28 Oct

Women: The other side of the coin

FR EE

6 www.kuwaittimes.net

Egypt swaps US-Israeli for 25 prisoners

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Ali’s hundred stretches Pakistan lead

61 Max 35º Min 22º

NO: 15253- Friday, October 28, 2011

STUDENTS’ PROTESTS RAGE

SEE PAGES 8 & 9

KUWAIT: The protesting students and teachers come face-to-face with the security forces yesterday outside the Ministry of Education (MOE) headquarters yesterday. (inset) A few students show placards displaying their anguish over the government’s callous attitude towards their demands. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

Local FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

In my view

Giving from the heart... and wallet Local Spotlight

Korean cars hit Kuwaiti roads!

By Sahar Moussa

sahar@kuwaittimes.net

By Muna Al-Fuzai

“A muna@kuwaittimes.net

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t seems there is a new trend in car fashion in Kuwait these days, with a South Korean car brand apparently invading the lives of many Kuwaitis recently. This includes people like me who, for many reasons, never previously thought of buying a Korean car. I never drove anything but German cars and when it came to issues like safety and luxury I also believed that German cars came far ahead every time. I have to say after twenty years of driving, however, that I’ve discovered I was mistaken because many new brands have now appeared on the local market here and improved their services to match the needs and requirements of Kuwaiti customers.

Safety is my first concern with any car and although Korean cars lack the four airbags found in German cars, they are not just very cute-looking, but very safe. Of course we have to remember that for a good driver any car will be safe because he or she won’t hit the roads like a maniac breaking every speed limit and disregarding every traffic regulation, specifically red traffic lights.

A good driver won’t do any of these things and will be conscientious about taking their valuable vehicle to the garage regularly for maintenance and check-ups, rather than only remembering to do so when the car’s broken down in the middle of the road. Reckless drivers, meanwhile, may drive the best German or Japanese models and yet, due to their disregard for the speed limit and traffic regulations and their negligence towards their cars, it doesn’t matter how much they spend since the cars will be wrecked.

I believe that the presence of Korean cars is definitely growing on Kuwait’s roads and they are making their mark. For many years, Kuwaitis have been passionate about many different, well-known and generally expensive car brands. German cars are certainly not cheap at all and for those worried about money they can take up a lot of cash for things like spare parts and maintenance. They’re also not the most comfortable or convenient, certainly not compared to American models, for big families on a limited budget, with the American cars usually being moderately priced with all sorts of spare parts easily available.

When I first sold my German car, I was asked to visit the Kia shop. My initial reaction was a skeptical ‘What?!’

After all these years of dealing with German cars, it seemed improbable to me that I’d go for a Korean one.

For these reasons, it took me weeks to finally pluck up the courage and nerve to go to the Korean car manufacturers’ showroom, but when I did I think I fell in love almost instantly with this brand and had to have one.

Of course, everything that glitters is not gold. The service at the garage can be annoyingly slow, especially if you haven’t made a prior appointment, so I hope they’ll consider introducing better after-sales service because, as in every other area, customer satisfaction comes first always.

fter five years I didn’t get even flowers on our anniversary - in fact he didn’t even understand why I was angry “ said Sally, a disgruntled 24-year-old expatriate, of her fiance of five years.

When it comes to feelings women and men are different, exactly as American author John Gray put it in his bestselling self-help book Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus. In fact they are not only different when it comes to feelings but also thinking. I have listened to countless women complaining about how their boyfriends, fiances and husbands forget to bring them presents on their birthdays, Valentine’s Day and anniversaries. It’s annoying enough when men forget unintentionally, but what’s far worse is when they do it deliberately.

Because men have to understand one simple golden rule about women: “Women hate cheap men.”

Whilst women think that a flower will do on any occasion in a situation where a man didn’t have time to bring any other gift, men think that there’s no point in bringing small gifts if you are going to bring a proper one!

Wrong! Women always have high expectations when it comes to big occasions and expect something in

return, even if it’s just a flower, because it’s in their nature to be giving creatures. As a matter of fact I believe that a woman should be pampered and be given a gift whether or not there’s a special occasion to merit it.

Some men slack off in their efforts to give their girlfriends, fiancees or wives presents for their birthdays or other special occasions if they’re in a long-term relationship justifying this attitude with, “Honey, you weren’t here to give you your present!” Well I don’t know if men have heard of something called courier services that can actually deliver almost anything, anytime, anywhere. And to any woman who gets this excuse, I don’t advice you to forgive him.

In my opinion the best present a woman can get is the attempts to woo her back after a breakup; nothing can compete with this to a woman since it shows the man’s effort and how much he cares. To be fair to men, I do admit that there are some materialistic women who won’t be satisfied until you get them diamond rings or gold, but for the majority a small gesture like a flower will do.

After asking some men about buying gifts to their wives or girlfriends

their response was either, “I don’t know how to buy gifts” or “I don’t think buying gifts is important.” Well, my response to that is, “Stop being cheap and make some effort!”

I wonder why men don’t think twice and don’t have problems at all when it comes to buying a new car, bike, mobile phone or any other technological game or gadget!! And not only that, they turn out to be excellent shoppers when they want to upgrade them too.

Last but not least, women, if you are with a stingy man run for your life; and men, try to be generous with your women because women know one thing for a fact, a stingy man is not only stingy with his money but also with his feelings.

Have you noticed how when a man’s trying to win a woman’s attention and affection, he’s oh-so generous with flowers and chocolates and spontaneous gifts but once he gets her, the gifts stop coming? What causes this phenomenon? Is it a part of their innate “investment banking” mentality? Once their “investments” yield returns, it’s time to save money.

Another woman said to me “After the wooing comes the booing.”

Off the record

Respect the law wherever you live

By Sajeev K Peter

sajeev@kuwaittimes.net

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s Indians across the world celebrate Diwali, Indian expatriates living in Kuwait are also joining their counterparts elsewhere in heralding the joyful festival. This is fair enough so long as the celebrations do not mess with the lives of the people in the neighborhood and the festivities don’t become a burden on the law enforcement authorities. And so long as the revelers don’t break the law of the land in the frenzy of a celebration.

I’m just recalling the unsavory incidents which took place last year when Diwali celebrations in Salmiya caused chaos and turmoil. Festival revelers came out in large numbers, some of them in open convoys of vehicles, honking their horns, and letting off

firecrackers and fireworks. They held up traffic in many parts of Salmiya for hours on end, blocking even ambulances taking patients to hospitals.

They virtually held the area to ransom giving a tough time to police officials who strove hard to maintain order in the area.

Things spiraled out of control as some hooligans reportedly started mixing with the revelers, resulting in a ‘free-for-all’ situation. Firecrackers were let off on public streets, while rocket crackers were freely fired from one building to another. The police officials, who were quite easy on the revelers up to that point then rounded up scores of people to restore order in the area.

There is no doubt that such behavior is a blemish on all Indians living here. As the largest expat community in Kuwait, the onus is on them to behave more responsibly than their counterparts from elsewhere. Thanks to the authorities, the expat communities in Kuwait are allowed to engage in their diverse and disparate sociocultural activities here without any hassle.

Diwali exemplifies a great philosophy. It is the festival of lights, intended to dispel darkness and usher in light.

This great message will be lost if people celebrate the festival without grasping its meaning. Above all, one must respect the law of the land wherever one lives. Happy Diwali!

Local FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

Satire Wire

Life-changing decisions

Conspiracy Theories

Are you a Facebook genius?

By Sawsan Kazak

By Badrya Darwish

sawsank@kuwaittimes.net

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was recently faced with making a big life changing decision; the kind that alters your path. I’m usually a very decisive person but there are some decisions that need time. Speaking to a friend, I was advised to look at my situation as I would a business deal. He said I need to weigh the pros versus the cons, calculate my losses and finally decide what was the desired outcome I wanted and act on that (he clearly works at a bank).

I had never thought of life as a business and the decisions we make as deals within the business.

But I guess his logic is not that farfetched. Much like a business

transaction, in every decision there are things to be gained and some to be lost. And with that logic, if the losses outweigh the gains then this is a bad ‘deal’ and if you stand to gain more than lose then it is obviously a good one.

Also, there are some ‘deals’ that are initially have you losing but if you hang in there will be long term gain and some that have you gain right in the start but in the long run are detrimental to your business. Some deals have but small effects on your business and others can transform your company for the better or for the worse.

And like a business there are

many factors affecting the deals, external and internal.

I sat down and weighed my pros and cons, laid out a plan of my desired outcome and grafted a pie chart demonstrating my shortterm losses compared to my longterm gains. On paper the decision is crystal clear, but the only difference with life and business are the emotions. There is no pie charts that factors in feelings, wants, desires and fears. I might not have made a choice in my changing situation but I did learn one very important thing; never ask other people for their opinion, it will just leave you confused and doubtful of your decision.

KUWAIT: Mothers join their children in celebrating the Greenification Day at Juman kindergarten. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat

badrya_d@kuwaittimes.net

F

acebook addicts and lovers, you are very lucky. You have more brains than all the rest of us. A research came out recently saying that scientists have found a direct link between the number of ‘Facebook friends’ a person has and the size of specific parts of the brain. According to research the areas of the brain involved have different roles in social interaction and memory.

This indicates, apparently, that people with certain cerebral traits may be more likely to have larger numbers of friends, both on Facebook and in the real world. Dr. Ryota Kanai, one of the researchers from University College, London involved in carrying out the study, was even quoted as saying: “We have found some interesting brain areas that seem to link to the number of friends we have - both ‘real’ and ‘virtual.”

But excuse me, Dr Kanai, do you mean that if somebody is not on Facebook they have no brains and are naturally dumber?

What about before the advent of Facebook five years ago? How was people’s intelligence measured then? Would these Facebook users have been as intelligent then without the site?

What is the difference between Facebook and Twitter? Who is smarter in your opinion: a Facebooker or a Tweeter? What about somebody who is not on Facebook because he has loads of friends and is busy socializing with them? Does this make his brain shrink?

I am on Facebook already because I don’t want to be called old-fashioned. All I read on Facebook is somebody telling me his daily diary. He or she drank coffee. He or she went dancing. He or she put up photos of his pets and friends. Some will display private photos for the whole world to see and similar silly staff that is nobody else’s concern.

Do posts like ‘My shoe heel broke while I was walking’ or ‘I had a boiled egg for breakfast and fish for dinner...’ etc. etc. etc. really make the Facebooker a genius?

If somebody posts ‘I haven’t had *** for a while’ [oops, I was censored by our editor Velina there], does this make them an intellectual giant? Does posting anything at all on the internet just make people brilliant?

Don’t get me wrong. I am not against dedicated people who put their stories on Facebook and share them with the whole world. Maybe they enjoy it and get satisfaction out of doing that.

Maybe it’s therapeutic for some because they can express their anger. This is all good and good luck to them. That doesn’t mean their brains are better than those who keep their stories private.

Have a good evening Dr. Kanai! Oh, and how many friends do you have on Facebook?

Local FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

Helping others

to help themselves

By Roland Singer-Kingsmith

K

uwait ought to be proud. The country is home to the first ever development fund established by an emerging nation. The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development(KFAED) was founded in 1961 by then Minister of Finance Sheikh Jaber AlAhmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and has since loaned a staggering $15.5 billion to support projects in 102 different countries.

Originally built on the simple philanthropic principle of sharing Kuwait’s new found oil wealth with its regional Arab neighbors, the Kuwait Fund’s vision has since expanded and it now loans to more recipient countries than any other development institution in the world. The impact of such support is impressively widespread and the Kuwait Fund has a diverse loans history that includes financing projects ranging from the Merowe dam in Sudan to the Azerbaijani national railway. It is a truly remarkable operation.

However, Kuwaiti public opinion remains generally opposed to the fund in spite of its glittering track record and entourage of grateful nations. As surprising as it may seem, the fund is often judged as a waste of national resources, squandering money abroad that could be better spent on internal infrastructural development. Any other political or financial benefit that the fund might bring to Kuwait is either overlooked or misunderstood.

So, to what extent is it true that the Kuwait Fund helps others at the expense of helping its own people? Having spent a week at the Fund as a cultural delegate on the Kuwait-British Friendship Society’s internship program, I was lucky enough to have been taken through the inner workings of the Fund in meticulous detail. Based on the findings of our research, it seems remarkably clear that the aims of the Kuwait Fund are both aligned with the national interest and, more importantly, do not come at any cost to the public purse. So it’s time for some serious myth busting.

LOANS NOT HANDOUTS Strictly speaking, for the Kuwait Fund to be ‘wasting’ resources it would need to be donating money freely without expecting repayment. But the disbursement process at the fund is both profitable and secure. If we consider that the main function of the fund is to present loans, not grants, then the money distributed recoups financial remuneration in the form of interest.

Although the interest is lower than on any bank loan - approximately two or three percent - it is in no way a charitable handout.

In fact, you could go as far as considering the loans to be assets invested abroad. And, since its inception fifty years ago, the Kuwait Fund has earned over $3 billion by retrieving interest in this way. On top of this basic fact, the procedure for distributing loans has been painstakingly designed to minimize loss and defend against collateral damage.

Disbursement of funds is staggered and, aside from the initial advance, the loan is paid out piecemeal according to the timeline and progress of each individual project.

After the initial pledge has been made and contracts signed, funds are released

depending on the presentation of receipts and invoices to prove that the loan is being spent as per agreement.

No recipient government can, therefore, spend beyond its means or outside of the timetable, which protects the fund from being abused from commencement to completion of its projects. Furthermore, governments that default on their repayment plan are blacklisted and not dealt with until the entire original loan is returned plus interest.

The Kuwait Fund does not hold grudges but it is unlikely to forget a broken promise.

Some previous offenders have debts outstanding from as far back as the 1980s but the disbursement office seems confident that these countries will pay back the loans eventually.

Merowe dam in Sudan

SAVVY PRIVATE INVESTORS It’s all well and good to laud the shrewdness of the disbursement and operations departments but you might be tempted to ask: Whose money are they spending any-

way? And, ay, there’s the rub.

The Kuwait Fund was started in 1961 with a government capital grant of KD 50 million, followed by a further KD 100 million in 1963 and another KD 200 million in 1966. The Minister of Finance was made head of the operation considering that this was still, technically, public money and was in need of executive ministerial administration. But in 1986, the Kuwait Fund repaid the original investment in full, thereby formally severing any financial dependency on the government and effectively becoming a private institution.

Since 1986 then, the Kuwait Fund has supported itself upon the robust pillars of a diverse investment portfolio ranging from private equity to real estate. Raed M Al-Nusif, Deputy Director of the Investment Department, estimates the entire value of the fund’s assets at $10 billion, which includes approximately $1 billion readily available in cash deposits. Over the years, the Investment Department has been growing on average at a rate of six percent annually and its portfolio weathered the storm of the global economic crisis without much disruption.

Opponents of the Fund will gripe that

such growth is not directly beneficial to Kuwait’s development. But as an official in the Fund told us, it’s actually less effective to invest without restriction, “If you’re lending to everyone all the time, then you have no definite purpose. If you invest in Kuwaiti schools and roads, after a few years the fund will be bankrupt. It’s like taking money from one pocket and putting it in the other.”

PROTECTING KUWAIT’S FUTURE So, if the fund looks after itself and invests its money abroad, then what’s the benefit of the Kuwait Fund to the Kuwaiti people? The answer is that their survival in the twenty first century depends on it.

Most importantly, the Fund has made Kuwait a valued and appreciated partner on the international scene. Such alliances have paid great dividends in the past and the host of nations that rallied to support Kuwait during Iraq’s ignominious invasion were influenced in no small part by the work of the Kuwait Fund. Without the emergence of international outcry advocating Kuwait’s innocence in the matter, the outcome of the war could have been significantly different.

The emphasis on such relationships has traditionally been to tighten the bonds between the brotherhood of Arab nations.

Although the Kuwait Fund’s scope for loans has widened in the pocket-sized global village of the twenty first century, its primary responsibility remains with its Arab brothers.

This is reflected in its disbursement figures: The total number of loans that Arab countries have received is more than twice the number of the next largest recipient bloc, Africa. Another key feature of the fund’s impact on Kuwait’s domestic environment is its training program for young Kuwaiti design and engineering graduates. The course is highly competitive and only a few dozen students are chosen each year but the lucky few are sponsored for thirteen months tuition, which includes a six-month work placement in an international firm of their choice. The students are taught the necessary skills that they will need to perform in the professional world so that they might become the future leaders of Kuwaiti architecture and engineering industry. In terms of preparing for the future, the Kuwait Fund is ahead of most.

50 YEARS ON It might not be so surprising to consider the widespread unfamiliarity with the activities of the Fund in light of the fact that the majority of their Public Relations is conducted abroad. Advertising in newspapers of donor countries is seen as a larger priority than justifying expenses to the Kuwaiti national audience. And they are right to make this decision. Highlighting the presence of the Fund abroad is to strengthen its position at home.

Kuwait is a small country and has always needed to integrate in order to preserve itself. Traditionally Kuwait provided a hub for much of the Indian-Africa maritime trading routes but, in its modern incarnation, the country is required to think outside the box in order to make itself stand out in an increasingly competitive and unstable world. In a series of yet unreleased advertising campaign videos celebrating the Fund’s 50th anniversary, the message was clear: By helping others to help themselves, Kuwait is securing its position as a keystone of the international community for future generations.

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

Entrance of a diwaniya

Defining Kuwait social life

By Nawara Fattahova

D

iwaniya is an important aspect of Kuwaiti culture and traditions, forming an integral part of men’s social lives. Before the spread of the cafe trend, Kuwaitis gathered at the diwaniya to discuss different issues, especially politics. They are sometimes referred to as mini-parliaments.

When the Parliament was dissolved in the 1980s, political activists gathered at some diwaniyas, called the ‘Monday’s diwaniyas.’ HH the Amir follows the tradition of visiting popular diwaniyas during the holy month of Ramadan. The tradition of attending and visiting diwaniyas has been passed on from one generation to another. Young people frequent diwaniyas and play games liked cards or video games.

Domestic disagreements can crop up as a result of husbands’ regular diwaniya visits. Many wives complain about their husbands’ absence from home. “I don’t mind it when my husband goes to a diwaniya, as its part of our culture. He goes once a week on Wednesdays. We have our own diwaniya here at our home where he welcomes his friends every Monday. He stays there for about three to four hours,” Manal, 45-year- old housewife living in Ahmadi told Kuwait Times.

“I have noticed that my husband is happier after building his own diwaniya. It doesn’t bother me at all because it is not held every day. Also, all the visitors are his colleagues that work in the same company. When he built his diwaniya, I had placed a condition that I would not cook for his friends, but only offer them refreshments. The maid cleans it the next day. My husband’s friends divided the food so that every week, one of the visitors order from a restaurant,” added Manal.

Manal’s friend Hussa, on the contrary, detests the word diwaniya, “My husband goes to a diwaniya every day from 8:00 to 11:00 pm. He’s never at home during the evenings. I don’t find him. In fact, I feel as if the diwaniya has stolen my husband from me, as if it’s his second wife,”

noted Hussa, a 40-year-old wife.

Some men hold diwaniyas at the family home, “My diwaniya is open every day at a family home in Adeliya. I only go there three times a week usually from 10:00 pm to 1:00 am. On Friday, I socialize with my friends for about three hours. My wife keeps complaining that she finds it annoying because I don’t spend enough time with her.

Attending the diwaniya is a must for me. I have to keep in touch with my friends and neighbors after I moved into a small house after I got married,” said Bashar, a 30-yearold citizen.

Single men don’t face such familial restrictions, “Almost every day, I attend my friend’s diwaniya in Sabah Al-Salem as all my friends gather there. Usually it’s after we finish work from 9:00 pm till 1:00 am. During weekends, we stay till morning. We play cards, Playstation, or watch soccer matches. All attendees are young men, only the owner of the diwaniya pays a visit sometimes. He usu-

An old gramophone adorns a diwaniya.

— Photos by Joseph Shagra ally welcomes his friends during early evening. His son paid a visit to his friends,” said 22-year- old Ali. Some owners have built lavish diwaniyas, “My diwaniya located in Omariya is open every day from 8:00 pm to 12:00 am. We speak about different social, cultural political issues. Sometimes, we also play cards. Twice a week, I go to other diwaniyas. During Ramadan, I also welcome guests after Isha prayer. Diwaniya is better than a cafe, because most guests know each other and we can talk freely. I only serve my guests light food,” stressed Faisal a 39-year-old father.

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

The other side of the coin

Women combating sexism the Mideast way

By Lisa Conrad

“A

good woman knows her place. There is a reason why men have more influence and power, and women who don’t understand that are unappreciative and disrespectful,” said Noor, a 49-year-old mother of two daughters.

The word ‘misogyny’ refers to feelings of dislike or even hatred towards women. Whilst the Middle East, including Kuwait, has certainly been paying more attention to combating sexism and the often misogynistic beliefs that it is based on, both phenomena are still undeniably strong. The issue has been receiving increasing coverage from international organizations as well as local rights groups, the media and influential individuals, yet it still prevails.

The trend that has cropped up time and again throughout the many interviews I’ve held with women regarding women’s issues and sexism is that there are always a few participants who appear to be complicit in their own oppression.

This self-depreciation is largely based on beliefs regarding gender, and the only issue that affects confidence and self-belief more, from my experience with interviewees, is social standing in terms of wealth and titles. Although the overwhelming majority of women interviewed argued that there should be more equality between the genders, some insisted that women should stick to their traditional gender roles and stop questioning male authority. The seemingly sexist female interviewees often provided considerable insight into how and why sexism prevails in the region. That’s not to say, of course, that it isn’t a problem elsewhere; it certainly is. But the continuation of sexism differs between every region, country and society, and some of the factors bolstering it here in Kuwait are especially interesting because they

are sometimes supported by the very people most harmed by it, i.e. women. Below are some of the responses women offered regarding women’s issues and sexism, ranging from the shocking to the strange and the sad.

Smart women are unattractive This response was given from three different female interviewees regarding women pursuing education and furthering their careers. Twentythree-year-old Maha, who recently graduated from a local university, said, “It’s not good if you concentrate so much just on education and

nine hours in an office?”

Noor, who is 49, is also staunchly against increasing equality, insisting, “I raise my daughters to be wives, to keep themselves beautiful and attentive. You cannot say you want to have a career and be a good wife, it is impossible. It is not easy for young women to find husbands now, and concentrating on work isn’t going to help them get married. Concentrating on reputation and appearance will.”

Women are less intelligent An argument also used on multiple occasions

The seemingly sexist female interviewees often provided considerable insight into how and why sexism prevails in the region. Although the overwhelming majority of women argue that there should be more equality between the genders, some insist that women should stick to their traditional gender roles and stop questioning male authority. career. You see the women who spend all their time studying and they look awful - bad nails, bad skin and things like that.” She added, “It’s a great sacrifice just so you can show off that you’re smart.”

Another interviewee, 34-year-old Farah shared similar views, “Women who try to become too smart are not desirable to any man. No man wants to argue with his wife about politics and see her stressed with work all the time. Her priorities should be for her husband and making sure his needs are met. How is she going to look after

was that women are simply less intelligent than men. In cases where differences in opportunity or social expectations between the genders were found, some women insisted that the real reason for inequality was simply the inability of women to excel. “Women cannot do certain things, like being an engineer. It’s very hard mentally and physically, and they aren’t suited to dealing with such things,” said Noor.

Maha agreed, noting, “It’s better for women to stick to things better suited to them, like teaching.

Then you get long vacations, which women need

if they want to work.” Another interviewee, 19year-old Aya, agreed: “I’m studying because everyone has a degree now, but I want an easy career when I graduate, and I don’t want to continue after I get married,” she said. “I don’t care about these things. I want a relaxed life and women aren’t obliged to work like men are, and we’re not as good at it anyway.”

Pursuing a career is unfeminine Some interviewees directly attacked the idea of women working and pursuing an education that would assist them in doing so. In terms of studying abroad, some reactions were particularly strong, “If a girl has convinced her parents to let her study abroad, it means she is like a man in her family,” said 25-year-old Sara.

“She should have someone with her if she goes abroad, either a male relative or her husband. Going alone is not appropriate for a woman, but so many are doing that now. I don’t respect a woman who does that, or a family who lets her do that. Women need protection and guidance, which is why it is better to prioritize marriage.”

Maha commented “I would never study abroad unless I was with my husband. It ruins a woman’s reputation if she studies abroad because we have universities here which have many of the same courses, so what’s the real reason that she’s going?”

Noor added “Neither of my daughters even asked to study abroad, because they know what their priorities are. If they want to study that’s fine, but it’s as a hobby, not because they want to let a career rule their lives.” She continued, “I think men like real, traditional women. Many people have shown interest in my girls, and we have said no because we know how high their value is. Who is proposing to the career women?”

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KIA fingerprint system foils infiltration bid KUWAIT: The fingerprint system at Kuwait International Airport (KIA) foiled the attempt of 820 previously deported individuals from re-entering the country with forged passports.

According to a security insider, the fingerprint system thwarted the efforts of the deportees, who used forged passports in false names to attempt to reenter the country between the start of April and October 25 this year.

After their attempts to illicitly reenter Kuwait were discovered, all the deportees were again sent back to their countries. The insider lauded the fingerprint system, saying that it had proved highly successful in uncovering those attempting to illegally return to the country and would be rolled out to all land border entry points before the start of the new year, to be followed by its introduction at seaport border entry points.

The system is also to be made available to all mobile police patrol units, as well as other government bodies at a later date. The insider said that the individuals who attempted to reenter the country using the forged passports after being deported previously were quickly found out by the use of the fingerprint system as soon as their data was checked. The airport’s fingerprint system, which has become known as the

‘deportees detection system,’ has dealt a massive blow to those attempting to illegally reenter the country, as well as to individuals with outstanding arrest warrants against them trying to leave it, said the insider. The security official pointed out that the speed of the system is another bonus, since it takes only three seconds to check each individual’s fingerprints against the databank of fingerprints on record. — Al-Qabas

NA on the brink of another crisis Public funds protection panel may pull reports

By B Izzak KUWAIT: The National Assembly (parliament) yesterday appeared to be headed for yet another crisis after reports that the new members of the parliamentary committee to protect public funds plans to withdraw a number of sensitive reports on investigations it issued in the previous term.

Several MPs have threatened to take harsh action after the head of the new committee, MP Salwa Al-Jassar, apparently demanded the withdrawal of several reports on a number of highly sensitive and controversial issues in a bid to reexamine them.

The reports include investigations into the so-called ‘Russian loan’ scandal, as well as into alleged financial irregularities at the Crown Prince’s diwan and plans by the defense ministry to purchase two civilian cargo planes from a local company.

The reports were issued after thorough investigations by the previous

committee when opposition MP Musallam Al-Barrak was the committee chairman, a parliamentary insider indicated.

Although the reports have not yet been discussed in parliament, according to some committee sources they named a number of senior defense ministry officials and senior officials at the Crown Prince’s Diwan as being responsible for various serious violations, and called for referring them to the Public Prosecution Service.

About 19 opposition MPs boycotted the election of parliamentary committees on the first day of the new parliamentary term on Tuesday, paving the way for pro-government MPs to staff the committees. Independent MP Hassan Jowhar said that if the reports were proved to be true, he would give up membership of all the committees he had been elected to in protest at this, as well as in protest at the government’s complacency in failing to form a committee to put forward policies for the

country’s bedoon (stateless) population.

National Action Bloc (NAB) MP Adel Al-Saraawi, who did not boycott the committee elections, described the alleged move to withdraw those reports as an attempt to breach the constitution and the law.

He said the issues in the reports were investigated thoroughly and the committee’s withdrawal of them is an attempt to serve the interests of highly influential people allegedly involved in perpetrating the violations.

Another NAB member, MP Marzouq Al-Ghanim, warned that any attempt to withdraw the public funds protections committee reports would meet with strong action.

Al-Ghanim said that during the previous parliamentary term, the committee had conducted its investigations on the basis of a mandate from the National Assembly and completed the investigations within the stipulated period, meaning that these reports cannot be withdrawn.

Slaughterhouse ready for Eid KUWAIT: Vehicles are caught in a heavy traffic as many parts of the city witnessed unprecedented traffic congestions yesterday. — Photos by Islam Al-Sharaa

Seven hurt in road accidents

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: A 32-year-old Egyptian man was rushed to Adan Hospital on Wednesday after suffering serious neck injuries in a car crash on King Fahad Road near Hadiya.

In a separate car accident, a 19-year-old Kuwaiti man sustained head injuries whilst a 17-year-old compatriot suffered a fractured right thighbone and two other 17-year-old Kuwaiti boys sustained heavy bruising.

All were taken to Adan Hospital. Meanwhile, a 26-year-old Egyptian man was also taken to Adan Hospital after suffering a fracture to his right arm in a car crash in Mangaf.

Finally, a 30-year-old Somali man complained of chest pain as well as suffering a number of minor injuries in a car accident in Jahra. He was taken to Jahra Hospital.

Farwaniya fight club A 30-year-old Egyptian man was taken to Farwaniya Hospital after suffering lacerations to his scalp in a fight in the area.

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: Kuwait Municipality and the Kuwait Slaughterhouse Company have jointly prepared an integrated plan for the upcoming Eid Al-Adha festival period, so as to guarantee a smooth flow of work at the Ahmadi area slaughterhouse.

Engineer Fahad Al-Otaibi, the director of the municipality’s Ahmadi branch, explained that the plan will see 126 butchers and 65 other abattoir staff slaughter 5,000 animals during each shift, with 25 cleaning workers helping to clean the blood and other matter.

Al-Otaibi said that there will be an overlap at certain times between the staff working the three shifts, A, B and C, over the three-day Eid holiday in order to avoid a backlog of slaughter. The butchered animals will each be cut into six pieces, and the heads will not be skinned, he said, adding

that the slaughter will begin immediately after the Eid prayers, while sheep carcasses for distribution by the charity committees will be received after 12 noon. Al-Otaibi congratulated Their Highnesses the Amir Sheikh Sabah AlAhmad Al-Sabah and the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-

Eng. Fahad Al-Otaibi Ahmad Al-Sabah on the occasion of the upcoming festival, as well as conveying his warmest greetings to all Kuwait Municipality’s staff on the occasion.

KUWAIT: Officials of the General Department for Drug Control yesterday arrested three Asians for selling heroinfilled capsules. Several of the capsules along with 300 grams of powdered heroin, and 2,000 narcotic tablets were seized from the detainees. The three were referred further legal action. — Text by Hanan Al-Saadoun

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Students’ protests rage as teachers chip in MPs add fuel to fire as demos at MOE HQ escalate

By A Sharaa KUWAIT: The ongoing protests by school students outside the Ministry of Education (MoE) headquarters saw a heavier than usual security presence yesterday morning as teachers, as well as university and college students, joined them to express their own anger at the ministry’s failure to approve their demands and warn of further strike action.

A number of MPs were also present at the scene offering their support to the protesting educators and students. Large numbers of school pupils turned out for the fourth week in a row to demand the overturning of recent changes to the exam evaluation system, whilst teachers protested against the MoE’s failure to approve their wage demands and students from both Kuwait University and the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET) voiced anger at the education ministry’s failure to pay the increased student grants agreed earlier.

A majority of MPs agreed to the government’s request to postpone a final vote on a new pay system for teachers, which would see their salaries and bonuses being linked to performance, with this decision angering other parliamentarians as well as many teachers who attended the parliamentary session held to discuss the issue. A number of teachers present were asked to leave the National Assembly hall after loudly protesting against the vote.

During yesterday’s protest, a number of opposition MPs delivered fiery speeches under the watchful eyes of large numbers of security officials. MP Musallam Al-Barrak insisted that the government had ignored teachers’ demands and rights, as well as squandering their future, chiding education minister Ahmad Al-Mulaifi who he said travels abroad every time an education-related protest takes place.

Al-Barrak said that the upcoming November 15 parliamentary session, which has been selected for discussion of the issue, will be decisive and result in approval of the teachers’ and students’ demands, with the government set to face a tough time over these issues.

Fellow MP Mubarak Al-Waalan insisted that Al-Mulaifi must resign following his failure to approve the teachers’ pay demands, whilst another lawmaker, Dr. Jamaan Al-Harbish, asserted that the government and the education minister will be held responsible if these demands are not approved during the November 15 session.

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A fourth MP, Falah Al-Sawwagh, also voiced support for the teachers’ protests, adding that they should continue until their demands are met, and asserting that the government is behind all the current problems in this area.

Another speaker at yesterday’s protest, Mitleb Al-Otaibi, the head of the Kuwaiti Teachers’ Association (KTA), expressed belief that the teachers’ wage demands will be approved during the November 15 session, warning that if they are not then the teachers will stage further sit-ins.

At one stage, the school pupils’ sit-in turned into a symbolic and very brief march as MPs Al-Barrak and Khalid Al-Tahous spurred the children into demanding the ousting of the Prime Minister.

Meanwhile, the head of the union representing PAAET staff said that the union wholeheartedly supports the teachers’ rights and demands, as well as backing the students’ demands that their basic monthly grant be raised to KD200.

Funais Al-Azmi, the union’s Secretary General, also expressed support for any further protests to achieve these aims, saying, “We came today to the teachers’ and students’ sit-in and we’re ready to attend any sit-in and support them if they go on strike.”

Al-Azmi said that the union’s members had learnt from experience that there would be no wage rises or grant increases without further protest action, adding that the negative practices of the current government had led to a fall in educational levels, and that it is vital that greater attention be paid to these crucial issues and develop the education sector.

“It is our turn as education unions to support teachers and encourage students in order to alleviate problems, including financial ones.”

Another MP who attended the demonstration, Dr. Mohammad Al-Huwailah, voiced his absolute support for the teachers’ and students’ demands, adding that he has remained insistent that these must be approved.

Al-Huwailah rejected any attempt to link teachers’ pay or bonuses to their performance of their duties, suggesting that doing so might lead to a crisis with potentially dangerous political dimensions.

The MP said that teachers play a crucial role in society and in children’s wellbeing and should receive every financial and other support. Working in education is just as difficult as working in other challenging sectors like the oil industry, he continued, adding that there should have been a government initiative to improve teachers’ pay and conditions before any parliamentary initiative. Al-Huwailah further asserted that due to the current conditions for Kuwaiti teachers, many people refuse to work in this area and many experienced Kuwaiti teachers have already left their jobs.

KUWAIT: The students and teachers stage demonstrations outside the Ministry of Education (MOE) headquarters yesterday. Some of the students display placards to show their anguish. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

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UN: Kuwait faces gender imbalance Males outnumber females THE UNITED NATIONS: Third Secretary Abdulaziz AlOmi delivering Kuwait’s address at the UN’s economic panel meeting. —KUNA

Kuwait urges world pressure on Israel UNITED NATIONS: The State of Kuwait on Wednesday urged the international community to pursue a policy of exerting pressure on Israel in order to enable the Palestinian people and the other Arab peoples of the occupied Syrian Golan to attain their political rights and harness their natural resources.

The world’s states should continue with their efforts and put pressure on Israel so that the Palestinian people can attain their rights to self-determination and to establish an independent state on their territories, with East Jerusalem as its capital, said Abdulaziz Al-Omi, the Third Secretary of the permanent Kuwaiti mission at the UN, in his address to the 66th session of the UN General Assembly during discussions that tackled the question of the Palestinian people permanent sovereignty on the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT).

Similar international effort is also required to end Israeli occupation of all occupied Arab territories, including the Syrian Golan, as well as halting the continuous Israeli breaches of Lebanon’s sovereignty and withdrawing from its territories, stated the Kuwaiti representative during the session, held late on Wednesday.

In his address, he noted that the 1981 Security Council Resolution 497 deemed Israel’s decision to impose its judicial and administrative governance on the Golan to be null and void. “Such injustice affects the livelihood of the Syrian citizens in the Syrian Golan every day,” he added.

Israel’s continuous occupation of the Palestinian territories and its inhuman, random and repressive aggression against the Palestinian people constitute flagrant violation of international laws, covenants and human rights, said AlOmi. Asserting that Israel has acted as an “entity above the law,” he pointed to its isolation of the Palestinian regions and surrounding villages and towns in these areas, alluding to Gaza and the West Bank. Moreover, he continued Israel has persisted in breaking human rights laws, demolishing the homes of unarmed Palestinians, and neglecting appeals by international organizations to stop such breaches, Al-Omi said. In recent months, Israel razed to the ground some 446 buildings and issued 747 notifications of demolition to occupants of houses in the occupied territories, said the diplomatic official. The Israelis have noticeably focused on the Jordan valley and Jerusalem in destroying Palestinians’ residences and properties, with the aim of Judaizing these areas which are rich in natural resources, he pointed out.

On Tel Aviv’s recent decision to abstain from extending the period of halting settlement activities, Al-Omi affirmed that such policies, which are aimed at Judaizing the Palestinian areas and towns, are aggravating hardship of the Palestinian people in blatant violation of the Hague rulings and the Geneva accords. Elaborating further, the Kuwaiti diplomat cited the Israelis’ plans to deprive many Palestinians of healthy drinking water and their repeated disruption of Palestinian efforts to dig more wells to secure the vital resource for living.

Thousands of tons of raw sewage, garbage and industrial waste from 500,000 Jewish settlers is currently being dumped in Palestinian areas, damaging the environment and polluting underground water reservoirs, Al-Omi indicated. In addition, the Israelis have been bulldozing or torching Palestinians’ orchards particularly olive trees. Last year, they destroyed 62,329 olive trees, damaged agricultural irrigation networks and crops. — KUNA

UNITED NATIONS: A UN report issued on Wednesday noted that the Kuwaiti male population currently exceeds the female population, with the population growth rate of the Gulf state projected to increase by 2.4 percent between 2010 and 2015. The ‘State of the World Population 2011’ report issued by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) said the Kuwaiti population is now 2.8 million, consisting of 1.7 million males and 1.1 million females.

Globally, the report said that with the world population projected to reach 7 billion in five days’ time, actions taken now will decide whether the future will be healthy, sustainable and prosperous, or marked by inequalities, environmental decline and economic setbacks.

The world must seize the opportunity to invest in the health and education of its youth to reap the full benefits of future economic development, or else face a continuation of the current abject state of disparities in which hundreds of millions of people in developing nations lack the most basic ingredients for a decent life, UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin warned in the report’s foreword.

The report noted that the current record population size can be viewed in many ways as a success for humanity because it means people are living longer and more children are surviving to adulthood worldwide. Not everyone has benefited from this achievement or the higher quality of life that this

KUWAIT: A practical display by the National Guard at the Liberation Camp site of how to deal with any malfunction on the battlefield. —KUNA

implies, however, it warns. Massive disparities exist both in and between countries and in rights and opportunities between males and females, as shown by the fact that 215 million women of childbearing age in developing countries lack access to voluntary family planning.

“Our work is far from done,” said Osotimehin, suggesting that charting a path now to development that promotes equality rather than exacerbating or reinforcing inequalities is more important than ever.

“We must tear down economic, legal and social barriers, to put women and men and boys and girls on an equal footing in all spheres of life,” he stressed. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Affairs Dr Qais Al-Douri during his meeting with the medical services team that will accompany Kuwait’s Hajj convoys.

Worker held for smuggling in phones, SIM cards into prison KUWAIT: An Asian cleaning worker employed at the Central Prison has been charged with smuggling in mobile phones and SIM cards for prisoners there. The man’s illicit trade was discovered after an unannounced cell inspection led to the discovery of a number of mobile phones and SIM cards hidden in prisoners’ cells. Prison staff told the inmates that they could avoid further penalties if they told the warders how the contraband items had been smuggled in. One of the prisoners admitted that an Asian cleaning worker was bringing them in and selling them to inmates who would then sell them on at a massive mark-up. The cleaning worker now faces prison himself.

Gang stopped Ahmadi detectives have caught one member of a five-man gang who carried out a series of brutal muggings, beating their victims before robbing them of cash and other valuables. An investigation began into the gang’s activities after a number of Asian residents of Ahmadi lodged complaints with police, telling them

that the gang had attacked and robbed them, using a similar technique each time, with the descriptions of the assailants, all of them also Asian, sounding remarkably alike. When the detectives investigating the case discovered that an Asian man was selling mobile phones for far lower prices than they would normally fetch, they approached the vendor, finding out that the phones were, as suspected, amongst those stolen from the mugging victims. The vendor, who turned out to be a member of the gang, was taken into custody and has given details of his four accomplices, who police say will be arrested shortly.

Fugitive caught Police in Naeem arrested a Kuwaiti man in his twenties who went on the run for two weeks after deliberately hitting a policeman with his car. The policeman in question had approached the man’s car after spotting the man and his girlfriend getting intimate in the vehicle in Jahra Hospital’s parking lot. On seeing the policeman coming towards his car, the young man immediately drove off,

intentionally knocking the officer over.

The policeman’s colleague noted the car’s license plate number and discovered on tracing it that it had been rented by the suspect’s grandmother.

CCTV catches shoplifters Police in Mubarak Al-Kabeer have arrested three Kuwaiti men who stole a large number of items from gift and decoration outlets at Qurain market.

On being notified of the thefts, police checked the CCTV footage from the shops targeted by the trio, discovering that they followed a similar system every time, with one member keeping the shop staff busy whilst the others carried out the thefts, stuffing all they could take into their pockets before fleeing as their colleague kept the store staff occupied.

One of the three was identified and arrested in the Sabah Al-Salem area.

Although he initially denied all the charges, he changed his mind on being confronted with the CCTV footage admitting to his and his friends’ actions and giving police information about his two accomplices. — Al-Rai

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

Libya to try Gaddafi killers as UN ends mandate

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US drone strike kills key commander in Pakistan

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TABA: In this image made from video broadcast on Egyptian state television, the first of 25 Egyptian prisoners prays as he crosses the border from Israel in to Egypt at the Taba border crossing yesterday.—AP

Egypt swaps US-Israeli for 25 prisoners JERUSALEM: A US -Israeli citizen arrested in Egypt as a suspected spy was freed yesterday after 4 1/2 months in jail under a prisoner swap deal that has eased friction between the two countries. Israel Hasson, an Israeli lawmaker who was involved in the negotiations, told The Associated Press from Cairo that 27year-old Ilan Grapel looked “fine” and was “smiling.” Hasson and another Israeli official were dispatched to Egypt to escort Grapel on the one-hour flight to Tel Aviv.

Egypt traded the US -born Grapel for 25 Egyptians, most of them smugglers, held in Israeli jails. The Egyptian prisoners passed through a land crossing from Israel as Grapel prepared to take off for Israel. TV broadcasts showed some of the Egyptian men kneeling to kiss the asphalt after crossing through a blue metal gate at the border crossing. Israel denied the allegations against Grapel, as did his family and friends, and his release helped to ease fears that relations would sour after Egypt’s longtime president, Hosni Mubarak, was ousted in February.

Hours before the release, his father, Daniel Grapel, told The Associated Press that his son had been held in isolation in an unknown location and that when they last spoke two weeks ago, he seemed to be in “OK” condition and “getting fed.” “I am happy that this thing will be done and over with and that he will be able to resume his normal life away from Egypt,” Daniel Grapel said in a telephone interview from his home in Queens, NY. His wife, Irene, flew to Tel Aviv to meet their son, and they will remain in Israel for at least two days to meet with Israeli and American officials before returning to the US , he added.

The deal went ahead after the Israeli Supreme Court rejected petitions trying to stop the deal. Immediately after landing in Israel, Grapel was set to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Grapel was volunteering at a legal aid group in Cairo that resettles refugees when he was arrested and accused of spying for Israel during the grass roots revolt that overthrew Mubarak.

He made no secret of his Israeli back-

ground, entered Egypt under his real name and his Facebook page had photos of him in an Israeli military uniform. Such openness about his identity suggested he was not a spy, and even in Egypt, where hostility toward Israel runs high, the arrest was widely ridiculed. Grapel was born in the US but moved to Israel, where his grandparents live, as a young man. He did his compulsory military service in Israel during its 2006 war with Lebanese Hezbollah guerrillas and was wounded in the fighting. He later returned to the US to study, and after his legal internship in Cairo, had planned to return to Emory University in Atlanta for his final year of law school. Some Israelis have criticized their government for making a deal to free a citizen arrested in a friendly nation on what they think were trumped-up allegations. Since Mubarak was toppled, Egypt’s military rulers have often warned against what they call “foreign” attempts to destabilize the country. And like other Arab states, Egypt has a long history of blaming internal problems on Israel.

Israel and Egypt signed their peace treaty the first between an Arab state and the Jewish one - in 1979. Relations have been cool since, but Mubarak carefully upheld the pact. While the military leaders who now rule Egypt have vowed to follow suit, they have unnerved Israel with overtures to Israel’s enemy, the Hamas militant group that rules Gaza, a tiny patch of Palestinian territory that borders both countries.

Those improved ties appear to have helped Egypt finally broker a long-elusive prisoner swap between Israel and Hamas last week, in which Israel traded hundreds of Palestinian prisoners for Israeli soldier Gilad Schalit, who had been held by Hamas in Gaza for more than five years. Initially, the US Embassy in Cairo had taken the lead in Grapel’s case because he had entered Egypt with his US passport. A former Israeli ambassador to Egypt, Eli Shaked, told Israel Radio that the US was a main player in clinching the swap deal. The US Embassy in Tel Aviv had no comment on the affair.—AP

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Three killed in Syria as mines laid near Lebanon DAMASCUS: Syrian security forces killed three people, including a teenager, in two flashpoint provinces yesterday, amid reports that the army had laid mines along the border with Lebanon. “A 15-year-old minor was killed and three people were wounded by security forces during raids” in Dael, a protest hub near the southern city of Daraa, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. On Wednesday, more than 5,000 people Dael called for the fall of the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, the Observatory said, adding that 23 people were arrested there. Further north, two civilians were killed in the central region of Homs, one shot by sniper fire, a statement from the Britain-based watchdog said.

The Local Coordination Committees, an activist network spurring protests on the ground, said security forces entered several towns to the east of Damascus looking for people “on the basis of lists.” State television, meanwhile, broadcast images of a huge pro-Assad rally in the coastal city of Latakia, saying that showed people’s support for (Assad’s) reform program and their rejection of foreign interference.

In a region bordering northern Lebanon, Syrian troops were seen planting mines in the early morning in an apparent bid to stop weapons smuggling along the porous border, a local Lebanese official told AFP. He said the troops began planting the mines at dawn in an area facing two Lebanese villages-Knaysseh and Al-Hnayder. “A number of Syrian soldiers were also seen deploying on their side of the border, near the Syrian villages of Heet and Buwayt,” he said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The area is separated only by mounds of earth and for long has been used to smuggle goods between the two countries. On the diplomatic front, Foreign Minister Walid Muallem held talks with China’s special envoy for the Middle East, who reaffirmed his country’s opposition to foreign interference in Syria, Syria’s official news agency said.

Muallem and Wu Sike met in Damascus and spoke of “the relations of solid friendship” between their countries, the agency said. The Syrian minister explained “the current situation, measures taken by Syrian leaders to respond to the legitimate demands of its citizens and efforts made to implement reforms.” Wu reaffirmed the “pursuit of cooperation between the two countries within international bodies” as well as China’s “opposition to attempts to interfere in Syrian affairs.” On October 4, permanent UN Security council members Russia and China vetoed a Western-proposed resolution threatening the Syrian leadership with “targeted measures” unless it halted the bloody repression. More recently, China asked Syria to speed up promised reforms.” Assad on Wednesday received a a delegation of Arab League ministers led by Qatar, which announced that a new meeting would take place on Sunday in a bid to find a political solution to the crisis. The Arab League’s visit, which sought to mediate between the regime and the opposition, coincided with a new wave of violence, activists said. The regime’s brutal crackdown on protest has killed at least 3,000 people since mid-March, according to UN figures. Pro-democracy activists, meanwhile, called for rallies on Friday to impose “a no fly zone” over Syria in order to protect civilians from military action and to encourage soldiers to defect.— AFP

BENGHAZI: Abdel Hafiz Ghoga, vice chairman of the Libyan National Transitional Council, addresses a press conference in the eastern city of Benghazi yesterday.—AFP

Libya to try Gaddafi killers as UN ends mandate BENGHAZI: Libya’s new leaders vowed yesterday to bring Moamer Gaddafi’s killers to justice in a sharp break with their previous insistence he was caught in the crossfire with his own loyalists. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council unanimously voted to end the mandate for international military action in Libya, ending another chapter in the war against Gaddafi’s toppled regime.

“With regards to Gaddafi, we do not wait for anybody to tell us,” Abdel Hafiz Ghoga, vice chairman of the ruling National Transitional Council (NTC), told a news conference in Benghazi. “We had already launched an investigation. We have issued a code of ethics in handling of prisoners of war. There were some violations by those who are unfortunately described as revolutionaries. I am sure that was an individual act and not an act of revolutionaries or the national army,” the top interim official said. “We had issued a statement saying that any violations of human rights will be investigated by the NTC. Whoever is responsible for that (Gaddafi’s killing) will be judged and given a fair trial.” Ghoga, who spoke in Arabic and whose remarks were translated by an official interpreter, was responding to specific questions about Gaddafi’s death and potential abuses. Until now, the NTC had adamantly claimed that Gaddafi was killed in crossfire after he was captured in Sirte, his hometown and final bastion. Disquiet has grown internationally over how Gaddafi met his end after NTC fighters hauled him out of a culvert where he was hiding following NATO air strikes on the

convoy in which he had been trying to flee his falling hometown.

Mobile phone videos show him still alive at that point. Subsequent footage shows a now-bloodied but walking Gaddafi being hustled through a frenzied crowd, before he disappears in the crush and the crackle of gunfire can be heard. In New York, meanwhile, a Security Council resolution ordered the end of the authorisation for a no-fly zone and action to protect civilians from 11:59 pm Libyan time (2159 GMT) on October 31. Security Council Resolution 2016 also eased an international arms embargo, freezes on the assets of the Libyan National Oil Corp and virtually all restrictions on the central bank and other key institutions.

It also ended the ban on international flights by Libyan registered planes. NATO’s decision-making body, the North Atlantic Council, is to meet today in Brussels to formally declare an end to its seven-month air war. NATO weighed a possible new role in Libya following Gaddafi’s death and US State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said discussions had started at NATO headquarters in Brussels and with the NTC about the end of the UN mandate. She said the NTC “may foresee a future role for NATO,” and that discussions have been held about that as well. “Some things have been discussed, like support for border security, support for demobilisation, decommissioning of weapons, these kinds of things,” she said.

NTC head Mustafa Abdel Jalil said on Wednesday Gaddafi loyalists in neighbouring countries still pose a threat to his

fledgling administration and urged NATO to continue its Libya campaign. His fears were heightened by reports that Gaddafi’s former intelligence chief Abdullah alSenussi, who fled Libya, had passed from Niger into Mali. When asked about that, Ghoga said: “We did hear, and more or less it is confirmed, that Abdullah Senussi has crossed into Niger.” It was not known if Gaddafi’s son and heir-apparent Seif alIslam was with him. Seif was earlier reported to be hiding in Niger after his father was killed in Sirte on October 20. Senussi, 62, who is also Gaddafi’s brother-in-law, and Seif are subjects of arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court on June 27 for crimes against humanity, which also targeted Gaddafi.

Libya’s deputy UN envoy Ibrahim Dabbashi had told the council that the NTC may have to ask for an extension of the mandate, saying Libyan armed forces were not yet ready to take on national security. The government, he added, was also deciding whether it could monitor its borders following the demise of the Gaddafi regime. Meanwhile, the Beeld newspaper in Johannesburg said yesterday that South African mercenaries who allegedly took part in Gaddafi’s failed escape bid are still taking care of Seif, but did not say where.

The South Africans were training Gaddafi’s presidential guard and had reportedly been involved in transporting Gaddafi’s gold, diamonds and foreign currency to Niger, and helping his wife and three of his children flee Tripoli, the Afrikaans-language paper said.—AFP

Yemen regime allows peaceful protest in central Sanaa DAMASCUS: A handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) on October 27, 2011, shows Syrians waving the national flag as they rally during a mass demonstration in support of President Bashar alAssad (posters), in the city of Latakia of north of Damascus. —AFP

SANAA: Yemeni security forces heavily deployed in Sanaa allowed a massive antiregime rally yesterday to cross the capital without intervening, for the first time since January, an AFP correspondent reported.

The protesters left Change Square, outside Sanaa University which has become the epicentre of anti-regime demonstrations, and marched towards Al-Zubairi Avenue in central Sanaa. Over the past months,

security forces had opened fire on protesters whenever they attempted to march towards the city centre. A similar move last month sparked a wave of deadly violence that left dozens dead across the capital.

But security forces, led by President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s nephew Yehya, allowed protesters calling for the embattled leader to be prosecuted to peacefully demonstrate. “Free people of the world, Saleh

must be brought to justice,” they chanted, calling the leader “a war criminal.” The protest took place as Sanaa was quiet yesterday, following two days of deadly clashes in the capital and Yemen’s second largest city Taez. Yemen has witnessed one of the longest and bloodiest uprisings of the Arab Spring, with hundreds of Yemenis dead and thousands more wounded since January.— AFP

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Turkey quake death toll rises to 534 185 rescued from rubble ASSISI: (From L) The first Primate of new Armenian diocese of France Norvan Zakarian, the archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Douglas Williams, the Greek Orthodox church patriarch Bartolomew I, Pope Benedict XVI, the representative for Israel Rabbi, Rabbi David Rosen, the President and Founder of the Ifa Heritage Institute Professor Wande Abimbola, the representative for the Hinduism religion Acharya Shri Shrivasta Goswani and the head of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism Ja Seung take place outside San Francisco basilica during the interreligious talks yesterday in Assisi.—AFP

Religious leaders join pope for peace ASSISI, Italy: Pope Benedict XVI joined Buddhist monks, Islamic scholars, Yoruba leaders and a handful of agnostics in making a communal call for peace yesterday, insisting that religion must never be used as a pretext for war or terrorism.

Benedict welcomed some 300 leaders representing a rainbow of faiths to the hilltop Italian town of Assisi to commemorate the 25th anniversary of a daylong prayer for peace here called by Pope John Paul II in 1986 amid Cold War conflicts.

While the event lacked the star power of 1986, when the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa and others came together to pray, yesterday’s peace meeting included some novelties that the original lacked. Buddhist monks from mainland China were on hand as were four people who profess no faith at all - part of Benedict’s efforts to reach out to agnostics and atheists who nevertheless are searching for truth.

But unlike the 1986 event and successive ones in 1993 and 2002, there was no time given for any type of communal prayer. Benedict had objected to the 1986 event and didn’t attend because he disapproved of members of different faiths praying in the presence of one another. As a result, his 25th anniversary edition removed any whiff of syncretism, or the combining of different beliefs and practices. After a lunch of vegetarian risotto, salad and fruit, the participants retired to hotel rooms where they could pray individually or nap.

The German-born Benedict noted that in the 25 years since John Paul’s peace day, the Berlin Wall had crumbled without bloodshed. But he said nations are still full of discord and that religion is now frequently being used to justify violence.”We know that terrorism is often religiously motivated and that the specifically religious character of the attacks is proposed as a justification for the reckless cruelty that considers itself entitled to discard the rules of morality for the sake of the intended ‘good,’” he said.

But the pope said it was wrong to demand that faith disappear from daily life to somehow rid the world of a religious pretext for violence. He argued that the absence of God from people’s daily lives was even more dangerous, since it deprived men and women of any moral criteria to judge their actions. “The horrors of the concentration camps reveal with utter clarity the consequences of God’s absence,” said Benedict, who as a young German was forced to join the Hitler Youth.

Traditional Catholics condemned the Assisi meeting - just as they did the one in 1986 - saying it was blasphemy for the pope to invite leaders of “false” religions to pray to their Gods for peace. The Society of St. Pius X, a breakaway traditionalist group that Benedict has been working to bring back into Rome’s fold, said it would be celebrating 1,000 Masses to atone for the damage done by the event and urged the pope to use it to urge others to convert to Catholicism. The pope did no such thing. But his removal of any communal prayer time - other than grace at the start and end of lunch - struck some as overkill, especially since footage of the earlier Assisi gatherings was broadcast to participants showing the various religious leaders praying.— AP

ERCIS: Rain and snow yesterday compounded difficulties for thousands rendered homeless in the powerful earthquake that hit eastern Turkey, and the government said the death toll has gone up to 534. The prime minister’s center for crisis and emergency management said 2,300 people were injured and 185 were rescued from the rubble.

Meanwhile, a moderate earthquake, measuring 5.4 according to Turkey’s Kandilli seismology center, hit the neighboring province of Hakkari yesterday, sending people rushing out of buildings in fear and panic. No damage was reported but NTV television said some people were slightly injured while trying to escape through windows.

That temblor was centered 90 miles (150 kilometers) south of the epicenter of Sunday’s devastating quake. Turkish authorities delivered more tents after acknowledging initial problems in the distribution of aid for survivors of the 7.2-magnitude quake that shattered at least 2,200 buildings on Sunday.

Foreign assistance also began arriving after Turkey said it would accept help to house survivors through the winter. Israel, which has a troubled political relationship with Turkey, sent emergency housing units, blankets and clothing. Germany also dispatched supplies, including tent heating units. Britain said it was dispatching 1,000 tents to shelter some 5,500 people. Russia and Ukraine also contributed. Some media reports had said rescuers pulled out a 19-yearold alive from the rubble yesterday, but Mustafa Ozden, the head of the team that brought out the young man, told The Associated Press that he was rescued on Tuesday.

Rain gave way to intermittent snow, deepening the hardship of thousands of people either rendered homeless in the powerful earthquake or too afraid to return indoors amid aftershocks that continued to rattle the area. In the worst-hit city of Ercis, families who managed to obtain tents shared them with others. Some people spent a fourth night outdoors huddled under blankets in front of campfires, either waiting for news of the missing or keeping watch over damaged homes. Sermin Yildirim,

ERCIS: Survivors watch as rescue workers carry the dead body of a victim of an earthquake in Ercis yesterday.—AFP who was eight months pregnant, was with her twins and husband. They shared a tent with a family of four who were distant relatives. Her apartment in a three-story building was not damaged but the family was reluctant to return.

“It’s getting colder, my kids are coughing. I don’t know how long we will have to stay here,” Yildirim said. “We were not able to get a tent. We are waiting to get our own.” The Red Crescent organization and several pro-Islamic groups set up kitchens and dished out soup or meals of rice and beans. People were seen gathering pieces of wood to light campfires or stove-heaters. Muhlise Bakan, 41, was not happy to share her tent with her husband’s second wife, Hamide. “I have four children, she has five,” Bakan said. “We were sleeping in separate rooms at our house, and now we are sleeping side by side here.”

However, she acknowledged the two women were now “closer” as they struggle together in hard times. Turkish law does not recognize second marriages, but still some men in the country’s southeast marry more then one wife in religious ceremonies that are accepted among conservatives. Health problems increased the hardship for some quake survivors. “I am very sick, I need medi-

cine,” said Kevsel Astan, 40, who had a kidney transplant more than four years ago. She said she was being treated at the state hospital until the quake struck.

The damaged hospital has been evacuated and doctors are focusing on emergency cases.

Burke Cinar, a sociologist with a Turkish foundation, said the group was trying to get tents for the families of 15 children with leukemia in Ercis. She said about 100 leukemia patients live in quake-hit Van province. Turkey’s weather agency predicted intermittent snowfall for the next three days. More than a dozen television stations organized a joint aid telethon, amassing just under 62 million Turkish Lira ($37 million) in aid for the region. Searchers sifted through piles of debris, recovering more bodies. They included two dead teenage sisters and their parents who were holding hands, and a mother clutching her baby boy, according to media reports. Two teachers and a university student were rescued from ruined buildings on Wednesday, but there were no signs of survivors elsewhere and excavators were clearing debris from some collapsed buildings.

One of the teachers later died in hospital, NTV reported yesterday. — AP

Kosovo Serbs start removing roadblocks MITROVICA: Defying NATO’s demands, Serbs in Kosovo yesterday only partially removed roadblocks that have hampered the freedom of movement in the country’s tense north. For three months, Serbs have been blocking roads with trucks, rocks, mud and logs to prevent the Kosovo Albanian leadership from extending its control over the part of the country populated mostly by ethnic Serbs.

Kosovo is dominated by ethnic Albanians. Many Serbs who live in Kosovo’s north reject the country’s 2008 declaration of independence from Serbia. They have clashed with EU and

NATO forces blaming them for supporting Kosovo institutions. The 5,500strong NATO-led force in Kosovo, known as KFOR, has demanded an unconditional lifting of the blockade to allow free passage for all, including the EU rule of law mission, known as EULEX. “Even though the opening of one traffic lane is a step in the right direction, KFOR demands unconditional freedom for KFOR, EULEX and other institutions and citizens,” KFOR spokesman Uwe Nowitzki said. Serbs partially removed the roadblocks yesterday so the peacekeepers can supply and rotate their troops. But they plan to keep

checkpoints to prevent an European Union rule of law mission from transporting Kosovo officials.

“Our intention is to allow KFOR to supply its soldiers and their rotation,” Kosovo Serb official Slavisa Ristic said.

“But EULEX won’t be able to pass before some problems are resolved, the main one being their transport of Kosovo customs officials.” Kosovo Albanian authorities deployed their security forces in July to two border posts in northern Kosovo to enforce a trade ban with Serbia. Serbs reacted by blocking roads, triggering clashes with Kosovo police that left one police officer dead.—AP

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Danes held hostage in Somalia regret sailing route COPENHAGEN: A Danish family that was held hostage by Somali pirates for more than six months said in an interview published yesterday that it decided to sail alone through the dangerous waters off the Horn of Africa, hoping to sneak through safely. “It was the decision of my life that I regret the most,” Jan Quist Johansen, the father, said in the first interview since the family’s release.

The parents and their three teenage children were captured along with two Danish crew members on Feb. 24 after their yacht was seized by the pirates in

the Indian Ocean. They had chosen to sail there alone and not in a convoy with other ships, hoping the vastness of the sea would help protect them. Yachts and much bigger commercial ships often travel in convoys in the region because of pirates.

The Danes turned off lanterns and electronic equipment that would make them visible, kept radio silence and deliberately gave wrong information about their position on the Internet. “A convoy is a smorgasbord for the pirates.

They are both fearless and have no scru-

ples,” his wife, Marie Quist Johansen, was quoted by the Politiken daily as saying.

“They can start shooting at the first (boat) to show that they are serious, and take all they can handle.”

But seven days after leaving the Maldives for Oman, a fishing boat with five pirates armed with AK-47 assault rifles abruptly ended their idyllic roundthe-world journey. The family immediately sent out an SOS that it was under attack, hid its GPS and threw an emergency position-indicating radio beacon into the ocean. The family’s emergency

calls were heard, but too late, its members said. Marie told the newspaper they “cried and were afraid many times” but their Somali captors never hit them.

They also were able to stay together during the ordeal that ended Sept 6. “They are only interested in money and if they don’t get it fast enough, something bad would have happened to us,” the father told Politiken. Danish officials have refused to comment on whether a ransom was paid, and the family didn’t tell Politiken if any money were involved in their release.—AP

Gaddafi’s intelligence chief in Niger: Official

MOGADISHU: Hundreds of Somalis attend a rally organized by the Shebab at Elasha Biyaha, outskirts of Mogadishu yesterday.—AFP

Group asks court to probe 1,000 deaths in Kenya NAIROBI: The International Criminal Court should investigate the killings and forced disappearances of more than 1,000 Kenyans as the government has failed to bring the perpetrators to justice, a human rights group said yesterday. More than 300 Kenyans went missing and 1,074 were killed from 2006 to 2008, New York-based Human Rights Watch said in a new report. The group said 754 of the dead were killed by the Sabaot Land Defense Force, a militia that raped and mutilated its victims.

But almost two-thirds of those who disappeared were last seen in the custody of government forces, who launched a crackdown on the militia in March 2008, Human Rights Watch said.

Nearly 4,000 people were arrested in the operation. In many villages, every male over the age of ten was rounded up, it said. Government spokesman Alfred Mutua said the report, entitled “Hold Your Heart,” was a distraction.

“We are not answering questions on it,” he said. “Maybe tomorrow.”

Among the thousands caught up in the sweep was Patrick Kipteyo Sewui, an assistant chief taken from his home by soldiers in front of his wife Phylis and their six children. She told The Associated Press that when she delivered some papers to the Chepkube military base the day after he was arrested, she saw her husband lying on the

ground. “Three soldiers were standing around him and his clothes were bloody. He had been beaten badly.

When I saw him (the soldiers) chased me away. When I went home I was crying,” she said.

She never saw her husband again.

She also has no government death certificate, which she needs to access her husband’s land and bank accounts.

Paying school fees for the children has been a struggle. “He was a good man.

He worked hard, he cared for his family,” she said, trying not to cry as she spoke about her childhood sweetheart.

“When I had our first child, he had a party ... People would come to them with their problems and he would invite them inside the house to take tea.” “I have been crying for so long,” she said sadly. No one has been held responsible for the tortures and killings that occurred in the custody of Kenyan military forces, said Human Rights Watch, and only four people from the militia have been prosecuted for manslaughter. Many cases collapsed when victims were too afraid to testify because the government did not offer them witness protection, said Job Bwonya, who runs Western Kenya Human Rights Watch, which is not affiliated to the international body.

The International Criminal Court should investigate, activists say, since the Kenyan government has failed to

hold serious investigations, prosecute anyone for the military killings, or exhume the mass graves that residents say litter the forest around their home.

“There are human remains all over the mountain,” said Human Rights Watch researcher Ben Rawlence, showing a photo of a human jawbone and part of a skull lying in a field.

The report was released shortly after the International Criminal Court began hearings on Kenya’s postelection violence to try to pressure authorities to take action three years after the killings, Rawlence said. Complaints have also recently been filed with the U.N. and East African Court of Justice.

The militia was used in the run-up to the bloody 2007 elections to intimidate political opponents and extort money to support local candidates for the Orange Democratic Movement, the rights group said.

The court is currently holding hearings concerning six prominent Kenyans accused of orchestrating violence that killed 1,333 Kenyans following the disputed December election result. But its investigations are limited to violence that occurred after the elections.

Including the violence that occurred before, in Mt. Elgon, would nearly double the death toll. “This was distinctly political violence and it should have been included within the current ICC investigation,” Rawlence said.— AP

DAKAR: Muammar Gaddafi’s intelligence chief, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court, has slipped into the desert nation of Niger and is hiding in the expanse of dunes at the Niger-Algeria border, a Niger presidential adviser said. Abdullah al-Senoussi entered Niger several days ago in a convoy piloted by Tuaregs, the traditional desert dwellers who remained fiercely loyal to Gaddafi until the end, the adviser, who could not be named because of the sensitivity of the matter, told The Associated Press late Wednesday by telephone from Niger.

Al-Senoussi, Gaddafi’s long serving intelligence chief, long played a key role in maintaining Gaddafi’s control in Libya. A much less public presence than flamboyant Gaddafi, Al-Senoussi is believed to have been the mind behind the most brutal crackdowns on perceived threats to the regime. The Niger official - an influential leader of the Tuareg community - said he is in touch with Tuaregs that are in contact with the convoy. Al-Senoussi is one of two surviving members of the Gaddafi regime that are the subjects of international arrest warrants. The second is Gaddafi’s son and heir apparent Seif al-Islam, whom the official said is also in the area, but is still in the triangle of sand just north of the Niger border, between Libya and Algeria. “Senoussi? He’s already in Niger, but he’s not near the towns,” the official said. “Where is he headed? We don’t have any details on that. In any case, he can’t come to the towns (without getting caught). He entered sometime ago - it’s been a few days. He’s hiding. His driver?

Other Tuaregs,” he said. “They (Senoussi and Seif al-Islam) are traveling in separate convoys.” The information was confirmed by Serge Hiltron, owner of Radio Nomad, a radio station operating in Niger’s north, a region dominated by the Tuaregs.

“It’s like the story of the cat and the mouse, and we’re waiting for him (al-Senoussi) to come out of his hole. He can’t stay there forever,” Hiltron said by telephone from the northern town of Agadez. “For them (Al-Senoussi and Seif al-Islam) the area that is safest is this buffer zone between Algeria, Libya and Niger - it’s the most secure.

But they can’t stay there forever. With the protection of the Tuaregs they can last a while though.”

Niger’s government spokesman was not immediately available for comment. His assistant, communications adviser Ousmane Toudou, said there had been no official statement as of late Wednesday. The Tuaregs in Niger as well as in Mali have led repeated rebellions against the governments of those countries which were reportedly financed by Gaddafi.

During the drawn-out battle for control of Libya, hundreds of Tuareg youth from both Mali and Niger enlisted in Libya’s army to try protect Gaddafi’s grip on power.

Niger’s government has publicly said that they will abide by their obligation to the International Criminal Court and hand over any members of the Gaddafi regime wanted for war crimes. The country’s democratically elected government is heavily dependent on foreign aid, but its people have long supported Gaddafi.

In May, the International Criminal Court in the Hague issued arrest warrants for Gaddafi, his son Seif al-Islam and Al-Senoussi, accusing them of crimes against humanity for targeting civilians during the Libyan civil war.—SWAP

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Ohio woman set to reclaim exotic animals from zoo COLUMBUS: The Columbus Zoo was trying yesterday to stop a woman from reclaiming three leopards, two primates and a young grizzly bear that have been cared for by the zoo since her husband freed dozens of exotic animals at their farm and killed himself. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium said it took the six surviving animals with Marian Thompson’s permission but has no legal rights to the animals. It said her lawyers notified the zoo that she will reclaim the

beasts, possibly as early as yesterday.

Attorneys who have represented Thompson were not available for comment yesterday morning, according to their office. The zoo has contacted state and federal agencies in search of a way to keep the animals in its care, said Patty Peters, vice president of community relations. “It’s appealing to everybody to try to see if there’s anything anybody can do,” she said. Ohio has some of the nation’s weakest restrictions on exotic

pets, and efforts to strengthen the regulations have taken on new urgency since Terry Thompson opened the cages at his eastern Ohio farm near Zanesville last week, freeing four dozen animals that were later shot by authorities.

Officers were ordered to kill the animals - including rare Bengal tigers, lions and bears - instead of trying to bring them down with tranquilizers for fear that those hit with darts would escape in the darkness before they dropped and

later regain consciousness. It’s not clear if Marian Thompson plans to take the surviving animals back to the farm or to an alternate location, said Muskingum County Sheriff Matt Lutz, whose office isn’t taking a stance on whether the creatures should return to Zanesville. “If she wants to bring them back here, to this farm, then we’re working on what we’re allowed legally to do to make sure that everything is safe and appropriate,” Lutz said.—AP

Unlikely witness testifying in Iowa murder trial FORT DODGE: A detective who interviewed an Iowa woman the night she killed her 20-year-old neighbor says he believed she was telling the truth about acting in selfdefense after being the victim of a home invasion and assault. Former sheriff’s lieutenant Dennis Cessford testified yesterday that he believed Tracey Richter’s demeanor in the hospital and bruises on her neck, hands and legs were consistent with her story. Cessford says she appeared concerned and perhaps scared at the hospital and investigators “took her information at face value.”

Richter is on trial for first-degree murder in the Dec 13, 2001, death of Dustin Wehde at her home in Early, a town in northwest Iowa. Prosecutors say Richter shot Wehde, then planted a notebook in his car that implicated her exhusband in a murder-for-hire scheme.—AP

Castro should go: Clinton WASHINGTON: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said yesterday the United States remained firm that the Castro regime should end in Cuba, despite overtures seeking reform on the communist island. Republican Representative Ileana RosLehtinen, a Cuban American and fierce critic of the Castro brothers, told Clinton during a congressional hearing that the administration had a double-standard after using force to remove Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi. “Our position has been the same for more than 50 years. We think Fidel Castro should go,” Clinton told the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

“Unfortunately, he doesn’t seem to be going anywhere.”

The United States first partially imposed an embargo on Cuba in 1960, just after Fidel Castro’s revolution. It remains in force, with most trade and travel banned to the Caribbean island.

After taking office in 2009, President Barack Obama eased restrictions on travel and remittances by immediate family members. He has said the United States is ready to change its tough policy if the communist state is ready to reform.

Castro, 85, formally ceded power in 2006 to his younger brother Raul due to health reasons but he has continued in a role as elder statesman. Despite the absence of diplomatic ties, Clinton said that the United States maintained contacts with Cuban officials on a range of issues such as drug trafficking but also engaged ordinary people on the island. “It is our view that we should help those who are trying to work toward positive change,” Clinton said.

She renewed calls for Cuba to free US contractor Alan Gross, who was arrested in 2009 and sentenced in March to 15 years in prison. “It is a gross violation of his human rights and a humanitarian abuse that he has not been returned to his family and we would like to see that happen as soon as possible,” Clinton said. Gross was arrested as he distributed cellphones and laptops to members of the island’s Jewish community under a State Department contract. Cuba charged him with violating the island’s “independence or territorial integrity.”—AFP

OHIO: In this Oct 25, 2011, photo Republican presidential candidate former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, center, talks with workers during a visit to a GOP phone bank in Terrace Park, Ohio.—AP

State issues can be tricky for presidential field Local issues not of concern to most voters CINCINNATI: Mitt Romney gingerly distanced himself from a labor issue on the Ohio ballot one day. The next, he embraced the initiative “110 percent.” The reversal not only highlights his record of equivocations but also underscores the local political minefields national candidates often confront in their state-by-state path to the presidency. Candidates visiting Nevada often wade into the debate about where nuclear waste should go. They’re pressed in South Carolina to take a stand on an aircraft maker’s labor dispute. In New Hampshire, they face questions about right-to-work issues. And then there are the perennials, such as ethanol subsidies in Iowa and the Confederate battle flag in South Carolina.

Such local issues aren’t of concern to most voters across the nation, but these topics can matter greatly to voters wanting to hear the thoughts of candidates soliciting support ahead of presidential primaries. Candidates often work to strike a balance between addressing issues local voters care about without staking out hardline positions that could hurt them elsewhere. “They’ve got to be careful about not weighing in on issues that are exclusively local. That could backfire,” said

Kevin Smith, a conservative activist and likely Republican gubernatorial candidate in New Hampshire. “It’s something that could easily be blown up into something bigger than it ought to be.”

As Romney proved this week, such local issues can trip up even the most cautious candidate, causing headaches for their national campaigns while hurting their standings in important states for both the primary and general elections.

“Fully support that,” Romney said about the Ohio ballot initiative while visiting a local Republican Party office Wednesday in Fairfax, Va. The former Massachusetts governor was trying to fix a problem he created a day earlier during a trip to Terrace Park near Cincinnati. Romney visited a site where volunteers were making hundreds of phone calls to help Republicans defeat the Issue Two ballot effort to repeal Ohio Gov. John Kasich’s restrictions on public sector employee bargaining. Romney took a pass on supporting the measure just as a newly released Quinnipiac University poll indicated Ohio voters opposed the GOPbacked restrictions 57 percent to 32 percent. But Romney already had weighed in, supporting Kasich’s efforts in a June

Facebook post. Republican and Democratic critics alike were quick to point out Romney’s waffling. His campaign rivals Rick Perry and Jon Huntsman fired off statements supporting the union restrictions, and Obama’s Ohio state campaign director, Greg Schultz, sent out emails Tuesday night to supporters noting Romney’s “sidestep.” Roughly 24 hours later, Romney clarified his support for Kasich.

Even so, Huntsman, the former Utah governor languishing in polls, sought to gain ground by arguing that the episode demonstrated Romney’s failure to show leadership. “This is a time when if you are going to be president of the United States, you show a little presidential leadership,” he told ABC News. “That’s by taking a position and leading out - sometimes there is a risk associated with taking a position, but that’s all part of leadership.”

And some observers questioned whether Romney’s response had less to do with the GOP primary, which Ohio will hold well after the early voting states, and more to do with the general election and the need to woo independent voters. On the other hand, Romney may lose the party loyalists he needs to get the GOP nomination by waffling on the matter. —AP

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Uruguay revokes Dirty War amnesty MONTEVIDEO: Uruguay’s Congress revoked amnesty for military officials charged with human rights abuses yesterday, ending a deal between left and right that for a quarter century has prevented prosecutions for crimes against humanity. Uruguay’s lower house voted 50-40 to eliminate the amnesty, following a similar vote in the Senate.

President Jose Mujica is expected to sign the law before Nov 1, when, if Congress had not acted, a statute of limitations would have eliminated the possibility of new prosecutions for dictatorship era crimes.

Dozens of suspected leftists were kidnapped and killed during the 19731985 dictatorship. Congress’ pre-dawn vote meets a demand by human rights groups that people who kidnapped, tortured and killed in the name of the

state should be punished. “Impunity has ended,” cheered Luis Puig, a deputy with the ruling Broad Front coalition. Uruguay’s Supreme Court now must decide whether lifting the amnesty is constitutional. Opponents say the measure violates both the constitution and the will of the people, since the military amnesty was upheld in popular referenda in 1989 and 2009.

Some military leaders have vowed to push for prosecution of crimes committed by former guerrillas if their own colleagues are brought to court. Mujica and most other leaders of the leftist Tupamaro guerrillas served long prison sentences for the political violence they fostered in the 1960s and early 1970s. But several dozen have allegedly remained free, benefiting from a separate amnesty for leftists who commit-

ted crimes more than a generation ago.

Sen. Jorge Larranaga of the conservative opposition National Party said “with this law that Parliament approved, the Broad Front has torn several pages from the national constitution and put itself above the popular will.” The vote came hours after a court in neighboring Argentina sentenced a former navy spy known as “the Angel of Death” and 11 other former Argentine military and police officers to life in prison for crimes against humanity committed during that country’s 1976-83 military dictatorship. Alfredo Astiz, a 59-year-old ex-navy captain, became notorious for his infiltration and betrayal of activists and was viewed by many Argentines as the symbol of the junta’s crimes. He was accused of participating in the kidnap-

Twelve agents get life for Argentina dirty war crimes BUENOS AIRES: A court sentenced a former navy spy known as “the Angel of Death” and 11 other former Argentine military and police officers to life in prison Wednesday for crimes against humanity committed during the 197683 military dictatorship. Alfredo Astiz, a 59-year-old ex-navy captain, became notorious for his infiltration and betrayal of activists and was viewed by many Argentines as the symbol of the junta’s crimes. He was accused of participating in the kidnapping, torture and murder of two French nuns, a journalist and three founders of a human rights group.

The crimes alleged against all the defendants included 86 cases of kidnapping, torture and murder of leftist dissidents committed at the Navy Mechanics School, one of the military junta’s principal torture centers used to crush the threat of armed revolution. About 5,000 detainees passed through the school.

Fewer than half survived. Closing out a trial that began in December 2009, four other defendants were sentenced to between 18 and 25 years in prison, while two others were absolved. Former Adm. Emilio Masserta, who commanded the torture center, was not included among the defendants because of poor health and died last November.

The verdicts were applauded by human rights activists and families of the victims who watched the verdict on a big screen television. “Ole, ole, they will meet the fate of the Nazis. Wherever they go, we will find them,” family members chanted. The Navy Mechanics School, a leafy former military campus, is now home to a museum dedicated to preserving evidence of crimes against humanity. The grounds also used to house a maternity ward where pregnant detainees were held until they gave birth and then were made to “disappear.” A separate trial alleging that systematic baby thefts were part of the junta’s anti-subversion strategy is under way in another courtroom.

Survivors and relatives of victims from the nation’s “dirty war” against leftist guerrillas and political opponents called it a “historic day.” Astiz was

BUENOS AIRES: Human right activists, among them Mothers of Plaza de Mayo member Tati Almeida, second from left, celebrate after a trial against former military and police officials in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Wednesday.—AP charged in the disappearances of French revenge through martyrdom and death nuns Alice Domon and Leonie Duquet in prison.” In neighboring Uruguay, lawas well Azucena Villaflor, a founder of makers planned to vote Wednesday to the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo, a group revoke an amnesty law that protected that campaigned to find people “disap- dozens of former officials who served in peared” by the junta. The three were that country’s 1973-1985 dictatorship among detainees who were tortured at from human rights prosecutions. The the mechanics school and then thrown two countries are among several Latin American nations still struggling to into the sea from navy aircraft.

The former spy also was convicted in come to terms with Cold War dictatorthe kidnapping and disappearing of ships in which regimes routinely torwriter Rodolfo Walsh, who along with tured, killed or “disappeared” suspected Colombian author Gabriel Garcia opponents. Most of those dictatorships Maquez founded the Prensa Latina news ended nearly three decades ago.

Uruguay’s Chamber of Deputies was agency after the Cuban revolution.

Walsh also created the Clandestine debating the measure late Wednesday, News Agency during Argentina’s dicta- a day after it was narrowly approved by torship to get around official censors. the Senate in a 16-15 vote. Deputies Astiz has accused President Cristina were expected to pass the measure. The Fernandez of promoting unjust and ille- Inter-American Human Rights court has gitimate prosecutions for her own politi- demanded that Uruguay lift impedical gain. Her late husband and predeces- ments to prosecuting dictatorship-era sor as president, Nestor Kirchner, crimes, but the proposal has divided the encouraged the trials after Argentina’s politically moderate country, where Congress and Supreme Court removed memories of the military government amnesties that had protected junta vet- remain fresh. Congressional allies of President Jose Mujica, who was a leftist erans.

“This government doesn’t hesitate in Tupamaro guerrilla leader during the its revenge against we people who com- junta era, tried but failed to revoke the batted terrorism,” Astiz said. “It seeks amnesty law in May.—AP

ping, torture and murder of two French nuns, a journalist and three founders of a human rights group. The crimes alleged against all the defendants included 86 cases of kidnapping, torture and murder of leftist dissidents committed at the Navy Mechanics School, one of the military junta’s principal torture centers used to crush the threat of armed revolution. About 5,000 detainees passed through the school. Fewer than half survived.

Closing out a trial that began in December 2009, four other defendants were sentenced to between 18 and 25 years in prison, while two others were absolved. Former Adm. Emilio Masserta, who commanded the torture center, was not included among the defendants because of poor health and died last November.—AP

Hurricane Rina gaining strength on path to Cancun CANCUN: Mexican authorities set up emergency shelters and cruise ships shifted course on Tuesday as Hurricane Rina strengthened off the Caribbean coast, following a projected track that has it whirling through Cancun and the resort-filled Mayan Riviera, Mexico’s most popular tourist destination.

Rina’s maximum sustained winds remained steady at about 110 mph (175 kph), said the US National Hurricane Center in Miami, making it a Category 2 storm. Forecasters predict it will strengthen as it nears the Mexican coast Wednesday night before rolling over the island of Cozumel, a popular dive spot and cruise-ship port, then along the coast to Cancun.

Authorities decided to evacuate the small, low-lying fishing village of Punta Allen, just south of Tulum, said Quintana Roo state Civil Defense Director Luis Carlos Rodriguez.

Soldiers, marines and state police arrived with vehicles in Punta Allen Tuesday to evacuate about 275 residents and take them to a storm shelter at a middle school; about 500 people are expected to be evacuated there in total.

The coastal area around Tulum is dotted with Mayan ruins, and further north is Playa del Carmen, another popular spot for international tourists and the departure point for ferries serving Cozumel. Douglas Baird, 40, of Glasgow, Scotland, said he had been in Playa del Carmen for 11 days on a tour with 10 other people. He plans to stay for the five remaining days of his vacation.

“I’ll go to the bar,” he said about his plans for waiting out his first hurricane. “It won’t be a problem.” State Tourism Director Juan Carlos Gonzalez Hernandez said there were about 83,000 tourists in the state, with about 45,000 of those in stretch of coast south of Cancun that includes Tulum and Playa de Carmen, and almost 28,000 in Cancun. —AP

CANCUN: People wait at the international airport ahead of the passage of Hurricane Rina in Cancun, Mexico, Wednesday. Tourists fleeing Hurricane Rina crowded Cancun’s airport Wednesday even as the cyclone lost some of its punch while heading toward Mexico’s resort-studded Caribbean coast. — AP

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Pakistan military denies BBC report on Taleban links RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s military strongly denied yesterday a BBC report that alleged the Pakistani military, along with its intelligence arm, supplied and protected the Afghan Taleban and al Qaeda. A number of middle-ranking Taleban commanders detailed what they said was extensive Pakistani support in interviews for a BBC Two documentary series, the first part of which was broadcast on Wednesday.

A former head of Afghan intelligence also told the program Afghanistan gave Pakistan’s former president, General Pervez Musharraf, information in 2006

that Osama bin Laden was hiding in northern Pakistan. The former Al-Qaeda leader was killed in the same area by US special forces in May this year. “We consider that this report is highly biased, it is one-sided, it doesn’t have the version of the side which is badly hit or affected by this report,” Major General Athar Abbas, spokesman for the Pakistani military, told Reuters.”So therefore, other than that, it’s factually incorrect.”

One Taleban commander, Mullah Qaseem, told the BBC Pakistan had played a significant role in providing supplies and a hiding place for Afghan Taleban fight-

ers. Abbas denied the claim, questioning Qaseem’s credibility. He said the head of Pakistan’s spy agency, the Directorate of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), had already said “not a single bullet or financial support” had been given to groups named in the BBC report.

The United States has long suspected Pakistan, or elements within the ISI, of supporting militant groups in order to increase its influence in Afghanistan, particularly after NATO combats troops leave in 2014. In September, Admiral Mike Mullen, then the top US military officer, accused Pakistani intelligence of backing

violence against US targets including the US embassy in Kabul. He said the al Qaeda-linked Haqqani network, blamed for the Sept. 13 embassy attack, was a “veritable arm” of the ISI. Pakistan supported the Afghan Taleban before the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. It was one of only three countries to have diplomatic relations with the Islamist group.

Abbas said the number of attacks against the ISI by the Pakistani Taleban -about 300 ISI officials have been killed in bombings-was proof the ISI did not support militants.— Reuters

US drone strike kills key commander in Pakistan Strike also kills Nazir’s younger brother

HELMAND: Medical personnel carry US Marine corporal Stark suffering from a non combat medical injury to the ambulance after being airlifted by US Army’s Task Force Lift “Dust Off” helicopter, Charlie Company 1-171 Aviation Regiment in Helmand province yesterday.—AFP

Taleban hit US-run base in Afghanistan KANDAHAR: Taleban armed with guns and explosives struck a US-run base in Kandahar yesterday, with blasts and gunfire reverberating in the southern Afghan city, police and witnesses said. A group of “three to four” armed men, possibly with suicide vests, had taken up positions in an empty compound that was once used by the USAID development agency and were firing on the base, according to police. A NATO spokesman in Kandahar said the military had reports that one civilian foreign national and one Afghan soldier had been wounded in the attack, while helicopters had been deployed.

“They have parked two explosives-laden motorcycles and one minivan near the compound.... Police have arrived at the scene and are trying to diffuse the explosives,” said police spokesman Ghorzang, who goes by only one name. Five explosions were earlier heard at the base, and a sixth huge explosion later rocked the area near the base, throwing huge plumes of smoke into the sky.

The road leading to the base had been blocked, but a witness who owns a nearby shop said he had heard sporadic gunfire. “The armed men have taken position in a building near the PRT (provincial reconstruction team) base and are firing on the base,” said shop owner Abdullah. PRT missions are made up of military and civilian officials. A senior police official speaking anonymously said a security meeting attended by the Kandahar provincial governor, security officials and commanders from NATO’s International Security Assistance Force had been taking place at the PRT base at the time, but none of those present was hurt. The neighboring local branch of the National Directorate of Security (NDS) was also hit by one of the explosions, but its chief Eisa Mohammad said that shooting had ended and none of its officials was injured.

“Security forces have surrounded the compound where the attackers are holed up... we are not sure if the attackers are alive or dead,” he said. A spokesman for the interior ministry, Siddiq Siddiqui, confirmed that the attack had ended and that a bomb-laden vehicle nearby was being investigated. The Taleban claimed responsibility for the attack and said the gunmen were armed with suicide vests. — AFP

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Suspected US unmanned aircraft fired six missiles at a vehicle in Pakistan’s rugged tribal region yesterday, killing five militants, including a close ally to one of the area’s top commanders, Pakistani intelligence officials said. The attack in the South Waziristan tribal area killed Khan Mohammed, also known as Sathai, deputy leader of a group of militants led

by Maulvi Nazir and also the commander’s cousin, said the officials.

The strike also killed Nazir’s younger brother, Hazrat Omar, said the officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media. Nazir is one of the most powerful militant commanders in the tribal region and is accused of working with the Taleban and Al-Qaeda to stage attacks against foreign troops in neighboring Afghanistan.

He is believed to have close relations with Pakistani intelligence and agreed to stay neutral when the military invaded South Waziristan in 2009 to fight the Pakistani Taleban, who have focused their attacks against the Pakistani state.

The US has criticized Pakistan for failing to crack down on militants staging attacks in Afghanistan and has stepped up drone attacks in the tribal region to combat them.

The militants killed in yesterday’s drone strike were riding in a doublecabin pickup truck from Tora Gola village to the nearby area of Azam Warsak when they were hit, said the intelligence officials. Three other people were injured in the attack, they said.

The US refuses to acknowledge the CIA-run drone program in Pakistan publicly, but officials have said privately that the strikes have killed many senior AlQaeda and Taleban commanders.

Pakistani officials regularly criticize the attacks in public as violations of the country’s sovereignty, but the government has actually supported them in private and allowed the drones to take off from bases within Pakistan.

That cooperation has become strained this year as the relationship between the US and Pakistan has deteriorated, especially following the arrest of a CIA contractor in January and the covert American raid that killed AlQaeda chief Osama bin Laden in a

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani tribal elder Karim Khan shows the remains of a missile reportedly fired by a US drone on a village situated in north Waziristan, killing many people, after his news conference in Islamabad, Pakistan yesterday.—AFP Pakistani garrison town in May. Before yesterday’s strike, a Pakistani army convoy was hit by a roadside bomb in the Shakai area of South Waziristan. The explosion killed two soldiers and wounded three others, said intelligence officials. South Waziristan was the main sanctuary for the Pakistani Taleban before the military invaded in 2009. Many of the militants fled the area, but attacks still occur periodically.

Also yesterday, a bomb exploded in the main food market in the northwest-

ern Pakistani city of Peshawar, wounding at least 11 people. Police officer Shafqat Malik said three of the victims were in serious condition. The bomb contained about 6.5 pounds (3 kilograms) of explosives and was planted in a cooking oil canister. Local TV footage showed damaged shops with pieces of metal and wood littering the ground.

Peshawar is the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and has been frequently targeted by the Pakistani Taleban .— AP

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Floods inch closer to heart of Bangkok 9 million residents stay to protect homes

SEOUL: South Korean President Lee Myung-bak (R) and US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta (L) share a light moment during their meeting at the presidential Blue House in Seoul yesterday.—AFP

Pentagon chief skeptical N Korea will give up nukes SEOUL: US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said yesterday he is skeptical that diplomacy will push North Korea to give up its nuclear program, and he raised the prospect of the North’s stance leading to “escalation and confrontation.” In a questionand-answer session with reporters after meeting with South Korean government leaders, Panetta said he was concerned that North Korea is deliberately alternating between periods of modest accommodation with the West and episodes of violent aggression, perhaps with no real intention of surrendering its nuclear ambitions.

Asked whether he is skeptical about a renewed effort by the Obama administration to explore a possible new round of international negotiations over the North Korean nuclear program, Panetta said, “We’re not sure where those talks are headed at this point.” Discussions held this week in Geneva by American and North Korean diplomats produced no apparent breakthrough.

“For that reason, I guess the word ‘skepticism’ would be in order,” he said. Separately, the State Department’s top Asia policy official, Kurt Campbell, was in Seoul yesterday to brief officials on the Geneva talks. North Korea’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying the talks “helped deepen each other’s understanding,” and said both countries agreed to further talks on whether to resume the six-party denuclearization talks involving North and South Korea, Japan, China, Russia and the United States.

Panetta said China “can do more” to push North Korea to give up its nuclear program.”There are moments when we think that they are urging North Korea to engage, but frankly I think China can do more to try to get North Korea to do the right thing,” he said. China is a longtime North Korean ally. “I know that sometimes they make that effort and sometimes North Korea doesn’t pay attention.” Panetta’s visit to South Korea - his first as secretary of defense - is part of a broader Obama administration effort to shore up South Korean confidence in a military alliance that has endured for six decades. Panetta met with the South Korean defense and foreign affairs chiefs and paid a courtesy call on President Lee Myung-bak. In parallel talks, the new chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, and top officers from the US Pacific Command met with top South Korean military officers for an annual review of the US -South Korean military alliance. Panetta is to attend a second round of alliance talks Friday before flying home.

Panetta has called the North “reckless” and a “serious threat” to peace on the Korean peninsula, which exploded in war in 1950 and drew the US and other nations into a bloody three-year conflict against the North and China. In his session with reporters yesterday, Panetta was asked what can be done to break a cycle of North Korean behavior in which it alternately makes gestures of accommodation to the West, followed by provocations.

“The cycle ultimately has to be broken,” he said. “There is either going to be an accommodation where they decide to make the right decisions with regards to their future and join the international family of nations ... or, if they continue these provocations, then obviously that’s going to lead to the possibility of escalation and confrontation.”Among the maneuverings that influence US thinking about the security threat posed by North Korea is the process now under way in which its supreme leader, Kim Jong Il, is expected to turn over the reins of power to his son, Kim Jong Un, a newly minted four-star general believed to be in his late 20s. — AP

BANGKOK: Clambering aboard bamboo rafts and army trucks, residents living on the heavily inundated outskirts of Bangkok fled waterlogged homes yesterday as floodwaters inched closer to the heart of the threatened Thai capital and foreign governments urged their citizens to avoid all but essential travel.

Most of the city remained dry and most of its more than 9 million residents were staying put to protect their homes.

Still, uncertainty over Bangkok’s fate and the start of a government-declared fiveday holiday fueled an exodus of thousands of people fearing the worst who took to clogged highways and air terminals to get out of town. Tears welling in her eyes, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra acknowledged her government could not control the approaching deluge.

“What we’re doing today is resisting the force of nature,” Yingluck told reporters. She said the water bearing down on Bangkok was so massive that “we cannot resist all of it.”The floods, the heaviest in Thailand in more than half a century, have drenched a third of the country’s provinces and killed close to 400 people. For weeks, they have crept down from the central plains, flowing south toward the Gulf of Thailand. Bangkok is in the way, and today it is literally surrounded by behemoth pools of water flowing around and through it via a complex network of canals and rivers.

By yesterday, flooding had inundated seven of Bangkok’s 50 districts, most on the northern outskirts. There, roads have turned into rivers and homes and businesses are swamped. On a flooded key east-west artery, police were turning back small cars, telling them the road had become impassable. The government has expressed deep concern over higherthan-normal tides expected through the weekend. Yingluck has warned the entire city could flood if the Chao Phraya river, which snakes its way through the heart of the metropolis, crests above flood barriers lining its banks.

The river has overflowed already, sending ankle-high water lapping at the white exterior walls of Bangkok’s gilded Grand Palace, a highly treasured complex that

BANGKOK: Local residents riding on a vehicle evacuate from a flooded area to a safer place in Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday.—AP once housed the kingdom’s monarchy and is a major tourist attraction. The water has receded with the tides, slightly flooding the area in the morning and evening, but leaving it bone dry in the afternoon.

After visiting the Grand Palace yesterday, American tourist Kathy Kiernan said she wasn’t too concerned about flooding in the capital.

“We were a little worried when we got in to see sandbags around our hotel,” said the 47-year old from Salt Lake City, Utah.

“But so far it’s pretty normal. Everything looks fine, though we know anything can happen.” Though floods a day earlier swept through Bangkok’s Don Muang airport and shut it down, the city’s main international airport is operating as usual.

Several foreign governments issued advisories urging their citizens against all but essential travel to Bangkok. Britain’s Foreign Office said “flooding is likely to disrupt transport, close tourist attractions and may affect electricity and water supplies.”

The U.S. Embassy cautioned Americans that ground travel around Thailand was difficult and the situation should be monitored closely. Buses, planes and trains at

the city’s transportation hubs were filling up, as many decided to wait out the floods in their home towns or in unaffected beach resorts to Bangkok’s south and east. As fears of urban disaster set in, emergency preparations continued.

Websites posted instructions on the proper way to stack sandbags. Many residents fortified vulnerable areas of their houses with bricks, gypsum board and plastic sheets. Walls of sandbags or cinderblocks covered the entrances of many buildings.

Residents stocking up on necessities have raided supermarket shelves, setting off a cycle of panic buying, and stores have posted notices that flooding has disrupted supply chains and left them unable to restock some items. But food was nevertheless plentiful, as most of the city’s thousands of restaurants, bars and street-side food stalls were operating fullswing. Nuntaporn Khorcharoen, whose home is adjacent to the heavily inundated Bang Phlat district, said her family had stocked up and was staying put. “My father is adamant we have to stay to oversee the situation,” the 30-year-old said.

“He said even without electricity, we will still have something to live on.”— AP

China touts country’s legal system as protecting rights BEIJING: Chinese lawmakers yesterday touted the country’s legal system as the best way to protect the rights of citizens, despite the widespread detention and intimidation of political critics that is fueling a small but growing movement for greater civil liberties. The system reflects rapid social changes since China instituted economic reforms three decades ago, two deputy directors of the national legislature’s legal affairs committee told reporters at a government briefing.

But they refused to address concerns over the illegal harassment and detention of government critics, including Liu Xia,

the wife of imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo, and Chen Guangcheng, a lawyer still under house arrest after completing a sentence for his activism. “In China we provide full protection to the freedom of the citizens. If we have taken any mandatory actions, it is according to the law,” Li said.

Li and colleague Xin Chunying were asked repeatedly about the death last week of a toddler who was struck by two vehicles and left for dead by passers-by, but declined to discuss it in detail. The accident sparked national soul searching over the callousness of many toward the

sufferings of strangers. The drivers have reportedly been arrested, but the charges they may face are unknown, as is any legal culpability of those who ignored the 2year-old girl as she lay bleeding on the road. ”After all the facts are known, we should uphold social justice,” Xin said.

Chinese Communist leaders say they have largely finished establishing what they call the “socialist legal system with Chinese characteristics.” They reject Western political and legal concepts such as the separation of powers and an independent judiciary. —AP

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Ericsson sells its Sony Ericsson stake to Sony

BoJ takes further easing measures

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MANILA: A protester, sporting his Halloween costume and makeup, displays a placard as they picket the World Bank office yesterday where visiting World Bank President Robert Zoellick is holding a news conference at suburban Mandaluyong. — AP

Europe stocks rise over debt deal Eurozone leaders eye 1tn euro bailout BRUSSELS: Eurozone leaders mulled boosting a bailout fund to one trillion euros to contain the debt crisis yesterday as the leaders of Germany and France scrambled to convince banks to lose big on Greek bonds. The 10-digit figure is expected to appear in the final declaration the eurozone’s 17 leaders are to adopt at the close of a marathon summit that began Wednesday and was running well past midnight, a diplomat said.

Boosting the bailout fund is a key element in the crisis response eurozone leaders have promised, along with making banks agree to write down billions in Greek debt and recapitalizing the banking sector so it can absorb the hit.

Under the plan, the eurozone would use clever financial footwork to “leverage” up the 440-billion-euro European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) without increasing guarantees provided by governments.

The bailout fund, the main weapon against the crisis, has already flown to the rescue of Portugal and Ireland, and would be tapped in a new Greek bailout. But it would be too small to rescue bigger endangered economies, such as Italy and Spain. “We are heading towards the one trillion euro ($1.39 trillion) figure,” another

diplomat said. With negotiations deadlocked on a bid to get banks to share the pain on Greek debt, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and IMF chief Christine Lagarde met with the head of the banking lobby on the sidelines of the summit, according to diplomatic sources. While governments want the banks to accept a 50-percent “haircut,” the lenders are offering 40 percent as part of efforts to cut Greece’s 350 billion euro debt mountain. “We remain open to a dialogue in search of a voluntary agreement. There is no agreement on any element of a deal,” said Charles Dallara, head of bank lobby, the Institute of International Finance. With fears growing that the eurozone debt drama will turn into a banking system meltdown, European leaders struck a deal to force banks to raise their capital buffers at a summit of the 27-nation EU, which preceded the eurozone talks.

“We made good progress on the bank recapitalization, that wasn’t watered down, it now has been agreed,” said British Prime Minister David Cameron. Cameron added that the deal “will only go ahead when the other parts of the full package go ahead, and further progress on that needs to happen tonight.” The European

Banking Authority said banks would need 106 billion euros to fulfill the requirements.

The gathering of EU leaders was their second summit in three days as markets and world leaders called on them to produce the watertight deal needed to defuse fears the crisis will trigger global recession.

“Everyone is impatiently awaiting the details but it’s not the devil that’s in the details, it’s all of hell,” said Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

“Will we know the details tonight? I’m prudent, not to say skeptical.” After Greece, Ireland and Portugal were bailed out in the past year, EU leaders put pressure on embattled Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi to bring proof of his resolve to prevent his country from drowning in debt.

Tusk said Berlusconi had made a “good impression” at the EU summit with a letter outlining plans to tackle EU concerns over Rome’s giant debts by November 15. But it remained to be seen whether he convinced his 16 eurozone peers. Europe has demanded that Italy slash its 1.9-trillion-euro debt pile, equal to 120 percent of GDP, and also enact structural reforms-including raising its retirement age.

A bigger EFSF could help to ease pressure on

Italy, but leaders needed to agree on ways to boost its firepower. With the world on tenterhooks, emerging powers China and Russia waded in with offers to help Europe safeguard the global economy by contributing to the eurozone rescue fund. The development came as global powers, from the United States to Japan and China, pressed European leaders to come up with a lasting solution to the debt crisis before a G20 summit in France on November 3 and 4.

Europe’s leaders are examining two options to boost the EFSF without increasing guarantees from member states as taxpayers in countries such as Germany are fed up with pouring money down what they see as a bottomless hole.

The EFSF’s firepower could be multiplied around fourfold by agreeing that the bailout fund could guarantee around 20 percent of debt issued by fragile states such as Italy and Spain. A second fund, which would likely be linked to the EFSF, would also be created to attract private and public investors, including countries outside the eurozone such as China and Russia. The second fund could also be linked to the International Monetary Fund, an idea Russia has said it prefers. — AFP

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Abu Dhabi’s IPIC could reopen Gulf bond market Company’s 2020 bonds perform well ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi’s International Petroleum Investment Co (IPIC) will weigh up whether to issue a new bond after concluding a roadshow in the United States on Wednesday this week, aware of a shrinking window of opportunity to sell debt this year. Any issue from the AA-rated borrower could not only help the state investment vehicle round out its debt maturity profile- it might also reopen the international debt market for Gulf issuers, after a three-month drought caused by unstable markets globally.

A summit of European leaders on Wednesday did not deliver a comprehensive, detailed plan to solve the euro zone debt crisis. But a rally in riskier global assets yesterday suggests enough progress was made-French President Nicolas Sarkozy said the region’s rescue fund will be leveraged four or five times, and that bankers had agreed private sector investors would accept the loss of half the value of their Greek bond holdings-for markets to be receptive to an IPIC issue.

Investors and traders say there is no doubt that a quasi-sovereign credit from Abu Dhabi would meet strong demandthe wealthy emirate holds 90 percent of the United Arab Emirates’ oil reserves.

“Recently, GCC spreads and Dubai CDS in particular have rallied significantly, which may potentially give a window for issuing, assuming that the European sovereign crisis does not worsen in coming weeks,” said Ahmed Talhaoui, head of asset management at Royal Capital in Abu Dhabi. “It is a government-related name so it obviously has a higher chance of triggering appetite. Note also that IPIC’s roadshow is with foreign investors only.” IPIC, which has an unlimited Global Medium Term Notes program, last tapped international bond markets with a $4 billion-equivalent, three-tranche euro- and sterlingdenominated issue in March, believed to be for its investment in Spain’s Cepsa.

Market sources said IPIC was unlikely to

be meeting U.S. investors for a shortdated issue and would prefer to term out its yield curve, conceivably with a maturity as long as 30 years. Two sources said market talk centered on a dual-tranche dollar offering. Since the latest series of roadshows began in Germany on Oct 19, the secondary market yield on IPIC’S $1.5 billion 5 percent bond maturing 2020 initially rose about 5 basis points but then came back down by the same amount to stand at 4.79 percent bid on Wednesday, or 101.50 in price. Traders say there has been healthy appetite for the bond.

IPIC met investors in London in June but insisted at the time it was not in the market for a bond, and would only undertake a capital markets transaction in coordination with Abu Dhabi’s Debt Management Office.

The company has been an active borrower of short-term bank finance this year and the prospect of upcoming refinancing in 2012 could be a determining factor to tap credit markets. In June, it launched a $1.5 billion, 18-month bridge financing facility, and, in September, it borrowed 7.3 billion dirhams ($2 billion) to lend to its subsidiary Aabar Investments. That loan is thought to have a one-year maturity.

Narrowing window Other possible issuers in Abu Dhabi would welcome a bond sale by IPIC at this stage. Several potential borrowers from Abu Dhabi have had to hold off because of market volatility, including government-owned Dolphin Energy, Tourism Development and Investment Co, and more recently, Union National Bank. “We would want IPIC to print-it provides the benchmark,” said one executive at an Abu Dhabi-based bank which is eyeing potential issuance.

And IPIC knows the window to print a deal this year is shrinking. At this time of the year, some investors will want to hold off on new investments until next year. Others, however, will be willing to

park their cash in a name offering low risk and relatively high yield, and traders said IPIC and other Abu Dhabi names would fit the bill.

It is unclear whether IPIC would be willing to pay the significant risk premium which the market is still seeking on Gulf bonds; the spread between its 2020 bonds and 10-year US. Treasuries has narrowed from 320 bps at the start of October to 252 bps at present, but is still some way from the range of roughly 160-230 bps which prevailed for most of the first three quarters of this year.

Brent crude oil prices are well above $100 a barrel, Abu Dhabi predicts solid growth next year, and there is no sign of major fiscal strain; affirming Abu Dhabi’s ratings in September, Fitch estimated Abu Dhabi’s overall fiscal position last year, including ADNOC dividends and ADIA investment income, was close to balance, and forecast a surplus this year of a double-digit percentage of gross domestic product.

In these conditions, IPIC may feel the significant risk premium which the market is still attaching to its bonds is too high. On the other hand, with US Treasury yields showing technical signs of having formed at least a mediumterm bottom in September and early October, and the prospect of further rises if Europe does succeed in muddling through its debt crisis response, the opportunity to lock in dollar funding at current yields may appeal to the company. “Investor sentiment is the only problem here. Rates are low, there is no doubt that it’s the best time to come to the market.

Plus, this market is waiting for a strong name to issue, and the rest will follow,” said one UAE fixed income trader. IPIC, which also has a stake in Austrian oil group OMV, posted a $424 million gain on financial instruments in the first half of 2011, compared with a loss of $1.1 billion for the year-ago period. That boosted profit after tax to $1.16 billion from $413 million a year ago. — Reuters

Rich get a lot richer, outpace middle class WASHINGTON: The richest 1 percent of Americans have been getting far richer over the last three decades while the middle class and poor have seen their after-tax household income only crawl up in comparison, according to a government study.

Average after-tax income for the top 1 percent of U.S. households almost quadrupled, up 275 percent, from 1979 to 2007, the Congressional Budget Office found. For people in the middle of the economic scale, after-tax income grew by just 40 percent. Those at the bottom experienced an 18 percent increase.

The report, based on IRS and Census Bureau data, comes as the Occupy Wall Street movement protests corporate bailouts and the gap between the haves and have-nots. Demonstrators call themselves “the 99 percent.” “The distribution of after-tax income in the United States was substantially more unequal in 2007 than in 1979,” CBO Director Doug Elmendorf said in a blog post. “The share of income accruing to higher-income households increased, whereas the share accruing to other households declined.”

The top 1 percent made $165,000 or more in 1979; that jumped to $347,000 or more in 2007, the study said. The income for the top fifth started at $51,289 in 1979 and rose to $70,578 in 2007. On the other end of the spectrum, those in the 20th percentile went from $12,823 in 1979 to $14,851 in 2007.

The report also found: The top 20 percent of the population earned 53 percent of after-tax income in 2007, as opposed to 43 percent in 1979. The top 1 percent reaped a 17 percent share of all income, up from 8 percent in 1979. — AP

OAKLAND: Valerie Sowers protests with a dollar bill taped over her mouth yesterday. — AFP

ALLAHABAD: An Indian woman selects bangles as she shops for gold jewelry. — AP

Gold steadies after EU deal LONDON: Gold steadied yesterday after a deal by European leaders to tackle the euro zone debt crisis encouraged investors to delve back into riskier assets such as higher-yielding currencies and equities and also to boost their bullion holdings After a marathon meeting in Brussels, euro zone leaders struck a deal with private banks and insurers for them to accept a loss on their Greek government bonds under a plan to lower Greece’s debt burden and try to contain the two-year euro zone crisis.

The private sector agreed to accept a nominal 50 percent cut in bond investments to reduce Greece’s debt burden by 100 billion euros ($138.2 billion), cutting its debts to 120 percent of GDP by 2020 from 160 percent now.

Global equities neared two-month highs, while the euro hit its highest since early September, set for its third weekly gain, yet economists warned the plan may not halt the crisis. Investor risk appetite weighed on the gold price, which usually tends to benefit from uncertainty, although evidence of ongoing demand for physical metal helped contain the slide, leaving spot gold up 0.1 percent at $1,721.89 an ounce at 1125 GMT. “This morning is all about risk-on. Gold has had a mixed relationship with risk recently-euro strength has generally been supportive since the September sell-off. But more recently we saw the correlation break down and gold trade as a safe-haven asset once again,” said RBS commodities strategist Nikos Kavalis. “Today the price has come under some pressure but has been supported by good buying from private banks,” he added.

“We are looking at ongoing accommodative monetary policy in the US and Europe, and this should continue to help gold. Macroeconomic uncertainty is also supportive let’s not forget that in addition to the European debt problem, we are getting closer and closer to the Nov 23 deadline for the US debt reduction deal. I cannot be bearish on gold at the moment,” he said. In the United States, a new congressional committee has until Nov. 23 to make recommendations to the Senate and House of Representatives on how to reduce the budget deficit.

So far this week, holdings of metal in exchange-traded funds, often viewed as one measure of investor demand for gold, have risen by more than half a million ounces, heading for their largest weekly inflow since the week of Aug. 19 and total holdings are also at their highest since that date at 67.78 million ounces.

Gold ETFs have also pulled in more metal in October than at any time since July as holdings are up by over 700,000 ounces, even though bullion has behaved more like a risk-linked asset, moving in tandem with equities, than at any time in the last five months this week. Physical demand for gold as well as silver remained robust in Asia, thanks to strong investment demand as well as seasonal buying during the ongoing festival and wedding season in India, the world’s largest gold consumer.

“Given positive developments overnight, this means that the logical direction for gold is for a correction up ahead,” said UBS analyst Edel Tully. “But gold’s questionable relationship with risk recently means that this trade is not as straightforward as it used to be. Indeed, gold may be viewed as a litmus test for investors’ gauge of European credibility: a stronger gold price suggests that the lack of details is a sticking point,” she said. — Reuters

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London set to lose 27,000 jobs in 2011 LONDON: London will lose around 27,000 financial jobs this year due to the euro zone debt crisis and economic stagnation in Britain as well as the prospect of more financial regulation, an economic think-tank said yesterday. The Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) slashed its estimates for 2011 employment levels in the city to around 288,000 — a level not seen since 1998 and well below the peak of 354,000 in 2007. In April, CEBR predicted 2,000 jobs would be created in 2011 and 3,000 next year but it now sees stagnation in 2012.

The euro zone debt crisis, which started more than two years ago in Athens, shows no signs of abating. European leaders are scrambling to solve it, and as they wrangle, the

euro zone now looks on the precipice of another recession. Market activity and confidence have taken a beating since the crisis began and many investment banks in London are cutting costs to stay profitable while the prospect of regulation and higher taxes are forcing them to look further afield.

“These latest estimates demonstrate how London’s role as a key centre in global finance is increasingly at risk,” said Rob Harbron, an economist at CEBR. “With the possibility of further taxation and higher regulation constraining the relative desirability of London as an important financial centre, the gap between the rising Far Eastern centres such as Hong Kong and Singapore continues to

Ericsson sells stake to Sony Sony stocks climb 5.4% STOCKHOLM: LM Ericsson and Sony Corp. announced yesterday they will go separate ways as Ericsson sells its 50 percent stake in mobile phone maker Sony Ericsson to Sony for euro1.05 billion ($1.46 billion). Sony Ericsson will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony and integrated into Sony’s broad platform of network-connected consumer electronics products, the Japanese company and Swedish wireless equipment firm said. The transaction gives Sony an opportunity to quickly integrate smartphones into its portfolio of network-connected consumer electronics device, such as tablets, televisions and personal computers, the companies said.

The move was widely anticipated by analysts, who have argued Sony Ericsson could become more competitive in the tough smartphone market under sole Sony ownership.

Shares in Ericsson rose by 4.3 percent to 69.55 kroner ($10.6) in early Stockholm trading, while Sony stock climbed 5.4 percent to 1.65 yen ($21.7) before closing in Tokyo. “I believe this improves the outlook for Sony Ericsson, because Sony can take full responsibility for the company and use the unique things that they have,” said Greger Johansson, an analyst with research firm Redeye.

“The opportunity to integrate the phones with their other products improves.”

Johansson said the smartphone market is “extremely tough” and Sony Ericsson’s competitors are also developing quickly. He said the price Ericsson received wasn’t great, but it will be a relief for the Swedish company to be able to focus on its core wireless equipment business and offload the mobile phone maker that has taken up a lot of management time. “Sony Ericsson has no strategic value for Ericsson anymore,” added Helena Nordman-Knutson, an

analyst with Ohman Fondkommission in Stockholm.

Ericsson and Sony combined their unprofitable handset ventures into the joint venture Sony Ericsson in 2001 and enjoyed some early successes with its Walkman and Cybershot phones. In recent years it has suffered from the competitive climate in the smartphone market and earlier this month the company posted a break-even third quarter result. The company adopted Google’s Android operating system for its smartphones in 2008, and has said it now controls about 11 percent of the Android-based smartphone market. Its Android-based Xperia smartphones account for more than 80 percent of its sales. Yesterday’s deal will provide Sony with an intellectual property crosslicensing agreement, covering all products and services of Sony as well as ownership of five essential patent families relating to wireless handset technology.

“We can more rapidly and more widely offer consumers smartphones, laptops, tablets and televisions that seamlessly connect with one another and open up new worlds of online entertainment,” Sony CEO, Sir Howard Stringer said, adding this includes Sony’s own network services, the PlayStation Network and Sony Entertainment Network.

Stringer said the acquisition will also afford Sony operational efficiencies in engineering, network development and marketing. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, but has been approved by appropriate decision-making bodies of both companies. Ericsson said the shift in the mobile market, from simple mobile phones to smartphones that include access to internet services and content, means the synergies for the company in having both a telecoms services portfolio and a handset operation have decreased. —AP

BROOKPARK: Tonya Crenshaw (left) and Kendrick Haraalson fill out applications at a job fair yesterday. The number of people seeking unemployment benefits dipped slightly last week, though not by enough to suggest that hiring is picking up. — AP

narrow.” Investment banks globally have been slashing jobs and streamlining operations to cope with a downturn in financial markets and an uncertain economic outlook, especially in debt-ridden Europe. On Wednesday, Japan’s Nomura Holdings said it was planning cost-cutting that would likely have the biggest impact on its loss-making European operations. Deutsche Bank’s third-quarter pretax profit beat forecasts but the bank warned that its investment banking arm was facing its toughest conditions since 2008 and that could lead to more job losses.

CEBR’s report said tighter financial regulations suggested by a government report would add to banking sector woes and take a toll on job creation.—Reuters

Consumers, businesses pump up US Q3 growth WASHINGTON: US economic growth increased at its fastest in a year in the third quarter as consumers and businesses set aside fears about the recovery and stepped up spending, creating momentum that could carry into the final three months of the year. Though part of the increase came from the reversal of temporary factors that had restrained growth, the expansion was a welcome relief for an economy that looked on the brink of recession just weeks ago.

US gross domestic product expanded at a 2.5 percent annual rate in the third quarter, the Commerce Department said in its first estimate on Thursday. That was a big acceleration from the 1.3 percent pace in the April-June quarter and matched economists’ expectations. “The probability of a double-dip has diminished quite a bit,” said Sung Won Sohn, an economics professor at California State University in the Channel Islands. He made the comments before the release of the report.

Consumer spending in the last quarter was the strongest since the fourth quarter of 2010, while business investment spending was the fastest in more than a year. Even though consumer spending was stronger, businesses were slow in stocking up their warehouses.

The peppier spending and a slower pace of inventory accumulation by businesses will lay a base for a solid fourth quarter, but a slowdown in Europe and the exhaustion of pent-up US demand could leave a weak spot early in 2012.

And the recovery’s pace is still too weak to lower a jobless rate that has been stuck above 9 percent for five straight months.

Fearless spending A jump in gasoline prices had weighed on consumer spending earlier in the year, and supply disruptions from Japan’s earthquake had curbed auto production. Motor vehicle output has surged as those supply constraints have eased. In addition, car sales, which were held back by the lack of popular models, have also shown renewed strength. As a result, consumer spending, which accounts for about 70 percent of US economic activity, grew at a 2.4 percent rate after slowing to a 0.7 percent pace in the second quarter.

WASHINGTON: This file photo shows gasoline prices of $5.09 USD displayed at an Exxon station.

ExxonMobil, the world’s largest energy company posted a 41 percent profit jump for the second consecutive quarter as sales soared. — AFP The relative vigor comes even though consumer confidence has hit levels last seen during the worst of the 2007-09 recession. Similarly, while some business surveys have pointed to a contraction in factory output, there is little sign corporate America is cutting back spending. Indeed, recent data has suggested business spending is picking up.

Business spending rose at a 16.3 percent pace as companies splurged on equipment and software, and invested in nonresidential structures.

Inventories rose only $5.4 billion in the third quarter, the smallest gain since the fourth quarter of 2009, after increasing $39.1 billion in the second quarter.

Inventories subtracted 1.08 percentage points from GDP growth. Excluding the drag from inventories, the economy grew at a 3.6 percent pace - pointing to underlying strength in domestic demand- after expanding 1.6 percent in the April-June period. Apart from consumer and business spending, growth in the third quarter was also supported by a smaller US trade deficit, and the careful management of business inventories bodes well for fourth-quarter production.—Reuters

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China eyes creation of ASEAN Bank Japan, S Korea to be invited to take stake BEIJING: China is considering a proposal to set up a regional bank to help its small and medium enterprises (SMEs) invest in Southeast Asian neighbors, fund infrastructure projects and promote development in southwestern China, two independent sources said. After approval by the State Council, or cabinet, China would formally invite members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Japan and South Korea to each take a stake in the ASEAN Bank, said the sources, who have direct knowledge of the proposal.

China, the world’s second biggest economy, is likely to be the bank’s biggest single shareholder with an initial investment of up to 30 billion yuan ($4.7 billion), the sources said, requesting anonymity because they are not authorised to speak to reporters. The other countries’ stakes still must be negotiated. “ASEAN Bank will be a commercial bank and at the same time a policy bank,” the first source told Reuters. “It will be a mini Asian Development Bank (ADB).”

The ADB was founded in 1966 to help fight poverty in Asia. The Manila-headquartered bank is owned and financed by its 67 member countries. Its president is traditionally from Japan, the lender’s biggest donor along with the United States. China hopes the ASEAN Bank will buy it some goodwill in Southeast Asia, providing low interest loans to infrastructure projects and Chinese SMEs investing there, the sources said.

The bank will also settle China-ASEAN trade in yuan, a step in China’s long campaign to make the yuan, also known as renminbi or people’s currency, a regional currency. China’s cabinet and the central

bank declined immediate comment.

Vietnam’s central bank said it had not received any information or an invitation to join. The Philippine central bank refused to comment. Central banks of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand could not be reached for comment.

China-ASEAN trade soars Trade between China and ASEAN members has soared since a bilateral Free Trade Agreement took effect in 2010. The ASEAN bloc overtook Japan to become China’s third-largest trading partner this year after the European Union and the United States.

China-ASEAN trade accounted for 10 percent of China’s total trade in the first nine months of 2011. China is ASEAN’s biggest trading partner. Two-way trade rose 26.4 percent to $267 billion in the first nine months, an $18.9 billion surplus in favour of ASEAN, Chinese customs data show.

China wants the bank in the southern Guangxi region, where it hopes it can help transform the area into southwest China’s financial centre.

“Southwest China needs a financial centre to balance east-west development,” the second source said, referring to China’s

ANHUI: Workers assemble one of the many car models at Chinese carmaker’s Chery Automobile plant in Wuhu, east China’s Anhui province. The growth of China’s car market will be driven primarily by exports this year because domestic sales have slowed dramatically, as the world’s largest car market — sold 614,000 cars abroad in the first nine months of 2011, a 60 percent rise the same period in 2010. — AFP

China sees fuel shortages SHANGHAI: China’s chronic fuel shortages are worsening with the onset of winter, as output lags behind surging demand following price cuts that are worsening refiners’ losses. The shortfalls are worst in eastern and central China, where some filling stations have run out of diesel fuel and authorities are warning against hoarding. A surge in demand due to the end-of-year rush of construction projects and factory deliveries, the autumn harvest and transport of coal suppliers for winter heating has been worsened by hoarding following a recent cut in the government’s wholesale price for fuel products, analysts and government reports said yesterday.

“Some companies expect supplies to be tight and they are storing the oil to boost profits because they know demand will be stronger in this season,” said Lin Boqiang, an energy professor at Xiamen University. In a notice on its website yesterday, the government in Hunan province called on local authorities to prevent illegal sales and hoarding of fuel to ensure “orderly supplies.” “Short supplies persist and the number of filling stations that have suspended sales has increased,” the notice said. The last three months of the year account for nearly a third of annual fuel demand, according to the Hunan government.

The persistent shortages reflect the limitations of China’s system of centralized control of fuel prices. Because individual producers don’t set their own prices, many often cut production to limit losses when domestic fuel prices are lower than what they must pay for imported oil. In 2009, the government began changing domestic refined oil prices to reflect trends in international prices. In its first price cut in over a year, earlier this month the government announced a reduction in wholesale prices for diesel and gasoline, by 300 yuan ($47) per ton. The shift was expected to aid the government’s effort to cool inflation. But since then, prices for crude oil have rebounded, to above $92 a barrel yesterday from about $75 two weeks earlier. Refiners are now under pressure to raise output at a time when rising costs are once again forcing them to produce at a loss.

China faces similar side effects from its controls on coal and power prices, which in turn can aggravate fuel shortages when manufacturers turn to diesel generators to make up for power outages, said Lin. —AP

wealthy coastal provinces and impoverished hinterland. “Guangxi and (neighbouring) Yunnan (province) will play a key role in regionalization of the yuan,” the source added.

Reuters reported last week that China plans to sign a framework agreement with ASEAN to settle trade in yuan, formalizing a pilot program put in place in 2009. State news agency Xinhua confirmed that report on Saturday, quoting Jin Qi, an assistant to the central bank governor. But Gavin Bowring, a Hong Kong-based analyst with research firm GaveKal Dragonomics, said Nanning-Guangxi’s regional capital-would find it difficult to compete against nearby Chengdu and Chongqing as the epicentre of western China.

“Though Nanning is a suitable geographical location to spur ties with ASEAN countries, it is mainly a convenient spot only for neighboring Vietnam and Laos, and to a lesser extent Thailand and Myanmar,” Bowring said. “Having said that, it appears Malaysian companies are investing in infrastructure, real estate and other projects in Nanning so there is some credence to the plan,” he added.

The new bank will facilitate new business opportunities for Chinese SMEs-a pillar of the economy but which have been squeezed by a Beijing-led credit clampdown, a firmer yuan, falling export orders and rising land and labour costs. “It will resuscitate SMEs abroad rather than (let them) die at home,” the first source said.

Many cash-strapped SMEs are drowning after turning to loan sharks who charge exorbitant interest rates. Scores of SME bosses have gone into hiding or fled abroad. —Reuters

Young South Africans call for jobs, end to poverty JOHANNESBURG: Young South Africans brought their frustration over poverty and joblessness to the streets yesterday, responding to a call by the tough-talking youth leader of the governing African National Congress who has clashed with older party leaders over economic policy. “Shoot the boer!” the peaceful crowd of thousands sang, a black liberation war-era chant that a South African court has ruled is racist and that the ANC ordered youth leader Julius Malema and his followers to stop singing. “Boer,” farmer in the language of Dutch-descended South Africans, is sometimes used for all whites.

Malema led the crowd in chants of “Down with white monopoly capital!” as it approached the Chamber of Mines headquarters.

A banner at the mining headquarters declared “We agree with you that unemployment is too high, poverty is too high, inequality is too high.” The Chamber of Mines’ chief executive, who is black, accepted a list of demands from the protesters, including nationalization of 60 percent of the country’s lucrative mines.

Bheki Sibaya later told reporters his industry group wanted to work with Malema to find solutions, including helping pay to educate black South Africans, but rejected the demands of nationalization to address the national economic crisis.

“This country solves its problems through negotiations,” Sibaya added, saying mining companies were reaching goals to increase black ownership that emerged from talks with the government. The protesters’ statement said they targeted the mines because of the industry’s role in South Africa’s history of racist economic development and warned that “non concession to these demands will lead to social instability due to continued economic exclusion of the black majority.” Police and ANC Youth League marshals kept a close watch as the crowd of about 5,000 marched in 80-degree (27-degree Celsius) heat. A quarter of the South African work force was unemployed even before the worldwide slowdown. Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande said

yesterday unemployment stands at about 40 percent and much higher among young people. Protester Tsholofelo Stephina Bester said the ANC must act faster to help the poor. Bester said that when she graduated from high school 10 years ago, she couldn’t afford further studies to pursue her dream of becoming a social worker. She has been looking for steady work since. For the last two years, she has volunteered as an AIDS counselor, earning “pocket money” of 1,500 rand (about $190) a month. She and her 7-year-old daughter get by on that and welfare assistance. “I want them not to promise without delivering,” she said of ANC leaders. “I want them to deliver.” —AP

JOHANNESBURG: A jubilant supporter jumps on Julius Malema, the tough-talking youth leader of the governing African National Congress, as he leads the crowd of protesters, through the central business district yesterday. — AP

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BoJ takes more easing measures BoJ cuts growth forecast for 2011 and 2012

LULEA: Facebook Director of Operations, Tom Furlong, presents its new server farm on the edge of the Arctic Circle, its first outside the US, that will improve performance for European users of the social networking site. — AFP

Chill brings Facebook data center to Sweden STOCKHOLM: Facebook says its new server farm on the edge of the Arctic Circle - its first outside the US - will improve performance for European users of the social networking site. After reviewing potential sites across Europe, Facebook confirmed yesterday it had picked the northern Swedish city of Lulea for the data center partly because of the cold climate - crucial for keeping the servers cool - and access to renewable energy from nearby hydropower facilities. The move reflects the growing international presence of the California-based site, which counts 800 million users worldwide.

“Facebook has more users outside the US than inside,” Facebook director of site operations Tom Furlong told The Associated Press. “It was time for us to expand in Europe.” He said European users would get better performance from having a node for data traffic closer to them. Facebook currently stores data at sites in California, Virginia and Oregon and is building another facility in North Carolina. The Lulea data center, which will consist of three 300,000-square foot (28,000-square meter) server buildings, is scheduled for completion by 2014. The site will need 120 MW of energy, fully derived from hydropower.

Located 60 miles (100 kilometers), south of the Arctic Cicle, Lulea lies near hydropower stations on a river that generates twice as much electricity as the Hoover Dam on the border of Nevada and Arizona, Facebook said. In case of a blackout, construction designs call for each building to have 14 backup diesel generators with a total output of 40 MW. Facebook didn’t give the price of its investment, but Lulea officials have previously projected construction costs of up to 5 billion kronor ($760 million). “We knocked on doors at Facebook’s head office (in Palo Alto, California) and today they’re moving in to Lulea - this is huge, really huge,” said Matz Engman, who heads the Lulea Business Agency, a public-private partnership working to attract businesses to the region. With winter temperatures well below freezing and summertime highs that rarely climb above 80F (25 degrees Celcius), Lulea has used its frigid climate as a selling point in its efforts to establish itself as a hub for server farms. Other Nordic cities have adopted similar strategies. — AP

Nintendo’s losses grow TOKYO: Japanese game maker Nintendo Co. said yesterday its net loss grew to 70.3 billion yen ($925 million) for the six months through September, battered by the strong yen and weak software sales. The maker of the Wii game console and DS handheld slashed its forecast for the full year through next March to a 20 billion yen ($263 million) net loss, it said in a statement. In July, it had predicted an annual net profit of 20 billion yen.

Nintendo, which scored success by courting casual gamers, is now battling increased competition from Apple Inc.’s iPhone and other devices that offer simple games.

Competition in portable gaming is also heating up with the anticipated arrival of rival Sony Corp.’s latest portable offering, PlayStation Vita. Vita goes on sale in Japan on Dec 17, and early next year in the US and Europe.

The strong yen has also dealt a heavy blow to the company, which receives nearly 80 percent of its sales overseas.

Nintendo said exchange rate losses totaled 52.4 billion yen ($689 million). Overall sales during the half-year tumbled 41 percent to 215.7 billion yen. And the half-year loss was twice as big a loss as the company had projected in July.

During the same period last year, it had a net loss of 2 billion yen. —AP

TOKYO: The Bank of Japan yesterday announced further easing to push the currency higher. “I have kept saying that we will measures to help safeguard the country’s fragile economic take decisive steps against any excessive movement regarding recovery from the impact of a record-high yen and the fallout market speculation, so I will closely monitor how the Tokyo from the eurozone crisis. The move came as the BoJ also cut its market moves during the day,” Azumi said.

However, Azumi has conceded it will be tough to again rally growth forecast for 2011 and 2012 while indicating the world’s third largest economy would not exit deflation before the end support from Japan’s G7 counterparts for a concerted intervenof fiscal 2013. The bank said it would boost its asset buying tion to the weaken the yen, as happened when the unit surged fund by 5.0 trillion yen to 55 trillion yen ($723 billion) to help in the aftermath of the March disasters. Concerns are growing pour more liquidity into the market, with the extra amount ear- in Japan that the strong currency, which erodes the repatriated profits of exporters and makes exports less competitive, could marked for the purchase of Japanese government bonds.

The central bank, which expects Japan to eventually return undermine a fragile recovery from the March 11 earthquake to “a moderate recovery path”, added that its policy board vot- and tsunami.

Japan’s manufacturers have staged a rebound since the ed unanimously to keep its key interest rate unchanged March disasters that left between zero and 0.1 percent. around 20,000 dead or missing The bank’s asset purchase and shattered crucial supply fund is a key policy tool it uses chains, heavily disrupting to buy Japanese government Japanese industry. But fears bonds, corporate bonds and have mounted that such exchange traded funds. By efforts are being compromised pouring liquidity into the marby the strength of the yen, ket, the BoJ hopes to improve prompting fears more firms flows to help encourage will shift production abroad. investment and boost busiYesterday’s extra monetary ness. easing follows the BoJ’s It also hopes, by relaxing August move to expand the credit conditions, to help put scheme to buy securities and downward pressure on a boost liquidity to 50 trillion strong yen that hit a new postyen amid worries over the war high 75.71 against the dolstrong yen, in tandem with a lar on Wednesday, as investors seek the safe-haven to escape TOKYO: Bank of Japan (BOJ) governor Masaaki Shirakawa government market intervenmarket volatility. “Yen rises answers questions during a news conference at the BoJ tion in a bid to weaken the unit. In a separate report, the were one reason for the easing headquarters yesterday. — AFP BoJ cut its forecast for growth decision, but the BoJ saw other in fiscal 2011 to a median of factors such as the impact of the eurozone sovereign debt problem on the Japanese econo- 0.3 percent from a July forecast of 0.4 percent. For 2012 it lowered its forecast to 2.2 percent, from an earlier 2.9 percent. my,” BoJ governor Masaaki Shirakawa told a press conference.

The Bank of Japan’s policy board also expects the economy However, one member of the nine-person board deemed the 5.0 trillion yen amount insufficient and voted against the to remain in deflation for at least the next two years, according move, instead favouring a 10 trillion yen increase. Markets to the outlook report. The BoJ forecasts the core consumer were left underwhelmed by the action and the yen strength- price index, excluding volatile food items, to be flat in 2011, ened to 75.80 following the announcement, compared with edge 0.1 percent higher in 2012 and rise 0.5 percent in 2013.

The figures remain below year-on-year growth of one percent, 76.03 yen before.

Japan’s finance minister Jun Azumi earlier yesterday threat- the level it considers to indicate price stability. The central bank ened government intervention in financial markets, complain- has made it clear it will maintain a virtually zero interest rate ing that speculators are using Europe’s debt crisis as an excuse policy until price stability is in view. — AFP

Reformist Japan farmers urge free trade MIKAWA: Like other farmers on this fertile, coastal plain in northeast Japan, where patchwork rice fields stretch to the mountains beyond, Kazushi Saito knows firsthand that the nation’s shrinking agricultural sector is in dire straits. But unlike many, the 54-year-old rice farmer backs a controversial free trade deal that could remove a near 800 percent tariff on rice, aimed at excluding most imports of a staple that is ingrained in Japan’s culture. “Japan’s agriculture is on the verge of collapse. If things go on this way, it can’t last five years,” Saito said.

Saito says the US-led free trade deal, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), was “the last chance” to keep Japanese firms from falling further behind globally, spur agriculture reform — and help his farming business turn a profit.

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has signaled he’s keen to join talks on the trade deal, which has Japan’s powerful farm lobby in a tizzy. The initiative would in principle remove all tariffs among participants, including on farm products, and set rules on trade in a wide range of other sectors. Here in the town of Mikawa like elsewhere in Yamagata prefecture , pro-freetrade farmers like Saito are a minority. Most rice farmers fear-and rightfully so- that removing the 778 percent tariff shielding them from cheaper imports would be the death knell for their mostly miniscule farms.Tariffs on fruit and vegetables are far lower so the impact of trade liberalization would be much smaller.

“Japan is the land of ‘Mizuho’,” said farmer Shigeru Sato, using an ancient name for the country that means ‘golden ears of rice’. “Rice is our culture. Without policies to protect rice, we cannot preserve local society.” But the 64-year-old Sato, who has been growing rice in the village of Nowara all

his adult life and opposes the free trade pact , agrees something must change to keep farming alive, given falling prices as Japanese eat less rice, the high costs of fertiliser and other inputs and a maze of regulations.

“In my son’s generation, there is no one in my village who is farming,” he said. With farmers like Saito outnumbered by those who fear opening up Japan’s farm market, Noda must face down opposition inside his Democratic Party of Japan if he is to tell U.S. President Barack Obama that Tokyo wants to join the talks when they meet at a Nov. 12-13 Asia-Pacific summit in Hawaii. His decision will be taken by many as a gauge of whether the country’s sixth premier in five years can deliver reforms needed to end decades of stagnation. “TPP will be a real litmus test of Noda’s ability to make tough decisions,” said Kenichi Kawasaki, a senior political analyst at Nomura Securities.

Free trade is anathema to many Japanese farmers, who after decades of decline make up just 4 percent of the workforce and contribute only 1 percent of GDP but pack political clout through a powerful lobby and an electoral system biased toward rural voters. On the other hand, Japanese manufacturers, chilled by signs rivals like South Korea are pulling ahead, are pushing hard for Tokyo to join the trade talks, which include the United States, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. Seoul does not belong to the TPP but has forged free trade deals with the European Union and the United States, sending shivers down corporate Japan’s spine.

Even without the pressure of freer trade, Japan’s farming sector is in serious decline as its population ages and shrinks. —Reuters

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NSA spy agency sharing intelligence with banks Military contractors see Wall St opportunities WASHINGTON: The National Security Agency, a secretive arm of the US military, has begun providing Wall Street banks with intelligence on foreign hackers, a sign of growing US fears of financial sabotage. The assistance from the agency that conducts electronic spying overseas is part of an effort by American banks and other financial firms to get help from the U.S. military and private defense contractors to fend off cyber attacks, according to interviews with U.S. officials, security experts and defense industry executives.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has also warned banks of particular threats amid concerns that hackers could potentially exploit security vulnerabilities to wreak havoc across global markets and cause economic mayhem. While government and private sector security sources are reluctant to discuss specific lines of investigations, they paint worst-case scenarios of hackers ensconcing themselves inside a bank’s network to disable trading systems for stocks, bonds and currencies, trigger flash crashes, initiate large transfers of funds or turn off all ATM machines.

It is unclear if hackers have ever been close to producing anything as

dire, but the FBI says it has already helped banks avert several major cyber attacks by helping identify network vulnerabilities. NSA Director Keith Alexander, who runs the U.S. military’s cyber operations, said the agency provides financial firms with technical expertise about cyber attacks upon their request. He told Reuters last week that the NSA is currently talking to financial firms about sharing electronic information on malicious software, possibly by expanding a pilot program through which it offers similar data to the defense industry. But Alexander said on Wednesday that he misspoke about that subject, and that any expansion of the pilot program would need approval from lawmakers.

He did not provide further details on his agency’s collaboration with banks.

Alexander said industry and government were making progress in protecting computer networks, but “tremendous vulnerabilities” remained. The four-star Army general noted companies that have suffered damage from hackers, such as Google Inc, Lockheed Martin Corp and Nasdaq OMX Group, had among the best security systems in the world. “If they’re getting exploited, what about the rest? We have to

change that paradigm,” Alexander said.

NSA, which has long been charged with protecting classified government networks from attack, is already working with Nasdaq to beef up its defenses after hackers infiltrated its computer systems last year and installed malicious software that allowed them to spy on the directors of publicly held companies. A Nasdaq spokesman confirmed the investigation into the attack continues, but declined to give further details.

Officials worried Hackers have targeted Wall Street investment banks for more than a decade, but recent attacks have been more sophisticated, coordinated and deliberate. That makes security experts suspect the hackers were backed by countries such as China, and fueled concerns that cyber terrorists might someday use malware to wipe out crucial data and cripple networks across the financial sector. China has repeatedly said it does not condone hacking, but experts say the evidence continues to mount against Beijing. In June, Google blamed China for an attempt to steal the passwords of hundreds of email account holders, the second major breach the Internet giant has blamed on the Chinese.

Global risk for investors only pared by EU package LONDON: The late-night rescue package agreed by euro zone leaders to cool their dangerous debt crisis will at least allow investors to look at other things for a while. Unfortunately, those things include slow, stuttering US growth, a near-recessionary euro zone economy and the danger of Chinese growth slowing too quickly.

And the underlying problems of euro zone debt remain. In effect, the package has taken one of the biggest hurdles in the steeplechase down a bit. This will allow many investors to be slightly more risk positive in their allocations and could help build a short-term rally in assets such as stocks, as normally occurs in the fourth quarter.

But the track is still strewn with too many dangers to call the financial crisis over and embrace a bull stock market rally.

“There is a long, long road ahead. The European policymakers appear to be winning this battle, but the war has many years to go yet,” said Chris Cheetham, chief investment officer of HSBC Global Asset Management, which runs around $453 billion in investments.

Financial markets greeted the euro zone debt agreement robustly on Thursday, relieved to see plans for a beefed-up rescue fund, more bank capital requirements and debt relief of bankrupt Greece. . World stocks, for example, climbed to a 3-month high and the euro was near 7-week highs against the dollar.

Investors have actually been building up for this. Cheetham said his firm started putting a bit more risk into its portfolios a few weeks ago when it became apparent that the euro zone was going to have to come up with a plan. The agreement was

FRANKFURT: Robert Halver, chief analyst of a German bank laughs under the chart showing the German stock index DAX at the stock market yesterday. — AP widely seen as “positive”. As Mike Lenhoff, chief strategist at wealth managers Brewin Dolphin put it: “A broad outline for a workable agenda has been put in place where none existed before and this is progress.”

But it would be a mistake to interpret progress as a definitive solution.

First, the euro zone debt crisis has not gone away. The agreement-which is arguably a minimum of what markets wanted-has not even been finalised.

Investors will be looking closely at next week’s Group of 20 summit in Cannes to see to what extent the financing of the euro zone’s EFSF rescue can be clarified. It will be a case of “show me the money”. “A lot’s left to be discussed at the G20,” said one asset allocator at a leading French investment firm, who asked not to be identified. “We need meat on the bone.”

Even if that is forthcoming in a way that pleases markets, however, the underlying problem of euro zone debt has not been dealt with. A lot of the debt exists because peripheral euro zone economies are uncompetitive, both within the euro zone and in comparison with emerging markets. One tricky issue, for example, will be how countries such as Italy reform their economies and institute austerity in order to become more competitive without hurling themselves into recession. Greece, for example, is already in the position of trying to cut its huge debt to GDP ratio at the same time that its GDP is projected to contract 5 percent this year and 2 percent next year. “(The deal) has not solved the long-term problem for Europe,” said Richard Cookson, chief investment officer at Citi Private Bank. —Reuters

Earlier this year, security firm McAfee said hackers working in China broke into the computer systems of five global oil and gas companies to steal bidding plans and other critical proprietary information. “We know adversaries have full unfettered access to certain networks,” Shawn Henry, executive assistant director of the FBI, said without identifying the adversaries. “Once there, they have the ability to destroy data,” he said in an interview. “We see that as a credible threat to all sectors, but specifically the financial services sector.”

The FBI has helped banks avert several potential attacks by alerting them to vulnerabilities in their computer networks, and by flagging possible hackers before they struck, he said. Security experts interviewed by Reuters declined to identify any banks that may have data compromised, citing promises of confidentiality to clients, colleagues and employers that they would not to discuss the matter publicly.

Representatives of Wall Street’s biggest banks including Bank of America Corp, Citigroup Inc, Goldman Sachs Group Inc and JPMorgan Chase & Co either declined to discuss security issues or were not available to comment. —AP

Olympus denies wrongdoing TOKYO: The new president of embattled Olympus Corp yesterday denied the company’s $687 million payment for financial advice was excessive, while foreign business groups urged Japan to bolster its lagging corporate governance rules to avoid more high-level scandals. Shuichi Takayama, who was named president Wednesday following the abrupt resignation of Chairman and President Tsuyoshi Kikukawa, sought to placate frustrated shareholders with his second press conference in less than a day.

Takayama stuck to the camera and medical equipment maker’s denials of wrongdoing over its $687 million payment to an obscure Wall Street financial adviser as part of a $2 billion purchase of U.K.-based Gyrus Group Plc. The payment represented more than a third of the acquisition price. Fees for advisers are normally 1 to 2 percent of the deal value.

Takayama also maintained the company had done nothing wrong in other past acquisitions that were massively written down in value.

Kyodo news agency, meanwhile, reported that Japan’s Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission has launched an inquiry into the company’s acquisitions. The regulator wouldn’t confirm the report. Former Olympus CEO Michael Woodford, whose revelations triggered the scandal and his sacking by the Olympus board two weeks ago, has turned over documents to the U.K. Serious Fraud Office, and media reports say the FBI is also investigating.

A board member at the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan said that if Tokyo had stronger corporate governance laws, the “fiasco” at Olympus would not be as serious as it has become. Woodford, a British national, has said he was dismissed because he questioned the $687 million fee as well as the lofty prices Olympus paid for three small moneylosing Japanese companies with seemingly little strategic value. Between 2006 and 2008, it paid a total of 73.4 billion yen ($967 million) for recycling company Altis Co., food container maker News Chef Co. and cosmetics firm Humalabo Co. All three are based in the same building in Tokyo.

Olympus wrote down more than three-quarters of their value in fiscal year ended March 2009. It said yesterday that the deals were unrelated to the Gyrus acquisition. “There were things I could not talk about yesterday,” Takayama said. —AP

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In many respects, only the Chinese language that is printed on the signs distinguishes the Beijing Wal-Mart from its US counterparts. — MCT

Is China rolling up welcome mat?

Wal-Mart closure fans fears among US businesses

W

al-Mart’s latest run-in with the Chinese government is fanning fears that China is rolling up the welcome mat for foreign companies.

This month, officials in the southwestern city of Chongqing ordered 13 Wal-Mart stores closed for 15 days because the retailer had sold less-expensive meat as the more-expensive organic variety. Authorities also fined the retailer nearly $423,000 and arrested two WalMart employees, according to Xinhua, China’s official news agency.

The retailer had been in the government’s cross hairs before, but the harsh penalty imposed this time against Wal-Mart - the world’s largest retailer and a symbol of Corporate America - is seen by some as a proxy for China’s sentiment toward foreign businesses. Wal-Mart, which has 353 stores in China, plans to reopen its Chongqing outlets on Oct 15.

“If I were a foreign company, I’d be pretty scared right now,” says Corbett Wall, a retail expert who heads +CW Associates, a Shanghai consulting firm. “I absolutely think that (what happened to Wal-Mart) has to do with tensions building up between China and foreign companies.”

Wal-Mart spokesman Anthony Rose said the company is “cooperating fully” with Chongqing officials’ investigation. Zuo Yong of the Chongqing Administration of Commerce and Industry has told Xinhua that Wal-Mart “violated laws and regulations and

infringed upon the rights of consumers.”

In a country where rules are as plentiful as opportunities, it’s not hard to find companies that believe it’s getting harder to do business in China. But this perception is being fueled by a raft of recent penalties imposed on foreign companies, a new tax on foreign workers, and Chinese policies that appear to favor domestic businesses. Foreign companies, once aggressively courted by government officials who were judged on their ability to attract outside investment, worry that they’re being sidelined as Chinese companies emerge as competitive threats. A handful of foreign executives — including General Electric CEO Jeffrey Immelt — have taken the unusual step of complaining publicly about what they perceive to be China’s unfriendly business climate.

Other foreign companies have also been fined by the Chinese government. Carrefour was fined for putting the wrong prices on products, while Unilever was penalized for saying it planned to raise prices.

When the government took action against Unilever — the world’s second-largest consumer goods company — in May, it said that the company’s comments to Chinese media had led consumers to stockpile products. The government objected because such behavior could undermine its goal to control inflation.

Unilever’s hefty fine of more than $300,000 was seen by some analysts as a warning that foreign companies’ relationship with the gov-

ernment was deteriorating.

By cracking down on Wal-Mart, the Chinese government is also “setting an example,” says Yujun Qiu, a retail analyst at Planet Retail. It signals that “this could be a very sensitive period of time (for foreign companies), and they should be careful.”

Other experts aren’t so sure. While the WalMart case has “created a little more uncertainty” for foreign companies, it’s unclear what one incident means, says Torsten Stocker, a Shanghai-based partner at Monitor Group, a US consulting firm.

For American companies, a recently passed US Senate bill — which would impose new tariffs on imports from nations with undervalued currencies — could increase tensions with China. US lawmakers charge that China’s undervalued currency gives its exports an advantage while hurting US manufacturers and costing Americans jobs. The measure is not expected to pass the House, but that hasn’t stopped Chinese officials from condemning it. The deterioration of Sino-US relations is one of the major challenges for American companies doing business in China.

In a 2011 survey by the American Chamber of Commerce in China, 22 percent of respondents ranked this as one of the top risks facing their business there. Protectionism, and the threat of an economic slowdown — both in China and globally — also rated as top risks. While China has backed away from controversial “indigenous innovation” policies

that prevent foreign companies from selling intellectual property developed outside the country to national government agencies, local governments aren’t required to abide by the same rules.

One way or the other, the Chinese government is determined to raise the status of its homegrown brands, even at the expense of foreign companies, analysts say.

“The government is frustrated there aren’t more global Chinese brands, so they’re trying to help local brands,” says Duncan Clark, chairman of BDA China, a Beijing consulting firm. This year, China also began requiring foreign workers and their employers to pay taxes for social welfare programs such as medical, disability and unemployment. While the new law applies to all companies that employ foreigners, it will disproportionately affect foreign firms, Wall says.

Even so, given the country’s booming economy, many overseas businesses feel they have to expand in China, especially as a weak global recovery saps profits elsewhere. In AmCham-China’s survey this year, more than three-quarters of US companies said they’re making money in China, and 83 percent planned to expand their operations in the country. “China is a high-stakes game, but you can’t afford not to be in the market,” Clark says. “If you win China, you could win the world. If you lose China, it could be hard to win the world because of the country’s massive population.” — MCT

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Opinion

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

Rethinking the region

By George Friedman

T

he territory between the Mediterranean and the Hindu Kush has been the main arena for the US intervention that followed the 9/11 attacks. Obviously, the United States had been engaged in this area in previous years, but 9/11 redefined it as the prime region in which it confronted jihadists.

That struggle has had many phases, and it appears to have entered a new one over the past few weeks. Some parts of this shift were expected. Stratfor had anticipated tensions between Iran and its neighboring countries to rise as the US withdrew from Iraq and Iran became more assertive. And we expected USPakistani relations to reach a crisis before viable negotiations with the Afghan Taleban were made possible.

However, other events frankly surprised us. We had expected Hamas to respond to events in Egypt and to the Palestine National Authority’s search for legitimacy through pursuit of UN recognition by trying to create a massive crisis with Israel, reasoning that the creation of such a crisis would strengthen anti-government forces in Egypt, increasing the chances for creating a new regime that would end the blockade of Gaza and suspend the peace treaty with Israel. We also thought that intense rocket fire into Israel would force Fatah to support an intifada or be marginalized by Hamas. Here we were clearly wrong; Hamas moved instead to reach a deal for the exchange of captive Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit, which has reduced IsraeliHamas tensions.

Our error was rooted in our failure to understand how the increased IranianArab tensions would limit Hamas’ room to maneuver. We also missed the fact that given the weakness of the opposition forces in Egypt - something we had written about extensively - Hamas would not see an opportunity to reshape Egyptian policies. The main forces in the region, particularly the failure of the Arab Spring in Egypt and the intensification of Iran’s rise, obviated our logic on Hamas. Shalit’s release, in exchange for more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, marks a new stage in Israeli-Hamas relations. Let’s consider how this is related to Iran and Pakistan.

The Iranian Game The Iranians tested their strength in Bahrain, where Shiites rose up against their Sunni rulers with at least some degree of Iranian support. Saudi Arabia, linked by a causeway to Bahrain, perceived this as a test of its resolve, intervening with military force to suppress the demonstrators and block the Iranians. To Iran, Bahrain was simply a probe; the Saudi response did not represent a major reversal in Iranian fortunes.

The main game for Iran is in Iraq, where the US withdrawal is reaching its final phase. Some troops may be left in Iraqi Kurdistan, but they will not be sufficient to shape events in Iraq. The Iranians will not be in control of Iraq, but they have sufficient allies, both in the government and in outside groups, that they will be able to block policies they oppose, either through the Iraqi political system or through disruption. They will not govern, but no one will be able to govern in direct opposition to them.

In Iraq, Iran sees an opportunity to extend its influence westward. Syria is

allied with Iran, and it in turn jointly supports Hezbollah in Lebanon. The prospect of a US withdrawal from Iraq opened the door to a sphere of Iranian influence running along the southern Turkish border and along the northern border of Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi View The origins of the uprising against the regime of Syrian President Bashar AlAssad are murky. It emerged during the general instability of the Arab Spring, but it took a different course. The al Assad regime did not collapse, al Assad was not replaced with another supporter of the regime, as happened in Egypt, and the

allowed al Assad to solicit Iranian help against Israel and, not incidentally, to help sustain his regime.

It was not clear that Saudi support for Syrian Sunnis would be enough to force the Assad regime to collapse, but it is clear that a war with Israel would have made it much more difficult to bring it down. Whether Hamas was inclined toward another round of fighting with Israel is unclear. What is clear is that the Saudis, seeing themselves as caught in a struggle with Iran, were not going to hand the Iranians an excuse to get more involved than they were. They reined in any appetite Hamas may have had for war.

even the process of negotiation, let alone its success. But given what had happened a week before, the Islamists were content not to make an issue of the Egyptian government’s deal-making. Nor would the Saudis underwrite Egyptian unrest as they would Syrian unrest. Egypt, the largest Arab country and one that has never been on good terms with Iran, was one place where the Saudis did not want to see chaos, especially with an increasingly powerful Iran and unrest in Syria stalled.

Washington Sides with Riyadh In the midst of all this, the United States announced the arrest of a man

In this April 8, 2008 file photo, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad visits the Natanz Uranium Enrichment Facility 320 km south of the capital Tehran. – AP opposition failed to simply disintegrate.

In our view the opposition was never as powerful as the Western media portrayed it, nor was the al Assad regime as weak. It has held on far longer than others expected and shows no inclination of capitulating. For one thing, the existence of bodies such as The International Criminal Court leave al Assad nowhere to go if he stepped down, making a negotiated exit difficult. For another, al Assad does not see himself as needing to step down.

Two governments have emerged as particularly hostile to Assad: the Saudi government and the Turkish government. The Turks attempted to negotiate a solution in Syria and were rebuffed by Assad. It is not clear the extent to which these governments see Syria simply as an isolated problem along their border or as part of a generalized Iranian threat. But it is clear that the Saudis are extremely sensitive to the Iranian threat and see the fall of the Assad regime as essential for limiting the Iranians. In this context, the last thing that the Saudis want to see is conflict with Israel. A war in Gaza would have given the Assad regime an opportunity to engage with Israel, at least through Hezbollah, and portray opponents to the regime as undermining the struggle against the Israelis. This would have

Hamas and Egypt Hamas also saw its hopes in Egypt dissolving. From its point of view, instability in Egypt opened the door for regime change. For an extended period of time, it seemed possible that the first phase of unrest would be followed either by elections that Islamists might win or another wave of unrest that would actually topple the regime. It became clear months ago that the opposition to the Egyptian regime was too divided to replace it. But it was last week that the power of the regime became manifest.

The Oct 9 Coptic demonstration that turned violent and resulted in sectarian clashes with Muslims gave the government the opportunity to demonstrate its resolve and capabilities without directly engaging Islamist groups. The regime acted brutally and efficiently to crush the demonstrations and, just as important, did so with some Islamist elements that took to the streets beating Copts. The streets belonged to the military and to the Islamist mobs, fighting on the same side.

One of the things Hamas had to swallow was the fact that it was the Egyptian government that was instrumental in negotiating the prisoner exchange.

Normally, Islamists would have opposed

who allegedly was attempting, on behalf of Iran, to hire a Mexican to kill the Saudi ambassador to the United States. There was serious discussion of the significance of this alleged plot, and based on the evidence released, it was not particularly impressive.

Nevertheless - and this is the important part - the administration of US President Barack Obama decided that this was an intolerable event that required more aggressive measures against Iran.

The Saudis have been asking the United States for some public action against Iran both to relieve the pressure on Riyadh and to make it clear that the United States was committed to confronting Iran alongside the Saudis. There may well be more evidence in the alleged assassination plot that makes it more serious than it appeared, but what is clear is that the United States intended to use the plot to increase pressure on Iran - psychologically at least - beyond the fairly desultory approach it had been taking. The administration even threw the nuclear question back on the table, a subject on which everyone had been lackadaisical for a while.

The Saudi nightmare has been that the United States would choose to reach an understanding with Iran as a way to

create a stable order in the region and guarantee the flow of oil. We have discussed this possibility in the past, pointing out that the American interest in protecting Saudi Arabia is not absolute and that the United States might choose to deal with the Iranians, neither regime being particularly attractive to the United States and history never being a guide to what Washington might do next.

The Saudis were obviously delighted with the US rhetorical response to the alleged assassination plot. It not only assuaged the Saudis’ feeling of isolation but also seemed to close the door on side deals. At the same time, the United States likely was concerned with the possibility of Saudi Arabia trying to arrange its own deal with Iran before Washington made a move. With this action, the United States joined itself at the hip with the Saudis in an anti-Iranian coalition.

The Israelis had nothing to complain about either. They do not want the Syrian regime to fall, preferring the Assad regime they know to an unknown Sunni and potentially Islamist - regime. Saudi support for the Syrian opposition bothers the Israelis, but it’s unlikely to work. A Turkish military intervention bothers them more. But, in the end, Iran is what worries them the most, and any sign that the Obama administration is reacting negatively to the Iranians, whatever the motives (and even if there is no clear motive), makes them happy. They wanted a deal on Shalit, but even if the price was high, this was not the time to get the United States focused on them rather than the Iranians. The Israelis might be prepared to go further in negotiations with Hamas if the United States focuses on Iran. And Hamas will go further with Israel if the Saudis tell them to, which is a price they will happily pay for a focus on Iran.

The US Withdrawal from Afghanistan For the United States, there is another dimension to the Iran focus: Pakistan. The Pakistani view of the United States, as expressed by many prominent Pakistanis, is that the United States has lost the war against the Afghan Taleban. That means that any negotiations that take place will simply be about how the United States, in their words, will “retreat”, rather than about Pakistani guarantees for support against jihadists coupled with a US withdrawal process. If the Pakistanis are right, and the United States has been defeated, then obviously, their negotiating position is correct.

For there to be any progress in talks with the Taleban and Pakistan, the United States must demonstrate that it has not been defeated. To be more precise, it must demonstrate that while it might not satisfy its conditions for victory (defined as the creation of a democratic Afghanistan), the United States is prepared to indefinitely conduct operations against jihadists, including unmanned aerial vehicle and special operations strikes in Pakistan, and that it might move into an even closer relationship with India if Pakistan resists. There can be no withdrawal unless the Pakistanis understand that there has been no overwhelming domestic political pressure on the US government to withdraw. The paradox here is critical: So long as Pakistan believes the United States must withdraw, it will not provide the support needed to allow it to withdraw. —Stratfor

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www.kuwaittimes.net

Queen Elizabeth II sits in a chair during a state reception at Government House in Perth, Australia, yesterday. The queen, on her first visit to Australia since 2006, will attend the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting during her stay in Perth. — AP

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

Video editing for beginners I

t’s easy to make a video recording.

The real work comes when it is time to edit, trim and convert the images into something fun to watch. To help, there’s a whole range of free programs on the market. When editing, a person is faced with thousands of windows and rulers, difficult-to-comprehend functions and a confusing interface, especially if one uses mainstream editing software from companies such as Adobe, Pinnacle or Magix. Most simply overwhelm amateurs with their complexity. But there are simpler options.

There are a lot of free tools online for budding editors. Most of them measure up well to commercial options, offering everything, whether you want to trim a film, make multiple edits or convert a finished film. Much of it can also be used as an extension for commercial programs.

Will you be making a Hollywood blockbuster on your machine? At least the post-production work will be Hollywood-ready thanks to products such as Lightworks. Or there’s EditShare,

a professional application that has been offered as an open source program since 2010. Before it was made public, it was used for editing blockbusters such as Pulp Fiction and Mission: Impossible.

Still in its beta phase, it leaves no wishes unfulfilled, even for ambitious amateur filmmakers. Editing can be done independent of focus, format or codec.

Ready-to-view high-definition films can be compiled and edited on multiple tracks. Other functions such as media management and support for external programs and plug-ins, however, are more likely to scare away normal users, rather than tempt them to the program.

If you’re not making a major film, but just want something to show at grandma’s 70th birthday party, then you should probably check out Windows Live Movie Maker. The freeware from Microsoft offers countless effects and functions, all of which are easy to use, even for complete beginners, provided they have Windows 7 or Vista.

A much more widely used all-round program is VirtualDub. The software

allows editing of video files larger than four gigabytes, as well as separate processing of image and sound. “VirtualDub is the ultimate tool for free video processing and it can be easily expanded with plug-ins from third parties,” says Andreas Greil of the German magazine Video-Homevision. However, the linear editing program is geared towards more experienced editors. “Because it has so many functions and demands Englishlanguage skills, it requires users to work their way into it,” says Greil.

Whether you use Windows, Mac or Linux, the free tool Avidemux supports a variety of common formats and codecs.

Thanks to a macrofunction, minor, commonly occurring corrections to video material can be accomplished with just a few clicks. Can you get the glitter of high-definition on a low budget?

Freeware tools generally work with high definition, although data formats can sometimes be a problem.

Because of the large amounts of data that come with high definition, camcorders tend to record their films in

space-saving formats that sometimes aren’t easily opened by editing programs. Help comes from free format converters such as Format Factory, Miro Video Converter or AVS Video Converter. Nonetheless, it can remain difficult to get the settings right. Despite all the advantage of free editing programs, they often remain limited in what they can do. To get all the features of a real editing program with freeware requires a hobbyist to make use of a variety of applications.

If that’s too complicated, author Georg Jaeger advises people to just buy the right software. “For a price of about 50 euros (67 dollars), you can get editors that come with a lot of codecs and other functions like captions, effects and cross-fading, which means there are a lot of options for a good edit,” says the author of several tutorial books on professional editing programs. Greil speaks favorably of cheap entry programs, especially for beginners, but says, “You can’t expect wonders from the free tools.” — dpa

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Relationships FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2011

Childproofing isn’t kid’s play When it comes to kids, many dangers lurk in your home

Padding covers the edge of the brick fireplace as 10-month-old Cameron Hughes goes after a ball, in Modesto, California. —MCT

T

isha Hughes remembered the “defining moment” when she knew it was time to step up childproofing her home to protect her 10-month-old son, Cameron. Cameron, a proficient crawler who’s mastered the art of pulling himself up to stand while holding onto furniture, was puttering around the dining room one day when he decided to use a chair to help him stand. “When he pulled up on the chair, it fell backward and hit him on the forehead,” she recalled.

Fortunately, Cameron wasn’t injured.

But his mother was “pretty freaked out” by the incident.

Soon after, the Hugheses had a big garage sale. Many of the decorative items in their Modesto home - including tablecloths, sconces, candles, floor lamps and a curio cabinet filled with commemorate shot glasses - were now seen as potential hazards for Cameron, so out they went. The Hugheses went on a babyproofing product shopping spree. They bought cabinet latches, door locks and covers for electrical outlets. They also got a gate to keep Cameron out of the kitchen, and a cushioned pad for their fireplace’s brick hearth.

Each year, more than 2.5 million children are hurt or killed by hazards in the home, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Safety Council. It’s natural for toddlers and crawling babies to be curious as they busily explore the world around them. And young children do experience a fair share of bumps and bruises as they become more mobile.

But with that increased mobility comes a greater chance of getting hurt. Or

worse. According to the National Safety Council, mechanical suffocation (think plastic bags) and suffocation by ingested objects cause the most home fatalities to children age 4 and younger.

Other hazards include falls from high places; drowning; fire; and poisoning from household products.

Many parents think about - or start childproofing their homes just before or right after their children start crawling.

And many quickly realize that their precious little ones often find things to get into that the parents hadn’t realized was a hazard. Jerilynn Shaker, a childsafety expert, remembers when her son Sharif, now 9, learned to walk. “We called him ‘Danger Boy,’” Shaker said.

“He wanted to climb up bookshelves and rails. If it was elevated, he wanted to be there.”

Shaker also remembers putting a

lock on the toilet early on because of Sharif’s affinity of tossing stuff into it like his books and a piece of his mom’s jewelry. After childproofing her own home, Shaker started helping her friends do the same. She got so proficient that she and her husband, Moustafa, started their own childproofing business, Kids Assured, in Castro Valley. Shaker handles the consultations and installation. She goes to potential

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

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n the kitchen, remove hazardous products from underneath the sink and lower cabinets. To keep remaining objects out of reach, use a safety latch to secure the doors.

Use a latch on higher cabinets when children are old enough to realize they can use a chair to get to out-of-reach temptations.

Make sure cords from small appliances are out of reach.

When not in use, make sure appliance cords are unplugged and wrapped so a child can’t pull them down.

Consider installing latches to keep children from opening the oven, refrigerator and dishwasher doors. Do not hang dish towels on oven doors, as a child can grab it and use it to pull the door open.

BATHROOM With their hard surfaces, medicines and an abundance of water, bathrooms can be extremely hazardous to children.

Turn the water heater’s thermostat down to 120 to 130 degrees. Water at 156 degrees can cause third-degree burns in one second.

Never leave a young child unattended in the bathtub. A child can drown in water as shallow as 2 to 3 inches.

Place locks on toilets to keep lids closed.

Install latches on drawers and medicine cabinets.

LIVING ROOM Remove furnishings with sharp edges or protrusions.

Keep furniture that kids can climb on away from windows to prevent dangerous falls.

Anchor any unstable furniture to the wall to prevent it from toppling.

For television sets, use an entertainment center designed to hold a TV and that can’t be pulled over by a climbing child.

A falling TV can kill a child.

Outfit the fireplace with a screen or doors that close. Use a padding or a cushion on the hearth in case of falls.

Decorative mirrors should have taped backs and a safety film to avoid shards in case it falls and breaks.

OTHER AREAS Use door locks, latches or childproof knob covers to keep children from opening doors.

Keep all plastic bags out of reach. Banish dry-cleaning bags from closets.

Swimming pools should have a gate at least 5 feet tall to keep children out.

Do not allow children any access to the garage.

Use wall-mounted safety gates for stair landings so the gate cannot be pushed out of place.

For outlet covers: Shaker prefers using covers that slide over the outlet rather than the plastic covers. The reason: as they get older and if they work at it long enough, children can remove the plastic covers from the outlet; then the piece becomes a choking hazard. And, sometimes parents forget to replace a cover when they take it out to vacuum.

Use one-piece doorstops. Stops with a removable rubber tip on the end pose a choking hazard. —MCT

clients’ homes and walks them through each room, pointing out the dangers and offering suggestions on how to fix or eliminate hazards.

“I walk them through and get an idea of (the family’s) daily schedule,” she said. She asks what rooms the child will spend time in, and what rooms are offlimits. During the walk-through, which typically takes 45 minutes to an hour, she makes suggestions. “It can be anything from moving furniture to covering outlets to removing certain furniture such as floor lamps and glass tables,” she said.

When parents balk at having to remove furnishings and other pieces, she tells them the changes are temporary. “And I tell them that (childproofing) won’t prevent children from getting bumps and bruises, but it will help prevent trips to the emergency room.” One of the hardest things for parents trying to childproof their home is figuring out what products to use. Stores such as Target and Babies R Us have whole sections devoted to childproofing products. That’s when hiring a professional can be helpful, Shaker said. When she first childproofed the toilet in her bathroom, it took her two tries because the first lock didn’t work properly.

Parents should keep in mind that childproofing isn’t a one-time task. “It is an evolving process,” Shaker said.

“What may have worked in the beginning may have to change as your baby grows. Babies learn to figure things out.” She adds a parting piece of advice: “Childproofing cannot replace adult supervision to keep kids safe, but it can give adults some piece of mind.” —MCT

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Fo o d FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

By Sawsan Kazak

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alloween is right around the corner and even if you are too old to trick-or-treating from door to door, you are never too old for fun Halloween treats.

With simple ingredients and everyday recipes you can turn a simple dish into a haunted one. Treat your friends and family to a taste of Halloween with the following recipes.

Send your suggestions to: sawsank@kuwaittimes.net

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se your hot dog of choice and a package of frozen dough.

Simply cut dough into strips and wrap them around the uncooked sausages. Cook on a cookie sheet according to frozen dough directions. Keep a close eye so they don’t burn. Add mustard dot eyes. Serve with dipping sauces to delighted party guests.

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his is a great decorating idea, either on top of cakes or muffins or simply as a kooky snack. Melt chocolate in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds. Place melted chocolate in a piping bag or plastic bag and cut out one corner. Pipe spider web design onto parchment paper and place directly into freezer for at least a couple of minutes.

When chocolate is completely dry you can remove and enjoy.

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Fo o d FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

2 1/2 Cup flour 1/2 tbs baking soda 1 tbs cream of tartar 1 Cup butter, softened 1 1/2 Cup powdered sugar 1 egg 1 tbs vanilla 1/2 tbs almond extract

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6 apples 1 (14 ounce) package individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped 2 tablespoons milk

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emove the stem from each apple and press a craft stick into the top. Butter a baking sheet. Place caramels and milk in a microwave safe bowl, and microwave 2 minutes, stirring once. Allow to cool briefly. Roll each apple quickly in caramel sauce until well coated. Place on prepared sheet to set. Decorate with nuts or chocolate of choice.

n a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and cream of tartar; set aside. In a separate bowl and using a mixer, cream together butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg, vanilla and almond extracts and beat well. Add flour mixture a little at a time, blending well after each addition until it is all incorporated.

Divide dough in half and wrap each portion in plastic wrap or waxed paper. Refrigerate for at least one hour before rolling (several hours is best).

When ready to bake, preheat oven to 375 degrees. Remove one package of dough from fridge, divide that in half and roll out one portion at a time. Roll dough to 1/8 - 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes and place cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet. Dough will soften quickly so work fast and always keep the extra dough in the fridge. Bake cookies for about 7 minutes or until just barely starting to color at the bottom. Let cool on wire racks.

To frost cookies: Blend together 8 oz. cream cheese with 3 cups of powdered sugar. Spread on cooled, baked cookies. Use chocolate chips or raisins for the ghost eyes. Orange food coloring can be added to the frosting if you want to make pumpkins instead of ghosts.

To paint cookies: mix small amounts of evaporated milk with desired food coloring. Paint unbaked cookies with small brushes then bake as usual. The colored evaporated milk doesn’t add flavor or sweetness, just color and shine

2 cups all purpose flour 2 cups sugar 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 cup shortening 3/4 cup water 2 large eggs 3/4 cup milk 1 teaspoon vanilla 4 ounces melted unsweetened baking chocolate

2 cups grated Cheddar 1/2 cup butter 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon paprika 1 cup flour 6 ounce bottle pimento-stuffed green olives

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reheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cupcake pans with paper liners. Combine all ingredients into large mixing bowl. Mix at low speed for 30 seconds, and scrape bowl. Mix at high speed for 3 minutes. Fill liners 1/2 to 2/3 full of batter. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool 10 minutes in pans then remove from pan, and place on wire racks to cool completely. Frost when chocolate cupcakes are completely cool.

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ombine cheese and butter. Add salt, paprika, and flour and mix well. Measure approximately one ts of this mixture and form an “eyeball” around an olive. Turn the olive in the “eyeball” so that it is “staring” outward. Line up the eyeballs on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in 400F oven for 15 minutes.

THEY ARE THE 99!

99 Mystical Noor Stones carry all that is left of the wisdom and knowledge of the lost civilization of Baghdad. But the Noor Stones lie scattered across the globe - now little more than a legend. One man has made it his life’s mission to seek out what was lost. His name is Dr. Ramzi Razem and he has searched fruitlessly for the Noor Stones all his life. Now, his luck is about to change - the first of the stones have been rediscovered and with them a special type of human who can unlock the gem’s mystical power. Ramzi brings these gem - bearers together to form a new force for good in the world. A force known as ... the 99!

THE STORY SO FAR : HAFIZ, MUKIT, and SAMDA dive into the Gulf to deal with an impending ecological disaster: a sunken ship whose radioactive cargo is leaking out into the water. But upon seeing the leaking canisters, Hafiz flails about in panic…

The 99 ® and all related characters ® and © 2011, Teshkeel Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

www.the99.org

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C h i l d re n FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

Spot the difference

color me

connect the dots

maze

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C h i l d re n

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

alfa-search

number-search

Look at the clues below and fill all the numbers you can into the grid. Then start again and use your answers to help solve the other clues.

Can you find the hidden words? Each word ends with the letter C. The words may be horizontal or vertical.

BLIZZARD, BREEZE, CLOUD, COLD, DRIZZLE, DRY, FAIR, FOG, FREEZING, FROST, HAIL, HEATWAVE, HOT, HUMID, HURRICANE, LIGHTNING, MILD, MIST, OVER-

CAST, PRECIPITATION, RAIN, SHOWER, SLEET, SLUSH, SNOW, STORM, SUNSHINE, THUNDER, TORNADO, TYPHOON, WIND.

Across 2. Ninety-one doubled 4. Half of sixty-eight 5. 7 across plus 14 down 7. Sixty-six divided by three 8. 3421 reversed 10. Fifty-two divided by four 12. Number of hours in a day 13. Half of 3536 15. Three times seven 16. Five times thirteen 17. Forty-eight doubled 18. Eight times sixty-four

Down 1. Fifty-four divided by three 2. Number of days in a fortnight 3. Half of 5842 4. 17 across divided by three 6. Four times 15 across 7. 9 down minus ninety 9. 123 reversed 11. Five times 1131 14. Half of 152 15. 10 across doubled 17. Four times twenty-three 19. Seventy-five divided by five

alfa-cross

sudoku

solution The first letter of each answer appears next to its clue in alphabetical order. All the first letters have been entered into the grid. Can you complete the puzzle?

A. Largest state in the USA (6) A. Colony insects (4) E. Go in (5) G. Precious stones (4) I. Spears of frozen water (7) I. Cake topping (5) I. Writing fluid (3) K. Bird of prey (7)

L. Young sheep (4) L. Pieces of sawn wood (4) M. Award (5) O. Vegetable (5) S. Unhappy (3) S. Large fish (6) S. Snow runner (3) T. Beverage (3)

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Years

Books

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

1. Join the eBook revolution! U.S. Department of Education: develop a program to subsidize the purchase of eBook readers for all public school students. This will save on the cost of textbooks in the long run. Book stores: offer generous discount coupons to parents, students, and teachers toward eBook purchases. Parents: accompany kids on eBook shopping sprees. PTA/PTO: host an eBook fair.

Principals: ban print textbooks and convert to eBooks. Kids may read more if their books are on anything that resembles a cell phone or computer. (By the way, colleges: convert to eBooks. Help students and parents save a few bucks, and give the environment a break. Go green!)

2. Parents: Every hour of video game playing must be matched by one hour of book reading.

3. Parents: Reading to an audience is fun, so have young children read aloud to their teddy bears and toys.

4. Parents: Convert TV time into a readfest and activate multiple learning styles. Turn on your TV’s closed caption function to display text so that kids can read and watch the action simultaneously. During commercials, press mute and have kids read a book or magazine.

5. Teachers: While riding on the yellow school bus to school or a field trip, have kids read comic books, magazines, and books for fun. Students who suffer motion sickness (docu-

mented by a parent) can listen to a book on tape.

advocate youth violence, but a friendly tap is okay.

6. Churches: Replace Sunday services with read-a-thons. If we must study to show ourselves approved (2 Timothy 2:15 KJ), then read-a-thons should be the Sunday morning service until students’ test scores dramatically improve.

Give 15 minutes to prayer and scripture, then read for the next hour and 45 minutes. Read to young children. Older children can read aloud, to each other, or silently. Provide private, closed-door classes for illiterate adults during service. After read-a-thon, collect tithes and offerings. Give the closing benediction. God bless. Go home. In my opinion, this is God’s work.

9. Become an agent provocateur of reading. If you’re brave, infiltrate places where young males hang out, such as street corners, community centers, basketball courts, and parks. Pull out a book that might interest them and begin to silently read. Laugh aloud and say things like, “Aw man!” and “Oh no he di’nt!” Slowly but surely, the youngsters will ask, “What you reading, man?” Why focus on males in particular? According to several studies, many youth who get entangled with the juvenile justice system are reading below grade level. It’s very possible that reading proficiency could help keep them out of jail.

7. Have kids listen to the funky, catchy tune “Read, Baby, Read” from the CD School’s In Session by high school football coach and national motivational speaker, Alfred “Coach” Powell. Play it on a loop in the car and as background music while kids are doing homework.

10. Last but definitely not least, cuddle up and read to kids every night before going to bed!

8. On road trips, call out a letter, then have kids find words for that letter on billboards, vanity plates, passing signs, etc. Coach Powell says on road trips to football games, his student-athletes defuse the tension by calling out the names of cars. The athlete who shouts the name first has to spell the make, model, and color of the car. If spelled correctly, he gets to punch a teammate on the shoulder a la the Volkswagen commercial. Disclaimer: we do not

(www.huffingtonpost.com)

Next step: implementation

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Books

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

Heroes of Olympus: The Son of Neptune

By Rick Riordan

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Uncle Montague’s Tales of Terror

rom the Roman demigod camp to the prison of Death himself, The Son of Neptune reunites readers with old friends and introduces them to a whole new cast of characters. The Roman camp is a far cry from Camp Half-Blood, but it’s every bit as fascinating to explore.

Our heroes battle up and down the West Coast with impossibly few days before disaster is unleashed, fighting new foes and finding new friends along the way.

Some of the mysteries from The Lost Hero are solved, while others loom even larger.

Rick Riordan is a master at balancing just

Chris Priestley, David Roberts (Illustrator)

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riestley’s gothic fest of Poe-like fables stand out like shining beacons’ Guardian ‘My insides were still untangling themselves hours after I had closed the book’ Sunday Telegraph ‘Mesmerising, understated, and convincingly Victorian in tone ... A book for children who enjoy being frightened and a perfect introduction to Saki and Edgar Allen Poe’ Guardian ‘Throbs with sinister brilliance

the right amount of seriousness and levity in every situation, and his three teen narrators point out the strangeness of the iterations of ancient myths in the modern world with spot-on accuracy. With pageturning adventure, witty dialogue, and fun, fascinating characters, this second installment of the Heroes of Olympus series is a must-read for any fan of myths and fables.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever

By Jeff Kinney

By James Patterson

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reg Heffley is in big trouble. School property has been damaged, and Greg is the prime suspect.

But the crazy thing is, he’s innocent. Or at least sort of. The authorities are closing in, but when a surprise blizzard hits, the Heffley family is trapped indoors. Greg knows that when the snow melts he’s going to have to face the music, but could any punishment be worse than being stuck inside with your family for the holidays?

Inheritance (The Inheritance Cycle)

By Christopher Paolini

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MAX: A Maximum Ride Novel

ot so very long ago, EragonShadeslayer, Dragon Riderwas nothing more than a poor farm boy, and his dragon, Saphira, only a blue stone in the forest. Now the fate of an entire civilization rests on their shoulders.

Long months of training and battle have brought victories and hope, but they have also brought heartbreaking loss. And still, the real battle lies ahead: they must confront Galbatorix. When they do, they will

have to be strong enough to defeat him. And if they cannot, no one can. There will be no second chances. The Rider and his dragon have come further than anyone dared to hope. But can they topple the evil king and restore justice to AlagaÎsia? And if so, at what cost?

This is the much-anticipated, astonishing conclusion to the worldwide bestselling Inheritance cycle.

he fifth entry in Patterson’s all-ages Maximum Ride fantasy/thriller series finds the teenaged title character facing her greatest challenge yet. Max, leading her flock of virtually indestructible part-human/part-bird hybrids, must rescue her human mom, kidnapped by a criminal mastermind with an elaborate plan to wreak worldwide ecological catastrophe. But in order to rescue her, 14-year-old Max and the five younger members of her flock (genetically developed by an environmental group) must team up with the U.S. Navy to determine why millions of fish are dying off the coast of Hawaii. All this, and Max is falling in love, too. Patterson doesn’t spend much time on character development, opting to propel his wild story with quick action scenes, plenty of dialogue and chapters seldom longer than three or four pages; unfortunately, though, life-and-death situations are often solved by implausible plot turns. Max narrates with a precocious, snarky voice, but makes it relatively easy to jump into her complicated tale midstream. Not surprisingly, the open-ended conclusion begs for a follow-up; it’s also little wonder that a movie franchise is in the works.

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Beauty

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

Three Beauty investments that are worth the time And two investments you can do without inding the time to take care of yourself in the middle of a harried day can seem next to impossible.

But there are some services and habits that are well worth squeezing into your calendar-and a few that aren’t. Here’s a breakdown of the good and the bad:

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healthier, brighter skin. This mean your foundation will go on more smoothly, you’ll have fewer breakouts and you’ll need less concealer. Many moisturizers are also proven anti-agers, too, so you’ll be extra grateful you took the time down the line.

Investments worth the time 1. Get a haircut When your cut has shape and your hair is healthy, it’s that much easier to style it every morning. Ask your stylist for a low-maintenance, wash-and-go style. Layers work well for all hair types because they add body and movement. Short haircuts may dry quicker, but typically require more frequent trips to the salon than medium or long styles, so think twice before a major change.

Not worth it These high-maintenance services are a waste of valuable time and money.

2. Professional eyebrow shaping Neat, well-defined brows pull your whole face together instantly, so put down the tweezers and head to a salon for a professional eyebrow shaping. You’ll have a solid guide to follow, so it’s easy to keep brows in shape with quick maintenance tweezing at home. Some hair removal procedures, including threading and waxing, have the added benefit of keeping unwanted hair at bay for up to three weeks.

3. Washing and moisturizing nightly Yes, I know. You barely have the energy to brush your teeth before bedtime. But when you remove your makeup and moisturize in the evening, you’ll wake up with

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1. Eyelash extensions While the idea of long, lush lashes without mascara is undeniably appealing, these babies aren’t worth the effort, save for the most special of occasions. Eyelash extensions take up to two hours to apply, start falling out almost the minute you leave the salon, require special care daily, need touch-ups every two weeks and cost a small fortune. Opt for volumizing mascara instead.

2. Airbrush tanning Even if you’re headed to a tropical island, an airbrush tan, where a technician sprays you with faux tanner from head to toe, is not worth the effort. Both an athome self-tanner and Mystic tan, where you stand in a booth reminiscent of a car wash, are better options. An airbrush tan takes three to four times as long to apply, lasts just as long and is as likely to streak. And it’s about five times as expensive as at-home tanners and twice as expensive as Mystic. Save the money for souvenirs from your trip!—About

How to dress in your 40’s and 50’s

hese days, being in your 40’s and 50’s is vibrant and exciting. The way you dress should tastefully reflect your inner youth and personality. There are many options to dress, but there are a few guidelines to follow to achieve the stylish look.

The guide to dressing chic Firstly, avoid things that are too girly, such as bows, ruffles, or pigtails. If it would look wonderful on Pollyanna, it’s not going to look good on you, a mature woman of taste. Secondly, avoid certain retail stores that cater to teenagers, such as Forever 21 or American Apparel. These stores have trendy designs with the younger woman in mind, and most of the designs are not visually flattering for older women.

That being said, mature women can be stylish and trendy by having a few essential items at hand. Having a well-tailored blazer is important. A dark, neutral color, preferably black, will compliment any colorful top worn underneath, and can be paired with

different articles of clothing. Worn with jeans or a skirt, the blazer will add structure to any outfit, whether casual or dressy. Here is a smart casual outfit that can be worn almost anywhere. A bit of color here and there to brighten up the outfit.

Another essential must-have is a pair or black, straight-leg or slight bootcut pants with a bit of stretch. Make sure it is not loose. You want to avoid the high-rise and tapered leg cut.

Go with mid -rise, which is right below your belly button. The pants should fit well across the hips so they don’t look shapeless or dowdy. This staple will go with anything in your closet and can be dressed up with heels or dressed down with flats. The black pants, in the right cut and fit, is truly a versatile piece.

Evening look Here is an example of the quintessential black pants dressed up. By adding a bright silk blouse and formal accessories, you’re ready for a night out.

Day look These basic black pants are quintessential for your wardrobe. They are versatile and can be worn in most occasions, depending on how it is worn. Here is an example of the black pants worn casually.

For dresses, one of the most universally flattering styles is the wrap or the faux wrap dress. The wrap dress comes in many different cuts and fabrics. Find one that is flattering to you, preferably in a slightly stretchy fabric with an interesting pattern, which is great for camouflaging imperfections.

Your accessories add much to your wardrobe, and they should compliment and balance your outfit. If you feel the colors of your outfit is too dark, balance it with bold, colorful accessories. Inversely, if your outfit has a lot of patterns, colors, or textures, stick with simple, monochrome accessories. Whether you’re at work, running errands, spending time with your family, or enjoying an evening out, you can look your best at any age! (www.fashionstyleadvice.com)

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Beauty

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

Home remedies for

stretch marks S

tretch marks are very common among women, while men are also capable of developing stretch marks (aka striae). Stretch marks are widely associated with pregnancy, and are created when your body experiences hormonal changes due to puberty or menopause; you can also develop striae when you’re losing or gaining weight.

Going further, the reason these annoying lesions appear on your skin is due to the breakdown of collagen and damaged elastic fibers below the epidermis layer of your skin. Now that we’ve covered the basic causes of stretch marks, let’s move a little deeper into the subject and also talk about how you can treat them.

Common reasons why stretch marks form are due to: • pregnancy, • losing weight too quickly, • gaining weight rapidly, • hormonal imbalances/changes, • puberty, • growth spurts, • bodybuilding.

Stretch marks are visible linear scars that pop up on your body where the skin is too thin due to the aforementioned breakdown of collagen and elastic fibers damage. The skin cells are no longer able to bounce back from extreme stretching, thus causing the dermal layer of skin to develop tears that appear as scars on your skin.

The areas of the body that are most affected by stretch marks include the thighs, abdomen, arms, hips, breasts, back, buttocks and the area around belly button. When striae firsts begins to form, it usually appears red, and then turns white over time.

Treating stretch marks There are topical creams, ointments, and oils that claim to remove stretch marks or reduce their appearance; however, these products can cost quite a bit, and hardly deliver on the promises.

There are also laser treatments available, but this too is very expensive.

Because stretch marks are scars, there is little chance of getting rid of them completely. So you should avoid wasting money on products that claim to eradicate stretch marks completely, and have realistic expectations when it comes to topical treatments. Using topical treatments requires discipline, and they may even need to be applied more than once a day. But they do have the potential to improve stretch marks’ appearance.

Treating only the symptoms associated with stretch marks or scars will not help lessen the appearance of striae. Furthermore, dry skin can sometimes appear around area of stretch marks; however, dry skin isn’t the cause of stretch marks.

It’s also worth mentioning that moisture is good for your skin, but it won’t make a dent in the removal of stretch marks since the marks start deep within the skin’s layers.

Dermabrasion, or laser treatments for stretch marks, only affects the surface of the skin. This is not enough to penetrate deep into the dermis, where the tears have formed in elastic fibers. These treatments may be able to improve the appearance of stretch marks, but the side effects are redness (erythema) and/or scaling on the skin.

One stretch mark treatment that’s overlooked is eating better/keeping a healthy lifestyle. It’s never too late to begin a healthy lifestyle, and there are hundreds of benefits to eating better, including keeping stretch marks at a minimum.

Along with a healthy diet, you should be drinking plenty of water. Keeping your body hydrated will allow your body to function properly, meaning your skin cells are more likely rebuild areas that need repaired. The minimum amount of water needed to stay hydrated is five to eight 8 oz. glasses a day. An easy way to maintain a healthy diet is to eat one cup of fruit or vegetables with a glass of water before each meal. This helps reassure that you are getting healthy nutrients into your body while staying fully hydrated.

Be sure to supply your body with plenty of vitamin A, C and E, as well as zinc since these nutrients help your skin flourish. You’ll be able to find these vitamins and minerals in raw fruits and vegetables, in addition to fish liver oils, leafy greens, eggs, beans, nuts, seeds and fish. By adding more of these things to your diet, you’ll increase your skin’s ability to heal itself.

In some cases, if you’re taking medication such as oral contraceptives, you could be lacking essential nutrients needed to keep your body healthy; consult your doctor about any concerns here.

Physicians will be able to prescribe or suggest dietary supplements to counterbalance the nutrients you may be losing to the medications.

• 6 vitamin E capsules • 4 vitamin A capsules

Home Remedies to Remove & Treat Stretch Marks Homemade stretch mark creams can be used to treat scars, and are also great for other areas of your body that need special attention. You can use these recipes to make extra hydrating lotions that can be applied to stretch marks, dry elbows, knees, hands and/or feet.

Home Remedy #1 Cocoa Butter and Oil One of the most effective ingredients in improving the appearance of skin is cocoa butter.

This is the main ingredient in the following skin cream for treating stretch marks. Using this homemade cocoa butter and oil skin cream will make your skin moist, soft and supple. Here is what you’ll need to make the cocoa butter and oil stretch mark cream: • 1/2 cup cocoa butter • 1 Tablespoon wheat germ oil • 1 Teaspoon apricot kernel oil • 1 Teaspoon Vitamin E oil • 2 Teaspoons grated beeswax Combine all of the ingredients in a medium sauce pan, and use medium heat to melt the beeswax. Once the beeswax has melted, remove it from the heat, and pour it into an airtight container. Store the cream in the refrigerator, and use after showering, and throughout the day until you have the desired results.

Home Remedy #2 Olive Oil and Aloe Vera Olive oil shows up in almost every beauty remedy recipe because it’s loaded with moisturizing nutrients perfect for conditioning skin and hair. To use olive oil as a stretch mark treatment, simply pour the oil onto a cotton pad, and pat the oil onto your stretch marks. To make this treatment even more nourishing, follow these instructions: • 1/2 cup virgin olive oil • 1/4 cup aloe vera gel

Take the six capsules of vitamin E, and the four capsules of vitamin A, and remove the liquid from the capsules into a bowl; then combine the other ingredients with the liquid from the capsules.

Blend the mixture well with a whisk, or by using a blender. This treatment can be applied to any area on your body where you have stretch marks such as the stomach, legs, arms, thighs or breasts.

Use olive oil in combination with aloe vera gel to treat your stretch marks. Aloe vera has been used widely to treat burns, but also provides positive results when used to treat stretch marks.

Combine a small amount of aloe vera gel with an equal amount of olive oil, and continue to massage the mixture onto stretch marks. To get even more use out of aloe vera gel, use this recipe to prevent more stretch marks from occurring, and treat the ones that have already formed.

• 1/2 cup olive oil • 1/4 cup aloe vera gel • 4 vitamin E capsules • 2 vitamin A capsules In a mixing bowl, combine the liquid from the vitamin E capsules, and the liquid from the vitamin A capsules. Mix the remaining ingredients with the vitamin liquids. Massage into your skin to improve the appearance of stretch marks.

Home Remedy #3 Vitamin C and Sugar Use natural white sugar to exfoliate the problem areas of your skin for 3-5 minutes daily. This will remove the dead skin cells, and encourage more skin cells to develop.

This works best if you exfoliate while in the shower. When you’ve finished your shower, take two vitamin C tablets and crush them as finely as you can. Use a small mixing bowl to combine your daily moisturizing lotion and the vitamin C tablets together. Apply the lotion and vitamin C mixture as usual, focusing mostly on your stretch marks. Now saturate a cotton pad or ball with olive oil, and dab onto your stretch marks.

By using this treatment and the previously mentioned ones, you’ll go a long way towards reducing the appearance of stretch marks. (www.beauty-tips.net)

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

Introduction to pumpkin carving C

arving a pumpkin is really pretty easy.

With a few short, straight cuts with a knife, you can make triangular eyes, ≠a nose and a toothy mouth. The result is a face almost anyone can recognize, even if you just draw it on a piece of paper. It’s the face of a jack-o’-lantern.

But carving a really memorable jack-o’lantern can take a little more planning.

Sometimes, you can do it with the same knives you’d use to carve a basic face. Other designs, though, require extra tools and extra time. This guide will give you a good idea of how to carve jack-o’-lanterns in a variety of sizes and styles using a range of techniques.

Whether you want to create snaggletooth grins or elaborate scenes, the first step in carving a good jack-o’-lantern is selecting a good pumpkin. The shape of the pumpkin should match the shape of the design you have in mind. Or, you can pick your pumpkin first and decide on a design that will suit it later. You can also try carving a white pumpkin, a butternut squash or a gourd in place of a traditional orange pumpkin.

Your pumpkin should sit on a flat surface without rolling over. Its skin should be free from cuts or abrasions, and its stem should be about two inches (five centimeters) long.

Before purchasing a pumpkin, tug the stem firmly and press the area around it with your finger. If the pumpkin is soft or if the stem pulls free, it has started to rot, and you should choose another one. Once you get your pumpkin home, use a damp cloth to remove any dirt from the surface, and pat the pumpkin dry.

Pumpkin Carving Tools Whether you’re carving a simple or complex jack-o’-lantern, your first step is to gather all of your materials. You can buy a pumpkin carving kit that contains everything you need, but you probably already have most of the necessary tools in your kitchen. For a basic jack-o’-lantern, you’ll need: lA large boning knife lA small paring knife lA large spoon or ice cream scoop lA bowl lA dry-erase marker or grease pencil lNewspaper lAn apron lA damp cloth or paper towel You can use a keyhole saw instead of a paring knife to cut out the details in your pumpkin. A keyhole saw is sharp and maneuverable and by using a sawing motion, you can cut with it quickly and accurately. You can buy keyhole saws at craft supply stores and hardware stores. They’re often included in pumpkin carving kits as well.

Pumpkin Carving Instructions: Cutting the Lid Before you start carving, cover your working surface with newspaper and put on your apron. Then: 1. Use the pencil or marker to draw a circle around the pumpkin’s stem. This will be the jack-o’-lantern’s lid. The circle should be about two-thirds the diameter of the pumpkin. It’s a good idea to include a small notch in the circle to help you align the lid correctly when you replace it. You can also use another shape for your lid, like a star or a hexagon.

Some people prefer to cut a lid from the bottom rather than the top, since this can make it easier to replace and light candles.

2. Cut along the line using the boning knife. Point the knife inward (toward the center of the pumpkin) at about a 45-degree angle. This will keep the lid from falling down

into the pumpkin.

3. Remove the lid from the pumpkin and cut or scrape away any pulp that is hanging from it.

Pumpkin Carving Instructions: Cleaning the Pumpkin 4. Remove the pulp from the pumpkin using a spoon or your hands. Place the pulp in the bowl if you plan to roast the pumpkin seeds later. Otherwise, throw the pulp away.

5. Scrape the inside of the pumpkin clean with the spoon or ice cream scoop. The more of the pumpkin you scrape away, the more light will shine through the surface. Make sure you scrape the bottom until it is flat so your light source won’t fall over inside the pumpkin.

Pumpkin Carving Instructions: Carving Designs 6. Sketch the jack-o’-lantern’s face on the surface of the pumpkin. If you make a mistake, use a damp cloth to wipe it away — marks from dry-erase markers or grease pencils should come off easily.

7. Use a paring knife to cut along each line.

Use your finger to push the cut-out pieces out of the pumpkin.

Using these steps and a little creativity, you can make a unique pumpkin easily. Here are some ideas for customizing your pumpkin: Advanced Pumpkin Carving You can make a wide variety of jack-o’lanterns using basic pumpkin-carving techniques and simple sketches. But if you aren’t skilled in drawing or want a really elaborate jack-o’-lantern, you may want to try using a stencil.

You can find stencils online or purchase books that include a selection of stencils. It’s a good idea to select your stencil before you buy your pumpkin — you want to make sure your stencil will fit on the pumpkin you choose. Take your stencil with you when you go shopping.

When carving from a stencil, you’ll need all the tools used for basic pumpkin carving. In addition, you’ll need an artist’s stylus, an ice pick or an awl. These are all long, narrow, pointed tools that can make small holes in the surface of the pumpkin. You’ll use these holes to transfer the design from

pumpkin. Make sure it follows the pumpkin’s curves as much as possible. You may need to cut your stencil into smaller pieces that will match the contours of your pumpkin.

Once your stencil is securely in place, use your stylus to punch small holes into the skin of the pumpkin. Follow the lines of the stencil carefully, and make your holes fairly close together. Don’t try to punch your stylus all the way through the pumpkin — just make holes in the skin that you can use as a guide. Once you’ve made small holes along each line in the stencil, remove it and keep it nearby for your reference.

You may find it helpful to use a utility or craft knife to connect the dots before you start carving to create a guide for your knife.

Use a paring knife or a keyhole saw to connect the dots that you made with the stylus, referring to your printed stencil as needed.

Cut out large pieces first, and fill in the details later. If necessary, go back around your design and clean up the edges.

the stencil to the pumpkin.

Prepare your stencil before you start carving the pumpkin. Cut the excess paper from the edge of the stencil, leaving enough room to tape the stencil to the pumpkin. Study your stencil carefully and figure out which parts of the pumpkin will be removed in the cutting process. You may want to cut out the corresponding parts of the stencil if you find the lines too confusing.

Once you’re comfortable with your stencil, prepare your pumpkin. Clean the surface, cut out the lid, remove the pulp and crape the inside clean. Then, tape your stencil to the

Pumpkin Carving in Relief Rather than cutting holes all the way through a pumpkin’s skin, some people remove layers of the skin to create designs.

You can do this one of two ways. You can scrape your design into the surface of the pumpkin so that the light shines directly through it. Or, you can scrape away all of the skin in a circle around your design so that the silhouette creates the image. You can create a design yourself, or you can find patterns in books or on Web sites.

To carve a design in relief, first clean your pumpkin and cut out a lid. Remove the pulp

from the pumpkin and scrape the inside.

Then, draw your design on your pumpkin using a pencil or dry-erase marker. You may also want to cut along your design using a utility or craft knife. The cut will help you guide the tool you use to remove the pumpkin’s skin.

Then, you’ll remove the skin from the design or from the area around it. The deeper you make the pattern, the brighter the design will be when you light the pumpkin. You can use several tools to do this, including: lA wood gouge lA linoleum cutter lA Dremel tool or similar handheld device lA router If you’re using a wood gouge or a linoleum cutter, make sure it’s clean and sharp. Using dull tools is dangerous because it takes far more force to cut into the pumpkin skin. If you use a Dremel tool or router, be careful.

Both are power tools, and they can send pieces of pumpkin flying at high speeds.

Using power tools to carve a pumpkin can also be significantly messier than using a gouge or other cutter. If you decide to use power tools to carve your pumpkin, it’s a good idea to: lPractice on a test pumpkin to get a feel for how the tools cut into its surface. lWear safety glasses and old clothes. lCarve the pumpkin outside. lMake sure children and pets stay back from the work area. (www.tlc.howstuffworks.com)

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

Top Halloween Costumes for 2011

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alloweenCostumes.com revealed today the top Halloween costumes for 2011. The list of trending costumes includes the much-discussed Angry Birds costumes, box office toppers such as Captain America, The Smurfs, Pirates, and Harry Potter, and revamped classics including Star Wars and the Mario Brothers. Monster High and a general popstar category rounded out the list of Halloween costumes: Most Popular Halloween Costumes for 2011: • Angry Birds (collection of birds and the infamous green pig) - Popular for everyone,

especially males; they’re also a favorite for group costumes • Harry Potter (Harry, Ron, and Hermoine) Sought after by book and movie fans of all ages • Captain America costumes - A favorite for boys and adult males • Pirates (all types) - Wanted by all: boys, girls, women, and men • The Smurfs - Loved by toddlers, young children, and their nostalgic parents • Star Wars (multiple characters) - A hit for fans of all ages: boys and young teens choose Clone Wars costumes; adult males and

females choose classic Star Wars costumes • Mario - In demand for boys and young adult males • Celebrity idols (mainly hit singers) - A hot seller for both teen and sexy adult versions • Monster High characters - Trending for girls, tweens, and teens Analysis The top Halloween Costume list is generally in sync with those of recent years, as it includes movie characters, pop culture icons, and a few childhood favorites. There are notable trend deviations, however, in the

genre, gender, and age categories.

A more detailed analysis of the top Halloween costume list is currently available via the HalloweenCostumes.com newsfeed.

More information regarding costume popularity among age groups, the 2011 events and pop culture that contributed to the list, and the trends discussed above is available there.

The newsfeed is a source for Halloween news, major costume announcements, and multimedia assets.

About HalloweenCostumes.com

Eight costumes from your little black dress

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hat little black dress sitting in every woman’s closet is more than just your go-to party wear. It could also be the start of your next Halloween costume.

If you don’t have a lot of time to fuss over a fancy costume, a basic black dress can easily be transformed into many configurations. So crack open your closet, or hit the thrift store and grab an inexpensive black dress off the rack. Here are eight great ideas: Cat: You can purchase an inexpensive tail and ear set from many online retailers. Put two cat collars together and wear them around your neck. Or make your own collar from fake leather or black felt. Make sure to include a bell! Wear long black fingernails. A cute painted-on feline face with whiskers and a black-tipped nose will complete the transformation from hum Librarian: Wear a big pair of horn-rimmed glasses, spray grey or white color in your hair and pull it into a tight bun. Another variation on this costume would be the sexy librarian.

Keep a prim and proper look with your hair and glasses, but cut the black dress short and jazz up the ensemble with fishnet stockings and high heels.

Devil: All you really need here is a pair of devil

horns. Either buy some from your favorite Halloween store, or just make some out of paper mache and attach them to a headband. Your horns don’t have to be red, they can be any color-you can even sparkle them up with glitter! If you want, add a devil tail, cape, and carry a devil’s pitchfork.

Hag: Carry a cane, wear a fake crooked nose, and a add scraggly wig. Stuff the back of the dress to create a hump. As an added bonus, thump all the young whippersnappers with your cane if they give you any trouble.

Wizard: This is a great costume if the weather is uncertain or changing. Wear a cool black dress with short sleeves and add a warm purple cape. Put lots of sparkle gel on your face and in your hair. Add a pointy hat that you’ve embellished with glitter, sequins, and other sparkly objects.

Witch: But don’t be a traditional witch, add your own personal zing. Instead of a long black wig don a sassy purple one. Wear a funky beret or a fedora instead of the traditional pointy black hat and embellish it with flashy costume jewelry. Choose a long black dress or a short one, and if you want, temporarily sew in a piece of fabric to cre-

ate an uneven, jagged hem. Striped stockings add a colorful touch. Glamourize with long eyelashes, high heels and maybe even a black feather boa!

Zombie: Buy a special kit with zombie makeup and prosthetics, or design your own. This is one costume that allows for a lot of creativity. Rip and shred the black dress, go barelegged or wear torn nylons. Make sure to walk with a shuffling gait for maximum authenticity.

Evil Fairy: Fairies don’t have to be cute and charming. Find a pair of black wings, put on a pair of fishnet stockings and layer on thick eyeliner and mascara. Tear holes in the black dress for an extra wicked look. No sweet rainbows for this fairy!

With just a little imagination and a few inexpensive accessories, it’s easy to transform an ordinary black dress into a fantastic and fun Halloween costume. (www.costumeideazone.com)

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Spotlight

Years

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

A closer look at Edward Burra he extraordinary paintings of Edward Burra, who died in 1976, used to be something of a minority interest. Unconventional and uncategorisable, no one seemed to know what to do with him. But I sense a shift.

When it opened in February, Tate

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to the end, were right: Burra was touched by genius. The artists to whom he is most often compared are Otto Dix, George Grosz and, in the matter of landscapes, his friend Paul Nash (Burra, like Ben Nicholson and Henry Moore, started out as a member of Nash’s Unit

these high steps are not celebratory.

They are kicking some kind of mannequin. In the right-hand corner of the painting (right-hand corners are important with Burra; the novelist Anthony Powell recalled that this was where the artist began a painting, sweeping diag-

Britain’s marvellous survey of watercolours gave pride of place to Burra’s landscape, Valley and River, Northumberland (1972), and you could tell by the clustered overcoats in front of it that this was one of the pictures people would think about on the bus home. Soon after, at Sotheby’s sale of the Evill/Frost Collection, Burra achieved a record price at auction when Zoot Suits, a work from 1948, went for £1.8m. Were the two things connected? Perhaps. Or perhaps not.

Not even fashion can touch art when it comes to working out the provenance of trends.

The seal on this revival of interest, however, will be set away from the capital, in Sussex, the county where Burra, mischievous and eccentric, lived and worked all his life (his home was in Rye, a “ducky little Tinkerbell towne” whose centre, he liked to complain, was given over to “gyfterie and other forms for perversion”). The Pallant House Gallery in Chichester is staging the first major show of Burra’s work for 25 years, and walking around it, it is clear that the painter’s friends, devoted and patient

One group). But look at The Cabbage Harvest (1943), a painting which manages to make a simple farmhouse seem as malevolent as any belching factory as the wind howls, two hook-nosed figures cling to their repellently bulbous bags of vegetables for dear life - and you can draw a line straight back to Goya.

The paintings (they are all works on paper) divide roughly in four: the early portraits of new immigrants, sailors, drinkers and prostitutes in London and New York; the macabre and surrealist paintings in which men wear terrifying bird masks and sinister events occur around every corner; the landscapes; and Burra’s designs for theatre. A good place to start, though, is with The Straw Man (1963), a painting that Pallant House has on long-term loan, and around which, therefore, the exhibition could be said to have been built.

The Straw Man is purest essence of Burra: mysterious, antic, wild. Five flatcapped men - or is it six? - appear at first to be dancing, their calves bulging and stockinged, as if they had come from the ballet. Then you understand:

onally leftwards), a mother pushes a small boy away from the scene, her gesture confirmation, if it were needed, that this is a tale of violence, not joy.

More good-humoured are Three Sailors

at the Bar (1930) and The Nitpickers (1932), in which Burra messes elegantly with perspective and fills the scene with off-duty human beings (the nitpickers in question are prostitutes).

Burra was expert at languorous bodies, perhaps because his own caused him so much misery; he suffered from rheumatoid arthritis and had hands as gnarled as tubers. But he does eyes like no other artist, his subjects’ personalities unfathomably caught almost entirely in their whites.

It is his landscapes, though, that for me are the best paintings in this show: transcendent and wonderfully modern - you see Hockney here, and Michael Andrews - even as he nods to the masters. In his last years, Burra toured Britain, chauffeured by his sister, Anne.

He went to wild places - to Cornwall, the Peak District, the Yorkshire Moors and he gawped and gawped. “It fascinated me to watch Edward when the car halted,” said his friend, Billy Chappell. “He might, I thought, have been staring at a blank wall, until I saw the intensity of his gaze.” Only when he got back home did he settle to work, reproducing the heather and the screes, but with curious dashes of his own: a road as blue as a river, a field as brightly coloured as an orange. And often, too, an invader or three: a crawling lorry, a demonic motorbike, a rapacious tractor, even an aeroplane, tiny in the sky, but indelibly black. Black Mountain (1968), English Countryside (1965-7) and An English Scene No 2 (1970) are unforgettable paintings: giant postcards from a man who could not ignore what was happening to England, even if it is sometimes hard to tell if her changing landscape was more a source of regret or delight. Oh, you must see this show. It is fascinating and beautiful - and we will not, perhaps, see its like again: the majority of these works are in private collections. Feast your eyes while you can. —Guardian

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Years

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

Turner prize 2011: Shaw’s world of small miseries looms large

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he exhibition spaces given over to the four contenders for the 2011 Turner prize at Baltic in Gateshead are smaller than at Tate Britain, where the show usually takes place. This is no bad thing: the artists have to be concise.

When she represented Scotland at this year’s Venice Biennale, Karla Black completely overdid her installation, and her Baltic show is much tighter, though still a joyous, childish mess. The way in is through a kind of airlock of dangling, paint-smeared polythene sheeting, like going into a sprayshed in a garage. Suspended precariously on bits of sellotape, you think the whole thing might collapse at any moment. Dried colour, poorly adhered to the plastic, sheers off in crumbly shards onto the floor.

Beyond are nests of scrunched-up cellophane and great wodges of torn and folded paper, painted in thin pinks and aqueous greens, the insipid tints of bath products and the poster paints kids use. A faint odour of deodorant and moisturiser hangs over Black’s room-filling terrain of bulging, crinkled paper. It’s like a kindergarten rockery. There’s even a sort of grotto to rustle through.

Amid it all are Lush bath bombs, like little pastel cannonballs, and drifts and mounds of chalky pigment on the floor. I wish it were all more precise, or added up to something magical. I want more mystery and pleasure. I feel like mum, hands on hips, shouting: “Clear up all this mess NOW, or no TV for you!” This is painting or sculpture by other means, but it’s all indeterminate abstraction, with its little formal niceties, the rips and folds and dustings of colour, the occasional finger-painted daubs. Black’s work is fading on me, fast.

While Black attempts a sort of pre-linguistic, haptic play, Hilary Lloyd revels in a kind of techno-fetishism. Her room at the Baltic is alive with images, screens, trolleys and swanky suspension units. The ranks of projectors, the pole-mounted screens, the DVD players and monitors are as important as the hovering, flickering images they display. Images of part of a tower block shuffle about one screen, sheering and joggling against milky whiteness. Here they come,

there they go. The rhythm of their passing is nice. In another work, the pistonlike movements of an unknown, silhouetted object - it could be a sink-plunger - thrust this way and that against a wooden floor.

The camera dwells on a patterned shirt, looking like an indoor landscape in a white room and, on a second screen, drifting off into static, or an inverted bleached-out after-image of the same thing. I am not really sure what I am looking at. Nor whether to sit and look, wander about, focus on the images, at the apparatus, even at my own shoes. All this drifting is the point, I think. One wall of Lloyd’s space is a floor-to-ceiling window. Against it two screens, mounted one high above the other, display a fragmented, nocturnal London.

Low-volume police sirens wail from the speakers. Big Ben hoves in and out of view.

Is that the moon, or headlights in the night? The fragmentary images jerk and wallow around with a kind of rhythmic urgency, against the real, elevated view through the window, Newcastle and Gateshead going round a bend in the river.

The real view wins.

Soon, all Lloyd’s paraphernalia of projectors and DVD players, monitors and digital HD-branded hardware will look out of date.

Later it will acquire a kind of redundant technology retro-chic. The images they display will be as inscrutable and inconsequential as they appear now, still swaying, going in and out of focus, still doing their thing, interminably as well as to no particular end. Paradoxically, that’s when they might become interesting.

I like Martin Boyce’s room very much. It feels like a place that’s both real and fictional, present and past. From the decorative, fake ventilation grilles set low down in the walls to the suspended ceiling of flip-flapping white metal shapes hanging beneath the lights, casting a dapple of geometric shadows over the walls, it is a good place to be. The centrepiece is a library table, all canted angles, hidden over-slung lighting, solidity and frippery, confusing itself with a hanging mobile that dangles from above on a chain. Taking its inspiration from a library table by French designer Jean

ProuvÈ, the table has a wood worktop inscribed with fragmentary letters and words, like an old school desk. It is an object you’d like to sit at, thinking complicated thoughts.

Boyce’s installation is a play on modernist high style, with a twist. Most of all I like the geometric autumn leaves, made from waxy crepe paper, that drift and pile up in corners of the room. The whole installation is a play on insides and outsides, mental space and physical place. Look in the wonky rubbish bin and its binbag turns out to be woven, like an upturned, involut-

In the compact surrounds of Gateshead’s Baltic gallery, George Shaw’s miserabilist suburban brand of metaphysical painting marks him out as a strong contender for the 2011 Turner prize ed jumper. I can’t catch all the references to utopian modernist aesthetics, but just being here is pleasure enough. Perhaps Lloyd and Black want their installations to be places to be and linger in, too, places to sit and wait and ponder. But I guess the crowds won’t allow that kind of meandering desultory contemplation.

George Shaw’s paintings, on the other hand, depict places you want to escape from. You can take Shaw out of Tile Hill, Coventry, but you can’t take the post-war housing estates out of Shaw. This is his perennial subject, with its abandoned

1950s follies, the Barratt homes and 60s semis, the scruffy woodlands and graffitied shop-fronts. Where Constable might paint a distant farmboy in a red shirt, to counterpoint all the bosky greenery, Shaw gives us a red-painted dogshit bin.

The feral woodlands, the brown field sites and the wanton atmosphere demarcate a familiar zone. Lucian Freud and Michael Andrews sometimes painted a similarly forlorn decrepitude, and, at his best, so did LS Lowry. Shaw records a perennial Sunday - or possibly Thursday - afternoon in indeterminate weather, and there’s never anyone about. Shaw’s paintings are always rendered in Humbrol enamel, the paint hobbyists and kids hard at it with their model plane kits use. Or did, before computer games took over.

Shaw has eight smallish paintings in the Turner show, some of which were shown in his immensely popular exhibition at the Baltic earlier this year, for which he was nominated. Shaw is popular because he speaks about his corner of England though it could be anywhere - with a kind of melancholic truth. Shaw’s art chimes in with an England of Tony Hancock and Philip Larkin, Orwell and Morrissey’s Every Day is Like Sunday. Shaw’s is a miserabilist suburban sort of metaphysical painting.

The paint itself has a nothingy, curdled quality, like the place and the weather it depicts. It’s all atmosphere, or the lack of one. And his art is always the same, everything just getting slowly worse and unloved and a little more embittered, just like England itself.

Should Shaw win? I prefer the hope I find in Boyce, whose elegant, astringent aesthetic appeals. There’s hope in what he offers. But somehow I think Shaw should win, with his small miseries. He gives us the world we live in. —Guardian

Comics

C R O S S W O R D

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

To Yester

Word Sleuth Solution

Yesterday’s Solution

ACROSS

1. A city in northwestern Syria.

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

9. A translucent mineral consisting of hydrated silica of variable color.

13. Informal terms for money.

14. The capital of Western Samoa.

15. The basic unit of money in Ghana.

16. Lie adjacent to another.

17. The act of hitting a baseball lightly without swinging the bat.

18. A conveyance that transports passengers or freight in carriers suspended from cables and supported by a series of towers.

19. When dried yields a hard substance used e.g. in golf balls.

21. Type genus of the Alaudidae.

23. An associate degree in nursing.

24. A gonadotropic hormone that is secreted by the anterior pituitary.

26. A public promotion of some product or service.

28. A federation of North American labor unions that merged with the Congress of Industrial Organizations in 1955.

33. Very small free-living arachnid that is parasitic on animals or plants.

39. A small cake leavened with yeast.

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

42. The closing section of a musical composition.

43. Being one more than one.

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

48. United States swimmer who in 1926 became the first woman to swim the English Channel (1903- ).

50. An Arabic speaking person who lives in Arabia or North Africa.

52. An informal term for a father.

55. A luminance unit equal to 1 candle per square meter measured perpendicular to the rays from the source.

60. (informal) Of the highest quality.

61. A medicinal drug used to evoke vomiting (especially in cases of drug overdose or poisoning).

62. Type genus of the family Myacidae.

63. An interest followed with exaggerated zeal.

64. The capital of Eritrea.

65. A room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter.

DOWN 1. Jordan's port.

2. Hungarian choreographer who developed Labanotation (1879-1958).

3. The twelfth month of the civil year.

4. Part of the perianth that is usually brightly colored.

5. A island in the Netherlands Antilles that is the top of an extinct volcano.

6. (computer science) The part of a computer (a microprocessor chip) that does most of the data processing.

7. Belonging to or on behalf of a specified person (especially yourself).

8. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad.

9. The cardinal number that is the sum of seven and one.

10. A republic in western South America.

11. (Babylonian) God of storms and wind.

12. Capital and largest city and economic center of Peru.

20. Of or relating to or characteristic of Thailand of its people.

22. Made of or resembling lace.

25. A metric unit of volume equal to one tenth of a liter.

27. A compartment in front of a motor vehicle where driver sits.

29. A federal agency established to regulate the release of new foods and health-related products.

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

31. Panel forming the lower part of an interior wall when it is finished differently from the rest.

32. Group of people related by blood or marriage.

34. A white metallic element that burns with a brilliant light.

35. The seventh month of the Moslem calendar.

36. Harsh or corrosive in tone.

37. A burn cause by hot liquid or steam.

38. (comparative of `much' used with mass nouns) Quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree.

41. A statement that deviates from or perverts the truth.

44. A river that rises in northern Colombia and flows generally eastward to the Orinoco in central Venezuela.

46. Any plant of the genus Erica.

47. Held back.

49. The younger brother of Edwy who became king of Northumbria when it renounced Edwy.

51. A member of a Finnish people of Russia.

53. Common Indian weaverbird.

54. (old-fashioned) At or from or to a great distance.

56. Brief episode in which the brain gets insufficient blood supply.

57. A spacecraft that carries astronauts from the command module to the surface of the moon and back.

58. Fiddler crabs.

59. The executive agency that advises the President on the federal budget.

Yesterday’s Solution

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Lifestyle

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

Anthony, Manson top list of creepy celebs

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Marni Kotak is shown leaning on a birthing pool at the gallery.

A detail of the work of Brooklyn-based performance artist Marni Kotak.

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performance artist who said giving birth is the “highest form of art” has delivered a baby boy - inside a New York City art gallery Marni Kotak gave birth at 10:17 am on Tuesday, the Microscope Gallery in Brooklyn said in a brief statement, adding that everyone was recuperating on Wednesday. It said the baby was 21 inches long and weighed 9 pounds, 2 ounces. The gallery said 19 to 20 people were present for the relatively quick birth in a birthing pool. The gallery gave no other details. A video of the birth will be added to the gallery’s upcoming exhibition.

The 36-year-old artist had set up a home-birth center at the gallery, turning the space into a brightly decorated bed-

Brooklyn-based performance artist Marni Kotak, is shown at the gallery, which has been converted into a birthing room in New York, Monday. — AP photos

room with ocean blue walls and photo-imprinted pillows.

During “The Birth of Baby X” durational piece, which began Oct 8, Kotak spent as much time at the gallery as possible talking to visitors about motherhood, art and other issues.

She said those who left their contact information would be notified when she went into labor. She expected about 15 people to attend.

Kotak, who was born in Norwood, Mass, said all her performances focus on everyday life experiences. She has been re-enacting events from her life for more than 10 years, including her own birth, losing her virginity in “a sunny blue Plymouth” and her grandfather’s funeral. In combining the birth of her child with artistic expression, Kotak said she wanted to show “this amazing life performance that ... is essentially hidden from public view” and that addresses social taboos regarding the human body.

“She’s in the tradition of using your life as your authentic material and shaping and forming it” a tradition that goes back to 1959 when filmmaker Stan Brakhage recorded the birth of his first child as a work of art, said feminist artist Carolee Schneemann, whose own works deal with taboo themes of sexuality.

“She’s vulnerable, she’s exposed,” she said of Kotak. “It’s the most basic visceral experience that also has the most taboos.” The entire gallery was given over to the installation.

The artist even carved out space for a fully-stocked refrigerator and a portable shower with curtain pockets filled with photos from her three baby showers.—AP

asey Anthony, the Florida mom acquitted in July of killing her child, has been voted the No 2 creepiest celebrity, closely following shock rocker Marilyn Manson, according to a poll released yesterday. Anthony, 25, was voted 57 percent ‘creepy’ to Manson’s 69 percent in a survey conducted by E-Poll Market Research ahead of the US Halloween holiday on Oct 31. America’s fascination with crime is evident on the list, as Anthony is closely followed by former football player OJ Simpson who was famously acquitted of murdering his ex-wife in 1995. He earned third place with a 56 percent creepy rating.

“Anybody people think has committed a crime, whether they are guilty or not, are going to be disliked, and Casey Anthony and O.J. Simpson are disliked,” said Gerry Philpot, president and chief executive of E-Poll Market Research, which tracks people’s popularity in the media. Rounding out the top five creepiest celebrities are returning entries from last year, “The Hills” reality star Spencer Pratt and ‘Octomom’ Nadya Suleman, who made headlines in 2009 when she gave birth to octuplets.

Pratt and Suleman also earned the lowest E-Poll “E-Scores,” which represents their overall marketing effectiveness and takes into account their negative portrayals in the media. The lower the EScore, the more disliked the celebrity is. While Anthony, Simpson, Pratt and Suleman are ranked on negativity, some of the top scorers find it good to be creepy.

Singer Manson, for one, has made a career of seeming rather odd to some with his gothicinspired black clothing and heavy makeup. Yet, that is exactly what his fans like. Eccentric director Tim Burton was eighth on the list given his creepy films such as “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” and Burton is well-liked by the public with an overall E-Score of 81. “Tim Burton puts on a look and plays it up, and his movies are eerie and creepy but also entertaining fun,” said Philpot.

E-Poll surveyed 1,100 people who ranked celebrities between 1-100, with the lowest scores highlighting celebrities that were more negatively portrayed and disliked. The ‘Creepiest Celebrities’ list is derived from the survey as voters selected ‘creepy’ from 46 attribute options for each celebrity. Following is a list of the top 10 “Creepy” celebrities in order and their percentage of creepiness.

1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 6) 8) 8) 10)

Marilyn Manson..69 pct Casey Anthony...57 pct OJ Simpson....56 pct Spencer Prat....49 pct Nadya Suleman...41 pct Charlie Sheen...34 pct Eliot Spitzer...34 pct Woody Allen.....31 pct Tim Burton......31 pct Jesse James.....30 pct — Reuters Marilyn Manson

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Lifestyle

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

British Director Lynne Ramsay holds the Best Film award for ‘We Need To Talk About Kevin’, at the BFI 2011 London Film Festival Awards held at St Luke’s in east London, Wednesday. (Center) Canadian director David Cronenberg holds the BFI Fellowship award. (Right) British actor Ralph Fiennes holds the BFI Fellowship award. —AP photos

‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’ wins London film prize

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Argentinian Director Pablo Giorgelli holds the Sutherland Award for Las Acacias.

e Need to Talk About Kevin,” an unflinching portrayal of a mother’s troubled relationship with her son starring Oscar winner Tilda Swinton, won the London film festival’s best picture award Wednesday. The movie, which impressed critics when it premiered at the Cannes film festival in May, was directed by Scottish film maker Lynne Ramsay and based on Lionel Shriver’s award-winning novel of the same name.

“We Need to Talk About Kevin” was one of nine best film nominees at London’s annual cinema showcase, and beat Venice winner “Faust” and “The Descendants” starring George Clooney, among others. “In the end, we were simply bowled over by one film, a sublime, uncompromising tale of the torment that can stand in the place of love,” said John Madden, chair of the judging panel. “‘We Need to Talk

About Kevin’ is made with the kind of singular vision that links great directors across all the traditions of cinema.” The British newcomer award went to actress Candese Reid for her work in “Junkhearts,” her first professional acting role. The Sutherland Award, honoring the “most original and imaginative feature debut” at this year’s festival, was won by Argentinian director Pablo Giorgelli for “Las Acacias.” And the Grierson Award for best documentary went to Werner Herzog’s death-row examination “Into the Abyss: A Tale of Death, A Tale of Life.”

As previously announced, Canadian director David Cronenberg and British actor Ralph Fiennes were awarded the BFI Fellowship, the British Film Institute’s highest accolade. This year’s festival closed yesterday with a gala screening of “The Deep Blue Sea,” Terence Davies’ adaptation of Terence Rattigan’s play starring Rachel Weisz. —Reuters

Spielberg says

‘Crystal Skull’ was Lucas’ idea D

id Steven Spielberg just pull a Shia LaBeouf? The legendary director has a message for Indiana Jones fans: Don’t blame “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” on me.

Spielberg told Empire magazine the film’s big reveal, or in Alfred Hitchcock parlance “the MacGuffin,” that the skulls belonged to aliens was executive producer George Lucas’s idea.

“I sympathize with people who didn’t like the MacGuffin because I never liked

the MacGuffin,” Spielberg said. “George and I had big arguments about the MacGuffin. I didn’t want these things to be either aliens or inter-dimensional beings. But I am loyal to my best friend.

When he writes a story he believes ineven if I don’t believe in it-I’m going to shoot the movie the way George envisaged it.”

Of course Spielberg didn’t go quite as far as LaBeouf has about his own role in the movie. At Cannes, LaBeouf said

that he “dropped the ball on the legacy that people loved and cherished.”

Spielberg insists that he still is happy with the film. There may even be a fifth installment in the bull-whip wielding archeologist saga if Lucas can come up with a storyline.

It sounds like Spielberg hopes that the focus remains on tomb-raiding and that Lucas will keep the interstellar stuff for “Star Wars.” Oh, and there’s one controversial element of the film that

Spielberg takes full blame/credit for cooking up. The director said he had come up with the idea to have Jones survive a nuclear blast by hiding in a refrigerator as part of “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”s’ opening sequence. “Blame me,” Spielberg said. “Don’t blame George.

That was my silly idea. People stopped saying ‘jump the shark.’ They now say, ‘nuked the fridge.’ I’m proud of that. I’m glad I was able to bring that into popular culture.”—Reuters

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Lifestyle

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

New Shakespeare film ruffles academic feathers

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, for a juicy literary dispute that would pit scholars against Hollywood, with charges of snobbery, materialism, elitism and opportunism flying around like so many slings and arrows not to mention the specter of young minds poisoned by the character assassination of a hero. Heard about the new movie “Anonymous”? The film by Roland Emmerich, a director better known for apocalyptic blockbusters than period dramas, opens on Friday.

But already, its contention that Shakespeare was a simpleton, a fraud and perhaps a murderer who never wrote a word of those great plays has set off some epic sniping of which the Bard himself might be proud. “A new low for Hollywood,” says Columbia University professor James Shapiro. “Completely grotesque,” says Stanley Wells, of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in Britain. Emmerich says he’s been called names, and screenwriter John Orloff says one critic even suggested he be taken “to the tower” - the Tower of London, that is. Orloff dismisses Shapiro’s complaints as “frothing at the mouth.”

Not that the authorship dispute is new, of course. It has been around since at least the mid- 19th century (even that time is in dispute). Nor is the film’s main contention new, that the actual author was the Earl of Oxford, Edward de Vere: There’s a whole “Oxfordian” school of thought, along with a “Baconian” school (Francis Bacon). Some think it was playwright Christopher Marlowe, or even Queen Elizabeth I herself. But Emmerich’s film goes further, pitting the story of Shakespeare in a political context involving a fight for succession using the plays as propaganda. As for Elizabeth: the Virgin Queen? Not so much. (The film suggests she had several children secretly, and one of them was born of incest.) Also, some scholars are disturbed by the film’s dismissal of complaints of factual errors with an “it’s only a movie” explanation. “It’s the

best of both worlds for Emmerich,” wrote Stephen Marche, a former Shakespeare professor, in The New York Times magazine. “He gets to question hundreds of years of legitimate scholarship ... because, after all, it’s just a movie.” And then there’s the educational push into schools. Sony, in concert with an educational company, has prepared study guides for educators on the authorship question, as with some previous films. “I don’t have a problem with Roland Emmerich drinking the Kool-Aid,” says Columbia’s Shapiro. “But when he serves it to kids in paper cups, I do.” The acrimony is mystifying to some of the actors. Rhys Ifans plays de Vere, and he feels like the authorship debate isn’t even the central point of the film. “It’s a political thriller,” Ifans says in an interview. “It’s a historical piece, a visual banquet. And it shows the potency of the theater as a vital form of change.” Ifans particularly enjoyed shooting the scenes where, as de Vere, he sits in a recreated Globe theater and mouths his own words as the crowd becomes entranced. He is, of course, the author, but must keep that secret.

“I was really moved by the words,” Ifans says. “We owe it to whoever wrote these plays - him, her or a group of people - to ask these questions.”

The actor mimes pulling a text down from a high shelf, and blowing off the dust. “That’s what Roland is doing,” he says with a smile. “He’s cleansing the plays, elevating them. It’s really refreshing.” Joely Richardson plays the younger Elizabeth, and her mother, Vanessa Redgrave, plays the older queen.

Richardson says the cast would sit and discuss the authorship debate during filming. Many were swayed, she says, by various points of Emmerich’s argument: that Shakespeare was a country bumpkin with only a grammar-school education; that there’s no physical evidence of his writing (even a letter); that his daughters were illiterate; that his will didn’t refer to any

Clarkson, Blige to honor soul cities for VH1 Divas

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his year’s “VH1 Divas” is celebrating soulful voices - and the cities where soul flourished. Mary J Blige, Kelly Clarkson, and Florence and the Machine are among the acts that will pay tribute to the places that helped create or contributed to the genre. According to yesterday statement, Chicago, Detroit, London, Philadelphia and Memphis, Tennessee, will serve as the musical inspirations for the performers.

They also will include Jennifer Hudson, Jill Scott and Jessie J. The Roots will be the house band for the “VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul” special, which will air Dec 19. The concert will be taped the day before in New York City.—AP

In this image released by NBC, singer Kelly Clarkson performs on the ‘Today’ show on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2011 in New York.—AP

plays or books. “All of us started to get pretty convinced,” she says, including her mother, “not necessarily that it was Oxford, but that it’s definitely up for debate. There are just so many missing links.”

Stratfordians argue the Oxfordian theory is simply impossible - de Vere died in 1604, before a number of Shakespeare’s most famous plays were written.

Others say not so fast: Do we really know when the plays were written, or are we guessing? About the will, Shapiro argues that like other wills of the time, it had a separate inventory that hasn’t been found. One of the more eloquent cases against the Stratfordian view comes from the celebrated Shakespearean actor Mark Rylance, who was artistic director of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London for 10 years. He plays an actor in the film. “This anger about the film is bizarre, because Shakespeare has always been a mystery,” he says. “It’s not like Emmerich is the first person to question this. Sigmund Freud, Mark Twain, many others have. And even if we knew the answer, it would still be a mystery how one person did this, how he had a greater vocabulary than anyone else.”—AP

In this film image released by Columbia Pictures, Joely Richardson portrays a young Queen Elizabeth in a scene from ‘Anonymous.’—AP

Lindsay Lohan’s father arrested again in Tampa

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he estranged father of actress Lindsay Lohan was back in police custody yesterday, hours after being released from a Tampa jail on domestic violence charges. Tampa police responded to a 911 call from Michael Lohan’s on-and-off girlfriend early yesterday. Kate Major told police Lohan, 51, made a harassing phone call to her shortly after being released from jail Wednesday afternoon. Lohan called again while police were at Major’s condo. Major, 28, put the call on speaker so police could listen. After hearing what Lohan said, the police department notified the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office of a violation of Judge Walter Heinrich’s pre-trial release orders that he stay away from Major and an arrest order was authorized.

Police went to the Tahitian Inn in Tampa, where Lohan was reportedly staying. According to a news release from police, Lohan spotted the officers and jumped off a third-floor balcony in an attempt to escape. Lohan was arrested after a short pursuit on foot. He was taken into police custody and taken to the Hillsborough County Jail. There, deputies suspected he may have broken his foot when he jumped off the balcony, so he was taken to Tampa General Hospital for evaluation. Authorities said he will be returned to the jail once he’s been cleared by doctors.

Lohan was arrested Tuesday on domestic violence charges involving Major, a former reporter for the Star tabloid. Police say he grabbed her arms and pushed her down multiple times during a daylong argument. When Lohan was released from jail Wednesday, he said he “didn’t do anything” and

the charges were Major’s way of making money. In July, a misdemeanor domestic violence charge against Lohan stemming from a fight with Major was dismissed in Los Angeles after she failed to show up for the trial. Lohan’s attorney said Major declined to cooperate to avoid a court spectacle.

Lohan has a history of arrests in New York over allegations of harassment from ex-girlfriends.

Meanwhile, his daughter Lindsay Lohan could also return to jail in California after a judge last week ruled she violated probation involving a community service assignment. A Nov. 2 court date was set to decide whether Lindsay Lohan should be jailed.

The 25-year-old actress was given probation for a 2007 drunken driving case and a misdemeanor theft case this year.—AP

Michael Lohan, father of actress Lindsay Lohan, gestures as he speaks to the media after being released from the Hillsborough County Jail Wednesday.—AP

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aute couture mixing traditional Chinese touches and styles from more than 1,000 years ago with Western designs opened China Fashion Week, as the world’s fastest-growing market for luxury products catches the eyes of more designers. Models showed off a wide range of long gowns in bright colors, some featuring traditional Chinese embroidery and replicas of attire from the Tang Dynasty, AD 618 to AD 907, from NE TIGER, China’s oldest luxury brand.

“The haute couture industry in China is developing vigorously without any signs of slowing down. This is above my expectation,” said Zhang Zhifeng, who founded the brand 19 years ago. “I thought my haute couture would live only with a small group of people, but now it is expanding very quickly.

Consumers have become increasingly fond of Chinese traditional culture.” Zhang said he wanted the Spring/Summer 2012 collection “Tang, Jing” to highlight Tang culture for the 500-strong audience at the show on Wednesday, the start of the 10-day Fashion Week, which NE TIGER has opened for the last decade.

“I was so inspired when I listened to some historians telling stories of the Tang Dynasty. It was so prosperous that in many ways, it still has influence on Chinese society even today,” he added. Some gowns featured designs from traditional Chinese paintings, while others had flaring, bouffant skirts. Zhang’s workshop is located in the heart of Beijing, the Chinese capital, where his 11-person international team dedicates itself to the creation of personalized designs.

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A customized, hand-made gown usually costs about 30,000 yuan ($4,710), with the price going even higher depending on the amount of human labor involved, such as embroidering elaborate designs. One garment can take up to three months. But despite the prices, Zhang said NE TIGER has seen a boom in purchases from both domestic and overseas clients in recent years. The brand has eight boutiques around the world. While European and US fashion designers are feeling the pinch of the economic crisis, the number of millionaires in China is rapidly expanding, leading to a growing market for couture in the world’s second-largest economy.

According to the 2011 World Luxury Association Blue Book survey, China’s total consumption of luxury goods had reached $10.7 billion as of the end of March this year, accounting for a quarter of global consumption. China has also become the world’s second-largest consumer of luxury goods. Some of those potential consumers, present at the show, said they were impressed. “Every single gown presented tonight is surprisingly gorgeous,” said Li Fengteng, a 28-year-old company manager. “They combine the traditional Chinese cheong-sam design and Western fashion elements.”—Reuters

In this picture taken yesterday, a model presents a creation during the Chinese fashion house Chuyan spring/summer 2012 collection at the bi-annual China Fashion Week in Beijing. The 10-day fashion extravaganza will highlight some 44 fashion shows and six contests hosting over 200 designers. — AFP

Lifestyle FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

Haunted hotties

A fish-shapped coffin made by Ghanaian born craftsman Eric Agetei Anang is displayed at 10th annual Necropolis exhibition in Moscow, yesterday. Russian consumers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their tastes - and coffins are no exception. — AFP The birds from Angry Birds in adult sizes from Halloweencostumes.compromise to be popular this Halloween. —MCT

Silver statuette is unknown Rodin A

French art expert yesterday unveiled evidence he says proves that a silver statuette of a woman bent over in suffering is an unknown work by the 19th-century master Auguste Rodin. The unsigned work, 22.5 centimeters (nine inches) tall, depicts a female figure, curbed over as if in pain, with a draped fabric clenched between her thighs. Art expert Gilles Perrault presented a 60-page report to reporters in Paris yesterday that purports to authenticate it as Rodin. The statue itself was not displayed for security reasons. The silver statuette first surfaced in the 1980s after an antiques dealer from the Western French city of Nantes spotted it in a flea market, and sold it to its current owner, a private collector.

Perrault, himself a sculptor, is an official art expert for France’s Cour de Cassation who has carried out more than 750 appraisals connected to Rodin’s work, including to sniff out fakes. He says he has studied the figure for 24 years and is now “intimately convinced” it is by the sculptor, who lived from 1840 to 1917. He believes it was carried out around 1886, and that it is a reference to Rodin’s tortured affair with his lover and disciple Camille Claudel-specifically to several abortions which she is believed to have undergone during their time together.

“I decided to make my research public because we are finding more and more evidence that points in this direction,” said Perrault, who has kept the Rodin museum in Paris informed of his investigation, step by step. Contacted earlier this week, the Rodin museum said it was not convinced. “We are very, very sceptical, in the absence of documents referring to the existence of such a silver statuette, or to any other works that

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illions of us will gather in just a few days to observe a ritual that some have been anticipating all year. We’ll spend our savings, experience a sugar rush and garb ourselves in garments inspired by our favorite characters.

We’ll dress up like Angry Birds or march around in tracksuits in an attempt to channel Sue Sylvester or we’ll don a winged helmet a la Captain America.

We are, of course, talking about Halloween, a holiday that will be celebrated by more than 160 million Americans, according to the National Retail Federation, which also predicts that we’ll spend almost $7 billion on merchandise, $1.2 billion of that for costumes. As in other years, this season’s most popular costumes reflect a number of pop-culture trends, including celebrity styles, superheroes and zombies.

What follows is a list of top-selling looks, according to national costume retailers: ZOMBIES Consumers continue to be fascinated by the walking deadand this year we’re not talking about vampires. More than 2.6 million people plan to dress as zombies this year, according to the National Retail Federation’s 2011 top costumes survey.

Popular inspirations include “Walking Dead’s” stoic Sheriff Rick Grimes ($49.99 at Rickysnyc.com), the decomposed zombie ($49.99 at Rickysnyc.com) and the sexy zombie nurse ($24.99 at Rickysnyc.com). Costumecircus.com sells zombie costumes inspired by the Occupy Wall Street movement _ for men, a tattered business suit and for women a Jackie O skirt and jacket with pearls ($48.95).

ANGRY BIRDS The touch-screen game “has had 400 million free and paid downloads since 2009, with three-fourths of those in the last six months,” according to Bloomberg. That obsession will undoubtedly translate into millions of sightings of the popular round red and black and triangular yellow birds on Oct 31.

Tom Fallenstein, chief executive of Halloweencostumes.com, says the costume retailer has sold most of its Angry Bird costumes ($19.99-$84.99), but if you’re in need of a last-minute fix, Halloweenexpress.com still had a few infant, child and adult costumes available ($29.99-$64.99).

SUE SYLVESTER ‘GLEE’ TRACKSUIT Despite her cold exterior and sharp tongue, it’s pretty easy to embrace Sue Sylvester — or her style, at the very least.

“Glee’s” fast-talking, hard-edged gym teacher with a distinct distaste for hair product is one of the easiest and most popular costumes to put together for Halloween. Retailers such as Wal-Mart ($29.97) and Party City ($34.99) are selling the costume, but those who want to be Sue can also grab a red or blue Adidas tracksuit and a short blond wig to get the look.

Just don’t forget to stand up straight.

CHARLIE SHEEN Charlie Sheen has dominated radio, TV, celebrity gossip sites and the Twitterverse; now he’s making his presence known for Halloween. The Charlie Sheen wig is among the top 10 bestselling wigs on Amazon.com, and the popular costume retailer Ricky’s NYC has made Sheen part of its “New Stooges” costume crew that includes Sheen, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Anthony Weiner. Other items for the costume check list? A bowling shirt, straw fedora and, most important, tiger blood (or what passes for it). And don’t forget to place a “goddess” on either arm before trick-or-treating.

KATY PERRY AND NICKI MINAJ Move over Lady Gaga, there are some new blue-haired songstresses taking over this Halloween. It’s hard to resist Katy Perry’s catchy “California Gurls” and Nicki Minaj’s slightly deranged rapping in “Super Bass,” but it’s their amped-up sex appeal that has made them fan favorites for Halloween. To get Perry’s look, try the Katy Perry California Gurl costume from Halloweenadventures.com ($48.49) or, for a DIY version, snag a blue wig and the shortest shorts possible, and artfully attach some papier-m‚che cupcakes to a bra. For Minaj, layer pieces of extra-large jewelry in the shape of your favorite candy, don a skin-tight color-blocked outfit, killer long nails and the blue Nicki Minaj wig ($23) from Headlinecostumes.com.

ROYAL WEDDING AND CREW The obsession with all things British that started with the royal wedding earlier this year continues. Retailers such as Headlinecostumes.com are selling the octopus-like Princess Beatrice hat ($40) and the Kate Middleton wig ($25) for those who aspire to look like the Duchess of Cambridge or other members of the royal family. Want to dress up like Prince William? Get a full Prince Charming costume ($71.25), available at Costumecraze.com.

TRANSFORMERS Automobile enthusiasts and trick-or-treaters for whom money is no object can combine their two loves when they dress up as an Autobot or Decepticon. Halloween costumes.com offers a deluxe Optimus Prime costume with jumpsuit, light-up helmet and chest piece with semi-truck details ($324.99) and a Bumblebee get-up with a realistic yellow and black jumpsuit, machinery pieces and accessories ($324.99).

CAPTAIN AMERICA “Jersey Shore”‘s “The Situation” is old news. This year’s most popular muscles belong to Captain America.

Costumecraze.com carries a complete costume with a full red, white and blue suit ($44.79). Complete the patriotic crime-fighting look with the signature star shield ($13.27) and red gloves ($6.99-$9.77). —MCT

Stars

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

Aries (March 21-April 19) You have an excellent drive to accomplish your goals this day.

You make it a point to consider others as you go about your day. Customers ask for you because of your concern, your courteousness and your memory. Keep up the good work; it is not magic, it is hard work and may take much mental exercise. You also have a little fun trying to communicate through your psychic mind instead of verbally. There are plenty of surprises when you do this and in many ways you have become very good at reading body language whether your contact with people is through the retail customer or the business contacts. As one of your most important responsibilities this month comes to a close, you clear away anything that does not serve you.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) You can use your skills and expertise to solve problems. You demonstrate great understanding and sensitivity to the needs of others and you are in a good position to communicate concerning business or social affairs. There is a sense of emotional coolness or detachment at the personal level, combined with an emphasis on duty. It is ideas that count for you now, more than narrowly personal concerns—and you may have little tolerance for people who do not operate at this level. Easy does it . . . everyone has a different intentions or goals. Stop and help a mate or child to learn positive things about themselves and you will have a friend forever. Be sure to get outside at some time during daylight hours. Enjoy the fresh air— perhaps a brisk walk with a friend.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Your creativity and artistic disposition move you toward your goals. Increasing confidence in your expressive abilities opens the way for you to realize your fondest dreams. Sports and recreational activities can be enjoyed this afternoon. You enjoy a bit of competition as well as the perks of improving your fitness level while you enjoy yourself. You teach love to all that come to know you. G. W. C. Thomas once said, There is no greater love than the love that holds on where there seems nothing is left to hold on to.? You have great compassion. The quieter surroundings of this evening encourage you to complete tasks. You might think about dividing your collections and finding ways to display or show off your collections.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) You have a good attitude and others notice your willingness to lend a helping hand, regardless of your own plans. You enjoy giving aid and encouragement to others. A co-worker friend may need help or may need to borrow an item and whatever the case, you are willing to pitch in and help bring stressful situations to a close. Balance is very important at this time, meaning that rest, play, nourishment, exercise, interaction with others and fulfilling your responsibilities are all important in making up the whole of your day. You spend very little time gawking at the difficulties and you concentrate on bringing those difficulties to an end. Now is a good time to talk over options regarding a new career. You are inspired to reach out with your talents.

Leo (July 23-August 22) You and a co-worker may consider taking a class to expand your vision of possibilities. Perhaps you and your friend would enjoy a creative writing class, oil painting, skydiving, inline skating, astrology, astronomy or many other subjects that might impel the interest. You have a lot of energy for improving your life situation and just being in the educational environment, you may find yourself interested in more knowledge. This is a good time to think and study—you have a real appreciation for innovative thinking and may find yourself involved in some talk of a new invention.

Tonight you will work on a budget as you look for ways to put aside money for this new invention. Don’t forget to have that rainy day money for repairs during the winter months.

Virgo (August 23-September 22) Your wit and communication skills are keen today. The root cause of a professional problem may be found and eliminated at this time. You can also improve any business difficulties and this is also a good time to improve health problems. You are in a fine frame of mind, especially in thinking outside the box, so to speak. Pay attention to your intuition.

Use your imagination to promote yourself or any of your special interests. Pet topics seem uppermost in your mind this afternoon—perhaps you are enjoying a new pet. This afternoon is a good time for surrounding yourself with friends and young people and for having a good time. Close relationships take on more emotional depth, power and importance now. Plan an evening alone with your loved one.

COUNTRY CODES Libra (September 23-October 22) The library holds many self-help books or recorded books that will give you tools to deal with whatever you feel needs changing. This could be difficult personalities, or how to do a multitude of tasks and hobbies. Take some time after work today to cull through a few of these books and try some of the techniques for yourself. You may find some new insights that will help you handle a difficult person in some area of your life. Learning what motivates the human mind will help you understand.

Emotional seriousness, a sober orientation and a practical awareness of the nature of time are the keynotes of your deepest feelings now. Check out a book of jokes while you are at the library—use laughter to lighten the spirit.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Activity in the career sector could get interesting. You are growing and learning and achieving and higher-ups are noticing. Your own ambition is strong. A partner or co-worker is in sync with your own goals and you will find working together very productive at this time.

This may or may not be a regular working day for you—whatever the case, you are able to make great headway at whatever task is in front of you. Ideas and interaction with authority figures may be in the forecast. Working with rather than against the flow of energy should be easy to do. You can speak and write more gracefully than most and you express affection well. You enjoy being with a close companion tonight. Harmony in relationships is favored.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) If you are looking for some professional advice today, you will find an interested person tuned to your frequency—really! Help is available for the asking. You appreciate others who have been successful and may surround yourself with those in power—be they politicians, officials, etc. Your sense of quality may amount to some sort of livelihood for you. You could make your living with your good taste. In addition, you have an innate sense of how to work with and guide others in making decisions. You become more insightful and innovative in your ideas and ability to communicate.

Unique approaches to study, research or any kind of inquiry position are worth your close attention. You may help a family member with financial planning this evening.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) You may be thinking of dieting today but give some thought to the recommended diets for your particular lifestyle. Make your nutrition as balanced as possible and then move forward with your diet plans. There is no lack of energy or drive here—nothing can stand in your way. Everything is poured into making the right moves—the correct decisions. You are outgoing, enthusiastic and always diplomatic—everybody’s favorite. You have a natural instinct for making the correct move at the right time. Politics seems unavoidable. A co-worker may call you for your advice this afternoon. You have a no-nonsense approach and are willing to lend others your wisdom. You investigate the realities and see the necessity for accepting life as it is.

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) The trouble with this particular day is that you might want to split yourself in two and be at work making money as well as at home, preparing for the seasonal changes and cleaning the house. This morning you get started early doing little things around the house before you head off to work. Then this afternoon you can use the time to pretend you are in some exercise spa and exercise your way in to the steam bath by doing the more difficult tasks; tomorrow you can spend more time shopping and decorating. At some time this afternoon you can turn up the music and dance to the end of your work. Family members may enjoy picking out a few pumpkins. Having dinner delivered would be a reward tonight. Relax this evening.

Pisces (February 19-March 20) You may be called upon to act quickly this morning—perhaps a neighbor or friend needs your assistance. Others want to show their appreciation for your ability to act and get things done quickly. You are also organized and administer to people and projects at work. This is a talent few people can share but you are good at getting people to do difficult things and good at organizing and encouraging teams. You can figure that most days you will be included in problem solving difficulties. Refer to these problem solving times to ask for your next raise or request for job advancement. You are successful and your mindset is success through hard work. Be wise and know the timing for your request. Your luck continues through the weekend.

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

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

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Announcements SOS’s annual function Friends of SOS children’s villages Pakistan, Kuwait Chapter are in action once again. The much awaited ‘Annual-Function’ has been planned. It will be an evening of entertainment for a noble cause. ‘Friends’ are engaged with SOS children’s villages for the past many years. We have Alhadulillah done a lot to support the villages in Pakistan. Our regular ‘Friends’ are well aware of the hospitality and joyful environment at the function. We are also looking forward to welcoming new friends from all communities. The venue is at GUST Auditorium, Mishref on Thursday, November 24 at 7:30 pm. For details contact: Aziz Mamuji: 99837040 Ghazala Bano: 66385203.

Fitness program Tara Na, Mag-Excersice Na TayoTuwing Biernes!! The Filipino Cultural Club (FCC), cordially invites you to attend /participate in” FCC’s beach Clean-up and Physical Fitness” program dubbed as “A Dance with the Sun by the Sea... Season -2” on November 28, 7 am, McDonald’s Corniche, Gulf Road. Fitness program will run for four months evry Friday 7:00 am McDonald seaside. Come, join us and tag along your family and friends in this very exciting and stimulating activity. For details contact Bong -99530665, Maria-99079341, Cynthia & Danny-99169310.

Exhibition on healthcare The India Medical Tourism Destination (IMTD) exhibition and conference, which aims at promoting India as a global healthcare destination, is to take place on the 2nd & 3rd of November at the Hall No 7, Kuwait International Fair Grounds in Mishref. The two-day mega medical tourism exhibition and conference is being organized by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Trident Exhibitions in collaboration with the Embassy of India, Kuwait and the Indian Doctors Forum, Kuwait.

EDA Onam 2011 Ernakulam District Association Kuwait (EDA) ‘Onam 2011” celebration will be on November 4th at Indian Community School, Salmiya (Senior Girls). It will be a full day entertainment from 9 am to 5 pm. Indian Ambassador Satish C. Mehta will be the chief guest.

EDA family will be staging various cultural activities bringing back the nostalgic memories of a bygone era of prosperity, equality and righteousness under the golden reign of Mahabali. In addition, a sumptuous traditional meal “ONASADYA” will be served to all the members and invitees. All members and their families are requested to participate in the event. Contact Baburaj (66080256), Bipin (66024732) or visit our website www.edakuwait.com Free medical camp MES conducts their 12th Free Medical Screening Camp on Friday 11th November at Central School Abbasiya in association with Kuwait Medical Association (KMA), Indian Doctors Forum (IDF), Kuwait Heart Foundation and Indian Dentists Alliance in Kuwait. The camp will be from 8 am to 2:30 pm.

Around 50 specialized doctors from IDF will lead the examination. Thousands of poor and needy community members were benefited from the past 11 Medical Camps. Doctors specialized in Gynecology, Ortho, Cardiology, Surgical, Pediatrics, Diabetes, Ophthalmology, ENT, Skin, General Medicine and Dental are available in the camp. Applicant should bring any medical records he/she have i.e. X-ray, Lab Test Report.

Application forms are available at all the Branches of Gulf Mart, Tasty Restaurant, Al-Yaqza Book Shop (Kuwait City), Dress Mart (Fahaheel), Highland Supermarket (Abbasiya), Azizia Book Shop (Salmiya). Duly filled application will be acceptable maximum by 5th November 2011. For details contact Zubair (99826195) & Hassan Managad (99131104).

Indian Lawyers’ Forum Onam Indian Lawyers’ Forum will celebrate Onam, the unique, secular, harvest festival of Kerala on 18th November, 2011 Friday 10.30 am at Hi-Dine Restaurant Auditorium, Abbassia. Celebrations will include traditional variety entertainments, with the grand ‘ONASADHYA’. All Indian Lawyers & Law graduates working here in Kuwait are invited with their families. For details contact Panicker 97203939, Pulikkal 97260159. Email: advpanicker@gmail.com Tulukoota talent hunt Tulukoota Kuwait will hold a “Talent Hunt 2011” a chance to prove an inborn trait in you that confirms your individuality, uniqueness. For more information and registration form kindly log on to our Website: www.tulukootakuwait.org or visit our facebook page Tulukoota Kuwait Talent Hunt 2011. You could also email your form request to: secretary@tulukootakuwait.org or contact our area coordinators mentioned below. Mangaf, Fahaheel, Abuhalifa : Ronald Dsouza- 60035824, Shalini Alva23726164, Suma Bhatt- 97834578 Salmiya & Hawally: Swarna Shetty- 99006934, Kripa Gatty- 66044194 Kuwait City, Jahra, Sharq: Rekha Sachu65044521,97862115 Farwaniya, Abbassiya, Shuwaikh & Khaitan: Sathyanarayana- 66585077 Sanath Shetty67712409.

BEC T10 Cricket tournament The BEC T10 Tennis Ball Cricket Tournament will be organized & played from 7th October to 11th November, 2011. The Tournament being organized

by RED N BLACK CRICKET CLUB and sponsored by BEC EXCHANGE will be played out in Abu Halifa cricket grounds. For registration and other queries please mail at mail@rednblack.org or call 66820148/ 66130940/ 66841653.

Brain Bang Calling all students aged 11 and above, Support Group for Accelerated learning under the umbrella of FOCC (Friends of CRY Club, Kuwait), BRAIN-BANG invites you to join us in our fortnightly Friday Class from 11.45 am to 13.45 pm in Salmiya starting October 7th for the next 6 months. Successfully running for the seventh consecutive year.

KGA Alemao Memorial Football Tournament The 3rd edition of Eslinda Alemao Memorial Football 7-a-side tournament will be held on first day of Eid Al Adha Festival (6th November 2011) to be held at the MOH Grounds, Al-Sabah Hospital Premises, Shuwaikh under the auspices of Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF). All KIFF affiliated teams are requested to contact the organizers, Kuwait Goan Association (KGA). For more info, Email: kgakuwait@gmail.com Tel: (+965) 94963677.

Youth Chorus competition Youth Chorus is organizing the sixth Christian Malayalam Group Song Competition on Friday, 18th November 2011 at 6:00 p.m. at the United Indian School Auditorium, Abbasiya. The team has to present one Christian Malayalam song within seven minutes. The minimum number of members in the team should be 7 and the maximum 20, including the orchestra persons.

The first, second and third prize winners will be awarded with rolling trophies and certificates. The following prestigious trophies will be awarded to the winners.

First Prize - Youth Chorus Ever Rolling Trophy Second Prize- Omana Jose memorial Ever Rolling Trophy Third Prize- Youth Chorus Ever Rolling Trophy All the other participating teams will be awarded a Youth Chorus memento. Please register the name of your team with the conveners on or before 10th November 2011. Tel: 66853100, 6651093 or to our email address youthchorus@gmail.com

Kala (Art) painting contest registration continues

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ala(Art) Kuwait, a leading progressive art and socio cultural organization among the Indian community in Kuwait has scheduled to conduct Children’s Day by marking the birth day of the First Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, under the auspices of Kala(Art) Kuwait on Friday, Nov 4, 2011 at the Indian Community School, Khaitan Branch, at 2.00 pm.

The program is titled as “Niram 2011 - B Natural “ consists of Painting Competition for the Indian School Students and the registration process is continuing in full swing. The competition will be in four different age groups. Group ‘A” from LKG to 1st Standard, Group ‘B” from 2nd to 4th Standard, Group ‘C” from 5th to 8th Standard and Group ‘D” from 9th to 12th Standard.

The media for Group ‘A” and ‘B” will be Crayons while Group”C” and ‘D” are water colors. Crayons and water colors shall be brought by the participants. Stamped drawing papers will be supplied by the organizers. clay modeling competition also

will be conducted for 7th to 11th standard students. Clay will be provided by the organizers. A marathon open canvas painting for parents, visitors and guests also conducting in a view to display everyone’s views and talents through their vivid creations.

Besides the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes, ten percent of the participants will be awarded with consolation prizes. The winners are liable to prove their age group with relevant documents in case the Organizers requested so. Parents also have the opportunity to win prizes for open canvas painting.

Students can register their names through websites www.kalakuwait.net or www.indiansinkuwait.com. For further details can contact by e-mail kalakuwait@gmail.com and the following telephone numbers 24891490, 99489078, 97449419, 97959072, 67001038, 97982935, according to Samkutty Thomas, President Kala Kuwait and Jaison Joseph, General Secretary, Kala Kuwait.

Leisure activities Kuwait Zoo The Kuwait Zoo is located in Omariya on the Airport Road. It is open everyday except on Saturdays. The timings during winter are 8am to 8pm.

For more information contact: 24733389.

Amusements Parks Aqua Park Aqua Park is open from 10am-10pm everyday. For information contact: 22431960/1/3 or visit: www.aquaparkkuwait.com.

Entertainment City Entertainment City is open from Sunday to Wednesday from 3pm to 11pm during winter. It is also open on Thursdays and Fridays from 10am to 10pm. For more information contact: 24879455.

The Scientific Centre Scientific Centre is located on the Gulf road in Salmiya. It is open from Saturdays to Thursdays from 9am to 10.30pm and on Fridays from 2pm to 10.30pm. For more information contact: 22240025 or visit their website at: www.tsck.org.kw.

Art galleries and artifacts a)Sultan Art Gallery The Sultan art gallery is located on Street no: 105, building no: 168, Subhan, Kuwait city. b)Boshehri Gallery Boshehri Gallery is located on the Al-Mobarak street, Salmiya, Kuwait.

For more information on their collection please contact: 25714883/25724883. c)Tariq Rajab Museum This museum is open from Saturdays to Thursdays at 9am to 12pm and 4pm to 7pm. On Fridays it is open from 9am to 12pm. For more information on their location etc contact: 25317358 or visit their website: www.trmkt.com.

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

Embassy Information EMBASSY OF ARGENTINA In order to inform that 23rd of October 2011, will be Argentine national election where all Argentinean citizen residents permanently in Kuwait can vote only if they are registered at the Electoral Register of the Argentine Embassy. The procedure of inscription ended on 25 of April 2011. To register it is necessary that Argentinean citizens should come personally at the Argentinean Embassy (Block 6, street 42, villa 57, Mishref) and present the DNI and four personal photos (size 4x4, face should be front on white background). For further information, contact us on 25379211. nnnnnnn

‘Sangeerthanam 2011’

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flyer for the upcoming musical program ‘Sangeerthanam 2011’ was released Wednesday by Dr T S Sreekumar who received the first copy of it from Gopikumar at a brief function. Popular South Indian musician T S Radhakrishnaji and troupe along with playback singer Rainsdrops fame Ravisankar will present the musical program on Friday, December 2, 2011 at the Indian Community School auditorium (Senior Girls), Salmiya. For details, call: 66784867, 94062853, 66181992, 97206792.

Upcoming events Indian Fiesta-2011 The entertainment wing of Creative Indians Association announces their forthcoming event “INDIAN FIESTA-2011” on 28th October, 2011 at the Kuwait Entertainment City Doha from 2 PM till 11 PM. The day will offer tons of free rides, games, discount stalls, mouth watering Indian food stalls, dance performances, music, and a whole lot more of entertainment. The highlight of the carnival will be performances by the gorgeous looking and rocking performer Anushka Manchanda of the Golmaal 3 , Cash - Naughty Naughty , Kites, Mit Jaaye Gham (Dum Maaro Dum) songs Fame and the Handsome versatile singer/ music director Harshit Saxena of the Haal e Dil song from the Film- Murder2 Fame. The Hot Stepper group invites sponsors to be part of this Grand Indian Fiesta. Call 22455818. For dance performances, email at dance@hot-stepper.com. Visit and register on our website www.hot-stepper.com for timely updates on the event.

PAWS annual Puppy Ball At PAWS (Protecting Animal Welfare Society) we work tirelessly to provide much needed care for animals throughout Kuwait. Through rescue and rehabilitation, education and advocacy we strive to improve the lives of all animals However, we would be unable to do any of this without the generous support of those who care as much about animals as we do. PAWS relies entirely upon donations and needs your help.

One of our major fundraising events is the annual Puppy Ball which we will be hosting on Friday 4th November 2011 in the British Embassy Gardens. In order to finance this we are hoping to secure the support of companies here in Kuwait who are interested in becoming key sponsors for this event and are in a position to pledge a minimum of KD500 in sponsorship.

If such sponsorship is not something your organization is currently able to offer us we would also be grateful for any raffle prizes that you may be able to donate.

In return for your sponsorship or raffle donation your company logo will be displayed prominently across the event. It will feature on the literature used on the evening itself as well as on the sponsorship page of our website which is viewed over 3500 times every month. You will be able to showcase your company to a new audience as well as increasing public awareness of your admirable involvement within the community.

Writers Forum Kuwait holds meeting

W

riters Forum, Kuwait held the monthly meeting on October 21, 2011 at Salmiya residence of Umesh Sharma famous Hindi Poet, and founder member.

The meeting was presided over by Mathiyazhagan; a Tamil poet and Vice President of forum. The Chief Guest was Dr Navniit Gandhi, a Hindi poetess.

The meeting started with welcome address by Syed Qamar Minto; General Secretary. This was followed by recitation of beautiful poetries in various Indian languages by: Rajesh Verlekar (English), Gurubakash Singh Dogra (Punjabi).

Navneet Gandhi, Umesh Sharma, Tajwer Sultana, Gobind Rani Sethi and Sunil Sonsi (Hindi), Shakeel Jamshedpuri, Afroz Alam, Sayeed Nazar Kadpavi, Massod Hassass and S Qamar Minto(Urdu). All members enjoyed the poetries (Nazm ghazals), afterward members discussed on proposed project of the forum publication of anthology in various Indian Languages were held. The meeting was concluded with a word of appreciation from Dr Navniit Gandhi, the Chief Guest, Presidential address by Mathiyazhagan, word of thanks to the well wishers Dr S K Sethi for his valued guidance and to Umesh Sharma for his warm hospitality extended towards the participants , members wished each other for happy Diwali.

KDA to hold Rafi-Kishore Nite

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afi Kishore Nite will be held on November 8, 2011 at the Indian Central School, Open Auditorium, Abbasiya. Famous Kuwaiti singer Mubarak Al-Rashid will sing the songs of legend Late Kishore Kumar. Late Mohammed Rafi’s famous songs will be rendered by Mohammad Rafi popularly known as Junior Rafi. Jameel, famous Pakistani singer will be another attraction of the event. TV artists from India Vinod Kovoor and Devaraj will entertain the crowd with their famous numbers. Reputed local singers including Rebecca, Idea Star fame Neelima will join the musical extravaganza.

EMBASSY OF BRITAIN The Visa Application Centre (VAC) will be closed on the same dates above. The opening hours of the Visa Application Centre are 0930 - 1630 Application forms remain available online from the UKBAs’ website: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk or from the Visa Application Centre’s website: www.vfs-ukkw.com. And also, from the UK Visa Application Centre located at: 4B, First Floor, Al Banwan Building (Burgan Bank Branch Office Building), Al Qibla area, opposite Central Bank of Kuwait, Kuwait City. For any further inquiries, please contact the Visa Application Centre: Website: www.vfs-uk-kw.com E-mail:info@vfs-uk-kw.com Telephone:22971170. The Consular Section will also be closed on the same dates. For information on the British Embassy services, visit the British Embassy website: www.ukinkuwait.fco.gov.uk nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF CANADA The Embassy of Canada is located at Villa 24, Al-Mutawakel St., Block 4 in Da’aiyah. Please visit our website at www.Kuwait.gc.ca.

Canada offers a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that Consular Officials can contact and assist Canadians in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform Canadians of a family emergency at home. The Embassy of Canada encourages all Canadian Citizens to register online through the Government of Canada Travel Website at www.voyage.gc.ca. The Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi provides visa and immigration services to residents of Kuwait.

Individuals who are interested in visiting, working or immigrating to Canada are invited to visit the website of the Canadian Embassy to the UAE at www.UAE.gc.ca.

Effective January 15, 2011, the only Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) application form that will be accepted by CIC is the Application for Temporary Resident Visa Made Outside of Canada [IMM 5257] form.

All previous Temporary Resident Visa application forms will no longer be accepted by CIC and instead will be returned to applicants. Should old applications be submitted prior to January 15, 2011 they will continue to be processed. To ensure that the most recent version of the Temporary Resident Visa application form is being utilized, applicants should refer to the CIC website.

As of January 15, 2011, forms are to be filled in electronically. The Embassy of Canada is open from 07:30 to 15:30 Sunday through Thursday.

Consular Services for Canadian Citizens are provided from 09:00 until 12:00 on Sunday through Wednesday. The forms are available on the internet at: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5 257E.PDF. A guide explaining the process can be found here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/guides/5256E.P DF.

TV Listings FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

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

Dogs 101 Galapagos Queens Of The Savannah Untamed & Uncut I Shouldn’t Be Alive Dogs 101 Wild Animal Repo Chris Humfrey’s Wildlife The Really Wild Show Baby Planet Breed All About It Must Love Cats Dogs 101 Animal Cops Miami Michaela’s Animal Road Trip World Wild Vet Galapagos Weird Creatures With Nick Baker Chris Humfrey’s Wildlife The Really Wild Show Penguin Safari Dogs 101 My Cat From Hell Weird Creatures With Nick Baker Dogs 101 Galapagos Whale Wars Untamed & Uncut Monster Bug Wars

00:25 Dinnerladies 01:25 The Weakest Link 02:10 Incredible Journeys With Steve Leonard 03:00 Eastenders 03:30 Doctors 04:00 Dinnerladies 04:30 Tweenies 04:50 Gigglebiz 05:05 Me Too 05:25 Charlie And Lola 05:35 Buzz & Tell 05:45 Tweenies 06:05 Gigglebiz 06:20 Me Too 06:40 Charlie And Lola 06:55 Buzz & Tell 07:05 Tweenies 07:25 Gigglebiz 07:40 Me Too 08:00 Charlie And Lola 08:10 Buzz & Tell 08:20 Tweenies 08:40 Gigglebiz 08:55 Me Too 09:15 Charlie And Lola 09:25 Buzz & Tell 09:40 Dinnerladies 10:40 The Weakest Link 11:25 Coast 12:25 Doctors 12:55 Eastenders 13:25 Incredible Journeys With Steve Leonard 14:20 Dinnerladies 15:20 Coast 16:20 The Weakest Link 17:10 Doctors 17:40 Eastenders 18:10 Incredible Journeys With Steve Leonard 19:00 Coast 20:00 The Weakest Link 20:45 Doctors 21:20 Doctor Who 22:05 Afterlife 23:00 After You’ve Gone 23:30 Him And Her

00:00 00:25 01:15 02:05 03:00 03:50 04:40 05:05 05:55 06:45 07:10 08:10 08:35 09:00 09:55 10:45 12:30 13:15 14:40 15:25 17:10 18:00 18:25

21:50 22:00 22:25 22:50 23:15 23:40

The Naked Chef Come Dine With Me What Not To Wear Antiques Roadshow Antiques Roadshow Masterchef Australia The Naked Chef Come Dine With Me What Not To Wear Cash In The Attic USA Daily Cooks Challenge The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook Indian Food Made Easy Eating In The Sun Come Dine With Me Antiques Roadshow Bargain Hunt Daily Cooks Challenge Bargain Hunt Antiques Roadshow Come Dine With Me The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook Indian Food Made Easy

Billy And Mandy Ben 10 Bakugan Battle Brawlers The Secret Saturdays Samurai Jack Megas XLR

00:00 Backstory 00:30 World Sport 01:00 The Situation Room 02:00 World Report 03:00 World Business Today 04:00 Piers Morgan Tonight 05:00 Anderson Cooper 360 06:00 World Sport 06:30 The Boss 07:00 World Report 07:30 Backstory 08:00 World Report 10:00 World Sport 10:30 The Best Of Backstory 11:00 World Business Today 11:45 CNN Marketplace Middle East 12:00 American Morning: Wake-Up Call 12:30 The Best Of Backstory 13:00 World One 14:00 Piers Morgan Tonight 15:00 News Stream 16:00 World Business Today 17:00 International Desk 18:00 The Brief 18:30 World Sport 19:00 World Report 19:45 CNN Marketplace Middle East 20:00 International Desk 20:30 The CNN Freedom Project 21:00 Quest Means Business 21:45 CNN Marketplace Africa 22:00 Piers Morgan Tonight 23:00 Connect The World With Becky Anderson

THE FINAL DESTINATION ON OSN ACTION HD 18:55 19:50 20:40 22:20 23:05 23:55

Eating In The Sun Come Dine With Me Antiques Roadshow Bargain Hunt Masterchef Australia Gok’s Fashion Fix

00:00 00:30 00:45 01:00 01:30 01:45 02:00 02:30 02:45 03:00 03:30 03:45 04:00 04:30 04:45 05:00 05:30 05:45 06:00 06:30 07:00 07:30 07:45 08:30 08:45 09:30 09:45 10:00 10:30 10:45 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 12:45

BBC World News World Business Report Sport Today BBC World News America Asia Business Report Sport Today BBC World News Asia Business Report Sport Today Newsday Asia Business Report Sport Today Newsday Asia Business Report Sport Today Newsday Asia Business Report Sport Today Newsday The Bottom Line BBC World News World Business Report BBC World News World Business Report BBC World News World Business Report Sport Today BBC World News World Business Report Sport Today BBC World News The Bottom Line BBC World News World Business Report Sport Today

13:00 BBC World News 13:30 World Business Report 13:45 Sport Today 14:00 GMT With George Alagiah 15:00 BBC World News 15:30 World Business Report 15:45 Sport Today 16:00 Impact 16:30 Our World 17:00 Impact 17:30 World Business Report 17:45 Sport Today 18:00 World Have Your Say 19:00 The Hub With Nik Gowing 19:30 BBC World News 19:40 Weekend World 20:00 The Hub With Nik Gowing 20:30 World Business Report 20:45 Sport Today 21:00 World News Today With Zeinab Badawi 21:30 World Have Your Say Extra 21:40 Weekend World 22:00 BBC World News 22:30 Middle East Business Report 23:00 BBC World News America 23:30 The Bottom Line

00:05 00:30 00:55 01:20 01:45 02:10 02:35 03:00 03:25 03:50 04:15 04:40 05:05

Robotboy - Elements Squirrel Boy George Of The Jungle Cramp Twins Chop Socky Chooks Best Ed My Gym Partner’s A Monkey Ben 10: Ultimate Alien Generator Rex Adventure Time Flapjack Chowder Powerpuff Girls

05:30 05:55 06:20 06:45 07:00 07:05 07:12 07:25 07:50 08:15 08:40 09:05 Mandy 09:30 09:55 10:20 10:35 11:00 11:25 11:50 12:15 12:40 13:05 13:30 13:50 14:15 14:40 15:05 15:30 15:55 Mandy 16:25 16:50 17:15 17:40 18:05 18:30 18:55 19:20 19:45 20:10 20:35 21:00 21:25

Ed, Edd n Eddy I Am Weasel Squirrel Boy Cow & Chicken Eliot Kid Cow & Chicken Eliot Kid Angelo Rules Best Ed Flapjack My Gym Partner’s A Monkey The Grim Adventures Of Billy & Courage The Cowardly Dog Cow & Chicken I Am Weasel Adventure Time Ben 10 Bakugan Battle Brawlers The Secret Saturdays Samurai Jack Ben 10: Alien Force Codename Kids Skunk Fu! My Gym Partner’s A Monkey Flapjack Ed, Edd n Eddy Camp Lazlo Chowder The Grim Adventures Of Billy & Cow & Chicken Courage The Cowardly Dog I Am Weasel George Of The Jungle Casper’s Scare School Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated Ben 10: Ultimate Alien Generator Rex Star Wars: The Clone Wars Hero 108 Bakugan: New Vestroia Total Drama Action Adventure Time

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

Swamp Brothers Swords: Life On The Line Stunt Junkies Time Warp Dirty Jobs Ultimate Survival Mythbusters How It’s Made How Do They Do It? Dirty Jobs Wheeler Dealers Fifth Gear Stunt Junkies Time Warp How It’s Made Mythbusters Cake Boss Border Security Auction Kings Carfellas South Beach Classics American Chopper: Senior vs

00:00 00:25 01:15 02:00 02:50 03:35 04:25 05:15 06:00 06:20 06:45 07:05 07:30 07:55 08:20 08:35 09:00

Kim Possible Fairly Odd Parents Stitch Replacements Emperor’s New School Stitch Replacements Fairly Odd Parents Emperor’s New School The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody Phineas And Ferb Wizards Of Waverly Place Suite Life On Deck Good Luck Charlie Fish Hooks Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Jake & The Neverland Pirates

Ultimate Survival Swords: Life On The Line Swamp Brothers Cash Cab Us Wheeler Dealers Fifth Gear Stunt Junkies Time Warp Mythbusters Cake Boss Border Security Auction Hunters How Do They Do It? How It’s Made Cash Cab Us American Chopper: Senior vs Carfellas South Beach Classics Desert Car Kings

09:10 09:20 09:30 09:40 10:05 10:30 10:50 11:15 11:35 12:00 12:45 13:10 13:30 13:55 14:55 15:45 16:10 16:35 17:00 17:25 17:50 18:15 19:35 21:15 21:35 22:00 22:25 22:50 23:15 23:35

Jungle Junction The Hive Handy Manny Imagination Movers The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody Phineas And Ferb Good Luck Charlie Phineas And Ferb Suite Life On Deck Wizards Of Waverly Place Good Luck Charlie Hannah Montana Suite Life On Deck Wizards Of Waverly Place Good Luck Charlie Fish Hooks Shake It Up The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody Wizards Of Waverly Place Good Luck Charlie Fish Hooks Wizards Of Waverly Place Halloweentown Sonny With A Chance Good Luck Charlie Shake It Up The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody Sonny With A Chance Wizards Of Waverly Place Jonas

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

Extreme Close-Up E!es E! Investigates 25 Most Stylish Sexiest Extreme Hollywood 25 Hottest Hollywood Cougar

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

The Haunted A Haunting Cuff Me If You Can Forensic Justice Dr G: Medical Examiner A Haunting The Haunted Mystery Diagnosis Murder Shift Forensic Detectives Mystery Diagnosis Real Emergency Calls Street Patrol Fugitive Strike Force FBI Files Murder Shift True Crime With Aphrodite Jones Extreme Forensics Mystery Diagnosis Street Patrol Real Emergency Calls Fugitive Strike Force FBI Files Forensic Detectives Murder Shift Real Emergency Calls Mystery Diagnosis Street Patrol True Crime With Aphrodite Jones Extreme Forensics Stalked: Someone’s Watching I Was Murdered Deadly Women: Face To Face Who On Earth Did I Marry?

Dr G: Medical Examiner

00:00 01:00 01:30 02:00 02:30 03:00

Warrior Road Trip David Rocco’s Dolce Vita Bondi Rescue Bondi Rescue: Bali Travel Madness The Ride: Alaska To Patagonia

Behind The Scenes E! News The Dance Scene The Dance Scene 40 Smokin’ On Set Hookups E! News Bridalplasty Keeping Up With The Kardashians Giuliana & Bill THS Behind The Scenes Keeping Up With The Kardashians Keeping Up With The Kardashians E! News THS Kourtney & Kim Take New York Kourtney & Kim Take New York Chelsea Lately Giuliana & Bill E! News Chelsea Lately Keeping Up With The Kardashians

TV Listings FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

03:30 The Ride: Alaska To Patagonia 04:00 Cruise Ship Diaries 05:00 Ultimate Traveller 06:00 Warrior Road Trip 07:00 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 07:30 Bondi Rescue 08:00 Bondi Rescue: Bali 08:30 Travel Madness 09:00 The Ride: Alaska To Patagonia 10:00 Cruise Ship Diaries 11:00 Ultimate Traveller 12:00 Warrior Road Trip 13:00 On The Camino De Santiago 14:00 Treks In A Wild World 14:30 Bluelist Australia 15:00 Amazing Adventures of A Nobody USA 15:30 Amazing Adventures Of A Nobody: Europe 16:00 Extreme Tourist Afghanistan 17:00 A World Apart 18:00 Departures 19:00 On The Camino De Santiago 20:00 Treks In A Wild World 20:30 Bluelist Australia 21:00 Amazing Adventures of A Nobody USA 21:30 Amazing Adventures Of A Nobody: Europe 22:00 Extreme Tourist Afghanistan 23:00 A World Apart

00:00 02:00 04:00 06:00 08:00 10:00 12:00 14:15 16:15 18:15 20:30 22:15

Sleep Dealer-PG15 Paranormal Activity-PG15 Wrong Turn 3: Left For Dead-18 From Paris With Love-PG15 Courage Under Fire-PG15 Heaven’s Fall-PG15 The Hunt For Red October-PG15 Courage Under Fire-PG15 Shinjuku Incident-PG15 The Hunt For Red October-PG15 Tortured-18 The Final Destination-18

01:00 03:00 05:00 07:00 09:00 10:45 12:45 15:00 17:00 19:00 21:00 23:00

Black Death-PG15 Who Is Clark Rockefeller-PG Emotional Arithmetic-PG15 The Flyboys-PG15 Who Is Clark Rockefeller-PG Dean Spanley-PG Secretariat-PG15 Citizen Jane-PG My Bollywood Bride-PG15 Hurricane Season-PG15 Hot Tub Time Machine-18 Sinners & Saints-PG15

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

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart The Colbert Report Party Down The Tonight Show With Jay Leno Friends Friends According To Jim The Tonight Show With Jay Leno Malcolm In The Middle Coach Weird Science Late Night With Jimmy Fallon According To Jim Friends Malcolm In The Middle Wilfred Community Coach Weird Science The Tonight Show With Jay Leno According To Jim Friends Malcolm In The Middle Coach Wilfred Community The Daily Show With Jon Stewart The Colbert Report Weird Science Late Night With Jimmy Fallon Mad Love The Office Community Hot In Cleveland The Tonight Show With Jay Leno The Daily Show With Jon Stewart The Colbert Report Family Guy Entourage Party Down The Tonight Show With Jay Leno

00:30 01:30 04:00 05:00

Eureka The X Factor (US) The Invisible Man Good Morning America

07:00 08:00 08:30 09:00 10:00 10:50 11:40 14:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

01:00 02:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 12:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 18:00 19:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Law & Order: Criminal Intent Emmerdale Turn Back Your Body Clock The Ellen DeGeneres Show The Martha Stewart Show The View The X Factor (US) Live Good Morning America The Invisible Man The Ellen DeGeneres Show Tower Prep Glee Survivor: South Pacific Friday Night Lights Law & Order: Criminal Intent

00:00 A Film With Me In It-PG15 02:00 Marci X-PG15 04:00 Ace Ventura: Pet Detective Jr.-PG 06:00 Straight Talk-PG15 08:00 Just Married-PG15 10:00 The Adventures Of Rocky And Bullwinkle-FAM 12:00 Napoleon Dynamite-PG 14:00 Dirty Work-PG15 16:00 A Film With Me In It-PG15 18:00 That Thing You Do!-PG 20:00 Valentine’s Day-PG15 22:15 Barry Munday-PG15

00:15 02:30 04:30 06:45 09:00 11:15 14:15 16:45 19:00 19:30 22:00

Law & Order Treme Law & Order Two And A Half Men Burn Notice Two And A Half Men Burn Notice Law & Order Two And A Half Men White Collar Glee Survivor: South Pacific Friday Night Lights No Ordinary Family

01:15 Inglourious Basterds-18 03:45 Halloween 2-18 05:30 Case 39-18 07:30 Staten Island-PG15 09:15 Shanghai Knights-PG15 11:15 Secret Window-PG15 13:00 Dick Tracy-PG15 15:00 Shanghai Knights-PG15 17:00 Echelon Conspiracy-PG15 19:00 Child’s Play 3-18 21:00 Julia’s Eyes-18 23:00 Reykjavik: Whale Watching Massacre-PG15

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

The Reader-18 Black Lightning-PG15 Nine-PG15 Ghost-PG15 Squanto: A Warrior’s Tale-PG15 My Name Is Khan-PG15 Mary, Queen Of Scots-PG15 Invictus-PG15 Tripoli Quiet-U The Class-PG15 Tetro-18

Riding In Cars With Boys-PG15 The Brothers Bloom-PG15 Fantastic Mr. Fox-FAM My Sassy Girl-PG15 Iron Man 2-PG15 Elle: A Modern Cinderella TalePlanet 51-PG City Of Life-PG15 Iron Man 2-PG15 The Greatest-PG15 Kick-Ass-18 Repo Men-18

00:00 Barney’s Great Adventure-FAM 02:00 Delgo-FAM

04:00 The Archies In Jugman-FAM 06:00 Barney’s Great Adventure-FAM 08:00 Last Of The Mohicans-PG 10:00 A Venetian Rascal Goes To America-PG15 12:00 The Three Musketeers-FAM 13:45 Tooth Fairy-PG 16:00 Like Mike-PG 18:00 A Venetian Rascal Goes To America-PG15 20:00 The Last Airbender-PG 22:00 Last Of The Mohicans-PG

00:30 02:30 04:15 06:00 08:00 09:45 11:45 13:30 16:00 17:45 20:00 22:00 23:45

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 07:00 08:00 12:30 15:00 19:00 20:00 22:00

The Haunting In Connecticut-PG15 A Trace Of Danger-PG15 Grown Ups-PG15 Gasland-PG15 A Trace Of Danger-PG15 The Lightkeepers-PG15 The Perfect Score-PG15 Robin Hood (2010)-PG15 The Lightkeepers-PG15 Whip It-PG15 Kick-Ass-18 Piranha-R Film Socialisme-PG15

WWE NXT The Ultimate Fighter UFC 137 Countdown WWE NXT The Ultimate Fighter Currie Cup WWE NXT European PGA Tour Rugby World Cup Live European PGA Tour WWE Tough Enough WWE SmackDown Live Rugby League 4 Nations

01:00 Trans World Sport 02:00 Golfing World

BLACK DEATH ON OSN CINEMA

03:00 04:00 07:00 09:00 09:30 10:00 13:00 15:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00

RWC Highlights Masters Football Scottish Premier League Scottish Premier League Highlights Futbol Mundial Masters Football Scottish Premier League Premier League Snooker Scottish Premier League Highlights Futbol Mundial Total Rugby Asian Tour Golf Show European Tour Weekly Trans World Sport Live Rugby League 4 Nations

01:30 World Hockey 02:00 Premier League Snooker 05:30 European Challenge Highlights 06:30 Beach Volley Ball 07:00 Golfing World 08:00 European PGA Tour 12:30 Trans World Sport 13:30 European Tour Weekly 14:00 Golfing World 15:00 Live European PGA Tour 19:00 European Challenge Highlights 20:00 SPL Highlights 20:30 Futbol Mundial 21:00 Total Rugby 21:30 Live Pro 12 Celtic League 23:30 European PGA Tour

Tour

Tour

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

WWE NXT UFC The Ultimate Fighter UFC 137 Countdown WWE NXT Intercontinental Le Mans Cup UFC The Ultimate Fighter UFC Unleashed WWE NXT WWE Vintage Collection Power Boats F1 Champs Intercontinental Le Mans Cup Speedway FIM World WWE NXT V8 Supercars Championship V8 Supercars Championship Super Formula V8 Supercars Extra UFC The Ultimate Fighter WWE Tough Enough WWE SmackDown WWE Bottom Line UFC The Ultimate Fighter

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

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION In case you are not travelling, your proper cancellation of bookings will help other passengers to use seats Airlines RJA JZR THY ETH UAE ETD DHX FDB GFA KAC QTR THY KAC JZR FAH JZR BAW KAC KAC KAC KAC FDB KAC KAC KAC KAC UAE QTR ABY IRA ETD GFA MEA RBG JZR IYE MSR JZR KAC KAC MSR UAL RJA FDB OMA QTR BBC KAC KAC KAC KAC JZR QTR JZR JZR MLR ETD UAE GFA SVA RBG JZR ABY FDB ALK

Flt 642 267 772 620 853 305 370 67 211 1712 138 770 544 503 201 555 157 416 206 284 302 53 332 678 352 362 855 132 125 619 301 213 404 3555 165 825 623 561 618 672 610 982 640 57 645 140 43 546 552 1710 788 257 134 201 535 403 303 857 215 510 3557 239 127 63 227

Arrival Flights on Friday 28/10/2011 Route AMMAN BEIRUT ISTANBUL ADDIS ABABA DUBAI ABU DHABI BAHRAIN DUBAI BAHRAIN MEDINAH DOHA ISTANBUL CAIRO LUXOR DUBAI ALEXANDRIA LONDON JAKARTA/KUALA LUMPUR ISLAMABAD DHAKA MUMBAI DUBAI TRIVANDRUM MUSCAT/DUBAI COCHIN COLOMBO DUBAI DOHA SHARJAH LAR ABU DHABI BAHRAIN BEIRUT ALEXANDRIA DUBAI SANAA SOHAG SOHAG DOHA DUBAI CAIRO WASHINGTON DC DULLES AMMAN DUBAI MUSCAT DOHA DHAKA ALEXANDRIA DAMASCUS MEDINAH JEDDAH BEIRUT DOHA DAMASCUS CAIRO COLOMBO/DUBAI ABU DHABI DUBAI BAHRAIN RIYADH SOHAG AMMAN SHARJAH DUBAI COLOMBO/DUBAI

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

JZR KAC KAC KAC JZR KAC KAC KAC AIC JAI KAC FDB JZR OMA VOS MEA KAC SVA DHX GFA FCX QTR UAL UAE JZR JZR MSR DLH SAI SVA JZR KLM JZR

177 166 502 542 213 744 102 774 975 572 562 61 787 647 81 402 786 506 372 217 304 136 981 859 135 185 612 636 441 4575 539 447 481

Airlines RJA JZR THY ETH UAE ETD DHX FDB GFA KAC QTR THY KAC JZR FAH JZR BAW KAC KAC KAC KAC FDB KAC KAC KAC KAC UAE QTR ABY IRA ETD

Flt 642 267 772 620 853 305 370 67 211 1712 138 770 544 503 201 555 157 416 206 284 302 53 332 678 352 362 855 132 125 619 301

DUBAI PARIS/ROME BEIRUT CAIRO DEIREZZOR/ALEPPO DAMMAM NEW YORK/LONDON RIYADH CHENNAI/GOA MUMBAI AMMAN DUBAI RIYADH MUSCAT BAGHDAD BEIRUT JEDDAH JEDDAH BAHRAIN BAHRAIN RIYADH DOHA BAHRAIN DUBAI BAHRAIN DUBAI CAIRO FRANKFURT LAHORE JEDDAH CAIRO AMSTERDAM/BAHRAIN SABIHA Departure Flights on Friday 28/10/2011 Route AMMAN BEIRUT ISTANBUL ADDIS ABABA DUBAI ABU DHABI BAHRAIN DUBAI BAHRAIN MEDINAH DOHA ISTANBUL CAIRO LUXOR DUBAI ALEXANDRIA LONDON JAKARTA/KUALA LUMPUR ISLAMABAD DHAKA MUMBAI DUBAI TRIVANDRUM MUSCAT/DUBAI COCHIN COLOMBO DUBAI DOHA SHARJAH LAR ABU DHABI

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

Time 0:05 0:35 1:15 1:45 2:25 2:55 2:55 3:10 3:15 3:15 3:20 4:10 4:40 5:15 5:30 6:10 6:30 6:35 7:15 7:40 7:50 7:55 7:55 8:00 8:05 8:20 8:25 9:00 9:10 9:20 9:30

GFA MEA RBG JZR IYE MSR JZR KAC KAC MSR UAL RJA FDB OMA QTR BBC KAC KAC KAC KAC JZR QTR JZR JZR MLR ETD UAE GFA SVA RBG JZR ABY FDB ALK JZR KAC KAC KAC JZR KAC KAC KAC AIC JAI KAC FDB JZR OMA VOS MEA KAC SVA DHX GFA FCX QTR UAL UAE JZR JZR MSR DLH SAI SVA JZR KLM JZR

213 404 3555 165 825 623 561 618 672 610 982 640 57 645 140 43 546 552 1710 788 257 134 201 535 403 303 857 215 510 3557 239 127 63 227 177 166 502 542 213 744 102 774 975 572 562 61 787 647 81 402 786 506 372 217 304 136 981 859 135 185 612 636 441 4575 539 447 481

BAHRAIN BEIRUT ALEXANDRIA DUBAI SANAA SOHAG SOHAG DOHA DUBAI CAIRO WASHINGTON DC DULLES AMMAN DUBAI MUSCAT DOHA DHAKA ALEXANDRIA DAMASCUS MEDINAH JEDDAH BEIRUT DOHA DAMASCUS CAIRO COLOMBO/DUBAI ABU DHABI DUBAI BAHRAIN RIYADH SOHAG AMMAN SHARJAH DUBAI COLOMBO/DUBAI DUBAI PARIS/ROME BEIRUT CAIRO DEIREZZOR/ALEPPO DAMMAM NEW YORK/LONDON RIYADH CHENNAI/GOA MUMBAI AMMAN DUBAI RIYADH MUSCAT BAGHDAD BEIRUT JEDDAH JEDDAH BAHRAIN BAHRAIN RIYADH DOHA BAHRAIN DUBAI BAHRAIN DUBAI CAIRO FRANKFURT LAHORE JEDDAH CAIRO AMSTERDAM/BAHRAIN SABIHA

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

9:35 10:55 11:05 11:10 12:05 12:10 12:25 12:55 13:15 13:20 13:30 13:35 13:50 14:00 14:15 14:30 14:30 14:35 14:40 15:00 15:10 15:15 15:45 15:50 16:40 16:50 16:55 17:15 17:20 17:35 17:35 17:40 17:55 18:00 18:00 18:40 18:45 18:50 19:05 19:15 19:25 19:25 19:30 19:35 19:50 20:00 20:00 20:10 20:15 20:15 20:20 20:35 21:00 21:25 21:30 21:35 22:00 22:00 22:10 22:35 22:50 23:00 23:05 23:05 23:30 23:35 23:50

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

ACCOMMODATION Sharing accommodation available in two bedroom flat for bachelors / small family with three executive bachelors near Garanada Cinema, Khaitan. Contact: 66502405 / 99775589.

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(C 3715) 26-10-2011 Chevrolet Captiva, 2007 model, silver color, Price KD 3,400/-. Contact: 66526872 Nissan Pathfinder 2003 model, 3.5 engine immaculate condition, only genuine buyers contact, price KD 2,400/-.

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SITUATION WANTED Mechanical Engineering graduate, with immaculate English language skills, looking for a job in Kuwait.

Transferable residency.

Contact: 67078742.

(C 3663) 24-10-2011

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

Red Bulls hold off FC Dallas to advance FRISCO: Joel Lindpere scored in the 61st minute and the New York Red Bulls withstood a late charge to hold off FC Dallas 2-0 on Wednesday night in an MLS Wild Card playoff match.

New York advanced to the face Los Angeles in the semifinals. Game 1 of the two-game aggregate-goal series is Sunday in Carson, Calif.

Frank Rost made eight saves for the shutout, despite the team playing a man down from the 79th minute on after Solli Jan Gunnar was ejected with a red card. Thierry Henry scored in the 96th minute to finish it off just seconds before the final whistle. Dallas lost in the MLS Cup final last season.

Lindpere connected in the 61st minute to put New York up 1-0.

Seconds after Dallas goalkeeper Kevin Hartman made a spectacular diving save on Lindpere’s blast from 25 yards out, Mehdi Ballouchy fed a pass from the right side of the penalty area into the middle, where the charging Lindpere slid feet-first to chip it past Hartman.

It was the second career MLS play-

off goal for Lindpere, who had seven goals and seven assists during the regular season.

Dallas nearly tied it in the 76th minute when leading scorer Brek Shea chased down a loose ball on the left side of the area and popped it over the sliding Rost towards the open net, but defender Tim Ream managed to clear it out.

The complexion of the match then changed three minutes later when Gunnar was shown the red card for his slide tackle that took out Dallas captain Daniel Hernandez. Dallas continued to press for the equalizer, but Rost denied Jackson Goncalves’ 20-yard shot in the 85th minute and then Maicon Santos’s blast from 25 yards out curled just wide of the right goalpost.

The teams wound up playing 10on-10 for the 6 minutes of stoppage time when Dallas defender Zach Loyd was injured and carried off on a stretcher, after Dallas had already used up all of its substitutions.

Henry, who finished third in the MLS with 14 regular season goals,

sealed the win following a breakaway just before the final whistle.

After chasing down a New York clear, he dribbled into the penalty area,

TEXAS: New York Red Bulls defensemen Jan Gunnar Solli (8) sits on the ground after receiving a red card following a collision with FC Dallas’ Daniel Hernandez (2), right, in the second half of an MLS soccer Wild Card playoff match Wednesday, in Frisco, Texas. — AP

McIlroy takes one-stroke lead in Shanghai Masters Mahan had seven birdies SHANGHAI: Rory McIlroy reeled off five birdies on the back nine to take a one-stroke lead over Hunter Mahan after yesterday’s opening round of the Shanghai Masters, a lucrative invitational tournament not sanctioned by any of the major tours. McIlroy, the 22-year-old US Open winner from Northern Ireland, had eight birdies in total and no bogeys at the just-completed, Jack Nicklaus-designed course at Lake Malaren Golf Club in the outskirts of Shanghai. He finished at 8under 64. “If I can play as solid for the next three days as I did today, I feel as if I’ll be very difficult to beat,” he said.

Mahan had seven birdies, including three in a row on the back nine, but he missed his final chance on the 18th hole when his putt just glanced off the lip of the cup. The 29-year-old American is hoping to make up for a disappointing finish at the Tour Championships last month, where he lost in a sudden-death playoff to Bill Haas.

“You have to go out there and try to make as many birdies as you can. A lot of great players are here so you can’t take your foot off the pedal, you’ve got to be aggressive,” Mahan said. “The course is set up well enough so that it’s not too long - (there are) good length holes. But it’s still challenging in a lot of areas so you have to be cautious on a few shots.”

England’s Paul Casey and Ian Poulter and three-time major winner Padraig Harrington of Ireland were three shots behind McIlroy at 5-under

67. Anthony Kim of the United States and Li Chao of China were another stroke back at 4-under 68. Even though the first-year tournament isn’t sanctioned by a major tour and is being held the same week as the PGA Tour’s Asia Pacific Classic in Malaysia, it still managed to attract an elite, 30player field by offering a total purse of $5 million and a winner’s check of $2 million - the richest first-place prize in golf. All the top players are also getting appearance money, and last

where Hartman stopped the initial shot, but the rebound rolled towards the right post and Henry got to it first, tapping it over the line. — AP

place pays $25,000. The winners of each of the majors and the Tour Championships this year took home $1.44 million apiece, while the winner of the Asia Pacific Classic will be awarded $1.3 million.

There are 10 major winners in the field, including three from this year: McIlroy, Masters winner Charl Schwartzel of South Africa, who was six strokes back after shooting a 70, and PGA Championship winner Keegan Bradley, who had a 72. — AP

SHANGHAI: Lee Westwood (L) of England and Rory McIlroy (R) of Northern Ireland walk the ninth fairway during the Lake Malaren Shanghai Masters golf tournament in Shanghai yesterday. — AFP

News

in brief

Boevski arrested over cocaine SOFIA: Olympic champion Galabin Boevski was arrested at Sao Paulo’s international airport after trying to board a plane bound for Spain with nine kg of cocaine, Bulgaria’s foreign ministry said yesterday. Boevski, who won gold at the Sydney Games in 2000, was stopped by Brazilian anti-drugs officers on Monday and the cocaine was found in his luggage. He faces up to 15 years in jail.

Boevski was banned for eight years for doping by the International Weightlifting Federation in 2004 after tampering with his urine sample at the 2003 world championships.

FIFA’s $1.85b TV deals GENEVA: FIFA finished its bumper week of World Cup business with broadcast deals worth $1.85 billion for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, the governing body announced yesterday. The deals include an estimated $1.2 billion from United States broadcast right sales to Fox, Telemundo and Futbol de Primera Radio. Those deals were confirmed Friday. FIFA said it also sold rights to SBS in Australia, Bell Media in Canada and IMC across the Caribbean. Bell Media, which includes the channels CTV, TSN and RDS, took rights to soccer’s biggest asset away from incumbent holder public broadcaster CBC. Hamilton splits with girlfriend NEW DELHI: Lewis Hamilton confirmed yesterday that he and singer girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger had split.

“We’re friends at least and we can move forward,” the McLaren driver told British reporters at the inaugural Indian Formula One Grand Prix when asked whether the couple had parted on good terms. “It’s never easy going through tough times. These times are sent to try you, and it’s about how you pull through them,” said the 2008 world champion. McLaren had been dating the American since March last year when they reunited after a previous split. “I’ve my family who are helping, so I feel pretty good,” Hamilton said. Scherzinger, former lead singer with the Pussycat Dolls, has achieved fresh celebrity with her role on the judging panel of the US television show “The X Factor”.

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

NBA marathon session ends after 15 hours NEW YORK: NBA owners and players made progress toward a new labor deal during more than 15 hours of talks and returned yesterday, still hoping an 82-game season is possible. The talks Wednesday into Thursday morning were about the salary cap system, and Commissioner David Stern said they likely will stick with that issue when they resume.

“We were able to work through a number of different issues today regarding our system,” union president Derek Fisher said. “We can’t say that major progress was made in any way, but some progress was made on system issues.

Obviously enough for us to come back.” And enough that the focus was more on games to be played, not canceled.

Though the remainder of the November schedule is already in jeopardy, Stern said he had no plans to cancel any more games at this moment. Instead, union officials said they believed a full schedule - and the crucial first paycheck they seemed to have already lost - was possible if an agreement is reached by the end of this weekend.

Stern said it would be difficult, but that the league intends to play as many games as possible. “Whether that gets to be 82 games or not is dependent upon so many things that have to be checked,” he said. “We just think we’ve got to do it soon.”

Less than a week after perhaps the low moment of the lockout, when talks broke down last Thursday with some nasty talk afterward, the process seems back on track.

“There’s no question that today was a better day than last Thursday,” Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver said. “I think it’s too early - not just in the morning - but still in the negotiations to express confidence that we’re at a deal. But there’s no question though that we did make progress on some significant issues, but there are still some very significant issues left.”

Neither side would offer specifics or quantify the progress, but Fisher and union executive director Billy Hunter said they might be in a better position to do so after talks later yesterday. Stern would only say that “the energy in the room has been good; the back and forth has been good.” The sides did not deal with the division of basketball revenues, the other big obstacle to a deal and the one that ended last week’s talks. It emerged as such a roadblock that union executive director Billy Hunter said they should “park” the issue and turn the discussions back to the system, saying that players might be willing to take a lower percentage if they found the system rules more favorable.

“I think we’ll turn to the split when we finish with the system,” Stern said. “Right now, it has been profitable to turn to the system.” Seeking greater parity among their 30 teams, owners are looking to reduce the ways that teams can exceed the salary cap so that big markets won’t have a significant payroll advantage. Players have feared some of those changes would result in what would essentially be a hard salary cap, restricting player movement and perhaps even eliminating most guaranteed contracts. But the league has insisted for months it can no longer move forward with a system where a team like Fisher’s Lakers can greatly outspend most of its rivals. “We are united on the NBA side in wanting a system that makes all teams competitive,” Stern said. “We have some strong views on what the best way to do that is.”

So do the players, who would like a system that looks much like the current soft cap structure. So even with Wednesday’s progress, there are still system items to sort through. The sides have been struggling over things such as the length of the deal, players’ contract lengths and the size of their raises. “We’re not going to get ahead of ourselves at this point,” Fisher said. “We’ll continue to remain focused on some key principal items in our system that have to remain there in order for our players to agree to what is already a reduced percentage of BRI.” The sides returned to bargaining with a small group meeting less than a week after three intense days of mediation didn’t produce a new labor deal.

Wednesday’s negotiations marked the second-longest bargaining session since the lockout began July 1. The talks stretched into early Thursday morning, the first time bargaining has gone past 3 am. —AP

Canadiens beat Flyers to end 6-game skid Elliott helps lead Blues past Canucks MONTREAL: Already feeling a desperate need to get their next win, Carey Price and the Montreal Canadiens reacted positively to a rough reminder that slumps put jobs on the line. Price made 21 saves for his 100th win and Max Pacioretty had two goals and an assist and Montreal ended a six-game losing streak with a 5-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday night.

Canadiens assistant coach Perry Pearn was fired before the game. GM Pierre Gauthier told his players the news in the team’s dressing room a few hours before the pregame warmup. “It was a big shock to all the players. We didn’t see it coming at all,” said Pacioretty, who was a game-time decision because of an upper-body injury. “When things are not going your way you’ve got to mix things up and it kind of sent a message to the players that they’re willing to do what it takes to win hockey games. “It’s a decision that management made. None of the players were really involved in that but it showed us that no one’s job is secure, and we’ve got to bear down at a time like this and do what we can to win.” Pacioretty assisted on Andrei Kostitsyn’s goal 10:26 into the second and scored 2:12 later to make it 3-1. He added his second goal of the game in the third. Yannick Weber scored a power-play goal late in the first period to tie it at 1. Michael Cammalleri also scored for the Canadiens, who got their first win in six games at the Bell Centre (1-32). “We needed to get that one,” Price said. “It was a tough stretch there, honestly. It was pretty tough mentally on everybody so we’re just glad to have that over with and at least we have a chance to get right back into it (Thursday) night (in Boston). Hopefully we can continue what we did tonight.”

The Canadiens, who are 2-5-2 overall, had not gone this deep into a season before getting their second win since 1941-42, when they got off to a 1-10-1 start. Jaromir Jagr scored his third goal in two games for Philadelphia, which played its first game without injured captain Chris Pronger. Ilya Bryzgalov made 23 saves. “They have a lot of back pressure back through the middle,” said Scott Hartnell, who assisted on Jagr’s goal which opened the scoring midway through the first.

“When we turn pucks over it seems like their D are joining and there’s at least three guys caught and they’re coming 4 on 2. And we didn’t do it just once or twice, we did it that whole second and third period.”

The Canadiens failed to score on their first opportunity after Philadelphia was called for a penalty 58 seconds in. Jagr soured the sold-out Bell Centre crowd’s somber mood further when he put the Flyers up 1-0 at 10:43 on a goal sealed with his trademark salute.

Weber sent a jolt of energy through the building with 2.6 seconds left in the first when he drove a point shot inside the left post for his second goal and Montreal’s fourth power-play goal of the season. Kostitsyn got credit for putting

CALGARY: Miikka Kiprusoff #34 and Scott Hannan #23 of the Calgary Flames stop the deflection by David Jones #54 the Colorado Avalanche on October 26, 2011 at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. — AFP the Canadiens up 2-1 midway through tors secure a 3-0 victory over the the second. Daniel Briere’s clearing Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday. attempt went in off Kostitsyn’s right Elliott, signed as a free-agent during the skate, prompting a video review that off-season, turned away 32 shots to improve his record to 4-0-0 as he retains upheld the goal.

Pacioretty, who left Monday night’s his place in the starting lineup at the 2-1 loss to Florida late in the second expense of regular keeper Jaroslav Halak with an upper-body injury, made it a (1-4-0).

Elliott made his third straight start in two-goal lead at 12:38 when a redirected puck left him a shot at an open right place of Halak and is thriving despite not playing well last season. “It’s just not side for his third goal.

He made it 4-1 with his second goal getting down on yourself,” Elliott told of the game - his fourth of the season - reporters, the goaltender having been 3:16 into the third. Cammalleri traded from Ottawa to Colorado last seaincreased the lead to four with his third son before landing with St. Louis. “You goal at 15:36. Pronger is on bedrest and are doing something right to get to this expected to miss two to three weeks level so why stray away from your sucafter suffering an eye injury in Monday cess? “Just keep your nose to the grindnight’s 4-2 win over Toronto. Pronger, stone and just keep working and that’s who does not wear a visor, was struck what I did this summer and continue to on the outside of his right eye by Maple do now.” Alexander Steen led the offense Leafs center Mikhail Grabovski’s stick with two goals while Patrik Berglund blade. Goaltender Brian Elliott contin- completed the scoring in the final period ued his promising start with the St Louis to help St Louis (5-4-0) win its third Blues after his shutout helped the visi- straight game. — Agencies

NHL results/standings NHL results and standings on Wednesday.

Montreal 5, Philadelphia 1; Calgary 4, Colorado 2; St Louis 3, Vancouver 0.

Eastern Conference Atlantic Division W L OTL GF GA PTS Pittsburgh 7 2 2 33 22 16 Philadelphia 5 3 1 28 26 11 New Jersey 4 2 1 16 16 9 NY Rangers 3 2 2 14 14 8 NY Islanders 3 4 0 14 17 6 Northeast Division Toronto 5 2 1 26 27 11 Buffalo 5 3 0 23 17 10 Ottawa 4 5 0 27 36 8 Boston 3 5 0 19 19 6 Montreal 2 5 2 23 27 6 Southeast Division Washington 7 0 0 30 14 14 Florida 5 3 0 20 19 10 Tampa Bay 4 3 2 29 30 10 Carolina 3 3 3 24 30 9 Winnipeg 2 5 1 17 27 5

Western Conference Central Division Chicago 5 1 2 27 20 12 Detroit 5 2 0 20 18 10 St Louis 5 4 0 25 24 10 Nashville 3 4 1 16 23 7 Columbus 1 7 1 21 30 3 Northwest Division Colorado 6 3 0 28 24 12 Edmonton 4 2 2 16 14 10 Minnesota 3 2 3 18 20 9 Vancouver 4 5 1 24 29 9 Calgary 3 4 1 19 22 7 Pacific Division Dallas 7 2 0 22 17 14 Los Angeles 5 2 1 17 13 11 Anaheim 4 3 1 18 20 9 San Jose 4 3 0 21 17 8 Phoenix 3 3 2 22 25 8 Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point in the standings and are not included in the loss column (L).

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2011

Rain could allow Cards’ Carpenter to start Game 7 ST LOUIS: Bruce Hurst was in his hotel room in New York when he got the call exactly 25 years ago. Because of a rainout, Boston Red Sox manager John McNamara was switching to him as his starter for Game 7 of the World Series against the New York Mets.

“It’s what you prepare for your whole life,” Hurst said Wednesday after Game 6 between the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers was postponed. “If you can’t get ready for that, nothing can get you ready to pitch.”

If the Cardinals force a seventh game, now scheduled for Friday, ace Chris Carpenter could find himself in the same situation as Hurst: pitching baseball’s biggest game on short rest. Asked about his possible Game 7 starter, St. Louis manager Tony La

Russa avoided a direct answer and instead joked about which pitcher he would send to the interview room Thursday before Game 6.

“If Bob Gibson is there, we’ll send Bob,” La Russa said of the 75-year-old Hall of Famer. Jokes aside, La Russa and pitching coach Dave Duncan must decide whether to bring back Carpenter on short rest for only the second time in his big league career.

He would be the first pitcher to make three starts in one Series since Arizona’s Curt Schilling in 2001.

“I was told by Carp that he would be ready to go,” La Russa said. “I think I mentioned to somebody he’s very competitive, and he’d pitch Game 7 had we played today. I don’t think that’ll change tomorrow if we win.”

The Mets and Red Sox were level

at 3-all in the 1986 Series when rain forced Game 7 to be pushed back a day. Dennis “Oil Can” Boyd originally was slated to start for Boston, and he had tears in his eyes when McNamara informed him of the change.

Hurst, the Game 1 and Game 5 winner, took a 3-0 lead into the sixth inning against Ron Darling, who was pitching on regular rest but also making his third start of the Series.

Hurst then allowed a two-run single to Keith Hernandez and an RBI groundout by Gary Carter, and didn’t get a decision as the Mets won 8-5.

“Adrenaline takes over, but that burns out pretty quick and then you’re left with what you have,” Hurst said. Darling allowed three runs in 3 2-3 innings, giving up second-inning homers to Dwight Evans

and Rich Gedman. The extra rest was harmful instead of helpful. “It gave me 48 hours instead of 24 hours to mentally get ready for the game. By the time we got to Game 7, I was mentally exhausted,” he said Wednesday. “I literally grinded down my teeth in those 48 hours.”

Since that night, only Minnesota’s Frank Viola (1987) and Jack Morris (1991) and Schilling have made three starts in one World Series. Chances are, La Russa already has shared his thoughts with Carpenter if not the public. Trailing 3-2, the Cardinals will start Jaime Garcia against Colby Lewis in Game 6 on Thursday night.

La Russa’s Game 7 choice comes down to Carpenter, Game 3 starter Kyle Lohse on five days’ rest or Game 4 starter Edwin Jackson on regular rest. — AP

Caquatto wins gold in all-around at Pan Ams Seventh American to win gymnastics event

GUADALAJARA: Brazil’s Maurren Maggi reacts after making her third attempt during the women’s long jump finals at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. — AP

Maggi wins long jump at Pan Ams GUADALAJARA: Maurren Maggi came into the Pan American Games as the woman to beat in the long jump, and she will leave Mexico the same way. The Brazilian jumper won her third Pan American Games title in the event, leaping 6.94 meters Wednesday to claim another gold medal. “It was a jump that I needed at the worlds,” said Maggi, the Olympic gold medalist from Beijing who finished 11th in the long jump at the world championships this year. “I was able to close out the year incredibly well in a competition, which was important for me because I was trying to become a three-time champion and I did it.”

And the extra gold in Guadalajara seems to have made up for the disappointing performance in Daegu, South Korea in August. “Personally, this was more important for me than the worlds,” Maggi said. “I don’t know how many women have been a three-time champion like me. So I’m very proud to be a three-time winner at the Pan Ams.” Brazil had a good night on the track, also getting gold from Leandro Oliveira in the men’s 1,500 meters and from Lucimara Da Silva in the heptathlon. But despite the run, the Brazilians still trail the United States in the medals table with 33 gold and 90 overall. The Americans are way out front with 70 gold and 187 overall.

Colombian athletes also had a big day in Guadalajara both on the track and in general. Yenifer Padilla won the women’s 400 and Maria Oliveros won the women’s 400 hurdles, while Jossimar Calvo won the men’s all-around in gymnastics and Colombian teammates added two more golds in weightlifting and another couple in roller skating. — AP

GUADALAJARA: She wobbled on the beam but didn’t fall on the dismount.

That, and a super uneven bars routine, added up to a gold medal for American gymnast Bridgette Caquatto in the allaround competition Wednesday at the Pan American Games.

“The beam routine went pretty smoothly for me. I just had one major wobble,” said the 17-year-old Caquatto, who became the seventh straight American to win the marquee gymnastics event at the games. “Besides that, I was very happy with how everything else went.”

Caquatto, from Naperville, Ill., scored 14.725 points on the uneven bars, the only competitor to break the 14-point barrier. That put her in the lead heading into her final event on the balance beam. Despite the miscue during that last routine, she stuck her dismount and held on to first place. “I had no idea. I didn’t even look at my scores the whole meet,” Caquatto said. “I was just very thankful for staying on each equipment.”

The United States also stayed on top, winning two more golds on Day 12 of the Pan American Games to keep well clear of second-place Brazil on the medals table. There were plenty more chances for the US to add to that total later Wednesday. In the women’s allaround, Caquatto followed in some good company by winning gold.

Olympic gold medalist Shannon Miller won the title in 1995, as did fellow world champions Chellsie Memmel (2003) and Shawn Johnson (2007).

“I’m very happy to keep the US rolling with all their medals,” said Caquatto, who also helped the US win the team gold and has a chance to claim a third in Tuesday’s bars final her best event. “I’m hoping to just hit the same routine I did the past two times and hopefully it’ll be a good

result,” Caquatto said. Mackenzie Caquatto, Bridgette’s older sister and a member of the US team that won a silver medal at last year’s world championships, was following from afar. She had a message for her younger sibling after the final scores were posted Wednesday in Guadalajara.

“YAYAYYYY! SO PROUD OF my seeesterr!!! PAN AMERICAN ALL

won’t be easy. “I would love to be able to go to the Olympic trials and experience all that and I just want to be able to hit my best routine and come out of there with no regrets and just say I did everything I could possibly do.”

Kibwe Johnson did what he could to set a Pan American Games record in the men’s hammer throw, and it worked. Johnson, who won the first

GUADALAJARA: Bridgette Caquatto of the United States competes on the uneven bars in the women’s artistic gymnastics individual all-around finals during the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. — AP AROUND CHAMP! you are amazingg girl :) loveyou,” Mackenzie Caquatto wrote on Twitter. Whether or not Caquatto can win a third gold on the uneven bars, she is expecting a little bit of down time once the Pan American Games are over.

But down time does not include too much rest. “I’m going to go back and heal up and hopefully get some more difficulty in all my routines, more consistency, and keep training,” said Caquatto, who is dreaming of someday making the Olympic team but knows it

gold for the United States in track and field at this year’s games, tossed the hammer 79.63 meters. The previous record of 79.61 meters was set by another American, Lance Deal, in Winnipeg in 1999. “During the warm up I wasn’t quiet sure where I was throwing, but after the first result I knew that would be OK,” Johnson said.

“I thought I had a chance to break the Pan American record but you never really know. When I realized that I was throwing pretty hard, I knew I had a chance.” — AP

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Australia star Gallen fears Kiwi backlash LONDON: Australia prop Paul Gallen admits his side are fearful of a New Zealand backlash when the two sides meet in the opening clash of the Four Nations today.

Kangaroos head coach Tim Sheens has named an unchanged side from the one that dismantled the Kiwis so convincingly two weeks ago as he prepares for the tournament curtain raiser. But, despite the 42-6 romp in Newcastle, Gallen knows all too well it would be foolish to write off World Cup and defending Four Nations champions New Zealand. And with the tournament taking place in Britain this year the 30-year-old Cronulla-Sutherland Shark admits that conditions at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium might not favour the Kangaroos.

“We’ve come from summer over in Australia to winter here and the conditions are probably going to be far more slippery and greasy than they were in Newcastle and that will favour New Zealand,” said Gallen. “There will be a bit more play up the middle with less passing and line breaks than there were two weeks ago but as long as

we complete our sets and kick and chase well then the result should go our way.

“It is scary to think that New Zealand have been hurting for the past two weeks. “It has happened to us in the past where we have been caught but I would like to think that we have learned from that and that we can put things right this year. “We aren’t looking any further than this game at the moment, as far as we’re concerned this is the most important game of the tournament and it’s crucial to start with a win.” Kiwi head coach Stephen Kearney has largely kept faith with the side that under performed two weeks ago as New Zealand Warrior Ben Matulino comes in for the suspended Russell Packer.

Thomas Leuluai, the only English-based player in the New Zealand squad, is on the bench, with Isaac Luke replacing Australian-born Nathan Fien in the starting lineup. That means that four of the five debutants from a fortnight ago, Kevin Locke, Gerard Beale, Kalifa Faifai Loa and Alex Glenn, all keep their places in the squad.

And captain and talisman Benji Marshall has endorsed Kearney’s selection, laughing off suggestions that inexperience was the main reason for his side’s under-par showing last time out. “The biggest thing about the loss against Australia two weeks ago was the fact that all our young boys stood up,” Marshall said. “A lot of people have been making excuses about the fact we had so many young, inexperienced guys in the team but I thought they were our best players. “I really feel like if we control possession a bit better, and let’s not forget we only completed 40-odd per-cent against the Kangaroos last time, we will compete.”

Meanwhile on Saturday hosts England and Wales clash in Leigh with England head coach Steve McNamara including a number of Australian-based players in his starting 13. Former St George stand-off Rangi Chase retains his place in the half-backs alongside skipper Kevin Sinfield while Australian-born Wests Tiger Chris Heighington and Brisbane Bronco Jack Reed both start.—AFP

Ali’s maiden hundred stretches Pakistan lead 49th batsman to complete 1,000 Test runs

BRASILIA: Brazil’s Sports Minister Orlando Silva, left, speaks to media members during a press conference after meeting with Brazil’s President Dilma Roussef at the Planalto presidential palace, in Brasilia, Brazil Wednesday. — AP

Brazilian sports minister resigns BRASILIA: Brazilian Sports Minister Orlando Silva, the man who was tasked with organizing the 2014 World Cup, resigned to face corruption allegations, one day after the launch of a formal probe. Silva is the fifth member of President Dilma Rousseff’s government forced to step down in under five months after being accused of misappropriation of public funds.

He has been accused of involvement in kickback schemes through social programs funded by his ministry. “I asked to leave the government. I am leaving the government to defend my honor. I leave having fulfilled my duties,” Silva said in a brief statement to reporters after meeting with Rousseff.

Silva, who has denied the allegations made against him, said the truth in the matter would eventually come out. Earlier, presidential spokesman Gilberto Carvalho told the Brasil state news agency that the job would be filled by a member of Silva’s Communist Party of Brazil, which is an ally of Rousseff’s ruling Workers Party.

“That person would be an interim (minister). That is the likeliest thing,” the agency quoted Carvalho as saying. “I indicated to the party that a step had to be taken,” Carvalho told local media, adding that Silva “showed maturity” by agreeing to step down.

Carvalho said a decision by Brazil’s supreme court on Tuesday to open a formal investigation into corruption allegations involving Silva had been a key factor in the request for his resignation, which was expected later Wednesday. The Brazilian newsmagazine Veja has cited a former police officer who accused Silva of taking kickbacks of up to $23 million and channeling government money to NGOs linked to his party.

Silva called the police officer, who had been in jail for a year, a “delinquent” and warned against what he called a modern inquisition in which people faced accusations without proof. Rousseff, who took office at the start of the year, was compelled to launch an anti-corruption drive in July after several key members of her government were accused of corruption including her chief of staff Antonio Palocci, who was forced to resign in June. — AFP

DUBAI: Talented Azhar Ali finally got a maiden Test century as Pakistan piled pressure on Sri Lanka on the second day of the second Test at Dubai cricket Stadium here yesterday.

A three-figure score had eluded the 26-yearold right-hander in the last 14 Tests but he finally reached the mark in the closing stages to guide Pakistan to a dominating 281-4, gaining a lead of 42 over Sri Lankan first innings of 239.

Ali, the only bright spot from last year’s fixing-marred tour of England, put on a 94-run stand for the fourth wicket with skipper Misbah-ul Haq (40 not out) and 117 for the third wicket with Younis Khan (55) to lift his team. Ali finally fell for 100 in the penultimate over of the day, leaving Misbah and nightwatchman Saeed Ajmal (five) at the crease.

Surviving two confident leg-before shouts against paceman Suranga Lakmal, Ali straight drove the same bowler to reach 96 and then at 98 miscued a sweep off left-arm spinner Rangana Herath but got the much needed two runs.

Ali, who reached his century in 309 minutes with nine boundaries, held his bat high in delight before kissing the ground in respect on getting the much-eluded hundred. Ali’s two stands helped Pakistan overcome the early loss of openers Taufiq Umar (27) and Mohammad Hafeez (33) to Sri Lankan paceman Dhammika Prasad who finished with 2-73. Ali also became the 49th Pakistani batsman to complete 1,000 Test runs when he reached 46. Younis, when he reached 17, crossed Salim Malik’s aggregate of 5768 (103 Tests) to become the fourth highest Test run getters for Pakistan behind Javed Miandad (8832 in 104 Tests), Inzamamul Haq (8829 in 119) and Mohammad Yousuf (7530 in 90).

Younis hit Dilshan over deep mid-wicket boundary for a six to complete his 26th fifty, but in the Sri Lankan captain’s next over he played onto his stumps. His 55 also included two boundaries. Pakistan started slowly after resuming at 42-0 and benefited from two drop catches off successive deliveries from Lakmal, who bowled exceptionally well in the morning session.

It was the fifth over of the day when Lakmal got one to jump on Hafeez whose tentative push ballooned towards cover where Dilshan failed to catch the ball which

DUBAI: Pakistan’s cricketer Azhar Ali (C) plays a shot as Sri Lankan fielders looks on the second day of the second cricket Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Dubai’s international cricket stadium yesterdau. — AFP fell behind him. Hafeez, on 25, went for a single. Next ball, Mahela Jayawardene floored a regulation catch when Umar, batting on 24, failed to keep an edge down.

But both openers failed to take advantage of the lapses, with Umar edging Prasad to

wicket-keeper Kaushal Silva for his first catch in Tests while Hafeez was adjudged legbefore in Prasad’s next over. The first Test ended in a draw at Abu Dhabi. The third and final Test of the series will be played in Sharjah from November 3-7. — AFP

SCOREBOARD DUBAI: Scores at close on the second day of the second cricket Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Dubai stadium here yesterday: Sri Lanka 1st innings 239 (K. Sangakkara 78, C. Welegedara 48; Umar Gul 3-78, Saeed Ajmal 3-45) Pakistan 1st innings (overnight 42-0) Mohammad Hafeez lbw b Prasad 33 Taufiq Umar c Silva b Prasad 27 Azhar Ali lbw b Dilshan 100 Younis Khan b Dilshan 55 Misbah-ul Haq not out 40 Saeed Ajmal not out 5 Extras: (b6, lb10, nb3, w2) 21 Total: (for four wkts) 281 Fall of wickets: 1-63 (Umar), 2-64 (Hafeez), 3-181 (Younis), 4-275 (Ali).

Bowling: Welegedara 20-4-50-0 (w1), Prasad 20-1-73-2 (nb3), Herath 23-3-56-0, Lakmal 20-7-38-0, Dilshan 16-1-48-2 Overs: 99

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F1 drivers approve of track for Indian GP NEW DELHI: Formula One drivers anticipate plenty of overtaking in this weekend’s inaugural Indian Grand Prix after having their first view of the Buddh International Circuit yesterday. While some drivers had concerns about the amount of dust and dirt on the surface before today’s first practice session, they were enthused about the good overtaking opportunities and intriguing undulating design.

The track was designed by Hermann Tilke, who is responsible for most of the recent tracks added to the F1 calendar.

It features wide entrances to corners, which will allow drivers to choose alternative racing lines, aiding overtaking. “It is a new sort of philosophy with this overtaking, with getting the circuits very wide at the entry,” Mercedes driver Michael Schumacher said. “It offers a good tactical perspective for overtaking, for having a good show, and hopefully make the Indian fans enjoy Formula One after this weekend.”

Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso said the Buddh circuit was similar to some of Tilke’s other tracks, with a long straight followed by a twisty middle section, but welcomed the use of a more flowing final sector. “This one looks very interesting, especially the last sector,” Alonso said. “The last sector looks very different, it looks very quick. Reality is very different to the simulator, so we will see tomorrow.”

Chelsea’s stadium plans dealt setback LONDON: Chelsea’s plans to leave Stamford Bridge were dealt a setback yesterday after shareholders voted not to hand control of the stadium to owner Roman Abramovich. The Russian oligarch wanted to buy back the ownership rights from Chelsea Pitch Owners so the land could be sold to fund a move into a new stadium.

“He is disappointed,” Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck said. “I want Chelsea to be ... one of the handful of top clubs in Europe and if it requires moving to a new stadium we would do that.”

Inside the stadium where Chelsea has been based throughout its 106-year history, Abramovich’s bid was only backed by 62 percent of the 5,796 votes cast when it required 75 percent approval.

The Blues have been considering sites on which they could build a 60,000-seat stadium to replace the current 41,800-capacity Stamford Bridge, which is only the eighth largest in the Premier League. A larger venue would boost income to help comply with UEFA’s new financial controls by bringing in higher ticket sales.

CPO was set up in the 1990s to prevent property developers buying the land when the club’s finances were struggling. Abramovich transformed Chelsea after his 2003 takeover, investing hundreds of millions of dollars to help the club end a 50-year title drought in the league.

Despite that investment, yesterday’s vote showed that fans are still willing to defy Abramovich’s plans. “Chelsea fans are very emotional and have a strong attachment to Stamford Bridge, and the traditions and history of this club,” Buck said. Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay also announced Thursday that the club is still trying to sell the naming rights for Stamford Bridge. — AP

McLaren driver Jenson Button compared the circuit to Spa Francorchamps in Belgium and Suzuka in Japan - high praise as they are often cited as the two tracks most relished by F1 drivers. He was especially enthusiastic about the blind entry to the Turn 3 hairpin, which

is at the crest of a hill, similar to the famous Eau Rouge turn at Spa. “It looks really good, it is going to take a few laps, may be a couple of hours for the circuit to actually clean up driving about,” Button said. “But the layout; they have done a really good job. It has

NOIDA: From bottom left to top right, Ferrari driver Felipe Massa of Brazil, Hispania Racing Team driver Narain Karthikeyan of India, Mercedes driver Michael Schumacher of Germany, Lotus driver Jarno Trulli of Italy, Williams driver Rubens Barrichello of Brazil and Force India driver Adrian Sutil of Germany attend the driver’s press conference of the Indian Formula One Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit in Noida, 38 kilometers (24 miles) from New Delhi, India yesterday. — AP

a good design, the entry to corners looks good for overtaking.”

Drivers were likely to be cautious in today’s first practice due to the lack of rubber on the dusty surface, with consequent low tire grip levels. “It was still very dusty I should say,” Force India driver Adrian Sutil said after his track inspection. “Still very dirty so we will have to see how it will be tomorrow morning.”

With both the drivers and constructors’ championships already decided in the favor of Sebastian Vettel and his Red Bull team, the final three races of the season have less at stake, and Alonso said this could benefit the spectacle as drivers may be “more aggressive” and “take a risk in qualifying.”

Vettel has played down his quest to equal the records for most race wins in a season - he must win all three to equal Schumacher’s 13 - and most pole positions - he needs two more to equal Nigel Mansell’s 14 - but said history beckons in other ways.

“People say ‘what is the motivation’ but we are racing for the Grand Prix of India and it’s the first time we are racing here,” Vettel said. F1 officials have confirmed there will be two DRS zones on the circuit rather than the standard one.

The DRS - or Drag Reduction System zones allow drivers to open the rear wings on their cars to catch up to the cars they are pursuing. — AP

Wozniacki seals top spot Sharapova pulls out with injury ISTANBUL: Caroline Wozniacki will end the year ranked world number one although her hopes of applying icing to the cake by winning the WTA Championships suffered a blow when she lost to Russia’s Vera Zvonareva in her second round-robin match on Wednesday.

The 21-year-old Dane was locked in combat with Zvonareva when news filtered through that Russian Maria Sharapova had withdrawn from the tournament with an ankle injury following a 76 6-4 defeat by China’s Li Na. World number two Sharapova began the day as the only player still able to topple Wozniacki from the summit but she was clearly not herself in an error-strewn defeat before announcing that her season was over.

It meant Wozniacki’s 6-2 4-6 6-3 defeat was immaterial as far as the rankings were concerned although with one win and one loss in the Red Group she could still miss out on the semi-finals here even if she beats Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova on Thursday-a tough ask after two threesetters in two days. Wozniacki, who has been number one since February and has six titles in 2011, was not going to let defeat spoil her day.

“You know, it’s amazing for me to finish the year as number one once more,” she told reporters after being congratulated

by WTA Tour chief Stacey Allaster in a presentation. “I mean, only very few players have finished a year as number one and to do it two years in a row is very special. I’m only in the beginning of my career and to have achieved so much already, it’s a dream come true.

“Of course, the match today I would

like to have won, but at the same time, I still have a chance tomorrow. Right now I’m just so happy that I’ve been playing most consistently and the best tennis the whole year.” Former world number one Sharapova, still bothered by the left ankle sprain she suffered in Tokyo recently, was quick to congratulate Wozniacki.

“It’s an incredible achievement to stay in that position for so many weeks,” the Russian told reporters. Sharapova’s place in the White Group will now be taken by French alternate Marion Bartoli. In the other White Group match Victoria Azarenka made a winning start with a 6-2 6-2 defeat of US Open champion Samantha Stosur who had beaten Sharapova on Tuesday.

Sharapova, playing at the championships for the first time since 2007, almost missed the event due to the ankle injury and her lack of recent match practice was evident again as she let tournament debutant Li off the hook.

The Russian led 4-1 in the opening set and after seeing her lead evaporate she then moved 4-0 ahead in the tiebreak only to lose the next seven points with a run of unforced errors. Li, who beat Sharapova in the French Open semi-finals this year on her way to claiming a first grand slam singles title for an Asian-born player, moved into a 5-2 lead in the second set before an attack of the jitters almost proved costly. —Reuters

ISTANBUL: Russia’s Maria Sharapova returns to China’s Li Na at the WTA championship finals in Istanbul Turkey, Wednesday. — AP

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Pacquiao fired up for third bout with Marquez HOLLYWOOD: Occasionally criticised for being too much of a gentleman in the ring, Manny Pacquiao is more motivated than ever for his WBO welterweight title defence next month against Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez. The boxers have met twice before, fighting to a draw in May 2004 before the Mexican lost his WBC super-featherweight title to the Filipino southpaw in a controversial split decision in March 2008.

However, Marquez has repeatedly claimed he won both contests and Pacquiao felt insulted after his opponent wore a T-shirt bearing the legend: “We Were Robbed” when their Nov. 12 showdown in Las Vegas was promoted in the Philippines.

“I have never been so motivated as I am for this fight,” Pacquiao told Reuters on Wednesday before sparring with his trainer Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Boxing Club. “I almost can’t wait for the fight. “I want to prove that he (Marquez) was wrong in wearing that T-shirt claiming he won the last two fights.

“So this is kind of a special fight, the most important fight in my boxing career, because I want this fight to be the answer to all the doubts that have been raised.” Asked if he had taken Marquez’s claims person-

ally, Pacquiao replied: “Right now, outside the ring, there is nothing personal but when I get into the ring on Nov. 12 it’s going to be personal for us.” Roach, who has worked with 31 world champions in his Wild Card gym on the outskirts of downtown Los Angeles, said he had never seen Pacquiao so fired up for a fight. “He’s motivated but he still won’t talk about it,” Roach told Reuters, referring to the baiting by Marquez. “I say to him: ‘Manny, you don’t like this guy?’ And he just smiles at me. I let him enjoy it.

“When Marquez came out to the Philippines and wore that T-shirt, he embarrassed Manny a little bit. It was a slap in the face and I think Manny will pay him back.” Roach, a shrewd tactician who has been uncannily accurate with his fight predictions, forecast a Pacquiao victory inside the distance at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

“I don’t think the fight’s going to last six rounds,” Roach said. “It’s going to be a helluva fight until it ends because one thing about Marquez is that he will fight. “They say he (Marquez) has put on a little bit of muscle and he is getting a little bigger upstairs. It looks like he might want to exchange with us and I hope that

happens.” Pacquiao, who has won world titles in an unprecedented eight weight divisions to cement his status as the best pound-for-pound boxer, will go into the bout as a heavy favourite against Marquez. However,

puncher and we’re probably going to have to go to him (Marquez) to make the fight happen.

“It’s a little harder for Manny to do that and there is no question that Marquez has the most difficult style

HOLLYWOOD: Manny Pacquiao poses in the ring during a Media Workout promoting his upcoming fight with Juan Manuel Marquez at Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, California. — AFP Roach felt the Mexican, a three-division world champion, would once again be the toughest opponent the Filipino has faced in his illustrious career. “Manny loves it when guys come to him and they’re aggressive,” said Roach. “Marquez is a counter-

for us.” Pacquiao, who proudly arrived at the Wild Card gym in a gleaming Ferrari that he bought last week, will be fighting for the first time since he retained his WBO welterweight title with a unanimous points victory over Shane Mosley in May. — Reuters

Inter Milan struggle to overcome penalty curse ‘As a club we have a lot of respect for referees’

RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazil’s soccer coach Mano Menezes arrives for a news conference to announce his list of players for upcoming games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, yesterday. Brazil will face Gabon on Nov. 10 for a friendly soccer match in Libreville, and Egypt on Nov 14 in Doha. — AP

African giants missing at Cup of Nations draw JOHANNESBURG: Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa will be notable absentees when the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations draw is made in Equatorial Guinea tomorrow. All failed to qualify despite being ranked among the top 10 football nations on tne continent, all bar the Pharaohs qualified for the World Cup last year, and between them the quintet have won 15 of the 27 previous tournaments. Surprise inclusions among the 16 teams going into four glass bowls in capital city Malabo are firsttime qualifiers Botswana and Niger and Equatorial Guineaautomatic participants as co-hosts-are the other debutants. Equatorial Guinea and fellow hosts Gabon will be among the top seeds in Pot 1 with four-time winners Ghana and 1992 champions Ivory Coast while Pot 2 comprises Angola, Guinea, Tunisia and Zambia.

Burkina Faso, Mali, Morocco and Senegal will be in Pot 3 and Pot 4 includes Botswana, Libya, Niger and Sudan, the teams considered least likely to win the biennial showcase of African football. Confederation of African Football general secretary Hicham El Amrani of Morocco will conduct the draw, filling for the first time a role predecessor Mustapha Fahmy of Egypt held for several decades. — AFP

MILAN: Struggling Inter Milan are praying their penalty curse does not strike again when they face Serie A leaders Juventus tomorrow. Roma, who like Inter have made a stuttering start, host resurgent champions AC Milan in the weekend’s other top match. Inter have conceded five penalties in eight games, the latest in a 1-1 draw at Atalanta on Wednesday.

Even though goalkeeper Luca Castellazi saved that last-minute spot kick, coach Claudio Ranieri was not

placated. “It was highly debatable and given by the linesman - in fact so debatable that the referee didn’t award it initially,” said Ranieri whose team are 16th with eight points. “We have to get ourselves out of this situation where everything keeps going wrong for us - fate, individual episodes. Let’s hope all this finishes soon.

“Of course it will make headlines that we’ve had five penalties given against us in eight matches. And not

MONTERREY: Jose Maria Basanta (R) of Monterrey fights for the ball with Jair Barraz (L) of Atlas during their Apertura 2011 football tournament match in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon state, Mexico. — AFP

one of them was iron-cast.” Inter’s chief executive Ernesto Paolillo said he found it “baffling how easily they can be given against Inter, and yet not be given with the same ease in other games”.

“This evening’s was very dubious, like all the penalties given against us,” Paolillo said. “As a club we have a lot of respect for referees and we’re not going to complain to the people who appoint the referees, but the federation president should act as a guarantor and assess the performances of the referees and linesmen.” Juventus lead with 16 points but that does not mean it is plain sailing for coach Antonio Conte who left Milos Krasic and Alessandro del Piero out of the team that beat Fiorentina 2-1 on Tuesday.

Director-general Giuseppe Marotta backed the decisions, admitting that Krasic had not been at his best, and said Conte had full autonomy. With Udinese and Lazio one point behind, Juventus, the only unbeaten team, cannot afford any slip-ups. Lazio visit Cagliari and Udinese host Palermo, both on Sunday.

Milan, two points behind Juventus, are the team in form after winning their last three games and scoring 10 goals, including hat-tricks from KevinPrince Boateng against Lecce and Antonio Nocerino against Parma on Wednesday. — Reuters

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Inter Milan struggle to overcome penalty curse www.kuwaittimes.net

ISTANBUL: Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki returns the ball in the final game of the match she lost to Russia’s Vera Zvonareva at the WTA championship finals in Istanbul, Turkey. — AP

Wozniacki seals top spot Page62

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