23rd Nov

Young Kuwaiti man hails medical treatment

Pacquiao’s boxing career on the line

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A warning strike hits Saudi desert area PAGE 9 Wathiq Al-Battat

Local FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

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hat’s more fun than clicking a beautiful picture? Sharing it with others! This summer, let other people see the way you see Kuwait - through your lens. Friday Times will feature snapshots of Kuwait through Instagram feeds. If you want to share your Instagram photos, email us at instagram@kuwaittimes.net

Local FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Conspiracy Theories

Kaffeeklatsch

The West and our women

JFK and I

By Shakir Reshamwala

shakir@kuwaittimes.net

By Badrya Darwish

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t was on this fateful day 50 years ago when US President John F Kennedy was assassinated, an event that left a profound impact on the politics and security of the United States. On a personal level, JFK has always loomed large during my visits to the US. It was during a weeklong trip to Dallas in 2008 when I realised the magnitude of the incident as I stood in Dealey Plaza at the spot where the president was shot on Nov 22, 1963. A visit to a cenotaph erected in his memory by the city and the Sixth Floor Museum in the former Texas Book Depository from where the alleged lone gunman fired the fatal shots offered an intriguing insight into the event that forever changed how US presidents would interact with the general populace.

A longer visit this year to the United States again brought me face-to-face with the enduring legacy of Kennedy’s assassination. Sitting in his lakefront retreat in the town of Marine on St Croix in Minnesota and watching Judge John Tunheim give a presentation on the assassination brought back memories of my Dallas visit five years earlier. Tunheim served as chairman of the Assassination Records Review Board in the ‘90s, which oversaw the collection of records of the assassination. After watching the infamous Zapruder film that captured the moments of the assassination and Pulitzer prize-winning images of the time, we discussed what countless others have over the decades - how many shots were fired, was there more than one shooter, was there a foreign hand in the killing and the like - without coming any nearer to the “truth”.

A few days later in New York, I had the opportunity to meet veteran newsman Dan Rather, a colourful and controversial figure who dominated US TV screens for nearly half a century as part of CBS. He was allegedly among the first people to see the Zapruder film and describe Kennedy’s assassination on TV - some say inaccurately - which gave rise to numerous conspiracy theories. Incidentally, Rather interviewed Saddam Hussein shortly after he invaded Kuwait in 1990, and again before the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, but that is another story.

At the Newseum - a museum dedicated to news - in Washington, which is running an exhibit on JFK, I once again revisited the assassination and the life and times of the 35th president of the United States. Part of the display also focuses on his family, particularly his wife Jacqueline, an iconic personality in her own right. My run-ins with JFK did not end there, as a couple of weeks later I found myself at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library in Austin. LBJ was Kennedy’s vice-president, and was hastily sworn in president aboard the presidential plane two hours after JFK’s death.

Just like most people remember exactly what they were doing on Sept 11, 2001, Kennedy’s assassination was a watershed moment in modern American history - an incident that was seared in the collective memories of people at the time. Fifty years later, the killing of the young and charismatic leader continues to fascinate, with insatiable public interest refusing to draw this tragic chapter to a close.

Local Spotlight

Chaotic days

By Muna Al-Fuzai

muna@kuwaittimes.net

S

chools and official departments were all closed on Tuesday because the country hosted a summit. The authorities wanted to avoid traffic jams and gave everyone a day off. Heavy rainfall on Monday in different parts of the country resulted in some roads being flooded and the usual traffic jams and accidents followed.

It rained nearly all day on Monday and Tuesday, so they declared even Wednesday a holiday and why not? After all, education can wait! Nothing will be missed. In fact, all weather forecasts predicted that Wednesday would be clear with some possible showers with no storm returning at any point. But still most parents wanted this day to be off because they didn’t want to bother themselves with sending their kids to school and instead preferred them to be in bed or online than actually getting some education.

I believe in education, like a serious one - not the kind we have in Kuwait. This is not education. This is not the way nations develop and move forward. The Ministry of Education gave two days off for all the students. The first because of the summit and the second because of anticipated bad weather.

I think some here in Kuwait perceive schools as a nursery or a playground. We send small babies to the nursery when we don’t have time to spend with them during the day or

pack them off to the playground so that they can burn off their extra energy and we can have some peace at home.

But schools cannot be taken lightly to be closed at any point in time for no reason.

I have never seen anything called bad weather in Kuwait the way we see on TV in some Asian countries like Philippines where floods damage houses. Now that would be a serious reason to close schools to protect lives because the school buildings are at risk of being destroyed.

What I have seen in Kuwait is a joke. No schools should be shut down because of a conference or the possibility of rain. All sectors in the government have been put on high alert with a control room to follow up on the weather developments and some power stations were affected by the rain.

The Director of Public Relations and Media at Kuwait Fire Service Directorate (KFSD) Khalil Al- Amir said that KFSD handled all the cases and the control room received many reports constantly. He revealed that a thunderbolt struck a KAC plane while it was landing and burnt the generator, though thankfully no casualties were reported.

The storm is over and the summit has also ended. It was a busy week with the entire city in chaos but now since it’s over, everyone can return to their normal lives.

badrya_d@kuwaittimes.net

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on’t get overexcited by the title. I do not mean what is on your mind at all. I am not going to discuss the sexual attitude of Western men towards Eastern women. That does not bother me one bit. I noticed that most men in the West have noticed that women in this part of the world are exotic, especially women who wear a burqa. Many men think that women in abaya look sexy. I am sure that the women behind the veil do not think of it that way.

If a woman is slender and nice and has beautiful eyes, she can look exotic. Now, I am drifting away from my topic.

When I say West and Eastern women, I mean something totally different. We always read and hear criticism and statements from NGOs, Western governments and human rights organizations who are worried about the status of women in the Middle East, especially the rights of Saudi women with reference to driving. As if there is no other topic on earth for these human rights organizations to worry about in the Middle East except women riding a camel or a bus or having a chauffeur.

By the way, being chauffeured around is a sign of luxury and is not bad at all. I find it cool especially with the heavy traffic that each city is experiencing nowadays - be it Riyadh, Cairo, Amman, New York or Timbuktu.

Apart from Saudi women’s right to drive, they have another important issue for all women in the Middle East: Emirati, Qatari, Kuwaiti, Jordanian, Omani, Yemeni etc. The West worries about women’s political rights. They can’t sleep at night worrying about our political rights. They worry and count the number of women in governments and parliaments. They even implant these ideas in the minds of some of our women who study abroad or when they meet them during their visits to the Middle East. They always try to make us feel like we don’t have our rights.

May I know how many women are in the US Congress and how many women in a country like France, UK or Germany hold political posts? How many women are in the Russian Duma or the House of Commons in the United Kingdom? Why is this a constant concern if women are presidents of banks or chair boards?

I hate this feministic thinking. I would like to think that men and women are equal. They should get posts by merit and not by gender, irrespective of whether they are female or male. You care for gender when you want to get married, have children or flirt, in case you don’t want to tie the knot.

Why is gender important for the CV? Professionalism, knowledge, skills and achievements as well as character should be the objectives of job applicants. @BadryaD

Local

Beauty au naturel

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

By Nawara Fattahova

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omen have been taking care of their skin and hair since time immemorial. They used different plants, herbs, fruits and other ingredients to make masks, creams, soaps and other skincare products to preserve their beauty. With the advancements in technology, thousands of companies started producing all kinds of products for skin and hair, which included chemicals or artificial colors and essences. People got used to applying readymade products to save time and get the work done in one shot.

However, over the past few years, more people and some manufacturers have gone back to nature and raided their kitchens to create better and safer alternatives.

According to many studies, homemade masks are better as they are free of chemicals and hence have no side effects. Many women are also known to preserve copies of their grandmothers’ natural homemade recipes for skin and hair.

Sally, a 33-year-old expat was impressed by a hair mask which her mother used to treat her hair. “My mother’s hairdresser found a new recipe for a hair mask which showed visible results. She mixed vitamins with egg yolk and olive oil and applied it to the hair and left it for half an hour to stop hair loss and strengthen the roots. It really worked and now she has thick and shiny hair. I will also start using it now that I’m convinced,” she told the Kuwait Times.

Fatma, a 26-year-old has also been concocting masks at home to improve her skin. “I use pure honey on my face as it tightens and moisturizes the skin. I prefer natural products as they’re free of artificial chemicals. My hair is greasy, so I use lemon to dry the scalp once or twice a month. I also use parsley on my skin after boiling it and the result is great,” she pointed out. “I have also heard that applying olive oil reduces stretch marks and gives the skin a uniform tone, but I haven’t tried it yet,” she said.

Ibtisam, a 41-year-old, said that she has different recipes which she got from the Internet and frequents blogs and Instagram regularly. “Apart from the Internet, I also got some recipes from my local vendor who supplies me with herbs which I use in my masks. For my hands, I mix collagen with Vitamin E which comes in cap-

sules and use this twice a week. I also use a powder concentrate of Vitamin C which I got from Europe with oil and eggs in a face-pack. For my hair, I mix yoghurt with mayonnaise and keep it on for 10 minutes and get some wonderful result,” she said. Ibtisam also creates her own homemade disinfectant. “I mix Dettol with water and add essential oils like lavender and carry it around in my purse,” she said.

Rose water is an essential ingredient, according to Samar, a 30-year-old expat. “I use a mask which has rose water and starch and keep it on the face for 15-20 minutes every week. I also use mashed avocados as a mask and put cucumber slices on my eyes and face. For the body, I use homemade soap made from olive oil. I also mix olive oil with eggs for my hair as it’s very nourishing. I have heard that coconut oil is very good for the hair but it needs to be applied overnight. I have tried making a mask with honey and sugar as it peels the dead cells of the skin,” she revealed.

remove a tan, a mixture of tomato juice and yoghurt is best as it lightens the skin tone,” she pointed out.

Many women in our region seek fair skin. Hanadi, a 23-year-old, explained her experience with creating her own mask. “We should exfoliate the body first with a mask that removes dead cells and cellulite. This mask is made from the juice of one big lemon, two spoons of olive oil, three spoons of almond oil, and two spoons of yoghurt. Apply this pack all over the body and keep it on for two hours before having a shower and you will see that the dead skin will peel off in the form of black threads,” she said.

After this is done, the whitening mask can be used.

This consists of three spoons of castor-oil, four spoons of almond oil, a small pack of glycerin, five spoons of Vaseline, six spoons of rose water and a big spoon of starch. After three days, the perfect result will be visible, revealed Hanadi.

Manal, a 45-year-old uses different masks to achieve

It’s time to raid the kitchen for glowing skin and healthy hair To get the perfect tan, she shared her homemade recipe. “Mix the iodine we use for injuries, with olive oil, lemon, a little baby oil, and carrot juice and use it as a suntan oil while on the beach and you will get the perfect tan,” Samar further said.

Sarah, a 27-year-old expat, said any fruit which is good for consumption for good for the skin. “I mash a papaya slice or a piece of avocado and apply it on my skin to keep it looking fresh and healthy. I also apply peeled potato on my face after doctors discovered that it was the best pack to apply on patients with burned skin.

Of course, potato peels look hideous on the skin, especially when they begin to dry and change color from pale brown to dark brown and finally black! But it makes the skin feel very refreshed and soft and keeps it blemish free. Any fruit should be applied for at least an hour for the skin to absorb its nutrients and benefit from it. To

different results. “For the face, I mix powdered milk, oats, yogurt and rose water and leave it on for 20 minutes. For my body, I use a mask made from tahini (sesame oil), salt, brown sugar, oats and use it as a scrub. I leave it on for 10 minutes and then scrub it with a sponge for soft skin.

Finally, I spray baby oil mixed with essential oils, like white musk or lavender to keep the skin soft and supple,” she said.

She provided more recipes which are not very well known or frequently used, “A mask containing yeast gives volume to the face. It should be used on cheeks and lips, avoiding the nose. This mask includes yeast, oats, yoghurt, half a lemon and a small spoon of milk powder. Furthermore, olive oil is good for nails, feet, especially the heels and for dark hair. People with blonde hair shouldn’t use it as it may darken the color,” said Manal.

es, i c a m phar t a e l res b o a l t i s a e v n A d fi n a s p co-o

Local FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Local FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Walking with his head held high Young Kuwaiti man hails life-changing medical treatment

By Jackie Smith

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ohammed, 18, is an active young Kuwaiti man who loves playing football. He was an ambitious student and had aspirations to become an engineer and make his parents proud.

Mohammed worked hard during his studies and to help him achieve his goal of becoming an engineer, Mohammed joined the scientific department at Al-Faresi School Fintas Area in Kuwait.

In 2010, during the end-of-year exams, Mohammed began to have frequent pains in his forehead. His mother thought the pain was due to study pressure and stress, as he was studying hard, often without a break. However, once his exams were over, the pain actually increased, reaching round to the back of his head. This led his parents to take Mohammed to visit their local doctor who recommended a series of medical tests. The diagnosis showed that the pain was a result of a growth on his brain. In AlAdan Hospital, under the supervision of a neurosurgery specialist in Ibn Sina Hospital, Mohammed underwent a CT scan. The result showed a brain tumor that needed to be removed surgically; if left untreated, the condition could lead to blindness, paralysis and spinal cord injury.

Mohammed was operated on at Ibn Sina Hospital. However, the doctor there informed Mohammed’s parents of the presence of recurring clots which would remain even after the tumour was removed. The doctor could not be certain whether these clots were a congenital malformation that Mohammed had been born with, or whether they were remnants of blood and fat that could disappear following a few sessions of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Mohammed’s parents considered the risk in starting the chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions, to identify why the clots were appearing. With the help of a friend, who worked in the Kuwait Ministry of Health, they booked an appointment for Mohammed at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in London, one of the world’s leading centres for paediatric care and treatment, to get the medical attention that their son urgently needed.

Mohammed arrived at GOSH accompanied by his father, with the hope of recovery from the pain. Dr Anthony Michalski, consultant paediatric oncologist at GOSH, diagnosed the clots as remnants of blood and fat, which could be removed easily with simple surgery conducted by skilled and experienced doctors. Mohammed recalled: “Before arriving at GOSH, I was extremely scared of needles, but the nurses at GOSH took my hand and encouraged me with their tenderness and professionalism. I loved the entire staff at the hospital, from the administrators to medical care nurses.

They were keen on making me feel as comfortable as possible, and they used to sit with me and allow me to play and watch TV whenever my health permitted.”

Mohammed during his treatment

Eid was a special time for Mohammed. He was at GOSH where famous cartoon characters came to the ward and distributed gifts celebrating Eid. “GOSH made us forget our pain and fear during this happy occasion,” he said. His mother remembered the time well and said: “Mohammed was with his dad in the hospital when I called them from Kuwait on the second day of Eid, to check why they didn’t call me to wish me Eid Mubarak. Mohammed’s father was full of joy and he said ‘You in Kuwait celebrate Eid your way, and we have good people here who celebrate Eid in their own way’”.

He added, “At GOSH I regained my normal life and was able to participate in normal activities. Before coming here, I suffered severe numbness in my joints, nerves, and muscles which meant I was unable to walk or balance. I had been confined to a wheelchair, but at GOSH, I was provided with specially designed gypsum shoes, which helped me to balance when I walked. Once the treatment finished, I could walk and move freely.”

During his stay at GOSH, Mohammed made a Kuwaiti friend, 11-year-old Doueihi. “We shared wonderful moments; we used to play and watch TV together, and his mother used to prepare delicious food for us. Later, I found out that Doueihi passed away after he returned to Kuwait; this shock made me even more determined to hold on to life”.

For Mohammed’s mother, the experience at GOSH was a story of recovery.

“GOSH became more than a hospital where my son recovered. In April 2013, I went to London for a holiday and visited the hospital to see my friend’s son who was seeking treatment there. Because I have a real love for this place, I feel immense gratitude to the nurses and doctors here. I couldn’t stop myself from thinking about our best moments at GOSH while Mohammed was recovering. Each corner and every person in this hospital has a special place in my heart.”

Mohammed stayed at GOSH for a year and eight months where he was kept under the supervision of Dr Anthony Michalski. Once the doctors saw a remarkable improvement and stability in his health, they transferred his case to NBK Hospital in Kuwait for further treatment and routine check-ups. “I’m still undergoing periodic tests and examinations at the NBK Hospital, in coordination with GOSH, as doctors from London come regularly to evaluate my health,” concluded Mohammed. Eid was a special time for Mohammad. He was at GOSH where famous cartoon characters came to the ward and distributed gifts celebrating Eid. “GOSH made us forget our pain and fear during this happy occasion,” he said. His mother remembered the time well and said: “Mohammed was with his dad in the hospital when I called them from Kuwait on the second day of Eid, to check why they didn’t call me to wish me Eid Mubarak. Mohammed’s father was full of joy and he said ‘You in Kuwait celebrate Eid your way, and we have good people here who celebrate Eid in their own way’”.

Dr Michalski concluded, “It was such a pleasure and a privilege being involved in Mohammed’s care. Mohammed and his father were always very positive and so determined that he would get better. They had such a sense of warmth and fun about them even when times were difficult due to the treatment. I saw him last time I visited Kuwait in May and was proud to see what a fine young man he has grown up to become”.

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Local FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Heavy rains force closure of Dubai Airshow, UAE schools DUBAI: Heavy rains and flooding forced the annual airshow in Dubai to close early on its last day yesterday while schools in the desert Gulf state were ordered shut.”The Dubai Airshow is closed for now, we advise people to refrain from travelling to the site,” organizers said in an emailed statement. Participants and visitors to the airshow that kicked off on Sunday posted on social networks pictures and videos of flooded exhibition halls. No

announcements of new deals had been expected yesterday as most manufacturers had on Wednesday given final figures of contracts sealed during the event. As the turbulent weather swept across Gulf states, the United Arab Emirates ministry of education ordered public and private schools shut to ensure “students’ safety,” according to a statement carried by the official WAM news agency. Local media reported several acci-

dents that brought traffic to a near-halt in several areas of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Local media had reported Sunday that one man was killed when floods swept through a valley in the northern Ras Al-Khaimah Emirate.

Flash floods sparked by torrential rain have hit other Gulf neighbours, some of which normally experience such low precipitation that religious leaders often organize special prayers for rain. In Saudi Arabia, seven

people were killed in three days of rain, the kingdom’s civil defence authority said on Wednesday, adding that five others were missing. Meanwhile in Kuwait, civil defence authorities announced two people were killed as the amount of rainfall reached 100 millimetres in two days-Monday and Tuesday-equal to the average annual rainfall in the Emirate. Heavy rains have also been reported in Oman, Qatar and Bahrain. —AFP

Grillings to be debated next week amidst new controversy Court to rule on Nafisi’s anti-Shiite remarks

By B Izzak

Dr Abdul Rahman Al-Sumait is seen in this file photo.

HH Amir names prize in memory of Dr Al-Sumait KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah honored the memory of the late Dr Abdul Rahman AlSumait by naming a financial annual prize in his name for his outstanding charity work, DirectAid organization announced yesterday. DirectAid Chairman of the Board of Directors Dr Abdul Rahman Saleh Al-Muhailan told KUNA that His Highness the Amir’s initiative is an appreciation of efforts made by Kuwaiti charity organizations, especially in the African continent.

Kuwait is pioneering in humanitarian and philanthropic work which can be seen in different parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, AlMuhailan added. His Highness the Amir announced Dr Abdul Rahman Al-Sumait Prize during his opening speech at the third Afro-Arab Summit, recently held in Kuwait. The $1 million prize is allocated to developmental research in Africa, especially since the latest humanitarian figure left a great imprint on this continent. — KUNA

K U W A I T : National Assembly Speaker Marzouk Al-Ghanem said yesterday that all the six grillings against the prime minister and two other ministers will be debated in the next session on Tuesday, adding that he cannot say when the session will end.

Ghanem also said that the voting on the no-confidence motion against Health Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah will also take place in the same session, making it perhaps the longest session in Kuwait’s history.

The speaker also said that he will ask the assembly to allocate additional sessions in order to compensate the time consumed by grillings so the assembly work continues smoothly. Asked about the intention of MPs to request amending the constitution to prevent unelected ministers from voting in the assembly, the speaker said that amending the constitution must go through a

specific procedure that must be followed. Ghanem said that the demands submitted by the ministers to get explanation over their grillings are within the law and the assembly’s charter. The speaker was commenting on a new controversy that threatens to delay the debate of some of the grillings. State Minister for Municipality Affairs Salem AlOthaina yesterday sent a request to MPs Abdullah Al-Tameemi and Faisal Al-Duwaisan, who filed to grill the minister, asking for some of the issues on the grilling to be illustrated.

The two MPs holding the minister responsible for the removal of several tents erected by Shiites to mark Ashura, the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Al-Hussein, highly revered by Shiites. The two MPs alleged that the municipality officials ordered the removal of the tents although they were licensed.

The minister asked the two lawmakers to exactly determine the tents that were licensed but still the

municipality razed them and asked them to provide the licenses. He also asked the two lawmakers to provide him with the specific decisions that he had allegedly issued to remove the tents.

In the meantime, MP Khalil Abdullah yesterday strongly lashed out at State Minister for Planning and Development Rola Dashti for the explanation she had sent to him two days ago over his grilling. The lawmaker said that the minister has violated the law by sending over 45 questions to illustrate the grilling which is very clear and does not require any explanation. In another development, the criminal court yesterday set November 28 to issue its verdict against Islamist thinker and politician Abdullah Al-Nafisi over charges of undermining the Shiite sect and threatening national unity. Nafisi was taken to court for remarks he made at a lecture in which he strongly criticized Iran and a number of Shiites considered the remarks abusive to their sect.

Kuwait sets the stage for aviation industry growth Air traffic rose 6% in September KUWAIT: Air traffic is rising steadily in Kuwait as the state continues to capitalize on growing volumes of international travelers, buoyed by heightened regional activity. As passenger numbers rise, low-cost carriers (LCCs) are expanding their operations to meet new demand, with the government’s $6 billion airport upgrade set to ease capacity problems in the medium term. Renewed efforts to privatize the national carrier, Kuwait Airways, should also pave the way for growth into 2014 and beyond.

Passenger numbers on the rise Air traffic rose by 6 percent year-on-year (y-o-y) in September, according to Kuwait’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), with passenger numbers topping 859,000, including 520,000 arrivals. Activity at Kuwait International Airport (KIA) has increased significantly in recent years, supported by new aviation deals sealed with several countries, including Turkey, the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

The resumption of flights to and from Iraq in February 2013, after a 23-year-long hiatus, has also given the industry a boost.

Passenger numbers at KIA hit 8.9 million in

2012, up from 7.23 million in 2008. The increase in numbers signals that the airport is making progress toward meeting its target of handling 13 million passengers annually by 2016. However, capacity constraints at KIA, which was originally designed to handle only 2 million travelers annually, led to some passenger flights being diverted to the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdallah General Aviation Terminal, which is usually reserved for private aircraft, in May. Officials are looking to the extensive $6 billion overhaul planned for the airport to help boost capacity and drive growth. The airport investment plan, which was unveiled by the DGCA in May 2012, will include the construction of a $3 billion, 130,000-sq-metre new terminal, while a further $3 billion is earmarked for a runway expansion, enhanced control tower operations and the construction of a new cargo facility.

In September 2013, the government said it would re-tender the terminal construction project, after previous efforts stalled in February. A Turkish firm, TAV, which carried out airport developments in Doha and Abu Dhabi, signaled its intention in May to bid for the project.

LCCs look to expand LCCs are moving forward with their plans to address capacity problems. In a significant move, Kuwait-based LCC, Jazeera Airways, announced last month that it had been granted government approval to build its own terminal and facilities at KIA. Jazeera Airways has given an impressive performance since restructuring in 2009, reporting KD13.9 million ($48.99 million) profits in 2012, up 32 percent y-o-y.

“I think the aviation industry here is healthier than anywhere else in the entire GCC region,” Jazeera Airways Chairman Marwan Boodai, told OBG. “In 2012 there were 9 million passengers in Kuwait, which is a lot for single destinations, particularly given Kuwait’s size. It demonstrates the great potential here.”

In September 2013, flydubai, which notched up 31 percent passenger growth in its Kuwait segment last year, moved its operations to Sheikh Saad Al-Abdallah terminal to meet a rise in demand.

Privatization looms While LCCs are expanding, changes are afoot at the state-owned Kuwait Airways

Company (KAC). In January 2013 parliament approved privatization of the national carrier, whose performance has been volatile over the past two decades. The state has tried twice in the past six years to sell the airline, without success, despite financial incentives such as a 20 percent discount on fuel that was offered in the most recent attempt, in 2011.

Some progress has been made this time, with KAC having signed in May a five-year agreement with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to provide assistance in the privatization process. According to a report from state news agency KUNA, the IATA will prepare a work plan for the restructuring of the airline, with a goal of transforming the carrier into a profitable commercial entity and “to make the company more attractive to a strategic investor over the next three years”. “The privatization of Kuwait Airways is crucial, as is the privatization of the entire aviation industry in the GCC,” Boodai commented. “There needs to be free and fair competition throughout the GCC if we are going to step forward to the next economic stage as a region.”

— Oxford Business Group

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Local FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

KAC’s first flight to Iraq’s Najaf airport BAGHDAD: A scheduled Kuwait Airways flight landed in Iraq late on Wednesday for the first time since the 1990 Iraqi invasion, in the latest sign of improved ties between the neighbours. Kuwait’s national airline flew 100 passengers to Najaf, 160 km south of Baghdad, the director of Najaf’s airport told state news agency KUNA, adding that most were visiting

Shiite Muslim holy sites in the city.

KUNA said Kuwait Airways planned to fly twice a week to Najaf, which is more secure than the capital Baghdad, where bombings are an almost daily occurrence.

Diplomatic relations between Kuwait and Iraq improved last year after a settlement over debts from the era of the 1991 Gulf War, in which a US-led coalition forced

Kuwait tops list of nations in fractures KUWAIT: Kuwait is in the top segment of countries in regards to bone fractures and trauma resulting from road accidents, lamented Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and Minister of Health Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah Wednesday, addressing a conference. This was revealed in the minister’s address at the opening of the seventh fractures and trauma conference, in which he stressed this issue is of great importance and the conference, therefore, should receive due attention.

Fractures and trauma to the bones are among the main challenges to modern healthcare systems, he said, and stressed on the need for continued education and training for medical staff and for enhancing the sector’s capacity for swift handling of such cases.

The conference is an opportunity to share expertise and review the latest research in this field, with elite consultants and specialists from reputable centers and hospitals from around the world attending and enriching the sessions, the official said.

While seeking to improve its technical and human resources, the Health Ministry also stresses the need for other state and civil society bodies to cooperate and counter the high number of road accidents in the country.

Investing in public awareness, the minister stressed, could spare the nation many losses and injuries that collectively stand to compromise overall development.

Conference Chairman and head of the Razi Hospital Spinal Cord Division Dr Abdulrazzaq Al-Obaidan said the program includes 14 sessions and seminars, along with seven workshops over the course of four days, under the supervision of an expert team of doctors. The topics include the latest in the field of orthopedic surgery and care and the participants, he added, would receive 22 credit points.

He further expressed hope the participation of 15 consultants and professors from the US, the UK, France, Germany, Egypt, and the Arabian Gulf countries alongside peers from Kuwait would yield stronger cooperation with specialized centers and institutions in the future.—KUNA

Iraqi troops out of Kuwait. Ties have also been bolstered by a series of bilateral visits involving Kuwait’s ruler and Iraq’s prime minister. Iraq’s state airline resumed flights between Baghdad and Kuwait in February for the first time since the invasion. But most major carriers that ply the route still do so through other cities such as Dubai, even though the Iraqi and Kuwaiti capitals

lie just 560 km apart. In December, Kuwait Airways dropped legal cases against Iraqi Airways in return for compensation of $500 million.

The legal row was part of a broader dispute over billions of dollars in reparations dating back to the invasion, when the forces of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein seized aircraft and parts. — Reuters

Six mortar bombs fall near Saudi border with Kuwait Iraqi Shiites claim mortar fire

RIYADH: Six mortar bombs landed near a remote Saudi border post close to neighbouring fellow oil producers Iraq and Kuwait, but caused no damage, Saudi Arabia said yesterday, a day after the incident. The mortar rounds hit desert on the far northwestern fringes of the kingdom’s oil-producing region and several hundred kilometres from the major fields operated by the world’s largest oil exporter and biggest Arab economy.

An Iraqi Shiite group claimed yesterday it had fired six mortar rounds that hit a remote area of northeastern Saudi Arabia a day earlier as a warning to the Sunni-dominated kingdom. Wathiq AlBattat, head of the pro-Iranian Shiite group Jaish Al-Mukhtar, told AFP by telephone from Baghdad that the attack was “a warning strike” to Saudi Arabia over its stance towards Shiites. “We did not mean for our missile to reach a residential area because we value people’s blood,” said Battat. “But next time, if Saudi Arabia continues the same course, we will go farther, little by little.” Battat also said his men had entered entered Hafr Al-Batin, “an oil-rich area and vital to the Saudis” that was the target of the mortar fire.

Diplomats and Iraqi security officials routinely say they do not believe Jaish Al-Mukhtar to be a capable militia and do not regard Battat as a credible figure.

But the incident comes amid regional turmoil fuelled by the Syrian conflict.

Riyadh backs the mostly Sunni rebels fighting to overthrow Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, who is strongly supported by predominantly Shiite Iran and Shiite militias in Iraq and Lebanon.

Saudi news website sabq.org published pictures of small craters in the desert which it said the mortar fire had caused. A high barbed-wire fence and a road were visible in some photos. “Six mortar rounds fell in an uninhabited area near the new Al-Auja border guard centre of Hafr Al-Batin in Eastern Province. Thank God, no damage resulted,” border guard spokesman General Mohammed Al-Ghamdi told the official Saudi Press Agency.

Residents said Saudi warplanes were flying over the area early yesterday and Ghamidi said Saudi authorities were in “direct contact” with their neighbours to identify the source of the shelling and to prevent a repetition. Okaz newspaper’s website said the mortar fire came “from the Iraqi side of the border.” Hafr AlBatin, which also borders Kuwait, was a command headquarters for US forces during the 1991 Gulf War, which expelled Iraqi occupation forces from the Emirate.

Uneasy relationship Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia, a close

ally of Kuwait, has tense relations with the Shiiite-led Iraqi government, which it views as a pawn of its main regional rival Iran. It has not had an ambassador based in Baghdad since before the 1990-91 Gulf crisis.

Sectarian fighting in Iraq since the US-led invasion in 2003 has involved Sunni militants close to Al-Qaeda as well as Shiite militias which have no love for Saudi Arabia. Some Iraqi Shiites support Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad in his 2-1/2-year-old struggle to crush what has become an armed revolt by mainly Sunni rebels, some of them backed by Riyadh. The conflict has aggravated Sunni-Shiite antagonism across the region, not least in Syria’s smaller neighbour Lebanon, where Iran and Saudi Arabia have long vied for influence. A Lebanon-based Sunni group linked to Al-Qaeda has claimed responsibility for the Iran embassy attack in Beirut. The Saudi border area with Iraq and Kuwait lies deep in a largely unpopulated desert. The kingdom has installed fences along its long frontier with Iraq, about 60 km of which runs along the edge of Eastern Province, which is home to many of Saudi Arabia’s own substantial Shiite minority. The kingdom has oil facilities in the Neutral Zone it shares with Kuwait, more than 100 km from Hafr Al-Batin, but its main oil and gas fields are much further to the southeast. —AFP

Dump trucks overturn, 1 dead

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: Two dump trucks overturned after colliding in West Shuaiba and Mina Abdallah and Fahaheel securitymen rushed to the area. One person was killed and three others sustained extensive injuries. Firemen were able to pull one of the injured from the truck while the other two were seen outside. The fourth man was buried under the debris and had to be dug out by security officials.

Manhole blaze A blaze in a manhole in Faiha area alarmed a person who called the fire center to investigate the fire.

Shuhada and Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hazardous Material Center officials rushed to the scene and discovered that the blaze was caused when a spark in the drain came in contact with oil. The fire was successfully put out.

KUWAIT: (Left) The damaged truck is pictured. (Right) One of the injured is pulled out from the damaged truck.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

More Syrians flood into Lebanon to escape war

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Army chief Sisi does not rule out presidential bid

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Afghan president will defer signing US deal

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GENEVA: A traffic light is seen next to the Intercontinental Hotel hosting the Iran nuclear talks yesterday in Geneva. Iran and world powers locked horns in intense and difficult talks on a preliminary but landmark nuclear accord, with Tehran warning that “serious issues” still had to be resolved. — AFP

Iran, world powers lock horns Tehran will never get the bomb: Israel GENEVA: Iran and world powers locked horns in intense and difficult talks yesterday on a preliminary but landmark nuclear accord, with Tehran warning that “serious issues” still had to be resolved.

Both sides stressed however that the gathering, seen as the best hope in years to resolve the standoff over Iran’s controversial nuclear program after a decade of rising tensions, was constructive. The United States, China, Russia, Britain, France and Germany-the P5+1 want Iran to freeze parts of its nuclear program in return for minor relief from painful sanctions.

Yesterday’s talks are aimed at obtaining a “first phase” deal which would build trust and ease tensions while Iran and the six powers hammer out a final accord that ends once and for all fears that Tehran will get the bomb.

But both sides warned that the negotiations would be tough. Iran’s lead negotiator Abbas Araqchi said that “serious issues remain to be a

source of difference”, following a meeting Thursday between the powers’ chief negotiator Catherine Ashton and Foreign Minister Mohammad Jarad Zarif.

Ashton’s spokesman said that her talks with Zarif, due to resume at 1330 GMT, had been “very substantial and detailed”. “It is very hard,” a senior US officials said after the first day’s discussions on Wednesday. A meeting of all seven parties is expected to be later, with bilaterals to follow.

Similar seven-party talks two weeks ago failed after France insisted that a proposed deal did not go far enough in securing guarantees on Iran’s uranium enrichment. But French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said yesterday that the text being debated with the Iranians yesterday was “supported by all six” world powers. “This deal will only be possible if it has a firm base,” Fabius told France 2 television.

First-phase deal Numerous attempts to resolve the standoff have

failed over the last decade, but the election this year of President Hassan Rouhani has raised hopes that this time a deal can be struck. With the country reeling from sanctions, Rouhani has put the brakes on expanding Iran’s atomic activities.

The proposed deal also includes the International Atomic Energy Agency having greater inspection rights and Iran’s stockpile of medium-enriched uranium removed. Construction would also stop at the Arak reactor, a facility that could provide Iran with plutonium for a bomb.

Western powers say that the relief from painful sanctions that Iran would get would be minor and that the main oil and banking sanctions would stay during this period.

But skeptics, in particular Israel, complain that Iran is being given too much and that Tehran should completely dismantle its nuclear facilities, most notably in uranium enrichment. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had called the mooted

deal “very bad”, vowed yesterday in Moscow that Iran would never get the bomb.

“I pledge Iran will not get a nuclear weapon,” Netanyahu, who has never ruled out military action against Tehran, told Jewish community leaders. Daryl Kimball from the Arms Control Association said a complete dismantling might have been possible in 2005 when Iran had fewer than 300 centrifuges at one site. “But it is not realistic now that Iran has 19,000 installed and 10,000 operating centrifuges at two sites,” he said.

On Wednesday US Secretary of State John Kerry sought to provide reassurance. “We will not allow this agreement ... to buy time or to allow for the acceptance of an agreement that does not properly address our core, fundamental concerns,” Kerry said in Washington. If Rouhani, meanwhile, fails to secure quick and substantial relief from the sanctions, he risks losing the support of arch-conservatives and the supreme leader, experts say. — AFP

International FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

How an Albanian ‘Yes’ became ‘No’ Assad’s sarin and the Plan B TIRANA/THE HAGUE: On the evening of Monday, Nov 11, the US ambassador to Tirana, Alexander Arvizu, met Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and his foreign minister at a government villa in the capital. News had emerged that a favor was being asked by the United States, and an unprecedented backlash was building just two months into Rama’s tenure.

Washington wanted Albania, a NATO ally of 2.8 million people, to host the destruction of 1,300 tons of Syrian nerve agents under a plan agreed with Russia to eliminate them from Syria’s civil war. Albania was an obvious choice. Dubbed the ‘51st State’, the impoverished Adriatic republic is staunchly pro-American and was the first country in the world to eliminate its own communist-era chemical weapons in 2007, with Washington footing much of the $48 million bill.

Facing a Nov 15 deadline to finalize the plan, Arvizu and Rama talked until 1 am The next day, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the US embassy, chanting “No, no, no!” At the last minute, with protests building, Rama blinked - the proposed deal undone by the same democratic forces that Washington had welcomed when communist rule fell.

“It is impossible for Albania to take part in this operation,” Rama said in a televised address on Friday afternoon. Albania’s sudden refusal left US diplomats scrambling for a Plan B to get the chemical weapons out of Syria within six weeks under a timetable agreed with President Bashar Al-Assad’s big-power backer, Russia. The setback underscores the challenges facing a plan to extract sarin, mustard gas and other lethal nerve agents from a war zone, and the limits of American diplomacy. Rama meanwhile was accused of failing to pre-empt local opposition to the deal. “It was possible to say ‘Yes’, Rama wanted to say ‘Yes’, but in the end it became impossible for him to say ‘Yes’,” said a senior Western diplomat. Like others interviewed for this article, the diplomat was not authorized to speak and so requested anonymity.

Through aides, both Rama and Arvizu declined to be interviewed by Reuters on the matter. Diplomatic sources say Rama knew Albania was in the mix as far back as September, when US Secretary of State John Kerry and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, agreed the plan in Geneva and averted threatened US missile strikes following an Aug. 21 sarin attack in a Damascus suburb.

Rama, just days in office, was keen to take part.

His predecessor, Sali Berisha, had worked hard to keep Washington’s favor, taking in prisoners from the US jail at Guantanamo Bay as President Barack Obama sought to close the facility, as well as hundreds of Iranian opposition exiles who had for years been holed up in Iraq. In 2003, as training for the invasion of Iraq, Albania let US warplanes bomb bunkers left over by the country’s Stalinist leader, Enver Hoxha. The loyalty stretches back to the end of World War One, when Woodrow Wilson saved Albania from being dismembered by its neighbors, through to 1999, when Bill Clinton took the lead in the NATO bombing of then-Yugoslavia to stop the slaughter of ethnic Albanians in Kosovo by Serbian forces under Slobodan Milosevic. When George W Bush visited Tirana in 2007, at the lowest ebb of his popularity at home and abroad, the president received a rockstar welcome, hugged and kissed by Albanians in Uncle Sam top hats.

“Even in Michigan, he wouldn’t be as welcome,” Rama, then in opposition, was quoted as saying at the time. But even he knew accepting Assad’s sarin would be a hard sell to the local population. While nerve agents can be fairly quickly downgraded, the process can produce up to 15 times the volume in toxic waste.

Such waste would take years to dispose of, and pose a risk to the environment if not cleaned up properly.

A bohemian artist in his younger days, 49-year-old Rama had made his name as mayor of Tirana by giving the drab city a facelift with newly planted trees and bright paint daubed on downtown buildings. When Berisha moved to open the country to lucrative waste imports in 2010, Rama was opposed and among his first decisions on becoming prime minister in September was to ban the practice.

The issue had tapped into a vein of resentment among some Albanians that their country was being exploited, treated as a garbage dump by its richer, cleaner allies in the West. There were also fears the Albanian mafia would get involved. Rama would

need a sweetener. Though it is not known precisely what he discussed with Arvizu, the prime minister said later that the deal would have involved a US promise to clean up dozens of environmental ‘hotspots’ in Albania, a legacy of Hoxha’s rule and two decades of industrial complacency since his regime fell.

The benefit to the Albanian economy would have run to tens of millions of dollars. The clean-up would have fed into Albania’s efforts to market itself as an emerging tourist destination on the Adriatic Sea, with great stretches of unspoiled sandy beaches. But before Rama could break the news, reports emerged naming Albania as a possible destination for Syria’s chemical arsenal.

Albania was first identified as a possible host on Oct. 31 by Global Security Newswire, a news website focusing on nuclear, biological and chemical weapons and security.

The report was picked up by the Albanian press over the next few days and Foreign Minister Ditmir Bushati confirmed the possibility in an interview with Le Monde on Nov 4.

resurfaced this month, brandished at protests by environmentalists as a central element in their argument against the US request.

At home, the United States has yet to eliminate its own chemical weapons. To date, it has spent $28 billion on destroying 90 percent of its declared stockpile, and must spend another $10 billion to complete the job by 2023, many years behind schedule, according to the US Center for Arms Control and NonProliferation.

US efforts to prod other so-called ‘possessor states’ into destroying their own stockpiles have been dogged by political resistance and delays. It has had similar problems in trying to secure and destroy in cooperation with Russia - radioactive material left over from the Cold War at sites around the world, for fear it could fall into the hands of militants as an ingredient for crude bombs.

Transportation of such material is costly, requiring tight security and secrecy. Rama suddenly appeared at a loss to explain the

DAMASCUS: This August 21, 2013, citizen journalism image provided by the Media Office of Douma City which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, shows a Syrian man mourning over a dead body after an alleged poisonous gas attack fired by regime forces. — AP

Environmentalists expressed alarm and youth groups took to Facebook to summon protests. The opposition pounced, accusing Rama of secretly negotiating a deal that would put Albanians in harm’s way. One senior opposition figure branded Rama “Chemical Edi”, evoking Saddam Hussein’s cousin and powerbroker Ali Hassan Al-Majid, known as Chemical Ali for ordering the 1988 gas attacks on Kurds in northern Iraq. Suddenly Rama was on the back foot. He spoke by telephone with Secretary of State Kerry. Diplomats and Albanian officials say both Rama and Arvizu, the US ambassador, had not anticipated such a backlash.

Rama, too, had failed to keep his coalition partner, Ilir Meta, and President Bujar Nishani in the loop.

“This was an easy job, just tough PR,” a US official said.

Contamination As small but vocal protests took off, Albanian television aired a report from Qafe Molle, an army facility on the other side of a mountain from Tirana where the United States had helped dispose of 16 tonnes of Hoxha’s chemical weapons six years ago.

The report showed villagers storing water in a blue plastic canister that the journalist said had once contained chemicals. A US embassy cable from May 2009 said containers left behind by US contractors at the site were leaking arsenic, lead and mercury.

The cable was first leaked in 2010 and cited by Albanian media. It

benefits of the deal, and at one point even said he would have joined the protests had he not been prime minister. “If communication with the opposition and civil society had been good, this could have worked,” the senior Western diplomat said. “The people in the street were the ones who had voted for him (Rama), and he found himself against a wall.”

Even on Thursday evening, 24 hours before the deadline to agree the deal, Arvizu was on Albanian television defending the US request. He said Washington would be “disappointed” if it was rejected. The next day it was. Sources familiar with discussions at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in The Hague, which is overseeing the plan, told Reuters this week that experts were now looking at the possibility of processing and destroying the weapons at sea, most likely in the Mediterranean.

Such a scenario may incur costs well in excess of the estimated hundreds of millions of dollars needed to dispose of the nerve agents on land, had Albania agreed.

“Perhaps both the Albanian and US officials underestimated possible Albanian public opposition to a proposal to destroy bulk warfare agents and precursors on their soil,” said a source briefed on the negotiations.

“Since considerable public opposition has overshadowed the US chemical weapons destruction program for decades, this was a foreseeable problem.” — Reuters

International FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

More Syrians flood into Lebanon to escape war BEIRUT: Around 500 Syrian families crossed the border into Lebanon overnight, joining the flood of people trying to escape an offensive by President Bashar Assad’s forces in a mountainous region along the frontier, a UN official said yesterday. The new arrivals add to the more than 13,000 people that the UN says have found shelter in Lebanon since the Syrian government offensive in the rugged Qalamoun region north of Damascus began last Friday. The influx has left aid agencies scrambling to provide enough shelter for the refugees.

Lebanese authorities have granted aid groups permission to build a temporary transit camp for Syrians for the first time since the uprising began three years ago, said Lisa Abou Khaled, an official with the UN refugee agency.

She said the UN agency put up 21 tents overnight, and will set up an additional 29 by the end of yesterday. “We’re just doing it as an emergency response,” she said. “We’ve always had a number of tents in stock.”

Lebanon, which has taken in an estimated 1.4 million Syrian refugees, has been reluctant to build camps to house Syrians, fearing they

will stay permanently. Instead, local communities have taken in many refugees, while others have been left to fend for themselves.

Abou Khaled said that by Wednesday evening, the number of refugees who have arrived in the Lebanese border town of Arsal since last Friday stood at 13,000. She said another 500 families, each on average numbering about six people, arrived overnight.

Also yesterday, the international aid agency Oxfam released a report that highlighted the challenges Syrian refugees face in Lebanon, particularly with mounting debts that are pushing entire families into a cycle of grinding poverty.

The group said refugee families in Lebanon are spending more than twice their monthly average income of $250. It added that many families have exhausted their savings and have resorted to borrowing money as the job market in Lebanon has dried up.

It also said many Syrian children are not going to school because their parents can’t afford the additional expenses. Oxfam based its conclusions on a survey of 1,500 people conducted last month. —AP

Saudi urges citizens to leave Lebanon RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has asked its citizens to leave Lebanon due to the risk of political violence in the country, where twin suicide bombings near Iran’s embassy in Beirut killed 25 people this week.

Riyadh has issued several similar calls in the past two years as the civil war in Syria has inflamed political and sectarian tension in neighboring Lebanon.

“Saudi ambassador Ali Awadh Al-Asseiri said yesterday... that the embassy urged Saudi nationals to leave Lebanon, considering the alarming security situation,” the Lebanese National News Agency reported, citing a phone call with Asseiri. Some Shiite commentators in Lebanon have accused Sunni Saudi Arabia of being behind Tuesday’s blasts near the embassy of its main Middle East rival. A Lebanesebased Sunni militant group close to Al-Qaeda has claimed responsibility. — Reuters

Saudi police arrest 2 over ‘free hugs’ RIYADH: Saudi religious police arrested two young men offering a “free hug” to passers-by in the ultra-conservative Muslim kingdom’s capital, local media reported yesterday. The arrests were made in the main Tahlia Street where the two men were waving banners marked “Free Hug” in English, according to news website Sabq.org.

Free Hugs Campaign is a movement for individuals to offer hugs to strangers in public places, especially in big cities, “to brighten up their lives”. The initiative prompted surprise and controversy in Saudi society. “It’s a free hug, not a free drug for God’s sake!” wrote one Tweeter in support of the campaign. However, another user slammed the move. “Today it’s one hug, tomorrow it’s a free kiss, and the next day it’ll be free sex!”

The religious police, or Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, is charged with ensuring compliance with the kingdom’s strict interpretation of Islamic morality.

But it is often accused of abuses. Religious police ensure women obey Saudi Arabia’s ban on women drivers, implement a ban on public entertainment and force all businesses to close for prayers five times a day. — AFP

Syrian children stand near their tent at a refugee camp in the eastern Lebanese border town of Arsal, Lebanon. Thousands of Syrians have fled to Lebanon over the past days as government forces attack the western town of Qara near the border with Lebanon. — AP

Iraq car bomb kills 32, 2013 toll tops 5,800 ‘Militants working to make it a failed state’ BAQUBA, Iraq: A car bomb ripped through a packed food market north of Baghdad killing 32 people yesterday, as the year’s death toll topped 5,800 amid a surge in violence nationwide. The flare-up has prompted Baghdad to appeal for international help in fighting the country’s worst bloodshed since 2008, just months before Iraq’s first general election in four years.

Officials have voiced concern over a resurgent Al-Qaeda emboldened by the civil war in neighboring Syria which has provided the jihadist network’s front groups with increased room to plan and carry out attacks in Iraq. Yesterday’s attack came a day after a spate of attacks, most of them car bombs targeting Shiite neighborhoods of Baghdad, killed 59 people and wounded more than 100 in Iraq’s highest death toll of the month.

The latest bombing struck around noon

(0900 GMT) near a cafe in a food market in the town of Saadiyah, in ethnically mixed Diyala province northeast of Baghdad.

At least 32 people were killed and 40 wounded in the blast, a police colonel and a doctor said, both speaking on condition of anonymity. Saadiyah is populated mostly by Faylis, or Shiite Kurds, and lies in a tract of territory that Kurdish leaders want to incorporate in their autonomous region in the north over the objections of the central government.

Militants frequently exploit poor communication between Kurdish and central government security forces to carry out attacks. On November 14, a suicide bomber targeted a group of Shiite pilgrims in the town on the anniversary of the death of a venerated figure in Shiite Islam, killing 32 people. Another blast in Diyala yesterday killed one person, officials said. Authorities

BAGHDAD: Iraqis inspect the aftermath of a late-night bombing at a cafe in Bayaa neighborhood, southwestern Baghdad yesterday. — AP

also found the bodies of a dozen residents snatched by kidnappers purporting to be members of the security forces. The 12 were executed and their bodies thrown into a nearby river, reminiscent of targeted killings that were rampant during the worst of Iraq’s sectarian bloodshed in 2006 and 2007. No group has claimed responsibility for the violence, but Sunni militants linked to AlQaeda often carry out such attacks, ostensibly to undermine confidence in the Shiiteled government and security forces.

Working towards a ‘failed state’ “Their capability to conduct attacks has increased,” Deputy National Security Adviser Safa Hussein told AFP in a recent interview, referring to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, an Al-Qaeda front group. “By now they understand they can’t realize their ambition in establishing a state.

Nor can they defeat the government.

“But they can work towards their goal in establishing indirect control in some of the areas, and making the state a failed state, which is a very good environment for them to flourish.”

The unrest is part of a surge in bloodshed that has pushed violence to its highest level since 2008, when Iraq was recovering from the worst of its Sunni-Shiite sectarian war. More than 5,800 people have been killed so far in 2013, according to an AFP tally based on reports from security and medical officials. Prime Minister NOuri Al-Maliki has called for Washington’s help in the form of greater intelligence sharing and the timely delivery of new weapons systems. But diplomats and analysts say the government is not doing enough to address the root causes of the unrest, particularly frustration within the Sunni Arab minority, which complains of mistreatment by the Shiite-led authorities. With elections due on April 30, officials fear the level of violence could rise further as militants seek to destabilize the country ahead of the polls.—AFP

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International FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Army chief Sisi does not rule out presidential bid Shift in Egypt’s foreign alliances ‘out of the question’

VATICAN: Pope Francis celebrates a mass in the Santa Marta chapel at the Vatican yesterday.—AP

Pope: ‘No Middle East without Christians’ VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis yesterday said the Catholic Church will not accept a Middle East without Christians, who often find themselves forced to flee areas of conflict and unrest in the region. “We will not resign ourselves to imagining a Middle East without Christians,” he said after meeting with Patriarchs from Syria, Irak and Egypt, before calling for “the universal right to lead a dignified life and freely practice one’s own faith to be respected.”

The Arab Spring uprisings which revolutionized the region have increased tensions between Christians and Muslims.

Francis said he had spoken to the Patriarchs about “those who live in the Middle East, often in small flocks, in environments marked by hostility and conflicts” and “the size of the diaspora, which is notably growing.”

He said he was concerned by “the situation of Christians, who suffer in a particularly severe way the consequences of tensions and conflicts in many part of the Middle East.”

“Syria, Iraq, Egypt and other areas of the Holy Land sometimes overflow with tears,” he said.

The revolts in the region, which saw Islamist parties sweep to power, left many minority Christians scared of persecution from fundamentalist outgrowths and sporadic violence against them has driven some to emigrate. Francis said he “will not rest while there are still men and women, of any religion, whose dignity is affronted, who are stripped of the basics necessary for survival, whose future is stolen, who are forced to become refugees or displaced people.” Last year, Francis’s predecessor Benedict XVI used a trip to the Middle East to offer support to Christian minorities, calling on them not to emigrate or give in to a sense of “victimization.”—AFP

Yemen arrests ‘Qaeda women’ ADEN: Authorities have arrested four female Al-Qaeda suspects in southeastern Yemen as they attempted to flee the scene of deadly clashes between police and jihadists, a security official said yesterday. The women, three of them Saudis, were arrested Wednesday as they tried to flee a house in Shahr, in the extremist stronghold of Hadramawt province, the source said. Al-Qaeda suspects hiding in two houses had opened fire at police searching the area, and three people from each side were killed, police said Wednesday. Witnesses confirmed the arrest of four veiled women, who they said were leaving one of the houses with a child through the back door. The women, who “were cooperating with Al-Qaeda,” were later flown by helicopter to Sanaa, the official said, without providing further details.

Tension prevailed in Shahr yesterday as government forces set up roadblocks and beefed up security, residents said.

Yemen is the ancestral home of Osama bin Laden and the home base of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, which the United States views as the global jihadist network’s most dangerous franchise. AQAP took advantage of a decline in central government control during Yemen’s 2011 uprising-which eventually forced president Ali Abdullah Saleh from power-to seize large swathes of territory across the south. The militants were driven back in June 2012 and the group has been weakened by US drone strikes. But AQAP remains active in southern and eastern Yemen, and regularly carries out hit-and-run attacks on security forces. — AFP

CAIRO: Egyptian army chief General Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, who led the overthrow of President Mohammad Morsi, held open the possibility he might run for the presidency in an interview published yesterday. Sisi, 59, deposed the Islamist Morsi in July following mass protests against his rule. He has since emerged as a popular figure to many Egyptians and his supporters want him to run for president in an election expected next year.

Asked by a Kuwaiti newspaper whether he was a candidate for the presidency, Sisi said: “Would that satisfy all the people? Would that satisfy some of the foreign powers, and does this mean working to find solutions for Egypt’s problems? In any case, let’s see what the days bring.” Though the election is expected in around six months’ time, none of the politicians defeated by Morsi in last year’s election have declared their candidacy this time around, as Sisi keeps the country guessing about his intentions.

It is widely assumed Sisi would win an election, meaning the presidency would once again be controlled by the military establishment that dominated state affairs for decades after the army overthrew the monarchy in 1952. Sisi holds the position of deputy prime minister in the interim administration installed by the military after Mursi, Egypt’s first civilian head of state, was ousted. Sisi also holds the post of defense minister.

Sisi’s public profile has grown since he ousted Morsi and he is lionized by state media. On Wednesday evening, he prayed over the coffins of 11 soldiers killed in a suicide bombing in the Sinai

In this image released on the official Facebook page of the Egyptian Military Spokesman of the Armed Forces, Egyptian Defense Minister Gen Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi (right), kisses the forehead of the relative of a 2nd Field Army soldier who was killed after a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden car into one of two buses carrying off-duty soldiers in Cairo.—AFP Peninsula, in a ceremony broadcast on state TV. While he is adored by Egyptians seeking a semblance of stability after three years of turmoil and happy to see the end of Morsi’s rule, Sisi has been demonized by the Muslim Brotherhood.

The Islamists accuse him of orchestrating a coup against a democratically elected leader and hold him responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Morsi’s supporters killed in a crackdown by the security forces since his ouster.

The interview showed how Sisi’s influence over state affairs now goes well beyond the realm of defence. On foreign affairs, he said a shift in Egypt’s alliances was “out of the question” in response to speculation that Cairo was distancing itself from the United States after it suspended military aid.

“It is unwise to have relations with this (state) or that, and to change your alliances because of certain positions.

This is not the politics of states,” he told the Kuwaiti newspaper.—AFP

Turkey arrests man with fake bomb outside PM office ANKARA: Turkish police arrested a “mentally unstable” man carrying a fake bomb outside the office of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday, officials said, causing a security scare in the capital.

Local television stations had initially reported that police had shot and wounded the suspect but officials and witnesses later said they wrestled him to the ground

and only fired shots in the air.

“This individual was carrying a device resembling a bomb but in fact it was not one,” Interior Minister Muammer Guler told reporters, describing him as “mentally unstable”. Erdogan was at the headquarters of his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) at the time and not in his office.

ANKARA: Security officials close a road leading to Turkish Prime Minister’s office shortly after police subdued a man who was carrying a fake bomb in Ankara yesterday. — AFP

“The man, who is being interrogated by police, himself warned us about his arrival five minutes beforehand and our men were ready to seize him,” Guler added.

“It’s nothing serious.” Security was nevertheless boosted around the building in the Kizilay district in the heart of Ankara, and a police helicopter was seen hovering overhead. Police identified the man as 52year-old Tugrul Bayir, but gave no further information. Ramazan Bal, head of the prime ministry security guard, denied that the suspect was shot. “There is no suicide bomb. You’ll see the man is uninjured when he stands before court tomorrow (Friday),” he told reporters.

A witness said the suspect was wearing a corset around his waist carrying some type of cement with cables attached as well as a black box. “Security guards fired five or six times into the air. They didn’t shoot him,” the witness told AFP. Police had initially asked the 52-year-old suspect to show some proof of identity as he approached the building and when he refused they threw themselves on him, local television reported. —AFP

International FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

France names suspect in Paris shootings Dekhar’s DNA is a match

KIEV: Deputy of Ukrainian opposition reacts after voting in the parliament in Kiev yesterday.The Ukrainian parliament yesterday voted against bills that would free jailed opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko, dealing a potentially fatal blow to its chances of signing a historic trade deal with the EU at a summit this month. — AFP

‘Ukraine to stay on path to EU integration’ VIENNA: Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych vowed yesterday that his country would continue to work towards EU membership even as Kiev halted preparations to sign a historic trade deal with Europe. Ukraine “will work further on this path, this path to EU integration,” Yanukovych said on a visit to Austria, speaking through a translator. His comments came as Ukraine’s government issued a decree ordering the “halt of the process of preparing the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union”. Securing the Association Agreement is seen as the first step to obtaining EU membership. However, the bloc has demanded the release of jailed opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko in exchange for the agreement.

Earlier yesterday, the parliament in Kiev voted against bills that would free Tymoshenko, the 2004 Orange Revolution co-leader. “Of course there are difficulties on the path,” Yanukovych told journalists after meeting with his Austrian counterpart Heinz Fischer. “We need to examine these problems and see if they can be solved or avoided,” he added, insisting the Ukrainian parliament has passed on Thursday several other bills to fulfill EU criteria.

Asked why Tymoshenko, who suffers back problems and has been offered medical treatment in Germany, could not be released, Yanukovych insisted this was a decision to be taken by the courts.

“To answer this question definitely today is impossible,” he said, pointing to the widely opposing views of Tymoshenko in the Ukrainian parliament and abroad.

“We must stick to the law. We respect the law and the constitution. A release of Mrs. Tymoshenko is very controversial and contradictory,” he added. Tymoshenko, a former prime minister and archrival of the president, was jailed in 2011 for seven years on charges of abuse of power while in office. —AFP

PARIS: France said yesterday the suspect arrested over this week’s shootings in Paris is a man previously jailed for his role in a “Bonnieand-Clyde” style multiple murder that gripped the country 20 years ago. Abdelhakim Dekhar was arrested on Wednesday after a major manhunt following a shooting at the left-wing newspaper Liberation that left an assistant photographer seriously hurt and another at the headquarters of the Societe Generale bank. His DNA matched samples from the scenes of the attacks, officials said. “All the evidence today points to his involvement in the events that he has been charged with,” Interior Minister Manuel Valls said. Dekhar, who is in his late 40s, was convicted in 1998 of buying a gun used in an October 1994 shooting attack by student Florence Rey and her lover Audry Maupin. Three policemen, a taxi driver and Maupin himself were killed in a case that shook France.

He served four years in jail for his role in the killings, and his former lawyers have described him as “enigmatic” and “strange”.

Dekhar was arrested Wednesday evening in a vehicle in an underground parking lot in the northwestern Paris suburb of BoisColombes, after apparently trying to commit suicide. Valls said that “everything appears to point to a suicide attempt”, and sources told AFP Dekhar was semi-conscious when he was found. The head of the Paris criminal police department, Christian Flaesch, said he was in custody in a “medical environment” and was not in a fit state to speak to investigators. Valls said investigators would need more information to be able to “understand his motivation”, adding that “one or two letters” had been found.

Investigators said the letters were “confused” and sought to “explain this act.” In a press conference, Paris prosecutor Francois Molins said the letters spoke of a “fascist plot,” touched on “how suburbs are run” and accused the media of participating in the “manipulation of the masses”. Molins said Dekhar was in detention for attempted murder and kidnapping.

The arrest came after a witness statement to police, who had on Tuesday released a new photograph of the suspect and received

A photo of Abdelhakim Dekhar taken in 1994 during his custody as part of the Rey-Maupin case. Dekhar was arrested on Wednesday after a major manhunt following a shooting at the left-wing newspaper Liberation that left an assistant photographer seriously hurt and another at the headquarters of the Societe Generale bank. — AFP hundreds of calls from potential witnesses. One of them was a man who had housed the suspect, said a source connected with the investigation. The witness quoted the suspect as saying “I’ve made a stupid mistake.” The shooter opened fire with a 12-gauge shotgun at the offices of Liberation early on Monday, hitting a 23-yearold photographer’s assistant as he hauled gear in the lobby, then firing another blast that hit the roof before leaving within seconds.

He then crossed the city to the La Defense business district on its western edge, where he fired several shots outside the main office of the Societe Generale bank, hitting no one. — AFP

Belarus to extradite Uralkali CEO MINSK/MOSCOW: Russia’s Prosecutor General said yesterday that Belarus has agreed to extradite the chief executive of potash producer Uralkali who was arrested in August over the collapse of a sales cartel. Vladislav Baumgertner will be detained and investigated upon his extradition, the prosecutor’s office said in a statement. He had been charged in Belarus with abuse of power and embezzlement and held under house arrest in Minsk.

The news came days after tycoon Suleiman Kerimov agreed to sell his 21.75 percent stake in Uralkali to billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov, easing tensions over the collapse of a potash sales cartel with Belarus that hit global prices. Uralkali’s shares rose 0.4 percent in Moscow, outperforming a broadly weaker mar-

ket. As conditions for ending a row that had unsettled relations between the two ex-Soviet allies, Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko demanded a change of Uralkali ownership and criminal investigation by Russia of Baumgertner.

Uralkali’s withdrawal from the alliance with state-run Belaruskali rocked the global potash industry and threatened Belarus, which is heavily dependent on cheap Russian energy and financial aid, with financial losses. Lukashenko has called for restoration of the cartel, which controlled 40 percent of the $20 billion global market for the soil nutrient.

Experts doubt this will be easy to achieve due to industry overcapacity. The Belarussian prosecutor’s office declined to comment. — Reuters

Racist slurs have hurt: French minister PARIS: France’s top black politician yesterday opened up about the pain she has suffered over a string of racist slurs as the initially subdued reaction to them belatedly turned to outrage. Justice Minister Christiane Taubira, who has been repeatedly compared to a monkey in public over the course of the last two months, admitted that the taunts-unprecedented in recent times-had hurt.

“The problem is above all for those close to me who see all that,” the 61-year-old minister said in an interview with the Le Parisien newspaper. “It is very hard, very aggressive as an image for my children. “But it goes far beyond my case. This displaying of racism is a problem for everyone. It tarnishes France. It is not just one isolated person that is being called a monkey, it is a government minister, the justice minister.”

Taubira has been publicly critical of her government colleagues for the tepid nature of their reaction when the issue first flared up last month following the expulsion of an electoral candidate from the far-right National Front party for her

observation that she would prefer to see the minister “swinging from the branches rather than in government.”

A series of possibly copycat incidents have followed and Taubira was yesterday presented with a petition expressing support and sympathy that was signed by over 100,000 people, including some of France’s best-known personalities.

In a statement that recalled Taubira’s complaint about the lack of “loud and strong” voices speaking up on her behalf, the organizer of the petition, Green activist Steevy Gustave told the minister: “You asked for these beautiful voices. Today they have been heard.

“We are the firemen who have come to extinguish the flames of hatred.” Among the celebrities present at the handover of the petition was the Anglo-French actress/singer Jane Birkin, who paid tribute to Taubira’s dignity in the face of the personal attacks, which included an incident in which a group of children taunted her with chants of: “Who’s the banana for, it’s for the monkey.”

Racial insults have been banned by law in France since the 19th century but Taubira has so far declined to initiate legal proceedings against her detractors, her advisors reasoning that the resulting publicity may be exactly what they want.

“She has shown remarkable restraint,” said Birkin. “She is a class act.”

Actress Josiane Balasko added: “She is someone who was attacked and no one stood up for her. That’s why we’re here. “I don’t think all of France is racist. It only takes one rotten herring to make the whole barrel stink.” Historian Pascal Blanchard believes Taubira has become a hate figure for sections of French society because of her involvement in two landmark pieces of legislation - a 2001 law which classified the slave trade as a crime against humanity and this year’s gay marriage act. The law allowing same-sex marriage triggered massive demonstrations and, some say, created a new and poisonous climate in which racist abuse has been able to flourish. —AFP

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International FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Texas officials dig for leads in shooting of 5

TOKYO: From left Commander of US Force Japan, Salvature Angelella, Japan’s Vice Defense Minister Ryota Takeda, New US Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy and Commander of Japan Air Self-Defense Force Kunisuke Nakashima pose for photos at Yokota Air Base on the outskirts of Tokyo yesterday.—AP

Kennedy cousin Skakel poised for release NEW HAVEN, Connecticut: Kennedy cousin Michael Skakel is expected to get his first taste of freedom in more than 11 years while prosecutors appeal a ruling granting him a new trial in the 1975 slaying of a neighbor. Skakel’s bond hearing is scheduled for yesterday in Stamford Superior Court. Skakel, the 53-year-old nephew of Robert F Kennedy’s widow, Ethel Kennedy, has been serving 20 years to life in the death of Martha Moxley. Robert Kennedy Jr said this week that he feels “pure joy” over the prospect of his cousin being released.

Judge Thomas Bishop ruled last month that Skakel’s trial attorney failed to adequately represent Skakel in 2002 when he was convicted in Moxley’s bludgeoning with a golf club in wealthy Greenwich when they were 15. Moxley’s mother, Dorthy, has said she remains convinced Skakel is guilty. — AP

North Korea detains US war veteran, 85: Son SEOUL: North Korean officials detained an 85-year-old American veteran of the Korean War last month as he sat in a plane set to leave the country, the man’s son said. A uniformed North Korean officer boarded the plane on Oct. 26 and asked Merrill Newman, a tourist from Palo Alto, California, for his passport before telling a stewardess that Newman had to leave the plane, the son, Jeffrey Newman, said Wednesday. “My dad got off, walked out with the stewardess, and that’s the last he was seen,” Jeffrey Newman told The Associated Press at his home in Pasadena, California.

It wasn’t clear what led to the detention. The son said he was speaking regularly with the US State Department about his father, but US officials wouldn’t confirm the detention to reporters, citing privacy issues. North Korea’s official staterun media have yet to comment on reports of the detention, which first appeared in the San Jose Mercury News and Japan’s Kyodo News service. The son said that, according to his father’s traveling companion, Newman earlier had a “difficult” discussion with North Korean officials about his experiences during the 1950-53 war between US-led United Nations forces and North Korea and ally China. That war ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty, leaving the Korean Peninsula still technically at war. The war is still an important part of North Korean propaganda, which regularly accuses Washington and Seoul of trying to bring down its political system - statements analysts believe are aimed in part at shoring up domestic support for young leader Kim Jong Un. The detention comes about a year after North Korea detained another American and as the US State Department warns in a formal notice that Americans should avoid travel to the country, in part because of the risk of arbitrary arrest and detention.——AP

HOUSTON: A sheriff says the deaths of three people inside an apartment where gunfire erupted is another “waste” of young lives in a suburban area of Houston that has dealt with its share of violence this month. A young man and two young women died Wednesday after each was shot multiple times, including in the head, at the Sunbury Downs Apartments in an unincorporated area 25 miles northwest of downtown Houston. Another man and woman were critically wounded, Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia said.

Earlier this month, another deadly shooting claimed the lives of two teenagers at a house party in a different unincorporated area about seven miles away. “It’s a waste of human life that we’re talking tonight once again about young people who will not get to fulfill the promise that they were born with,” Garcia said Wednesday. Investigators continue to search for clues hoping they lead them to a suspect in the apartment shooting. They waited at the Memorial Hermann-Texas Trauma Institute in Houston for an opportunity to interview the two survivors, Garcia said.

All the victims were in their late teens to early 20s, he said, adding that their names would not be released until their families could be notified. Deputies have no description of the gunman.

Witnesses say a man shot the victims inside the one-bedroom downstairs apartment, closed the apartment door and fled, Garcia said. The victims were all seated when the gunfire started, he

HOUSTON: A victim is taken to a LifeFlight helicopter in the aftermath of a shooting on Wednesday in Houston. Three people were dead and two have been airlifted to hospitals after gunfire erupted at a suburban Houston apartment complex Wednesday afternoon. — AP said. There were no signs of forced entry or struggle.

Garcia said investigators found firearms and a substance that appeared to be an illegal drug inside the apartment. He did not specify.

There was no evidence that anyone besides the shooter was armed and fired any shots, the sheriff said. No motive has been established and it was unclear how many of the victims lived at the apartment. Neighbors heard no sounds indicating a struggle or other disturbance

before the shots, Garcia said. The shooting happened in a cluster of apartment complexes. Terry Noisom said she has been a tenant in a neighboring complex for 13 years and has seen an increase in drug activity and car break-ins in recent years.

“It’s gotten bad,” she said. The house party shooting on Nov. 9 in the nearby unincorporated area of Cypress left 19 people injured in addition to the two deaths. An 18-year-old man has been charged. —AP

White House race looms Rubio threads conservative needle WASHINGTON: Republican Marco Rubio, a potential 2016 White House contender, urges the projection of US global power in the name of liberty-an interventionist strategy at odds with isolationists in his party. Back home he spearheaded comprehensive immigration reform earlier this year, infuriating hardliners who helped elect him to the Senate in early 2011.

But since then the lawmaker and hiphop aficionado from Florida has mostly hewed to the right, voting the Tea Party line on social issues and fiercely opposing President Barack Obama’s health care reforms.

In essence the 42-year-old Rubio is threading the conservative needle, regaining stature with his base while seeking to placate a more moderate Republican establishment desperate to find the right candidate to topple the likes of Democratic juggernaut Hillary Clinton, if she runs for president.

To help accomplish the latter he is honing his message that American exceptionalism is not dead-and that most democracies around the globe would not exist today but for the United States carrying the torch. In an interview with AFP Wednesday, Rubio laid out a foreign policy vision less obsessed with military force than the Bush/Cheney era, but projecting more strength than the

Obama administration, including diplomatic and economic power that reflect US interests and values .

“Americans are clearly weary of the costs of engagement internationally in the last 10 years,” he said after giving a foreign policy speech in Washington.

“I’m concerned that as Americans look to our domestic problems, they are susceptible to the argument that we should just be focused on them and let the world take care of its own problems.”

A gifted orator and son of Cuban immigrants-a crucial asset for drawing Hispanic votes away from DemocratsRubio was swiftly seen as made of presidential timber.

“He’s got a charisma about him,” said Senator John McCain, who lost to Obama in the 2008 election. And Rubio has wisely sought to fill a foreign policy “vacancy” in the Republican Party, McCain added. “There’s not a lot of voices there, and anybody who wants to be president has got to establish those credentials.”

But Rubio’s critics seek to portray his early push for intervention in Libya in 2011, and for sending lethal weaponry to Syrian rebels in 2012, as rushes to war. With isolationists such as his possible future Republican primary rival Senator Rand Paul gaining popularity,

Rubio acknowledges that “voices that seek to isolate us from the world... have always been a part of American debate.”

But unlike Paul, Rubio insists that foreign aid is crucial to US global influence.

“At the end of the day, once you explain to Americans (that) prosperity and security that we find in the 21st century is a byproduct of American international leadership and engagement... I think you can convince people to come around to that view.”

Another position setting him apart from Paul: Rubio, a Senate Intelligence Committee member, defends the National Security Agency surveillance operations that recently have come under the spotlight and drawn sharp criticism at home and abroad.

He waved off as “exaggerated” the concerns expressed by European and Latin American allies over revelations of spying on their citizens and leaders.

Rubio supports increased transparency, but not if it “announces to the world how the US conducts its surveillance programs.” And he is opposed to ending the NSA’s controversial bulk collection of phone metadata.

“The challenge,” he said, “is to build in place enough safeguards from the political branches to ensure that it’s not being abused and have the American people have confidence in it.”—AFP

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International FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Afghan president will defer signing US deal US to respect Afghan sovereignty: Obama

HANGU: Pakistani Islamic students sift through rubble at a destroyed religious seminary belonging to the Haqqani network after a US drone strike in the Hangu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province yesterday. — AFP

US drone kills militant in Pakistani seminary PESHAWAR, Pakistan: A suspected US drone strike on an Islamic seminary in Pakistan killed a senior member of the Taleban-linked Haqqani network early yesterday, Pakistani and Afghan sources said. It was the first drone strike in the nuclear-armed South Asian nation since Pakistani Taleban chief Hakimullah Mehsud was killed on Nov 1 in an attack that sparked a fierce power struggle within the fragmented insurgency.

Maulvi Ahmad Jan, an adviser to Sirajuddin Haqqani, the feared head of the Taleban-linked Haqqani network, was in the madrassa when at least three rockets hit his room in the Hangu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa just before sunrise.

“Yes it’s true, we lost another valuable figure this morning,” a senior Haqqani official told Reuters. A Pakistani intelligence source said that Sirajuddin Haqqani himself was spotted at the same seminary just two days earlier. The group is one of the main enemies of US-led forces in neighboring Afghanistan, frequently launching attacks on foreign troops from mountainous hideouts in Pakistan’s lawless North Waziristan region. But it has been under considerable strain this month since its chief financier, Nasiruddin Haqqani, was shot dead in Islamabad on Nov 11. No one claimed responsibility for that shooting.

A source with Afghanistan’s National Directorate of Security intelligence agency confirmed Jan’s death. At least four other people also died in the attack but dozens of students sleeping in other rooms were unhurt, police and militant sources said. Washington has long urged Islamabad to crack down on the group. Nasiruddin’s father was once an ally of the United States during the rebellion in Afghanistan against the Soviets. Pakistan publicly opposes US drone strikes, saying they kill too many civilians and violate its sovereignty, although in private officials admit the government broadly supports them. Yesterday’s missiles hit only two of the nine rooms in the seminary where Jan was staying with several other militants. “Only the two rooms where Maulvi Ahmad Jan and other Afghan Taleban leaders were staying were hit by the drone. The remaining seven rooms remained intact,” a local resident said. Most drone strikes occur in the lawless North Waziristan region where Taleban insurgents are holed up, and are rare in densely populated places such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The attack took place a day after Pakistan’s foreign policy chief Sartaj Aziz was quoted as saying the United States had promised not to conduct drone strikes while the government tries to engage the Taleban in peace talks. The United States has not commented on Aziz’s remarks. — Reuters

KABUL: Afghanistan’s president said he backs a security deal with the United States but told a gathering of elders yesterday that if they and parliament approve the agreement it should be signed after next spring’s elections. Hamid Karzai’s abrupt decision to defer signing the agreement until after the April 5 elections came even as he said he supported the Bilateral Security Agreement in a speech to the 2,500-member national consultative council known as the Loya Jirga.

Such a development could be a potential deal breaker as the United States has said it wants an agreement as soon as possible to allow planners in the United States and NATO to prepare for a military presence after 2014, when the majority of foreign combat forces will have left Afghanistan. The US had wanted a deal signed by the end of October.

“If you accept it and Parliament passes it, the agreement should be signed when the election is conducted, properly and with dignity,” Karzai said toward the end of a speech that lasted more than one hour. He said such a move would show America’s assurance “that we are moving on the path to security and they are accompanying us on this path.”

President Barack Obama, in a letter sent Wednesday to Afghan President Hamid Karzai, said the US will continue to respect “Afghan sovereignty” under a new security agreement.

Obama also said the US military will not conduct raids on Afghan homes except under “extraordinary circumstances” involving urgent risks to US nationals. The raids have been a particularly sensitive issue to the Afghans. Obama’s letter comes a day after Karzai and Secretary of State John Kerry agreed to a new security framework that would govern the relationship between their countries after the US-led combat mission formally concludes at the end of next year.

It could clear the way for thousands of US troops to train and assist Afghan forces after the mission ends. Government offi-

KABUL: Commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, Joseph Dunford (center) leaves the Afghan loya Jirga, a meeting of around 2,500 Afghan tribal elders and leaders, on the first day of the fourday long loya jirga in Kabul yesterday.—AFP cials and the president’s office were not immediately available to comment on the unforeseen development, which came just a day after US Secretary of State John Kerry said he and Karzai had agreed on the language of the Bilateral Security Agreement.

A spokesman for the US Embassy, Robert Hilton, said he could not comment because it is an ongoing diplomatic discussion.

The Loya Jirga can revise or reject any clause of the draft agreement. Whatever they agree upon then goes to the Afghan parliament, which could make still more changes before the agreement is approved. The Jirga will hold a series of closed-door meetings until Sunday, when it makes its suggestions on the security deal to Karzai.

On the US side, only the administration of President Barack Obama needs to approve the agreement, but it could reject changes made by Afghan officials. If it

does, that leaves open the option for the US to pull all troops out of Afghanistan.

The same could happen if the deal is not signed in a timely manner.

Such was the case in Iraq, when the US and Iraq couldn’t agree on terms of a security arrangement. Sectarian violence has plagued Iraq since, and some fear Afghanistan could follow that path without a continued US presence if Afghan forces cannot defend the country themselves.

It was unclear if the mercurial Karzai would indeed wait for the elections or sign the agreement if approved by the Loya Jirga and the parliament. He has in the past made inflammatory remarks only to then change his mind. He signed a strategic partnership with President Obama last year despite criticizing the United States for its military actions in Afghanistan, including night raids against Afghan homes and air strikes that resulted in civilian casualties.—AP

Indian magazine editor embroiled in sex scam NEW DELHI: The editor of India’s leading investigative news magazine was accused yesterday of trivializing a serious sex crime after he announced he would take six months’ leave as “penance” for assaulting a female colleague.

Tarun Tejpal, founder and editor of Tehelka magazine, admitted “misconduct” in an email to the managing editor of the publication and offered to step aside temporarily to atone for his behaviour.

“A bad lapse of judgement, an awful misreading of the situation, have led to an unfortunate incident that rails against all we believe in and fight for,” Tejpal wrote in his email which was sent to staff at the magazine on Wednesday. “I must do penance that lacerates me,” he added.

With the media newly sensitized to sexual assault cases after a string of widely publi-

cized gang-rape cases this year, Tejpal’s confession and the magazine’s reaction were front-page news and widely criticized. “What penance? What atonement?

An apology and offer to step down may be his personal way of pitying himself and feeling remorse, but that doesn’t absolve him of his crime,” women’s activist Ranjana Kumari told AFP. She added that “gross misuse of power, misogyny” was sadly common in Indian workplaces.

Authorities would only investigate the incident at Tehelka if the victim files a police case. She had reportedly asked for an internal investigation and a written apology to be circulated to staff.

The weekly magazine pioneered undercover sting operations and has published a string of scoops on cricket matchfixing, the involvement of politicians in

religious riots in 2002 and bribe-taking.

Lately it has reported forcefully on gender inequality in India, highlighting police and judicial insensitivity to rape victims as well as the misogynistic attitudes of many Indian men.

Tehelka managing editor Shoma Chaudhury declined to comment when contacted by AFP but she told The Indian Express newspaper that “the matter was taken up internally and has been addressed and redressed”.

The fatal gangrape of a student on a New Delhi bus last December touched off sometimes violent demonstrations and a long period of introspection in India about the treatment of women and rising crime against them. In March, the government passed a law toughening sentences for sex offenders, containing new penalties for rape, stalking and groping. —AFP

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International FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Philippine orphans fled from room to room to escape storm PALO, Philippines: Officials at an orphanage in the Philippines say they feel blessed that not one child was harmed by one of the biggest typhoons the world has known, even though it reduced most surrounding structures to rubble. Dolores Baculanta, 49, said she was getting ready to bathe the children, of preschool age, when she heard cries for help from the nursery in the coastal town of Palo. The roof was buckling under strong winds, with 12 toddlers inside. Helped by 60-year-old security guard Oscar Macaray, she and another caregiver put the toddlers into two cribs and rushed them to a nearby office. When that room’s roof began to crumble, they moved the cribs into the hall. “It was very dangerous because the wind was so strong,” said Baculanta. “I didn’t know a safe place to go. The water had risen up to my knees.”

Nearby, 18 children between the ages of three and 10 had been moved into a conference room. Before the waters flooded in, they sought shelter under two large tables. As the water quickly rose, they climbed, or were helped, on to the table top. “I prayed and I helped Rose, who was about to drown,” seven-year-old May Joy

recalled. Before the storm, the government-run orphanage and shelter housed 108 women and children, many of whom had been abandoned or sexually abused.

Palo was one of the towns that took the brunt of Typhoon Haiyan, which killed more than 4,000 people and displaced millions across the central Philippines.

Alicia Bolante, one of the orphanage’s leaders, said strong concrete walls at the back of the compound facing the sea were probably responsible for ensuring the buildings held up while many surrounding structures were washed away. A day after the typhoon, three children were flown on a C-130 military plane to the capital, Manila, to be placed with new adoptive parents.

A two-year old boy went to a Spanish couple and siblings to an Italian family, in arrangements made before the storm. The loss of family members, friends and homes is a trauma that children’s group UNICEF is helping to resolve in centres being built across the devastated nearby city of Tacloban.

The first of seven “child-friendly spaces”, with clean tents for play, learning and discussion, was set up on

Myanmar spurns UN call for Rohingya citizenship YANGON: Myanmar said yesterday it will not grant citizenship to Muslims identifying themselves as Rohingya, despite renewed pressure by the United Nations which describes the stateless minority as among the world’s most persecuted. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya are estimated to live in Myanmar, mostly in western Rakhine state, which has been rocked by several bouts of deadly sectarian violence.

Myanmar views the Rohingya in Rakhine as illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and denies them citizenship.

A resolution Tuesday at the United Nations called on Myanmar’s government to give the Rohingya full access to citizenship and to end violence against them. But a presidential spokesman said Myanmar would not be pressured into changing its stance over the citizenship issue.

“We cannot give citizenship rights to those who are not in accord with the law, whatever the pressure. That is our sovereign right,” Ye Htut said in a post on his Facebook page, which he often uses to issue official remarks.

Violence in Rakhine State, which last year killed scores and displaced 140,000 people-mainly Rohingya-has prompted international concern and condemnation of the government’s handling of the minority. Many in Buddhistmajority Myanmar view the Rohingya with hostility, referring to them as “Bengalis”-an often pejorative term.

Ye Htut said the government “totally” refutes the use of word Rohingya adding that only “Bengalis in Rakhine State who are in accord with 1982 citizenship law will get citizenship”. That law stipulates that minorities must prove they lived in Myanmar prior to 1823 to obtain nationality-effectively denying the Rohingya the right to citizenship. A population census-the first in three decades-slated for next year does not provide a box for “Rohingya”, the Department of Immigration has said. Rejection of the Rohingya extends outside Rakhine and even includes key figures in Myanmar’s democratic movement, long courted by the international community. “The Rohingya do not exist under Myanmar’s law,” said Nyan Win, a spokesman for the National League for Democracy party of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, adding he was in “agreement” with the presidential spokesman on the point. Unrest in Rakhine-and the deprivations that have followed-have prompted thousands of Muslims to flee Myanmar in rickety and overcrowded boats trying to reach Malaysia and further afield. —AFP

Evacuees are loaded onto a United States Air Force cargo plane at Guiuan Airport after Typhoon Haiyan hit the east coast of the Philippines yesterday. — AFP Wednesday and will be supplied with sports and arts equipment once a delayed shipment arrives.

Yesterday, a dozen young children giggled as they sang, played and prayed inside a tent. Pernille Ironside, a UNICEF child protection specialist, said play was a good way to distract children from the short-term struggle.

In the longer term, counselling and discussion sessions would help.

“A young girl I met, eight years old, lost 20 of her classmates and friends,” she said. “How do you process that?”

UNICEF estimates that 1.7 million children have been internally displaced by the storm and has appealed for $61.5 million to help. —Reuters

Indonesia halts Australia drills Protesters call for ‘war’ JAKARTA: Indonesia’s military halted training with Australia as a decision to suspend cooperation due to spying claims took effect, while angry demonstrators in Jakarta declared yesterday they were “ready for war” with Canberra.

In the Australian capital, the scandal took an embarrassing twist for Prime Minister Tony Abbott when one of his party’s strategists described someone reported to be the Indonesian foreign minister as resembling “a 1970s Filipino porn star”.

The crisis-triggered by reports that Australian spies tried to tap the phones of the Indonesian president, his wife and ministers-has pushed ties between Jakarta and Canberra to their lowest level since Australia sent troops to restore order in East Timor in 1999.

Jakarta has recalled its ambassador from Canberra and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono Wednesday ordered cooperation suspended in several areas, including on people-smuggling, military exercises and sharing intelligence.

Speaking just hours after Yudhoyono made his announcement, military chief Moeldoko said two current exercises with Australia were being halted. “What’s the point of joint training when they don’t trust us?” said the head of the armed forces, who like many Indonesians goes by one name. He said a joint exercise in the northern Australian city of Darwin, which had been due to end Sunday, was being halted and six F-16 fighter jets involved in it would return to Indonesia.

A joint training exercise with the Indonesian army’s special forces known as Kopassus, in Lembang in West Java

JAKARTA: Indonesian police guard the Australian Embassy during a demonstration in Jakarta yesterday. Indonesia has “downgraded” its relations with Australia and suspended cooperation on people smuggling following outrage over reported eavesdropping on senior Indonesian leaders’ phones, officials said Wednesday. — AP province, was also being suspended, he for war with Australia,” read one of the said. The anger over the alleged spying banners waved by the crowd of about 100 spilled over to the public in Jakarta, where demonstrators, who used red-spray paint demonstrators wearing military-style uni- to daub graffiti on the Australian mission.

It followed a protest in the city of forms protested outside the Australian embassy, pumping their fists in the air and Yogyakarta late Wednesday at which a waving the Indonesian flag. The protest- group of university students burnt an ers, led by a nationalist group called “The Australian flag. Indonesian hackers also Red and White Front”, burned a poster vented their anger, claiming responsibility depicting the Australian and US flags- for a cyber attack on the websites of the Washington has also been accused of spy- Australian Federal Police and the Reserve ing from its Jakarta embassy. “We’re ready Bank of Australia.—AFP

Business FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Fracking without freshwater at Texas oilfield

Honda to roll out new fuel-cell car PAGE 21

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SALCEDO: Photo shows the barge which was washed ashore amongst coconut trees at the height of super Typhoon Haiyan in Quinapundan town, Eastern Samar province, central Philippines. —AFP

Coconut farmers face ruin after Haiyan No short-term solution to the loss BURAWIN: The super typhoon that slammed through the central Philippines laid waste to a vast region of coconut farmland, eradicating in one fell swoop the livelihoods of tens of thousands of smallholders. “It’s all gone,” Glen Mendoza said, gesturing towards the collection of snapped and toppled trees that used to be the small but reliable grove that fed and supported his family. “My daughter might have to stop going to college,” he said. “These coconut trees are our only hope and now they’re gone.” Mendoza’s plight is shared, not just by the farmers in his coconut-growing town of Burawin, but by tens of thousands of others across the island of Leyte.

A major coconut-growing province, Leyte accounts for one third of all the fruit produced in the fertile centre of the country, according to the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA). The particular problem fac-

ing farmers like Mendoza is that there is no short-term solution to the loss of their groves.

Replanting can begin very soon but, depending on the variety, coconut trees take between five and ten years to reach maturity and bear fruit.

More than 208,000 hectares (515,000 acres) are planted with over 22 million trees in Leyte, providing a living for 122,000 families, or around 600,000 people, said Joel Pilapil, a senior PCA official in the province. There are no firm estimates yet on the full extent of the damage, but ground reports and aerial views of Leyte and nearby Samar island tell the same story-coconut trees either toppled, snapped or sheared when Typhoon Haiyan scythed across the region on November 8, packing winds of up to 315 kilometers per hour.

“I’ve spent 21 years in the industry and this

is the first time that the damage has been this heavy,” Pilapil told AFP in an interview at the PCA’s typhoon-damaged building in the town of Palo. “It hurts... Coconut farming families are going to go hungry,” he said Cipriano Alibay, 73, a farmer in Dagami town near Burawin, used to harvest 3,000 coconuts every three months from his now destroyed two-hectare smallholding.

“My investment is gone. I don’t know what to do,” he said. According to Pilapil, the government is ready to provide free seedlings, but the ground must first be cleared of thousands of toppled trees, ruined buildings and other debris. Trees that are still standing but have no hope of bearing fruit need to be cut down, he said, adding that the clearing operations could take months. Pilapil said some of the felled trees could provide timber for rebuilding houses destroyed by the typhoon.

As well as the farmers, many others relied on the coconut industry, including Rodolfo Ortega, 54, who buys dried coconut meatcalled copra-from farmers and sells it to millers. Copra extracts can be used in a variety of products, including soap and shampoo. “It will probably take 10 years before coconut farmers can get on their feet,” Ortega said as he and a few of his workers stood idly outside his warehouse in the town of Dagami.

He warned that with so many people dependent on the industry, the government must act fast to prevent social consequences.

“If people have no jobs, that can create social problems,” Ortega said, adding that the government should teach farmers to plant alternative crops while they wait for the seedlings to grow. For coconut farmer Alibay, there is no choice but to keep going. “We need to be strong in order to go on living,” he said.— AFP

Business FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Euro-zone business slowdown puts fragile recovery at risk BRUSSELS: Euro-zone business activity slowed again in November, stoking concerns that growth is at risk as the bloc struggles out of a record recession, a key survey showed yesterday. Markit Economics, which compiled the report, said the figures suggested “momentum is being lost again” and warned that policymakers might have “to do more to prevent the euro-zone from slipping back into another recession.” The Euro-zone Composite Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for November fell to 51.5 points from 51.9 in October, hitting a three-month low and short of forecasts for 52 points. Although activity in November remained above the 50-points line indicating growth, this was the second monthly fall in a row for the closely-watched leading indicator, after October’s slip to 51.9 from 52.2 in September.

Among the most worrying details, activity in France, the second-biggest economy in the euro-zone, shrank in November for the first time for three months, Markit said. Recent reports from the European Commission, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and the Standard and Poor’s rating agency have all expressed deep concern at the French outlook. The euro-zone grew by 0.1 percent in the third quarter, down from 0.3 percent in the second when the single currency bloc finally escaped a record 18-month recession.

The November PMI report confirms continued weakness in an economy desperate for growth to mend some of the debt crisis damage, especially record unemployment running at more than 12 percent. Markit said that other PMI measures reflected similar softness but manufacturing, a relatively small part of the wider economy, held its own. The Euro-zone Services PMI for November fell to 50.9 points from 51.6 in October while the Euro-zone Manufacturing PMI edged up to 51.5 from 51.3.

Chris Williamson, Markit chief economist, said recent data suggested the economy will chalk up “a very modest 0.2-percent expansion” for the fourth quarter. The November downturn also shows the European Central Bank was right to cut interest rates to a record low 0.25 percent at its last meeting, he said.

“Attention will also be focused on the signs that deflationary forces may be gathering,” Williamson added, highlighting a growing concern that prices might actually begin to fall in real terms and so risk setting off a downward spiral. Williamson noted that powerhouse Germany once again saved the day-with activity rising to 54.3 points from 53.2 in marked contrast to France which fell to 48.5 from 50.5. France showed “further signs of being the ‘sick man of Europe’ with output showing a renewed decline and raising the risk (it) could fall again in the fourth quarter, constituting a renewed recession,” he said. Growth outside the euro-zone’s two biggest economies meanwhile “slowed to near-stagnation,” he said. Howard Archer of IHS Global Insight said the latest figures were “extremely disappointing and worrying.” The loss of momentum “reinforces concern that the eurozone still faces a hard slog in developing recovery and remains vulnerable to setbacks,” Archer said. “The only good news ... was German activity picking up to a 10-month high,” he said, noting that “it was particularly worrying” to see French manufacturing and services shrink.

As for the outlook, Archer said on balance, the euro-zone “is unlikely to relapse back into recession (but) recovery will remain tortuously slow.” Other analysts were equally downbeat. The November Composite PMI report “suggests that the region’s anaemic recovery may be losing more steam,” Capital Economics said, estimating overall fourth quarter growth at just 0.1 percent.

“In all ... the (report) provides further evidence that the euro-zone recovery has virtually ground to a halt,” it said. — AFP

BERLIN: German Chancellor Angela Merkel (center) smiles after her speech at the economic forum organized by German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung in Berlin yesterday. — AFP

Germany set to introduce national minimum wage Italian, Spanish jobseekers lift immigration figures BERLIN: Germany is set to introduce a national minimum wage, conservative Chancellor Angela Merkel said yesterday, relenting on a key demand of her likely future centre-left governing partners.

“The Social Democrats will not conclude negotiations without a universal legal minimum wage,” she said about ongoing talks to form a ‘grand coalition’ government. She stressed that her Christian Democratic Union (CDU) had opposed such a move and added that she and her party would “try everything to prevent the loss of jobs through this measure”.

Merkel won September 22 elections but fell narrowly short of a governing majority, forcing her CDU and its Bavarian partners the CSU to enter into coalition talks with the Social Democratic Party (SPD). In the talks, SPD chief Sigmar Gabriel, Merkel’s likely future vice chancellor, has insisted on a minimum wage of at least 8.50 euros ($11.40) to help a growing army of working poor. The SPD has promised to put any coalition deal up for a vote to its skeptical party base. Merkel’s party favors separate pay deals by industrial sector and region, arguing that a national minimum wage would destroy jobs.

IMMIGRATION FIGURES Meanwhile, Italian and Spanish jobseekers drove an 11-percent increase in German immigration numbers in the first half of the year, data showed yesterday, as Europe’s biggest economy draws in more and more workers from crisis-hit countries in the region. The Federal Statistics Office said 555,000 more people came to Germany in the

first six months of the year than in the same period in 2012, as the trend of double digit increases in immigration persists for a third consecutive year. German unemployment is lower and economic growth more robust than in most other EU member states, making it an attractive destination despite regulatory hurdles involved in moving and the language barrier. “As in the first half of 2012, immigration rose from EU countries hit especially hard by the financial and debt crisis,” the Office said in a statement.

Numbers of immigrants from Italy and Spain were up 39 percent and 30 percent respectively, although in absolute terms, new arrivals from Poland and Romania were largest. A total of 93,000 Poles and 67,000 Romanians came to Germany in the first half compared with 26,000 Italians and 15,000 Spaniards. The number of Greeks fell 4.5 percent to 15,000. Overall, Germany saw a net inflow, the difference between the number of people coming into the country and those leaving, of 206,000, a 13-percent rise from the first half of last year.

With one of the lowest birth rates in Europe and an ageing population, Germany faces a long-term demographic problem with expected strains on its welfare system. But experts say to tackle this, the country needs policies to encourage immigrants from outside Europe. The Statistics Office said the data gives no indication about how long immigrants would stay. Germany’s population in its 2011 census was 80.2 million, a figure that has held steady for decades.

The 2011 census also showed there were 6.2 million foreigners living in Germany. — Agencies

EU ministers ‘losing’ patience with Greece ATHENS: Euro-zone finance ministers are “losing patience” with Greece, Eurogroup president Jeroen Dijsselbloem told a Greek daily as the crisis-hit country prepared to unveil its next budget yesterday. “Many finance ministers of the euro-zone are starting to lose patience,” Dijsselbloem told Ta Nea daily after a lecture in The Hague on Wednesday.

A statement issued by the International Monetary Fund early yesterday said that auditors from the IMF, the European Central Bank and the European Commission had concluded their latest visit to Greece to review progress on the country’s economic program. Such audits determine whether or not Greece receives the next slice of rescue funding. The IMF said

that the discussions had been “productive” on the policies “that could serve as a basis” for completion of the review. It said that “good progress has been made, but a few issues remain outstanding.

Talks would continue from the headquarters of the three creditor bodies and the auditors would return to Athens “early in December,” the statement said. Yesterday, Athens unveiled its 2014 budget, a blueprint expected to forecast slim growth in the Greek economy after six straight years of recession. But the budget is likely to require revision soon as Greek officials have yet to agree with the country’s creditors on how to close a looming fiscal gap next year.

The troika predicts the 2014 fiscal gap will exceed 1.5 billion euros ($2.0 billion), while the Greek government estimates the sum to be slightly more than 500 million euros.

Discussions are also stumbling on the issue of a new property tax, possible new pension cuts as well as layoffs in the state sector, and the slow pace of privatization.

The EU-IMF fiscal audit, necessary to unblock a one-billioneuro ($1.4 billion) installment of financial aid, is now expected to drag on until Christmas. “Greece still has plenty of work to do,” Dijsselbloem told Ta Nea, noting that the EU-IMF talks in Athens were focusing on Greece’s “progress-or rather, lack of progress-on its commitments.”— AFP

Business FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Fracking without freshwater at Texas oilfield MERTZON: At a dusty Texas oilfield, Apache Corp has eliminated its reliance on what arguably could be the biggest long-term constraint for fracking wells in the arid western United States: scarce freshwater. For only one well, millions of gallons of water are used for hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, the process that has helped reduce US reliance on foreign oil over the past five years by cracking rock deep underground to release oil and gas.

In Irion County, where Apache is drilling dozens of Wolfcamp shale wells in the Permian Basin, the company is meeting its water needs for hydraulic fracturing by using brackish water from the Santa Rosa aquifer and recycling water from wells and fracking using chemicals. The company’s approach could have broader significance for areas prone to drought.

Apache, which has the most rigs running in the Permian, the oil-rich region that spans 59 Texas counties, says the model can cut costs and truck traffic rattling small towns stretched by the country’s drilling boom.

“We’re not using freshwater out here,” Lucian Wray, production manager for Apache’s South Permian region, said of the company’s Barnhart operating area, which is run out of a former hunting lodge.

“We are recycling 100 percent of our produced water.

We don’t dispose of any of it.” “Produced water” is a byproduct of oil and natural gas drilling. “Flowback” water is the fluid pushed out of a well during fracking.

Apache is recycling both types, which are typically trucked away and put into underground disposal wells.

Apache’s ultimate goal is to develop a recycling system for use in its other oilfields. Fracking has revived the Permian after years of flat output and could be used there for decades to come - so long as its water problem is solved. Industry estimates say the Permian, which helped put the United States on the path to becoming the world’s largest crude producer, has recoverable reserves that exceed all oil and gas produced there over the last 90 years, according to the Texas Railroad Commission.

Excluding outlays for its homegrown recycling system, Apache says it costs 29 cents a barrel to treat flowback water. That is a fraction of the $2.50 per barrel it costs to dispose of water using a third party. The IHS CERA consultancy said this month water costs can eat up 10 percent of a well’s capital budget. “In these plays, every dollar counts,” said John Christmann, who runs the Permian for Apache and will become chief operating officer for North America in January. Other oil and gas companies in the Permian and elsewhere have started to use brackish water and recycle produced water, but the practices are not widely used and the types and accessibility of aquifers vary by region.

Apache may be the only one to have eliminated the use of freshwater from one of its Permian fields. Texas lawmakers considered two bills this year that would require oil and gas companies to recycle oilfield wastewater, though neither became law. Much of west Texas is still very dry after a severe drought in 2011 and some water systems remain under stress, according to state regulators. — Reuters

Japan’s Honda to roll out new fuel-cell car TOKYO: Japanese auto giant Honda said yesterday it would roll out a new commercial fuel-cell vehicle in 2015, a day after rival Toyota promised a similar offering as competition in the green car sector heats up. Honda made the announcement at the Tokyo Motor Show where automakers are showcasing their vision for the eco-friendly car market. However, the sector is yet to see a hot-selling model, with sales well below industry predictions.

Japan’s third-largest automaker, Honda said it would launch the new vehicle in Japan and the United States in 2015, and in Europe at a later date. The new model will be based on Honda’s FCEV concept car, which it unveiled at the Los Angeles motor show on Wednesday. The maker of the Civic and Accord said its fuel-cell car will have a range of more than 300 miles with hydrogen tank able to recharge the vehicle in about three minutes, similar to Toyota’s FCV concept car, a four-seater sedan which it plans to sell by 2015.

“Hydrogen energy is very efficient and friendly to the environment,” Honda president Takanobu Ito said yesterday. Fuel-cell vehicles are considered the holy grail of green cars because they emit nothing but water vapor from the tailpipe and can operate on renewable hydrogen gas. The world’s leading automakers have long been eyeing a big-selling green vehicle, including Honda-which already has a fuel-cell car, the FCX Clarity, available on a small scale in a limited number of markets.

Ito said yesterday that Honda has teamed up with fuelcell maker Toshiba and home builder Sekisui House on a system that would let drivers refill their hydrogen tanks at home. “But we still have a long way to go,” Ito told reporters. “It will take time for us to build the infrastructure.” A lack of re-fuelling stations as well as limited range have hampered sales of green cars, while relatively high prices and restricted model choices have also weighed on demand despite automakers’ high hopes.

Nissan Chief Carlos Ghosn has been one of the sector’s biggest boosters but sales of the company’s Leaf electric vehicle are way below his earlier predictions. On Wednesday, Ghosn said that while Nissan is working on a fuel-cell vehicle with Daimler and Ford, he was “frankly amazed” at Toyota’s bid to roll out a mass-market model in two years. “It’s very easy to have a prototype, but the challenge is mass market,” he said. The 43rd edition of the Tokyo Motor Show runs until December 1, featuring almost 180 exhibitors including parts suppliers from a dozen countries. — AFP

TOKYO: A man watches the electronic stock board of a securities firm in Tokyo yesterday. Asian stock markets except Japan were in the red yesterday amid jitters over new signals from the US Federal Reserve that it may cut monetary stimulus sooner than expected. — AP

Fed tapering unease rattles world shares, dollar jumps Gold holds near 4-mth lows; Oil slips below $108 LONDON: Renewed talk of an early cutback in the US Federal Reserve’s stimulus sent the dollar back above 100 yen yesterday while driving government bonds yields higher and world shares lower. Surprisingly weak data from China and the euro-zone added to the downbeat tone, outweighing confirmation by the Bank of Japan that its massive stimulus will continue and signals that the European Central Bank was considering easing its policy further.

Minutes of the last Fed policy meeting released on Wednesday showed officials felt they could begin scaling back the bank’s massive bond purchase program at one of their next few meetings if economic conditions warranted it. Many in the markets took that to mean the program could be trimmed earlier than consensus forecasts, which had been pointing to March. “I think December is now more likely (for Fed tapering) than was previously the case,” said Simon Smith, chief economist at FXPro, adding this was largely due to the Fed having made clear tapering did not necessarily mean rate hikes would follow.

That shift in perceptions caused a big spike in US bonds yields, boosting demand for the dollar which hit a four-month high of 100.83 yen, up 0.8 percent on the day. German 10-year bond yields rose 6 basis points to 1.77 percent, tracking the rise in US Treasury note yields , which reached 2.8 percent on Wednesday.

The dollar gains and prospects that the flow of Fed dollars could soon slow also had a major impact on gold, which saw its biggest drop in seven weeks on Wednesday to settle near $1,249 an ounce.

STOCKS ROCKED Share markets - which have recovered to pre-financial crisis levels this year largely thanks to the loose monetary policies adopted by the Fed and other major central banks - lost ground broadly. An exception was Japan, where the Nikkei index rose as exporters gained from the weaker yen. MSCI’s global benchmark index, which tracks price moves across 45 countries, shed 0.4 percent, putting it on course for its biggest weekly loss since August.

“Having got hooked on both indefinite QE and low interest rates, investors are becoming increasingly restless and inclined to taking profits,” said Alastair Winter, chief economist at Daniel Stewart. But some analysts said the Fed minutes, from a meeting held there weeks ago, had not settled the debate over the central bank’s next move, which could limit further moves in prices of riskier assets.

“Our house view is that there is 25 percent chance in December, 25 percent in January and 50 percent in March,” Nick Xanders, who heads up European equity strategy at BTIG said. Europe’s broadest share index, the FTSEurofirst 300 , was down 0.4 percent with banks, which are most acutely exposed to the benefits offered by monetary stimulus, among the biggest fallers. Mining stocks dropped further still, shedding 1 percent as the sector took an added hit from data showing activity in China’s vast factory sector grew at a slower pace than expected this month. Unexpectedly weak surveys of business activity in France and the whole 17nation euro area piled on the gloom, though these were partially offset by data showing Germany’s manufacturing and services sectors performed better than forecast. —Reuters

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Business FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Ford bets iconic Mustang will lure overseas buyers LOS ANGELES: Ford Motor Co is preparing to launch its Mustang coupe overseas for the first time, betting that the romance of the iconic American car will draw more consumers to its showrooms outside the United States. The Mustang, which was redesigned for the 2015 model year, is a key vehicle that will both help Ford meet its middecade margin goals and attract new customers, Ford’s president of the Americas, Joe Hinrichs, said at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Wednesday. Ford will unveil its next-generation 2015 Mustang on Dec. 5 with simultaneous events in Michigan, Shanghai, Sydney, Barcelona, New York and Los Angeles. The model is slated to go on sale next summer.

“They will want to see it for the first time being sold in those markets,” he said in an interview. “That will have an influence not just on the Mustang itself but on the rest of the portfolio.” Ford is relying on high-margin vehicles like the Mustang to offset its rising investment in less-profitable small cars that are key to tapping emerging markets.

The Mustang is also expected to draw more customers to the Ford brand, spurring sales. The second-largest US automaker is aiming for global margins of as much as 9 percent by mid-decade, up from 6.2 percent during the first nine months of 2013.

The new Mustang will boast a more modern design, nimbler handling and more efficient engines and transmissions, all intended to broaden the car’s appeal beyond its American audience. Hinrichs declined to give details on where and when it will be sold first. The company’s research in Asia, Africa and Europe showed that the Mustang was among consumers’ top five associations with the Ford brand in most markets even though the vehicle wasn’t sold there, Hinrichs said.

The original Mustang was introduced at the New York World’s Fair on April 17, 1964, to national fanfare. It was featured on the covers of Time and Newsweek magazine and was purchased by more than half a million customers in 1965, its first full year on the market. The Mustang was the inspiration for the R&B song “Mustang Sally,” which was popular in the mid-1960s, and has been featured many times in Hollywood movies. Steve McQueen, for instance, famously drove a dark green Mustang in the 1968 film “Bullitt.”— Reuters

Janet Yellen moves closer to confirmation as US Fed chief WASHINGTON: Janet Yellen will take an important step toward becoming the first woman to lead the US Federal Reserve, with the Senate Banking Committee expected to back the nomination and clear her path to take the central bank’s helm. President Barack Obama nominated the Fed’s current vice chair to replace Ben Bernanke when his terms ends on Jan 31 and she had been expected to win confirmation with relative ease. The banking panel, where Obama’s Democrats occupy 12 of the 22 seats, will vote at 10.00 am on whether to pass her confirmation forward for consideration by the full Senate.

Yellen, viewed as a monetary policy dove who puts more weight on driving down high unemployment than the risk this will ignite future inflation, will preside over a central bank that has taken dramatic steps to spur US growth and hiring. It has held interest rates near zero since late 2008 and quadrupled the size of its balance sheet to $3.9 trillion through three massive asset purchase campaigns aimed at lowering the cost of long-term borrowing. This has made the Fed a target for Republican lawmakers worried that these ultra-easy policies have enabled big spending by the Obama administration.

Little of this concern was forcefully raised by critics during Yellen’s hearing before the banking panel last week, which she sailed through. Her confirmation is expected to be equally smooth, with a vote likely in December. Democrats control 55 of the 100 votes in the chamber, which means she needs to only secure the backing from five Republicans to overcome Senate procedural hurdles, and looks well on the way to reaching that threshold. Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee declared on Wednesday that he would support her confirmation and three other Republicans have also publicly said they were inclined to vote in her favor. —Reuters

BoJ holds fire on stimulus Economy ‘recovering moderately’ TOKYO: The Bank of Japan yesterday held off announcing any fresh measures to stimulate the economy, saying it was “recovering moderately” and that efforts to stoke inflation were taking hold. The bank’s decision, after a two-day meeting, to hold steady on monetary easing comes despite a sharp slowdown in growth in the July-September quarter that raised questions about the strength of the country’s recovery. The BoJ unveiled its vast asset-buying scheme in April as part of a broader plan by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to reinvigorate the economy and eradicate deflation with a policy blitz dubbed Abenomics.

“Japan’s economy has been recovering moderately,” the bank said in a statement. “The year-on-year rate of increase in the CPI (consumer price index) is likely to rise gradually.”

Reversing years of falling prices is a key goal of the BoJ’s easing plan, which aims for 2.0 percent inflation in two years.

Analysts, however, have been increas-

ingly sceptical of that ambitious timeline. The bank has been ratcheting up its economic growth outlook, with its most recent forecast predicting an average 2.7 percent expansion in the year to next March, with inflation at 0.7 percent.

Inflation is tipped at 1.9 percent within about two years, the BoJ said last month. Last week, official data showed economic growth halved year-on-year in the July-September quarter as exports weakened and consumer spending slowed. The BoJ yesterday also acknowledged possible headwinds from overseas but said it remained optimistic. “We are taking a half-step forward on our assessment of overseas economies,” BoJ governor Haruhiko Kuroda told reporters.

The effects of the US government shutdown last month on the world’s largest economy were limited, the BoJ chief said, adding that “the US ... pace of growth is expected to accelerate going forward”. However, in its statement ear-

lier, the bank warned “the prospects for the European debt problem ... and the pace of recovery in the US economy” remained concerns. The central bank added it was still open to further easing measures for Japan’s economy if necessary. We “will examine both upside and downside risks to economic activity and prices, and make adjustments as appropriate”, it said.

Analysts have been warning that Tokyo’s bold program-a mix of big government spending and central bank monetary easing-is not enough on its own to stoke lasting growth without promised economic reforms. Critics of Abe’s policy say growth so far is largely thanks to stimulus spending and the BoJ’s injections of vast sums of money into the financial system, similar to the US Federal Reserve’s quantitative easing. Some analysts argue the BoJ will have to usher in more monetary easing at some point to shore up Tokyo’s efforts.— AFP

PARIS: French farmers stand next to their tractors on a highway converging on Paris slowing traffic to a crawl in the second low speed protest yesterday. — AP

French government fumes; farmers blockade kills one PARIS: The French government yesterday ordered irate farmers blocking roads into Paris to halt their protest over tax hikes after it caused accidents that left one person dead and six injured.

Transport Minister Frederic Cuvillier called for the “immediate lifting” of the blockade which caused a crash that killed a car driver. The victim was a fireman who was on his way to work before dawn and crashed his car into a truck forming part of a barricade.

Six people suffered mild injuries in a second accident involving a farmer’s truck and an anti-riot police vehicle, the minister’s office said. Cuvillier said the lifting of the barriers was a “question of responsibility and security.” “I have been told that horses have been seen on a highway in the Yvelines” a region west of Paris, he said on Europe 1 radio.

Two unions from the Paris region, the FDSEA and JA, had announced a “blockade” on Paris to “make the voice of the agriculture sector, which has been sacrificed, heard.” They complained their members were being “bludgeoned” by

tax rises as well as by “more and more demanding environmental norms, increasing checks and stronger regulatory mechanisms.”Damien Griffin, the head of the FDSEA spearheading the protest, said the farmers had out of “compassion” lifted a barrier where the fatal accident occurred but told AFP the protesters were not responsible for the fireman’s death.

He said the union was particularly upset over the reallocation of subsidies to help cattle farmers at the expense of grain producers which would see the latter “see a fall in income of between 30 and 40 percent.” “They are going to massacre arable and dairy farming,” he said. The unions are also calling for the resignation of Agriculture Minister Stephane Le Foll. Many held up placards spelling out this demand while others read: “We are being mowed down like wheat.” Le Foll insisted the government was open to dialogue. But there was “no question” of going back on the reallocation of subsidies, he said. French President Francois Hollande announced

in October that the government would use a renegotiation of the EU’s Common Agriculture Policy to favor livestock farmers badly hit by the economic crisis over the better-off crop growers. He said France would use measures including a subsidy bonus on the first 52 hectares of each farm, seen as favoring smaller livestock farms over giant grain producers.

French police had earlier said several key highways would be affected and advised motorists not to take the A6 linking Paris to the eastern city of Lyon and the A10 which connects the capital to Bordeaux. Amid mounting outrage over planned tax raises, Hollande’s government has already been forced to suspend the planned introduction of a new environmental “ecotax” on commercial vehicles carrying cargo more than 3.5 tons after violent protests in Brittany, a predominantly agricultural region in northern France. Opponents of the tax, which critics say unfairly penalizes remote areas dependent on deliveries by road freight, are demanding it be scrapped altogether.— AFP

Beauty FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Bat those lashes like

Bambi What are eyelash extensions?

Not to be confused with the self-stick strip falsies of yesteryear or individual clusters of lashes knotted together that are a singleevent accessory, these semi-permanent, synthetic extensions are glued one by one onto the natural lash (not the skin) by using a specially formulated glue that last 2-4 weeks. Eyelash extensions are a new beauty service in Australia which originated in Korea.

Single synthetic eyelashes are applied to your own natural eyelash to achieve a beautiful full luscious and long set of lashes that are natural and you won’t even know they are there.

Should I be careful who applies the eyelash extensions and should they be trained?

Absolutely, we cannot stress the importance of choosing an eyelash technician who has been taught by a qualified and experienced person. There are many eyelash extension operators who are claiming to have been professionally trained but have been self taught via the internet and these operators are also using poor quality products bought on eBay. Please do your research thoroughly and ask many questions.

A friend said she has permanent eyelash extensions is this what the Eyelash Boutique does?

There is still a lot of confusion about what eyelash extensions are. All eyelash extensions are semi-permanent and they may also be known as grafted eyelashes. The only permanent eyelashes are eyelash transplants which are performed under anesthetic by a doctor and will cost approximately $5,000.

Who wears eyelash extensions?

You don’t have to be a celebrity or model to wear eyelash extensions. Normal everyday ladies love eyelash extensions and can’t bear to be without them. The clients include nurses, beauty therapists, surgeons, dentists, lawyers, financial advisors, mums, detectives, dancers, business owners, nail technicians, forensic chemists, university students, hairdressers, police women and many more wonderful people.

How are the eyelash extensions applied?

A single natural eyelash is isolated and a synthetic lash is glued to the top of your own natural eyelash approximately 1mm from the eyelid so neither the glue or the lash has contact with the skin.

How long does the application take?

The procedure will take approximately 1 hour for a full set and approximately 45 minutes for a half set and 1 hour for an in-fill. It is a meticulous procedure that requires patience and concentration so therefore it should not be rushed so that clients can leave with a perfect set of lashes. You relax with your eyes closed and

there is no pain as this is a non-invasive procedure. Often clients are so relaxed they fall asleep.

Can I do eyelash extensions myself?

No. Eyelash extensions can only be applied by a trained professional.

How are the lower lashes held down?

It is important that our clients are comfortable therefore, we use soft under eye pads specifically designed for eyelash extensions. We never use surgical tape or lash tint paper which are uncomfortable for the client.

Do eyelash extensions make my own lashes fall out?

No, definitely not this is a myth. Many of our clients have been with us since 2006 and have constantly had extensions applied with no break and they have never encountered their lashes all falling off. It is important to have your lash extensions applied by a qualified operator who uses a quality product. The eyelash has a cycle and is constantly being replaced like your hair. If you pull so hard on an extension lash and pull out your own natural lash there will be no new lash ready to grow to take its place and you will have to wait 6-8 weeks for that lash to grow.

Can I still wear eye makeup?

Yes, but you won’t need mascara and you may even find you won’t need eyeliner, but you can still use eyeliner and eye shadows as usual but remember to remove with a product that does not contain oil of any kind as this will affect the glue. Narelle recommends removing eyeliner and eyeshadow using a damp cotton bud and a small amount of eye make-up remover and gently running it along the eyeliner to remove it. To remove eyeshadow wet a cotton wipe and eye make-up remover and gently remove eye shadow in a side and upward movement not down onto the eyelash extensions. Wiping down towards the lashes will cause a buildup of makeup on the lashes and may lessen their life.

Can I wear mascara?

You won’t have to. You can roll out of bed looking great and best of all it will make your lashes look like you’re wearing mascara 24/7 without the clumping, streaking and smudging look that you get with mascara. No more running and streaking mascara which is fantastic for brides on their special day. If desired you can wear a non-waterproof on the lower lashes but remember to use an eye makeup remover that contains no oil.

Can I curl or perm eyelash extensions?

No, do not perm your beautiful new eyelash extensions.

Anyway you won’t have to as the extension lashes hold their lovely shape. Using a clamp eyelash curler is not recommended and

will lessen the life of your eyelash extensions and perhaps damage them. You can however use a heated eyelash curler but do not over use it only using it when necessary.

How long do they last?

Approximately 2-4 weeks if you respect your new lashes and take care of them. Remember this is a semi-permanent beauty procedure. Do not be duped by those who promise “permanent” extensions or attachments that last for 2+ months. A real lash’s life cycle is around 25-28 days, and as yours grow and fall out, so will the synthetic ones that are attached. If your hair and nails grow quickly then that may indicate that your lashes also are growing, shedding and renewing themselves quickly so you may find that your lashes will not last as long as someone whose hair growth is slow. Your life style and what work you do will also make a difference how long they last. A ladies lashes working in the food industry where there is a lot of heat, steam and oil may not last as well as a lady who works in an air conditioned office.

Eyelash extensions will not last for three months, this is false advertising by salons and inexperienced people.

I had eyelash extensions applied a few days ago and a few lashes have fallen out - why?

As explained above the lash has a growth cycle and unfortunately it is hard to determine which lash is ready to fall out naturally so it is unpredictable when applying the synthetic lashes.

Each day we can lose 3-5 natural lashes, but often they fall out unnoticed unless they fall into your eye, but when eyelash extensions are applied we are more aware of when they shed as we know the extensions are there plus they are longer, darker and thicker. If you sleep on your stomach with your face squashed into the pillow or you favour sleeping on one side you may notice the lashes may not last as well as the other side.

What are in-fills, why do I need them and how often do I need them?

In-fills are when the natural eyelash has fallen out (due to the eyelash cycle) and there has been an extension lash applied to it.

You will require in-fills every 2-4 weeks if you would like to achieve a consistently full fresh set of lashes. At the Eyelash Boutique we take the time to remove any eyelash extensions that have either grown out to far or are not sitting correctly. Please not that we do not stack the lash extensions as other operators do. Please refer to Eyelash Pricing. For in-fill bookings allow approximately 1 hour.

Can I open my eyes during the procedure?

Yes, but please advise your technician before you open your eyes as two sharp tweezers are used when applying the lashes.

Beauty FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Do the synthetic eyelashes come in different lengths and thickness?

Yes, because we specialise just in eyelash extensions and we supply to other eyelash extension operators we carry a large range of lashes. Lengths available are 5mm - 15mm, in black and coloured lashes in purple, navy, pink, red and green used as highlight amongst the black lashes in “J” curl. Now available and extremely popular with Eyelash Boutique clients are the thicker .20mm and .25mm thick lashes. We also use “C” and “D” lashes.

The thicker lashes are artfully placed along the lash line. Specialty lashes are now very popular in Y lashes which create double the amount of lashes giving the look of thickness and volume. During the application a mixture of lengths and thicknesses are used shorter lashes being used on the inner eye area and gradually increasing in length towards the middle and outer corners.

Unlike other eyelash extension operators who only stock three lengths we understand that not one size fits all so at the Eyelash Boutique we apply what our clients request and we tailor make to suit each individual client. If you have a specific request or look please discuss this with your eyelash extension technician on the day of your appointment.

Do I have to get a full set of eyelash extensions?

No, half sets are now available. A half set is done on the upper lashes with lashes being scattered along the entire upper lash line from the inner eye to the outer edge. Allow 45 minutes for a half set. Half sets are suited to people who have naturally thick and dark lashes, they are not suitable for fair lashed people or ladies who do not have many lashes.

Are the eyelash extensions glued to my skin?

No, it is adhered approximately 1mm from the eyelid.

Is the eyelash glue and glue remover safe?

Yes, in the right hands and having your extensions applied by someone who has been correctly trained it is safe. Beware of untrained people who claim they have been professionally trained with years experience. Because we specialise just in eyelash extensions we take great care to ensure that the adhesive and adhesive remover does not come in contact with the skin or eyes. The glue used at the Eyelash Boutique is a high quality fast drying glue which does not give a clumped look. As the glue is being used around the delicate eye area it is important to only have eyelash extensions applied by a trained and qualified eyelash extensionist.

Are eyelash extensions suitable for everyone?

Anyone of any age can have eyelash extensions applied as long as there is a natural lash to glue the extension onto. Ladies who have undergone chemotherapy and their lashes are starting to grow back also love eyelash extensions. Celebrities such as Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Hillary Duff, Paris Hilton, Tyra Banks, Eva Longoria and Victoria Beckham all wear eyelash exten-

sions. Because the eyelash extensions are so natural anyone could be wearing them and you wouldn’t know. They are also suitable for people who wear contact lenses and glasses. Narelle has applied eyelash extensions to clients as young as 15 years old and as mature as 83 years old.

However, if you have an eye infection or have recently undergone an eye operation or cosmetic eye surgery it would be best to wait until the eye area has completely healed.

Why should I get eyelash extensions?

It will cut your beauty routine time down in the mornings No running or streaking mascara The good news is that eyelash extensions make you able to flutter your lashes beautifully without mascara Lasts from 2-4 weeks with proper maintenance No operation, no pain - non-invasive procedure Safe in showers, swimming pools and saunas Weightless and very natural looking Eyelashes will appear longer, fuller and darker Your eyes will look bigger, more defined & gorgeous even with no make up Great for people who wear contact lenses Perfect for brides, mums on the run and busy people Ladies who can’t wear mascara How do I look after my eyelash extensions?

For the first 12 hours avoid getting the lashes wet to allow the glue to completely dry Do not use a steam room or sauna for the first 48 hours to allow glue to cure Be gentle and respect your new lashes. Avoid rubbing your eyes and do not pick and play with your lashes Resist the temptation to touch or pull at your stunning new lashes as this will pull out your own natural lashes Avoid getting them caught on clothes and towels When drying your face do not rub instead blot your face and apply a gently pressure to your closed eyes then allow the extensions to dry naturally. Don’t try to dry them with the towel or hair dryer.

Do not perm or curl the extensions using a clamp eyelash curlers Avoid wearing mascara as this will lessen the life of your extensions Do not use eye make-up remover that contains any type of oil products such as petroleum Do keep the eye area clean. This is very important. Some ladies love their lashes so much they don’t even want to get them wet at all. Avoiding proper hygiene can result in an eye infection whether wearing eyelash extensions or not Try and sleep on your back to avoid crushing your extensions in the pillow The golden rule for wearing eyelash extensions is the less you touch them the longer they will last. However, it is important to

keep the eye area clean.

It is suggested that if you are an “eye rubber” due to allergies such as hayfever or if rubbing your eyes is just a habit or in the past you have experienced sensitivity around the eye area after using skin care or makeup or generally having sensitivity around that area the extensions may not suit you. If you use prescribed medicated eye drops or ointment this may coat the lashes and cause them to clump. Eyelash Boutique clients who say their eyes are sensitive but DO NOT experience any reaction or discomfort during or after having eyelash extensions applied. Eyelash extensions cannot be applied to very curly eyelashes as it will be difficult to glue an extension on. However, if you are unsure please contact the salon to discuss it.

Can the eyelash extensions be removed?

Yes, at any time for any reason they can be removed however there will be a removal charge. Refer to prices. The extension are easily removed by using a glue remover and is safe and will cause no harm to your natural lashes.

I had my lashes applied somewhere else and they are a disaster with excessive amounts of glue clumping my lashes together.

Can I have the lashes removed and not get new eyelash extensions?

Sadly eyelash extensions are being applied by people who have had no training or have not been trained correctly in Australia and overseas and using cheap product. The Eyelash Boutique is always happy to remove lashes that have been applied elsewhere without applying new lashes, however there will be a removal charge. Please refer to Salon Pricing.

I had eyelash extensions applied somewhere else and I am unhappy with them can they be fixed up at the Eyelash boutique?

At the eyelash Boutique our technicians prefer not to mix their work with other peoples work so it is advised that you either allow your extensions to naturally come off or contact the Eyelash Boutique to discuss the options of having the extensions removed before your appointment to have a new set applied. If your eyes are red and sore from the incorrectly applied eyelash extensions that were applied elsewhere, we would advise resting your eyes from extensions for approximately 3-4 weeks before having a professional set reapplied at the Eyelash Boutique.

What should I do before my eyelash extension appointment?

If you have extremely fair eyelashes it is recommended to have them tinted before your eyelash extension appointment which we offer at the Eyelash Boutique. Preferably arrive with no mascara and do not perm or curl your eyelashes before your eyelash extension appointment. If you wear contact lenses please bring your contact lens case as your lenses will need to be removed.

Please note: if you have recently had your eyelashes permed eyelash extensions cannot be applied until 3 months after the perming procedure.

I’m not brave to leave the house without makeup can I wear foundation, eyeliner and eye shadow to my appointment?

Yes, it is fine to wear foundation, eyeliner and eye shadow however your lower eyeliner maybe a little smudged from wearing the under eye anti wrinkle eye pads.

— www.eyelashboutique.com

26

Opinion FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Beirut blast: Jolt from past and omen of dark future

By Dominic Evans

T

hirty years after the Lebanese capital gave birth to the modern suicide bomber, a killer has again driven his explosive-packed car towards an embassy in Beirut, hurling charred corpses through the street. For Lebanese, Tuesday’s carnage at the Iranian embassy - 23 people were killed and nearly 150 wounded - was both a sharp jolt from their own bloody past and a harrowing omen of a future as the Middle East’s next sectarian slaughterhouse. Many Lebanese say they now believe their country is doomed to become the next battlefield for Sunni jihadists, looking for soft targets to inflict blows on the Shiite supporters of neighboring Syria’s President Bashar Al-Assad.

Lebanon has already been caught in the blowback from the 2 1/2-year-old civil war in Syria, with scores killed in clashes between Shiite Muslim supporters of Assad and their Sunni foes. But Tuesday’s suicide attack against the embassy of Shiite Iran, claimed by a Sunni militant group, took violence to a higher level. It resurrected the tactics born in a previous generation’s Lebanon war, which are now the signature of neighboring states’ bloodbaths.

Shiites expressed the most fear. “We expect a bloody conflict, more bombs,” said Ali Abbas, a Shiite poet attending a funeral in southern Beirut on Wednesday for four of the men killed in the attack. “This is a fight between the dark and the light, the night and the day,” he said. “They are present in Iraq, Syria and now Lebanon.” Lebanon may “turn into a field of jihad - as the terrorist groups call it - as happened in Iraq and Syria,” said parliament speaker Nabih Berri, also a Shiite.

“Our country will drown in these kinds of operations,” he told Al-Nahar newspaper.

Other communities are also deeply worried. Lebanon’s anti-Assad March 14 coalition, which groups anti-Assad Sunni Muslims and Christians, laid blame with the powerful Iranbacked Shiite militia Hezbollah, saying it had provoked the violence by joining Syria’s war on Assad’s behalf. “There is a fear that Hezbollah’s continued intervention in Syria will lead to the Iraq-isation of Lebanon. They went to war in Syria and brought the war to Lebanon,” it said.

ARMAGEDDON SCENARIO The Syrian war has polarized Lebanon and the wider Middle East between Sunnis and Shiites, sects that have fought since the first generation after Islam’s 7th century founding.

Sunni Muslims support the rebels fighting Assad and Shiites back the president, whose Alawite faith is an offshoot of Shiism. This year, Assad gained momentum by winning the overt battlefield support of Lebanon’s Hezbollah fighters, as well as help from Iraqi Shiites and Iranian commanders.

Meanwhile Sunnis, including Lebanese, have poured into Syria to aid the rebels, who are armed and funded by Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Beirut-based political commentator Rami Khouri said the “Armageddon scenario” - Iranian Shiite revolutionary forces facing off against Saudi-backed Sunni militants across

the Middle East - was drawing rapidly closer.

“You have these two broad groups now openly attacking each other. It’s no longer a battle of proxies - the principles are killing each other in Lebanon, Syria and Iraq”.

More than 100,000 people have been killed in Syria’s civil war, and a similar number during a decade of Sunni-Shiite violence in Iraq. Lebanon’s 1975-1990 civil war killed 120,000. The modern phenomenon of suicide bombing - the tactic that more than any other

barracks in Beirut suburbs, killing 299 American and French troops. A group calling itself Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for that attack, although Washington has long suspected that the true culprit was Hezbollah.

Today, suicide bombing is the signature of Sunni groups, especially al Qaeda’s Iraq branch, which has sent more than a thousand bombers to blow themselves up at markets, cafes, mosques and police checkpoints in the past decade. It has now joined forces with the

BEIRUT: Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon Ghadanfar Rukn Abadi (center right) and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian (center left) stand next to the coffins of the Iranian embassy security guards, draped in the Hezbollah movement’s yellow and green flag, who died in the twin suicide attack outside the Iranian Embassy in Beirut, during their funeral. — AFP has become the grisly hallmark of today’s Middle East violence - first blasted its way onto the world’s consciousness in April 1983, when a man drove a car packed with explosives into the US embassy in Beirut. The attack killed 63 people including 17 Americans.

Six months later two men drove trucks packed with explosives into US and French

Sunni rebels fighting in Syria.

Tuesday’s attack, the first major strike on an embassy in Beirut since Lebanon’s civil war, was claimed by a Lebanon-based Sunni Islamist militant group which warned of more attacks unless Tehran withdraws its military forces from Syria. One bomber carried 5 kg (12 pounds) of explosives and a second drove

a car laden with 50 kg, in what may have been an attempt to breach embassy walls and then blow the car up inside the compound.

STAND TOGETHER Amidst the anger and trepidation, the public responses from Iran and Hezbollah have been restrained. Hezbollah deputy leader Sheikh Naim Qassem called on all Lebanese “to stand together and face this terrorism, whatever our political differences”. He also played down the prospect that Lebanon could descend into all-out violence. “Lebanon has not yet reached the point where it can be compared to Iraq. The situation is different, and we are at the beginning of the road.” But privately, Shiite politicians described Tuesday’s bombing as a watershed. One said the use of suicide bombers had “changed the rules of the game” while another said Lebanon had been turned into a “jihadi battleground”. “This bombing ups the ante,” said Paul Salem of the Middle East Institute, noting that previous rocket and bomb attacks earlier this year had targeted Hezbollah, not its patron Iran. “Lebanon is part of a proxy war that is engulfing the entire Levant and the alliances that back the factions in Lebanon are the same that back opposing groups in Syria and Iraq,” he said. “A pattern could evolve, as it did in Iraq in 2005-2006 and onward, in which car bombs and suicide missions were one of the main instruments of sectarian and proxy conflict.”

TURNING TO SOFT TARGETS The trigger for the Iranian embassy attack may have been the latest offensive by Assad’s forces - in the mountainous Qalamoun region north of Damascus, close to Lebanon’s border. The fighting has helped Assad consolidate his power around the capital and further reduce the ability of the rebels to cross over between Lebanon and Syria. The combination of rebel military setbacks and the presence of large numbers of fighters on the Lebanese side of the border may have led some Sunni militants to switch their focus towards soft targets connected to Assad’s allies, such as the embassy.

“I assume these groups were able to strike against the embassy previously, and had held back for some reason,” said Yezid Sayigh of the Carnegie Middle East Centre. “It’s a reasonable assumption that the battle for Qalamoun is the likely trigger.” Lebanon has no shortage of potential recruits for similar attacks, particularly in its north. “Across the whole (northern) area from the coast to the Syrian border... these Salafi Islamist groups have been rising up over the last ten years,” Khouri said.

Widespread fears of what all-out conflict could do to Lebanon could be the best protection against escalating violence. But they are unlikely to halt attacks by shadowy groups on either side of the regional conflict.

“No one in Lebanon has the interest or stomach for large-scale military confrontations,” said Sayigh. “But shadow wars are different because you don’t need significant numbers, you don’t need front lines, and it’s easy to hit soft targets.”—Reuters

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013 www.kuwaittimes.net

Caspin Bird, known for its beautiful colors and sound. Its native home is Europe, and North West Turkey. — Photo By: Sherif Ismail

Pe t s FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Caring for fish doesn’t have to be a fry Create an ideal habitat for your fish with a new aquarium

T

here are plenty of tropical and coldwater fish to choose from but it is important that you make informed choices; some fish are not very sociable and will fight, whilst others prefer to live in shoals of their own kind and should not be kept in isolation.

When buying your first fish be sure to ask the store team what they would recommend for a new aquarium to ensure you choose the most suitable fish and plan the best community.

Taking them home When we sell fish we pack them carefully for the journey to their new home, firstly in a plastic bag and then a brown paper bag as keeping them in the dark reduces stress whilst being transported. They should not be kept in the bag for longer than 1-2 hours.

When transporting your fish, take care not to allow them to get too hot or too cold as this can also cause stress. When you get them home, turn off your aquarium light and float the bag in your tank for about twenty minutes, allowing the water temperature to equalize, then add some of your aquarium water to the bag and wait a further 10 minutes before transferring the fish into the aquarium with a net. Throw the old water away and do not mix it with the water in your tank.

The fish may be nervous and hide for a period of time, so leave the aquarium light off and let them settle down for a few hours before feeding them.

Feeding your fish There are a number of fish foods available in flake or pellet form which provide a perfectly balanced diet with all the nutrients your fish require to stay healthy. We also stock frozen food which is nutritious and provides essential variety in your fishís diet.

Flaked food is suitable for all kinds of fish, although there are many types of specialist foods appropriate for fish that feed in different ways: Surface feeders will readily take flakes and floating pellets.

Mid water feeders like granular or slow sinking foods.

Bottom feeders should be offered quick sinking foods or tablets.

Feed your fish once a day, offering just enough food so that it is eaten within 2 minutes. Start with a small amount and adjust accordingly. Over-feeding will pollute the water, so ensure any excess food is removed from the tank after feeding.

contracted an illness and will require treatment to recover. Treatment may range from a substantial water change to a chemical treatment, but many diseases, if addressed early, are curable.

Firstly, you need to consider where to put your tank, as once it is full of water it will be very difficult to move. Your aquarium should be positioned near a mains power supply, away from draughts and direct sunlight to avoid the growth of algae, and out of reach of small children or pets. We recommend you use a specially made aquarium stand or cabinet to hold the tank level or hairline cracks

may occur. Use aquarium foam or polystyrene pads to cushion the tank if it does not have raised glass on the bottom and place your tank away from electrical equipment.

Secondly, you need to ensure you have the correct equipment. Use this checklist to make sure you are fully prepared: Filter Internal, external.

Maintaining a healthy aquarium Maintaining the water quality is the most important factor in keeping fish healthy.

Regular water changes are vital for keeping your fish healthy (see the water quality section of this leaflet).

New fish are more susceptible to disease, due to the stress of being moved. New fish should therefore be observed very carefully for several days after they are introduced. It is vital for your fish that you maintain a healthy aquatic environment and although many water problems are not visible to the naked eye, the effects on your fish often are. If you observe any changes in behaviour or unusual spots or markings on your fish, they may have

Heater Essential if you want to keep tropical fish.

Air Pump Good for both oxygenation and running air lines or ornaments.

Lighting Important for creating a natural day and night environment for your fish and essential for live plants.

Gravel Provides a natural environment for your fish and a good rooting base for live plants.

Plants

Live or artificial, they help to create a natural environment for your fish. Live plants also provide an important alternative food source for many types of fish.

Ornaments Aside from simple decoration, ornaments provide hiding places and shelter for fish.

Water Conditioner An essential item when setting up a tank.

Tap water is treated with chemicals which make it safe for us to drink but toxic to fish. A water conditioner or de-chlorinator removes the harmful chemicals.

Water test Kit Essential for you to monitor the chemical levels in your water before and after adding fish.

Filter boost Promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in your filter.

Installation Once you have all the necessary equipment you can set up your aquarium following these basic steps: 1. Wash out your new tank and place it in its intended position. Make sure there are no cracks or damage to the tank.

2.

Wash the gravel in cool, clean water.

Do not use soap or detergents.

3.

Cover the bottom of the tank with gravel to a depth of 5cm at the rear sloping to 3cm at the front. This ensures any waste will accumulate at the front where it can be easily removed.

4.

Fit your heating, lighting, aeration and filtration equipment following the manufacturerís instructions carefully. Do not plug the equipment in yet.

5.

Half fill your tank with cold water without disturbing the gravel bed. One method is to lay a piece of polythene, or plastic bag, on the gravel and place a bowl on top.

Pour the water into the bowl so that it flows over the side onto the polythene.

6.

Wash your plants and decorations thoroughly in clean water and then place them in the tank. Arrange your taller plants at the rear of the tank with the smaller ones at the front to create more depth.

7.

Fill the tank to within 2-3cm of the top and add the water conditioner.

8.

Plug in and switch on the air pump and filter. Wait 20-30 minutes then switch on the heater.

9.

It is important to wait for at least 3 days with all systems running before adding any fish. Initially the water may appear a little cloudy but it will clear.

Water quality PH measures the waterís acidity/alkalinity.

The pH scale runs from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very alkaline) and pH7 is an ideal level for the majority of fish. Some fish do prefer different pH levels so make sure you check before you buy. A temperature of 24-26 degrees is standard for a tropical aquarium and is regulated by a thermostat in the heater. A thermometer should be visible in the tank to ensure the temperature does not fluctuate. Ammonia and nitrite levels should be regulated and although they both occur naturally from fish waste, bacteria living inside your filter convert these dangerous chemicals into nitrate which is less harmful. Regular water changes should keep these levels close to zero. However, bacteria takes time to build up and new tanks are particularly susceptible to high levels of dangerous chemicals. A filter boost can be added to promote the growth of bacteria and speed up this process.

To maintain ideal water conditions and prevent the buildup of dangerous chemicals in new aquariums, perform water changes at least once a week by removing 20 percent of the tankís volume and replacing it with clean (dechlorinated) water. You can reduce the frequency of water changes to once fortnightly when the chemical levels seem to have settled. You will need to rinse the filter media on a regular basis to remove any large sediment and clear the impellor inside the filter from sludge, but in both cases you must ensure you rinse with water from your tank and not from the tap.

Introducing fish It is important to introduce fish gradually over a number of weeks and not to overstock your aquarium. Your filter will need time to adjust to the increase of ammonia in the water - if stocked too quickly the filter will not be able to control the levels of waste produced and the water will quickly become toxic, so only add a few fish at a time. It can be beneficial over this period to use an ammonia remover. Maintain regular water changes throughout the stocking period to keep control of rising ammonia levels. Remember that this is a guide to maximum stocking levels, based on the size of fully grown fish. Always account for growth when buying your fish. www.petsathome.com

Food FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

How to cook perfect

Tomato Soup

By Felicity Cloake

W

ith barbecues and picnics off the menu for the moment, and stews, bakes and stodgy puddings singing their siren call again, itís not easy to feel inspired about summer cooking.†Soup, I think, is the ideal solution. Warming yet light, and perfect for those anaemic seasonal ingredients which wonít quite cut it in a salad, theyíre the answer to all your problems.

Except, perhaps, how to stop the rain killing your tomato plants.

Although weíre well into peak season for commercially grown, greenhouse tomatoes, most home gardeners wonít be enjoying a glut for another couple of months yet. In the meantime, practise with the ripest ones you can find: if you donít have a market nearby which sells the squishy ones off cheap, then buy them a good few days ahead and ripen them at home in the fruit bowl: as Lindsey Bareham explains in her mind-bogglingly comprehensive†Big Red Book of Tomatoes, ìtomatoes are a sub-tropical fruit and dislike the coldî. I know how they feel.

The fruit Tomatoes come in many forms, and as any cook knows, a good tinned tomato is worth a hundred underripe fresh ones ñ but can they ever compete with ripe fruit in season? To find out, I choose two recipes using tinned tomatoes: New York Times writer†Mark Bittmanís wintertime tomato soup, which seems ideal fare for London in June,†and one from the American department store chain Nordstrom†which garners rave reviews online. (ìIn case youíre not familiar with this soup,î the recipe starts kindly, ìitís rather famous, ranked regularly on lists of Best Tomato Soup Ever, enjoying something of a cult following for those who love tomato soup.î So thatís us told.)

Mark drains his tomatoes and roasts them for half an hour until lightly browned before using them along with the reserved juice.

Nordstrom, meanwhile, simply simmers them in stock. Markís recipe seems bland and thin until I defy him by sticking it in a blender ñ thickening it up, and giving it a far more wellrounded flavour. The Nordstrom soup, meanwhile, is rich, but comforting, with a subtle but pleasant taste of tomatoes. Both recipes to revisit during the winter months, but Iím hopeful that I can achieve the same result with fresh fruit.

Jane Grigson, Larousse Gastronomique and Jamie Oliver simply use fresh tomatoes in their soups, simmering them in stock for 20 minutes or so. Lindsey bakes her tomatoes for her roast tomato soup with basil, for an ìintense tomato flavourî while Margaret Costa uses fresh tomatoes, tomato purÈe and tomato juice in the summer tomato soup in her†Four Seasons Cookery Book. Despite the triple tomato whammy, Costaís soup lacks the rich, umami flavour of roasted tomatoes while Lindseyís is more tomatoey but rather too acidic. Both Jane Grigson and Jamieís versions are disappointingly delicate ñ this is a soup that needs oomph, which, if one discounts the tinned variety, can only come from roasted fruit. This summer at least.

Stock answers The other principal ingredient of any soup, of course, is liquid: tomatoes have quite a high water content, but they still need something extra. Chicken stock is a popular choice, used by Nordstrom and Lindsey, while Jamie suggests chicken or vegetable, Jane chicken or light beef, and Margaret Costa will only commit as far as ìgood stockî. Mark Bittman is even vaguer, with his ìstock or waterî, and Larousse Gastronomique opts for vegetable, which I find too aromatic, giving the soup a distinct flavour of leek tops and parsley stalks.

Beef works surprisingly well, adding a certain meaty body to the soup, and water is predictably unobtrusive, but the star is chicken, which adds a subtle savoury richness without contributing a distinct flavour of its own.

Vegetarians should go for a well-diluted veg-

a useful ingredient, and the concentrated flavour is key for a purÈed soup like this.î I disagree ñ to me, it tastes like 1980s pizzas, and the kind of greasy, faded jars of herbs you find when moving house. Fresh basil is a natural match for tomatoes, however, as are onions and garlic, and the carrots are a clever way to add the sweetness the fruit itself might lack.

The celery and the bouquet garni seem to me to belong to a different, more wintery dish.

Margaret Costa strikes off on a different path altogether, flavouring her soup with sherry and orange peel which gives it a pleasantly Spanish air ñ especially as she suggests serving it chilled. Blindfolded, however, Iím not sure I would have positively identified this as a tomato soup ñ the delicate flavour of the fruit is all but eclipsed by these flamboyances.

Around the time I graduated from tomato

you need double, rather than Jane Grigsonís single cream, which dilutes the flavour without contributing much in the way of body, but Nordstrom add so much their soup becomes somewhat sickly. I can imagine having an eggcup of this before dinner, but a whole bowlful is a daunting prospect.

Jamie whisks in double cream†mixed with egg yolks just before serving, which gives his soup a beautifully silky texture, but itís Larousseís fromage frais which really inspires me. Its lightness seems more appropriate for the summery, Mediterranean flavours of the soup, and it strikes me that tangy creme fraiche would work even better with the sweet and sour nature of the fruit.

Margaret Costa uses arrowroot as thickener, but this shouldnít be necessary as long as you keep the ratio of stock to fruit down.

Larousse has another trick up its sleeve ñ their tomato veloutÈ includes potato, which, when blended to a purÈe, gives it a thick, fluffy texture. Itís a good idea, but it doesnít feel right for a summery soup like this ñ another one to keep in reserve for the winter. In any case, the smoothness of cream is more cooling, should the sun ever deign to come out.

Perfect tomato soup Tomato soup is a classic, whatever the weather. Warm up with a bowl on the sofa, or take a flask of chilled soup on a picnic. It is perhaps the ultimate British summer dish.

Serves 4 1 kg ripe tomatoes 4 tbsp olive oil Pinch of sugar 1 onion, chopped 1 carrot, peeled and diced 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped Small bunch of basil, separated into leaves and stalks 600 ml chicken stock 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 2 tbsp creme fraiche Extra virgin olive oil, to serve

etable stock. A note on the amount of stock: perhaps itís the weather, but I find many of these soups too thin and watery. I think even a tomato soup should have presence on the spoon, which is why Iím going with just over half the amount of stock Jamie suggests. If you prefer something a little lighter, than feel free to increase it.

Wavering with flavouring The usual suspects abound here: Larousse likes celery, Jamie and Bittman go for onion, garlic and carrot with the former also chucking in some basil stalks for good measure, and Jane Grigson uses carrot and onion, seasoned with a bouquet garni. Lindsey keeps things very simple, with a garnish of basil leaves, while Nordstromís soup is carrot heavy and†uses dried basil. The author acknowledges that ìit gets a bad rep for tasting very little like its fresh counterpart. But itís actually

sauce in jars, I remember being surprised and then delighted by a River Cafe recipe which called for both vinegar and sugar. The red vinegar in Jamieís soup acts in the same way, accentuating the natural acidity in the tomatoes, but without the balancing sugar, it, like many of the soups I try, is too sour. A pinch of sugar while theyíre roasting should, along with some carrots, make up for any deficiencies occasioned by the bad weather, and,†taking a tip from Delia, Iím going to use balsamic vinegar, for its complementary sweet and sour flavours.

Rich and thick Cream of tomato soup is a classic of the genre ñ the natural wateriness of the fruit makes it an ideal candidate for this treatment, and the soups which eschew any sort of dairy product seem thin in flavour as well as consistency.

But itís important to tread carefully: I think

1.

Preheat the oven to 190C and cut the tomatoes in half horizontally. Arrange, cut-side up, in a baking dish, drizzle with half the oil and season with salt, pepper and a pinch of sugar. Bake for about an hour, until softened and beginning to char around the edges.

2.

Heat the remaining oil in a large, heavy-based pan over a medium heat and add the onion, carrot and garlic. Cook, stirring regularly, for about 7 minutes until softened.

Meanwhile, chop the basil stalks, and then add to the pan and cook for another minute.

3.

Add the tomatoes, plus any juices from the dish, to the pan along with the stock.

Stir and bring to the boil, then turn the heat down, cover and leave to simmer for 25 minutes, until all the vegetables are soft. Leave to cool slightly.

4.

Use a blender to puree the soup, then stir in the vinegar and creme fraiche, and season to taste. Reheat gently, while you tear the basil leaves into pieces, then serve with these and a drizzle of olive oil on top.

— www.theguardian.com

Tr a v e l FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Cruising Alaska?

Alternatives to pricey excursions I

t’s cruise season in Alaska, with more than 1 million cruise passengers expected between April and September in port towns from Ketchikan to Seward. Cruise passengers who sign up for shore excursions can spend hundreds of dollars, if not more in the case of families, in each port they visit. Taking a helicopter to see Juneau-area ice fields can easily run $1,000 for a family of four for a onehour trip. A nature tour near the tiny town of Ketchikan can run $89 for adults and $50 for kids.

But there are many low-cost and even free things to do in Alaska port towns, from hiking to exploring glaciers to learning about Alaska and Native culture. Here are some ideas from some of Alaska’s most visited ports.

Just remember: Your ship won’t wait for you if you run late from an outing you’ve organized on your own, so allow plenty of time to get back to port for your ship departure.

can try the Mount Roberts Trail, though it’s an uphill trudge, muddy and mucky in spots. You can take the Mount Roberts Tram down for $10, or $31 round-trip (kids 6-12, $15.50).

Another popular destination is Mendenhall Glacier, reachable by bus. The $16 round-trip rides, offered by MGT Blue Glacier Express, run every half-hour, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. most days during the summer season. Hikes near the glacier include an easy stroll to Nugget Falls.

A man running in a tunnel along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail in downtown.

A bicyclist heading into a tunnel along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail in downtown, Anchorage, Alaska. — AP photos

Ketchikan This southeast Alaska town is now known more for tourism than for its once-thriving timber industry. But timber workers’ skills can still be admired at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, $35 (kids 3-12, $17.50) plus tax. Historic Creek Street, once a red-light district, now houses shops, galleries, restaurants and Dolly’s House Museum, former home of madam Dolly Arthur, where visitors can learn about Ketchikan’s bawdy past for a $5 admission. Off Creek Street along Married Man’s Trail, you can catch the salmon running in the creek from mid-July into September. Free downtown shuttle buses stop near the docks.

Sitka A must-see in this stunning town is the Sitka National Historical Park. A national monument, it commemorates the 1804 Battle of Sitka between the Tlingit Indians and Russians.

Totems - many of them replicas - are scattered along the park’s two-mile (3.2-kilometer) wooded trail. There’s also a visitor center, where you can see Native artists working, and the Russian Bishop’s House, which the park service says is one of the last surviving examples of Russian colonial architecture in North America. The house tour is $4 (free for kids under 16).

Juneau Alaska’s capital has a walkable downtown with museums, shops, easy access to trails and the state Capitol, which offers free tours. The popular three-mile (4.8-kilometer) Perseverance Trail is within walking distance from the port, though it requires a jaunt up steep streets. The trail, which forms a spine for a network of trails, features scattered exhibits on the region’s mining history, along with stunning views of rushing water, waterfalls and mountains. You’ll likely see birds - possibly a bald eagle - and maybe even a mountain goat, black bear or porcupine. The trail is steep and narrow in sections and can be hot in the sun, so bring water. Hikers also

People using the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail in downtown.

Seward Seward is a final stop for some Alaska cruises, and many disembarking passengers head straight to Anchorage, 110 miles (177 kilometers) away, by bus or train. But there are plenty of reasons to spend a day or more here. A free shuttle runs every day in summer, taking people along a circuit from the cruise ship terminal to the chamber of commerce office to downtown. If you have time, rent a car or hire a taxi to take you a few miles (kilometers) outside town to Exit Glacier, located within Kenai Fjords National Park, for spectacular upclose views of the glacier.

Tr a v e l FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Anchorage No cruise ships are scheduled to sail to Anchorage this year, but many passengers wind up here by bus or train, if for nothing else to fly home. With nearly 300,000 residents, Anchorage offers attractions found in many big cities, as well as some that aren’t. Think wildlife. Moose and bear coexist throughout the municipality, and moose are a common sight around town.

Downtown, you can rent bikes and enjoy a leisurely spin on the city’s 135-mile (217-kilometer) plus trail system. That includes the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, good for a bike ride, hike or run. It’s accessible from many points downtown, but parts will be closed for renovation this summer. If that sounds like too much work, you can rent a Segway. And if you prefer to see wildlife in a more secured setting, a free shuttle at Fourth and E streets downtown goes to the Alaska Zoo ($12; $6 for kids 3-17). The shuttle will also stops at the Alaska Native Heritage Center, a cultural center and museum ($25; $17 for kids 7-16).

The downtown historic area offers shops, cafes, the Seward Community Library and Museum in a new building, and the Alaska SeaLife Center, which is Alaska’s only aquarium ($20; $15 for ages 12-17, $15; $10 for 4-11).

Chamber officials don’t recommend hiking the city’s famed Mount Marathon, site of an annual July 4 mad scramble up and down the 3,022-foot mountain. A runner disappeared during last year’s race and several were injured. Instead, if you want to hike, try Jeep Trail. Locals say it’s not too strenuous, and offers a view of the Anchorage Bowl.

One of the totems along the history walk at the Sitka National Historical Park.

Whittier Chances are you won’t spend much time in Whittier.

Chamber officials say 90 percent of cruise passengers leaving their ships immediately head to Anchorage, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) north. But passengers beginning their Alaska

The Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center downtown features art, history and science ($15; $7 for kids 3-12). A timeline exhibit of Alaska history includes a cross-section of the trans-Alaska pipeline and a twisted beam from the 1964 earthquake. The magnitude-9.2 quake was the biggest ever recorded in North America. If you want to go fishing, there’s no need for a charter. Heck, you don’t even have to leave town. A downtown bait shop at Ship Creek will rent you all the equipment you need to land a fish. There are also plenty of restaurants, cafes, coffee shops. And here’s your chance to eat Rudolph: Several vendors offer reindeer dogs. — AP

Tourists walking to Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park.

cruises here arrive about 1 p.m. and have a few hours to spend in town before departure. Also this year, one company is making a port call here every other Monday, giving passengers a chance to look around town.

It’s probably unlike any other they’ve seen. Whittier is the gateway to the fjords of Prince William Sound, but the U.S. Army saw another purpose. The Army saw Whittier’s almost constant cloud cover as a perfect way to hide an almost icefree port. The Army left in 1960, and most of the town’s 180 year-round residents live in one of two former garrisons converted to condos. There are a couple of souvenir shops, a few restaurants and cafes, a hot dog stand when lots of people are in town and a museum. Several fantastic hikes can be done in two or three hours. The Horsetail Falls hike doesn’t disappoint, and offers views of waterfalls above the tree line. The Portage Pass hike affords views of Portage Glacier.

The tiny community of Whittier, Alaska, where most of the 180 year-round residents live in the tall condo in the back, a former Army garrison.

Photo shows hot dog vendors, or in this case reindeer dog vendors.

Health FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Say no to chicken legs

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Top 5 exercises for increasing calf mass

uild thick and powerful calf muscles with these top 5 exercises: standing and seated calf raises, box jumps, leg press calf raises and dumbbell jump squats.

Calves seem to be the most overlooked body part in the lower body. The muscle groups of your upper legs may very well support the core muscles of your body when you’re lifting but the lower leg muscles of the calves must work hard to stabilize the body through every movement while bearing the total weight of the body and any additional loads - twisting, raising you up onto your toes, lowering your onto your heels, twisting your feet.

It’s vital that your calves support you through every movement or you risk serious injury. Likewise, it does little good to train the rest of your body but leave your calves alone.

You won’t be able to effectively stabilize the weights you’re moving and lifting outside of general workouts - meaning there’s no practical application for your muscle mass. Worst of all you will look like you’ve got chicken legs.

You can’t even rely on the best upper leg exercises like squats and deadlifts to completely develop diamond calves. Start working through these top 5 exercises for increasing your calf muscles to ensure that you establish and maintain a well-rounded workout.

which works for the density of your calf muscles.

Stand under the machine pads or bar with the balls of your feet on the calf block. Start with your heels low, approximately 2 to 4 inches below the block. This will offer the best stretch on your calves. Slowly raise yourself up on the balls of your feet as high as you’re able and contract your calf muscles as you reach the peak. Hold briefly and lower under control to repeat.

Seated calf raise This is a workout that is necessary to

reach the top. The rep range for this workout, as well as the standing calf raise, should between 10 and 20 depending on the needs of your body and what you can tolerate.

Leg press calf raises This is a tried and true exercise that has been in use for years known also as the donkey raise. Because of the nature of the exercise it has the most potential for getting a deeper pull in the calf muscles. The workout can be intensified with added weights, so you can avoid having to do calf presses with someone sitting on your back.

Dumbbell jump squat While this movement does also work the upper leg muscles it focuses a great deal of attention on the calf muscles as well and is an integral part of any whole body workout. Like the box jump, the dumbbell jump squat can help add explosive power to your workout routine. This form of workout helps to develop muscle quickly - increased mass equals a higher metabolism and a better calorie burn through your otherworkouts.

To perform, simply place yourself in a position for a standard squat and lower your body into the squat, moving to the balls of your feet and toes as you do so. Once you’re at your lowest point, propel yourself up and explode upward into a jump. Land on the balls of your feet and immediately move into another squat. Use dumbbells for this exercise to increase the difficult, but avoid using a barbell. Dumbbells will provide a lower center of gravity and give you more central control of your balance.

The anatomy of the calf muscle The calf muscle is a group of muscles that are balled into a large group in the upper portion of the lower leg just below the knee. This group is made up of 2 muscles that combine to make up the whole of the calf muscle.

Gastrocnemius - The calf muscle that is most visible from the exterior of the body.

This muscle attaches at the Achilles tendon and originates just behind the knee on the femur where it crosses the knee joint Soleus - This is a deep muscle that is not visible when looking at the leg externally. It lies beneath the gastrocnemius on the rear portion of the lower leg.

The function of the two muscles together is the elevate the heel both with the leg straight and when the knee is bent. The action of bending the heal is used in a variety of movements - walking, jumping, running,squats, etc.

The breakdown The calf muscles can be worked in a variety of ways but they are a specialized muscle group that receive very little activity and attention unless they are specifically targeted.

These top 5 exercises for the calf muscles will help you maintain a balanced workout in conjunction with other exercises so that your overall wellness and physical tone remains in balance.

Some of these exercises require the use of weights while others use little more than natural physical resistance. For additional resistance in any exercise you can add additional weight by using body straps or free weights (or by increasing the resistance of a machine if one is used.)

Standing calf raises This exercise can be done using either a dedicated machine or a calf block. The number of reps you do for this exercise will vary depending on your current calf mass and workout routine. Test different ranges to see

offers that, as it’s a functional exercise made to give your calf muscles far more power and “spring”. This exercise can train your muscles to react and contract much more quickly, and will deliver some serious tone to your calf muscles.

Stand on the balls of your feet and you toes in front of a box, with the height appropriate to your limitations. Jump onto the box and land again on your toes and the balls of your feet. Jump back down to the floor and repeat for 8 to 10 reps. Do not use dumbbells or other held weights during this exercise as you may need your hands free in order to catch yourself if you trip.

Beginner Workout Standing Calf Raises - 2 Sets of 12 Reps Seated Calf Raises - 2 Sets of 15 Reps Intermediate workout Standing Calf Raise - 3 Sets of 12/10/8 Reps Leg Press Calf Raises - 2 Sets of 10 Reps Seated Calf Raises - 1 Set of 20 Lower weight and do 10 more reps Advanced workout Box Jumps - 1 Set of 15 Reps Seated Calf Raises - 3 Sets of 15 reps Leg Press Calf Raises - 2 Sets of 12 Reps Standing Calf Raises - 2 Sets of 10/8 Reps Dumbbell Jump Squats - 1 Set of 15 Reps You’ll see the best results by adding the top exercises to build your calf muscles to your usual leg workout routine. When working on increasing muscle mass in the lower legs, remember that it’s important to take in the proper amount of nutrients and protein to sustain your exercises and never push yourself beyond your daily limit. Give your body the appropriate time to rest and recover between each workout session as a damaged muscle group is a useless muscle group. www.musclesandstrength.com achieve complete development of the calf muscles. While this movement is similar to the standing calf raise, the seated calf raise will actually target the lower muscles of the calf (the soleus).

Sit with the machine pads resting on your thighs. Again, drop your heel to 2-4 inches depending on how flexible you are. Raise again and squeeze the calf muscles once you

Sit on the leg press machine and hold the sled with only your toes and the balls of your feet. Do not move with your hips or knees and instead put all the movement into your ankles. This puts all the emphasis on your calf muscles and nowhere else in the leg.

Box jumps In many lifting exercises you need to have explosive strength in your legs. The box jump

Lifestyle FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Nuanced, intelligent Dench makes ‘Philomena’ work

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sk any good chef: why do some recipes work, while others, with the very same ingredients, do not? Ah, but it’s the QUALITY of the ingredients that matters, that chef will probably say. And so it is with Stephen Frears’ “Philomena,” a film whose cinematic recipe seems tricky at best: Take a shocking and tragic tale - a true one, involving the Catholic Church, no less - and make it into a film that’s part serious drama, part jaunty road-buddy movie, and part comedy. Such an unwieldy mix flirts with danger, even tastelessness, but “Philomena” works, thanks to the quality of its ingredients - especially the sensitive and nuanced performances by the ever-superb Judi Dench and by Steve Coogan, who also co-wrote the script.

Director Frears, carefully calibrating the tone here, is in fine form as he tackles a story based on the 2009 investigative book “The Lost Son of Philomena Lee,” by Martin

In this 1946 file photo originally provided by RKO Pictures Inc, legendary actor James Stewart as George Bailey, center, is reunited with his wife played by actress Donna Reed, third from left, and family during the last scene of Frank Capra’s ‘It’s A Wonderful Life. — AP

Paramount would fight ‘Wonderful Life’ sequel P This image released by The Weinstein Company shows Judi Dench, left, and Steve Coogan in a scene from ‘Philomena.’ — AP Sixsmith. Lee, still living today, is an Irish woman who, as a teenager, became pregnant during a fairground tryst, not even understanding the biology of such things. Rejected at home, she was sent to a convent where she endured a painful birth - and told the pain was penance for her sin then forced to work in the laundry with other “fallen women” for years in virtual imprisonment, allowed to see her son for one hour a day.

Worse yet, the convent sold babies to wealthy Americans, and Philomena’s son, Anthony, was carried off one day as a toddler, without so much as a goodbye to his mother. The movie begins on Anthony’s 50th birthday, with Philomena still desperate to find out what happened to him. Her adult daughter has a chance meeting with the former BBC journalist Sixsmith, who’s just lost his government job amid scandal, and is in need of work. At first, Sixsmith, rather an Oxford snob, dismisses the tale as a “human interest” story.

But soon, Martin and Philomena are heading to Washington, where they make one astonishing discovery after another. And they discover things about each other, too. Philomena, it turns out, is chatty, cheerful and fond of romance novels. Martin is rather abrupt and snooty, and wants his “quiet time.” Will these opposites find common ground? Uh, have you ever seen a road movie? But there’s more happening here, thankfully. Philomena, despite her devastating treatment by the Catholic Church, remains deeply religious and slow to blame the nuns who mistreated her. Martin is cynical about religion, and eager to achieve vindication for Philomena. But is that really what she wants?

And along with its religious, moral and character issues, the film also explores, more subtly, questions of journalistic ethics. The pair’s trip to Washington is paid for by a tabloid keenly interested in the lurid aspects of the tale. But what about Philomena’s privacy? Martin is helping her, of course, but is he exploiting her, too, for a story? We wouldn’t care about any of this if the performances were weak. — AP

aramount won’t be giving any wings to a planned “It’s a Wonderful Life” sequel. A studio spokeswoman said Wednesday that Paramount would fight the proposed follow-up to the 1946 holiday classic starring Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey, a desperate family man who imagines during Christmas time what his town would be like if he’d never been born.

Star Partners and Hummingbird Productions announced plans Monday to create a sequel to the Frank Capra directed film titled “It’s a Wonderful Life: The Rest of the Story.”

Bob Farnsworth, president of Nashville, Tenn.-based Hummingbird Productions, told trade publication Variety that the film was set for release in 2015 and would star Karolyn Grimes,

who played Bailey’s daughter in the original film. The filmmakers said the sequel would focus on Bailey’s unlikeable grandson. Grimes, who said the iconic line “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings!” in the original film, would play an angel in the follow-up.

“No project relating to ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ can proceed without a license from Paramount,” the studio said in a statement. “To date, these individuals have not obtained any of the necessary rights, and we would take all appropriate steps to protect those rights.”

Farnsworth and Star Partners president Allen J. Schwalb did not immediately return messages seeking comment.

Farnsworth previously told The Hollywood Reporter that the property’s rights were in the public domain.

While a lapsed copyright led TV stations in the 1970s, ‘80s and early ‘90s to repeatedly broadcast “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Paramount has controlled the rights for the past 14 years, after the studio acquired Republic Pictures as part of its acquisition of Spelling Entertainment in 1999. Paramount has since licensed “It’s a Wonderful Life” to NBC, which now airs it sparingly during the holiday season. Tom Capra, son of “It’s a Wonderful Life” director Frank Capra, who died in 1991, said the Capra family does not support a sequel - and they don’t think their father would have, either. “If he was still alive, he would have called it ludicrous,” said Tom Capra. “Then, I think we would have called his lawyer. Why would you even attempt to make a sequel to such a classic film?” — AP

Good times again for Daft Punk collaborator Nile Rodgers

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t’s the guitar that Nile Rodgers says he cannot live without: a white 1959 Fender Stratocaster through which his music to the tune of more than $3 billion, he says-has flowed for decades.

Last month he left it on a train. Without “The Hitmaker” as Rodgers calls it, some of the most influential music of the past 35 years would not have sounded the same. From Rodgers’ band Chic, which soundtracked the decadent rise of disco with hits such as “Le Freak” and “Good Times”, to records that he produced or performed on for Michael Jackson, David Bowie, Madonna, Duran Duran, Diana Ross, Daft Punk and others, the guitar has been a permanent fixture.

Losing it “was horrible-it felt the same as if I had a child kidnapped”,

Rodgers, 61, said in an interview with AFP. “That instrument is so unique and so special, there is nothing in my world that is as consistent as that,” he added on the phone from his dressing room before a concert in Tokyo. Luckily,

Rodgers found the guitar in the lost property area of a train yard hours after realizing he had left it on the service to Connecticut, where his studio is.

It is just one element of good fortune in a year in which Rodgers has been given the all-clear from cancer, seen his “Get Lucky” collaboration with French electronic music duo Daft Punk become Spotify’s most-streamed song over 24 hours, and headline festivals with his band Chic. “It’s great, but I’m very careful not to make a big deal out of it,” said Rodgers, who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer in 2010. “I know that it can all switch in an instant. The day before I was diagnosed with cancer, my doctor told me I was the healthiest patient he had. —AFP

Lifestyle FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Rehab: Brown threw rock through mom’s car window

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This Nov 16, 2013 image released by NBC shows Lady Gaga, center, performing during the opening of ‘Saturday Night Live,’ in New York. — AP

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Lady Gaga album hits number one despite weaker sales

ady Gaga entered the Billboard 200 album chart at number one Wednesday with her new release “Artpop,” though it sold less than its predecessor. The recording industry trade journal said fans bought 258,000 copies of “Artpop” in its first week, compared to “Born This Way” in 2011 which moved 1.1 million copies in the same time frame. Fifty-seven percent of those sales were digital downloads, said Billboard, which bases on its charts on Nielsen SoundScan data.

Billboard noted that “Born This Way”-which also went to number one upon its release-likely enjoyed stronger sales on account of a limited-time, 99-cent sale on Amazon’s MP3 downloading service. In the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, New Zealand’s

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Lorde held on to number one for an eighth week with “Royals,” with Eminem’s “The Monster” featuring Rihanna hard on its heels at number two.

Lady Gaga is one of only three female solo artists this year with albums that sold more than 150,000 albums in the first week, alongside Katy Perry with “Prism” (286,000) and Miley Cyrus (270,000) with “Bangerz.” “Artpop” signals a return to the pop limelight for the 27-year-old New Yorker after she was forced to tone down her wall-to-wall concert engagements to undergo hip surgery. — AFP

rehab center where Chris Brown voluntarily enrolled for treatment says the singer was discharged after throwing a rock through his mother’s car window.

The letter from the facility was included in a probation report that was given to a Los Angeles judge and prosecutors Wednesday. The judge considered the report when he ordered Brown to spend three months in a residential treatment facility and to submit to drug testing.

The rehab center is not identified in the letter. It says Brown threw the rock at his mother’s car after a joint counseling session Nov. 10. The incident was a violation of an agreement the singer made to refrain from violence when he entered treatment. The singer appeared in court Wednesday with his girlfriend Karrueche Tran and only spoke once to acknowledge he agreed to the terms imposed by the judge.

Brown was in court for the first time since he was arrested last month on a misdemeanor assault charge in Washington. A 20-year-old man accused Brown of punching him after he tried to get in a photo with the singer.

Brown denied to police that he hit the man but was charged with misdemeanor assault and is due to appear in court Monday. Brown was ordered earlier this year to re-do 1,000 hours of community labor that are part of his sentence for felony assault in the 2009 beating of Rihanna, his girlfriend at the time. — AP

Recording artist Chris Brown appears in Los Angeles court on November 20, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.

— AFP

Lawrence is Hollywood’s modern everywoman

t’s not always easy being an Oscar-winner. When Jennifer Lawrence returned to the set of “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” after winning the best-actress Academy Award for last year’s “Silver Linings Playbook,” she was treated to a round of applause.

Then the teasing began. “I kind of wish just the ‘Hunger Games’ group didn’t know about (the award) because anytime I mess up my lines, Woody (Harrelson) is like, ‘Ya better give that Oscar back!’” said Lawrence. “But when I got back, I told everybody that things were going to be very, very different,” the actress said, puffing out her chest before bursting into a bout of laughter. “The applause was sweet, but really it was like, ‘Let’s move on.’”

And move on she did, back in theaters this weekend as heroine Katniss Everdeen in the “Hunger Games: Catching Fire” sequel.

Although the role isn’t traditional Oscar material, playing a bow and arrow-bearing fighter in the screen adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ best-selling trilogy also isn’t hurting Lawrence’s established Oscar track. “I don’t really look for something (like Oscar potential) when I sit down to read a script,” Lawrence said in a recent interview at a “Catching Fire” media event. “There is not really a lot of thought. It’s a bizarre instinctual and emotional thing that just hits me.” Able to tackle dramatic and comedy roles with ease - both in studio blockbusters and smaller independent films - Lawrence says her continued universal success wasn’t by design. “It just sort of happened and everybody complimented me on it,” said the actress. “I started out in indies and I always imagined myself being in smaller movies for the rest of my career.

Then ‘Hunger Games’ came along and I was in a big pickle. I would have done it in a heartbeat if it were an indie, but it was giant! I had to take a few days to think about it.”Lawrence accepted the role largely because of her fondness for the strong-spirited lead character.

“The stakes are high for her,” said the actress. “It’s exciting to have a female hero like this. It says a lot about our society.” Though she was already on Hollywood’s radar after starring in the acclaimed 2010 drama “Winter’s Bone,” which gained her an Oscar nomination, Lawrence said “Hunger Games” raised the bar. “It took everything to a different place that I could have never imagined. And the (Oscar) did wonderful things for my career. I’m just rolling with it.”

Deemed Hollywood’s “normal” girl, Lawrence’s accessible person-

US actress Jennifer Lawrence during the France premiere of the movie ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ at Rex Cinema in Paris, France. — AP

ality contributes to her demand. She endearingly stumbled while accepting her Oscar in February. She refuses to starve to fit the entertainment industry’s ideals of beauty. And at the Nov. 11 premiere of “Catching Fire” in London, Lawrence averted from the red carpet to embrace a teary-eyed fan in a wheelchair. “It’s refreshing,” said Lawrence’s “Hunger Games” co-star Liam Hemsworth of the actress’ disposition. “She’s not trying to be anything she’s not and she’s got one of the biggest hearts of anyone I’ve ever met.”

Adds “Catching Fire” director Francis Lawrence (no relation): “Jen is such a down-to-earth goofball that she sets the bar for everybody.

She doesn’t take herself too seriously. She’s able to do an intense scene. Then she’ll stop and joke. It’s pretty rare to be able to do it to the level that she can.” Does she take pride in being so relatable?

“Not really because I never really meant to,” said Lawrence, who’s ditched her skirt and heels and has changed into a pair of sweats for her late afternoon interview. “A girl can only take so much!” she sighed. Returning to theaters Dec. 18, Lawrence will share the screen with veteran actors Robert De Niro and Christian Bale in David O. Russell’s 1970s corruption tale “American Hustle.” She admits working with the seasoned cast made her nervous. “But Christian is the nicest and made me feel so normal and welcome,” said Lawrence.

The film was also a chance to again work with Russell, her “Silver Linings” director. “He’s like creative epinephrine,” she said. Next up for Lawrence will be appearances in “X-Men: Days of Future Past” and “Dumb and Dumber To.”—AP

Lifestyle FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Right at Home:

Tips for a no-fuss Thanksgiving P

reparing a Thanksgiving feast ranks high on the entertaining stress-o-meter. Expectations, traditions and a home full of guests can make even the most seasoned host lose sleep. But don’t let the anticipatory list-making, house-fluffing and food preparing become more tiring than it

Rossetti drawing fetches record price at auction

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otheby’s says a drawing by Dante Gabriel Rossetti depicting the empress of the underworld has fetched nearly 3.3 million pounds ($5.3 million) at auction, setting a record for the artist. The auction house says “Proserpine,” a drawing in colored chalk, was considered

by Rossetti to be “the most beautiful of all his inventions.”

It said the drawing - from the late 1800s - was bought by a private collector in London on Tuesday after a fierce round involving five international bidders. The sale price handily beat a presale estimate of between 1.2 and 1.8 million pounds. Grant Ford, head of Sotheby’s British and Irish art department, called “Proserpine” one of the most important pre-Raphaelite pictures to hit the auction market in recent years. — AP

This is an undated handout photo released Tuesday by Sotheby’s of Proserpine by Dante Gabriel Rossetti. — AP

needs to be. Some expert advice and helpful products can make Thanksgiving entertaining more stylish, fun and fretfree. Kevin Sharkey, executive creative director at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, begins with a why-didn’t-I-thinkof-that idea: “If you have performance anxiety about the day, what if you (threw the party) the night before or after? Sometimes I think the only reason to have Thanksgiving is to have sandwiches the next day. So have a great lunch or cocktail party instead,” he suggests.

Guests are just looking for a convivial atmosphere, so don’t bother with fancy appetizers. As Sharkey points out, guests won’t remember the homemade potato chips you slaved over; they’ll remember the stressed-out you. Serve simple things on interesting plates or in silver bowls, and it all looks special. For example, West Elm has Shanna Murray’s gold-penned bisque stoneware salad plates.

Instead of a complicated bar, come up with one fun drink to serve as a showpiece, then add a few bottles of wine and sparkling water. If you’re doing a casual Thanksgiving meal or a lunch, consider setting out an interesting variety of craft beers, as well as vegetable juices and iced tea for the nondrinkers. Better Homes and Gardens has suggestions for makeahead nibblers such as mini gruyere puffs that can be made a month ahead and frozen, or mini meatballs in a tangy apricot sauce that can be re-warmed in a slow cooker during cocktail hour. At Realsimple.com, you’ll find lots of make-ahead appetizers, salads, sides, breads and desserts for Thanksgiving. If you do plan to host on Thanksgiving day, keep the menu simple. “No one wants 14 different things. And don’t be ashamed to get certain things from a store, or to ask people to bring something,” Sharkey says.

Oma Ford, executive editor at Better Homes & Gardens magazine, says she’s not usually a potluck fan “but it’s actually a wonderful way to approach the Thanksgiving feast. We often spend the holiday with friends who usually make the turkey and desserts and then ask all their guests to bring a side dish they couldn’t live without.

The sides are really the fun, interesting part of the meal, and with this approach none of the guests feels like they missed out on a favorite or traditional element of the feast.”

Does a friend make awesome mashed potatoes? Is a relative the pie person? Do you have a nearby market that makes yummy stuffing? Ask, order and lessen your workload. For delectable treats you can pre-order, check out Williams-Sonoma’s desserts from various specialists, including Platine Bakery and Taurit Or. Serving everything buffet style takes another fussy component off the table, so to speak. Make sure there are comfortable places for everyone to perch with their plates, but put all the food and drinks in central locations. A multiple-pot slow cooker can hold stews, soups and savory vegetables. Serveyourself beverage dispensers allow guests to refill at will.

Pier 1 has ceramic, wipe-off-marker menu boards and dish labels that can be used again and again. Have lots of napkins placed around the party; guests appreciate not having to hunt for one. If you’re using candlelight, consider flameless pillars that can be turned on and forgotten without worrying.

Pottery Barn’s Rustic Luxe stonewashed linens have a casu-

al yet quality vibe. Faux antler candelabras, wood and stone drink coasters, and limestone, hand-punched gourd luminaries all add tone and texture to dÈcor, without the fussiness.

Ford suggests drawing up a game plan for entertaining, and tackling as much as possible ahead of time. “Set the table the day before, or the week before if you don’t use your dining room all the time. Collect serving dishes for all the food you’re making, and mark each with a slip of paper so you know where to put the green beans without having to think about it.” Pottery Barn’s Design Studio blog offers a play-by-play for a successful Thanksgiving dinner; there are menus, dÈcor options and a loose timetable on the website. — AP

Lifestyle FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

(From left) Recording artist Juanes, actress Lucia Bose, honoree Miguel Bose, recording artist Alejandro Sanz and Chairman of the Latin Recording Academy Luis Cobos onstage. (Right) Musician Carlos Santana and singer Carlos Vives perform.

Best of Latin music ready for 14th

Latin Grammys T

he 14th annual Latin Grammys was broadcast last night from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas with a chorus of voices recognizable to both English- and Spanish- speaking music fans. The awards show will be broadcast on Univision and hosted by Mexican singer-actress Lucero. The ceremony included 48 awards in 19 categories.

Puerto Rican singer Draco Rosa competed for song of the year (for “Mas y Mas” with Ricky Martin) against flamenco diva Buika (“La Nave del Olvido”) and Colombian actor-turned-vallenato star Carlos Vives (for “Volvi a Nacer”). The funky Argentine duo Illya Kuryaki and The Valderramas was nominated for five awards. Two talents who worked behind the scenes were favorites to rake in the awards: Javier Garza, a sound engineer from Florida who has worked with a long roster of Latin music’s superstars, and Julio Reyes Copello, the Colombian producer behind Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Paulina Rubio, Ricky Martin, Thalia and Nelly Furtado.

Natalie Cole was scheduled to perform a virtual duet with her late father. Her album “En Espanol” was nominated for album of the year. Other scheduled performers included Carlos Santana, Marc Anthony, Jesse & Joy, Natalia Lafourcade, Alejandro Sanz, Banda Carnival and Paquita La del Barrio. On Wednesday night, stars from across the Americas gathered to honor the Latin Recording Academy’s Person of the Year, Miguel Bose. Ricky Martin, Juanes and Laura Pausini paid tribute to the Spanish singer for his music and his charitable work. — AFP

Spanish musician and actor Miguel Bose performs.

Singer Ricky Martin performs at Recording Academy Person of the Year Tribute Gala, November 20, 2013 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. — AP/AFP photos

Singer Natalia Lafourcade and Argentine duo Illya Kuryaki perform.

La Vida Boheme

Lifestyle FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Ximena Sarinana and Draco Rosa perform.

Singer Juanes performs.

Laura Pausini performs on stage.

TV host Chantal Torres arrives for the 2013 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year Tribute Gala.

Spanish singer Ana Torroja

Jesse Huerta, left, and Joy Huerta, of musical group Jesse and Joy, perform.

Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year, Spanish singer Miguel Bose.

Members of the musical group JotDog, Maria Barracuda, and Jorge “La Chiquis� Amaro.

Cuban-Canadian singer-songwriter Alex Cuba and Peruvian singer-songwriter Gian Marco perform.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Kuwait

SHARQIA-1 THOR: THE DARK WORLD (DIG) ROMEO AND JULIET (DIG) CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (DIG) THOR: THE DARK WORLD (DIG) ROMEO AND JULIET (DIG) THOR: THE DARK WORLD (DIG)

12:45 PM 3:00 PM 5:15 PM 8:00 PM 10:15 PM 12:30 AM

SHARQIA-2 THE HUNGER GAMES:CATCHING FIRE (DIG) THE HUNGER GAMES:CATCHING FIRE (DIG) THE HUNGER GAMES:CATCHING FIRE (DIG) THE HUNGER GAMES:CATCHING FIRE (DIG) THE HUNGER GAMES:CATCHING FIRE (DIG)

1:15 PM 4:00 PM 6:45 PM 9:30 PM 12:15 AM

SHARQIA-3 PARKLAND (DIG) FREE BIRDS (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG)

1:45 PM 3:45 PM 5:45 PM 7:45 PM 9:45 PM 11:45 PM

MUHALAB-1 ROMEO AND JULIET (DIG) GORI TERE PYAAR MEIN (DIG) (Hindi) CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (DIG) THOR: THE DARK WORLD (DIG) ROMEO AND JULIET (DIG) THOR: THE DARK WORLD (DIG)

12:30 PM 3:00 PM 3:00 PM 6:00 PM 8:15 PM 10:30 PM

MUHALAB-2 PARKLAND (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG) FREE BIRDS (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG)

12:45 PM 2:45 PM 4:45 PM 6:45 PM 8:45 PM 10:45 PM

MUHALAB-3 THE HUNGER GAMES:CATCHING FIRE (DIG) THE HUNGER GAMES:CATCHING FIRE (DIG) THE HUNGER GAMES:CATCHING FIRE (DIG) THE HUNGER GAMES:CATCHING FIRE (DIG)

2:00 PM 4:45 PM 7:30 PM 10:15 PM

FANAR-1 PARKLAND (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG)

12:30 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM 6:30 PM 8:30 PM 10:30 PM 12:30 AM

FANAR-2 THOR: THE DARK WORLD (DIG) CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (DIG) THOR: THE DARK WORLD (DIG) THOR: THE DARK WORLD (DIG) CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (DIG)

2:30 PM 4:45 PM 7:30 PM 9:45 PM 12:05 AM

FANAR-3 LAST VEGAS (DIG) ROMEO AND JULIET (DIG) ROMEO AND JULIET (DIG) GORI TERE PYAAR MEIN (DIG) (Hindi) LAST VEGAS (DIG) LAST VEGAS (DIG) FANAR-4 FREE BIRDS (DIG-3D) THE HUNGER GAMES:CATCHING FIRE (DIG) THE HUNGER GAMES:CATCHING FIRE (DIG) THE HUNGER GAMES:CATCHING FIRE (DIG) THE HUNGER GAMES:CATCHING FIRE (DIG) MARINA-1 PARKLAND (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG)

1:15 PM 3:15 PM 5:30 PM 7:45 PM 10:45 PM 12:45 AM

1:30 PM 3:30 PM 6:15 PM 9:00 PM 11:45 PM

2:00 PM 4:00 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM

FOR SALE

KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (21/11/2013 TO 27/11/2013) PARKLAND (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG)

10:00 PM 12:05 AM

MARINA-2 ROMEO AND JULIET (DIG) FREE BIRDS (DIG) THOR: THE DARK WORLD (DIG) ROMEO AND JULIET (DIG) THOR: THE DARK WORLD (DIG) CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (DIG)

1:15 PM 3:30 PM 5:30 PM 7:45 PM 10:15 PM 12:30 AM

MARINA-3 THE HUNGER GAMES:CATCHING FIRE (DIG) THE HUNGER GAMES:CATCHING FIRE (DIG) THE HUNGER GAMES:CATCHING FIRE (DIG) THE HUNGER GAMES:CATCHING FIRE (DIG) THE HUNGER GAMES:CATCHING FIRE (DIG) AVENUES-1 LAST VEGAS (DIG) LAST VEGAS (DIG) LAST VEGAS (DIG) LAST VEGAS (DIG) LAST VEGAS (DIG) SUN+TUE+WED THE HUNGER GAMES:CATCHING FIRE (DIG) AVENUES-2 ROMEO AND JULIET (DIG) ROMEO AND JULIET (DIG) ROMEO AND JULIET (DIG) ROMEO AND JULIET (DIG) LAST VEGAS (DIG) AVENUES-3 THOR: THE DARK WORLD (DIG) THOR: THE DARK WORLD (DIG-3D) THOR: THE DARK WORLD (DIG) THOR: THE DARK WORLD (DIG-3D) THOR: THE DARK WORLD (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED 360º- 1 PARKLAND (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:00 PM 4:00 PM 6:45 PM 9:30 PM 12:15 AM

2:15 PM 4:30 PM 6:45 PM 9:00 PM 11:15 PM 11:15 PM

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2:00 PM 4:15 PM 6:30 PM 8:45 PM 11:00 PM 1:15 AM

360º- 2 ALL IS LOST (DIG) ALL IS LOST (DIG) ALL IS LOST (DIG) ALL IS LOST (DIG) ALL IS LOST (DIG) ALL IS LOST (DIG)

1:45 PM 4:00 PM 6:15 PM 8:30 PM 10:45 PM 1:00 AM

360º- 3 FREE BIRDS (DIG-3D) FREE BIRDS (DIG) FREE BIRDS (DIG-3D) PARKLAND (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG)

1:30 PM 3:45 PM 5:45 PM 8:00 PM 10:15 PM 12:30 AM

AL-KOUT.1 THE HUNGER GAMES:CATCHING FIRE (DIG) THE HUNGER GAMES:CATCHING FIRE (DIG) THE HUNGER GAMES:CATCHING FIRE (DIG) THE HUNGER GAMES:CATCHING FIRE (DIG) THE HUNGER GAMES:CATCHING FIRE (DIG) AL-KOUT.2 FREE BIRDS (DIG) THOR: THE DARK WORLD (DIG) ROMEO AND JULIET (DIG) THOR: THE DARK WORLD (DIG) ROMEO AND JULIET (DIG) THOR: THE DARK WORLD (DIG)

1:00 PM 4:00 PM 6:45 PM 9:30 PM 12:15 AM

1:30 PM 3:30 PM 5:45 PM 8:00 PM 10:15 PM 12:45 AM

Nissan Pathfinder 2003 model, white. Serious buyer may contact 97277135.

AL-KOUT.3 PARKLAND (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG)

12:30 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM 6:30 PM 8:30 PM 10:30 PM 12:30 AM

AL-KOUT.4 LAST VEGAS (DIG) CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (DIG) LAST VEGAS (DIG) LAST VEGAS (DIG) LAST VEGAS (DIG) CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (DIG)

12:45 PM 2:45 PM 5:30 PM 7:45 PM 9:45 PM 11:45 PM

BAIRAQ-1 THE HUNGER GAMES:CATCHING FIRE (DIG) THE HUNGER GAMES:CATCHING FIRE (DIG) THE HUNGER GAMES:CATCHING FIRE (DIG) THE HUNGER GAMES:CATCHING FIRE (DIG) THE HUNGER GAMES:CATCHING FIRE (DIG)

12:30 PM 3:30 PM 6:15 PM 9:00 PM 11:45 PM

1:45 PM 3:45 PM 5:45 PM 7:45 PM 9:45 PM 12:00 AM

BAIRAQ-3 FREE BIRDS (DIG) FREE BIRDS (DIG) THOR: THE DARK WORLD (DIG) CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (DIG) THOR: THE DARK WORLD (DIG) CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (DIG)

1:00 PM 3:00 PM 5:00 PM 7:15 PM 10:00 PM 12:15 AM

PLAZA PARKLAND (DIG) THE HUNGER GAMES:CATCHING FIRE (DIG) CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (DIG)

6:00 PM 8:00 PM 10:45 PM

LAILA THE HUNGER GAMES:CATCHING FIRE (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG) THE HUNGER GAMES:CATCHING FIRE (DIG)

5:30 PM 8:15 PM 10:15 PM

AJIAL.1 NADODI MANNAN(DIG) (Malayalam) NADODI MANNAN(DIG) (Malayalam)

6:30 PM 9:30 PM

AJIAL.2 GORI TERE PYAAR MEIN (DIG) (Hindi) GORI TERE PYAAR MEIN (DIG) (Hindi)

6:15 PM 9:15 PM

My wife name in passport Sameera. Sameera is my daughter name. My wife name is Sainaba Mohammed Kunih, P.P.No. F8710673, issued in Kuwait on 16.11.2006, address: Sameera Manzil Poolappe, PO Elambach, Kosaragode Dt, Kerala. (C 4576) 17-11-2013

In Abbassiya, sharing accommodation available for a small family or working ladies, in a C-A/C building with separate bathroom, in Sreeragam furniture building (opposite to “Spencerice bakery) from 1st December.

Contact: 99750711, 97168646 or 24348730. (C 4575) 17-11-2013

112 THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY FOR CIVIL INFORMATION

Automated enquiry about the Civil ID card is

1889988 Prayer timings

7:00 PM 7:00 PM 10:00 PM

AJIAL.4 THE HUNGER GAMES:CATCHING FIRE (DIG) THE HUNGER GAMES:CATCHING FIRE (DIG)

6:00 PM 9:00 PM

METRO-1 MASALA (DIG) (TELUGU) RAM LEELA (DIG) (HINDI)

6:45 PM 9:45 PM

METRO-2 NADODI MANNAN(DIG) (Malayalam) MASALA (DIG) (TELUGU) THU+FRI+SAT NADODI MANNAN(DIG) (Malayalam) SUN+MON+TUE+WED

CHANGE OF NAME

ACCOMMODATION

BAIRAQ-2 PARKLAND (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG) PARKLAND (DIG)

AJIAL.3 MASALA (DIG) (TELUGU) THU+FRI+SAT RAM LEELA (DIG) (HINDI) SUN+MON+TUE+WED RAM LEELA (DIG) (HINDI)

Mitsubishi Galant 2013, silver color, excellent condition, km 11,000, KD 2,950. Tel: 66729295. (C 4574) 17-11-2013

6:30 PM 10:00 PM 9:30 PM

Fajr: Shorook Duhr: Asr: Maghrib: Isha:

04:45 06:06 11:32 14:36 16:57 18:16

39

Lifestyl FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Holiday gift ideas for your 1 percenters What do you gift someone who has everything?

They own yachts and big ol’ French chateaux, so what’s left to buy the one percenter for the holidays when your budget is more cook-at-home than caviar? We’re not talking fantasy gifts or bespoke anything because, really, we can’t afford that.

Five ways to please your moneybags, from one 99 percenter to another: Make them airport security kings There’s first class, then there’s Globalentry.gov. It’s a US Customs and Border Protection program offering preapproved clearance upon landing at participating airports for international travelers. Your gift recipient must do the work of obtaining pre-clearance but need only head for the nearest Global Entry kiosk and scan those fingertips once they do. A receipt is generated for easy exit.

You can foot the $100 fee and let your VIP know approval comes with the Transportation Security Administration’s TSA Pre check program. It allows for shoes and belts to stay on at departure through special security lanes using a barcode on boarding passes issued by participating airlines. See Tsa.gov/tsa-precheck for details.

You know that sailing doohickey from the Robert Redford movie?

Yeah, that. The Got Rockses have the yacht they like to sail themselves, but they may not have that old-fashioned thing that at least entertained Redford’s solitary man in “All is Lost” before his watery demise. It’s called a mariner’s sextant. It’s a simple instrument for celestial navigation that determines the angle between an object in the sky and the horizon - whilst in a pickle on the open sea.

Celestaire.com has a nice selection, including less reliable but still useable plastic varieties starting at $149. Metal versions begin at $659, but there’s one called the Cheapest Sextant your giftee can build out of laminated cardboard with real mirrors. The site promises the kit “yields a remarkably accurate instrument.”

Make sure you choose one intended for navigation, as opposed to just looking cool, if you’re really worried. Vintage that may be decorative only is available on eBay. Throw in a copy of “Celestial Navigation for Yachtsmen,” just like Redford’s character Our Man in the movie, and hope for the best.

Can’t afford luxury, but you can swing luxury trinkets You and your sensible luggage might be invited occasionally to take a spin in the private jet or helicopter, alongside all that Louis Vuitton stuff, so you should probably take a hint.

The luxury French brand has wildly priced gifts but also more doable trinkets and baubles, like the Porte-Adresse Bill Clip at $220 or the Iconic Noe Bag Charm at $375. There’s no getting

This product image released by Bentley shows a Bentley Pankhurst barber chair. — AP photos

This product image released by Louis Vuitton shows a luggage bag charm.

off the hook in the bargain basement.

See Louisvuitton.com for more ideas, from sunglasses to cufflinks. And keep in mind other luxury brands will always have a token or two to that might amuse your people-whohave-everything without insult.

fume you know she likes or hunt down a vintage brush and comb set, maybe? There’s always the Geisha “bird poop” facial for $180 at the Shizuka NY spa in Manhattan. Throw in an eyelash perm. Top lashes only: $90. Add the bottom lashes for an extra $30. —AP

The $200 haircut requires a chair Rich people are well groomed. At least, they can afford to be. Dudes who jet set might have already made a stop at the fancy Pankhurst London for a cut and shave, luxuriating in one of the handstitched leather barber chairs done in collaboration with Bentley Motors. Bentley-branded head rests, luxe metal trim and extended arm rests add extra comfort and cool.

Those are unobtainable, unless you spring for a trip to Pankhurst, but chair alternatives for the manse can be found at Dirsalfurniture.com. Still too expensive at $499, for one on sale recently? Fancy manscaping products, including shaving kits, are everywhere. For the ladies, who knows! It’s hard to talk the pampered out of their favorite products. Stick with a per-

This product image released by Bentley shows a Bentley Pankhurst barber chair.

This product image released by Louis Vuitton shows a Louis Vuitton Bill Clip.

Stars

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Love may become more sensual. You should consider new ways in which to pamper your special someone. There may be gossip associated with your relationship that turns you off at first, but don't let that get in the way of expressing your true feelings. Real communication about this partnership will be primarily nonverbal.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Your mind may be in an expansive mode now. Many things should be working for you. Your flexibility and ability to juggle many things at once should make tasks that require these talents a breeze. Unfortunately, they may not help too much when it comes to love and romance. You may not have the communication you desire with a close partner. You could find it easier to communicate with strangers!

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Don't give up on finding the romantic partner of your dreams, because now is your chance. Talk is spurring you to take action.

Don't be surprised if a bit of friction keeps you from jumping into the situation with both feet. Hang in there. Once you get below the surface, you'll find that there's much more to this person than first meets the eye.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Be careful about declaring your love for someone when you haven't spent enough time with him or her to make that call.

You may base this impulse on superficial encounters and brief conversations. You may not have the long history or deep discussions needed to know if this person is as ideal for you as you think. Don't be fooled by fast talk and high fashion.

Leo (July 23-August 22)

Issues of love and romance may be climactic now. You may be in a relationship phase approaching a major turn in the road.

Perhaps there's a sudden breakdown in communication.

Perhaps you realize that you rely much more on this person than you first thought. If you aren't intimately involved with someone, you should probably consider this a good situation for now.

Virgo (August 23-September 22)

You may be drawn to someone because of the things you share in common. You both appreciate art, music, and romantic dinners, but this person may not be a good permanent mate for you. He or she is unwilling to take the first step, or is indecisive about important issues. If you're uninvolved now, look for someone who challenges your quick wit and isn't afraid to make the first move.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

Love and romance are in your favor even though roadblocks may keep you from taking full advantage of the situation.

You're being much too picky about the type of person you seek. Love isn't meant to be a set of desired qualities on a shopping list. You can't realistically create a scenario of how things will work out. Let things proceed naturally.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

If things begin to stir, change, or fluctuate in love and romance, your first impulse is to overreact. This is probably the opposite of what you should do. Instead of quickly jumping to conclusions, you should sit back and let things slowly unfold. Resist the urge to make a move today just because your emotions are in an uproar.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

When it comes to topics of love and romance, your feelings continue to be intercepted by words and opinions from others.

What you want to keep private is suddenly made more public by mouths that just don't stop talking. Relax into the sensual element of love instead of getting caught up in more political aspects of the situation.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

Certain areas of your life are expanding rapidly, causing you to lose touch with the more romantic aspects. The more you reach out in one direction, the more deprived you feel in the opposite direction. Perhaps you need more input as to where you put your energy. It's time to focus your attention on things that are working well instead of dwelling on things that are going nowhere.

Aquarius (January 20- February 18)

The time has come for you to take charge in matters of love and romance. This isn't often the case for you who normally like to let others take the lead in this department. A new phase has begun in your love life. You should think about expanding outward into new realms with new people and new circumstances, or both. It's time you were in charge.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

You may be taking a back-seat approach when it comes to love and romance. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. In fact, this kind of attitude works to your advantage. By going with the flow and waiting for another to make the first move, you can spend more time on you instead of sending your energy outward toward others.

COUNTRY CODES Afghanistan 0093 Albania 00355 Algeria 00213 Andorra 00376 Angola 00244 Anguilla 001264 Antiga 001268 Argentina 0054 Armenia 00374 Australia 0061 Austria 0043 Bahamas 001242 Bahrain 00973 Bangladesh 00880 Barbados 001246 Belarus 00375 Belgium 0032 Belize 00501 Benin 00229 Bermuda 001441 Bhutan 00975 Bolivia 00591 Bosnia 00387 Botswana 00267 Brazil 0055 Brunei 00673 Bulgaria 00359 Burkina 00226 Burundi 00257 Cambodia 00855 Cameroon 00237 Canada 001 Cape Verde 00238 Cayman Islands 001345 Central African Republic 00236 Chad 00235 Chile 0056 China 0086 Colombia 0057 Comoros 00269 Congo 00242 Cook Islands 00682 Costa Rica 00506 Croatia 00385 Cuba 0053 Cyprus 00357 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Czech Republic 00420 Denmark 0045 Diego Garcia 00246 Djibouti 00253 Dominica 001767 Dominican Republic 001809 Ecuador 00593 Egypt 0020 El Salvador 00503 England (UK) 0044 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Eritrea 00291 Estonia 00372 Ethiopia 00251 Falkland Islands 00500 Faroe Islands 00298 Fiji 00679 Finland 00358 France 0033 French Guiana 00594 French Polynesia 00689 Gabon 00241 Gambia 00220 Georgia 00995 Germany 0049 Ghana 00233 Gibraltar 00350 Greece 0030 Greenland 00299 Grenada 001473 Guadeloupe 00590 Guam 001671 Guatemala 00502 Guinea 00224 Guyana 00592 Haiti 00509 Holland (Netherlands)0031 Honduras 00504 Hong Kong 00852 Hungary 0036 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Iceland 00354 India 0091 Indian Ocean 00873 Indonesia 0062 Iran 0098 Iraq 00964 Ireland 00353 Italy 0039 Ivory Coast 00225 Jamaica 001876 Japan 0081 Jordan 00962 Kazakhstan 007 Kenya 00254 Kiribati 00686

Kuwait 00965 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Laos 00856 Latvia 00371 Lebanon 00961 Liberia 00231 Libya 00218 Lithuania 00370 Luxembourg 00352 Macau 00853 Macedonia 00389 Madagascar 00261 Majorca 0034 Malawi 00265 Malaysia 0060 Maldives 00960 Mali 00223 Malta 00356 Marshall Islands 00692 Martinique 00596 Mauritania 00222 Mauritius 00230 Mayotte 00269 Mexico 0052 Micronesia 00691 Moldova 00373 Monaco 00377 Mongolia 00976 Montserrat 001664 Morocco 00212 Mozambique 00258 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Namibia 00264 Nepal 00977 Netherlands (Holland)0031 Netherlands Antilles 00599 New Caledonia 00687 New Zealand 0064 Nicaragua 00505 Nigar 00227 Nigeria 00234 Niue 00683 Norfolk Island 00672 Northern Ireland (UK)0044 North Korea 00850 Norway 0047 Oman 00968 Pakistan 0092 Palau 00680 Panama 00507 Papua New Guinea 00675 Paraguay 00595 Peru 0051 Philippines 0063 Poland 0048 Portugal 00351 Puerto Rico 001787 Qatar 00974 Romania 0040 Russian Federation 007 Rwanda 00250 Saint Helena 00290 Saint Kitts 001869 Saint Lucia 001758 Saint Pierre 00508 Saint Vincent 001784 Samoa US 00684 Samoa West 00685 San Marino 00378 Sao Tone 00239 Saudi Arabia 00966 Scotland (UK) 0044 Senegal 00221 Seychelles 00284 Sierra Leone 00232 Singapore 0065 Slovakia 00421 Slovenia 00386 Solomon Islands 00677 Somalia 00252 South Africa 0027 South Korea 0082 Spain 0034 Sri Lanka 0094 Sudan 00249 Suriname 00597 Swaziland 00268 Sweden 0046 Switzerland 0041 Syria 00963 Taiwan 00886 Tanzania 00255 Thailand 0066 Toga 00228 Tonga 00676 Tokelau 00690 Trinidad 001868 Tunisia 00216 Turkey 0090 Tuvalu 00688 Uganda 00256 Ukraine 00380 United Arab Emirates00976

L e i s u re

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Word Search

Yesterdayʼs Solution

C R O S S W O R D 3 7 6

ACROSS 1. Lacking or deprive of the sense of hearing wholly or in part.

5. Revelry in drinking.

12. The elementary stages of any subject (usually plural).

15. A particular geographical region of indefinite boundary (usually serving some special purpose or distinguished by its people or culture or geography).

16. Genus of New Zealand mat-forming herbs or subshrubs.

17. A group of Niger-Congo languages spoken primarily in southeastern Mali and northern Ghana.

18. Lacking zest or vivacity.

20. The branch of engineering science that studies the uses of electricity and the equipment for power generation and distribution and the control of machines and communication.

22. An isogram connecting points having equal barometric pressure at a given time.

23. Earn on some commercial or business transaction.

25. Open-heart surgery in which the rib cage is opened and a section of a blood vessel is grafted from the aorta to the coronary artery to bypass the blocked section of the coronary artery and improve the blood supply to the heart.

26. (British) An abbreviation of pantomime.

28. A city in Uganda on the north shore of Lake Victoria.

29. A physician who is not a specialist but treats all illnesses.

31. A republic in West Africa on the Gulf of Guinea.

32. A lyric poet.

36. A small two-wheeled cart for one passenger.

40. A rare heavy polyvalent metallic element that resembles manganese chemically and is used in some alloys.

42. (used as a combining form) Recent or new.

43. A hospital unit staffed and equipped to provide intensive care.

44. A very large person.

47. Genus of hardy perennials with palmately lobed leaves and long racemes of small nodding five-petaled flowers.

49. A long-acting crystalline barbiturate (trade name Mebaral) used as a sedative and as an anticonvulsant in the treatment of epilepsy.

50. A mountain peak in south central Sri Lanka (7,360 feet high).

52. Advance evidence for.

53. Generator consisting of a coil (the armature) that rotates between the poles of an electromagnet (the field magnet) causing a current to flow in the armature.

55. The capital and largest city of Niger.

56. 4-wheeled motor vehicle.

59. A unit of traffic intensity in a telephone system.

61. Sediment that has settled at the bottom of a liquid.

63. A sudden short attack.

64. Type genus of the Alcidae comprising solely the razorbill.

68. English theoretical physicist who applied relativity theory to quantum mechanics and predicted the existence of antimatter and the positron (19021984).

71. A river in north central Switzerland that runs northeast into the Rhine.

72. The compass point midway between northeast and east.

73. Large arboreal boa of tropical South America.

76. An agency of the United Nations affiliated with the World Bank.

Daily SuDoku

77. A potent estrogen used in medicine and in feed for livestock and poultry.

78. A great raja.

79. A young woman making her debut into society.

DOWN 1. Surrealist Spanish painter (1904-1989).

2. (Greek mythology) Goddess of discord.

3. Greek author of fables (circa 620-560 BC).

4. Salt pork from the back of a hog carcass.

5. Variety of silica containing microcrystalline quartz.

6. An associate degree in applied science.

7. Tear down so as to make flat with the ground.

8. A mouth or mouthlike opening.

9. Of or involving the uterus.

10. An earth color containing ferric oxides.

11. (Akkadian) God of wisdom.

12. Largest known toad species.

13. A modified bud consisting of a thickened globular underground stem serving as a reproductive structure.

14. A steep rugged rock or cliff.

19. A local computer network for communication between computers.

21. Someone who works (or provides workers) during a strike.

24. Slightly open.

27. A member of the Siouan people formerly inhabiting the Black Hills of western South Dakota.

30. A genus of temperate and arctic evergreen trees (see spruce).

33. A natural cavity or hollow in a bone.

34. Lace again.

35. A small round piece of linen place under a dish or bowl.

37. Stem of plants of the Gramineae.

38. Reflecting light.

39. Pertaining to or concerned with the humanities.

41. Tallow mixed with oil.

45. The upper house of the parliament of the Republic of Ireland.

46. A member of an agricultural people of southern India.

48. A lake in northwestern Russia north of St. Petersburg.

51. North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean.

54. A person who delivers a speech or oration.

57. Liquid excretory product.

58. Either of two muscles in the shoulder region that move the shoulders and arms.

60. A woody climbing usually tropical plant.

62. A fraudulent business scheme.

65. Set down according to a plan.

66. (of a young animal) Abandoned by its mother and raised by hand.

67. An Arabic speaking person who lives in Arabia or North Africa.

69. The longer of the two telegraphic signals used in Morse code.

70. The cry made by sheep.

74. A silvery soft waxy metallic element of the alkali metal group.

75. A person who announces and plays popular recorded music.

Yesterdayʼs Solution

Yesterday’s Solution

42

Sports FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

No 20 Baylor trounce Charleston Southern WACO: Cory Jefferson had 16 points and 11 rebounds for his third doubledouble already this season and Isaiah Austin also scored 16 points as No 20 Baylor beat Charleston Southern 69-64 on Wednesday night. After Baylor (4-0) had a 4-minute scoring drought in the second half, allowing the Buccaneers to close to 4 points, Gary Franklin made a 3-pointer with 5 minutes left.

Then the 7-foot-1 Austin had another of his seven blocked shots, leading to Franklin driving the baseline for a layup that made it 64 55. Jefferson added a jumper with 3:57 left that pushed the lead to 66-55, and Baylor

was still up by 10 when Austin made a free throw with 2 minutes left.

But Charleston Southern wasn’t done. Arlon Harper had a layup before a turnover by Austin, then Will Saunders made two free throws. The Buccaneers forced another turnover before Saunders hit a 3-pointer that made it 67-64 in the final minute. The Buccaneers went the other way after Austin missed a shot. But Saah Nimley missed a 3 pointer with 14 seconds left, then stepped out of bounds trying to set up for another shot after they got the rebound. Saunders led Charleston with 16 points. Sheldon Strickland had

14 points, while Nimley had 11 included three 3-pointers.

The Buccaneers shot 46 percent on 3-pointers (12 of 26), much better than their 27-percent showing (10 of 37) inside the arc. Charleston Southern, coming off a 109-93 loss at No. 19 New Mexico on Sunday, didn’t have a player that could match the height of Baylor’s two big men. The 6-9, 220-pound Jefferson finished with his 14th career double-double. Brady Heslip added 11 points with three 3-pointers for Baylor.

Soon after halftime, Jefferson was fouled on consecutive dunk attempts by 6-8 Allie Fullah, the tallest player for

the Charleston Southern.

Those sandwiched a 3-pointer by Harper, but Jefferson made two free throws both times Baylor opened the game with an 8-0 run, which was capped when Jefferson rebounded a missed 3-pointer by Austin and scored on a short jumper. The Buccaneers responded with a 13-1 run with consecutive 3-pointers by Strickland putting them up 13-9. Jefferson then made a layup and Baylor went ahead to stay on a 3-pointer by Heslip. Those baskets started a spurt of nine consecutive points for the Bears, and they led the rest of the game.— AP

UConn outrun Oregon 114-68 HARTFORD: Stefanie Dolson recorded the second triple-double in Connecticut history, with a career-high 26 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists as the top-ranked Huskies ran away from Oregon 114-68 on Wednesday night. Breanna Stewart had 28 points and eight rebounds and Bria Hartley added 17 points, six rebounds, and six assists for UConn (5-0). Freshman Chrishae Rowe had 27 for the Ducks (2-2), just over her season average. The Huskies never trailed.

They used a 13-2 run to open up an early 18-point lead and ran away from there.

Oregon coach Paul Westhead had his run-and-gun team averaging almost 110 points a game this season. But the Huskies held the Ducks to 31 percent shooting, blocked 12 shots and outscored Oregon in the paint 64-28. The only other triple-double in UConn history was recorded by Laura Lishness in 1989. Coach Geno Auriemma played Dolson late into the second half to get the milestone. She passed the ball to Kiah Stokes for a short jumper with 1:20 left to record her 10th assist and got another one on a jumper by walk-on Birana Pulido a few seconds later. The most points Connecticut has ever scored in a game is 126, in 1998 against Providence.

The Huskies seemed poise to challenge that early, putting up 62 in the first half against the Ducks. UConn used an 11-0 run to open up a 13-2 lead just three minutes into the game. Oregon closed the gap to seven before the Huskies made a 13-2 run to stretch it back out to 28-10. A 3-point play by Dolson gave the Huskies their first 20-point lead at 42-22, just over 12 minutes into the game. The senior center, who had not scored more than 16 points in any of the Huskies first four games, had 17 at halftime as UConn led 62-35.

Moriah Jefferson had 14 points for UConn, Stokes added 12 and 13 rebounds and Brianna Banks had 10 points. UConn’s opponents had been averaging 56 shot attempts per game. The Ducks attempted 88, 52 in the first half, but made just 27 of them.

A layup by Stokes gave UConn a 93-53 lead midway through the second half. The biggest shock of the night came when the Ducks got a shot clock violation with 6:08 left in the first half. It wasn’t for lack of trying to score as they had their shot blocked three times during the possession. Connecticut was coming off wins over three ranked teams in the last 10 days, and starting a string for four games in five days against unranked opponents. The Huskies are hosting Boston University, Monmouth and St. Bonaventure in the Hall of Fame Challenge this weekend. Former NBA and WNBA coach Paul Westhead had his run-and-gun team averaging almost 110 points a game this season. The Ducks came in having attempted 266 shots in three games and broke the Pac-12 scoring record in their season opener, a 131-91 win over Cal State Bakersfield. Five Ducks came in averaging double figures, led by Rowe’s 26 points per game. Jillian Alleyne, who sprained an ankle in the Ducks’ loss to Sacramento State on Sunday, wasn’t expected to play in this one. Last year’s Pac12 freshman of the year had 15 points. The Huskies beat Stanford, Maryland and Penn State by an average of more than 18 points, despite playing the last two games without post players Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis and Morgan Tuck.

Mosqueda-Lewis, a preseason All American, sustained a nerve contusion to her elbow during the Maryland game, and Tuck undergoing minor surgery to repair cartilage in her right knee. Both are expected to miss about a month. The Huskies will have played 10 games by Dec. 5 and will have just 12 more before February. The win comes the same day UConn announced a four-member signing class for next season. Kia Nurse, Courtney Ekmark, Sadie Edwards and Gabby Williams all are guards, though Nurse and Ekmark both are 6-foot tall.—AP

OHIO: Jordan Lynch #6 of the Northern Illinois Huskies is tackled by Jayrone Elliott #15 and Christian Smith #9 of the Toledo Rockets during the fourth quarter on November 20, 2013. — AFP

Lynch lifts Northern Illinois over Toledo TOLEDO: Jordan Lynch rushed for three touchdowns and 161 yards to lead No 20 Northern Illinois over Toledo 35-17 on Wednesday night, securing a fourth consecutive trip to the Mid-American Conference title game. Lynch’s third touchdown, a 1-yard dive into the end zone, capped a 99-yard drive that stretched the lead to 28-17. The Huskies started the fourth quarter backed up against their end zone, clinging to a four-point lead.

That’s when Lynch took control. He ran for 62 yards on seven carries during the drive, the big play coming when he scrambled out of the end zone to pick up a first down. The Huskies (11-0, 7-0 MAC) extended their 24-game conference winning streak and are off to the best start in school history. Lynch was 17 of 22 for 202 yards passing and ran for 161 yards on 28 carries. He is 23-2 as a starter. Juwan Brescacin had eight receptions for 121 yards.

Northern Illinois is still in the hunt for a second straight Bowl Championship

Series appearance after playing in the Orange Bowl last season. The Huskies are 16th in this week’s BCS rankings.

They need to keep winning and move ahead of Fresno State in the standings to keep their hopes alive. Northern Illinois is the first MAC team to appear in four straight league championship games since Marshall did it six seasons in a row from 1997-2002. The Huskies have won the past two MAC titles.

Terrance Owens threw two touchdown passes for Toledo (7-4, 5-2).

Toledo’s leading rusher, David Fluellen, started after missing the past two games with what the team has called a lower leg injury, but he was held to 54 yards on 15 carries - far below his 133yard average. The Huskies’ offense sputtered in the first half without their two leading receivers, Tommylee Lewis and Da’Ron Brown, because of injuries. Lewis didn’t dress for the game and Brown went out in the first quarter with an undisclosed injury.

Lynch was shut down too, held to

just 30 yards on the ground in the first half. He scored three times in the second half.

He faked a handoff and raced up the middle for a 31-yard touchdown, pulling the Huskies ahead for good at 21-17 with 6:15 left in the third quarter. Lynch has thrown for at least 200 yards and run for 100 in the same game 11 times in his career. He moved into third place on the school’s rushing list behind Garrett Wolfe and Michael Turner, both of whom went on to the NFL. The Rockets led 10-7 at the half after Owens found a wide open Alonzo Russell along the right sideline for a 45yard touchdown, putting Toledo ahead.

The Huskies drove 85 yards on the opening possession of the second half to take back the lead 14-10, scoring on a 12yard run by Lynch, his first of the game.

Owens came back with a 36-yard touchdown to Bernard Reedy, who stretched out to make the catch in the back of the end zone, pulling the Rockets ahead 1714 midway in the third quarter.—AP

Sports FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Brilliant Broad silences Brisbane boos SCOREBOARD

Haddin leads Australia fightback after early collapse

BRISBANE: Scoreboard at the close on the opening day of the first Ashes Test between Australia and England at the Gabba yesterday: Australia 1st innings Chris Rogersc Bell b Broad 1 David Warner c Pietersen b Broad 49 Shane Watson c Swann b Broad 22 Michael Clarkec Bell b Broad 1 Steve Smith c Cook b Tremlett 31 George Bailey c Cook b Anderson 3 Brad Haddin not out 78 Mitchell Johnson b Broad 64 Peter Siddle c Cook b Anderson 7 Ryan Harris not out 4 Extras (lb11, w1, nb1) 13 Total (8 wkts; 90 overs) 273 Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Rogers), 2-71 (Watson), 3-73 (Clarke), 4-83 (Warner), 5-100 (Bailey), 6-132 (Smith), 7-246 (Johnson), 8-265 (Siddle) Bowling: Anderson 22-5-61-2, Broad 20-3-65-5 (1nb, 1w), Tremlett 19-3-51-1, Swann 26-4-80-0, Root 3-1-5-0 To bat: Nathan Lyon.

Toss: Australia Umpires: Aleem Dar (PAK), Kumar Dharmasena (SRI) TV umpire: Marais Erasmus (RSA) Match referee: Jeff Crowe (NZL)

‘Toughest-ever’ doping tests in Russia’s Sochi SEOUL: The upcoming Winter Games in the Russian city of Sochi will see the “toughest-ever” anti-doping tests, International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said yesterday, despite skepticism over the host country’s testing capability.

Bach, elected head of the IOC in September, said the number of pre-competition tests at Sochi next year would increase 57 percent compared to the previous Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

“We can clearly say that both as regards to quantity as well as quality this will be the toughest anti-doping program we have ever had in the Olympic Games”, Bach told journalists during a visit to South Korea. “The tests will be even more targetoriented... there will be more tests pre-competition... where most of the anti-doping violations are happening,” he said.

Bach arrived Wednesday to inspect preparations for the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. “So the anti-doping test program for Sochi will be the toughest ever applied in Olympic Winter Games,” he said. Bach told the World Conference on Doping in Sport in Johannesburg last week that athletes would undergo 1,269 pre-competition tests-over 400 more than at the Vancouver games. However the global anti-doping agency this month provisionally suspended the accreditation of Moscow’s sports drugtesting laboratory because of questions over the quality of its procedures.

Russia’s sports minister on Monday promised necessary measures would be taken at the lab, which has until December 1 to improve the reliability of its results. Global leaders passed a new world anti-doping code at the conference in Johannesburg, under which offenders could face up to four-year bans from competitive sport. The code governs competitive sports ranging from athletics to football to cycling, and has been backed by powerful sporting bodies like the International Olympic Committee, world football’s governing body FIFA and governments.

The revised World Anti-Doping Code follows a two year-long reevaluation, during which the discovery of extensive doping by champion cyclist Lance Armstrong highlighted the challenges of ensuring clean competition. Bach hailed South Korea’s preparations for the 2018 Winter Olympics. “We’re satisfied with progress made by the organizing committee. This progress makes us very, very confident about the success of the Winter Games in 2018,” he said. The eastern resort town of Pyeongchang won its Olympics bid in 2011 after two failed attempts, and will become the first Asian country to host the Winter Olympics after Japan. — AFP

BRISBANE: Australian paceman Stuart Broad bowls during day one of the first Ashes cricket Test match between England and Australia at the Gabba Cricket Ground in Brisbane yesterday. — AFP

Kostner and Fernandez headline ISU Grand Prix MOSCOW: Italy’s Carolina Kostner and Spaniard Javier Fernandez headline the final in the six-leg ISU Grand Prix series starting in Moscow today as the battle for the remaining berths in next month’s final are up for grabs. The men’s event will be without Russian icon Yevgeny Plushenko, who has withdrawn citing knee pain, although the former Olympic champion insists that he still intends to challenge for a spot at the Sochi Games. But in his absence all eyes will be on 22-yearold Fernandez, the European champion and world bronze medallist, looking to bounce back from a disappointing fifth at NHK Trophy this season. The final berths for the elite six-skater Grand Prix final in Fukuoka, Japan from December 58 are to play for with Canada’s world champion Patrick Chan setting the bar high when he qualified in Paris last weekend.

Fernandez will face a battle with Japanese skater Tatsuki Machida, who won this season’s Skate America, along with local favorite Maxim Kovtun, second at the Cup of China, and hoping to stake his claim to Russia’s sole Olympic men’s berth. Meanwhile, world silver medallist Kostner faces a tough task in the women’s event against Russian teenagers Julia Lipnitskaia and Elizaveta Tuktamysheva and a trio of Japanese skaters.

Kostner, the 2012 world champion, has gotten off to a slow start as she bids for a third shot at an Olympic medal after finishing third in the Cup of China. The 26-year-old needs a win over two days of skating to book her berth to Fukuoka and join Japan’s Mao Asada, already through along with American Ashley Wagner and Russians Adelina Sotnikova and Anna Pogorilaya. Russian champion Tuktamysheva finished just fourth at her season opener in Skate America and also needs to win. “I’m not really happy with the start of this season,” said 16-yearold Tuktamysheva, the national champion. “Here in Moscow I’m hoping to produce solid performances in both programs to receive serious points. “I’ll do my best to get a pass into the Grand Prix finals but this is not a do-or-die goal for me.

“It’s just the start of the season and it’s clear that the beginning of 2014 will be the season’s most important part. We all still have time to prepare.” —AFP

BRISBANE: Stuart Broad took five wickets to put England in charge on the first day of the first Ashes test despite a battling Australian rearguard that kept the hosts alive at 273 for eight at the close of play yesterday. The England paceman’s first four wickets helped trigger an Australia collapse from 71 for the loss of a single wicket prior to lunch to 132-6 during the middle session. Broad, cast as the pantomime villain in Australia after his failure to walk at Trent Bridge earlier this year, then returned with the second new ball to bowl Mitchell Johnson for 64 and break his 114-run seventh wicket stand with Brad Haddin.

Haddin, playing his 50th test, was unbeaten on 78 when stumps were drawn with long shadows across the ground, and will resume on day two with Ryan Harris, who had scored four. Australia won the toss and decided to bat on a bright, sunny morning at the Gabba and the booing of Broad, branded a “smug Pommy cheat” on the front page of the local Courier-Mail newspaper, contributed to a festive atmosphere.

Opener Chris Rogers was the first victim of the bounce Broad managed to generate from the Gabba track but it was the dismissals of Shane Watson, Michael Clarke and David Warner around lunch that shifted the momentum firmly England’s way.

Watson, whose preparations for the series were disrupted by a hamstring injury, looked like reaching lunch with his wicket intact until Broad intervened. The allrounder pushed at a ball he could have left and edged it to Graeme Swann at second slip, swatting his bat in disgust at the manner and timing of his dismissal for 22.

AUSTRALIA FIGHTBACK Australia captain Clarke faced just seven balls after lunch before he was making his way back to the dressing room with one run to his name after he popped a catch Bell at short leg. Opener Warner had looked dangerous in building an innings of 49 with some choice shots but he threw it all away when he swatted a Broad delivery straight to Kevin Pietersen in the covers.

James Anderson then pitched in to remove debutant George Bailey for three runs before Chris Tremlett, the third England quick, curtailed a promising innings from Steve Smith for 31. Haddin, whose half century was his 13th in tests, then combined with Johnson, recalled for his pace bowling than his batting prowess, to stem the flow of wickets.

Johnson hit six fours and two huge sixes for his eighth test 50 before Broad smashed his wickets asunder to complete his 11th test five-wicket haul. England, who won the first series of this year’s double header 3-0, are chasing a fourth successive Ashes triumph and a first victory at the Gabba since 1986. All is not lost for Australia, however, and they could look to the corresponding Gabba test in the 201011 series for some comfort. England were bowled out for 260 on the opening day but battled back for a draw, carrying the momentum from that recovery to clinch the series 3-1. — Reuters

Sports FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Scott’s WCup hopes crash World number 2 sits 9 shots off the lead MELBOURNE: World number two Adam Scott’s hopes of winning the World Cup of Golf for Australia plunged midway through his opening round yesterday when he crashed to a quintuple-bogey nine at the par-four 12th at Royal Melbourne Golf Club. In red-hot form and coming into the revamped tournament on the back of two wins in the last two weeks, Scott had been heavily backed to take individual honors and guide Australia to victory in the team component. The US Masters champion started steadily enough, grafting through breezy conditions to be one-under at the turn.

Things came dramatically unstuck for the US Masters champion at 12, however, when he sprayed two tee-shots into a tan-

gle of bushes on the right of the fairway.

Unable to find his first ball, Scott returned to the tee and put his third drive into light rough before over-cooking his approach and seeing his shot roll over the green. Needing to get up-and-down for eight, Scott missed his putt from about 12 feet to post his worst single-hole score in a US PGA Tour-sanctioned event since his 10 at the WGC tournament at Doral Golf Resort in 2007. “Just a couple of lazy swings today on... 12, and, you know, paid the price,” Scott said greenside. “Just away with the fairies on that hole.”

WHIRLWIND TOUR Scott hit back with a birdie on the next hole, but fell away again with a

bogey on the par-five 15th and finished with a four-over 75 to be joint 46th in the field of 60, nine strokes behind joint leaders Kevin Streelman of the United States and Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn.

Playing his third tournament in three weeks following wins at the Australian PGA Championship in the Gold Coast and the Australian Masters at Royal Melbourne on Sunday, Scott has also had a whirlwind of media appearances and sponsor events in his first trip Down Under since his Augusta triumph.

“Could be (fatigue), but, you know, it was a little disappointing to do that but stuff can happen and that’s why when you play good tracks like this you need to be switched on at all times and I paid

Devils overpower Ducks ANAHEIM: Jaromir Jagr scored the tying goal with 1:01 left in regulation as the New Jersey Devils ended Anaheim’s eight-game home winning streak to open the season with a 4-3 victory over the Ducks on Wednesday. Travis Zajac got credit for the winning goal at 2:58 of overtime, but the Ducks put it in their own net. Ben Lovejoy hit teammate Corey Perry with the puck while attempting to clear the crease, and it caromed past Jonas Hiller to end the longest season-opening home winning streak in Anaheim history. Ryan Getzlaf scored the tiebreaking power-play goal, and Nick Bonino had a goal and an assist for the NHL-leading Ducks, who have lost five straight. Anaheim was the league’s only remaining unbeaten home team. Martin Brodeur stopped 22 shots for the Devils.

PENGUINS 4, CAPITALS 0 Sidney Crosby delivered a goal and an assist to get the better of a quiet Alex Ovechkin in the past league MVPs’ first matchup as division rivals, as Pittsburgh ended a three-game road losing streak by beating Washington. Marc-Andre Fleury needed to make only 18 saves for his second shutout this season and 25th in the NHL. Paul Martin and Beau Bennett scored less than 51/2 minutes apart to give Pittsburgh a 2 0 lead in a first period it dominated, outshooting Washington 17-6. Crosby, who assisted on Martin’s goal, then netted his 11th on a power play with 29 seconds remaining in the second period. James Neal made it 4-0 with a goal 7:16 into the third.

Pittsburgh wound up with 40 shots.

WILD 4, SENATORS 3 Mikko Koivu scored the tiebreaking goal in the closing minutes of the third period and added two assists to lift Minnesota over Ottawa. Koivu netted the winner with 2:57 left, allowing the Wild to rebound from a 6-2 loss in Montreal on Tuesday. Former Senators forward Dany Heatley had a goal and an assist for the Wild (14-5-4), as did Jonas Brodin. Jason Pominville had the other goal, and Zach Parise had two assists.

Milan Michalek scored on the power

OTTAWA: Marc Methot #3 of the Ottawa Senators checks an airborne Zach Parise #11 of the Minnesota Wild during an NHL game at Canadian Tire Centre on November 20, 2013. — AFP play as the teams approached the mid- overtime to give Columbus a victory way point of the third period to pull the against Calgary. When David Savard’s Senators even with the Wild. It appeared shot was blocked by Mikael Backlund that goal would at least get the Senators in front, the puck caromed out to to overtime. Kyle Turris and Mika Nikitin, who had an empty net with Zibanejad also scored for the Senators R e t o B e r r a d o w n a n d o u t . N i c k (8-10-4), who have lost three straight Foligno also scored for Columbus (811-3). The Blue Jackets are 2-1 with and four of five. two stops left on a five-game road trip. Joe Colborne scored for Calgary BLUE JACKETS 2, FLAMES 1, OT Defenseman Nikita Nikitin scored (7-11-4), which has lost six straight at his first goal of the season 2:25 into home (0-5-1).— AP

the price today... Other than that is was fairly solid,” he added.

There was some cheer for local fans as a grieving Jason Day battled to a threeunder 68 to sit two shots behind Bjorn and Streelman.

The world number 18 is mourning the loss of eight relatives who were killed when Typhoon Haiyan pounded the Philippines earlier this month, and his five-birdie round left Australia six strokes behind the leading United States and Denmark in the team component of the tournament. Sixty players are competing for individual honors while 26 two-player teams are going for the team prize according to their aggregate scores. — Reuters

Pacquiao’s boxing career on the line MACAU: Manny Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach says the boxer will to use Sunday’s fight against Brandon Rios to punish members of the Rios camp who mocked Roach’s speech, which is affected by Parkinson’s disease. The fallout from Wednesday’s physical confrontation between Roach and the Rios camp continued Thursday, with Roach saying Pacquiao had watched video of the heated incident in which Roach was kicked and his speech mocked. “(Pacquiao) said to me ‘are those the guys that made fun of you?’ and I said yes, and he said ‘that’s all I need to know’ and he walked away,” the US-born Roach said. “He told me he’s going to take care of this guy quickly.” Roach, 53, was kicked by his former co-worker and Pacquiao cornerman Alex Ariza - now in the Rios camp assisting head trainer Robert Garcia - and while Roach initially called for police to arrest Ariza, he laughed off the seriousness of the confrontation a day later. “What (Ariza) doesn’t realize is that Manny hits me ten times harder every day. It was like a girl kicking me,” Roach said.

Pacquiao will be fighting for his country and his career on Sunday morning when he takes on American Brandon Rios in the first major international fight card to be held in the gambling capital of Macau. The bout is taking place in the devastating aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, which smashed into Pacquiao’s native Philippines on November 8, killing more than 4,000 people and leaving another 4 million homeless.

Eight weight world champion Pacquiao, who is also a congressman from Sarangani Province, said that the tragedy is inspiring him to succeed. “I am more motivated for this fight, to win this fight because what happened in the Philippines,” he told Reuters this week. “My countrymen, I want to make them happy. To bring honor to my country.”

For Pacquiao, victory is also essential to maintain an exceptional career that has stuttered of late, following a controversial points defeat to American Timothy Bradley in June 2012 and a shocking sixth-round knockout loss to old foe Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico in December. The Marquez defeat was his last ring outing, and the Filipino icon, 54-5-2 (38 KOs), said that the extra time between bouts has left him feeling refreshed and ready for action. “It’s good for me to have a rest like this,” he said. “I feel like I’m hungry to fight again in the ring. I feel like when I was starting boxing.”

However, Rios’ trainer Robert Garcia, while paying respect to Pacquiao’s ring achievements in the past, thought the timing might be perfect for his fighter to score an eye-catching victory.

“We know that Pacquiao has been a great champion, considered perhaps one of the best in history,” he said. “But we’ve seen the last two years, the last two fights, there are some differences, there are some changes, and especially his last fight when he got knocked out.

“We don’t know, nobody knows, how that really affected him. We’ve seen other fighters, and I would say nine out of 10 are never the same.” — Agencies

45

Sports FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Heat roll past Magic 120-92 ORLANDO: LeBron James had 21 points and seven assists and Chris Bosh scored 18 as the Miami Heat beat the Orlando Magic 120-92 on Wednesday for their fifth straight victory. James Jones scored 14 of his 17 points in the third quarter, when the Heat turned what was a five-point game into a runaway. All five Miami starters sat out the fourth quarter for the second straight night, and Dwyane Wade sat out the whole way once again to give his knees more rest. Michael Beasley scored 14 points and Chris Andersen added 10 for the Heat, who opened the game on a 16-0 run, lost the lead briefly in the second quarter, then dominated after halftime. Arron Afflalo scored 20 of his 30 points in the first half for Orlando and went 7 of 9 from 3-point range. Victor Oladipo added 20 points but had eight turnovers, giving him 17 in his past two games.

PACERS 103, KNICKS 96, OT Paul George made three free throws to tie it with 5.2 seconds left in regulation, then scored nine of his season-high 35 points in overtime as Indiana handed New York its sixth straight defeat at home. New York scored the first 13 points, but this settled into a playoff-type game between teams that met in the postseason last May. And it again went to the Pacers, who bounced back from their first loss after a franchise-record 9-0 start. George Hill added 23 points and eight rebounds for the Pacers, who beat the Knicks in six games in last season’s Eastern Conference semifinals. Just as in the clincher of that series, Roy Hibbert had a pivotal block on Carmelo Anthony’s drive to the basket. Anthony had 30 points and 18 rebounds for the Knicks.

MAVERICKS 123, ROCKETS 120 Monta Ellis had a season-high 37 points and assisted on the go-ahead basket for Dallas to spoil Dwight Howard’s best offensive night for Houston. Dallas was down one when Ellis drove and zipped a pass to Shawn Marion in the corner for the go-ahead 3pointer with 47 seconds left. Houston’s James Harden had a chance to tie it with 9 seconds left but missed the second of two free throws. Jose Calderon made two free throws after a Houston foul, and Harden shot an airball on a 3-point try in the final seconds. Howard made his first 11 shots and scored a season-high 33 points. Dirk Nowitzki finished with a season-high 35, including 14 in the fourth, and passed Reggie Miller for 15th on the NBA scoring list. Nowitzki has 25,298 points, 18 ahead of Miller. The Rockets led by 18 late in the third quarter before the Mavericks rallied in the fourth by shooting 74 percent and outscoring Houston 36-19.

TRAIL BLAZERS 91, BUCKS 82 LaMarcus Aldridge scored 21 points and Damian Lillard added 19 as Portland beat Milwaukee for its eighth straight win. Wesley Matthews had 15 points, all in the first half, to help Portland complete a sweep of a four-game Eastern Conference road trip. The Trail Blazers have won 10 of 12 to start the season. Luke Ridnour scored 13 points to lead the Bucks, who lost their sixth in a row.

Portland held the lead throughout the second half but the Blazers had difficulty pulling away from the struggling Bucks. Lillard had a breakaway dunk and a 3-pointer to put Portland up 89-78, and the Bucks got no closer than seven again.

SPURS 104, CELTICS 93 Tony Parker scored 19 points and San Antonio beat Boston to win its eighth straight overall and remain undefeated at home.

Kawhi Leonard had 16 points and Tim Duncan rebounded from a poor outing in San Antonio’s previous home game to score 13 points. Boris Diaw had 12 points, Tiago Splitter added 11 points and 10 rebounds and Danny Green 11 points for the Spurs (10-1).

Avery Bradley, Jeff Green and Jared Sullinger each had 19 points for Boston, which has lost five straight.

RAPTORS 108, 76ERS 98 DeMar DeRozan scored 33 points and Rudy Gay had 18 to help Toronto beat Philadelphia. In a down year so far in the Atlantic Division, the Raptors (5-7) wrested away first place from the Sixers (5-8). DeRozan and Gay dominated the Sixers in the second half to turn this one into a rout. Gay hit a pair of 3-pointers and scored 15 points in the third quarter, and DeRozan scored 30 points through the first three quarters to build a 16-point lead. Spencer Hawes hit his first nine shots and finished with 28 points and 10 rebounds for the 76ers. Philadelphia’s fourth straight loss came on the heels of an 0-3 road trip.

WIZARDS 98, CAVALIERS 91 Bradley Beal scored 26 points and Nene added 24 to lead Washington over Cleveland. John Wall and Martell Webster both

CALIFORNIA: Memphis Grizzlies’ Tayshaun Prince (21) and Golden State Warriors’ Andre Iguodala fight for the ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game on Wednesday, Nov 20, 2013. — AP scored 15 points for Washington, which took control early and held off Cleveland’s late charge. The Wizards led by double figures midway through the first quarter, were ahead 56-38 at halftime, and pushed the margin to 27 points in the third quarter.

Cleveland trailed 86-71 midway through the fourth before Kyrie Irving scored 11 straight points to cut the deficit to four with 2:56 remaining. Marcin Gortat’s two free throws with 1:16 left extended the lead to 92-86, and Beal added two free throws with 32.8 seconds remaining to put the game away. Irving scored 28 points, including 18 in the final period, to lead Cleveland, which has dropped four of five.

BOBCATS 95, NETS 91 Kemba Walker scored a season-high 31 points as Charlotte handed turnover-prone Brooklyn its sixth loss in the past seven games. Walker was 12 of 20 from the field and knocked down four 3-pointers as the Bobcats (6-6) snapped a seven-game losing streak to the Nets. Walker hit two free throws with 6.1 seconds left to seal the win. The Bobcats outscored the Nets 52-34 in the paint. With owner Michael Jordan sitting on the end of the bench, the Bobcats started the second half with a 15-1 run to take control of the game. Andray Blatche led the Nets with a season-high 25 points. Brooklyn had 18 turnovers. Nets guard Deron Williams reinjured his left ankle during the second quarter and did not return.

HAWKS 93, PISTONS 85 Paul Millsap, signed in the offseason to replace Josh Smith, had 19 points to steal the spotlight in Smith’s return to Atlanta with Detroit. Smith, who signed with the Pistons after nine seasons with the Hawks, had 11 points while shooting 5 of 15 from the field. The Hawks pulled away after leading 66-64 through three quarters. Jeff Teague scored 18 points and DeMarre Carroll had 11 points and a career-high 12 rebounds. Pistons coach Maurice Cheeks was ejected with 2:36 remaining after complaining to an official during a timeout. Brandon Jennings led Detroit with 21 points. Millsap started after missing the Hawks’ loss at Miami on Tuesday night with a sore right elbow.

CLIPPERS 102, TIMBERWOLVES 98 Blake Griffin had 20 points and 10 rebounds while dominating his matchup with Kevin Love, and Chris Paul scored 16 in the fourth quarter to lead Los Angeles past Minnesota. Paul finished with 20 points and 11 assists for his 12th straight double-double to open the season, breaking Magic Johnson’s previous record of 11 straight in 1990-91. Paul scored 12 straight points for the Clippers in the final 3:41 to hold off another late charge from the

Timberwolves. Kevin Martin had 28 points and 10 rebounds, and Nikola Pekovic had 20 points and seven rebounds for Minnesota.

Love managed just 10 points on 2-for-14 shooting to go with 12 rebounds. Jamal Crawford scored 16 points for the Clippers, who made 12 of 24 3-pointers and held the Wolves to 37.8 percent shooting.

GRIZZLIES 88, WARRIORS 81, OT Mike Conley shook off a rough shooting night to make a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 1:36 left in overtime as Memphis held on to beat Golden State. Tayshaun Prince added a pair of long jumpers over the final 56 seconds, including an 18-footer with 24.8 seconds remaining to help seal the Grizzlies’ 11th consecutive win over the Warriors. Conley finished with 19 points, six rebounds and four assists while Zach Randolph had 21 points and 12 rebounds. The win completed a four-game West Coast sweep for Memphis. Andrew Bogut had 12 points and 14 rebounds for Golden State, which played without Stephen Curry (concussion).

PELICANS 105, JAZZ 98 Anthony Davis had 22 points, nine rebounds and eight blocks to lift New Orleans over struggling Utah for its second consecutive victory. Ryan Anderson added 14 of his 19 points in the second half to help the Pelicans pull away in the fourth quarter after the Jazz, who beat New Orleans for their only win of the season last week, had rallied to take a third-quarter lead. Jure Holiday scored 14, Tyreke Evans 13 and Jason Smith 11 for New Orleans.

First-round draft choice Trey Burke made his NBA debut for Utah after missing the first 12 games because of surgery on his right index finger. The ninth overall pick last summer scored 11 points on 5-of-8 shooting in only 12 minutes. Enes Kanter led Utah with 19 points, but the Jazz (1-12) dropped their fourth straight.

Gordon Hayward shot 1 for 17 and finished with six points.

KINGS 113, SUNS 106 DeMarcus Cousins overcame a sore shoulder to score 19 points and grab 12 rebounds, leading Sacramento past Phoenix for its first road win of the season. The Kings took control in the third quarter, turning a five-point halftime lead into a 14-point advantage. They finished off a back-to-back sweep after beating Phoenix at home on Tuesday night. The Suns lost their fourth straight game. Isaiah Thomas came off the bench to score 23 points and hand out four assists. He was also pesky on defense as the Kings scored 20 points off Phoenix turnovers. Point guard Goran Dragic scored the first 11 points for the Suns. Dragic shot 10 of 20 and ended up with 31 points. Gerald Green went 6 for 8 on 3-pointers and tied a season high with 23 points.—AP

Sports FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

‘Smashing’ Japan lift WCup spirits

Photo of the day

TOKYO: Japan’s shock 3-2 win over Belgium was showered with praise by domestic media yesterday as Alberto Zaccheroni’s men lifted spirits ahead of next year’s World Cup. After last week’s impressive 2-2 draw with the Netherlands, Keisuke Honda inspired a famous win for the Asian champions against one of the world’s mostly highly rated teams.

“Smashing down Belgium, world’s No 5,” said a headline in the Sports Nippon, after the game in Brussels late on Wednesday. Yoichiro Kakitani, Honda and Shinji Okazaki were all on target, eclipsing Belgium’s opener through Kevin Mirallas and a late strike from Toby Alderweireld. Japan’s form comes at a welcome time after they were criticized for a dip since qualifying for the World Cup, including three unanswered defeats at last year’s Confederations Cup. Japan, Asia’s highest-ranked team at 44 in the FIFA ratings, also bowed 2-0 to Serbia and 1-0 to Belarus during another European friendly tour last month. “Honda revived Japan with his propulsive force and uncompromising spirit when the squad seemed to deteriorate since qualifying for the World Cup,” the Nikkan Sports said. Zaccheroni was also able to rotate his European-based stars and domestic J-League players, increasing Japan’s strength in depth as they head towards the World Cup in Brazil next year. “The tour encouraged more competition among players in the squad, boosting the bench strength as a result,” the topselling Yomiuri Shimbun said. — AFP

Zenit hope to bounce back against Rostov MOSCOW: Russian Premier League table-toppers Zenit St Petersburg will be looking to bounce back from their defeat to Spartak Moscow two weeks ago when they tackle visitors Rostov today. Zenit’s closest chasers-Moscow sides Lokomotiv and Spartak-will both have to battle in city derbies against Dynamo and reigning champions CSKA respectively.

Zenit manager Luciano Spalletti will have a full-strength squad apart from Portuguese midfielder Miguel Danny, who missed his side’s previous match and his national team’s qualifying play-offs with Sweden because of a leg problem, who remains uncertain. Tomorrow CSKA and Spartak will battle at the Khimki arena in Moscow’s most famous derby clash.

Matches between CSKA and Spartak have been the source of constant headaches for the City Hall and local police in recent years as the two teams’ fans are famous for their mutual hatred. Mass brawls between supporters ahead and after the derby clash have become routine. Spartak manager Valery Karpin said he expected a tough and interesting encounter tomorrow. “The matches with Lokomotiv and Dynamo may also be called derbies but everybody in Russia knows that only the clash between Spartak and CSKA is the real Moscow derby,” he said.

“Our preparations for this match were hit by the international matches but both CSKA and Spartak were in the same situation and there’s nothing to complain about. On Saturday we’ll see who prepared best for this clash.” Spartak have problems in defense with Sergei Bryzgalov, Italian Salvatore Bocchetti and Germany’s Serdar Taschi all injured. But Brazilian midfielder Romulo has battled back from injury and returned to training with the main group, although he is unlikely to start on Saturday.

CSKA will also be missing a set of first-choice players as Russian internationals Vasily Berezutsky and Alan Dzagoev, and Latvian midfielder Aleksandre Cauna are still recovering from problems. Likewise, Brazilian defender Mario Fernandez, who has just returned to training after almost a year on the sidelines with a knee injury, is unlikely play against Spartak. The other Moscow derby between two-time Russian champions Lokomotiv and Dynamo will take place on Sunday. The railway-backed side will still be without Brazilian goalkeeper Marinato Guilherme, while Dynamo coach Dan Petrescu is missing injured German forward Kevin Kuranyi. — AFP

David Coulthard of Scotland performs in a Red Bull Racing Formula One car on the helipad of the Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on October 30, 2013. — www.redbull.com

Sportsradar to aid AFC battle against Asian match-fixing SINGAPORE: The Asian Football Confederation, blighted for years by a series of match-fixing scandals among its member associations, have struck a deal with Sportsradar to monitor betting practices on their tournaments to help prevent further fraud. The partnership will see Sportsradar, who say they process 432 million odds movements per day at over 350 bookmakers in Asia and Europe, monitor matches at regional tournaments including the 2015 Asian Cup, AFC Champions League and AFC Cup. The AFC Cup was targeted by fixers earlier this year with a Singapore Court jailing Lebanese referee Ali Sabbagh for six months and his assistants Ali Eid and Abdallah Taleb for three months after they were found guilty of accepting sexual favors to rig a match. AFC president Sheikh

Saalman bin Al Khalifa made targeting match-fixing a chief priority after being elected in May. “AFC’s partnership with Sportradar is the latest step taken to counter the threat that matchfixing poses to football in Asia,” AFC general secretary Alex Soosay said in a statement. “We look forward to utilizing Sportradar’s proven expertise in this field and developing an effective working partnership.” Sportsradar say they analyze over 53,000 matches each year and were instrumental in unearthing a match-fixing syndicate in Australia in October which led to four players and one official being banned worldwide by governing body FIFA. Sportsradar already boast partnerships with football confederations UEFA and CONCACAF as well as the English Premier League, Bundesliga, the English and

Australia Football Associations and Cricket Australia. The AFC agreement comes in the wake of matchfixing scandals in China, South Korea, Lebanon, Singapore and Malaysia in recent years with accusations of further wrong doing in many more Asian nations.

Earlier this year, European police pointed the finger at the region when they announced a Singaporebased syndicate had directed match-fixing for at least 380 soccer games in Europe alone, making at least eight million euros ($10.8 million). Better headlines came last month when law enforcement agency Interpol lauded Singapore authorities for arresting the ‘mastermind and leader of the world’s most notorious match-fixing syndicate’ believed to be Singaporean Tan Seet Eng, also known as Dan Tan. — Reuters

Injury-depleted Dortmund sign up free agent Friedrich BERLIN: Borussia Dortmund have signed former Germany defender and free agent Manuel Friedrich in an emergency move aimed at shoring up a defense depleted by a string of injuries.

The 34-year-old Friedrich, who signed a deal until the end of the season, had been training with the Bundesliga club for the past few days and was without a side following his release from Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the last campaign.

“We are reacting to the injuries we

have in our defense,” Dortmund sports director Michael Zorc said in a statement. “Manuel Friedrich has a lot of experience and has left a very good impression in training.” Friedrich is no stranger to Juergen Klopp, having had two spells at Mainz 05 under the Dortmund coach. He also played for Werder Bremen and was at Leverkusen from 2007.

“I am really looking forward to wearing the Dortmund shirt when entering the stadium,” Friedrich, who won nine

caps for Germany, said. “I only had that pleasure of being a visitor here and to have the yellow wall (standing home fans) supporting and not against you must be a sensational feeling. I look forward to a cool time in black and yellow.” Dortmund have seen their entire backline compromised in the past few weeks with central defender Mats Hummels becoming the latest victim after tearing heel ligaments in Germany’s 1-0 win against England on Tuesday. Left back Marcel Schmelzer

was ruled out for three weeks with a muscle injury picked up in the same game, while central defender Neven Subotic suffered a cruciate ligament injury two weeks ago and will be out until the end of the season. Right back Lukasz Piszczek only recently returned to training following double hip surgery in the off-season. Dortmund are second in the Bundesliga, four points behind Bayern Munich, whom they host in the biggest game of the season so far on Saturday. — Reuters

Sports FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Messi lauds Ronaldo’s goal-scoring prowess

MONTEVIDEO: Uruguayan players celebrate after the end of the FIFA World Cup intercontinental play-offs 2nd Leg match against Jordan at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo on November 20, 2013. — AFP

Uruguay book WCup place Uruguay celebrate end of long qualifying road MONTEVIDEO: Uruguay sealed their spot at the 2014 World Cup finals after a goalless draw at home to Jordan in the second leg of their intercontinental playoff on Wednesday saw them advance 5-0 on aggregate. Uruguay, the last of the 32 teams to book their place at the finals in Brazil, had all but secured their berth with a crushing 5-0 victory in the first leg in Amman last week. “We’re all happy because the truth is it’s been a hard road,” striker Edinson Cavani told reporters after Uruguay’s 18th match of the qualifying campaign.

Left back Martin Caceres suggested that winning the first leg by such a big margin had made it harder to concentrate in the second.

“After winning 5-0 it was going to get complicated, we knew we had to take the match seriously,” he added. “We’d have liked to give the crowd a triumph and at least one goal to shout about but it wasn’t to be, that’s football.” Despite needing to score at least five to have any hope of overturning the deficit, Jordan defended deep and in numbers on Wednesday, denying the South Americans scoring chances and making sure there would be no repeat of the 5-0 mauling.

The closest the home side came to scoring was when centre back Diego Godin headed against the bar just before halftime, but the lack of goals failed to dampen celebrations on the pitch or among the crowd of 60,000 in the stands. “(Jordan) got what they wanted, a dignified role and a result that I suppose for them is very important,” coach Oscar Tabarez told the post-match news conference. “We must accept ... that the main reason why we couldn’t win was our rivals’ good tactics.”

HASSAN PLEASED Jordan’s Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan was pleased with his team’s reaction to their punishing defeat at home. “We played very well, we met a very good team, very strong, with players from different parts of the world,” Hassan said. “I want Uruguay to have a good World Cup in Brazil.” Before kickoff, the crowd at the Centenario were treated to a video of Alcides Ghiggia’s winning goal when Uruguay upset Brazil 2-1 at the Maracana to win their second World Cup in 1950, the last time their northern neighbors hosted the finals.

The 86-year-old, the sole survivor of that “Maracanazo” team, also spoke to the crowd ahead of the game. “At the Maracana (final) there were 30 Uruguayans,” he said in the centre circle. “Today I have the

luck to celebrate with all these people here and it’s very emotional for me.” Jordan’s packed defense gave 2010 semi-finalists Uruguay few openings. Cavani, who scored a sublime free kick in the first leg, had two efforts that went over the bar while Luis Suarez worked tirelessly to find openings but often found himself forced out wide.— Reuters

Teams qualified for the 2014 World Cup PARIS: The 32 teams who will play at the 2014 World Cup after Uruguay filled the final qualifying berth. Draw for the tournament is on December 6.

EUROPE Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, England, Russia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Portugal, France ASIA Japan, Australia, Iran, South Korea SOUTH AMERICA Brazil (hosts), Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Uruguay CONCACAF United States, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico AFRICA Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Ghana, Algeria OCEANIA No qualifiers

MADRID: Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi praised archrival Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal-scoring prowess in an interview published yesterday as speculation mounted that the Portuguese international could be picked as World Player of the Year. A day after picking up a Golden Boot award for scoring 46 league goals last season, more than any other player in Europe, the 26-year-old Messi paid respect to his Real Madrid rival.

“I don’t know if Cristiano Ronaldo is at his peak but he is always there scoring goals in all the games and taking part in his club and national side,” Messi told Spanish sports daily Marca and other European sports journalists. “He has been doing that for many years and whether he is at his peak or a bit less makes no difference.” The 28-year-old Ronaldo is emerging as the favorite to pick up this year’s Ballon d’Or for the world’s best player over four-time winner Messi.

Ronaldo scored a hat-trick on Tuesday as Portugal beat Sweden to qualify for their fourth straight World Cup finals and he tops the Spanish league scoreboard so far this season with 16 goals in 13 matches. Messi has 11 goals from eight games in the league this season but has been sidelined for up to eight weeks with a muscle tear in his left hamstring muscle, his third leg injury this season. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, a Real Madrid fan, told public radio he would back Ronaldo for the Ballon d’Or award if he had a vote.

“I think he is in impressive form. He is a player who gives everything, who makes an all-out effort. Yes, I would vote for him,” Rajoy said. The Portuguese’s chances seemed to rise even further when FIFA announced this week a two-week extension to the voting deadline until November 29, citing a weak turnout, and allowing participants to change ballots already cast. Catalan sports newspapers, which traditionally back Barcelona, cried foul over the FIFA decision, which comes as Ronaldo hits top form and Messi is injured.

Messi brushed off comments in the media about the injuries he has picked up this season, following some criticism that he should have paced himself better. “What they say about the injury did not worry me and does not worry me because I am used to people talking and saying many things not only about the injury but about pretty much everything,” he said. “I am sorry I cannot help my team-mates now but it is an injury that heals normally and I will be back next year keen to get started.” The Argentine international said there was no chance of his leaving Barcelona despite suggestions that some clubs would be ready to write a blank cheque to sign him.

“My intention is to stay with Barcelona for good,” Messi said. “I am grateful if what they say is true and there are people interested. It makes you proud that they say such things.

But my life is with Barcelona.” Despite picking up four World Player of the Year awards, three Golden Boots, and with Barcelona a string of Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League victories, Messi said he still dreamed of winning the World Cup with Argentina. “I have had the fortune of winning all the individual and club awards. Getting the World Cup would be a dream for me, for my team-mates and for a whole country that has not won in a long time,” he said.

Argentina have big hopes, Messi said. “We aim to arrive in top form to win the World Cup, which is the dream for the whole of Argentina,” he said. Asked about Argentina’s biggest rivals, Messi said Brazil, Germany and Spain were widely seen as World Cup favorites, “and then there is always a surprise team that appears”. For the Champions League, Messi said he saw Real Madrid and Bayern Munich as Barcelona’s most serious challengers. —AFP

Barca wary of ‘FIFA virus’ ahead of Granada visit MADRID: Leaders Barcelona host Granada tomorrow (1500 GMT) hoping to avoid another dose of the “FIFA virus”, the dip in form they have often suffered in their first match back after an international break. In their two La Liga outings immediately following their players’ return from country duty this season, Barca needed a last-gasp Alexis Sanchez goal to scrape past Sevilla 3-2 in September and were held to a 0-0 draw at Osasuna last month, the only points they have dropped in 13 matches.

Their task against eighth-placed Granada has been complicated by a rash of injuries to key performers, including World Player

of the Year Lionel Messi, playmaker Xavi and goalkeeper Victor Valdes. Messi is unlikely to play again before mid-January, Xavi is a doubt for tomorrow and Valdes, who has made a host of crucial saves this season, is out for around six weeks. “I am sad that I cannot help my team mates at the moment but it’s an injury that will heal normally and I will return next year full of desire to get going again,” Messi said in an interview with Marca sports daily published on Thursday. Coach Gerardo Martino will be looking to Brazil forward Neymar to shoulder some of the burden of scoring and creating goals in Messi’s absence, while Chile forward Alexis

has been in fine form for club and country in recent weeks. Barca are three points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid, who host city rivals Getafe tomorrow (2100), after Real Madrid, a further three points back in third, play at promoted Almeria (1900).

Real’s Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo, La Liga’s top scorer with 16 goals, is on a high after his brilliant hat-trick against Sweden on Tuesday secured his country’s place at next year’s World Cup finals in Brazil. The 28-year-old is close to unstoppable on current form but Real coach Carlo Ancelotti also has injury problems to deal with, especially in defense.—Reuters

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

Heat roll past Magic 120-92 Page 45

www.kuwaittimes.net

BAGUIO: Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao (left) trains with coach Freddie Roach in Baguio, northern Philippines. —AP

Pacquiao’s boxing career on the line PAGE 44