's had a taste of Mars bar beginning to melt, an M&M, and a Galaxy all in an assortment; leaving Kiss aside for the night (10)
def - one's had a taste of Mars ( the spacecraft ... a bit cryptic ... like a taste of the whip/a taste of work etc. ), bar beginning to (m)elt - remove M, fodder - AN M (and) M (and) A GALAXY – M, all in an assortment - all the components are anagrammed together, leaving Kiss aside for the night - replace X with N
This is a clue of two halves, great first half including definition, the lift and separate of Mars bar as well as how ‘bar beginning to melt’ has been used to indicate deletion of ‘M’ . But the second half is too convoluted and N= night is new for me, Noon yes but Night, I don’t think so. A pity since the clue had great potential IMO
Ranger
27. The fellow will follow up any changes involving American space mission.
The fellow- man. follow- lag[reversal of gal] up being the rev.ind. changes anagind for any[fodder] involving American A Space mission-def
Nice attempt but ‘Will’ is a padding and the surface isn’t exciting enough to justify or ignore it.
Maddy, if I'm not wrong, a word to be inserted can go between any of the 2 or 3 components that's on the outside. I remember reading an article on this same subject on crosswordunclued... Unable to find the link readily.
DeleteYes, a word can be inserted between any of the 2 or 3 components, but my issue was it being inserted between a word in a series of 2or 3 components when the inserticator comes after the series. So for me, MANY(GAL)A AN or MANYA(GAL)AN is correct but not MAN(GAL)Y A AN for which the clue should be "Numerous covered girl articles mission - its success made India proud". I may be wrong and perhaps Shuchi or some one equally knowledgeable can clarify this.
DeleteAakash @26
DeleteKnight could be used for N.
Maddy, this is the article I was referring to.
Deletehttp://www.crosswordunclued.com/2012/11/3-segment-container-clues.html
Thanks, VJ. I had also consulted Shuchi and she confirmed that it is an acceptable, though highly debated device. So, thanks to you a lesson learnt today. Nothing else stops it from entering the SHORTLIST now.
DeleteRamesh J
ReplyDelete28. Mars explorer's affirmative article on island's measure(10)
Mars explorer = Defn, 's = is = Link word, Affirmative = Ya, Article = An, On = Connector, island = Man ( isle of Man ), measure = gal ( Gallon )
Refreshing to see Gal being clued as something other than woman. However, for me Island’s measures doesn’t sufficiently convey ‘measures taken by inhabitants of the Island’ , which is what I am supposing Ramesh intended.
Deepak Gopinath
29. Indian craft Mangal Pandey ultimately accepted to hang centrally (10)
Indian craft = Definition = {MANGAL}{(-pande)Y}{A}{(-h)AN(-g)}, Mangal = MANGAL
Pandey ultimately = Y, accepted = A, to hang centrally = (-h)AN(-g)
Evocative surface but I see two problems. One, almost half the answer is given gratis, second more serious one, To Hang centrally gives me (-t)OHAN(-g) or (-to)HA(-ng)
C G Bhargav
30. MOM employee joyous about youth's article.
MOM= Def., employee: MAN, joyous about youth's : GAL(Y)A, article: AN, MAN GAL(Y)A AN
Is MOM supposed to mean Mother in the surface? In that case an apostrophe is missing. Also, don’t think Gala and Joyous are not synonyms.
Raghunath
31. XYZ Down: Many great and learned heads participated, in South Sriharikota at a final countdown of our spacecraft (10)
G A L (heads) participated = entered = Got inside MANY. South (Sriharokota) = A + A + Final countdowN = MAN(G A L)Y A A N = our (Indian)Spacecraft
What is XYZ Down? The surface reading is first class but the cryptic element does not work that well. The clue as worded does not imply insertion of GAL in Many but that of GAL in South Sriharikota. the intrusive ‘in’ is the main culprit. Further, three letter picking devices in one clue is not advisable.
32. Man! A new swirling galaxy's crashed in, destroying bridge of our spacecraft! (10)
Swirling GALAXY* = GALYAX* . Destroying "bridge" = remove X (bridge) = (GALYA*). Crashed in = GALYA* going into MAN + A N (new) = MAN(GALYA*)A A N = our (Indian) spacecraft
This evokes a scene reminiscent of the blockbuster movie Gravity but how is a bridge = X.
Sowmya
33. Many arranged to take a pradakshina around ascendant (lagna), prepared for Mars transit (10)
(MANY A)*<<<<( L A G N A <<)
Arranged - Anagrind
pradakshina around - Content indicator for (Many a)* going around (ANGAL)
Ascendant - Reversal indicator (also, the English term for Lagna)
Definition - (it was) Prepared for Mars transit
Two absolute gems here - the unique inserticator and use of ascendant(lagna). Had to check the wiki page to understand the latter. However, I don’t quite understand how ‘A’ is part of the anagram fodder as you have indicated. At best I can explain it as two inserticators with ‘to take’ for (MANY)* around ‘A’, and ‘pradikshina around’ for MYAAN around ANGAL. But the second one does not work cryptically without another action verb. So although this was one of my favourite clues, I can’t shortlist it.
in 22 [ "Lots of protection for woman on a hollow American-Indian spacecraft" ], "a" isn't padding. It is the 3rd last letter in MANGALYAAN
DeleteAnd in 29 [...."to hang centrally"], I believe 'to' is the link word [X to Y --> XY], and 'hang centrally' = AN
Thanks Mohsin for pointing out the snafu on my part in # 22. Unconditional apologies to the setter for the mistake. In #29 I still think 'to' is detrimental to the clue, even though it may act as a link word as pointed out by you. Thanks again for the inputs.
DeleteForgot to add, with that sorted out No. 22 enters the SHORTLIST. Lots of protection for woman...hmm I can imagine the possibilities. They sure must be having lot of spare time to while away when not space walking. SS, now you know whom to blame in case you end up judging CWE-5
DeleteAgree with Mohsin's views ...
DeleteSounds like the story of the Manglik couple on an out-of-the-world trip (10)
ReplyDeleteHomonym of Man and gal yarn
34. Spinning Indian new ascendant
ReplyDeleteIndian new = naya
Indian ascendant = lagnam
New ascendant also refers to Mangalyaan
Spinning = agi
(2) Fancy! Namgyal, with a couple of articles, in a spin around Mars (10)
ReplyDeleteNamgyal*+A,AN = {MANGALY*}{A/AN} (it's) in a spin around Mars
Fancy! - AnagrInd
Thanks for your feedback Maddy. I had intended it as the latter interpretation given by you, to take, indicating that "a" also goes into the anagram fodder.
ReplyDeleteAfter posting this version, I felt I could have done away with the "take a" and used pradakshina as an anagrind instead of as inserticator..
So, here's my second entry, if you would consider it..
Many a pradakshina around ascendant (lagna), prepared for Mars transit (10)
(MANY A)*<<<<( L A G N A <<)
Pradakshina - Anagrind
Around - Content indicator for (Many a)* going around (ANGAL)
Ascendant - Reversal indicator (also, the English term for Lagna)
Definition - (it was) Prepared for Mars transit
I can't forgo the no edit rule but we can work around it by considering this as your second entry. fair enough? Pradikshina can work as an inserticator but I am not sure it works as an anagrind since it means circumambulation or walking around and don't indicate rearrangement.
DeleteThe pradakshina also includes ANGAL pradakshina, where the person turns around as they roll around the temple - lot of grind certainly, not sure if it is good enough for anagrind :) Just as about works both as inserticator and anagrind, I was of the opinion, pradakshina could too. Thanks for considering it as the second entry:) (hope you are enjoying the wedding too;);)
Delete*"ANGA" rather than "ANGAL"
DeleteThanks Sowmya. I am sorry but just pradikshina may not work as an anagrind. But if it is any consolation, yours was one of my fav clue which didn't make the shortlist.
DeleteAm enjoying the wedding. thanks for asking. Have to travel about 100 kms both today and tomorrow for two back to back receptions. This exercise, however, has been much more time consuming than I expected and I've a lot of explaining to do to my Missus when we get back home on Sunday night. Any tips on how to restore domestic normalcy other than diamonds? :)
Can't fault me for not trying- Glad it was your fav reject :) :( Btw, I assure you flowers work equally well:):)
DeleteSowmya, the flowers trick has been used and abused enough to have any effect now. Will have to think up something else :)
DeleteOther than diamonds? Hearts of curse!
Delete23. Numerous articles covered girl's mission - its success made India proud (10) MAN Y + A + AN outside GAL
ReplyDeleteI don't think VJ's clue is incorrect as pointed out by Maddy. Only felt the def was a bit too long.
Yep, the definition is a little long, but thought would highlight the success story and how the country felt about it.
DeleteFurthermore, if it was a clue in a crossword, though the surface might have worked, a solver might find the definition insufficient if it was just "mission." One might be looking for an equivalent word or a synonym whereas it's a proper noun (if you could call it that). So a little more info might have helped is what I thought.
32. Man! A new swirling galaxy's crashed in, destroying bridge of our spacecraft! (10)
ReplyDeleteBridge as (cross) X used here is in noun form whereas it's synonym is in verb form. An flaw in the clue.
Thanks raghunath, now I get it and a nice idea but bridge = cross=X may not work. A pity since this could be easily remedied with something like
DeleteMan! a new swirling galaxy's crashed in, destroying unknown spacecraft.
Oops i see Sowmya already clued something similar,.. swear its a coincidence.. Sowmya didnt mean to :)
ReplyDeleteNp Srividya:) I hadn't noticed either, till you mentioned it..
DeleteVIM
ReplyDelete34. Anang Malya Mars mission.
Mission= Definition Anang Malya = Anagram FodderMars = Anagram indicator. It may be on double duty, being part of the definition too.
Succinct clue but a random name for anagram fodder is not creative enough. The use of Mars with false capitalisation as anagrind is a nice touch but mars operates on ‘mission’ here and not Anang Malya.
35. Mom adorns Manya in part of South Indian Dress (10)
Mom= Def, Adorns = Anagrind, Manya goes in Langa (Part of South Indian dress)
Nice surface but refer comments on clues 7 and 34 for ‘Mom’ and ‘Manya’. Also, I’ve absolutely no idea what a Langa is.
Ranger
36. Work to follow up with any organisation covering American space program(10)
MAN -Work LAG - Follow ( up is GAL) ANY*( organisation- anagind) covering A (American) Space program – Definition
All elements fit nicely and work for man is a different take. SHORTLISTED
Aakash Sridhar
37. A good number taken aback by a layman flying this spacecraft (10)
A very plausible surface with everything where it is supposed to be. SHORTLISTED
Ramesh J
38. Servant maid along with Doctor Ayan was sent to probe our neighbour (10)
Servant = man, maid = girl = gal, along with = connector, Doctor = Angrind
Ayan = fodder (yaan), was sent to probe our neighbour = defn
Very nice definition and a surface fertile with possibilities (no pun intended). But, you yourself said it , maid=girl=gal is one step too much. Also the case of the random name again.
Priyanka Henry
39. Rocket with a strong flavour (after opening) is put in a layman's salad (10)
{M (tANG) ALYAAN*}
Excellently deceptive definition. Perhaps the best misdirection till now. I will accept ‘after opening’ as deletion indicator in the sense of removing lid. Only problem is the nounal anagrind ‘Salad’. What the heck, I liked the clue too much and can’t keep it out of the SHORTLIST on this account. I’v still not decided whether to forgive the anagrind or not.
Sorry, but I had to comment on 39. PSLV was the rocket, Mangalyaan was the satellite. Rocket and satellite aren't interchangeable
DeleteThanks again Mohsin. That should teach me not to venture into specialised areas of which I've zero knowledge. Sorry Priyanka, you were already on the fence and based on the technical aspect pointed out by Mohsin I can't shortlist you.
DeleteI too had a doubt about using 'rocket' but decided to take the chance anyway
DeleteShuchi
ReplyDelete40. Raga Yaman played without lead, to inspire learner with new impressive craft (10)
Wordplay: {([r]AGA YAMAN)* around i.e. to inspire L (learner)} + N (new)Defn: impressive craft (skill on the surface, vehicle in the cryptic)
Wow! after too many Spacecrafts and MOMs, three amazing definitions in a row. Sadly, wordplay gives me RAGA (-y)AMAN or (-r)AGA(-y)AMAN and even you won’t let me ignore that.
41. Man, I must quit Indian streets to become a space traveller! (10)
Wordplay: MAN + GALIYAAN (streets in Hindi) – I, Defn: a space traveller
In my preface I said I was looking for clues which would fit in any published crossword. This certainly won’t but that’s the beauty of the clue. I can imagine a brainy chap wasting away his life living a humdrum existence suddenly having an epiphany which changes his life. Just wondering if the exclamation mark would work better after ‘Man’, instead traveller. I am willing to eat my words and SHORTLIST this beaut. I only hope nobody comes up with a clue involving Gaaliyan ( abuses) now.
Raju Umamaheswar
42. Aman and Ayan play regularly jugalbandhi into outer space on this !
Aman and Ayan play jugalbandhi-- anagrind--G and L from juGaLbandhi (regularly)
I am sorry Raju but regularly Jugalbandhi for G and L does not work for me or anyone else for that matter.
rengaswamy
43. A new gay animal without me orbited the spacecraft (10)
the spacecraft = def,orbited = anagram indicator, new = N, me = I
A N GAY ANIMAL (-i) = anagram fodder
‘the’ as part of definition does not work since Mangalyaan is not the only spacecraft that exists. Also what is a new gay animal? an animal which discovered it is gay just now?
44. Without current layman again assembled the spacecraft (10)
Without = deletion indicator, current = I, layman again = anagram fodder, assembled = anagram indicator, spacecraft = definition
Nothing wrong with the clue except what I already brought out in No. 43.
AMR
45. He, she back regular neat lady -- MOM!!! (10)
He – Man, She – Gal, NeAt lAdY <-- , Man + gal + ya + an -- MOM!
Why three !? regular Neat lady would be NeAtLaDy. the surface also is too crosswordsy.
Vikram
ReplyDelete46. Damaged Goods lying on the seafloor taken by a person of Mesoamerican civilization raised my curiosity,perhaps(10)
Curiosity,perhaps - definition (curiosity rover)
A person of Mesoamerican civilisation - Mayan : raised my --> Myaan
Goods lying on the seafloor - Lagan: Damaged - Anagrind angal
Taken by - containment indicator - M(angal)*yaan
Curoisty rover is not Mangalyaan, since the latter is not a common noun but proper noun. Also an absolutely impossible to get indirect anagram.
47. Vikram Sarabhai's better half or his brainchild's precious mom (10)
DD
Vikram Sarabhai is Father of India's Space Programme. So his better half is Mother (or MOM) - :) lol!
Nice try but it’s trying too hard to sound clever :) for it to be a DD, Vikram Sarabhai’s better half = his wife= ISRO’s mom would be the first defn and the remaining second defn. For the life of me I can’t see how the second defines Mangalyaan. Anyways mom without caps doesn’t work for MOM.
Ram
48. An Indian bird is joyful on launch of Mars Mission vehicle (10)
An-An
Indian bird - Myna
joyful-gala
on launch - anagind
Defn Mars Mission vehicle
Nothing wrong per se with the clue but surfacelacks that extra zing for me.
Venkatesh
49. Amala, with new Hindi knowledge,irritated space explorer (10)
irritated – AnagrInd, Amala+n(ew)+gyan (Hindi for knowledge) - Anagram fodder
The case of the random names again
Eswaran
50. Distraught monsieur Glynn achieves four ayes reportedly for a ticket to outer space(10)
Distraught - anagram indicator, monsiuer = M, four ayes reportedly = AAAA
(M+GLYNN+AAAA) = MANGALYAAN = a ticket to outer space !
and again. four ayes as anagram fodder also amounts to indirect anagram.
51. Ann and her amygdala poorer by 500 manage a ride to Mars(10)
ANN + AMYGDALA, 500 = D, manage = anagram indicator, (ANN+AMYGDALA - D)= MANGALAYAAN = a ride to Mars!
I have absolutely no clue what the surface means. Why only amygdala? What about the remaining part of Ann’s brains
Padmanabhan
52. American Indian civilisation have a confused directionless angel, but have a craft that will take them to Mars.
Craft- Def., American Indian civilisation- Mayan, Have - container indicator, Confused directionless angel- (ANGEL-E)*
Even if I overlook the lack of enumeration and the use of have instead of has, the clue as worded gives me MANGALYAN, which is not the spelling version I specified.
Ram
53. MOM endlessly nags any Lama differently (10) (nags-s any lama)*
I am sorry but the surface just doesn’t work for me.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMaddy, wrt to MOM's vehicle, it was a considered decision to word it as such. Since MOM is Mars Orbital Mission, the whole operation, and not the vehicle itself, imo. MOhsin ahMed might be able to confirm it.
ReplyDeleteThe initial version was:
MOM: Result of any man embracing a gal when both are sozzled (10)
But then I felt that MOM was the mission and not the vehicle and amended it accordingly.
This is wrt clue no.3 in the long list.
DeleteThanks Kishore, I too had the same doubt. But wiki page gives it as "The Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), also called Mangalyaan".... The Mars Orbiter Mission probe lifted-off from the First Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (Sriharikota Range SHAR), Andhra Pradesh, using a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket
DeleteI will wait for further clarifications, if any, from anyone more knowledgeable before taking a final call on this.
In above para it says 'Mars Orbiter Mission probe'. If both are identical, then probe was not required. If one says probe refers to instrument for collecting data, there are 5 instruments, so the plural word probes should be used. This means that the craft itself is the probe. Leaving it to your discretion, Maddy.
DeleteOn a lighter note, I wish Prof. Dhawan was still around. I could have got a clarification directly from him
DeleteMy opinion:
DeleteMOM is the mission, and as such, "MOM's vehicle" should be acceptable. No arguments there.
But the usage of "MOM" for the spacecraft even in ISRO circles is widespread enough to accept "MOM" = "Mangalyaan" too
You'll not see/hear "Mars Orbiter Mission" = "Mangalyaan", though.
Thanks, Mo
DeleteMy take on this.
DeleteMOM is the mission which includes everything starting from the initial planning stages till the final objective is acheived. MANGALYAAN is the name of the spacecraft or vehicle or probe which was used in the mission, so I don't think that MOM = Mangalyaan would be correct, irrespective of what ISRO circles feel about i.t
I thought so too, but refrained from airing my view since that would send many entries here for a six!
DeleteI too had the same doubt. But almost everywhere including ISRO's site, MOM and Mangalyaan is used interchangeably. So decided to accept MOM as definition.
DeleteThanks Mohsin, I will take your word for that and send Kishore straight into SHORTLIST. Kishore, don't blame me if I return the favour tonight and you are stuck with CEW-5
DeleteShudder, shudder!
DeleteThat's pure murder!
I am sure you can pick someone other !
On the lines of the witches' song from Macbeth:
Double, double,
Toil and trouble,
Fire burm and cauldron bubble
If my memory is correct ...
Suresh
ReplyDelete54. Sounds like the story of the Manglik couple on an out-of-the-world trip (10)
Homonym of Man and gal yarn
I think you meant homophone and not homonym. Nice of you to attempt something different. man+gal+yarn is a nice find also. But why manglik couple for man gal? why not just couple? Is it to give extra hint for mars as destination of the out of the world trip?
Venkatesh
55. Fancy! Namgyal, with a couple of articles, in a spin around Mars (10)
Namgyal*+A,AN = {MANGALY*}{A/AN} (it's) in a spin around Mars Fancy! – AnagrInd
Thanks venkatesh. I actually googled Namgyal to see what it means. Nice definition but the random anagram fodder keeps it away from the shortlist
Srividya
56. Spinning Indian new ascendant
Indian new = naya, Indian ascendant = lagnam, New ascendant also refers to Mangalyaan , Spinning = agi
Nice try. Special thanks to you and Sowmya for teaching me something about astrology. However, the clue as worded gives MANGAL AYAN<<< which is not the spelling specified for this particular CWE.
Phew...I think I ve covered all the clues (56 in total). The response has been overwhelming and thanks everyone for the effort. For me, this has been very enjoyable and a great learning exercise but infinitely tougher than I expected. Due to time constraints, I may not have been able to do full justice to all the clues and I unconditionally apologise once again for some of the responses which may have come across as dismissive or condescending.Let me reiterate that was never the intention. Further, any omissions or commissions is entirely due to my shortcomings and not a reflection of the standard of the clue(s).
ReplyDeleteI will be travelling now for attending the reception and should be back by late evening. So, the results should be up sometime tonight. Let me request everyone once again to mail me your favourite clues by 1600 today, if not already done. email - anish_madhavan2001@yahoo.co.in
Well by any chance you draft disclaimers for a living ? Lol, I thought that was pretty well written :)
DeleteThanks maddy for the analysis. Liked most of the shortlisted clues. Sorry for butting in, but my take on VJ's clue - the cryptic grammar seems to be off, because of the indicator being in past tense. The construction 'A covered B is C' does not read grammatical. An improvement using a simple rewrite would be: "A covering B is C", which means rewriting the clue in present.
DeleteNumerous articles covering girl's mission - its success has made India proud (10)
Thanks VJ. may be I should consider a job change and start putting the fine in fine prints. Anyways, with this exercise, it is crystal clear that no one will hire me as a crossword editor :)
DeleteMaddy, even better, you have already proved that you could be a setter :) that is, if you are not one already.
DeleteShyam, nice correction, but some reasons, when I wrote the clue, thought it worked too. Like A covered B = A-covered-B is C
Nice joke VJ, writing one off clues which work sometimes is a totally different ball game than setting an entire crossword which requires infinitely more skill and effort. I am happy doing the former for now :)
DeleteI'd say it's just about making the effort more than anything else...
DeleteGreat effort here, so you've made the start :)
Great and unbiased assessment, Maddy . Are you still retaining your sanity?
ReplyDeleteHealthy and balanced criticism spurs creativity !!
When is the next one?
Thanks Col, for your comments and this blog .
Drum rolls please. Here comes the long shortlist (in no particular order). Special thanks to Mohsin for inputs on various aspects.
ReplyDelete1. After impure metal is taken away from Mangalore, unknown leaders of ADE and NASA make spacecraft (10) – Kishore
2. MOM's vehicle: Where a man may embrace any gal when both are sozzled (10) - Kishore
3. No coming back after barbecue in the Middle East with entry of a space traveller (10) - Sreeni
4. Article found behind Angamaly building is a product of Indian science (10) – Sreeni
5. A layman creatively described gravity with an Indian spacecraft (10) – Vinod Raman
6. A contraption from ISRO cracked any anagram by changing hands (10) – Vinod Raman
7. Japanese comic lay-out an inspiration for the scientifically inclined (10) - Mohsin
8. Guy certainly captivates girl with a new and powerful vehicle (10) - Shyam
9. Creative Narayan’s Malgudi outing oddly rescued his celestial craft (10) - Abhay
10. Lots of protection for woman on a hollow American-Indian spacecraft (10) – Srivathsan Santhanam
11. Numerous articles covered girl's mission - its success made India proud (10) - VJ
12. Work to follow up with any organisation covering American space program(10) - Ranger
13. A good number taken aback by a layman flying this spacecraft (10) – Aakash Sridhar
14. Man, I must quit Indian streets to become a space traveller! (10) - Shuchi
Dan-dana-dhan
Deletethat's your drum roll!
Such a strong field requires a Top 5 not a Top a3. Without further ado, my picks.
ReplyDelete5th position
Lots of protection for woman on a hollow American-Indian spacecraft (10) – Srivathsan Santhanam
4th Position
Article found behind Angamaly building is a product of Indian science (10) – Srini
Tied for 3rd Position
A good number taken aback by a layman flying this spacecraft (10) – Aakash Sridhar
A layman creatively described gravity with an Indian spacecraft (10)
2nd Position
Man, I must quit Indian streets to become a space traveller! (10) – Shuchi
1st Position
A contraption from ISRO cracked any anagram by changing hands (10) – Vinod Raman
I have received responses from 12 individuals for the Popular Choice Award. Will declare the Popular Choice Winner and Overall winner once I finish compiling the entries.
ReplyDeleteCoincidentally, 14 different clues ( same as my short list) has been picked by the respondents as part of their top 3. I ve awarded 10 points to all first positions, 7 points to second positions and 5 points to third positions. after aggregating the scores the results of the popular choice awards are as follows: -
ReplyDelete3rd position - A layman creatively described gravity with an Indian spacecraft (10) - Vinod Raman
2nd Position - A good number taken aback by a layman flying this spacecraft (10) – Aakash Sridhar
1st Position - A contraption from ISRO cracked any anagram by changing hands (10) – Vinod Raman
The complete list of the Popular Choice entries with scores alongside (in ascending order). Figures in brackets indicate the total nominations for eg (1,1,2) means the clue was selected as the best by two respondents and second best by one.
ReplyDelete12. Man, I must quit Indian streets to become a space traveller! (10) Shuchi – 5 (3)
12. One's had a taste of Mars bar beginning to melt, an M&M, and a Galaxy all in an assortment; leaving Kiss aside for the night (10) - 5 (3)
12. The fellow will follow up any changes involving American space mission (10) – 5 (3)
11. Indian space mission chap orbited a new spiral galaxy, blowing a kiss (10) Ajeesh – 7 (2)
10. Creative Narayan’s Malgudi outing oddly rescued his celestial craft (10) – 10 (1)
8. After impure metal is taken away from Mangalore, unknown leaders of ADE and NASA make spacecraft (10) – 12 (2, 3)
8. Lots of protection for woman on a hollow American-Indian spacecraft (10)– 12 (2,3)
7. Article found behind Angamaly building is a product of Indian science (10) – 17 (1, 2)
6. Japanese comic lay-out an inspiration for the scientifically inclined (10) – 19 (2, 2, 3)
5. Raga Yaman played without lead, to inspire learner with new impressive craft (10) – 20 (1, 1)
4. Lots of protection for woman on a hollow American-Indian spacecraft (10) - 22 (1, 2 , 3)
3. A layman creatively described gravity with an Indian spacecraft (10)– 27 points (2,3, 3, 3, 3)
2. A good number taken aback by a layman flying this spacecraft (10) – 42 points ( 1, 1, 1, 2, 3)
1. Contraption from ISRO cracked any anagram by changing hands – 64 points (1,1,1,1,1,2,2)
A class act!
ReplyDelete1st & 3rd positions same in both selections. Can't be better.Bravo!!
Enjoyed the excellent participation and coverage.
Congratulations to all prize winners and of course all participants and well done to Maddy.
The overall winners,
ReplyDeleteBronze - A layman creatively described gravity with an Indian spacecraft (10) - Vinod Raman
Silver - A good number taken aback by a layman flying this spacecraft (10) - Aakash Sridhar
Gold - Contraption from ISRO cracked any anagram by changing hands (10) - Vinod Raman
Congrats to all the participants, specially the Top Three. Vinod, I hope you accept the baton from me.
Last Disclaimer ;) All disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of KERALA HIGH COURT only.
Awesome Maddy ..
DeleteCongrats to the winners. What a relief, Maddy, not to draw the short straw!
DeleteBy the way, how can the court in Kerala be " high", now that liquor is prohibited. Or as Psmith put it in The Small Bachelor, ' the cognoscenti know where to get it'?
The cognoscenti can anytime walk in to the bar of any 5 star or 4 star hotel for their poison. Its only the hoi polloi who are the affected lot.
DeleteFantastic show Maddy - Really put in a very good efforts!
ReplyDeleteCongrats Vinod and Aakash
ReplyDeleteKishore
ReplyDeleteSorry. Please reproduce drum roll correctly. What you have put is heard more like school bell.
Congrats to all winners!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Vinod Raman, Akash and Vinod!
ReplyDeleteCograts to the winners. Enjoyed this CWE Despite not taking part. Superb work Maddy.
ReplyDeleteCongrats winners !
ReplyDeleteCongrats Vinod and Aakaash. Lovely clues. Great work Maddy
ReplyDeleteCongrats Vinod and Aakash. Great job Maddy
ReplyDeleteCongrats winners! Nice work Maddy.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDelete(Reposted after correcting an inadvertent error)
If Gold winner has no time to take up the task, it will pass on to Silver winner.
If Silver too declines, then Bronze winner must!
Please limit it to one clue only - no edits.
I am not blaming Maddy but this time there were more clue-writers and what with two attempts per person, the number swelled.
But what gladdens me is that there is very perceptive and penetrative look at the submitted clues - it's this appreciation of clues that promotes connoisseurship.
Mere solving won't do. The how of it is important. It is this that I have been promoting for the past ten years and more from Yahoo groups through Google groups to the present blog when the Col joined in. Later Shuchi started her blog and has been doing a great job.
Congratulations everyone... this was fun :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats to all the winners & participants. Wish we could have textrous compiling again for thc. Looking fwd to the next edition
ReplyDeleteVery good job, Maddy. I thought it is a difficult task to write a cryptic clue. But I find it is much more tougher task to analyse and select the best clue. Learnt a lot from the analysis. Congratulations to the GSB medalists.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Vinod and Aakash. Great work Maddy on the detailed analysis. Made the exercise really fun:)
ReplyDeleteSorry to check in late ... Thanks for all the comments and the unexpected silver .. And thanks for hosting Maddy ...
ReplyDeleteWell done Maddy, and congrats Vinod and Aakash - excellent winning clues!
ReplyDeleteWhat a splendid crop of clues and what incisive and comprehensive analysis from Maddy! Thanks for choosing my entries. I bask in the glory of this victory only to be instantly reminded that I have the daunting task of setting and adjudging the next CWE.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Chaturvasi's suggestion on having just 1 entry per person (no editing). But as a change in the submission mechanism, would you be game to explore turning in clues via email? After the deadline, the CWE setter would post all the clues here. People would have a day or two to mail in their choice of clues, during which time the setter works on his/her analysis of the entries. This way, people won't need to abandon their ideas if they see similar ones used already. Also, it would be easier for everybody to wade through potential sea of clues.
+1 for the submissions by email method.
DeleteSounds good
Delete+2
DeleteAwesome analysis! Congratulations to Vinod and Aakash !
ReplyDelete