Thanks to Murray for a copy of the results and the *great*
CRITIQUE OF THE CWC 108 CLUES:

I have included an entry number with each of the submissions. These
correspond with those in the numerically indexed list of all clues (found 
in the separate file titled "CWC 108 Winners List"). To match clues to 
authors, simply refer to that number and you will find both clues 
submitted by that person. Bonus clues have been treated differently, and 
are included only at the end of this file. They have not been commented on, 
and still retain the authors' explanations - something I have removed from 
the critiques, and paraphrased where necessary (without misrepresentation 
hopefully).

As I forewarned in the announcement, I have paid close attention to the
definitions. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the word *striptease*, which caused
no problems when defined as a noun, didn't always fare so well when the 
verb form was used. Several submitters used an -ing ending that changed
the form to that of a participle - which would have required the clued
word to be *stripteasing*. This is an area of clue writing which
requires more discussion so it's well understood by the participants I
think. I'm certainly no expert in the field, and would welcome input
from someone better qualified to explain it than myself.

I was impressed that there were so few discrepancies with the phrase *on
the tapis*, which probably doesn't come up in everyday use for most of
us. Some of you may be wondering how I came to choose this set of words.
Striptease is a perfect anagram of tapestries as many submitters
noticed, and *tapis* is the French word for that. Many dictionaries list
the English word tapis as obsolete - it was (I think) anglicized in the 
1700's when British traders imported oriental tapestries and sold them
to the French in large numbers. These tapestries were commonly used as
tablecloths, and as Paris was a diplomatic centre of Europe, when
documents etc. were tabled, English speakers were wont to say they were 
on the tapis. The phrase has remained. I was half-hoping someone would
be able to tie the two together. This wouldn't have swayed my
judgements, as the announcement specifically noted no such requirement 
was needed, but it would have been interesting nonetheless.

Unsurprisingly, there were more anagrams submitted than is common.
Despite the fact that I have been on the record as stating that I
regard this as the simplest form of clue-writing (and solving), I
was fully cognizant that the word *striptease* practically screamed
out that it wanted to be anagrammed. The possibilities were
seemingly endless - and some rather "blue" versions presented
themselves as candidates when I went about playing with my own
designs. For this reason I thought it might be prudent to add an
addendum requesting restraint - so we can stay on the family channel.
All participants did so, and I am thankful. The phrase, on the tapis, 
was likely to be anagrammed because other options were limited. I
haven't shown any bias whatsoever when it comes to the cryptic
devices chosen for these words.

In summation, I enjoyed almost all of the clues submitted and was
impressed with the overall quality. All but a handful of the
participants had at least one clue which could qualify for an
honourable mention, so I won't be awarding any this time around. It
just wouldn't be fair to those who weren't selected. If my critique
seems harsh or unfair in any way, I apologize. I have tried to be
scrupulously even-handed. One of the reasons I have reinstated the
practice of including names with the clues (albeit through a reference 
file) is that I wasn't seeing who the newcomers were. As the entries 
rolled in, I noticed that there were a large percentage of names I 
didn't recognize. Some of these people mentioned that they were new or 
relatively new to cryptics clue writing, and I have devoted a little 
more time to analyzing those clues in the hope that my observations 
will be helpful. If you are new to this game and want some advice, I, 
and many others, are a simple e-mail away; or you can post a message to
the newsgroup and get a more balanced response.

Thanks for all the great clues, I enjoyed this a lot.

Cheers!

Murray

_________________________________________________________________________

                                 CWC 108   
                        A CRITIQUE OF ALL THE CLUES 

========================================================================

________________________  FOR THE WORD - STRIPTEASE  _____________________


ENTRY # 1
                Cabaret act tries a step that's novel (5-5) [anagram]

COMMENTS: The surface reading of this clue is O.K. but I think a better 
        choice than "that's novel" might have been found to indicate 
        the anagram. Perhaps simply: Cabaret act tries a step dance.
        I can accept the alteration of this word to the hyphenated UK 
        form as my 1976 Concise Oxford Dictionary has it thus. The
        more recent S.O.E.D. and Chambers have it as one word though.
      
_________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 2
                Naughty tapestries depicting exotic 
                dancing (10) [anagram]

COMMENTS: Delightful anagram indicator; good definition; I don't
mind the use of the word "depicting" as it helps the clue in every
way. 

_________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 3
                Restored tapestries effect a revelation? (10) [anagram]

COMMENTS: Many tapestries depict religious scenes, and this punny
use of the word revelation turns that image on its head quite
effectively. Good clue.

_________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 4
                Remove clothes from holy man; signs of death 
                include dark fluid and spent heart (10)

                (ST) [RIP(TEA)S] (E)

COMMENTS: The surface of this clue reminds me of a Borgia intrigue -
papal death by poisoning. The definition is good - using the
intransitive verb meaning. This clue would probably be pretty tough
to figure out on its own, but in the context of a puzzle I don't
think it's unfair. Signs of death being R.I.P.s is clever, and the
rest of the construction is sound, even with the superfluous "from".

_________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 5
                Drunken priest sat on edge of stage, disrobing 
                provocatively (10) [anagram + last letter]

COMMENTS: This surface is evocative of the many scandals surrounding
various clergy in my country over the last several years. The
structure of this clue is fine, but the definition, while being
close to accurate, isn't the proper syntax I'm looking for. Had it
been phrased: "... act of disrobing provocatively" for instance, I 
would have had no problem with this clue. Some re-working would be
necessary to satisfy those who insist that no superfluous words be
present (I'm not one of them). "Drunken priest sat on stage,
finishing act by disrobing provocatively (10)", would suffice.

_________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 6
                Apt for an exotic dancer, rent thrown 
                in. Way to go, kid. (10)
    
                [ST (RIP) TEASE]

COMMENTS: I think many exotic dancers may negotiate similar rental 
arrangements with their landlords. This definition-by-example is apt to 
raise some eyebrows, but not mine - I think it's fine. In most germane 
usages, "rent" means the *result* of ripping, however both the S.O.E.D. 
and Webster's Third allow that this is also a verb with the same meaning 
as *rend*. Both tomes further note its dialectical acceptance, as does 
Chambers, and seeing that this entry is from Newfoundland which is 
notable for its vibrant dialect, I accept this unequivocally. The device 
of "throw[ing "rip"] in" between a phrase and a word, I'm less comfortable 
with. The word "rip" is actually after the "way to go" (street), and "kid" 
= tease stands on its own. This is admittedly a minor quibble, and as this
clue is solveable with a little work, it wouldn't bother me to encounter 
it in a puzzle.

_________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 7

                Priest eats salad bit by bit, removing 
                dressing (10) [anagram]

COMMENTS: The definition "bit by bit removing dressing", like that of 
too many other submissions, doesn't satisfy my strict guidelines for 
correctness. A rephrasing such as: "Remove dressing from  
salad priests eat", would have been fine - and not quite as incongruous.

_________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 8
                Burlesque show's comic drinks noisily.

                (STRIP)(TEASE)

COMMENTS: This is a good concise charade/homophone clue. Some
previous judges have indicated they don't like breaking a compound
word into its natural components this way. I have no such qualms - 
especially since it is two verbs which make up the noun in the definition
(normally); and here we have the nouns (cartoon) strip from "comic", and 
teas (homophoned) from "drinks", and a surface which implies that the 
answer is a verb or adjective. Good clue! Lose the period, and add
the enumeration "(10)" at the end of the clue.

_________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 9

                Pirates set about removing clothing (10) [anagram]

COMMENTS: This clue doesn't quite pass the definition test. Removing
clothing requires "stripteasing" as an answer. The surface leaves
some parts dangling, which is pointedly humourous. ;@}

_________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 10

                See, it's part dancing and part clothing removal (10)

COMMENTS: This is a very good anagram/&lit clue. It doesn't need any
explaining. The WINNING ENTRY for this category.

** Congratulations to: Gareth Williams  <gw@fmode.demon.co.uk>
_________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 11
                Quiet after holy man tore up exotic dancing (10)

                (ST)(RIPT)(EASE)

COMMENTS: This charade is structurally fine, and not unrealistically
difficult even with the unusual spelling of "ript" for ripped, which
is verified as a common word in Chambers 1993 edition - it's also in my 
cherished 1899 10 volume edition of The Century Dictionary and 
Cyclopedia. The definition is also correct, both syntactically and 
otherwise. The syntax of the entire clue however puzzles me, but I
don't regard that as a flaw.

_________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 12
                Artistic removal of threads restyles 
                tapestries (10) [Anagram]

COMMENTS: The surface of this clue is evocative of the alterations
done to Renaissance etc. paintings by the addition of fig leaves and
shrouds to *conceal* certain body parts - presumably tapestries were 
also made politically correct. The North American usage of the word
"threads" for clothing might be new to some, but I've certainly
heard it used countless times - as in "Wild threads man" from the
"cool" (jazz) or "beatnik" crowd of the fifties. Chambers also backs 
this up with legitimacy, as does Webster's Third (in the addenda). 
Excellent clue! RUNNER-UP for this category.

! Congratulations to: Gail Koontz  <gail.koontz@quancon.com>
_________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 13
                After unsettling trips, take time to unwind and 
                slowly undress (10) [partial anagram/charade]

                (*STRIP*)(T)(EASE)

COMMENTS: I'd indicated in the announcement that superfluous words
would be considered perfectly acceptable if they didn't detract, and
helped the surface reading. That is certainly the case with this fine
example. I know several previous moderators have remarked that they
are less than fond of partial anagrams - I quite like them in certain 
contexts. Here the clued word is a compound, and the anagram is of one 
of the lexical stems; this helps rather than hinders the solver in 
uncovering the otherwise difficult: unwind = EASE.

_________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 14
                An exotic act that might be performed by an 
                aviatrix taking off without her plane (10) 

COMMENTS: This clue from a novice at cryptics gives me an
opportunity to point out *some* of the generally recognized minimums
required of a cryptic clue. I can state unhesitatingly that in
Western Canada where both this submitter and I live, cryptic
crosswords are extremely uncommon and few people understand how to
solve them - let alone design them.

Others who have more experience than myself can probably explain
things better than I, and the best resource would be one of the
several books on the subject - unfortunately, it is highly unlikely
that they are in stock in this submitter's area. I can't even find 
them in the library catalogues.

Most will agree that for the purposes of understanding the *basics*, a
clue-setter should: 1) Make sure the clue has two distinct parts - a
straight definition which *must* be placed at one end of the clue or
the other; and a cryptic element, such as an anagram; homophone; hidden-
word; or many other devices too numerous to list. 2) The definition
component *must* be accurate in every way - many beginners (and indeed 
others) make the mistake of using the wrong grammatic syntax for the 
definition, as several submissions here testify ("taking off clothes" to 
define "striptease" for eg.). 3) The solver should be able to know
unequivocally that he/she has arrived at the correct solution.

In this submitted example, the phrase "An exotic act" satisfies the
first two requirements - indeed, it's an extremely good definition. 
The phrase "that might be performed" is really a redundancy as the word 
"act" already sums this up - these words are *superfluous*, and as such 
should only be included if they are necessary to the grammatic structure, 
or add some other positive element. Concise clues are usually preferred. 
This leaves "by an aviatrix taking off without her plane" to be explained. 
I can't really. It is supposed to be an indirect definition, but doesn't 
satisfy me on that score. Also, striptease is no longer the sole domain 
of females, so "aviatrix" would have to be qualified. I see the word-play 
between strip (disrobe/tarmac) & take off (disrobe/airborne), and this 
has distinct possibilities as elements for a tough clue, but it's pretty 
complex and didn't work this time.

_________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 15
                Irving character stands amid tea sets, performing 
                an exotic dance. (10) [anagram/container]

                ST(RIP) TEASE

COMMENTS: The surface reading of this clue had me visualizing Ichabod 
Crane dressed in his knickerbockers and making a fool of himself. 
This led me to look for "headless horseman" devices etc. (from 
Washington Irving's *The Legend of Sleepy Hollow*). It didn't take 
long however to realize there weren't many three-letter results from 
this approach. Arriving at Rip (Van Winkle) wasn't difficult after 
that. Excellent clue!

_________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 16
                Exotic dance caused the band to consume many brews (10)

                [STRIP(TEAS)E]

COMMENTS: The words "many brews" to describe the contained word "teas" 
is a little misleading. I think "many" in this context would have to 
describe types, or varieties of tea - such as pekoes, or oolongs. 
Otherwise, the solver would need to insert a Roman numeral or some such 
to justify this word. I like the misleading use of "brews" in the
surface, it reminds me of a lot of musician friends who got their start
playing strip clubs for little more recompense than free beer.

_________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 17
                Sedate parties seen in line for risque show (10)

                [STRIP(TEAS)E]

COMMENTS: I don't find any flaws in the structure of this container
clue which is identical to the above entry (# 16). The surface
reading of both clues could refer to the same venue - the parties
suggested here being "sober" judges, or other "upstanding" citizens 
caught in the outside queue at the strip club. This clue also uses a
good misdirector in the word "parties". Well done!

_________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 18
                Shedding use of LSD and marijuana during 
                Sunday school; ultimately, abstinence (10)

                 [S(TRIP)(TEA)S](E)

COMMENTS: Again, we've got a definition with the -ing ending which
doesn't properly convey the meaning of striptease. If the word used
was "shed", or if it was phrased "a shedding", I could easily accept 
this clue. I have no qualms about using references to illicit drugs in 
crosswords - as long as they don't advocate such use. Here the "use" of 
LSD is meant to mean "trip", but the "trip" is the *result* of such use, 
not the *use* of the drug itself - which would have to be popping, or 
dropping, or some such euphemism. I think the use of "tea" for marijuana 
is perfectly fine as most age groups would recognize this term. The 
abbreviation "SS" for Sunday school is verified in Webster's, and should 
be obvious enough even if it hasn't been seen before. The last letter 
indicator is standard.

_________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 19
                Tapestries reveal burlesque act (10) [anagram]

COMMENTS: Some critics might complain that "reveal" dosn't specify
movement, so therefore isn't a good anagram indicator. I think (at
least with this example) that "reveal" is a benign indicator which
could refer to several cryptic devices equally well - including 
hidden-word, or acrostics. In contrast, I marked down a clue which
used "sheds" as the anagram indicator primarily because that word
wasn't neutral - it suggests a letter removal is being asked for -
while also not being a recognized anagram indicator. The word
"reveal" by the way is in the anagram indicator list in our archive.
I also like this choice of indicator because it is suggestive of the
manner in which exotic dancers utilize colourful shawls or
tapestries in their acts. A very good concise clue.

_________________________________________________________________________

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_________________________________________________________________________

_______________________  FOR THE PHRASE - ON THE TAPIS  __________________


ENTRY # 1
             No tape this badly put together can be deemed worthy of
             consideration (2,3,5) [anagram]

COMMENTS: Reasonable surface reading; structuraly sound; accurate 
definition. Evokes images of a basement band flogging a demo tape.
Unlike that tape, this clue is well put together. RUNNER-UP for this
category.

! Congratulations to: Bob Gregory <bobg@cullen.demon.co.uk>
_________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 2
                Incomplete classical work describing ultimate 
                end of Antigone is under discussion (2,3,5)

                [O (NTH *ETA*) P] (IS)

COMMENTS: The opus numbers were indeed used in the classic period of
music (1785-1827) - Beethoven works for instance were published using 
this cataloguing system. I vaguely remember discussion on the validity 
of using "describe" as a container indicator (or was it for an anagram?)
in a previous contest. I think it is valid, but just barely. The ultimate 
is certainly the nth, and, is is is. Where this clue breaks down in the 
end is with Antigone. 

There are just too many non sequiturs for this to work: The end of
Antigone is "e"; there is no indication other than allusions in the
surface that we're looking for some reference to Greek, and even if
that is deduced, is the reference to the last letter in the Greek
alphabet, *omega*, or to the fifth letter, *epsilon*? No! Instead, we 
are asked to find the seventh letter, *eta*, which uses the symbol "H". 
It is phoenetically transliterated - if using the American Fromkin & 
Rodman system - as a lower case "e"; if using the Gimson or Jones systems 
for example, that lower case "e" is the fifth letter *epsilon* however.

Antigone was buried alive according to Bulfinch, and, unfortunately,
I'm going to have to do the same with this otherwise excellent and
challenging clue.

_________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 3
                Paint those sheds before the house (2,3,5) [anagram]

COMMENTS: Sheds as an anagram indicator was new to me, so I checked
all my references. The closest I could find was an obsolete
definition meaning to sow (as in scatter seeds), and even here the
meaning doesn't infer rearrangement so much as dispersal (as was the 
case several other definitions). Dispersal itself has only limited 
meanings which imply circulation.

The definition is excellent - when a document is tabled (i.e. on the 
tapis) in Canada's House of Commons (parliament) for example, it is 
certainly placed before the house for consideration.

________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 4
                This ape not awfully rugged? (2,3,5) [anagram]

COMMENTS: I think this pun would have worked better if it somehow 
played with the phrase definition meaning under consideration. 
Something like: Considerably rugged? Not this ape! (2,3,5). This
example uses the "!" not as an &lit indicator, but as an indicator
that something is unusual - rugged is both the anagram indicator and 
the pun, which is indicated internally with the "?". Perhaps even
better would be simply: Rugged consideration? (2,3,5)

_________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 5
                Squash Open? That is under 
                consideration (2,3,5) [anagram]

COMMENTS: Maybe we'll be treated to this as an Olympic event next.
The organizers usually *boast* when backed into a corner already. :)

_________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 6
                Question raised on one old letter,then 
                several.(2,3,5)

                (ON) (THETA) (PIS) 

COMMENTS: "Question raised" doesn't quite capture the definition I'm 
looking for. When something is "on the tapis" it's under consideration; 
on the table; pending; or undecided etc. I'll be lenient in marking that 
aspect of this clue down because of the term's rarity in common useage.
That said, the toughness of this charade requires an unambiguous 
definition. "On" certainly means on (which is O.K. - though weak); 
"theta", being a Greek letter, could be called old, but I think a 
reference to that language is a minimum requirement - ditto "pis".

_________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 7
                Heat dispersion in moving piston is being 
                considered (2,3,5) [anagrams]

                [ONT (HETA) PIS]

COMMENTS: The nested anagrams are an unusual device - I like it. The
definition is good; and could the surface be: [Discussion on internal 
combustion dynamics a bore? (2,3,5)]. Excellent effort. WINNING
ENTRY for this category, and OVERALL WINNER.

**
*** Congratulations to: Keith Engers  <kabe@iafrica.com>

_________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 8
                Tape medley containing, strangely, no hits, is under 
                consideration? Just the opposite. (2,3,5)
                [double-anagram/container]

                [ON TH(E TAP)IS]

COMMENTS: Typically, cryptic crossword clues are formatted with the 
normal final punctuation mark removed (in this case a period), and
the structure of the answer enumerated in round brackets at the end.
I've taken the liberty of adding that element to this entry.

Another convention which I believe is universal is that the
definition component *must* be at one end or the other of the clue.
In the case of the double-definition clue, both ends are thus
occupied. In an &lit clue (where the entire clue comprises the
definition) this is achieved by default. It would seem that there
are exceptions to every rule, but I think you'll find clues
structured this way at least 99% of the time. 

Aside from the above technical anomalies, the word "containing"
indicates that the anagramed "no hits" is inside the anagramed
"tape". Actually, the opposite is the case. Fortunately, all of the
above discrepancies can be very easily resolved without adversely 
affecting the excellent surface reading of this clue.

Changing the word "containing" to "contained", and "it" to "it's",
and dropping the final "Just the opposite." gives us the solid:

Tape medley contained, strangely, no hits. It's under consideration?
(2,3,5).

My inclusion of the "?" at the point of final punctuation is a good
example of the every-rule-has-an-exception statement. In some
circles, this "?" indicates unequivocally that this clue is of
the pun, or word-play type. Others contend that it simply indicates
there is an unusual structural device involved. Yet others feel that
because this is the proper punctuation mark given the surface
reading it would hurt the clue to omit it. Obviously I fall into
that camp in this instance.

_________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 9
                The point, as amended, is now under 
                discussion (2,3,5) [anagram]

COMMENTS: This has an excellent surface reading which is elegantly
evocative of a setting where the term might be used. Good one!

_________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 10
                Questionable as the point is under 
                discussion (2,3,5) [anagram]

COMMENTS: Even though it could be considered part of the definition, 
the word "is" is superfluous to the structure (which is O.K. as long as 
it helps the clue in some way). Here, I think the opposite is the case. 
The addition of the word "it's" (while questionable in itself), would 
help this clue considerably.

_________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 11
                Addled Thespian to be under 
                consideration (2,3,5) [anagram]

COMMENTS: It would be a tragedy if he mangled his lines wouldn't it?

_________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 12
                Available? Burying French tea is under 
                discussion (2,3,5)
	
                [ON (THE) TAP](IS)
        
COMMENTS: Structurally, this container/charade is fine. With a phrase 
answer, the number of suitable definitions seems to grow
exponentially, and vigilance is necessary to ensure that the clue
isn't ambiguous. With this phrase being so close in structure and
meaning to "on the table", particular care must be taken. I haven't
yet come up with an alternate solution, but I can't shake the
feeling that one exists here - particularly as French terms are
probable in the mix. In fairness to the solver, I think some
allusion to (draught) beer is necessary to arrive at "on tap" for 
"available" - that both tea and beer are referred to as brews would
seem a natural fit. Using devices such as "is" = "is", while certainly
legitimate, doesn't usually make the clue stand out favourably.

_________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 13
                 Upset that one is quietly included on the 
                 discussion agenda (2,3,5) [anagram+(P)]
        

COMMENTS: The structure of this anagram/contained-letter clue is
fine. I was initially a little put off by the fact that "is" really
doesn't change it's position at all, but this is insignificant I
think. In any case it is more than balanced by the fact that the
anagram is made a little less obvious with the inclusion of the
standard device: quietly = P. I'm ever so slightly troubled by the
replicative use of "on" in the definition component and answer. But,
all in all, I like this clue and wouldn't quarrel if I came across 
it elsewhere.

_________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 14
                Where the French place the food is under 
                consideration (2,3,5) [double-definition]
        
COMMENTS: This is supposed to be a double-definition clue, unfortunately, 
where the French place the food is *sur la table* The French term *tapis* 
is really a tapestry, in the form of a wall hanging, rug, or tablecloth. 
As food, or rather plates of food, are placed on the tablecloth, the 
French might say *sur le tapis* - though my French is very limited, I've 
never encountered this phrase.

This clue is a very good illustrative example of another requirement 
for cryptic clues which I didn't mention to this novice cluer in my
commentary for word #1. A clue must be *unambiguous*, meaning there
is only one correct answer. In the above example (to which I have added
the "(2,3,5)" enumeration), it is anyone's guess which of the 
not-quite-correct answers is sought: ON THE TABLE; ON THE PLATE. 
As neither of these is correct, the solver might be led to conclude
that some type of *charade* involving a French language translation
word is perhaps required - probably *le* or *la*. With so many French
culinary expressions in our lexicon, I'd be surprised if someone
couldn't come up with a wrong answer that was perfect. I'm too tired
to try right now.

_________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 15
                Reformed thespian to be in review (2,3,5) [anagram]

COMMENTS: The author commented that the surface could be interpreted
as being an actor in a stage revue. I disagree - but that is a moot
point. This is a *clue writing* contest,  not a *surface explaining*
contest, so I am ignoring that quibble. To me the surface suggests
that a certain actor has a refound status with an eminent critic. All 
in all, a good solid clue.

_________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 16
                Convertible phaeton--it may mean 
                trouble (2,3,5) [anagram]

COMMENTS: The surface reading of this clue suggests a time when
seatbelts weren't mandatory (or even invented for that matter) - either 
in the horse-drawn carriage era, or during the heyday of the large 
touring cars. In trying to write my own clues for this phrase, I'd
tried to make a punning reference to being "on the carpet" (meaning
being called into the bosses office - the only carpeted room in the
building) to mean, as this clue alludes, being in trouble. I had 
determined that the meaning wasn't wholly correct for "on the tapis",
and therefore that aspect would have to be subsidiary to an actual
definition.Unfortunately, I have to apply the same conclusion here 
to an otherwise great clue. If the cluer had heeded my advice about 
the definitions, and stuck to the middle road, this clue wouldn't have 
been struck down - like the Phaeton of Greek mythology, who wasn't 
wearing his seatbelt either.

_________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 17
                Notice the odd ornate heel? That pair's 
                not yet approved (2,3,5)

COMMENTS: This has a better surface reading than most odd-letter
clues. It suggests to me that some work needs to be done on this 
accessory before being acceptable for a showing of haute couture.

_________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 18
                Being considered for a position that's 
                open, I get busy (2,3,5) [anagram]

COMMENTS: The inclusion of the words "for a position" isn't really
necessary as a part of the definition - though it isn't incorrect. It 
certainly is necessary to make the surface reading understandable. 
With these types of definitions, I usually like to have some kind of 
qualifier included if possible. Still, this is a good clue - not 
great however.

_________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY # 19
                Under consideration: a poet hints 
                wrongly (2,3,5) [anagram]

COMMENTS: Is there lobbying for the Laureateship *before* a vacancy
occurs? That would be wrong. However, this well-structured clue has 
it right.

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                            BONUS CLUES
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FOR THE WORD - STRIPTEASE: 

FROM: Entrant # 1
	 Getting out of gear in a saloon, perhaps? (5-5)
         Eastern piano artiste's variety turn (5-5)
         Embroidering tapestries an erotic act? (5-5)
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FROM: Entrant # 2
        Pervert tries tapes of exotic dancing (10) 
      exotic dancing = STRIPTEASE
      Pervert = anagram indicator (in its verb sense)
      tries tapes (anagrammed) = STRIPTEASE
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FROM: Entrant # 7
        Show undulating petite ass - right! (10)

An &lit clue, which I hope is not too risque for you.

For the straight reading, "show" is a noun.  A striptease is a show in  
which one might well see a petite derriere undulating.  (Do Canadians
use   the spelling "ass" as they do in the US?)

For the cryptic reading, "show" is a verb :
undulating = anagram indicator (maybe borderline)
petite ass R(ight) = anagram fodder

And before anyone starts screaming about indirect anagrams, please let
me quote what Alec Robins says in The ABC of Crosswords (formerly
published as Teach Yourself Crosswords).

At page 121, having condemned the indirect anagram as an unfair type of
clue (e.g. using 'a damaged tree' for AMPLE, instead of using 'a damaged
maple', Robins continues:-

"This having been said, and the main principle established, we can
qualify the rule in some small degree.   Where the anagram includes, let
us say, a Roman numeral, to which there is an obvious and unique answer,
then that is virtually the same as giving the actual letters.

For example, if the word to be clued were SCREAM (which comprises the
letters C MARES, in a different order), one could with complete fairness
offer the following:

	Shrill cry produced by a hundred mares in agony (6)

The answer SCREAM is a shrill cry, which is produced by C MARES twisted
about, indicated by the phrase 'in agony'.   The substitution by the
solver of C for 'a hundred'  - the only possible one-letter answer - is
a simple process, far removed from the search for just one of
innumerable possibilities such as trees.  Similarly, the use of
'Northern', say, to indicate the letter N (but not, be it noted,
'compass-point' or 'direction', which would admit of several choices)
would be admissible as part of an anagram."

I think it fair to say that R = right falls within the above category.

It's rather a touchy issue with me at the moment because I submitted a
clue in a recent PWCW comp: 'Idiot held back nothing when tortured' for
BLOCKHEAD, and the use of 'nothing' for zero, i.e. 0, drew some
extremely pointed (and even sarcastic) criticism as being an
unacceptable indirect anagram.

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FROM: Entrant # 9
        Assets on display at this show (10)

Type: Perhaps you can help me here. I've seen this type of clue
before, but I don't know what it's called.

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FROM: Entrant # 11
        Seductive dancing trampled tapestries (5-5)

Anagram: TAPESTRIES - is this the link between the clues?
As it's the bonus I've given it the alternate numeration.
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FOR THE PHRASE - ON THE TAPIS:

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FROM: Entrant # 7
        Oh, patient's in critical condition - still on the table (2,3,5)

'On the table' in the surface reading is intended to refer to an
operating   theatre (theater?)
Oh patients = anagram fodder
in critical condition = anagram indicator
still on the table = definition
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The Entry #'s match with the names in the file entitled: 
"CWC 108 Winners List"
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Murray W Smith
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Email: smithmw@direct.ca