20 May - Friday Times

Horrifyingly beautiful!

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IMF chief resigns, Lagarde heads race to take over

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Santos, Velez reach Libertadores semis

59 Max 44 Min 28

NO: 15094- Friday, May 20, 2011

Obama hails ‘Arab Spring’ ( See Page 13)

CAIRO: ‘Freedom for Palestine’ is etched on a lamppost in Tahrir Square in Egypt where protesters have been gathering since the start of the Mideast revolutions that swept the region and changed its landscape. (Inset) President Barack Obama passes Secretary of State Hillary Clinton before delivering a policy address on events in the Middle East at the State Department in Washington, yesterday. — Photo by Sherif Ismail and AP

Local FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

In my view

Wasta, wasta, wasta...

By Lisa Conrad

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f you have yet to hear of wasta, it can safely be assumed that you’re new to the Middle East. Wasta is at the core of the region, it dictates how long you will wait for your driver’s license, most likely where you work, possibly even where you eat and most definitely your future success. So what is it? Willy Wonka’s golden ticket into the inner realms of success in the Middle East? Well yes, actually, it is. This widely known and regularly exercised skill, or weakness, depending on your opinion, revolves around wielding social, political and even familial connections to get what you want. Nepotism at its worst and networking at its best, wasta is a defining factor.

Whether or not the use of Wasta is ‘fair’ depends on your opinion of course. Harking back to parental reprimands that ‘nothing is fair’ upon having a favorite toy or sweet taken away, it seems they were in fact correct. Of course it isn’t fair if you lose out on a job that you are more qualified for because you didn’t know anyone in the company. But let’s consider the other side for once and avoid the obvious.

Articles and opinion pieces on the unfair nature of wasta are common, claiming that it causes corruption, weakening the weak and strengthening the strong. However, in terms of the expatriate workforce in particular, if you know that this is how it goes (and, if you didn’t before, now you do) then surely shouldn’t you adapt to your context instead

of expecting your environment to adapt to you? Let us consider...

If you want to be a lawyer, doctor or engineer, you gain the appropriate qualifications to succeed in those fields, because without them the careers are inaccessible.

In England, countless internships ‘prove’ that you’re a driven, eager individual who was even willing to work for free. In the Middle East, however, wasta is the axis upon which we’re all revolving.

Creating wasta depends on you, how many people you know, how many you meet and, most importantly, how many you are smart enough to keep in touch with.

Consider this to be one of the skills necessary for success, take it seriously and as you work on your wasta, your wasta will work for you. Merit is still important at work of course, especially for expatriates, and hard work is still rewarded.

But without wasta, success can become somewhat capped. But, I hear you cry, it still isn’t fair. I agree, it isn’t.

Especially when it comes to emergencies and dire situations, of course there should be equality.

However, although wasta is certainly a Middle Eastern term, it is not a Middle Eastern phenomenon. It is undeniable that worldwide, who you know is nearly always worth more than what you know. In high school business class I clearly remember a poster with those words hanging proudly on the wall.

But here’s the twist: the aforementioned business class where I learnt about supply chains and, equally as important, often completed my English Literature homework in, was in England. Shocking? Not really.

Important? Yes. The Middle East is not alone in its love of connection wielding. Euan Blair,

Tony Blair’s son, enjoyed the chance to have an internship in the Washington office of congresswoman Jane Harman in 2006. Could it be that two of the most powerful political powers were involved in the exchange of... wasta? Why yes, it appears so. Unless it was just a matter of probability defying coincidence. Ivy League schools in the US are well known for their preferences of “legacies”, who are children of alumni.

Wasta is utilized worldwide, but sits comfortably in the foreground of many Middle Eastern societies, including Kuwait, as opposed to being embarrassingly nudged into the background of others. So what’s the point here? Wasta has its flaws, can cause problems, but is used everywhere. A rose by any other name is still a rose, and a connection regardless of the term is still going to make your life easier.

At the very least, maybe your favorite restaurant will suddenly have a table for you on a busy Friday night. At the very best...well, that depends on you. The argument here isn’t what’s right or wrong, that depends on the value judgments you decide to make alone. The point here is that reality cannot be denied, ignorance in this case is not bliss and failing to be adaptive can be detrimental. Just keep in mind, however, that when you summon the power of your almighty wasta, you will be expected to reciprocate at some point.

In my view

Leaving barbaric nature behind

By Abdellatif Sharaa

local@kuwaittimes.net

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he very public showdown that took place at Kuwait’s National Assembly on Wednesday took me back many years down memory lane to 1986. I was driving near Salmiya Fire Station along the Fourth Ring Road. It was after 1:00 pm and the temperature stood at over 50 degrees celsius. Suddenly, two men stepped out of their cars, paused for a split second and began exchanging blows that rivaled the classics between Sugar Ray Reynolds and Roberto Duran or Thomas Herns and Marvin Haggler! In less than a minute, a hundred or more punches were exchanged, glasses were broken, and noses bled. Owing to the power-packed hits, the bruises were instantaneous and clear.

Oh, the whole episode lasted for about two minutes.

The men then took to the pavement, and waited for the police and ambulance. Strange? Well, the fight broke out because one of the drivers was slow, causing the signal to turn red before the other ‘opponent’ could cross it!

What logic!

It is human nature that we are always in a hurry, and

want to finish everything quickly. Haven’t you noticed the motorist behind you flashing his headlights and honking incessantly because you have been preventing him from winning the race?

When a person needs to take a decision, he must first think very deeply, analyze, weigh the pros and cons and then make that decision. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, one goes ahead and obeys one’s mind’ dictates and regret it later. We need to employ the gift of a brain that the human being was endowed with! We must act like the sane human beings are supposed to be, and leave our innate barbaric nature behind. Even animals are not provoked into aggression unless there is a legitimate reason, mainly a threat to life.

Whenever we face a problem, we should take a deep breath and pause, sort out our priorities and approach the solution then. We can talk through things not fight over them. Some may say that there are situations when a fight is unavoidable. This is not the case, if we approach things with a clear mind. We can solve matters at the end of the day or week. As for war between countries, these are not spontaneous. They are planned. Many state issues are political, economic, demographic, geographic. A case in point is the war that took place over the results of a soccer match in Latin America. The soccer match only served as a catalyst.

Let us behave and be sane!

God bless you all God bless Kuwait

KUWAIT: A couple takes a stroll near a water fountain, in this file photo Summer has set in with soaring temperatures and is expected to go higher in a few days’ time. — AP

Local FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

Local Spotlight Satire Wire

It is time to be vigilant

Names will hurt you

By Muna Al-Fuzai

By Sawsan Kazak

muna@kuwaittimes.net

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sawsank@kuwaittimes.net

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t was another exciting day for Kuwait’s parliament on Wednesday as a fist fight broke out. Sunni and Shiite lawmakers disagreed on the description of Kuwaiti detainees in Guantanamo Bay as ‘terrorists’. Some lawmakers took objection to the title of terrorist and decided to give old-fashioned fighting a try. Kuwait’s parliament turned into a WWF wrestling ring when about a dozen parliament members tried their hand at street fighting. The old proverb ‘sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me’ did not ring true, as names did bring pain to some MPs yesterday’.

The parliament session was suspended after the debate over the Guantanamo detainees got out of hand. I guess debating with logic

and proof is totally overrated; punching, kicking and scratching is the way to get your point across. I am going to take a lesson from the way these MPs solve problems and take matters into my own hands the next time I encounter someone who has a differing opinion from mine.

I think we should all implement this classic technique of problem solving into our own lives. We should slap the next person who tells us they don’t agree with our views on American foreign policy or we should drop kick that family member who is anti-Obama. And if someone dares to tell you that your views on global warming are ridiculous, you should simply run them over with your car.

Who needs to waste time talking

and trying to convince the other person to change their views; a simple smack on the head with the closest pointed item will solve the problem ASAP. The MPs were so right in implementing this technique as it is truly very efficient and to the point.

They should remove the useless chairs and desks they have in parliament and turn it into a full-blown boxing ring; the kind with ropes on sides. Members should get in there with their opinions and some boxing gloves and ‘debate’ their issues away.

Members holding the same views on the matter could be tag teamed in to help with the ‘convincing’. I think this would result in many more decisions finally being taken and not to mention stronger and healthier MPs; it would truly be survival of the fittest.

In my view

My life without Facebook

he daily reports that have surfaced about Kuwait’s security matters are a matter of concern. Recently, officials from the Ministry of Interior found dangerous explosive materials in a white pickup truck that was driven by an Asian man. He had been trying to enter the Shuaiba port last Saturday. The substance seized was C4, a material that is known to be a highvelocity explosive. Little additional information is known about the sender and the intended recipient. I doubt that will happen soon. Regardless of the identity of the ‘real’ sender and no matter how they planned to use the shipment, the bottom line here is that we need to be vigilant in our daily lives .

The turbulent regional situation is spilling over to our lives and is forcing us to be our own guardians. Personal security is an essential issue for every resident, Kuwaiti or expatriate. Of course, it a pressing concern to citizens because they have no other refuge to seek in case a hostile situation arises, unlike expatriates who can easily fly back to their home countries.

Many expatriates, especially Arabs do not wish to return to their home countries because of the unfavorable situation.

Going back only means that they failed to find a better alternative.

Several innocents will lose their lives in a bomb attack. It can be your child, friend or family member. Can you imagine a situation when you go out shopping to a mall or local market, and it turns out to be a scene of carnage because some maniac decides to bomb the place, killing many. Their only fault was to be at the wrong place. Security concerns everyone. The issue should not be overlooked.

I also think that any investigation into this matter should be dealt with in a transparent manner. The Ministry of Interior should act cautiously and try to spread awareness among expats, especially those who do not speak Arabic. They should report about suspicious activities. Also, reports about the cameras installed at border checkpoints being out of order is unacceptable. If this news is true, prompt measures should be taken to install them. it is not only about protecting Kuwait in case of an external aggression, but such attempts that target the society are part of terror operations. This should be every one’s concern.

Regardless of one’s nationality, Kuwait is our chosen place of residence. We are responsible to ensure that no harm will happen to this place.

By Hussain Al-Qatari hussain@kuwaittimes.net

T

he social networking website sensation became something essential in everyone’s life over the past few years. I signed up to the website in 2007, and ever since had a tumultuous relationship with it.

The pros were most notable in the first few months. Connecting with old friends, co-workers, relatives, and people you know who live abroad were at first impressive. But months later a new feeling took over and I started to realize that some of those friends and colleagues were rather annoying with their spelling mistakes, their pretentious favorite artists that they continuously praise and post videos of, and some of them appeared to be schizophrenic.

One update appeared on my updates feed saying: “So-and-so likes

Allah, Nancy Ajram, and Brandy Alexander.” I read this and was immediately floored. I know human beings have complex and unique beliefs, but reading that update had me in tears with laughter. (For those who don’t understand how this is hilarious, in Facebook language ‘liking’ a page means subscribing to its updates. Facebook groups these updates of each person and lists them together in one sentence).

After using Facebook for months, it becomes instinctive to reach for your phone when you wake up and check the Facebook application for new updates from friends. This act of obsession with people’s news and updates is not exactly stemmed from genuine concern about their news. If I was concerned about someone I

would call their phone, not wait for them to log on Facebook and write something. For me it became an unhealthy obsession and a waste of time.

So I decided to delete my account last week. Now, life without Facebook is quiet. I feel more in control of my time. I don’t feel disconnected from the world altogether as I feared I would before deactivating my account since I’m on Twitter.

What I like more about Twitter is that user updates are brief and fast. It is Facebook minus the clutter and the annoying games and third-party applications like Farmville and Fishville. I’m not sure if I will survive without Facebook in the long run, but Twitter seems to be a good distraction for the time being.

KUWAIT: A flash of brilliant lightning which split the sky into two is caught on camera on Tuesday, May 17.

— Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat

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Local

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

By Nawara Fattahova

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young Kuwaiti student has brought Hollywood closer to Kuwait. Nineteen-year-old Abdulaziz Al-Juraib, is Kuwait’s fledgling special effects make-up artist. He is bubbling with creative ideas on par with Hollywood’s mostwanted make-up artists.

Al-Juraib, a student of Computer Sciences at the Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) launched his hobby-job in the special effects field in August 2010. He was interested in the subject matter and joined the ‘Haunted House’ team - a group of Kuwaitis who organize costume get-togethers. So far, he has participated in some 10 activities with the team.

Al-Juraib’s talent has even attracted the visitors of the ‘Talents’ exhibition held recently at the International Fairground in Mishref with a special scary-booth, “I concentrated on scary decorations such as cut finger in blood, an old open refrigerator full of blood and some human organs, injured bleeding models, and so on. People’s curiosity attracted them to our booth,” he said. At the event, AlJuraib said, they were competing for the title of best decorated booth where they won the second place.

However, the difference in tastes has drawn some criticism, “People have different tastes so some of the older end of the spectrum criticized us for appearing scary. They thought it may negatively affect the kids from their point of view,” he said. “We only took the positive comments and left the negative in order to improve our small business,” he added.

Abdulaziz Al-Juraib The idea of mastering the art of special effects makeup hit Al-Juraib during the first exhibition in which he participated. “I had been wearing white colored lenses, which is in a way acted as a supporting element for my work. The visitors kept asking me: ‘Are these your eyes?’ Then I thought of something even stronger. I came up with the idea of fixing pins in my body as if screws were driven into me, then I thought of a way to attach it to my hand with a bandage.

People praised the creativity . Then I attached it to my neck,” he explained.

When he was a kid, Al-Juraib wouldn’t allow his mom or anybody else to try face painting on him, “it is a paradox that I’m inventing this kind of art, and people keep telling me that I will continue this activity. I apply the makeup on myself first to make sure it is safe for people because I’m allergic to most reactive substances, and still my skin has accepted the materials I have used till now,” he noted.

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Local

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

Abdulaziz Al-Juraib is a skilled make-up artist - but not one that you would call to do your wedding make-up

Al-Juraib had an environment to expand his pool of ideas after the team launched a studio at the Shaab Park.

“People were visiting the studio and liked the work,” he said and then took the point further, explaining about his future plans. “Now I’m planning to hold more exhibitions and cooperate with actors in their work on theater plays or movies. Also, people asked me to provide tutoring, something I think I’m not experienced with. I don’t have the certificate for it.” Al-Juraib is committed to working on his craft.

As a new artist, he performs searches on the Internet and continues to read books.

He is also on the look-out for a sponsor, “I faced many obstacles as the makeup companies refused to support or help me. The only company that really supported me was Charmel, which provided me with the makeup material I needed for the exhibition,” he said. We also suffer from a lack of specialized shops with makeup for special effects,” concluded Al-Juraib.

Local FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

hat do you call a woman who gets married at 16, becomes the mother of three kids, goes on to sing more than 13,000 songs, sweeps 9 Filmfare awards (Indian equivalent of the Academy Awards), performs in 13 US cities in 20 days at the young age of 55 years, sings with boy band Code Red at 64 years, opens a chain of fine dining restaurants in Dubai, Kuwait, Doha, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, UK - and is busy shooting for the lead role in an Indian movie at the age of 77 years?

Superwoman? The name Asha Bhosle might as well just be a synonym for that.

Standing at a height of 5 feet, 2 inches, she towers over every other singer in the Hindi Film Industry (more commonly known as Bollywood by the media). The words ‘legendary singer’ always precede her name and it’s easy to see why when you listen to any of her songs which transcend language, genre, octave and variety.

After having achieved every milestone there ever was in music, Asha decided to pursue her other love apart from singing: cooking. While her family knew that she had taste for taste, she had never thought about going global with her culinary skills.

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Singers will come, singers will go, but legends go on forever

Favorite spice

It was only at the insistence of her youngest son, Anand, that she decided to open her first Indian cuisine fine-dining restaurant in Dubai in 2002 called Asha’s (what could be a better brand name than that?) and went on to add eight additional restaurants to the chain, and M.H. Alshaya introduced three of them in Kuwait in Marina Mall, Avenues and Spoons Complex in Fintas. Bhosle has not only loved the restaurants but lived it. Classic black and white photographs of her with all the people she holds dear to her don the walls while beaded curtains add a homely touch to the place. “I have always had beaded curtains near the dinner table at home since I like them very much... my son wanted them to be a part of Asha’s since it’s so close to home” she says.

What’s her favorite spice? She says it’s the one masala (Indian seasoning) that she puts in all her cooking, in large, generous amounts. “It’s called love”. “Jab gaana sunke khush hote hai, toh accha lagta hai or jab khana khaake khush hote hai to aur bhi achha lagta hai (When people listen to my songs and feel happy, it feels good and when they eat my food and feel happy, I feel even better)” she says with a shy smile.

Even after ruling the music industry for 50 years, Bhosle still has the maniacal energy to move at her own speed and challenge herself every day. Where does she

‘

I know what poverty is... I have seen it very closely in my life and I had to work a lot to support my kids and myself through it

‘

By Priyanka Saligram

get her energy from? “I’m a workaholic, if I sit still for just four days without being on the move, I wonder what I’m doing” she casually says. That hardly comes as a surprise considering she has worked all her life. Having three young children to take care of when she herself was a teenager taught her early what many go on to learn much later in life. “I know what poverty is...

I have seen it very closely in my life and I had to work a lot to support my kids and myself through it” she reveals.

Local FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

A brimful of Asha

11 2 14 1

The age when Asha recorded her first song ‘Chala Chala Navabaala’ for the Marathi film ‘Majha Baal’

The number of National Awards

The number of Maharashtra State Government Awards

Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award Asha is welcomed at Asha’s restaurant in Kuwait. — Photos by Joseph Shagra

Sibling rivalry

During the fifties, Asha had to do some tightrope walking between balancing her own struggling career and her children’s need for a fulltime mother. It wasn’t easy waking up early in the morning, packing them off to school, rushing to the studios for recording, getting home before they came back and ensuring everyone was well-fed, all the homework was done, and the stage was set for the next day. Priorities and carefully laid-out plans would have to be reshuffled when one of the kids fell ill. “The music directors during those days were very nice people. I would take a break in-between recording and rush home and make sure medicines were taken before heading back to the studio” she reminisces. “Even the doctor would say ‘Asha, you don’t worry... I’ll stay here with them (the kids) till you finish your recording and leave only after that’”. Over time, the kids grew up and her career took off too.

Asha Bhosle was slowly but surely beginning to come into her own. She could sing a sirenish ‘Piya tu ab to aaja’ for the film ‘Caravan’ with the same ease as a devil-maycare ‘Dum maro dum’ for ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna’. As the case in any field, competition was not very far away. In fact, in Asha’s case, it was right at home. It was called Lata Mangeshkar.

Despite reams written on sibling rivalry between the sisters, and dramatic stories of being overshadowed, Asha brushes them off as mere tales. She believes that no two brothers, or sisters, for that matter would ever be perceived as equals. “I have sung 13,000 songs and Lataji has sung 5,000. People just like to talk and create a misunderstanding by saying ‘Lata is a better singer, Asha is not’ or ‘Asha definitely sings better than Lata’”. But there was a reason behind the wide number discrepancy. Asha had children to support and work was not an option; it was the only option. Lata’s only responsibility, if it can be called that, was the other three siblings which gave her the luxurious choice to sing - or not to sing. Bhosle says she has never sensed competition from her ‘didi’ (elder sister). Agreed, she was doing well, but Asha had the confidence to hold her own fort. A film called ‘Saaz’ was loosely based on the sisters’ relationship, what of that?

“You know story writers... They will take a small incident and turn it into a film” Asha dismisses nonchalantly.

Cut to present, the Indian music industry is bubbling with new blood. Reality shows have helped talent reach from no-name villages to the heart of all the cine action: Mumbai. There are singers and then there are the actual

singers. But brown-eyed Bhosle believes that even though some day, some singer might be better than her and Lataji, no one can actually fit into their shoes.

“Whatever any of them sing, they will be copying us, they copy even now, but when we sang, we only leaned on ourselves”. Asha’s training in Hindustani classical music by her father Pandit Dinanath Mangeshkar has helped her sing every genre from qawwali, to devotional, from love ballads to sensuous numbers, from pop to classical and from frothy numbers to broody ones. During the good ‘ol days, a music artiste had to put in days of practice in sweaty studios, work on perfecting the right emotion for hours on end, and then practice some more with the orchestra - all to create a timeless song which would span generations together.

‘Dikchik dikchik’ trend

But now things are different in the digital age. Any conceivable sound effect can be created within the confines of a studio and life is much breezier. The proverbial sweat, blood and tears - which Asha and Lata’s generation put in - are replaced by technology. It is this that concerns her when she wonders who the Next Big Thing in the music industry could be. And if there’s anything that irks her, it’s definitely remixes. She disapproves of them, not just on her songs but even Mohammad Rafi’s and Kishore Kumar’s. “They would have sung it so well with so much emotion and when someone else sings it badly, we think ugh! They ruined it!” While she isn’t sure if the remixing industry is dancing to the tune of the market or if the market has come into being because of the ‘dikchik dikchik’ trend, she is certain of one thing: People’s taste in music has changed. “Earlier they used to listen to good music and appreciate it; now everyone is just hearing something and running to make money. The music companies also take something from here, something from there, make a ‘khichdi’ (traditional Indian dish which is a mixture of different kinds of grains and lentils) and serve it”. With new Asha’s restaurants slated to open in Egypt and Saudi Arabia by the end of the year, the lead role in a new film called ‘Maaee’ which is expected to hit the screens soon (Asha tweeted that her granddaughter Zanai is set to make her singing debut in this movie), and a possible autobiography in the offing, what next?

Hard to say but one thing is for sure: This petite and soft-spoken juggernaut called Asha Bhosle who lets her singing do the talking is not ready to hang up her boots just yet.

Drive Now. Talk Later.

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Local

Years

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

Director Babuji Batheri shows an action during the rehearsal for the epic ballad that will be presented today at Al-Jeel School Auditorium, Hawally.

Actors enact a song sequence during the rehearsal of the drama. The tall wooden structure where the two actors sit is meant to be an elephant figure.

Epic ballad to unfold in Thanima’s stage production

By Sunil Cherian

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hey have been burning the midnight oil, rehearsing until 2.30am every day, except for Good Friday, for the past three months. Some five women, eight children, and 19 others are the ‘actors’ who have been rehearsing for an Indian dance-drama program, scheduled to take place today at Al-Jeel Al-Jadeed School Auditorium, Hawally.

And guess who is exhilaratingly exhausted of all? A 10th grade student who plays the lead in the two-and-a half hour epic drama. She has not been able to afford to take time off from school or miss learning dialogues that are replete with colloquialism, traditional rituals and a story structure that mixes history with folklore.

“A world of tradition that is unfamiliar to many expat Indian children forms the crux of the play,” said Thomas PS, aka Babuji Batheri, the director. The play, titled ‘ A Northern Heroic Saga’ is presented as a retelling of folklores that

Acclaimed Indian artist Sujathan who came to Kuwait to design sets for the epic drama, A Northern Heroic Saga, strokes a pillar he made out of plywood.

narrate the heroic story of a village feud, personal conflicts and valor. “I wanted a blend of traditional methods as well as post-modern drifts,” said Babuji, whose son also plays a minor character’s role.

With 22 scenes, 17 background designs, five songs and dances, 32 actors, nine set workers, the mega entertainment show is proof of what motivation can help achieve, despite work pressure. Perspiration than inspiration, and nurture, than nature have played key roles in the enactment of this production.

Award winning Indian stage designer Sujathan, who came to Kuwait over a month ago solely for the purpose, believes that such large-scale theater productions are rarely staged. Back in the state of Kerala, where he hails from, drama productions are fading into oblivion. More drama artistes, along with viewers have now migrated to TV serials. Sujathan who had created the cut out of a bulldozer in 2006 for a play that examined India’s real estate mafia, and surprised theater lovers, said “What can be depicted in two or three scenes, is now stretched over across 16 to 18 scenes”. Sujathan celebrated his 60th birthday at the rehearsal camp here.

He said he was delighted to work with a group of enthusiasts because ‘back home drama is a dying art.’

Manoj Mavelikkara, a resident of Jleeb Al-Shuyokh, took an emergency leave from his company to compose the play’s music score. He went to India to record five songs and lots of runthrough background score. “Had it been a present day drama, I could have recorded the music in Kuwait,” he said.

“This epic ballad requires a few traditional musical instruments.”

The drama, organized by popular Indian organization Thanima (The Human and Nostalgic Interaction of Malayalees Abroad) also incorporates martial arts, another fading glory from the bygone era. “It’s so much more than

a learning experience,” remarked Mohammed Iqbal Koottamangalam, an actor. “Leading a bachelor’s life here,

the drama rehearsal camp was like a large family to me.”

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Local

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

New grilling of PM to be filed on Sunday Kharafi convenes fence-mending meeting after fistfight

By B Izzak

KUWAIT: Firemen are seen dousing out the newspaper warehouse blaze. — Photo by Hanan Al-Saadoun

Warehouse on fire

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: Fire broke out in a newspaper warehouse located in Amghara scrap yard. Firefighters from Jahra, Ardhiya, Madina responded to an emergency call. The flames were doused shortly. No casualties were reported.

GDDC makes effort to curb drug use The General Department of Drug Control(GDDC) has been making concerted efforts to protect all individuals from the menace of drugs, especially youngsters. They are made aware of the different type of drugs. Major General Ahmad Al-Abdallah Al-Khalifa Al-Sabah, Director General of General Department of Drug Control(GDDC) was speaking at the conclusion of the ninth symposium against drug abuse. The project was carried out in cooperation with the Education Ministry, Social Affairs and Labor Ministry. Saad Al-Abdallah Security Science Academy and PAAET ensured that continued contacts were made, Al-Khalifa added. He said that the efforts made should not be limited to one area or person, and needs national participation. He added that detectives from GDDC have been working relentlessly under the instructions of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Humoud AlJaber Al-Sabah, Deputy Premier and Interior Minister, and the ministry’s Undersecretary Lt General Ghazi Al-Omar.

KUWAIT: National assembly speaker Jassem Al-Kharafi said yesterday that an informal meeting at his office discussed ways to avoid undemocratic incidents in the national assembly as opposition MPs said they will file a new request to grill the prime minister on Sunday. About 30 MPs attended the meeting which was called following the unprecedented fistfight between Shiite and Sunni MPs during the assembly session on Wednesday.

Members of the Popular Action Bloc and the Reform and Development Bloc in addition to a number of independent MPs boycotted the meeting.

Shiite MPs Hussein Al-Qallaf and Adnan Al-Mutawa had a fist fight with several Sunni Islamist MPs including Waleed Al-Tabtabai, Jamaan AlHarbash, Mubarak Al-Waalan and others. The scuffle started after Qallaf claimed that the two Kuwaiti inmates in Guantanamo were terrorists and linked to Al-Qaeda amid strong protests from Islamist MPs. Kharafi said that MPs who attended the meeting focused on how to avoid similar incidents in the future and also expressed keen interest to prevent any outbreak of sectarian or tribal strife in Kuwait.

The speaker also said that the dis-

cussion also tackled the best means to consolidate national unity and resolve the causes of sectarian problems. But Kharafi said that the meeting did not discuss the issue of asking MPs involved in the fistfight to withdraw cases they have filed at the police station late Wednesday night. Shiite MP Adnan Al-Mutawa, who was among several MPs incolved in the fight, said after the meeting that withdrawal of the cases was not discussed and he does not intend to withdraw the cases he filed against five MPs. But Mutawa added that he might withdraw the cases only after consulting his voters and if it became necessary to serve Kuwait’s national interests. Islamist MP Khaled Al-Sultan said that all sides involved in the scuffle expressed readiness to overcome the issue and assured the Kuwaiti people that the unprecedented fight and its consequences will be soon forgotten.

MP Hassan Jowhar said that MPs during the meeting insisted that the rules of the assembly charter must be activated against violators in the future to prevent such incidents. MP Waleed Al-Tabtabai, who was involved in the scuffle, said yesterday that all those who were involved in the fight had been invited by the Amir to a luncheon on Sunday as part of a fence-

mending exercise. Also, Tabtabai, MPs Mohammad Hayef and Mubarak AlWaalan said yesterday that they will still file a new request to grill the prime minister on Sunday over allegations that his foreign policy harmed Kuwait’s relations with its Gulf partners.

In another development, head of the assembly public funds protection committee MP Mussallam Al-Barrak yesterday expelled an undersecretary for the ministry of defense from the panel meeting held to discuss the controversial issue of the government planned purchase of two transport planes from a private Kuwaiti company for KD131 million.

Barrak said that the defense official tried to change his testimony that he had given before and was very nervous, and made unacceptable remarks during the meeting that forced Barrak to expel him.

Member of the panel MP Salwa AlJassar later said that she tried to intervene in the issue but was prevented

by Barrak and claimed she was threatened by another panel member MP Khaled Al-Tahous. She later filed a complaint to the speaker. Tahous denied any wrongdoing and said that the recording of the meeting will prove that.

Woman abducted, raped in Sulaibiya KUWAIT: The prosecution office in Jahra ordered the filing of an abduction and rape case against three assailants in Sulaibiya. A Syrian woman employed at a beauty salon lodged a complaint with police stating that a stranger contacted her and asked her if she would apply makeup on a woman for a sum of KD100. She said that the suspect then went to the fifth floor of a building, opened the apartment door, pushed her into it. He then raped the woman. She said that a few hours later, the friend’s suspect entered the apartment and raped her, so did a third man. A police official said that further investigations will be carried out to verify the authenticity of the woman’s claims.

Investigations into the case are underway.

Citizen files case against abusive husband A female citizen filed a complaint with the Rawda police station stating that her husband subjected her to physical abuse.

She sustained bruises and cuts all over her body, as per a medical report. The victim explained that the couple were in France when he hit her the first time, a month ago.

Investigations into the case are underway.

Signature forgery Two female citizens lodged a report with Kabd police stating that their two brothers had forged their signatures on official documents and sold their deceased father’s stable. The two women were taken aback to learn that the stable had been sold because they had not authorized anyone to sign the documents on their behalf. The two brothers admitted to committing the crime. The case was referred to the Public Prosecution Office.

Woman molested A female bank employee filed a complaint with the police stating that a man molested her and attempted to attack her. While in the elevator, the man reportedly began speaking to her in a sexual overtone and attempted to attack her.

The woman began screaming, but the man fled the scene and escaped.

Indecent phone calls A female citizen filed a report with Fintas police stating that she received an anonymous, indecent phone call from a man who claimed to be a citizen. When the woman rebuked him, he insulted her. A case has been filed.

Kidnap victim freed The Farwaniya police freed an Asian woman who was kidnapped by a gang that ran a brothel in Jleeb. The victim was freed when she called her sponsor and directed him to the place where she was being held in Qurain.

Forged visa A doctor and his wife, also a doctor, have been charged with a case of forgery.

The Interior Ministry’s Assistant Under- secretary for Citizenship Affairs Maj General Abdallah Al-Rashid issued the relevant order.

KUWAIT: National Assembly Speaker Jassem Al-Kharafi said yesterday that all members of the Kuwaiti Parliament are keen on strengthening national unity. — KUNA

MPs keen on national unity, says Al-Kharafi KUWAIT: National Assembly Speaker Jassem Al-Kharafi said yesterday that all members of the Kuwaiti Parliament are keen on strengthening national unity. It eliminates sedition, and protects Kuwaiti society, expressing happiness over the results of a meeting held yesterday. AlKharafi said, in a statement to the press, “I called for holding such informal and nonobligatory meeting in order to consult with MPs on the deplorable incidents seen by Assembly’s session, and how it can be addressed, along with finding ways to ensure the non-repetition of such incidents.”

Al-Kharafi added that, “we discussed during the meeting the negatives that caused such events, “asserting the keenness of all MPs on consolidating national unity, nip-

ping sedition in the bud, and addressing its causes that harm the Kuwaiti society and its social fabric.” Moreover, he stressed the Kuwaiti society’s keenness on further cementing its cohesion, national unity, expressing his personal happiness over such meeting, “... and the compliance shown by all on what has already taken place, and precluding any chance for a sectarian or tribal strife that may cause the decay of society.”

Al-Kharafi also said that “some of the topics were discussed during the meeting will be referred to the Assembly’s bureau.” When asked whether there is an inclination toward closing lawsuits filed by some MPs against others, Al-Kharafi said that, “we have not reached such stage yet, but I hope to reach a result that leads to the disappearance of hard feelings. — KUNA

Local FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

KUWAIT: Kuwait Air Force celebrated the graduation of a new batch yesterday. The celebration was held under the auspices of the Minister of Defense Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak AlMohammad Al-Sabah. —KUNA

News

in brief

ARCO meeting aims to bolster partnership KUWAIT: Chairman of the Board for Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) Barjas Al-Barjas said yesterday that the upcoming 38th meeting of the General Authority of Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization (ARCO) on May 23 will help reinforce partnership in the field of providing humanitarian aid. Al-Barjas said that the event would focus on practical solutions to problems that humanitarian efforts and aid relief efforts face.

A large number of Arab humanitarian organizations will participate in the two-day meeting. It will feature current issues that require urgent attention in the region, namely the situation in Libya and the plight of the Libyan refugees and the displaced, said the official, KUNA reported. The meeting will also focus on measures to reinforce cooperation among humanitarian organizations in the Arab world, said Al-Barjas, stressing that preparations for the conference have been finalized.

Kuwait celebrates Int’l Day Against Drugs KUWAIT: A committee for the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor held a meeting yesterday to celebrate International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. In a statement issued recently, this year’s celebration includes activities and events held at public places to spread awareness on the ills of drugs. The committee’s members had approved the schedule for the event and can act to ensure that this vital message be spread, affirmed the statement. Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry affirmed that it would continue its efforts to protect the society from such threat. Head of the Directorate General for Combating Drugs Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Khalifa Al-Sabah said in the ninth symposium for combating drugs in schools that it was crucial to tackle such a destructive menace. It threatens to bring down the basic pillars of society, KUNA reported. He affirmed that the Interior Ministry, along with other ministries, institutions, and involved organizations, would ensure that drugs and other similar substances will cease to exist through an effort on its part, to rid people of such problems.

Kuwait port plan risks Iraq anger ‘Mubarak Al-Kabeer port will cause crisis’ BAGHDAD/KUWAIT: A decision by Kuwait to build a new port that would encroach on what some Iraqi officials insist are its territorial waters risks, setting off a major diplomatic dispute between the two neighbors. Iraqis argue the construction of the Mubarak Al-Kabeer port would choke off the battle-scarred country’s only access to international shipping lanes, thereby sparking a renewed row between two countries that have long had contentious relations.

“Kuwait’s Mubarak Al-Kabeer port will cause, if it is built, a triple-faceted crisis between Iraq and Kuwait-political, economic and social,” Iraqi political analyst Ihsan Al-Shammari told AFP. “Relations had been improving after past leaks had been covered up, but this exposes them to a new rupture.”

Iraq still repays five percent of its annual oil revenues to Kuwait as war reparations for ex-dictator Saddam Hussein’s 1990 invasion of the neighboring emirate, and while relations between the two countries remain fractured, they have improved in recent years. Kuwait reopened its embassy to Iraq in 2008 after nearly two decades of closure, and Iraq reciprocated last year. But some disputes persist-Kuwait’s state airline has launched a lawsuit against its Iraqi counterpart, and the two countries have yet to resolve issues such as the remains of missing Kuwaitis and the demarcation of land and maritime boundaries.

“Kuwait is seeking to cut off shipping routes leading to Iraq,” said a senior official in Iraq’s directorate of ports, speaking on condition of anonymity. “These provocative moves will effectively make Iraq a landlocked country- Kuwait will override shipping routes, which is a flagrant violation of the principles of international maritime law, and is a violation of the maritime border with Iraq.” Iraqi gov-

ernment spokesman Ali Al-Dabbagh was not immediately available to comment when contacted by AFP. The multi-year Kuwaiti project will cost around $1 billion and add 60 docks with the capacity to cater to deep-water vessels, with the aim of making the country a key regional transportation hub. Kuwait gave approval for construction of the Mubarak Al-Kabeer port in February, with trucks beginning to transport material earlier this month.

An official from the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Al-Watan daily in Kuwait that there was ‘no violation’ of maritime borders with Iraq, “The Mubarak Al-Kabeer port will be built on Kuwaiti land and within its territorial waters.”

The official referred to borders agreed in UN Security Council Resolution 833, which was accepted by Saddam following the 1991 Gulf War, but has yet to be approved by the Iraqi government after the 2003 US-led invasion. While Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said last year that delays in Baghdad’s approval of the resolution were “political,” diplomats have previously questioned whether Iraq’s foot-dragging had to do with its desire to use it as a bargaining chip in talks with Kuwait.

Within Iraq, opposition to the port has been strong-several dailies have railed against its construction, and Shammari said Kuwait’s decision to build it “sends a message to Iraq that it does not stand by Iraq’s side, and that it is working to rein in Baghdad’s power.” Iraq is looking to upgrade its own port at Fao, at the country’s southernmost point, in a $4.6 billion project announced in April 2010 that will expand it to a 100-dock facility with an annual capacity of 99 million tons.

Once completed, along with a new rail line linking Fao to the Turkish border in the north, Iraq hopes to compete with the

Suez Canal which connects the Red Sea and the Mediterranean. The Iraqi directorate of ports official described the planned Kuwaiti port as “adjacent to the site which was supposed to be for Al-Fao port.” “Kuwait does not need to have a similar port-they already have more important ones,” he said.

In another development, MP Dr Daifallah Buramiya said the Iraqi moves that were adopted by a bloc in Iraq’s Parliament attempted to apply international pressure on Kuwait to stop construction of Mubarak Al-Kabeer port are a blatant interference in Kuwait affairs. He said that such a stand from Iraqi blocs was not met with an official Iraqi government stand which means it approves such demands that have no respect for neighborly relations.

Buramiya said that what was stranger was the Kuwait’s government silence. He said the Iraqi interference must be met with a government and popular reaction and Kuwait government must not bury its head in the sand, as this matter should not be neglected or ignored. He called upon the government to form a committee to discuss these dangerous developments.

Meanwhile, more than 100 businessmen and heads of tribes demonstrated in Basra in protest of building the port in an island that is adjacent to the Iraqi water pass way. The demonstrators gathered in front of the businessmen union holding banners reading “Tell Kuwait not to close our water pass and not to suffocate us.”

Captain Kazem Finjan said Mubarak AlKabeer port will shut down Um Qasr port and will severe the only water artery Iraq has. He said Kuwait is on its way to close the navigation channel by building the largest cement barrier surrounded by steel supports in order to block the waterways leading to Um Qasr depriving Iraq its legitimate rights. — AFP and Al-Anba

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FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

On the highway to hell Why can’t the Middle East learn to drive?

Death from roads happen just as frequently among the Middle East’s rich countries as among its poor, in contrast to much of the world where money buys better roads and safer cars.

KUWAIT/DUBAI: The Middle East and North Africa capture the world’s headlines when there’s a war, a terror attack or a bloody government crackdown. But the deaths caused by soldiers and gunmen are tiny compared to the carnage that the region’s residents create getting behind the wheel of a car.

Some 72,000 people died in road accidents in 2007, the last year for which comparative data is available, in the countries ranging from Morocco to Iran, according to data compiled the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO). That’s more than twice the number in the US, even though the Middle East’s population of 390 million that year is just 60 percent bigger and the number of cars on the road is far smaller.

WHO believes the death toll on the region’s roads is considerably higher - perhaps 120,000 — because many countries don’t report all their fatalities.

“They are very high. There are about 32 per 100,000 population and the global average is about 18.8 and in the European region it’s about 13,” Tami Toroyan, who is responsible for WHO’s global reporting on road safety, said citing estimated 2004 numbers. “In the Middle East it’s a leading cause of death, but it hasn’t received public attention.”

May 11, Toroyan is compiling new data that will serve as a benchmark for measuring whether the next decade’s worth of efforts at reducing traffic accidents succeeded.

The Middle East has the most to gain from any improvement. In 2004, the last year for which there is figures, it was the sixth-leading cause of death, three places ahead of war and conflict. Most critically, they strike the youngest and most productive members of society: Among children age 5-14 and adults 30-44, it’s the second leading cause of death. Among young people in between, it’s No 1, according to WHO.

KUWAIT: Slow-moving traffic is pictured in Kuwait on a weekend. It is safe to say that almost all motorists are familiar with this scene.

— Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat

More cars, more accidents The UN organization is just getting interested in road safety and published its first report comparing international rates of road accidents in 2009. WHO is worried that as the world grows wealthier and more people take to the road, the number of accidents will grow. Seven years ago, road accidents were the ninth leading cause of death around the world; by 2030 they could be the fifth, outpacing HIV/AIDS and lung cancer, according to WHO. As it launched its “Decade of Road Safety,” on

rather than reported fatalities, in Saudi Arabia, the rate is 29 deaths in 2008 per 100,000 population, close to the median for the region, while in Qatar its 23.7 and in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the rate 37.1.

Among poorer countries, the rate is higher Libyans died in automobile accidents last year at a rate of 40.5 per 100,000 people, just behind Egypt’s 41.6. That makes Egypt the second-deadliest place in the world to drive after the tiny Cook Islands, whose 13,000 people suffered six deaths in 2008.

Traffic and economies It also weighs down on economies, struggling with high rates of population growth and high unemployment. WHO estimates road deaths cost the region some $7.5 billion annually, including Pakistan and Afghanistan. Iran and Jordan have both independently estimated that accidents lowered gross domestic product by about 2 percent.

More worryingly, death from roads happen just as frequently among the Middle East’s rich countries as among its poor, on contrast to much of the world where money buys better roads and safer cars. Based on WHO’s estimate for real,

“No one follows any rules... There needs to be a traffic officer by every light in order for people to abide by the law,” Joseph Fahim, an editor with the Daily News Egypt, said about his fellow drivers in Cairo. “We don’t have the concept of people sticking to lanes.”

Some 40 percent of the country lives on less than $2 a day and the number of drivers is 4.3 million in a population of close to 80 million. But some 17 million people are squeezed into greater Cairo, creating huge traffic jams and masses of pedestrians vulnerable to being hit by a car. Motor scooters and other small vehicles that ill the city’s streets are more risk laden than sedans and trucks. Once you leave the “nightmare” of Cairo even into the suburbs, driving is safer.

Trouble driving?

The WHO’s Toroyan attributes the problem to several factors. One is the rapid pace of car usage over the last decades which has in many places outpaced the development of infrastructure. The region’s population is very young, and young drivers all around the world are the worst. The ban on alcohol by Islam, by far the predominant faith of the region, creates problems, as well.

“A lot of countries in the Middle East don’t have drunk-driving laws because alcohol is officially banned,” she said. In addition, road safety takes back seat to other health issues. “In a lot of countries there has been a lack of ownership of the issue. It falls between the cracks.”

However, Dubai, with one of the world’s highest auto death tools, is cracking down on bad driving. Police estimate that road deaths increased 60 percent between 1998 and 2007 before starting to head downwards as authorities got tough on bad driving. Still a fender-bender occurred about every three minutes in the tiny emirate.

Last year, police in Dubai, one of the UAE’s constituent emirates, embarked on a campaign to reduce the number of road fatalities to zero per 100,000 people by 2020. Police Chief Lt Gen Dahi Khalfan Tamim says he wants to make Dubai roads among the safest in the world through a campaign of carrots, sticks and education.

Police unveiled a plan on Monday to reward good drivers with “white points” that allow them to remove minor violations from the driving record. For the incorrigible, police have installed a system that links speed cameras, radar guns and traffic-light cameras with roaming police vehicles. Within minutes of being identified, speeders and other violators of traffic laws can expect to be pulled over by a patrol car. For the next generation, the Roads and Transport Authority has begun a program of lectures and promotional literature to teach about the dangers of speeding and the need to wear seat belts.

“We aim to achieve zero fatalities from road accidents by 2020; this is no doubt an ambitious target,” said Major General Saif Al-Zafein, DirectorGeneral of Dubai Traffic Police. - The Media Line

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FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

US quietly expanding defense ties with Saudis

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Laden fosters Arab revolt in posthumous message

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Thailand’s election race heats up as Reds rally

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WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama delivers a policy address on events in the Middle East at the State Department yesterday. — AFP

Obama: US bound to Mideast US president calls for ‘non-militarized’ Palestine based on 1967 borders WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama addressed the convulsive events sweeping North Africa and the Middle East and offered a glimpse of a US peace plan for Israel and the Palestinians in a speech yesterday. He said the future of the US is bound to the Middle East and North Africa by the forces of economics, security, history and fate, even though the countries “may be a great distance from our shores”.

Following are some of the key passages of the 45-minute speech:

where he could choose his leader. “... But the events of the past six months show us that strategies of repression and diversion won’t work anymore. Satellite television and the Internet provide a window into the wider world - a world of astonishing progress in places like India, Indonesia and Brazil. Cell phones and social networks allow young people to connect and organize like never before. A new generation has emerged. And their voices tell us that change cannot be denied.”

OSAMA BIN LADEN “Bin Laden was no martyr. He was a mass murderer who offered a message of hate - an insistence that Muslims had to take up arms against the West, and that violence against men, women and children was the only path to change. He rejected democracy and individual rights for Muslims in favor of violent extremism; his agenda focused on what he could destroy - not what he could build.”

US POLICY TOWARD THE EVENTS “The United States opposes the use of violence and repression against the people of the region.

We support a set of universal rights. Those rights include free speech; the freedom of peaceful assembly; freedom of religion; equality for men and women under the rule of law; and the right to choose your own leaders - whether you live in Baghdad or Damascus; Sanaa or Tehran. And finally, we support political and economic reform in the Middle East and North Africa that can meet the legitimate aspirations of ordinary people throughout the region. ... It will be the policy of the United States to promote reform across the region, and to support transitions to democracy.”

ON UPRISINGS THAT BEGAN IN TUNISIA WITH A VENDOR’S DEATH “The story of this Revolution, and the ones that followed, should not have come as a surprise. The nations of the Middle East and North Africa won their independence long ago, but in too many places their people did not. In too many countries, power has been concentrated in the hands of the few. In too many countries, a citizen like that young vendor had nowhere to turn - no honest judiciary to hear his case; no independent media to give him voice; no credible political party to represent his views; no free and fair election

LIBYA “Now, time is working against Gaddafi. He does not have control over his country. The opposition has organized a legitimate and credible Interim Council. And when Gaddafi inevitably leaves or is forced from power, decades of provocation will come to an end, and the transition to a democratic Libya can proceed.”

SYRIA “The Syrian people have shown their courage in demanding a transition to democracy.

President Assad now has a choice: he can lead that transition, or get out of the way. The Syrian government must stop shooting demonstrators and allow peaceful protests; release political prisoners and stop unjust arrests; allow human rights monitors to have access to cities like Dara’a; and start a serious dialogue to advance a democratic transition. Otherwise, President Assad and his regime will continue to be challenged from within and isolated abroad.”

IRAN AND YEMEN “Our opposition to Iran’s intolerance - as well as its illicit nuclear program, and its sponsorship of terror - is well known. But if America is to be credible, we must acknowledge that our friends in the region have not all reacted to the demands for change consistent with the principles that I have outlined today. That is true in Yemen, where President Saleh needs to follow through on his commitment to transfer power.”

BAHRAIN “The only way forward is for the government and opposition to engage in a dialogue, and you can’t have a real dialogue when parts of the peaceful opposition are in jail. The government must create the conditions for dialogue, and the opposition must participate to forge a just future for all Bahrainis.

EGYPT AND TUNISIA “First, we have asked the World Bank and the

International Monetary Fund to present a plan at next week’s G-8 summit for what needs to be done to stabilize and modernize the economies of Tunisia and Egypt. Together, we must help them recover from the disruption of their democratic upheaval, and support the governments that will be elected later this year.”

ISRAEL AND PALESTINIANS “So while the core issues of the conflict must be negotiated, the basis of those negotiations is clear: a viable Palestine, and a secure Israel. The United States believes that negotiations should result in two states, with permanent Palestinian borders with Israel, Jordan, and Egypt, and permanent Israeli borders with Palestine. The borders of Israel and Palestine should be based on the 1967 lines with mutually agreed swaps, so that secure and recognized borders are established for both states. The Palestinian people must have the right to govern themselves, and reach their potential, in a sovereign and contiguous state.

“As for security, every state has the right to self-defense, and Israel must be able to defend itself - by itself - against any threat. Provisions must also be robust enough to prevent a resurgence of terrorism; to stop the infiltration of weapons; and to provide effective border security. The full and phased withdrawal of Israeli military forces should be coordinated with the assumption of Palestinian security responsibility in a sovereign, non-militarized state. The duration of this transition period must be agreed, and the effectiveness of security arrangements must be demonstrated.” — Reuters

International FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

US expanding defense ties with Saudis WASHINGTON: Despite their deepening political divide, the United States and Saudi Arabia are quietly expanding defense ties on a vast scale, led by a little-known project to develop an elite force to protect the kingdom’s oil riches and future nuclear sites. The US also is in discussions with Saudi Arabia to create an air and missile defense system with far greater capability against the regional rival the Saudis fear most, Iran. And it is with Iran mainly in mind that the Saudis are pressing ahead with a historic $60 billion arms deal that will provide dozens of new US-built F-15 combat aircraft likely to ensure Saudi air superiority over Iran for years.

Together these moves amount to a historic expansion of a 66-year-old relationship that is built on America’s oil appetite, sustained by Saudi reliance on US military reach and deepened by a shared worry about the threat of Al-Qaeda and the ambitions of Iran. The quiet US moves in Saudi Arabia form part of the backdrop to President Barack Obama’s speech Thursday, which is intended to put his imprint on the enormous changes sweeping across the greater Middle East.

All of this is happening despite the Saudi government’s anger at Washington’s response to uprisings across the Arab world, especially its abandonment of Hosni Mubarak, the deposed Egyptian president who was a longtime Saudi and US ally. The Obama administration is eager to ease this tension as it faces the prospect of an escalating confrontation with Iran over its nuclear program. Saudi Arabia is central to American policy in the Middle East. It is a key player in the Arab-Israeli peace process that Obama has so far failed to advance, and it is vital to US energy security, with Saudi Arabia ranking as the third-largest source of US oil imports. It also figures prominently in US efforts to undercut Islamic extremism and promote democracy.

The forging of closer US-Saudi military ties is so sensitive, particularly in Saudi Arabia, that the Pentagon and the State Department declined requests for on-the-record comment and US officials rejected a request for an interview with the two-star Army general, Robert G Catalanotti, who manages the project to build a “facilities security force” to protect the Saudis’ network of oil installations and other critical infrastructure. The Saudi Embassy in Washington did not respond to two written requests for comment.

Details about the elite force were learned from interviews with US officials speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of Saudi security concerns, as well as in interviews with private analysts and public statements by former US officials. The special security force is expected to grow to at least 35,000 members, trained and equipped by US personnel as part of a multiagency effort that includes staff from the Justice Department, Energy Department and Pentagon. It is overseen by the US Central Command.

The force’s main mission is to protect vital oil infrastructure, but its scope is wider. A formerly secret State Department cable released by the WikiLeaks website described the mission as protecting “Saudi energy production facilities, desalination plants and future civil nuclear reactors.” The cable dated Oct 29, 2008, and released by WikiLeaks in December said the Saudis agreed to a US recommendation to create the program after they received an Energy Department briefing on the vulnerability of certain oil facilities.

The program apparently got under way in 2009 or 2010, but it is not clear how much of the new force is operating.

The Saudis’ security worries were heightened by a failed AlQaeda car bombing in February 2006 of the Abqaiq oil processing facility, one of the largest in the world. The State Department cable said a subsequent US assessment of Abqaiq security standards determined that it remained “highly vulnerable to other types of sophisticated terrorist attacks.”

That warning was conveyed to top Saudi officials on Oct 27, 2008. “The Saudis remain highly concerned about the vulnerability of their energy production facilities,” the cable said.

“They recognize many of their energy facilities remain at risk from Al-Qaeda and other terrorists who seek to disrupt the global economy.” One US official said the Saudi force’s mission might be expanded to include protection of embassies and other diplomatic buildings, as well as research and academic installations. — AP

Bomb attacks on Iraq police kill 27 KIRKUK, Iraq: A spate of bomb attacks against police in the disputed northern oil-rich city of Kirkuk yesterday killed at least 27 people, the worst violence to hit Iraq in nearly two months. A further 89 people were wounded in the three attacks, with just months to go before US forces must withdraw from the country. And in separate bombings in Baghdad and the central city of Baqouba, a woman and an imam were killed and 10 others wounded, security officials said.

Two car bombs and a magnetic “sticky bomb” attached to a car exploded in ethnically mixed Kirkuk, security officials said.

The first blast took place at 9:20 am (0620 GMT) when the sticky bomb exploded in the parking lot of the city’s police headquarters, Major Salam Zangan said. When police and emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly afterwards, a car bomb detonated.

“I ran out from the headquarters after I heard the first bomb; I went with my colleague to check the parking lot but as we arrived, a huge bomb went off,” said Sherzad Kamil, a policeman who was wounded in the abdomen and face. “I fell on the ground and saw several of my colleagues killed and wounded,” he said, speaking from Kirkuk general hospital, adding that he saw colleagues whose bodies caught fire in the second blast.

Kirkuk provincial health director Sadiq Omar Rasul said 27 people were killed and 89 others wounded in the three explosions, with the majority of the casualties being policemen.

A senior security official confirmed the toll, adding that all but one of the

KIRKUK: Iraqi soldiers stand next to the bodies of people killed in a bombing yesterday. — AP

dead were policemen, while an interior ministry official in Baghdad said 29 people had died and 80 were wounded. Five of the wounded remain in critical condition, according to a doctor at Kirkuk general hospital.

The first two explosions caused massive damage to nearby police and civilian vehicles. Afterwards, several police cars with loudspeakers affixed to them could be heard appealing to people to make their way to the city’s hospital to donate much-needed blood for victims, an AFP journalist said. At around 10:30 am, another car bomb detonated near the convoy of a senior police official in Kirkuk, Colonel Aras Mohammed. Mohammed was wounded in the blast, which seriously damaged several nearby cars and buildings, a Kirkuk security official

said. Kirkuk lies at the centre of a tract of disputed territory that is claimed by both Iraq’s central government and by Kurdish regional authorities.

US officials have persistently said that the unresolved row is one of the biggest threats to Iraq’s future stability. Currently, US forces participate in confidence-building tripartite patrols and checkpoints with central government forces and Kurdish security officers in Kirkuk and across northern Iraq.

But the withdrawal of some 45,000 US troops still in Iraq must be completed by the end of the year. As part of those efforts, American forces handed over Contingency Operating Location McHenry in the town of Hawija, west of Kirkuk, to their local counterparts on Sunday.— AFP

NATO chief ‘confident Gaddafi rule will fall’ TRIPOLI: The head of the NATO military alliance said yesterday that military and political pressure were weakening Muammar Gaddafi’s hold on power in Libya and would eventually topple him.

NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen delivered his message as Libya’s government denied persistent rumours that Gaddafi’s wife, daughter and top oil official had left the country. Libyan officials have produced no evidence of the whereabouts of the three, raising questions about Gaddafi’s ability to hold together his entourage in the face of a widespread rebellion and NATO bombing.

“We have significantly degraded Gaddafi’s war machine. And now we see results, the opposition has gained ground,” Rasmussen told a news conference in the Slovak capital, Bratislava. “I am

confident that combination of strong military pressure and increased political pressure and support for the opposition will eventually lead to the collapse of the regime.”

Earlier, a Tunisian security source and a Libyan opposition source with links to the ruling circle said Gaddafi’s wife Safia and daughter Aisha were staying on the Tunisian island of Djerba, near the border with Libya. Libyan rebel officials, as well as official sources in Tunisia, have also told Reuters that Shokri Ghanem, a former prime minister who runs Libya’s oil industry, had left Libya via Tunisia, though it was unclear where he had gone.

Khaled Kaim, Libya’s deputy foreign minister and one of the main government spokesmen, told Reuters in Tripoli: “Shokri Ghanem is in his position, at work. If he’s

out of the country he’ll be coming back.

“As for the family of the leader, they’re still here in Libya. Where else would they be?”

Rasmussen said he had no information that Gaddafi’s wife, daughter and oil chief had fled.

NATO, acting under a UN mandate, has been carrying out air strikes on the oil producer since Gaddafi used force to put down a revolt inspired by uprisings elsewhere in the Arab world. Rebels control eastern Libya and pockets in the West, but the conflict has reached stalemate in military terms, with rebel attempts to advance on Tripoli, Gaddafi’s stronghold, stalled. That has left Western governments - under pressure from sceptical publics to deliver a decisive outcome counting on Gaddafi’s administration collapsing from within. —Reuters

International FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

Laden fosters Arab revolt in message WASHINGTON: Al-Qaeda has released a message from slain leader Osama bin Laden praising the revolutions in Egypt and Tunisia and urging Muslims to take advantage of a “rare historic opportunity” to rise up, a US monitor said. The message posted on jihadist forums on Wednesday by Al-Qaeda’s media arm AsSahab addresses Muslims on the revolutions sweeping the Middle East and North Africa, SITE Intelligence Group said. Speaking from beyond the grave, bin Laden recommends setting up a council to offer revolutionary advice and decide the best timing to spread revolt across the Muslim world.

“A delay may cause the opportunity to be lost, and carrying it out before the right time will increase the number of casualties,” bin Laden says, according to SITE’s translation of the 12-minute, 37second audio message. “I think that the winds of change will blow over the entire Muslim world, with permission from Allah.” He urged Muslim youth to “prepare what is needed” for spreading these revolutions by “consulting the sincere experts who stay away from compromises and the flattery of oppressors”.

SITE said an earlier statement by AlQaeda indicated that bin Laden made an audio recording a week before he was killed by US commandos, addressing the

revolutions and offering advice and guidance. Al-Qaeda, which has long advocated that violence is the only way to overthrow regimes, has been caught off guard by the “Arab Spring” uprisings, which have been triggered by popular concerns over inflation, unemployment and calls for political reform rather than jihadist doctrines. However, Western officials have warned that the group would try to exploit the wave of unrest that has swept across North Africa and the Middle East. In the message released Wednesday, bin Laden referred to the revolutions in Egypt and Tunisia, but made no mention of those in Libya, Bahrain, Syria or Yemen. “There is a serious crossroads before you, and a great and rare historic opportunity to rise with the ummah (Muslim nation) and to free yourselves from servitude to the desires of the rulers, man-made law and Western dominance,” he said in the recording, which was posted as a video with a photograph of him. “It is a great sin and immense ignorance to waste this opportunity that was awaited by the ummah for long decades. So, take advantage of it and destroy the idols, and establish justice and faith.”

Bin Laden accused the region’s rulers of setting themselves up like idols and using the media and religious institu-

Bahrain jails 9 for 20 years DUBAI: A special security court in Bahrain has sentenced nine people to 20 years in prison each after it convicted them of abducting a policeman, state news agency BNA reported yesterday. “The Lower National Safety Court sentenced nine defendants accused of kidnapping one policeman to 20 years in prison,” according to an English-language statement on BNA that did not give further details. Among those sentenced was Sheikh Mohammed Habib Al-Safaf, a Shiite cleric who had previously been arrested along with 22 other activists and charged with terrorism. The group was freed under a royal pardon in February after the outbreak of protests calling for democratic reforms in Bahrain.

The court was set up under the state of national safety, a lower level of emergency law declared by King Hamad in mid-March, a day before an all-out crackdown on a monthlong, Shiite-dominated protest movement demanding political reforms. Defendants have the right to appeal the court’s rulings within 15 days. Last month, authorities said that 405 detainees have been referred to national safety courts, of whom 312 had been released. The National Safety Appeals Court last month sentenced four Shiites to death and three others to jail for life for killing two policemen by running them over with cars during the protests.

Their case has drawn condemnation from Amnesty International, which urged Bahrain to halt the executions. In a statement released yesterday, Amnesty also condemned the conviction of a number of other activists it said were sentenced to between one and four years in jail earlier this week.

“These trials and convictions represent yet further evidence of the extent to which the rights to freedom of speech and assembly are now being denied in Bahrain,” Malcolm Smart, Amnesty’s Middle East and north Africa director, said in the statement.

It also said that leading Bahraini activist Abdulhadi AlKhawaja had said in court that he was threatened with rape by police after refusing to record a taped apology to the king.

“The Bahraini authorities must immediately launch an independent investigation into Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja’s torture allegations and bring to justice any officials responsible for torture or other ill-treatment,” Smart said.— AFP

This still image from video shows slain Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in a video released by Al-Qaeda’s media arm As-Sahab. —AFP tions to maintain their grip on power.

“So, what are you waiting for? Save yourselves and your children, because the opportunity is here,” he said. Bin Laden also warned against negotiations and compromise. “So, to these free revolutionaries in all the countries: hold fast to your initiative and beware of negotiations, because there is no middle road between the people of truth and the people of falsehood. There is no way,” he said. Bin Laden concluded his message

by calling on his followers to finish the work that has been started, saying victory will follow. “The big oppression in our countries has reached great limits, and we have waited too long to condemn it and change it,” he said. “So, he who started should finish and Allah will grant him victory.” A covert US Navy SEAL team killed bin Laden on May 2 at his Pakistan compound in the garrison town of Abbottabad before burying him at sea. — AFP

Syria blasts sanctions amid calls for protests DAMASCUS: Syria denounced yesterday US sanctions imposed on President Bashar al-Assad and top aides, saying they were part of long-time efforts by Washington to impose its will in the region to Israel’s benefit. The Syrian Revolution 2011, a Facebook group spurring anti-regime protests, meanwhile called for fresh demonstrations today for “liberty and national unity”. And an Al-Jazeera journalist jailed in Syria for three days before being sent to Iran spoke on the Qatari news channel of “savage beatings” of prisoners by Syrian security agents who behaved like “thugs.”

“The US measures are part of a series of sanctions imposed by successive US administrations against the Syrian people as part of a regional scheme, aimed primarily at serving Israel’s interests,” the official SANA news agency said. It said “any aggression against Syria is akin to US support for Israeli aggressions against Syria and the Arabs,” in reference to the country’s neighbour, with which it is still technically at war. Sanctions “have not and will not” affect decisions taken by the Syrian government or its struggle against US hegemony, it added.

In slapping the sanctions on Wednesday, the United States told Assad to lead a transition toward democracy or step down. For two months, pro-democracy protests have challenged the regime, which according to rights activists has retaliated with deadly force, sweeping arrests and torture. The Syrian Revolution for 2011, a motor behind anti-regime protests, called for fresh Friday rallies across the country, including the Kurdish

WADI KHALED, Syria: Syrian army soldiers stand in their vehicle as they reinforce the village of Arida near Tal Kalakh opposite the Lebanon-Syria border in north Lebanon yesterday. The Syrian army shelled the town of Tal Kalakh on Wednesday night and early yesterday, which sparked gun battles and brought the death toll from a five-day military siege to at least 34. —AP towns of the north, labelling the day “Friday of Freedom, Azadi,” or liberty in Kurdish.

Adding to claims of torture was AlJazeera journalist Dorothy Parvaz, who arrived back in Qatar on Wednesday after having been held in a Syrian prison where, she said, she heard the cries of people being tortured. “I was in a Syrian detention centre for three days, two nights, and what I heard were just savage beatings,” Parvaz said yesterday. “At a certain point you want to cover your ears - it seemed endless, midmorning to late at night. At random times you would hear beatings and screams and cries,” she said. More than 850 people are believed to have been killed and another

8,000 arrested since the protests began, according to rights groups and the United Nations. In imposing the sanctions, the US administration stopped short of saying Assad had lost his legitimacy to rule, a formula Washington has applied to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, whose forces are fighting an armed rebellion. “We are saying that we oppose his behaviour and that he needs to stop his policies of repression and mass arrests and begin a political transition that ensures fair representation and democratic rights for Syrians,” said the executive order issued

by US President Barack Obama. “It is up to Assad to lead a political transition or to leave,” it added.—AFP

International FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

22 dead in Argentina plane crash BUENOS AIRES: A turboprop plane carrying 22 people crashed and exploded in Argentina’s southern Patagonia region, killing all on board.

Sol Lineas Aereas said Wednesday’s Flight 5248, carrying three crew members and 19 passengers, including a baby, communicated an emergency while flying from Neuquen near the Andes to Comodoro Rivadavia along the coast of Patagonia. The company confirmed that the wreckage was found about 25 km southwest of the town of Los Menucos, and that local firefighters and police found no one alive.

“Unfortunately there are no survivors. We see burnt remains, everything burned,” Ismael Ali, who directs the hospital in the nearest town of Los Menucos, told the Todo Noticias channel. Sol vice president Juan Nyffenegger said yesterday in Buenos

Aires that the twin-engine Saab 340 had taken off normally and had no records of technical problems. The plane was relatively modern, built in the late 1980s, and the pilots were quite experienced, he added. He and other company representatives repeatedly discounted speculation about the cause of the crash and stressed that accident investigators will determine what went wrong after recovering the cockpit recorders.

Sol said it received an emergency communication from the plane at 8:50 p.m. local time, nearly halfway into the flight from Neuquen near the Andes to Comodoro Rivadavia along the coast of Rio Negro province. The plane crashed and exploded on the rural property of a man who drove into the town of about 4,000 people to alert authorities. Los Menucos Mayor Mabel

BUENOS AIRES: In this picture taken Nov 12, 2006 a turboprop twin-engine Saab 340, owned by Argentine airline Sol, prepares to land at Buenos Aires airport. A similar plane from the same airline, carrying 22 people, crashed and exploded Wednesday in the southern Patagonia region. — AP

Yahuar said they would make the town’s gymnasium available to support investigators and family members. Sol is based in the northern Argentine city of Rosario and

generally serves smaller cities in the provinces. A passenger list released by the airline said nearly all had Argentine residency or citizenship. — AP

Queen expresses ‘deep sympathy’ for victims

BOSTON: US President Barak Obama jogs from Air Force One to a group of supporters who came to meet the president at Logan Airport Wednesday on his way to a pair of fundraising events in Boston. — AP

Afghan dies in Gitmo suicide MIAMI: A 37-year old Afghan detainee died early Wednesday at Guantanamo Bay in an apparent suicide, the US military said in a statement. The man, identified by one name, Inayatullah, was an admitted planner for Al-Qaeda terrorist operations, according to the Southern Command. He arrived in Guantanamo in Sept 2007. Inayatullah was the eighth person to die at Guantanamo since the US government started transferring prisoners there following the 2001 ouster of the Taleban in Afghanistan.

According to the statement, Guantanamo guards found the detainee unresponsive and not breathing during a routine check. “After extensive lifesaving measures had been exhausted, the detainee was pronounced dead by a physician,” the Southern Command said. It added that Inayatullah had met with local operatives, developed travel routes and coordinated documentation, accommodation and vehicles for smuggling Al-Qaeda fighters through Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan and Iraq.

The Southern Command said the Naval Criminal Investigative Service will investigate the incident, something it does with all detainee deaths. Last year, a US federal judge dismissed a complaint by the families of two Guantanamo detainees who claimed their deaths in 2006 had been covered up when the Pentagon ruled them suicides. The Pentagon had maintained that the two men, Saudi prisoner Yasser AlZahrani and Salah Al-Salami of Yemen, along with a third detainee, Mani Al-Utaybi of Saudi Arabia, committed suicide by hanging themselves in their cells. Utaybi’s family did not file a complaint. — AFP

DUBLIN: Queen Elizabeth II expressed regret and “deep sympathy” to the victims of Britain and Ireland’s turbulent shared history in a speech seen as setting a new tone in relations between the two countries. Although the queen stopped short of a full apology for Britain’s actions when it ruled Ireland, she said it was “impossible to ignore the weight of history”, while those who lost their lives could never be forgotten.

Speaking at Dublin Castle, the former seat of British colonial power, on Wednesday night, she said: “With the benefit of historical hindsight we can all see things which we would wish had been done differently or not at all.”

The queen’s words add to the theme of reconciliation forged on an historic four-day visit in which she has laid wreaths to the victims of Ireland’s independence struggle and visited the site of a massacre by British troops. “It is a sad and regrettable reality that through history our islands have experienced more than their fair share of heartache, turbulence and loss,” she said. “These events have touched us all, many of us personally, and are a painful legacy. We can never forget those who have died or been injured, and their families. To all those who have suffered as a consequence of our troubled past I extend my sincere thoughts and deep sympathy.”

British newspapers hailed the speech, with The Times saying it would “help to define Anglo-Irish relations for years to come”, and said it came “as close as anyone could have dared hope to apologising”. The speech was also well received in Ireland, although it came too late for newspaper editorials. Commentators have already praised the symbolism and significance of the wreath-laying ceremony earlier in the visit - ceremonies that would have been unthinkable until recently. As the queen is a non-political figure with little formal power over her governments, it is not properly within

KILDARE, Ireland: Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II meets workers at the National Stud Farm yesterday. Queen Elizabeth II indulged in her love for horses on a trip to the Irish National Stud. The trip marked her first trip outside of Dublin and gave her a chance to learn about Irish horse breeding. — AP her role to deliver apologies, but her remarks were effectively as close as she could go. Irish President Mary McAleese said the first visit by a British sovereign to the republic since it won independence from London in 1922 was the “culmination of the success of the peace process”, building on the 1998 Northern Irish peace accords. “It is an acknowledgement that while we cannot change the past, we have chosen to change the future,” she said in a speech.

The banquet came after the queen visited Dublin’s Croke Park stadium, where British forces killed 14 people in 1920 in a reprisal attack as Ireland’s independence struggle raged. For many Irish citizens, pictures of the British monarch at such a bastion of Irish freedom were the most powerful symbol of reconciliation. The queen also laid a wreath at the Irish National War Memorial Garden to honour the 49,400 Irish soldiers killed fighting for Britain in World War I. They

were ignored for decades due to deep unease over them serving in British uniform during the independence struggle.

Following two highly-charged days, yesterday’s program was lighter, with a visit to the National Stud in Kildare, southwest of Dublin. The queen takes a deep interest in horses and still rides at 85, and is likely to be in her element as she tours the National Stud, which promotes Irish bloodstock and services to breeders. In the evening, the British embassy was to host its own celebration of the queen’s state visit. Some 2,000 guests will be treated to a show of British and Irish fashion, Irish dancing and singing and actors giving readings from key Irish literary works. Ireland has mounted the biggest security operation in its history with 10,000 police and troops guarding the queen, with the public largely kept at a distance due to the threat from dissident republicans violently opposed to the peace process. — AFP

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Indonesian police search for 15 bombs CIREBON, Indonesia: Indonesian police said yesterday they were searching for 15 suicide vests prepared by a terrorist cell that carried out an attack on a police mosque last month, wounding 30 people. Information gathered from suspects detained in relation to the attack suggested another 15 vest bombs were circulating somewhere in the massive archipelago, police said. “We are still looking for 15 bombs,” police spokesman Anton Bachrul Alam told reporters in Cirebon, West Java, where the mosque was attacked on April 15. Twenty-two suicide vests had already been seized as part of the ongoing investigation, he said.

Police also released a video made by the bomber, Muhammad Syarif, 32, whom they

allege was linked to several militant networks including Jemaah Ansharut Tauhid, founded by radical cleric Abu Bakar Bashir. “I hope this bomb will kill many friends of the devil. God is with me,” he said in the clip. He said he was inspired

by Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, who was killed by US forces in Pakistan shortly after the Cirebon mosque bombing. “So many mujahedeen (holy warriors) were killed and arrested by the police as they were fighting to uphold the religion of Allah.

Those who kill these mujahedeen are friends of the devil,” he said.

Police paraded before the media several detained suspects linked to Syarif, who was killed instantly when he set off his device in a mosque at a police compound during Friday prayers.

The arrests come as part of investigations into a series of recent incidents including a Good Friday plot to blow up a Jakarta church and a book bomb campaign targeting Muslim moderates and counter-terrorism officials. No one was killed in those incidents.

Officials have warned that local extremists could carry out attacks to avenge the killing of bin Laden.

But they say the Al-Qaeda leader’s death will have little effect on Indonesian jihadis, who operate independently to the late Saudi extremist’s global terror network.

Indonesia has won praise for rounding up hundreds of Islamist militants since 2002 when local radicals detonated bombs on Bali island, killing 202 people, mainly Westerners.

But analysts say indigenous

terror networks are adapting to police crackdowns on high-profile groups such as Jemaah Islamiyah, which was blamed for the Bali bombing. A report released by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute yesterday provided fresh insight into how radicalism is spreading among inmates in Indonesia’s notoriously corrupt prisons. It said convicted terrorists were being allowed to plot and harden their networks “to better perform their jihad duties”.

Police spokesman Alam said members of the Cirebon group had received doctrinal training from Aman Abdurrahman, a twice convicted terrorist and radical ideologue who is allowed to preach to fellow jail inmates. “The group had been indoctrinated to destroy, among other things,

mosques built by people who didn’t obey Allah’s law. The police mosque was one,” he said. “They will battle infidels who don’t obey Allah’s law... including the police.”

Senior anti-terror police have publicly called for an overhaul of the prison system but Justice and Human Rights Minister Patrialis Akbar rejected the Australian study, saying there were no grounds for concern. “Terrorism is everywhere... Don’t believe the research. It is a provocation.

Where is the proof?” he said, joking that the claims in the report made him “dizzy”. Experts on Islamist militancy in Indonesia, an ostensibly secular democracy with some 200 million Muslims, say extremists are trying to destabilise the government to advance their demands for Islamic law. — AFP

Thailand election race heats up as Reds rally

SEOUL: South Korean kindergarten children learn firstaid methods during a Safe Seoul festival yesterday.

The Safe Seoul festival opened to provide safety training from fire, earthquake and other emergency. — AP

Workers enter crippled No.3 nuclear reactor TOKYO: Japanese workers have entered the last of three reactor buildings hit by nuclear fuel meltdowns at the tsunami-crippled Fukushima plant, operator Tokyo Electric said yesterday, as it moves to stabilise a facility that has been leaking radiation for more than two months. Workers in protective gear, including oxygen tanks, began inspections in the No. 3 reactor building, which had not been entered since the March 11 earthquake and tsunami triggered fuel meltdowns and a hydrogen explosion that blew off the No. 3 reactor buildingís roof.

Tokyo Electric Power Co is pushing ahead with work in the reactor buildings to install a cooling system that will stabilise the reactors, although high radiation levels and difficult working conditions have hindered its efforts. One of the workers who on Wednesday entered the No. 2 reactor building, where temperatures have reached 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), was treated for an apparent heat stroke, the utility said.

Last week, Tepco said it believed that large leaks had developed in the three reactorsí pressure vessels, although it has vowed to stick to a timetable for bringing the Fukushima Daiichi reactors to a stable state by January.

Some nuclear experts view that target as a stretch, especially since the utility is also struggling to contain a growing pool of radioactive water at the plant. The two Tepco employees that entered the No.3 reactor building on Wednesday evening were exposed to less than 3 millisieverts of radiation during their 10-minute stay, compared with the government-set limit of 250 millisieverts per worker per year. — Reuters

BANGKOK: Thailand’s election battle got into full swing yesterday as a mass opposition rally to mourn protesters killed in a military crackdown a year ago underscored simmering political tensions. The vote, set for July 3, is shaping up to be a close fight pitting Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s establishment-backed Democrats against allies of fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 coup.

Thousands of opposition “Red Shirts”who are broadly loyal to Thaksin gathered in Bangkok to mark the first anniversary of a deadly military operation to break up their two-month rally, which sparked Thailand’s worst political bloodshed in decades.

More than 90 people, mostly civilians, died in a series of street clashes between demonstrators and armed troops in April and May last year.

Relatives of the victims say they are still waiting for answers from the authorities about who was responsible. Almost two thousand police officers were deployed for yesterday’s gathering the latest in a series of oneday rallies in recent months that have ended peacefully - with tens of thousands of people expected to attend. “I couldn’t miss this anniversary because many people sacrificed themselves at last year’s protest,” said Red Shirt supporter Soomboon PengIn, a farmer from northeastern Thailand who made the long trip to Bangkok for the rally.

Abhisit says he hopes the upcoming election will help heal Thailand’s festering political wounds but observers fear it could bring more unrest and possibly even another military coup if the opposition wins.

Registrations for candidates under the proportional representation system began yesterday and the premier

BANGKOK: Thai anti-government ‘Red Shirt’ protesters gather in a mass opposition rally to mark the first anniversary of a deadly military operation to break up their two-month rally yesterday. — AFP took two days’ leave from his official duties to throw his hat in the ring to win a second term, and hit the campaign trail.

The British-born, Oxford-educated premier’s party, Thailand’s oldest, draws most of its support from Bangkok and the south but it has not won a general election in nearly two decades. Abhisit took over as the head of a coalition government in a 2008 parliamentary vote after a judicial ruling threw out the previous administration, and he is accused by his political foes of being an unelected puppet of the military and the establishment. His main rival in the lower house election race is Thaksin’s youngest sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, who is the main opposition Puea Thai party’s candidate for premier.

Parties affiliated to Thaksin have won the most seats in the past four elections, but courts reversed the results of the last two polls. Puea Thai

won a psychological victory yesterday when it was allocated the top spot on the ballot paper, selecting number one in a lottery to decide how 26 parties contesting the vote would be ranked. Democrats selected number 10. If it wins, the opposition party is considering issuing an amnesty to politicians, including Thaksin, who have been charged or convicted.

But Yingluck denied her brother would get special treatment. “I don’t want people to only focus on an amnesty only. I want people to rely on reconciliation and justice first,” the 43-year-old businesswoman told Thai TV. “Everything must be done by the rules, equally for everyone.”

Although he lives abroad to escape a jail term imposed in absentia for corruption, Thaksin is widely considered the de facto leader of the Puea Thai party and his politically inexperienced sister is viewed as his proxy. — AFP

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Questions linger over control of Pak airfield ISLAMABAD: During a recent, rare briefing to parliament, a top Pakistani air force commander made a surprising claim: a remote southwestern airfield long suspected of housing US drones used in missile strikes was actually under the control of the United Arab Emirates. The comment stunned lawmakers and ordinary Pakistanis, who - in the wake of the May 2 US raid that killed Osama bin Laden in northwest Pakistan had been questioning whether their nation has been surrendering its sovereignty. But this week, a UAE official only added to the mystery by strongly denying to AP that the Gulf state has any operational role in the Shamsi airfield, although, the official, said wealthy Arabs have occasionally used it to fly to Pakistan on hunting expeditions.

The airfield - in the sparsely populated, rugged province of Baluchistan about 1,000 km southwest of Islamabad - has been used in the past by US troops fighting in Afghanistan, although Americans working there have been asked to leave in recent months amid tensions between Pakistan and Washington, according to a Pakistani official. Pakistan has long publicly denied that it allows the US to use its territory to launch drones attacks - or that it supports the drone campaign at all. Saying Shamsi is controlled by the UAE may have been an attempt by Pakistan’s military to gain some

domestic political cover, but it has simply led to more confusion. “The question arises: who authorized this surrender of sovereignty?” asked an editorial in The Daily Times, an English-language paper.

The unusual, private military briefing last week was about the bin Laden raid. Air Marshal Mohammad Hassan insisted that no drones used in missile strikes took off from Pakistani soil. But he also said Shamsi was not a Pakistan Air Force facility and that it was handed to the UAE during the 1990s, according to lawmakers who requested anonymity because the session was supposed to be confidential. At least one lawmaker said that during questioning about the base, air force officials said US surveillance drones - but not armed ones - used the Shamsi field. Local media also reported that claim.

It’s not unheard of for wealthy Arabs to lease property in Pakistan, which has tried to build alliances with Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries over the years in bids to shore up its standing among Muslim nations and gain allies in the event of tensions with neighboring India. The UAE official told the AP that the Arab state helped Pakistan build the airfield decades ago but has never had control of it and does not lease the property. The extent of its involvement today is that UAE sheiks and others may use the airfield for “recre-

ational purposes” such as hunting expeditions, the official said. Those private, civilian planes that come in for hunting and falconry trips must get clearance from Pakistani aviation authorities and file flight plans, according to the UAE official.

The base “was never operated nor controlled by the UAE,” said the official, who had been briefed on the subject by the Gulf state’s Foreign Ministry and requested anonymity to discuss the sensitive subject.

The US used the Shamsi field as a forward staging point in the initial period after it invaded Afghanistan following the Sept 11, 2001 attacks. In Jan 2002, a US military tanker plane crashed near the area, killing all seven Marines on board.

Since 2008, when the US began a sustained campaign of missile strikes against militant targets in Pakistan’s tribal regions, reports have surfaced that the drones used in the attacks were taking off from Shamsi. Pakistan’s The News, an English-language daily, and the Times of London published a Google Earth image purportedly showing three US drones at Shamsi as early as 2006. Citing unnamed US officials, The New York Times has also reported that employees of the security company previously known as Blackwater worked at Shamsi to load missiles and bombs onto American drones. — AP

36 killed as Taleban attack road company

NAGROTA, India: Sushma, left with hands on coffin, wife of slain paramilitary soldier Raspal, mourns near her husband’s coffin in this village, about 23 km from Jammu yesterday. A senior police official said seven paramilitary soldiers were killed in the eastern Indian state of Chhattisgarh in a landmine explosion they believe was triggered by Maoist rebels. — AP

US-Pakistan hold high-level talks ISLAMABAD: US special envoy Marc Grossman held talks with Pakistan’s leadership yesterday, stepping up efforts to smooth over a crisis sparked by the US operation that killed Osama bin Laden. In the second high-profile American visit to Pakistan in days, the special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan held talks with President Asif Ali Zardari, Pakistan’s powerful army chief General Ashfaq Kayani and other senior cabinet ministers in Islamabad. In a brief statement, Islamabad said only that the meeting followed talks with US Senator John Kerry on Monday, which came in the wake of the May 2 raid in Abbottabad that killed the Al-Qaeda chief.

A separate military statement after yesterday’s Grossman-Kayani meeting said “During the meeting the visiting dignitary discussed the future of Pak-US engagement concerning the reconciliation process in Afghanistan.” Kerry said

Tuesday Pakistan was stepping up efforts to battle extremists and help stabilise Afghanistan, where US-led foreign troops are trying to end a 10-year Taliban insurgency, amid pressure on US lawmakers to cut aid to Islamabad. He said there were a number of “actions” that would lead to an improvement of the relationship and that were being undertaken.

“They are concrete, they are precise, they are measurable and they are in many cases joint - and we will know precisely what is happening with them in very, very short order,” he said. Kerry said senior US officials would visit Islamabad to work on the details of implementing the initial steps and that if further talks went well, then US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton would decide “when and if” to visit Pakistan. Clinton told reporters at the State Department this week that Grossman’s visit would “continue more detailed consultations”.—AFP

KHOST, Afghanistan: The Taleban attacked an Afghan road construction company early yesterday, triggering an hours-long firefight that killed 36 people and wounded another 20 in the worst single attack for months. The attack happened in the eastern province of Paktia, which borders Pakistan, at around 2:00am (2130 GMT Wednesday) and lasted for several hours, a provincial spokesman said. It is thought to be the highest single death toll in a Taleban attack since the militant Islamists struck at a bank in Jalalabad, also in the east, in February, killing 38 people including police collecting their salaries.

“A large group of Taleban attacked a road construction company in Paktia province,” said Paktia provincial spokesman Rohullah Samoon. “Thirty-five guards and staff of the company were killed and 20 were injured.

There were casualties on the Taleban side as well.” Samoon added that eight Taleban were killed. The director of the Afghan company targeted, Galaxy Sky, told AFP that the death toll was in fact 36 and included a Pakistani national. “They (the Taleban) destroyed a lot of our equipment including vehicles and equipment used for road construction,” Noorullah Bidar said. “We don’t know why they attacked us... they are doing this to prevent reconstruction in Afghanistan.”

Taleban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the movement carried out the attack, killing 40 peo-

LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan: Afghanistan National Army (ANA) soldiers undergo training by a US contractor at Camp Leatherneck in Helmand Province yesterday. — AFP

ple and torching four vehicles. He did not mention any Taleban casualties. The militia is known frequently to exaggerate its claims.

The militants have made Afghan government projects a prime target in a bid to undermine the authority of President Hamid Karzai’s administration and have repeatedly kidnapped foreign road construction workers from camps in the past.

The Taleban have been waging a 10-year battle to evict foreign troops stationed in Afghanistan in the wake of the 2001 US-led invasion that toppled their extremist Islamist regime from power for sheltering Osama bin Laden. The attack comes a few weeks after they announced the start of their annual spring offensive at the end of April. There are currently around

130,000 US-led international troops in the troubled country although limited troop withdrawals are due to start from a handful of safer areas in July.

This is ahead of a scheduled full withdrawal of combat troops in 2014, although there have been calls for this timetable to be speeded up in the wake of the killing of the Al-Qaeda leader by US forces in Pakistan on May 2. US Secretary of Defence Robert Gates said this week that accelerating troop withdrawals from Afghanistan because of bin Laden’s death would be “premature”. Paktia, which borders Pakistan’s lawless border regions where Taleban are known to have rear bases, is a highly volatile province frequently hit by violence and cross-border attacks. — AFP

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New UK banks watchdog pledges tougher action

Japan produces autos over weekend in power crunch

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PARIS: France’s Finance Minister Christine Lagarde leaves after the visit of a Monoprix French supermarket yesterday, in Paris, focusing on luncheon vouchers for employees. Lagarde, who said that Europe should unite behind a single candidature, is one of the favourite successors to head the International Monetary Fund (IMF). — AFP

IMF chief resigns Merkel wants quick decision on a European successor

WASHINGTON/PARIS: French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde emerged as frontrunner yesterday to succeed Dominique Strauss-Kahn as head of the IMF after he resigned, vowing to fight charges of sexually assaulting a hotel maid.

His letter of resignation, tendered from a New York prison cell triggered a political tugof-war over the leadership of the global lender. Strauss-Kahn arrived at a New York court building yesterday to apply for release on $1 million bail. His arrest laast Saturday dashed his prospects of running for the French presidency in 2012 and sparked debate over the 65-year-old tradition that a European heads the IMF. A Reuters poll of economists showed 32 out of 56 think Lagarde is most likely to succeed him, and diplomats in Europe and Washington said she had backing from France, Germany and Britain-the three biggest European economies. They also said there was an expectation that the United States would back Lagarde, not least because it wants to keep the number two IMF job and

the leadership of the World Bank, the IMF’s sister organisation that funds developing countries.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel tried to pre-empt calls from emerging nations for a shot at the post by saying the next managing director should be appointed quickly and should be a European. Canada, a member of the Group of Eight leading economies, who meet for a summit in France next week, expects a European to get the post, a government source said. In veiled warnings against another US -European stitch-up, China and Japan both called for an open, transparent process to choose a successor on merit.

Strauss-Kahn’s resignation letter, released by the IMF and dated May 18, contained his first public comment on the charges of attempted rape, illegal sexual acts and sequestration of a 32-year-old widow from West Africa at a luxury Manhattan hotel.

“I deny with the greatest possible firmness all of the allegations that have been made against me,” he wrote. “I want to devote all my strength, all my time, and all my energy to

proving my innocence.” A senior source at the IMF said Strauss-Kahn had tendered his resignation of his own accord through lawyers before the Fund’s board had been able to contact him to ask his intentions.

The former finance minister was to make his second request to be released on $1 million cash bail and placed under 24-hour house arrest until his trial, his lawyers said.

He is being held in New York’s Rikers Island jail, charged with attempted rape, sexual abuse, a criminal sexual act, unlawful imprisonment and forcible touching.

The woman Strauss-Kahn allegedly tried to rape testified on Wednesday before a grand jury. The 23-member panel will decide in secret whether there is enough evidence to formally press charges with an indictment.

Any trial could be six months or more away. If convicted, he could face 25 years in prison. Strauss-Kahn’s attorney, Benjamin Brafman, told his arraignment hearing on Monday that the evidence “will not be consistent with a forcible encounter”.

A lawyer for the alleged victim, a Guinean

mother of a 15-year-old daughter who has gone into hiding to avoid media attention, told Reuters she opposed bail.

“The idea that the man who did this to her is now on the street, so to speak, and able to do what he wants to do in the world is something which is frightening to her,” Attorney Jeffrey Shapiro said.

Strauss-Kahn’s resignation intensified debate over who should lead the Fund and whether it was time to ditch the practice, in place since the IMF was set up in 1945, that a European heads the IMF while an American leads the World Bank.

The vacancy comes at a sensitive time, given the IMF’s dominant role in helping euro zone states such as Greece, Ireland and Portugal deal with massive debt problems.

Europeans argue that the euro zone debt crisis means it makes sense for them to retain the post for now. Lagarde, 55, declined to answer when asked if she was interested in the post, but told reporters: “Any candidacy, whichever it is, must come from Europeans jointly, all together.” — Reuters

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Abu Dhabi to rein in state firms’ bond binge Sale of holdings in foreign companies will be considered

SINGAPORE: People walk through the financial district of Raffles Place in Singapore yesterday. Singapore yesterday raised its 2011 growth forecast to 5.0-7.0 percent from 4.0-6.0 percent on expectations that major economies led by the United States will continue to rebound. — AFP

Emaar profit seen hit

by Dubai Bank write-off DUBAI: Emaar Properties said it will write off its investment in Dubai Bank, valued at about 172 million dirhams ($46.8 million), a move expected to further erode the company’s profits in the short-term, analysts said.

The decision comes after the Dubai government announced on Monday that it would take over the troubled Islamic lender, thereby completely diluting the holdings of Dubai Bank’s current shareholders.

“We view this clean-up act as positive although pressuring the second-quarter bottom line and share price performance in the near term,” said a note from CAPM Investment.

Emaar, UAE’s largest developer by market value, held a 30 percent minority stake in Dubai Bank, which is about 0.3 percent of Emaar’s total assets and about 0.56 percent of its total equity.

Dubai Bank is wholly-owned by Dubai Banking Group which itself is 70 percent-owned by Dubai Holding.

“The value of this investment will be written off during second quarter of 2011,” Emaar said in the statement.

The builder of the world’s tallest tower had a rough start to the year with a 45 percent slump in its first-quarter results, as revenue from its apartment sales declined by over 80 percent.

Shares of Emaar fell 0.94 percent on the Dubai bourse at 0724 GMT. “In the wider scheme of things, it may not be that significant....but it will affect the second quarter results,” said Chet Riley, Nomura property analyst.

The move will however, ensure that the developer returns to its core business, as it had very little control in the indebted bank’s operations, he said.

“It also means that going forward, as a shareholder, it would not have to inject any capital into the bank. This will be taken positively,” said Riley.

The developer is in the process of conducting a strategic review of its foreign operations, which may lead to a greater focus on its hospitality and retail resort business, sources told Reuters. Emaar declined to comment.

Dubai, which is struggling to emerge from a debt crisis, said it will inject an unspecified amount of capital into the bank and its takeover would protect depositors’ interests. — Reuters

ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi plans to curtail bond sales by state companies and review the investments they hold to ease through the sale of sovereign bonds and ensure the firms’ actions benefit the economy.

The plan to centralise fundraising and crack down on undisciplined issuance in the biggest of the seven United Arab Emirates has been in the works for at least six months and may take another year to complete, several people familiar with official discussions told Reuters. Top officials are keen to improve accountability and discipline in state-owned firms, some of which have been described as “mini-fiefdoms”.

That means the Department of Finance will become forceful in exercising its authority-until now often bypassed by companies — and control over purse strings. The debt management office (DMO), part of the finance department, will direct bond issuances from Abu Dhabi.

The review will affect Abu Dhabi’s high-profile investment vehicles Mubadala, International Petroleum Investment Co (IPIC), Aabar, Tourism Development and Investment Co (TDIC), the sources said. “(Government officials) feel a vacuum exists between them and the people running the show,” said a banking source.

Abu Dhabi has been unable to print another sovereign bond since its $3 billion, five and 10-year April 2009 debut issue because its state-linked firms have accessed markets, draining away limited liquidity, bankers said.

The banking source said the Abu Dhabi bond may be issued later this year or early 2012. It may be followed by the United Arab Emirates’ first federal sovereign bond.

The part of the review that looks at investments will be reassessing the value of the state-linked firms’ holdings, some of which are household names.

Currently, portfolio assets at Mubadala, IPIC and Aabar, which recently bought in as a cornerstone investor in Glencore’s IPO, range from stakes in

Daimler and Virgin Galactic to General Electric and Spain’s Cepsa.

“The basic premise of the process is to have a look at the (global) investments made by these firms and assess if they make sense to the economic development of Abu Dhabi,” said a second source involved in the discussions. “In whether they help create jobs, build local expertise. If that doesn’t happen, these assets will be eventually sold.”

The Abu Dhabi government did not respond to requests for comment.

Mubadala declined to comment.

Officials at IPIC and Aabar were not immediately available for comment. A TDIC spokeswoman said she was unable to immediately comment.

Abu Dhabi’s investment firms are among the most high-profile issuers in the Gulf Arab region and regularly tap bond markets to fund their ambitious investment plans. But Abu Dhabi has been concerned about the arbitrage trade across bonds issued by these firms and believes that streamlining issuance through a single window will make it easier for the emirate to issue debt in

the near future.

IPIC launched a two-part $3.48 billion euro-denominated bond with a 5 and 10 year maturity, and a 15-year 550 million pound bond in March, while Mubadala raised $1.5 billion also in a dual-tranche 5 and 10-year bond last month. It issued a smaller yen-denominated bond in March. Listed developer Aldar and troubled green energy firm Masdar are also under review. Aldar was bailed out in a $5.2 billion deal with support from Mubadala earlier in the year.

Aldar declined comment. Masdar was not immediately available. There is no debt restructuring involved, the people said speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.

“Abu Dhabi has none of the debt issues its neighbour Dubai faced during the crisis,” said the second source.

“Having said that, there is a move to create a bit more discipline among investment firms and streamline debt issues.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, among the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, is not subject to the review. —Reuters

HONG KONG: Douglas Flint (L) HSBC Group Chairman and Stuart Gulliver, HSBC Group CEO speak to the press in Hong Kong yesterday. The management team were speaking to the media after an informal meeting of shareholders. — AFP

Emirates airline picks banks for possible dollar bond DUBAI: Dubai’s flagship carrier Emirates has picked four banks to arrange meetings for a potential dollar-denominated issue, the Arab world’s largest airline said yesterday.

HSBC, Deutsche Bank, Emirates NBD and Morgan Stanley have been mandated as joint lead managers and joint bookrunners, according to a document seen by Reuters that was confirmed by the airline. Roadshows will take in Asia, the Middle East and Europe, the document said, with Hong Kong on May 23,

according to the document. “Emirates can confirm the appointment of the JLMs and our intention to go on a Roadshow, with a view to launching a Bond if market conditions, including pricing, are favourable,” the company told Reuters in an emailed statement.

Unlisted Emirates has been assessing various fundraising options for a while and it was reported in February the company was testing the waters about a potential bond issue.

Political instability in the wider region

has hampered Gulf bond issuance this year although a large pipeline of potential issues exists. Earlier this month, Emirates airline Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al Maktoum said he would wait for pricing to improve before issuing a bond. Two Islamic bonds, or sukuk, from the Gulf region priced on Wednesday show that market appetite for regional issuance is thought to be healthy, potentially paving the way for a wave of issues before the slow summer lull after June. — Reuters

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Kazakhs to consider $500m Islamic bond issue ASTANA: Kazakhstan took a step closer to launching a $500 million-plus debut sovereign sukuk issue after the lower house of parliament passed amendments to the country’s Islamic finance laws, the finance minister said yesterday. Bolat Zhamishev told Reuters the government would consider the size and timing of the issue after senators clear the regulation on Islamic financing, a process that he expects to be complete within a month.

“We are looking to issue Islamic bonds in order to fix a benchmark, but the prospects for this will depend on the market,” Zhamishev said on the sidelines of an economic forum.

“We are not going to rush.”

Asked about the possible size of the issue, he said: “In order to fix a benchmark, below $500 million is not usually recommended.”

Oil-rich Kazakhstan, where 70 percent of the 16.4 million population are Muslim, is being touted as a potential new market for Islamic finance. Its economy has grown on average by 8 percent a year in the last decade to reach almost $150 billion.

Abu Dhabi-based Al Hilal Bank opened the first Islamic bank in Kazakhstan last year, with plans to invest as much as $1 billion over the next two years. Malaysian trustee firm Amanah Raya Bhd is expected

to open the second this year. “Yesterday, in the lower house of parliament, changes to the law on Islamic financing were passed in two readings,” Zhamishev said. “Now it will go to the Senate, and I think that within one month the legislation will be passed.

“The legal basis will then be in place for the state to issue Islamic bonds.”

The modern, $1 trillion global Islamic finance sector had its origins three decades ago, but its guiding principles- such as a prohibition on paying interest-would have been familiar to Muslim traders on the mediaeval Silk Road through Central Asia.

Kazakhstan first mooted the idea of issuing sovereign sukuk during the global

financial crisis, especially as Western credit dried up. New money from the Middle East and Asia ensured that 2008 and 2009 were record years for foreign direct investment.

There is still a question mark over who might set the benchmark for sukuk issuance in Kazakhstan, as private issuers, impatient after the postponement of the previous plan to issue sovereign debt, might push to tap the market first.

But Zhamishev said that the government would not rush to issue sukuk and would wait to ensure the timing was right.

“We want to make sure that the benchmark is fixed at a level that is positive for the country,” he said. — Reuters

Disasters send Japanese economy into recession ‘Current slump is milder than the previous slide’

HONG KONG: MGM China Co-chairperson and Executive Director Jim Murren, left, and Executive Director Pansy Ho attend a press conference ahead of its IPO in Hong Kong yesterday. — AP

China wind power company in HK IPO HONG KONG: Chinese wind power company Huaneng Renewables is looking to raise US$1 billion in a Hong Kong IPO, a report said yesterday, as it seeks to capitalise on growing demand for green power.

The company, which shelved a plan to list on the Hong Kong bourse in December because of market volatility, will join China’s two largest wind farm operators who are already listed on the exchange, Dow Jones Newswires reported. The listing comes as a number of Chinese and foreign firms are looking to raise money in the territory as hot money continues to flow from moribund Western economies. The operator began pre-marketing for its proposed June 9 listing this week, the report said, without naming any sources.

During pre-marketing, a company and its bankers gauge investor interest in an IPO and come up with a price range for the deal. Huaneng’s bid comes amid growing interest in the clean energy sector in the wake of the nuclear crisis in Japan triggered by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

Governments around the world have put atomic generating projects on hold or sought ways to tighten regulations since the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant began spewing radiation into the atmosphere, causing the evacuation of tens of thousands of people.

Other clean-energy companies lining up to list in Hong Kong in coming months include Shun Feng Photovoltaic International Ltd. and Beijing Jingneng Clean Energy Co., Dow Jones said.

Shun Feng, a photovoltaic battery manufacturer, is looking to raise $100 million-$200 million in an initial public offering ahead of a listing in Hong Kong on June 13, the report said. “The nuclear radiation crisis in Japan alarmed the Chinese leaders about the safety of nuclear power generation and the original aggressive development plan for nuclear power has to be reviewed,” Core Pacific Yamaichi analyst Lee Yuk Kei said. — AFP

TOKYO: Japan’s economy shrank in the first quarter, veering back into recession as factory production and consumer spending wilted in the aftermath of March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

Real gross domestic product — a measure of the value of all goods and services produced domestically — contracted at an annualized rate of 3.7 percent in the January-March period, the Cabinet Office said yesterday. The result marks the second straight quarter that the world’s No. 3 economy has lost steam and undershoots an annualized 2.3 percent fall forecast in a Kyodo News agency survey.

While there is no universally accepted definition of a recession, many economists define it as two consecutive quarters of GDP contraction.

Others consider the depth of economic decline as well as other measures like unemployment.

Martin Schulz, senior economist at Fujitsu Research Institute in Tokyo, said there is “no doubt” that recession has returned. More surprising is just how quickly the economy crumpled, he said.

The latest GDP report includes just 20 days following the disaster, but “the impact is huge,” said Schulz, who had expected to see most of the economic fallout in the second quarter.

The Nikkei 225 stock average fell 0.4 percent to 9,620.82. The magnitude-9.0 earthquake and tsunami left more than 24,000 people dead or missing, and wiped out entire towns in the hardest-hit areas. Damage is estimated at $300 billion, making it the most expensive natural disaster in history.

It damaged factories in the region, causing severe shortages of parts and components for manufacturers across Japan, especially automakers. A crippled nuclear power plant caused widespread power shortages that added to the headaches faced by businesses and households. As a result, Japan’s factory production and consumer spending both fell the most

TOKYO: Office workers stroll through a street filled with restaurants at lunchtime in Tokyo yesterday. Japan’s economy contracted sharply in the first quarter, veering back into recession as factory production and consumer spending wilted in the aftermath of March 11 earthquake and tsunami. — AP on record in March. Exports in March went south for the first time in 16 months. Companies are reporting lower earnings and diminished outlooks for the rest of the fiscal year.

The recent events have deeply unnerved households, who are likely to remain cautious for the coming months, Schulz said.

“The nuclear disaster showed just how much is wrong in Japan actually,” he said. “And many things that seemed so stable and sure like electricity supply ... are looking not safe at all.” Toyota Motor Corp., Japan’s biggest automaker, said last week that its quarterly profit tumbled more than 75 percent because of parts shortages after the tsunami. As of May, the crisis cost the company production of 550,000 vehicles in Japan and another 350,000 overseas. Toyota is expected to lose its spot as the world’s top-selling automaker to General Motors Co. this year. Even before the disaster, Japan’s economy was shaky. In a historic shift, China overtook the country

as the world’s No. 2 economy last year. Japan struggled to address a slew of problems including years of deflation, a rapidly aging and shrinking population, and ballooning public debt. Japanese companies increasingly relied on exports to drive growth and offset the persistently lackluster demand at home.

After four solid quarters of growth, Japan’s GDP turned negative in the last three months of 2010 due to weaker exports and consumer demand. The downturn was expected to be temporary. Instead, Japan has now recorded consecutive quarters of contraction for the first time since the global financial crisis. GDP fell for four straight quarters starting April 2008.

Japan’s economy and fiscal policy minister Kaoru Yosano described the current slump as milder than the previous slide, when global demand “evaporated instantly.” “The Japanese economy’s ability to rebound is sufficiently strong,” Yosano said, according to Kyodo News agency. — AP

Business FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

PlayStation Network revival stumbles SAN FRANCISCO: Sony’s efforts to revive its PlayStation Network (PSN) stumbled after the firm discovered a flaw hackers could exploit when it came to resetting passwords.

Sony temporarily disabled PSN and its Qriocity music streaming password reset pages to fix a vulnerability in a system that was just regaining its footing after a cyber attack that resulted in it being shut down for weeks.

“We temporarily took down the PSN and Qriocity password reset page,” Sony spokesman Patrick Seybold said in an update posted at the PlayStation blog.

“Contrary to some reports, there was no hack involved,” he explained.

“In the process of resetting of passwords there was a URL exploit that we have subsequently fixed.”

Details of the exploit were not disclosed, but a door open had reportedly been left ajar for hackers to change a user’s password if they knew the email address and birth date associated with an account.

“Consumers who haven’t reset their passwords for PSN are still encouraged to do so directly on their PS3,” Seybold said. “Otherwise, they can continue to do so via the website as soon as we

bring that site back up.”

PSN connects PlayStation 3 (PS3) consoles to online games, films and more. Sony on Sunday began a “phased restoration” of network services that came under hacker attacks in one of the biggest data breaches since the advent of the Internet.

Cyber thieves stole personal data that included names, passwords and addresses from more than 100 million accounts on PSN and Sony Online Entertainment services.

Sony has said it cannot rule out that millions of credit card numbers may have been compromised.

Sony shut down the PSN and Qriocity on April 20 after its data centre in San Diego was hacked-but it did not reveal the breach until April 26.

The entertainment and electronics giant began restoring the services on Sunday and promised that defenses had been hardened.

The Japanese multinational estimated that the cyber attack cost the firm $1 billion. Sony chief Howard Stringer, speaking for the first time on the crisis Tuesday, said protecting private information was a “never-ending process” and he did not know if anyone could be “100 percent secure.” — AFP

Takeda to buy Swiss drugmaker for $13.6b TOKYO: Japan’s Takeda Pharmaceutical said yesterday it reached a 9.6 billion euro ($13.6 billion) deal to buy Swiss drugmaker Nycomed in what would be one of the biggest overseas acquisitions by a Japanese firm. The deal with Nycomed will allow Japan’s largest drugmaker by revenue to tap into emerging markets demand at a time when pharmaceutical firms worldwide are battling revenue fallout from patent expirations.

It is the latest in a series of acquisitions for Japanese firms as they look to make the most of the strong yen and boost their presence in more lucrative markets overseas, offsetting limited domestic opportunities. Nycomed has strong sales in emerging markets and Takeda has agreed to purchase the shares from private equity funds as it seeks to boost its presence in these markets. The deal excludes Nycomed’s dermatology business.

Among Nycomed’s products are treatments for lung disease, which Takeda said it expects to be a major source of revenue growth. “Nycomed enables Takeda to maximise the value of our portfolio and gives us an immediate strong presence in the high-growth emerging markets while doubling Takeda’s European sales,” Takeda President Yasuchika Hasegawa said in a statement.

Takeda said it will finance part of the transaction through a loan of about 600-700 billion yen ($7.4-8.5 billion) and plans to complete the acquisition by the end of September, subject to antitrust clearance. But ratings agency Moody’s said it had put Takeda’s Aa1 rating on review for a possible downgrade.

It warned that “the transaction would weaken Takeda’s excellent balance-sheet liquidity and balance-sheet structure.

Both are currently the best for any rated pharmaceuticals company worldwide.” Best-known for its Actos diabetes treatment, Takeda generates nearly half of its revenue overseas, but Asia and other regions outside of North America and Europe made up only two percent of its fiscal 2010 sales of 1.42 trillion yen. The Swiss firm has some 12,500 employees worldwide and has subsidiaries in more than 70 countries, with a strong presence in Europe and in fast growing markets such as Russia, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East.

In 2010, Nycomed’s turnover totalled $3.2 billion, ranking 28th among global pharmaceutical companies. It specialises in gastroenterology medicine as well as treatments against respiratory and inflammatory diseases.

Takeda shares closed 0.53 percent higher at 3,790 yen in Tokyo trade yesterday. The deal continues a recent Japanese spending spree in the pharmaceutical space. In March Japanese drug maker Daiichi Sankyo said it would spend up to $935 million to buy California-based Plexxikon Inc. Earlier in February pharmaceutical company Kyowa Hakko Kirin, a subsidiary of drinks giant Kirin Holdings, said it will buy Britain’s ProStrakan Group PLC in a deal worth 292 million pounds ($472 million). And Astellas Pharma said it had agreed to pay around $1.3 billion to US drug developer Aveo Pharmaceuticals to jointly develop an experimental cancer treatment. Astellas last year bought US firm OSI Pharmaceuticals for $4 billion. — AFP

ATHENS: Greece’s Prime Minister George Papandreou (and L) speaks with the new head of European trade unions (ETUC) Bernadette Segol (C) President of ETUC Ignacio Fernandez Toxo (R) at a four-day European Trade Union Congress in Athens yesterday. — AFP

Bank of Ireland deposits inch up, trading still tough Uptick in deposits helps ease reliance on Central Bank funding DUBLIN: Bank of Ireland’s profit margins will continue to suffer from weak loan demand and high funding costs but a marginal rise in deposits has helped ease its reliance on emergency central bank funding, it said yesterday.

Ireland’s largest lender is trying to dodge falling into state control after being left with a capital bill of 5.2 billion euros following fresh stress tests but analysts said weak lending would trouble investors seeking a growth story.

“The lack of lending volumes is a key concern. As the bank deleverages will it be able to earn sufficient pre-provision profits to justify investors participating in the upcoming capital increase?” Karl Goggin, analyst with NCB Stockbrokers, said in a note. Bank of Ireland said it would update investors in the coming weeks on its capital plans. There is speculation it will offer holders of its junior debt the opportunity to swap their holdings for equity and that it may undertake a rights issue and private

placement. But with the state already holding a 36 percent stake in Bank of Ireland and investors’ goodwill sorely tested after participating in a 1.7 billion rights issue last year, many are sceptical Bank of Ireland can raise sufficient extra funds to remain the country’s only independent lender.

“For them to get a rights issue away within the current context of the market and within the timeframe that we are looking at would be quite difficult for Bank of Ireland,” said Ryan McGrath, bond dealer at Dolmen Securities.

Bank of Ireland’s lower tier two bonds were trading unchanged at around 54 percentage points. They have dropped around 10 percentage points amid concern the bank will follow in the footsteps of rival Allied Irish Banks, which announced last week it would demand a deeper-than-expected discount of up to 90 percent on its junior debt.

Bank of Ireland’s shares were up 1.8

percent at 22.5 cents in thin volumes. In last year’s rights issue, investors bought shares at 75 cents each.

Reckless property loans and an overreliance on wholesale funding markets, which froze after Lehman Brothers collapsed in 2008, pushed Ireland’s banking sector over the edge and forced the country into an 85 billion euros EU-IMF rescue package. As part of the bailout, Ireland had pledged to radically shrink its loan books to reduce the banks’ dependence on emergency central bank funding, which has filled a gap left by deposit outflows and an ability to tap debt markets.

Bank of Ireland said its loan to deposit ratio had improved by around 10 percentage points to 165 percent since the end of the year due to an uptick in customer deposits. As part of the EU-IMF deal, Ireland’s banking sector has until the end of 2013 to get its loan to deposit ratio down to 122.5 percent from an average of 180 percent at the end of 2010.— Reuters

Business FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

Dollar down as commodities and stocks rise SINGAPORE: The dollar slipped yesterday with funds sensing a rally this month is ending and expectations increasing that commodity prices have resumed an uptrend, pushing up equities in Asia’s energy and materials sectors.

Investors have been struggling to find a common theme in financial markets after two routs in commodities over the past two weeks led to a reduction of risky assets in portfolios. Economic data out of the United States and China also sent mixed signals. Some investors latched on to a rise in US 10-year yields from a low for the year hit overnight because Federal Reserve officials expressed wor-

ries about inflation ahead of the expiration of a $600 billion bond purchase programme next month. A rebound in the S&P 500 index from a one-month low also played a role.

A slide in Treasury futures suggested more weakness was in store for US bonds. Higher US yields supported the dollar briefly against the low-yielding yen, but not against other major currencies. Price action suggests investors are sensitive to relative interest rate advantages, but also see the US currency bogged down with economic and fiscal imbalances. The dollar index, a measure of its value versus six other major curren-

cies, was down 0.2 percent after hitting a one-month high on Monday. The euro was up 0.1 percent to $1.4268 in choppy trade, trying to chalk up a fourth consecutive day of gains after the market was unable to push the common currency below its 200-week moving average at $1.4000. “If you look at the next few months, the euro could fall to around $1.35. But I guess it’s difficult to sell the euro beyond $1.40 now, when there’s talk that the European Central Bank could raise rates in July,” said Minori Uchida, a senior analyst at the Bank of TokyoMitsubishi UFJ in Tokyo. The dollar was at 81.64 yen, steady on the day after earlier

hitting a three-week high of 81.82 yen .

Japan’s Nikkei share average slipped 0.5 percent , with tech shares reversing earlier gains and weighing on the broader market. Japan’s economy shrank more than expected in the first quarter and slipped into recession after the triple blow of the March earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis hit business and consumer spending and disrupted supply chains. The difficult business environment has not hit stocks as hard and many economists expect growth to resume in the second half of the year, but power shortages are a real threat to the world’s third-largest economy.—Reuters

Japan produces autos over weekend in power crunch TOKYO: Japanese automakers are going to produce cars on weekends and take today off to avoid blackouts from a power crunch caused by problem nuclear reactors.

Toshiyuki Shiga, chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association and chief operating officer of Nissan Motor Co., told reporters yesterday the new schedule, which includes auto-parts suppliers, will take effect in July, August and September — the peak months for electricity use in Japan.

The government has asked major companies to reduce electricity use by 15 percent. The March 11 earthquake and tsunami hobbled the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant in northeastern Japan, sending three reactors into meltdowns.

The Hamaoka nuclear plant is also being shut down because of safety fears, further crimping energy resources. “We need to respond with a sense of crisis to the power shortage,” said Shiga, who was not wearing a tie in attire now called “super cool biz.”

The practice, a notch above the regular summer month “cool biz,” encourages the usually dark-suited “salaryman” to don Aloha shirts and other casual wear as thermostats are set higher in office buildings to conserve energy.

Nuclear energy provides a third of Japan’s electricity. As measures to battle the power shortage, Tokyo buildings have toned down lighting, stores are closing sooner, and commuters are trudging up and down stairs instead of using escalators and elevators. At home, people are being encouraged to endure room temperatures of 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit), use fans instead of air conditioners and unplug personal computers and other gadgets. Masataka Kunugimoto, auto analyst at Nomura Securities Co., said the plan to move weekday production to the weekend was a good one, and urged other sectors to do the same, but take other days of the week off. “The number of companies in the auto industry is relatively few and so they could unite on the plan,” he said. “It will definitely work as a plus for the electricity supply.” The expected power crunch is yet another challenge for Japanese automakers, which are all running at reduced output after the quake damaged some 500 parts suppliers in northeastern Japan. — AP

YOKOHAMA: Visitors look at US auto maker General Motors’ plug-in electric vehicle “Chevrolet Volt” at the annual auto engineering exhibition in Yokohama, suburban Tokyo yesterday. GM said the company will make 60,000 Volt and Opel Ampera in next year, up from its previously announced 45,000 outlook. — AFP

TORRES NOVAS: Toilet tissue is piled up on May, 12, 2011 on a desk at the Renova creative office at the Renova Factory in Torres Novas. Renova is a Portuguese company that became prominent in the international market by producing an innovative product: Black toilet paper. Five years after the launch of the “Black Label” toilet paper, Renova has become a successful example of Portugal’s export business. — AFP

New UK banks watchdog pledges tougher action Watchdog oversees banks with 11tn pounds LONDON: Britain’s new banking regulator will be tougher than its predecessor and will not shy away from publishing investigations into industry failures like that of the Royal Bank of Scotland, its chief said yesterday.

Britain’s regulatory shake up is an attempt to wipe the supervisory slate clean of the old Financial Services Authority’s (FSA’s) pre-crisis light touch reputation and failure to spot a financial crisis coming.

Hector Sants, head of the soon-to-be-axed FSA, said the new Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) he will also take charge of will have a single focus-financial stabilityand be tougher than its predecessor which is being scrapped at the end of 2012.

“The new supervisory approach will build on the more intensive approach adopted by the FSA since the crisis,” Sants

told a conference. That approach has already seen more high profile arrests of alleged market abusers and has sent a shiver through bank boadrooms where candidates for non-executive directors now think twice before tossing their names into the hat.

Sants said the PRA will be fully accountable to the public. The aim is to avoid a repeat of a financial crisis that forced Britain to spend billions of pounds to shore up the banking system, take stakes in Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds and nationalise Northern Rock.

He fully supported the proposal to give the new PRA powers to publish reports on firm failures, when needed, to rectify the FSA’s inability to do so and be widely condemned. The FSA has been ridiculed for not publishing its findings into why Britain

had to inject 45 billion pounds ($73 billion) into RBS in 2008 to avoid its collapse.

Two financial “elder statesmen” are studying what version could be published without triggering lawsuits. “The PRA must not suffer the same fate,” Sants said. The PRA will be part of the Bank of England and directly supervise banks that hold 11 trillion pounds in assets as well as insurers, making sure they have enough capital to keep themselves and the overall financial system stable. A standalone Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) will oversee markets, enforcement and consumer protection. Such a “twin peaks” structure is already used in other countries but studies have found that no particular supervisory structure proved infallible in spotting the crisis coming. Sants insisted the new set up will make a difference. — Reuters

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US jobless claims fall, regional manufacturing slows WASHINGTON: The number of Americans filing new claims for jobless benefits fell last week, but other data on home sales and regional factory activity suggested the economy remained on a moderate growth path.

Initial claims for state unemployment benefits fell 29,000 to a seasonally adjusted 409,000, the Labor Department said on Thursday, continuing to unwind the prior weeks’ spike.

Though the drop exceeded economists’ expectations for a fall to 420,000, claims stayed above above the 400,000 level that is normally associated with stable job growth for a sixth straight week.

The data covered the survey period for the government’s closely watched employment report for May, which will be released early next month.

“Jobless claims are still at levels consistent with moderate job growth and little

progress in bringing unemployment down,” said Avery Shenfeld, chief economist at CIBC World Markets in Toronto.

A second report showed factory activity in the nation’s Mid-Atlantic region slowed sharply in May. The Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank said its business activity index slumped to 3.9 from 18.5 in April.

Economists had expected a reading of 20. A reading above zero indicates expansion in the region’s manufacturing.

“We’re probably past the peak in regard to manufacturing activity, but we don’t think manufacturing activity is stopping.

We just think it is slowing a bit,” said Tom Porcelli, a US economist at RBC Capital Markets in New York.

Separately, sales of previously owned homes fell 0.8 percent last month to an annual rate of 5.05 million units, the National Association of Realtors said.

Economists had expected sales to rise to a

5.2 million unit-rate.

The factory and housing reports were the latest to suggest the economy struggled to regain momentum as the second quarter started. Manufacturing has been leading the recovery and economists still expect the trend to continue.

US stocks pared gains and were last trading flat, while prices for government debt trimmed losses. The dollar fell against the euro and cut gains against the yen.

The four-week moving average of unemployment claims, a better measure of underlying trends, rose 1,250 to 439,000 - the highest level since mid-November.

The recent jump in claims, blamed on auto layoffs because of supply chain disruptions from March’s Japanese earthquake and problems with adjusting data for seasonal variations, had raised fears of a pull-back in the pace of job creation.

Employers added 244,000 jobs in April, the most in 11 months. However, the unemployment rate rose to 9 percent from 8.8 percent in March.

A Labor Department official said only one state or territory, the Virgin Islands, had been estimated, indicating the report was largely clear of distortions.

The number of people still receiving benefits under regular state programs after an initial week of aid fell 81,000 to 3.71 million in the week ended May 7.

Economists had expected so-called continuing claims to fall to 3.72 million from a previously reported 3.76 million.

The number of people on emergency unemployment benefits increased 53,398 to 3.47 million in the week ended April 30, the latest week for which data is available.

A total of 7.94 million people were claiming unemployment benefits during that period under all programs. — Reuters

Europe, emerging powers face off over IMF job France has provided four of the 11 IMF chiefs

NEW YORK: Reid Hoffman, center, the founder of LinkedIn, and company executives celebrate the listing of LinkedIn, yesterday on the New York Stock Exchange. LinkedIn, based in Mountain View, Calif., is an internet-based social networking rolodex for business people. — AP

LinkedIn shares soar 90% in market debut NEW YORK: LinkedIn’s stock nearly doubled in its market debut because of huge investor demand for the first major US social networking company to go public. The stock traded at $87.11, up 94 percent, yesterday morning after debuting at $83 and briefly reaching $92.99. Renaissance Capital, an IPO research and investment firm, said LinkedIn’s 84 percent increase at the open was the biggest for a US IPO since the 2009 debut of OpenTable Inc., a restaurant reservations website. IPO analyst Scott Sweet, the founder of IPO Boutique, credits the increase to LinkedIn selling a relatively small number of shares, 7.8 million. Main Street investors clamored for the job networking site’s shares, which had only been available to the country’s biggest mutual funds, pension funds and other major institutional investors in an initial public offering Wednesday evening. LinkedIn Corp.’s IPO had been priced at $45 per share, at the high end of the company’s initial target. The company had raised $353 million Wednesday night in an IPO that valued it at $4.3 billion. That’s the largest valuation for a US Internet company since Google went public in 2004. The company’s service helps businesses find new employees and promotes networking among the more than 102 million people that have set up profiles.

Sweet said the “monstrous interest” in LinkedIn and its sharp climb yesterday were good signs for other social networking companies such as online messaging service Twitter, Web game maker Zynga, coupon site Groupon and Facebook. LinkedIn is trading under the symbol “LNKD” on the New York Stock Exchange. — AP

BRUSSELS: Europe fought to retain leadership of the IMF yesterday to help tackle its debt crisis as emerging nations launched a sharp counterattack, saying it was time rising economies took the helm. With the ink barely dry on Dominique StraussKahn’s letter of resignation from a New York jail cell, European powers claimed the top job at the world’s lender of last resort on the grounds of being the IMF’s biggest contributor.

As nations sought to agree on a name, French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde emerged as a top contender, in what would be a first for a woman.

But signalling the global shift in economic power, Asian and Latin American countries and even former Soviet republics pressed strongly for an end to the post-World War II convention that the job be held by a European. “The times are over when this important job was reserved for a European,” said Brazil’s Finance Minister Guido Mantegna.

A spokeswoman for European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso said that “consultations will intensify about this succession and indeed about putting forward a strong European candidate to take up the position.”While several names were in the hat, including the outgoing head of the European Central Bank, Jean-Claude Trichet, 52-year-old Lagarde, French finance minister since 2007, had been tipped as a possible successor to Strauss-Kahn even before his current troubles.

“One figure whose name comes up in discussions is Christine Lagarde and I must say I am very impressed by her,” Sweden’s Finance Minister Anders Borg told national radio. “She has influence and experience.”

Commending her as “a driving force” in Europe’s battle against the

A combo picture showing possible contenders to head the International Monetary Fund from (top L-R) Montek Singh Ahluwlia Economic adviser to India’s Prime Minister, Kemal Dervis Turkey’s former economy minister, Christine Lagarde French finance minister, Axel Weber former head of Bundesbank, (bottom L-R) Stanley Fischer Israel’s central bank governor, Tharman Shanmugaratnam Singapore finance minister, Agustin Carstens Governor Bank of Mexico, Trevor Manuel former South African Finance minister. — AFP euro crisis, and “very important” in tackling global financial woes, Borg added that being a woman could be a plus.

“Women are half of the world’s population and one can imagine that the competence and influence of women can play a role in this context,” he said. Dutch central bank director Nout Wellink favoured Trichet, whose ECB mandate ends in October, dubbing the 68-year-old Frenchman a “fantastic candidate.”

Germany, whose Chancellor Angela Merkel too has called for Europe to keep the IMF job, has offered no candidates of its own for the moment but

is believed to be favourable to Lagarde, according to press reports.

Britain appears to have dismissed any idea of backing former premier Gordon Brown and a highly-placed European official this week said London considered Lagarde “certainly a credible candidate.”

EU partners were “waiting to see if (French President Nicolas) Sarkozy will put her forward,” added the official, who asked not to be named. A former lawyer, Lagarde is known to have enjoyed her many years working in the United States but has not tipped her hand on a possible candidacy. — AFP

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US jobless cope with despair in tight market Unprecedented for Americans since Great Depression

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hio’s efforts to climb out of the economic ditch are complicated by the number of people who have been out of work for six months or longer, a group comprising more than half of those receiving jobless benefits.

The actual number of long-term unemployed is unknown because government figures don’t track those who give up and no longer actively search for work. But estimates in April of underemployment”-those unemployed but still looking plus those no longer in the job market-was put at 15.9 percent nationally, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Those who study employment say the figures are approaching historic status.“This is unprecedented for the United States since the Great Depression to have such long-term unemployment,” said William Dickens, a senior fellow of the liberalleaning Brookings Institution.

Despite the large numbers, Ohio and the federal government have few programs specifically tailored toward helping the long-term unemployed find work. Most programs “don’t work nearly as well when people sit on the rolls for a long, long period of time,” said John Weber, deputy director for workforce development for the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

Ellen Pasquinelli, 57, knows that first hand. Her layoff from an inside sales position at a Xenia manufacturer in December 2008 has stretched out to more than two years, and she hasn’t had a face-to-face job interview in more than nine months. She was able to buy a house only with her father’s help. “I shouldn’t have to live off of my 86-year-old terminally ill father,” Pasquinelli said.

Those who work with the jobless urge job seekers to consider part-time employment or volunteer opportunities-anything to stay active.

“It doesn’t mean you’re going to be in the job forever,” Weber said.

Economists say the “Great Recession” officially ended in June 2009. Pasquinelli isn’t buying it.

Neither are Melissa Common Smith or Charles Moore. They all face the same challenge: They haven’t had permanent full-time work for six months or longer. And even with an economy that’s slowly gaining strength, they comprise the largest percentage of those receiving unemployment benefits, nationally and in Ohio.

They say they feel forgotten. “We refer to ourselves as ghosts,” said Xenia resident Pasquinelli.

The long-term unemployed often have the most difficult time finding work-and experts say the longer they are out of the work force, the harder it is to get back in.

They may be jobless through no fault of their own, but there can still

be a stigma, experts say.

“When you see a period of time when a person was not working, the question is: Why?” said George Zeller, a Cleveland economist.

‘Not the US we knew’ Nationally, nearly 45 percent of those filing unemployment claimssome 6 million people-have been out of work for six or more months.

“That’s not the United States we knew,” said William Dickens, a fellow with the liberal-leaning Brookings Institution.

The percentage is even higher in Ohio. Through the first two months of

year-old hasn’t had outside employment since November.

“It’s my daily job to find a job,” Smith said. Barbara Allen knows. She’s an employment consultant for the Montgomery County Job Center, which tries to match qualified applicants with job openings among local retail employers. Allen routinely gets dozens of applications for a single opening.

On the GreaterDaytonWorks.com site, Allen pulled up a list of 132 applicants for 25 openings at Lowe’s. A single opening at Moraine pet goods producer Miracle Corp. drew 83 applications.

An opening at

Information, said employers too may not feel obligated to pay those who have been out of work for extended periods what they earned in their previous job.

“They do face a different set of issues,” said Sen. Sherrod Brown, DOhio. He cited atrophying work skills and mental health issues that can crop up as an extended bout of joblessness drags on.

Those wrestling with long-term unemployment say they face a peculiar set of Catch-22s: To get a job, it helps to already have a job. People between jobs can find themselves relying too much on credit cards,

Tiffany Groene, 27 (center) talks to her customers Cameron Brady and Erica Stimac while she waits tables at State Restaurant and Cafe in Chicago. Groene works at the restaurant to make ends meet though she has a master’s degree and has been searching for a job in her field for two years. — MCT 2011, Ohio claims from the long-term unemployed stood at 51.8 percent of all continued claims paid, a slight decrease from 2010, according to an Ohio Department of Job and Family Services spokesman.

Pasquinelli calls herself a “99’er”one of those who have exhausted 99 weeks of unemployment compensation. Laid off from her sales job at a Xenia manufacturer in 2008, Pasquinelli said she has sold all of her good jewelry and much of her furniture. With unemployed friends, she tries to bring in cash through eBay auctions and a vintage goods table at the Waynesville Antiques Mall.

“I’m a Craigslist junkie,” she said.

Melissa Common Smith of Tipp City worked for Antioch University as an IT help-desk manager until the university reorganized that service. The 55-year-old wife and mother of an 8-

Goodwill/Easter Seals of the Miami Valley drew 74 applications.

“That’s just one opening,” Allen said. “And I get a lot of qualified candidates.” Dickens said there are more than four people looking for jobs in the United States for every open position. Experts say there aren’t enough jobs being created, and those who have jobs aren’t leaving them.

In a well functioning labor market, people move up and on to new jobs, Dickens said. But today, the market is seeing one of its lowest job turnovers ever. “Workers are scared,” said Dickens. “They’re not quitting. They’re hanging on to their jobs.”

Employers wary The stigma of being unemployed for a long time can scare off potential employers. Keith Ewald, bureau chief of the ODJFS Bureau of Labor Market

which can leave a black mark on a credit record-and a black mark before a potential employer. They need experience, but too much experience can end up hurting them. And age itself can be an obstacle.

Charles Moore, 42, moved his wife and son from Michigan to Clayton in July 2009 when he was offered what he thought was a permanent position with The James Group’s Trotwood distribution operation. Shortly after he joined the company full-time, Syncreon took over the site’s contract with General Motors. Moore’s last day with the company was in November 2009. Moore said he sometimes feels “isolated.”

“The frustrating thing is, there’s no such thing as walking into a business and handing someone a resume,” he said. John Weber, ODJFS deputy director for workforce development,

said his department talks to employers about the reasons so many people have stayed out of work for so long.

“It isn’t about the person, it’s about the economy,” he said.

Those with an education and solid careers behind them don’t seem to be immune, at least not in this recession.

Staffers with the Dayton Area Community Action Partnership (CAP), which uses public dollars to assist residents looking for work, say it’s not unusual for them to hear appeals from college graduates, or veterans of NCR Corp, which moved its headquarters to Georgia two years ago.

“Prior to this (recent recession), it was high school graduates and people with GEDs,” said Deborah Ferguson, outreach director for the Dayton CAP office.

Indeed, the monthly average for those unemployed for 52 weeks or longer in 2010 was nearly as high for college graduates as high school dropouts, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The number for college graduates was 718,000, while the number for those lacking a high school diploma was 776,000.

Never give up Those who work with the jobless have a simple message for job seekers: Don’t give up.

Stephen Offord, Job and Family Services supervisor in Montgomery County, advises the unemployed to take any part-time position that keeps them connected to the work force.

Even volunteer duties can keep one’s hands and brain engaged and give one a reason to get up each day, he said.

Offord insists there is no reason to give up searching. “Not as far as I’m concerned,” he said. “If you want badly enough to be employed, to be better employed, you will do the things necessary and you will not stop until you achieve your goal.”

Jason Murphy, human resources manager for the new Caterpillar Logistics Services Clayton distribution center, which is scheduled to open later this month, said Caterpillar doesn’t discriminate against those who have been out of work for awhile.

“When I go to recruiting seminars, I tell them, Caterpillar is looking for good people who want to work, who have a willingness to work, and are willing to come to work every day,” he said. Of the workers Caterpillar hired from the Dayton area, Murphy said, more than 25 percent had been out of work from between five months and two-and-a-half years.

“We take great pride in being a equal opportunity employer, and we really recognize what’s happened with the economy in the last two or three years,” he said. “It doesn’t mean only the poor performers were laid off.”—MCT

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FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

Justice vs reconciliation Threatened dictators fear for future as Egypt, Tunisia opt for trials

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raq’s Saddam Hussein and Romania’s Nicolae Ceausescu were tried and executed in front of television cameras. In much of post-communist Eastern Europe, ex-leaders avoided trial or received symbolic punishments. South Africa’s apartheid-era leaders were spared that when the country opted for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission empowered to grant amnesty. Ferdinand Marcos, the leader of the Philippines, opted for exile.

The Arab Spring has so far cost the jobs of two long-time leaders and at least three others are warily eying the despot exit ramp. But what happens next? The history of toppled dictators offers a variety of precedents - punishment by trial, amnesty in the context of an official search for truth, or exile and obscurity. Right now punishment seems to be the preferred route for those deposed.

Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and his two sons have been arrested as have a host of other officials from his government. Mubarak could be executed if convicted of involvement in the deaths of anti-regime protesters, Justice Minister Abdel Aziz Al-Gindi said. His Interior Minister, Habib Al-Adly, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for money laundering.

In Tunisia, President Zine Al-Abidine Ben Ali fled to Saudi Arabia, but he has been indicted in absentia on counts of corruption and involvement in the killing of protesters. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is currently investigating charges against Libyan leader Muammar Al-Gaddafi and senior members of his regime for crimes against humanity.

“It’s still a bit early to assess, but it seems that postrevolutionary Arab measures have been more reactive than planned,” Habib Nassar, head of the Middle East and North Africa Program at International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ), told The Media Line. “Ad hoc measures are being taken to appease the street with no real strategy.”

Justice or amnesty may take years to come, but the decisions Arab countries make may already be having an impact: Al-Gaddafi, Yemen’s Ali Abdullah Saleh and Syria’s Bashar Al-Assad, all fighting to remain in power, are almost certainly looking at how former leaders fare.

Under a plan mediated by the Gulf Cooperation Council, Saleh was offered immunity in exchange for stepping down within 30 days, but no deal has been consummated. Al-Gaddafi has rejected calls for him to step down, but the European Union sent an encouraging message to despots when it unfroze the financial and property assets of Moussa Koussa, Al-Gaddafi’s foreign minister, after he defected. Mubarak and Ben Ali stepped down relatively quickly and with little violence. Some analysts have said that the turn to violent pushbacks in places like Syria, Yemen and Bahrain reflects the growing anxiety of leaders for their future, now that they see what has happened to their peers.

“Some leaders, like Saleh in Yemen, are seeking impunity packages,” Salman Sheikh, head of the Brookings Doha Center told The Media Line. “But the precedent of Saddam Hussein’s execution in Iraq has not necessarily made leaders more reform minded.” Sheikh suggested that the way to end violence in Syria would be by offering President Bashar Al-Assad an opportunity to leave the country peacefully, although that would spell the end of the Baath regime in Syria.

Tunisia, whose president was the first despot to be forced out of office by the Arab Spring, has started to deal with the issue systemically. On April 14, the ICTJ, the Arab Institute for Human Rights and United Nations hosted a conference titled “Addressing the Past, Building the Future,” aimed at discussing ways “to translate demands for justice and accounta-

bility into concrete measure that address past human rights violations and that help prevent their repetition.”

“There is almost a consensus in Tunisia on the need for accountability for members of the former regime,” says Nassar of the ICTJ. “Now, they need a strategy. Obviously you can’t prosecute everyone who was active in state apparatus, only the ‘big fish’.”

As communist dictatorships collapsed in eastern Europe at the end of the 1980s, transitional justice emerged as a multidisciplinary field as a means of addressing systematic abuses by former regimes without endangering the delicate political transformation to democracy. Transitional justice encompasses not only criminal prosecutions, but so-called truth commissions and memorial efforts, such as museums and memorials for victims. But the transition isn’t easy. Victims of the former regime usually want those responsible to pay the price for their deeds.

The problem is that demands for justice can interfere with the nation-rebuilding process.

Nassar says popular demands for justice and accountability brought protesters to the streets and now these demands must be translated into judicial action. He says that for transitional justice to take root, the legal process must enjoy broad legitimacy among the people, with as many components of society consulted as possible. “Now rulers should take a step back and consider international standards such as defendants’ right to fair trial and due process with clear criteria,” Nassar says. “Achieving accountability is not enough - the process is as important as the outcome.”

South Africa has used the model of Truth and Reconciliation Committees (TRCs), allowing abusers to own up to their crimes in return for amnesty. Victims listen to perpetrators’ testimonials and are expected to pardon their victimizers. Vimla Pillay, manager of the mediation and training department at the Center for Conflict Resolution in Cape Town, South Africa, has worked extensively with victims of South Africa’s Apartheid regime. She says that although TRCs were a great exercise in healing, allowing for forgiveness and reconciliation, they had serious shortcomings. Victims must receive both emotional and legal redress, she said.

“One limitation is that victims’ wounds were opened during the process, with not enough follow-up,” Pillay told The Media Line. “Layers of trauma were revealed, but there was no post-TRC counseling. Even in terms of financial compensation victims were not handled very well.” Pillay says the notion of forgiveness is part of South Africa’s culture and religious belief system. In the post-Apartheid era, President Nelson Mandela encouraged citizens to forgive and move on, she says, but adds that such unconditional forgiveness is often more beneficial to perpetrators than to victims, who need some form of closure.

Habib Nassar of ICTJ says the South African model of amnesty for perpetrators was the exception rather than the rule in cases of transitional justice. He says that transitional justice usually included criminal proceedings against perpetrators of crimes. Following the bloody conflict in the Balkans in the early 1990s, the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) was established under United Nations auspices in 1993, the first war crimes court ever created by the organization. The court allowed victims to recount the horrors they experienced while also ensuring justice is served against perpetrators. Some 160 people were charged by the Hague-based court, including former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic who died in prison in 2006 and Bosnian-Serb politician Radovan Karadzic whose trial is underway.

The court asserts that it has played a key role in rehabilitating former Yugoslav states in the post-war era. “Simply by removing some of the most senior and notorious criminals and holding them accountable, the Tribunal has been able to lift the taint of violence, contribute to ending impunity and help pave the way for reconciliation,” the court website explains.

The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) was established by the UN in 1994 to prosecute perpetrators of genocide in Rwanda during 1994 which cost the lives of at least 500,000 people. Located in Arusha, Tanzania, the court is meant to “contribute to the process of national reconciliation in Rwanda and to the maintenance of peace in the region.” — Media Line

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

www.kuwaittimes.net

Mexico's pop star Paulina Rubio blows a kiss during a press conference in Mexico City, Wednesday, May 18, 2011. Rubio is preparing her new album that will mix songs in Spanish and English. — AP

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FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

Can Microsoft fix Skype?

Interface annoyances are no small issue, especially when users can easily turn to competitors.

8.5

billion dollars is a lot of money, even for cashsoaked Microsoft. So it’s no wonder that Microsoft’s big money acquisition of internet telephony leader Skype this week turned heads.

The purchase was, after all, the largest in Microsoft’s history, and the purchase price represented about 2.5 times the amount that other tech heavyweights were reportedly willing to pay for Skype.

So what exactly is Microsoft getting for all that money? It’s getting the roughly 700 million users of Skype, for one thing, and the possibility of luring those users to Microsoft’s other products and services. It’s also getting Skype itself, a pioneering product that first made placing voice and video calls over the internet both easy and free.

It’s getting Skype’s smartphone apps.

And it’s getting the opportunity to keep Skype out of the hands of Microsoft’s competitors, along with the prospect of using Skype to remain relevant in an increasingly internet- and mobile-centric world. But Microsoft is also getting a product - and a company - with a host of challenges, many of

which have gone underreported in all the hoopla surrounding the acquisition. To keep things in perspective, let’s run down a few.

Mobile hurdles Skype now offers an app for many smartphones, including iPhone, Android, and BlackBerry. With the app, the idea is that you can use the Skype service to place free or low-cost internet telephone and video calls through your smartphone, bypassing the more expensive network charges of your cellular carrier.

There’s just one problem: Most carriers around the world are blocking Skype on smartphones. The reason: they rightly see Skype as a revenue sapping intruder. Notable exceptions are Verizon Wireless in the United States and 3 in Europe. AT&T allows the use of Skype on its version of the iPhone, but only over Wi-Fi. So in order for Microsoft to unleash the potential of Skype on smartphones - and the potential is substantial - it’s going to have to work with cellular carriers around the world to arrive at agreements that satisfy both

the carriers and the end users.

Interface annoyances Back on the computer desktop, where Skype has its biggest footprint, there are challenges as well. Each successive version of Skype has gotten larger, its interface busier, and its use of advertisements more obtrusive.

Worst of all, it’s no longer possible to get rid of certain types of ads, much to the dismay of users. Each time you start the latest version of Skype, for example, the entire “home page” screen is obscured by a floating banner advertisement. While you can open the Tools menu, click Options, and visit the Notification section to turn off several types of ads throughout Skype, the home page banners are there to stay. The only way to get rid of them is to use Skype’s View menu to switch to Compact view.

Competition Interface annoyances are no small issue, especially when users can easily turn to competitors. And these days, Skype has plenty. While the Skype service once stood virtually alone as

the simplest and best way to place voice calls over the internet, today you can have voice and video chats using dozens of applications, including the instant messaging clients made by Microsoft, Yahoo, Google, AOL, and others. What’s more, Skype now has some competent competition from other pure internet-based telephony and video services. Google’s Talk (http://www.google.com/talk) is taking on Skype head-on, offering both a standalone telephony application and tight integration with Gmail and iGoogle. ooVoo (http://www.oovoo.com) boasts of the ability to videoconference up to six people at a time for free, and, like Skype, you can use the service to place internet-based calls either to another PC or to a real telephone. While the services that Skype offers used to be novel, they aren’t any more. One of Microsoft’s challenges will be to make Skype stand out.

Spam As if those problems weren’t big enough, Microsoft will need to address the issue of spam on Skype. Perhaps

it’s a sign of Skype’s success, but the fact is too many Skype users are startled by incessant requests from shady strangers who want to be added to their list of contacts. Many of these strangers appear to be peddlers of porn or phishers out to get credit card or bank information.

Whatever the scammers are up to, for Skype users, the experience can be downright creepy - especially since, unlike e-mail, it’s never quite clear how such scam artists get the contact information of legitimate Skype users in the first place. The only current solutions seem to be to ensure that your Skype user name is not publicly =available and that you open Skype’s Tools menu and visit the Options panel to establish strict privacy and security controls.

So do all of these problems mean that Microsoft bought an 8.5 billion dollar lemon? Not at all. No piece of software is perfect, especially not one with the huge installed user base of Skype. But Microsoft has some work to do if it wants to keep existing Skype users happy. Fixing the ailments outlined here would be a good start. —dpa

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FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

Fashion for furry clients Entrepreneur launches online fashion line for dogs hen Anastasia Torres-Gil, high fashion designer for dogs, cuts into a Louis Vuitton handbag to make it into a Chihuahua pillbox hat, there is, occasionally, a pang of regret. “I have to shut my eyes and cut into something I used to love,” Torres-Gil says.

“But, it’s just fabric. My motto is: ‘If I wouldn’t wear it myself, I wouldn’t put it on a dog.’” In fact, re-purposing lightly used designer fashions has evolved into an almost chic and often hilarious line of unique dog outfits on sale at TorresGil’s new online company, My Favorite Couture (www.myfavoritecouture.com).

The quickly expanding line of canine couture includes a variety of outfits still sporting original labels such as Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang, Chanel and Burberry. Everything is created from items that Torres-Gil finds in local, used clothes stores and her own closet. She accents outfits with accessories like decoupage buttons, rhinestones, baubles and used table cloths. “Santa Cruz has amazing thrift stores,” she said. “The quality of things people throw out.”

Her eclectic collection includes a rainbow Pride Day outfit, a Harley-Davidson vest and cap and, occasionally, a matching outfit for a dog’s human counterpart. Most recently she created a last-minute outfit for her husband, Rafael, and their gray “plus-sized” dog Coco, a pug/yorkie mix that resembles Yoda from Star Wars. Last week the pair won third place in a dog/owner look-alike contest on the television show “Sabado Gigante.” Torres-Gil said the competition was “formidable.”

The first time Torres-Gil, a former prosecutor and labor lawyer, made a doggy hoodie from an old designer purse and put it on Coco, she broke into laughter. “I like to play it straight. I’ll have Coco snorting but looking very fashionable; the contradiction of something really fancy on her is really funny for me.”

Torres-Gil currently recruits and works to retain foster parents for Santa Cruz County children. She spends much of her time sewing, painting and collecting odds and ends for her artwork. Her Santa Cruz backyard studio is next to a mini duck pool for her two rescued ducks and the sleeping area of an 18-year-old potbelly pig, also rescued. Cats and four dogs - all rescued - live there as well.

Twenty-five percent of sales are earmarked for the Santa Cruz SPCA to help with a capital campaign for a new facility. Torres-Gil outfits are part of a monthly photo shoot with SPCA canine models by Santa Cruz photographer Portia Shao of Positive Vista studio. Greeting cards from the photo sessions will be available for sale at the SPCA on Chanticleer Avenue and at the SPCA website.

“She’s turning the homeless orphans into stars,” said Lisa Carter, executive director of the local SPCA. “They’re hysterical. The dogs love the attention and they pose. The Chihuahuas cross their legs. I’m not some crazy dog person, or,

W

maybe I am, but they really pose like they’re on a runway.” Torres-Gil also sells her painting skills to support the SPCA. She charges a $50 donation to the organization from people who want their dog’s portrait painted on a pair of shoes.

“There’s no one with a business plan putting out as much money as Anastasia h as to make th is a pr ofitable business for the SPCA,” Carter said. “More importantly she’s getting our dogs adopted in record numbers.” People are sharing the pict u r e s online through Facebook and Twitter.

“She’s just a gift to the shelter.” Requests are streaming in for new designs which are priced starting at $50.

“First on my list, is the matching bridal gown for a Bichon Frise,” she said this week. “I’ve also had a request to do a ‘Hairspray’-inspired pug outfit for Baltimore’s Honfest. So, I’ve got my work cut out for me.”

Torres-Gil said she’s also eager to begin “a Miami-inspired Carmen Miranda/Tropicalismo” line of couture for dogs. There have also been requests for cuffs for a pig’s feet that match a wedding dress, scarves for cats and larger items such as a dog at the local horse rescue ranch, Pregnant Mare Rescue.

“I’m really trying to create a business that is green, unique and supports animals - not to mention, a business that’s a lot more fun than being a lawyer,” Torres-Gil said. “The pet industry is booming and it seems to be recession proof.” Recently Torres Gil brought Coco, who has now had some brush with fame in the entertainment industry, to Carmel, California for an open casting call.

“There were all sorts of beautiful dogs and one guy was admiring them and then took one look at Coco and burst out laughing,” Torres-Gil said.

Perhaps, it was the fez-styled hat made from

Chloe tiger print pants or the matching goldembossed pleather vest. Designs can be seen at www.myfavoritecouture.com, www.santacruzspca.org and at www.positivevista.com. — MCT

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EVERY DAY COOKING

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

By Sawsan Kazak

E

ating the world’s most expensive spice always makes me feel just a little more luxurious. Saffron recipes are fit for serving to kings and queens while they sit on their thrones as someone is fanning them down with an oversized feather; well that’s what it reminds me of anyway. Luckily saffron is pretty much accessible by all these days. With a few little strands, you can transform a simple meal into one meant to be eaten on a throne. A small box might be a bit of an investment, but it will last for a while if you utilize it right. I usually enjoy a few strands in my morning tea with milk; my little luxury for the day.

Send suggestion to: sawsank@kuwaittimes.net

Saffron Facts, Selection, and Storage Saffron Selection: Choose saffron threads or powder from a reputable distributor. Saffron should be packaged in foil to protect from air and light. Bulk saffron is often sold from small wooden boxes.

• 1-1/2 cups basmati rice • 2-1/4 cups water • 1 cinnamon stick, broken in half • 5 cloves • 2 bay leaves • 1/4 teaspoon crumbled saffron threads • 1 teaspoon salt • 2 Tablespoons butter, softened • 1/4 cup chopped cashew nuts • 1/4 cup raisins

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Saffron rice with cashews and raisins

inse the rice until the water runs clear. Put the rice in a medium saucepan with the water, cinnamon stick, cloves, bay leaves, saffron, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and cook, covered, for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let sit, without removing the lid, for 10 minutes.

Saffron Forms: Available in threads (whole stigmas) and ground, your best bet is to go with the threads.

Not only will they retain their flavor longer, but you will also be assured you have purchased pure saffron. Powdered saffron is not as strong, tends to lose flavor, and is also easily adulterated with fillers and imitations. Since so little is needed, you will find ground saffron sold in packets of about 1/16 of a teaspoon, and threads equaling about 1/4 gram or 1/2 of a teaspoon.

Saffron Storage: Store saffron in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to six months for maximum flavor. Saffron, like other herbs and spices, is sensitive to light, so wrap the packet in foil to protect it further. It will not spoil, but it will lose increasingly more and more of its flavor with age.

Miscellaneous Saffron Information: It is estimated that it takes some 14,000 stigmas to produce only one ounce of saffron threads. The labor-intensive process makes the cost of these bright red threads upwards of $50 per quarter-ounce. Luckily, a little bit goes a long way, and you can buy enough for a number of meals for under $10. Turmeric is often substituted for saffron, at a great loss of flavor.

— About

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EVERY DAY COOKING

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

Golden saffron cake • 1 Tablespoon butter, softened • 2/3 cup milk, divided use • 1 teaspoon saffron threads • 1-1/3 cups cake flour • 1-3/4 cups sugar, divided use • 1 teaspoon baking powder • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda • 1 large whole egg • 2 Tablespoons rose water • 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla, divided use • 3/4 cup water • 1 Tablespoon chopped pistachio nuts

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reheat oven to 375 F. Brush a 9-inch cake pan with the softened butter. Place saffron threads and 2 tablespoons of the milk in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer while stirring, then remove from heat and let cool. In a large bowl, whisk together cake flour, 1 cup of the sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside. In a smaller bowl, combine saffron/milk mixture, remaining milk, egg, rose water, and 1 teaspoon of the vanilla. Pour this wet mixture into the flour mixture and stir with a fork, mixing only until combined. Immediately pour into prepared cake pan and bake about 15 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, stir water and remaining 3/4 cup sugar in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Let simmer for 5 minutes, then stir in remaining 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Poke holes evenly in the cake with a wooden skewer. Spoon the vanilla syrup over the top of the cake and sprinkle with chopped pistachios. Let cool to room temperature.

Cardamom and saffron ice cream 2 cups heavy cream 1 cup whole milk 1 cup granulated sugar 4-5 green cardamom pods pinch of saffron 1/3 cup raw pistachios

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n a large saucepan, stir together the cream, milk and sugar. On a flat surface, or with a mortar and pestle, gently crush the cardamom pods and add both seeds and pods to the cream mixture. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium low heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Remove from the heat and let steep as it cools to room temperature. Refrigerate, preferably overnight. Once infused, strain the mixture and remove the crushed cardamom pods. Add a few threads of saffron and stir.

Coarsely chop the pistachios and add them to the mix.

Process the mixture into your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. No ice cream maker?

No problem! Pour the cream into a freeze proof container and freeze for a couple of hours. Take it out and whip it with an electric mixer or immersion blender, freeze it again, whip it again....do that four or five times.

Pasta with shrimp in saffron sauce

with parsley and lemon

Peeled raw frozen shrimp 2 cups baby peas 2 cloves garlic 2 tsp of saffron 3 cups of whipping cream/heavy cream 1 package of pasta Salt to taste

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ill a large stock pot with water don’t forget to salt the water; about 2 tbsp. Chop 2 cloves of garlic.

Crumbled 2 tsp of saffron into a saucier simmering with 3 cups of whipping cream/heavy cream and the chopped garlic. Reduce to 3/4 of the original. Add the shrimp. When the shrimp appear just cooked, then add 2 cups of baby peas. At this point, the pasta water is probably boiling, so boil the linguine in the large pot. Under cook it by about a minute.

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 large or 2 small onions, cut in lengthwise slivers 1 T olive oil 1 tsp. butter pinch saffron (about 1/4 tsp. or less) 3/4 cup chicken stock 1 1/2 T fresh lemon juice 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

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rim all visible fat and tendons from chicken breasts and cut in 1/2 strips on the diagonal to make small cutlets.

Peel the onions and cut into lengthwise slivers and chop parsley. Use a heavy frying pan which is not too large and has a tight-fitting lid. Heat the olive oil and butter, then brown the chicken quickly over medium-high heat. (Don’t let it cook long enough that the outside starts to get hard. The chicken does not need to be cooked through.) Remove chicken to a plate, add onion, and brown over very low heat until edges of onion pieces are turning golden, about 12-15 minutes. Remove browned onions to another plate. Add chicken back to pan, and cover with onions. Heat chicken stock, add saffron and stir to dissolve, then pour over chicken and onions. Simmer on very low heat with pan covered 30-45 minutes. Add chopped parsley, lemon juice, and a tiny bit of additional water if needed, and simmer 15 minutes more. Serve hot, over rice if desired.

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 : Fattah drops Jabbar, Noora, and Bari near Mexico City to rescue a team of trapped archaeologists. But when they get there, they find no one has heard of the team!

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

www.the99.org

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FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

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t is the end of the rainy season in Lombok, but the storm is yet to break. The air, heavy with moisture, collects in my elbow pits and rests on my top lip like milk. Even the breeze is dense and sticky. A horse and cart rattles along the narrow road and then a scuffed moped, its driver resting on a cushion of unplucked chickens. Is this small, self-sufficient volcanic island really becoming, as its embryonic tourist board suggests, the new Bali?

Twenty minutes away by air, Bali itself is bursting. This year the country is targeting 7 million foreign tourists - traffic jams block the streets, hotel complexes have been built over paddy fields, visitors tweet about the pollution. But Lombok, one of 27 provinces in the Indonesian archipelago remains, if not untouched, then certainly unbruised. In 1966 50,000 people died of famine on the island; one hopes the slow infusion of foreign wealth will prevent that happening again. Over the years the island has been primed for tourism annually, but it’s only now, as plans for an international airport and a $600m project to put 10,000 luxury villas on Lombok’s southern coast take shape, that the industry is showing real growth - boutique hotels spread tastefully around the coast.

After a 13-hour flight, my boyfriend and I take the three-hour connection from Singapore to Lombok, where we queue for $25 tourist visas and emerge exhausted into

the dusty wetness of a busy dusk. It’s a twohour journey to Sekatong Bay, where Cocotinos recently became the first hotel to open on the island’s east coast. We drive through Mataram, the island’s capital, then out through the villages, where covered platforms line the roads and act as parasols for Lombok’s weary workers. From shelves on every roadside house children sell mismatched glass bottles of moped fuel and packets of nuts. The hotel’s rickety pier strikes

see a glint of silver in the road - as we approach I realise it’s a blanket scattered with tiny drying fish. It looks like a sequined jacket discarded after a party.

Senggigi is a concrete collection of karaoke bars and red-chested men. This is what Lombok might look like if the island wasn’t 80% Muslim - the Hindu culture in Bali is more welcoming to those seeking all-day happy hours and bikini competitions, but it is Lombok’s modesty that locals hope will

Lombok is only a 20-minute hop from Bali, but it couldn’t be more different from its wildly overdeveloped sister island through the dark sea like a fallen Christmas tree, and by candlelight we eat our first nasi goreng, a fried rice dish that’s served for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

A day later, we travel west to Senggigi, the closest thing Lombok has to a holiday resort.

Every drive here is in the shadow of Mount Rinjani, an active volcano that tourists can camp out on to photograph the sunrise and honeymoon energetically. We pass paddy fields where women stand in conical hats, casually thrashing the rice while their babies run naked through puddles. From a distance I

ensure that it doesn’t crumble under the weight of tourists. We stay at one of Senggigi’s mid-priced hotels, Qinci Villas, where the tide comes in so far it splashes diners in the restaurant. Hawkers shout up from the beach, selling their local pearls and sarongs at “special sunset prices”. Restaurants down the hill offer a taxi service from the hotels, which we use to visit Warung Manega, a seafood restaurant sat snugly on the shore.

They barbecue fish over coconut husks and serve it accompanied by colanders of rice and salads of water spinach - a huge platter of

squid, king prawns and fish costs around 100,000 rupiah, less than £8. Tip: if, in your excitement at selecting the biggest prawn you’ve ever seen, you drop it in the sand, rinse with Bintang beer. It’ll still taste better than most dinners you’ve enjoyed.

The posher hotels, we learned that night, cost more because they’re built further away from the mosques - mosques that broadcast their call to prayer very loudly from 4.30am until breakfast. A blogger on the island recalls a recent story in which a hotel owner “dared to suggest to a local village meeting that perhaps they could turn the volume down a touch on the prayer chant. The police subsequently arrested him.” The blogger continued: “He received death threats and his villas were looted. To date no one has been arrested for the destruction to property. Lombok is a whole different kettle of fish from Bali.”

At Qinci, mosquitos slap juicily against the mirror, there are no televisions to watch when the storm finally breaks and the air conditioning spits an oddly urinary smell through the vents. We’re happy to move on round the coast, past stands selling grilled jagung bakar (corn on the cob) and a bar where a covers band improves U2 songs by slurring the lyrics into a stream of pure emotion, to Jeeva Klui, a boutique hotel that shimmers with calm. In the morning we get a lift into the local market - on the way, we’re reminded that to point with your left hand will cause offence, and I

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feel as foreign as snow, a feeling that returns whenever I meet locals, my hulking white body towering above their 5ft heights.

At the market, women sit on the floor rebalancing their bananas and komak beans in the shade of an umbrella. Chillis (the Indonesian translation of Lombok) cascade from baskets, topless boys hack coconuts into neat skull-shaped hunks, rice and salt are weighed by hand and, inside a vast dark warehouse, meat is presented red and semi-alive on heaving trestle tables. The island grows everything it needs, and each village has its speciality: one produces tofu from its bean curd, another makes dried shrimp paste, another is famous for its salted shark. All are available here, alongside cages of live cocks, being sold not-so-secretly for fights. We walk past the cidomos (the tiny horses and carts) and through a fisherman’s village, where thatched shacks squat metres away from the sea and narrow boats (jukung) are tethered after they’ve delivered their red snapper The tiny Gili islands are visible from the shore, with Gili Trawangan (the most developed) a popular backpackers’ destination. We skid across the sea in a rickety speedboat and hail a cidomo on the jetty. There are no cars or fresh water on the Gili islands, but to make up for it there are plenty of Australian teenagers singing Katy Perry songs. Our dwarfish horse totters us drunkenly to Gili Eco Villas, a collection of houses at the far end of the island where the tiny rooms contain little more than a mosquito-netted bed. On the beach, snorkellers and divers coo over coral, and we watch clouds gather from a bar on stilts in the water. When the storm comes, it is so strong it cuts the electricity, so we sit in the dark under a wall-less roof and watch lightning rip across the ocean. The outside bathroom is alive with frogs and the mirrors steam up with thick tropical heat. When we get hungry, we pick through the forest, pausing in a wet huddle between flashes, and eat nasi goreng under a bamboo canopy.

In the morning, everything is sodden, and everyone is asleep. Back on the west coast of Lombok, another stormy night in the eccentric Puri Mas hotel means we are tied to the balldancing-themed bar, where a local band persuades my boyfriend to join them in hours of Elvis covers.

Tugu Lombok, our sixth hotel, looks like it was carved by talented giants. Spectacular and beautifully grand, with colourful traces of Dutch colonialism, it features ancient statues of Hindu gods scattered among the sun loungers, and the sea is clear enough to see blue fish nodding past your knees. We’re woken by birdsong and pad into the outside bathroom with its huge copper bath.

We spend a final night around the bay at the famous Oberoi. The island’s first luxury hotel is a temple of elegant excess, where a waiter watches sunbathers discreetly, sweeping over with sorbet on banana leaves when they start to sweat. The air is cleaner here, the money evident. Cycling out of the gates past the corrugated iron shacks that make up nearby villages, I feel as though my comparative wealth is visible like a guilty blush. I’d heard stories about Indonesians further inland throwing rocks at tourists, but we encounter only curiosity from the women resting by the road and excitement from the uniformed schoolchildren who run alongside our car, thumbs raised. Our final meal, a rijsttafel - an Indonesian feast - is served over the water in a candlelit hut. By the pool an orchestra of local children pluck traditional (if atonal) songs while women dance slowly.

On the way to the airport we stop in Pusuk Forest, where grey monkeys swarm by my feet for peanuts. The larger ones swipe the nuts away from the smaller ones, who lurk, hoodie-like, by the car. As we drive away, I’m convinced I see one swear. —Guardian

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Books

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

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t 71, bestselling British author Jeffrey Archer is tackling his biggest project to date — a five-novel saga called “The Clifton Chronicles” that sweeps through the 20th century and into the 21st. The first installment, “Only Time Will Tell,” has just been published, and follows Harry Clifton, whose angelic voice is his ticket into a good education and out of grinding poverty.

He befriends Giles Barrington, born into a wealthy family, and falls in love with his sister Emma, but a tragic twist of fate threatens his happiness and the story ends with World War Two looming over the lives of the entire cast.

“What I didn’t realize in my stupidity at the age of 71 and a quarter is what an incredible challenge it would be, because if you commit yourself to five books, there’s no way out,” Archer told Reuters in an interview. “Luckily I’ve finished two of them by now - but I’ve had some sleepless nights,” he added in his luxury penthouse overlooking the Houses of Parliament in central London.

Archer first came up with the idea of the Clifton series when he was working on a 30th anniversary edition of “Kane and Abel,” one of his most popular novels published in 1979. “I thought, ‘Do you know, I’d like to do a saga that goes 100 years, so I decided on 1920 to 2020, one family, the Clifton family. But I then realized that I couldn’t do it in one book, and I felt it would work well in 20-year segments.”

He has only a broad outline in mind of the direction the plot will take, giving him a sense of freedom. “I’m going to have to run into their (characters’) children ... and what’s more, I’m going to have to move into the 1950s and 60s and 70s so I’m going to have to bring that up to date too. That’s all I know, that’s the challenge, that’s the fun.”

PUBLISHING REVOLUTION Archer, who has sold more than 250 million books during his 35-year writing career, is as famous in Britain for his political career in

the Conservative Party and two-year imprisonment as he is for his novels. A favorite of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, he served in parliament and was made a lord yet also went to jail in 2001 after lying in a libel trial against a newspaper which said he had had sex with a prostitute.

He produced a three-volume diary of his time behind bars and has continued to write full time since. The Clifton Chronicles are likely to keep him busy for the next few years.

Only Time Will Tell recounts the story through the eyes of each of the main characters, highlighting how differently they perceive the same events. Archer said he would continue with the structure throughout the saga. He based Harry loosely on his own life, as he has done with characters in previous works.

“There’s a lot that’s me in Harry,” Archer said. “I was brought up in the West Country (southwest England), with a mother who had a very hard time because my father died young, so all those things are parallels, it is autobiographical.”

The mysterious figure of Old Jack Tar, who acts as sage and mentor to Harry, is also based on a real person, this time the muchdecorated British army officer Tommy Macpherson. Archer first launched the book in India, a deliberate attempt to maximize sales in a country where the author is popular but where pirated editions of his books appear within a few days of publication.

“I got a young kid with a stack of books tapping on my window as I was driving slowly into Mumbai,” he said. “I put the window down and the young man said ‘Would you like the latest Jeffrey Archer?’ and I said ‘I am the latest Jeffrey Archer!’”

With the rise of electronic readers, the problem will only get worse, he warned, adding that he did not know where the publishing industry would be in 10 or 15 years’ time.

He recalled how Kane and Abel sold a million copies in the first week when it appeared in paperback.

“Today 100,000 is a big figure in your first week in paperback. Are less people reading me? I’d feel that on the street, you

know ... and the answer is no, more people are reading me but the sales are going down.” — Reuters

5 great Archer thrillers Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less

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he conned: an Oxford don, a revered society physician, a chic French art dealer, and a charming English lord. They have one thing in common. Overnight, each novice investor lost his life’s fortune to one man. The con: Harvey Metcalfe. A brilliant, self-made guru of deceit. A very dangerous individual. And now, a hunted man.

With nothing left to lose four strangers are about to come togethereach expert in their own field. Their plan: find Harvey, shadow him, trap him, and penny-for-penny, destroy him. From the luxurious casinos of Monte Carlo to the high-stakes windows at Ascot to the bustling streets of Wall Street to fashionable London galleries, their own ingenious game has begun. It’s called revenge-and they were taught by a master

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FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

Kane and Abel

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illiam Lowell Kane and Abel Rosnovski, one the son of a Boston millionaire, the other a penniless Polish immigrant. Two men, born on the same day, on opposite sides of the world, their paths destined to cross in their ruthless struggle to build a for-

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tune.

An unputdownable story, spanning sixty years, of two powerful men linked by an allconsuming hatred, brought together by fate to save-and finally destroy-each other.

The Prodigal Daughter

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ith a will of steel, Polish immigrant Florentyna Rosnovski is indeed Abel’s daughter. She shares with her father a love of America, his ideals, and his dream for the future. But she wants more to be the first female president.

Golden boy Richard Kane was born into a life of luxury.

The scion of a banking magnate he is successful, handsome, and determined to carve his own path in the world-and to build a future with the woman he loves.

With Florentyna’s ultimate goal only a heartbeat away, both are about to discover the shattering price of power as a titanic battle of betrayal and

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deception reaches out from the past-a blood feud between two generations that threatens to destroy everything Florentyna and Richard have fought to achieve.

As the Crow Flies

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rowing up in the slums of East End London, Charlie Trumper dreams of someday running his grandfather’s fruit and vegetable barrow. That day comes suddenly when his grandfather dies leaving him the floundering business. With the help of Becky Salmon, an enterprising young woman, Charlie sets out to make a name for himself as “The Honest Trader”. But the brutal onset of World War I takes Charlie far

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from home and into the path of a dangerous enemy whose legacy of evil follows Charlie and his family for generations.

Encompassing three continents and spanning over sixty years, As the Crow Flies brings to life a magnificent tale of one man’s rise from rags to riches set against the backdrop of a changing century.

False Impression

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n the morning of September 11, 2001, a courageous young woman escapes from the World Trade Center, but that is only the beginning of her trouble. To stay alive and avenge an old woman’s death, Anna Petrescu must flee both the FBI and a would-be assassin. Her pursuit and her equally strange artistic mission, take her to Toronto, London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Bucharest. Jeffrey Archer’s first thriller in seven years reminds us of what we had been missing.

—bn.com

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Beauty FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

Discover which products can better help you achieve the hair you’ve always wanted

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en’s hairstyles continually evolve with new trends. Just like the shoes and clothes you wear, the way you style your hair says a lot about your sense of fashion and personality.

However, before you decide on your next hairstyle, or if you simply want to change your current look, read on to find out what these hairstyling products can do for you.

Each of these products form distinct textures and styles for various hair types.

Discover which products can better help you achieve the hair you’ve always wanted.

Mousse Mousse is great for any man’s hairstyle and it can create practically any desired look. When used on wet hair, it will give you a sleek, wet look, with shine. When used on dry hair, it will help shape, mold and hold your hair in place with a more natural look. Mousse can also provide volume for men with thinner or fine hair.

Wear mousse on a daily basis to create a natural and easy-to-manipulate hairstyle.

How to use it Shake the bottle. Dispense a small amount in one hand and apply to your hair with both hands. Style your hair to your liking and blow dry for maximum hold.

Main benefit Mousse allows you to restyle your hair throughout the day without the stickiness factor.

Main drawbacks Quality hair mousse doesn’t come cheap and it might lack holding strength for those who need more grip.

Celebrities whose hairdos are perfect for mousse include James Franco, Ryan Reynolds and Lapo Elkann.

Gel Hair gel is the most efficient of hairstyling products for keeping your hair steady in its place. Gel works well on

waved, curled, relaxed, textured and virgin (uncolored or untreated) hair over extended time-periods, and it can be used for styling techniques such as freezing, sculpting, molding, and scrunching.

Good quality gels will also moisturize and condition your hair for many days.

Make sure to avoid any gels or other hair products that contain alcohol because they will dry out and damage your hair.

Cheap gels have a tendency to dry the scalp and generate flaking.

How to use it Dispense a nickel-size amount of gel in one hand and use both hands to rub it into your towel-dried hair. Style the hair to your liking. Blow-dry if you want maximum hold or dry naturally for a shiny look.

Main benefit It will cement your hairstyle for many hours, even in the face of heavy winds.

Main drawbacks A large quantity of gel is needed for many looks and you will get your hands sticky if restyling is needed throughout the day.

Celebrities whose hairdos are perfect for gel include Jon Hamm as Don Draper, Jake Gyllenhaal and Brad Pitt. Most pomade products provide a combination of conditioning, styling, shining, and tex-

ture-enhancing ingredients. Pomade works best for short to medium length hair. Use for holding, shaping and defining your hairstyle.

Pomade also allows you to have a natural look and adds texture. It’s a great product for more stylish haircuts and for that “messy” look.

How to use it Skim a small quantity onto your fingers, then rub your fingers together and apply to your hair. Distribute evenly where molding is needed.

Main benefit Only small quantities are needed and it really gives your hair great texture.

Main drawback When too much is applied, it might give your hair a greasy look. In some cases, it may require multiple shampooings in order to remove pomade.

Celebrities whose hairdos are perfect for pomade include Mark Ronson, Ed Westwick and Robert Pattinson.

Hairspray Hairspray can be used as a styling or finishing product. It makes your hair look thicker and can add shine. Most quality hairsprays include effective UV sunscreen

protection, which is great for those who spend a lot of time outdoors. When sprayed on wet hair, you can style and mold your hair to your liking.

Hairspray is also great for finishing already-styled and dry hair for maximum hold. A little tip is to avoid any hairspray that smells too pungent, to make sure it doesn’t drown out your cologne’s fresh scent.

How to use it Hairspray is the simplest hairstyling product to use: Spray it evenly across your hair. Blow dry or let dry for different styles.

Just make sure to stay away from open flame and lit cigarettes.

Main benefits Very easy to apply (three to four sprays), and you don’t have to get your hands dirty.

Main drawbacks Many hairsprays have a strong smell, and when too much hairspray is used it can give your hair a dry and crunchy texture.

Celebrities whose hairdos are perfect for hairspray: George Clooney, Leonardo Dicaprio and Javier Bardem.

Which hair product is right for you?

Hopefully, you’ll find a product that best suits your hairstyle’s needs. Just remember: Whatever product you opt for, make sure it contains no alcohol, and try to find products with UV sunscreen protection and moisturizing characteristics to maintain your healthy hair (www.askmen.com)

Beauty FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

Find out what are the main causes behind this condition and discover a few strategies you can use to get a clearer skin

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lthough acne is generally associated with adolescence, this nasty condition can also strike unexpectedly throughout adulthood.

Because our complexion changes over the years the same type of treatment we used during our teen years will most likely not do the trick. Find out what are the main causes behind this condition and discover a few strategies you can use to get a clearer skin.

Acne can strike at the most unexpected moments, even when you’re just getting started with your anti-aging routine. Although apparently similar, adult acne generally has different causes, so the treatment will have to be different as well. The most common causes of adult acne are: hormonal imbalances or fluctuations, a hypersensitivity to androgens, stress, excess sebum, medication or even using the wrong cosmetics.

Moreover, it seems that getting blackheads is an early sign that an acne breakout is on the way.

Eliminating the causes of acne breakouts might be ideal , however, it is not always possible. A good first step is analyzing your current beauty products and making a few changes if necessary. Oil free, non-comedogenic products are still

the best choice for acne plagued skin.

But don’t limit yourself to checking skin care products only: hair care products can also contain ingredients that might make your breakouts worse. Siliconebased products can also affect your skin, so taking a break from them might be advisable; look for ingredients with suffixes such as “ithicone” or “icate” to be able to determine whether the product contains silicone or not.

Choosing the right cleanser is also extremely important when treating acne. When choosing a cleansing gel, make sure not to go for products marketed to teens as these are generally designed to control oily skin, while adults commonly struggle with drier skin.

A product containing 2.5 to 5 percent benzoyl peroxide or one with 2 percent salicilic acid might be good choices as these tend to beat inflammation while removing dead skin cells and bacteria.

Make sure not to wash your face more than twice daily and avoid scrubbing too hard because otherwise you will do more harm than good. If these products don’t offer the results you hoped for after more than one month, a product containing retinol, an ingredient that

will also help you fight wrinkles, can also be a good choice.

Your habits should also be carefully analyzed as they can make the situation a lot worse. The habit of touching your face frequently or resting your face on your hands can be very detrimental when struggling with acne. Similarly, although exercise can indirectly improve the way your skin looks, if you don’t rinse off perspiration from your face as soon as possible you might be inviting acne breakouts as perspiration mixes with skin oils clogging the pores Paying your dermatologist a visit is also a good idea as it might help you solve your problems more efficiently.

Aside from prescribing an adequate treatment, the additional treatments that can be done at the doctor’s office tend to be more varied. Laser and intense pulsed light treatments are also available if you wish to treat acne scars or even breakouts. These treatments, however, are expensive, so exploring other options first is recommended.

Although factors such as your diet or other lifestyle habits might affect the way your skin looks indirectly, they shouldn’t be neglected. Limiting the intake of processed foods, eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates will help you combat inflammation even more, thus improving your skin. (www.skin care.becomegorgeous.com)

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Health

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

14 Things your eyes say about your health

The eyes’ transparency explains why common eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration can be detected early with regular eye exams.

L

ooking someone straight in the eye may or may not reveal their honesty-but the eyes can tell you about cholesterol, liver disease or diabetes, if you know what to look for.

“The eye is a unique window into health,” says ophthalmologist Andrew Iwach, spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and executive director of the Glaucoma Center of San Francisco. “It’s the only place in the body where, without surgery, we can look in and see veins, arteries and a nerve [the optic nerve].”

The eyes’ transparency explains why common eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration can be detected early with regular eye exams.

“Unfortunately, people get busy and delay not only eye exams but regular physicals. That’s why eye doctors sometimes discover other issues, like diabetes or high blood pressure,” Iwach says. Especially vulnerable, he says: People like caregivers, who worry about others around them while neglecting care for themselves.

urally. But with thyroid disease, the brow-hair loss isn’t evenly distributed; it’s a selective dropout on the ends. There’s usually a loss of hair elsewhere on the body, too, but the brows are so prominent, it’s often noticed here first. Early

matologist or your regular doctor. Most other symptoms of both hyper- and hypothyroidism are notoriously broad and general. Before you see a doctor, make note of any other changes you’ve noticed, possibly concerning weight,

Keep your eye out for these 14 problems.

Disappearing eyebrows What it means: Shaved eyebrows are a fad (or fashion, if you will) in some circles. But when the outer third of the brows (the part closest to the ears) starts to disappear on its own, this is a common sign of thyroid disease-either hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) or hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland). The thyroid is a small but critical gland that helps regulate metabolism, and thyroid hormones are among those critical to hair production.

More clues: Brows tend to thin with age nat-

graying is a related sign of a thyroid problem.

Women are more often affected than men, and hyperthyroidism especially strikes women in their 20s and 30s.

What to do: Mention this symptom to a der-

energy levels, bowel or menstrual regularity, mood or skin changes.

A stye that won’t go away What it means: The vast majority of the time, a small, raised, often reddish bump along the

inner or outer eyelid margin is just an unsightly but innocuous stye (also called a “chalazion”).

But if the spot doesn’t clear up in three months, or seems to keep recurring in the same location, it can also be a rare cancer (sebaceous gland carcinoma).

More clues: Actual styes are plugged-up oil glands at the eyelash follicle. Fairly common, they tend to clear up within a month. A cancerous cyst that mimics a stye, on the other hand, doesn’t go away. (Or it may seem to go away but return in the same spot.) Another eyelid cancer warning sign: Loss of some of the eyelashes around the stye.

What to do: Point out a persistent stye to an ophthalmologist (a medical doctor who specializes in the eye). A biopsy can confirm the diagnosis. The stye is usually removed surgically.

Bumpy yellowish patches on the eyelid What it means: Xanthelasma palpebra, the medical name for these tiny yellow bumps, are usually a warning you that you may have high cholesterol. They’re also called “cholesterol bumps”-they’re basically fatty deposits.

More clues: Sometimes people mistake these bumps for a stye, but with xanthelasma, there tends to be more than one bump and they’re quite small.

What to do: See your doctor or a skin or eye specialist. A diagnosis can usually be made by sight. An ophthalmologist can also examine the eye and see deposits; for this reason, in fact, sometimes high cholesterol is first diagnosed during a routine eye exam. The problem usually isn’t serious and doesn’t cause pain or vision problems. A physician will also evaluate you for other signs of coronary artery disease.

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Burning eyes, blurry vision while using a computer What it means: You might be a workaholic, and you definitely have “computer vision syndrome” (CVS). The eyestrain is partly caused by the lack of contrast on a computer screen (compared with ink on paper) and the extra work involved in focusing on pixels of light. What’s more, by midlife the eyes lose some of their ability to produce lubricating tears. Irritation sets in, adding to blurriness and discomfort.

Increasing gunk in the eye What it means: Blepharitis-inflammation of the eyelids, especially at the edges-can have several causes. Two of them, surprisingly, are conditions better associated with other body parts: scalp dandruff and acne rosacea (which causes flushed red skin, usually in the faces of fairskinned women at midlife).

More clues: The eyes may also feel irritated, as if specks have gotten in them. They may burn, tear or feel dry. The crusty debris tends to gather in the lashes or the inner corners of the eyes or even on the lids.

What to do: With clean hands, apply a warm, damp washcloth to the eyes for about five minutes at a time to loosen debris and soothe the skin. See a doctor, who may prescribe an antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotics, as well as artificial tears.

A small blind spot in your vision, with shimmering lights or a wavy line What it means: An ocular migraine (also called an “ophthalmic migraine,” “optical migraine” or “migraine aura”) produces this disturbed vision, with or without an accompanying headache. Changes in blood flow to the brain are thought to be the cause.

More clues: The visual distortion starts in the center of the field of vision. It might appear as a bright dot, dots, or a line that can seem to move and disrupt your ability to see properly, as if you were looking through a pocked or cracked window. It’s painless and causes no lasting damage.

Individuals seem to have different triggers (ranging from chocolate, caffeine and alcohol to stress). A headache, possibly severe enough to cause nausea, sometimes follows.

What to do: If you’re driving, pull over until the phenomenon passes (usually within an hour). Do have an eye specialist check it out if vision lasts more than an hour or so, to rule out serious problems such as a retinal tear; or if you also experience other symptoms elsewhere that could indicate stroke or seizure (such as fever, loss of muscle strength or speech impairment).

Red flag: Red, itchy eyes What it means: Many things can irritate eyes, but itchiness accompanied by sneezing, coughing, sinus congestion and/or a runny nose, usually screams “I’m allergic!” When the eyes are involved, the trigger is usually airborne, like pollen, dust or animal dander.

More clues: An eye allergy can also be caused by certain cosmetics or ointments. Some people, for example, are allergic to the preservative in eye drops used to treat dry eyes.

What to do: Staying away from the allergic trigger is the usual treatment. Antihistamines can treat the itchiness; those in eye-drop or gel form deliver relief to the eyes faster. If the problem turns out to be an allergy to eye drops, look for a preservative-free brand.

Whites of the eye turned yellowish What it means: Two groups of people most often show this symptom, known as jaundice: Newborns with immature liver function and adults with problems of the liver, gallbladder or bile ducts, including hepatitis and cirrhosis. The yellow in the white part of the eye (the sclera) is caused by a buildup of bilirubin, the by-product of old red blood cells the liver can’t process.

More clues: “Other tissues of the body would have the same look, but we can’t see it as clearly

as in the whites of the eye,” says ophthalmologist Iwach. (Skin can also turn yellowish when a person consumes too much beta carotene-found in carrots-but in those cases the whites of the eyes remain white.)

What to do: Mention the symptom to a doctor if the person isn’t already under care for a liver-related disease, so the jaundice can be evaluated and the underlying cause treated.

A bump or brown spot on the eyelid What it means: Even people who are vigilant about checking their skin may overlook the eyelid as a spot where skin cancer can strike. Most malignant eyelid tumors are basal cell carcinoma. When such a tumor appears as a brown spot, then-as with any other form of skin cancer-it’s more likely to be malignant melanoma.

More clues: Elderly, fair-skinned people are at highest risk. Look especially at the lower eyelid.

The bump may look pearly, with tiny blood vessels. If the bump is in the eyelash area, some eyelashes may be missing.

What to do: Always have any suspicious skin spots or sores checked out by a dermatologist, family physician or eye doctor. Early detection is critical, before the problem spreads to nearby lymph nodes.

Eyes that seem to bulge What it means: The most common cause of

protruding eyes is hyperthyroidism (overactivity of the thyroid gland), especially the form known as Graves’ disease. (First Lady Barbara Bush had it.)

More clues: One way to tell if an eye is bulging is to see whether there’s any visible white part between the top of the iris and the upper eyelid, because normally there shouldn’t be. (Some people inherit a tendency toward eyes that bulge, so if the appearance seems to run in a family, it probably isn’t hyperthyroidism.) The person may not blink often and may seem to be staring at you. Because the condition develops slowly, it’s sometimes first noticed in photos or by the occasional visitor rather than by someone who lives with the person every day.

What to do: Mention the symptom to a doctor, especially if it’s present in tandem with other signs of Graves’, including blurry vision, restlessness, fatigue, increase in appetite, weight loss, tremors and palpitations. A blood test can measure thyroid levels. Treatment includes medication and surgery.

Sudden double vision, dim vision or loss of vision What it means: These are the visual warning signs of stroke.

More clues: The other signs of stroke include sudden numbness or weakness of the arm or leg or face, typically on just one side of the body; trouble walking because of dizziness or loss of

balance or coordination; slurred speech; or bad headache. In a large stroke (caused by a blood clot or bleeding in the brain), these symptoms happen all at once. In a smaller stroke caused by narrowed arteries, they can occur across a longer period of minutes or hours.

What to do: Seek immediate medical help by calling 911.

Dry eyes that are sensitive to light What it means: Sjogren’s (pronounced “show-grins”) syndrome is an immune system disorder. It impairs the glands in the eyes and mouth that keep them moist.

More clues: Sjogren’s usually affects women over age 40 with autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.

Usually the eyes and mouth are affected together. The person may also have vaginal dryness, dry sinuses and dry skin. Because of a lack of saliva, it can be difficult to chew and swallow.

W h a t t o d o : A doctor can diagnose Sjogren’s through testing. Artificial lubricants (such as artificial tears) are usually necessary to protect the eyes, as well as to improve eating. Drinking plenty of water also helps.

Sudden difficulty closing one eye, inability to control tears in it What it means: Bell’s palsy is an impairment of the nerve that controls facial muscles (the seventh cranial nerve), causing temporary paralysis in half the face. It sometimes follows a viral infection (such as shingles, mono or HIV) or a bacterial infection (such as Lyme disease). Diabetics and pregnant women are also at higher risk.

More clues: Half of the entire face, not just the eye, is affected. Effects vary from person to person, but the overall effect is for the face to appear droopy and be weak. The eyelid may droop and be difficult or impossible to close, and there will be either excessive tearing or an inability to produce tears. The effects tend to come on suddenly.

What to do: See a doctor. Most cases are temporary and the person recovers completely within weeks. Rarely, the condition can recur. Physical therapy helps restore speaking, smiling and other tasks that require the facial muscles working in unison, and it also helps avoid an asymmetrical appearance. Professional eye care can keep the affected eye lubricated and undamaged.

Blurred vision in a diabetic W h a t i t m e a n s : Diabetics are at increased risk for several eye problems, including glaucoma and cataracts. But the most common threat to vision is diabetic retinopathy, in which the diabetes affects the circulatory system of the eye. It’s the leading cause of blindness in American adults.

More clues: The changes linked to diabetic retinopathy tend to show up in people who have had the disease for a long time, not those recently diagnosed. The person may also see “floaters,” tiny dark specks in the field of vision. Sometimes diabetes causes small hemorrhages (bleeding) that are visible in the eye. There’s no pain.

People with poorly controlled blood sugar may have worse symptoms.

What to do: Someone with diabetes should have a dilated eye exam annually to catch and control the earliest stages of retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts or other changes-before they manifest as changes you’re aware of.

(www.health.msn.com)

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FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

Ai Weiwei disappearance looms large over two shows of his art H

is art is here, but where is he? That is the question irresistibly raised by the sculptures and films in Ai Weiwei’s new show at the Lisson Gallery in London.

The works themselves only just made it out of China following the artist’s arrest on 3 April.

One curious customs officer is all it would have taken for his art, too, to be seized.

Ai has been missing now for exactly six weeks. In all this time, the Chinese government has given no satisfactory answers to anxious questions from around the world about his health, conditions or whereabouts.

Nobody has seen or heard from him since. His celebrated blog was long ago shut down (a

A spirit of solidarity would be enough to impel one to the Lisson Gallery or indeed Somerset House, where Ai’s Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads was unveiled this week. But the work itself is rewardingly rich and diverse, acute and lyrical by turns.

Nothing here is as searingly political as his immensely moving memorial to the thousands of pupils crushed to death in jerry-built schools during the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, which spelled out in relics one mother’s tragic words: “She lived happily on this earth for seven years.” And for a sense of Ai’s fearless activism concerning corruption, cover-ups and communist dictatorship one will now

warriors in the form of Qing dynasty chairs: Ai proceeds in part by recycling, revising and renewing, by switching materials, adjusting forms.

His gigantic wooden polyhedra, turned by master carpenters without the aid of glue, nail or screw, marry traditional Ming dynasty craftsmanship with the golden section of Renaissance art and a certain characteristic humor. Divine Proportions, the title of one work, is a cat’s toy coupled with a Leonardo sketch to produce a perfect geometric world.

Old objects are recreated in new materials.

A Qing dynasty wooden chair carved out of a single block of white marble, all its joints

Ai Weiwei, Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads. Pulitzer Fountain Grand Army Plaza, Manhattan.

dead fly is all you will find there). He is currently one of China’s Disappeared.

The horror of Ai’s fate has already been brought home to us quite directly in Britain.

His sea of porcelain sunflower seeds was on show in the Turbine Hall at Tate Modern the day he vanished; it has been seen by millions of visitors in the last eight months. But since that day, anyone standing before this great expanse of tiny objects - numberless, fathomless, putting one in mind of time and tide, and of the thousands of Chinese artisans who made each individual seed, a mass project, a collective spirit abroad in the west - understood that neither the popularity nor the international fame of the installation offered the artist any protection across the seas. And who could say whether the opposite might be the case?

have to consult the blog entries recently anthologised by MIT Press. But Ai’s politics are implicit in everything he makes and vital to the potency of his work.

At the Lisson Gallery, he is showing a most exquisitely crafted coffin-cum-table, benches on either side, made from wood salvaged during the destruction of a temple in the name of building development. How neatly the sculpture dovetails ancient divinity and modern death in a single form, the triangular roof and pitched lid fused in an anti-table that would thwart all human attempts to dine.

A heap of junked doors, reproduced in marble, forms a monument to the discarded flotsam of thousands of Chinese building sites, the overlooked evidence of those slums that once existed beneath the megacities. A Buddha bracelet made from Lego, an army of

smoothed away, acquires an outlandish new gravitas, while at the same time appearing weightlessly spectral. A CCTV camera, institutional eye, emblem of modern life, is likewise preserved in timeless white marble.

Two such cameras appeared outside Ai’s Beijing studio a few years ago. He has protested many times, while yet shaking hands with the police who loiter conspicuously close. His life is as transparent as his art - that appears to be the proposition, certainly if one reads Ai Weiwei’s blog. How can he be spied on if all is public, what can there be to hide?

It has been suggested that one cannot decouple Ai’s art from its Chinese context.

Certainly, I do not know quite what the Tang dynasty bowls dipped in industrial paint would mean to a Chinese viewer. Recycled into bright new objects, each with its own dis-

tinctive voice, some gorgeous, some shrill, they are no longer uniform. Do they become more or less valuable because they now issue from the studio of the world-famous Ai Weiwei? Perhaps they have become priceless all over again. In any case what was similar, to the power of countless thousands, is now sharply distinct.

It is also possible that the largest installation here, Moon Chest, may signify something more, or different, to a Chinese viewer; but not, I think, something more beautiful. The work is composed of eight large chests carved of precious Chinese quince, rising like pillars in the gallery space, each pierced with four circular holes. Each chest is aligned very subtly so that as you wend your way through them, strip-the-willow fashion, you see whole moons and partial moons, the shapes everchanging, mimicking the stages of a lunar eclipse. Utterly simple and pure, the work is wonderfully conceived to contrast the immense refinement of the wooden carving with the immaterial beauty of light.

Ai’s films of the vast ring roads around Beijing are unexpectedly mesmerizing, as the traffic flows at uniform speed through the muggy morning light with a slow rhythmic monotony, soothing as waves but appallingly incessant. Millions on their way to work, the films last - like Warhol’s Empire, an early influence - for hours. They connect very immediately to that Turbine Hall installation where the incomprehensible scale of China, its remote and immense population, was brought into momentary but unforgettable focus.

But a more insistent question, at least for now, is whether Ai’s art can be separated from its political context. At Somerset House, he is showing 12 massive bronze zodiac heads - scaly serpent, fey rabbit, fierce lion arranged in a semi-circle round the courtyard fountains. If you stand at a certain point, all eyes are upon you. The bronze might eventually turn green with the fountains’ spume, and more of their strangeness - heads on poles, mouths gaping, surreal - will be emphasized.

Ai hoped they might appeal to children, and family photo-opportunities clearly beckon. But there is a dark backstory. These heads - some copied, others necessarily imagined are based on the celebrated zodiac sculptures designed for the clock fountain of the Summer Palace outside Beijing. When the palace was ransacked by French and British troops during the second opium war, these national symbols disappeared. China has pursued them relentlessly. Two were discovered in the collection of Yves St Laurent, five have been recovered but the rest remain missing.

And here is Ai’s vast enlargement of a sore point, charming for children yet deeply subversive, now touring the west. — Guardian

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Focus on an N

othing ever seems to go right in Edwin Burdis’s performances. Witness him in the guise of his former alterego Ed Laliq, caught in the spotlight, tangled up in a microphone lead, somehow tying the mike stand to his back as he tries to master these liquorice strings of cable. Even something as simple as putting his beer down becomes Sisyphean slapstick, with the bottle repeatedly tumbling to the floor. His raucous drawings set the tone for gallery performances, where the artist’s jitters about sex, self-image and bodily functions erupt compulsively on to the page in a cartoonish Philip Guston style.

Born in 1974, Burdis has been an appealing, chaotic force in Britain’s performance art and experimental music scene for the past decade. His introduction to the art world came through Turner prize-winner Mark Leckey’s 2000 video about youth subcultures, We Are (Untitled). Burdis was so impressed by it he got in touch with Leckey and the pair became friends, first collaborating on the synth band-cum-art piece, DonAteller. Burdis has followed this up with frequent fusions of music, performance and art, always running against the grain of commercial pop.

His latest project, Home Service, is inspired by what might seem a backwards step in life’s trajectory - his long recent stint living at home with his mum in her one-bed flat. Over the next four weeks, he’s exploring notions of home, community and what it means to be a success story, creating a rapidly growing collection of drawings and sculptures and inviting friends to play gigs in the Hayward Gallery Project Space. Meanwhile, a

artist: Edwin Burdis

disjointed cross-section of Brits - from ambulance drivers to journalists, butchers, musicians and art dealers - will be chatting about what home means for them, with the results broadcast in a weekly radio show.

Whatever the outcome, it’s unlikely to be the portrait of 21st-century Britain that political pundits sell. Whether performing shambolic gaffes or splurging his feelings about his body in bawdy drawings, Burdis resists the cut and thrust of the world at large, with work that’s far too awkward to fit neatly in a box.

Why we like him: The 92 A5 drawings that make up Back, Sack and Crack from 2010 present a ribald meditation on men’s hair removal: phallic blobs bulge, genders merge, bodies turn abstract and abstract shapes turn scatological.

Keep it in the family: Groups performing during Home Service are friends and family, quite literally in the case of cult 1970s art-rockers, Deaf School, and Burdis’s old band, Man Like Me (whose tongue-in-cheek dance hit You’ll Always Find Me in the Kitchen at Parties memorably features in an Ikea ad).

The bands’ respective frontmen, Johnny and Clive Langer, are father and son.

Where can I see him? Home Service is at Hayward Gallery Project Space, until 13 June.-Guardian

You can’t fit this performance artist’s bulging, bawdy body of work into any kind of box (even an Ikea one)

Comic

C R O S S W O R D

3 2 3

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

To Yester

Word Sleuth Solution

Yesterday’s Solution

ACROSS 1. An associate degree in applied science.

4. Member of a Jewish sect that observes a form of strict Orthodox Judaism.

9. Severe diabetes mellitus with an early onset.

13. (British) A waterproof raincoat made of rubberized fabric.

14. Small terrestrial lizard of warm regions of the Old World.

15. Distinguished from Bovidae by the male's having solid deciduous antlers.

16. Toward the mouth or oral region.

18. Type genus of the Anatidae.

19. A feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause).

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

21. Before noon.

23. The syllable naming the fourth (subdominant) note of the diatonic scale in solmization.

25. A communist state in Indochina on the South China Sea. 33. Of or relating to a member of the Buddhist people inhabiting the Mekong river in Laos and Thailand.

34. A soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal.

35. Sluggish tailless Australian arboreal marsupial with gray furry ears and coat.

37. (Babylonian) A demigod or first man.

39. (Jewish cookery) A loaf of white bread containing eggs and leavened with yeast.

40. A Nilo-Saharan language spoken in parts of Chad.

43. A chronic inflammatory collagen disease affecting connective tissue (skin or joints).

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

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

51. English theoretical physicist who applied relativity theory to quantum mechanics and predicted the existence of antimatter and the positron (1902-1984).

55. The Tibeto-Burman language spoken in the Dali region of Yunnan.

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

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

58. English scholastic philosopher and assumed author of Occam's Razor (12851349).

62. The use of nuclear magnetic resonance of protons to produce proton density images.

63. Omnivorous mammal of Central and South America.

64. A master's degree in religion.

65. A condition (mostly in boys) characterized by behavioral and learning disorders.

66. Transient cessation of respiration.

67. An upholstered seat for more than one person.

DOWN 1. In a murderous frenzy as if possessed by a demon.

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

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

4. (astronomy) The angular distance of a celestial point measured westward along the celestial equator from the zenith crossing.

5. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey).

6. The capital and largest city of Yemen.

7. (Islam) The man who leads prayers in a mosque.

8. Any of several small ungulate mammals of Africa and Asia with rodent-like incisors and feet with hooflike toes.

9. Conforming to an ultimate standard of perfection or excellence.

10. (British colloquialism) An excavation.

11. Lacking or deprive of the sense of hearing wholly or in part.

12. The template for protein synthesis.

17. An informal term for a father.

22. Old World nocturnal canine mammal closely related to the dog.

24. A unit of magnetomotive force equal to 0.7958 ampere-turns.

26. A quantity of no importance.

27. The Hebrew patriarch who saved himself and his family and the animals by building an ark in which they survived 40 days and 40 nights of rain.

28. A flat-bottomed volcanic crater that was formed by an explosion.

29. A former agency (from 1946 to 1974) that was responsible for research into atomic energy and its peacetime uses in the United States.

30. A metric unit of volume or capacity equal to 10 liters.

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

32. The longer of the two telegraphic signals used in Morse code.

36. Evergreen trees and shrubs having oily one-seeded fruits.

38. Large burrowing rodent of South and Central America.

41. The blood group whose red cells carry both the A and B antigens.

42. A silvery soft waxy metallic element of the alkali metal group.

45. Make less active or intense.

46. (folklore) A corpse that rises at night to drink the blood of the living.

48. A mountain peak in the Andes in Argentina (20,997 feet high).

49. The civil and religious leader of a Muslim state.

50. An anti-TNF compound (trade name Arava) that is given orally.

52. A United Nations agency created to assist developing nations by loans guaranteed by member governments.

53. A sudden short attack.

54. A South American shrub whose leaves are chewed by natives of the Andes.

59. (informal) Uncomplimentary terms for a policeman.

60. Airtight sealed metal container for food or drink or paint etc..

61. A syndrome that occurs in many women from 2 to 14 days before the onset of menstruation.

Yesterday’s Solution

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Lifestyle

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

In this April 1, 2011 file photo a Christie’s employee presents an unmounted heart-shaped diamond, D color, internally flawless, type IIa diamond, weighing 56.15 carats, with excellent polish and symmetry during a press preview in Geneva, Switzerland. Christie’s said Wednesday, it auctioned the diamond for US$10.9 million. —AP

Washington artifacts go up for auction

P

ieces of George Washington’s original coffin, instruments he used to survey land as a county surveyor and a collection of documents that include letters, land deeds and wills are expected to be part of an upcoming auction in Dallas. The items will be among hundreds relating to the nation’s first president offered Saturday during an event held by Heritage Auctions.

“There’s kind of a very big interest in founding fathers, of which he’s the key one,” said James Gannon, Heritage’s director of rare books. Tom Slater, Heritage Auctions’ director of Americana, said that while items related to Washington aren’t rare, it is unusual to have pieces up for auction that have been kept in the family for so long.

Items offered by Washington family relatives include original coffin pieces: a wood fragment with a screw still in it, three small pieces of wood from the coffin bound with a string, a corroded handle from the coffin and fragments of an embossed decoration. Each is expected to fetch a few thousand dollars. The family also is offering a compass that’s expected to sell for more than $40,000. A Gunter’s Scale, a 24-inch wooden ruler that was a precursor to the slide rule, is expected to raise more than $30,000.

Family members say parting with the collection of papers will be most difficult.

“People can read these to get a sense of

the times: There’s a recipe for making cement,” said Tom Washington, 62, a career counselor in Kirkland, Wash and a descendent of George Washington’s brother, John Augustine Washington. He said his father, Nat Washington, a longtime state senator in Washington who died in 2007, had said in his will that he wanted the items sold.

Nat Washington kept the items in a dining room sideboard, occasionally taking them out for the children to look at. Tom Washington said the documents, which have been transcribed and can be read at the John D. This photo shows pieces of George Washington’s coffin.

This photo shows pieces of a silver emblem from George Washington’s coffin in Dallas. — AP photos

This photo shows pieces of George Washington’s coffin.

Rockefeller Jr Library in Williamsburg, Va, cover a variety of topics, with many pertaining to Supreme Court Justice Bushrod Washington, who was George Washington’s nephew.

“There is ... some sadness,” Tom Washington said. “There’s just various kinds of emotions.” His cousin, Sarah Brown, a 59-yearold bass player who lives in Austin, said she took time to study the items and learn details of her history as they were being prepared for sale. Saturday’s auction also will feature a letter commissioning George Washington to do a survey and his signed survey description for a piece of land in Virginia. The framed items are expected to sell for more than $85,000. A wine glass used by George and Martha Washington during and after his presidency is expected to sell for about $12,000.

Slater said he thinks the surveying equipment will be of particular interest to those interested in Washington’s early life, before he became commander-in-chief of the continental army during the Revolutionary War and the nation’s first president in 1789.

Mary Thompson, research specialist for Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, Washington’s estate located just south of Washington, DC, said when Washington died in 1799 at the age of 67, he was put into a family vault at Mount Vernon that had been built on the side of a hill with underground springs. —AP

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FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

Lady Gaga

New album leaks ahead of May 23 release

American country music artist Gary Allan performs for fans during the NASCAR Rev’d Up Concert at the NASCAR Hall of Fame yesterday in Charlotte, North Carolina. —AFP

Film-maker Lars von Trier ‘accepts’ Cannes ban L Adele still No 1 on Billboard 200

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hile Adele’s “21” claims an eighth week atop the Billboard 200 albums chart-the longest reign of any album since early 2009 — the Lonely Island’s “Turtleneck & Chain” laughs its way to a No 3 arrival on the list.

Meanwhile, over on the Digital Songs chart, Lady Gaga’s “The Edge of Glory” bounds in at No 2 with 266,000 — but more on that in just a moment. “21” holds at No 1 on the Billboard 200 with 156,000 (up less than 1%) — making the album the longest-running chart-topper since Taylor Swift’s “Fearless” spent 11 non-consecutive weeks atop the list between the charts dated Nov 29, 2008 and March 14, 2009.

Since 2000, only eight albums have spent eight weeks or more atop the list. “21” will probably be granted a ninth week at No. 1 next week, before likely stepping aside for Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way,” which is scheduled to be released on Monday, May 23. “21’s” to-date sales total stands at 1.7 million-still the only album to have sold more than a million units this year.

In the runner-up slot is the “Now 38” compilation, moving up a rung with 68,000 (down 45%).

Coming in at No 3 is the Lonely Island-the comedy troupe consisting of Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone-with its second album, “Turtleneck & Chain” (68,000). Its 68,000start is the best sales week for a comedy set since Dane Cook’s “Rough Around the Edges: Live From Madison Square Garden” started with 90,000 at No 11 on the chart dated Dec 1, 2007.

The new Lonely set is the follow-up to “Incredibad,” which debuted and peaked at No 13 off a start of 48,000. Its to-date sales stand at 362,000. “Turtleneck & Chain” boasts a number

(From left) Charlotte Gainsbourg, Kirsten Dunst and director Lars Von Trier arrive for the screening of Melancholia. —AP

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anish film-maker Lars von Trier accepts the decision of the Cannes film festival to ban him over remarks he made about Adolf Hitler, one of his producers told AFP yesterday. “Lars accepts whatever the festival directors want to do to punish him,” said Meta Foldager, one of the producers of “Melancholia”, which remains in competition for the Palme d’Or. “He fully accepts that...

It’s up to the festival to decide what is good for the festival,” she said, adding that von Trier was “fine and doing his work” promoting the film.

Organizers of the world’s biggest film festival declared von Trier “persona non grata” a day after the auteur, at a press conference where he was asked about his German heritage, said he “sympathized” with Hitler. But they kept his apocalyptic drama “Melancholia” in competition for the Palme d’Or top prize. “I really wanted to be a Jew and then I found out that I was really a Nazi,” said von Trier-who has a reputation for provocation, black humor and political incorrectness-with a cheerful smile Wednesday.

“I understand Hitler. I think he did some wrong things, yes absolutely, but I can see him sitting in his bunker in the end.” Later in the day, von Trier-one of Europe’s foremost directors-issued a statement of apology, adding: “I am not anti-Semitic or racially prejudiced in any way, nor am I a Nazi.” Speaking to AFP by telephone, Foldager said she thought everyone at the press conference would have recognized that von Trier’s comment were tongue in cheek. “I don’t think anyone left the room thinking that what he had said would lead to Lars being declared persona non grata,” she said. “He was trying to be funny and it didn’t work.”

Von Trier knew that the festival board was meeting yesterday morning to determine how to react to his remarks, she said. When its decision was taken, she got a phone call from festival director Thierry Fremaux, then informed the film-maker, who has been staying in nearby Mougins in a camper van in which he travels between festivals. —AFP

ady Gaga’s heavily-hyped new album “Born This Way” made its way to the Internet on Wednesday, five days ahead of its official release on May 23. All fourteen tracks from the album were initially streamed in Europe on a special website to readers of the Londonbased free newspaper Metro, which Gaga guest-edited on Monday as part of a promotional blitz for the new album.

They were also released on Wednesday to premium subscribers in Sweden, Norway, Spain, the Netherlands and Finland of the music streaming service Spotify. But all the tracks soon made their way to the Internet, giving US fans and reviewers an early chance to weigh in on the third album from the New York pop-dance performance artist. Four of the singles have already been released by Gaga, including the title track which sold one million copies in five days in February and became the fastestselling single in iTunes history.

But Rolling Stone magazine said in a track by track review on Wednesday that Gaga had “still managed to pack in some surprises”. Entertainment Weekly called it “an inconsistent blend of icy techno-pop and greetingcard empowerment that’s more a triumph of production than songwriting.”

Dan Martin with British music website NME.com described the album as “a relentless torrent of heavy metal rave pop.” Martin added that “Born This Way” is “an exercise in the pushing of everything to its ultimate degree. And for all the black, white and silver, it passes that test with flying colors.” US fans on Wednesday were split between downloading the album illicitly or waiting until its official release next week.

“Pretty stupid to preview it and not think such a highly anticipated album would leak. She should have just waited to release her album when it was meant to be released,” commented a writer called Carrie on the Entertainment Weekly website. Gaga’s Interscope Records, part of Universal Music Group did not return calls for comment.

Gaga, 25, was named by Forbes on Wednesday as the world’s most powerful celebrity, partly due to her dominance of social media, where she has 32 million Facebook fans. “She can use Twitter and Facebook to work the ‘little monsters’ into a frenzy that leads to record sales and media attention. She’s the best example of how celebrities will need to manage their careers in the coming years,” Forbes editor Dorothy Pomerantz said. —Reuters

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FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

Indian film megastar Rajinikanth

in intensive care

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File photo shows actors Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth share a light moment as they attend a music launch ceremony for the Hindi film ‘Robot’ in Mumbai.

ndian film superstar Rajinikanth was being treated in intensive care for breathing problems yesterday, doctors said, as legions of ardent fans prayed for his recovery. The Sri Ramachandra hospital in the southern city of Chennai said that the 61-year-old Tamil language star was moved to a special ward on Wednesday to improve his breathing.

“He is showing a positive response to the treatment,” the hospital said in a statement issued Wednesday evening, adding that a team was “closely watching” his condition. His wife, Latha, attempted to reassure his followers amid rumors that the illness could force the cancellation of his latest film. “He is fine,” she told reporters outside the hospital yesterday. “It was an infection that has created an imbalance. He has been moved to ICU only to give more protection and give proper treatment because it’s a sterile area.”

Rajinikanth, a former bus conductorturned-actor, fell ill on the first day’s shooting of his new film “Rana” (The Monarch) at the end of April and has been admitted twice to hospital. He has

Media zoom in on mystery Schwarzenegger mistress

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scandal over Arnold Schwarzenegger’s love child switched on Wednesday to the mystery woman at the center of one of Hollywood’s best-kept secrets.

As America’s top comedians lampooned the former California governor and “Terminator” star, US media hunted down the member of his household staff with whom he admitted fathering a child, while he was married to Maria Shriver.

The woman was identified in numerous media reports as Mildred Baena, a 50 year-old separated former housekeeper at the Schwarzenegger household, who has a registered address in the central California city of Bakersfield.

Some reports said that Schwarzenegger bought the house for her last year. Television crews and reporters swarmed to the property

File photo shows former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife Maria Shriver during a photo call at the Governors’ Global Climate Summit in Los Angeles. —AFP

on Wednesday but found no-one at home.

Schwarzenegger’s spokesman declined comment, citing a request on Tuesday for privacy for all those involved. Celebrity website TMZ.com published a birth certificate which appeared to confirm that the child, a boy, was born in October 1997, making him now 13 years old. If correct, it would mean that Schwarzenegger’s out of wedlock son was born a week after Shriver delivered the couple’s fourth child, Christopher, in September 1997.

Shriver, a member of the Kennedy political family and a former TV journalist, made her first public appearance since the scandal broke, appearing at the side of Oprah Winfrey at a farewell show for the TV talk show host in Chicago on Tuesday night.

“You’ve given me love, support, wisdom, and most of all, the truth,” Shriver told her old friend Winfrey.

Celebrity website Radaronline.com in a joint investigation with the tabloid Star magazine claimed that the housekeeper was fired by Schwarzenegger after 20 years service in a bid to save his marriage to Shriver.

The woman had earlier told the Los Angeles Times that she decided to retire in January 2011. The power couple announced last week they had separated earlier this year.

Meanwhile comedians are having a field day with the man now dubbed the “Sperminator”. —Reuters

been in the private Sri Ramachandra hospital since last Friday where medical sources said he was being treated for pneumonia and a kidney ailment. On Monday, doctors removed fluid from his chest that was causing breathing difficulties.”Rana” director K.S. Ravikumar, meanwhile, rejected claims that the project would be dropped as “completely false”. “‘Rana’ is superstar Rajini Sir’s dream project and his brain child and hence he is very much keen on undertaking it and completing it successfully,” Ravikumar said in an emailed statement from the Eros International studio.”His ill-health might have caused a minor glitch initially in our shooting plans but Rajini Sir is all positive about recovering and getting back into action,” he added, using an Indian honorific. He added: “The shoot is just postponed temporarily awaiting his complete and total recovery.

Subsequently he is now on his way towards a speedy recovery and we are now hopeful of releasing Rana the following year (2012).”

Rajinikanth has starred in more than 175 films in a career dating back to 1975

and is one of India’s biggest movie stars, inspiring fanatical devotion from his many fans. In Tamil Nadu state, he is often referred to simply as “The Superstar”. Last year he starred in “Endhiran” (Robot), the most expensive Indian movie ever made, which broke box office records. Fellow actor Amitabh Bachchan, the Hindi-language Bollywood legend who starred alongside Rajinikanth in a number of films, said on Twitter that everyone who loved the star was disturbed at his illness. “I have spoken to him and been in touch with wife...

Rajinikanth is improving gradually she informs me, today by sms... we hope and pray that he recovers as soon as possible... our prayers,” he added.

One fan, Karthik H, also wrote on the micro-blogging site: “You have problematic kidneys? I have two clean ones. Take one. Please get back to acting soon.”

Rajinikanth’s family has urged fans not to hold a vigil at the hospital but instead to offer prayers at local temples. News of his move to ICU, however, did not stop a crowd gathering at the medical centre in the Chennai suburbs, television pictures showed. — AFP

Banderas, Almodovar reunite in Cannes hit

(From left) Director Pedro Almodovar poses with actors Antonio Banderas, center, and Elena Anaya during a photo call for The Skin I Live In yesterday. —AP

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ntonio Banderas said he was thrilled to reunite with Spanish director Pedro Almodovar after two decades in the Cannes contender “The Skin I Live In”, which was warmly applauded yesterday. Banderas plays a surgeon who takes a perverse form of revenge on the man he believes raped his daughter in the picture, one of 20 films vying for the festival’s coveted Palme d’Or to be awarded on Sunday. It brings Almodovar and Banderas together for the first time since 1990’s “Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!”, a pitchblack comedy which launched their international careers.

Now a Hollywood star, the 50-year-old Banderas said he had longed to return to Spanish film-making, if only temporarily.

“Coming back to Pedro Almodovar is a form of recognition, of gratitude because he occupies a special place in my life. He gave me my artistic education,” he told reporters. “Almodovar

was the beginning of my film career and coming back is a kind of homecoming-coming back to my own roots, my own country, with all its strong points and weak points and contradictions.”

The film features Banderas as a kind of mad scientist living in Toledo with an older woman, apparently his housekeeper, and a younger woman held captive in his villa and monitored round the clock on camera. She wears a skin-colored suit and it gradually emerges that she is a Frankenstein-like creation by the doctor, who has used genetic engineering to recreate a mirror image of his dead wife. But to build a new spouse, he required a human specimen to transform so he kidnapped a man he believes raped his teenage daughter years before at a wedding, driving her to suicide.

His victim, Vincente, is subjected to a forced sex change operation and Banderas’ character remoulds his body using tissue he harvests from pigs to create “Vera”. Although the months-long procedure is a medical success, the doctor fails to break Vera’s will in his custom-built prison, leading to a deadly confrontation. Almodovar, 61, bringing his fourth feature to Cannes, said he was ready for a new genre after melodramas such as “Broken Embraces” starring his frequent muse Penelope Cruz. “I’m currently in a thriller time of my life,” he said. “But in a thriller you can touch on all kinds of other genres. I don’t think you have stick rigidly to the rules of a genre. But thrillers are indeed my favorite kind of film right now and I’ll probably make more.” Almodovar said he was drawn to the material because advances in genetic research were leading society down a potentially frightening path. —AFP

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FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

Dancers from the English National Ballet pose in tutus made by top fashion designers (from L to R) Laurretta Summerscales in Agent Provocateur, Ksenia Ovsyanick in Roksanda Ilincic, Stina Quagabeur in Julien Macdonald, Elena Glurdjidze in Giles Deacon, Natalia Kremen in House of Worth, Fernanda Oliveira in Moschino with shoes by Beatrix Ong, Begona Cao in Bruce Oldfield, Alison McWhinney Kinder Aggugini and Kerry Birkett in Erdem with shoes by Beatrix Ong at the Orangery, Kensington palace in central London, yesterday. The dancers were wearing tutus created by top fashion designers including Julien Macdonald, Giles Deacon and Agent Provocateur to be auctioned at the English National Ballet Summer Fundraising Party on June 29. —AFP

Flashy fashion

grows as India’s rich flaunt wealth

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n booming India, being rich is not enough. For the moneyed classes, it’s increasingly about flaunting their wealth in ways typical of the nouveaux riches in Russia, China or the Middle East.

India’s well-heeled used to be more shy about displaying their wealth in the decades after independence from Britain when a tightly-controlled economy and dominant socialist thinking limited the opportunities for showing off. But many prosperous Indians are embracing conspicuous consumption, turning their backs on the mantra of frugality espoused by independence hero Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation who eschewed possessions.

“They have thrown off the parsimonious Gandhian phase when it was considered poor taste to flash wealth,” says Radha Chadha, co-author of “The Cult of the Luxury Brand” who has studied the affluent in Asian countries. The biggest sign of changing attitudes to wealth and shopping can be seen in the stampede to India of flashy Western designer brands from Louis Vuitton, Prada, Chanel and Bulgari as well as sports car makers Ferrari and Maserati. Attend any society event in Mumbai or the capital New Delhi and “it’s a brave woman who arrives without a designer handbag”, says Chadha, who is also a brand consultant.

In the past, dazzling extravagance was the exclusive domain of India’s former

feudal leaders who splashed out on bespoke Rolls-Royce cars, diamonds the size of duck eggs, palaces and armies of servants during British rule. Later, luxuryseeking consumers had to go mostly to boutiques in five-star hotels. But a shopping mall building boom is bringing to India the sort of air-conditioned highend retail found commonly elsewhere in Asia.

“People are less inhibited in their spending,” said New Delhi furniture designer Raseel Gujral Ansal at an opening show of her creations last month as the city’s elite oohed over sofas, chairs, beds and tables. Even Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has called for the rich to tone down their excesses and to “eschew conspicuous consumption”. But Indian billionaire Azim Premji says the phenomenon is common in nations like China, Indonesia and Thailand where people are enjoying new wealth. “The first few years, people want to show visibly they are very rich,” he said. He heads one of India’s largest outsourcing companies, Wipro, and is renowned for his frugal lifestyle and philanthropy in a field of domestic billionaires whose extravagance frequently makes headlines. The country’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani, moved last year into a billion-dollar, 27storey skyscraper home in Mumbai with three helipads in a development that towers over nearby slums.

He once gave a $60-million Airbus jet to his wife as a birthday present.

“People always had money but now they are no longer afraid to reward themselves,” said Shreyans Group chief executive Ashish Chordia, an importer for Porsche and other sports cars in India.

Sales of prestige cars such as Mercedes and Ferraris accelerated 80 percent last year, despite punishing 100-percent duties and potholed roads. “Last year was phenomenal,” says BMW India president Andreas Schaaf, referring to sales. Aston Martin last month joined the list of luxury marques driving into India with plans to sell three models-the V8 Vantage, priced at $348,341, the Rapide at $483,146 and the One-77 at a whopping $4.5 million.

The Indian luxury market as a whole is forecast to triple to $15 billion by 2015 from $4.76 billion at present, according to global consultancy AT Kearney, though it still lags China’s which stands at $9.6 billion.

The number of Indians who have financial assets of over $1 million, excluding main residences, now stands at 127,000, the 2010 World Wealth Report

by Merrill Lynch Capgemini says.

According to a new survey of 160 financial advisors by a private banking arm of Citibank, Indians are the most likely members of the global super rich to spend more on private jets and yachts over the next few years. —AFP

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FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

This undated photo courtesy of Nanette Lepore shows designer Nanette Lepore, right, on a boat with her cousin, Lisa Lepore, as they travel from Naples to the Amalfi Coast in Italy.

Fashion jet setters

travel light-and in style

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t is off to Hong Kong to meet with buyers, Italy to search for the finest craftsmen, then to St Bart’s for a little R&R. Fashion designers often live the jet-set life they love to mimic on their runways. They travel for business, they travel for pleasure. They are always looking for inspiration, and they take a lot of photographs. The Council of Fashion Designers of America partnered with publisher Assouline to collect personal tidbits for the new book “American Fashion Travel,” which includes Lubov and Max Azria’s family vacations in Punta Canta, Dominican Republic, and Gilles Mendel schussing through the snow as a teenager in Val d’Isere, France.

Alexander Wang is always on the hunt for the perfect spa, but he will take the accommodations at the George V in Paris or Conrad in Tokyo easily in its stead. Phillip Lim loves a good road trip, Tory Burch scours India for ideas and, while Cynthia Rowley loves the Sahara and the Guggenheim in Balboa, Spain, her favorite destination is in Montauk, New York, close to home, where weekends become mini-vacations. Diane von

Furstenberg, president of the CFDA, a not-forprofit trade association, likes to go to food markets and travels to Asia, — hiking boots in her suitcase, whenever she can. She favors boats, cars and trains over planes.

“For me, traveling and living are the same,” von Furstenberg writes in the book’s foreword. “How you travel is a symbol of your life.” So, just how do designers travel? What can they not live without?

Are they like the rest of us and fall victim to overpacking, or have they mastered the art of on-themove dressing? The Associated Press asked a few designers about the nitty-gritty of globe-trotting travel: Yigal Azrouel says he can live out of one bag. If he is traveling for fun, he probably will end up on his sailboat where he needs shorts, T-shirts, flip-flops, iPod and laptop.

For the cool evenings, he will have stowed a sweatshirt or leather jacket in his compact Tumi bag or the vintage duffel bag he bought in a flea market 10 years ago. For business, he can do Europe for a week or more with a single suit. “I am not a fashion victim. I will wear the same thing over and over again,” Azrouel says during an interview. “I will wash it, of course.” Mendel also packs light, but is more specific, down to the Thom Browne blazer, Ann Demeulemeester trousers, an Ernest Sewn casual button-down and Jil Sander cologne. And when he checks into the Ritz in Paris, he orders soft scrambled eggs to help settle in. Trina Turk piles on the layers. The cardigan, a safari jacket and the chunky scarf go on and off as she moves between climates or as a plane’s cabin temperature fluctuates. Oh, yes, that chunky scarf is key, agrees Azrouel. “I’m always wearing scarves, it doesn’t matter if it’s summer or winter,” he says.

“Sometimes I’ll cover myself with it on the plane. I don’t like those blankets they give out.” For Narciso Rodriguez, it is his cashmere sweater that he does not leave home without, and sketchbooks always are in his bag, typically a canvas tote.

He does try to go without eating on the plane, and he will drink tons of water. “You feel 100 percent better when you land,” he says. Water, coconut water and fresh-squeezed carrot, apple and pineapple juice are part of Catherine Malandrino’s flight plan to fight any jet lag. She moisturizes her skin and lips, and pulls out sunglasses and a big hat upon arrival. Nanette Lepore brings her pad, pencils and camera, and her sister Michelle when she can. “I usually love to travel with my sister. We do business and pleasure travel together. She’s always there when I need her; she’ll help me lug big bags, but we get separate rooms because I need that space,” Lepore tells the AP. “She’s so much fun.” At least once a year, there’s a big family trip that also includes Lepore’s husband, daughter, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Italy is their favorite destination, spending as much time in a boat as possible. —AP

This book cover courtesy of Assouline/www.assouline.com shows the cover of “American Fashion Travel.” —AP

A Gilles Mendel page from the new book “American Fashion Travel.”

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FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

The “Cactus Canape”, by Maurizio Galante, is displayed during the “Farnesina Palace and its collections” exhibition at the Ara Pacis in Rome, yesterday. The exhibition, which will run from May 20-July 3, features work by well-know Italian designers, and is sponsored by the Italian foreign ministry, in collaboration with the city of Rome. —AFP

Ohio wildlife center offers

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The work “Provisional Landscape” by Chinese artist Ai Weiwei is shown at the Culture and Congress Center in Lucerne, Switzerland, yesterday.

The exhibition “Shanshui” - Poesie ohne Worte” (“Shanshui - poetry without words”) shows contemporary Chinese Art. It will open its gates tomorrow. — AP

ine by the light of an outdoor fire, sleep in a yurt and wake up for a safari to see antelope, zebras, rhinos, giraffes and camels. When the adventure ends, return to your car for the short trip back to the world outside: Ohio in the heart of the United States. It all is part of an experience offered at the Wilds, a sprawling wildlife conservation center on nearly 10,000 acres, or about two-thirds the size of New York’s Manhattan Island, about 80 miles (130 kilometers) east of Columbus. Two years ago, the Wilds opened Nomad Ridge, an encampment of yurts, circular tents perched on stilts anchored into the side of a wooded ridge.

The inspiration came from more portable, nomadic dwellings observed by former executive director Evan Blumer and other members of the Wilds’ staff while they worked on projects in Mongolia, where the yurt is the traditional living quarters.

“It was just an interesting structure that we thought tied a lot to our field work, tied a lot to our programs, fit the landscape, and was something that would be really different for people, partic-

ularly in this part of the world,” Blumer said.

The difference is, these yurts, unlike those found in Mongolia, are luxury tents with all the comforts of an upscale hotel room, including running water and electricity. The Wilds’ nine “woodland yurts” are available for booking throughout the week, May through October, plus one larger “grand yurt” with heat and air conditioning that the others lack, which allows it to be used year-round.

An overnight stay is packaged with dinner the night of arrival and breakfast the following morning, meals created by the facility’s professional chef and featuring Ohio game, produce and wines-plus a guided safari around the grounds to see a wide array of animals from either an enclosed bus (the Wilds prefers the term “transport”) or an openair vehicle. The experience is limited to adults 21 or older.

The evening is relaxing and informal, with guests sipping drinks around a fire and watching from a deck as the sun goes down on bison and deer clustered in the pastures below. At night in the yurt, the canvas out-

er wall is whipped by winds slapping against the ridge, and in the morning after breakfast, you depart for the safari. The freeroaming exotic animals are observed over the course of a couple of hours.

The Wilds is a partner with the Columbus Zoo, and conservation of endangered species is part of its mission. Its animals include onagers, endangered horse-like animals native to Iran and other Middle Eastern and Asian countries. Two onagers were born at the Wilds last summer. “I felt as if I had traveled a long way and was transported to another place even though it was only 2 1/2 hours from my home on the outskirts of Circleville, Ohio,” said Carolyn Seitz, a former teacher who enjoyed a yurt stay and safari last year with her husband, to celebrate his birthday.

Seitz’s reaction is common, Blumer said. “We’re not fooling ourselves; you’re not in Africa, you’re not in Asia, but it’s sure a heck of a lot easier, a whole lot faster and doesn’t require a whole bunch of vaccinations,” he said, adding that the experience is “an amazing escape” without having to go too far from home. —AP

Stars

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

Aries (March 21-April 19) Today I received this email: "Dear Chosen One: My name is Boopsky, also known as 'The Impossible.' I rule a small kingdom that exists in a secret place -- an island with abundant riches and rhinoceros playgrounds. To make a long story short, you have won our 'naked' lottery. Please come visit us to claim your prizes. We will carve a statue of you out of butter and strawberry jam. Your funny ways of walking and talking will be imitated by all of our citizens. Then you will be caressed as a monarch on a pile of TVs and sung songs to by our reincarnation chorus. Can't wait to see you be so happy!" I suspect you may soon receive an invitation as puzzling as this one, Aries -- an apparent blessing that carries mixed messages or odd undertones. My suggestion is to hold off on accepting it until you find out more about it. Meanwhile, make sure it doesn't distract you from taking advantage of a less flashy but more practical opportunity.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

In order to capture the spirit of the landscapes he painted, French artist Claude Monet used to work outside in all kinds of weather. When I look at masterpieces like "Snow at Argenteuil" or "The Magpie, Snow Effect, Outskirts of Honfleur," I like to imagine he was so engrossed in his work that he barely even registered the bitter chill. I bet you'll be able to achieve a similar intensity of focus in the coming week, Taurus. You could be so thoroughly absorbed in an act of creation or a ritual of transition or an attempt at transformation that you will be virtually exempt from any discomfort or inconvenience that might be involved.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

What's going to happen for you in the coming week will be the metaphorical equivalent of gaining the ability to see infrared light with your naked eye or to detect the ultrasonic sounds that only dogs can hear. With this virtual superpower at your disposal, you just may be able to figure out how people's unspoken feelings have been covertly affecting your destiny. You will intuit lucid inklings about the probable future that will help you adjust your decisions. You might even tune in to certain secrets that your own unconscious mind has been hiding from you.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Devilish laughter revels in chaos, says Loyola University philosophy professor John Clark. "It's an assault on excessive order, authority, and seriousness." Angelic laughter, on the other hand, "expresses delight in the wondrousness of life and in the mystery of the order and fitness of things." I'd like to suggest, Cancerian, that the time is ripe for you to revel equally in the devilish and the angelic varieties of laughter. So get out there and seek funny experiences that dissolve your fixations and celebrate your life's crazy beauty. The healing that results could be spectacular.

Leo (July 23-August 22)

In 2009 a group of wealthy Germans asked their government to require them to pay higher taxes. "We have more money than we need," said the 44 multimillionaires. They wanted to help alleviate the ravages of poverty and unemployment. I urge you to make a comparable move, Leo. In what part of your life do you have more abundance than most people? Are there practical ways you could express your gratitude for the extravagant blessings life has given you? I think you'll find that raising your levels of generosity will ultimately lead to you receiving more love.

Virgo (August 23-September 22)

"I don't know what I'm looking for," sings Brendan Benson in his bouncy pop song, "What I'm Looking For," "but I know that I just want to look some more." I suspect those words could come out of your mouth these days, Virgo. I worry that you've become so enamored with the endless quest that you've lost sight of what the object of the quest is. You almost seem to prefer the glamour of the restless runaround -- as painful as it sometimes is. That probably means you're at least somewhat out of touch with the evolution of your primal desires. Check back in with the raw, throbbing source, please.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

When it's flood season, the Amazon River rises as much as 60 feet. At that time, the adjoining forests earn their name -- varzea, a Portuguese word meaning "flooded forests." The river's fish wander far and wide, venturing into the expanded territory to eat fruit from the trees. In the coming weeks, Libra, I imagine you'll be like those fish: taking advantage of the opportunities provided by a natural windfall.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

Provocative new influences are headed your way from a distance.

Meanwhile, familiar influences that are close at hand are about to burst forth with fresh offerings. It's likely that both the faraway and nearby phenomena will arrive on the scene at around the same time and with a similar intensity. Try not to get into a situation where they will compete with or oppose each other. Your best bet will be to put them both into play in ways that allow them to complement each other.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

Are you desperate for more companionship? Have your night dreams been crammed with soulful exchanges? Are you prowling around like a lusty panther, fantasizing about every candidate who's even remotely appealing? If so, I have some advice from the poet Rumi: "Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it." In other words, Sagittarius: To foster the search for intimate connection, identify the patterns within yourself that are interfering with it. By the way, this is good counsel even if you're only moderately hungry for closer connection.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

If you live in the United States, your chocolate almost certainly contains insect parts. The Food and Drug Administration understands that the mechanisms involved in making chocolate usually suck small passers-by into the works, which is why it allows manufacturers to include up to 60 bug fragments per 100 grams of chocolate. A lot of basically positive influences have a similar principle at work: Unpalatable ingredients get mixed in with the tasty stuff, but not in such abundance that they taint the experience. This week, Capricorn, you may be unusually tuned in to the unpalatable side of some good things in your life. Don't overreact.

Aquarius (January 20- February 18)

I went to a literary event in which young poets read their work. One poet, Shelby Hinte, began her segment by talking about what inspires her. "I like to write about women who are more interesting than me," she said. I was full of admiration for that perspective. It suggests she's cultivating the abundant curiosity and humility that I think are essential to the creative process. As you slip deeper into an extra fertile phase of your personal cycle, Aquarius, I urge you to adopt a similar voracity for influences that surprise and fascinate and educate you.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic," said science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke. So in other words, if you were able to time-travel back to medieval England with a laptop computer and a solar-powered battery charger, the natives might regard you as a wizard with supernatural powers. I think there will soon be a similar principle at work in your life, Pisces: You will get a vivid glimpse of amazing things you could accomplish in the future. They may seem fantastic and impossible to the person you are right now -- tantamount to magic. Be alert for expanded states of awareness that reveal who you could ultimately become. similar principle holds true for the connections and alliances you've been working to ripen.

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

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

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FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

Announcement Thanima legend play today Thanima legend play ‘Oru Vadakkan Veerakatha’ today at 4.30pm and 8.30pm at Al-Jeel School Auditorium, Hawally. The play will be presented in the presence of Artist Sujathan who is the art director of the epic ballad. Babuji Batheri (direction), Johny Kunnil (asso director), Manoj Mavelikkara (background score) Reghunathan Nair (production executive). Cast: Varghese Chandanappally, Chessil Ramapuram, Binoy, Thomas Kurian, Shaji Melekalayil, Shyju Pallippuram, Mukundan, Mohd Iqbal Koottamangalam, Jojimon Jacob, Shaiby Nadakkav, Chandran Puthoor, CK Kurian, Bibin Thomas, Susan K Mammen, Ruchitra Dinesh, Suni Benny, Kripa Sujith, Ambika Mukundan, Binitha, Reshma, Varsha, Elina, Lyrics, Jinu, Asantha, and Justey.

IIS conducts salad carving activity

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IS conducted Salad Carving Activity as a part of work experience. IIS students of class XI & XII conducted magnificent salad carving work experience on 12th May during their activity period. This work experience was conducted for the first time under the guidance of Narinder Kaur, Vice-Principal and Monalisa, Counselor. Students showcase their creativity by making fruit basket, watermelon carving, residential areas, zoo etc. Mossa Koya, Director, F. M. Basheer Ahmed, Principal and subject teachers attended the work experience programme and thrilled to observe the activity done by our talented students. Each group’s presentation was better than the other. There was an intense competition between the groups and they brought out marvelous result in one hour time. At the end of the day the students felt happy that the day was filled with fun and excitement.

Election committee at AUK cancels student Govt elections

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he 2011-12 Election, Committee of the American University of Kuwait, through a majority vote, decided, to cancel the 2011-12 Student Government Association Elections based on violations committed by the majority of the candidates. The Election Committee’s decision was based on the number of discrepancies as well as breaches of the SGA elections rules and guidelines witnessed during the election campaign and voting, which if allowed to stand, would compromise the credibility and integrity of the Student Government Elections. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the student body, the candidates and the University to hold re-elections in Fall 2011 to ensure a fair and just campaign that is based on the Candidacy Rules and Procedures, signed by each and every candidate The Election Committee is responsible for making sure elections are free and unbiased for both the SGA Board and GA elections. It consists of three members of the current SGA Board who are not running for re-election, in the upcoming year, two members of the GA who are also not running for re-elections in the upcoming year, the SGA Advisor (normally an administrator or faculty member), and one member of the Office of Student Life to act as the Chair of the Committee.

SGA elections take place once a year,

where eligible students apply for candidacy.

Candidates are given a minimum of seven business days to formally campaign, followed by candidate speeches to the general student body. After this process concludes the student body goes to the poles for two day of voting. Once voting ends, the Election Committee reviews the election process and looks at any violations of the election policies, witnessed or reported. The purpose with regards to these elections is to engage the student body in the democratic process and the ethical and moral aspects of civil duty.

This year’s Election Committee issued several warnings regarding violations of candidacy rules and received reports claiming a breach of policies and procedures. As a result, the Committee withheld the results of the elections for several hours in order to weigh the claims of election violations. The results were then announced to the AUK Community. After receiving additional information, the Committee convened to discuss concerns regarding the overall election process and voted to cancel this year’s election based on evidence of numerous violations and the interest of the student body.

AUK holds high the value of participatory government for the development of students, and it is in this spirit that we wish to ensure the credibility, transparency, integrity and fairness of each, election process.

Summer Arabic courses The AWARE Management is glad to inform you that Summer 2 Arabic language courses will begin on June 12th until July 21st, 2011. AWARE Arabic language courses are designed with the expat in mind.

The environment is relaxed & courses are designed for those wanting to learn Arabic for travel, cultural understanding, and conducting business or simply to become more involved in the community. We cater to teachers, travelers & those working in the private business sector. For more information and/or registration, call 25335260/80 ext 105 or 0 or log onto: www.aware.com.kw

NSS elects Vanitha Samajam office bearers

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ational Service Society (NSS) held its Vanitha Samajam meeting on 14th May 2011 at Rythm Auditorium, Abbassiya and elected its new office bearers for the year 2011 - 2012. Presided by NSS-Kuwait President, the meeting highlighted by its overwhelming participation of its Vanitha members from all areas of Kuwait.

Shanthi Venugopal was unanimously elected as the new Vanitha Samajam Convener and Mily Nair and Kumari Balakrishnan were elected as the Joint Conveners.

The new Area Coordinators also were elected in the meeting and accordingly, Dina Prasad, Sandya Gopakumar and Reshma Rajesh (Abbassiya), Nidhi Rajeev, Bindu Anil Kumar,

Dhanya Anil (Farwaniya), Dr. Anitha G Nair and Asha Rajeev (Salmiya) and Suseela Ramachandran, Reshma Sabu (Abu-Halifa, Mangaf, Fahaheel) are the new Area Coordinators.

An action plan for 2011 - 2012 activities were drafted at the meeting. Shanthi Venugopal had called for all NSS-Kuwait Vanitha Samajam members to come forward to participate in all its activities and requested their support and cooperation for the successful functioning of the Vanitha Samajam.

The welcome address was given by Suresh Nair, NSS-Kuwait General Secretary and Kumari Balakrishnan, Joint Convener delivered the vote of thanks.

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FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

Embassy Information EMBASSY OF AUSTRALIA The Embassy encourages all Australians to register their presence in Kuwait through Smartraveller Online (see link below).

Australians who are registered are asked to update their details. The information provided will assist us in contacting you in an emergency. www.smartraveller.gov.au Kuwait citizens can apply for and receive visit visas to Australia online at www.immi.gov.au. This usually takes two working days. All others visa applications are handled by the Australian Visa Application Centre Tel. 22971110.

Witnessing and certifying documents are by appointment only, please contact the Embassy on 2232 2422. The Australian Embassy is open from 8.00am to 4.00pm, Sunday to Thursday.

Children present ‘Symphony’ during the National Forum annual celebration held last week. nnnnnnn

Spark sparkled at IES

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-uk-kw.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

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o extend the repertoire of communication, opening vistas of thoughts to a fine blend of imagination, gamut of creativity and latent talents and e-media, to ignite the tiny sparks into flames of achievement to mould a student into the best possible citizen of tomorrow the English Department embarked on its maiden venture. In one of the lustrous evenings

of May, Indian Educational School paid tribute to the magnanimity of the English language and to its countless great writers with the inauguration of the IES Literary Club SPARK, the Language Lab,the release of the logo and the launching of the SPARK website.

The guests of honour of the function were the Heads of the Department, English of the Indian Integrated School,

the Delhi Public School and the ICK, Khaitan. The lighting of the lamp invoked blessings of the Almighty and heralded the message of peace and knowledge hand in hand leading Bhavans to the world of knowledge.

The release of the logo by Lalitha Premkumar, the Vice Principal, Junior Wing set the ball rolling. A plethora of cultural programmes were staged in honour of their invitees. The choral recitation from the Primary and Middle wings captured the attention of the spectators. The audience was spell bound with the Book World, which brought to life the characters already immortalized by those writers who stood all tests of time. The witches from Macbeth and the Ghosts from Christmas Carol roamed freely about in a dance sequence in the auditorium enthralling the spectators with excitement. The culmination of the witch dance was marked by the elegant appearance of the fairy godmother from the evergreen story of Cindrella.

EMBASSY OF GREECE The Embassy of Greece in Kuwait announces the launching of its new Website www.mfa.gr/kuwait. Visa applications and other useful information is available on the site. In view of the summer vacation and due to the increasing number of applications for Schengen visas to Greece, the embassy strongly recommends both Kuwaiti citizens and foreign residents to apply early, prior to the intended date of travel. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF GUYANA The Embassy of Guyana, recently established in Kuwait, announces that it is located at Block 3, Street 321, Villa 3, Mubarak Abdullah al Jabar, West Misrhef. The Embassy’s telephone numbers are 2539-7939 and 25394336; the fax number is 2539-3448. The Embassy can also be contacted by e-mail at Guyanaembassy.kuwait@gmail.com; its website address is www.guyana.org.

Write to us Send to What’s On upcoming events, birthdays or celebrations by email: local@kuwaittimes.net Fax: 24835619 / 20

TV Listings FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

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

Untamed And Uncut Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 Cheetah Kingdom Max’s Big Tracks Natural World Animal Cops South Africa Extraordinary Dogs Project Puppy Meerkat Manor The Really Wild Show Crocodile Hunter Breed All About It Dogs 101 Michaela’s Animal Road Trip Animal Precinct Wildlife SOS Animal Cops South Africa SSPCA: On The Wildside E-Vets: The Interns Life In The Undergrowth Planet Wild The Really Wild Show Growing Up...

Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 Cheetah Kingdom Michaela’s Animal Road Trip Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 Karina: Wild On Safari Big Five Challenge Lions Of Crocodile River Life In The Undergrowth

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My Family The Weakest Link Casualty Doctor Who Eastenders Doctors My Family Me Too Tweenies Teletubbies Charlie And Lola Me Too Tweenies Teletubbies Charlie And Lola Me Too Tweenies Teletubbies Charlie And Lola Me Too Tweenies Teletubbies Charlie And Lola My Family My Family The Weakest Link Coast Doctors Eastenders Casualty Last Of The Summer Wine Coast The Weakest Link Doctors Eastenders Casualty Coast The Weakest Link Doctors The Planets Jekyll Supernova Taking The Flak

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

Great British Menu Come Dine With Me The Home Show Great British Menu Rhodes Across China Daily Cooks Challenge New Scandinavian Cooking Rhodes Across China Antiques Roadshow Great British Menu Rhodes Across China Antiques Roadshow Cash In The Attic Bargain Hunt Come Dine With Me Great British Menu The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook Antiques Roadshow Cash In The Attic Bargain Hunt Come Dine With Me The Home Show Masterchef: The Professionals Masterchef: The Professionals

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

Extreme Close-Up E!es 25 Most Stylish Sexiest Extreme Hollywood 40 (More) Crimes Of Fashion Behind The Scenes E! News Kimora: Life In The Fab Lane THS E! News Giuliana And Bill Keeping Up With The Kardashians THS Behind The Scenes Kourtney And Kim Take New York E! News Kendra THS Chelsea Lately Holly’s World E! News Chelsea Lately Keeping Up With The Kardashians

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

Ghost Lab A Haunting On The Case With Paula Zahn True Crime Scene Dr G: Medical Examiner Ghosthunters Ghost Lab Mystery Diagnosis Forensic Detectives Unsolved Crimes: USA Mystery Diagnosis Real Emergency Calls Real Emergency Calls On The Case With Paula Zahn FBI Files On The Case With Paula Zahn The Prosecutors Mystery Diagnosis Real Emergency Calls Real Emergency Calls On The Case With Paula Zahn Forensic Detectives Unsolved Crimes: USA FBI Files Mystery Diagnosis Real Emergency Calls Real Emergency Calls On The Case With Paula Zahn The Prosecutors Murder Shift Undercover Dr G: Medical Examiner

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BBC World News World Business Report Sport Today BBC World News America Asia Business Report Asia Today BBC World News Asia Business Report Asia Today BBC World News Asia Business Report Asia Today BBC World News Asia Business Report Asia Today BBC World News Asia Business Report Asia Today BBC World News Peschardt’s Business People BBC World News World Business Report BBC World News BBC World News World Business Report BBC World News BBC World News World Business Report Sport Today BBC World News World Business Report Sport Today BBC World News Peschardt’s Business People BBC World News World Business Report Sport Today BBC World News World Business Report Sport Today GMT With George Alagiah GMT With George Alagiah BBC World News World Business Report

NATIONAL TREASURE ON OSN ACTION HD

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

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Dirty Jobs Worst-Case Scenario Ultimate Survival Mega Builders Mythbusters How Do They Do It? How Stuff’s Made Dirty Jobs Mega Builders American Chopper How Stuff’s Made How Do They Do It? Mythbusters Cake Boss Border Security Street Customs Ultimate Survival Mythbusters LA Ink Dirty Jobs Street Customs Mythbusters River Monsters Cake Boss Border Security I Could Do That How Stuff’s Made How Do They Do It? Extreme Engineering Huge Moves Mighty Ships River Monsters

The Gadget Show Mega World Bang Goes The Theory The Future Of...

How Does That Work?

03:50 04:45 05:40 06:10 07:00 07:55 07:58 08:25 08:55 09:45 10:35 11:25 11:50 12:40 13:05 13:55 14:45 15:35 16:00 16:03 16:30 17:00 17:50 18:40 19:30 20:20 20:45 21:10 22:00 22:50 23:40

Thunder Races What’s That About?

Patent Bending Ecopolis Scrapheap Challenge Head Rush Sci-Fi Science Weird Connections The World’s Strangest UFO Stories The Gadget Show Bang Goes The Theory Savage Planet Scrapheap Challenge One Step Beyond Weird Or What?

Powering The Future Mega World The Gadget Show Head Rush Sci-Fi Science Weird Connections Brainiac Bad Universe Stephen Hawking’s Universe The Gadget Show Weird Connections How Stuff’s Made The Gadget Show Stephen Hawking’s Universe The Gadget Show The Colony

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Kim Possible Fairly Odd Parents Stitch Replacements Emperors New School Stitch Replacements Fairly Odd Parents Emperors New School

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Phineas And Ferb Suite Life On Deck Fish Hooks Good Luck Charlie Fairly Odd Parents Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Handy Manny Special Agent Oso Jungle Junction Imagination Movers Phineas And Ferb Suite Life On Deck Wizards Of Waverly Place Good Luck Charlie Shake It Up Fairly Odd Parents Phineas And Ferb Hannah Montana Sonny With A Chance Wizards Of Waverly Place Suite Life On Deck Have A Laugh Good Luck Charlie Phineas And Ferb Wizards Of Waverly Place Hannah Montana Suite Life On Deck Suite Life On Deck Suite Life On Deck Good Luck Charlie Good Luck Charlie Fish Hooks Halloweentown Fish Hooks Good Luck Charlie Suite Life On Deck Have A Laugh Phineas And Ferb Fairly Odd Parents Replacements Hannah Montana Sonny With A Chance Wizards Of Waverly Place Jonas

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 Peschardt’s Business People

00:05 Cow And Chicken 00:30 Cramp Twins 00:55 George Of The Jungle 01:20 Adrenalini Brothers 01:45 Eliot Kid 02:10 Ed, Edd N Eddy 02:35 Ben 10: Alien Force 03:00 The Powerpuff Girls 03:15 Chowder 03:40 The Secret Saturdays 04:05 My Gym Partner’s A Monkey 04:30 Ben 10: Alien Force 04:55 Best Ed 05:20 Skunk Fu! 05:45 Cramp Twins 06:10 Eliot Kid 06:35 The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack 07:00 Codename: Kids Next Door 07:25 Cow And Chicken 07:50 Angelo Rules 08:05 Cartoon Network Dance Club 08:15 Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends 08:40 Ben 10: Alien Force 09:05 The Secret Saturdays 09:30 Batman: The Brave And The Bold 09:55 The Powerpuff Girls 10:20 Robotboy 10:30 Hero 108 10:55 Ben 10 11:20 Chowder 11:45 The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack 12:10 Camp Lazlo 12:35 George Of The Jungle 13:00 Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends 13:25 Codename: Kids Next Door 13:50 Ben 10 14:15 My Gym Partner’s A Monkey 14:40 Squirrel Boy 15:05 Cartoon Network Dance Club 15:20 Eliot Kid 15:35 Ed, Edd N Eddy 16:00 Cow And Chicken 16:25 Chop Socky Chooks 16:50 Skunk Fu! 17:15 Chowder 17:40 Best Ed 18:05 Hero 108 18:30 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 19:20 Adventure Time 19:45 Cow And Chicken 20:10 The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack 20:35 Courage The Cowardly Dog 21:00 The Powerpuff Girls 21:25 Ed, Edd N Eddy 21:50 Robotboy 22:00 Camp Lazlo 22:25 Hero 108 22:50 Ben 10 23:15 Bakugan Battle Brawlers 23:40 Chowder

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The Uninvited-18 Underworld: Rise Of The Lycans-18 Blindness-18 Hardwired-PG15 Mortal Kombat-PG Changing Lanes-PG15 National Treasure-PG15 Mortal Kombat-PG Armageddon-PG15 National Treasure-PG15 Zombieland-18 Jennifer’s Body-18

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44 Inch Chest-18 It’s A Wonderful Afterlife-PG15 The Bounty Hunter-PG15 The Last Song-PG15

TV Listings FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

09:00 Where The Wild Things Are-PG 11:00 Rugrats Go Wild-FAM 13:00 Justice League: Crisis On Two Earths-PG 15:00 The Bounty Hunter-PG15 17:00 The Eclipse-PG15 19:00 Echelon Conspiracy-PG15 21:00 It’s Complicated-PG15 23:00 Agora-18

00:30 01:00 01:30 02:00 02:30 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

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The Daily Show With Jon Stewart The Colbert Report South Park The Ricky Gervais Show Weeds Just Shoot Me Community South Park The Tonight Show With Jay Leno Will And Grace Yes Dear The Drew Carey Show Late Night With Jimmy Fallon Tyler Perry’s House Of Payne Dharma And Greg Just Shoot Me Will And Grace Yes Dear Melissa And Joey The Drew Carey Show The Tonight Show With Jay Leno Dharma And Greg Tyler Perry’s House Of Payne Will And Grace Yes Dear Community Melissa And Joey The Daily Show With Jon Stewart The Colbert Report The Drew Carey Show Late Night With Jimmy Fallon Friends 8 Simple Rules ...

Outsourced Modern Family The Tonight Show With Jay Leno The Daily Show With Jon Stewart The Colbert Report Funny Or Die Presents Bored To Death South Park Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

01:00 03:00 05:00 06:45 08:30 10:45 13:00 14:45 17:00 19:30 21:30 23:15

Psycho-18 Collateral-18 Fast Lane-PG15 Snake Eyes-PG15 Face Off-PG15 Lost In Space-PG15 The Truth About Charlie-PG15 Face Off-PG15 Independence Day-PG15 G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra-PG15 The Tripper-18 Julia’s Eyes-PG15

00:00 Fierce Creatures-PG15 02:00 The Associate-PG15 04:00 Car Babes-PG15 06:00 Lucky Break-PG15 08:00 The First $20 Million Is Always The Hardest-PG15 10:00 Ice Age 3: Dawn Of The DinosaursFAM 12:00 Hotel For Dogs-FAM 14:00 Adventures Of Power-PG15 16:00 Fierce Creatures-PG15 18:00 Death Becomes Her-PG15 20:00 Observe And Report-18 22:00 Van Wilder: Party Liaison-18

01:15 03:00 05:15 07:30 09:15 11:00 13:00 15:00 16:45 19:00 21:15 23:15

The Young Americans-PG15 The Fisher King-18 You Don’t Know Jack-PG15 A Shine Of Rainbows-PG15 Stevie-PG15 Ice Castles-PG15 The Soloist-PG15 Skellig-PG15 W-PG15 Seven Years In Tibet-PG15 Revolutionary Road-PG15 Mesrine: Public Enemy #1-18

01:30 The Sweetest Thing-18 03:00 2012-PG15 05:30 Did You Hear About The Morgans?-PG15 07:15 Night At The Museum: Battle Of The Smithsonian-PG15 09:00 Star Trek-PG 11:00 How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days-PG 13:00 Alice In Wonderland-PG 15:00 The Wild Thornberrys Movie-PG 17:00 Star Trek-PG 19:00 The Sunset Limited-PG15 21:00 Iron Man 2-PG15 23:00 Miss March-18

00:00 Ponyo On The Cliff By The SeaFAM 02:00 Time Kid-FAM 04:00 The Three Musketeers-FAM 06:00 Fantasia 2000-FAM 08:00 Beauty And The Beast: The Enchanted Christmas-FAM 10:00 Ponyo On The Cliff By The SeaFAM 12:00 Dr. Dolittle 2-PG 14:00 Fantasia 2000-FAM 16:00 Beauty And The Beast: The Enchanted Christmas-FAM 18:00 Arthur And The Revenge Of Maltazard-PG 20:00 Tom And Jerry Meet Sherlock Holmes-FAM 22:00 Scruff In Halloween-FAM

00:00 02:00 04:00 06:00 PG15 08:00 10:00 12:00

The Art Of War III: Retribution-PG15 Nativity!-PG National Security-PG15 Elle: A Modern Day Cinderella TalePlanet 51-PG Morning Light-PG The Boys Are Back-PG

14:00 Make It Happen-PG15 16:00 Planet 51-PG 18:00 Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time-PG15 20:00 Iron Man 2-PG15 22:15 Sleuth-18

00:30 01:00 03:00 04:30 05:00 05:30 06:00 07:00 10:30 12:30 13:00 14:00 18:00 21:45

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00:00 01:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00

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00:00 Cold Case 01:00 American Idol 03:00 Bones 04:00 The Gates 05:00 The Philanthropist 06:00 Cold Case 07:00 The New Adventures Of Christine 07:30 The New Adventures Of Christine 08:00 Huge 09:00 The Philanthropist 10:00 American Idol 12:00 The New Adventures Of Christine 12:30 The New Adventures Of Christine 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 14:00 Huge 15:00 Cold Case 16:00 The New Adventures Of Christine 16:30 The New Adventures Of Christine 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 18:00 The Unit 19:00 No Ordinary Family 20:00 American Idol 21:00 Survivor: Redemption Island 22:00 Royal Pains

08:00 08:30 09:30 10:30 13:30 14:30 15:30 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 22:00 23:00

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

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00:00 World’s Deadliest Animals 01:00 Croc Ganglands 01:55 Monster Fish 02:50 Sahara 03:45 Wild Sex 04:40 Cameramen Who Dare 05:35 Dangerous Encounters 06:30 Dangerous Encounters 07:25 The Living Edens 08:20 Triumph Of Life 09:15 Monster Fish 10:10 Sahara 11:05 Wild Sex 12:00 Killer Dragons 13:00 The Rise Of Black Wolf 14:00 The Living Edens 15:00 Triumph Of Life 16:00 Quest For The Megafish Of The Amazon 17:00 The Pack 18:00 Wild Sex 19:00 The Rise Of Black Wolf 20:00 The Living Edens 21:00 Triumph Of Life 22:00 Quest For The Megafish Of The Amazon 23:00 The Pack

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00:30 01:20 02:10 03:00 03:55 04:50 05:40 06:30 07:20 08:10 09:00 09:55 10:50 11:40 12:30 13:20 14:10 15:00

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Tunnellers Secret Superpowered Aircraft Ancient Discoveries Investigating History Conspiracy?

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00:00 Jerseylicious 01:00 Fashion Avenue 01:30 Fashion Avenue 01:55 Big Boutique 02:25 How Do I Look?

03:20 Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?

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05:10 Homes With Style 05:35 Area 06:05 Clean House 07:00 Big Boutique 07:30 Big Boutique 08:00 Homes With Style 08:30 Homes With Style 09:00 Fashion Avenue 09:25 Fashion Avenue 09:55 How Do I Look?

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11:50 Clean House: Search For The Messiest...

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22:10 Bridalplasty 23:05 Clean House

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

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01:20 03:00 Garcia 04:50 06:30 07:59 09:45 11:25 13:05 14:50 16:40 18:30 20:15 21:45 22:00 23:40

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Classifieds FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

ACCOMMODATION Sharing accommodation available for a decent Keralite bachelor in a fully furnished C-A/C building in Farwaniya with all facilities, between Continental Suit and International Clinic. Contact: 99716630.

(C 3356) Room available in C-A/C flat with separate bath room in

Sharq near Mughal Mahal Restaurant for working ladies or small family from July 1st.

Pls contact: 99567689 or 55197093.

(C 3357) Sharing accommodation available for couples or working ladies in Abbassiya near United Indian School in a New C-A/C building with double bed room, double bath room flat with Keralite Christian family and land phone, internet (24 hours), clean water

facilities available. Contact: 67731613. (C 3358)

97199146. (C 3353)

A fully furnished room in 3 bedroom C-AC flat in Ashbiliya with kitchen facility is available, bachelor Muslim Pakistani / Indians preferred.

Contact: 99714430. (C 3361) 19-5-2011

Sharing accommodation available for single decent, non smoking bachelor, share with family. Opposite to Rashid hospital, Shara Amman, Salmiya. Tel: 65717906, 50223132.

(C 3354)

Sharing accommodation available effective today for a non-smoking bachelor in a double bedroom flat in Amman street, Salmiya. Call

Family on vacation flat available in Abbassiya for 2 months (June - July) Keralite only. Tel: 97121669.

(C 3352)

Sharing accommodation available single room with Tamil bachelor in Salmiya near Edee store & Sagar restaurant.

Contact: 99690298, 97208716.

(C 3348)

Sharing accommodation available for Indian bachelors in a fully furnished central A/C building in Farwaniya with kitchen and parking facilities.

Those interested may call Mob: 99038601. (C 3341)

Accommodation available in Jabriya, 3 bedroom 2 bathroom fully furnished C-A/C flat near Jabriya Indian School. Please call 55779225.

(C 3351) 17-5-2011

Sharing accommodation available in Abbassiya for decent couples (non-smoking) in a central A/C, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom (1 attached) from 30th May onwards. Rent KD 85. Phone: 99416236 (C 3343)

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 DHX ETD FDB GFA QTR JZR JZR JZR BAW KAC KAC KAC FDB KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC UAE QTR ABY IRA ETD GFA MEA JZR JZR IYE MSR KAC RBG KAC MSR UAL RJA FDB OMA KAC KAC JZR QTR JZR JZR MLR ETD UAE GFA SVA JZR ABY JZR ALK JZR

Flt 642 267 772 620 853 370 305 67 211 138 503 223 555 157 416 206 302 53 332 678 352 284 362 855 132 125 619 301 213 404 165 121 825 623 618 3553 672 610 982 640 57 645 546 788 257 134 201 535 403 303 857 215 510 239 127 213 227 177

Arrival Flights on Friday 20/5/2011 Route AMMAN BEIRUT ISTANBUL ADDIS ABABA DUBAI BAHRAIN ABU DHABI DUBAI BAHRAIN DOHA LUXOR ALEPPO ALEXANDRIA LONDON JAKARTA / KUALA LUMPUR ISLAMABAD MUMBAI DUBAI TRIVANDRUM MUSCAT / DUBAI COCHIN DHAKA COLOMBO DUBAI DOHA SHARJAH LAR ABU DHABI BAHRAIN BEIRUT DUBAI BAHRAIN SANAA SOHAG DOHA ALEXANDRIA / SOHAG DUBAI CAIRO WASHINGTON DC DULLES AMMAN DUBAI MUSCAT ALEXANDRIA JEDDAH BEIRUT DOHA DAMASCUS CAIRO COLOMBO / DUBAI ABU DHABI DUBAI BAHRAIN RIYADH AMMAN SHARJAH DEIREZZOR COLOMBO / DUBAI DUBAI

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

KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC AIC JAI KAC FDB JZR OMA VOS MEA KAC SVA DHX GFA FCX QTR UAL UAE JZR JZR MSR DLH SAI JZR KLM JZR

166 542 744 102 774 674 975 572 562 61 787 647 81 402 786 506 372 217 304 136 981 859 135 185 612 636 441 539 447 481

AXB DLH BBC IAC PIA THY ETH UAE FDB DHX ETD QTR JZR RJA GFA KAC VOS JZR BAW FDB JZR KAC KAC KAC KAC JZR KAC UAE ABY

390 637 44 982 206 773 620 854 68 371 306 139 164 643 212 545 94 120 156 54 534 787 177 671 117 256 617 856 126

PARIS / ROME CAIRO DAMMAM NEW YORK / LONDON RIYADH DUBAI CHENNAI / GOA MUMBAI AMMAN DUBAI RIYADH MUSCAT BAGHDAD BEIRUT JEDDAH JEDDAH BAHRAIN BAHRAIN RIYADH DOHA BAHRAIN DUBAI BAHRAIN DUBAI CAIRO FRANKFURT LAHORE / KARACHI CAIRO AMSTERDAM / BAHRAIN SABIHA Departure Flights on Friday 20/5/2011 MANGALORE / KOZHIKODE FRANKFURT DHAKA AHMEDABAD / CHENNAI LAHORE ISTANBUL BAHRAIN / ADDIS ABABA DUBAI DUBAI BAHRAIN ABU DHABI DOHA DUBAI AMMAN BAHRAIN ALEXANDRIA DUBAI / KANDAHAR BAHRAIN LONDON DUBAI CAIRO JEDDAH FRANKFURT / GENEVA DUBAI NEW YORK BEIRUT DOHA DUBAI SHARJAH

18:40 18:50 19:15 19:25 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 23:30 23:35 23:50 0:25 0:40 1:00 1:05 1:10 2:15 2:30 3:45 3:50 3:55 4:05 5:00 6:55 7:00 7:10 7:40 8:00 8:20 8:25 8:40 8:50 8:55 8:55 9:00 9:05 9:10 9:35 9:40 9:50

QTR ETD GFA JZR IRA MEA KAC JZR JZR KAC IYE MSR RBG JZR MSR RJA FDB KAC UAL OMA KAC KAC JZR KAC QTR KAC JZR JZR ETD MLR UAE GFA ABY JZR SVA ALK JZR KAC KAC JAI FDB JZR KAC KAC OMA MEA SVA DHX KAC GFA QTR KAC KAC FCX JZR UAE JZR KAC UAL MSR SAI

133 302 214 200 618 405 541 212 238 103 825 624 3554 176 611 641 58 561 982 646 785 673 480 773 135 743 786 538 304 404 858 216 128 184 511 228 134 283 361 571 62 528 343 351 648 403 507 373 381 218 137 301 205 102 502 860 554 411 981 613 442

DOHA ABU DHABI BAHRAIN DAMASCUS LAR BEIRUT CAIRO DEIREZZOR AMMAN LONDON DOHA / SANAA SOHAG ALEXANDRIA DUBAI CAIRO AMMAN DUBAI AMMAN BAHRAIN MUSCAT JEDDAH DUBAI SABIHA RIYADH DOHA DAMMAM RIYADH CAIRO ABU DHABI COLOMBO DUBAI BAHRAIN SHARJAH DUBAI RIYADH DUBAI / COLOMBO BAHRAIN DHAKA COLOMBO MUMBAI DUBAI ASSIUT CHENNAI COCHIN MUSCAT BEIRUT JEDDAH BAHRAIN DELHI BAHRAIN DOHA MUMBAI ISLAMABAD DUBAI LUXOR DUBAI ALEXANDRIA BANGKOK / MANILA WASHINGTON DC DULLES CAIRO LAHORE

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

10:00 10:15 10:20 10:20 10:20 11:55 12:00 12:05 12:10 12:30 13:05 13:10 13:35 13:40 14:20 14:30 14:35 14:45 14:45 15:00 15:05 15:10 16:00 16:05 16:15 16:25 16:35 16:40 17:35 17:40 18:05 18:15 18:20 18:25 18:35 19:10 19:10 20:00 20:20 20:35 20:40 20:50 21:00 21:05 21:10 21:15 21:55 22:00 22:30 22:30 22:35 22:45 22:55 23:00 23:05 23:10 23:10 23:40 23:40 23:50 23:59

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FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

FOR SALE

© 20111 MCT M Source: Exploratorium Graphic: Paul Trap Tra

PC Compaq Pentium 4, HD 20 GB, RAM 128 (Expandable), Windows XP Pro with 15” LCD Neovo, excellent condition. Price KD 35. Contact: 99322585. (C 3360) 19-5-2011

degree in Petroleum Engineering, subject of specializations: well drilling and completion, production technology, logging, geophysics, reservoir engineering, is looking for a suitable job.

Please contact: 66204579, email: sonyjohnk@gmail.com

Danc ing ra is ins You Yo ou would wo ould never never e guess gues ss that rraisins a aisins can be made ma ade to bounce and dance, dance, but but here’s here’s how how to do it: i

You’ll Y ou’ll n need eed t Glass t Six small raisins raisins

t Carbonated (fizzy) water, water, soda water water or clear carbonated carbonatted soft drink drink

(C 3327) 10-5-2011

MATRIMONIAL Marriage proposal invited for 26/162 B.Tech Engr, Christian, Marthomite Girl, Employed and residing with parents in Kuwait, seeking alliance from professionally qualified, Christian boys, 2830yrs, preferably Marthomite. Contact E-mail ID: hisgrace52@gmail.com (C 3359)

1 2 3

Pour soda or water Pour water in glass and put pu ut on table ta ble Drop the raisins raisins s into the soda and watch watch what they they do If the rraisins come ome to aisins co the surface surface of the the liquid: Hold the glass with one hand and d tap the side of o the glass sharply sha ar ply with the other o hand h

What W hat happened? happened?

The raisins first sank to the bottom of the glass, but in a few seconds, bubbles started to appear on them Soda contains carbon dioxide, a gas You can’t see the carbon dioxide because it’s ’ dissolved in the water Carbon dioxide collected on rough spots on the raisins’’ skins The gas formed bubbles that were big enough to float the raisins and make them dance around Tapping the glass knocks off the bubbles, and the raisins sink

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FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

French League Preview

Lille, Monaco on the verge at both ends PARIS: Lille require just a point at stuttering Paris St Germain tomorrow to clinch a surprise French title while Monaco desperately need all three at Montpellier to try to edge out of the drop zone.

Lille beat Sochaux 1-0 on Wednesday thanks to Gervinho’s goal to go six points above second-placed Olympique Marseille with two games left and a better goal difference of eight. Only the biggest of calamities can deprive the “Mastiffs” of their first league title since 1954 and a remarkable double for a modest club having won the French cup, also against PSG, last weekend.

“It’s starting to feel good but it is not mathematically done. We will try everything to get the title in Paris,” Lille coach Rudi Garcia told reporters. “It’s like the end of last season, we are coming off four straight victories. Apparently we’ve got a 93 percent of winning the title, I’ve heard that, it must continue.” They meet a PSG side whose hopes of securing the third Champions League qualifying spot were hit by a 1-0 defeat at Girondins Bordeaux on Wednesday, leaving the capital club two points behind thirdplaced Olympique Lyon.

At the other end the situation is just as tense with Monaco, European Cup finalists as recently as 2004, a point away from safety in the final relegation place with Racing lens and Arles-Avignon already having gone down. One of France’s most famous clubs looked to have hauled themselves away from trouble but last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Lens, who equalized in injury time despite knowing they were relegated, seriously damaged the principality side’s

VILLENEUVE D’ASCQ: Lille’s forward Yao Kouassi (right) challenges for the ball during his French League one soccer match against Sochaux in Villeneuve d’Ascq, northern France on Wednesday, May 18, 2011. — AP chances. Montpellier still have the very slightest chance of making sixth and the final Europa League berth, meaning Monaco will have to show a fighting spirit so rarely seen this term. — Reuters

Italian League Preview

Udinese and Lazio seek 4th against party teams MILAN: Udinese and Lazio are fighting until the final minute of the Serie A season to try to grab the fourth and final Champions League qualifying spot against two teams who will be in a jolly mood on Sunday. Udinese host an AC Milan side (1845 GMT) still basking in the glory of their first title since 2004 and, although their scudetto was already assured last weekend, they still thumped Cagliari 4-1.

Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin, whose team lead Lazio by two points heading into the final day, is well aware Milan will not be taking the game lightly-especially with Andrea Pirlo wanting to go out on a high in his final Rossoneri appearance.

“Sunday we will be ready to scale our toughest obstacle, we meet a Milan team that is the best side of all, the strongest,” he told reporters. “Of course we are in good form and we are trying our best to attack the Italian champions but nothing has been achieved yet.” Lazio, relegation candidates last term and best placed for

fourth for much of the season before Udinese’s late burst, travel to Lecce on Sunday and will find themselves in the middle of a survival party. The southerners secured their position in the top flight last weekend after a 2-0 win at already relegated derby rivals Bari helped send Sampdoria down instead.

Lazio must hope celebrating Lecce do not have their mind fully on the game. ‘We deserve fourth spot because we have always been among the top four, then we have dropped back in the last three games and now I hope the team does everything to beat lecce, as long as Milan can defeat Udinese,” Lazio owner Claudio Lotito said. “Maybe we have missed a bit of experience in managing certain moments.”

With the three relegation berths (Bari, Brescia, Sampdoria) and the three automatic Champions League qualifiers (Milan, Inter Milan and Napoli) decided, the only other issues other than fourth spot to be sorted out are the Europa League places. — Reuters

Spanish League Preview

Zaragoza eye repeat of Italian escape job MADRID: Real Zaragoza’s Maurizio Lanzaro is counting on the relegationthreatened La Liga side matching the escape act pulled off by his former club Reggina against giants AC Milan on the final match day of Serie A in May 2007.

Reggina were in a similarly precarious position when they hosted Milan, who rested key players following their victory over Liverpool to win the 2007 Champions League, and a 2-0 win preserved the tiny club’s top-flight status for another year. Zaragoza’s opponents for tomorrow’s final game of the 2010/11 La Liga season are the much less imposing Levante and Lanzaro is expecting an easier ride given that the Valencia based club are already safe. “I played a similar match with Reggina against Milan, who had just become European champions,” the Italian defender said in an interview published in Thursday’s edition of As newspaper.

“We had to win to avoid the drop and we managed it,” added Lanzaro, who joined Zaragoza at the end of the 2009/10 campaign. “For sure we are going to face a team that could be less focused than us, who are playing for our lives, because they have already secured their objective. “I don’t think they will have the same aggression and concentration as usual.” With Almeria and Hercules already down, Zaragoza occupy the 18th and last relegation place on 42 points from 37 matches. In a heavily congested bottom half of the table, five other teams are still in danger of dropping down to the second division, a plight that could exacerbate

an already parlous financial situation for some of them.

LONGER VACATION Deportivo Coruna and Getafe are on 43 points, while Real Mallorca, Real Sociedad and Osasuna have 44.

Deportivo host Valencia, who are assured of third and an automatic berth in next season’s Champions League, Real Sociedad are at home to Getafe, Osasuna host fourth-placed Villarreal and Mallorca are at home to Atletico Madrid. Villarreal cannot be caught, while Atletico, in seventh behind Athletic Bilbao and Sevilla, are eyeing a win to try to avoid the Europa League qualification round and an early return from their summer holiday.

“We are going for the three points and try to end the season as well as possible because it’s not the same getting a direct spot (in the Europa League) as having to qualify,” Atletico midfielder Koke told a news conference on Wednesday.

“It’s always nice to have a longer vacation,” the 19-year-old added.

Barcelona, who clinched their third straight La Liga title last week, play at Malaga, while second-placed Real Madrid host Almeria. Real forward Cristiano Ronaldo has one more match in which to beat the La Liga scoring record of 38, which he equaled with two goals against Villarreal last weekend. “Cristiano has scored nearly 40 goals so we’re all very happy for him,” Real’s Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain said at a media event on Tuesday. “He deserves the Golden Boot and we hope he wins it.” — Reuters

Minnows Duisburg face pre-final injury crisis BERLIN: Schalke 04’s German Cup final opponents Duisburg face an injury crisis ahead of tomorrow’s clash at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, their coach said yesterday. “We are in a very difficult situation, this requires absolute calm and total concentration,” said the second division team’s coach Milan Sasic. “I do not know myself who will be ready to play tomorrow, but we will muster up 11 players.”

Schalke are bidding to win the cup for the fourth time and the Champions League semi-finalists, who finished 14th in the Bundesliga, travel to Berlin with a full squad.

In contrast, Duisburg’s Sasic has considerable problems as the core of his team are either injured or carrying knocks. Definitely out will be captain and striker Srdjan Baljak, plus defender Julian Koch, as both have cruciate knee ligament injuries. Austrian midfielder Jurgen Saeumel is also out with a hamstring injury and imposing Brazil defender Bruno Soares is suspended. In addition, veteran midfielder Ivica Grlic has a muscle strain and defender Benjamin Kern

has strained knee ligaments. To make matters worse, Croatia midfielder Ivica Banovic also complained of discomfort in training on Wednesday. But there is some good news for Duisburg, who are bidding for their first German Cup win at the fourth time of trying.

Austrian striker Stefan Maierhofer says he is over the broken metatarsal bone in his foot and showed plenty of fighting spirit. “The doctor has given me the green light,” the striker tweeted on Wednesday. “In Berlin, I’d play on my hands if I had to.”

Sasic says he will only know who will play when he carries out a final fitness test tomorrow in Berlin. “Our medical department is doing an outstanding job and have tried everything for us to get fit in time,” said Grlic. Regardless of the result in Berlin, Duisburg will celebrate with their fans on Sunday and will take part in a motorcade. “At the end of the day, it is important that the supporters are happy,” said Sasic. “I tell my team every day that is what we are working hard for.” — AFP

Sports FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

FIFA to probe whistleblower over 2022 claim ZURICH: FIFA will interview a whistleblower at the centre of newspaper allegations that Qatar paid two members of the executive committee to vote for their bid to host the 2022 World Cup, Sepp Blatter said yesterday. The FIFA president, bidding to be re-elected for a fourth term on June 1, also refused to rule out the possibility of re-staging the vote, won by Qatar, should the allegations turn out to be true.

“We have organized and the newspaper have agreed (that) we will bring this whistleblower to Zurich and then we will have a discussion, an investigation,” Blatter told reporters.

Last Tuesday, a British parliamentary inquiry into why England failed to secure the 2018 finals was told by member of parliament Damian Collins

there was evidence from the Sunday Times newspaper that Issa Hayatou of Cameroon and Jacques Anouma of the Ivory Coast were paid by Qatar. Qatar, chosen in December to host the 2022 World Cup ahead of United States, Australia, Japan and South Korea, have categorically denied the allegations as have Hayatou and Anouma. Asked if that Qatar hosting decision could be reversed, Blatter replied: “This is an idea circulating already around the world which is alarming. “Don’t ask me yes or no, let us go step by step.”

“I haven’t identified the general whistleblower, for the time being, we have no name-if it is man, or woman,” said Blatter. “It will be the relevant authorities in FIFA which handles such cases, the secretary general (Jerome Valcke). We have to deal with this mat-

ter and solve this matter in the Congress.” Blatter, who stands for reelection against Asian football chief Mohamed Bin Hammam at the Congress, said FIFA wanted the matter clarified by the end of next week. “We must know if the allegations are true or not true or unproven. If they are not true, then this case is over,” he said.

“Then we will see which instrument will work, it is of paramount importance that we have this situation clarified on the 27th.

“The (FIFA) ethics committee is already alerted and alarmed they are not just lying on the beach-and the members will come for the congress and can convene at very short notice.”

At the same UK parliamentary inquiry, former English Football Association chairman David Triesman

accused FIFA executive committee members Jack Warner, Ricardo Teixeira, Nicolas Leoz and Worawi Makudi of asking for favors in return for their votes for England’s 2018 World Cup bid. UK Sports Minister Hugh Robertson hinted to BBC radio the following day that national associations may consider breaking away from FIFA if the world governing body does not act on the stream of allegations. Blatter said he had received a letter from CONCACAF president Warner promising the North, Central America and Caribbean confederation’s support in the election. Blatter has already received backing from Europe, South America, Africa and Oceania although their national federations — who hold one vote each-can vote for whom they want.— Reuters

South African ‘hard men’ to miss Egypt JOHANNESBURG: South Africa will lack injured ‘hard men’ Bongani Khumalo and Thanduyise Khuboni when they face defending champions Egypt in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier next month. Victory for Bafana Bafana (The Boys) on June 5 at the 73,000-seat Cairo Stadium would eliminate the Pharaohs from the race for places at the 2012 finals being co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. Egypt have won a record seven Cup of Nations tournaments-including the last three-but are bottom of the Group G table with a solitary point behind South Africa (seven), Niger (six) and Sierra Leone (two) at the halfway stage. While the Pharaohs have won the last three finals in Cairo, Accra and Luanda, former champions South Africa did not even qualify for the 2008 and 2010 tournaments.

Centre-back Khumalo is recovering from a long-term injury sustained when playing for English second-tier club Preston, to whom he was lent by Premiership outfit Tottenham Hotspur. Swaziland-born Khumalo joined Spurs early this year after impressing during the 2010 World Cup hosted by South Africa and when helping unfashionable SuperSport United win a record-equalling three league titles in a row. Defensive midfielder Khuboni from the Golden Arrows club in Indian Ocean city Durban is a more recent injury casualty, depriving Bafana Bafana of steel that is going to be in great demand against the desperate Egyptians.

Happier news for coach Pitso Mosimane is that firstchoice left-back Tsepo Masilela from Israeli club Maccabi Hafia has fully recovery from an injury that ruled him out of a 1-0 victory over Egypt in Johannesburg two months ago. This match was settled by a goal three minutes into stoppage time at Ellis Park from Mamelodi Sundowns striker Katlego Mphela after match-rusty Egypt created more clearcut chances. The successful popular uprising against authoritarian leader Hosni Mubarak prevented any competitive domestic football being staged in Egypt for several months from January and this had a negative effect on the national squad. Mosimane, who succeeded veteran Brazilian Carlos Alberto Parreira after South Africa made a first round exit from the 2010 World Cup, has no illusions about the task awaiting his side in the Egyptian capital. “We are going to their stable and they know nothing less than victory will keep their hopes alive of making the finals. I am expecting a very difficult match with more aggression from our rivals and higher stress levels for us.

“However, I am confident the squad will be able to absorb all of this in a match that will require a lot of brain power and a high level of tactical discipline.” Sierra Leone host Niger the same weekend in a west Africa derby and need maximum points to get back into the reckoning with only group winners sure of places at the 16-team African football showcase next January and February.— AFP

ASUNCION: Santiago Silva (right) of Argentina’s Velez Sarsfield, fights for the ball with goalkeeper Tobias Vargas, of Paraguay’s Libertad, as Paraguay’s Libertad’s teammate Miguel Samudio looks on during a Copa Libertadores soccer game in Asuncion on Wednesday, May 18, 2011. — AP

Velez crush Libertad BUENOS AIRES: Velez Sarsfield underlined their Libertadores Cup favorites tag with an emphatic 4-2 win away to Paraguay’s Libertad that carried them into the semi-finals on Wednesday. The Argentine side were joined by twice winners Santos of Brazil after their 1-1 draw at home to Colombia’s Once Caldas put them through 2-1 on aggregate.

Diminutive midfielder Maxi Moralez scored Velez’s first two goals at the Defensores del Chaco in Asuncion as their quarter-final second leg victory put them through 7-2 on aggregate. “This is a team that can achieve great things,” Moralez, voted man of the match, told Fox Sports.

Trailing 3-0 after the first leg, Libertad took

the lead one minute before halftime when midfielder Rodrigo Rojas volleyed home a cross from the left with goalkeeper Marcelo Barovero rooted to the spot.

Velez, South American champions in 1994, hit back immediately when Moralez ran on to fellow midfielder Victor Zapata’s through ball to shoot past keeper Tobias Vargas less than a minute later. Striker Manuel Maciel restored the home side’s lead six minutes into the second half with a hard drive from the left across the face of goal and past the diving Barovero into bottom corner. The Argentine side’s second equalizer came in the 67th minute from a fine attack on the left with Moralez passing to Emiliano Papa and receiving

the defender’s back-heel in his stride to shoot past Vargas. Former Mexico striker Guillermo Franco, who came on in the 63rd minute in his comeback from surgery on a knee injury three months ago, converted a penalty after being brought down to put Velez ahead in the 86th.

Midfielder Augusto Fernandez made it four a minute later when he sidestepped a challenge in the middle of the box before rifling a deflected shot high into the net.

Santos, 1-0 up from the first leg in Manizales, went ahead in the 12th minute at the Pacaembu in Sao Paulo when Neymar took a square ball from midfielder Danilo, entered the box and shot past goalkeeper Luis Martinez. — Reuters

Sports FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

Alonso pledges future to Ferrari Double champion hopes to end F1 career at team

BALTIMORE: Preakness Stakes entrant Dialed In stands in a barn at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. Dialed In drew the No10 post position for tomorrow’s horse race.— AP

Full 14-horse field set for Preakness BALTIMORE: Kentucky Derby champion and Triple Crown hopeful Animal Kingdom drew the 11th post for the Preakness Stakes and was installed as the early 2-1 favorite in tomorrow’s ]]$1 million race at Pimlico Race Course. “I couldn’t be happier,” said Animal Kingdom trainer Graham Motion, looking for his first Preakness victory in his fourth career start. “I was hoping to be at the middle or toward the outside and that’s where I am.”

Dialed In, the Nick Zito-trained colt who finished a disappointing eighth in the Derby as the favorite, will start just inside of the Derby winner at number 10 at 9-2 odds.

A full field of 14 horses was entered Wednesday for the mileand-three-16ths Grade I affair, the middle jewel of thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown series. Mucho Macho Man, the Florida-bred bay who finished third in the Derby with a late charge, was slotted in the nine hole and opened at 6-1 in the wagering. Motion said his Kentucky-bred chestnut, ridden by John Velazquez, will probably go off at around 8-5 by post time, the odds trimmed by fans hoping to see the first Triple Crown winner since 1978.

“There’s no more pressure than having the Derby winner,” said the 46-year-old Maryland-based trainer. “We want to do well for everybody else. Everyone wants to see the horse do well. Except, of course, the other 13 trainers. “Look, I’ve followed this as everyone else has and rooted for the Triple Crown horse. But I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself. We’ll deal with the Preakness first.” Zito, who won the 1996 Preakness with Louis Quatorze, was hoping the pace would be quicker than that of the Derby two weeks ago.

Dialed In, with Julien Leparoux in the irons, closed with a rush at Churchill Downs but was never in contention largely due to the sleepy tempo in the opening half-mile. “It’s got to be a fair pace,” he said. “I doubt very much they’re going to go that slow again. He’ll have his chance provided he doesn’t get into trouble. “I don’t think the post matters with him because of his style of running. Would I want the one or 14 post? Probably not. But 10 will be fine.” Santa Anita Derby winner Midnight Interlude, trained by five-time Preakness-winner Bob Baffert, will open from the seventh post at 15-1 odds.

Baffert said the Kentucky-bred bay “lost interest” in the middle of the Derby and finished 16th in the 19-horse field. “He’s a funny horse,” said Baffert, who won the Preakness last year with Lookin at Lucky. “He’s temperamental. He got mad at the Derby and took himself out of it. “But I liked what I saw this week. Is he good enough? If he could run like he did at the Santa Anita Derby, it puts him right there.” Though it is considered a fairly open race, Motion, saddling the only horse with Triple Crown aspirations, was the most popular man at the draw ceremony. If he wins the Preakness, only the Belmont Stakes stands between him and racing immortality. “Whenever I’ve come to these things before, no one’s been interested in my horse,” he said with a chuckle. “This is kind of cool.”—Reuters

BARCELONA: Fernando Alonso said he planned to see out his Formula One career at Ferrari after the Italian team announced yesterday that they had extended the double world champion’s contract to the end of 2016.

The Spaniard, who won his titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006, is in his second season with the sport’s oldest, most successful and glamorous team. The 29-year-old won on his Ferrari debut in Bahrain last year and ended the season as runner-up to Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel after taking the title battle down to the wire in Abu Dhabi.

“It is a great pleasure to have renewed our agreement with a driver who has always demonstrated a winning mentality even in the most difficult circumstances,” said Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo in a statement ahead of Alonso’s home grand prix at the Circuit de Catalunya.

“Fernando has all the required qualities, both technically and personally to play a leading role in the history of Ferrari and I hope he will be enriching

BARCELONA: Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso of Spain attends a press conference in Montmelo yesterday. The Formula One race will be held on Sunday. — AP

it with further wins very soon.” Alonso is currently fifth overall, 52 points behind Vettel after four races.

Vettel, 23, is gunning for his fourth win of the season this weekend but Alonso has refused to be downcast about his championship hopes after mounting a strong comeback last year in the face of similar adversity.

“I am very happy to have reached this agree-

ment,” said the Spaniard, who finished third in Turkey two weeks ago for his first podium of the season.

“I immediately felt comfortable within Ferrari and now it feels to me like a second family. I have the utmost faith in the men and women who work in Maranello and in those who lead them.

“It is therefore natural for me to decide to extend my relationship in the

long term like this, with a team at which I will no doubt end my Formula One career one day,” added the Spaniard, who started his F1 career with the Italian MInardi team in 2001.

Ferrari did not mention Felipe Massa, Alonso’s current team mate. However Montezemolo said last week that the Brazilian had a contract for next year and would be staying.— Reuters

Johnson on mental high for Colonial title defense DALLAS: American Zach Johnson defends his title at this week’s Colonial Invitational in buoyant mood after a timely chat with a sports psychologist last month.

Frustrated after missing the cut in successive weeks in April at the Masters and Heritage tournament at Hilton Head, Johnson realized his mental game needed a substantial lift. He had a productive discussion with his sports psychologist, Dr Morris Pickens, and has since produced good form at the Wells Fargo Championship and last week’s Players Championship.

“I didn’t necessarily expect the results to show up quite that quick,” a smiling Johnson told reporters at Colonial Country Club on Wednesday. “I missed two cuts in a row at Augusta and Hilton Head and did some re-evaluation. After those two weeks it’s been good so I’m

excited about this week.” The day before his meeting with Pickens, Johnson typed out a few notes to address on his mobile phone. “Just ... the way I’m thinking, the way I’m relating to my caddie, the way I’m practicing,” the 35-year-old said. “All sorts of things, from one end of the spectrum to another. “We just hashed it all on paper and tried to condense it. And tried to test three or four key things to think about, to focus on.”

Boosted by his sit-down with Pickens, Johnson tied for sixth at the Wells Fargo Championship and finished joint 12th at the Players after closing with a 66. “I will re-evaluate after this week as well,” he added.

“It’s an ongoing process.” Johnson won the biggest title of his career, and his only major to date, at the 2007 Masters. However his victory last year at the Colonial-a tourna-

ment made famous by five-times champion Ben Hogan-ranks among his best golfing memories.

“It’s a humbling honor,” said Johnson, who 12 months ago triumphed by three shots at Colonial Country Club to get his name engraved on the Wall of Champions by the first tee. “You are talking about one of the more elite fraternities in sports, let alone in golf. Just to be a small part of that, it’s very special. This tournament is always high on my list of wanting to win. It always has been.” Apart from seventimes PGA Tour winner Johnson, other big names competing this week include former major winners Vijay Singh, Jim Furyk, Angel Cabrera, Stewart Cink, Mike Weir and Lucas Glover. The highest-ranked player set to tee off in yesterday’s opening round is American world number 10 Matt Kuchar. —Reuters

Sports FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2011

AL Roundup

Cano’s double in 15th lifts Yankees BALTIMORE: Robinson Cano doubled in two runs in the 15th inning as the New York Yankees beat the Baltimore Orioles 4-1 on Wednesday after Mariano Rivera blew a one-run lead in the ninth. After Mike Gonzalez gave up Cano’s double, he struck Chris Dickerson in the head with a fastball. Gonzalez was immediately ejected, and Dickerson remained motionless on the ground for several minutes. After being helped to his feet, Dickerson walked to first base before leaving the game.

Mark Teixeira led off the 15th with a single off Jeremy Accardo (2-1). Rodriguez followed with a single, and Cano hit a liner to right-center that Adam Jones bobbled, allowing Cano to take third. Gonzalez then hit Dickerson. With Baltimore out of relief pitchers, Jeremy Guthrie came in and gave up a sacrifice fly to Brett Gardner. New York’s Hector Noesi (1-0) worked four innings in his major league debut, allowing two hits.

Alex Rodriguez had a season-high four hits for the Yankees.

Red Sox 1, Tigers 0 At Boston, Jarrod Saltalamacchia doubled off the wall in left field in the eighth inning, scoring Carl Crawford from first base and sending Boston over Detroit for its fifth straight victory. Boston’s Clay Buchholz and Detroit’s Phil Coke each pitched seven shutout innings.

Then Daniel Bard, who replaced Buchholz to start the eighth, threw one pitch before the game was delayed for 26 minutes by rain. When play resumed, Bard (1-3) retired the side in order.

White Sox 1, Indians 0 At Chicago, Jake Peavy allowed just three hits in his home debut this season, outpitching Justin Masterson and making Adam Dunn’s sacrifice fly in the first inning stand up in Chicago’s victory over Cleveland. Peavy (1-0) struck out eight to cool off a Cleveland lineup that scored 31 runs in its three previous games. The 29-year old right-hander had his fifth career shutout and ninth complete game. He allowed only one runner past first base, did not walk a batter and threw 111 pitches.

Masterson (5-2) pitched his third career complete game.

He allowed one run on five hits.

Rays 6, Blue Jays 5 At Toronto, Matt Joyce homered, and Elliot Johnson had three RBIs to help Tampa Bay snap Toronto’s winning streak at six games. Rays rookie right-hander Jeremy Hellickson (5-2) won his fourth straight start, allowing four runs, three earned, and five hits in 5 2-3 innings. Kyle Farnsworth gave up a run in the ninth when Yunel Escobar’s grounder drove in Rajai Davis, but held on for his ninth save in 10 opportunities. The Blue Jays made five errors, one shy of the team record they committed on May 13, 1982, at Texas.

Mariners 3, Angels 0 At Seattle, Jason Vargas pitched seven innings for Seattle to run his scoreless streak to 16 innings, denying Jered Weaver another chance at becoming the first pitcher in the majors to reach seven wins. Vargas (3-2) allowed four singles. Jack Cust had two RBI singles, and Justin Smoak added an RBI double. Weaver (6-4) dropped his fourth straight decision. Los Angeles has lost six of seven.

Rangers 5, Royals 4, 11 innings At Kansas City, Missouri, Adrian Beltre hit a two-run single off Jeremy Jeffress in the 11th inning, lifting Texas past rookie-laden Kansas City. Jeffress (1-1) walked the bases full with one out in the ninth, running Kansas City’s walk total for the night to 13. Beltre, who also had an RBI fielder’s choice in the third, delivered a solid single into center, allowing Endy Chavez to score easily and Ian Kinsler to score on a close play at the plate.

Kansas City rookie Eric Hosmer hit Neftali Feliz’s first pitch in the ninth inning for his third home run and first in Kauffman Stadium, tying it at 3-3.

Twins 4, Athletics 3, 10 innings At Oakland, California, Trevor Plouffe hit a sacrifice fly in the 10th inning for his season-high third RBI as Minnesota beat Oakland for its second straight victory following a nine-game losing streak. Pinch-hitter Delmon Young singled to open the inning and advanced to third when Daric Barton threw Alexi Casilla’s bunt into the outfield. —AP

LOS ANGELES: San Francisco Giants’ Aubrey Huff (right) scores on a sacrifice fly by Aaron Rowand as Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Rod Barajas takes a late throw during the fourth inning of a baseball game in Los Angeles. — AP

Hamels, Rollins lead Phillies past Rockies PHILADELPHIA: Cole Hamels threw eight impressive innings and Jimmy Rollins drove in the go-ahead run with a sacrifice fly in the eighth inning as the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Colorado Rockies 2-1 on Wednesday to end a four-game losing streak. Hamels (5-2) allowed one run and five hits, striking out eight for his first victory against the Rockies. He entered 0-3 with an 8.22 ERA in three career starts against Colorado, including two in the postseason. Ryan Madson finished for his seventh save in seven chances.

Pirates 5, Reds 0 At Cincinnati, Charlie Morton threw a five-hitter for his second career shutout and Pedro Alvarez hit a three-run homer to help Pittsburgh end a six-game losing streak. Morton (5-1) avoided heavy rain for a change and stymied Cincinnati again. He threw a five-hitter for a 6-1 victory at Great American Ball Park on April 15, coming within one out of his second career shutout. Alvarez ended his streak of 15 games without driving in a run when he connected in the fourth off Bronson Arroyo (3-4). Andrew McCutchen added a two-run shot in the seventh.

Mets 3, Nationals 0 At New York, Jonathon Niese pitched seven sharp innings, some of them in heavy rain, and Justin Turner added to his surprising tear with a two-run double in New York’s victory over Washington. With maybe a few thousand hardy souls in the stands on another wet night at Citi Field, the Mets’ depleted lineup scratched out enough offense to help Niese (3-4) win his second consecutive start. Playing without

injured regulars David Wright, Ike Davis and Angel Pagan, New York won for the eighth time in 12 games and tied Washington for fourth place in the NL East. Jason Bay had a sacrifice fly in the first inning and Turner cracked a twoout double in the sixth to chase Tom Gorzelanny (2-3).

Giants 8, Dodgers 5 At Los Angeles, Cody Ross hit a tiebreaking three-run homer in the ninth inning as San Francisco rebounded after Los Angeles leveled it with a three-run rally in the eighth. Juan Uribe hit a two-run double and scored the tying run on James Loney’s single during the Dodgers’ dramatic two-out rally in the eighth against Giants closer Brian Wilson (4-1). Ross then pulled a pitch by Lance Cormier (0-1) inside the left-field pole for just his third homer of the season for the first-place Giants. San Francisco has won eight of 11. Matt Kemp homered for Los Angeles.

Cubs 7, Marlins 5 At Miami, Marlon Byrd hit a tiebreaking solo homer in the eighth inning as Chicago beat Florida to end a threegame losing streak. Reed Johnson hit his third career pinch-hit home run for the Cubs to make the score 5-all in the sixth.

They took the lead on Byrd’s second homer against Edward Mujica (4-2) leading off the eighth. Chicago’s Ryan Dempster gave up five runs in five innings, increasing his ERA to 6.91, but three relievers shut out Florida over the final four innings. Hanley Ramirez homered for Florida.

Cardinals 5, Astros 1 At St Louis, Kyle Lohse threw eight dominant innings to beat Houston for

the second time in less than a month, leading St Louis to its third straight victory. Lohse (5-2) allowed a run on six hits in eight innings, his fourth outing of eight or more innings, and has a 2.17 ERA. He was 4-8 with a 6.55 ERA last year while battling a forearm injury that required surgery in May. Jon Jay had two RBIs in a four-run third and started a double play in the seventh with a diving catch in center field. Pinch-hitter Pete Kozma hit an RBI double in his first career at-bat for the Cardinals.

Diamondbacks 5, Braves 4, 11 innings At Phoenix, Ryan Roberts scored from third base off Justin Upton’s grounder with a drawn-in infield in the 11th inning to give Arizona a comeback victory over Atlanta. Atlanta took a 4-3 lead with two out in the top of the 11th on pinch-hitter Diory Hernandez’s RBI single. With one out in the bottom of the 11th, Russell Branyan singled and went to third on Roberts’ single that glanced off pitcher Craig Kimbrel (1-2).

Kelly Johnson drove in the tying run with a single and Upton won it. Upton hit a solo homer in the first.

Brewers 5, Padres 2 At San Diego, Yovani Gallardo struck out nine batters to win his third straight start and Mark Kotsay had three hits and two RBIs for Milwaukee. Gallardo (5-2) held San Diego to two runs and five hits in six innings. John Axford pitched the ninth his 10th save in 12 chances. Kotsay, who was with the Padres from 2001-03, had an RBI single in the fourth and an RBI double in the sixth. Corey Hart also had three hits. Ryan Ludwick hit a two-run homer in the fourth for San Diego, an NL-worst 7-15 at home. — AP

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Horner wins 4th stage of Tour of California LOS ANGELES: American Chris Horner pulled away from team mate and compatriot Levi Leipheimer with about four kilometers remaining to win the fourth stage of the Tour of California on Wednesday and grab the overall lead. Horner, who placed fourth in the event last year, completed the hilly 131.6 kilometer road race from Livermore to San Jose in three hours 27 minutes 51 seconds.

Twice Tour de France runner-up Andy Schleck of Luxembourg finished the stage in second with Australian Rory Sutherland close behind in third, despite being credited with the same time. “I wanted to break the race apart,” said the 39-year-old Horner, who placed 10th overall as the top American finisher in the 2010 Tour de France. “Levi (Leipheimer) is the three-time champion and I was riding in support of him. I think we will still try to protect him. He’s a big favorite in the time trial.”

Leipheimer won the Tour of California for three consecutive years, beginning in 2007, largely because of his dominating time trial wins. After a one-year absence from the event, the 24 km Solvang time trial returns as stage six. Horner, who began the fourth stage in 21st position, took over the race lead by 75 seconds over Leipheimer, who finished the day in fourth place. Tom Danielson, also of the United States, was third overall, trailing by one minute 22 seconds. Horner and Leipheimer, who ride for RadioShack, the American team partially owned by retired seven-time Tour de France titlist Lance Armstrong, began the final six-kilometer climb to the finish together.

But Horner powered away from his team mate after about two kilometers, quickly built his lead and was never challenged in the race’s first ever mountaintop finish. Schleck, who has finished second to Alberto Contador in the last two editions of the Tour de France, did not expect to be competing for a mountaintop stage win. “All mountain stages are difficult, but this one was difficult because there was no place to recover,” he said. “But I surprised myself. I didn’t expect to be up there.” The Tour of California continued yesterday with the 217.5 km road race from Seaside to Paso Robles, the longest stage of the event. — Reuters

NBA ‘Street fighter’ James propels Heat Miami level Eastern Conference final at 1-1 CHICAGO: LeBron James produced some more fourth-quarter magic to propel the Miami Heat to a scrappy 85-75 win over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, evening their NBA Eastern Conference final at a game each. Dead-locked at 73-73 late in the fourth and the Bulls on the charge, James took over, scoring nine of Miami’s final 12 points to earn the Heat a split in the Windy City. The best-of-seven series moves to South Beach for Games Three and Four Sunday and Tuesday. “I put it all on the line tonight, I did whatever it took for our team to win,” James, who has been battling a cold, told reporters.

“I’m glad we’ve got a few days to get back down into that great weather we have in Miami. “Hopefully I can get over it before we play Game Three. It’s whatever it takes at this point.” James has made a habit of coming through in the clutch for the Heat this post-season in his chase for an elusive first NBA title. Wednesday’s heroics mirrored those James delivered in the East semi-finals against Boston when he scored Miami’s last 10 points in a 97-87 win that eliminated the Celtics. James finished with a game-high 29 points and 10 rebounds while Dwyane Wade contributed 24 points and nine boards. Chris Bosh, the other member of the Miami’s big three, chipped in with 10 points and eight rebounds.

STREET FIGHT “That fourth quarter is going to be what will epitomize this entire series,” said Miami coach Erik Spoelstra. “It’s an absolute street fight. “I anticipate a lot of quarters like that fourth quarter.

“I’ve seen it enough with Dwyane and now with LeBron that they respond and often play their best when their back is against the wall.” Chicago got 21 points from Derrick Rose but the NBA’s most valuable player had little help, Luol Deng the only other member of the Bulls to hit double figures with 13 points. The Bulls misfired on their first five shots but quickly found their groove led by nine quick points from Deng, who sank a half-court

CHICAGO: Miami Heat forward LeBron James (center) gets double-teamed

by Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng (9) and center Joakim Noah (13) during the second quarter of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals on Wednesday, May 18, 2011. — AP three at the buzzer to give Chicago a 26-19 first-quarter advantage.

A driving layup from James with seven seconds left on the clock allowed Miami to head into the intermission with a slim 48-46 lead, which they built up to 11 points in the third.

But the Bulls, backed by a vociferous capacity crowd, began to chip away

at Miami’s lead and trimmed the deficit to 71-65 going into the final quarter. Chicago opened the fourth with an 8-2 run to get back on level terms at 73-73 but would never retake the lead as James caught fire, ending the threat with five consecutive points to spark a final 12-2 run that iced the victory. — Reuters

Canucks rout Sharks

CALIFORNIA: Chris Horner, of the United States, celebrates his win in Wednesday’s stage of the Tour of California cycling race in San Jose, Calif. — AP

VANCOUVER: Daniel Sedin scored his second power-play goal of the game as Vancouver Canucks routed the San Jose Sharks 7-3 on Wednesday for a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference finals. Chris Higgins and Mason Raymond scored man advantage goals and defenseman Aaron Rome notched his first NHL playoff goal with 5:30 left as the Canucks poured it on late. The game turned when Kevin Bieksa scored the go-ahead goal on a breakaway with 7:55 left in the second period. Game 3 of the best-of-seven series is later today at San Jose. Bieksa, who scored the tying goal in the Canucks’ 3-2 comeback win in Game 1, beat four Sharks up the ice to take a cross-ice, blue line-toblue line pass from Chris Higgins. He then beat goalie Antti

Niemi with a quick shot between the legs.

The game got ugly after Bieksa pounded Sharks forward Patrick Marleau in a one-sided fight six minutes later. That angered San Jose tough guy Ben Eager, who was yelling at the Canucks bench after the fight. He then ran Daniel Sedin face first into the boards late in the period. Eager took another penalty in the third, and Higgins made it 4-2 on the power play eight minutes in. Raymond added another power-play goal - on a too many men penalty that negated Joe Thornton’s breakaway - with 3:18 left. The Canucks went 4 for 6 on the power play. Daniel Sedin and Raffi Torres scored 39 seconds apart in the first period, and Roberto Luongo finished with 28 saves. — AP

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‘Street fighter’ LeBron James propels Heat Page63

CHICAGO: Miami Heat’s Chris Bosh (foreground left) guards Chicago Bulls’ Derrick Rose (foreground right) during the fourth quarter of Game 2 of the NBA Eastern Conference finals basketball series on Wednesday, May 18, 2011. The Heat won 8575. — AP