28 Jul

03:25 03:35 05:05 11:54 15:30 18:42 20:10

8

9

43

In shift by Egypt, Morsi meets Hamas leader

Hamilton fastest; Red Bull struggle

SU B

SC R

IPT IO N

Emsak: Fajer: Shoruk: Dohr: Asr: Maghreb: Eshaa:

Onslaught looms; Troops hit Aleppo

150 Fils

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

RAMADAN 9, 1433 AH

No: 15522

UK stages a spectacular welcome for the world Historical pageant sets London Games rolling

Max 47º Min 32º

LONDON: The Olympic rings are illuminated during the Opening Ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics yesterday in London. — AP (See Page 48)

in the

news

Saudi arrests protesters

CNN Chief Walton quits

Largest ‘open toilet’

RIYADH: Saudi authorities detained a number of protesters yesterday in the restive eastern Shiite region after they set tires ablaze during an overnight rally, the kingdom’s official news agency reported. The arrests took place in the city of Qatif, where members of the Shiite minority have been clashing with police over the past year, demanding greater rights and an end to what they say is discrimination by the Sunni rulers. The SPA report didn’t say how many people were arrested but described those detained as “instigators of riots.” It cited an unidentified spokesman of the Interior Ministry. The report only said that among those detained was a wanted fugitive, identified as Mohammed AlShakhouri. The Interior Ministry spokesman said he was among the 23 most wanted men in Qatif.

WASHINGTON: CNN Worldwide President Jim Walton said yesterday he is leaving the once-dominant cable news network, which has struggled in the ratings race in recent years. Phil Kent, chief executive of Turner Broadcasting, will begin a search for a new president, the network said. He is departing on Dec 31. “CNN needs new thinking. That starts with a new leader who brings a different perspective, different experiences and a new plan,” said Walton, 54, president since 2003. CNN, founded in 1980 and now owned by Time Warner Inc , has tried to hold the middle ground in its news coverage, a position that some blame for its ratings erosion, while ratings have risen for competitors Fox News and MSNBC, which blend news with opinion and political commentary. News Corp owns Fox, while MSNBC is now owned by cable giant Comcast Corp after its purchase of NBC two years ago.

NEW DELHI: A top Indian minister has proposed projects worth $130 million project to rid India of the scourge of open defecation and clean up a rail system he described as the world’s “largest open toilet”, reports said yesterday. Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh told a meeting in New Delhi on Thursday that India, where 130 million households are without a latrine, accounted for 60 percent of the global volume of open defecation. “This is a matter of great shame, anguish, sorrow, and actually anger,” Ramesh, who is also responsible for the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, was quoted as saying by the Times of India. The minister unveiled a proposal to spend 1.5 billion rupees ($28 million) to provide 100,000 bio-toilets to villages across India in the next two years. He also proposed a 5.0 billion rupee project to replace the open-hole toilets on the 50,000 coaches that ply India’s vast railway network with bio-toilets over the next five years.

local

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

Masked thieves burgle co-operative societies Sexual harassment in hospital KUWAIT: Police disclosed that the three masked thieves who burgled two cooperative society branches in Sulaibikhat, hit Kaifan co-operative society employing a similar modus operandi. Using the same Ministry of Education SUV vehicle they had earlier stolen from its Indian driver and used in Sulaibikhat, the three suspects tied the Kaifan co-operative society’s back door to the vehicle and pulled it open to enter and steal KD 1,000 from the cashier’s cash register. They were videotaped by the security surveillance cameras. Further investigations are in progress to arrest the suspects.

Construction worker dies A construction worker was killed after he fell into a elevator shaft in an under construction building in Farwaniya. Case papers indicate that upon receiving a report about the accident, Farwaniya rescue forces rushed to the scene to learn that the man’s leg was torn away and he died. Further investigations are underway.

Arabs arrested for robbery Two Arab expatriates were arrested in connection with robbing several companies in Shuwaikh Industrial area. They allegedly broke open safes and stole content. Case papers indicate that investigations led to one of the suspects being arrested. He confessed to being guilty. He also led police to an accomplice who assisted him in all the robberies.

Sexual harassment in hospital An Asian nurse filed a complaint with police stating that the Arab doctor she assisted in a private hospital kissed her while they were alone in the examination

room. According to the nurse, the doctor took advantage of the two being alone in the room. She said that she thought that he wanted to whisper something in her ears, but he kissed her cheeks. Taken aback, the nurse dashed out of the room to report to her superiors. She then filed a case with the police.

Policeman ‘abducts’ minor girl A policeman was arrested for flirting with a 12-year-old Iranian child and persuading her to elope with him. Case papers indicate that, after viewing her photos on a social network, the policeman thought she was older than she really was and convinced her to leave her family home. He picked her up and took her to his house situated in Hawally.

Responding to the family’s report, police raided their colleague’s house and arrested them both. A case was filed.

Illicit relationship A 17-year-old citizen caught a domestic worker in a compromising position with her lover. The young man saw someone enter the premises from the back door and head towards the maid’s room. The boy immediately called his father who arrived and caught the intruder. He was handed over to the police.

Drunk arrested A man was arrested in Firdous heavily drunk. Passersby called police when they found someone lying unconscious outside a house. He was later found to intoxicated.

‘Fatal’ perfume A citizen nearly lost his life after a bottle of perfume that had high alcohol con-

tent burst, severely hurting his eyes.

Case papers indicated that a citizen who was driving in downtown Kuwait city noticed that another motorist lost control over his vehicle and appeared to have difficulty with his vision. When the car jumped a pavement, the citizen immediately opened the other vehicle’s door to find that the man was bleeding from one eye. He was rushed to hospital for treatment.

House owner-employee row A citizen reported to police that his Arab employee refused to hand over a receipt book in which information related to rent collected was recorded. The man said that he had decided to fire the suspect and upon asking him to hand over the books, he denied being in possession of them. A case was filed and further investigations are in progress.

Workplace quarrel Two female citizens and colleagues working in an office in Salwa exchanged heated words during working hours.

They both headed to the police to file complaints against each other.

KUWAIT: The Kuwait Fire Services Department (KFSD) held its annual ‘ghabqa’ on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan at Hajeri hall in Abdullah Al-Salem. Brigadier Yousuf AlAnsari Acting General Director was present, in addition to all employees.

Al-Ansari said that the administration is keen to mark such events which strengthen relations. In the end, Brigadier Al-Ansari, honored the director of Hajri hall where the event was organized. Meanwhile, Brig Yousuf Al-

KUWAIT: The Iraqi government recently announced its agreement with a settlement reached by Iraqi Minister of Transportation and Kuwait Minister of Communication on paying compensation to Kuwait Airways Corporation (KAC) this year and the next.

The Iraqi government spokesperson Ali Al-Dabbagh said that the Cabinet asked the Parliament to allocate the compensation amount in two batches as part of the 2012 and 2013 budget. A few days ago, Baghdad had authorized Minister of Transportation Hadi Al-Ameri to negotiate with Kuwait on the mechanism of paying 1990 war time reparation to KAC. Meanwhile, the UN Compensation Commission that settles damage claims from victims of Iraq’s 1990 invasion of Kuwait approved $1.3 billion for six successful claimants.

The Geneva-based UN Compensation Commission is funded by a 5 percent tax on the export of Iraqi oil, as determined by the UN Security Council in 2003. The payments were made to four individuals, a corporation and a government or international organization, none of which were identified in the UNCC’s announcement. The agency has now paid out a total of $37.7 billion for more than 1.5 million successful claims by individuals, corporations, governments and international organizations, the statement said.

The Commission was established in 1991 by the UN Security Council. It has received nearly 3 million claims, from nearly 100 governments for themselves, their nationals or their corporations. —Al-Qabas, KUNA

Expat arrested for stealing office safes

By Hanan Al-Saadoun

Iftar time ‘cursing’ A citizen reported to police that her Iraqi neighbor had barged into her apartment at iftar time and assaulted her. Case papers indicate that both neighbors’ children had arguments. The children’s fights had created a resentment between the two neighbors.

Sources added that as soon as the Maghreb prayers calls were heard, the Iraqi dashed into her neighbor’s apartment cursing and insulting her. A case was filed.

KFSD holds ghabqa

By Hanan Al-Saadoun

Iraq to pay war time reparations to KAC

Ansari paid a visit to firefighters who are undergoing treatment at Al-Babtain Hospital for burns. They suffered burn injuries while tackling fire. The injured are Khalid Al-Mutairi and Saleh Al-Hamlan. He conveyed to them the greetings of Minister Information and State Minister for Council Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Al-Abdullah. He was accompanied by Public Relations Director Colonel, Khalid Al-Amir. Al-Ansari praised the care provided by Ministry of Health to the injured and also thanked Dr Mohammed Al-Ajmi, Hospital Director.

KUWAIT: Shuwaikh detectives arrested an Arab expat who specialized in stealing safes from area companies. The expat was reportedly assisted by another suspect who works in the same company. Different reports were received regarding numerous thefts, and in particular safes being stolen from companies. Based on those reports, Shuwaikh detectives collected details and, following their investigation, arrested the suspect, who confessed to the thefts by breaking open the safes and stealing the money inside. One thief was found hidden in his car along with the tools used in the thefts, according to officials.

Opposition bloc signs ‘Ramadan’ petition KUWAIT: The petition signed at Ahmed AlSaadoun diwaniya refers to three major political issues namely, refusal to alter the number of electoral constituencies, prolonging the tenure of 2009 parliament, and making calls to boycott the upcoming elections in case the constituencies are changed. The petition was entitled ‘Ramadan petition, nation is the source of power.’ Some excerpts are given below: “We refuse to acknowledge the continuation of 2009 Parliament which was ousted

by popular determination and political leadership. We demand issuing a decree to dissolve the council.

- We refuse to take part in the current electoral system even if decrees are passed.

We do not support the 2009 Parliament or the judiciary. Any change must be made only by overhauling the democratic set up.

- We ask the Kuwaiti public to refrain from participating in the upcoming elections if the current system remains unchanged.” —Al-Aan

local SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

US to sign $4.2bn arms deal with Kuwait KUWAIT: The American Defense Department announced its intention to sign a contract with Kuwait valued at $4.2 billion to sell 60 Patriot new generation (PAC-3) rockets, 20 shelling stations, four radar installations, a supervising station and necessary training for the use of those arms, and its operations, in addition to spare parts. This agreement will strengthen Kuwait defence capabilities against Iran,

according to officials. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), which is in charge of US weapon sales to foreign countries, notified the US Congress of the intended sale on July 20, the agency said in a statement on its website.

The Congress has 30 days to voice any objection to the possible sale or the contract will be semi-finalized.

The agency justified the deal by saying that Kuwait shall use these armaments, along with the PAC-3 rockets, to improve its defence capability against missiles and be better prepared to face regional threats.

Early in April, during a forum that included US and GCC states, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expressed hopes to have multi-party cooperation in the field of defence, especially

in developing a rocket shield against Iran. The GCC states are one of the major clients of the American arms industry. The six GCC states are all major buyers of US arms.

Kuwait already has Patriot missiles. In 1992, Kuwait bought 210 of the earlier-generation Patriots, and 25 launchers. It then bought 140 more in 2007, according to the Congressional Research Service. —Al-Aan

Youth and opposition call for boycotting 2009 Parliament

NO: 15522

9

RAMADAN 9, 1433 AH

When in the Gregorian Calendar is the month of Ramadan each year?

July August It moves forward 10 days each year

KUWAIT: In response to the recent call made by Speaker of the House, Jassim Al-Kharafi to the 2009 parliamentarians and the government to attend a parliamentary session on July 31, the youth-oriented opposition bloc meeting at MP Ahmed Saadoun’s diwaniya signed a Ramadan petition.

Lawmaker Al-Saadoun said that the petition suggested by the youth, and that he, along with older politicians approved of it.

“They are the ones who have all the details about this petition,” he stressed.

Furthermore, Al-Saadoun rejected any attempt to amend the current electoral constituencies system noting that it would be akin to ‘suspending the Constitution.’ He added that the government should run the coming parliamentary elections according to the current electoral system and to review any suggested amendments made by the elected parliament prior to passing it.

MP Falah Al-Sawwagh said that the Ramadan petition would be distributed in the five electoral constituencies so that the Kuwaiti people can review it. “This petition refuses to acknowledge the 2009 Parliament, amending the constituencies, involving the judiciary in politics and taking part in the coming elections if current electoral constituencies system prevails,” he stressed, noting that the message to be conveyed by the memo is that the Kuwaiti people reject the manipulation of electoral constituencies.

Meanwhile, MP Abdullatif Al-Omairi urged the government to not attend the parliamentary session on July 31, during which it would take an oath before the Parliament. He added that the government does not need to take the oath before the Parliament unless it wants it to continue.

Al-Omairi said that the government is supposed to rectify constitutional procedures that accompanied the dissolution of 2009 Parliament. He said that holding the swearing-in ceremony means that the government intends to keep the current Assembly in power. He said that the demands of the opposition blocs are clear and that the government should not ignore them, which include the dissolution of the Parliament and holding elections according to the current electoral constituencies law.

MP Adnan Al-Mutawa called for referring the issue of the 2009 Parliament to the Constitutional Court, as some constitutional experts claim that both 2009 and 2012 Parliament are unconstitutional.

Meanwhile, MP Dr Mohammad Al-Hatlani stressed the need for dissolving 2009 Parliament and holding fresh elections according to the current constituencies system. He added that the government is glad that the 2009 Parliament has been reinstated and wants it to continue, stressing that such an approach is completely is not acceptable because it does not represent the people.

Al-Hatlani called on the government not to attend any parliamentary sessions and to dissolve the Parliament. He warned the government of any attempts to deceive the people, stressing that the 2009 Parliament is popularly and politically invalid.

MP Waleed Al-Tabtabae stressed that at a meeting held at his diwaniya, an agreement was reached on the petition. However, out of respect for Al-Saadoun’s political career and history, they preferred declaring it from there. “We hope that upon being reviewed by the people, the memo will appeal to them. We wish to pursue reform and the sovereignty of the law and the constitution. If the government wishes to fool around, it will have to listen to what the people have to say,” he warned urging the government to dissolve the 2009 parliament. Al-Tabtabae also said that the youth decided to boycott any parliamentary elections if the electoral system was changed.

On the other hand, the government seems to have already made up its mind and decided to refer the electoral constituencies system to the Constitutional Court, which means that the 2009 parliament would at least stay in power until the court passes a verdict.

LOCAL

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

Expats’ Ramadan faq Q1: How should I greet Muslims on the occasion of Ramadan? How should I reply if they greet me?

You can greet Muslims with “Ramadan Kareem” or “Ramadan Mubarak.”

If greeted first, it is sufficient (and easiest) to simply reply in the same words.

Q2: Should my public behavior change in Ramadan?

Out of respect for those who are fasting, you should not eat, drink or smoke in public. As far as dressing is concerned, consider Islam’s focus on physical abstinence, purity and God-consciousness, and adopt more modest clothing, if necessary. Conversation is another consideration; some Muslims believe that expressing anger or engaging in gossip will break their fast or render it useless.

employees and officials take leave during Ramadan, and those who show up are much less productive. Avoid starting paperwork in Ramadan if you can.

Q13: How should I greet Muslims during Eid? “Eid Mubarak!” Calls, phone messages and greeting cards are welcome, in that order of preference, for the three days of Eid or just prior to it.

Q12: How should I look at non-productivity or excessiveness?

Islam encourages productivity, cheerfulness and moderation, whether it is Ramadan or not. But no one is perfect. Remember that Ramadan is a “training period” to develop one’s self-discipline, compassion and God-consciousness. Certainly everyone is trying his best, but no one benefits from Ramadan as much as he can.

Q14: Should I fast?

Fasting at least for a few days is an interesting and meaningful experience that you might like to try, but not without careful preparations: reduce caffeine in the days before the fast, have a light but nutritious pre-dawn meal with plenty of liquids, avoid strenuous activity early in the day, and avoid fatty foods at night.

Q3: When and where can I eat during daylight hours?

You can eat at home, in your private office, and in staff rooms designated for that purpose. If you must eat in public, be discreet.

Remember, it is illegal in Kuwait to eat, drink or smoke in public during Ramadan.

Q4: What about restaurants?

Restaurants will be open about 20-30 minutes before sunset, although you should wait for the call to prayer before you begin eating.

Restaurants will stay open all night, closing just before dawn. You can also call home delivery up to one hour before sunset and until dawn.

Q5: How should I handle food gifts from neighbors or colleagues?

Never return the food, even if you don’t like it. Return the dish the gift was presented on with some home-cooked food, if possible, or at least some fruits or ready sweets. If you receive food in disposable dishes, it is not necessary to reciprocate, but recommended.

Children or maids can return or deliver dishes; the best time is just before sunset.

Q6: What should I expect if I accept an invitation to break fast?

If you wish to take a friend or roommate with you, mentioned it to your host. However, you should not ask to take a girlfriend or boyfriend, as this may make your host very uncomfortable. Sweets or a gift for the home is customary, but not necessary; don’t be disappointed if your gift is not opened, served or mentioned at all. Upon arrival, if you notice shoes by the front door, follow suit. During dinner, you may compliment the food, the host’s generosity, the home or family in general, but not a specific item in the home or a particular person.

The family may pray together or the men may go to the mosque just relax for a few minutes until they return. You should check the timing of the evening prayer (usually about 80 minutes after sunset) and leave just before that time. If your host burns incense after dinner, it may also signify that it is time to depart.

Q7: Can I invite Muslims to break fast in my house?

This would be welcomed. If you have pets, it’s best to keep them in a closed room. Your guests will want a place to pray in your home, or they may decide to pray first and then come; it is best to ask which they prefer. Offer dates to break the fast and plenty of drinks. For dinner, offer a variety of foods to satisfy everyone’s preferences. Your guest may be shy, so urge him to eat and serve him if he doesn’t help himself. Finally, remember that there is never too much food!

Q8: What will happen on the roads?

Fasting drivers are adjusting to reduced caffeine and broken sleep during the first few days of Ramadan, so be careful! Accidents are common, adding to school-time rush hours. Be extremely cautious during pre-sunset driving, as people are rushing to meet dinner appointments. There will be a 2-hour lull after sunset, but then traffic will pick up again and last through the night, especially in the days before Eid. Q9: When is the best time to shop?

Shops and malls are usually closed from 4-8 pm, but may stay open past midnight. Supermarkets are most crowded Thursday through Saturday; the best time to shop is after sunset or early morning.

During the last week of Ramadan, shops are extremely busy.

Q10: As a teacher, should I have special considerations for students?

Although some students will use fasting as an excuse for lapses in performance, it is not tolerated. Nevertheless, students will have less time for homework due to religious and social activities. They also may be less attentive in class due to less sleep and dehydration. PE teachers should avoid dehydrating students, who will be less inclined to physical activity anyway.

Q11: Will my paperwork get done?

Work in government offices is notoriously slow during Ramadan. Many

NO: 15521

8

RAMADAN 8, 1433 AH

Who is required to fast in the month of Ramadan?

Everyone Men Adults in good health

LOCAL

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

Saudi Ambassador hosts ghabqa

KUWAIT: Saudi Ambassador to Kuwait Dr Abdulaziz Al-Fayez hosted a Ramadan ghabqa. Top dignitaries and diplomats attended to welcome the holy month. — Photos by Fouad Shaikh

Zain launches new religious app for Ramadan KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecommunication company in Kuwait, announced the launch of its new free-of-charge application for smartphone users that will help customers meet their Ramadan goals.

The new service ‘Zain Alshuhor’ which provides a variety of features and new services that help meet users’ religious needs during the holy month of Ramadan will be available for all smartphones.

Zain said, “This new application will become an essential aspect in our customers’ lives during Ramadan by helping us keep track of our Ramadan goals. This is why we have chosen Zain Alshuhor to be our Ramadan gift to all Zain customers.”

With Zain Alshuhor, customers will be able to check the daily prayer timings ‘Imsakiya.’ They will be able to locate and browse all the mosques that hold Qeyam and Taraweh during the holy month of Ramadan. Customers will be able to listen

to Holy Quran recitations and ‘dua’ prayers by Shaikh Meshari Alefasi, and watch the daily Islamic videos and Ramadan-related videos provided exclusively to Zain by Shaikh Salah Alhashem. Downloading the app will be free of charge from the app store and Google play store or by visiting http://kw.zain.com/ZainAlshuhoor.

This latest application once again demonstrates Zain’s continuous commitment towards cater to customer satisfaction.

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

Obama gets ahead of Romney’s Israel visit

10

Truck plunge kills 16 in deadly Indian pilgrimage

13

Both Koreas mark 59th anniversary of war armistice

14

RAMTHA: A relative holds a body of a three year old Syrian boy Bilal El-Labloubi during his funeral in Ramtha, Jordan yesterday. The boy was shot dead by Syrian army as his parents and a dozen other refugees tried to cross a border to seek refuge in Jordan, his mother said. —AP

Syria rebels brace for Aleppo assault UN chief: Assad’s fall a matter of time ALEPPO: Syrian rebels were bracing yesterday for the “mother of all battles” in Aleppo, with European powers fearing a “slaughter” was imminent and calling for maximum pressure to prevent it. As reinforcements poured into the city in what has been said could be a potential watershed in the 16-month conflict, the former UN observer mission chief said President Bashar Al-Assad’s fall was a matter of time.

Waves of troops have been pouring into Aleppo, Syria’s largest city and strategic commercial hub, and a government security official said the offensive feared by the rebels could come as early as yesterday. “The special forces were deployed on Wednesday and Thursday on the edges of the city, and more troops have arrived to take part in a generalised counteroffensive yesterday or today,” the source said.

Fighting for control of the city is now in its ninth day. In the rebel stronghold district of Salaheddin, hundreds of rebels were bracing for the threatened counter-offensive. An AFP photographer saw improvised barriers made up of sandbags and even a bus thrown up across the street, as well as makeshift clinics set up inside schools and mosques. “We expect a major offensive at any time,” Colonel Abdel Jabbar alOkaidi, a spokesman for the rebel Free Syrian

Army, said via Skype. A rebel fighter in Aleppo, reached by telephone, said gunships had been firing on rebel areas since 6:00 am (0300 GMT).

Troops were on the outskirts but had not yet tried to enter.

Clashes also broke out in Al-Jamaliya district, adjacent to Aleppo’s historic old quarter, a watchdog said. Three people were killed in shelling of the southern district of Fardoss and one was shot dead in Maysaloon neighbourhood, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The front page of Thursday’s edition of pro-government daily Al-Watan carried the banner headline: “Aleppo, the mother of all battles.”

“Aleppo will be the last battle waged by the Syrian army to crush the terrorists and, after that, Syria will emerge from the crisis,” it said.

Assad ‘preparing fresh slaughter’- There was a chorus of international concern over Aleppo, with a number of powers expressing fears of yet another massacre In late May, at least 108 people were killed near the central town of Houla, the United Nations said. On July 12, regime forces killed more than 150 people in the central village of Treimsa, including dozens of rebels, the Observatory said. The opposition and part of the international community call it a massacre, with each side in the conflict blaming the other.

French foreign ministry spokesman Bernard Valero said that “with the build-up of heavy weapons around Aleppo, Assad is preparing to carry out a fresh slaughter of his own people.”

Noting the massing of forces, US State Department spokesman Victoria Nuland said “this is the concern that we will see a massacre in Aleppo, and that’s what the regime appears to be lining up for. “Our hearts are with the people of Aleppo. And again, this is another desperate attempt by a regime that is going down to try to maintain control, and we are greatly concerned about what they are capable of in Aleppo.”

Valero said France shared US concerns over the rapidly deteriorating situation, and called on Assad to end the violence and step down. “Our message is that Assad must go,” he said. In Geneva, UN human rights chief Navi Pillay spoke of atrocities in the regime’s ongoing battle to cleanse Damascus of rebel elements and said Aleppo was also at risk. “I have been receiving as yet unconfirmed reports of atrocities, including extra-judicial killings and shootings of civilians by snipers” in Damascus, Pillay said.

“It goes without saying that the increasing use of heavy weapons, tanks, attack helicopters and-reportedly-even jet fighters in urban areas

has already caused many civilian casualties and is putting many more at grave risk. “All this, taken along with the reported build-up of forces in and around Aleppo, bodes ill for the people of that city,” she said.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague expressed fears that “this utterly unacceptable escalation of the conflict could lead to a devastating loss of civilian life and a humanitarian disaster.” For his part, former head of the troubled UN observer mission Major General Robert Mood said Assad’s fall was a matter of time but that his exit might not end the civil war. “Sooner or later, the regime will fall,” said the general, whose mandate to lead a 300-strong mission ended last week amid a sharp spike in violence.

“But will it fall in a week or in a year? That is a question I do not dare answer.” “Many think that if Bashar Al-Assad falls or that if he is given an honourable exit... the problem will be solved.

That is an over-simplification one should be wary of,” Mood said. “The situation could even get worse.” As the fighting raged, a lawmaker from Aleppo, Ikhlas Badawi, defected, according to opposition Syrian National Council member Samir Nashhar. She is the fourth member of parliament to have defected since the uprising broke out in March last year. —AFP

INTERNATIONAL

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

Iraq ‘rebuilders’ died by hundreds: US report WASHINGTON: In the first tally of its kind, a US investigative agency says at least 719 people, nearly half of them Americans, were killed working on projects to rebuild Iraq following the US invasion in 2003. The toll represents an aspect of the Iraq war that is rarely brought to public attention, overshadowed by the much higher number killed in combat as well as the billions of taxpayer dollars squandered on reconstruction.

There is no confirmed total number of Iraq war deaths. The US military lost 4,488 in Iraq, and its allies a little more than 300. The number of Iraq deaths has not been established but is thought to exceed 100,000.

Navy Cmdr. Duane G. Wolfe was among the 719. He was not fighting the insurgency, but it was fighting him. He was among the army of lawyers, engineers, contractors and others who paid a heavy price trying to put a broken Iraq and its shattered economy back together. Their deaths were recorded among the war’s combat fatalities, but until now no one has carved out the “rebuilder” deaths as a subset of the overall casualty list.

Wolfe was killed on May 25, 2009, in a roadside bombing while returning to Baghdad after inspecting a waste water treatment plant under construction near Fallujah in Iraq’s western province of Anbar.

The $100 million project endured long delays and large cost overruns, and a US federal audit in late 2011 concluded that it probably was not worth the cost. The audit said “many” people died getting it built, but it did not say how many. The 54-year-old Wolfe, a Navy reservist, was running the Army Corps of Engineers’ office in Anbar at the time of his death. Two other US civilians - Terry Barnich, 56, of the State Department, and Maged Hussein, 43, of the Army Corps - died in the same bombing.

Wolfe’s wife, Cindi, said in a telephone interview last week that he knew the dangers of working in Iraq but made a point of not talking about security or any close calls that he might have had. “He was careful not to worry us with information like that,” she said. The actual number of people killed doing reconstruction work is probably much

Israel’s top court delays evacuation of settlement JERUSALEM: Israel’s Supreme Court yesterday delayed by at least three weeks the scheduled evacuation of an unauthorized West Bank settlement outpost that has become a symbol of settler defiance. The court said it has scheduled another hearing for the state to argue its case against the evacuation on Aug. 21, after previously ordering the Migron outpost be dismantled by Aug. 1.

The Migron outpost, about 15 kilometers north of Jerusalem, was built on privately owned Palestinian land, a practice the court outlawed decades ago. The state asked to delay the operation until the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, citing security concerns that an evacuation during this period could set off clashes between settlers and Palestinians.

Migron settlers have resisted efforts to dismantle the enclave, challenging Palestinian claims of ownership and petitioning the court to remain in their homes. Israeli police is investigating whether Migron residents used forged land deal documents as part of the effort. The government, meanwhile, has negotiated a deal with Migron’s 300 settlers to build new homes for them on a nearby hilltop. But the military is concerned that some residents will still resist removal, and zealots from other settlements could also clash with soldiers. —AP

Dubai police chief accuses Brotherhood of plots: Report DUBAI: Dubai police have stepped up accusations against the Muslim Brotherhood of plotting to topple Gulf monarchies, saying a group of UAE activists arrested for threatening state security was linked to the organization, a report said yesterday. The Brotherhood, which is the emerging force in the Arab world after the Arab Spring uprisings, “met people from the Gulf and discussed toppling Gulf regimes,” Dubai police chief Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan was quoted as saying by the Emarat al-Youm daily.

Khalfan warned that the Muslim Brotherhood “would lose a lot if they challenge Gulf states,” and that the oil-rich region is a “red line.” “The Gulf is not a red line for Iran only. It is also for the Muslim Brothers,” he was quoted as telling a forum in Dubai, referring to traditional tension between Sunni monarchies and Shiite foe Iran. Khalfan has repeatedly accused the Muslim Brotherhood, which is the most influential Islamist group in the Arab world, of plotting to take over the Gulf states. —AFP

higher than 719 but cannot be reliably determined, the Office of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction said in releasing its estimate yesterday. The US government has no central database for this category of war casualties, and even within the US military, the records on hundreds of troop deaths are too imprecise to categorize, the report said.

“We know our number is understated,” Glenn D. Furbish, the deputy inspector general for Iraq reconstruction, said in an interview. Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican, called the report a “reminder that attempting to build roads, schools and other infrastructure in the middle of a war zone not only carries with it an increased frequency of fraud and waste, but also a devastating price in human life.” The 719 include US government civilians, private contractors, military members, Iraqi civilian workers and third-country nationals. They were trainers, inspectors, auditors, advisers, interpreters and others whose mission was directly tied to the largely ad hoc reconstruction effort that began

early in the war. They helped restore Iraq’s dilapidated electrical grid, improve its oil infrastructure, develop a justice system, modernize a banking system, set up town councils and reopen hospitals, training centers and schools.

They also helped recruit and train Iraqi police, and they advised the Iraqi army.

These trainers and advisers, mostly US military members,- were considered part of the reconstruction effort if their mission was development of the Iraqi security forces, which had been disbanded by the US occupation authorities in May 2003. None of the 719 was named in the report, but some of the Americans have been recognized publicly by the government.

Among US adviser casualties was Master Sgt. Anthony Davis, 43, who was shot to death Nov. 25, 2008, by an Iraqi soldier while delivering relief supplies. The shooter was in the battalion that Davis was advising as part of a military transition team. Davis’s team also assessed schools’ needs and planned renovations and organized deliveries. —AP

In shift by Egypt, prez meets Hamas leader Mursi, Haniyeh share Ramadan meal CAIRO/GAZA: Gaza Islamist leader Ismail Haniyeh met Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi on Thursday in an official visit that signalled a big shift in Cairo’s stance toward the Hamas movement after the election of a Muslim Brotherhood head of state in Egypt.

A Palestinian official said the head of Egyptian intelligence had promised measures to increase the flow of fuel supplied by Qatar to Gaza via Egypt and needed to ease the small Palestinian territory’s power shortages. The sides had also discussed increasing the flow of Palestinians across the border.

But there was no immediate sign that Cairo was ready to open up its border with Gaza to the extent sought by Hamas, something analysts partly attributed to the influence still wielded by the Hosni Mubarak-era security establishment. “Mursi’s heart is with Hamas but his mind is elsewhere,” said Hany Al-Masri, a Palestinian political commentator. “He will give them as much as he can but he won’t be able to give them much because his powers are restricted,” he said.

Mursi’s victory was celebrated in Gaza as a turning point for a territory whose economy has been choked by a blockade imposed by Israel and in which Egypt took part by stopping everything but a trickle of people from crossing the border.

But as head of state, Mursi must balance support for Gaza with the need to respect international commitments, including Egypt’s peace treaty with Israel. “He will be very cautious,” said Mustapha Kamel AlSayyid, an Egyptian analyst. “The intelligence and the military will have their say on this.”

In a statement, Hamas said Mursi had “promised to take measures that would ease the lives of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip”.

Mursi’s spokesman said the meeting had touched on subjects including “lifting the siege and the suffering of the people in Gaza” and reconciliation with Hamas’s archrival the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority, led by Mahmoud Abbas.

CAIRO: In this photograph released by Hamas, Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi, right, meets the Hamas Prime Minister of Gaza, Ismail Haniyeh in Cairo, Egypt, Thursday.—AP Sworn in on June 30, Mursi is trying to stamp his authority on an Egyptian state still influenced to a large degree by a council of military generals led by Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, Mubarak’s defence minister for two decades.

Mubarak had regarded Gaza’s Islamist rulers with suspicion bordering on outright hostility reflecting his enmity towards the Brotherhood, the ideological parent of Hamas that was outlawed for decades in Egypt until last year’s uprising. Mubarak never recognized the Hamas administration which has governed Gaza since 2007, when its forces defeated Abbas’ Palestinian Authority. Earlier this month, Mursi received both Abbas and Khaled Meshaal, the Hamas leader in exile.

On Thursday, Haniyeh and Mursi shared a

Ramadan iftar - the meal with which Muslims break their fast during the holy Islamic fasting month. Earlier, Haniyeh had met chief of intelligence Murad Muwafi, reflecting the role still played by the Egyptian security establishment in managing Palestinian affairs. The Egyptians said the quantity of fuel supplied via Egypt to Gaza would be more than doubled next week, a Palestinian official familiar with the talks told Reuters.

The fuel supplied by Qatar goes from Egypt into Israel, from where it passes through a crossing into Gaza in accordance with the existing arrangements on how goods pass into the territory that was captured by Israel from Egypt in a 1967 war.

Israel withdrew settlers and soldiers from Gaza in 2005. —Reuters

INTERNATIONAL

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

White House makes it clear: No push for new gun laws WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama will not push for stricter gun laws this election year, the White House said Thursday, one day after his impassioned remarks about the need to keep assault weapons off the streets suggested he may plunge into that political fight and challenge Congress to act. Instead, Obama’s stand on the government’s role ended up right where it was after the mass shooting in Colorado last week: Enforce existing law better.

That is same view held by his Republican opponent, Mitt Romney, as both reach for broader and more politically appealing ways to keep guns away from killers. Obama still wants Congress to reinstitute a federal ban on military-style assault weapons that lapsed years ago, his spokesman Jay Carney said. But the president is not and has not been pushing for that ban, a nod to the politics of gun control.

There is no interest among many lawmakers of both parties to take on the divisive matter. Especially not with an election in just over 100 days. Sealing the matter, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Thursday the Senate’s schedule is too packed to even have a debate on gun control. Asked if the Senate might debate the issue next year, Reid said, “Nice try.” Public opinion has shifted away from tighter gun control.

Twenty years ago, polls showed that a substantial majority supported stricter limits on guns. Now Americans appear evenly divided. Nearly every statement on the matter from Romney and Obama includes reminders that they stand by the Second Amendment.

From the White House, Carney said: “There are things that we can do short of legislation and short of gun laws.” The lack of legislation reflects that reality, too: Police say laws and background checks are often futile in keeping someone with horrifying intent from executing a massacre. Authorities say the suspect in the Aurora, Colo., shootings broke no laws when he purchased the guns he is accused of using, and he passed the required background checks.

Obama and his team “gain nothing politically, and they just don’t have the horsepower to pass anything,” said William Vizzard, professor emeritus of criminal justice at California State University, Sacramento, and an author on gun control politics. “And then the problem is trying to craft a law that would really do something.” Yet at least one prominent gun control group sought Thursday to pressure Obama and Romney to offer voters concrete plans. The group’s president, Dan Gross, said words alone were not enough in a nation in which 32 people are killed by guns each day. He specifically challenged Obama to move beyond the rhetoric.

“The president said very similar things in his last campaign,” said Gross, head of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. “A speech is not a plan. An endorsement of a measure is not a solution.” It was Obama who stirred the issue in speaking Wednesday night to the National Urban League, a civil rights organization whose mission is to help black Americans secure economic opportunity and power. In his most extensive remarks on guns since the Colorado shooting left 12 dead and dozens wounded, Obama said steps to reduce violence have been opposed by Congress and “we should leave no stone unturned” in the national imperative of keeping young people safe.

And he got specific on assault-style weapons. “A lot of gun owners would agree that AK-47s belong in the hands of soldiers, not in the hands of criminals - that they belong on the battlefield of war, not on the streets of our cities,” he said. Obama’s message was comprehensive, but he ultimately did not promise anything specific. He spoke of community policing strategies and mental health centers, or programs that steer people away into safe activities instead of gang violence, of ensuring that parents and teachers step in to fill a hole in a child’s heart “that government alone cannot fill.” — AP

Obama gets ahead of Romney’s Israel visit Prez to sign legislation expanding military cooperation WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama is reaffirming US ties with Israel, upstaging Mitt Romney one day before the Republican challenger visits Jerusalem. The White House says Obama will sign legislation that expands military and civilian cooperation with Israel. The bill passed by voice vote in the House last week. The bill reiterates US support for a negotiated two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Romney is a critic of Obama’s policy toward Israel. He will arrive in Jerusalem today as part of an overseas trip that includes Britain and Poland. Romney on Thursday caused a stir by calling London’s problems with Olympics preparation “disconcerting.” White House spokesman Jay Carney said Obama “has the utmost confidence” in Britain’s ability to host the games. Obama planned to continue competing with Romney for attention during yesterday’s opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games, which Romney was scheduled to attend while in London.

The Obama campaign was airing an ad for American audiences during the opening ceremonies featuring Obama promoting his middle-class political pitch.”I believe that the way you grow the economy is from the middle out,” Obama says in the ad, echoing a standard campaign refrain. “I believe in fighting for the middle class because if they are prospering, all of us will prosper.” With the ad, Obama guarantees himself a presence during opening ceremonies despite the free media Romney might get by being there in person. —AP

WASHINGTON: In this March 5, 2012 file photo, President Barack Obama meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office of the White House. Washington’s political praise has reached a crescendo ahead of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s anticipated visit this weekend with Netanyahu in Israel. —AP

Colorado shooting: Police pleaded for ambulances DENVER : As the horror unfolded for police first on the scene of the Colorado theater massacre, the officers repeatedly sent out urgent pleas for more ambulances even as a two-man crew and their rig were idling just a few miles away. Radio traffic from last Friday’s shooting in Aurora, Colo., showed emergency personnel struggling to grasp both the scope of the tragedy and mobilize a response.

While some ambulances were quickly called to duty, it took dispatchers more than 20 minutes into the crisis to ask the Cunningham Fire Protection District and other nearby agencies to provide aid at the multiplex in subur-

ban Denver. By the time the Cunningham crew arrived, it was more than a half hour after authorities got first word that a gunman opened fire at a packed midnight showing of the new Batman film “The Dark Knight Rises,” killing 12 people and injuring dozens of others.

The ambulance delays came during crucial minutes for the injured victims, though it’s not clear whether a faster response would have saved more lives.

Officials have declined so far to release call records of the response, and the Aurora Fire Department declined to discuss the handling of ambulances from that night. Experienced emer-

COLORADO: An Aurora police officer removes the crime scene tapes from around the apartment where accused killer James Homes lived—AP

gency responders say no response will ever be perfect. Residents in the Denver area are well aware of the turmoil that comes with mass tragedies, as police were criticized in 1999 for waiting outside Columbine High School instead of immediately pursuing two gunmen who went on a killing rampage inside.

“You always find things that you can improve the next time,” said Robert Finn, a retired police and fire chief from the Dallas area who added that officials will usually conduct a post-incident analysis after big tragedies. On the police radio transmissions, officers said they lacked sufficient medical support for about 30 minutes after the 911 calls came flooding in around 12:39 a.m. and that medical teams didn’t report getting inside the theater for about 24 minutes. It wasn’t clear whether police efforts to secure the multiplex contributed to the delay in getting medical teams inside.

Dispatchers began their response by quickly sending one ambulance to the scene, followed by another about three and a half minutes into the response. A third ambulance soon followed. Over the next several minutes, first responders reported on the extent of the casualties, calling in the numbers of wounded in their areas: One said three were shot in one location.

Another said someone was shot twice in the back. A third asked that rescue personnel go into the theater to help “multiple victims.” — AP

INTERNATIONAL

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

Venezuela to pull out of OAS human rights bodies CARACAS: Venezuela will soon notify the Organization of American States that it is pulling out of a regional human rights convention as well as two bodies that hear rights cases, the country’s top diplomat said Thursday. Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro told The Associated Press that President Hugo Chavez’s government will give OAS SecretaryGeneral Jose Miguel Insulza a document formalizing the decision in “the coming hours.”

He said that will begin a required one-year waiting period, after which Venezuela will no longer be a party to the American Convention on Human Rights. Venezuela also says it is withdrawing from both the Costa Rica-based Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the Washington-

based Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. “The damage that this commission and this court have done is so great that there’s no possibility of being reformed,” Maduro said. He said the government document would lay out “all the decisions that this commission and this court have made against Venezuela in 10 years.”

Speaking during a re-election campaign rally for the leftist president, Maduro denied that withdrawing from the rights convention would involve leaving the OAS itself.

Chavez announced his decision to pull out of the rights court on Tuesday after it sided with a Venezuelan, Raul Diaz, who was accused of participating in 2003 bombings of the Spanish Embassy

and Colombian consulate in Caracas.

Four people were injured in those attacks.

Diaz was sentenced to more than nine years in prison, but in 2010 he fled the country after a court allowed him out for work during certain hours. He sought asylum in the United States.

Diaz has long maintained he had no role in the attacks and has accused Venezuelan authorities of violating his rights in the case. The rights court ruled in Diaz’s favor last week, saying Venezuela was responsible for violating his rights and for inhumane and degrading treatment during his imprisonment.

Chavez accused the court of “supporting terrorism” in siding with Diaz. In Washington, US State

Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland told reporters on Wednesday that if Venezuela withdraws from the rights court “would be sending a deeply regrettable message about its commitment to human rights and democracy.”

“The Inter-American Court of Human Rights is a highly respected, independent and autonomous body of the OAS, and we would hate to see Venezuela walk away from it, particularly in light of those people inside Venezuela fighting for their democratic rights,” she said.

Venezuelan human rights groups have warned that if Chavez’s government withdraws from such bodies, victims of rights abuses would have fewer venues in which to make their cases. — AP

Romney resume from 2002 in focus amid Olympic rift Candidate’s remarks spark sharp responses from top officials

NEW JERSEY: This July 25, 2012 photo shows the company’s owner, Joseph Perazzo, working on a lawn in Irvington, NJ. —AP

Turf painting spreads as drought ravages lawns INDIANAPOLIS: When this summer’s drought turned her prized lawn brown, Terri LoPrimo fought back, but not with sprinklers: She had it painted green, making her suddenly lush-appearing yard the envy of her neighborhood.

The Staten Island, N.Y., resident and her husband, Ronnie, hired a local entrepreneur to spruce up their yard by spraying it with a deep-green organic dye. By Monday, the couple’s property was aglow with newly green blades of grass and no watering needed to sustain it.

“It looks just like a spring lawn, the way it looks after a rain. It’s really gorgeous,” said LoPrimo, a 62-year-old retiree. With two-thirds of the nation covered by a drought that stretches from coast to coast, residents and businesses in normally well-watered areas are catching on to the lawn-painting practice employed for years in the West and Southwest to give luster to faded turf.

LoPrimo paid $125 to green up her roughly 830-squarefoot lawn. She said it was worth every penny to keep her home of 33 years graced by an attractive yard. Neighbors and friends have complimented the LoPrimos on their lawn’s appearance, and she said one envious friend asked for the number of their contractor, Joe Perazzo.

Perazzo, who teaches physical education at Brooklyn’s High School of Sports Management, began painting lawns during his summer break three years ago. His Staten Island company, Grass Is Greener Lawn Painting, has touched up close to 20 lawns this summer, making it his best year to date. “I’m booked solid for next week. If you look around, most of the lawns need some TLC,” Perazzo said. He charges 15 cents per square foot to spray on a non-toxic, environmentally friendly turf dye that he said is commonly used on golf courses and athletic fields to give them a lusher appearance. Perazzo said the dyed lawns will hold their verdant look for a few months, in some cases up to five months. — AP

LONDON : On a trip already marked by misstep, Mitt Romney has an Olympic history that could prove problematic: His stewardship of the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City was not without controversy. Romney and his wife, Ann, are set to attend the opening ceremony at the Summer Games yesterday, an event that punctuates the first leg of a three-nation tour that will take him to Israel and Poland. It’s the first international swing for the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, who has crafted an itinerary designed to showcase his diplomatic skills and political strengths.

The Olympic appearance carries special significance for Romney. His political career was born out of his leading role at the Salt Lake City Games, which were plagued by scandal before he was tapped to take over.

“I can’t resist the pull of the beginning of the Olympics here,” Romney told reporters Thursday. “My experience as an Olympic organizer is that there are always a few very small things that end up not going quite right in the first day or so - these get ironed out and then when the games themselves begin and the athletes take over, all the mistakes of the organizing committee - and I made a few - all of those are overwhelmed by the many things that the athletes carry out and by the spirit of the games.”

Romney’s comments were aimed at downplaying his earlier suggestion that British officials might not be prepared to pull off a successful Olympics. In an interview with NBC News, he called London’s problems with games preparation “disconcerting,” and the remark sparked sharp responses from Britain’s top officials.

Prime Minister David Cameron said Romney and other doubters would “see beyond doubt that Britain can deliver.” London Mayor Boris Johnson

told tens of thousands gathered in Hyde Park: “There’s a guy called Mitt Romney who wants to know if we are ready.

Are we ready? Yes, we are!” Amid the uproar, Romney met privately with Cameron, afterward concluding, “I expect the games to be highly successful.” Yesterday, the former Massachusetts governor said “it looks to me like London is ready,” although he observed in an NBC interview that “it is hard to put on the Games in a major metropolitan area.” Asked about the stir his earlier remarks caused, he replied, “I’m absolutely convinced that the people here are ready for the Games, and in just a few moments, all the things the politicians say will be swept away” by excitement over the competition.

The negative attention distracted from Romney’s push to highlight the U.S.-British bond and bolster his foreign policy credentials as he auditions for the world’s most powerful elected office. The Olympic focus also brought

fresh attention to his actions in Utah a decade ago. “The country is in need of a turnaround. The Olympics was a turnaround,” Romney told CNN in an interview broadcast as London slept early yesterday morning. “The attacks that come by people who are trying to knock down my business career, or my Olympic experience, or our success, those attacks are not going to be successful.”

Such attacks have been plentiful in recent months. Democrats and even some Republicans have criticized Romney for taking credit for the 2002 games’ success while relying on federal funding to help cover costs as the Salt Lake Olympics sought to recover from financial mismanagement and corruption. “One of the things he talks about most is how he heroically showed up on the scene and bailed out and resolved the problems of the Salt Lake City Olympic Games,” Rick Santorum, now a Romney supporter, said in February when he opposed Romney for the GOP nomination. — AP

LONDON: Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov Mitt Romney walks out of 10 Downing Street after meeting with British Prime Minister David Cameron. —AP

INTERNATIONAL

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

Russia plans to prosecute Putin critic MOSCOW: Russia is planning early next week to charge Alexei Navalny, an anti-corruption crusader and a leader of the opposition, in a probe over losses at a state-owned firm, his lawyer said yesterday. The probe represents one of the most serious legal challenges yet for Navalny, 36, a charismatic lawyer who has twice spent short stints in jail for his role in protests against President Vladimir Putin.

“Alexei has been ordered to appear Monday at the Investigative Committee (in Moscow) to face charges over the so-called KirovLes case,” defence lawyer Vadim Kobzev said. Kobzev said he did not know whether Navalny would be arrested but added he could face between two and five years in prison under the charges of causing damage to assets.

Investigators earlier this month re-opened a two-year-old probe against Navalny after Russia’s top investigator Alexander Bastrykin dressed down his subordinates in the Kirov region for closing it earlier

this year. “You had a criminal probe against this person and you closed it on the sly,” government newspaper Rossiiskaya Gazeta quoted Bastrykin as saying earlier this month. “There won’t be mercy for such things.”

According to investigators, forestry firm KirovLes company sustained losses of over 1 million rubles ($30,900) between April and August 2009 due to the actions of Navalny who at the time was an adviser to the Kirov region’s governor.

Navalny has denied the charges. A spokeswoman for the Investigative Committee declined to comment yesterday.

Known for his rousing rhetoric and knack for catchphrases, Navalny has emerged as the star of the protest movement against Putin’s decade-long rule and one of its biggest hopes as a serious challenge to the Russian strongman.

Over the past months he tirelessly encouraged Russians to fight for their rights and published a number of reports exposing corruption

in the government and state companies.

In April, Time magazine named him among the world’s 100 most influential people. On Thursday, Navalny in an apparent counterattack on Bastrykin, published doc-

uments alleging that Bastrykin had until 2009 a long-term residence permit in the Czech Republic as well as undeclared business interests. In a huge irony, he sent a formal request to the Investigative Committee, which is often called

MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin listens to Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang during their meeting in Moscow yesterday. —AFP

Sudanese struggle to ignite own uprising ‘We have more reasons for an uprising’ CAIRO: “I think my country Sudan has really hit rock bottom.” Those were the last public words uttered by Usamah Mohamad, a 32-year-old Sudanese web developer-turned-citizen journalist, in a video announcing he would join protests against President Omar Al-Bashir.

Mohamad, popular under his Twitter handle “simsimt,” was arrested the same day his video was aired. For the next month, his family had no idea where he was. Finally they learned he was in Khartoum’s high security prison and were allowed to visit him last week.

He was skinnier and darker, a sign he had been left to bake in the scorching Khartoum sun, people close to his case say. The family itself is saying nothing. Mohamad and hundreds of others - no less than 2,000, activists say - have been detained the past month in a campaign unleashed by the Sudanese government. The crackdown aims to crush a new

attempt to launch a protest movement calling for the ouster of al-Bashir, inspired by the Middle East’s uprisings that toppled the leaders of Sudan’s neighbors Egypt and Libya as well as Tunisia and Yemen.

Anti-government activists see al-Bashir’s 23-year-old regime as the ripest in the region to fall. He has been weakened by the loss of oil-rich South Sudan, which became independent last year after two decades of Africa’s bloodiest civil war. His regime has had to impose painful economic austerity measures to make up for the loss of revenues from the south’s oil, sending inflation up to nearly 40 percent this month. The years-old rebellion in the western Darfur region continues to bleed the country. Al-Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes in that region. “We have more reasons than any other Arab country for an uprising,”

GEREIDA: A handout picture released by the United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) yesterday shows UNAMID peacekeeper Sergeant Kindu Tarekegn of Ethiopia escorting a family returning home after a day of farming and collecting wood outside Gereida, South Darfur. —AFP

said Siddique Tawer, of an opposition umbrella group. “No other country was split. Sudan was.

No other country has a civil war ongoing in Darfur and (fighting along the border with the South).” “These are enough reasons to topple a regime, aside from the corruption, oppression and the rising cost of living,” he said. “The continuation of this regime is dangerous for the rest of the Sudan.”

But those troubles could also prolong the life of Al-Bashir’s regime. Al-Bashir has showed a survivor’s talent for using external threats to keep key parts of the public behind him. He is backed by a brutal security machine and a network of interests built on Islamist ideology, economic ties and tribal politics.

At an inauguration of a factory in central Sudan on July 11, Al-Bashir ridiculed prospects for an uprising. “They talk of an Arab Spring. Let me tell them that in Sudan we have a hot summer, a burning hot summer that burns its enemies,” Al-Bashir said, waving his cane threateningly. So far, his prediction has borne true.

Some activists fled the country, others are lying low amid the crackdown after protests by thousands raged for more than a week in June, the biggest since the Arab Spring began in late 2010. Under censorship, newspapers are not reporting on the protests.

Under a blanket of fear instilled by security agencies, several activists spoke to The Associated Press on condition anonymity to avoid detention or refused to talk at all. “I think a popular uprising to topple the regime is not an attractive option to the Sudanese right now,” said Hassan Haj Ali, a Khartoum University political science professor. Many are wary of new turmoil after the long civil war and are bracing for a worsening economy.

Sudanese also remember how unrest against Al-Bashir’s predecessors led to military coups, bringing Sudanese “back to square one,” he said. —AP

the Russian equivalent of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, to probe its boss. Similar requests have been sent to Putin and the FSB security service.

Bastrykin is a close ally of Putin and has managed to hold on to his job despite a number of high-profile scandals. Last month, the country’s top opposition newspaper Novaya Gazeta said Bastrykin had personally taken its deputy editor to a forest and threatened his life. The top investigator initially denied all the claims but then offered a public apology. Opposition activists and rights campaigners accuse the Kremlin of a ruthless crackdown on the motley opposition movement since Putin’s return for a historic third term in May. In less than three months after Putin started his new term, the Kremlin-controlled parliament has rushed through a string of laws that raise fines for protesters and force internationally-funded non-governmental organizations to carry a “foreign agent” tag. —AFP

News

in brief

Palestinian official visits Auschwitz memorial WARSAW: An adviser to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is visiting memorial at the German Nazi death camp of Auschwitz to pay respect to some 1.5 million camp victims, mostly Jews. Ziad Al-Bandak, who advises Abbas on Christian affairs, is visiting prisoner blocs, gas chambers and a crematorium in the Auschwitz-Birkenau complex that the Germans built and operated in southern Poland during their World War II occupation of the country. Some 1.5 million people, mostly Jews, were killed in the camp from 1940-45.

Al-Bandak, a Christian, came on an invitation from a private Polish foundation promoting tolerance. In 2007, the Palestinian and the Israeli ambassadors to Poland made a joint visit to the memorial.

Austrian religious reps fear circumcision backlash VIENNA: Senior Christian, Jewish and Muslim representatives are demanding that Austria formally declare its backing for circumcisions of male infants on religious grounds.

Their call yesterday comes after two provincial governors spoke out against such procedures based on a German court ruling that it could amount to criminal bodily harm.

Last month’s verdict by a German regional court did not ban male circumcision of Muslim or Jewish infants. But it led the German Medical Association to recommend that no unnecessary circumcisions be performed until the legal situation is clarified. That is prompting calls for restrictions in Austria, which does not forbid the practice. Vorarlberg Governor Marcus Wallner has told hospitals to suspend circumcisions except for health reasons while Carinthia Governor Gerhard Doerfler has called for a nation-wide prohibition by law.

Traffic opens between Poland, Kaliningrad WARSAW: Officials say Poland and Russia are allowing some visa-free travel between Poland and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. Residents of Kaliningrad and northeastern parts of Poland as of yesterday do not need a passport or visa, although they will be required to have a special permit to cross. The move is intended to boost economic and social ties between the regions. Residents of the major Polish cities of Gdansk, Gdynia, Elblag and Olsztyn are included in the program. Permits will cost $24 for those who have lived for at least three years on either side of the border.

INTERNATIONAL

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

Truck plunge kills 16 in deadly Indian pilgrimage Pilgrimage toll for this year reaches 128

NEW DELHI: India’s most prominent anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare, right, greets Indian Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev before he leaves a rally at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, India yesterday. Three supporters of Hazare began an indefinite fast from Wednesday to pressure the government into passing a strong law against corruption. —AP

Live conversion on Pakistan TV stirs anger KARACHI: A Pakistani Hindu’s conversion to Islam live on television during a prime-time Ramadan chat show has sparked criticism on behalf of religious minorities in the overwhelmingly Muslim country. In just five minutes, the 20-year-old introduced as Sunil officially changed his religion under a cleric’s guidance. A packed studio audience congratulated him and shouted out suggestions for his new Muslim name before he was renamed Mohammad Abdullah-the consensus choice.

Abdullah insisted yesterday that he had been a willing convert. “I have accepted Islam by my own will and my family has no objection,” he said by telephone from the Ansar Burney Welfare Trust, where a staff member said he has worked as their office boy for the last six years. But Pakistan has been criticized by rights groups for showing an increased lack of tolerance towards religious minorities, who complain of discrimination, and critics blasted the show, broadcast by private channel ARY on Wednesday.

“The joy with which the conversion was greeted and the congratulations that followed sent a clear signal that other religions don’t enjoy the same status in Pakistan as Islam does,” wrote Dawn, Pakistan’s oldest newspaper, yesterday. “In a country where minorities are already treated as second-class citizens in many ways, this served to marginalize them even further,” it said.

It was a second recent controversy for chat show host Maya Khan, who was this year sacked by a rival channel after chasing couples in a public park, accusing them of behaving immorally. Ramesh Kumar, a leader of the Pakistan Hindu Council, said that Wednesday’s programme would encourage intolerance. “We are already intimidated against. The government gives little heed to the kidnapping of Hindus and forced faith conversion of our girls. Please don’t do things that make us more alienated,” he said. Talat Hussain, who hosts a political show on private television channel DawnNews, also warned against turning religion into mass entertainment.

“Think about how Muslims would feel when Buddhists in Burma show similarly a Muslim being converted in a live TV show,” he told AFP. According to Pakistan government figures, Hindus make up 2.5 percent of the nuclear-armed country’s population of around 180 million. —AFP

JAMMU: A truck bringing Hindu pilgrims from a Himalayan shrine veered off a mountain road and plunged into a gorge in northern India, killing 16 men and bringing the overall toll in this year’s pilgrimage to 128, officials said yesterday. Sixteen other passengers returning from the Amarnath Shrine were injured in the accident late Thursday in India’s Jammu and Kashmir state, said police superintendent Israr Khan. Local villagers and police climbed into the gorge to rescue the injured and take them to nearby hospitals, he said.

The arduous trek to the Amarnath Shrine typically claims more than a hundred lives every year, with some pilgrims dying after failing to acclimatize themselves to the high altitude and others killed in road accidents on steep, winding roads. The victims of Thursday’s accident had visited the shrine and then done charity work at a kitchen supplying food for pilgrims.

More than half a million devotees make the annual pilgrimage to the shrine, an icy stalagmite in a mountain cave 4,115 meters above sea level. It is accessible only for about five weeks in high summer. Pilgrims make the trek on foot or on horseback, or are carried

up the steep path by porters. Around 106 people died during the trek last year, the Amarnath Shrine organizers said in a report last week. This year, at least 128 pilgrims have died since the shrine opened on June 25.

Last week, India’s Supreme Court ordered a committee to investigate

why so many people die during the annual pilgrimage and suggest ways to mitigate the hazards.

Hindus worship the stalagmite as an incarnation of the Lord Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction and regeneration. —AP

JAMMU: Police officers inspect the wreckage of a truck after it veered off a mountain road and plunged into a gorge about 65 kilometers from Jammu, India yesterday. —AP

Using songs and shame to restore India’s gender balance NAWANSHAHR: The no-frills maternity ward in Nawanshahr district public hospital offers a rare sight in India: parents cooing over newborn girlslots of them. In 2004, Nawanshahr in the northern state of Punjab was notorious for its abysmal sex ratio, recording just 795 female births for every 1,000 male births annually. The last eight years have witnessed a radical turnaround with Nawanshahr recording 949 female births for every 1,000 male births in 2011, just shy of the naturally occurring rate of 952:1,000.

The striking success in restoring the gender balance has been built on a twin-pronged strategy of strict-and, some critics argue, intrusive-monitoring of pregnancies and a colourful, grassroots awareness-raising campaign. As a first step in 2005, the district’s top civil servant, Krishan Kumar, pushed a crackdown on pre-natal sex determination tests which are illegal in India but widely available given the prevalence of ultrasound technology.

In two years, nearly two-thirds of all ultrasound scan centres in Nawanshahr were shut down or forced to suspend operations for violating the law. In three instances, officials ran sting operations in which doctors were filmed on hidden camera offering sex-selection procedures to pregnant women posing as

patients. The cases are currently under trial. Traditionally, married women in India have faced huge pressure to produce male heirs who are seen as breadwinners, family leaders and carers when parents age.

The development of cheap, mobile, ultrasound equipment-now available in even remote villages-saw this gender bias manifest itself in a surge in the abortion of female foetuses, or “female foeticide.” Alarming census figures released last year showed new-born girls had never been so outnumbered by boys in India since independence in 1947. As well as targetting illicit ultrasound testing, officials in Nawanshahr also employ pressure tactics against expectant parents, creating a computerized database to keep track of pregnancies.

Health workers go door-to-door recording new pregnancies and return around the scheduled date of delivery to check on the outcome. If the family refuses to answer questions or says the woman miscarried, officials make enquiries locally to establish if the foetus was aborted because it was female.

Jaspal Singh Gidda, who heads the Upkar Coordination Society, a local NGO which works with the district administration, said the aim was to publicly shame couples who opt for abortions on gender grounds.

Twice, when officials uncovered evi-

dence of sex-selective abortions, Gidda and other Upkar volunteers held a daylong ceremony outside the family’s home to mourn the lost foetus. “We help generate community pressure against female foeticide by doing all this,” Gidda said.

Unethical tactics? Nawanshahr’s success has brought it national attention, but some activists are unsure that the means justify the end. Prominent Indian anti-sex selection campaigner Sabu George sees an uncomfortable level of coercion that amounts to “a gross violation of privacy.” “The administration has good intentions but their tactics are totally unethical, totally wrong,” George told AFP. “They have heaped tremendous pressure on women, who already face terrible pressure from their families,” he said.

But doctors like Usha Kiran, who works in the maternity ward of the district hospital, argue that firm intervention is the only way forward. “Unless the government steps in people won’t change.

Otherwise those who wanted sons would have just continued to get scans done and practise sex selection,” Kiran said, as she checked on her new mothers and infants. “Earlier people used to come here and say, ‘we want a son’.

“No one has come to me recently and said they want a son. These days I deliver as many female as male babies,” she said. — AFP

INTERNATIONAL

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

Thai king updates motorcade guidelines to ease traffic BANGKOK: Bangkok’s legendary traffic jams may be getting a bit lighter. Or at least less of a joke. A handbook distributed to police and other authorities yesterday updates the guidelines for motorcades and other public appearances by Thailand’s royal family. It overturns practices that quietly irritated the public in a country where open criticism of the royal family is illegal, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

The palace hopes the changes will end a long-running joke about notorious traffic congestion in the capital of more than 12 million people. “Every

time there’s a traffic jam, everyone wonders if there’s a royal motorcade passing by,” palace official Chantanee Thanarak told a police training session at national police headquarters in Bangkok. “The royal family never meant to bother the public.”

About a dozen members of Thailand’s extended royal family travel by motorcade, including 84-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the queen, their children and grandchildren. The palace said Bhumibol initiated the changes himself, though he has rarely traveled outside the hospital where he

has stayed more than two years.

Until now, police halted traffic in both directions and for many blocks far in advance of a royal motorcade.

Traffic was also halted on highway overpasses, for security but also to observe protocol that no head should be higher than a royal’s. The measures snarl traffic, require extensive police presence and have been quietly criticized as excessive.

The new guidelines permit traffic on overpasses and oncoming traffic on the road opposite a royal motorcade.

The stoppages will be briefer and few-

er police will be used for royal road closures.

Another new rule: Shopping malls do not have to turn away shoppers if a royal family member appears. “But be careful not to let people get close to royal family members,” the manual says.

The new procedures take effect now, and police are being trained on them. The 48-page handbook has photographs of how to close roads and manage crowds and includes palace phone numbers that authorities can call if questions arise. —AP

China appoints officers to South China Sea garrison Japan could dispatch military to islands

PYONGYANG: North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency yesterday shows North Korean people visiting the Mansudae where statues of former leader Kim Jong Il (R) and his father Kim Il Sung stand, in Pyongyang to celebrate the 59th anniversary of the victory of the Korean War. —AFP

Both Koreas mark 59th anniversary of war armistice PANMUNJOM: Elderly North Korean veterans pledged loyalty to their 20-something leader in Pyongyang during Korean War armistice commemorations yesterday, an annual event being closely watched after Kim Jong Un reshuffled the military and revealed he’s married. Over the last two weeks, Kim has taken on the new military title of marshal, and replaced his army chief - once thought to be a key mentor. Both moves were seen as an effort to build loyalty among the million-man armed forces and solidify his credentials as commander.

North Korea also revealed Wednesday that the stylish woman at Kim’s side in some public appearances this month is his wife. Images of her walking with Kim arm-in-arm were carefully choreographed to show the new leader as modern, mature and down-to-earth, analysts said, and contrast sharply to his intensely private father, Kim Jong Il, who ruled for 17 years before his death in December.

Kim Jong Un and his wife weren’t at yesterday’s event. Hundreds of aging veterans gathered in a huge auditorium as Choe Ryong Hae, the military’s top political officer, stood beneath giant portraits of Kim Jong Il and North Korea founder Kim Il Sung and urged the crowd to “follow the leadership of Marshal Kim Jong Un and win 100 out of 100 battles.” North Korea later staged a fireworks display.

The celebration is meant to kindle patriotism

and loyalty in North Koreans, and especially the young, by showcasing veterans who fought for their country, said Kim Yeon-su of Korea National Defense University in Seoul. The event was broadcast on North Korea’s state TV. While South Korea and the US -led UN forces that fought in the Korean War call yesterday the 59th anniversary of the armistice that ended the 1950-1953 conflict, North Korea calls it a celebration of “victory in the Fatherland Liberation War” and veterans streamed into the capital.

“Airports, railway stations and parking lots were crowded with delegates to the celebrations, their comrades-in-arms, families and relatives, people from all walks of life and youth and students,” the official Korean Central News Agency said. US and South Korean officials marked the armistice at the border village of Panmunjom. Because no peace treaty was signed, the Korean Peninsula remains technically in a state of war.

Ahead of the anniversary, North Korea’s Foreign Ministry reiterated its long-standing demand that the United States sign a peace treaty with North Korea to replace the armistice.

Washington says normal ties will only come after North Korea abandons its pursuit of nuclear weapons and takes other steps. International nuclear disarmament talks have been stalled since late 2008, and animosity between the Koreas is high. —AP

BEIJING: China has appointed military officers at a newly-established garrison in the South China Sea, state media reported yesterday, the country’s latest step to bolster claims to disputed islands in the area. Separately, in comments likely to anger Beijing, Japan’s defence minister said that his country could dispatch its military to islands in the East China Sea if a territorial dispute there with China escalates.

China’s defence ministry announced the appointments Thursday, the China Daily said, two days after China said it had established the city of Sansha on an island in the disputed Paracel chain, along with the military garrison. China’s neighbors reacted furiously to the move with Vietnam, which also claims the Paracel Islands, filing a formal protest and saying it “violates international law”.

Manila, which is involved in a dispute over another archipelago, the Spratly Islands, summoned the Chinese ambassador to lodge a complaint against the garrison announcement. Sparsely populated Sansha is China’s smallest city in terms of population and land size. China reckons, however, that it’s the biggest when total area is factored in given the wide swathe of the South China Sea it is meant to oversee.

State media have carried photos of a large domed and pillared building that serves as the city’s administrative centre on the island of Yongxing, as well as images of a police station, a bank, a telecom office and residents relaxing outside humble wooden dwellings.

The three-floor building that state media said came into use on July 20 appears by far to be the biggest structure on the small island, which from photos appears largely covered in thick, green vegetation, including palm trees.

While Chinese media accounts of Yongxing’s population vary, it appears to be not much bigger than 1,000 people. Defence ministry spokesman Yang Yujun said the new garrison was responsible for guarding the city and disaster relief, among other functions,

according to China Daily. However, he added that a separate maritime garrison under the Chinese navy was responsible for maritime defence and military combat, appearing to suggest that the Sansha garrison would not have such responsibilities.

China says it owns much of the South China Sea, though Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Brunei and Malaysia each claim portions of it. The dispute has simmered for decades, though tensions have risen markedly recently as China has moved to more strongly assert its territorial claims.

The Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) at a summit earlier this month failed for the first time in 45 years to issue a joint statement, as members were unable to agree how to refer to China’s behavior in the disputed waters.

China says it is acting within its rights, though its moves have raised alarm bells in the region and beyond.

Beijing is also involved in a separate dispute with Japan over uninhabited islands in the East China Sea. That row has also simmered for years, though tensions have increased substantially since a standoff between a Chinese fishing vessel and Japan’s coast guard in the resource-rich area nearly two years ago. Yesterday, Satoshi Morimoto, Japan’s defence chief, said Tokyo would use force to defend the islands known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China.

“Senkaku or not, defence of islands is principally conducted by the coastguard and police,” Morimoto told reporters in Tokyo. “However, the law stipulates that Self-Defense Forces troops can act” if local authorities are unable to handle the situation. His comments came after Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda told parliament Thursday that he would take “stern actions” against any “illegal actions” on Japanese territory, including using the Self-Defense Forces, if needed.

China’s foreign ministry, reacting yesterday to Noda’s remarks, expressed “serious concern and strong dissatisfaction,” reiterated that the islands belong to China and called on Japan to value bilateral relations. —AFP

16

Kuwait going ahead with al-Zour refinery

Consumers to weigh on US growth in Q2

Business

17

17

Fortified by euro, Finns take bailouts on the chin

18

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

Samsung extends smartphone lead over Apple

LAS VEGAS: A man recieves an explanation on the Fitbit Aria Wi-Fi scale, displayed in this January 10, 2012 file photo on the opening day of the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Weak consumer spending stunted US growth in the last quarter, data showed yesterday, leaving the race for the White House wide open and putting discussion about more economic stimulus firmly on the Fed’s agenda. —AFP

Barclays apologises for Libor affair Reveals new probe LONDON: Barclays yesterday formally apologised for the Libor rate-rigging scandal and revealed that its finance director faced a probe into a separate regulatory matter in a fresh blow for the British bank. Announcing slumping profits at the embattled group, Barclays also confirmed that it was facing a slew of lawsuits after admitting last month that the company attempted to manipulate the Libor interbank interest rate.

The lender added that British financial watchdog the Financial Services Authority (FSA) has started a separate probe into four current and senior employees-including current finance director Chris Lucas.

“The FSA has commenced an investigation involving Barclays and four current and former senior employees, including Chris Lucas, group finance director,” Barclays said in the results statement. “The FSA is investigating the sufficiency of disclosure in relation to fees payable under certain commercial agreements and whether these may have related to

Barclays capital raisings in June and November 2008.” The group added however that it was “satisfied” with its disclosures and would “cooperate fully” with the FSA. Barclays announced that net profits shrank to just £70 million (89 million euros, $110 million) in the six months to June on vast exceptional charges-compared with earnings after tax of £1.5 billion a year earlier.

But Libor was the bank’s main focus heading into the latter part of 2012. “We are sorry for the issues that have emerged over recent weeks and recognise that we have disappointed our customers and shareholders,” said outgoing chairman Marcus Agius over the scandal which sparked his resignation.

“I speak for all of Barclays’ people when I say how determined we are to regain the full confidence of all our stakeholders; customers and clients, investors, regulators and staff alike.” The London-listed bank was last month fined £290 million by British and US regulators after admitting that it attempted to manipu-

late the Libor and Euribor rates between 2005 and 2009.

The bank on Friday also revealed that it had put aside £450 million to cover the mis-selling of derivatives products to small businesses.

The results also included a vast accounting charge of £2.945 billion on the value of the group’s outstanding debt.

Stripping out exceptional costs, the lender said underlying pre-tax profits climbed 13 percent to £4.23 billion on the back of a strong investment banking division. The Libor scandal prompted the resignation of Agius and chief executive Bob Diamond earlier this month, and also sparked a fierce political debate over ethics in the banking sector.

“The recent events have been challenging for Barclays and all those who work for the group,” admitted Agius in comment that accompanied the earnings statement. “We continue to address the operational and control issues raised in connection with our Libor settlement with the US and UK authorities,

many of which have been resolved over the course of the investigation.

“However, as a consequence of recent events, the board of directors is now focused on identifying and recruiting a new chief executive as well as a chairman of the board.

“During this interim period, my role as chairman of the executive committee is to provide stability and continuity for our customers and stakeholders,” Agius added.

Britain’s Serious Fraud Office is considering whether to bring criminal prosecutions over the Libor scandal, while Prime Minister David Cameron has launched a parliamentary inquiry into revelations that Barclays traders lied about the interest rates other banks were charging it for loans.

Libor, or London Interbank Offered Rate, is a flagship London instrument used as an interest benchmark throughout the world, while Euribor is the eurozone equivalent. The rates affect what banks, businesses and individuals pay to borrow money. —AFP

BUSINESS

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

Russia’s TNK-BP profit slumps on weak crude, taxes MOSCOW: Russia’s third-largest oil producer TNKBP International said yesterday its second-quarter net profit slumped to $808 million from $2.2 billion a year ago on the back of lower crude prices and higher taxes.

The company, half-owned by British major BP, said Russian Urals crude oil prices declined 7 percent during the period, while it had to pay a higher export tax, an extra $14 per barrel, due to a time lag in taxation.

Some market insiders see a shareholder spat between TNK-BP’s owners-BP and the AAR group of Russian billionaires-as another downward factor for the company’s operations. BP put its stake in TNK-BP up for sale on June 1 after a breakdown in

shareholder relations. A senior company executive said during a briefing on Friday the shareholder spat did not influence TNK-BP’s results, despite the company seeing its main financial indices declining. “From our company’s point of view, everything is going as usual, we can feel no tangible pressure (from the shareholder spat),” Chief Financial Officer Jonathan Muir told a press-briefing through a translator. “We got used to it (the spat) in the company.”

He said there were certain difficulties in the corporate procedures, but the company was coping. BP formed the 50:50 joint venture with AAR, a consortium representing a quartet of Russian tycoons, nearly a decade ago to tap into the country’s vast

energy reserves. The group is estimated to be worth as much as $60 billion.

TNK-BP’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) dropped to $2.25 billion from $3.43 billion in the year-earlier period.

Second-quarter EBITDA was hampered by the effects of foreign exchange fluctuations on mineral tax payments, the company said.

TNK-BP’s revenue for the period declined to $14.26 billion from $15.38 billion a year ago, while its capital expenditure increased by 8 percent to $2.4 billion. A Siberian court on Friday awarded over $3 billion in damages against BP in a suit brought by minority shareholders in TNK-BP, the plaintiffs’ lawyer told Reuters yesterday. — Reuters

Kuwait going ahead with al-Zour refinery Bidders for construction to prequalify by Aug 7

PARIS: Picture taken on July 26, 2012 in Paris shows an illustration made with a figurine and euro coins. Europe’s economic crisis has deepened, with a slump in German confidence, worsening British recession and a debt-wracked Spain seeking French support in the face of soaring borrowing costs. — AFP

Spain jobless rate nears 25% in June MADRID:- Spain’s jobless rate neared 25 percent in June, officials said yesterday, darkening the recession outlook despite relief on financial markets at a vow of support by the European Central Bank.

The unemployment rate rose in the second quarter to 24.63 percent and a huge 53 percent among the young, despite the start of the tourist season, figures from the national statistic office showed. The increase in the overall jobless numbers was smaller than in the first quarter, with the number of eligible people out of work rising to nearly 5.7 million people. Between April and June, 53,500 people lost their jobs, compared with 365,900 in the first quarter, the national statistics office said. The unemployment rate rose from 24.4 percent recorded in the first quarter already the highest in the industrial world-as Spain entered its third straight quarter of economic contraction.

Economic growth figures for the second quarter are expected on Monday.

The Bank of Spain last week estimated a contraction of 0.4 percent, after a 0.3 percent decrease in January to March. Spain’s

economy is reeling in the aftermath of a decade long real estate boom that crashed with the debt crisis, bringing the Spanish financial sector to the brink of insolvency.

Under pressure from European authorities who have accepted to bailout Spanish banks, Spain’s conservative government has approved tens of billions of euros’ worth of spending cuts, tax hikes and other measures.

The latest set of measures announced

by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy on July 11 aimed to save 65 billion euros ($80 billion) over three years. Rajoy says the steps will help cut the public deficit in line with targets agreed with the European Union and strengthen the economy in the long term.

Critics say the measures will make the poor suffer unfairly from moves such as a public sector bonus cut and a rise in sales tax that together will hit consumption.

“All the spending cut policies they are taking are restrictive and run counter to growth,” said Alberto Roldan, an analyst at Spanish brokerage Inverseguros.—AFP

KUWAIT: Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) says it is going ahead with its long-delayed plan to build the Middle East’s largest oil refinery despite political tensions that have stalled many economic development plans.

The government expects to announce next month the winner of the Al-Zour refinery’s project management and consultancy (PMC) contract, a senior executive at KNPC told Reuters. “The bids have been submitted and now we are in the evaluation phase...I expect the result to be out in August,” the executive, who declined to be named under briefing rules, told Reuters.

Five international engineering firms submitted bids for the PMC contract, industry sources told Reuters: US-based Foster Wheeler and Fluor Corp, Australia’s WorleyParsons, France’s Technip and British-based Amec. The executive and a spokesman for KNPC declined to comment on the names of the bidders or the size of the contract.

Other contractors are due to prequalify by Aug 7 in order to bid for the project’s engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts, the industry sources said. If it goes ahead, the Al-Zour project could have an impact well beyond its monetary value, helping to restore confidence in Kuwait’s economic management and the government’s ability to get things done.

Originally planned a decade ago, the project, which aims to provide fuel for power generation and water desalination facilities and export any excess, is estimated to cost around $14.5 billion. The refinery would process 615,000 barrels per day, coming online in 2018; it would exceed the capacity of the Middle East’s largest refinery, Saudi Arabia’s 550,000 bpd Ras Tanura plant.

But Al-Zour and many other plans have been held up by years of conflict between the cabinet, which is chosen by a prime minister who is appointed by the emir, and the National Assembly over allegations of corruption and mismanagement. Kuwait has seen eight governments come and go in just six years, blocking or delaying the passage of economic legislation and disrupting decision-making.

The Al-Zour refinery project was originally awarded in 2008 to companies including South Korea’s GS Engineering & Construction and Japan’s JGC Corp. But in 2009 the cabinet decided to halt the project on the grounds that oil prices were then too low to finance oil projects, industry sources said; the government is now retendering for it.

Announcing a surprise 42 percent drop in secondquarter profit last week, Ibrahim Dabdoub, chief exec-

utive of National Bank of Kuwait, the country’s biggest bank, blamed the political turmoil for restricting state spending and delaying tenders for infrastructure projects.

In June this year a court annulled the results of a parliamentary election in February which gave opposition, mainly Islamist lawmakers a majority; fresh elections are widely expected to be held after the holy month of Ramadan ends around Aug. 19.

Independent Kuwaiti oil analyst Kamel Al Harami said the Al-Zour refinery plan no longer needed to be approved by parliament because it had been designated a top infrastructure project; it is being supervised by the state audit bureau, meaning it can theoretically go ahead without political interference, he said.

He added that the project would help relieve Kuwait of the need to import cargoes of liquefied natural gas to meet excess demand for power generation during the hot summer months. But Harami said he still doubted the project would be completed on time.

“I’m not optimistic - no one including the current oil minister has laid out a plan and milestones for this project, and without that it’ll never be complete,” he said. “The current oil minister is worried he won’t be in the new cabinet and there is no one to plan this project now.”

Hani Hussein, a former chief executive officer of Kuwait Petroleum Corp, was reappointed as oil minister this month. But under the constitution, the cabinet will have to resign after the parliamentary elections and a new cabinet will be formed.

One plan that appears stalled by political frictions is the Al Zour independent water and power project (IWPP), which is separate from the refinery project. Its fate may not become clear at least until after the elections.

The public-private partnership, funded and operated jointly by the government and private companies, is to build a 1,500 megawatt power plant and a desalination plant with a capacity of between 102 million and 107 million gallons per day. It would start commercial operations in May 2015.

Earlier this year, Japanese trading house Sumitomo and Europe’s International Power Plc said they had together been named preferred bidders for the project. “But last month the National Assembly said they wanted to halt the project because the bidding process wasn’t fair, as not all companies were present to submit the bids,” said an industry source close to the project.

“Now with a new cabinet formed and which might be dissolved, this project is in a controversial state, as many economic projects are in Kuwait.” — Reuters

business

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

Fortified by euro, Finns take bailouts on the chin HELSINKI: After dutifully abiding by EU fiscal rules, Finland’s tiny population remains surprisingly phlegmatic about bailing out less disciplined euro zone members, and is mostly clinging on to its faith in the single currency project.

That faith has been tested as a succession of struggling nations make ever greater demands on the sounder economies in the currency bloc, but it is not yet at breaking point. “We had to sort out our own problems ourselves in the past.

That’s why people are asking, do we have to help others?” said Maija Siirala, a freelance dressmaker and alterations specialist.

Finland, one of only four euro zone countries still boasting a tripleA credit rating, recovered from a financial crisis in the early 1990s without outside help, and the years of harsh austerity and debt repay-

ments are part of the collective memory for many.

Now Finland must cough up 12.6 billion euros ($15.3 billion), which is equivalent to about 6 percent of GDP, for the European Stability Mechanism, the zone’s permanent bailout fund. “But I think yes, we still have to help others,” Siirala adds without hesitation.

That is at least in part a recognition that Finland has benefited from membership of the euro zone. Jussi Huotari, a man in his 30’s working for a technology startup, criticised European officials for letting the crisis get out of hand, but said the euro had been “great for Finland” so far, and he had not been put off the idea of a currency union. “The crisis has been mismanaged in an expensive way,” he said. “But if Finland leaves the euro zone, I’d like to see another common currency with more similar

economies. Something like a Deutsche euro, a euro for the ‘Northof-the-Alps’ countries or even a Scandinavian krona.”

While Finland demands collateral for its participation in European bailouts, economist Nouriel Roubini has said its best option is to exit the euro altogether, an idea he calls “Fixit”. Finland’s recent history makes that unpalatable to most. It adopted the euro as it was emerging from the shadow of the former Soviet Union, which dictated the country’s foreign policy for decades after World War II. The Soviet Union’s collapse triggered a spike in unemployment and inflation, as well as a wave of currency speculation that caused a spike in interest rates. “The way I see it, a small country like Finland is always going to be controlled from the outside to some extent,” said Timo

Consumers to weigh on US growth in Q2 Report will raise odds of more Fed policy action WASHINGTON: The US economy probably grew at its slowest pace in a year in the second quarter as consumers spent less, possibly pushing the Federal Reserve closer to pumping more money into the economy.

Gross domestic product likely expanded at a 1.5 percent annual rate between April and June, according to a Reuters poll, after rising 1.9 percent in the first three months of the year.

That would mark the weakest pace of growth since the second quarter of 2011. “The economy is struggling to maintain altitude,” said Robert Dye, chief economist at Comerica in Dallas.

The ailing economy could cost President Barack Obama a second term in office when Americans vote in November.

US consumers are wary of spending in an economy that still has not fully recovered from the financial crisis and the recession in late 2007 through mid-2009, with the nation’s unemployment rate at 8.2 percent. That reluctance is reflected in retail sales, which contracted in each of the last three months.

A weak growth report, flagged by weak data ranging from employment to manufacturing, will raise expectations of a third round of bond purchases, also known as quantitative easing, by the Fed. The US central bank has already injected $2.3 trillion into the economy through asset purchases and overnight interest rates are near zero, leaving some economists to worry that the Fed does not have enough tools left in its kit.

No major policy announcement is expected at the Fed’s two-day meeting next week, but many economists now say the central bank could move

when policymakers gather on Sept.

12-13. “Our view is there is a 70 percent chance that there is QE3 by the September meeting, mostly in the form of mortgage-backed securities, but also long-term Treasuries,” said Guy Berger, an economist at RBS in Stamford, Connecticut.

“There is some room for monetary

and higher taxes scheduled to kick in at the start of 2013, as well as troubles from the debt crisis in Europe.

The biggest factor weighing on the recovery is fear that politicians in Washington would be unable to avoid the so-called fiscal cliff at the turn of the year, economists said.

Recent economic data suggest lim-

NEW YORK: Specialist Robert Nelson works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. The Dow Jones industrial average jumped 212 points following big gains in European markets. — AP policy to go, but given what they have shown are the tools in their arsenal, it’s not a lot.” Last month, the Fed extended a program to re-weight the bonds it already holds toward longer maturities to hold down borrowing costs.

The Commerce Department will release its first snapshot of secondquarter GDP at 8:30 a.m. (1230 GMT).

The economy has been hit by worries of deep government spending cuts

ited scope for growth to bounce back in the third quarter. Much of the anticipated slowdown in growth in the second quarter will be caused by a softening in consumer spending as Americans eased off on automobile purchases due to tepid job and income growth.

Wall Street and Washington watch consumer spending closely because it accounts for more than two-thirds of US economic activity. — Reuters

Korkeamaki, professor of finance at the Hanken School of Economics. “If you’re in the euro, at least you have more control than if you’re just a small country with a small currency.”

Another major advantage for Finnish businesses has been the lower cost of raising debt from financial markets now than when it had its own currency, the markka. “It may not be such a big issue for large, international firms, but mid-sized and smaller firms now have better access to the global market compared to what they had in the markka-era,” Korkeamaki said.

Bjorn Rosengren, chief executive of Finnish engineering firm Wartsila, said his company was benefiting from the euro as well as from its recent weakness. “Going back would have much greater downside than the cost of being part of it,” he said. —Reuters

Airbus owner EADS ups targets, delays A350 AMSTERDAM: Airbus parent company EADS NV yesterday announced a further delay to its new A350 aircraft as it reported second-quarter earnings that almost quadrupled from a year ago. Net profit at the Leiden, Netherlandsbased European Aeronautic Defence & Space Company was euro461 million ($567 million), up from euro 121 million in the same period a year ago. Sales rose 12 percent to euro 13.5 billion. Analysts polled by Factset had forecast profit of euro 350 million on sales of euro 12.8 billion.

However, the aerospace company also revealed that the entry into service of Airbus’s new A350, which is meant to compete with rival Boeing’s 787 “Dreamliner,” will be delayed by several months, until the second half of 2014.

The company said the reason for the delay was “time taken for the implementation of the automated drilling process for the wings.” Airbus has taken a euro 124 million charge as a result, and warned that further delays would lead to greater charges.

Incoming Chief Executive Tom Enders, promoted from Airbus in June, said the company’s order book is now at a record euro 551.7 billion. He vowed to “globalize” EADS, citing an assembly line for the A350 in the US as an example. “One important step into this direction is our decision to build a final assembly Line for Airbus aircraft in the US”, he said. Earlier this month EADS said it would spend $600 million over five years to build an assembly line for its A320 single-aisle jet in Mobile, Alabama - its first factory in the United States. Based on the company’s first-half performance, Enders raised sales targets to a 10 percent increase in 2012 from the 6 percent EADS forecast after first quarter earnings. Operating profits will be euro 2.7 billion, up from euro 2.5 billion, he said.

Shares jumped 6.2 percent to euro 29.955 in early trading in Paris, where EADS has its primary listing. Enders also stuck to 2012 targets for sales of 30 Airbus A380s, the world’s largest passenger aircraft, but said the company would probably sell somewhat less than that in 2013.

Airbus is in the process of fixing a problem with planes already in service it says is not an immediate safety concern: small fractures found near some rivets on some planes at the spot where wings’ metal covers, or skins, are joined with the wings’ ribs.

Airbus is fixing the problem on affected planes, which it says is not a design flaw but a construction flaw that arose during the building of the first A380s made. It will begin building planes differently in 2014 to avoid the problem.

Analysts believe some clients are pushing back their orders to get new planes, rather than working with retrofitted planes. Enders says the company still forecasts sales of 35-39 A380s annually by 2015, the level needed for profitability. — AP

BUSINESS

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

Samsung extends smartphone lead over Apple WASHINGTON: Samsung extended its lead in the worldwide mobile phone market in the second quarter of 2012, as the South Korean giant doubled US rival Apple in the smartphone market, a new survey showed.

The IDC report released late Thursday showed Samsung atop the fast-growing market for smartphones as well as the overall mobile phone market, which is expanding slowly.

The survey showed Samsung shipped 50.2 million smartphones globally in the April-June period, a sizzling 172.8 percent gain from a year earlier, while Apple sold 26 million iPhones, up 27.5 percent. IDC noted that Samsung gained from its new Galaxy S III phone, while demand for Apple sagged six months after the release of its latest iPhone. Apple is widely expected to release a new version of the iPhone later this year. “Samsung and Apple have quickly become the global smartphone heavyweights though both employ somewhat different approaches to the market,” said Kevin Restivo, senior research analyst with IDC. “Samsung employs a ‘shotgun’

strategy wherein many models are created that cover a wide range of market segments. Apple, in contrast, offers a small number of high-profile models. While both companies have expanded their geographic presence in pursuit of market share, the two companies will inevitably come into greater conflict as both try to generate additional gains.”

The report comes ahead of a blockbuster trial set to open Monday in California with Apple accusing Samsung of infringing on its patents for the iPhone and leading iPad tablets. Samsung has countered that its own patents were violated by Apple. The IDC report said smartphone shipments jumped 42 percent year-over-year, but that the overall mobile phone market rose just one percent.

That means many users of so-called “feature” phones are switching to newer smartphones. Samsung held the lead in the overall market with 97.8 million phones and a market share of 24.1 percent, followed by Nokia, with 83.7 percent and a 20.6

India’s ICICI Bank profit up 36 percent MUMBAI: ICICI Bank reported a 36 percent rise in June quarter profit as it grew its loan book and improved asset quality, defying India’s broader economic slowdown. India’s largest private lender yesterday reported net income for the April to June quarter of 18.2 billion rupees ($326 million), up from 13.3 billion rupees a year earlier and beating expectations. A FactSet poll forecast net income of 17.4 billion rupees.

The bank managed to grow its loan book and reduce its exposure to bad loans even as the wider Indian economy struggles with slowing growth and high interest rates that have hampered investment.

India’ economic growth has been slipping for four quarters now, hitting a nine-year low of 5.3 percent in the March quarter. Business leaders complain that policy and bureaucratic paralysis have worsened the slide and caught India in an inflation trap. Now, a weak monsoon threatens to further push up food prices and derail India’s vast agricultural economy.

ICICI Chief Executive Chanda Kochhar said that despite such headwinds she maintains her outlook of 20 percent growth in domestic lending for the fiscal year ending in March 2013. “As of now we are still seeing growth on the retail assets and disbursements,” she said. “On the corporate side our focus is working capital and existing projects being implemented. We are not counting on new project approvals to contribute to the growth this year.”

The bank’s ratio of net non-performing loans to total loans shrank to 0.71 percent, down from 1.04 percent a year earlier, a sign that management’s long struggle to improve the quality of its loan book is paying off.

Bad loans that were restructured on more favorable terms to borrowers to ensure payment, rose to 4.7 billion rupees ($84 million) in June from 4.5 billion ($82 million) a year earlier, which the bank said largely reflected its growing loan portfolio. The bank’s net interest income rose 32 percent to 31.9 billion rupees ($574 million) from 24.1 billion rupees ($434 million) during the year ago quarter. Total outstanding loans rose 22 percent, to 2.7 trillion rupees from 2.2 trillion rupees a year earlier.

Angel Broking analyst Vaibhav Agrawal said the results were “decent, given the broader environment.” “Growth is looking pretty good and asset quality seems to be in control,” he said. Agrawal said India’s private lenders, such as ICICI Bank, are better positioned to weather the slowdown than state-run banks, which dominate the banking sector. Private banks have managed risk better and are better capitalized than their state-run competitors, giving them the opportunity to gain market share even as overall lending slows along with the economy, he said. — AP

percent share. Apple was third with 6.4 percent of the market, based solely on smartphone sales.

In smartphones, Samsung held 32.6 percent of the market to 16.9 percent for Apple and 6.6 percent for third-

place Nokia, which shipped 10.2 million smartphones. Taiwan’s HTC was fourth with 8.8 million smartphones, accounting for a 5.7 percent share, followed by China’s ZTE at 5.2 percent for its eight million smartphones. — AFP

SEOUL: A man walks past a shop offering South Korea’s Samsung Electronics’s Galaxy S III phone along a street in Seoul yesterday. — AFP

Asian markets rally after ECB chief’s euro remarks Global traders welcom remarks HONG KONG: Asian markets rallied yesterday and the euro held on to strong gains from New York after the European Central Bank chief said it would do “whatever it takes” to save the underpressure single currency.

The comments from bank president Mario Draghi sent shares in Europe and the United States surging, while the borrowing rate for Spain fell back below the seven percent danger level.

Tokyo climbed 1.46 percent, or 123.54 points, to 8,566.64, Seoul was 2.62 percent, or 46.69 points, higher at 1,829.16, and Sydney finished 1.50 percent, or 62.1 points, higher at 4,209.8.

Hong Kong rose 2.02 percent, or 382.17 points, to 19,274.96 while Shanghai was 0.13 percent, or 2.77 points, higher at 2,128.77, with concerns over the local economy capping gains on the main-

land. Draghi, speaking at a business conference in London, said the “ECB is ready to do whatever it takes to preserve the euro. And believe me it will be enough”.

His announcement sparked talk that the bank would carry out additional bond buying to push yields lower in Spain, where the rising cost of borrowing has been stoking fears of another bailout, and Italy.

The yield on Madrid’s benchmark 10year bonds fell to 6.899 percent, which although still high is well down from the near eight percent levels seen earlier this week. Anything above seven percent is considered too high for governments to be able to service their debts over the long term. The ECB, which is mandated only to guard price stability, has so far played a significant, but closely proscribed, role in tackling Europe’s

TOKYO: A woman walks in front of the electronic stock board of a securities firm showing Japan’s Nikkei 225 index gained 118.61 points to 8561.71 in Tokyo, yesterday. — AP

debt and growth crisis. Markets had already been lifted by the prospect of the soon-to-be launched European Stability Mechanism rescue fund being granted a banking licence, which would allow it to exchange bonds for ECB cash, boosting capacity without nations having to provide additional funds.

“These comments are very positive,” Shane Oliver, head of investment strategy and chief economist at AMP Capital, told Dow Jones Newswires. “It has always been within the power of the ECB to bring an end to financial panic sweeping Europe.” Global traders welcomed the remarks. On Wall Street the Dow jumped 1.67 percent, the S&P 500 rose 1.65 percent and the Nasdaq gained 1.37 percent.

And in Europe the Paris CAC 40 leapt 4.07 percent while Frankfurt’s DAX 30 rose 2.75 percent and the FTSE in London was up 1.68 percent.

Italian shares surged 5.62 percent and the Spanish market, which this week sank to a more than nine-year low, soared 6.06 percent.

The euro had surged in New York to a two-week high of $1.2330 at one point while also advancing to 96.02 yen. In late afternoon Asian trade it bought $1.2290 and 96.15 yen. The single currency had dived earlier this week to a 12-year low of 94.08 yen and two-year trough of $1.2050.

The dollar was at 78.28 yen in Asia, compared with 78.30 in New York.

Adding to the rise in Seoul was Samsung Electronics’ announcement that it had posted a record net profit of 5.19 trillion won ($4.53 billion) in the second quarter to the end of June, thanks to smartphone sales. — AFP

business

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

Retail slump, bank losses keep Ireland under pressure DUBLIN: Dire retail sales figures and another big loss at state-owned Allied Irish Banks highlighted the difficulties Ireland still faces despite selling new long-term government bonds for the first time since 2010.

Ireland took a major step towards exiting its EU/IMF bailout on Thursday and sparked a rare glimmer of hope in the euro zone debt crisis when it raised 4.2 billion euros of debt and switched 1 billion euros of bonds maturing over the next two years to longer-dated issues.

The move further cut hefty borrowing needs that threaten to leave Ireland needing extra aid in 2014. But the country still faces the tough task of reducing the largest budget deficit in Europe and repairing a banking sector whose bailout cost the

equivalent of 40 percent of the country’s annual economic output.

Having set the state back 20 billion euros, the most handed out to any lender still open, Allied Irish is in the process of closing nearly a quarter of its branches, axing 2,500 jobs - almost 20 percent of its workforce - and cutting salaries by up to 15 percent in a bid to return to profitability by 2014.

The bank announced a loss of 1.1 billion euros for the six months to June yesterday, the legacy of a property crash that led to its effective nationalization last year, and also said mortgage arrears continued to climb in a domestic economy that is struggling to catch up with a robust export sector.

Demonstrating the pressures austerity-hit consumers face, official figures showed retail sales vol-

umes tumbled 5.5 percent in June, their largest annual drop since 2009, as falling car sales dragged down the headline figure. Economists said it was no surprise that the Irish consumer and the country’s almost wholly state-owned banking sector remained under pressure, but that the deepening economic slump among Ireland’s trading partners caused the most concern.

“The news that we don’t have a properly functioning credit system, that the consumer sector is weak, isn’t actually news. Everyone has that built into what are subdued forecasts,” said Eoin Fahy, economist at Kleinwort Benson Investors.

“It’s the export sector and the pronounced weakness of the UK and the euro zone that’s the real news and it’s worrying.”

After narrowing its loss for the first half from 2.6 billion euros a year ago, Allied Irish said it was still in line to make a profit in two years’ time, announcing that it would hike mortgage rates and remove the expensive state guarantee from its UK deposits to help it get there.

Chief financial officer Paul Stanley said in an interview that the bank needed to focus on reducing its funding cost base and the cost base itself.

“That’s the trajectory that will move us back to a sustainable level.”

He added: “We’re re-pricing the asset base to an economic level, we’re continuing to focus on getting the cost of funds down, particularly in the deposit area, and they are all quite big dialturners.” —Reuters

BUSINESS SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

US braces for make-or-break economic data WASHINGTON: The United States is bracing for growth figures that will set the tone for the last 100 days of the race to the White House and help decide if the Fed pulls the trigger on more economic stimulus. Early yesterday in Washington, the Commerce Department released its first estimate of how much the world’s largest economy grew in the second quarter of this year, from April to June.

With the fog of crisis hanging thick in the air, economists’ estimates range wildly. While Briefing.com puts the Wall Street consensus at 1.2 percent, respected estimates range from close to zero to fairly robust growth of two percent.

Anything close to two percent would be a thumping victory for President Barack Obama, all but killing suggestions that the economy is ready to take another dive. According to one political scientist, two percent growth would even por-

tend near-certain victory for the president on November 6.

Emory University professor Alan Abramowitz has devised a formula to predict the election winner, based on incumbency, polarization, the president’s approval rating and second quarter GDP. The model has correctly predicted the popular vote in the last five elections. “If GDP growth comes in at two percent,” he said recently, “then my model would forecast that the president would end up with close to 51 percent of the popular vote.” On all but four occasions-in 1824, 1876, 1888 and 2000 - winning the popular vote has been enough to carry the election.

But amid doubts about the rate of consumer spending, business investment and government outlays in the last few months, a two percent growth rate is far from assured. If growth is closer to one percent, it will provide a major

Management shake-up at JPMorgan; Zames is COO NEW YORK: JPMorgan Chase, which is reeling from the fallout of a big trading loss at one of its divisions, announced a broad reshuffling of its top management yesterday. It was the second round of management reorganization at the largest US bank since it revealed the loss that has ballooned to up to $5.8 billion from an initial estimate of $2 billion. The loss has prompted two congressional hearings and led to investigations from international regulators. The loss has also come to represent the risky bets taken at large banks that can jeopardize the global financial system, barely four years after the financial crisis that hurtled the country into the deepest recession since the Great Depression.

It was also viewed as a glaring example of how difficult it is to run a large bank with large far flung businesses. It has led to calls to break up the big banks and also for the resignation of CEO Jamie Dimon, who up until then had built a reputation as a steady leader. Dimon initially called the trade a “tempest in a teapot,” before backtracking and revealing the scope of losses and apologizing several times for his mischaracterization.

The management announcements yesterday appear to be the bank’s attempt to restore the investors’ trust in the bank. “Today’s appointments are a natural step in aligning our businesses more closely to make our company even stronger,” Dimon said in a statement. Its stock rose 80 cents, or 2.4 percent, to $36.61 yesterday afternoon. They are still down 21 percent from their 52-week high of $46.49 in late March. Some analysts were left scratching their heads after the announcement, trying to figure out what the reshuffle meant. “JPMorgan is sending message that it is breaking up Main Street from Wall Street,” said Mike Mayo, a banking analyst at brokerage CLSA. In announcing the management changes, JPMorgan has combined its consumer businesses under one umbrella and its investment banking under another. Mayo believes it was the bank’s attempt to show that its Main Street banking operations which offer checking and savings accounts and mortgage loans are being managed completely separately from its more volatile and risky investment banking businesses. Many academics and lawmakers have said that they should bring back financial legislation that barred consumer banks from investment banks. That law, known as the GlassSteagall Act, was repealed in 1999.

Among the appointments announced yesterday, the biggest promotion went to Matt Zames who takes on the title of chief operating officer. It is being read on Wall Street as the clearest sign yet that he is being groomed to succeed Dimon.

Zames’ career has recently been on an upward trajectory.

Until the trading loss was announced on May 10, 41-year-old Zames was co-head of global fixed income at the investment bank. He was promoted soon after to replace Ina Drew, the chief investment officer who oversaw the division where the loss occurred. Drew resigned in the days after the loss was revealed. Zames will share the role with Frank Bisignano who is also chief administrative officer at the firm. — AP

boon to Republican challenger Mitt Romney, enough, perhaps to break the stalemate that has characterized the race so far. Although Romney has heavily attacked Obama’s economic policies amid poor jobs data, both candidates currently hold 46 percent of the vote, according to Gallup tracking polls, a level of support that has changed little in the last three months. And both campaigns faced additional pitfalls yesterday.

The Commerce Department will also present revisions to the last few years of growth data, based on fuller evidence that has the potential to recast the political race. Any sign that growth has been even slower than first thought would be highly damaging to Obama, while evidence of better growth could spur renewed optimism and upgrade his economic legacy. “Market participants are probably mostly concerned with Q2

and the previous quarter or two,” said Stephen Stanley of Pierpont Securities, “though significant revisions over the past few years could find their way into the political campaign conversation.”

Significantly, both the second quarter data and the revisions also have the potential to recast the policy of the Federal Reserve. Until now, the Fed has been cautious about launching any major new stimulus, but the new data has the potential to tip the scales toward new action. But not everyone is convinced that action would come when the Fed’s top policy panel meets next week. A sharp downward revision to first quarter GDP or a negative surprise for the second quarter “will increase the pressure on the Fed to do something next week,” said Joseph LaVorgna of Deutsche Bank. But, he added, action at the September 12-13 meeting was more likely. — AFP

Stocks rise on central bank hopes, euro flat Italian, Spanish bond yields fall NEW YORK: Stocks rallied yesterday on expectations the European Central Bank will tackle high borrowing costs hitting Spain and Italy, but the euro pared gains on market uncertainty about the specific action to be taken.

Equities held on to their gains after Bloomberg News said ECB President Mario Draghi will meet with Bundesbank President Jens Weidmann to discuss several measures, including bond purchases, to help the euro zone.

The French and German governments said they are “determined to do everything to protect the euro zone” and its single currency. The joint statement echoed similar remarks by Draghi on Thursday, but in comments yesterday Germany’s Bundesbank pushed back against Draghi’s pledge.

The heightened expectations about ECB intervention soon helped to push Spanish and Italian bond yields lower.

“Fundamentally, there is a lot of uncertainty and still a lot of unanswered questions as to how exactly the ECB plans to bring down sovereign borrowing costs,” said Omer Esiner, chief market analyst at Commonwealth Foreign Exchange in Washington. “To some extent, the rally in the euro and more broadly equities and risk assets had gotten a little bit ahead of itself.”

Expectations that the Federal Reserve will act to support the US economy also grew after data showed US gross domestic product expanded at a 1.5 percent annual rate from April through June, roughly in line with lowered expectations.

Market expectations are high for another round of asset purchases from the Fed, which in the past have sparked rallies in stocks and commodities.

Markets are also beginning to price in a move from the ECB, possibly in the form of bond purchases. Both central

NEW YORK: People crowd the aisles inside Macy’s department store in New York.

Weak consumer spending stunted US growth in the last quarter. — AFP banks hold separate meetings next sion high of $1.2389. On Tuesday the week. The Dow Jones industrial aver- single currency was at a two-year low age rose 188.37 points, or 1.46 percent, of $1.2040.

In his statement on Thursday Draghi to 13,076.30. The S&P 500 Index gained 24.07 points, or 1.77 percent, to appeared to target the bond market, 1,384.09. The Nasdaq Composite added saying the monitoring of rising borrow55.66 points, or 1.92 percent, to ing costs in bloc members was within the ECB’s mandate. Ten-year Spanish 2,948.91.

The FTSEurofirst 300 closed up 1.33 bond yields fell to 6.731 percent, the percent and an MSCI gauge of global lowest since July 17, while the Italian equities added 1.6 percent. Copper benchmark bond yield dipped below 6 prices jumped 1.3 percent while Brent percent for the first time in a week. As and US oil prices rose for a fourth day investors turned towards relatively running, although they were both still riskier assets, safe-haven investments negative for the week after plummet- fell. The benchmark 10-year US ing Monday. The euro pared most of its Treasury note was down a full point in gains after hitting a three-week high price, while the yield rose to 1.5463 versus the US dollar. It was last up 0.1 percent compared with 1.44 percent percent at $1.2293, after hitting a ses- late on Thursday. — Reuters

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

Colorado massacre scars Batman mythology Page 27

Michael Jackson’s mom back home with grandkids Page 25

People watch hot-air balloons during the Saxonia International Balloon Fiesta in Leipzig, eastern Germany, yesterday. — AP

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

K

ile Glover - the son of the singer’s ex-wife Tameka Raymond and her former partner Ryan Glover - died from heart failure after being left brain dead following a jet ski accident, and he was laid to rest in Atlanta, Georgia. Kile was struck in the head during a jet ski collision while he was riding on an inner tube on Lake Lanier in Georgia, and he was put on life support after doctors declared him brain dead. Usher is said to be devastated following the loss of his stepson, but the 33-year-old singer’s godfather Ben Vereen recently revealed he is “standing strong”. He said: “I’m proud of [him] because he’s standing strong. It’s a terrible thing when a parent has to bury their child. No parent should ever have to bury his or her child. So please continue your prayers for him and [his] family for strength and healing.” Kile’s family kept a bedside vigil before making the heartbreaking decision to turn off his life support, but last week they asked for people to continue to pray for him. They said in a statement: “We know God’s in control, and are leaning on our faith in Him and His word at this most difficult time. “We firmly believe in the power of prayer and ask that you all continue to pray and lift Kile up, as it’s the best way we can all support him now.”

JLo’s T

he former ‘American Idol’ judge’s pals including Mary J. Blige, her manager Benny Medina and boyfriend Casper Smart celebrated her turning 43 with a lavish bash on the yacht Utopia III, which is owned

by Market America co-founders JR and Loren Ridinger. A source told the New York Post newspaper: “J.Lo got out of her car blindfolded and took it off when the guests yelled ‘Happy Birthday’ over the side of the yacht.”

Jennifer - who has four-year-old twins Max and Emme with former husband Marc Anthony - then boarded the yacht and after guests sang ‘Happy Birthday’, she blew out the candles on a cake in the shape of a giant teddy bear. She was then thrilled with a gift from Casper. Her 25year-old lover presented her with a diamond necklace featuring a pink teddy bear, a reference to the term of endearment, “bear”, that the couple use for one another. Afterwards, Jennifer embarked on an “intense, hot” salsa dance-off with her friends. The party went on until 4 am, with DJ Ani Quinn and DJ Prostyle’s choice of music proving a hit with guests.

T

he ‘Hero’ hitmaker has renowned for her outrageous backstage demands which in the past have included 20 white kittens, butterfly-shaped confetti, baskets of puppies, white roses and a “tea service for eight” - but insiders claim there is nothing unusual about the dressing room set-up she has requested in her new job as a judge on the talent show. A source told the New York Post newspaper: “It’s all standard stuff, nothing out of the ordinary.

It’s not like they’ll need to put a new roof on the building. It’s standard lists, whether it’s for water, soda, veggies, snacks. It’s all fairly normal.” In 2010, leaked details of Mariah’s tour rider specified that her dressing room has “no busy patterns” although

“black, dark grey, cream and dark pink” are all fine, and she should also be provided with a “lamp or clip light”, so harsh lighting can be turned off. The 42-year-old star is also very particular about the temperature of the room, 75 degrees Fahrenheit, while she likes to be surrounded by two dozen white roses and vanilla aromatherapy candles in order to unwind after a show.

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

Kevin Jonas feels ‘empowered’

T

he 24-year-old singer’s home improvement projects feature in his new reality TV show ‘Married To Jonas’ and he and wife Danielle admit his attempts at domesticity don’t always go well. He said: “I’m really good with a guitar. A hammer - not so much.

That’s a big part... of it. “There’s a lot of me trying to do that stuff and I actually take pride in it because I feel like it’s ownership in something, and I feel empowered when I do it. I really enjoy it. “I put all the flooring down in our basement... wood flooring. I tried and I did

a pretty good job. There’s some weird cuts in a couple of places, but it’s pretty good.” Danielle added: “I [slung] a carpet over it.” The couple were not afraid to row while the TV cameras were on and says their presence has made their relationship better as they communicate more. He explained: “Fighting happens in marriage. If it didn’t, it’d be kind of strange. And it’s communication. It’s resolving things. “This show actually allowed us to learn to communicate even better than we did before.” Kevin and his spouse - who he married in December

2009 - want to have children but the 24-yearold singer admits it is tough planning a family around his working schedule. He explained to ‘Access Hollywood’: “You can’t just say, ‘Oh, you want to have a kid, sure, let’s start trying.’

“I have to say, ‘All right, well I can be in these countries during these months. I might not be home or there might be scheduling conflicts.

There’s a great deal of planning that we would have to do.”

T

he ‘Anna Karenina’ actress says she took a “massive slamming” earlier in her career which has had a permanent negative effect on her self-confidence. In an interview in the new issue of Empire magazine, she said: “When you take a massive slamming early on, I don’t think you ever really get over it. I look at some actors of my age who didn’t go through a slamming and I cannot understand the confidence. They’re like a different species. I think that’s ingrained into me now, that feeling of needing to convince myself I’m okay.” Keira got her first big break in ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ in 2002 when she was just 17, but didn’t feel like she was treated like a proper actress until after ‘Pride and Prejudice’ in 2005. Although she claims she never reads stories about her, she does sometimes get exposed to headlines. The 27-year-old star who is engaged to Klaxons musician James Righton added: “One ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ and a ‘King Arthur’ in and you realise the extent of what’s being written. I so see stuff, it’s amazing how many times you can go to a hairdresser and someone will show you an article saying you’re ugly, anorexic, and talentless and say, ‘Isn’t this amazing?’ So you do become aware of things, but I stopped looking at about 19 or 20.”

T

he ‘Jersey Shore’ star - who has been dating boyfriend Roger Mathews for two years - longs for a Vegas wedding, even though she isn’t engaged yet. JWoWW told In Touch Weekly magazine:”I want to take 500 people and bring them to Vegas. They all get a room at the hotel we’re at... we could just go nuts.” The brunette plans to invite the whole ‘Jersey Shore’ cast to her dream wedding and wants her best friend Snooki to be her maid-of-honour. The 26-year-old star added that Pauly D (DelVecchio) would be perfect to DJ the raucous after-party. JWoWW’s engagement could be imminent, since her body builder boyfriend Roger recently confessed he was hoping to propose in the near future. He said: “I don’t have any date set, but soon.

Things are going really well with us, so you know...”

Jenni has admitted to feeling under pressure to tie the knot since finding out her ‘Snooki and JWoWW ‘ co-star Snooki was engaged and is expecting a baby with her fiance Jionni LaValle. She said: “I hope to be married by the time I’m 27.”

T

he British actor - who is best known for roles in ‘The Tudors’, TV film ‘Elvis’ and Woody Allen movie ‘Match Point’ - will star in the new series ‘Dracula’, which is based on Bram Stoker’s iconic Gothic horror novel. NBC, who are producing the series, said ‘Dracula’ - set in the Victorian era - will stay true to the story’s time period, but with a “look to the future”. Entertainment chairman at NBC, Bob Greenblatt, said: “In the world of ‘Twilight’ and ‘True Blood’ and all the contemporised stories, we thought we’d go back to the original.”

According to the Hollywood Reporter, it will be set in London in the 1890s, and see Dracula lead a double life as an American businessman interested in bringing modern science to Victorian society.

However, his plan to exact revenge on those who ruined his life centuries earlier is derailed when he falls in love. The storyline is based on a script by Cole Haddon, and will be co-produced by Gareth Neame, who was behind hit British period drama ‘Downton Abbey’.

—Bangshowbiz

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

Stars from Hanks to Seinfeld enter digital fray A

s a new wave of big names enter the growing field of Web series, leave it to Larry David to keep enthusiasm in check. “I wouldn’t say I’m excited, but I’m looking forward to it,” David says at the start of Jerry Seinfeld’s new series, “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.” The conceit of the show is exceptionally simple: Seinfeld picks up a comedian friend in one of his personal vintage cars, and they get some coffee. Having achieved these meager tasks, David, the co-creator of “Seinfeld,” appropriately concludes: “You have finally done the show about nothing.”

In the latest batch of notable series to launch online, long-harbored ambitions find digital outlets: Seinfeld does nothing; Tom Hanks plays a hero; Larry King keeps his suspenders in action. Their three new series - “Larry King Now” on Hulu, Hanks’ “Electric City” on Yahoo, “Comedians in Cars” on its own website - represent the latest stage in the slow but sure evolution of digital television. Though none is exactly must-see TV, each has its charms (some more than others) and their very existence suggests a further advancement for online video.

Of the three, “Comedians in Cars” is the most promising. Only one episode has run, the 131/2 minute “Larry Eats a Pancake,” but future episodes featuring Ricky Gervais, Alec Baldwin, Michael Richards and others are set to premiere Thursday evenings on ComediansInCarsGettingCoffee.com and Crackle.com. The series is an argument for leisure. Seinfeld extols the virtues and necessity of laziness to, as he says, “the comedian mindset.” And when Seinfeld and David get together - as they did for David’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm” reunion of the “Seinfeld” cast in 2009 - their ease with one another is a joy to behold.

This image shows host Larry King interviewing actor Matthew McConaughey on “Larry King Now,” a new online show from the former CNN anchor. — AP Indeed, the best aspect of the debut episode of “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” is to see the two in their natural habitat, laughing far more than they would ever allow their deadpans to do on TV. At one point, a chortling David spits out his herbal tea (he makes a minor protest over the coffee ritual) after Seinfeld uses the word “debauched.” “It’s a miracle we ever got any work done because nobody can waste time like you and me,” Seinfeld says to David.

Chatting comedians are seemingly everywhere these days - the creme de la creme being Marc Maron’s remarkable podcast. Still, the chance to see two of comedy’s greats huddled in a 1952 Volkswagen bug is hard to resist. “Larry King Now,” too, depends on the basic

Participants wearing outfits featuring animation characters perform at the annual Comics Festival and Game Fair in Hong Kong yesterday. — AP

appeal of conversation. King’s setting, though, is less distinct: He typically interviews entertainers Matthew McConaughey, Seth MacFarlane, George Lopez - in the semi-retired comfort of his own home.

But the steady patter of the 78-yearold’s questioning hasn’t changed: He’s still a congenial, entertaining interviewer, albeit one now without much reason for journalistic prodding. He’s a veteran taking another spin through his rolodex, unwilling (to his credit) to give up the thrill of the interview. King created the series with the new digital network Ora TV, which turned to Hulu to distribute four 20to 25-min. episodes a week.

The episode with Betty White charmingly concludes with the pair selling lemonade on King’s front lawn to passing celebrity tour buses. In the developing digital landscape, the two TV old-timers are just kids. “This is a whole new world for us, Betty,” King tells 90-year-old White.

With the animated “Electric City,” Hanks has literally created a new world. It’s long in the making: The actor first had the idea for it nearly eight years ago, envisioning a settled dystopia in a post-apocalyptic society.

Figuring out how to make it - and for whom - proved a challenge for Hanks, who shopped the idea to networks and studios, and originally contemplated making it with marionettes. (Yes, marionettes.)

He finally settled on a cheap animated series, produced by the Indian media company Reliance Entertainment, with Hanks’ own production company, Playtone. In advance of its debut last week, “Electric City” was trumpeted as a prime example of the latest push into original programming, alongside efforts from Netflix, Hulu and YouTube. But as is often the case with digital series, the hype outpaced the show’s quality, which is dragged down by mediocre production value and a muddled purpose.

The 20 episodes of five minutes are awkward, if easily consumable bite-sized

helpings of a story that strives for longform ambiguity and seriousness. Hanks voices one of the main characters, Cleveland Carr, a “grid operative” in a future where some apparently climatebased event has left a dangerous, bleak, electricity-starved world. Carr’s mission has something to do with stopping black market schemes for a new transmitter device.

“It’s best to ask no questions and be told no lies, here in the Electric City,” Hanks narrates, using an oft-repeated mantra in a city fashioned out of numerous science-fiction conventions. “Electric City” does conjure an enjoyable atmosphere (the ominous score by Leo Z and Ali Noori helps), one that the creators have attempted to make immersive with various interactive components.

But the Internet is not good at “immersive.” Even if a show is compelling, countless options are a click away - a distracted audience is inevitable if they’re watching on computers and mobile phones. This is one of the biggest problems for original digital series. Well, that and making any money. It should be noted that these three experimenters - Hanks, Seinfeld and King - have done alright for themselves.

These projects could all be classified in the vanity variety - none of them are expecting a big paycheck here.

But even if the dollars aren’t there yet and the content isn’t always superior, it’s surely a milestone when one of America’s most favorite movie stars, one of its most beloved comedians and one of its signature news anchors are all opting for the Web. The platform is there. The machinery to launch, promote and distribute these series is clearly in place now. Another Hollywood player will also soon try his hand on the Web: Bryan Singer, the director of “The Usual Suspects” and much of the “X-Men” franchise, will on Aug. 8 launch his series, “H+,” another dystopic drama where Internet microchips embedded in humans go haywire. The future one kind or another - is online. — AP

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

Michael Jackson’s mom back home with grandkids

M

ichael Jackson’s mother Katherine returned to her grandchildren Thursday after a family battle led a US judge to transfer the guardianship of the late singer’s three children to his nephew TJ. Late singer Jackson’s 14-year-old daughter Paris-who had been broadcasting her fears about her grandmother’s whereabouts on Twitter for days tweeted “grandma’s here! #thankyougod” in the early morning hours. Katherine Jackson was granted custody of Paris, Prince Michael, 15, and Blanket, 10 after their father’s death. But judge Mitchell Beckloff suspended that arrangement on Wednesday because the Jackson family matriarch had left the family home in Los Angeles.

She later vowed to fight to regain legal guardianship of the children. “I am devastated that while I’ve been away, my grandchildren have been taken away from me, and I’m coming home to see about that,” the grandmother said in an interview with ABC News. The fractious family has been embroiled in legal and financial disputes since the pop star’s sudden death in June 2009 from an overdose of Propofol, a powerful anesthetic.

Entertainment media portrayed the 82-year-old Jackson’s absence as an abduction by Michael’s siblings, who are allegedly furious they did not inherit any of the singer’s assets. Paris fueled the speculation with a series of tweets in which she insisted her grandmother was “missing” and wrote “something is really off, this isn’t like her at all... I wanna talk directly to my grandmother.” But Katherine Jackson insisted she was visiting a spa in Arizona to rest and that rumors of a kidnapping were false, telling ABC News “My children would never do anything to me like that.”

Prince Michael was not convinced. “As long as I can remember my dad had repeatedly warned me of certain people and their ways,” he wrote in a lengthy tweet.

“Although I am happy my grandma was returned, after speaking with her I realized how misguided and how badly she was lied to. I’m really angry and hurt.” Prince Michael also lashed out at his relatives for denying the children contact with their grandmother while she was in Arizona.

He published a screenshot from a group text message chat in which Janet Jackson apparently wrote “Don’t let them pls” after he wrote “This is enough so I am texting you for the simple fact that WE DEMAND TO SPEAK TO MY GRANDMA NOW!!!” Katherine Jackson condemned the “bunch of lies” that led to the public dispute and her loss of guardianship, saying: “I have a good idea who’s doing that and who’s behind that.” Jackson said the reason she didn’t call her grandchildren for more than a week was because “I just gave up my phone and I didn’t want to have any phone calls while I was here.”

Her lawyer Perry Sanders said his client was at the Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa in the city of Tucson “because of her high blood pressure and to get some R&R (rest and recuperation).” Jackson explained that she had made arrangements for TJ and the household staff to watch the children in her absence, but that someone intervened and told the cook, the nanny and the housekeepers to go.

“I don’t know who did that but they don’t have that power and they shouldn’t have done it,” Jackson told ABC. On July 17, five of the siblings accused the estate’s executors of forging Jackson’s signature on the 2002 will that excluded them. —AFP

Bollywood actress Chitrangada Singh poses for a photo with performers dressed as aliens during a promotion for the Hindi film ‘Joker’ directed by Shirish Kunder in Mumbai yesterday. — AFP

‘New Girl in Town’ is an upbeat musical A Review

The late Michael Jackson’s mother Katherine Jackson (centre) arrives at the courthouse in Los Angeles in this November 29, 2011 file photo. — AFP

t one time, the term “sportin’ lady” did not refer to a female athlete. A largely upbeat musical based on a downbeat story about just such a lady, “New Girl in Town,” is enjoying a sprightly off-Broadway revival at the Irish Repertory Theatre.

The musical comedy is based on Eugene O’Neill’s Pulitzer Prize-winning tragedy “Anna Christie.” First seen on Broadway in a 1957 production that ran for a year, the show garnered a rare Tony Award tie for best actress in a musical for its two leading ladies, Thelma Ritter and the nowlegendary Gwen Verdon, but has never had a major revival.

O’Neill’s dark story, about a girl who tries to change her life by reuniting with her barge captain father and unexpectedly finds love, was considerably brightened up for the musical.

Energetic tunes and lyrics by Bob Merrill and the book by George Abbott both focused on the redemptive power of love. Irish Rep’s artistic director Charlotte Moore also finds the bright notes with her smart staging, which includes high-spirited choreography by Barry McNabb and a tuneful four-piece orchestra led by John Bell on piano. The cast includes a talented ensemble of seven actors who kick up their heels and merrily portray singing, dancing saloon girls and sailors. In telling contrast, Stephen Zinnato as a strolling saxophone player provides moody, dissonant interludes.

(Left foreground) Patrick Cummings is seen dancing with Margaret Loesser Robinson, with the ensemble looking on, in a scene from Bob Merrill and George Abbott’s musical “New Girl in Town”. — AP Fallen farm girl Anna, (a solid yet ethereal performance by Margaret Loesser Robinson), arrives in 1926 New York’s dockside area, defeated and cynical, yet faintly hoping to start a new life with her father, whom she hasn’t seen in 15 years. Cliff Bemis is sweetly gruff as Anna’s loving father, Chris Christopherson, who thought his daughter grew up safe and happy with relatives on a farm in Minnesota and is now a nurse. Fortunately for Anna, handsome young sailor Matt (Patrick Cummings, charismatic and in excellent voice) soon washes up on her father’s barge, and they fall in love. Danielle Ferland is broadly com-

ical as Chris’ feisty longtime lady friend, Marthy, who becomes jealous of Anna’s popularity and threatens to spill sordid secrets from her past.

Most of the songs are corny but amusing, such the lines “Flings is wonderful things/but they got to be flung/by the young.” Two of the more serious standouts are the lovers’ duet “Did You Close Your Eyes?,” on which Cummings and Robinson harmonize richly, and “Sunshine Girl,” easily the most memorable song in this welldone, satisfying show. — AP

Bebe Neuwirth to star in McNally’s ‘Golden Age’

B Bebe Neuwirth

ebe Neuwirth has been picked to star in the New York premiere of “Golden Age” by four-time Tony winner Terrence McNally. Manhattan Theatre Club said Thursday the Emmy- and Tony-winning former star of TV’s “Cheers” will appear in the opera-related drama “Golden Age” at New York City Center - Stage I on 55th Street. “Golden Age” begins previews

on Nov. 13 and open Dec. 4. The play reunites Neuwirth with Walter Bobbie, who directed her in the hit revival of “Chicago,” which netted her a 1997 Tony for best actress in a musical. — AP

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

This photo shows Markus Werba (centre) as Papageno, performing during a dress rehearsal of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s opera ‘Die Zauberfloete’ in Salzburg. The opera was conducted by Maestro Nikolaus Harnoncourt and premiered yesterday as part of the annual Salzburg Festival. — AFP

W

hile Kristen Stewart has alienated “Twilight” fans by cheating on long-time boyfriend and costar Robert Pattinson, experts say the brewing controversy could do more to boost their careers than damage them.

Stewart issued an apology this week when a photo of her canoodling with director Rupert Sanders surfaced so as to temper attention to the controversy, but in the 21st century sometimes all publicity really is good publicity. “Twenty years ago or 30 years ago controversy was a career killer,” Howard Bragman, veteran industry publicist and VP of Reputation.com, told TheWrap. “Now we kind of embrace controversy.”

For both actors, it was their real-life relationship, paralleled by their cinematic romance in the ‘Twilight” films that elevat-

(From left to right) Actors Taylor Lautner, Kristen Stewart, and Robert Pattinson accept the Ultimate Choice award onstage during the 2012 Teen Choice Awards at Gibson Amphitheatre on July 22, 2012 in Universal City, California. — AFP

ed them to the Hollywood A-list. In four years, Stewart went from an indie darling to the star of a big-budget summer tentpole, Universal’s “Snow White and the Huntsman.” It was on that set where she met Sanders, the other crooner in this duet of infidelity. Pattinson has since earned leading roles in films such as David Cronenberg’s “Cosmopolis,” and in a pair of indie films.

Though this controversy may only enhance their star power, her youthful indiscretion raises some serious questions for all of the characters involved. The final “Twilight” film comes out in November, and there is its box office performance to think of. In this last episode in the franchise, Stewart’s Bella and Pattinson’s Edward are now married with child, and Stewart has turned into a vampire. Will viewers flock in the same droves to watch a romance that has been spoiled off screen?

For the most part, fans have defended the two stars, expressing incredulity but not anger. “Although Kristen has made a statement and may have cheated on Rob I still believe the pics were photoshopped to manipulate the situation,” tweeted @Twi_Hard247. Still, there are skeptics. “I think it could hurt it,” BoxOffice.com editor-in-chief Phil Contrino told TheWrap Thursday. “The fact that they’re together in real life created some of the appeal for its fans.”

The lead-up to the film’s opening will determine whether there is an impact. In the past, fans fawned over the 20-something lovebirds. Now that Pattinson has moved out of their shared house, how the former couple behave in public could go a long way toward dictating popular response. They will be booked for endless media appearances, from magazine covers to television shows to press junkets to international premieres.—Reuters

U

S pop queen Madonna praised France for its tolerance and welcoming attitude to minorities and said she knew farright leader Marine Le Pen was “very angry with me” over a provocative video. “I know that I have made a certain Marine Le Pen very angry with me. It’s not my intention to make enemies,” Madonna told 2,700 fans at a sell-out concert at the Olympia hall in Paris on Thursday. France’s far-right National Front said earlier this month it would sue the singer over a video at an earlier Paris concert showing party leader Le Pen with a swastika on her forehead.

The video, which served as a backdrop for Madonna’s performance of the song “Nobody Knows Me,” flashed a picture of Le Pen’s forehead superimposed with a swastika, followed by an image resembling Nazi leader Adolf Hitler. Madonna went on to praise France for its tolerance and the welcome it had extended to black entertainers.

“Before the civil rights in America, African American artists were not allowed to perform in America... but France opened their arms to

them, Josephine Baker, Charlie Parker... people of colour, people with difference, minorities felt welcome in France,” she said. “If we don’t learn from history we will just repeat it. So the next time you want to point the finger at somebody and blame them for the problems in your life take that finger and point it back at you.”

Irish actor Pierce Brosnan, star of Roman Polanski’s “The Ghost Writer” and a former James Bond incarnation, was among the fans cheering the US pop icon. “We know her, my wife wanted to come so we bought tickets,” Brosnan told AFP. Brosnan was in Paris for “Love Punch,” a film with Emma Thompson being shot in the French capital. Madonna wrote and performed the title song for the 2002 Bond film “Die Another Day” starring Brosnan and Halle Berry. The singer performed for just an hour at the Olympia hall, drawing boos when the curtain went down. — AFP

In this photo, Madonna performs on stage with musicians during her MDNA concert at Olympia Hall in Paris on Thursday, July 26, 2012. — AP

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

S

elf-professed Bat-fan and comic-book historian Arlen Schumer is worried. He fears the mass shooting at a midnight screening of “The Dark Knight Rises” in Aurora, Colo., will forever be associated with the legend of Batman. “After mourning and feeling sympathy for the families, taking a step back as a Batman fan and historian, I’m concerned that this will taint what I consider to be an American treasure of not only popular culture but of mythology,” he says. “I don’t want it to be the second line of the Wikipedia entry, like Watergate is to Nixon.”

The role that Batman fiction might have played in motivating alleged attacker James Holmes in the theatre shooting remains unclear nearly a week after the massacre that killed 12 and injured 58. Although investigators reportedly found a Batman mask inside Holmes’ booby-trapped apartment, any connection to the storied comic character could be simple coincidence. Or it could be a chilling aspect of the murderous plot. Schumer and other Batman devotees caution against drawing premature parallels between the massacre and the ever-evolving history of Batman, a flawed human superhero who has been rooted in reality since his pulpy inception in 1939.

“There are so many things that we don’t know about (Holmes),” said Travis Langley, author of “Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight” and a professor of psychology at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Ark. “The degree that he might be lost in fantasy, we don’t know. I think it’s safe to assume he had some kind of need for others to notice him.”

Reports surfaced after the shooting that Holmes, his hair dyed a reddish-orange, had told arresting officers he was Batman’s rival, the Joker. Authorities declined to confirm that, but fans were quick to note that the Joker’s hair is actually green and that the dazed 24year-old sitting in court Monday hardly recalled Batman’s arch-nemesis.

“Clearly, we are influenced by popular culture,” said Langley. “The tricky part is quantifying it. There are millions upon millions of influences on us all the time. Our culture is one of those influences, but we don’t know to what degree. Even if it turns out that Holmes is preoccupied with Batman and the Joker, there are so many other variables involved.” Still, questions persist about possible parallels. Why did the mass murderer target a midnight screening of director Christopher Nolan’s final

A comic book image released by DC Comics shows the cover of Batman and The Joker.

instalment in his Batman trilogy? Why would anyone claim to be the Clown Prince of Crime? What’s appealing about such an appalling villain?

“The Joker imposes his face on the world, so he can feel like it makes more sense to him,” said Langely. “He tries to show the world it’s as ugly as he is - and he’s always been doing that to make himself feel bigger in the world. That could appeal to individuals who want the world to fit around them. For the majority of fans, they don’t have that motivation.”“ The Joker has been captivating audiences since he was established as the murderous yin to the Batman’s yang in 1940 by DC Comics writers Bob Kane and Bill Finger, and artist Jerry Robinson. Langley believes the lack of motivation and a definitive backstory for the Joker, whose schemes range from mutating smiley Joker fish to murdering Robin, makes him more interesting.

A less severe Joker was pranking Batman in the comics of the ‘60s, while an over-the-top Cesar Romero was playing him on the “Batman” TV series starring Adam West. The comic book character returned to his homicidal roots in the ‘70s and has since been portrayed on film as an out-of-control terror by both Jack Nicholson and Heath Ledger, who won a posthumous Oscar for the role in 2008. Bat-mania is about more than just fantasy, though. It’s a big business spanning comics, film, TV, video games, merchandise and live events. Gene Del Vecchio, an entertainment research consultant and author of “Creating Blockbusters: How to Generate and Market Hit Entertainment for TV, Movies, Video Games and Books,” doubts the massacre will impact the brand, noting that it’s a “trivial issue in the face of such tragedy.”

“There is apt to be little or no monetary effect on the Batman franchise,” said Del Vecchio. “People go to movies, play with toys, buy soundtracks and read comics in order to escape. Escapism is such a powerful human desire that it won’t be affected by the recent event.” However, the shooting might affect the tone of the franchise moving forward, especially considering Dark Knight tales have often mirrored what’s happening in our world, whether Batman is taking down Nazi saboteurs in the comics or dealing with terrorism post9/11 on film.

“I suspect the stories were heading in an even darker direction,” said Langley. “They are going to recognize that the public are looking at it differently now and might be ready for something brighter and more heroic.” Since Frank Miller’s seminal 1986 comic series “The Dark Knight Returns,” which bleakly painted an aging Bruce Wayne coming out of retirement to rescue a doomed Gotham, and Alan Moore’s 1988 Jokerfocused “The Killing Joke,” the franchise has mostly veered away from the “KA-POW!” campiness of yesteryear toward the grittiness associated with the modern Batman.

Tim Burton’s big-screen “Batman” introduced a brooding Caped Crusader to the masses in 1989, paving the way for the ‘90s deco-style Batman animated TV series featuring gangsters and femme fatales, as well as Rocksteady Studios’ moody 2009 video game “Batman: Arkham Asylum” and its 2011 sequel “Arkham City,” starring a diseased Joker on the brink of death.

“I think that change reflects popular taste,” said Vasilis Pozios, a Batfan and Detroit psychiatrist specializing in risk assessment. “Batman has been around for almost 75 years now. There are many adult fans, and they have much more mature tastes now. We’ve seen that with the Nolan trilogy, which deals with very sophisticated and psychological ideas.”

H. Eric Bender, a San Francisco psychiatrist who presented the panel “Detecting Deviants in the Dark Night: Profiling Gotham City’s Serial Killers” with Pozios at San Diego’s Comic-Con last year, said because mass shootings are so rare, it’s nearly impossible to know what motivates killers and what impact - if any - the fiction they consume has on their psyche.

Schumer, the comic book historian and author of “The Silver Age of Comic Book Art,” isn’t interested in that. Like some relatives of massacre victims, Schumer refuses to even utter Holmes’ name so as to not feed the suspect’s perceived need for attention. What’s more, the author of “The Silver Age of Comic Book Art” is determined not to refer to the real-world tragedy in his future writings and lectures about the World’s Greatest Detective because “to give any credence to what he did by analyzing it is enabling it and making us co-conspirators.” Schumer knows that the Batman will, as usual, prevail. “Hopefully, the greatness and timelessness of the Batman mythology will conquer this particular tragedy,” said Schumer, who lives in Westport, Conn. “I’ll do my best in my corner of the universe to ensure that the focus of Batman is always on Batman and not what happened in Colorado.” — AP

This image shows Tom Hardy as Bane in a scene from the action thriller “The Dark Knight Rises.”

This image released

by Warner Bros. shows Christian Bale as Batman in “The Dark Knight Rises.”

— AP photos

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

Kurkova joining Campbell and Rocha on ‘The Face’ K

This photo shows model Karolina Kurkova at the Vanity Fair Oscar party in West Hollywood, Calif. —AP

arolina Kurkova wants to be the mentor on TV’s “The Face” that she didn’t have 13 years ago when she started modeling. She will be the third coach on the new reality competition for up-and-coming models, working alongside Naomi Campbell and Coco Rocha, Oxygen Media announced recently. Photographer Nigel Barker, a former judge on “America’s Next Top Model,” will serve as host.

Filming on “The Face” starts in September. The show will air early next year. The trio of supermodels will scout their own teams and lead them through the sometimes glamorous sometimes not - world of castings, runway shows, editorial and commercial photo shoots. The last model standing, in high heels, no doubt, will become the spokesmodel for a national brand.

Kurkova will be “a shoulder to cry

on,” she says, but she can also dole out tough love when needed. She’s gotten even better at that since her son, Tobin, was born almost three years ago. “I am someone who is nice but I know to achieve something you have to be tough and honest, but you don’t have to be mean,” the Czech-born Kurkova says. Kurkova, 28, says she went into modeling after training to be a professional gymnast, so she had a strong work ethic and knew nothing is as easy as it looks.

There certainly are designers, stylists and photographers in the industry whom she now calls friends, Kurkova says. It’s still a relatively small circle, though, because top models are always on the go, moving from job to job, often shuttling between time zones and never staying in one place for more than a few days. As she climbed the ladder, people would be supportive

and answer her questions, but she was without that one person to show her the ropes, including how to weave her personal life into a busy schedule.

That’s easier now that she has Tobin, she adds.

Kurkova says it will be nice to be based in New York for several months during filming of “The Face.” But she doesn’t see her days in front of the camera or on the catwalk slowing down. “I never take it for granted. I’m always asking, ‘What can I do better?’ I haven’t had the moment where I say, ‘This is it! I’ve made it.’... I’m always thinking what about tomorrow?” she says. Kurkova has shared the runway with Campbell and Rocha and admires them, although she doesn’t know either one well. “I’m speaking for all three of us: We’ve had great careers and we want to share what we’ve learned.” — AP

Fashion show shines spotlight on Ukraine disabled A

t a glitzy Kiev night club brimming with neon lights and energetic pop music, the models showed off sleek evening gowns and glamorous hats as Ukraine’s celebrities cheered on. But this was no ordinary fashion show - some models rolled on wheelchairs, others were blind. At the event dubbed Fashion Chance a dozen designers, mostly from Ukraine, presented outfits for physically handicapped women, in a bid to bring attention and dignity to some of Ukraine’s most marginalized citizens. In a country where most buildings lack wheelchair ramps and only a few public schools accept disabled children, the show was a small but vivid step toward removing the stigma that cloaks Ukraine’s disabled.

“People on wheelchairs, the blind, the handicapped should all feel accepted,” said 26-year-old Ilona Slugovina, an avid wheelchair ballroom dancer, who modeled a lilac-colored glittery evening dress.

Some models moved confidently down the runway - on wheel chairs, or accompanied by handsome young men in elegant suits - flashing smiles and some attempting to mimic the traditional model gait.

One blind model coquettishly held her hand on her hip and played with a lock of hair. Others appeared nervous.

Moved by the show, some in the audience cried. “I felt beautiful, I felt confident,” said Antonina Krivobok, who masterfully rolled and turned around in a wheelchair and posed in front of TV cameras as she presented a purple evening dress. Beginning and already established designers presented elegant dresses and suits for women on wheelchairs or with other handicaps. Some of the outfits differed little from what ambulatory women would wear, others were cut in a more voluminous fashion to accommodate the needs of those in wheelchairs.

“God made the woman beautiful and the designer’s goal is to stress that beauty,” said Natalia Anri, a top Ukrainian designer. But it wasn’t just about clothes.

Yulia Kozluk, 28, who runs a fund that trains and then finds computer jobs for those on wheelchairs like herself, said she hoped such projects would help Ukrainian society grow up and accept those who are different.

“When I roll in my wheelchair, people stare at me like I am an alien and it wounds,” said Kozluk, who became paralyzed at age 23 after a car accident. “But I am not an alien, I am a regular person.”

Ukraine’s physically handicapped people are barely visible to the country at large, confined to their homes in the absence of ramps, elevators and specially equipped

buses and mostly shunned by society in a grim legacy of the Soviet era.

The Soviet authorities aimed to maintain the image of a happy and healthy society devoid of any problems, locking many disabled, including maimed World War II soldiers, into specialized institutions and even remote islands, where they could not be seen to the general public, while discussing the plight of the handicapped was virtually a taboo in Soviet media. Today, children with disabilities are usually hidden away in specialized schools or orphanages, where they are deprived of a chance to interact with other children and society as a whole does not learn to co-exist, accept and help those with disabilities. Only a handful of public schools accept disabled children, because building

Two blind models present outfits during a fashion show for disabled women in Kiev, Ukraine. —AP

entrances, canteens and toilets are not equipped with ramps, teachers lack the necessary training and other students and often their parents object to having such classmates.

In Kiev, home to tens of thousands of disabled children of school age, only about 10 schools provide inclusive education, according to Larisa Baida, an education activist with Ukraine’s National Assembly for Disabled. “It’s sad,” said Baida. “It’s a constant struggle, every day they fight for their life.” The Education Ministry declined a comment for this story. Universities also offer very few chances for the handicapped, lacking audio books for hearingimpaired and computers for the blind.

Since gaining independence from the Soviet Union over 20 years ago, not a single book in the tactile writing system called Braille has been published for the visually impaired, according to the Assembly.

Only a handful of news programs on television are translated into sign language, while none of entertainment shows for adolescents or children are accessible for hearing impaired. Most Ukrainian websites, including those of the president and the government, lack the special software that allows the blind to convert them into audio. Finding a job is also a major problem, with about only 25 percent of the country’s disabled employed, mostly at low-skilled and low-paid jobs, according to the United Nations Development program.

“When we look at a disabled person, we are not ready to see a person in them” who wants to study, work and eat at restaurants, said Natalia Skripka, Assembly’s director. “While we should first be seeing a person and only then notice their peculiarities - are they tall or short, do they have blond or dark hair, do they have disabilities or not.” — AP

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

Travel Postcard

48 hours jousting in

YESTERDAY 5 pm - By direct rail or motorway, 90 minutes from Rome brings you curving down into the Peligna valley, nestled under the 9,000-foot peaks of the central Appenines. Sulmona lies below.

International flights serve Pescara, 40 minutes away.

6 pm- After settling in (hotels Stella or Rojan will put you at the centre of the largely pedestrianised old city) step out on to corso Ovidio, the kilometre-long spinal artery of the town, named for its favorite son, the Roman poet Ovid (43 BC17 AD). Stroll to its southern end at the decorative, 14th-century city gate, Porta Napoli. The road heads to Naples, whose kings ruled here until 1861. Look out for the colorful banners flying from houses and across streets throughout town. These mark out the city’s seven rival districts competing in the Giostra (pronounced “joss-tra”).

6:30 pm - A walk back along the corso takes in main sights and shops, including street displays of “confetti”, the sugared almonds which Sulmona supplies to weddings across Italy, and the world. Passing the 13th-century aqueduct, built by the German emperor Frederick II whose rule the Sulmonese regard as the zenith of their city’s power, you see the big market square beyond, the piazza Garibaldi, embraced by the mountains and transformed into an arena surrounded by grandstands.

7:30 pm - Passing the statue to Ovid, you come to the Annunziata, a unique architectural mix of styles and functions dating back to 1320. Its eclecticism is testimony to the earthquakes that have periodically flattened Sulmona, forcing regular rebuilding. At present, its church is closed for repairs following the 2009 quake that devastated nearby L’Aquila, but the Civic Museum - until the 1960s the town hospital - is open again, as is the tourist information office

Sulmona, Italy

located next door in the complex’s old, woodpanelled pharmacy. Staff here will fill you in on what to expect in upcoming events, always a big part of life in Sulmona, ranging from music (this summer features the Muntaginjazz jazz festival, exhibitions and food tastings to religious drama, like Sulmona’s famed Easter ritual, “La Madonna che scappa”, or the Running Madonna.

8 pm - Step across the street for an aperitivo outdoors and watch the crowds go by as the setting sun picks out new details on the riotous facade of the Annunziata. Or, further along the corso, flirt with the locals as George Clooney did at Caffe Europa - in his 2010 Abruzzo-set thriller “The American”.

9 pm - Round for dinner at Clemente, a temple to Abruzzese mountain cuisine. Try the mixed antipasto for hams, sausage and cheeses from local producers, savoury lentils and light fritters of zucchini or eggplant. Chitarra (guitar) pasta is a specialty, made with the premium durum wheat from Abruzzo’s high valleys and cut into strips on a device that looks like a stringed musical instrument. Wash it down with Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.

11:30 pm - Join the “passeggiata”, when the whole town seems to be out enjoying the cool and catching up on gossip. Look out for street entertainment and savour a “gelato”. A favourite ice cream kiosk sits at the top of steps by the aqueduct offering a grandstand view from what is left of a Gothic church portico, shattered by the last big quake, in 1706.

TODAY 8:30 am - Start the day with a fine cappuccino and cornetto at Di Marzio, on the corso near Ovid’s statue, or linger longer in the sun on the terrace across the square.

9 am - The Civic Museum at the Annunziata will

give you bearings. It features the remains of a Roman house on the site and some fine artworks. Then head for Santa Chiara, a former convent now museum on piazza Garibaldi.

Aside from its baroque chapel, treasures include 13th-century frescoes and silverwork and gold which was a feature of Sulmona’s early Renaissance. See photographs by Alfonso Rossetti, a Sulmonese painter (and cousin of London’s pre-Raphaelite clan), whose camera studies of town and peasant life in the valley a century ago are striking. Also worth a closer look is the imposing 12th-century church of Santa Maria della Tomba, a model of Abruzzese simplicity.

11 am - Refresh yourself with a draught of pure mountain water from the fountain at the end of the aqueduct and turn to commerce. The Saturday market is displaced by the Giostra from the main square but its flavours can be matched by shopkeepers on the corso. Try Soldo di Cacio by Tomba church or D’Antuono on via Mazara for hams and truffle delicacies and Masseria Agnonese on the main piazza for cheeses, especially local, hard “pecorino stagionato”, made with sheep’s milk, and mozzarella-style stracciatella. For the famed red garlic, “aglio rosso di Sulmona”, or for fresh saffron, look for elderly farmers selling their produce from barrows. Browse at Artigianato Artistico Abruzzese at corso Ovidio 139 for local lace, linen and woollen housewares, notably the bright bedspreads, or “coperte”, that keep mountain folk warm through winter.

1 pm - The cool garden tucked away at Il Vecchio Muro, via M. d’Eramo 20, or the shady street tables at Giostra-themed Il Quadrivio on via Mazara, make perfect escapes for lunch.

2:30 pm - Wander some of the cobbled back streets, like via Corfinio and via Quatrario, exploring the old nobility’s palazzos, like that of

the Tabassi family on via E. Ciofano.

3:30 pm - Check out the confetti stores more closely. For fine, handmade, multi-flavored varieties, including famous “zafferano” - saffron - as well as “torrone” nougats, head to the fragrant, family-run Rapone, by Ovid’s statue. If your tastes run to more permanent luxuries, look also for local gold jewellery, notably ear-rings and pendants rich in Byzantine filigree. Perhaps buy a traditional Abruzzo “presentosa” star for a loved one. Try Gentile at corso Ovidio 29 or Pacella, via d’Eramo 16, where you can see goldsmiths at work.

4:30 pm - Time to grab a spot on the steps of the Annunziata to watch the pre-joust costume procession. From 5 pm, the districts, or borghi e sestieri, will parade, banners flying, trumpets blowing and drums beating, each with its suite of 15th-century nobles in their finery and menat-arms to welcome their knight, or cavaliere, who will emerge from the Annunziata to cheers as each team’s “capitano” passes.

5:30 pm - Take your seats on piazza Garibaldi.

Pricier stands on the north side are shadier. Or join the rowdy, flag-waving masses in the districts’ stands on the sunny south side.

6 pm - A first pair of horsemen line up “alla lizza” in the lists. On the cry of “Via!”, they will race in opposite directions around a tight figure of eight, using lances to pick off small colored rings of varying points-value from the lances of dummy knights set up around the piazza. Time also counts, sothe pace is breakneck as the riders charge back toward each other for the finish line. — Reuters

TECHNOLOGY SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

Apple pitches gadget security to hacker crowd LAS VEGAS: Apple pitched security measures in its mobile gadgets on Thursday during its first presentation at a premier gathering of hackers and those intent on thwarting cyber attacks. The unprecedented talk by Apple head of software platform security Dallas De Atley at the 15th annual Black Hat conference in Las Vegas came as hackers increasingly target smartphones at the heart of Internet Age lifestyles. “We are really excited to be here,” De Atley said before launching into his presentation at a packed Caesars Palace ballroom.

“When we were developing the iPhone we realized there were aspects that make it different from computers,” he continued. “Security is architecture; you have to build it in from the very beginning. It is not something you can sprinkle over your code when it is done.” De Atley spent an hour providing insights into encryption, software keys and other security features built into the iOS operating system for iPhones, iPads and iPod touch devices. Hacking attacks on mobile devices, especially Apple gadgets or those powered by Google-backed Android software, were hot topics at Black Hat, where developers voiced doubt that device makers are devot-

ed to security. Unlike other speakers at the weeklong gathering, De Atley did not field questions from the audience. Instead, he brushed aside queries as he was ushered quickly out a side door after his talk. His brusque departure underscored a complaint by developers, and those who craft security for Apple gadgets, that they are often left guessing answers to questions when dealing with the revered gadget maker. “IOS is pretty secret,” said Accuvent Labs principal research consultant Charlie Miller, who is credited with the first remote hacker exploit of an iPhone.

“How do they test their software before they ship it?” he continued, rattling off a litany of questions he’d like Apple to answer. “How do they determine an application is malicious and how many times has it happened?” In the room where De Atley made his presentation, a team from security firm FishNet later announced that in the days ahead it will release a tool designed to expose security problems in applications tailored for Apple gadgets.

“I feel like Apple’s security is reactive and not proactive,” said Seth Law of FishNet. “They picked a great base to start from but continually get burned,” Law continued.

“The fact you can jailbreak an iPhone points to the fact that it is not rock solid.” With Apple boasting of more than 650,000 applications in its online App Store and the addition of more than a thousand a day, an automated way to check third-party software security is needed, according to the FishNet team. Concerns in applications include whether they intrude on privacy by mining contact lists or other data on devices. “The process for approving applications (for the App Store) is more about the business decisions than the security aspects,” Law said. “Apple’s testing in this case is the big unknown.”

The list of rules Apple provides developers calls for software to work smoothly on devices but makes no mention of security issues, according to FishNet. “Developers out there learn to game the system to push their apps through the registration process as fast as possible,” Law said. “Apple is looking at how to best enforce their rules and make their money; they want their 30 percent cut.” Cupertino, California-based Apple gets 30 percent of the money from sales of virtual goods or subscriptions in applications on its globally popular devices.—AFP

Hackers could haunt global traffic control ‘Everything you do is at your own risk’ LAS VEGAS: Air traffic control software used around the world could be exploited by hackers to unleash squadrons of ghost planes to befuddle those entrusted to keep the skies safe, a security researcher said Thursday. Cyprus-based Andrei Costin demonstrated his findings at a Black Hat gathering of cyber defenders that ends Thursday in Las Vegas. “This is for information only,” Costin said as he outlined how someone with modest tech skills and about $2,000 worth of electronics could vex air traffic controllers or even stalk celebrities traveling in private jets.

“Everything you do is at your own risk.”

Costin’s target was an ADS-B system in place for aircraft to communicate with one another and with air traffic control systems at airports.

The system, which has been rolled out internationally in recent years in a multibillion dollar upgrade, was designed to better track aircraft so airport traffic can flow more efficiently. A perilous flaw is that the system is not designed to verify who is actually sending a message, meaning that those with malicious intent can

impersonate aircraft either as pranks or to cause mayhem, according to Costin.

“There is no provision to make sure a message is genuine,” he said. “It is basically an inviting opportunity for any attacker with medium technical knowledge.”

Air traffic controllers faced with a signal from a fake airplane resort to cross-checking flight plans, putting relevant portions of air space off limits while they work.

“Imagine you inject a million planes; you don’t have that many people to crosscheck,” Costin said. “You can do a human resource version of a denial of service attack on an airport.” Denial of service attacks commonly used by hackers involve overwhelming websites with so many simultaneous online requests that they crash or slow to the point of being useless.

Aviation agencies are adept at identifying and locating “rogue transmitters” on the ground, but not at countering signals from drones or other robotic aircraft becoming more common and available, according to the researcher. Another danger in the new-generation air traffic control system, according to Costin, is that

position, velocity and other information broadcast by aircraft isn’t encrypted and can be snatched from the air. “Basically, you can buy or build yourself a device to capture this information from airplanes,” Costin said. He listed potential abuses including paparazzi being able to track private jets carrying celebrities or other famous people.

Costin showed how a friend was able to identify a plane broadcasting the identification numbers of Air Force One, the military jet used by the US president, and plot it on a map on an iPad. “It can be a very profitable business model for criminals to invest a small amount of money in radios, place them around the world” and then sell jet tracking services or information about flights, the independent researcher said. “If it was Air Force One, why does Air Force One show itself?”

Costin wondered aloud. “It is a very high profile target and you don’t want everyone to know it is flying over your house.”

There are websites with databases matching aircraft registration numbers with listed owners. — AFP

US Giffords tours European particle physics laboratory GENEVA: Former US congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords toured the European particle physics laboratory, cheerfully facing reporters but saying little during her first trip abroad since being shot in the head last year. Giffords was accompanying her husband, retired astronaut Mark Kelly, on a visit to the European Center for Nuclear Research, two days after she rode a cable car up into the French Alps. The lab, known as CERN, had assembled a $2 billion cosmic ray detector that Kelly and his team carried to the International Space Station in May 2011.

That mission came just months after Giffords, a lawmaker from Arizona, was shot by a gunman in a Jan. 8, 2011, rampage that killed six and wounded 13 outside a Tucson supermarket. Since then, Giffords has undergone intensive therapy and made dramatic progress, but she also decided to leave her seat in Congress to focus on her recovery. During a press conference Wednesday, Kelly joined CERN officials and four other astronauts in recalling the delicate task of installing the 7-ton Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the space station so that it can scan the universe for signs of dark matter and antimatter.

Kelly commanded the mission, which was the final flight of Space Shuttle Endeavour. Nobel Laureate Samuel Ting, a physicist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the principal investigator for the CERNbased project, said the detector is functioning “perfectly” and an international team of 600 scientists has now collected data from 18 billion cosmic rays. Giffords, a Democrat, served on the House Science and Technology Committee, and took on NASA affairs while heading the space subcommittee. Ting singled her out for praise because of her support for the US space program. “Thank you,” she quickly replied, beaming. — AP

Webcams make Alaska brown bears accessible ANCHORAGE: A new video initiative is bringing the famed brown bears of Alaska’s Katmai National Park directly to your computer or smartphone. Without having to go there, you’ll be able to watch mature bears compete for salmon at Brook Falls and other sites and cubs tumbling over each other as they play. Starting Tuesday, a live Web stream (http://is.gd/bfPAs8 ) will allow the public to see the brown bears in their natural habitat.

“I think it’s an unparalleled opportunity for people to get that front row seat of the lives of the bears at Brooks Camp,” said Roy Wood, chief of interpretation for Katmai National Park and Preserve. The project is a partnership with explore.org, which set up four highdefinition cameras in Katmai, spokesman

Jason Damata told The Associated Press.

Three of them are at existing viewing stands where bear fans come to watch the animals.

The cameras provide access to a national park that is difficult to reach and expensive for most tourists. It is about 275 miles southwest of Anchorage, but no roads lead to Katmai. A trip there involves multiple airplanes and a lot of advanced planning: it’s hard to get a lodge reservation at Brooks Camp before 2014. Camping is allowed, but on a reservation system that goes online Jan 5. “It takes a lot of time, a lot of effort and a lot of money, and the webcams will make it accessible to anyone with access to a computer, a smartphone, a tablet device,” Wood said.

The park draws just under 10,000 visitors a year, but about 2,200 bears live in Katmai National Park. About 100 of them are in the Brooks Camp area. One camera is at Brooks Falls, where the bigger male bears compete for salmon, some while the fish are trying to jump the falls. The bears eat mostly the brains and eggs of these fish and let the carcasses flow downstream. This is the prime viewing area now. The second camera is about 150 yards away, where females and cubs eat the fish scraps floating downstream. The third is at the lower falls, where bears will congregate later this summer when dead salmon float downstream after spawning. “Any bear can catch them when they’re dead,” Wood said. —AP

ALASKA: Brown bears are shown catching salmon at Brooks Falls, Katmai National Park in Alaska. — AP

TECHNOLOGY SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

Robots becoming a crucial part of aircraft production Striking the balance between automation and mechanical processes WICHITA: Before the use of robots, technicians at Spirit AeroSystems, wearing welders’ jackets and hoods, sprayed hot flames on certain airplane parts to increase their durability. The intense heat allowed a technician, who hoisted a hose over his shoulder as he sprayed, to stay in the spray booth only 20 to 30 minutes at a time. “This is a lot easier,” said Bob Martin, a flame-sprayer at Spirit who now controls the heat with the flip of a switch.

The automation also increases the accuracy of the flame and improves quality. And it’s safer, Spirit officials say. As in virtually all kinds of manufacturing, the use of robots at Spirit AeroSystems is growing. When Spirit formed seven years ago, after Boeing spun off its Wichita commercial aviation division, the company had six robots in place. Now Spirit has nearly five times that number.

They’re in place in Spirit factories in Wichita; Tulsa, Okla; Kinston, NC; and Prestwick, Scotland. Two-thirds are in Wichita. And most are used for drilling.

Others are used in nondestructive testing, fastening and painting.

“Robots are doing more and more diverse things,” said Curtis Richardson, associate technical fellow for automation at Spirit and president of the Great Plains Robotics Alliance. At Spirit, they’re used on the Boeing 787, Airbus A350 and Sikorsky CH-53K programs and in building Boeing 737 and 777 nacelles. Robots have long been used in the automotive industry, where auto production volumes are high, and the processes are repetitive. They’re also used in such industries as health care, military, electronics, packaging, space and mining.

Robots are becoming a small but crucial part of aircraft production,

which also uses labor-intensive manual processes. The key is striking the right balance between automation and mechanical processes and knowing how to achieve the optimum benefit, Richardson said.

“Robots have been doing more and more in our industry,” Richardson said. “Spirit is on the leading edge on their implementation.” When considering whether and where to use them, Spirit looks for applications that involve improving safety, ergonomics or the general working environment, he said. It also considers the ability to lower costs and win new business.

The use of robots has been a key factor in Spirit’s competitiveness, Richardson said. “Automation is a big enabler,” he said. “We’ve won business largely because of the automation that’s involved in our bid package.” There are cost advantages. “We’ve been told by customers had we not (been) automated ... we would not have gotten the work,” he said. New programs have meant new jobs at Spirit. “No one at Spirit has ever lost their job because we put automation in,” he said.

Inside Spirit’s 787 hangar, a robot works behind an enclosed cage drilling thick precision holes in a cab structure made from aluminum and titanium. The structure will support the composite materials that form the 787 nose section. Drilling titanium - a dense, hard metal - is a difficult process for a human, Richardson said. It’s labor-intensive and puts stress on shoulders and arms.

“Drilling titanium is hard on people,” he said.

A robot can take the extreme pressure needed to drill titanium and save workers from injury. Cessna Aircraft is exploring the use of automation, including the use of robots. “We continue to explore

opportunities to innovate our processes, including the use of automation in certain areas,” said Cessna spokeswoman Sara Monger.

“We will make strategic investments in these products where it makes sense to do so for use as a company.” The National Institute for Aviation Research at Wichita State University is looking at ways robots can aid aircraft manufacturers. In the automobile industry, where volumes are high, robots may repeat a task 250,000 times, said John Tomblin, the agency’s executive director.

In the aviation industry, “you really have to question yourself: Is a robot needed in that type of production based purely on quantity?”

Tomblin said. The institute is looking at ways robotic applications can be used in low-volume aircraft production to solve manufacturing problems. “In low-volume production, I think you have to look at what will be the real benefit of having a robot inserted in the production line,” Tomblin said. The National Institute for Aviation Research has a robot on order to work on the painting of composite and metal airplanes and parts. “Painting, especially with a composite aircraft, is very sensitive,” Tomblin said.

If the paint is too thick, the fuselage won’t conduct electricity in the event of a lightning strike, he said. If it’s too thin, the plane’s exterior won’t be protected from ultraviolet rays. Too much paint on an aluminum plane is also a problem, because of the extra weight, Tomblin said. The paint thickness must be exact, he said. Robots reduce the potential for human error. “It will paint the aircraft the same way every time,” he said. The institute is also using robots in friction stir welding and in reverse-engineering applications. — MCT

PISA: Researcher Davide Zambrano works on the humanoid robot Sabian at the Institute of Biorobotic of the Italian University St. Anna School in Pisa. A bionic hand controlled by the brain or an exoskeleton that allows a rescue worker to lift alone a wall crushing the victim of an earthquake: these innovations are not science fiction but indeed exist in Pisa, Tuscany. — AFP

Twitter explains new mystery outage WASHINGTON: A freak double failure in its data centers took Twitter down for around an hour Thursday, leaving millions without updates from friends, celebrities and news providers a day ahead of the Olympics. “We are sorry,” said Mazen Rawashdeh, Twitter’s vice president of engineering, in a message on the company’s support blog. “Many of you came to Twitter earlier today expecting, well, Twitter. Instead, between around 8:20 am and 9:00 am Pacific Time (1720 GMT to 1800 GMT), users around the world got zilch from us,” he said. The glitch was fixed by about 1925 GMT, according to Rawashdeh, but not before the outage had affected users around the world.

In a blog post, Rawashdeh explained

that the blackout was triggered by a data center system and its backup system failing simultaneously. “I wish I could say that today’s outage could be explained by the Olympics or even a cascading buy,” he said. “Instead, it was due to this infrastructural doublewhammy.” Service was gradually restored and many users posted messages expressing relief in sarcastic terms. “Wow. Wasn’t sure I’d survive that @twitter outage. I even took to Facebook. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Thankful it’s back,” professional baseball player Michael Schlact tweeted. Jason Carlin of Toronto tweeted: “Took time during the Twitter outage to explore some self-improvement.” “I’ve written two

novels, learned Esperanto and knitted a sweater,” he added.

Last month, the service was downed for several hours by what the company described as a “cascading bug,” but the company said this time it had fallen victim to the double data center failure.

“Data centers are designed to be redundant: when one system fails, as everything does at one time or another, a parallel system takes over,” Rawashdeh said in a message to users.

“What was noteworthy about today’s outage was the coincidental failure of two parallel systems at nearly the same time. But Rawashdeh promised that “we are investing aggressively in our systems to avoid this situation in the future.”

In its early days, Twitter was notoriously unstable and would display a picture known as the “fail whale” on its home page when it experienced one of its frequent outages. The service has become more reliable over the past couple of years, however, and down time is now infrequent. At the Olympics, athletes are expected to share their Twitter handles, and tweet their experiences using the site.

Twitter, which allows its members to post brief comments, links or pictures, claims to have more than 140 million active users, with the largest number being in the United States. A recent survey found one in seven Americans who go online use Twitter and eight percent do so every day. — AFP

TV listings

SATURDAY, JULY 28 2012

00:45 01:40 02:35 03:30 03:55 04:25 05:20 05:45 06:10 07:00 07:25 07:50 08:15 09:10 09:35 10:05 11:00 11:55 12:50 13:45 15:35 16:30 17:25 18:20 19:15 20:10 21:05 22:00 22:55 23:20 23:50

Crime Scene Wild Untamed & Uncut Shark Attack File 3 Up Close And Dangerous Up Close And Dangerous Monster Bug Wars Living With The Wolfman Animal Battlegrounds E-Vets: The Interns Karina: Wild On Safari Meerkat Manor Bondi Vet Corwin’s Quest Dick ‘n’ Dom Go Wild Breed All About It Crocodile Hunter Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 Michaela’s Animal Road Trip Wildlife SOS Must Love Cats Must Love Cats America’s Cutest...

America’s Cutest...

Wild France Wild France Great Ocean Adventures Wildest Africa Cats 101 Great Animal Escapes Great Animal Escapes Untamed & Uncut

00:25 Elephant Diaries 01:15 Doctors 01:45 Live At The Apollo 02:25 The Cup 02:55 The Impressions Show 03:25 Allo ‘allo!

04:00 Fimbles 04:20 Tellytales 04:30 Bobinogs 04:45 Nina And The Neurons 05:00 Show Me Show Me 05:25 The Roly Mo Show 05:40 Charlie And Lola 05:50 Fimbles 06:10 Tellytales 06:20 Bobinogs 06:30 Nina And The Neurons 06:45 Show Me Show Me 07:10 The Roly Mo Show 07:25 Doctor Who 08:10 One Foot In The Grave 08:45 Dinnerladies 09:15 As Time Goes By 09:45 The Weakest Link 10:30 Coast 11:30 Robin Hood 12:15 After You’ve Gone 12:45 2 Point 4 Children 13:15 Casualty 14:05 Eastenders 15:35 Eastenders 16:00 Monarch Of The Glen 16:50 Doctor Who 17:40 Robin Hood 18:25 One Foot In The Grave 19:00 Rev. 19:30 Gavin & Stacey 20:00 BBC Electric Proms: Paul McCartney 20:55 Fawlty Towers 21:30 Going For Gold: The 48’ Games 23:00 The Impressions Show 23:30 Last Of The Summer Wine

00:15 Come Dine With Me 01:05 Celebrity Fantasy Homes 01:50 Celebrity Fantasy Homes 02:40 MasterChef 03:30 MasterChef 04:00 Nigel Slater’s Simple Suppers 04:25 New Scandinavian Cooking With Andreas Viestad 04:55 James Martin’s Favourite Feasts 05:20 MasterChef 06:10 MasterChef 06:40 Antiques Roadshow 10:05 Antiques Roadshow 11:00 Masterchef: The Professionals 11:50 Masterchef: The Professionals 12:20 Bargain Hunt 13:05 Bargain Hunt 13:45 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 15:05 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 15:50 Come Dine With Me 16:40 Antiques Roadshow 20:05 Antiques Roadshow 21:00 Cash In The Attic

00:30 Bakugan: New Vestroia 00:55 Bakugan: New Vestroia 01:20 Powerpuff Girls 02:10 Courage The Cowardly Dog 03:00 The Amazing World Of Gumball 03:25 Ben 10 03:50 Adventure Time 04:15 Powerpuff Girls 04:40 Generator Rex 05:05 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 05:30 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 05:55 Angelo Rules 06:00 Ed, Edd n Eddy 06:25 Casper’s Scare School 07:00 The Powerpuff Girls 07:15 Hi Hi Puffy Ami Yumi 07:40 Total Drama: Revenge Of The Island 08:05 The Amazing World Of Gumball 08:30 Adventure Time 08:55 Regular Show 09:20 Batman Brave And The Bold 09:45 Young Justice 10:05 Thundercats 10:35 Hero 108 11:00 Batman: The Brave And The Bold 12:15 Batman Beyond: Return Of The Joker 13:30 Batman: The Brave And The Bold 13:55 Batman: The Brave And The Bold 17:15 Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm 18:30 Batman: The Brave And The Bold 21:50 Grim Adventures Of...

22:00 Codename: Kids Next Door 22:50 Ben 10 23:15 Ben 10 23:40 Chowder

HACKERS ON OSN ACTION HD 21:40 Cash In The Attic 22:25 Bargain Hunt 23:10 Bargain Hunt

00:00 00:30 01:00 01:30 02:00 02:30 03:00 03:30 04:00 04:30 05:00 05:30 06:00 06:30 07:00 07:30 08:00 08:30 09:00 09:30 10:00 10:15 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:15 16:30

BBC World News America BBC World News America BBC World News London Live Newsnight BBC World News London Live Our World BBC World News London Live Collaboration Culture BBC World News London Live Mishal Husain Meets BBC World News London Live Worlds Of English BBC World News London Live Fast Track BBC World News London Live Working Lives BBC World News London Live Middle East Business Report BBC World News London Live Click BBC World News London Live Sport Today Collaboration Culture BBC World News London Live Mishal Husain Meets BBC World News London Live Mixed Britannia BBC World News London Live Newsnight BBC World News London Live Our World BBC World News London Live Talking Movies BBC World News London Live Sport Today Fast Track

17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:15 21:30 22:00 22:30 23:00 23:15 23:30

BBC World News London Live Dateline London BBC World News London Live Worlds Of English BBC World News London Live Click BBC World News London Live Working Lives BBC World News London Live Sport Today Fast Track BBC World News London Live Click BBC World News London Live Sport Today Dateline London

00:10 00:35 01:00 01:25 01:50 02:15 02:40 03:00 03:25 03:50 04:15 04:40 05:00 05:25 05:50 06:00 06:15 06:35 07:00 07:25 07:50 08:15

Puppy In My Pocket Tom & Jerry Kids Scooby Doo Where Are You! The Flintstones Pink Panther And Pals Looney Tunes Popeye Classics Dexter’s Laboratory Tom & Jerry Looney Tunes The Scooby Doo Show Johnny Bravo The Flintstones The Jetsons Wacky Races Johnny Bravo Dexter’s Laboratory A Pup Named Scooby-Doo Bananas In Pyjamas Jelly Jamm Baby Looney Tunes Gerald McBoing Boing

08:40 Ha Ha Hairies 08:55 Pink Panther And Pals 09:15 The Garfield Show 09:40 What’s New Scooby-Doo? 10:05 Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries 10:30 Droopy: Master Detective 10:55 The Looney Tunes Show 11:20 Dexter’s Laboratory 11:30 Johnny Bravo 11:55 Help! It’s The Hair Bear Bunch 12:01 Johnny Bravo 12:20 Pink Panther And Pals 12:45 The Garfield Show 13:00 Wacky Races 13:10 Dastardly And Muttley 13:35 The Scooby Doo Show 14:00 Dexters Laboratory 14:15 Dexter’s Laboratory 14:40 The Garfield Show 15:30 Looney Tunes 16:00 Tom & Jerry 16:01 Looney Tunes 16:06 Tom & Jerry 16:08 Looney Tunes 16:20 Tom & Jerry 17:00 Pink Panther And Pals 17:25 Pink Panther And Pals 17:50 Johnny Bravo 18:05 Johnny Bravo 18:30 Scooby Doo And The Reluctant...

20:10 The Looney Tunes Show 20:35 What’s New Scooby-Doo? 21:00 Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries 21:25 The Garfield Show 21:50 The Flintstones 22:15 Droopy & Dripple 22:40 Scooby-Doo And Scrappy-Doo 23:05 Popeye 23:20 The Jetsons 23:45 Duck Dodgers

00:00 00:30 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 05:45 06:00 07:00 07:30 07:45 08:00 08:15 08:30 09:00 09:15 09:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:15 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 21:45 22:00 23:00 23:30

Amanpour World Sport Piers Morgan Tonight World Report Anderson Cooper 360 Piers Morgan Tonight Quest Means Business CNN Marketplace Africa The Situation Room World Sport Leading Women Future Cities World Report CNN Marketplace Africa Backstory World Report CNN Marketplace Middle East The CNN Freedom Project World Sport Open Court The Best Of The Situation Room World Report Backstory The Brief Inside Africa World Report Road To Rio Talk Asia I Report For CNN News Special Backstory International Desk African Voices CNN Marketplace Europe CNN Marketplace Africa The Brief World Sport Aiming For Gold International Desk Inside Africa International Desk Leading Women Future Cities The Best Of The Situation Room World Report News Special

00:15 01:10 01:35 02:05 02:30 03:25

Monsters Inside Me Sons Of Guns How Sports Are Made How Sports Are Made Man Made Marvels China Extreme Engineering

04:20 Monsters Inside Me 05:15 How Do They Do It? 05:40 How It’s Made 06:05 Swamp Loggers 07:00 How It’s Made 07:25 Building The Future 08:15 Mega Builders 09:10 Extreme Engineering 10:05 World’s Toughest Tools 10:55 Man, Woman, Wild 11:50 Alaska’s Great Race 12:45 Ultimate Survival 13:40 Ultimate Survival 14:35 World’s Toughest Jobs 15:30 Swamp Loggers 16:25 Extreme Fishing 17:20 Hillbilly Handfishin’ 18:15 Most Deadly 19:10 Finding Bigfoot 20:05 Gold Rush 21:00 Deadliest Catch 21:55 Hillbilly Handfishin’ 22:50 Extreme Fishing 23:45 Robson Green’s Extreme Fishing Challenge

00:35 01:25 02:15 02:40 03:05 03:35 04:25 05:15 06:05 07:00 07:25 07:50 08:15 08:40 08:43 09:10 09:40 10:30 11:20 12:10 13:00 13:50 14:45 15:35 16:30 16:55 17:20 18:10 18:40 19:30 20:20 21:10 22:00 22:50 23:40

Engineered Invisible Worlds Game Changers Game Changers The Gadget Show Junkyard Mega-Wars Cosmic Collisions Engineered Invisible Worlds Game Changers Game Changers Prank Science Prank Science Head Rush Stunt Junkies Stunt Junkies Nextworld Sport Science Smash Lab Smash Lab Smash Lab Smash Lab Prophets Of Science Fiction Building The Future The Tech Show The Tech Show Meteorite Men Game Changers Scrapheap Challenge Science Of Storm Chasing Futurecar Weird Or What?

Investigation X Futurecar Prophets Of Science Fiction

00:10 00:35 01:00 01:25 01:50 02:15 02:40 03:05 03:30 03:55 04:20 04:45 05:10 05:35 06:00 06:25 06:40 Cody 07:05 07:30 07:55 08:20 08:45 09:10 09:35 10:00 10:25 12:15 12:30 12:55 13:20 13:45 14:10 14:35 15:00 15:25 15:50 16:15 16:40 17:00

Fairly Odd Parents Fairly Odd Parents Brandy & Mr Whiskers Brandy & Mr Whiskers Replacements Replacements Emperor’s New School Emperor’s New School Brandy & Mr Whiskers Brandy & Mr Whiskers Replacements Replacements Fairly Odd Parents Fairly Odd Parents Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Jake & The Neverland Pirates The Suite Life Of Zack And So Random Phineas And Ferb Shake It Up Good Luck Charlie Wizards Of Waverly Place Jessie Austin & Ally A.N.T. Farm Ratatouille Fish Hooks Shake It Up Good Luck Charlie A.N.T. Farm Austin & Ally Jessie Wizards Of Waverly Place Good Luck Charlie Phineas And Ferb Shake It Up So Random Jessie High School Musical

TV listings

SATURDAY, JULY 28 2012 18:30 18:45 19:10 19:35 20:00 20:25 20:50 22:05 22:30 22:40 22:55 Cody 23:20 Cody 23:45

00:30 01:20 02:05 02:55 03:45 04:30 05:20 06:10 07:00 07:50 08:40 09:30 09:55 10:20 11:10 12:00 12:50 13:40 14:30 14:55 15:20 16:10 17:00 17:50 18:40 19:05 19:55 20:20 21:10 22:00 22:50 23:40

Fish Hooks Hannah Montana Forever Hannah Montana Forever Wizards Of Waverly Place A.N.T. Farm Jessie My Babysitter’s A Vampire So Random Fish Hooks Fish Hooks The Suite Life Of Zack And The Suite Life Of Zack And

13:00 14:00 14:30 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30 23:00

Banged Up Abroad Travel Oz Travel Oz Meet The Natives: USA Which Way To Departures Treks In A Wild World City Chase Marrakech Extreme Tourist Afghanistan Travel Madness Travel Madness Into The Drink Gone to save the planet Somewhere In China

Sonny With A Chance

Ghost Lab Crime Scene Psychics True CSI On The Case With Paula Zahn Extreme Forensics Ghost Lab Crime Scene Psychics Disappeared Forensic Detectives Murder Shift Mystery ER Real Emergency Calls Who On Earth Did I Marry?

On The Case With Paula Zahn Disappeared Forensic Detectives Murder Shift Mystery ER Real Emergency Calls Who On Earth Did I Marry?

On The Case With Paula Zahn Disappeared Forensic Detectives Murder Shift Real Emergency Calls Mystery ER Who On Earth Did I Marry?

On The Case With Paula Zahn Disappeared The Haunted Ghost Lab A Haunting

00:00 01:00 War 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 War 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 War 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Master of Disaster Apocalypse: The Second World Big, Bigger, Biggest Fight Masters Hunter Hunted The Known Universe Untamed Americas Perilous Journeys Master of Disaster Apocalypse: The Second World Big, Bigger, Biggest Fight Masters Hunter Hunted The Known Universe Untamed Americas Perilous Journeys Master of Disaster Apocalypse: The Second World Mega Bridges Crash Science Shark Nicole Banged Up Abroad Sea Patrol Salvage Code Red

00:00 01:00 01:55 02:50 03:45 04:40 05:35 06:30 07:25 08:20 09:15 10:10 11:05 12:00 13:00 13:30 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Wild Russia World’s Deadliest Animals Predator CSI Swamp Men Clouded Leopard Expedition Wild Shark Men Monster Fish of The Congo Kangaroo Kaos Clan Of The Meerkat Caught In The Act Kalahari Supercats Dangerous Encounters Built For The Kill Wild Chronicles Wild Chronicles Giant Panda Strike Force Dangerous Encounters Hunter Hunted Sumatra’s Last Tiger Strike Force Dangerous Encounters Hunter Hunted Sumatra’s Last Tiger Built For The Kill

00:00 02:15 04:15 06:00 08:00 PG15 10:00 12:00 14:00 PG15 16:00 18:00 20:00 22:00

The Shining-PG15 The Kingdom-18 Icarus-18 Little Big Soldier-PG15 True Justice: Urban WarfareArachnophobia-PG15 Game Of Death-PG15 True Justice: Urban WarfareThe Recruit-PG15 Game Of Death-PG15 Quarantine 2: Terminal-18 Hackers-PG15

01:00 Older Than America-PG15 03:00 Dear John-PG15 05:00 Arthur And The Revenge Of Maltazard-PG 07:00 Prom-PG15 09:00 Dear John-PG15 11:00 Goodbye Solo-PG15 13:00 Sounds Like Teen Spirit-PG15 15:00 The Art Of Getting By-PG15 17:00 Bright Star-PG15 19:00 The Company Men-PG15 21:00 Arthur-PG15 23:00 Killer Elite-18

00:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 02:30 Two And A Half Men 03:00 New Girl 03:30 Melissa & Joey 04:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 06:00 Seinfeld 07:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 08:30 New Girl 09:30 30 Rock 10:00 Modern Family 11:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 12:00 Seinfeld 14:00 Melissa & Joey 14:30 Modern Family 15:00 30 Rock 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 16:30 Seinfeld 17:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 18:00 Best Friends Forever 18:30 Perfect Couples 19:00 Perfect Couples 20:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon

00:00 Treks In A Wild World 01:00 Banged Up Abroad 02:00 Travel Oz 02:30 Travel Oz 03:00 Meet The Natives: USA 04:00 Which Way To 05:00 Banged Up Abroad 06:00 Travel Oz 06:30 Travel Oz 07:00 Meet The Natives: USA 08:00 Which Way To 09:00 Deadliest Journeys 09:30 Chasing Che: Latin America On A Motorcycle 10:00 Don’t Tell My Mother 11:00 Wild Rides 11:30 Wild Rides 12:00 The Green Way Up 12:30 The Green Way Up 13:00 Banged Up Abroad 14:00 Travel Oz 14:30 Travel Oz 15:00 Meet The Natives: USA 16:00 Which Way To 17:00 Departures 18:00 Treks In A Wild World 19:00 City Chase Marrakech 20:00 Extreme Tourist Afghanistan 21:00 Travel Madness 21:30 Travel Madness 22:00 Into The Drink 22:30 Gone to save the planet 23:00 Somewhere In China

00:00 Treks In A Wild World 01:00 Banged Up Abroad 02:00 Travel Oz 03:00 Meet The Natives: USA 04:00 Which Way To 05:00 Banged Up Abroad 06:00 Travel Oz 06:30 Travel Oz 07:00 Meet The Natives: USA 08:00 Which Way To 09:00 Deadliest Journeys 09:30 Chasing Che: Latin America On A Motorcycle 10:00 Don’t Tell My Mother 11:00 Wild Rides 11:30 Wild Rides 12:00 The Green Way Up 12:30 The Green Way Up

Stewart 22:00 Saturday Night Live 23:00 Two And A Half Men 23:30 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

00:00 01:00 02:00 04:00 05:00 07:00 08:00 10:00 11:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Jane By Design Touch The Bachelor Warehouse 13 Good Morning America Century City Castle The Martha Stewart Show The View Touch Live Good Morning America Century City C.S.I. C.S.I. Miami C.S.I. New York Law & Order: Criminal Intent Warehouse 13

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Cold Case Touch Revenge Fairly Legal Inside The Actor’s Studio Revenge Cold Case The Ellen DeGeneres Show Touch Jane By Design Fairly Legal Emmerdale The Ellen DeGeneres Show Castle Cold Case Emmerdale The Ellen DeGeneres Show Necessary Roughness C.S.I. C.S.I. Miami C.S.I. New York Law & Order: Criminal Intent Revenge

01:15 03:30 05:30 07:30 09:15 11:00 13:00 15:00 17:00 PG15 19:00 21:00 23:00

Alive-PG15 Full Metal Jacket-18 Drunken Master-PG15 Twins Mission-PG15 Jonah Hex-PG15 Drunken Master-PG15 Attack On Leningrad-PG15 Jonah Hex-PG15 The Haunting In Connecticut-

00:00 02:00 04:00 06:00 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00 18:00 20:00 22:00

The Joneses-PG15 Le Donk & Scor-zay-zee-PG15 My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend-PG15 The Chaperone-PG15 Kung Fu Dunk-PG15 Elevator Girl-PG15 Fat Albert-PG Kung Fu Dunk-PG15 Whatever Works-PG15 Stealing Harvard-PG15 Airheads-PG15

Tupac: Resurrection-18 Hackers-PG15 Madso’s War-18

00:00 Unknown-PG15 02:00 Marion Jones: Press PausePG15 03:00 Monte Carlo-PG15 05:00 Snowflake , The White GorillaPG15 07:00 Thor-PG15 09:00 Letters To Juliet-PG15 11:00 Marion Jones: Press PausePG15 12:00 Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides-PG15 14:30 Thor-PG15 16:30 Letters To Juliet-PG15 18:15 Little Fockers-PG15 20:00 Hemingway & Gellhorn-PG15 22:00 The Green Hornet-PG15

BRIGHT STAR ON OSN CINEMA

01:45 Gal-18 03:45 The Remains Of The Day-PG15

06:00 Vanity Fair-PG15 08:15 Desperate Hours: An Amber Alert-PG15 09:45 9-PG 11:15 My Name Is Khan-PG15 14:00 The 19th Wife-PG15 15:30 9-PG 17:00 Swansong: Story Of Occi ByrnePG15 19:00 Elizabethtown-PG15 21:00 Square Grouper-18 22:45 Munich-18

00:00 Rainbow Valley Heroes-PG15 02:00 Legend Of Sleeping Beauty-PG 04:00 Jetsons: The Movie-FAM 06:00 Snowflake , The White GorillaPG15 08:00 The Prince Of Dinosaurs-PG 10:00 Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules-PG15 12:00 Jetsons: The Movie-FAM 14:00 Mia And The Migoo-PG 16:00 Big Fat Liar-PG 18:00 Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules-PG15 20:00 Good Boy!-PG 22:00 Big Fat Liar-PG

00:00 Monte Carlo-PG15 02:00 The Nutty Professor-FAM 04:00 Kung Fu Panda 2-PG 06:00 Taken From Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story-PG 08:00 Legend Of The Guardians-PG 09:45 Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Pt.1-PG15 12:15 Monte Carlo-PG15 14:15 Oranges And Sunshine-PG15 16:00 Legend Of The Guardians-PG 18:00 Spy Kids: All The Time In The World-PG 20:00 Hemingway & Gellhorn-PG15 22:00 Sucker Punch-PG15

02:30 Olympics - Football 04:45 Olympics - Football 07:00 Olympics Opening Ceremony 11:00 Olympics Opening Ceremony Highlights 11:45 Live Olympics - Cycling 18:15 Olympics - Fencing 19:45 Live Olympics - Fencing 22:30 Live Olympics - Table Tennis

00:00 01:00 03:00 07:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 15:00 17:15 18:00 20:00 21:15 23:45

Trans World Sport Super Rugby Olympics - Opening Ceremony Live AFL Premiership Trans World Sport Olympics - Football Live Olympics - Swimming Olympics - Table Tennis Trans World Sport Live Super Rugby UFC Countdown Live Olympics - Swimming Live Olympics - Football

01:00 Super League 03:00 European PGA Tour 07:00 Super Rugby 10:30 Futbol Mundial 11:00 Live Olympics - Table Tennis 13:00 Live Olympics - Beach Volleyball 14:45 Live Olympics - Badminton 17:00 Live Olympics - Archery 21:30 Live Olympics - Handball

00:00 01:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 09:00 10:00 11:25 14:33 15:55 18:53 21:55

UFC The Ultimate Fighter WWE Smackdown WWE Bottom Line UFC Unleashed UFC Unleashed UFC Unleashed WWE Smackdown WWE Bottom Line WWE Vintage Collection Live Olympics - Judo Olympics Beach Vollyball Live Olympics Judo Olympics - Boxing Live Olympics Beach Vollyball

what’s on

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

Embassy ‘Leniency of Islam’ An unprecedented initiative of KTV2 (English channel) is the new program by the name ‘Leniency of Islam’ presented by Shaikh Musaad Alsane and directed by Hamid Al-Turkait. The program is mainly meant to address the expatriates living in Kuwait. Religious questions are received through the program email qislam@tv.gov.kw and sms can be sent to- 97822021 and answered by the lecturer and Imam in Awqaf Ministry Shaikh Musaad Alsane - a Master Degree holder in Sharia and fiqih from Kuwait University. So don’t forget to watch the program every Friday at 1:00 pm.

Registration for Ramadan STARS Squash Tournament begins Once again this year, the stage is set for the fourth annual ‘Ramadan STARS Squash Tournament’ to be held from August 3 to 9 at the Kazma Sporting Club, Adailiya. Abdulrahim Al-Awadi, the Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee has announced that doors are now open for registration to all those who are interested in participating, stating that the deadline for registration will be August 1. The participation in this tournament is open to all and will fall under three categories this year. The first category is for amateurs from ages 17 and above, second category is for professional players from ages 20 and above and the third category is for ladies 17 and above. Following its last three years of grand success, the 4th annual Ramadan STARS Squash Tournament is being organized during Ramadan for squash lovers who will have an opportunity to practice the sport while being encouraged to develop their skills in a healthy, competitive and social environment. Al-Awadi, the Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee, commented, “In our last tournaments, we have received very positive feedback and have witnessed a huge number of interested participants thus giving us immense Aware Centre The AWARE Management is glad to inform you that Summer 3 Arabic language courses will begin on August 12, 2012 until September 26, 2012. AWARE Arabic language courses are designed with the expat in mind. The environment is relaxed & courses are designed for those wanting to learn Arabic for travel, cultural understanding, and conducting business or simply to become more involved in the community. We cater to teachers, travelers & those working in the private business sector. Arabic classes at the AWARE Center are unique because students are provided with the chance to practice their Arabic through various

encouragement to hold an exciting tournament this year. The 2012 squash tournament offers a great opportunity to all squash players to accept another challenge and build on their sports skills in midst of a friendly atmosphere. I highly encourage all interested players to maintain their level of activity during Ramadan while balancing fitness and fasting and to register before the deadline ends”.

All details pertaining to the tournament and means to participate can be found on the tournaments facebook page under ‘Ramadan Stars Squash Tourney’ or follow the official twitter page @RamadanStars for updates. The registration is taking place at GO SPORT store located at The Avenues Mall.

Alawadi also pointed out the great interest the ‘Ramadan Stars Squash tournament’ received from the private sector, where companies took the initiative in sponsoring the tournament. Alawadi expressed his gratitude and thanks to Kazma Sporting Clun, Go Sport, Comtel, Vio, Unite Colors and Alawadi Photography guaranteeing unique prizes for all winners.

Your health & Ramadan You are invited to “Your Health & Ramadan Dasman Diabetes Institute” from 9 am till 2 pm, today 15th July.* Blood Glucose Monitoring. * BMI Calculation * Blood Pressure Monitoring. For any inquiries, please contact us on: www.facebook.com/dasmaninstitute Burgan Bank Ramadan timing Burgan Bank announced its new branch timings which will be applicable all throughout the holy month of Ramadan. All Burgan Bank branches will commence work in one shift from 10 am to 1:30 pm. Additionally, the Airport branch will be open seven days a week in the mornings from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm and in the evenings from 9:30 pm to 11:30 pm. On this occasion, Burgan Bank extends its best wishes to everyone during the holy month of Ramadan.

social activities that aim at bringing Arabs and Westerners together.

AWARE Arabic courses highlights * Introductory to Level 4 Arabic language basics * Better prepare you for speaking, reading and writing Arabic * Combine language learning with cultural insights * Taught in multi-nationality group settings * Provide opportunities to interact with Western expatriates and native Kuwaitis/Arabs.

For more information, call 25335260/80 or log onto: www.aware.com.kw.

Announcements

EMBASSY OF AUSTRALIA The Australian Embassy Kuwait does not have a visa or immigration department. All processing of visas and immigration matters in conducted by The Australian ConsulateGeneral in Dubai. Email: info.ausdxb@vfshelpline.com (VFS) immigration.dubai@dfat.gov.au (Visa Office); Tel: +971 4 355 1958 (VFS) - +971 4 508 7200 (Visa Office); Fax: +971 4 355 0708 (Visa Office). In Kuwait applications can be lodged at the Australian Visa Application Centre 4B 1st Floor, Al-Banwan Building Al-Qibla Area, Ali Al-Salem Street, opposite the Central Bank of Kuwait, Kuwait City, Kuwait. Working hours and days: 09:30 - 17:30; Sunday - Thursday. Or visit their website www.vfs-au-gcc-com for more information. Kuwait citizens can apply for tourist visas on-line at www.immi.gov.au/e visa/e676.htm.

■■■■■■■

EMBASSY OF BANGLADESH

T

he Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Kuwait will follow the following office hours during the holy month of Ramadan.

Sunday to Thursday: 9 am - 3:30 pm. Friday and Saturday: Weekly holidays.

■■■■■■■

EMBASSY OF BRITAIN Consular section at the British Embassy will be starting an online appointment booking system for our consular customers from Sunday, 01 July 2012. All information including how to make an appointment is now available on the embassy website. In addition, there is also a “Consular Appointment System” option under Quick links on the right hand side on the homepage, which should take you to the “Consular online booking appointment system” main page.

Please be aware that from 1 July 2012, we will no longer accept walk-in customers for legalisation, notarial services and certificates (birth, death and marriages). If you have problems accessing the system or need to make an appointment for non-notarial consular issues or have a consular emergency, please call 2259 4355/7/8 or email us on consularenquirieskuwait@fco.gov.uk. If you require consular assistance out of office hours (working hours: 0730l430 hrs), please contact the embassy on 2259 4320.

■■■■■■■

Indian Embassy passport and visa Passports and Visa applications can be deposited at the two outsourced centers of M/S BLS Ltd at Sharq and Fahaheel. Details are available at www.bls-international.com and www.indembkwt.org.

guidance to Indian nationals on routine immigration, employment, legal and other issues. It also provides workers assistance in filling up labour complaint forms. For any unaddressed issues, the concerned attache in the Labour section and the head of the Labour Wing can be contacted.

Consular Open House Consular Wing is providing daily service of Open House to Indian citizens on all workings days from 1000 hrs to 1100 hrs and from 1430 hrs to 1530 hrs by the Consular Officer in the Meeting Room of the Consular Hall at the Embassy. For any unaddressed issues, Second Secretary (Consular) can be contacted. Furthermore, the head of the Consular Wing is also available to redress grievances.

Legal Advice Clinic Free legal advice is provided on matters pertaining to labour disputes, terms of contracts with employers, death/accident compensation, withholding of dues by employers, etc. by lawyers on our panel, to Indian nationals on all working days between 1500hrs to 1600hrs.

Indian workers helpline/helpdesk Indian workers helpline is accessible by toll free telephone number 25674163 from all over Kuwait. It provides information and advice to Indian workers as regards their grievances, immigration and other matters.

The help desk at the Embassy (Open from 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 4:30pm, Sunday to Thursday) provides

Information

Ambassador’s Open House The Open House for Indian citizens by the Ambassador is being held on all Wednesdays at the Embassy for redressal of grievances. In case Wednesday is an Embassy holiday, the meeting will be held on the next working day.

EMBASSY OF INDIA During the holy month of Ramadan, the office timings of the Indian Passport and Visa Service Centres of BLS International Visa Services Co, Kuwait, situated at (i) Emad Commercial Centre, Basement Floor, Ahmed Al Jaber Street, Sharq, Kuwait, and (ii) Mujamma Unood, 4th floor, Office No. 25-26 Makka Street, Fahaheel, Kuwait, will be from 8.00 am - 3.00 pm from Saturday to Thursday (i.e. six days a week). Tokens for submission of applications will NOT be issued after 2.00 pm. Delivery of passports and visas will be from 11.00 am onwards. Embassy of India, Kuwait, will maintain its usual working hours.

■■■■■■■

EMBASSY OF KENYA The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya wishes to inform Kenyan residents throughout Kuwait and the general public that with effect from June 1, 2012 the embassy has moved from its current location to a new location in Surra Block 1, Street 8, Villa 303.

Please note that the new telephone and fax numbers will be communicated as soon as possible. For enquiries, you can contact Consular Section on 90935162 or 97527306.

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

HEALTH

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

High-carb diet tied to breast cancer risk for some

KARAWANG: This handout photograph released by Jakarta Animal Aid Network yesterday shows rescuers trying to free a sperm whale (Cetre) stuck in shallow waters at Pakis Jaya beach in Karawang, West Java. Indonesian conservationists were fighting to rescue a sperm whale stuck near shore but their rescue attempts were hampered by local tourists arriving on boats and driving the animal back into shallow waters. —AFP

Thalidomide maker ‘ignored birth defects for years’ Pregnant women used as test subjects SYDNEY: The German makers of thalidomide were warned of birth defects years before it was withdrawn and Australian distributors used pregnant women as the world’s first test subjects, court papers alleged yesterday.

Affidavits sworn in the lawsuit of an Australian woman born without limbs after her mother took thalidomide claimed that the drug’s maker Grunenthal ignored and covered up claims that it caused birth defects dating back to 1959.

Thalidomide was not withdrawn from sale until late 1961, but excerpts of internal company correspondence filed in the Supreme Court of Victoria alleged doctors first warned of serious deformities more than two years earlier. An estimated 10,000 children worldwide were born with defects after their mothers took thalidomide, which was marketed as a morning sickness drug and sold in nearly 50 countries.

The correspondence was obtained in an Australian class action involving up to 100 thalidomide victims, sections of which were published online yesterday in two lengthy affidavits sworn by counsel leading the case, Michael Magazanik. Magazanik said the pre-

viously secret documents revealed repeated warnings to Grunenthal from doctors and distributors from as far afield as Sri Lanka and Lebanon.

He said the documents also showed thalidomide was never tested on gestating animals before it went on sale. Instead, the first clinical trials in the world were conducted in Australia in 1960 and used “pregnant women rather than laboratory animals as experimental subjects”, he alleged. At that time doctors were already allegedly warning Grunenthal that their drug had caused birth defects, and throughout 1960-61 hospitals and pharmacists were returning their entire thalidomide stocks or refusing to buy or supply it.

Some six months before it was formally declared unsafe and removed from sale Grunenthal’s own staff were already refusing to use thalidomide, fearing its side-effects, Magazanik’s affidavit claimed. As many as 10 Grunenthal staff had children with birth defects after taking thalidomide between 1959-61, it said, with a similar number of deformities among children born to employees at its British partner Distillers.

In-house lawyers warned the company repeatedly in 1961 that it had “behaved improperly in failing to provide adequate warnings to doctors and consumers”, had been negligent and was at “great risk in legal proceedings”, it added. According to the documents, Grunenthal misled and failed to inform distributors in Britain and Germany about the extent of problems and deliberately withheld that information from the US Food and Drug Authority.

The Australian case, which is yet to go to trial, is being led by wheelchair-bound Lynette Rowe, 50, who was born without arms and legs after her mother took thalidomide during pregnancy. Distillers, which is now part of Diageo, settled out of court with Rowe this month and agreed to negotiate with others in her class action, but Grunenthal has denied wrongdoing and vowed to “fully defend” any legal action.

“Grunenthal maintains that its actions were consistent with the state of scientific knowledge and the prevailing standards for premarketing and testing of the pharmaceutical industry in the 1950s,” it said of Rowe’s case. — AFP

NEW YORK: Older women who eat a lot of starchy and sweet carbohydrates may be at increased risk of a less common but deadlier form of breast cancer, according to a European study. The findings from a study of nearly 335,000 European women, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, do not prove that sweets, French fries and white bread contribute to breast cancer - but they do hint at a potential factor in a little understood form of breast cancer.

Specifically, the study found a link between high “glycemic load” and breast cancers that lack receptors for the female sex hormone estrogen, so-called “ER-negative” breast cancers. A high glycemic load essentially means a diet heavy in foods that cause a rapid spike in blood sugar, such as processed foods made from white flour, potatoes and sweets. The study, conducted by Isabelle Romieu of the International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, France, looked at nearly 335,000 women who took part in a long-running European study on nutrition factors and cancer risk.

Of these, 11,576 developed breast cancer over a dozen years. Overall, there was no link between breast cancer risk and glycemic load, as estimated from diet questionnaires the women completed at the study’s start. But the picture changed when the researchers focused on postmenopausal women with ER-negative cancer. Among women in the top 20 percent for glycemic load, there were 158 cases of breast cancer, versus 11 cases in the bottom 20 percent - a 36 percent higher risk.

ER-negative tumors account for about one-quarter of breast cancers. They typically have a poorer prognosis than ER-positive cancers because they tend to grow faster and are not sensitive to hormone-based therapies.

Christina Clarke, a research scientist at the Cancer Prevention Institute of California in Fremont, and a consulting assistant professor at Stanford University, said the results are interesting because so little is known about what cases ER-negative breast cancers. Most breast tumors have their growth fueled by estrogen.

“This study gives us a really important clue for future research,” said Clarke, who was not involved in the study. Diets with a high glycemic load are associated with a bigger secretion of insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. High insulin levels, in turn, have been linked to certain cancers, possibly because insulin helps tumors grow. The current findings hint at a role for “insulin pathways” in ER-negative breast cancer, Clarke said, adding that more research definitely needs to be done. She noted that while there is no single factor in any woman’s risk of breast cancer, the findings offer more incentive to eat a balanced diet that limits refined carbohydrates in favor of healthier fare - like lean protein, vegetables, “good” fats and high-fiber grains.

“Really, you want to avoid these (high glycemic load) diets anyway,” she added. — Reuters

Physical function poorer after menopause: Study NEW YORK: As women go through menopause, they may see a decline in their ability to carry out routine tasks such as climbing stairs and carrying heavy things, according to a US study. Exactly why is not clear, though extra weight and depression symptoms seemed to account for some of the link, said researchers whose findings were published in the journal Menopause.

“There is definitely a connection between menopause and the physical limitations women perceive themselves as having,” said lead researcher Lisa Tseng, a medical student at the University of Pittsburgh. Tseng said her findings suggest that the physiological changes of menopause play a role. A woman’s body composition tends to change with an increase in fat and decrease in muscle mass. With a decline in estrogen, bone mass dips as well.

Men also lose muscle mass and strength as they age, but studies have found that reductions in the strength of women strength seems to speed up around menopause. The study surveyed more than 2,200 US women in their 40s and 50s. Overall, three-quarters of postmenopausal women had at least moderate physical limitations, whether in the ability to exercise or to accomplish routine tasks.

In contrast, only 10 percent of premenopausal women said the same thing. Even when Tseng’s team factored in age, weight and health conditions like arthritis, depression and diabetes, menopause itself was still linked to a three-fold increase in the odds of physical limitations. According to Timothy Church, a researcher at Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, both men and women lose muscle mass - typically at a rate of 1 to 2 percent per

year - after age 50. At the same time, studies show, they become less active. No one is sure whether the muscle loss or the inactivity typically comes first, but studies show that when postmenopausal women - and older men - get regular exercise, their physical health and mental well-being often improve.

Church and his colleagues have found in their own research that even when women are overweight and sedentary, starting an exercise routine can improve their fitness levels, blood vessel function and sleep quality. He recommended that women take up both aerobic exercise and some type of weight training.

Aerobic exercise can be as simple as walking for 30 minutes most days of the week.

“When we can get these people active, it amazes me how it’s not only their physical health that improves.

Their quality of life improves,” Church said. — Reuters

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

HEALTH

CLASSIFIEDS SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

Hospitals Sabah Hospital

24812000

Amiri Hospital

22450005

Maternity Hospital

24843100

Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital

25312700

Chest Hospital

24849400

Farwaniya Hospital

24892010

Adan Hospital

23940620

Ibn Sina Hospital

24840300

Al-Razi Hospital

24846000

Physiotherapy Hospital

24874330/9

Clinics Rabiya

24732263

Rawdha

22517733

Adailiya

22517144

Khaldiya

24848075

Khaifan

24849807

Shamiya

24848913

Shuwaikh

24814507

Abdullah Salim

22549134

Al-Nuzha

22526804

Industrial Shuwaikh

24814764

Al-Qadisiya

FOR SALE For sale, Mitsubishi L300 delivery van, model 2004, color white, 2,21,000 km mileage, Al-Mulla maintained, price KD 2,700.

Contact: 99852361/ 22418353 A 2008 model, 58 passenger, air conditioned Asher Bus in very good condition, price KD 9,400. Contact: 99089981.

(C 4087) 23-7-2012 GMC Acadia, model 2007, 52,000 km, full specifications, CD, leather, DVD, excellent condition, condition inspection at the agency. Contact: 55741238. (C 4086) 22-7-2012 MATRIMONIAL Proposals invited from parents of qualified and working boy for a Keralite RC girl

M.Sc. B.Ed. 28/158cm, born and brought up in Baroda, Gujarat working with MNC in Baroda.

Email: mjjosephtvj@yahoo.com / babumyla@gmail.com (C 4090) 28-7-2012 SITUATION WANTED Looking for job, having 20 years of experience in cooking. Contact: 55052382.

(C 4088) 26-7-2012

Al-Madena Police Station

22434064

Al-Murqab Police Station

22435865

Al-Daiya Police Station

22544200

Al-Fayha’a Police Station

22547133

Al-Qadissiya Police Station

22515277

Al-Nugra Police Station

22616662

Al-Salmiya Police Station

25714406

Al-Dasma Police Station

22530801

CHANGE OF NAME My name was Arbab Raza Khan, s/o = Masood Raza Khan. I have changed my name to Mehboob Raza Khan s/o Masood Raza Khan.

Now I will be known as Mehboob Raza Khan in all records. (C 4089) 28-7-2012

Al-Madena

22418714

Al-Shohada’a

22545171

Al-Shuwaikh

24810598

22515088

Al-Nuzha

22545171

Dasmah

22532265

Sabhan

24742838

Bneid Al-Ghar

22531908

Al-Helaly

22434853

Al-Shaab

22518752

Al-Fayhaa

22545051

Al-Kibla

22459381

Al-Farwaniya

24711433

Ayoun Al-Kibla

22451082

Al-Sulaibikhat

24316983

Mirqab

22456536

Al-Fahaheel

23927002

Sharq

22465401

Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh

24316983

Ahmadi

23980088

Salmiya

25746401

Al-Mangaf

23711183

Jabriya

25316254

Al-Shuaiba

23262845

Maidan Hawally

25623444

Al-Jahra

25610011

Bayan

25388462

Al-Salmiya

25616368

112 Prayer timings Fajr: Duhr: Asr: Maghrib: Isha:

03:35 11:54 15:30 18:42 20:10

information SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION In case you are not travelling, your proper cancellation of bookings will help other passengers to use seats Airlines QTR JZR SAI ETH PIA RJA GFA UAE ETD OMA FDB MSR QTR THY DHX KAC BAW KAC JZR KAC KAC JZR KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC UAE ABY QTR FDB ETD BAB GFA KAC MSR IRM JZR MSR GFA KNE QTR KAC SVA RJA KAC KNE QTR DLH IZG KAC JZR JZR ETD UAE UAL SVA GFA JZR JZR KAC ABY KAC KAC KAC BAB

Arrival Flights on Saturday 28/7/2012 Flt Route 148 DOHA 267 BEIRUT 441 LAHORE 620 ADDIS ABABA 239 ISLAMABAD 642 AMMAN 211 BAHRAIN 853 DUBAI 305 ABU DHABI 643 MUSCAT 67 DUBAI 612 CAIRO 138 DOHA 770 ISTANBUL 170 BAHRAIN 412 MANILA 157 LONDON 416 JAKARTA 529 ASSIUT 206 ISLAMABAD 382 DELHI 555 ALEXANDRIA 302 MUMBAI 352 COCHIN 284 DHAKA 362 COLOMBO 344 CHENNAI 855 DUBAI 125 SHARJAH 132 DOHA 55 DUBAI 301 ABU DHABI 436 BAHRAIN 213 BAHRAIN 1716 JEDDAH 618 ALEXANDRIA 5066 MASHAD 201 DAMASCUS 610 CAIRO 219 BAHRAIN 472 JEDDAH 140 DOHA 562 AMMAN 500 JEDDAH 640 AMMAN 788 JEDDAH 476 JEDDAH 134 DOHA 8367 BANGALORE 4161 MASHAD 118 NEW YORK 535 CAIRO 357 MASHAD 303 ABU DHABI 857 DUBAI 982 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 510 RIYADH 215 BAHRAIN 177 DUBAI 777 JEDDAH 176 GENEVA 127 SHARJAH 502 BEIRUT 542 CAIRO 786 JEDDAH 438 BAHRAIN

Time 0:20 0:50 1:30 1:45 2:05 2:10 2:20 2:25 2:30 2:50 3:10 3:20 3:25 4:35 5:00 6:15 6:30 6:35 6:40 7:15 7:30 7:35 7:50 8:05 8:15 8:20 8:20 8:25 8:30 9:00 9:20 9:30 9:35 10:00 11:00 11:25 11:55 12:30 13:30 13:40 14:15 14:25 14:30 14:30 14:55 15:00 15:00 15:15 15:25 15:45 16:00 16:00 16:20 16:35 16:55 17:10 17:20 17:20 17:30 17:40 17:45 17:45 18:00 18:15 18:40 18:40

KAC QTR KAC MSR KAC JAI IRA AXB OMA MEA QTR KNE KAC KNE ALK KLM UAE BBC ABY SYR QTR KAC FDB AIC GFA UAL JZR DLH FDB MSR JZR THY DHX KAC JAI

104 6130 774 620 674 572 607 393 647 402 146 470 1788 474 229 415 859 43 129 341 136 614 61 975 217 981 239 636 51 614 539 772 372 1722 574

LONDON DOHA RIYADH ASSIUT DUBAI MUMBAI MASHAD KOZHIKODE MUSCAT BEIRUT DOHA JEDDAH JEDDAH JEDDAH COLOMBO AMSTERDAM DUBAI DHAKA SHARJAH DAMASCUS DOHA BAHRAIN DUBAI CHENNAI BAHRAIN BAHRAIN AMMAN FRANKFURT DUBAI CAIRO CAIRO ISTANBUL BAHRAIN JEDDAH MUMBAI

Airlines AIC UAL DLH JZR MSR JAI KLM THY SAI ETH PIA UAE FDB OMA ETD MSR QTR QTR RJA JZR GFA THY BAW KAC ABY JZR KAC KAC UAE QTR

Departure Flights on Saturday 28/7/2012 Flt Route 976 GOA/CHENNAI 981 WASHINGTON DC 637 FRANKFURT 554 ALEXANDRIA 615 CAIRO 573 MUMBAI 413 AMSTERDAM 773 ISTANBUL 442 LAHORE 621 ADDIS ABABA 240 SIALKOT 854 DUBAI 68 DUBAI 644 MUSCAT 306 ABU DHABI 613 CAIRO 139 DOHA 149 DOHA 643 AMMAN 200 DAMASCUS 212 BAHRAIN 771 ISTANBUL 156 LONDON 1715 JEDDAH 126 SHARJAH 534 CAIRO 561 AMMAN 787 JEDDAH 856 DUBAI 133 DOHA

18:45 19:00 19:10 19:10 19:25 19:35 19:50 19:55 20:10 20:15 20:25 20:25 20:30 20:45 20:55 21:05 21:15 21:25 21:30 21:30 21:35 22:00 22:05 22:25 22:35 22:40 22:55 23:10 23:30 23:35 23:40 23:40 23:40 23:50 23:50

Time 0:05 0:25 0:30 0:30 0:35 0:50 0:55 2:15 2:30 2:45 3:20 3:45 3:50 3:55 4:05 4:20 4:50 5:40 6:50 7:00 7:05 7:10 8:25 9:00 9:05 9:10 9:15 9:35 9:40 10:00

KAC FDB ETD BAB JZR GFA KAC KAC JZR KAC MSR KAC JZR IRM GFA MSR KAC KAC KNE RJA KNE KAC SVA QTR IZG JZR DLH ETD JZR QTR UAE GFA ABY UAL SVA KAC JZR KAC KAC KAC BAB MSR QTR JAI IRA KAC KAC OMA MEA KNE KNE DHX ALK KLM ABY KAC UAE SYR QTR KAC KAC FDB BBC QTR AXB GFA KAC JZR

101 56 302 437 356 214 541 165 776 501 619 785 176 5065 220 611 1787 673 473 641 471 773 505 135 4162 538 8367 304 238 141 858 216 128 982 511 1721 266 1717 613 283 439 621 6131 571 604 331 351 648 403 477 475 171 230 415 120 381 860 342 137 301 205 62 44 147 394 218 411 502

LONDON DUBAI ABU DHABI BAHRAIN MASHHAD BAHRAIN CAIRO ROME JEDDAH BEIRUT ASSIUT JEDDAH DUBAI MASHHAD BAHRAIN CAIRO JEDDAH DUBAI JEDDAH AMMAN JEDDAH RIYADH JEDDAH DOHA MASHHAD CAIRO FRANKFURT ABU DHABI AMMAN DOHA DUBAI BAHRAIN SHARJAH BAHRAIN RIYADH JEDDAH BEIRUT JEDDAH BAHRAIN DHAKA BAHRAIN ALEXANDRIA DOHA MUMBAI ISFAHAN TRIVANDRUM KOCHI MUSCAT BEIRUT JEDDAH JEDDAH BAHRAIN COLOMBO DAMMAM SHARJAH DELHI DUBAI DAMASCUS DOHA MUMBAI ISLAMABAD DUBAI CHITTAGONG DOHA KOCHI BAHRAIN BANGKOK LUXOR

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

10:00 10:05 10:15 10:25 10:30 10:45 11:30 11:45 11:50 12:00 12:25 13:10 13:20 13:25 14:25 14:30 14:45 15:05 15:15 15:50 15:50 15:55 16:00 16:15 16:45 16:50 16:55 17:20 17:30 17:45 18:05 18:20 18:25 18:30 18:35 18:40 18:50 18:55 19:00 19:30 19:30 20:10 20:30 20:35 20:50 20:50 21:05 21:10 21:15 21:15 21:35 21:50 21:55 22:05 22:10 22:20 22:25 22:30 22:35 22:40 22:45 23:00 23:05 23:10 23:10 23:30 23:40 23:55

C R O S S W O R D 7 5 0

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

Word Sleuth Solution

Yesterday始s Solution

ACROSS 1. Any of various trees of the genus Ulmus.

4. A Chadic language spoken in northern Nigeria and closely related to Hausa.

9. A nearly horizontal passage from the surface into a mine.

13. A doctor's degree in education.

14. A city in southeastern South Korea.

15. A digestive juice secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder.

16. Fallow deer.

18. Periodic shedding of the cuticle in arthropods or the outer skin in reptiles.

20. Jordan's port.

23. Of or like a cecum.

24. A silvery ductile metallic element found primarily in bauxite.

25. In bed.

27. South American wood sorrel cultivated for its edible tubers.

28. A genus of Ploceidae.

31. A formal expression of praise.

33. The United Nations agency concerned with atomic energy.

35. A public promotion of some product or service.

36. Small ornamental ladies' bag for small articles.

40. A capacity unit used for measuring fresh herring.

41. An associate degree in applied science.

44. Range of what one can know or understand.

46. A legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee or society or legislative body.

51. An imaginary elephant that appears in a series of French books for children.

54. (Irish) Mother of the ancient Irish gods.

56. The atomic weight of an element that has the same combining capacity as a given weight of another element.

57. The biblical name for ancient Syria.

59. A small cake leavened with yeast.

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

62. A case or sheath especially a pollen sac or moss capsule.

64. Light informal conversation for social occasions.

65. The basic unit of money in Western Samoa.

66. A drug (trade names Calan and Isoptin) used as an oral or parenteral calcium blocker in cases of hypertension or congestive heart failure or angina or migraine.

67. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth.

DOWN 1. Tropical starchy tuberous root.

2. An accidental hole that allows something (fluid or light etc.) to enter or escape.

3. Designer drug designed to have the effects of amphetamines (it floods the brain with serotonin) but to avoid the drug laws.

4. A highly unstable radioactive element (the heaviest of the halogen series).

5. Tag the base runner to get him out.

6. A brittle gray crystalline element that is a semiconducting metalloid (resembling silicon) used in transistors.

7. How long something has existed.

8. Attain success or reach a goal.

9. Make amends for.

10. A public dance hall for dancing to recorded popular music.

11. (anatomy) Of or relating to the ilium.

12. A unit of magnetic flux density equal to one weber per square meter.

17. A port city in southwestern Iran.

19. An informal term for a father.

21. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism.

22. A tight-fitting headdress.

26. South African term for `boss'.

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

30. An administrator in charge of a division of a university or college.

32. United States astronomer (1835-1909).

34. Large burrowing rodent of South and Central America.

37. French filmmaker (1908-1982).

38. An ancient city of Sumer located on a former channel of the Euphrates River.

39. A state in the Rocky Mountains.

42. Sayings of Jesus not recorded in the canonical Gospels.

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

45. The sense organ for hearing and equilibrium.

47. Arboreal snake of central and southern Africa whose bite is often fatal.

48. Genus of tropical plants with creeping rootstocks and small umbellate flowers.

49. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegetables.

50. Jordan's port.

52. Type genus of the family Arcidae.

53. Any of numerous local fertility and nature deities worshipped by ancient Semitic peoples.

55. French physicist noted for research on magnetism (born in 1904).

58. (of securities) Not quoted on a stock exchange.

60. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey).

63. An associate degree in nursing.

Yesterday始s Solution

SPORTS

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

Age no barrier as Federer eyes gold LONDON: Roger Federer insists his Wimbledon triumph should serve as a warning to his Olympic rivals that age won’t be a barrier to his dream of winning a gold medal at the All England Club.

Federer is back at Wimbledon for the Olympics only three weeks after beating Andy Murray to clinch a record equaling seventh title at the grass-court Grand Slam, but the Swiss star’s thirst for success hasn’t been quenched just yet. After ending his two-year drought at the majors and returning to the top of the world rankings, Federer once again radiates the supreme confidence that characterized his lengthy spell as the sport’s dominant force.

He has silenced the critics who claimed the 30-year-old was a fading force who was more focused on his young family than working to combat the twin threat posed by Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. And Federer believes his latest Wimbledon crown is extra special as it came at an age when most players his age have already retired and in an era when Djokovic, Nadal and Andy Murray, all three significantly younger than him, have provided intense competition for the top prizes. “Winning Wimbledon has definitely sunk in now, especially when I look at the draw here and see I’m the number one seed. It hasn’t been that way in some time,” Federer said ahead of Saturday’s opening day of the tournament.

“I always believed I would get back to number one. I knew my game was strong. I had a couple of tough losses last year that stopped me going further and maybe get back to number one earlier. But the good thing is I never gave up and started to play better, especially at Wimbledon when the pressure was so high.

“It’s a dream come true and I’m happy I was able to do it because Nadal, Djokovic and Murray are in their prime. I shouldn’t be normally at my age.” Now Federer can cap one of the best months of his illustrious career by adding a sprinkling of gold to his already glittering CV. He won gold in the doubles with Stanislas Wawrinka at the 2008 Games in Beijing, but Olympic singles gold is the one major individual honor to have eluded Federer, with his best performance coming in Sydney in 2000, when he finished fourth. With Nadal ruled out with knee problems, Federer, who faces Colombia’s Alejandro Falla in the first round, acknowledges his status as the Olympic favorite. But he knows it could be potentially fatal to let his thoughts turn to another historic success at the All England Club, especially in an event with a best of three sets format that can punish even short lapses in concentration. “I always thought when I played the Olympics at Wimbledon I would feel incredible pressure, but thinking about it I don’t have much pressure because I already have a gold medal,” Federer said. “I know it was the doubles and not the singles, but nobody can take that away from me and Stan. “The margins are a lot

tighter in this event. A bad five minutes or a couple of points can cost you the tournament. In this format I would have gone out of Wimbledon against (Julien) Benneteau because I was two sets to love down.

“I’m aware of that, but winning Wimbledon has been a big help to my confidence. “I played great and I was able to beat Novak. I’m back at world number one so if you put all those things together it could be that I’m the favorite. “I’m coming back to a place where I have been able to win so often and that gives me incredible confidence.” Federer’s path to golden glory looks relatively serene, with Spain’s David Ferrer and Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro the most testing opponents lying in wait in his half of the draw. In the final he could play second seed Djokovic, who opens against Italy’s Fabio Fognini, or third seed Murray, who starts his bid to erase the heartache of his tearful defeat against Federer with a clash against Wawrinka. — AFP

LONDON: Roger Federer of Switzerland serves during training at the All England Lawn Tennis Club at Wimbledon. — AP

Mild Tebowmania as Jets open camp CORTLAND: Fans chanting his name and carrying banners proclaiming his greatness - or otherwise - will have to wait a couple of days. As the New York Jets reported to training camp Thursday, Tim Tebow simply was another player. Well, almost. Tebow had to chuckle when asked about the legions of media that follow his every move, even on a rainy afternoon when nothing more is required of him or his teammates than showing up.

With perhaps 50 reporters, cameramen and broadcasters on hand at SUNY Cortland, it didn’t look much different than one of Tebow’s postgame gatherings in Denver last season. Surely, the focus is not the same: Tebow now is a backup to Mark Sanchez, as everyone from the head coach to the offensive coordinator to Sanchez himself made clear for the, oh, millionth time.

Still, it was Tebow who drew the most attention, including a comical episode in

which the TV folks had to scramble for position when Tebow lined up elsewhere from where they anticipated. “I really try not to let this affect my life,” a laughing Tebow said about the media crush that is likely to continue through the rest of the summer. “I try to live my life and not worry about what I can’t control.”

Tebow then glanced all around him and smiled. “This is like the first day of college.” Ah, but this central New York university hasn’t seen anything like what could develop over the next few weeks, beginning Saturday when the Jets hold their first public practice. Every move by both quarterbacks will be scrutinized not only by local and national journalists one Jets employee asked Thursday when TSPN (all Tebow all the time) goes on the air - but by the folks who buy tickets. Fans are certain to take up Tebow’s cause, or Sanchez’s.

Tebow says he can ignore all that and

concentrate on “getting better every day.” “Playing football doesn’t get old,” the third-year quarterback who saved Denver’s 2011 season said. How much football he will play is the big question. It figures that during the preseason, when starting QBs don’t get on the field for much game action, Tebow will be the Jets’ main man. But in practices, and certainly when the regular season kicks off against Buffalo on Sept 9, the Jets expect him to be part-time Tebow behind threeyear starter Sanchez.

“We clearly have a starting quarterback and that’s Mark,” Coach Rex Ryan reiterated. “I know the history of the league and the saying, ‘When you have two quarterbacks, you don’t have any.’

Tell that to the San Francisco 49ers with Montana and Young. “This is a different situation, with a clear-cut starting QB.” Clear cut to some, including those in power with the Jets - for now. — AP

Stormers face weary Sharks for final place JOHANNESBURG: Well-rested Western Stormers entertain travel-weary fellow South Africans Coastal Sharks at Newlands today in the second Super 15 semi-final.

Stormers enjoyed a bye last weekend after topping the southern hemisphere provincial championship table, while Sharks surprised title holders Queensland Reds 30-17 in their Brisbane backyard. Victory for Stormers at their 45,000-seat Cape Town fortress would secure a home final next weekend, while Sharks would face the long journey to New Zealand for a clash with Waikato Chiefs or Canterbury Crusaders if they succeed.

The weekend off was timely for Stormers, who needed to regroup after a poor performance in a 26-21 victory over lowly Melbourne Rebels that sealed top spot ahead of Chiefs. Stormers are renowned for defensive strength so it came as a shock that the Rebels crossed the try-line three times during the second half, and the South Africans breathed a collective sight of relief when the final whistle blew. Coach Allister Coetzee has made two changes to his pack, with tighthead prop Brok Harris preferred to Frans Malherbe and fit-again Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth replacing De Kock Steenkamp.

Skipper and inside centre Jean de Villiers says the travel factor could work against the Sharks, but he expects another close encounter after his team won by three points in Cape Town and lost by five in Durban during the league season.

“Travelling will always be a factor but the Sharks are highly motivated after their win against the champions so they will arrive in Cape Town on a high,” the Springbok captain warned. “Sharks have quality players and their problem is who to leave out so if we do not pitch up this weekend, there will not be a final next weekend,” added the 31year-old veteran of many Super Rugby battles.

Coetzee was equally wary of the Sharks: “They have made a massive step-up in physicality and that creates go-forward ball for them to impose themselves on the match.” Sharks inside centre Paul Jordaan, one of three try-scorers against the Reds, has been ruled out by a hamstring injury, and his place goes to experienced former Central Cheetah Meyer Bosman. New Zealand-born coach John Plumtree had to concede defeat in the battle to get versatile backline star Patrick Lambie fit, and fellow back Francois Steyn is ineligible because he rejoined the Sharks after the registration deadline.

Louis Ludik continues at fullback and France Test half-back Frederic Michalak, outstanding in general play and with his place kicking against Queensland, carries on as fly-half. The battle of the back rows could have a major bearing on the outcome, with the Stormers using hooker Deon Fourie at No 8 in the continued absence of injured Duane Vermeulen and Siya Kolisi and Rynhardt Elstadt on the flanks. Opposing them will be back-in-form Springbok reserve No 8 Ryan Kankowski and loose forwards Marcell Coetzee, one of the finds of this Super 15 season, and skipper Keegan Daniel. — AFP

SPORTS

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

Cardinals down Dodgers ST LOUIS: The Los Angeles Dodgers lost their second straight game since acquiring Hanley Ramirez as the St Louis Cardinals won 7-4 in the National League on Thursday. Ramirez, obtained a day earlier from Miami, started at third base and had an infield hit, two walks and a steal, and he hit into a double-play grounder. David Freese and Matt Carpenter had three hits for the Cardinals, who fell behind 4-2 by allowing four runs in the fifth and then scored four in the bottom half. Cardinals starter Jake Westbrook (9-8) pitched seven innings, lasting at least that long for the third straight start. He allowed seven hits with six strikeouts. Dodgers starter Chris Capuano (10-6) gave up six runs in 4 1-3 innings.

first major league pitch to help Pittsburgh hand Houston its 10th straight loss. Pirates starter AJ Burnett (12-3) shut out Houston until two solo homers in the eighth. Burnett went 7 13 innings, striking out five. Astros starter Dallas Keuchel (1-3) gave up five runs in six innings. — AP

NATIONALS 8, BREWERS 2 In Milwaukee, Edwin Jackson (6-6) pitched seven scoreless innings to steer Washington past Milwaukee. Steve Lombardozzi hit a three-run triple as Washington sent Milwaukee to its seventh consecutive loss. The Nationals have won six consecutive games, matching a season high, and improved to 59-39. The last time a Washington-based team was 20 games over .500 was 1933. Milwaukee starter Yovani Gallardo (8-8) gave up seven runs in five innings.

METS 3, DIAMONDBACKS 1 In Phoenix, New York’s Matt Harvey dazzled in his major league debut, holding Arizona to three hits and striking out 11 over 5 1-3 innings. Harvey (1-0) set a franchise record for strikeouts in a debut. He also doubled and singled to become the first pitcher since 1900 to strike out more than 10 and collect two hits in his first game. Scott Hairston hit a two-run double and Andres Torres tripled and scored for the Mets, who snapped a six-game losing streak. Arizona’s Wade Miley (11-6) gave up nine hits in 5 1-3 innings.

PIRATES 5, ASTROS 3 In Houston, prized prospect Starling Marte homered on his

PHOENIX: New York Mets’ Andres Torres (56) is forced out as Arizona Diamondbacks’ Stephen Drew turns a double play on the Mets’ Rob Johnson during the sixth inning of a baseball game in Phoenix. — AP

Orioles rout Rays 6-2 BALTIMORE: Baltimore starter Chris Tillman was dominant on the mound, leading the Orioles to a 6-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League on Thursday, preventing a three-game sweep. Tillman (3-1) allowed two runs in six-plus innings. Chris Davis homered and drove in four runs for the Orioles, who had scored only one run in each of their three previous games. Rays starter James Shields (8-7) gave up five runs and five walks in six innings.

INDIANS 5, TIGERS 3 In Cleveland, Asdrubal Cabrera singled home the go-ahead run in a four-run seventh inning as Cleveland rallied to beat Detroit. Carlos Santana and Travis Hafner had tied it at 3-3 by homering on the first two pitches of the inning by Justin Verlander (11-6). Indians reliever Joe Smith (7-2) threw just two pitches to get the win, including an inning-ending double play in the top half. The loss dropped Detroit half a game behind the Chicago White Sox in the AL Central.

BLUE JAYS 10, ATHLETICS 4 In Toronto, Edwin Encarnacion hit a three-run homer and Kelly Johnson added a solo shot as Toronto ended Oakland’s seven-game winning streak.

Johnson went 2 for 4 with two RBIs as the Blue Jays avoided a three-game sweep and rebounded from Wednesday’s 16-0 loss. Brandon Lyon (1-0) pitched 1 1-3 innings for his first win since joining Toronto in a 10-player trade with Houston. Oakland’s Tommy Milone (9-7)

gave up eight runs in seven innings.

MARINERS 4, ROYALS 1 In Seattle, Jason Vargas allowed one hit in eight innings to win his careerhigh 11th game, guiding Seattle past Kansas City. Vargas (11-7) allowed only a

fourth-inning double while striking out five. Kansas City did not get a runner to second base against Vargas after the fourth. Mike Carp had three hits for the Mariners. Royals starter Luis Mendoza (4-7) threw five innings and allowed four runs. — AP

NBA result/standing Baltimore 6, Tampa Bay 2; Toronto 10, Oakland 4; St. Louis 7, LA Dodgers 4; Cleveland 5, Detroit 3; Pittsburgh 5, Houston 3; Washington 8, Milwaukee 2; NY Mets 3, Arizona 1; Seattle 4, Kansas City 1.

Eastern Conference Atlantic Division W L PCT NY Yankees 59 39 .602 Baltimore 52 47 .525 Tampa Bay 51 48 .515 Toronto 49 49 .500 Boston 49 50 .495 Central Division White Sox 53 45 .541 Detroit 53 46 .535 Cleveland 50 49 .505 Kansas City 41 57 .418 Minnesota 40 58 .408 Western Division Texas 58 39 .598 LA Angels 54 45 .545 Oakland 53 45 .541 Seattle 44 57 .436

GB 7.5 8.5 10 10.5

0.5 3.5 12 13 5 5.5 16

National League Eastern Division Washington 59 39 .602 Atlanta 54 44 .551 NY Mets 48 51 .485 Miami 45 53 .459 Philadelphia 45 54 .455

5 11.5 14 14.5

Central Division Cincinnati 58 40 .592 Pittsburgh 56 42 .571 St. Louis 53 46 .535 Milwaukee 44 54 .449 Chicago Cubs 40 57 .412 Houston 34 66 .340

2 5.5 14 17.5 25

Western Division San Francisco 55 43 .561 LA Dodgers 53 47 .530 Arizona 49 50 .495 San Diego 42 58 .420 Colorado 37 60 .381

3 6.5 14 17.5

News

in brief

Bin Hammam suspended LONDON: FIFA stepped up investigations into alleged bribery by Mohamed bin Hammam on Thursday by banning the former presidential candidate from soccer for 90 days. FIFA said its new independent prosecutor Michael Garcia wanted bin Hammam suspended while he examines an audit detailing alleged financial mismanagement of Asian Football Confederation accounts and billion-dollar commercial contracts during the Qatari official’s leadership. “The decision was taken ... in order to prevent interference with the establishment of the truth in respect of a preliminary investigation,” FIFA said in a statement.

Garcia also is searching for new evidence that bin Hammam bribed Caribbean voters during his challenge to Sepp Blatter last year, FIFA said. Bin Hammam had his life ban from soccer overturned last week by the Court of Arbitration for Sport last week which decided that FIFA failed to prove its case. Three days before the verdict, the Asian soccer body ensured that bin Hammam could not immediately return to office by imposing a 30-day ban while it studies the audit it commissioned.

Ba committed to Magpies NEWCASTLE: Newcastle striker Demba Ba insisted yesterday he is keen to remain at Tyneside with just four days to go before the release-clause in his contract expires.

Speculation has been rife that the 27-year-old Senegal international could be used to help broker a deal to bring Liverpool’s Andy Carroll back to the north-east. But Ba insisted he wants to play for the Premier League side next season. “I don’t care what is being said. I think it’s part of the game,” Ba told the Journal from Newcastle’s training base in Portugal.

“However, I have never said anything other than I love being at Newcastle. “If they hear something from me about my future, that is the truth. Otherwise, everything that is said is not true. “The newspapers and I are not very friendly at the moment. For months and months and months, people have been talking about me, but there is nothing happening.

“Of course, I am looking forward to next season with Newcastle. We just have to build on the progress we made last season. For me, I just can’t wait to start the first game.”

Dunne mulls future LONDON: Aston Villa centre-back Richard Dunne has revealed he is considering his international future with the Republic of Ireland. The 32-year-old Dubliner was part of the Republic’s Euro 2012 campaign in which they failed to qualify from their group for the knockout stages. He admits he now has a hard decision to make in the next few weeks and has asked Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert for advice. When asked if he had considered retiring, Dunne said: “Yes, it has crossed my mind a few times. It’s easy after a tournament, the way it has gone, to make a rash decision and say ‘that’s it’. “But I just have to think about things. I was basically waiting to get back into training with Villa and then have a think, see how I feel. “It’s a hard decision, because it (playing for Ireland) is something I love doing, and I had a chat with Paul Lambert about it and asked him about it. “He said it has to be down to me because if I’m not happy with the decision and I regret it, then it’s no good. I’ve already spent four weeks thinking about it and still can’t decide.”

sports

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

Millar is ‘the key to Cavendish success’ LONDON: He was not even supposed to be here, yet David Millar is expected to play a key role in fellow Briton Mark Cavendish’s quest for gold in the men’s Olympic road race today. Millar was selected only after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned a British Olympic Association lifetime Olympic ban for former drug cheats and his tactical nous and experience will be a huge plus as the British team look to control the 250-km race.

Britain will start the race that begins and finishes on The Mall in central London with Tour de France champion Bradley Wiggins and runner-up Chris Froome as well as British champion Ian Stannard, but Millar’s experience could be the decisive factor. He showed his

tactical skills when he perfectly timed his attack to jump away from a breakaway group with France’s JeanChristophe Peraud, a rider he knew was easy to beat in a two-man sprint finish, to win the 12th stage of the Tour de France. “David’s tactical nous is a blessing,” Britain’s director of performance David Brailsford said. “He is a massive asset.”

Millar said his role would be to make sure the team kept their focus and executed their plan. “My role is panic management, so we get a grip on it again if something goes wrong,” said Millar. Cavendish praised his team mate’s sang-froid. “He is able to stay calm and analyze situations really, really well. He knows this sport and he’s

not scared to call shots,” Cavendish said. “He is not hesitant and that’s great, as someone who knows how to read a race and is willing to take the responsibility, it’s refreshing to have.

“And he is strong, he knows how to ride for a sprint, he knows how to ride climbs, all types of terrain.” Today, Britain will look to repeat the ride that helped them propel Cavendish to the world title last September. Once again, Millar’s role will be pivotal and he knows exactly what needs to be done in the race, which is harder to control than professional races with teams limited to five riders rather than the nine racing in trade teams.

“Let’s say we’ve got eight in that five,” said Millar. “Wiggins and Froome

just finished first and second in the Tour de France so they’re worth four guys. “We’ve got Cav who is worth two guys in the sprint and then we’ve got Stannard, who when on a great day, is worth a few more. “We’ll be racing Mark’s race in many ways, controlling it to his speed and so there’s going to be races within races and it’s up to us to manage it from start to finish in a manner that gets the race together in the last kilometer.” Or even closer to the line. “Even if we’re catching people with 500 meters to go as long as we’re there with Mark to do his sprint,” Millar said. “Mine, in many ways, is the easy job. It’s managing them and the race situation between teams and staying on top of it.” —Reuters

Hamilton fastest; Red Bull struggle

LOS ANGELES: Michael Russell hits a return to Benoit Paire of France during day four of the Farmers Classic Presented By Mercedes-Benz at LA Tennis Center at the University of California, Los Angeles. —AFP

BUDAPEST: McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton was fastest in the first practice for the Hungarian Grand Prix yesterday while Red Bull, hit by a new rule banning a controversial engine setting this week, endured a slow session.

Driving in warm, sunny conditions at the Hungaroring, Hamilton clocked a best time of one minute 22.821 seconds, followed by his McLaren team mate Jenson Button and world championship leader Fernando Alonso of Ferrari. Red Bull’s drivers failed to make the top 10. Australian Mark Webber, second behind Alonso in the Formula One championship, was 13th while Germany’s Sebastian Vettel came in 15th.

Red Bull were forced to change their engine torque mapping after the governing International Automobile Federation (FIA) closed down a loophole in the regulations this week. The new ruling, addressing a hugely complex issue, limits how much teams can change specific settings that control the amount of torque delivered by the engine in various conditions. Red Bull were

referred to the stewards over the engine torque mapping before last week’s German Grand Prix. They were cleared of a breaching the regulations but the FIA made it clear in its wording of the decision that it was not happy with the situation.

Vettel said on Thursday: “It’s not as if the car doesn’t work any more. I’m quite confident nothing will change. There is probably more fuss outside the car than the difference is inside.” Red Bull have a reputation for keeping a low profile in qualifying.

Yesterday’s conditions were a contrast to the wet build-ups to the previous two races at Silverstone and Hockenheim. Hamilton and Button have both praised the performance upgrades which McLaren introduced following a disappointing race at Silverstone. The Hungarian Grand Prix is the 11th of the 20 races in the season and is followed by a onemonth break. Alonso is 34 points clear of Webber at the top and will lead into the break regardless of the outcome of tomorrow’s race. —Reuters

Russell advances to Farmers quarters LOS ANGELES: Michael Russell beat topseeded Benoit Paire 7-5, 6-4 on Thursday night to advance to the Farmers Classic quarterfinals. Russell, the 34-year-old former University of Miami player ranked 83rd in the world, has never won a singles title in ATP Tour play. Paire, a 23-year-old Frenchman, was slowed by an abdominal muscle strain.

“It was extremely difficult,” said Russell, the oldest player in the field. “Benoit has a really awkward game style. You never know what to expect, a winner, a drop shot, an ace, a double fault. He really gets you out of your rhythm. I just tried to dig deep and luckily I got through it. I was pretty proud of myself mentally.”

There were nine service breaks in the first set, five by Russell, before Paire dumped a forehand into the net on the fourth set point. In the second set, Russell broke for a 4-3 lead, rallied from 15-40 down to hold for a 5-3 lead, and won on the fourth match point when Paire put a backhand return into the net. Russell will face sixth-seeded Marinko Matosevic on Friday at the Los

Angeles Tennis Center. Matosevic topped Tobias Kamke 6-3, 1-6, 6-0. In other secondround matches, fourth-seeded Nicolas Mahut beat Paolo Lorenzi 7-5, 7-6 (7), fifthseeded Xavier Malisse held off Matthew Ebden 6-4, 6-3, and Ricardas Berankis beat Igor Andreev 6-4, 7-5.

Mahut will play Berankis, and Malisse will face second-seeded Sam Querrey, the 2009 and 2010 tournament winner who missed the event last year after undergoing surgery for a right shoulder injury. “I’ll try to put as many returns (as possible) in play, that’s the first thing,” the 32-year-old Malisse said. “But I think I’ve just got to go out and look at my own game. Try to concentrate on what I’m doing, keep trying to hit serves like that and be aggressive. “I feel like I played a lot more aggressive than in the first round. I have to stick to that. I’m going to miss some shots, but I think eventually it’s paying off. It’s better for me to play that way.” In the other quarterfinal, third-seeded Leonardo Mayer will face Rajeev Ram. Querrey, Mayer and Ram advanced Wednesday. —AP

BUDAPEST: McLaren Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton, who made best time, arrives in the pits at the Hungaroring circuit yesterday in Budapest during the second practice session ahead of the Formula One Hungarian Grand Prix. —AFP

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

Versatile US NBA stars favored for gold LONDON: With LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony leading the way through an undefeated exhibition run, the United States collection of multi-millionaire NBA stars is a favorite to capture London Olympic gold. The Americans ripped Spain 100-78 and outlasted Argentina 86-80 in tuneup games against two of the rivals considered the biggest threats to deny the US superstars a 14th gold in 18 Olympics. “We haven’t shown all our cards yet,” James warned. “We have so many options and so many things we can go to with our team. We have room for improvement.

“We’ve still got time. We’ve still got a couple more days before we actually open up but our chemistry is really good right now. Our cohesiveness is improving.

We’ll be ready once the Games begin.” The US squad lacks height, Tyson Chandler being its only true centre, and half a team of injured NBA stars is sitting at home, including Dwight Howard, Andrew Bynum, Chris Bosh, Blake Griffin, Derrick Rose and Dwyane Wade. But the Americans compensate with speed and size at the other positions, providing opposing defenses formidable match-up problems. And after only three weeks training together, their teamwork and confidence is growing.

VOLLEY PREVIEW

US golden girls hope for a royal triumph LONDON: Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh will attempt to attract interest from Britain’s Royal Family when they bid to win a third successive Olympic beach volleyball gold at London’s Horse Guards Parade. The contrast between the sport, one of the youngest in the Olympic calendar, and its latest setting, best known as the stage for the Trooping of the Color on the official birthday of Queen Elizabeth II, could hardly be greater.

Matches will be contested practically on the doorstep of British Prime Minister David Cameron’s official residence at 10 Downing Street. But it is the prospect of royal patronage that appeals to May-Treanor. “Any of the Royal Family would be fun,” May-Treanor said. “Their interest is important. They would bring the rest of the country.” American rivals April Ross and Jennifer Kessy have also considered the possibilities of Royal spectators turning up to watch an event where, if warm weather holds, competitors will be clad in their customary bikinis.

“Prince Harry! Yes, we’ve been tweeting,” Ross said, quickly confessing that she was joking. “It would be great to see Harry at our sport. Or Kate.” May-Treanor, who turns 35 on Monday, and Walsh face a double battle against age and rising Chinese hopes if they are to prevail. In Beijing four years ago, the American pair defended the title they had won in Athens in 2004. They also put together a winning run of 112 matches before their lives and priorities changed. May-Treanor, now 34, damaged her Achilles while taking part in the American TV show Dancing With Stars and missed the 2011 season while Walsh, a year younger, left the sport to have two children.

They have recently reformed for the London Games, but are only ranked three in the world behind gold medal favorites Juliana Silva and Larissa Franca of Brazil and second-ranked Chinese pair, Zhang Xi and Xue Chen. The Chinese team showed they are peaking at the right time by taking a third title at the Moscow leg of the championship, over-powering their American rivals. They also won gold in Brasilia and Shanghai.

Zhang said: “We matured a lot this winter. Last year we got carried away whenever it came down to it, we did not have peace inside. This is better now. And we trained a lot on being more aggressive in attacking.”

More than 5,000 tons of sand have been taken from a quarry in southern England to help create a purpose-built beach volleyball court in the heart of central London. “The location is very iconic and you can see Downing Street and the London Eye in the background,” said Australia’s Natalie Cook. “It is one of the best venues we have played in.” In the men’s event, American world champions Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers will be defending the title they won in Beijing. But the top-ranked pair are Brazil’s world champions Alison Cerutti and Emanuel Rego who won in Moscow. —AFP

“We’re not the tallest team but that doesn’t bother us at all,” James said. “We’ve got a lot of guys that play above their height. It’s not about height. It’s about the determination inside.” Added playmaker Kobe Bryant: “We have a lot of speed. A lot of speed. When you have that amount of speed, it makes up for it.” The Americans will play in round-robin Group A with Argentina, Lithuania, France, Tunisia and Nigeria while Group B includes Spain, Russia, Australia, Brazil, Britain and China.

The top four in each group reach the quarter-finals.

“We have gotten better,” US coach Mike Krzyzewski said.

“We need to use pool play to qualify for medal play but also to get five more international games under our belt. We have to keep learning about it.” The international game is generally more physical and tighter on foul calls and adapting to officiating will be important, British former NBA centre Pops Mensah-Bonsu warns.

“NBA officiating lets more things go,” he said. “It’s probably more difficult to adjust coming over to Europe.

It’s a different game. It is an adjustment.” That could produce foul trouble, but the US squad includes NBA scoring champion Kevin Durant and his NBA runner-up

Oklahoma City Thunder teammates Russell Westbrook and James Harden, the NBA’s top reserve. Few teams have the depth to stay with the Americans. “We have to be more physical,” US guard Deron Williams said. “We have to be aggressive and use it to our advantage because some teams are bigger than us. If we don’t disrupt them as much as possible then we are going to have trouble with the bigger teams.”

Spain will offer NBA big brothers Pau and Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka, who also plays for Oklahoma City. And the Americans expect the Spaniards will offer more trouble in the Olympics than in the exhibition, when Marc Gasol was out. French NBA star Tony Parker said what many rivals have been thinking since injuries began depleting the US lineup-that this year’s US squad is very talented but not unbeatable. “All teams can be beaten,” Parker said. “They are not unbeatable.” Parker will find out quickly if the French can handle the US NBA stars.

Those teams meet tomorrow in a round-robin group opener. Tomorrow’s other openers find Britain facing Russia, Spain playing China, Brazil taking on Australia, Argentina meeting Lithuania and Nigeria meeting Tunisia. — AFP

Michelle Obama meets US athletes in London LONDON: Michelle Obama formally opened her stint as leader of the US Olympics delegation yesterday, attending a breakfast with Olympians and saying she was “just in awe” of their company. The US first lady mingled with the US athletes afterward, posing for photos, shaking hands and sharing hugs with dozens who had signed up to attend. “Try to have fun. Try to breathe a little bit,” Mrs Obama said. “But also win, right?”

The first lady had a busy itinerary yesterday, including promoting healthy living with more than 1,000 children, a reception hosted

by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace and then the opening ceremony at Olympic Stadium. She told the US athletes that some of her fondest memories in sports stemmed from watching the Olympics on television.

She also shared the story of her father, who was athletic but contracted multiple sclerosis “in the prime of his life.” “He retained his love of sports, truly,” Mrs Obama told the athletes.

“And the Olympics was a special time for him to watch amazing athletes of all abilities compete on the world stage.”

Later, the first lady met with hundreds of children on the lavish grounds of Winfield House, the official residence of the US ambassador in London. Soccer hero David Beckham appeared alongside the first lady, Olympic gold-medal sprinter Carl Lewis signed autographs, and ex-NBA star Dikembe Mutombo offered the kids - most of them from US military families - tips on basketball. “I’m so excited,” she said, after to jogging to the stage as a marching band played the University of Florida fight song. “I am thrilled to be here on London for the 2012 Olympic games. I am proud to be leading the US delegation to the opening ceremony.”

Obama, who later tried out a host of sports alongside the children, offered a tribute to military families who had been invited to take part in the event. “The military families who are joining us from US bases that are stationed here in the UK, we are so grateful for your service because you all sacrifice so much - you as kids, your mums, your dads,” said the First Lady. “You sacrifice so much for this country and we are so very proud of

LONDON: US first lady Michelle Obama plays with schoolchildren during a ‘Let’s Move!’ event for about 1,000 American military children and American and British students at the US ambassador’s residence in London, ahead of the 2012 Summer Olympics. — AP you.” A former Manchester United goalkeep- letes during the games. Among the er and members of the US field hockey and Olympians attending were two-time fencing tennis squads also ran training sessions for gold medalist Mariel Zagunis, chosen by US the children, aged nine to 14. The event was athletes to carry the nation’s flag into the part of the first lady’s “Let’s Move!” campaign, opening ceremony, along with the US aimed at tackling childhood obesity and pro- women’s basketball team and members of moting sports. the track and field squad.

Student Ethen Duval, originally from Mrs Obama appeared with several past Oklahoma, sharpened his skills at the soccer US Olympic and Paralympic standouts, camp. “I’m looking forward to watching the including Brandi Chastain, Gabriel Diaz de Olympic soccer,” said the 10-year-old, who Leon, Grant Hill, Summer Sanders and lives at Lakenheath US Air Force Base in Dominique Dawes. “Being here is otherBritain. “I can’t wait to watch things with my worldly for me,” the first lady said. “I am still Dad and see the look on his face when some- so inspired.” Today, Mrs Obama will meet thing exciting happens and he says ‘Wow!’” with Samantha Cameron, the wife of British The 46-year-old Mutombo towered above Prime Minister David Cameron, before his young pupils, who were eager for the watching US athletes on the first full day of Olympics to begin.

Olympic competition. She will see more “They are mostly excited about the bas- events Sunday before departing. Other first ketball,” he joked. The breakfast took place at ladies who have led recent US Olympic delethe University of East London, where the US gations include Hillary Clinton at Olympic Committee has established a full Lillehammer in 1994 and Laura Bush at Turin training facility that will host hundreds of ath- in 2006. —AP

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

SHOOTING PREVIEW

China sharp-shooters look to stay on target LONDON: China’s sharp-shooters are the team to beat at the London Olympics as Ralf Schumann of Germany and America’s Kim Rhode aim to add to their collection of medals. On home soil in 2008, the powerful Chinese took five of the 15 golds on offer, making them the top performers ahead of the United States, who still lead the overall historical medals table. And the Chinese are in form coming into the competition which starts on Saturday, finishing top of the overall medal standings at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup Series event in Munich in May. They can boast the likes of Guo Wenjun and Chen Ying, defending Olympic champions in the women’s 10m air pistol and the 25m pistol. But that pair will face a tough challenge from Ukraine ace Olena Kostevych, the 10m air pistol champion at Athens 2004, who won both titles at the ISSF world cup event in Milan, also in May. Germany’s crack shot Schumann started his impressive Olympic medal haul when he took silver at his first Games in Seoul in 1988, collecting three golds since and another silver in Beijing.

His appearance in the 25m rapid fire pistol event at London’s Royal Artillery Barracks, at the age of 50, marks his seventh Olympic Games. Japan’s Tomoyuki Matsuda, dual world champion in the men’s 10m air pistol and 50m pistol, will look for double gold but faces a stiff challenge from South Korea’s Jin Jong-Oh, who took 50m pistol gold in Beijing. In the men’s rifle events, Italy’s Niccolo Campriani could sweep all the gold medals on offer but Chinese marksman Zhu Qinan, who won gold in 2004 and silver in 2008 in the men’s 10m air rifle, is expected to put up a fierce fight.

And hundreds of millions of Indians will be backing bespectacled sure-shot Abhinav Bindra, whose 10m air rifle win in Beijing was his country’s first ever individual Olympic gold. Husband and wife combination Matt Emmons of the United States, and Katerina Emmons, who shoots for the Czech Republic and won women’s 10m air rifle gold in Beijing, are keen to win gold together in London. Matt Emmons, who won gold in the 50m rifle prone at Athens 2004, will be looking to atone for two heartbreaking failures in the 50m rifle three positions. In both 2004 and 2008, Emmons, who returned to the sport after suffering thyroid cancer in 2010, blew his chance for gold on the last shot.

Emmons said he had worked with a sports psychologist for more than a decade, adding: “I’m learning so much every time these things happen, every Olympics, every competition. I’m a much smarter guy than I was.” In the women’s rifle events China’s Du Li, chasing her third consecutive Olympic gold, will compete in the women’s 50m rifle three positions. Malaysia’s Nur Suryani Mohamad Taibi meanwhile is contesting the women’s 10m air rifle despite being more than eight months’ pregnant. In the shotgun events, America’s Rhode, 33, seeking her an Americanrecord fifth straight medal and her third gold overall, was forced to miss her team’s training camp in Denmark due to flight cancellations.

Rhode said her chance to make history was in the back of her mind as she prepares for women’s skeet and women’s trap. “There’s a certain added element of pressure when you come to an event like the Olympics to begin with. When you add in the achievements there’s an element of pressure,” she said. “However, as it’s my fifth I’m feeling very comfortable with it.” Home fans are counting on Peter Wilson, who set a new world record in the men’s double trap in Arizona in March, hitting 198 out of 200 targets. Nearly 400 competitors will shoot for gold in London, aiming at stationary targets in a range in the rifle and pistol events, and at moving targets in the shotgun events. There are nine men’s events and six for women. — AFP

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

Olympic pride still strong in Beijing BEIJING: “Chinese people are all looking forward to the London Olympics,” said 60-year-old Li Ziyi as he took a break from his daily exercise routine, swinging on the gymnast bars erected in a Beijing park. “Last time we were the host nation, and this has given everyone interest in the Olympics,” he said. “Of course, people liked sport before we hosted the Olympics, but there wasn’t the level of interest that there is now. It is all because of what happened in 2008.”

A growing appetite for spectator sports, and pride in the successful hosting of the event four years ago are the enduring Olympic legacies for the people of Beijing as the London Games approaches. China made an unmistakable impact as a sporting superpower at the Beijing 2008 Games-topping the medals table with 51 golds in the event which showcased the newly confident nation to the world. Cynicism and grumbles over the massive cost of staging a Games, which have dogged most other host nations, are largely absent in China even though many of the 2008 Olympic venues are mired in debt, underused or even abandoned.

Beijing lacks the tangible buzz that gripped the city

four years ago, but tourists visiting the iconic Bird’s Nest stadium were quietly looking forward to witnessing more sporting achievements from Chinese athletes in London.

Wu Qian, a researcher from China’s eastern province of Shandong who was touring the Olympic Park with her family, also praised the legacy that remains in the capital.

“I think the stadiums have been used really well. The Olympic Park has become a place for everyone to enjoy.

London should learn from us,” she said.

“Everyone is looking forward to the London Olympics,” she said. “I’m most looking forward to the diving, because China is good at it.” However, 73-year-old garbage picker Tian Yonghai was less enthusiastic as he collected plastic bottles outside the spectacular venue, saying the 50 yuan ($7.80) entrance fee meant it was off limits. “I think the price of tickets to tour the stadium is too high. This should be a place for low- and middleincome people,” he said. The 370 million yuan ($59 million) revenue generated from tourism at the site is vital, and not just to pay for its maintenance fees which are estimated at about 80 million yuan a year.

The Bird’s Nest is also burdened with heavy debts

from its whopping 3.6 billion yuan construction cost.

Yesterday it will host a match between English Premier League clubs Arsenal and Manchester City but massspectator sporting events are still infrequent in China and most days the stadium sits empty. The nearby Water Cube-where US swimming superstar Michael Phelps seized eight gold medals in 2008 - also funds its 1.3 billion yuan construction debts by enticing visitors. The venue, with its distinctive bubbled exterior, is now a reasonably popular water park and swimming centre, but still lost an estimated 11 million yuan last year, according to media reports.

Beijing’s other Olympic venues have fared worse, particularly those built to cater for sports that are not popular in China. The kayaking, rowing and BMX venues that are located in and around Beijing lie abandoned. But for Ren Jingyu, who was visiting the Bird’s Nest as a tourist, it was impossible to put a price on the benefits of holding the Games. “The Beijing Olympics were a good thing, they allowed China to show its development to the world,” said the tour guide from Sichuan province. “I don’t think the money spent on the Olympics was wasted.”— AFP

Badminton Preview

Injury-hit Lee nears D-Day LONDON: Injury-hit top seed Lee Chong Wei believes he has given himself a chance of winning his race against time-and claiming an improbable men’s badminton Olympic gold medal. Torn ankle ligaments caused Lee, 29, to be ushered away in a wheelchair during the Thomas Cup in May, casting serious doubt over the then world number one’s Olympic campaign. However stem cell treatment, plus 13 hours’ rehab each day, and a flinty attitude have bolstered him physically and mentally, enabling him to confound those who claimed he wouldn’t make it.

These trials have given him new perspectives. “It has been a long and lonely road for me since I suffered that injury,” said the Malaysian who is the most brilliantly fleet-footed player of them all in full flow. “To be honest, it dawned on me during that time who were my real friends, who actually cared for me, Chong Wei, the ordinary person. “So many walked away, but never once did I ever think of calling it quits. All this negativity spurred me on to prove a point.” Lee wants the gold medal, both to improve on the silver medal he won in Beijing four years ago, and to finally get the better of his nemesis Lin Dan in a major event.

Coping with the sensational Lin, China’s Olympic and world champion, is perhaps the hardest task in the history of badminton, and Lee also has to deal with the memory of the last time they played at Wembley arena last August. Lee held two match points against Lin in a monumental world final.

Afterwards, he said he was considering extending his career for a year to the next world titles in 2013, having spoken of retiring at the Olympics. “That was a stunning defeat as I was almost there, but all of a sudden the title vanished right before my eyes,” Lee remembers.

“That defeat still lingers in my mind, and it has strengthened my resolve to win a gold medal at the Olympics.

“Wembley arena was unkind to me 12 months ago, so let’s hope Lady Luck will smile at me this time around.” Lin, who also beat Lee in the Beijing 2008 final, was generous towards his long-term adversary. “We are long-time competitors, but our biggest enemy is not each other, but injury,” he said. “As his competitor, I wish him to come back as quickly as possible.”

However Lee avoided admitting that Lin, his barrier for more than six years, is the greatest player ever, and instead suggested retired Chinese world champions Yang Yang or Zhao Jian-hua, or Denmark’s Peter Gade. However the 35-yearold Gade has had a moderate run-up to the Olympics and fell from the world’s top four, putting him in the same quarter as Chen Long, the former world junior champion from China. It also let former world champion Chen Jin into the top four, allowing China a maximum three qualifiers. —AFP

Diving Preview

Wu to launch Chinese ‘Dream Team’ juggernaut LONDON: Wu Minxia launches China’s sweep for all eight diving gold medals in London with her bid for a third straight synchronized three-meter springboard Olympic crown tomorrow. The 26-yearold diva diver can leave the London Games as the most successful Olympian in the sport along with the retired Guo Jingjing if she wins both her springboard events and so adds to her current tally of four medals. Wu, who will team with He Zi, won the last two synchronized gold medals with Guo in Athens and Beijing and is an overwhelming favorite to successfully lead off China’s quest to unite every Olympic and world diving gold medal.

The Chinese are hosing down expectations after their diving “Dream Team” dominated the competition with the benefit of home pool advantage at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and last year’s world championships in Shanghai. China fell agonizingly short in Beijing where only a breathtaking final 10m platform plunge by Australia’s Matthew Mitcham stopped the Chinese juggernaut from annexing all eight Olympic categories.

“We cannot overestimate ourselves based on the past achievements, nor neglect the strength and high difficulties of dives of our rivals,” team manager Zhou Jihong warned.

But the sheer weight of past success points to China’s ‘March of the Volunteers’ national anthem being a constant musical theme to the diving competition. Since China returned to the summer games in 1984, their divers have claimed 27 out of 40 gold medals on offer. World champion Qiu Bo, likened to a “robot” by his British rival Tom Daley, is expected to further enhance his glowing reputation in London. The 19-year-old Qiu, who won two gold medals at last year’s world championships, will partner Lin Yue in the men’s 10m synchronized

LONDON: Divers practice at the Aquatics Centre in the Olympic Park ahead of the 2012 Summer Olympics yesterday. — AP platform and take on the challenges of Daley and Mitcham in the individual platform.

Qiu, the 2011 FINA male diver of the year, says his greatest headache is meeting his own exacting standards, rather than worrying about his rivals. “The biggest challenge is from myself to beat myself. The aim is to win everything,” Qiu said. “I enjoy the pressure. That is the pressure that moves me to get stronger and stronger.” British poster boy Daley, who relinquished his world title to Qiu last year, clings to the hope the Chinese superstar will crack under pressure, pointing out that he has beaten him four times in competition. “Pressure sometimes gets to him. You have to be able to dive as well as him to put pressure on him. Because if you don’t put pressure on him he’s not going to buckle. So it’s tough,” Daley said. Defending champion

Mitcham is thankful Qiu and local hope Daley are scooping up all the attention as he battles back from an abdominal muscle injury which forced him to pull out of last year’s world championships. “I feel quite grateful,” Mitcham said.

“Because of all these injuries, a lot of expectation has been lifted off me.

“People underestimate how much it can affect you having the weight of expectation. Some athletes deal with that better than others.” Defending champion He Hong faces a challenge from Canada’s two-time Olympic silver medalist Alexandre Despatie in the springboard event, while Qin Kai and Luo Yutong are the world champions in the synchronized springboard. Chen Ruolin will defend her Olympic title in the 10m platform, and team up with Wang Hao in a bid to retain platform synchro gold.— AFP

47 SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012

Palestinian, Afghan athletes living their Olympic dreams LONDON: Far from the media’s eye, hidden from sponsors and even proper running tracks are athletes living an Olympic dream in conflict areas such as the Palestinian territories and Afghanistan. Overcoming deadly street violence and protracted travel problems on a daily basis, among other things, have failed to dent the ambition of a handful of runners. There are two Palestinian track athletes on board for the London Games which get under way today, Bahaa al-Farra (men’s 400m) and Woroud Sawalha (women’s 800m).

And Coach Majed Abumarahil was realistic in what he expected of his two charges when they start rubbing shoulders with the likes of Jamaican superstar Usain Bolt. “It is very difficult to train in Palestine,” Abumarahil said.

“There are no playgrounds and training facilities. “The environment is not comfortable to train in, you can see soldiers everywhere and there is always violence. It is hard to feel comfortable.”

The duo, Abumarahil said, often travelled outside the Palestinian territories to take advantage of better training facilities.”We have to travel to other Arab countries like Egypt, Qatar and Jordan to train. It is better there,” he said. Abumarahil also explained his laborious travels from his base in the Gaza Strip to the West Bank, the two Palestinian territories separated by Israel and kept under heavy security. “I am from Gaza and the girl is from Nablus in the West Bank. I have to travel from Gaza to meet her for training,” he said.

“The problem is, I have to pass a lot of security checks and I have to explain who I am and what I am doing every time.”There is

Israel between Gaza and Nablus, that makes things very difficult for me. The better way to avoid this is to travel abroad and train there.

That is why we went to other Arab countries.”

It is a similar story for sprinter Tahmina Kohistani, the only woman in Afghanistan’s athletics team at the London Games.

“I know getting a medal in the Olympics is very difficult, but I am here to open a new way for the women of Afghanistan,” said Kohistani, who competes in long black trousers, long sleeves and a head scarf. “In Afghanistan it is different from here in London. Every day I have to face a lot of problems when I go to training. All along there have been people who wanted to disturb me, to stop me. “In my society there is no sport for females. My people do not accept sport for women; they think sport is not good for them.”

The 23-year-old said that the fact she had arrived at the Olympics meant she had accomplished one of her dreams. “I don’t think I will qualify for the 100m finals, my time is not good enough,” Kohistani said. “But I am going to run on competition day knowing that a lot of people will be watching me; those who like me and support me, and those who are not ready to support me and my sport. “Being a Muslim female athlete is most important for me. I represent a country where every day there are suicide bomb blasts. It is important that a girl from such a country can be here.” Palestinian coach Abumarahil was equally phlegmatic. “My goal is already done,” he said. “Being here is the best thing. When I see my athletes’ name next to great names like (Usain) Bolt, (Asafa) Powell and (Kenenisa) Bekele, I will be the happiest person.”—AFP

Phelps, Lochte rivalry to kick-start program

For more details see www.Osn.Com/Sports/Olympics

LONDON: Nothing whets the appetite more in Olympic swimming than a genuine rivalry and this year’s London Games promises one of the greatest duels in the pool ever seen with the clash between team mate Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte putting the sport in a buzz. If the men’s 200 meters freestyle at the 2004 Athens Olympics, featuring Phelps, Ian Thorpe and Pieter van den Hoogenband, was prematurely called the race of the century, then this might as well be the matchup of the millennium.

The two Americans will square off not once, but twice, in the 200 and 400m individual medleys, both lung-bursting events that drain every ounce of energy from swimmers but provide for compelling drama. For swimming fans, the wait is almost over with the 400 individual on Saturday’s opening night of finals. “This is going to be a special race,” said Gregg Troy, the head coach of the US men’s team. “I can’t imagine a better way to promote our sport than a race like this on the first day.”

Natalie Coughlin, the captain of the American women’s team, said the whole pool deck was excited about watching the pair duke it out over eight laps. “It’s going to be an awesome race,” she said. “And it will have a lot of energy that hopefully gives us a lot of momentum going into the next eight days.” Although Phelps won the 400 individual medley at the last two Olympics and would become the first male swimmer to win the same event three times if he’s victorious, he finds himself in the rare position as the underdog.

He dropped the grueling event from his program after the Beijing Olympics and was

US swimmer Michael Phelps beaten by Lochte in the race at the US Olympic Trials but says he has improved since then. “I feel like my stroke is getting better and things are coming together but I can only control what I do. I can’t control what anyone else does,” he said. While the men’s 400 individual medley is the undoubted highlight, three other finals, all with compelling storylines of their own, will also feature on the opening night of finals at the London Aquatic Centre. —Reuters

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2012 LONDON: Actors perform during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in London yesterday. — AFP

London welcomes the world LONDON: Britain greeted the world yesterday with an extravagant celebration that included Bond, the Bard and a Beatle - and a formal welcome from no less a figure than its jubilee queen. London’s seven-year countdown to the 2012 Olympic Games came to a crescendo with a stunning, imaginative, whimsical and dramatic celebration of the host country.

Fighter jets streaming red, white and blue smoke roared over the Olympic Stadium, packed with a buzzing crowd of 60,000 people, at 8:12 pm - or 20:12 in the 24-hour time observed by Britons.

An explosion of fireworks against the London skyline and Paul McCartney leading a singalong were to wrap up the three-hour show masterminded by one of Britain’s most successful filmmakers, Oscar winner Danny Boyle. He led off his spectacular in his favored medium, with a high-speed flyover of the Thames, the river that slices like a vein through London and was the gateway for the city’s rise over the centuries as a great global hub of trade and industry.

The rush of images showed a cricket match, the London Tube and the roaring, abundant seas that buffet and protect this island nation - set to a pulsating soundtrack including snippets of the Sex Pistols’ irreverent “God Save the Queen.” Later, Queen Elizabeth II stood solemnly as the more traditional version of the anthem was sung by a choir of children. Boyle filmed a sequence showing a stunt version of the 86-year-old monarch carried to the stadium by helicopter and parachuting in.

To open the ceremony, children popped ballons with each number from 10 to 1, leading a countdown that climaxed with Bradley Wiggins, the newly crowned Tour de France champion. Wearing his race-winner’s yellow jersey, Wiggins rang a 23-ton Olympic Bell from the same London foundry that made Big Ben and Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell. Its thunderous chime echoed around the 80,000-seat Olympic Stadium. Bells in Britain have traditionally pealed to celebrate the end of war and the crowning of kings and queens, and now for the opening of a 17-day festival of sports.

The show then shifted to a portrayal of Britain that Britons cling to - a

place of meadows, farms, sport on village greens, picnics and Winnie-thePooh, AA Milne’s fictional bear who has delighted generations of British children tucked warmly in bed. But the British ideal - to quote poet William Blake, of “England’s green and pleasant land” - then took a darker, grittier turn. The set was literally torn asunder, the hedgerows and farm fences carried away, as Boyle shifted to the industrial transformation that revolutionized Britain in the 18th and 19th centuries, the foundation for an empire that reshaped world history. Belching chimneys rose where only moments earlier sheep had trod.

The Industrial Revolution also produced terrifying weapons, and Boyle built a moment of hush into his show to honor those killed in war. “This is not specific to a country; this is across all countries, and the fallen from all countries are celebrated and remembered,” he explained to reporters ahead of the ceremony. “Because, obviously, one of the penalties of this incredible force of change that happened in a hundred years was the industrialization of war, and the fallen,” he said. “You know, millions fell.”

Olympic organizers separately rejected calls for a moment of silence for 11 Israeli athletes and coaches slain by Palestinian gunmen at the 1972 Munich Olympics. Two of the Israelis’ widows appealed to audience members to stand in silence when International Olympic Committee chief Jacques Rogge rises to speak later at yesterday’s ceremony. The Israeli culture and sport minister planned to do just that. The parade of nations was expected to feature most of the roughly 10,500 athletes - some planned to stay away to save their strength for competition - marching behind the flags of the 204 nations taking part.

Greece had the lead, as the spiritual home of the games, and Team Great Britain was last, as the host. The tradition of athletes marching into the stadium by nation at the opening ceremony began at London’s first Olympics, in 1908. It fell to the queen to declare the games open. Last month, the nation put on a festive Diamond Jubilee - a small test run for the games - to mark her 60 years on the throne, a reign that began shortly

after London’s last Olympics, in 1948.

The Olympic cauldron will be lit with a flame that was kindled May 10, at the birthplace of the ancient Olympics in Greece, from a reflection of the sun’s rays off a mirror. Since then, 8,000 torchbearers, mostly unheralded Britons, have carried the flame on a 70-day, 8,000-mile journey from toe to tip of the British Isles, whipping up enthusiasm for a $14 billion Olympics taking place during a severe recession. The identity of the last torchbearer, the one to light the cauldron, was kept secret - remarkable given the intense scrutiny at what have been called the first social media Olympics.

Speculation focused on Roger Bannister, the first man to run a fourminute mile, in 1954, and on rower Steve Redgrave, among others. The show’s lighter moments were to include puppets drawn from British children’s literature - Captain Hook from “Peter Pan,” Cruella de Vil from “101 Dalmations” and Lord Voldemort from J K Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series, as well as Mary Poppins.

Their appearance had a serious message, too - the importance of literacy. “If you can read and write, you’re free, or you can fight for your freedom,” Boyle said. The director of “Slumdog Millionaire” and “Trainspotting” also laced the show with snippets from British cinema, including the actor Daniel Craig as James Bond, and the spine-tingling soundtrack to “Chariots of Fire,” which told the story of a Scotsman and an Englishman at the 1924 Paris Games.

Boyle’s $42 million show, with 15,000 volunteers, promised to take the expected global television audience of 1 billion on a rich and textured journey through British history. His challenge was daunting: To be as memorable as Beijing’s incredible, money-no-object opening ceremony of 2008, the costliest in Olympic history. “Beijing is something that, in a way, was great to follow,” Boyle said. “You can’t get bigger than Beijing, you know? So that, in a way, kind of liberated us. We thought, ‘Great, OK, good, we’ll try and do something different.’” — AP