Solution to 9D has been deliberately left unsolved and is to be answered only by a non-regular / novice commenter, with proper annotation. Those who have answered earlier in the week, please give others a chance.
ACROSS
1 Expert in reasoning, spies enter to access computer (8) LOGICIAN {CIA} in {LOG IN}
10 Huge burden, giving up cocaine for good (5) GROSS (-c+g)GROSS
11 Century by India’s tailender in Oval, one sadly having little effect (2,2,5) TO NO AVAIL {TON} and {i..iA} in {OVAL+1}*
12 One enticing in exotic lingerie after consuming a little vodka (9) INVEIGLER {LINGERIE}* over {Vo..a}
13 Unarm criminal in Belgian city (5) NAMUR*
14 Insect biting gal’s poor dog (6) BEAGLE {BE{GAL*}E}
18 Discontinue backing fiery and random criticism (7) POTSHOT {STOP<=}{HOT}
20 Mention about adopting hard, ultimately scrupulous principles (6) ETHICS {CI{H}TE<=}{s...uS}
22 Women at event welcoming a relative on the mother’s side (5) ENATE [T]
24 Stationery item from parcel, specially wrapped in foil (9) PAPERCLIP {P{PARCEL*}IP}
25 Extremely divine painting in good retreat (9) DEPARTURE {Di..nE}{P{ART}URE}
26 Member entertaining one English lord (5) LIEGE {L{1}EG}{E}
27 Small boat in dark, filled with heroin (6) DINGHY {DING{H}Y}
DOWN
3 Exorbitant habits of environment polluters are doing this? (7,3,5) COSTING THE EARTH [CD] [D&CD} See comments
4 Revolting drunk in base beaten up for bloomer (7) ASTILBE {AS{LIT<=}BE*}
7 Intrigue in vehicle, cuddling hot maiden (5) CHARM {C{H}AR}{M}
8 Accept fate on reflection; start to endure tax (8) TOLERATE {LOT<=}{En...e}{RATE}
9 Seduce spouse endlessly in retreat (6) ?N?R?P (Addendum ENTRAP PARTNEr - See comments)
16 Terrific party after ten, hosted by wild teen (9) EXCELLENT {E{X}{CELL}ENT*}
17 Magnificent ducks turned up around lake by conclusion (8) SPLENDID {DIPS<=} over {L}{END}
19 Refills drink after marijuana’s over (4,2) TOPS UP {SUP}<=>{POT<=}
20 Doctor may see bits of pleural matter releasing pus, finally resulting in this? (7) EMPYEMA {MAY+sEE+Pl...l+Ma...r}* Semi&lit
23 Tree in a small enclosure (5) ASPEN {A}{S}{PEN}
Reference List
Money = M, Cocaine = C, Good = G, Century = TON, Hard = H, Foil = PIP, Heroin = H, Spirit = GO, Girl = G, Hot = H, Maiden = M, Lake = L, Marijuana = POT, European = E, Small = S
AN EXHILARATING EXPERIENCE
ReplyDeleteOne of my recent cherished moments was watching the movie 83 in a Cinema hall, amidst a live appreciative audience.
I don't know how many of you have watched live, India lifting the Prudential Cup in 1983, under the Captaincy of Kapil Dev. If you recollect, it was one act, one moment, when LIFE BLOOD was induced into Indian Sporting history.
In exchange for doing some PROBONO work, I was gifted a couple of VOUCHERS, that contained first day first show tickets for the movie. Excited & STIRRED by recollections of the original memory, I only prayed that the movie should live up to its hype.
The movie, following the format of a docudrama is almost a REPLICA of the actual events. The FABRICATIONS are minimal & seamless enough to recreate the aura & magic of the real life experience.
The movie begins with the Indian contingent leaving for the World cup (all except the 6 players already playing county cricket in England) & you realise what a NIGHTMARE it is for the squad manager, Man Singh. The bureaucrats are collectively REBUKEFUL of our team & its capabilities. He has to HICCUP his way through, arranging for adequate funds & keeping his team's spirits intact.
We then move to England & are introduced to the team with its Captain, today's IDOL Kapil Dev. Scenes showing how ILL AT EASE he is, while speaking English & the JARGON he spouts when asked to conduct a team meeting, provide some of the lighter moments before the action begins.
But one of the most beautiful scenes in the movie is, when Kapil with his heavy ACCENT, announces in a press conference - ' We here to win. What else we here for?' Many of us can recall the actual moment & our disbelief on hearing these words.
Totally India played 8 matches in their journey to the cup. All the matches are adequately covered with cricketing action shots & Kapil's inputs to his team on HOW TO face the stronger opponents.
One of the best matches was, of course, the one against Zimbabwe, where India were down 17 for 5. UNTIL Kapil stepped in & created a world record with his single handed 175 not out, it looked like our last match in the tournament. Since there is no actual video footage of this match, seeing it in the movie makes it special.
Enroute, we have personal aside moments & some revelations. That Kapil Dev was quite an INTROVERT, who didn't always go out with his team for partying. That he suffered INSOMNIA on the eve of the finals, since he felt responsible for an entire nation's expectations. That both Gavaskar & Srikant, our openers were also bowlers who bowled right armed OFF BREAKS. That Jimmy Amaranth & Roger Binny had problems with keeping the line, length & AXIS of their DELIVERIES & Kapil constantly OFFERED them encouragement & support. That Balwinder Sandhu had his engagement ANNULLED, over the phone, because cricketers did not make enough money. That Kapil did his own laundry, because the daily allowance was too meager. That his mother was always worried about his food remaining UNEATEN & coaxed him to drink milk for strength etc etc.
The highlight of course is the Finals between India & West Indies, a real CLIFF hanger. With the odds, WEIGHING against us, we were forced to bat first. Against the fierce West Indian bowling attack, India folded for 183 all out. As Kapil is shown addressing our dispirited team, in the locker room, you almost feel no one can SUPPLANT him or his confidence. Rest is history. As our team lifted the cup at Lords that day, it restored an entire Nation's self confidence & STIRRED hitherto unknown feelings of patriotism in all of us.
ReplyDeleteThe movie is special for its casting, sporting action, seamless integration between enacted & real shots & last but not the least for evoking the same feeling of pride, joy & happiness in all our hearts almost 38 years later.
I still remember, our joyous celebrations in Delhi. Lala Amaranth, our immediate neighbour gave an impromptu speech to the enthusiastic crowd. The AZURE sky was lit up with fireworks. Our local BAKER distributed free cakes & pies to all. There was music, complete with a LYRIST, dancing & revelry the whole night. I have often wondered, subsequently, at the imminent faith of all these people, who were sure that India would win & arranged for the music, food, fireworks etc.
Everyone's life is filled with precious moments. But only rarely do we experience collective joy of the people as a whole. Such moments form a part of our life & reliving them in any form is nothing short of absolute exhilaration.
It is indeed true that War & Sports unite a country like no other.
Wow! Amazing Tale-piece!
DeleteCould not have said it better. Thank you Gowri for reliving the splendid moments.
DeleteYes, the India- Zimbabwe match was an unpardonable lapse in recording cricket. Ranked lower and in a remote venue with no facilities was said to be the cause.
Awesome tale Gowri 👍
Delete@Paddy: I thought there was no coverage because of a strike in BBC on that day.
DeleteYes. There was a nationwide BBC strike & even Australia- Windies match at Lords was not covered.
DeleteBut Kapil said recently - he has no regrets becos people still carry that innings in their hearts. 😊
DeleteYes,my memory is short- no wonder after nearly 4 decades.
Delete3d D&CD?
ReplyDeleteYes, that is right Prasad. Exorbitant is the direct defn.
Delete9 D
ReplyDeleteAnswer : ENTRAP = SEDUCE
SPOUSE = PARTNER
Endlessly, PARTNE
IN RETREAT, ENTRAP
Well solved Sarathi 👍
Delete🙏🙏thanks 🙏
DeleteRemembering Rishi on his 79th birthday today. Fondly remember his 70 birthday bash that we had in Chennai in 2012.
ReplyDeleteSir, I can still hear him saying, 'See Satyen, the point is that...' loud and clear! Miss him a lot.
DeleteI too always feel him looking over shoulder and saying "......anno going over head" everytime I try a non-standard.
DeleteThere are so many wonderful memories with him! Miss him a lot.
Delete+1
DeleteHe lives as long as the crosswords live!
during my free time I use solve his Grid and remembering my CW days the year 1994. I missed the opportunity to meet him in person.
DeleteYes,we had a wonderful time and a more than wonderful companion,guide,mentor,talent spotter......
ReplyDeleteFortunate to be associated with him and learned everything that has to be learnt about CW's. Yet he was so simple and ready to teach anyone who was willing.
I join you all in remembering CV who willingly came forward to offer guidance to me in setting crosswords. It’s a pity that he didn’t live long enough to guide many more.
ReplyDeleteMy all too brief association with him was
ReplyDelete1. His lovely grids
2. His asking me repeatedly to check for myself & not expect to be spoon fed.
Both these i really miss.
Remembering CV with fondness and gratitude. He was a kindhearted, gentle guide, mentor and friend.
ReplyDelete