Here are the New York Times Cute Clues I like so far in the year 2004.  What you see below is what the answer might look like with only one or a few letters filled in, just as it might be if you were working a puzzle.

To enjoy the table below best, resist the temptation to click the answer cell till you've played with the clue for a while.  To appreciate the clues and answers from a different perspective, imagine that as the constructor you have a particular answer filled into the grid, and you need a clue for it.  If you don't understand why a particular answer makes sense, let me know.

Stud fees	A _ T _ S	Date: Thu., 01-01-2004 Constructor: Richard Silvestri And go here to see the grid.
Word for word: Abbr.	S _ N	Date: Sat., 01-03-2004 Constructor: James M. and James C. Jenista 1 of 3
No performers are found here	_ A P A _	Date: Sat., 01-03-2004 Constructor: James M. and James C. Jenista 2 of 3
Slight indication?	_ _ T U R N _ D _ O S _	Date: Sat., 01-03-2004 Constructor: James M. and James C. Jenista 3 of 3 This answer occupied 3 Down cells and 7 Across cells for a total of 9 cells.  See how here.
Human and apes, e.g.	_ I N	Date: Sun., 01-04-2004 Constructor: Patrick Merrell
Places for pilots	S _ O _ E S	Date: Sat., 01-10-2004 Constructor: Brendan Emmett Quigley
End notes	C O _ _	Date: Fri., 01-16-2004 Constructor: Manny Nosowsky 1 of 3
Tractor handle?	_ E _ R E	Date: Fri., 01-16-2004 Constructor: Manny Nosowsky 2 of 3
Check mate?	S _ _ B	Date: Fri., 01-16-2004 Constructor: Manny Nosowsky 3 of 3
Ringers in a ring	_ A R _ S	Date: Sat., 01-17-2004 Constructor: Patrick Berry 1 of 3
Razor's handle	_ T R _	Date: Sat., 01-17-2004 Constructor: Patrick Berry 2 of 3
Tag sale site?: Abbr.	_ M _	Date: Sat., 01-17-2004 Constructor: Patrick Berry 3 of 3
Whistler's tune?	D I _ _ E	Date: Sun., 01-18-2004 Constructor: Arlan and Linda Bushman
First lady's residence	E _ E _	Date: Mon., 01-19-2004 Constructor: Zach Jesse

Crossword Cute Clues -- 2004