19 Aug - Friday Times

As Kuwait tightens screws, ‘beggars’ change methods

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JEDDAH: Saudi men and women break their fast at the open-air “hanging” restaurant at 50 meters above the Red Sea port of Jeddah on August 17,2011. “Dinner in the Sky” includes meals after sunset during the holy month of Ramadan, above the sea or Riyadh’s landmark sites, in line with strict Islamic traditions. — AFP

West in concerted move to force Assad out ( See Page 12)

7 Israelis die in cross-border attacks; Israel responds with air strikes, kills 6 Palestinians (See Page 10)

Local FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

In my view

Tax free Kuwait: Pros and cons

In my view

Ghabqa for a cause

By Jamie Etheridge

By Sahar Moussa local@kuwaittimes.net

O

ne of the best incentives expats are often offered when negotiating a job in Kuwait is tax-free salary. Employers point to it as the penultimate reason for working in Kuwait and sometimes as a justification for offering a lower salary or fewer benefits than an expat might receive otherwise.

Kuwait’s tax free status, like the rest of the Gulf, makes it an attractive destination for employment. The 20, 30 or 40+ percent income tax other countries around the globe take from workers can seriously slash the value of a paycheck.

At the same time, however, the tax-free lifestyle doesn’t come cheap. What you pay with, however, isn’t cash but a loss of social benefits most of us only grudgingly realize after we’ve moved to the region.

Unlike London, Melbourne or New York City, Kuwait doesn’t have a vibrant night life. In fact, it doesn’t have anything like those famous cities’ nightlife due to the fact that alcohol is illegal here. For expats who enjoy happy hours or sitting in a pub after work and chatting with friends, forget it.

At best, you might find a shisha place amiable to foreigners.

And worse, you’ll spend much more time – and money – eating out (and gaining weight) or shopping for lots of clothes , gadgets, furniture, electronics, appliances and other things you won’t need and will likely sell off at a considerable loss when you leave.

There is also a considerable limit to cultural and social events. Yes, there is a small theater scene in Kuwait and the occasional concert. Walkathons are actually quite fun and everyone loves the nightly Ghabqas during Ramadan.

But there is no dancing in public, walking hand-in-hand with your spouse along the corniche will earn you disapproving looks from strangers and there are only so many backyard barbeques you can go to before you run out of small talk.

Expats usually come to love Kuwait or leave it within a few years. For those of us who’ve grown to love Kuwait, it can be great place to live.

But the constant turnover of foreigners – especially skilled and ta lented labor that have a multitude of choice elsewhere – creates a lasting problem for businesses and the community as a whole.

When you have such a large portion of society not invested in the country, in its progress or success or in the work they do – you get mediocre results. Firms need low turnover so that

they can invest in their employees’ professional development and grow their businesses. They a lso need to reinvest profits from their business in the firms’ expansion and diversification rather than in recruitment fees.

Community groups and social organizations also suffer from short termers. Those who come to stay only a year or two, long enough to save up for a mortgage or their children’s college or retirement, who are focused on earning that tax-free salary and treat Kuwait like a work camp are much less likely to volunteer or get involved in their community.

Taxing expats, however, won’t make the situation any better. Instead it will drive the most talented and the most capable elsewhere. What benefits would draw expats here if they still had to give up their social lives and still had to suffer the income tax cuts to their take home salaries? Either businesses will have to pony up higher salaries to compete or risk losing the best and brightest.

And though the government may target expats at first, eventually a comprehensive income tax will have to include all of the country’s workers. That means that more and more people will deem it less and less profitable to work and contribute their talents and expertise to Kuwait.

There are benefits to taxing a society – first and foremost, the government will have a guaranteed revenue stream.

But taxed societies also tend to want to have more say over government decisions – especially those financial decisions that have to do with big ticket projects or budget concerns. Is Kuwait ready for that type of openness and transparency? Can Kuwait’s government relinquish the power over its budget to its citizens? Already fights in Parliament over spending had stalled some major projects for decades, effectively killing them completely.

The rumors and reports of an impending income tax have been floating around Kuwait for years now. That the issue keeps resurfacing suggests that that government is seriously weighing the pros and cons. And it should do. In the long term, Kuwait cannot continue to solely rely on a non-renewable source of income: oil.

But other factors should be taken into consideration like the impact on the attraction of Kuwait as a destination for expat labor, the costs to business and the social and political implications of taxation.

sahar@kuwaittimes.net

I

have been in Kuwait for nearly six years and by now am very familiar with the word Ghabqa. Throughout Ramadan, people invite me to attend Ghabqat (plural of Ghabqa). My friends call me up excitedly to inquire, “There is a Ghabqa in ‘X’ restaurant on Monday, why don’t we go?” other friends tell me, “we are invited to ‘Y’ hotel for a Ghabqa, why don’t you come with us?” At first, the word Ghabqa used to confuse me because in my home country Lebanon, we are not familiar with this event at all.

I thought Ghabqa was an event that is interconnected with Ramadan’s spiritualism, similar to Girgian - the Kuwaiti version of Halloween held during Ramadan when children go door to door asking for sweets. This tradition drew children closer to the holy month.

I thought that Ghabqa had something to do with the shortened work hours in Ramadan. Another instance of a Ramadan festivity is the so-called Ramadan tent when people donate money to provide iftar meals to those who observe fasts.

I came to know that a Ghabqa can be hosted in many different ways. In general, a Ghabqa is a social event that can be organized by families, companies, restaurants or hotels for friends, the media and customers. In other cases, it can be more of a PR event. To be honest, when I attended my first Ghabqa I did have a lot of fun and enjoyed a variety of food stuffs offered at the buffet. I did enjoy live Arabic music and waited enthusiastically to win a ticket or a gift at the raffle draw. Then I caught myself thinking. What happens when the Ghabqas finish? Besides the social aspect of the Ghabqa, meaning getting-together with friends and colleagues, in Ramadan we could help promote genuine piety instead of commercializing most of our traditions. I believe that sometimes part of the money we spend to organize a Ghabqa could be donated to the poor orphanages; it could be spent for a charity event that can help the underprivileged. In that way, the Ghabqa could help support a humanitarian cause that fits the definition of the blessed month.

a bookshop breathes its last breath

By Sunil Cherian

A

fter customers took to browsing on the internet, Al-Zamel Bookshop in AlRai began to experience a painful reality - a dying community of readers. The bookshop, mainly catered to the reading appetites of the Indian community with its Malayalam books section, in addition to stocking 9,000 English and 6,000 Arabic titles will down its shutters next week.

The only sales generated during the past six months was in the form of periodicals that flew off the shelves. “But that’s not enough for us to survive,” said Manager Alexander Chacko. “Struggling to pay rent and salaries to its two employees, the bookshop has met its demise,” he added.

Inaugurated two years ago, the bookshop had attracted customers thanks to the varied sections it offered, from Walt Disney books to Vampire stories to Indian fiction and non-fiction. Children’s books were popular, said Alexander who loves to read classics, “Once children bought their favorite books, that was end of it. Looks like parents are not encourag-

ing their children to cultivate a reading habit.”

“What is worse,” Alexander notes, is the hypocrisy of the literati he knew personally, “The self-proclaimed saviors of literature have not turned out to buy a single book.”

A library in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh that Alexander had taken an initiative to open two

months ago faced a setback too. It was inaugurated by an award-winning Indian writer, Bahrain based Benyamin, amid much fanfare.

“After kicking up a metaphorical storm to revive the vanishing habit of reading, none of them visited the library again although it’s boasted a sizable collection of books” he said.

The only saving grace, he said, were the students that passed by occasionally.

Meanwhile, Al-Zamel’s bookshop’s building owner has bought most of books in preparation for its impending closure, “But the shop will no longer be in operation. The dwindling number of readers is a world-wide phenomenon in the age of Kindle. We have to take a step back for the time being.”

Next week 15,000 books will be stashed away in the storeroom. The first shelf to be emptied will be the classic books section.

‘The dwindling number of readers is a world-wide phenomenon in the age of Kindle.

We have to take a step back for the time being’

Local FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

local spotlight

Expats, you can have only two children!

Conspiracy Theories

Not in the name of Ramadan!

By muna al-fuzai

By Badrya Darwish

muna@kuwaittimes.net

K

uwait is not a cheap place to live in, especially during times when the cost of living is on the rise.

Low-income group expatriates find it increasingly difficult to maintain their families here. Expatriate families trying to raise their children here appear to be punished for having them. They have to pay extra money to obtain legal residence permits for their children.

I believe that it is a father or a husband’s basic need to be surrounded by their family members. Should we be penalizing them by eliciting more money from their near-empty pockets to legalize their family members?

To illustrate my point, let me describe the situation that one expatriate faces right now. Recently, he became a father for the third time and went to the Passport Office to obtain a residence permit for his newborn baby. He learnt that it was obligatory to pay KD 100 more because he had a third child. He questions why a heftier ‘fine’ is levied on the third child? I think the decision to have one or ten babies are one’s personal choice.

These should not be classified by our government and

charge varying residency fees from the first to the third child. The total amount that is charged for the first year for the third child amounts to KD 200 (paid at the Passport Office)+KD 10(stamp fee)+31(health insurance fee) equals to KD 241. I don’t understand why an extra KD 100 is charged? It appears to me that they pay a penalty for having more than two children!

All the government does here care is ensure legality for their stay. Why are we creating a quasi-regulation of sorts to dictate how many children expatriates should have? I believe this situation should be fixed immediately. The practice of levying unjustified fees on expatriates that have more children should be put an end to immediately.

Satire Wire

Blame human nature

By Sawsan Kazak

sawsank@kuwaittimes.net

L

ast week, riots broke out all over England. Young people took to the streets, broke windows set things on fire and looted multiple stores. The raiders took electronic items, jewelry and even groceries, not to mention causing major property damage. The riots continued for days, spreading throughout the country with the help of social media and word of mouth publicity. Thousands were arrested and the judicial aftermath of the riots saw many getting severe jail sentences, and facing serious consequences for their convictions.

The riots have cooled down but the debate over who is to blame still rages on. Many seem to believe that the cause of riots began due to police brutality towards a young man but continued due to the youth’s frustration with unemployment or cultural divides, and its obsession with material goods. Many people have placed the blame for the riots continuing for as long as they did, however, on the parents of these youths.

From politicians to analysts and even simple bystanders have come out and placed responsibility on the parents of these rioters, claiming not enough has been done at home to raise these children to respect others and society. Many have come out in the media stating that parents should be more aware of what their kids are doing, and should be held somewhat responsible for the riots. Furthermore, that due to the fact that these youths were not raised properly they had a lack of respect for other people’s property.

I believe that these people have clearly forgotten what it was like to be a teenager. There was always a

feeling of invincibility, like you could get away with anything no matter what your parents told you. Also, as a teenager, you become quite an expert at concealing the truth from your parents.

Also let’s not forget to blame human nature just a little bit. Who doesn’t want ‘something for nothing?’ It doesn’t matter if you are employed or not or if come from a strict household or not; something for nothing always sounds good. When youths see their friends get a plasma TV for nothing or a new PS3 and nothing is happening to them, why wouldn’t they jump in the next day and get their own? There is also something called ‘mob mentality’ which sometimes explains why some people, who are usually rational, act irrationally when in a large group. Amongst a large number of people, you can sometimes feel invisible and not responsible for your individual actions.

Let me just make myself clear, an explanation is not an excuse. I’m not trying to say that the youth were justified in taking, breaking or vandalizing any of the items or locations. What I am trying to do is place a little more blame where it should be, and that is human nature.

Steps should be taken to prevent future riots and penalties should be given to those that have erred. But parents should not always be the scapegoats when children misbehave nor should we overanalyze the situation and try to change large parts of society.

badrya_d@kuwaittimes.net

Q

atayef; Gamat; Awama; Sambousa. I hope guys, you are familiar with these names. I am sure that if you have been living in Kuwait, and you have been here during Ramadan, you know that Qatayef is the name of the best sweets made especially for Ramadan. It is a pastry filled with nuts and cream dipped in sugar syrup and fried. Wow! I can’t wait to taste it. Gamat is also something similar to the Indian sweet Gulab Jamun. Sambousa, I am sure all of you know. It is pastry filled with something very, very nice. There are hundreds of nice dishes which are eaten during Ramadan.

I know you will tell me Ramadan is meant for fasting. Of course, we fast but a human being’s resistance to food is weak. Once Adhan “Allah Akbar” is heard, I forget the word diet and fasting, and start nibbling a bit on this and a bit on that. In half an hour, I am totally full. I ask my friends and they tell me that they are trapped by the same weakness. I am not alone in this world. But then, I give myself the excuse that these are the kinds of food that we eat during Ramadan only; I can burn them off after Ramadan. But come to the TV series which are created for Ramadan and you see a revolution. You try to find the unusual connection between Ramadan and these soap operas.

That is the worst part, guys. A month before Ramadan, advertising for these great Ramadan series bombards us on the screen of all Arabic channels.

Whether it is a Lebanese, Syrian, Moroccan or Jordanian TV they all share the Ramadan series advertisements. How Ramadan-ic are these serials?

The plots of these series are not related to Ramadan.

It is either about boozing, adultery, cheating, lying, murders, conniving, plotting conspiracies and living a wild life. If the soap operas lack one of these topics, then they are trivial, lack any ideas or principle. They are deprived of artistic features and good acting. I wonder how these satellite channels buy these series and broadcast them? Is it because they have no other option or they underestimate the mind of the Arab street - that we have no taste, we are stupid and they can show us anything they want?

One Syrian series shows that a father is in love with his daughter! Can you imagine what kind of stories we have to watch during Ramadan? Or how about the mother who runs a cabaret and asks her daughter to come and dance in it! The daughter answers back, “No, I will dance in the cabaret that my husband opens.” These are just few of the examples. Excuse me, how suitable is it for Ramadan?

Also, don’t forget the obscene clothes and make-up these women have on them.

Mind you, I am not talking about Western movies on other channels. I am talking about special Ramadan series that are watched. They are made for Ramadan. Actors and producers have been busy the whole year to prepare these series for us for the month of Ramadan. I don’t give a damn, if they want to run the series in other months of the year. Then everybody can censor what he watches. But please do not brand them as being ‘Ramadan series.’

Local FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

‘You can experience diversity by just being in your own house’

By Lama Al-Haqhaq

T

he diversity that can currently present in Kuwait came about abruptly. One of the causes behind this, is the growing number of expatriates settling in Kuwait. Another cause, it is argued,

could be the increasing number of Kuwaitis welcoming a mixture of culture into their own families. This created the new sub-culture of half Kuwaitis, ‘halfies’ or ‘mixed breeds,’ as some of them proudly and light-heartedly call themselves. “You can experience diversity by just being in your own house,” said Dalal M, born to parents of

Kuwaiti and Palestinian backgrounds. Those who were born into these blends of culture see it as a privilege. They take pride in having a mixed heritage, and seem to be taking full advantage of its perks.

Sarah Al-Beloushi was born into a family of both Kuwaiti and Filipino heritage. She explains how her family is easily able to blend in with both cultures, and include them both into their way of living. She speaks about her mother’s cooking and how she is able to prepare both Kuwaiti and Filipino dishes. “We don’t really live by one culture alone,” Al-Beloushi said.

Polyglots Many enjoy the benefits of being familiar, and even fluent, with more than one language or dialect. Being half Kuwaiti and half German, Saleh says that at home he experiences bilingual, and even trilingual, conversations. Sarah S, who is also a mix of Kuwaiti and German, agrees with Saleh’s statement. “Speaking both German and Arabic is overall beneficial,” she said. Another advantage enjoyed by those coming from mixed backgrounds is the fact that they have sufficient knowledge about two cultures, as they were inevitably raised by the both of them. Al-Beloushi feels that learning about both is actually the main advantage for her. Sarah S agrees with AlBeloushi’s view. “I have inside information about both worlds, information or experience that normal people probably wouldn’t get,” she said. However, with every plus comes a disadvantage. While there seems to be endless benefits to being born into a family of mixed culture, a few downsides are also present. The first one is based on the issue of racism. For Al-Beloushi, this was the only disadvantage she encountered with coming from a mixed family, “There are still a few people in the Kuwaiti society that have little respect for those that come from a mixed culture,” she explains.

Elias Karam, who was born to a Kuwaiti father and a Russian mother, states that while he hasn’t personally encountered any disadvantages, he can imagine that a number of them may exist, “For example, there are families that have a backward mentality when it comes to marriage,” he says elaborating this to be, “Focusing on a person’s religious sect or name, instead of actual accomplishments in life and what kind of person they really are.” He expressed how unfortunate he finds this, and hopes that it will dissolve as the future generations move forward. Sarah S also finds a disadvantage related to marriage, yet it isn’t quite what Karam explores. Her concern regards her personal way of life and finding someone who will be able to adapt to it, “I need someone who understands that I have family abroad, and must be able to adjust with my needs to visit them a lot,” she said.

At a disadvantage For Saleh living in Kuwait, the country of one of his cultures, is causing him to lose a lot from his other culture, “I don’t know much about my German heritage,” Saleh said. Karam narrates a similar story. He admits to getting on the road to draw closer to his other culture. “I’ve recently found myself trying to connect more with my Russian side. Meeting Russians in Kuwait, and reading Russian literature,” he explains. People that come from a cocktail of backgrounds sometimes seem to take comfort in befriending others who, like them, have that in common. Sarah S, states that she gets along better with these people as they tend to think in the same way, “Kids from mixed families are usually open minded and aren’t that strict,” she said. Saleh doesn’t necessarily feel that he gets along more with people who, like him, have a mixed culture. He does, however, feel that he can connect with them on specific topics that they would hold in common, such as the fact that most people do not realize that he is Kuwaiti due to his physical appearance. “Or when Arab strangers speak to me in English in public,” Saleh said. Karam, on the other hand, feels that relating to someone depends more on the individual’s personality and interests rather than their cultural background. Still, he mentioned that when he meets people who are mixed, which seems to happen a lot with him, having this mixed cultural factor in common helps the introduction process go by easier, “It creates a sort of early-on instant bond,” he said.

More open-minded Dalal M gets along with people from mixed backgrounds due to the fact that they are “more open-minded and less judgmental,” she explained. Although, she did mention that she gets along even more with people who come from her mother’s culture.

Yet, Karam and Sarah S both agreed that despite being able to relate to people of mixed heritage, they do have their ‘non-mixed’ friends that they are also able to get along with just as well. “I have plenty of full Kuwaiti friends that are amazing,” Sarah said.

Many different aspects, combined, make up the unique experience of being raised in a family that incorporates two different cultures into their lifestyles. True, there seem to be ups and downs, but the bigger picture seems to be worth it to these families, “You get the best of both cultures and embrace these qualities and values in yourself and your future family,” Dalal M exclaimed.

Local FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

A close-up on

Abu Qutada and Abu Nabeel Animated series enters fifth year of production

‘We know our red lines. We do try to push the envelope, and believe that since this is a satirical series, people should have thicker skin when criticized, including ourselves’ Show’s creator Faisal Al-Ibrahim

By Hussain Al-Qatari

P

ortraying Kuwaiti families belonging to different backgrounds, animated series Abu Qutada and Abu Nabeel enjoyed unprecedented success since its debut in 2007. A production of Watan TV, the series is a social satire that discusses everyday life issues of three Kuwaiti families coming from varied backgrounds.

Whether pointing out blatantly at the lack of logic in prejudice, parodying politicians and celebrities, or poking fun at the latest fashion trends in society, this series does it all with a lively spirit. This year is the fifth consecutive year of the series’ production. According to the show’s creator Faisal Al-Ibrahim, politics aren’t on the top of the agenda this year.

The Arab Spring’s heavy dose of politics made producers decide to opt for minimal politics in this y ear’s season, “We focused more on social issues, poking humor and discussing issues that are accessible to the younger segment of our audience,” says Al-Ibrahim.

The Story Abu Qutada and Abu Nabeel made their first appearance on the Arabic Al-Watan newspaper as daily cartoon strips. They satirized local and regional issues mainly, and after several years of success, the idea of developing them into a cartoon series germinated, “We started in 2007 with short episodes of not more than five minutes.

After the success of the show, we almost doubled the duration of the episodes,” says Al-Ibrahim.

With regard to controversial issues, Al-Ibrahim says that the social satire is a new trend that people are starting to adjust to, “We know our red lines. We do try to push the envelope, and believe that since this is a satirical series, people should have thicker skin when criticized, including ourselves.” he says.

“We do mention controversial issues, but also know that they might cause a little controversy at the time.

People will forget all about it later,” he says. Al-Ibrahim believes that embedded in the culture is a misconception about television. Television, in his opinion, is not meant to be a me ans for education, but for entertainment. “A lot of people argue that television should not tackle certain subjects because its purpose is meant to be education, and that is wrong and not realistic,” he explains. The creator of the show however faced heavy criticism and many obstacles. One such obstacle was obtaining permission to screen ‘Abu Qutada and Abu Nabeel: The Movie’ in Kuwait’s local cinemas. “The

Ministry of Information said it will only be screened in Kuwait if we censor certain scenes. We refused. It was either we screen the entire film, or we don’t screen it at all. We ended up airing it as a special for Eid in 2008,” says Al-Ibrahim. This year, Abu Qutada and Abu Nabeel has ten writers on board, covering a variety of social issues. Al-Ibrahim said the Arab Spring has its share, as does G addafi.

Your guide to the characters The stories revolve mainly around the families of Abu Qutada and Abu Nabeel. Abu Mishal and his family make regular appearances. There are other recurring characters that the men meet in their favorite sheesha place.

Abu Qutada A bearded gentleman who can typically be labeled as a ‘mullah,’ Abu Qutada might as well be a hypocrite.

While on one hand, he heavily condemns corruption and Westernization and promotes religious values, he does not hesitate to use wasta, and in a recent episode secretly listens to Lady Gaga’s songs. However, he cares to appear as the religiously conservative man.

Umm Qutada Dressing in simple clothes, Umm Qutada is forced to renounce life’s pleasures due to her religious upbringing and her marriage to Abu Qutada. She is kind-hearted, and often sacrifices for the comfort of her husband.

Qutada A rebel in the making, Qutada is a young boy appearing to be in his pre-teens. The wall of his room is adorned with his drawings of his parents, where his father is often holding a machine gun and his mother a grenade. Qutada has never been to a chalet, and rarely goes out with his family.

Abu Nabeel Portrayed as the liberal Kuwaiti, Abu Nabeel lives in a lavish villa, trades in the Stock Exchange Market, and gets drunk on weekends. He is a hedonist who can afford the lifestyle. He goes to the same sheesha place as does Abu Qutada, and the two often quarrel but are nevertheless friends.

Umm Nabeel Sporting a fabulous hairdo, Umm Nabeel is always living it up. She can afford whatever she wants - most of

the time - but is often dissatisfied with her husband’s clumsiness and carelessness when it comes to spending money. She pities Umm Qutada and befriends her, often criticizing her ascetic lifestyle and trying to share with her the pleasures and luxuries she can afford.

Nabeel This effeminate boy owns the latest gadgets and gets whatever he wants from his parents. A spoiled boy who vacations abroad with his family, and doesn’t value money. Nabeel might as well be the portrayal of everything wrong with Kuwait’s youth with his complete dependency on parents. He is a smart boy, and he takes pity on his classmate Qutada.

Abu Mishal Abu Mishal claims to be of tribal descent. The poorest of the three families, he is married to Umm Mishal who speaks broken Arabic. While he speaks in a Bedouin dialect, the true story of his origins remain mysterious, though some clues suggest he is of Iranian descent but suffers from an identity crisis. His wife speaks Arabic with an Iranian accent, but dresses like a lot of Bedouin women do with a face veil (niqab). Some details suggest that he is in fact not poor, but stingy.

Umm Mishal Always out of the loop, Umm Mishal joins Umm Qutada and Umm Nabeel only as a sidekick. Due to her bad Arabic, she often finds it difficult to communicate.

Her simple mindedness make her worries seem trivial to the other women.

Mishal A classmate of Qutada and Nabeel, Mishal is the most infamous of the trio. He doesn’t often join them in their activities, being mostly an outcast for his notorious behavior.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

Mental illness grapples with social stigma ‘Awareness can demystify social perception’

The issue of mental illness being stigmatized in Kuwait is not as simple as it seems, and has grown in complexity since psychological help has become acceptable after the war.

By Lisa Conrad

“P

sychology got credibility in Kuwait after the Iraqi invasion,” says Dr Vincenza Tiberia, a psychologist here in Kuwait at the Al-Razi Counseling and Assessment Center. The stigma surrounding it is, therefore, not an old trend, but a new one. “The Social Development Office was established by the late Amir to provide treatment for post traumatic stress disorder. We were serving the whole spectrum of Kuwaiti society, including very traditional, conservative, families who were coming in for psychological services. There wasn’t a stigma because the Amir had seen the need for psychological services following the Iraqi invasion. It was acceptable for people to pursue psychological help.”

The issue of mental illness being stigmatized in Kuwait is not as simple as it seems, and has grown in complexity since psychological help has become acceptable after the war. In fact, this specific instance of stigma appears to have mutated and grown into a double-edged sword.

On one hand, there is the issue of social perception of mental illness sometimes being negative, judgmental and, most importantly, inaccurate. On the other hand, however, is the issue of confidentiality and professionalism when it comes to actually receiving treatment. This stigma is just as dangerous, as those in need of help and treatment often fear the consequences of pursing it, occasionally so much so that they fail to receive treatment.

Attracting attention The social aspect of the stigma surrounding mental illness in Kuwait is an issue that has received much attention recently. Articles have promoted understanding, organizations have launched media campaigns trying to encourage awareness and education, and blogs have happily re-posted press releases and promoted events. Aseel Al-Salem founded the ‘Be Aware Campaign’ to help raise awareness and reduce stigma, “The campaign is concentrated on encouraging people to receive treatment and not feel embarrassed. People talk a lot here and there’s a stigma that psychological issues equate to being ‘crazy,’ which is totally inaccurate. Even anxiety can benefit from psychological care.” The stigma, says Aseel, can be severe, “People tend

to try and cover up mental illness within the family, even children’s learning disabilities are kept quiet, which can promote low self-esteem. Mental illness is a disorder like any other, would someone be judged for having diabetes?”

Dalal and Alaa Al-Homaizi founded the SPEAK (Standing for Psychological Education and Awareness in Kuwait) campaign this year. Their campaign is also targeting the stigma surrounding mental illness by increasing awareness and understanding. While the campaigns are both admirable in their efforts and have seen great results and success, there appears to be a further stigma that is even more difficult to remedy.

As Dr Tiberia noted, many of the issues are not in the hands of society at all, “Kuwait was unique in its lack of stigma, it was very evolved. The way to eradicate it is to ensure ethical procedures and proper confidentiality are followed.” These issues can create barriers for sufferers that need treatment, as Kuwaiti Psychiatrist Mohammad Al-Suwaidan discussed in ‘Mental Health Systems: From Isolation to Integration.’ Dr Al-Suwaidan noted that many suffering from mental health issues in Kuwait request anonymity, fearing the consequences of their Psychiatric Hospital file being added to their medical record. Their medical records will then be seen by their local general practitioner, who often knows their friends and family. This issue is so prevalent that some refuse treatment if it means having their name on a file.

Aseel said that raising awareness could remedy the issue of embarrassment, “The issue of being embarrassed over files can be simply remedied by making it clear that it’s fine to need help. Education is essential here: mental health is seen as a taboo, which needs to change. In this way people will rethink before they pass judgment.” However, although this would decrease judgment, the issue of ethics and confidentiality still needs considerable attention. Which, Dr Tiberia adds, “has given Psychology a bad name in Kuwait.”

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

As Kuwait tightens screws, ‘beggars’ change methods

By Chidi Emmanuel

A

s the government struggles to deal with the problems caused by beggars in Kuwait, the beggars themselves are reportedly becoming smarter, with many apparently changing their begging methods in response. Although numerous steps have been taken to combat this problem including restricting visit visas as part of the anti-begging campaign, the issue continues to dog the authorities, with the emergence of a ‘family-begging’ phenomenon in which entire families will take to the streets, using shrewd ruses to get money from passersby.

‘Family-begging’ Often these families of beggars will claim to be in a desperate situation and plead for financial assistance. Some claim to be Saudi, Bahraini, Yemeni and other nationalities, saying that they have lost their wallets, money and credit cards while visiting Kuwait, with many using Jeeps and other expensive cars to back up this assertion.

Ordinarily a beggar is supposed to be an impoverished person or a pauper, but in these cases the beggars are often well dressed, as well as having top-of-the-range cars. “He just asked me for KD5; I gave it to him because of his wife and kids, said Tina Cole, a kind-hearted Indian expatriate who’d just given some money to one such man, adding, “The man told me he’d lost everything while on his vacation here in Kuwait.”

In Salmiya, the Friday Times met another family, supposedly from Bahrain, who claimed to have lost all their luggage whilst travelling to Kuwait; when they were asked why they were begging instead of, say, contacting the police or their embassy to seek help, however, they immediately drove off. “I didn’t believe the man’s story but I have to give them KD1 because of the baby the wife was carrying,” said Philomena Andes, a Filipino sales clerk. “I can’t imagine a man in the latest Toyota Camry car begging for alms,” she added in astonishment.

Begging in a burqa At the entrance to the Friday Market in Al-Rai area, meanwhile, a burqa-clad woman was spotted, openly begging for alms with a container sitting in front of her. At first it seemed she was selling some items but a closer look told the observer more. Passersby were seen dropping a few fils in the container in front of her, often without her even asking for anything.

There are reports of some incidents in which female beggars go door-to-door visiting people’s homes to beg for alms, as one expatriate resident of Mangaf, Charles S., found out: “At first I thought she was lost,” he said of the beggar who visited his home. “She knocked on my door several times; when I opened the door she asked me for help. I was shocked to see this, knowing how conservative Kuwait is. I gave her KD5 out of fear.”

Begging from believers Close to a mosque in Khaitan, the Friday Times spotted an Asian man - cleaning the windscreen of a car as he waited anxiously for the owners. “I do this just to help myself. I am not forcing them to give me money but some good-hearted ones do give, while others don’t,” the cleaner who prefers to remain anonymous told the Friday Times. The car-owner was as goodhearted as the man had hoped. “They have different styles of begging,” he said. “I know he is not just cleaning cars - he is actually begging for alms. I gave him the money, 500 fils, to help him, not because he cleaned my windscreen.”

In a parking lot near the Evangelical Church in Kuwait City, meanwhile, a dishdasha-clad Arab man could be seen wandering around and cheerfully greeting worshippers, not solely out of friendliness but as a means of soliciting money. Whilst the first person responded to his greeting and went inside the church, the next handed him a quarter dinar, 250 fils, for which the beggar thanked him profusely before returning to his pitch.

Helping the needy is, of course, amongst society’s religious

and moral obligations, and is always encouraged by most religions, especially in this month of Ramadan. Begging in disguise is simply unacceptable in Kuwait, however. Although Ramadan is a time for spiritual purification and Muslims tend to be generous in offering alms, money and food to the needy, some countries, mainly in the GCC, have complained at this period being exploited by some beggars to make money.

Kuwaiti police have reportedly made a number of arrests recently, with all those arrested referred to the relevant authorities to prepare their deportation. The Kuwait government has formed teams of personnel from the Ministries of Interior, Commerce and Industry and the Kuwait Municipality, which have been put in charge of getting rid of beggars from the country’s streets.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

Seventh batch of aid dispatched for Somalia

Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah

Committee reviews economic feasibility KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah chaired the meeting of the ministerial committee tasked with reviewing economic feasibility of shareholding companies taking part in the state’s first annual development plan yesterday at Seif Palace.

State Minister for Planning and development,

Abdelwahab Al-Haroun, said in a statement that the committee discussed in its third meeting measures of establishing low-cost Al-Mabani company in light of the outcome reached during the meeting. He added that the meeting also discussed in details the timetable for establishing projects of the shareholding developmental companies listed

in the first plan, anticipating that the low-cost insurance company and Al-Mabani company would be established. He added that His Highness the Prime Minister stressed during the meeting the importance of resolving any obstacles that may hamper establishing the rest of the companies in coordination with the relevant bodies. — KUNA

Neighborly dispute KUWAIT: A citizen placed an emergency call to Ahmadi police stating that a fire had broken out at his place of residence. Brig Abdellatif Al-Wuhaib, Director of Ahmadi Security stated that empty bullet shells were strewn around.

When police questioned him, he admitted that he had a heated altercation with his neighbor, who then produced his AK-47 to shoot at him, reported AlQabas. As the weapon was not licensed, it was confiscated. Investigation into the case are underway.

Boy ‘thief’ Police received a call from a citizen who claimed to have caught a thief at his home. When police arrived, they were shocked to know that the ‘thief’ was a young boy who was beaten up.

He was admitted to Jahra Hospital. The 13-year-old was physically assaulted for

entering his house without permission.

The boy, however, said that the citizen dragged him in, and beat him up.

Man mugged An Arab expat accused an Ethiopian woman of robbing KD 50 in cash and his civil identification and ATM cards. Police questioned the expat on whether he shared a relationship with her.

However, he denied it and insisted that she had stolen the money. However, during interrogation, the Ethiopian woman admitted to having shared an illicit relationship with the man.

Wife goes missing A citizen filed a complaint with the Keifan police stating that his wife has been missing since Tuesday. The man, in his fifties, said that he called up his 44year-old wife’s phone, but did not

receive a response. He inquired about her whereabouts with relatives who also failed to locate her. Police are investigating the case.

Illicit liquor A citizen from Ahmadi filed a police complaint stating that strong odor emanated from an apartment, which raised suspicions that illicit liquor was being brewed there. The place was raided and liquor was found. Two Asians were arrested.

Rapists caught Mubarak Al-Kabeer police arrested two citizens that kidnapped a Filipina and raped her. The victim told police the duo passed off as detectives, reported Al-Anbaa. They took her to an open area and raped her repeatedly. They were referred to concerned authorities.

Drug ring busted

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: Anti-narcotics police arrested a gang comprising one woman and three men with 21,022 hallucinogen tablets and 30 grams of Methamphetamine.

Acting on a tip off, Major General Sheikh Ahmad AlAbdallah Al-Khalifa, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Criminal Security ordered the first suspect’s arrest.

At least 22 tablets were seized from her possession, and she confessed to obtaining the contraband from young men who live in Kabd.

Doctor attacked An Arab doctor working at Mubarak Hospital lodged a complaint with Jabriya police station stating that a citizen attacked and insulted him.

Attempted robbery A police officer accused three men of assaulting him and trying to steal his car in Sulaibiya.

Burglary A citizen filed a complaint with the nearest police station stating that thieves broke into his house and stole jewelry worth KD 3,200, in addition to making away with his children’s passports and nationality certificates.

KUWAIT: The seventh batch of Kuwaiti relief aid flew to Somalia yesterday as a step to help inhabitants of the drought-stricken country to survive. Media Coordinator at the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) Khaled Al-Zaid said that around 10 tons of relief aid would be transported to the capital Mogadishu as directed

by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad AlJaber Al-Sabah.

He noted that the KRCS is working with the Defense Ministry to take care of transporting and distributing the goods to the Somali people, affirming that Kuwait’s leadership and people would continue to send such support as this measures ease the pain of people there. — KUNA

News

in brief

Busairi forms committee to look into KOC, SHELL deal KUWAIT: Minister of Oil and State Minister for National Assembly Affairs Dr Mohammad Al-Busairi formed yesterday a fact-finding committee tasked with looking into the consultancy deal signed between Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) and Shell Oil Company (SHELL). KOC said in a press release that the decision, made by Kuwait Petroleum Corporation’s (KPC) Chairman of the board Al-Busairi, would enable the committee to review all aspects of the agreement. The press release also noted that the committee, formed by the High Council for Petroleum in Kuwait, would have three months to fulfill its’ duties, adding that a complete report should surface after the conclusion of the allocated period. -KUNA Zakat House completes mobile water distribution project for 2011 KUWAIT: Zakat House announced yesterday the completion of a 2011 mobile water distribution project, known as (Suqya), where bottles of mineral water are presented to workers at construction sites to cool them off from the scorching heat waves. A supervisor at the Projects and local institutions department at Zakat House Mohammad Abdulrahman Al-Ajmi said, in a press statement, that the ‘Mobile Suqya Project’ is one of the humanitarian projects done by Zakat House since 2002 and is funded by both Sheikh Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah Charity Fund and by public donors.

This project was launched from the start of June to the end of July by providing medium sized refrigerated trucks to keep water and milk cool for distribution to all constructions workers around the country, Al-Ajmi said. He further noted that the project cost was KD 20,000. Sheikh Abdullah Al-Mubarak Charity Fund contributed with KD 5,000, while the other KD 15,000 was funded by donors to Zakat House.

The total of milk bottles handed out reached 135,000, while the number of water bottles amounted to 106,000 through the whole duration of the project. - KUNA No ‘bad breath’ citation KUWAIT: A statement from the interior ministry denied reports that a traffic citation was issued for ‘bad breath’.

The statement said the security information department at the interior ministry followed the matter, and discovered the citation was tampered with and the text ‘Bad breath coming from the mouth’ was added to it. The statement said the citations department checked the actual citation, and the policeman who received the book was summoned, and it was found that the citation was not used and still in the book. When the name on the citation in question was checked, it was found out that the man is out of the country since July 17th, 2011.

Local SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

Amir pays visits to diwaniyas KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad AlJaber Al-Sabah, accompanied by HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Deputy Chairman of the National Guard Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah visited Al-Salmiya Cafe. He was received by Sheikh Faisal Al-Saud Al-Sabah. His Highness the Amir also visited Al-Sharq Cafe, Fishermen’s Union, Al-Qalaleef Diwan, Al-Qibla Cafe, and Al-Watiya Diwan.

His Highness the Amir visited Al-Farwaniya Cafe and received mementos. His Highness the Amir was also accompanied by Deputy Amiri Diwan Affairs Minister Sheikh Ali Jarrah AlSabah, Sheikh Ahmad Fahad Al-Ahmad; Deputy Premier Justice, Social Affairs and Labor Minister Dr Mohammad AlAfasi; Director of the Amir’s office Ahmad Al-Fahad; Acting Amiri Diwan Undersecretary and head of Amiri protocol Sheikh Khalid Al-Abdallah Al-Sabah; Crown Prince’s Diwan Undersecretary Sheikh Mubarak Al-Faisal Al-Sabah.

Opposition MPs urge government to resign

PM hosts Ghabqa for Iraqi official

Lack of quorum thwarts students emergency session

By B Izzak KUWAIT: The parliamentary emergency session convened to study the students’ admission crisis was aborted due to a lack of quorum, failing by just one member although an MP and three ministers were present in the Assembly, but did not enter the chamber.

Opposition MPs blamed the government for aborting the session and called for the resignation of the prime minister, while Speaker Jassem Al-Kharafi blamed MPs who did not coordinate with him or the government ahead of the session. Al-Kharafi was compelled to delay the start of the session for 30 minutes when only 31 members, including four ministers were present, just two members short of the required quorum.

Khorafi said that the session cannot be held because only 32 members were present, this time including one minister, were present in the chamber, one short of the required quorum.

This happened although MP Rola Dashti and the ministers of oil, finance and development were present in the National Assembly, but did not enter the chamber and accordingly were not counted.

Opposition MPs fumed at the government, blaming it squarely of plotting to cancel the session because it did not want to debate the problem of admissions at Kuwait University.

The session was called after around 5,000 Kuwaiti students were denied admission to Kuwait University and overseas scholarships, despite meeting all necessary requirements.

The government had promised to admit 2,100 students at Kuwait University in the second semester and boosted funding to send students abroad. Some MPs like Salwa Al-Jassar who signed the request for the session, distanced herself because she said the government measures were sufficient.

Several opposition MPs lambasted the government

for foiling the meeting. MP Mussallam Al-Barrak said this “Assembly deserves no respect and this government does not deserve to stay in power for one more minute.” and added that “no one should blame us for going to the streets to demand people’s rights.”

MP Faisal Al-Mislem said the Reform and Development Bloc reiterated its call for the resignation of HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad AlAhmad Al-Sabah following the government’s repeated failure in every aspect. Speaking on behalf of the four-MP Bloc, Mislem urged the Amir to sack the government and dissolve the National Assembly, and call for fresh elections to allow the nation to choose its true representatives. Mislem also charged Kharafi of collaborating with the government to abort the key emergency session. MP Jamaan Al-Harbash said the government has become a foe of the people, and accordingly must immediately resign.

MP Waleed Al-Tabtabae deplored the absence of the prime minister from this vital session, adding that no one should blame the opposition for any action, and for demanding the dissolution of this assembly which has become a puppet in the hands of the government.

MP Salem Al-Deqbasi regretted that the government resorted to such tactics to foil the session and stressed this government can no more be trusted to run the affairs of the nation.

Kharafi, however, placed the blame squarely on MPs, stressing that those who signed on the request ought to have attended it. He added that MPs must coordinate with the government and the Speaker before calling for an emergency session.

Meanwhile, Education Minister Ahmad Al-Mulaifi said that he will not allow education to be politicized, adding that the cause of the admission problem is the sharp increase in the number of students who passed the secondary examination from around 4,000 in 2001-2002 to 10,000 in 2010-2011.

KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah hosted a traditional Kuwaiti Ramadan night gathering, a Ghabqa on Wednesday night, honoring Sayyid Ammar Abdelaziz Al-Hakim, Head of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI) and his delegation. It was held in the presence of Deputy Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah, ministers, governors, advisors, and senior state officials. — KUNA

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

Obama leads calls for Assad to quit

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Indian activist strikes deal on fast amid protests

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BEERSHEVA: An injured Israeli soldier is carried into Soroka hospital yesterday.

— AFP

Attackers kill 7 in Israel 7 assailants also killed • Israel puts blame on Gaza JERUSALEM: Squads of gunmen armed with heavy weapons, guns and explosives crossed into southern Israel from Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula yesterday, killing seven Israelis in an audacious series of attacks, officials said. The violence stoked concerns about Palestinian militants exploiting instability in Egypt. The attacks began around midday and lasted for about three hours. Israeli security forces tracked down some of the attackers and killed several in a gun battle, military spokesman Brig-Gen Yoav Mordechai said. Israeli TV channels said seven assailants were killed.

Israel almost immediately said the attackers came from the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip and made their way through Sinai, which borders both Israel and Gaza. That raised the specter of an Israeli military reprisal against the Palestinian territory. “The incident underscores the weak Egyptian hold on Sinai and the broadening of the activities of terrorists,” Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said in a statement. “The real source of the terror is in Gaza and we will act against them with full force and determina-

tion.” The attacks, which came close together in time and location, appeared coordinated, and represented one of the boldest strikes in years against Israel. Hamas denied involvement. In Egypt, a senior security official denied that the attackers crossed into Israel from Sinai or that the buses were fired at from inside Egyptian territory. “The border is heavily guarded,” said a Sinai-based official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

However, security in the Sinai has deteriorated sharply since February, when longtime leader Hosni Mubarak was ousted in a popular uprising. Many Israelis saw Mubarak as a source of stability with shared interests in containing Iran and its radical Islamic proxies in the region, such as Hamas. Mubarak also upheld the decades-old peace treaty with Israel.

Last week, Egypt moved thousands of troops into the Sinai peninsula as part of a major operation against Al-Qaeda inspired militants who have been increasingly active in Sinai since Mubarak’s ouster in February. The militants have

taken advantage of the security vacuum caused by the abrupt withdrawal of police forces.

Authorities have blamed the militants for brazen attacks on police patrols as well as a string of bombings on a key pipeline carrying natural gas to Israel and Jordan.

The attacks began around midday, when assailants targeted a packed passenger bus driving along a highway about 10 miles north of the Red Sea resort of Eilat, close to the border crossing into Sinai. The next attack came about half an hour later, when gunmen opened fire on a private car several miles away. Half an hour after that came reports that a military patrol had drive over an explosive device along the Israel-Egypt border. Israel Radio said a vehicle had followed the bus, and two to three gunmen got out and opened fire with automatic weapons. The vehicle carrying the assailants fled the scene, and Israeli security forces took off in pursuit, Israel Radio said. Channel 2 reported that two helicopters had been deployed to join the chase. The attackers fired mortars and an anti-tank missile, he added. TV footage showed the bus pulled

over by a red, rocky cliff. Windows and a door of the bus were shattered, and soldiers were patrolling the area on foot. Inside the bus, seats were stained with blood and luggage littered the aisle. “We heard a shot and saw a window explode. I didn’t really understand what was happening at first. After another shot there was chaos in the bus and everyone jumped on everyone else,” passenger Idan Kaner told Channel 2 TV. He said the incident lasted three or four minutes until the bus was able to drive away. The bus driver interviewed by Channel 2 did not provide details of the attack but appeared calm, smoking a cigarette in the driver’s seat. After that, an explosive device was detonated under the vehicle of a military patrol called to the scene, and a private car was also attacked. Roadblocks were thrown up in the area and that entrances and exits to Eilat were sealed. Senior Israeli security officials convened in emergency session at the defense ministry in Tel Aviv. The military said a “large number” of assailants were working in multiple squads, but it gave no specifics. — AP

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Some in Gaza want revenge, not reconciliation GAZA CITY: Palestinian Musa Abu Jarrad shrugs off any notion of reconciling with the Hamas group he blames for the death of his son, a Fatah member, in 2007 factional fighting in Gaza. “The angel Gabriel himself couldn’t make me reconcile with my boy’s killers,” the 70-year-old says, anger shaking his slender frame. Abu Jarrad lost his son Bahaa, 36, in fighting that erupted between members of the rival political groups a year after Hamas won a surprise electoral victory. His anger and wish for revenge is shared by many grieving families, even as Hamas and Fatah seek to implement a unity deal. Any reconciliation “will be stained with blood and will not last unless we avenge the deaths of our sons,” Abu Jarrad warns. “Hamas ambushed my son and killed him in cold blood and now they

want to reconcile me with those who killed him? How is that possible?”

Hamas and Fatah have long been political rivals, but tensions spilled over into violence in 2007 with Hamas forces eventually routing their Fatah rivals and taking control of the Gaza Strip. In all, 346 people were killed in fighting in the Gaza Strip in 2007, says the Palestinian Independent Commission for Human Rights. After years of bitter division, the two sides inked a surprise unity deal in Cairo in May, committing to the formation of a transitional government and elections within a year.

But for Abu Jarrad, there can be no reconciliation. “They will not fool us,” he warned. “I will never accept any kind of money as compensation, all I want from the next govern-

ment is retribution.” Bahaa’s widow, left to fend for four children, agrees with her fatherin-law. “We just want retribution. If the reconciliation doesn’t give us that, then we don’t want it.” The desire for revenge is equally strong among the families of Hamas members killed in the internecine fighting.

“Punishment is the most important thing because those who killed my husband are not entitled to live a normal life anymore and should pay for what they have done,” says Mona Al-Rifati, who lost her husband, Hamas sheikh Mohamed Al-Rifati. As she speaks, her 19-year-old son Hamza interrupts. “I will not back down for the sake of reconciliation. We were victims in the Fatah-Hamas conflict, we will not become victims of their reconciliation.”

A court in Hamas-run Gaza sentenced three men accused of Rifati’s killing to death last year, but his family fears the sentences will not be carried out because of the reconciliation efforts. Their fears may not be unfounded. “These files are now the responsibility of the social reconciliation committee,” a body that has yet to be formed under the unity deal, says Hamas spokesman Taher Al-Nunu. “If the committee ratifies the sentences, they will be implemented, but if it doesn’t, they won’t.”

Hamza Al-Rifati is clear about the desired fate of his father’s killers.”If I see the person who committed the crime walking down the street, I will not stand still and watch him breathe, I will take my revenge. No one can see their father’s killer free.”— AFP

Obama demands Assad step down EU echoes call • US also slaps sanctions on Syria BENGHAZI: Libyan rebels shout and mourn as they attend the funeral of three comrades at the main cemetery yesterday. — AFP

Libya rebel chief fears bloodbath BENGHAZI: Libyan rebels fought yesterday to close in on Tripoli and claimed to have seized a key refinery, as their chief said he feared a bloodbath in a battle for the capital. Anticipating victory, the rebels’ political leaders have set out a plan to transform the country from autocracy to a full-blown democracy, in a roadmap which could help define Libya for the coming decades. National Transitional Co uncil (NTC) head Mustafa Abdel Jalil said in a newspaper interview the “noose is tightening,” but he feared a “veritable bloodbath” in Tripoli because of Muammar Gaddafi’s refusal to step down.

“Gaddafi will not go quietly; he will go amid a catastrophe that will touch him and his family,” Abdel Jalil told the pan-Arab newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat from his eastern bastion of Benghazi. The Libyan leader, who has ruled the oil-rich North African nation for four decades, has consistently refused to step down and continues to rally his supporters to repel the enemy. Yet Abdel Jalil said he hoped to celebrate in Tripoli - a city of more than one million inhabitants - the feast of Eid al-Fitr, which will cap the fasting month of Ramadan at the end of August. He renewed the rebels’ rejection of any talks which do not envision the departure of Gaddafi and his sons from power, and criticised UN envoy Abdel Ilah Khatib. “Khatib only proposes initiatives that do not include this demand,” which he said was key.

Rebel leaders have denied reports of negotiations in Tunisia earlier this week between Libyan rebels and regime representatives.

On the ground, rebels have been fighting to sever Tripoli’s supply lines from Tunisia to the west and to Gaddafi’s hometown of Sirte in the east. The operations to cut off the capital aim to prompt defections and spark an uprising inside Tripoli. In a possible sign that Tripoli is starting to feel the pinch, power cuts have become more frequent and mobile telephone networks are increasingly disrupted, an AFP correspondent in the city said. In the town of Zawiyah to the west, rebels claimed they were in control of “most” of the strategically vital port and had “managed to gain control” its oil refinery by late Wednesday. The refinery, the only one in western Libya, is vital to the Gaddafi regime, as it supplies fuel to Tripoli. Colonel Ahmed Omar Bani said that further west rebels were pushing toward the Tunisian border, an apparent bid to further strangle what limited supply lines remain for Gaddafi’s regime.— AFP

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama yesterday led a chorus of calls by world leaders for Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad to step down, as the UN warned his regime could be guilty of crimes against humanity. Obama also slapped harsh new sanctions on Syria in an executive order that freezes all Syrian government assets and forbids investment and exports to the country. In a statement accompanying the order, Obama said Syria’s violent crackdown on anti-regime protests “constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.”

It was the first explicit US call for Assad to resign as global pressure increased on the Syrian leader to end a months-long crackdown on dissent that has killed more than 2,000 people, according to rights activists. “We have consistently said that President Assad must lead a democratic transition or get out of the way. He has not led. For the sake of the Syrian people, the time has come for President Assad to step aside,” Obama said.

His call was quickly echoed by President Nicolas Sarkozy of France, Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister David Cameron. “We call on him to face the reality of the complete rejection of his regime by the Syrian people and to step aside in the best interests of Syria and the unity of its people,” they said in a joint statement. The European Union too joined the groundswell of calls for Assad to go.

“The EU notes the complete loss of Bashar Al-Assad’s legitimacy in the eyes of the Syrian people and the necessity for him to step aside,” foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said in a statement.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton later emphasised that US sanctions on Syrian oil “strike at the heart of the Syrian regime”.

“These actions strike at the heart of the regime by banning American imports of Syrian petroleum and petroleum products and prohibiting Americans from dealing in these products,” Clinton said in a statement read out to reporters.

Earlier yesterday, UN human rights chief Navi Pillay said Syria may have committed crimes against humanity in its bloody crackdown on dissent and urged the UN Security Council to refer the matter to the International Criminal Court. A report by Pillay described a “pattern of human rights violations that constitutes widespread or systematic attacks against the civilian pop-

torture and ill-treatment of detainees and enforced disappearance.”

And on Monday, the UN Human Rights Council is to hold a special session on Syria requested by 24 members of the council, including European Union members, Washington and all four Arab members Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The tide of international outrage came even as

WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton makes a statement to the press on US sanctions on Syrian oil at the State Department yesterday. — AFP ulation, which may amount to crimes against humanity”. And the report urged the UN Security Council, which was to meet later yesterday, to “consider referring the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court”. It described a “widespread modus operandi to kill civilians by using a) forces on the ground, b) snipers on rooftops and c) air power ... consistent with an apparent shoot-to-kill policy”.

The document also describes summary executions, including reports that “forces conducted regular raids in hospitals to search for and kill injured demonstrators,” as well as allegations of torture and arbitrary arrests. It urged an immediate end to “the gross human rights violations, including the excessive use of force against demonstrators and the killing of protesters,

Assad announced his security forces had ended their deadly crackdown on dissent.

Activists in Syria confirmed that the situation appeared to be calm for the first time in weeks, but called for fresh mass protests on Friday after the weekly day of Muslim prayers.

Deputy UN spokesman Farhan Haq said Assad spoke to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon by telephone. Ban told him he was alarmed “at the latest reports of continued widespread violations of human rights and excessive use of force by Syrian security forces against civilians across Syria”. He “emphasised that all military operations and mass arrests must cease immediately.

President Assad said that the military and police operations had stopped,” according to the spokesman.— AFP

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All eyes on Syria after Hariri indictments BEIRUT: All eyes were glued on developments in Lebanon’s former powerbroker Syria yesterday, a day after the unsealing of a UN indictment in the 2005 murder of former prime minister Rafiq Hariri. “There is nothing new in this indictment and the most evident impact we are likely to see is the discourse between Hezbollah and ex-premier Saad Hariri heating up,” said Beirut-based analyst Ousama Safa.

“Everyone is waiting to see what will happen in

Syria,” Safa told AFP. “Hezbollah is in control of state institutions in Lebanon and they’re quite comfortable with what they have. So I don’t think anyone is in a state to take any action in Lebanon.” The Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) on Wednesday unsealed a 47-page indictment in the assassination of Rafiq Hariri, a Sunni billionaire and five-time premier killed, along with 21 others in a 2005 bombing in Beirut. The indictment accuses four Lebanese

FBI probes threats against US Syrians WASHINGTON: The FBI is investigating allegations that Syria is intimidating and threatening dissidents in the United States, according to US-based Syrians who say federal agents have questioned them. Three dissidents who met with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton here two weeks ago told AFP that FBI agents raised concerns about their safety and asked who might be behind the campaign. The Federal Bureau of Investigation declined to comment. “We just don’t comment on our investigations,” a spokesperson said.

Syrian Marah Bukai said she received a death threat via email from an unknown individual two days after she and fellow dissidents Radwan Ziadeh and Mohammed Alabdalla met with Clinton at the State Department on Aug 2. Bukai told AFP that the FBI is investigating the email, which she said was re-sent to her on Monday. The individual, she said, is “using very low-class language and telling me that he’s going to kill me and he said he was in the United States and now he’s in Canada and surely he’s going to go back to the United States to kill me”.

The regime of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad is under mounting global pressure to end its crackdown on a monthslong pro-democracy uprising, but has remained defiant. Rights groups say nearly 2,250 people have been killed in the crackdown. Bukai said she has already paid the price of a brutal regime: She missed her mother’s funeral because her family never told her she died of a heart attack in 2008 for fear she would be arrested returning home to pay her last respects. All three dissidents said Syrian state television has shown their photograph with Clinton and called them US agents or traitors.

The State Department last month summoned Syrian Ambassador Imad Mustapha for talks after reports that embassy staff had filmed US protests against the crackdown. The department also said it was investigating reports the Syrian government “has sought retribution against Syrian family members for the actions of their relatives in the United States exercising their lawful rights in this country”. However, FBI involvement would raise the matter to a criminal level.

Ziadeh, who is based in Washington, told AFP he suspected the Syrian embassy here is behind the campaign in the United States to intimidate him and others. After he joined fellow Syrians in a small protest in March outside the embassy, he responded to a Syrian diplomat’s invitation to enter the mission for a talk where staff ended up taking photographs of him. “We know actually the Syrian embassy, the only task they are doing right now, it’s actually reporting the activists in the United States to the securityintelligence in Syria,” he said.

For example, his mother in Syria warned him that security officials told her “you have to tell your son to be quiet” or they will “put us under pressure,” he said. “I’m worried actually if they can arrest one of my brothers or even... my mother,” Ziadeh said by telephone during a visit to UN offices in Geneva. He said that on Monday he received for the first time a threat to his own safety through a message on Facebook which he suspects came from someone linked to the embassy because it referred to an embassy protest he attended on Friday.

Ziadeh said the message read along the lines of “you are demonstrating in front of the embassy. You are only 10 (people), and you are a dog.... If you continue... we will do other things with you”. He said the FBI questioned him two months ago and then again two weeks ago to find out who in the embassy might be involved in spying on and threatening activists. Alabdalla, a Washington-based spokesman for the Local Coordinating Committees in Syria, told AFP that an FBI agent asked him “if I feel intimidated or threatened”. Alabdalla said that because of his activism here he has received emails and Facebook messages from “pro-government people around the world” that he says amount to insults rather than intimidation. The messages call him a “traitor”, a CIA agent, or Jewish community supporter who is encouraging a military invasion of Syria. — AFP

citizens with close ties to the Shiite militant movement Hezbollah of the bombing, the work of a suicide bomber in a van loaded with TNT. For the past six years, the Hariri case has defined Lebanese politics, solidifying a rift between his Saudi-backed Future Movement and its rival Hezbollah, which is supported by Iran and Syria. Leading Lebanon’s Sunni community today is Saad Hariri, son and political heir of the slain Rafiq and a protege of Saudi

Arabia. Hariri, who led a government which collapsed in a feud over the STL to be succeeded by a Hezbollah-backed cabinet, has demanded Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah turn in the four indictees, a call Nasrallah has rebuked. Fingers were pointed at Syria in the wake of the Feb 14, 2005 assassination, two months after which it ended a three-decade military deployment in Lebanon. Damascus has repeatedly denied any involvement.— AFP

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Turkish jets pound PKK targets in Iraq Ankara vows more strikes against rebels

MADRID: Pope Benedict XVI (left) is greeted by Spain’s King Juan Carlos upon his arrival at Madrid Barajas airport yesterday. — AP

Pope says economy not just for profit MADRID: Pope Benedict XVI called yesterday for the economy to work for people, not profit, as he landed in crisis-torn Spain where protesters decried the cost of his visit. He delivered the message hours after demonstrators clashed with pilgrims and riot police in Madrid as they vented fury over the expense of World Youth Day celebrations at a time of belt-tightening and massive unemployment. “The economy cannot function as a self-regulated economy,” the leader of the world’s estimated 1.2 billion Roman Catholics told journalists accompanying him in the papal plane from Rome. “Man must be at the economy’s centre, which is not profit but solidarity,” he said.

The pope landed in the sweltering capital for the rock festival-style celebration, lavish religious festivities lasting to Sunday that have lured more than a million pilgrims from around the world. The pontiff was greeted by King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia before parading in his popemobile through Madrid’s streets to be chased by relay runners and cheered by masses of followers.

In a speech at the airport, he said “many young people look worriedly to the future, as they search for work, or because they have lost their job or because the one they have is precarious or uncertain”. He also condemned “the prevailing superficiality, consumerism and hedonism, the widespread banalization of sexuality, the lack of solidarity, the corruption”. But he said young people “know that, without God, it would be hard to confront these challenges and to be truly happy.”

Tens of thousands of cheering supporters crammed onto bridges and pavements, throwing confetti and balloons over the popemobile, surrounded by heavy security. The crowd chanted “Long live the pope!”; “Benedicto, Benedicto!”; “This is the youth of the pope!” In the evening, the papal cortege headed to the central Plaza Cibeles for a welcoming ceremony complete with an air force fly-over painting the colours of the Vatican and Spanish flags in the sky and an equestrian show.

Huge speakers blared out pop music in the city as hundreds of thousands of the pope’s fans waited in the heat in floppy hats, with backpacks containing alcohol-free beer and fans. But the party atmosphere was shattered hours earlier when thousands of anti-papal protesters and hundreds of young Roman Catholics hurled insults at each other in the central Puerta del Sol square. Lines of riot police separated the two sides late Wednesday. Protesters chanted: “God yes, Church no”; “Not with my taxes”; “We are not the pope’s youth”.

Some taunted the faithful shouting: “Nazi, nazi.” In an interview before he was elected pope in 2005, then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger said he was an unwilling participant in the Hitler Youth movement. Some of the pilgrims sang “hallelujah” and sat on the ground and prayed. Police finally moved in with batons swinging to dislodge the anti-pope demonstrators from Puerta del Sol. They arrested seven people for “assaults on people in authority,” a national police spokeswoman said Thursday. Eleven people were slightly injured, she said.

More than 100 protest groups took part, uniting many causes, including those seeking a change in the Church’s attitude to gay rights and those fighting for a clearer separation of Church and state. The outcry that has struck a chord with many - including some priests - is over the official €50.5-million ($73million) price tag, excluding the cost of police and security, of the August 16-21 celebrations. Spain’s economy has been one of the worst hit by the global economic downturn and its output has grown by only 0.2 percent in the last quarter. — AFP

ANKARA: Turkish jets bombed scores of targets in northern Iraq used as bases by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) following a deadly ambush by the outlawed group, the military and rebels said yesterday. Turkey’s air force launched a “successful” operation against a total of 60 targets in the Qandil and Hakurk regions late Wednesday, said the General Staff in a statement on its website. The PKK said the attacks resumed in the morning.

The Turkish military said its operations both within Turkey and in parts of Iraq used as a safe haven by the PKK “will continue until it is eradicated”. Dozdar Hammo, the PKK spokesman in northern Iraq, said the jets also bombed rebel bases in the Qandil and Khanairah areas, near the Turkish border, for about an hour from around 8:00 am (0500 GMT) yesterday.

Hammo said no casualties were reported from the latest strikes or the raids on Wednesday night.

It is the first time in more than a year that the Turkish military has carried out air strikes on PKK bases in northern Iraq. The strikes followed the deadly attack on Wednesday in the town of Cukurca in the southeast of the country claimed by the PKK, which is branded a terrorist group by Turkey as well as the European Union and United States. Wednesday’s attack came after Turkey’s government announced a “new era” in the fight against the PKK. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who earlier signalled tougher measures against rebels after the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, said after the attack that the government had “run out of patience”. Turkey’s National Security Council (MGK), which brings top civilian and military officials, convened Wednesday afternoon to discuss the “new strategy” against the PKK, reported the pri-

vate NTV television. Ankara has been revisiting its strategy against the PKK for some time. New measures being considered by the government include sending special police and professinal army units to the combat zones along the border with Iraq.

Information gathered by the police and intelligence agents will be pooled together and the Turkish military will receive a new green-light for cross-border operations under the new strategy, said NTV. President Abdullah Gul, who is chairing

He said the government can “absorb deaths of 500 soldiers annually” by the PKK. Members of the group often return to their bases in northern Iraq in the winter as their camps are high in the snow-covered mountains in the Qandil region.

Mehmet Tezkan, a columnist in daily Milliyet, said Syria might be behind the latest PKK attack. Ankara’s relations with Damascus have plummeted in recent weeks after Erdogan’s outspoken criticism of Syria’s crackdown on protests. “PKK

VAN, Turkey: Turkish soldiers carry the coffins of soldiers who were killed in an attack by members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) during funerals yesterday. — AFP the council, will seek collective support from ruling and opposition parties in parliament in the fight against the organisation, reported the Turkish media.

Analysts predict an escalation in PKK attacks in the coming months. “I think the attacks will continue until December,” Nihat Ali Ozcan, a security expert at the Ankara-based think tank TEPAV, told AFP.

attacks are surging as long as Ankara warns Damascus” to stop its military operations against civilians, Tezkan added. Other observers were criticial of the government’s failure to prevent PKK attacks. Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) “has been in power for nine years to solve this problem,” wrote Mehmet Yilmaz in the Hurriyet daily. — AFP

London police seek new chief LONDON: London police are on the hunt for a new chief after a nightmare summer during which its boss quit over the phonehacking scandal and the force was widely criticised for its failure to prevent riots. A month after Metropolitan Police commissioner Paul Stephenson and one of his deputies resigned in 24 hours, the deadline closed Wednesday for applications to become Britain’s top police officer leading the country’s biggest force.

Stephenson’s resignation from the Met, as the force is known, came just weeks before Britain’s worst riots for decades erupted, meaning his deputy was left in charge as gangs went on the rampage for several nights in the capital. Four candidates are vying to become the third London police chief in as many years, a job which will require both a hardened crime fighter and a skilled political operator to raise the morale of the scandal-tainted force. With less than a year to go before Britain’s biggest peacetime policing operation at the London Olympics, the new chief will arrive at one of the toughest times in the force’s 180year history.

“At any time the role of police commissioner for Scotland Yard is the most prestigious and challenging police role in the world,” Blair Gibbs, head of the crime and justice unit at rightwing think tank Policy Exchange, told AFP. “On top of that, we have the once in a generation challenge of the Olympics and the unprecedented level of international media scrutiny and justified concerns about the conduct and integrity of the senior leadership.” The four candidates are believed to be Hugh Orde, a

former Northern Ireland police chief; the Met’s acting commissioner Tim Godwin; head of Glasgow-based Strathclyde Police Stephen House; and Bernard Hogan-Howe, the Met’s acting deputy commissioner. There was speculation former New York police supremo Bill Bratton, brought in to advise the government after the riots, could be a candidate but Home Secretary Theresa May insisted Tuesday that the commissioner must be British.

Whoever gets the £260,000-a-year ($430,000) job, which includes national responsibility for counter-terrorism as well as protecting some 7.2 million Londoners, the top priority will be to prevent a repeat of the unrest. The first riot erupted on Aug 6 in Tottenham, north London, when a peaceful protest over the fatal shooting by police of a man in the deprived neighbourhood was hijacked by youths who torched and looted buildings.

Police initially appeared reluctant to tackle the rioters, and their approach was partly blamed for encouraging copycat unrest to erupt in the capital and then spread to other English cities during four nights of violence. The Met chief will have to balance developing a tough response to unrest with the need to make savings - police are making large cuts as part of austerity measures and the London force is likely to lose some of its 32,500 officers. High on the agenda for the new chief will also be fixing the Met’s tarnished reputation in the wake of the phone-hacking scandal, which forced the resignation last month of Stephenson and assistant commissioner John Yates. — AFP

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Chavez socialist medicine dream may be liability CARACAS: Osmar Herrera is the kind of Venezuelan that President Hugo Chavez had in mind when he launched his flagship health program eight years ago: sick, impoverished and in need of a break. But Herrera’s predicament today illustrates how the socialist leader’s biggest social spending experiment fell off the tracks and may become a liability in next year’s election. When the 60-year-old Herrera first started coughing up blood earlier this year, he sought help near his house at one of thousands of “barrio adentro” health centers that Chavez has built in poor neighborhoods, paid for with oil money.

Near collapse, Herrera was punted from one institution to another until eventually ending up in the thoracic ward of a rundown public hospital three hours from his home. He adores Chavez but laments his inability to provide hospitals in his area with the equipment they need to treat pneumonia. “They should have it too, so that some people don’t have more than others, so that everyone is at the same level,” he whispered from his bed in a spartan, eight-patient room.

While the president, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, is whisked away to Cuba for chemotherapy as a pampered guest of its revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, frustration at home is mounting over marathon waits at crumbling hospitals and shortages of basic medicines and supplies. The “barrio adentro” program - “within the neighborhood” in Spanish - began in 2003 with an ambitious promise to grant free health care to the most needy. Initially, the government built small primary care modules in Caracas’ many slums, staffed by Cuban doctors. The centers later mushroomed all across the country.

In subsequent stages, the government talked of building rehabilitation and diagnostic centers with technology imported from allies Cuba and China. It would also erect new hospitals in poor areas and refurbish existing ones. The goal was widely applauded and the program’s early success boosted Chavez’ popularity. Several years on, however, only a small percentage of the projects have been completed and traditional hospitals have been starved of cash as the government pours money into the

Crime, impunity stalk Guatemala GUATEMALA CITY: Fifteen years after the end of a vicious civil war, Guatemala is still beset by violence, only now it is organized crime and street gangs that are driving up death tolls to wartime levels. “Things have been getting more brutal by the day. They get worse and worse, Jorge Chiu,” an emergency care doctor who patrols the city’s streets at night with firefighters, told AFP. The latest statistics tally 6,000 homicides a year, a level of killings similar to those registered during the civil war that swept Guatemala from 1960 to 1996.

It comes to 48 homicides a year for every 100,000 inhabitants, more than six times the world average and one of the highest murder rates in the world. Chiu points out one of the victims during a recent night patrol with an AFP reporter. “There’s a guy that got shot multiple times in the thorax and abdomen,” he said.

Saving victims is at times difficult because gangs have the same high powered automatic weapons - AK-47s and M-16s - that the Russian army and US Marines use, respectively.

In an interview with AFP this month, Guatemala’s President Alvaro Colon noted that 85 percent of the weapons confiscated in Mexico were sold legally in the United States before moving into the Mexican and Central American black markets. “It cannot be that an AK-47 or M-16 can be sold to anybody. If it’s self defense you are after, a revolver is more than enough,” he said.

But in Guatemala - as in the rest of Central America - large caliber weapons are available for sale to anyone with money. That’s why walking through the so-called ‘Zona Viva,” or Live Zone, the capital’s restaurant and hotel district, at times can seem like a tour of Baghdad.

Outside every restaurant, every hotel, not to mention every bank, is one, two or three stern-looking men in bullet-proof vests, clutching assault rifles. Ads tout bullet-proof fashions, including leather jackets for women that combine elegance with security.

Attorney General Claudia Paz warns it will take time to change the environment. “Nothing is built overnight. This is a process,” she said. The prosecutor was all over the news in Latin America in mid-June after a gangland ambush in downtown Guatemala City that claimed the life of beloved Argentine folksinger, Facundo Cabral.

The attack took place just 10 days after and a few hundred meters from the site of an international summit that pledged two billion dollars to Central American countries to combat organized crime. The attack wasn’t an isolated event. At the start of the year, the president suspended constitutional rights in a region along the Mexican border called Alto Verapaz after it had been transformed into a fiefdom of the Zetas drug cartel.

In May, assassins stormed a farm in the northern Peten region before dawn and executed 27 workers after questioning them about the whereabouts of the owner, the massacre’s sole survivor told AFP. Many of the victims were decapitated. — AFP

alternative system. A self-styled revolutionary and populist, Chavez has framed the health debate as a struggle of the downtrodden against the elite. He is counting on his health and housing programs and discount food and clothing stores to win votes in the next year election, seen as a close race against the opposition.

Nobody knows how much “barrio adentro” costs due to notoriously opaque fiscal accounts. Jorge Diaz, a health policy researcher, estimates the overall budget for public health reached 9 percent of gross domestic product in 2004, up nearly 500 percent from 1998 and above the 2 percent historical norm. State oil company PDVSA, which invests some of its revenue from the OPEC country’s vast oil revenues in Chavez’ social initiatives, says it invested $650 million on “barrio adentro” last year and $6.36 billion from 2003-2010.

Meanwhile, maternal and child health indicators have deteriorated and health coverage has not improved, according to research by Diaz at the Central University of Venezuela’s Center for Development Studies. The country now has three parallel

services with no coordination between them: “barrio adentro”, traditional public hospitals and private clinics. Surveys show Venezuelans are increasingly losing confidence in the two public options and turning to private care despite the cost.

Even Chavez declared in 2009 that there was a medical “emergency” after reports that 2,000 of the 6,700 “barrio adentro” modules had been abandoned. “To summarize it in the simplest way, I would say this has been a rip-off,” Diaz said. “It started as an electoral bait with some health benefits but it turned into a fraud, not only for health reasons but a fraud of the national treasury.” The gap between the idea and reality couldn’t be starker than at the dilapidated Jose Ignacio Baldo public hospital in Caracas’ low-income west side. The pediatric care unit was “temporarily” closed in 2007 for renovations supposedly funded by “barrio adentro”. Four years later, it remains an empty shell in a yard overgrown with weeds but otherwise no signs of life. Five weathered billboards advertise projects awarded to contractors that never got done.— Reuters

Phony war lays 2012 battle lines Storyline emerging 15 months from election day ALPHA, Illinois: In a phony war fought across empty plains and Japan’s tsunami and the Arab Spring. “We have been fighting our crowded airwaves, US President Barack Obama and the way back,” Obama said in rural Illinois. “The economy is now growRepublicans who want his job have sketched the thematic battle ing again, over the last 17 months we have created over two millines of the next year election. Many twists will shape the race and lion jobs in the private sector.”

Yet questions from largely trusting crowds at open air meetings no one will remember the last three days when America elects its next president in Nov next year. But in an explosive late summer fringed by ripening corn showed that many people are yet to feel flurry, Obama and leading Republicans Mitt Romney and Rick Perry the recovery. That may partly explain a Gallup poll Wednesday tested attack lines, revealed their strengths, tried to hide their liabil- showing that only 26 percent of Americans now have confidence in Obama on the economy - a new ities and made an early pitch for low. The tour also allowed Obama wavering voters. Fifteen months to set the stage for a fight over his from election day, a storyline is new jobs and deficit plan in emerging.

September and to warn Obama may rack up a billion Republicans they will pay at the dollar campaign fund and be a ballot box if they block it. But until deft performer on the stump, but he badly needs an economgrowth and jobs come back, he ic resurgence and a tactical win will be vulnerable to attack. “He over Republicans to energize has not got the job done. And he’s the rationale behind his bid for a hoping that by three days on a bus, he can make up for hundreds second term. Republican conof days of failure,” Republican tenders meanwhile face a frontrunner Romney charged on slugfest, and the last one standWLS 980 Radio in Chicago on ing will need to prove a nominating contest fueled by pure Wednesday. After months of slumber, the Republican nomiconservatism will not alienate ALPHA, Ohio: US President Barack Obama nating derby is speeding up too. centrist voters. Obama, waving from an armored Secret Service speaks during a town hall style meeting at the Texas Governor Rick Perry bus, rolled into the fray for the Country Corner Wednesday. — AFP declared his candidacy Saturday first time for real this week, and wasted no time in proving though the White House rejected claims the jaunt through that he was an authentic conservative and an incendiary camMinnesota, Iowa and Illinois was a taxpayer-funded junket. paigner, and shadowed Obama for a time with his own bus tour After seeing his authority splintered by Republicans in a debt through rural Iowa.

He took aim at Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke, saying showdown, Obama appeared to draw new energy outside Washington. Popping into coffee shops, licking ice creams and any new attempts to print money to prime the economy would be halting for wholesome heartland photo-ops, Obama came about as almost “treasonous”. That kind of talk might delight the Tea Party, close as any president in a security bubble can get to life as every- over which he will duel with Iowa pace setter Michele Bachmann, one else lives it. However, the trip, which contained few new initia- but it could also send chills through general election moderates. tives, also underscored Obama’s struggles with a slowed recovery, Obama and the Republicans also sparred over the very role of govcollapsed consumer confidence, a moribund housing market and ernment, a theme likely to underpin the election. Romney meanwhile tried to stay well above the Republican fray, posing almost as unemployment of 9.1 percent.

The president blamed his predecessor George W Bush for leav- a putative nominee, revealing a witty line in campaign mockery, ing him a mess and argued the bounce-back was derailed by branding Obama’s trip as a “Magical Misery Tour”. — AFP

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Aquino to visit China amid row MANILA: Philippine President Benigno Aquino will visit China this month in an effort to deepen trade ties despite an increasingly bitter row over rival claims to the South China Sea, officials said yesterday. Aquino will lead a delegation of top economic officials and hundreds of businessmen to China for the trip, from August 30 to September 3, during which he will meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao, they said. The state visit is aimed at boosting trade, tourism, educational and cultural relations, with a particular focus on attracting Chinese investment to the Philippines, foreign affairs department spokesman Raul Hernandez said. “(The visit) is expected to raise the level of Philippines-China bilateral relations to its highest level,” Hernandez said. Bilateral trade is already surging, hitting $10.35 billion last year, a 54-percent rise from 2009, according to the Philippine government. Hernandez and other senior government officials refused to comment directly on the tensions between the two nations that have escalated this year over conflicting claims to areas of the potentially resource-rich South China Sea. The Philippines has accused China of becoming increasingly aggressive in enforcing its claims to the waters, and Aquino in June publicly called for help from longtime ally the United States in helping to contain China. —AFP

MELBOURNE: A family friend holds a family photo yesterday showing four-year-old Ayen Chol, the girl who was killed by a neighbour’s pitbull-mastiff cross dog in her own home. — AFP

4-year-old killed by pitbull in Australia MELBOURNE: A four-year-old Australian was mauled to death by a neighbour’s pitbull-mastiff cross after being ripped from her mother in a ferocious attack, sparking calls yesterday for a ban on dangerous dogs. Ayen Chol, whose family is from Sudan, died at the scene after the dog chased another family member into a Melbourne home where she was watching television with other children on Wednesday evening, police said. One cousin fought to fend off the vicious animal, suffering bites to her arms and hands during the struggle, during which she tried to beat the dog away with a table, local reports said. Another, aged five, was bitten on the face. Both were rushed to hospital in a stable condition.

Daniel Atem, a cousin of the victim, said a family member was outside the house when the dog came at her and chased her inside.

Atem said the dog initially attacked the five-year-old and as Ayen’s mother intervened, the dog then attacked Ayen. “It pulled the child from the mum... the daughter died,” Atem said. “The dog left the child and then the owner of the dog came after that and took the dog out,” he added. The dog has been destroyed but police have not made a decision yet on whether the owner should face charges.

The dead girl’s mother, Jackline Anchito, said she was devastated and claimed the dog’s owners did not help despite her pleas. “She was a loving child, and a very clever child. She died as she was struggling for her life,” she told reporters through a translator. “The owners of the dog have really let her down because they should have had some sort of way to control the dog.”

It was another bitter blow for a family who migrated to Australia in 2004 for a better life only to see their house burn down earlier this year. The father is working in southern Sudan but had been contacted and was returning to Melbourne, the family added. The attack reignited calls for a crackdown on the breed, with the Victoria state government saying it would launch a “Dob in (report) a Dog” hotline and allocate funds so cases can be investigated. “There cannot be a more tragic situation than to see a young child like this, in these circumstances, killed in this horrible, horrible way,” the Herald-Sun quoted Victoria premier Ted Baillieu as saying. “We don’t want to see this ever happen again and we will do whatever we possibly can to be rid of these dangerous dogs.”— AFP

China, US seek to boost confidence World needs US-China cooperation: Biden BEIJING: US Vice President Joe Biden, starting a visit to China under a cloud of criticism over the US debt crisis, told his hosts yesterday that the two nations held the key to global economic stability.

Biden, 68, needs to mend America’s worsening image in China after the world’s largest economy came close to a disastrous default on its debts earlier this month and suffered a historic credit rating downgrade. China is the biggest foreign holder of US debt and the country’s staterun media have delivered a barrage of criticism of Washington’s handling of the debt crisis, which they have described as a “ticking time bomb”.

“I am absolutely confident that the economic stability of the world rests in no small part on cooperation between the United States and China,” Biden told his counterpart Xi Jinping, who is set to succeed President Hu Jintao in 2013. “It affects every country from your neighbour to the north, to Argentina in the southern tip of South America. It is the key, in my view, to global economic stability.”

Biden attended a welcoming ceremony at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People before holding talks with Xi, his official host in China. The trip is aimed partly at building ties with the likely next leader of the world’s second-biggest economy, who remains virtually unknown in US policy circles. Senior officials travelling with Biden, who declined to be named, told reporters that Xi had expressed confidence in the recovery of the US economy, and that the two had also discussed North Korea and trade issues. Chinese media had said weapons sales to Taiwan -which Beijing sees as part of its territory - would be a top item on the agenda for the visit.

The official China Daily said US arms sales to the island were the “biggest source of disagreement between Washington and Beijing”. “Any misstep in dealing with the issue of arms sales to Taiwan may disrupt the improving relationship between the two powers,” the paper said in an editorial. The United States is expected to decide by October whether to sell Taipei F-16 fighter jets, a step promoted by US lawmakers but

strongly opposed by Beijing. US officials said Biden had “reiterated US determination to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan straits,” but they refused to further elaborate.

President Barack Obama’s deputy also met China’s parliamentary chief Wu Bangguo, and will hold talks with Hu and Premier Wen Jiabao on Friday before travelling to the southwestern boomtown of

nerable people including Christians and coal miners, was placed under house arrest in 2006 and has not been heard of since last year. But the main focus of the China visit - Biden’s first as vice president will likely be on Beijing’s concerns over the safety of its US investments.

China, which held around $1.17 trillion in US Treasury bonds at the end of June, watched nervously as a political impasse

BEIJING: Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (left) walks with US Vice President Joe Biden on the red carpet past Chinese honour guards during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People yesterday. — AFP Chengdu. “As the world economy’s circumstances are uneasy, as the two largest economies in the world, we hold the key to creating growth and jobs worldwide,” Biden told Wu. “That’s the overwhelming reason I’ve come - to talk about jobs and growth worldwide... To discuss the reordering of our economies - yours and ours.”

Biden’s trip comes amid growing concern about China’s human rights record in the United States, which this week appealed to Beijing to free prominent rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng. US officials said he had raised the issue with Xi. Gao, who defended some of China’s most vul-

brought Washington close to default this month and Standard & Poor’s downgraded the US credit rating. Biden is also expected to suggest that China should focus on its own economic reforms, such as letting its currency appreciate and shifting from a reliance on exports to an economy based on consumption. His trip will also include some more relaxed moments - after meeting Xi, Biden had lunch with his daughter-in-law and granddaughter at a small family-owned restaurant in Beijing that specialises in intestines. The vice president and his entourage baulked at ordering the house speciality, opting instead for noodles and pork buns. — AFP

Self-harm surge at Australian centres SYDNEY: Australia’s immigration system and its detainees are under considerable strain, documents showed Wednesday, with self-harm reports surging 12-fold as waiting times soar.

Compiled for a government committee examining Australia’s mandatory detention policy for asylum seekers arriving by boat, the official documents offered a rare and sobering insight into the troubled centres. “Unfortunately, we have seen increased instances of unrest... as well as self-harm and sadly, on occasion, suicide,” immigration department chief Andrew Metcalfe told the committee.

There were 6,403 people in immigration detention as at June 30 this year, with the main facility on remote Christmas Island housing 759 - almost double its operational capacity.

The detainees were predominantly young men, more than half of whom came from Afghanistan or Iran, although the report showed the number of children rising to 964 in the past year.

The riot-hit Christmas Island centre has been overflowing since mid-2009, with its surging population accompanied by a spike in incident reports to 1,176 in the three months to June 30, from 83 a year earlier.

There were 104 disturbances in the period, nine classed as “major” and 35 people on protracted hunger strikes, with 83 self-harm attempts - 27 of them serious. Sydney’s Villawood centre, also rocked by riots, suicides and protests, was in a similar state, with 451 incident reports in the three months to June 30 from 189 a year earlier, dominated by self-harm, unrest and aggression. Across the entire detention network self-harm threats and acts surged from 90 in 2009-10 to 1,132 in 2010-11, 386 of which were actual attempts. In the past year there had been six deaths, 1,320 hunger strikes, 2,473 hospitalisations and 93 psychiatric admissions, according to the 600-page report. — AFP

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Locals fear violence is up in Afghan town LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan: It was the most volatile of the Afghan towns and districts passed from Western to local control last month, and residents of Lashkar Gah worry security has got even worse since handover. Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand province, was one of seven places handed back to Afghan forces in July as part of the first wave of a transition process that will eventually see all foreign combat troops leave the warring country by the end of 2014. It was deliberately chosen in the initial group to prove that Afghan security forces could hold their own in risky parts of their country, Western diplomats have said.

But residents believe security has deteriorated since the handover, raising questions about the transition process weeks before President Hamid Karzai is set to announce in late September or October where will be next. “I’m too scared. The recent attacks that took place following transition were scary and big,” said Sotray, a female NGO worker who like many Afghans only uses one name. “In the past, we did not have this kind of attack, or very few of them.” Local shopkeeper Ziaullah added: “After the transition process was completed, officials assured us of security but it’s not as they claim.”

Afghan and Western officials insisted in response that

security in the town was good, and that Afghan forces were well equipped to cope, despite lingering questions from some analysts about their capabilities. Since British troops formally handed control of security in Lashkar Gah to the Afghan army on July 20, there have been a string of attacks

LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan: In a file picture taken Feb 17, 2011, Afghan national policemen shoot at a firing range during a training course in Camp Leatherneck. —AFP

which have terrified residents. These included a suicide car bomb attack on the town’s police headquarters which killed 12 policemen and a child on July 31.

Nine people were also injured a week later what provincial officials describe as a gunfight between police. And in a macabre incident the day before the transition ceremony, seven police were poisoned and then shot dead by insurgents. The provincial governor’s spokesman, Daud Ahmadi, said he “totally disagreed” that recent attacks painted a picture of deteriorating security in the town. However, the local Afghan National Army commander accused the Taleban of deliberately targeting Lashkar Gah since the high-profile transition process got under way.

“The Taleban have been trying to disrupt security in Lashkar Gah since the transition took place,” said Sayed Malook. “They want to terrorise people but fortunately they have failed in their plans. Security in Lashkar Gah city is still good and much better than in other areas in the province.”

Nasima Niazi, a lawmaker representing Helmand in the Kabul parliament, also blamed the Taleban for raising peoples’ fears. “The recent attacks are attempts by the Taliban to scare people,” she said. “Despite all the problems, security is not bad in Lashkar Gah compared to other regions.” —AFP

39 killed in new Karachi violence Former lawmaker among the dead HERAT, Afghanistan: An Afghan woman, Bibi Hur, cries over her injured daughter at a hospital yesterday. Bibi Hur lost three of her children and two more were injured by a roadside bomb. —AP

Afghan blasts kill 25, target US base HERAT, Afghanistan: Bomb attacks killed 25 people in Afghanistan yesterday, ripping through a minibus packed with civilians and targeting a US-run base in the east bordering Pakistan, officials said. The attacks in opposite ends of the country underscored how pernicious Taleban-led insurgents have become in fighting to bring down the Western-backed government of President Hamid Karzai and evict 140,000 US-led foreign troops.

Women and children were among the casualties when a roadside bomb tore through the minibus in the western province of Herat, killing 22 civilians, the provincial government said.

The bus was travelling between the district of Obe and the provincial capital Herat city, local administration spokesman, Moheyddin Noori, told AFP. In a second explosion in the same district one woman was killed and seven men were wounded when their truck hit another improvised bomb, Noori said. “In total we have 23 dead and seven injured,” Noori said, speaking at the Herat city hospital. The local government spokesman blamed the bombing on “the armed opposition groups” - a reference to Taleban-led insurgents, who have been fighting to win back power since the 2001 US-led invasion ousted them from government in Kabul.

Improvised bombs, built with old ammunition, have been the weapon of choice for the Taleban and other insurgents for nearly 10 years. But the poorly-made devices often kill civilians travelling on Afghan dirt roads between their villages and big cities. Military officials say the makeshift bombs, also known as IEDs (improvisedexplosive devices) are the main killer of troops in the US-led NATO force deployed in Afghanistan and local Afghan security forces.

The Herat explosion followed a suicide car bombing at a US-run base in the eastern province of Paktia, in which two Afghan guards died. While western Afghanistan is considered relatively secure, the east has long been a flashpoint for violence, which Western officials say is fuelled by rear bases operated by the Taleban and other Islamist networks in Pakistan. —AFP

KARACHI: A fresh wave of violence gripped Pakistan’s commercial hub of Karachi yesterday, with officials saying at least 39 people had been killed over two days in gang wars and political disputes, some after being tortured. Fighting erupted on Wednesday in and around the old district of Lyari, long a focus of battles between rival gangs and a stronghold of President Asif Ali Zardari’s Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). It then spread to nearby parts of Karachi’s west side, though shops remained open in other areas and public transport was running. “Most of the initial killings were a result of clashes between criminal gangs operating in Lyari and surrounding areas,” a police official said. “But violence has started spreading around and now it’s a mix of gang war as well as political violence.”Police chief Saud Mirza told Reuters that 17 people were killed on Wednesday and 22 more yesterday. A former PPP lawmaker was among the dead, killed with a friend on Wednesday when unknown gunmen opened fire at him at a roadside cafe.

Officials said there was evidence victims had been tortured. “Some of the bodies are in bad shape and show that the victims were tortured before being killed,” a hospital official said. A top police official said the most recent victims had clear political connections. “We have found a number of bodies today, quite a few of which are of people with political affiliations,” he said. “Many of those killed were kidnapped first and then killed and their bodies dumped ... Some of them were tortured as well.”

Slum compounds in the Lyari area were seen spattered with blood and damaged by gunfire and hand grenade attacks that had killed some residents and left widows crying and beating their chests outside their homes. “Children were playing in the compound on Wednesday night when two men opened fire on them, killing my nephew Dheeraj, a young girl called Usha and an 80-

year old resident,” said Kheraj Das. “We are poor people, we don’t belong to any political party. I am at a loss to understand why we were attacked and why our innocent children were killed.”

The body of 28-year-old Muhammad Shahnawaz, bearing signs of torture, was

had burst into a restaurant where he was breaking his Ramadan fast and opened fire indiscriminately. “I saw two men on a motorbike, one of them spraying bullets on the people,” said Hussain, a grocery store owner. “I passed out as terrorists opened fire...” he added. A city of more than 18 mil-

KARACHI: A man comforts women who mourn the death of their family member by a target shooting yesterday. — AP dumped in the market area of the neighbourhood on Wednesday, but his brother said he had no grievance with anyone, nor any political affiliations. “Shahnawaz went for dinner with his four friends, who were also kidnapped. Their bodies were also found from nearby areas”, Muhammad Imtiaz told AFP. “Why was my innocent brother killed and his three small children deprived of their father?” he asked, tears rolling down his cheeks.

Muhammad Hussain, 30, a resident of impoverished Kharadar neighbourhood, was shot in the stomach. He said gunmen

lion, Karachi has a long history of violence, and ethnic, religious and sectarian disputes and political rows can often explode into battles engulfing entire neighbourhoods.

Street thugs and ethnic gangs have been used by political parties as foot soldiers in a turf war in a city which contributes about two-third of Pakistan’s tax revenue and is home to ports, the stock exchange and central bank. Pakistan’s interior minister this month vowed to restore peace in the city after a fresh bout of violence and warned of stern action against militants and criminals.— Agencies

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Hazare strikes deal on fast amid protests Activist wins right for 2-week public fast

DHAKA: Jamaat-e-Islami leader Delwar Hossain Sayedee (center) emerges from the Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal yesterday. — AFP

B’desh war crimes court adjourned DHAKA: A Bangladeshi court set up to try people accused of war crimes during the 1971 battle for independence from Pakistan was adjourned yesterday, delaying the outlining of the first charges. The Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal, which was established last year by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, will hear cases of alleged collaborators who are accused of crimes ranging from mass killings to rape. Delwar Hossain Sayedee, a senior official of the opposition Jamaat-e-Islami, the country’s largest Islamic party, was due to be charged yesterday but Judge Nizamul Huq adjourned the hearing after defence lawyers pleaded for a delay. “The defence councils are not prepared yet for the hearing because they did not have enough time to consult with the accused,” Huq said, adding that the next hearing would be on August 23.

Sayedee, 71, has been accused of killing more than 50 people, torching villages, rape, looting and forcibly converting Hindus to Islam. “We have not been provided with sufficient time,” said Sayedee’s British lawyer Toby Cadman, who was not present at the hearing after being denied a visa to enter Bangladesh. “It is a very difficult environment in which to operate,” he told AFP by email before Thursday’s adjournment. “How can one expect a proper defence to the charges if fundamental rights are systematically withdrawn or denied?”

Bangladesh, which was called East Pakistan until 1971, has struggled to come to terms with its violent birth. The current government, led by Hasina, says up to three million people were killed in the war - many murdered by Bangladeshis collaborating with the Pakistani forces. Hasina is the daughter of independence leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The 1971 war began after tens of thousands of people were killed in the capital Dhaka when Pakistan launched Operation Searchlight, a campaign intended to deter Bangladeshis from seeking independence. The violence and subsequent military action that allegedly included mass killings, rape and torture served to create a groundswell of public support for the pro-independence movement. —AFP

NEW DELHI: The activist at the heart of unprecedented anti-corruption protests that have backed India’s government against a wall struck a deal yesterday allowing him to leave jail and stage a public fast. Tens of thousands of Indians in cities across the country have taken to the streets in recent days in a sudden and unexpected national outpouring of anger over the blight of official graft on their daily lives. The protests have been inspired by 74-year-old Anna Hazare, a veteran activist whose populist campaign to strengthen a new anti-corruption law has shaken India’s coalition government.

It has been particularly damaging for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who has been criticised for misjudging the national mood after a succession of multimilliondollar scandals that have implicated top government officials. Hazare was arrested on Tuesday morning as he prepared to begin a “fast unto death” in a New Delhi public park to push for amendments to the anti-graft bill recently introduced in parliament. In the face of mounting protests, police ordered his release, but Hazare refused to leave Delhi’s Tihar jail until the authorities lifted restrictions limiting his planned fast to three days.

After lengthy negotiations a compromise was reached in the early hours of yesterday morning, allowing Hazare to fast with his supporters for 15 days at Ramlila Maidan, an open venue in Delhi used for political rallies and festivals. “The police offered seven days, he wanted it for one month, so in the course of the negotiations we agreed on 15 days,” said Aswathi Muralidharan, a spokeswoman for Hazare’s India Against Corruption campaign. Hazare, who has refused to eat since his arrest, had hoped to take his hunger strike public on Thursday afternoon, but problems with preparing the venue postponed his departure from jail by a day. “He will stay in jail overnight and leave tomorrow (Friday),” Muralidharan said. Ramlila Maidan has a capacity of around 25,000 people.

In scenes not witnessed in the capital

for decades, around 25,000 people marched through the heart of the city on Wednesday in a spontaneous display of anger at the endemic levels of official corruption in India. Schoolchildren, office workers, retired government officers, army men and even a group of eunuchs were among those who rallied at the India Gate monument. That and similar demonstra-

ders to secure everything from business permits to birth certificates and school admissions. India was placed 87th out of 178 in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index 2010, which orders countries according to “the degree to which corruption is perceived to exist among public officials and politicians”, from cleanest to most corrupt.

NEW DELHI: A supporter of anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare carries his portrait as he waits along with others yesterday outside Tihar prison where Hazare is presently lodged. — AP tions in other cities piled pressure on Singh’s government which was clearly blindsided by the scale of the protests.

In an address to parliament on Wednesday, Singh had condemned Hazare’s hunger-strike plans as a “totally misconceived” attempt to subvert parliament and blackmail legislators into amending the new anti-corruption bill.

“The question is who drafts the law and who makes the law,” Singh said, adding that legislation was the “sole prerogative” of lawmakers.

But the argument was largely lost in the public backlash against the culture of bribery in India which requires backhan-

“Every person who is here is a victim of corruption,” said retired government official Srinivas Krishnan who was among the marchers on Wednesday. Arvind Kejriwal, a senior member of Hazare’s campaign, said the protest would gather momentum now that the public hunger strike was to proceed. “If we keep going, we have every expectation that the government will have to bow before the people,” he said. Hazare’s espousal of fasting as a form of protest, coupled with his trademark white cotton cap and spectacles, have led to comparisons with his own professed hero, independence icon Mahatma Gandhi. — AFP

Indians find their voice in anti-graft fight NEW DELHI: Public disgust with endemic corruption in India has seen huge crowds of people from all walks of life take to the streets of their cities with one message: enough is enough. In scenes not witnessed in the capital for decades, tens of thousands of demonstrators joined a spontaneous rally in New Delhi yesterday, venting their anger at a problem that pervades every aspect of their daily lives.

Schoolchildren, office workers, retired government officers, army men and even a group of eunuchs all marched in a united call for action that has been promised by successive governments but never realised.

Sandhya Yadav, a 54-year-old housewife, attended Wednesday’s rally with two of her daughters, one of whom had failed to secure a college place despite a 90 percent exam score because she refused to pay a bribe. “We cannot afford to be mute

spectators anymore,” Yadav said. Many said the issue of corruption made them feel as much shame as outrage, as they are forced to participate in an engrained process they feel powerless to resist. “We are so corrupt. We are not scared of offering bribes and people do not hesitate even once before accepting it. We should be ashamed of ourselves,” said protester Anita Trehan, who admitted paying a 20,000-rupee ($450) bribe for a permit to open a beauty salon.

Medical student Anjali Yadav said she had even bribed an official to secure her mother’s death certificate. “I was so ashamed of myself. But I will fight against corruption now,” she vowed. The demonstrations emerged from a campaign by a veteran activist, Anna Hazare, who has vowed a “fast unto death” to protest against what he sees as a watered-down anti-corruption bill introduced in parlia-

ment. Hazare’s main fight is with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s government, which has been hit by a succession of multi-million-dollar scandals involving some senior ministers. But while there is widespread public disgust at the government’s record, the real anger expressed by the protesters has been against the culture of low-level corruption that blights their everyday lives. College student Avantika Rohatgi, 18, said she recently paid a backhander to get her driving licence. “If we don’t do this kind of thing, our work will never be done. It is this culture that has to come to an end, and we have to address it right here, right now,” she said. Bribes and backhanders are needed to secure everything in India from phone connections to business permits and school admissions letters, and corruption affects every level of society from the wealthy to the impoverished. —AFP

MUMBAI: Indian schoolchildren hold homemade posters in support of Indian social activist Anna Hazare yesterday. — AFP

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India, China to lead gold demand: WGC

Fed worried about EU banks’ US units PAGE 22

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INDEPENDENCE: Job seekers stand in line to enter a job fair, in Independence, Ohio. The number of people applying for unemployment benefits rose back above 400,000 last week.

Still, the average number of applications over the past four weeks fell to its lowest level since mid-April. That suggests the job market may be improving. —AP

US, EU ‘dangerously close to recession’ Morgan Stanley cuts global growth forecasts WASHINGTON: Morgan Stanley slashed its global growth forecast for this year and next year, saying the US and the euro-zone were “dangerously close to a recession”, and criticized policymakers in Washington and Europe for not acting more decisively to contain the sovereign debt crisis.

The bank cut its global gross domestic product growth forecast to 3.9 percent from 4.2 percent for 2011, and to 3.8 percent from 4.5 percent for 2012. “Our revised forecasts show the US and the euro area hovering dangerously close to a recession-defined as two consecutive quarters of contraction-over the next 6-12 months,” Joachim Fels, who co-heads Morgan Stanley’s global economics team, said in a research note dated Wednesday. That was not the bank’s base case scenario, he said, noting the corporate sector still looked healthy and lower inflation will ease pressure on consumers’ pocketbooks, while central banks such as the Federal Reserve and European Central Bank could try to loosen policy further.

Still, “it won’t take much in the form of additional shocks to tip the balance,” he added. “A negative feedback loop between weak growth and soggy asset markets now appears to be in the making in Europe and the US.” Germany

reported on Tuesday that its economic growth came close to stalling in the second quarter, while data from France last week showed its growth had ground to a halt, raising questions over how much drive can be expected from Europe’s top economies.

The clouded growth outlook puts further pressure on European politicians who have been

haggling over ways to stop the euro-zone’s sovereign debt crisis from engulfing larger member countries such as Spain and Italy. Analysts warn that political wrangling and failure to deliver any concrete pledges to increase the size of Europe’s rescue fund risks a renewed attack on heavily indebted countries and a further blow to business and consumer confidence.

Growth worries pummel stocks, Swiss franc falls LONDON: World stocks fell yesterday as renewed unease about a sluggish economic recovery prompted investors to cut exposure to riskier assets, though the safe-haven Swiss franc also dropped amid signs of further moves by the central bank to stem its rise.

European shares shed 2.7 percent, with worries about the US economy and vanishing prospects of a rebound. Adding to the glum economic outlook, UK. retail sales grew at an unexpectedly slow pace last month. In Europe , shares in sectors linked to global growth such as the automobile sector were worst hit, with some stop-loss selling adding to the slide.

“There is an ever-increasing danger of a double-dip scenario and if that happens, then we are in for even a more steep downturn in stocks,” said Koen de Leus, a strategist at KBC Securities in Brussels. The Swiss franc fell against the euro and the dollar with traders saying the central bank was intervening in the forwards market in its bid to clip the soaring currency’s wings. — Reuters

The US economy also stumbled badly in the first half and came dangerously close to contracting in the first quarter. High unemployment, a bruising political battle in Washington over the debt ceiling and spending cuts last month and a stock market slump all helped push US consumer sentiment to its lowest level in more than 30 years. “Recent policy errors - especially Europe’s slow and insufficient response to the sovereign crisis and the drama around lifting he US debt ceiling-have weighed down on financial markets and eroded business and consumer confidence,” the Morgan Stanley note said.

Growth will also be hit by the prospect of fiscal tightening in the United States and Europe where politicians are trying to appease markets by reining in public spending, it added. It said it now sees growth in developed market economies averaging only 1.5 percent this year and next, down from his previous view of 1.9 percent and 2.4 percent, respectively. “While we had been calling for a BBB recovery in DM (developed markets) all along, the path now looks even more Bumpy, Below-par and Brittle than previously thought,” Fels said, adding that emerging markets were not immune either.—AFP

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US employment claims jump above 400,000 Gasoline drives US consumer inflation

KUALA LUMPUR: Customers shop at a vegetable market in downtown Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Malaysia’s economy grew 4.0 percent in the second quarter, its slowest pace in nearly two years, on softening global export demand, the central bank said. —AFP

WASHINGTON: New claims for US unemployment insurance rose last week, ending a brief respite below the 400,000 threshold in the troubled jobs market, government data showed yesterday. Initial jobless claims climbed to 408,000 in the week ending August 13, a gain of 9,000 from the prior week, the Labor Department said.

The department’s revision of the previous week’s number showed claims had only squeaked below the 400,000 barrier: 399,000 claims instead of the previously estimated 395,000.

The claims rise last week topped the average analyst estimate of 400,000.

“This was a slightly larger increase than

expected, a reminder that the labor market has yet to break into sustained improvement,” said Sara Kline at Moody’s Analytics.

The total number of people drawing all unemployment benefits in the week ending July 30 dropped by 143,737 to 7.34 million, according to the department, With 14 million workers without jobs, unemployment in July fell slightly to 9.1 percent as government layoffs continued to offset rising hiring in the private sector.

A sharp rebound in gasoline prices fueled a surge in US inflation in July, the Labor Department said yesterday. The consumer price index rose 0.5 percent

Oman H1 real GDP growth at 3.6%

Bank Dhofar sees return to profit in second half MUSCAT: Omani lender Bank Dhofar said a $68 million lawsuit filed by rival Oman International Bank will not hit profit performance in the second half because it has already set aside funds to cover any penalty.

Mohammed Redha Jawad, acting chief executive of Oman’s third-largest bank by assets, said the lender had seen the brunt of the impact in the first half when it slumped to a net loss.

Bank Dhofar was ordered to pay 26.1 million rials ($68 million) into an enforcement court’s account as part of the dispute. The case is ongoing. Bank Dhofar fell to a loss of 4.6 million rials in the first half, from a profit of 17.7 million in the year-ago period.

“That is as a result of the legal case,” Jawad told Reuters in an interview. “There won’t be any impact on the second half (profit) because we have already made the adjustment.”

Jawad forecast second-half net profit of 21 million rials, compared with 15.6 million in the same period in 2010. In the lawsuit, OIB says trading group Ali Redha was holding 1.93 million Bank Dhofar shares that were pledged to it. Bank Dhofar disputes this.

Jawad said he was still hoping to win the legal dispute. “We are very optimistic that this 26 million rials will come back to us,” he said. Small non-OPEC oil producer Oman, which has seen protesters take to the streets this year demanding more jobs and an end to corruption, posted growth of 11.8 percent in nominal terms year on year in the last quarter of 2010. “The unrest as far as Oman is concerned has calmed down...

The impact on the banking sector was minimal,” Jawad said. “I expect a positive impact with the creation of jobs by the government. It will stimulate the economy and create a good retail consumer market from which the bank can benefit.” Protests prompted Sultan Qaboos bin Said, a US ally who has ruled Oman for 40 years, to promise $2.6 billion in spending and plans to create 50,000 jobs, among other measures.

Jawad said lending conditions in Oman were good.

“We see some good growth in the private sector on the lending side ... Our loan book is going to be quite stable.” Total credit in Oman jumped 12.6 percent year on year in June, from 5.5 percent compared to the same period last year, central bank data showed.

“We don’t have plans to issue bonds at the moment ... But we will look at the deployment of funds (and) whether we have opportunities in the coming year,” he said. In April, the bank’s former chief executive resigned and Jawad was appointed acting CEO. The board has approved a new CEO but cannot disclose the name yet, Jawad said. — Reuters

last month from June, when prices had fallen 0.2 percent, according to the department. The gasoline index bounced sharply higher from previous declines, surging 4.7 percent last month, and accounted for about half of the increase in the CPI. Food prices rose 0.4 percent, twice as fast as the prior month. Core CPI, excluding volatile food and energy prices, rose 0.2 percent, slowing from two straight months of 0.3 percent increases.

Overall inflation was higher than the 0.2 percent expected by most analysts, while core inflation was in line with forecasts. — AFP

MOSCOW: Members of a social network group “I Really Like Putin” perform in front or a two-meter Russian Ruble coin in Moscow yesterday during their action in support of Russia’s currency. — AFP

Iraq core inflation 7.1% in July: CB BAGHDAD: Iraq’s core annual inflation rate quickened to 7.1 percent last month from 6.4 percent in June, driven mainly by higher housing rental prices and an increase in the cost of building materials, a central bank official said yesterday. Deputy Governor Mudher Kasim told Reuters the slow response by government in addressing Iraq’s chronic housing shortage had continued to push prices up.

“60 percent of Baghdad families do not own houses,” Kasim said. Iraq faces an acute shortage of houses

after years of war and sanctions and needs between 2-3 million new homes for its growing population, officials have said. The housing shortage is a pressing demand for Iraqis and progress on the ground to address the problem has been slow, mainly due to a lack of finance. The government hopes a sharp fall in violence from the sectarian strife in 200607, and a new investment law allowing foreigners to own land for housing projects, will help entice foreign investors. — Reuters

MUSCAT: Oman’s economy expanded by 3.6 percent in real terms in the first half of the year bolstered by the hydrocarbon sector, a finance ministry official told Reuters yesterday.

Data showed this week Oman’s gross domestic product jumped by 15.3 percent in nominal terms in January-March thanks to robust oil prices. The finance ministry did not release the GDP data in constant prices.

“We have had a good oil income in the first half and that has boosted growth in real terms to 3.6 percent in this period,” said the ministry official, who declined to be named.

Real GDP growth was 3.1 percent in the first half of 2010. Oman booked oil income of 4.1 billion rials ($10.5 billion) in JanuaryJune, 43 percent more than in the same period last year, ministry figures released this week showed.

Analysts polled by Reuters in June expected the Gulf Arab state’s economy to grow by 4.1 percent in real terms this year , while the central bank is more optimistic, forecasting 5 percent growth.

Sultan Qaboos bin Said, a US ally who has ruled Oman for 40 years, promised $2.6 billion in additional spending in April and announced plans to create 50,000 new jobs after demonstrators protested about unemployment and corruption.

“The disruptions in Oman were not nearly as severe as in other places in the region,” said Nancy Fahim, Standard Chartered economist in Dubai. She also said the non-OPEC country, which does not have to adhere to the cartel’s output quota, was likely to produce more oil in the first half of the year compared to last year.

The sultanate boosted its oil output by nearly 3 percent year-on-year to 159.1 million barrels in the first three months of 2011, when crude prices rose to almost $115 per barrel fuelled by revolts in the Arab world.

Oman’s hydrocarbon-related GDP, which accounts for nearly half of the $58 billion economy, jumped by 17.8 percent in nominal terms in the first quarter, data showed.

“Oman is still facing a much closer deadline to oil running out than other oil-producing countries in the region and they need to funnel those boosted oil revenues into other sectors in order to diversify and move away from oil,” Fahim said. — Reuters

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India, China to lead gold demand: WGC Yellow metal hovers around record levels

SINGAPORE: Office workers, some are seen through a window reflection, make their way during lunch break through the financial district yesterday in Singapore. The city-state’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong warned Singaporeans in his recent national day address that economic problems in the US and Europe pose a serious risk to world growth which could lead to another recession. — AP

No recession but slow growth for Europe: ECB VIENNA: A return to recession is unlikely but Europe will probably enter a long period of low growth like Japan, European Central Bank governing council member Ewald Nowotny said in an interview yesterday.

Nowotny, also head of the Austrian central bank, said he considers it “unlikely” that Europe will re-enter recession, in an interview published on the website of Austrian business magazine Wirtschaftsblatt. “Personally I believe that we will more likely go in the other direction, like Japan, into a long period of low growth but also with a low inflation rate,” he added.

Second quarter growth figures out earlier this week showed that the German economy, which has driven European growth over the past few years, had stalled with a 0.1 percent increase.

A huge sell-off over concerns the US and Europe may drop back into recession has wiped a fifth of the value off world stock markets in the past couple of weeks.

After three years of ultra-low rates the ECB undertook quarter point hikes in April and July, taking its key lending rate to 1.50 percent, as it sought to dampen inflation. Euro-zone inflation hit a 30-month peak of 2.8 percent in April, considerably above the ECB’s target of just under two percent. “We are already seeing today that the economic slowdown has had a direct effect on the price of oil by bringing it down,” he estimated. Oil prices are down by 6-10 percent since the end of July. — AFP

S&P says France will maintain top rating PARIS: Standard & Poor’s is confident France will maintain its top AAA credit rating, the agency’s European chief said yesterday, amid rumors of a possible downgrade amid intensifying euro-zone debt strains.

“The rating for France is a stable AAA and that has been the case since 1975”, S&P Europe chief Carole Sirou told RTL radio.

“We are confident on that rating,” she added, just days after the agency downgraded the US credit rating from AAA to AA+.

She said she had no comment to make on rumors of a possible French downgrade linked to the lingering euro-zone crisis which has triggered major market turbulence.

In response to the French downgrade fears, Moody’s Investors Service and Fitch Ratings have both issued statements denying any such move was under consideration.

Worries over French financial health mounted last week when bank shares plunged amid fears of their high exposure to Greek debt but a rebound later alleviated concern. S&P downgraded the United Stats’ long-term credit rating on August 5 amid concern over the country’s finances and the failure of US lawmakers to agree on a deal to reduce the ballooning US debt by some $4 trillion over 10 years. — AFP

MUMBAI: Gold, at record-breaking levels as global economic worries mount, will see sustained demand from key markets India and China this year despite high prices, the World Gold Council said yesterday. Global demand for the second quarter to June was 919.8 tons, down 17 percent year-on-year, from 1,107 tons in the same period last year, as the “remarkably” high European investment seen earlier leveled off.

The World Gold Council, an industry body, said demand for gold was still “healthy”, particularly for jewelry, despite the decline in demand, which steadied after the heavy investment in the last 12 months in gold exchange traded funds. The 2011 Juneend quarter was the second-highest quarterly value ever at $44.5 billion, the WGC said in a report.

The highest-ever quarterly demand for gold was valued at $44.7 billion in the three months ended last December, the council said. WGC expects demand for gold to remain strong for the rest of the calendar year, driven by demand from India and China. The impact of euro-zone and US debt crises, inflationary pressures and buying from global central banks will also boost investment demand for gold, it said. “The strength of demand in India and China, coupled with an overall drop in recycling activity this quarter, demonstrates that consumers have adjusted to the current price environment,” said Marcus Grubb, WGC investment managing director, said in the emailed report.

“In addition, ongoing macro economic uncertainty, the continued sovereign debt crisis and widespread inflationary pressures, will result in gold demand remaining strong,” Grubb said.

India and China are battling high inflation, alongside other Asian economies like Vietnam, Indonesia, South Korea and Thailand (VIST). “High inflation has become a positive driving force for gold (amongst the

VIST countries), the report said.

India is the world’s biggest importer and consumer of gold. It constituted over a third of global gold demand, while China’s share is also expanding rapidly.

Indians bought 540 tons of gold in the first-half of 2this year, up 21 percent from the same period last year.

Gold jumped to a record $1,814.95 per ounce this week after global equities markets slumped and investors were spooked after the US sovereign debt downgrade and growing concerns about the eurozone crisis. The precious metal, whose key drivers are investment and jewelry, is widely seen as a safe haven in times of economic

MUMBAI: A foreign visitor looking at a gold necklace at the 28th annual India International Jewelry Show (IIJS) in Mumbai. Gold, at record-breaking levels as global economic worries mount, will see sustained demand from key markets India and China this year despite high prices, the World Gold Council said yesterday. — AFP “This growth is likely to continue, due to increasing levels of economic prosperity and high levels of inflation,” research analyst Louise Street said in the report, describing demand for gold from India and China. Yearon-year demand for gold grew 38 percent in India in the second quarter ended June and China by 25 percent, the report said.

uncertainty and high inflation.

WGC said the “still-fragile outlook” for economic growth will continue to drive people to buy gold as a form of investment.

Demand for gold is likely to increase in India in the coming weeks, as key religious festivals get under way, where the metal is often bought or gifted.— AFP

Euro and EU ‘on edge of precipice:’ Delors BRUSSELS: The euro currency and the European Union each today stand “on the edge of the precipice,” former European Commission chief and prominent European federalist Jacques Delors said yesterday. Jacques Delors, credited with fathering the world’s largest common market of half a billion consumers, made his comments in the wake of what he described as worthless proposals to reinforce cross-border economic governance made by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas

LOS ANGELES: A customer walks out of Nordstrom in the Canoga Park section of Los Angeles.

Nordstrom Inc. reported quarterly financial results after the market close yesterday. —AP

Sarkozy. “Open your eyes: the euro and Europe are on the edge of the precipice,” Delors told Belgian daily Le Soir in an interview splashed across its front page and published at the same time in non-EU Swiss counterpart Le Temps.

“To avoid falling, the choice looks straightforward to me: either member states accept the robust economic partnership I always demanded, or they transfer more powers to the Union.”

Delors said Merkel and Sarkozy were playing games by arguing for “a minimum amount of cooperation designed to limit any transfer of sovereignty” to Brussels. Taken on that basis, the ideas for euro-zone reform they put forward on Wednesday after a head-to-head in Paris “won’t amount to a hill of beans.” He dismissed the idea of creating a pan-euro-zone finance minister as nothing more than a “crazy gadget.” The Frenchman used a scathing assessment of EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton’s impact to support his argument. “Does European diplomacy work any better since the creation, through the Lisbon Treaty, of a pseudo ‘EU foreign minister’?” Delors, who led the giant Brussels-based EU executive 1985-1994, instead called for a part-mutualization of euro-zone member states’ debts, “up to 60 percent of GDP,” saying the pooling of guarantees on that basis would “put out the fire” on money markets. Joint “eurobonds” was an idea conspicuously not backed by Merkel and Sarkozy at their Tuesday summit meeting. Delors underlined: “Right since the start of the crisis (when the true scale of Greece’s financial troubles first emerged some 18 months ago), Europe’s leaders have failed to see the reality in front of their eyes.— AFP

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Fed worried about EU banks’ US units European bank shares fall 3.5%, Dexia drops 8%

BERLIN: Joachim Hunold, CEO of Germany’s second largest airline Air Berlin, posing in front of a backdrop featuring an Air Berlin aircraft during a press conference in Berlin. As it was announced yesterday, Hunold will leave his post by September 1, 2011. —AFP

Air Berlin to cut back routes BERLIN: Germany’s secondbiggest airline, Air Berlin PLC, says it is cutting back unprofitable routes as high fuel prices, a new German aviation tax and sagging demand for travel to North Africa weighed on earnings.

The company also announced yesterday that CEO Joachim Hunold plans to offer his resignation effective Sept 1. It didn’t specify reasons for his decision, but said he has recommended that Hartmut Mehdorn, a former chief executive of German railway Deutsche Bahn AG, become his interim successor.

Air Berlin said it will concentrate increasingly on its hubs in Berlin, Duesseldorf, Palma de Mallorca and Vienna, and offer fewer connections from German regional airports.

It said it plans to cut flight frequencies and reduce capacity in the second half, reducing its fleet by eight aircraft. Air Berlin currently has 170 planes.

Germany started imposing a new tax on flights from its airports in January. Air Berlin argued that that makes it difficult to pass on higher fuel prices to its customers in full. The airline says demand for flights to North African destinations, which are significant to the company, have not recovered in the aftermath of the unrest there earlier this year. Routes that will be cut include FrankfurtHamburg domestic flights, Frankfurt-Naples, Stuttgart St Petersburg, Munich-Cairo, and Duesseldorf-Paris. Air Berlin says its second-quarter loss widened compared with a year earlier. —AP

LONDON: The US Federal Reserve Bank is taking a closer look at the US units of Europe’s biggest banks, concerned that a euro-zone debt crisis could spill into the US banking system, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The $2.5 trillion US money market funds industry-which supplies shortterm dollar funding to banks-has retreated from the euro-zone in recent months, concerned that the continent’s debt crisis is spiraling out of control.

That and the drying up of interbank lending has led to a trebling of dollar funding costs for euro zone banks in the last month. One bank was forced to borrow dollars at the European Central Bank on Wednesday. In a dramatic shift, the US branches of foreign banks became net borrowers of dollars from their overseas affiliates for the first time in a decade, Federal Reserve data released last week showed.

The Fed’s New York branch-which

oversees US units from many European banks-is now asking for more information about whether the banks have reliable access to the funds needed to operate in the United States, the Wall Street Journal said.

New York Fed officials “are very concerned” about European banks facing funding difficulties in the United States, a senior executive at a major European bank who has participated in the talks told the Wall Street Journal.The New York Fed was not available to comment.

On Wednesday, one euro-zone bank borrowed $500 million from the European Central Bank at a rate much above those at which banks can get dollars in the open market. It was the first time since Feb. 23 a bank used the central bank’s facility. Fed officials recently have held meetings with US-based executives from top European banks to discuss their funding positions, the Wall Street Journal said.

UK regulator fines TalkTalk for errors

WISCONSIN: Cattle graze in a pasture near Willow Springs, Wisconsin. The USDA is forecasting a 4.3% drop in beef production next year. They also predicted, for the first time, more corn will be used next year for ethanol production than will be used to feed livestock. — AFP

Oil dips on EU woes, slow global growth LONDON: Oil dipped yesterday as investors tried to lock in profit from their highest levels in about two weeks, with worries about euro zone debt problems and slower global growth outlook pressing on prices. Brent crude futures fell 68 cents, or 0.6 percent, to $109.92 a barrel by 0840 GMT, after hitting the highest closing price since Aug. 3 on Wednesday. US crude was down 71 cents at $86.87.

Trading volumes of both contracts were moderate. “Confidence is extremely fragile,” said Mark Thomas, head of Europe, energy, with brokerage Marex Financial.

“It is only a matter of time before inherent euro conflicts come to the fore again and that will put on pressure again, apart from (on) gold.” Gold was edging higher, while European shares fell from a week high hit on Wednesday.

Regulators are trying to guard against the possibility European banks that encounter trouble could siphon funds out of their US arms, sources told the newspaper. Regulators recently have ramped up pressure on European banks to transform their US businesses into self-financed units to insulate them from problems at their parent companies, the WSJ cited a senior bank executive as saying.

French banks are most exposed to US short-term funding, and it is access to US dollar liquidity that is of particular concern. BNP’s short-term borrowings were $94 billion and SocGen’s were $56 billion, Citi analysts estimated last month. European bank shares were 3.5 percent lower on Wednesday after hefty drops last week.

But this time the fall was along with other sectors such as automobiles and construction shares, on concerns about global growth. — Reuters

Asian stocks were sold off. Adding to the glum growth picture, Morgan Stanley cut its forecast for global growth, citing “recent policy errors” in the United States and Europe, plus prospects of further fiscal tightening in 2012.

The bank also said the global economy is “dangerously close to a recession. Oil was also depressed by a stronger dollar, which rose as much as 0.4 percent against a basket of currencies yesterday, making dollar-denominated assets more expensive when purchased in other currencies.

The Swiss franc fell against the euro and the dollar with traders saying the Swiss National Bank was intervening in the forwards market in its bid to curb the currency’s strength. The plight of the Swiss franc is part of a larger battle over Europe’s fiscal crisis, with the Swiss curren-

cy a beneficiary of investors seeking safety in a currency other than the euro.

Still, the dollar would remain under pressure and could hit record lows against the Swiss franc in days ahead as long as the US economic recovery stays tenuous, analysts said.

Data due later in the day, including US initial jobless claims, existing home sales and regional manufacturing, will be closely watched.

The market is also watching the situation in Libya, where rebels to the west and east of the capital fought forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi for control of oil facilities vital to winning the six-month-old civil war. Oil prices have been supported by the loss of around 1.6 million barrels per day of production in Libya since the start of an uprising against Gaddafi’s rule in February. — Reuters

LONDON: British regulator Ofcom has fined TalkTalk Telecom and subsidiary Tiscali UK 3 million pounds ($5 million) for sending thousands of customers incorrect bills. Ofcom said it had received complaints after more than 62,000 consumers got bills for services they had not received.

The company was given until last December 2 to sort out the issue, but sent 3,000 more incorrect bills after the deadline. “Ofcom has therefore issued TalkTalk and Tiscali UK with a financial penalty to reflect the seriousness of their breach of the rules and to act as a deterrent to them and other telecoms companies,” the regulator said yesterday.

TalkTalk’s much-criticized customer service suffered as it integrated an unwieldy customer base after it bought Tiscali UK from Italian parent Tiscali in 2009. Chief executive Dido Harding said the group had taken steps to solve the problems, and that more than 2.5 million pounds had been paid to customers in reimbursements and compensation.

“We are disappointed at the scale of the fine and feel it is a disproportionate penalty; however we are striving to improve and invest in customer experience and are pleased at the clear progress we are starting to make,” she said.

Harding told Reuters last month complaints were reducing, though there was still much to be done.

Shares in TalkTalk, which competes with BT and Virgin Media , were 0.3 percent lower at 127.5 pence by 0751 GMT, outperforming a 1.1 percent weaker mid-cap index. — Reuters

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Japan exports fall for fifth month in July Country contends with strong yen

BETHEL PARK: A display of Wet/Dry vacuums is shown at a Sears store in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. The operator of Sears and Kmart stores said yesterday that it lost more money in the second quarter as it marked down items to clear shelves for fall merchandise. —AP

Asia stocks down in jittery trade HONG KONG: Asian stock markets were mostly down in jittery trade yesterday as dealers looked for fresh leads, but the euro took a hit from profit-takers looking to lock in gains.

Tokyo finished the morning 0.42 percent lower, Sydney shed 0.79 percent and Seoul dropped 1.88 percent. Hong Kong was flat and Shanghai slipped 0.42 percent. Shortly before Tokyo’s opening bell, official data showed Japan’s exports fell for a fifth straight month in July, but the nation still managed to record a trade surplus as the economy gradually recovers from the March 11 disaster.

Exports fell 3.3 percent from a year ago to 5.78 trillion yen ($75.4 billion), better than market expectation of a 4.4-percent fall, the Finance Ministry said. “We’re trying to confirm whether the recovery trend in exports will continue,” Kazuhiro Takahashi, general manager at Daiwa Securities, told Dow Jones Newswires. Takahashi said there was still a trend for buying shares of companies dependent on domestic demand and for avoiding exporters due to the strong yen.

The yen’s strength hurts Japanese exporters by making their products more expensive abroad and reducing their repatriated overseas earnings.

The Japanese unit remained high in yesterday’s trade at 76.60 yen to the dollar, little changed from 76.54 yen in New York. Forex investors were wary of a possible Japanese intervention after Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda said he was watching the market “carefully”.

The euro came under pressure from profit taking following gains made the previous day. The single currency stood at $1.4401 and 110.31 yen in midday Tokyo trade, compared with $1.4406 and 110.45 yen in New York overnight. “The euro rose well on Wednesday, so investors are taking this chance to take profits,” said Tokyo Forex and Ueda Harlow senior dealer Yuzo Sakai.

Moves by the Swiss National Bank to stem the rise of the safe-haven franc were met with a shrug, as players felt the bank had not done enough to make a significant difference.

The franc “shot up after the Swiss National Bank didn’t announce a peg to the euro to weaken it, despite speculation of such a step,” noted John Kyriakopoulos of National Australia Bank.

However, he added: “In our view this is a slow burner”. The euro fetched 1.1386 to the euro, from 1.1434 after falling to as low as 1.1224 on Wednesday, and 0.7906 francs to the dollar, from 0.7909. Equities markets around the world appeared to have calmed from the see-saw frenzy of the last fortnight, with the main European bourses changing little on Wednesday.

Overnight on Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed flat, up just 4.28 points, or 0.04 percent, at 11,410.21. Gold opened in Asia at $1,787.00-$1,788.00 an ounce, down slightly on its Wednesday close of $1,791.00-$1,792.00. — AP

TOKYO: Japan’s exports fell for the fifth straight month last month as the country contends with a strong yen and the ongoing impact of the March earthquake and tsunami.

Exports fell 3.3 percent from a year earlier to 5.78 trillion yen ($75.6 billion), the government said yesterday. Exports are a key driver of the world’s No. 3 economy, and the country is hoping that overseas demand will help it bounce back from the March 11 disaster.

Data earlier this week showed that Japan’s economy is still mired in recession, shrinking for the third straight quarter in the April-June period.

The earthquake and tsunami damaged or destroyed factories in northeast Japan, which led to serious parts shortages for manufacturers in the auto and electronics industries. While the country has made progress in restoring production, it now faces new threats.

A surging yen, which has recently tested record highs against the dollar, is painful for Japan’s exporters. It reduces the value of their foreign earnings and makes Japanese goods more expensive in overseas markets. The yen is hurting the bottom lines of companies like Nintendo Co., which makes 80 percent of its sales outside of Japan. It is also forcing manufacturers like Panasonic Corp. and Hitachi Ltd. to consider shifting more production overseas.

Japan intervened in currency markets earlier this month to try to reverse the yen’s climb. The decision to sell the yen and buy the dollar worked initially, sending the greenback toward 80 yen.

But the dollar has been weighed by the dimming outlook for US economy and is

TOKYO: People crossing a street are reflected on the electronic stock board of a securities firm in Tokyo yesterday. Japan’s government says exports fell for the fifth straight month in July as the country grapples with a strong yen and the ongoing impact of March’s earthquake and tsunami. —AP back down to mid 76-yen levels.

Monetary authorities could turn to intervention again if the yen continues to strengthen.

The country’s top financial diplomat, Takehiko Nakao, yesterday blamed speculators for the yen’s sharp gains and described recent moves as “violent.”

“We remain alert,” said Nakao, the vice finance minister for international affairs, according to Kyodo News agency.

Along with foreign exchange pressures, Japanese exports are feeling the

strain of a lethargic global economy, particularly in the US and Europe.

Shipments to the US fell 8.2 percent in July, while those to China were down 1 percent. Exports to the European Union rose 6 percent.

Motor vehicle exports to the world fell 3.8 percent in value terms, and electrical machinery shipments declined 8.3 percent. The finance ministry said imports in July rose 9.9 percent to 5.71 trillion yen, resulting in a trade surplus of 72.5 billion yen. — AP

China exporters feel the pain of shoppers in Europe, US

HONG KONG: A businessman walks past a poster advertising the renminbi (RMB) currency (Chinese yuan) in Hong Kong yesterday. Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang unveiled economic sweeteners and reaffirmed the Hong Kong’s status as a hub for Beijing’s ambitious goal to turn the yuan into a global currency rivalling the US dollar. — AFP

BEIJING: Chinese exporters are bracing for bad news as shoppers in their two biggest markets-Europe and the USincreasingly stay at home.

A week after surprisingly strong export data for last month, interviews with 16 Chinese manufacturers showed that most expect a slump in exports in the coming months, particularly for textiles and electronics.

“Right now with Europe’s debt crisis, people are making less, and they will have to buy less too. That will have a big impact on our business,” said Roger Wen, manager of the Shenzhen Design Center Co, which exports small home appliances such as microwaves and coffee makers.

“Christmas orders have already come in and they aren’t bad, about the same as last year. But I’m not sure all the orders will go through in the end,” he said. “When we get to September and October, who knows if they’ll still want the shipments. They might cancel.”

Li Rongcan, assistant minister of commerce, warned that overseas demand for Chinese goods remains shaky in the face of debt problems in

the United States and the European Union, the China Daily newspaper quoted him as saying.

Many Chinese managers agree. “New orders will probably contract in coming months,” said Kevin Hou, president of Beijing Pumson International Co., a home radiator exporting business that ships around 50 percent of its products to Europe.

“I’m expecting about a 10 percent contraction across the industry,” he said.

The company’s orders are already down about 5 percent compared to the same period a year ago.

Any slowdown in orders would come at a bad time for China’s exporters, who are already grappling with rising labor and raw material costs and a gradually appreciating yuan. Speculation is growing that Beijing may be engineering a “mini-revaluation” of the currency, which would make Chinese shipments of electronics and apparel more expensive, but help boost domestic consumer spending by making imports cheaper.

With revaluation a strong possibility, economists warned that many exporters could go bust. — Reuters

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Lenovo says quarterly profit nearly doubles BEIJING: Lenovo Group, the world’s No 3 personal computer manufacturer, said yesterday its quarterly profit nearly doubled on strong emerging market sales.

The results come as Lenovo expands into mobile Internet, competing with Apple Inc. and other foreign rivals, and in developed markets with an acquisition this year in Germany and a joint venture in Japan.

Profit for the three months ending June 30 was $108 million, or 1.11 US cents per share, up 98 percent from a year ago, Lenovo said. It said sales rose 15 percent from the same period last year to a quarterly record of $5.9 billion and global market share hit a high of 12.2 percent.

Lenovo, which acquired IBM Corp’s PC unit in 2005, overtook Taiwan’s Acer Group this year to become the thirdlargest PC vendor, according to International Data Corp.

After spending the past two years focusing on expanding sales, Lenovo is changing strategy to give equal emphasis to profits, said CEO Yang Yuanqing in a conference call with reporters.

“We will continue to invest in capturing growth in emerging markets while focusing on improving profitability,” Yang said.

Lenovo entered wireless Internet last year and has launched smartphones and Web-linked tablet computers in competition with Apple, South Korea’s Samsung Electronics Corp. and Taiwan’s HTC Corp. It unveiled a low-priced smart-

phone last week to target developing markets.

The company’s tablet shipments in China have lagged behind Apple’s popular iPad but Yang said that was due partly to supply constraints. He said the company is aiming to achieve a 20 percent share in that market within a year.

Lenovo said PC shipments in Africa, Latin America and

IBM pursues chips that behave like brains Testing the limits of computer and brain science SAN FRANCISCO: Computers, like humans, can learn. But when Google tries to fill in your search box based only on a few keystrokes, or your iPhone predicts words as you type a text message, it’s only a narrow mimicry of what the human brain is capable.

The challenge in training a computer to behave like a human brain is technological and physiological, testing the limits of computer and brain science. But researchers from IBM Corp. say they’ve made a key step toward combining the two worlds.

The company announced yesterday that it has built two prototype chips that it says process data more like how humans digest information than the chips that now power PCs and supercomputers. The chips represent a significant milestone in a six-year-long project that has involved 100 researchers and some $41 million in funding from the government’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA. IBM has also committed an undisclosed amount of money.

The prototypes offer further evidence of the growing importance of “parallel processing,” or computers doing multiple tasks simultaneously. That is important for rendering graphics and crunching large amounts of data. The uses of the IBM chips so far are prosaic, such as steering a simulated car through a maze, or playing Pong. It may be a decade or longer before the chips make their way out of the lab and into actual products.

But what’s important is not what the chips are doing, but how they’re doing it, says Giulio Tononi, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin at Madison who worked with IBM on the project. The chips’ ability to adapt to types of information that it wasn’t specifically programmed to expect is a key feature.

“There’s a lot of work to do still, but

the most important thing is usually the first step,” Tononi said in an interview.

“And this is not one step, it’s a few steps.”

Technologists have long imagined computers that learn like humans. Your iPhone or Google’s servers can be programmed to predict certain behavior based on past events. But the techniques being explored by IBM and other companies and university research labs around “cognitive computing” could lead to chips that are better able to adapt to unexpected information. IBM’s interest in the chips lies in their ability to potentially help process real-world signals such as temperature or sound or motion and make sense of them for computers.

IBM, which is based in Armonk, New York, is a leader in a movement to link physical infrastructure, such as power plants or traffic lights, and information technology, such as servers and software that help regulate their functions. Such projects can be made more efficient with tools to monitor the myriad analog signals present in those environments.

Dharmendra Modha, project leader for IBM Research, said the new chips have parts that behave like digital “neurons” and “synapses” that make them

different than other chips. Each “core,” or processing engine, has computing, communication and memory functions.

“You have to throw out virtually everything we know about how these chips are designed,” he said. “The key, key, key difference really is the memory and the processor are very closely brought together. There’s a massive, massive amount of parallelism.”

The project is part of the same research that led to IBM’s announcement in 2009 that it had simulated a cat’s cerebral cortex, the thinking part of the brain, using a massive supercomputer. Using progressively bigger supercomputers, IBM had previously simulated 40 percent of a mouse’s brain in 2006, a rat’s full brain in 2007, and 1 percent of a human’s cerebral cortex in 2009.

A computer with the power of the human brain is not yet near. But Modha said the latest development is an important step. “It really changes the perspective from ‘What if?’ to ‘What now?’”

Modha said. “Today we proved it was possible. There have been many skeptics, and there will be more, but this completes in a certain sense our first round of innovation.”— AP

other emerging markets rose 45.7 percent in the latest quarter over a year ago. In China, which provides nearly half of Lenovo’s sales, PC shipments rose 23.4 percent in the quarter. Shipments in North America rose 30.8 percent while those in Japan were up 14 percent. In a reflection of Lenovo’s growth in mature markets such as Europe and the United States, they provided $77 million of the quarterly profit, compared with a $9 million loss a year ago, said chairman Liu Chuanzhi.

“This is a major improvement,” Liu said on the conference call. Lenovo announced its acquisition of Germany’s Medion AG, a maker of multimedia products and consumer electronics, in June. It said that would make it the secondlargest PC vendor in Europe’s biggest computer market.

Also this year, Lenovo launched a joint venture with Japan’s NEC Corp., expanding its presence in the Japanese market. In June, the company announced that Yang, the CEO, bought 797 million shares in Lenovo from its parent company, Legend Holdings Ltd. That made him its secondlargest owner after the holding company, with an 8 percent stake. Liu said that reflected Lenovo’s desire for its top managers to have an ownership stake in the company, which he said would improve performance. Executives on yesterday’s conference call did not respond to a question about whether further share purchases by management were expected. — AP

Criticism of China’s Baidu may mask competition issues SHANGHAI: Increasing scrutiny into China’s top search engine company Baidu by state media is highlighting the fierce competition developing between traditional and new media over lucrative advertising dollars. The barrage of criticisms could also signal Beijing’s intention to toughen its anti-monopoly stance against Baidu and tighten regulations in the Internet sector as a means to enforce its official line, analysts said yesterday.

“The impact of the new media is increasing rapidly and the ad spending on online portals and especially on search engines is rising almost 100 percent every year,” said Autumn Zhu, an analyst with technology consultancy RedTech Advisors.

“But for old media like TV and print, the growth is flat.” Baidu has about 80 percent of all search market traffic in China, a nation with almost half a billion Internet users. It has been building its market share since Google Inc’s high-profile exit from mainland China this year after a fallout with Beijing over censorship.

Shares of Nasdaq-listed Baidu, which has a market value of nearly $50 billion, fell around 10 percent in the first two days of the week, partly on concerns over possible fall-out from the criticisms. They edged up 0.8 percent on Wednesday.

Baidu earned 7.9 billion yuan ($1.2 billion) in online marketing revenue last year, up 78 percent from 2009, closing in on stateowned China Central Television (CCTV) that will book 12.7 billion yuan in prime-time advertising for this year, according to local media.

“Search engines have the most robust and developed online advertising platform. For sure they (new and old media) ar e fighting for ad dollars,” said Zhu. The state broadcaster, which recently launched a search engine of its own in a testing phase (http://search.cctv.com), ran a report on Monday accusing Baidu of having lax approval processes on its paid advertising platform that allows for fraudulent websites to flourish.

On Tuesday, it ran another report slamming Baidu for not policing its message board product Tieba for “slanderous” remarks. CCTV has also launched a website critiquing Baidu’s bid ranking system. — Reuters

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Syria’s stable currency fuels speculation Iran pumping cash into battered Syrian economy?

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sharp discrepancy between Syria’s nose-diving economy and its relatively stable currency is fueling speculation among observers that either another country — presumably strategic, oil-rich ally Iran — has injected huge amounts of cash into its economy, or Damascus is quickly draining its foreign-currency reserves.

Syria’s overall economy, stock market, vital tourism industry and foreign investment have collapsed, according to economists and analysts. It appears to have hemorrhaged cash, with the bulk flowing to Lebanon, which has long served as a conduit for Syrian finances.

economists attempt to draw an overall picture based on the few indicators that appear reliable in a heavily state-dominated economy.

“The problem is, what are the numbers?” said a chief economist with a Lebanese bank that has extensive business in Syria. He spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of putting colleagues in jeopardy. “I look at their balance sheets, and I cannot understand them.”

Many economists and officials agree that, up until the uprising began, Syria’s prospects were relatively good, with many predicting a banner year for the country thanks to an uptick in tourism,

percent by the end of April. Meanwhile, despite a political crisis that crippled the government in Lebanon, banks here reported surges in deposits: from $670 million in February to $1.34 billion in March and $1.8 billion in April, though the net increases tapered off in May and June.

Syrian officials have taken steps to stem the outflow, including raising interest rates on savings, lowering rates on lending and adding transaction fees to dollar withdrawals.

The official news agency said Monday that Syria had barred anyone from exchanging more than $3,000 worth of

DAMASCUS: The lights of Damascus glimmer one recent night. Syria’s overall economy, stock market, vital tourism industry and foreign investment have collapsed following the anti-regime upheaval, according to economists and analysts. —MCT But its currency, the Syrian pound, has held strong, staying about the same as before an uprising against President Bashar Assad began five months ago.

The disconnect between the teetering economy and the stable currency, which remains vital for keeping the country’s urban merchant class a pillar of support for the regime, has baffled some observers and led to speculation about possible influxes of cash.

“You have the collapse of exports and the collapse of foreign direct investment,” said a Western diplomat in Beirut who closely tracks the Syrian economy and spoke on condition of anonymity.

“Given the fact that the currency has not collapsed, the indications are that money is coming in. No one knows from where, or how much.”

Syria’s inner workings are among the most opaque in the world. Bankers and

investment from Iran and the Arabian Peninsula kingdoms, and increased trade with Turkey.

But the political crisis engulfing the country has changed all that. Syria’s tiny Damascus stock market was down 41 percent during the first seven months of 2011, the worst performance in an Arab world convulsed by political unrest. Its gross domestic product, earlier projected to weather the global economic crisis and grow 3 percent, will instead probably shrink 5 percent or more. Tourism, which accounted for $4 billion annually, or 12 percent of its economy, has collapsed.

What’s more, a flood of cash appears to have poured from the country.

According to a report issued by the Byblos Bank, headquartered in Beirut, deposits in the Syrian accounts held by Lebanese banks dropped by up to 24

local money for hard currency without special permission in order to “put an end to manipulation in the currency market and speculation.”

Syria may have also begun drawing on extensive reserves that officials claimed had reached $17 billion, built up over the decades to keep the currency solid and the merchant class supportive — or at least quiet about the crackdown against the protest movement.

“The mercantile-military arrangement is key to the regime’s grip,” said Andrew Tabler, an expert on Syria at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and author of the forthcoming “In the Lion’s Den,” about WashingtonDamascus relations.

“Syria doesn’t produce a lot,” he said.

“It’s a trading economy. The exchange rate is a political issue.” In Damascus, a dollar now sells for about 51 pounds on

the black market and 47 pounds officially, a difference of less than 10 percent, which many analysts consider extraordinary. In Libya, where a civil war is raging, the local currency trades for up to 2.5 dinars per dollar on the black market, half the value the official rate of 1.25 dinars.

Other factors could be helping maintain the Syrian currency’s stable rate.

Remittances from abroad, which total about $1.2 billion a year, could have gone up as wealthy Syrians send cash

Syria’s overall economy, stock market, vital tourism industry and foreign investment have collapsed, according to economists and analysts. But its currency, the Syrian pound, has held strong, staying about the same as before an uprising against President Bashar Assad began five months ago. home. Also, security forces could be forcing black market vendors to keep prices steady.

In an attempt to mute the uprising, the government has also increased public-sector salaries and presumably poured money into the security forces.

Though Syria exports $4 billion in crude oil annually, it also imports about the same in refined petroleum. Quite simply, analysts, say the numbers don’t add up. Syria’s reserves are either being whittled down by between 50 percent and 100 percent, according to estimates by economists, or an outside source is injecting cash to help stabilize the Syrian currency.

Some news outlets have speculated that Iran could have pumped up to $6 billion into Syria. But others suggest Iran is also in dire economic straits and probably has contributed no more than $1 billion so far.

“Syria is probably helped by a combination of an infusion of cash and savings,” said Randa Slim, a scholar at the Middle East Institute in Washington.

“There is a mass infusion of cash, and I don’t imagine any other source other than Iran.” —MCT

DAMASCUS: A worker counts Syrian pounds at a money exchange in Damascus.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

Re-examining the Arab Spring

By George Friedman

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n Dec 17, 2010, Mohammed Bouazizi, a Tunisian street vendor, set himself on fire in a show of public protest. The self-immolation triggered unrest in Tunisia and ultimately the resignation of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. This was followed by unrest in a number of Arab countries that the global press dubbed the “Arab Spring.” The standard analysis of the situation was that oppressive regimes had been sitting on a volcano of liberal democratic discontent. The belief was that the Arab Spring was a political uprising by masses demanding liberal democratic reform and that this uprising, supported by Western democracies, would generate sweeping political change across the Arab world.

It is now more than six months since the beginning of the Arab Spring, and it is important to take stock of what has happened and what has not happened. The reasons for the widespread unrest go beyond the Arab world, although, obviously, the dynamics within that world are important in and of themselves. However, the belief in an Arab Spring helped shape European and American policies in the region and the world. If the assumptions of this past January and February prove insufficient or even wrong, then there will be regional and global consequences.

It is important to begin with the fact that, to this point, no regime has fallen in the Arab world. Individuals such as Tunisia’s Ben Ali and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak have been replaced, but the regimes themselves, which represent the manner of governing, have not changed. Some regimes have come under massive attack but have not fallen, as in Libya, Syria and Yemen.

And in many countries, such as Jordan, the unrest never amounted to a real threat to the regime. The kind of rapid and complete collapse that we saw in Eastern Europe in 1989 with the fall of communism has not happened in the Arab world. More important, what regime changes that might come of the civil wars in Libya and Syria are not going to be clearly victorious, those that are victorious are not going to be clearly democratic and those that are democratic are obviously not going to be liberal. The myth that beneath every Libyan is a French republican yearning to breathe free is dubious in the extreme.

Consider the case of Mubarak, who was forced from office and put on trial, although the regime - a mode of governing in which the military remains the main arbiter of the state - remains intact. Egypt is now governed by a committee of military commanders, all of whom had been part of Mubarak’s regime. Elections are coming, but the opposition is deeply divided between Islamists and secularists, and personalities and ideological divisions in turn divide these factions. The probability of a powerful democratic president emerging who controls the sprawling

ministries in Cairo and the country’s security and military apparatus is slim, and the Egyptian military junta is already acting to suppress elements that are too radical and too unpredictable.

The important question is why these regimes have been able to survive. In a genuine revolution, the regime loses power. The anti-communist forces overwhelmed the Polish Communist government in 1989 regardless of the divisions within the opposition. The sitting regimes were not in a position to determine their own futures, let alone the futures of their countries. There was a transition, but they were not in control of it.

Similarly, in 1979, when the Shah of Iran was overthrown, his military and security people were not the ones

It was in Libya that these propositions created the most serious problems. Tunisia and Egypt were not subject to very much outside influence.

Libya became the focus of a significant Western intervention. Muammar Gaddafi had ruled Libya for nearly 42 years. He could not have ruled for that long without substantial support. That didn’t mean he had majority support (or that he didn’t). It simply meant that the survival of his regime did not interest only a handful of people, but that a large network of Libyans benefitted from Gaddafi’s rule and stood to lose a great deal if he fell. They were prepared to fight for his regime.

The opposition to him was real, but its claim to represent the overwhelming majority of Libyan people was dubious. Many of the leaders had

support in the military and among key tribes. Whether this was a majority is as unclear as whether the eastern coalition was a majority. But it was certainly a substantial group with much to fight for and a great deal to lose if the regime fell. So, contrary to expectations in the West, the regime has continued to fight and to retain the loyalty of a substantial number of people.

Meanwhile, the eastern alliance has continued to survive under the protection of NATO but has been unable to form a united government or topple Gaddafi. Most important, it has always been a dubious assertion that what would emerge if the rebels did defeat Gaddafi would be a democratic regime, let alone a liberal democracy, and this has become

CAIRO: An Egyptian anti-Mubarak protester throw stones at pro Mubarak supporters outside a police academy court in Cairo, Egypt. _ AP managing the transition after the shah left the country. They were the ones on trial. There was unrest in Egypt in January and February 2011, but the idea that it amounted to a revolution flew in the face of the reality of Egypt and of what revolutions actually look like.

Shaping the Western Narrative There were three principles shaping the Western narrative on the Arab Spring. The first was that these regimes were overwhelmingly unpopular. The second was that the opposition represented the overwhelming will of the people. The third was that once the unrest began it was unstoppable. Add to all that the notion that social media facilitated the organization of the revolution and the belief that the region was in the midst of a radical transformation can be easily understood.

been part of the Gaddafi regime, and it is doubtful they were selected for their government posts because of their personal popularity. Others were members of tribes that were opposed to the regime but not particularly friendly to each other. Under the mythology of the Arab Spring, the eastern coalition represented the united rage of the Libyan people against Gaddafi’s oppression. Gaddafi was weak and isolated, wielding an army that was still loyal and could inflict terrible vengeance on the Libyan people.

But if the West would demonstrate its ability to prevent slaughter in Benghazi, the military would realize its own isolation and defect to the rebels.

It didn’t happen that way. First, Gadhafi’s regime was more than simply a handful of people terrorizing the population. It was certainly a brutal regime, but it hadn’t survived for 42 years on that alone. It had substantial

increasingly obvious as the war has worn on. Whoever would replace Gaddafi would not clearly be superior to him, which is saying quite a lot. A very similar process is taking place in Syria. There, the minority Alawite government of the Assad family, which has ruled Syria for 41 years, is facing an uprising led by the majority Sunnis, or at least some segment of them.

Again, the assumption was that the regime was illegitimate and therefore weak and would crumble in the face of concerted resistance.

That assumption proved wrong.

The Assad regime may be running a minority government, but it has substantial support from a military of mostly Alawite officers leading a largely Sunni conscript force. The military has benefited tremendously from the Assad regime - indeed, it brought it to power. The one thing the Assads were careful to do was to make it beneficial

to the military and security services to remain loyal to the regime. So far, they largely have. The danger for the regime looking forward is if the growing strain on the Alawite-dominated army divisions leads to fissures within the Alawite community and in the army itself, raising the potential for a military coup.

In part, these Arab leaders have nowhere to go. The senior leadership of the military could be tried in The Hague, and the lower ranks are subject to rebel retribution. There is a rule in war, which is that you should always give your enemy room to retreat. The Assad supporters, like the Gaddafi supporters and the supporters of Yemen’s Ali Abdullah Saleh, have no room to retreat. So they have fought on for months, and it is not clear they will capitulate anytime soon. Foreign governments, from the United States to Turkey, have expressed their exasperation with the Syrians, but none has seriously contemplated an intervention.

There are two reasons for this: First, following the Libyan intervention, everyone became more wary of assuming the weakness of Arab regimes, and no one wants a showdown on the ground with a desperate Syrian military. Second, observers have become cautious in asserting that widespread unrest constitutes a popular revolution or that the revolutionaries necessarily want to create a liberal democracy. The Sunnis in Syria might well want a democracy, but they might well be interested in creating a Sunni “Islamic” state. Knowing that it is important to be careful what you wish for, everyone seems to be issuing stern warnings to Damascus without doing very much.

Syria is an interesting case because it is, perhaps, the only current issue that Iran and Israel agree on. Iran is deeply invested in the Assad regime and wary of increased Sunni power in Syria. Israel is just as deeply concerned that the Assad regime - a known and manageable devil from the Israeli point of view - could collapse and be replaced by a Sunni Islamist regime with close ties to Hamas and what is left of al Qaeda in the Levant. These are fears, not certainties, but the fears make for interesting bedfellows.

Geopolitical Significance Since late 2010, we have seen three kinds of uprisings in the Arab world.

The first are those that merely brushed by the regime. The second are those that created a change in leaders but not in the way the country was run.

The third are those that turned into civil wars, such as Libya and Yemen.

There is also the interesting case of Bahrain, where the regime was saved by the intervention of Saudi Arabia, but while the rising there conformed to the basic model of the Arab Spring failed hopes - it lies in a different class, caught between Saudi and Iranian power. The three examples do not mean that there is not discontent in the Arab world or a desire for change.— Stratfor

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011 www.kuwaittimes.net

Kim Kardashian arrives at the Kardashian Kollection launch party in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011. — AP (See Page 47)

Te c h n o l o g y FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

The netbook for the Internet cloud

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hings go even faster - a total of three seconds when it’s time for the Chromebook to wake up from standby and re-establish its wi-fi connec-

tion.

Google took two years to work out the concept for its Chrome operating system. Now the first Chromebook - from Samsung - is out. It’s fast and secure, but it doesn’t offer all the functions of today’s laptops - and it can do next to nothing without Internet access. But there are bright spots too.

For instance: boot-up time. A Windows laptop can take two or three minutes until it’s ready to run. It’s a whole different story with the Samsung Chromebook: it takes nine seconds from pressing the start button until the login window pops up.

Only two more seconds elapse after the password is entered. It takes about the same amount of time for the netbook to make a wi-fi Internet connection, pulling up the web-based user interface.

Things go even faster - a total of three seconds when it’s time for the Chromebook to wake up from standby and re-establish its wi-fi connection. That’s a feat so far only mastered by laptops like the MacBook Air, which has an SSD hard drive. But those SSD-enabled laptops usually cost twice the 400 euros (561 dollars) asked for the Samsung device.

The operating system is key to the speed. Most laptops using either a Windows or Mac OS system open multiple layers of the system, as well as components and programs during start up, creating the impression that the process takes an eternity.

Meanwhile, the Chromebook, at its core, is just a Linux operating system and the Chrome browser.

Programs like email clients, word processors, spreadsheets, games or photo processing programs are not stored on the computer, but accessed via the browser as web services. For working while online, Google has made available its reliable suite of web applications, including Gmail, Calendar and a series of apps like Google Docs. But users are not limited to Google programs. There’s also access to competitors like Yahoo and Microsoft.

And, if the laptop is operated in guest mode, a Google login isn’t even necessary, meaning the user leaves no data trail on the Chromebook. A Web

Store makes about 5,000 applications available. But a lot of applications that laptop users have come to expect on their machines - video editing software or Skype for Internet calls - aren’t there, even if Google does offer its own voice-over-Internet-protocol service. But the biggest drawback isn’t selection of programs - which is always growing - but the need to rely on a stable Internet connection. The Chromebook is capable of almost nothing when offline.

Thus, the Chromebook, for now, is only of interest to people who can spend their entire day in a networked environment, like students on a campus or people with reliable Internet connections in their home or office. Of course, one can ensure a full time connection with a 450-euro UMTS version that accesses the Internet via mobile services. But that still means you’re offline if you wander into an area without service or get onto an airplane.

Chrome developer Sundar Pichai told the German Press Agency dpa that, in the near future, key applications like Gmail and Google Docs would work when offline. “Those already work on my personal Chromebook. We’ll free up this function for everyone soon, after we’ve cleared up a few small problems.” But he didn’t give a date. Another advantage of the Chromebook is that updates are automatically uploaded in the background. “Whereas as a standard laptop will generally get slower in the course of time, Chromebooks will always get better,” promises Pichai.

One area where Google could expand its offerings is in the selection of multimedia formats for recording and playback. Right now that’s limited to MP3 and AAC files or pictures in the JPEG and PNG format. Quicktime films and data in the popular MKV format cannot be viewed. Users, however, don’t have to worry about regular updates of antivirus software. That’s because the Google system’s architecture cannot be attacked by Trojans and other malware. Also, the Chromebook checks the integrity of the system at every startup. If the check finds damaged or dangerous code the computer starts a second version of the system software from a protected backup.

In theory, one can work all day long with the Chromebook. Of course, if you spend all your time watching high-definition videos on YouTube, you’ll drain your battery in six hours, since the Dual Core Atom N570 Intel processor requires a lot of energy.

The display offers a comfortably high resolution (1,280 X 800 pixels) and is matte, meaning there are no problems with reflections, as is the case with the screens of most of today’s laptops. But the image quality does drop off significantly if the screen is viewed from a sideways angle.

But these pros and cons are secondary issues when it comes to the Chromebook. Whether you want to be online or offline is the key question.

“Because of the small hard drive, everything has to go into the cloud,” says Christian Woelbert, an editor with the German computer magazine c’t. For most private users, the Google machine will probably only be a backup device. Matthias Kremp of Spiegel magazine’s website is critical of the complete reliance on web access. “Only when Google and the manufacturers of Chrome web apps can fix this problem, can netbooks become a true alternative to today’s laptops that can be taken seriously.” —dpa

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F.R.I.E.N.D.S. for life

‘This horse is like a grumpy old man’

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room Rider, a speckled gray mare and one-time racehorse, wasn’t considered a great prospect. With a flea-bitten coat and open sores on three legs, she didn’t seem to be worth the hay it would take to feed her.

But the folks at F.R.I.E.N.D.S. ranch in far western Pembroke Pines, Fla., thought she’d make a perfect addition to the herd on the 60-acre spread. Debra Beye-Barwick, the ranch’s CEO, said she and fellow volunteers will do anything for a horse.

“Everyone who’s here is here because they love the horses,” Beye-Barwick said. “We’re a no-kill shelter and our goal is to let the horses live out their natural lives.” Since 1987, the nonprofit F.R.I.E.N.D.S. - short for Florida Research Institute for Equine Nurturing Development and Safety has taken in abandoned, abused and unwanted horses.

Last year, more than 6,000 volunteers spent more than 30,000 hours caring for a 52-horse herd. But a sizeable debt and the growing difficulty of raising its $335,000 annual budget threaten the ranch’s survival.

“It’s harder to get support in these tough economic times,” Beye-Barwick said. “One private donor who was previously able to give $80,000 a year in support can now only give $20,000, but the reality is that our bills stay the same.” The ranch offers therapeutic equestrian activities for children with disabilities or behavioral issues and programs for youngsters who need volunteer hours for school or sim-

ply want to be with horses. Alexa Dufek, 19, said her horse, Junior, is one of the best things that has happened to her.

“I have always had a love of horses and have Junior to enjoy all I want,” Dufek said. “F.R.I.E.N.D.S. saved my best friend from being euthanized.” Savannah Garner, 9, and her sister, Ashley, 8, of Southwest Ranches never miss an opportunity to be with their pal Chop, a chocolate-brown American paint horse.

“We love following him around and riding him,” Savannah said. “He’s like a grumpy old man.”

Their mother, Ellen Garner, said her girls love the atmosphere at the ranch. “There’s such a warm vibe out here, and whenever we can come, we come,” she said. “Life can be so busy; it’s a little piece of paradise.” F.R.I.E.N.D.S. supports itself with grants, fundraisers, private donations and sponsorships - $300 a month per horse.

Nancy Simmons said her daughter Kelsey, 12, is at the ranch every week to ride Molly, the chestnut mare her family sponsors. Simmons said riding has helped her ordinarily shy daughter come out of her shell. “Kelsey has a slight learning disability, but her relationship with Molly has helped Kelsey to be more social,” Simmons said. “We’ve seen her verbal skills improve and even her posture strengthen from riding.”

Riding and caring for a horse helps children overcome fears and build trust, respect and compassion, Beye-

Barwick said. “Gaining these skills creates self-awareness and provides metaphors for dealing with other challenging situations in life,” she said. “We want to continue educating and engaging the public and develop more programs involving the community.”

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. takes in sick horses that otherwise might have to be put down, including some with equine infectious anemia or EIA, a rare blood disease. By state law, owners of an infected animal “can slaughter their horse, euthanize them, quarantine their horse 200 yards away from the nearest horse or bring them to a place like F.R.I.E.N.D.S.,” Beye-Barwick said. “Most people don’t have enough land for the quarantine and no one really wants to put their horse down, which makes us the best option,” she said, adding, “The horses can be ridden and enjoyed just like any other horse.”

Costly equine healthcare has contributed to a debt of more than $75,000 in outstanding vet and feed bills that threatens F.R.I.E.N.D.S.’ survival. “We have horses that need $300 a month in meds,” Beye-Barwick said. Mark Stevens, who has owned Spring Water Farms in Southwest Ranches for 27 years, said the ranch closing would be an enormous loss, both for the horses and the community. “The great thing about F.R.I.E.N.D.S. is the horses will always be there and they never turn away a horse,” Stevens said. “It’s a sanctuary where they can live out a normal life.” — MCT

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Everyday cooking

Ramadan

around the world

By Sawsan Kazak

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illions of people around the world practice Ramadan.

They fast from sun up to sun down and all sit down at the dinner table to break their fast. But each country and culture has its own traditions when it comes to Ramadan meals. To me, its always interesting to try and recreate the various Ramadan dishes from around the world. These delicious dishes can also add some variety to your Ramadan table.

What do you eat during Ramadan? sawsank@kuwaittimes.net

Sage tea 1 tablespoon fresh sage leaves or 1 teaspoon dried sage 1 cup water 1 wedge lemon (optional) honey, to sweeten (optional)

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ring water to a boil. Remove from heat and put sage in the water. Let steep for about 3-5 minutes. Strain, pour in cup, add lemon and honey, if desired, and drink. You may drink this hot or cold. Enjoy!

Meaning

Of Ramadan

he word Ramadan is derived from the Arabic word Ramida, meaning intense scorching heat and dryness especially the ground. Ramadan is the ninth month of an Islamic Calendar. Muslims believe that during the month of Ramadan the Holy book Quran was sent down from heaven as guidance for men and also as a direction and a means to Salvation.

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sighting for Ramadan between different countries in the world. To avoid such confusion, people are now interested in using astronomical calculations to fix the date of Ramadan. Astronomical calculations actually help in making predictions as to when the Ramadan moon can be sighted.

However, Muslims worldwide tend to follow the traditional method of moon sighting for Ramadan.

Ramadan Moon

Basic Ramadan Tradition Ramadan the month of fast for Muslims is the time period when Muslims part themselves from water, food and smoking during the daylight. During Ramadan Muslims have food twice a day, one when sun rises and the other when sun sets. The meal you have before the sunrise is called suhoor and the meal after the sunset is called Iftar.

During the Ramadan fast, for Iftar meal delicious food is cooked. According to Islam, Ramadan is a way of showing devotion to God. Ramadan is the time when Muslims devote their soul to God by praying. According to Islam Ramadan is the only way when a human in this busy life can remember God despite of the daily busy schedules.

The Ramadan days begin with the prayers and end with the prayers. Muslims also visit mosques during the Ramadan month for their prayers.

Moon Sighting for Ramadan The month of Ramadan usually starts with the sighting of the new moon which marks the beginning of the 9th month of the Islamic calendar. Traditionally, this method is being used to fix the date of Ramadan as stated in the Quran, and was followed by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The festival continues for a month until the first crescent of the new moon can be seen again. This actually marks the beginning of the new lunar month during which the Eid-AlFitr, another holy festival of the Muslims starts.

However, there’s a lot of disagreement between the Muslims worldwide as to when the Ramadan should actually start. The Muslims traditionally view the Ramadan moon with their naked eye, which leads to differences in moon

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Moroccan Harira 1 pound cubed lamb meat 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 2 tablespoons margarine 3/4 cup chopped celery 1 onion, chopped

1 red onion, chopped 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1 (29 ounce) can diced tomatoes 7 cups water 3/4 cup green lentils 1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained 4 ounces vermicelli pasta 2 eggs, beaten 1 lemon, juiced

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lace the lamb, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, ginger, cayenne, butter, celery, onion, and cilantro into a large soup pot over a low heat. Stir frequently for 5 minutes. Pour tomatoes (reserve juice) into the mixture and let simmer for 15 minutes. Pour tomato juice, 7 cups water, and the lentils into the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Let soup simmer, covered, for 2 hours. About 10 minutes before serving turn the heat to medium-high, place chickpeas and noodles into the soup, let cook about 10 minutes (until noodles are al dente). Stir in lemon and eggs, let eggs cook 1 minute.

Indian mustard fish 3 tablespoons mustard seed 5 green chile peppers, diced 1/4 cup vegetable oil 4 medium onions, chopped 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon ground turmeric salt to taste 1/3 cup water 2 pounds salmon, cut into chunks

Egyptian Umm Ali 1 package of frozen puff pastry (17 ounces) 1 15 oz can of sweetened condensed milk 3 cups water 1/2 cup cream 3/4 cup pistachios, shelled, chopped 1/2 cup pine nuts 1/2 cup almonds 1/2 - 3/4 cups coconut flakes (depending on taste) 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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reheat oven to 400 degrees. Unroll puff pastry sheets and place on greased baking sheets. Bake for 15 minutes. You want the puff pastry to be golden and puffed. Remove from oven. Do not turn oven off; you will be using it in a few minutes with the same temp. Break puff pastry into small pieces (about 1-2 inches. Add nuts and coconut and be sure that they are mixed well and evenly distributed. Place nuts and bread in greased 9x12 baking dish. In a saucepan, heat sweetened milk, vanilla, and water on medium heat. Allow to cook for about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat then allow to cool. Pour milk over puff pastry/nut mixture. Pour cream on top and bake uncovered for 15 minutes.

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lace the mustard seed and chile peppers in a bowl, and mash together to create a fine paste. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat, and cook the onions until golden.

Mix in mustard and chile paste, chili powder, turmeric, and salt. Stir in water. Place salmon in the skillet. Reduce heat to low, and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated and fish is easily flaked with a fork.

Persian Sabzi (Herb Rice with Fava Beans) 6 cups water 4 cups uncooked long-grain white rice 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1/2 cup water 1 bunch fresh dill, chopped 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped 2 cups fresh or frozen fava beans ground turmeric to taste ground cinnamon to taste 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper

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n a large saucepan bring water to a boil. Rinse rice; stir into boiling water. Boil just until rice rises to the surface of the water. Drain rice and return it to the saucepan. Stir in the oil and water. Mix in the dill, parsley, cilantro, fava beans, turmeric, cinnamon, salt and pepper. Cook the rice over medium heat for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to the lowest setting. Cover and simmer for 40 to 45 minutes. Note: It’s normal to end up with crispy rice (called Tadig) on the bottom of the pot after cooking; it’s delicious.

Polo

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 : A 99 team -- Hadya, Jaleel, and Samda -- travels to Iceland to rescue a trapped team of scientists. But the volcano, which the scientists were studying, is about to erupt…

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

www.the99.org

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Saving Money on your

European vacation

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urope on $5 a day was great while it lasted. But in those days we sacrificed lots-sleeping in train cars and in train stations and staying at fleabag hotels featuring one bathroom every 12 rooms or so. But when you think about it, those memories are priceless.

So the Euro is up this year and that vacation you planned is likely to cost you more. The trick is to have a great time without sacrificing anything important. Here are a dozen tips that just might save you money.

Tickets: Save transportation cost with open jaws Want to see a lot of Europe? Plan you trip in one direction, say from London to Rome. Then buy an Open Jaw Ticket, say landing in London and returning from Rome.

Plan to visit the cheaper countries Cheapest countries in Western Europe: Portugal and Greece, although the Euro and European monetary policies are tending toward equalizing the price differential in these poorer countries.

Transportation: Where to find Cheap(er) Gasoline Last year it was Spain, where gasoline was frequently found at less than 80 Euro cents per liter.

Compare this with a cost over 1 Euro for many other destinations.

(3.79 liters = 1 gallon, so .80 Euros per liter = 2.99 per gallon.) Gasoline in Europe is expensive, but the automobiles in Europe are generally more efficient, so a balance is achieved.

Interesting tidbit: “Compare the price of gasoline ($1.75/gal) with Coca Cola (~$2.50/gal).

Gasoline first requires crude oil to be explored and found, than

extracted from the ground, shipped to a refinery, refined, then distributed and ultimately pumped into your tank. Meanwhile, Coca Cola is essentially colored, sugared tap water.”

Cheap Transportation: Train Italy is still known for its extensive rail network and low ticket prices. If you are traveling around Italy, a rail pass may not net you much savings. Just buy your tickets as you need them at the ticket window or the ticketing kiosks.

Admissions: Card it!

Most large cities in Europe have discount cards that allow you to visit many museums at a discounted price.

Check them out when you go to the local tourist information center-and remember that many have a time limit which may make them less useful to folks who don’t want to see lots of museums in a couple days.

Trains: Trolling for bargains When you go up to the ticket window in a European train station, be ready to spout off your destination, whether you want a one-way or round trip, and the departure time of the train you’ve selected. If you’re getting your tickets in advance, ask at the window if there are other trains that might be cheaper that day-you never know.

I’ve saved up to 60% of the price of a ticket just by taking a slightly slower train an hour later than the one I’d originally chosen.

Renting Cars: Rent or lease a diesel Specify a Diesel car when you rent or lease. In many countries, diesel fuel is subsidized, and costs far less than gasoline. It is also wide-

ly available, no need to worry about finding it.

Many turbo diesels get great gas mileage as well, sweetening the deal. Leasing, or buy-back deals, can also save you money if you’re renting for more than 17 days.

Lodging: Rent a house or Apartment Vacation rentals are becoming more popular. You’ll get room to stretch out and a kitchen to cook in, saving tons of cash over eating out all the time.

Hotels: Share a bath.

No, I don’t mean bathe with someone else, although that can save you money too. There are still some one and two star hotels in Europe with bathrooms down the hall. In many countries,

especially expensive ones like Switzerland, sharing a bath can cut the price of a room almost in half. Look for small, locally owned, one and two star hotels or a family hostel. Most of them won’t have an Internet presence, so you might have to hoof it a bit to find one, or ask at the tourist information point in or near a train

station.

Eating: Picnic with the help of an open air market At least once a week most towns in Europe feature a traveling market. Even if you don’t have cooking facilities, you can usually buy cured meats, olives, cheeses, roast chicken and pork, and bread, enough for a great picnic and a good way to try the local cuisine.

Eating: Have your “big” meal at mid day In countries like Spain, restaurants offer full three course meals, often with wine or beer and coffee, for a set price at lunch time, often for less than 10 Euros.

You’ll see the notice on restaurant windows. And remember, that price is all inclusive; nobody’s gonna add tax, and service is included.

Eating: Follow the workers Those guys in the paint-splattered overalls know where to get a bargain. Don’t look just for a restaurant, look for these guys wolfing down huge amounts of food-they know where to get it cheap. Don’t count on dainty and delectable gourmet tidbits-you’re more likely to come away with great mounds of mama’s pasta with tomato sauce and a slab o’ roast beef. —About

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Thailand Travel Advice: 10 Memorable Things To Do In Bangkok

1. Take A Tuk-tuk Ride Tuk-tuks are a smelly, noisy, uncomfortable and dangerous form of transport on Bangkok’s busy, polluted streets, but no visit to the capital would be complete without experiencing a ride in a tuk-tuk at least once.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that tuk-tuks will be cheaper than taxis; they won’t be and if you are quoted a ridiculously low price then beware, you are being lined up for a scam.

When contemplating a tuk-tuk ride have a destination in mind, preferably one not too far away, you only want a taste of this experience, and have a rough idea of the price of the same journey in a metred taxi. With these things in mind, stop a tuk-tuk and tell the driver your destination and price. He will give you another price but stick to yours firmly but not aggressively. Eventually, by sm iling you should get somewhere near your price; then just go for it.

The driver will throw the tuk-tuk around curves and other vehicles, stop right behind the exhaust of buses, play chicken with cars and generally do his best to get to the destination as quickly as he can and scare his passengers the most.

Don’t attempt to get into a tuk-tuk parked near a tourist hotspot such as Patpong Road, Wat Pra Ka ew or similar as these guys are waiting for the idiots who will pay 500 baht for a 50 baht journey.

2. Go Shopping At Chatuchak Market This place is boiling hot, stupidly crowded, noisy, dirty and is a hotbed for the illegal wildlife trade, but there is something about

Chatuchak Market that makes it a place that should be visited on a trip to Bangkok. At Chatuchak Market there are thousands of stalls sel ling clothes, trinkets, furniture, plants, food and just about anything else you can imagine but whilst bargains can be had here, vendors are getting used to charging high prices for things and it pays to haggle, but don’t forget that haggling should be done in good humour and not in a rush.

There are so many interesting things for

3. Get A Massage Thailand is famous for massages of all types and it is really worthwhile experiencing at least one massage when holidaying in Thailand. Whilst massage is available all over Thailand, in Bangkok there is more choice than anywhere else.

4. Eat Street Food Bangkok perhaps has more places to eat

Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and is famously polluted, congested and hectic. Perhaps the last of those is its strong point because whatever else it may be, Bangkok is never boring

sale here that you can easily lose track of how long you have been shopping for and amass quite a huge volume of bags full of your purchases. Never mind, there are loads of places selling tasty snacks and meals at low prices to refuel and gain energy for the next shopping spree.

than any other city in the world due to the profusion of food stalls and restaurants.

Throughout Bangkok food stalls abound; they typically consist of a push cart with a gas ring and a variety of ingredients hanging in a glass case. Sometimes these stalls are fixed to the side of a motorbike.

Many food stalls serve a very limited range of foods, many of them only one or two dishes. It is this specialization that makes what looks like unhygienic cooking conditions actually a great option for tasty, clean and disease-free meal. As Thai food is cooked at a very high heat level and food is chopped into small pieces, food at these stalls is quite safe and as the turnover of food is very fast, very little is left hanging around for long.

5. Watch Thai Boxing (Muay Thai) Firstly, don’t pay for the expensive ringside seats which most tourists get ushered towards. Whilst these seats afford a better view of the boxing, from these seats you cannot see the action in the crowd.

If the above tip leads you to think that the main spectacle is not the boxing then you would be correct. The really amazing thing is the crowd in the “cheap seats” (actually terraces) who bay for blood and cheer every blow. Considering that Thai boxing uses fists, elbows, knees, shins and feet, there are a lot of blows to cheer and this makes for a VERY noisy and excitable atmosphere - something akin to a bad “B” movie, maybe Jean-Claude van Damme in Death Fighter 12 or similar rubbish. As well as the cheering, a band playing traditio nal Thai instruments accompanies the fighting. (www.squidoo.com)

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Books

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

GET IN ON THE SECRET

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hese bestseller changed the lives of millions of people. Inspirational and to the point, the books offer an alternative optimistic way to look at life and deal with its obstacles. Combining ancient adages with latest scientific research, as well as anecdotes and stories

of people whose lives have changed completely, these books can help you become a better you. It is never too late to learn the secret.

The Power

By Rhonda Byrne

Send your suggestions to hussain@kuwaittimes.net

The Secret

By Rhonda Byrne

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By Louise L Hay

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ragments of a Great Secret have been found in the oral traditions, in literature, in religions and philosophies throughout the centuries. For the first time, all the pieces of The Secret come together in an incredible revelation that will be life-transforming for all who experience it.

In this book, you’ll learn how to use The Secret in every aspect of your life — money, health, relationships, happiness, and in every interaction you have in the world. You’ll begin to understand the hidden, untapped power that’s within you, and this revelation can bring joy to every aspect of your life. The Secret contains wisdom from modern-day teachers — men and women who have used it to achieve health, wealth, and happiness.

By applying the knowledge of The Secret, they bring to light compelling stories of eradicating disease, acquiring massive wealth, overcoming obstacles, and achieving what many would regard as impossible.

You Can Heal Your Life

his is the handbook to the greatest power in the universe? The Power to have anything you want. Every discovery, invention, and human creation comes from The Power. Perfect health, incredible relationships, a career you love, a life filled with happiness, and the money you need to be, do, and have everything you want, all come from The Power. The life of your dreams has always been closer to you than you realized, because The Power to have everything good in your life is inside you. To create anything, to change anything, all it takes is just one thing: The Power.

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his New York Times Bestseller has sold over 30 million copies worldwide. Louise’s key message in this powerful work is: “If we are willing to do the mental work, almost anything can be healed.” Louise explains how limiting beliefs and ideas are often the cause of illness, and how you can change your thinking...and improve the quality of your life!

Packed with powerful information - you’ll love this gem of a book!

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Books

By Norman Vincent Peale

Positive Thinking Every Day:

An Inspiration for Each Day of the Year

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

Jack Canfield’s Key to Living the Law of Attraction

By Jack Canfield

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orman Vincent Peale’s philosophy of positive thinking has had an unprecedented influence on millions of people throughout the world. Now, the wisdom of nine books — including The Power of Positive Thinking — can be found within these pages. Timeless in their message, invaluable in the course of daily life, Dr Peale’s classic books provide inspiration when you most need it and lead the way to a fuller, happier, more satisfying life. With a new introduction by Dr. Peale,Positive Thinking Every Day will help make your every day the best it can possibly be.

Simple Abundance:

A Daybook of Comfort and Joy

By Sarah Ban Breathnach

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ith the grace of Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s Gift From the Sea and the wisdom of M. Scott Peck’s The Road Less Traveled, Simple Abundance is a book of 366 evocative essays - one for every day of your year written for women who wish to live by their own lights. In the past a woman’s spirituality has been seperated from her lifestyle. Simple Abundance shows you how your daily life can be an expression of your authentic self . . . as you choose the tastiest vegetables from your garden, search for treasures at flea markets, establish a sacred space in your home for meditation, and follow the rhythm of the seasons and the year. Here, for the first time, the mystical alchemy of style and Spirit is celebrated. Every day, your own true path leads you to a happier, more fulfilling and contented way of life - the state of grace known as . . . Simple Abundance. —bn.com

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ong before co-creating the bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul series, Jack Canfield was already teaching the ancient principles of the Law of Attraction. Canfield has been consciously living in harmony with this universal law for more than thirty years, and his personal success is a testament to its power. Now, in Jack Canfield’s Key to Living the Law of Attraction, he shares his knowledge and experience with you and offers you his proven tools and techniques for applying the Law of Attraction in your own life. This book is a simple ‘how to’ guide for using the Law of Attraction to create the life you desire. Within these pages, Canfield clearly explains not only what you need to know, but what you need to do in order to attract what you want in your life. Jack Canfield’s Key to Living the Law of Attraction addresses the important issues of clarity, purpose, and action. This thought-provoking guide will take you step by step through the processes of defining your dreams, goals, and desires. Along the way, you will gain a greater understanding of yourself a sense of who you really are and why you are here. Your journey begins right here, right now. You can change your life, increase your awareness, and empower yourself to create an amazing future one that is filled with love, joy, and abundance.

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beauty FRIDAY, AU|GUST 19, 2011

Men’s fashion

6 important men’s fashion rules to live by E

very man has asked themselves about matching their socks with their trousers and other assorted questions at some point in their lives. Here I have listed six important men’s fashion rules to live by which should at least clear up some confusion about a few things.

1.Always match your belt with your shoes. This is a good rule to follow and it keeps things simple.

It’s best to stay with traditional colors such a black, dark brown or a rich tan. Other colors will be difficult to match, and generally speaking, should be avoided. If you wear sneakers every day that probably means you are wearing jeans in which case I suggest trying a belt made of fabric or something equally as casual, but please avoid dress belts with jeans and sneakers. If you wear suspenders, I am compelled to ask you why, but I digress. Just

don’t wear a belt and suspenders together, it’s one or the other.

2.Matching Ties and Shirts. For while the solid-colored shirt with a tie of the same (or slightly-off) color was seen everywhere. This is now a somewhat dated look.

Try mixing things up a little and experiment with colors. Ties are great way to express yourself, but keeping it tasteful is your best bet. You can’t go wrong with diagonal stripes, modern polkadots, plaids and subtle patterns.

Just make sure your tie compliments your shirt, suit, sweater or what ever you will be wearing it with. Novelty ties are best avoided since the novelty is short lived.

Note: Ties should be tied in whatever style most strikes your fancy. You should know that there are many different ways to knot your tie, and different knots say different things. I prefer the Windsor or the four-in-hand, but I

do suggest that you explore a little just for kicks. As for clip on ties—just say no.

3.Pleats vs. Flat-Front. Why so many men have avoided flatfront trousers has always been a mystery to me. Flat-front trousers look better than pleated pants, at least most of the time.

Plus pleats make you look less slim. I have heard guys wear pleats because it’s more comfortable or because flat-fronts are more for athletic bodies.

Truth is most men can wear a flat-front trouser. If you want more room then buy them a little big and have them brought in at the waist. This can be done at the store where you buy your clothes or by an independent tailor. And lastly, flat-font trousers are much more fashionable. How do you feel about pants with pleats? Take this poll.

4.Socks. The more official rule

on socks is that they should match the color of your pants, though preferably not the exact same shade unless, of course, you are wearing black in which case it’s okay. However, I personally like to wear socks with patterns, such as stripes in various colors. But I do try to match my socks with my pants and shoes.

To quote Glenn O’Brien from GQ magazine, “. . .you will ultimately realize that beyond the valley of rules rises the mountain of aesthetics, the peak of which (if there is one) is always shrouded in beautiful clouds of various hues, many of them resembling certain of my more unusually hued socks.”

Note: Although it should be obvious, white socks should be reserved for the gym.

5.Watches are the single most important accessory a man can own. I really suggest investing in

one good watch that suits your lifestyle and taste. However, if you are someone who likes to own more than one watch, wear the appropriate timepiece for your outfit: black band with black shoes and belt; brown band with brown shoes and belt; and silver band for either.

6.Eyeglasses are one of the few ways you can really express yourself. I have worn glasses for many years and I love having a few pair in different styles. Th ey don’t have to just serve a function, but can enhance your overall look. Do your best to find a pair of glasses that not only compliments the shape of your face, but also expresses your personality. Ask people who wear glasses for a place where you can get good advice about what shape and style looks best for your face shape and features. (www.about.com)

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beauty FRIDAY, AU|GUST 19, 2011

Make your eyes appear younger How can you get younger looking eyes without Botox? There is an easy way and even though you won’t look like a teenager again, you will look like you still have some pep in your step.

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et’s face it; once you begin creeping near the wonderful age of 30, you start to notice little lines forming around your eyes. Even those lucky enough to have good genes cannot fight the inevitable fact that aging equals wrinkles. So how can you get younger looking eyes without Botox? There is an easy way and even though you won’t look like a teenager again, you will look like you still have some pep in your step.

Here’s How: 1.After washing your face, prep the eye area with a good eye cream that targets everything, such as Cosmedicine’s OptiMologist Eye Cream with Light Diffusers.

Apply as directed and then allow it to set while you begin applying your foundation.

2.When you are finished with your foundation application, make sure you blend it up onto your eye area with your foundation brush. Then you can grab your concealer and brush.

Tip - If you are in need of a great mature skin foundation, then you can get some ideas from the Top 5 Foundations for Women Over 40. You can also get more information on mature skin makeup in the Maturity Matters section.

3.Apply your concealer as usual. If you have noticed that your concealer isn’t working as well as it used to, then you may need to kick it up a notch and make a switch. Using a concealer with brightening properties will also help give your eye a lift. Try a product like

Benefit’s Erase Paste.

4.Normally, setting makeup with a powder is a good idea, but the eye area can be tricky.

If you feel the need to use powder near the eyes, do so sparingly. It would also be a very good idea to use a light reflecting powder, such as Cargo’s blu_ray Pressed Powder.

5.Now you can focus on your lids. Before applying your shadow, apply Erase Paste or an eyeshadow base that can brightening abilities or light reflectors. Once the base is in place you can finish your eyeshadow, liner, and mascara. Try to use a semi-matte eyeshadow and also try to keep colors toned down.

6.The last, and probably one of the most important, items you will need is a specific product from Benefit Cosmetics called Ooh La Lift. It is a magic wand of sorts and can be used before you apply your concealer or put on anytime of day over your makeup. Simply pat 3-4 dots under your eye area and pat into place. You will actually be able to feel the lifting taking place.

Tips: 1.Remember the older you are, the less glitter you should use since it tends to make lines more apparent.

2.Do not cake on your concealer in hopes of covering lines and wrinkles. This will make them stand out more.

3.Be light-handed with your application.

Remember that it’s always easier to add than to take away. (www.about.com)

Quick smoky eye 1. Place a sparkly gold eye shadow all over your eyes for the base.

2. On the inside of your eyes around your tear duct place more gold so that your eyes pop.

3. Put on black eye liner on the top and on the bottom also.

4. Place a dark grey or black eye-shadow from the eye liner up until the crease of your eye..

5. Blend up past the crease.

6. The outside of your eye should be darker so that your eyes pop! (www.ehow.com)

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Health FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

Better Sleep Guidelines: Top 10 ways to get a better night’s sleep tonight

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ith a few simple guidelines, you can have better sleep tonight. At some point in their lives, for any number of reasons, nearly all Americans will have difficulties sleeping and suffer from acute insomnia. This can lead to significant distress, but have no fear! There are simple steps to take that will help you to sleep better tonight.

1.Get up and go to bed at the same time every day, even on weekends.

We are creatures of habit, and our sleep is no exception. Once you determine your sleep needs, you should meet those needs every day. By consistently going to bed and getting up at the same time, we condition our body to follow a regular pattern of sleep. This allows our body’s natural clock, called a circadian rhythm, to help initiate and maintain our sleep.

2.Make sure your sleep environment is quiet, dark, cool, and comfortable.

Studies find that sleeping in a cool environment is most conducive to sleep. By eliminating excess noise and light, we can minimize the disruptions that might wake us up.

In addition, the bedroom should be a relaxing place and not a source of stress.

3.Bedrooms are for sleeping and sex, not for watching television, indulging your pets, or doing work.

Somehow we have managed to make the bedroom a multipurpose room. All electronics must be removed! Televisions, gaming systems, computers, telephones, and various

other gadgets are stimulating and disruptive to sleep. Don’t allow them in your bedroom and don’t use them in the brief period before going to bed. Even the small amount of light from a computer screen in the evening hours can stimulate your brain into thinking it is time to be awake. It is also important to remove your pets from the bedroom as they can disrupt your sleep. Moreover, do not use the bedroom to do work as these activities are likewise stimulating and will disrupt your sleep.

4.Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine 4-6 hours before bedtime.

Caffeine can be found in expected places like coffee, soda pop, or tea, but also in unexpected foods like chocolate. As a stimulant it will keep you awake, even if used nearly six hours before bed. Likewise, nicotine will disrupt your sleep. And contrary to common practice, an alcoholic “nightcap” can actually make your sleep worse. Though it may cause you to become drowsy, alcohol fragments the stages of your sleep and makes it more disrupted.

5.Don’t take naps.

The period of time that you are awake adds to something called “sleep drive.” The longer we stay awake, the more we want to go to sleep. By taking a nap we can relieve this desire to sleep, but it will also make it less likely that we will be able to easily go to sleep later. Adults should have a consolidated period of sleep at night without additional naps. If there is excessive daytime sleepiness and

desire to nap, in spite of adequate sleep time, this might suggest a sleep disorder warranting further evaluation 6.Exercise every day, but avoid doing it 4 hours before bedtime.

Staying active and physically fit is an excellent way to ensure a good night’s sleep.

However, doing this too close to bedtime may actually cause difficulties in getting to sleep as your body will still be revved up.

7.Develop sleep rituals which include quiet activities, such as reading, 15 minutes before bedtime.

Just like we maintain for children, adults need daily sleep rituals prior to going to bed to allow us to unwind and mentally prepare for going to sleep. These rituals should include quiet activities such as reading, listening to relaxing music, or even taking a nice bath.

8.If you are having trouble getting to sleep, as occurs in insomnia, don’t struggle in bed or you will train yourself to have difficulties there.

Individuals who have difficulty initiating sleep often toss and turn in bed and try to force sleep to come. As this is repeated, night after night, this sets up a situation where we associate our bed with the anxiety of not being able to sleep. If you are unable to get to sleep within 15 minutes, go to another quiet place and lie down until you feel ready to fall asleep, and then return to your bedroom to sleep.

9.There are many things that can ruin your sleep, and you should avoid eating or drinking in the few hours right before going to bed, as these might lead to disruptions of your sleep.

Discomfort with heartburn or acid reflux as well as needing to get up multiple times to urinate can be very disruptive to a good night’s sleep. It is best to avoid setting up these situations by not eating or drinking in the few hours just prior to bedtime.

10.Make sleep a priority: don’t sacrifice sleep to do daytime activities.

The most important advice is to respect that your body needs to sleep. Too often we are likely to allow our sleep time to be infringed upon when our daytime obligations take longer than we expect. Additionally, opportunities to engage in pleasurable activities-visiting friends, watching television, playing on the internet, eating out, and any number of others-quickly cut into our sleep time if we allow them to. It is important to schedule your sleep time and keep to that schedule, no matter what might come up during the day.About

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Health FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

Focus on flexibility S

tretching may take a back seat to your exercise routine. You may think that stretching your hamstrings and calves is just something to be done if you have a few extra minutes before or after pounding out some miles on the treadmill. The main concern is exercising, not stretching, right?

Not so fast. Although studies about the benefits of stretching are mixed, stretching may help you improve your flexibility, which in turn may improve your athletic performance and decrease your risk of injury.

Understand why stretching can help - and how to stretch correctly.

Benefits of stretching Studies about the benefits of stretching have had mixed results. Some show that stretching helps, while others show that stretching has little if any benefit. The main benefits of stretching are thought to be: Improving athletic performance Decreasing the risk of activity-based injuries Stretching can help improve flexibility.

And better flexibility may improve your performance in physical activities or decrease your risk of injuries by helping your joints move through their full range of motion. For instance, say your Achilles tendon is tight and lacks flexibility. If you do a lot of hill walking, your foot may not move through its full range of motion. Over time, this can increase your risk of tendinitis or tendinopathy in your Achilles tendon. Stretching your Achilles tendon, though, may improve the range of motion in your ankle. This, in turn, can decrease the risk of microtrauma to your tendon that can lead to overload and injury.

Stretching also increases blood flow to the muscle. And you may come to enjoy the ritual of stretching before - or better yet, after hitting the trail, ballet floor or soccer field.

Stretching essentials Before you plunge into stretching, make sure you do it safely and effectively. While you can stretch anytime, anywhere - in your home, at work, in a hotel room or at the park - you want to be sure to use proper technique. Stretching incorrectly can actually do

more harm than good.

Don’t consider stretching a warm-up.

You may hurt yourself if you stretch cold muscles. So before stretching, warm up with light walking, jogging or biking at low intensity for five to 10 minutes. Or better yet, stretch after you exercise when your muscles are warmed up. Also, consider holding off on stretching before an intense activity, such as sprinting or track and field activities. Some research suggests that pre-event stretching before these types of events may actually decrease performance. Focus on major muscle groups. When you’re stretching, focus on your calves, thighs, hips, lower back, neck and shoulders. Also stretch muscles and joints that you routinely use at work or play.

And make sure that you stretch both sides.

For instance, if you stretch your left hamstring, be sure to stretch your right hamstring, too.

Don’t bounce.

Bouncing as you stretch can cause small tears in the muscle. These tears leave scar tissue as the muscle heals, which tightens the muscle even further, making you less flexible and more prone to pain. So, hold each stretch for about 30 seconds. Repeat each stretch three or four times.Don’t aim for pain.

Expect to feel tension while you’re stretching, not pain. If it hurts, you’ve pushed too far.

Back off to the point where you don’t feel any pain, then hold the stretch.

Make stretches sport specific.

Some evidence suggests that it’s helpful to do stretches tailored for your sport or activity. If you play soccer, for instance, you’re more vulnerable to hamstring strains. So opt for stretches that help your hamstrings.

Keep up with your stretching.

Stretching can be time-consuming. But you can achieve the best benefits by stretching regularly, at least two to three times a week. If you don’t stretch regularly, you risk losing any benefits that stretching offered.

For instance, if stretching helped you increase your range of motion, and you stop stretching, your range of motion may decrease again.

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Bring movement into your stretching.

Gentle movement can help you be more flexible in specific movements. The gentle movements of tai chi, for instance, may be a good way to stretch. And if you’re going to perform a specific activity, such as a front kick in martial arts, do the move slowly and at low intensity at first to get your muscles used to it. Then speed up gradually as your muscles become accustomed to the motion.

Know when to exercise caution In some cases, you may need to approach stretching with caution. If you have a chronic condition or an injury, you may need to adjust your stretching techniques. For example, if you already have a strained muscle, stretching it may cause further harm.

Also, don’t think that because you stretch you can’t get injured. Stretching, for instance, won’t prevent an overuse injury. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about the best way to stretch if you have any health concerns. (www.mayoclinic.com)

You can stretch anytime, anywhere. Just follow these tips to do it safely and effectively

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Arts FRIDAY, August 19, 2011

Shepard Fairey beaten up after spat over controversial Danish mural Artist best known for the posters that helped elect Barack Obama is accused of peddling pro-government propaganda

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hen graffiti artist Shepard Fairey turned his talents to US politics, his reward was international acclaim and a letter of thanks from Barack Obama.

When he employed a similar tactic in Denmark, however, the response proved altogether less edifying.

Last weekend, Fairey - creator of the famous “Hope” poster that came to encapsulate Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign - was beaten up after the opening of h is exhibition at a Copenhagen gallery.

Earlier this month he was involved with a controversial mural that has enraged leftwing anarchists throughout the city. “I have a black eye and a bruised rib,” Fairey told the Guardian. According to reports, 41-year-old Fairey and his colleague Romeo Trinidad were punched and kicked by at least two men outside the Kodboderne 18 nightclub in the early hours of last Sat urday morning. Fairey claims the men called him “Obama illuminati” and ordered him to “go back to America”.

The LA-based artist believes the attack was sparked by a misunderstanding over his mural commemorating the demolition of the legendary “Ungdomshuset” (youth house) at Jagtvej 69. The building, a long-term base for Copenhagen’s leftwing community, was controversially demolished in 2007. In the i ntervening years it has become a potent symbol of the standoff between the establishment in Copenhagen and its radical fringe.

Fairey’s installation, painted on a building adjacent to the vacant site, depicted a dove in flight above the word “peace” and the figure “69”. But the mural appeared to reopen old wounds, with critics accusing Fairey of peddling government-funded propaganda. “The city council is us ing the painting directly or indirectly - to decorate the crater-like lot at Jagtvej 69,” said local activist Eskil Andreas Halberg in a letter to Modkraft, a leftwing news website. “The art is being used politically to end the conflict in a certain way: ‘we’re all friends now, right?’”

Within a day of completion, the mural was vandalized by protesters, with graffiti sending messages of “no peace” and “go home, Yankee hipster”. Fairey subsequently collaborated with former

commissioned by the city, which wasn’t true,” he told the Guardian.

“It looked to the people at 69 like I was cooperating with the authorities, making a propaganda piece to smooth over the wound.”

He added that he did not believe his attackers were affiliated to the 69 youth house.

Born to a middle-class family in Charleston, South Carolina, Fairey began his career w ithin the skateboarding scene, designing boards and T-shirts before finding wider fame with his “Obey Giant” sticker campaign. In 2008 his unofficial Barack Obama campaign poster was hailed by the New Yorker’s art critic Peter Schjeldahl as “the most efficacious American political illustration since ‘Uncle Sam Wants You’.”

While the Hope poster was never publicly endorsed by the Obama campaign, its subje ct sent Fairey a letter. “I would like to thank you for using your talent in support of my campaign,” Obama wrote. “Your images have a profound effect on people, whether seen in a gallery or on a stop sign. I am privileged to be a part of your artwork and proud to have your support.”

Fairey’s work now hangs in the Smithsonian, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the National Portrait Gallery in Washington an d the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. These days, he admitted, he has grown used to defending himself against accusations of selling out. “I think there are a lot of people who think that if you’ve done well, you’ve done a deal with the devil,” he said.

The artist said he had not filed a police report following the attack in Copenhagen. “I did not know any of the people or get a great look at them, so i t seemed pointless,” he said. “I’m not a huge fan of the cops anyway. The only thing I could see coming out of it was further media commentary like ‘street artist whiner Shepard Fairey can’t hold it down in a fight so he snitches to the cops’.” —Guardian

Shepard Fairey’s controversial mural in Copenhagen, complete with graffiti. —Guardian members of the 69 youth house to redecorate the lower half of the installation. His new version contains images of riot police and

explosions, together with a new, more combative slogan: “Nothing forgotten, nothing forgiven”.

Fairey explained that the origi-

nal mural was organised by his Copenhagen gallery, V1, and was never intended as propaganda.

“The media reported that it was

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Spotlight FRIDAY, August 19, 2011

A look at:

Emily Speed A sculptor whose contemplation of life’s fragility takes the form of a surreal yet seaworthy boat and rather curious plaster eggs

Emily Speed’s Egg-Nest-Home-Country-Universe. —Guardian

Gorgeous folding book by Emily Speed

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here’s a poignant higgledy-piggledy quality to Emily Speed’s art, which tackles the places we inhabit, but moves far away from the clean lines and mathematical precision of the architect or city planner. In one wearable work that recalls a shantytown, little houses on stilts made of cardboard, wood and plastic spring hither and thither across a mountain, from which the artist’s nude feet protrude. In another recent series, which uses old dormitory furniture, her bare limbs stick out from stacks of drawers and under mattresses, as if she were hiding in a child’s den.

It’s the personal touch people bring to the spaces they call home that this Liverpool-based artist is interested in. She addresses the medieval notion of the body as a house for the mind, but takes the idea further, looking at the way we imprint ourselves on the world around us.

Her latest sculptures and performances, created in response to the grounds of the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and its buildings, are a case in point. Her dormitory performances with furniture, documented in photographs, bring fresh oddball vigour to the sad, abandoned college digs. Out of sorts with its esteemed surroundings, this red-brick postwar building is now awaiting demolition, its faded surfaces bearing inscrutable testimony to the untold lives that passed

through its rooms.

Her work Cabanon, meanwhile, is a hybrid sculpture: a hut built on to a coracle (those simple man-size boats fishermen carry on their backs so they resemble eggs on legs). Before depositing it in the sculpture park’s boathouse, where it is currently on show, Speed took her jerry-rigged vessel on an epic voyage through the site.

She sailed it around the islands on the upper lake where, in the 18th century, the pleasure-loving and somewhat eccentric Sir Thomas Wentworth is rumoured to have had a temple and menagerie built, now apparently long lost to the weeds.

In the photographs that record Cabanon’s journey, the tension between the illusory strength of bricks and mortar and the fragility of flesh and bone seems important. Speed’s little boat makes for a touching, comic presence: small and vulnerable, but determined, in the grandiose parkland. Her typically precarious constructions - be they the tottering boat or maquettes where tiny dwellings perch on cardboard precipices - are bittersweet reminders of the frailty of things. —Guardian

Emily Speed, Inhabitant, 2009.

Comic

To Yester

Word Sleuth Solution

Yesterday’s Solution

C R O S S W O R D

4 1 4

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

ACROSS 1. Being six more than fifty.

4. A small tasty bit of food.

10. One of the five major classes of immunoglobulins.

13. The sense organ for hearing and equilibrium.

14. An offensive against and enemy (using weapons).

15. A nucleic acid consisting of large molecules shaped like a double helix.

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

17. Spots before the eyes caused by opaque cell fragments in the vitreous humor and lens.

19. Swamp plant of Europe and North America having bright yellow flowers resembling buttercups.

21. The emotion of hate.

22. Profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger.

23. A federal agency established to coordinate programs aimed at reducing pollution and protecting the environment.

25. American professional baseball player who hit more home runs than Babe Ruth (born in 1934).

28. A motley assortment of things.

32. Manufactured in standard sizes to be shipped and assembled elsewhere.

35. Indigo bush.

36. (informal) Of the highest quality.

37. An organization of countries formed in 1961 to agree on a common policy for the sale of petroleum.

40. Having a toe or toes of a specified kind.

41. A dissolute man in fashionable society.

43. A short sleeveless outer tunic emblazoned with a coat of arms.

46. A silvery soft waxy metallic element of the alkali metal group.

47. Tropical American tree producing cacao beans.

48. The basic unit of money in Gambia.

53. An accessory or adjoining anatomical parts or appendages (especially of the embryo).

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

58. A clique that seeks power usually through intrigue.

61. English essayist (1775-1834).

62. Japanese ornamental tree with fragrant white or pink blossoms and small yellow fruits.

63. Ancient name for the coastal region of northwestern Asia Minor (including Lesbos).

65. A room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter.

66. A condition (mostly in boys) characterized by behavioral and learning disorders.

67. African tree having an exceedingly thick trunk and fruit that resembles a gourd and has an edible pulp called monkey bread.

68. The compass point midway between northeast and east.

DOWN 1. An accidental hole that allows something (fluid or light etc.) to enter or escape.

2. (Norse mythology) One of the Aesir and avenger of Balder.

3. A theocratic republic in the Middle East in western Asia.

4. A region in central Italy.

5. Signal going into an electronic system.

6. An award for success in war or hunting.

7. And nothing more.

8. An institution that issues something (securities or publications or currency etc.).

9. The fifth day of the week.

10. The content of cognition.

11. Any of various small biting flies.

12. Produced by a manufacturing process.

18. God of wealth and love.

20. A man who is a stupid fool.

24. A number of sheets of paper fastened together along one edge.

26. Type genus of the family Arcidae.

27. A distinctive odor that is offensively unpleasant.

29. Sandwich filled with slices of bacon and tomato with lettuce.

30. (in Gnosticism) A divine power or nature emanating from the Supreme Being and playing various roles in the operation of the universe.

31. (Greek mythology) Goddess of the earth and mother of Cronus and the Titans in ancient mythology.

33. Botfly larva.

34. Having nine hinged bands of bony plates.

38. Committee formed by a special-interest group to raise money for their favorite political candidates.

39. Genus of tall smooth herbs of forested mountains of Europe and Asia minor.

40. The fifth day of the week.

42. A period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event.

44. A unit of absorbed ionizing radiation equal to 100 ergs per gram of irradiated material.

45. Having finished or arrived at completion.

49. In bed.

50. Set down according to a plan.

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

52. The United Nations agency concerned with atomic energy.

54. A river in central Europe that arises in northwestern Czechoslovakia and flows northward through Germany to empty into the North Sea. 55. A city of central China.

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

59. A cry or noise made to express displeasure or contempt.

60. A white linen liturgical vestment with sleeves.

61. A trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group.

64. The blood group whose red cells carry both the A and B antigens.

Yesterday’s Solution

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

American heiress and media personality Paris Hilton gestures to her fans after opening her store at a mall in suburban Mandaluyong, east of Manila, Philippines, yesterday. (Right) Betty White —AP

Betty White voted America’s most trusted celeb

S

eems like former “Golden Girls” actress Betty White really does have the Midas touch. White, 89, is both the most popular and most trusted celebrity with Americans and the person most likely to drive up the business of a brand she might choose to endorse, according to a poll released on Wednesday. But the Reuters/Ipsos poll suggested that companies should stay away from Paris Hilton and Charlie Sheen if they want to promote their products.

The socialite and reality TV actress, and the fired “Two and A Half Men” star topped the list of the most unpopular and least trusted personalities and were deemed most likely to damage any brands they choose to support. White, the only surviving member of the key cast members of TV’s “Golden Girls” 1980s comedy, has enjoyed a career resurgence in the last few years as a saucy senior in films like “The Proposal” and the TV show “Hot in Cleveland”.

She also won an Emmy Award last year for hosting satirical sketch show “Saturday Night Live”. White scored an 86 percent favorable opinion in the Reuters/Ipsos poll, beating Oscar winners Denzel Washington, Sandra Bullock and Clint Eastwood in the survey of the 100 most popular personalities. She easily edged out Britain’s Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton (5th), Oprah Winfrey (6th), and US first lady Michelle Obama (15th) in the most trusted personalities ranking.

Some 44 percent of those questioned said they would be more likely to do business with a company if White endorsed it. At the other extreme, 54 percent of the 2,012 Americans questioned for the poll said they would trust a company less if it were endorsed by Sheen, with Hilton coming in second. Pop star Britney Spears, actor Mel Gibson and golfer Tiger Woods-who lost several major endorsements after his 2009 sex scandal-also fared badly. —Reuters

Top 10 Below is a list of the top 10 most popular personalities with their “favorable” rating by percentage of voters.

Below is a list of the top 10 most unpopular personalities with their “unfavorable” rating by percentage of voters.

1. Betty White ...........86 pct favorable 2. Denzel Washington .....85 pct 3. Sandra Bullock ........84 pct 4. Clint Eastwood ........83 pct 5. Tom Hanks .............81 pct 6. Harrison Ford .........80 pct tie 7. Morgan Freeman ........79 pct tie 8. Kate Middleton ........79 pct 9. Will Smith ............77 pct 10. Johnny Depp ...........76 pct

1. Paris Hilton ..........60 pct unfavorable 2. Charlie Sheen .........52 pct tie 3. Britney Spears ........45 pct tie 4. Kanye West ............45 pct 5. Arnold Schwarzenegger..44 pct 6. Tiger Woods ...........42 pct 7. Kim Kardashian ........38 pct 8. Mel Gibson ............33 pct 9. Donald Trump ..........31 pct 10. LeBron James ..........29 pct-Reuters

Ask a Designer:

Small home renovations buy time I

t’s a reality of our fragile economy: Many homeowners who dream of the perfect kitchen or master bath are putting full-scale renovation on hold in favor of more limited changes. “What’s on everyone’s minds is making the space feel a little better and function a little better until you can reach the ultimate kitchen or bath that you want,” says Danny Lipford, host of the nationally syndicated homeimprovement radio show “Homefront with Danny Lipford.” He says he often hears from listeners planning smaller redecorating projects to tide them over until real renovation fits in their budgets.

But which small projects are worth it if you’re going to remodel the space within just a few years?

Choose projects that offer big change at little cost, or that serve as first steps toward eventual full-scale renovation, says Sabrina Soto, designer and host of HGTV’s new series “The High Low Project.”

Look to the largest surfaces Lipford suggests making changes to the biggest surfaces in a room, such as countertops or floors. Old laminate countertops can now be painted for less

than $50, he says, and the results look surprisingly good. Using a type of paint sold in a kit (Lipford recommends one found at Gianigranite.com), homeowners can paint over the old countertop and then seal it with a coating that mimics the look and solid feel of laminate. Tanya Memme, host of A&E’s “Sell

A kitchen makeover, featuring white painted cabinets and a new countertop, by designer Sabrina Soto. —AP photos

This undated photo courtesy of HGTV shows a kitchen makeover, featuring brown painted cabinets, by designer Sabrina Soto.

This House,” agrees that big surfaces are a good place to start. “Any room will look bad if the floors aren’t in decent shape,” she says. Cover a soon-to-be-replaced wood or tile floor with a colorful new rug, or put down peel-and- stick vinyl tiles. —AP

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

Widow of ‘Chicken Man’ Perdue crafts

egg-cessories A

s hobbies go, laboriously transforming ostrich eggs into one-of-a-kind handbags using dentists’ drills, a finicky epoxy resin and minuscule Swarovski crystals doesn’t necessarily sound like the most appealing choice. Not unless you’re married to the “Chicken Man,” that is. It proved the perfect pastime for Mitzi Perdue, the third wife of the late poultry magnate Frank Perdue, of the iconic “It takes a tough man to make a tender chicken” TV commercial fame.

Over the past 18 years, the striking blond estimates she’s fashioned more than of the 500 elaborate handbags out of hollowed-out shells.

Bedazzled with pearls or draped with delicate chains, sparkling with rhinestones or painted with pastoral scenes, Perdue’s creations are like wearable Faberge eggs. There’s just one difference: Unlike the legendary Imperial Easter eggs - fanciful concoctions of gold and diamonds made in the late 19th century by jeweler Peter Carl Faberge for the Russian czar Perdue’s so-called EveningEggs are made not out of precious metals but from calcium carbonate, the main ingredient in shells.

Perdue stumbled onto the pastime by accident, after a 1993 car wreck that ruptured a disc and left her bedridden for months. After reading her way through her backlog of books and absorbing more than her lifetime dose of daytime television, Perdue was desperately seeking diversion. Inspired by a how-to arts show on PBS, she decided to overcome her “utter lack of artistic ability” and try her bored hand at painting.

“And then I thought, ‘as long as I’m going to paint, why not do it on an egg instead of a flat old piece of cardboard?’” said Perdue, in a telephone interview from her apartment on Manhattan’s tony Fifth Avenue. “After all, if Frank was the ‘Chicken Man,’ why shouldn’t I be the ‘Egg Lady?’”

Before becoming the “Egg Lady,” Perdue had cycled through a whole series of iterations. The daughter of Sheraton hotel chain co-founder Ernest Henderson, Harvard-educated Perdue had previously been a California rice farmer, a newspaper columnist and star of her own syndicated television show, called “Mitzi’s Country Magazine,” among other things. But all that changed when she met the man widely credit-

ed with industrializing the poultry business: Frank Perdue, a Maryland-born farm boy who turned his parents’ chicken ranch into a multibillion dollar operation of global reach and whose folksy, straight-talking appearances on Perdue Farms’ TV commercials made him a household name, as well as helping launch a thousand chicken casseroles.

One of Mitzi Perdue’s ostrich egg handbags.

Mitzi Perdue poses for a portrait with one of her ostrich egg handbags in New York.—AP The two met in 1988, after their respective divorces - Mitzi’s first, the second for Frank, who was 21 years her senior. “We decided to get married about five minutes after meeting,” she said. And they did, just five months after that first electric encounter.

Perdue kept herself busy throughout their 17-yearlong union by organizing weekly get-togethers with company’s employees. She estimates they hosted at least 10,000 workers - half Perdue Farms’ work force at their Salisbury, Md, home. —AP

A detail of one of Mitzi Perdue’s ostrich egg handbags.

Photo shows a goose egg decorated by Mitzi Perdue.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

Moss’ festival make-up K

ate Moss is an icon for festival make-up. M.A.C Pro senior artist Neil Young - who will be helping to provide VIP guests in the Virgin Media Louder Lounge at this weekend’s V Festival 21st of August with glamorous makeovers from M.A.C Cosmetics - says festival goers can be a lot more experimental with their look and should take inspiration from the supermodel, who is famed for her stylish festival look. Neil exclusively told BANG Showbiz: “Festival make-up is the one time you can go overthe-top and get away with looks you couldn’t in say the high street or restaurants. So you’re going to see a lot of glitter, a lot of color and kind of grungy looking eyes.

Very Kate Moss-inspired eyes she’s a bit of an icon for festival make-up.”

Neil also says festival make-up becomes better throughout the day because it gets a bit “disheveled”. He said: “I think festival make-up, as it becomes destroyed or throughout the day it looks better and takes on the vibe of a festival. So if it starts off perfect and ends up everywhere, I don’t really think that matters and it just adds to the look.” The M.A.C Pro team has taken inspiration from this year’s decadent Virgin Media Louder Lounge theme of Rococo, developing four gorgeous looks to recreate on celebrity and VIP guests. The bespoke designs include Smoke-Coco, Love Rococo, Rock-Coco as well as an intricate thespian-inspired Golden Leaf creation, giving guests an instant festival beauty fix with a twist of baroque glamour.—Bang Showbiz

(From left) Khloe Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Kris Jenner, Kourtney Kardashian, Kim Kardashian, and Kendall Jenner pose together at the Kardashian Kollection launch party in Los Angeles. The Kardashian Kollection designed by the Kardashian sisters is available at Sears. —AP

Jenner launches fashion line

K

ris Jenner launched a fashion collection on wednesday.

The Kardashian family matriarch - who has daughters Kim, 30, Khloe, 27, Kendall, 15, 13-year-old Kylie, and 24year-old son Rob - achieved a lifelong dream when she released her own line for QVC, entitled the Kris Jenner Kollection. She explained to WWD: “I’ve wanted to do a collection my entire life.

I love the pieces that I wear, and they’re very successful for me, for my lifestyle.”The ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ star admitted she has “learned a lot” through parenthood and now wants to concentrate on “looking good” when she goes out.

She added: “I spent the first half of my life being a mom, having six kids, so now I like to look good, and I’ve learned a lot in my 50-some-odd years of trial and error. “This is a culmination of everything that I love that’s easy, with a few pieces thrown in for night and cocktail because every girl needs something to go out in. “When something’s well planned out, then it makes it happier when I begin my day, because I know exactly what to wear.” Earlier this year, Kim, Khloe and Kourtney - whom Kris manages - launched a contemporary fashion collection called KDash. —Bnag Showbiz

Lakme Fashion Week

An Indian model display designer Parvesh Jai creations.

Indian models display designer J.J. Vallaya creations during the Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai, India. —AP

An Indian model displays designer Payal Singhal creation.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

‘Blaise go!’,

a favourite refrain for two Burkina musicians

A

rapper and a reggae artist, two leading Burkina Faso musicians belt out similar lyrics to different beats: “Blaise, go!”-their favourite refrain is a dig at the long-standing president.

Smockey, with an Afro ‘do’, and dreadlocked Samsklejah are pushing change in Burkina Faso, where protests this year led many to believe President Blaise Compaore may become the first subSaharan victim of the revolts that started further north.

“Whether you like it or not, whether you like him or not, Blaise will end up by clearing off,” says Samsklejah, whose lyrics are a hit among the youth of the west African nation-drawing scores to concerts in Ouagadougou. “Blaise Compaore has to go because he has been around too long,” adds Smockey, Burkina Faso’s most popular hip hop artist and winner of the 2008 Kora award for rap-Africa’s most prestigious music prize. “It is the least we demand ... a democratic state, that’s the first change,” he adds. The two, who don’t perform together but are firm offstage friends, give regular concerts in west Africa and Europe. Both entered the music stage in the previous decade with often political messages, and started taking aim at the president about three years ago.

Compaore took power in a coup in 1987 in which charismatic president Thomas Sankara was killed. The protests that broke out in February were the toughest challenge to his leadership

File photo shows Burkina Faso reggae musician Samsklejah in Ouagadougou. —AP since then. He has been re-elected four times, winning 80 percent of the votes in the last ballot in November when the opposition alleged irregularities. Months of demonstrations that followed, including a series of army mutinies that even spread to the presidential guard, may have been reined in but things remain tense in Burkina Faso, and Smockey and Samsklejah believe a revolution is still coming.

“This president has to leave, he is going to leave and he will leave,” go the lyrics to Samskleja’s most controversial

song, about Compaore. One of Smockey’s best known songs asks: “Who benefits from the crime?” referring to Sankara’s death. Demonstrations earlier this year started with students and spread to the military and other groupsincluding magistrates and shopkeeperswith the focus on high food prices, unemployment, rising costs and looting by troops. Compaore restored order by replacing his military chiefs and prime minister, paying out bonuses to soldiers and having dozens arrested. But the anger, concern and controversy is still

there, and the proposition of a constitutional amendment to allow him to stand again in 2015 has forged an opposition of politicians, civil society and the church-with Smockey and Samsklejah firmly on their side.

‘It is going to explode’ But Burkina Faso is not Senegal, and this musical contribution to the opposition stand has not quite had the same groundswell of success as the other country’s rapper-led “Y en a marre” (Fed Up) movement. The Senegal movement has become a symbol of protests against 85-year-old President Abdoulaye Wade’s regime, a significant force against his plans to run for a third term. It was a rallying point for the street pressure that in June saw him abandon changes to the constitution that were seen as paving the way for his son Karim Wade to take over as president one day.

In Burkina Faso, the impassioned pleas of this music duo have puzzled many, even some fans, who are uncomfortable about mixing protest and pop. “People don’t understand how Smockey and Samsklejah can mix music and political engagement,” journalist Alassane Kere says. “They should not be taking a position in one camp or the other in the debate over the ruling power.”It is an opinion the artists don’t share. “We have been talking for a long time in our songs about the state of the country, we had predicted this crisis,” says Smockey, whose real name is Serge Bambara. —AFP

Fringe musical mocks Taymor and ‘Spider-Man’ T

o see how far Julie Taymor has fallen over the past year, look no further than the New York International Fringe Festival. That is where the visionary director and choreographer behind the stunning “The Lion King” has become an object of sniggering and outright guffawing during a lively musical that rips her and everyone

associated with the Broadway spectacle “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark.” “The Legend of Julie Taymor, or the Musical That Killed Everybody!” - with book and lyrics by Travis Ferguson and music and lyrics by Dave Ogrin - is a spirited behind-the-scenes fictional look at the messy birth of Broadway’s most expensive show. It is

In this theater image released by Sam Morris PR, a scene is shown from the musical ‘The Legend of Julie Taymor or The Musical That Killed Everybody!,’ is shown in New York. —AP

wicked and rollicking.

Julie Taymor - sorry, make that “Julie Paymore” - is portrayed as a crazed, ego-driven maniac who vows to save Broadway with a show about “Spider-Dude” that blends Greek myth with wind machines and 16 golden confetti cannons. She is so driven that she sleeps with the theater owner to keep the show open and at one point kills a man with her bare hands. She also may or may not have burned down the theater on opening night.

“For the scene where Spider-Dude is battling the Gods on Mount Olympus, I need the clouds to come down around the audience with hail and lightning, and I want an actual tornado to form in the middle of the house. Got that!?” Paymore, played by Jennifer Barnhart, asks her minions. Paymore is not the only one lambasted by this show.

U2’s Bono, one half of the “Spider-Man” songwriters, is transformed into a guy named Bruno (Clint Carter), complete with leather jacket, sunglasses and an Irish accent; The New York Post’s Michael Riedel becomes Lionel Weasel, determined to destroy the musical; and Johnie Moore plays producer Michael Cohl as an aging hippie with a bong. —AFP

California Supreme Court turns down Spector appeal

T

he California Supreme Court declined Wednesday to review the 2009 murder conviction of music producer Phil Spector, turning down an appeal that had been filed by his attorneys. Spector’s lawyers had asked the state’s highest court to take another look at the case after a three-justice panel from the California 2nd District Court of Appeal earlier this year upheld his conviction of second-degree murder in the 2003 shooting death of actress Lana Clarkson.

The killing occurred at Spector’s suburban Los Angeles mansion, which was called the “Pyrenees Castle.” Spector, 71, is famous for his signature “wall of sound” recording technique, and he worked with the Beatles, the Ronettes and the Ramones in the 1960s and 1970s. —AP

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

Top Europe reggae festival opens, Marley family stars

In this film publicity image released by Warner Bros Pictures, Steve Carell, left, and Julianne Moore are shown in a scene from “Crazy, Stupid, Love.” —AP

‘Crazy Stupid Love’ E not so crazy or stupid

Review

Stephen Marley

F

or a movie that intends to be rooted in a recognizable and insightful reality, “Crazy Stupid Love” features an awful lot of moments that clang in a contrived, feelgood manner. Because you see, it’s simultaneously trying to charm us. Sometimes, it achieves that goal. At the same time, it also has its share of moments that hit just the perfect, poignant note, with some laughs that arise from a place of honesty. When you assemble a cast that includes Steve Carell, Julianne Moore, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, you’re already on the right track.

Because “Crazy Stupid Love” also aims to be a romantic comedy of substance and intelligence. Sometimes, it achieves that goal, too.

That’s what’s frustrating here - the unevenness of it all. The relationship between Carell and Jonah Bobo as his 13-year-old son has a pleasing openness, for example, but eventually the two are at the center of a cringe-inducing climax: the kind of painfully public, cathartic monologue that only happens in movies in general and in this genre specifically. Then there’s the romance between Gosling and

Stone, which has both terrific, flirty sparks and some sweet, quiet moments as they reveal themselves to each other. But then a trip to meet her family results in a knock-down, dragout brawl - a scene of immature rage and physicality that comes out of nowhere and doesn’t fit with the rest of the movie.

The break-up that kicks off “Crazy Stupid Love” also comes out of nowhere, at least from the perspective of Carell’s character, Cal. A nebbishy 40-something, Cal thought he was enjoying a nice life with his high school sweetheart, Emily (Moore), and their two kids.

But at the film’s start, Emily announces over dinner that she wants a divorce, then proceeds to inform Cal that she’s slept with someone else: a smarmy co-worker played briefly and rather unconvincingly by Kevin Bacon.

Cal moves out, then goes to a local bar night after night to drown his sorrows and bore fellow patrons with his tale of woe; the place is stylish, trendy and filled with gorgeous young women, which wouldn’t seem to be Cal’s speed, but whatever. A fellow regular

who does have a way with the ladies, Gosling’s Jacob Palmer, spots Cal, feels sorry for him and offers to take him under his wing.

Gosling is charismatic as hell in the role and gets a rare chance to show his comic abilities - as an expensively dressed trust-fund kid whose entire raison d’etre is picking up chicks.

A sequence in which he and Carell go to the mall provides an amusing twist on the obligatory trying-on-clothes montage.

But it’s hard to believe Jacob would ever give Cal the time of day, much less go out of his way to give this middle-aged nerd an extreme makeover; Carell, who’s also a producer here, does bring his everyman pathos to the role, and it’s good to see him do some rare dramatic work.

Jacob is thrown off his game by the one woman at the bar who won’t give in so easily to his cheesy one-liners: Stone’s Hannah, an aspiring lawyer. They have such different vibes but they’re so great together, they almost make you wish the whole thing was about them. Stone is just vibrant - every emotion flashes across her face so vividly. —AP

Gere to sell guitar collection at auction

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ichard Gere may be best known for his acting career but he is also an accomplished musician who has amassed an extensive guitar collection that will be sold at auction in October, Christie’s said on Wednesday. The star of “Pretty Woman,” “An Officer and a Gentleman” and “Chicago,” has spent the last 20 years accumulating the collection.

It includes brands such as C.F. Martin, Gibson and Fender and instruments once owned by blues guitarist Albert King, Jamaican reggae musician Peter Tosh and acclaimed American guitar maker James D’Aquisto.

“What transpired over a lifetime is an almost encyclopedic representation of American guitar making,” said Kerry Keane, the head of Christie’s musical instruments department. “This is an excit-

ing opportunity for collectors and fans alike to take advantage of Mr Gere’s unrecognized talent for creating a cohesive collection.”

The auction in New York on October 11 will contain 110 lots worth approximately $1 million. A 1958 solid-body Gibson Flying V electric guitar once owned by King is expected to sell for up

to $90,000. Another top item is a 1931 C.F. Martin D-28, one of the most coveted Martin designs, which has an estimate of $50,000 to $70,000.

Gere’s collection resulted from a lifelong love of music that began with the trumpet before he taught himself the guitar and piano. “They have been my true friends through the best and worst of times. I never planned to put together a collection. I just bought ones that I liked, the ones that sounded good and played well,” Gere said in a statement.

“Some are very special. Although it’s more than a little painful to let them go, each one has been played, loved and appreciated - and will be again.” Gere said proceeds of the auction will go to support humanitarian causes around the world. —Reuters

urope’s largest reggae festival Rototom Sunsplash opened its gates yesterday in the Spanish resort of Benicassim, where over 200,000 fans are expected over 10 days of Jamaican-inspired music headlined by leading members of the Bob Marley dynasty. This year’s 18th Sunsplash pays homage to the legendary reggae musician on the 30th anniversary of his death with concerts by his wife Rita, backing singer in Bob Marley & The Wailers, and the most famous of his children including Ziggy and Stephen.

Stephen Marley will open the festival on the main stage, where Ska pioneers Toots and the Maytals and Jamaican dancehall star Mr Vegas are also expected to play on the first night. Over 300 bands and DJs playing reggae genres from roots to rocksteady and ragga to dub will be performing on six stages during a festival which mixes reggae music with social forums as well as African and Caribbean arts and culture.

Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Iran’s Shirin Ebadi will attend Rototom’s social forum, which also hosts Tobin Tax campaigner Bernard Cassen and environmental activist Vandana Shiva.“We’ve got people participating from over 100 different countries, this makes us a truly global festival with a global philosopy of tolerance behind it,” festival director Filippo Giunta told Reuters.

“This year we can do it knowing that the local community approves and knowing that the public are going to come. We had 160,000 last year, we are expecting over 200,000 this year,” Giunta said. Rototom Sunplash decided to move to Spain from northern Italy in 2010, after what Giunta said was a clash between the festival’s ideals and the ideas of some politicians in the country. “They accused us of promoting the use of marijuana just because of the relationship of reggae and the Rastafarian religion, which considers it to be a holy plant,” Giunta said.

Rototom is a non-profit collective which donates the income from Sunsplash to charities in Africa, Asia and Latin America, attracting speakers and activists from non-government organizations as well as reggae acts from the famous to the obscure.

“We’ve been to great reggae festivals in France but this has the biggest line-up,” said 28year-old Mariajo, from Madrid. “I’m going for classics like Toots and the Maytals and (reggae poet) Linton Kwesi Johnson, but I don’t think we’ll stay for the full 10 days. That’s a lot of reggae!” —Reuters

Lifestyle FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

An Indonesian Muslim woman reads the holy Quran as others pray as they wait for the time to break their fast, at Istiqlal mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia. —AP

Chefs talk about unusual

farmers market finds K

atsuya Fukushima is used to working with unusual ingredients, using liquid nitrogen or high- tech whipping canisters to make “snow” or “air” from otherwise solid ingredients. But when he came across a long-stemmed plant with scalloped leaves at his local farmers market, he was stymied. “I had no idea what it was,” Fukushima - who at the time was chef de cuisine at Jose Andres’ cutting edge minibar restaurant - said of finding what turned out to be the herb known as stevia. Stevia most often is seen in powdered form and used as a sweetener.

“The farmer let me taste it and it was super sweet, but it was a leaf. Something that tiny and that sweet was very exciting.

It was a great discovery.”

So he laced it with fresh mint and balanced it with tangy yogurt for a dessert at minibar. Now he is considering a salad of sweet stevia and bitter arugula for Rabbit, the Arlington, Virginia, restaurant where he is consulting chef.

Farmers markets have grown like tomatoes in summer during the last five years, with an increasingly food savvy public pushing their numbers up more than 60 percent to 7,175 today. But after the spring onions, snap peas and new potatoes, many consumers - and even some chefs - find items that leave them baffled. What do the

pros do with their enticing yet exotic finds?

Andy Ricker, who won the 2011 James Beard award for best chef in the Northwest, shops the stalls of Hmong farmers at his Portland, Oregon, market to find fiddlehead ferns, vegetables like “phak khanaa” or Chinese broccoli, exotic, untranslatable herbs and crucial ingredients like cilantro root for the innovative Asian cuisine he turns out at his restaurant Pok Pok. Foraged mushrooms and turkey eggs were recent finds for Nicholas Stefanelli, executive chef at Bibiana in Washington, DC, but he also recalls stumbling on wormwood, the legendary ingredient in absinthe liqueur. He’d had high hopes for that. “It didn’t have the flavor I thought it was going to have,” he says about the bushy blue-green shrub. “I thought it would be anise, but it was herbaceous. It was a little woodsy.” He tried making tea from the leaves and using its branches for smoked meats, but he never found a place for the flavor on his menu.

At Lantern Restaurant in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Andrea Reusing has been using horseradish leaves in a beef sashimi, treating the tender young shoots like shiso, the Japanese basil often used in sushi.

Fresh green coriander seeds - brought to market by farmers whose plants are going to seed - lend a lemony, peppery tang to

cubed, raw salmon. And fresh fig leaves offer a perfumed accent to grilled chicken or mullet. The curly little tails her pig farmers bring get braised, then grilled with a five-spice barbecue sauce.

“If people are doing meat, often they have odd parts of animals in their coolers,” she says. “The meat is very succulent, like on a rib.” Like many home cooks, chefs also look to farmers markets for the freshest ingredients and for a greater variety than they might get from purveyors or supermarkets. “I’m not into searching out strange things,” says Daniel Giusti, executive chef at 1789 in Washington, DC, and a self-professed “psycho” about onions. “I really like to find what’s good and what makes sense to me.

Those are the things I want to buy a ton of.”

Spring onions, candy onions, torpedo onions (like a shallot), Giusti finds a way to feature them all on his menu, he says, using even the tops as crunchy garnish on items like creamy Vidalia soup.

During the summer, Little Rock chef Lee Richardson from Ashley’s in the Capital Hotel, who recently won Food & Wine magazine’s award for People’s Best New Chef in the Midwest, buys purple hulled peas by the bushel at local markets, incorporating the mahogany-centered legumes into sidedishes, salads, even - remember, this is

Arkansas - deep frying them. “They’re an amazing bar snack,” he says, adding that he sprinkles them with salt and cayenne pepper. “They’re really addictive.“ Cookbook writer Deborah Madison was excited to find quinoa leaves at her local Santa Fe farmers market. But she says she’s even more encouraged to see lots of different grains - wheat, cornmeal, organic rice, and so-called ancient grains - being showcased at markets around the country. “I’ve got my feelers out for grains and things that we’ve taken for granted as just part of the supermarket landscape,” says Madison, who has written 11 cookbooks, including “Local Flavors: Cooking and Eating from America’s Farmers’ Markets.”

“We don’t think, ‘Wow, someone can actually grow these things.’ And maybe they do an old variety and they do it on a stone mill. And those things really make a difference in the flavor of your food.” Like many home cooks, chefs say they also appreciate the one-on-one relationship they develop with farmers by browsing the market, asking questions and seeing their growers face-to-face each week. “You find you get a lot more of the hidden treasures,” Bibiana’s Stefanelli says. “They might only have two quarts of figs and they save them for customers who come buy from them every week.” — AP

Stars

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

Aries (March 21-April 19) You have a lot of ideas to pour into career projects today; however, there could be many interruptions. You may be tested to stay within a time limit. You are, however, able to size up a problem and come up with a solution. Using this mind of yours to negotiate obstacles and handle dilemmas is a great talent. You have an innate ability to guide and lead others through the hurdles and hassles of life—this could very well be the situation now. You could be very much in demand as a counselor. You may appear commanding and assertive this afternoon; getting much accomplished. There are, however, temptations to overspend today—careful! That investment proposition is still probable but do not sign anything until you have checked out all the mysteries.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) There is a sense of support and harmony before you even walk out the door today. You are coming into a period of greater than usual emphasis on emotional security; putting down roots perhaps. Your business and your social life encourage each other. You have a good attitude regarding many areas of your life. Whatever you set out to do now will certainly have a successful outcome. You make your way through ideas and concepts and can positively communicate them to others.

Romance becomes important. Love, creativity and self-expression satisfy deep yearnings to be appreciated and admired. There are flashy and stylish splashes of fun in your life now. Future plans are forming for further education—art perhaps.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) This is a good time for clear deliberation and problem solving.

You are in a serious frame of mind and may find yourself dealing with matters of much concern. You are a solid supporter, always gravitating to the heart of things. You may have trouble with motivation, but once rolling, others better step aside. You have a stick-to-it attitude that may find you, as usual, toughing it out in the thick of things. Try not to add to your responsibilities now since it would be easy to experience a burn-out. New partnerships are entered into; old ones are renewed or left behind.

Cooperation is the secret to success here. Take a little trip, or get outside today. You may want to break that routine during the day and try something new or different to break the stress.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) This morning tends to lean toward the idea of adjustment.

You might get a new chair or move from one area of the office to another or just be privy to a new piece of equipment or new employee. You have a wonderful ability to adjust and change and create the most positive results from whatever drifts your way. This afternoon you are high on the list of people that others seek for advice. You can appreciate the difficulties of others and be understanding of the problems they may be having. You are able to help by just your ability to listen. Asking the right questions so that others will see the truth or the facts that call for change brings you the ability to organize and lead when it comes to team projects or family goals. Good things are lining up this fall.

Leo (July 23-August 22) You may be dealing with many people today—perhaps customers, perhaps employees. You are at your most practical when it comes to dealing and working with others. You know just what to do and can help others through the difficult work situations. You make use of your natural abilities and common sense. There could be some hidden points that get in the way of your progress and a more thorough investigation into any sluggish areas of your work would be beneficial. Any concerns you have regarding your job should be aired now. It is not necessary to have approval just now—it is only necessary to have the facts. Your analytical powers are superb and you enjoy finding new avenues of inner growth. Relax and leave your work at work this evening!

Virgo (August 23-September 22) You may be having some dark and secret thoughts. Sensitive areas of your mind may intrude and appear obsessive. You may be suspicious of someone. This may not be a problem for you to solve but to only be aware of for now. Think no more of this and busy yourself with constructive work. Problems can be valued for the lessons they represent, rather than perceived as obstacles. This is a time to have new thoughts and sudden insights and to get an unexpected boost in the way you think, speak or write. Communications are facilitated. Connections of all kinds, news and so on, are furthered, often at the expense of tradition and established order.

Your inner resources and emotions are accented now. Expect a sense of support and goodwill.

COUNTRY CODES Libra (September 23-October 22) Getting your message across to others is at a high just now.

Your timing should be perfect and those around you find you most natural. This is a nice day that should just flow along. You could feel real support and harmony at this time for circumstances that are presented to you today. Your ambitions may well prosper, but often at the expense of any real independence and freedom. Be very careful here because there is a switch effect in your personality that is important to understand. You may alternate between very conventional behavior and sudden rebellious phases.

At this time your refusal to go along works against your own best interest.

This makes it difficult to get ahead. Create and maintain a balance in all things.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) You find yourself at your most imaginative today, at least when it comes to your creative self. Right now you have an opportunity to transcend the everyday thoughts and soar into more cosmic or eternal musings. If you are involved in creative writing, advertisement, etc., you will find this a great time for round table discussions and for finding new ideas. You have a love affair going with the mind and you value all the offspring: words, ideas, thoughts, etc. You love to talk—you appreciate good conversation and you feel that stimulating mental adventures are among the most exciting experiences that life can offer. You have a built-in sense of discrimination when it comes to the intellect. Enjoy some fun time near a large body of water this evening.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) This is a very good day for job-related events. You may shine in your particular job or find that promotion or practical insights come with ease. You could represent or speak for your company or communicate about your skills. You have a high rate of change when it comes to what you believe in—your ideals and dreams. You adjust and change your ideals often and may have to struggle not to become carried away with each new vision. The world of your imagination is a major focus of change. You are a very feeling person and can sense the drift of a situation without a lot of analysis. This evening is a good time to consolidate and organize your affairs, finances or rearrange your living situation. Family members want to help—just ask.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) These last few days of August may be a bit frustrating emotionally, particularly in the workplace. You must take a step back and determine what the irritating factor is and whether you can change it or yourself. If neither, perhaps a revision is in order. Perhaps it is time for a job advancement or a job change. Waiting this one out and observing may be the best answer now. You are passionate in your search for truth and essence. Nothing superficial holds your attention. Your intense analytical approach to life cuts through to the heart of things. This directness, however, may not always endear you to others. Taking plenty of short trips and filling your afternoon and evenings with loved ones may be where your energies can be best put to use for now.

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) Communication is one area where you can always get support and backing from friends and co-workers. Historical ideas may interest you. You know that patterns have a way of repeating and you can use your wisdom in this area to solve problems. You find it easy to work with others today and may pour a lot of energy into those around you. Your home and surroundings reflect this as well. When it comes to teaching or coaching young people, you are a natural—always able to inspire others. With your powerful spirit, you can become rather involved in sports and winning. This is a good time to become involved with group matters. Everything seems to conspire to put you in the limelight this evening. Now is a great time to work or play with others.

Pisces (February 19-March 20) A friend may tell you a secret today and you could be wrestling with the information. You will be able to be understanding and handle this material. You do not have to have an answer, just a listening ear.

This is a time when you can expect a little boost: some sort of extra support or recognition from those around you. Positive things happen while working with others today. You may be just the person for a particular job. Things are happening and your career or path depends on your own passion, which is strong now. You are good at determining the flow of direction and you can make good, positive decisions. The praise you receive now may not be the only thing that provides you with some encouragement to move your plans forward.

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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W h a t ’s O n FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

Indian Doctors Forum holds ghabqa

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he Indian Doctors Forumís annual Ramadan Ghabqa was held at the Kuwait Medical Association Hall, Jabriya. Eminent Kuwaiti and Indian personalities besides media persons and members of the forum and their families attended the event.

The program began with national anthems, followed by recitation of verses from the holy Quran by Dr Ishaq. Dr Amir Ahmed, vice-president ñ IDF, outlined the importance of ëGhabqaí and ëGirgianí in this region and how such traditions helped foster better ties in the society. The august gathering was welcomed by Dr Noble Zachariya. Dr Narayanan Nampoory (president IDF), in his presidential address spoke about the various community welfare activities of the forum besides other activities which helped strengthen India-Kuwait relationship in the field of health. Dr Hasan Khan in his Ramadan message explained the importance of fasting during Ramadan.

Chief Guest of the event, Satish C Mehta, Ambassador of India, in his address lauded the community activities of IDF. Dr Ali Al-Mukhaimi, President of Kuwait Medical Association, Dr Adel Ayed, Dean - Faculty of Medicine, Dr Nasser Hayat, Dr FarhanHamad, Dr Saleh Al-Waheeb spoke on the occasion and were highly appreciative of the collective efforts of the forum. The meeting ended with the vote of thanks proposed

by Dr Amir Ahmed. There was a sumptuous dinner served and girgian gifts, sponsored by Lulu Hypermarket were distributed to all children.

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W h a t ’s O n FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

Embassy Information EMBASSY OF FRENCH On the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr, the French Embassy in Kuwait will be closed on the first and the second day of the Eid.

KKMA conducts Ramadan Majlis

K

uwait Kerala Muslim Association (KKMA) held a gathering of Indians as part of Ramadan program at Mareena Hall in Abbasiya Touristic Park. The program was very successful with the overwhelming crowd including hundreds of families and eminent personalities from different walks of life in Kuwait to share the message of Glorious month of holy Ramadan.

The prominent speaker from Kerala Janab Hassan Ashrafi Baqvi was a key speaker who delivered a remarkable speech. A three-hour keynote speech delivered by Janab Hassan Ashrafi Baqvi made an imprint in the hearts of the audience.

The event was inaugurated by Dr Amir Ahmed. The chairman of the program committee B M IQbal presided over the function. KKMA President Jb Abdul Fattah Thayyil and eminent Kuwaiti person Jb AlGhazali Al-Mutairi delivered felicitation speeches. Jb PK Akber Siddique, Jb Alim Matra Jb SAP Azaad, Jb Faisal

Manjeri, Jb Abdul Latheef Madani, Jb Manzoor Faisi, Jb MT Muhammed, Jb TP Abdul Azeez, Jb S A Labba, Thomas Mathew Kadavil, Rajan Rawthar, Jb Sathar Kunnil, Jb Afsal Khan, Jb Salam Kalanadu, Jb Ibrahim Kunnil and Jb K Basheer attended the inaugural ceremony. Program Committee General Convener Jb K C

Rafeek and KKMA General Secretary Jb A P Abdu l Salam rendered eelcome speech and vote of thanks respectively. Muneer Thuruthi recited the holy Quaran and SM Basheer anchored the program. Rayin Kutty Haji, Subair Haji, Ali Kutty Haji, Shukoor Maniyanodi, led the program arrangements.

Voice Kuwait new committee members

V

iswakarma Organisation for Ideal Career and Education (VOICE KUWAIT) elected new central committee members for the year 2011-2012.

President PG Binu presided over the function which was held at Rhythm auditorium.

The following are new committee members: P G Binu (president), K Chandramohanan (gen secretary), Raghunathan Achari (treasurer), Baburaj M P, A R Sathyan (vice president), Pramod Kakkoth, V Shanil (joint secretary), Gireev P Kumar (organizing secretary), Keloth Vijayan (joint treasurer), Surendran Mathur (patron).

The Executive Members are: Sajimon K K, Balakrishnan T P, Raveendran N, Mohanakumar, Udhayakumar KP, Rajimon

MG, Prakash M K, Mohandas G, Unnikrishnan K, Pradeep Balakrishnan, Sreenivasan and M Surendran.

Advisory Members: M T Haridasn, Baasubramanyan, K P, K Gopinathan, P

Sasidharan, Vasydevan, P K Sekharan, K Gopinathan, Haridasn Mookambika and M K Mohandas. K Charamphanan welcomed the gathering and Raghunathan Achari gave vote of thanks.

NAFO to celebrate Onam on Sept 30

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AFO will celebrate Onam, Kerala’s harvest festival, on September 30, 2011 at the Indian Community School (Senior Girls), Salmiya. Cultural programs such as dance, skit, nadan pattukal, vallapattukal etc will be presented which will be followed by the traditional Onasadhya.

All NAFO members are requested to make this program a grand success by participating in various activities, said NAFO’s Onam program committee convener of NAFO,

Rajasekharan Nair.

The members may register their names at Contacts@nafoglobal.com. Prior to the Onam celebration a competition will be held for all members of NAFO in the fields of art, literature, songs and dance on September 24, at the same venue from 9am to 4pm. For details, please contact, Nandakumar —99559416, Udayakumar —66464577 or Rajasekharan Nair —97824780.

EMBASSY OF ARGENTINA In order to inform that 23rd of October 2011, will be Argentine national election where all Argentinean citizen residents permanently in Kuwait can vote only if they are registered at the Electoral Register of the Argentine Embassy. The procedure of inscription ended on 25 of April 2011. To register it is necessary that Argentinean citizens should come personally at the Argentinean Embassy (Block 6, street 42, villa 57, Mishref) and present the DNI and four personal photos (size 4x4, face should be front on white background). For further information, contact us on 25379211.

EMBASSY OF BRITAIN The Visa Application Centre (VAC) will be closed on the same dates above. The opening hours of the Visa Application Centre are 0930 - 1630 Application forms remain available online from the UKBAs’ website: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk or from the Visa Application Centre’s website: www.vfs-ukkw.com. And also, from the UK Visa Application Centre located at: 4B, First Floor, Al Banwan Building (Burgan Bank Branch Office Building), Al Qibla area, opposite Central Bank of Kuwait, Kuwait City. For any further inquiries, please contact the Visa Application Centre: Website: www.vfs-uk-kw.com E-mail:info@vfs-uk-kw.com Telephone:22971170.

The Consular Section will also be closed on the same dates. For information on the British Embassy services, visit the British Embassy website: www.ukinkuwait.fco.gov.uk EMBASSY OF CANADA The Embassy of Canada is located at Villa 24, AlMutawakel St., Block 4 in Da’aiyah. Please visit our website at www.Kuwait.gc.ca.

Canada offers a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that Consular Officials can contact and assist Canadians in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform Canadians of a family emergency at home. The Embassy of Canada encourages all Canadian Citizens to register online through the Government of Canada Travel Website at www.voyage.gc.ca. The Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi provides visa and immigration services to residents of Kuwait. Individuals who are interested in visiting, working or immigrating to Canada are invited to visit the website of the Canadian Embassy to the UAE at www.UAE.gc.ca.

Effective January 15, 2011, the only Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) application form that will be accepted by CIC is the Application for Temporary Resident Visa Made Outside of Canada [IMM 5257] form.

All previous Temporary Resident Visa application forms will no longer be accepted by CIC and instead will be returned to applicants. Should old applications be submitted prior to January 15, 2011 they will continue to be processed.

To ensure that the most recent version of the Temporary Resident Visa application form is being utilized, applicants should refer to the CIC website. As of January 15, 2011, forms are to be filled in electronically. The Embassy of Canada is open from 07:30 to 15:30 Sunday through Thursday.

Consular Services for Canadian Citizens are provided from 09:00 until 12:00 on Sunday through Wednesday.

The forms are available on the internet at: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5257E. PDF. A guide explaining the process can be found here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/guides/5256E.PDF.

TV Listings FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

00:45 01:40 02:35 03:30 04:25 05:20 06:10 07:00 07:25 07:50 08:40 09:10 10:05 11:00 11:55 12:20 12:50 13:45 14:40 15:30 Takes?

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Cats 101 Untamed And Uncut Big Five Challenge Chris Humfrey’s Wildlife The Beauty Of Snakes Animal Cops Houston Bad Dog Meerkat Manor The Really Wild Show Crocodile Hunter Breed All About It Must Love Cats Cats 101 Michaela’s Animal Road Trip Meerkat Manor Wildlife SOS E-Vets: The Interns Animal Cops Houston Animal Precin ct RSPCA: Have You Got What It

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

My Family The Weakest Link Casualty Born And Bred Eastenders Doctors My Family Tweenies The Roly Mo Show Me Too Forget Me Not Farm Spot’s Musical Adventures Tweenies The Roly Mo Show Me Too Forget Me Not Farm Tweenies The Roly Mo Show Me Too Forget Me Not Farm Spot’s Musical Adventures Tweenies The Roly Mo Show Me Too Forget Me Not Farm Spot’s Musical Adventures My Family The Weakest Link Ray Mears’ Wild Foods Doctors Eastenders Casualty My Family Ray Mears’ Wild Foods The Weakest Link Doctors

The Really Wild Show Animal Planet’s Most Outrageous Cats Of Claw Hill Breed All About It Orangutan Island Crocodile Hunter Cats 101 Last Chance Highway Whale Wars Maneaters Life Of Mammals

00:15 The Naked Chef 00:40 New Scandinavian Cooking With Andreas Viestad 01:05 What Not To Wear 01:55 Masterchef Australia 02:45 The Naked Chef 03:35 Daily Cooks Challenge 05:00 Masterchef Australia 05:50 The Naked Chef 06:40 New Scandinavian Cooking With Andreas Viestad 07:05 Daily Cooks Challenge 10:30 What Not To Wear 11:20 Rhodes Across China 12:05 Cash In The Attic 12:50 Antiques Roadshow 13:40 New Scandinavian Cooking With Andreas Viestad 14:05 Holmes On Homes 14:55 What Not To Wear 15:45 Rhodes Across China 16:30 Cash In The Attic 17:15 Antiques Roadshow 18:05 New Scandinavian Cooking With Andreas Viestad 18:30 Holmes On Homes 19:20 Rhodes Across China 20:10 Cash In The Attic 20:55 Antiques Roadshow 21:45 New Scandinavian Cooking With Andreas Viestad

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

Dirty Jobs Miami Ink Ultimate Survival Wheeler Dealers On The Road Fifth Gear Mythbusters How Do They Do It? How Does It Work Dirty Jobs Wheeler Dealers On The Road Fifth Gear Street Customs 2008 How Does It Work Mythbusters Cake Boss Border Security Auction Hunters Battle Machine Bros Sons Of Guns Ultimate Survival Miami Ink Dirty Jobs Wheeler Dealers On The Road Fifth Gear Mythbusters Deadliest Catch Cake Boss Border Security Auction Hunters How Does It Work Cash Cab (US) American Chopper: Senior vs

00:05 00:55 01:45 02:35 03:25 04:15 04:45 05:40 06:10 07:00 07:55 08:50 09:40 15:45 16:10 17:00 17:50 18:15 18:40 1 9:30 20:20 21:10 22:00 22:50 23:40

Smash Lab Extreme Engineering Prototype This Bang Goes The Theory Scrapheap Challenge How Stuff’s Made Extreme Engineering One Step Beyond Ecopolis Scrapheap Challenge How The Universe Works The Gadget Show Brainiac Weird Connections Scrapheap Challenge Nasa’s Greatest Missions Sci-Fi Science The Gadget Show The Tech Show Powering The Future Smash Lab The Gadget Show The Tech Show Powering The Future The Gadget Show

00:15 00:35 01:00 01:25 01:50 02:15 02:35 03:00 03:25 04:15 05:00 05:50 06:35 07:25 08:15 09:00 09:20 09:45 10:05 10:30 10:55 11:20 11:35 12:00 12:10 12:20 12:30 12:40 12:50 13:10 13:35 13:50 14:15 14:35 1 5:00 15:25 15:45 16:10 16:30 16:55 17:20 17:50 18:20

Sonny With A Chance Good Luck Charlie Shake It Up The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody Sonny With A Chance Wizards Of Waverly Place Jonas Kim Possible Fairly Odd Parents Stitch Replacements Emperor’s New School Stitch Replacements Fairly Odd Parents Emperor’s New School The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody Phineas And Ferb Wizards Of Waverly Place Suite Life On Deck Good Luck Charlie Fish Hooks Splits Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Jake & The Neverland Pirates Splits Jungle Junction Splits The Hive Handy Manny Splits Jake & The Neverland Pirates Splits Sonny With A Chance The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody Phineas And Ferb Splits Shake It Up Hannah Montana Suite Life On Deck Wizards Of Waverly Place Sonny With A Chance Good Luck Charlie Phineas And Ferb The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody Wizards Of Waverly Place Hannah Montana Hannah Montana Suite Life On Deck

THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER ON OSN ACTION HD

00:00 00:30 00:45 01:00 01:30 01:45 02:00 02:30 02:45 03:00 03:30 03:45 04:00 04:30 04:45 05:00 05:30 05:45 06:00 06:30 07:00 07:30 07:45 08:30 08:45 09:30 09:45 10:00 10:30 10:45 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 12:45 13:00 13:30 13:45 14:00 15:00 15:30

BBC World News World Business Report Sport Today BBC World News America Asia Business Report Sport Today BBC World News Asia Business Report Sport Today Newsday Asia Business Report Sport Today Newsday Asia Business Report Sport Today Newsday Asia Business Report Sport Today Newsday Peschardt’s Business People BBC World News World Business Report BBC World News World Business Report BBC World News World Business Report Sport Today BBC World News World Business Report Sport Today BBC World News Peschardt’s Business People BBC World News World Business Report Sport Today BBC World News World Business Report Sport Today GMT With George Alagiah BBC World News World Business Report

15:45 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 17:45 18:00 19:00 19:30 19:40 20:00 20:30 20:45

Sport Today Impact Our World Impact World Business Report Sport Today World Have Your Say The Hub With Nik Gowing BBC World News Weekend World The Hub With Nik Gowing World Business Report Sport Today

00:05 00:15 00:40 00:55 01:10 01:30 01:45 02:00 02:15 02:25 02:50 03:20 03:40 03:55 04:10 04:25 04:35 05:00 05:15 05:30 05:50 06:00 06:15 06:30 06:45 07:00 07:15

Jungle Junction Little Einsteins Higglytown Heroes Higglytown Heroes Jo Jo’s Circus Special Agent Oso Special Agent Oso Jungle Junction Jungle Junction Little Einsteins Higglytown Heroes Jo Jo’s Circus Special Agent Oso Special Agent Oso Jungle Junction Jungle Junction Little Einsteins Higglytown Heroes Higglytown Heroes Jo Jo’s Circus Jungle Junction Jungle Junction Higglytown Heroes Higglytown Heroes Handy Manny Special Agent Oso Jungle Junction

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

Jungle Junction Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Timmy Time Handy Manny Jake And The Neverland Pirates The Hive Handy Manny Mickey Mouse Clubhouse The Little Mermaid Jungle Junction Imagination Movers Handy Manny Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Jake And The Neverland Pirates Lazytown The Hive Special Agent Oso The Little Mermaid Mickey Mous e Clubhouse Handy Manny The Hive Jake And The Neverland Pirates Imagination Movers Lazytown Jungle Junction The Hive Little Einsteins Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Jake And The Neverland Pirates Little Einsteins Special Agent Oso Animated Stories Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Jake And The Neverland Pirates The Little Merm aid Jake And The Neverland Pirates Jungle Junction Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Timmy Time Handy Manny Jungle Junction Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Special Agent Oso

18:45 19:10 19:35 20:00 20:25 20:50 21:15 21:45 22:10 22:35

Fish Hooks Shake It Up Jake & Blake Wizards Of Waverly Place Hannah Montana Fish Hooks Hannah Montana Shake It Up Suite Life On Deck Cadet Kelly

06:00 American Dragon 06:20 Kick Buttowski 06:40 Pokemon Dp: Sinnoh League Victors 07:05 Phineas & Ferb 07:30 Kid Vs Kat 07:50 Pair Of Kings 08:15 I’m In The Band 08:40 Kick Buttowski 09:00 Zeke & Luther 09:50 I’m In The Band 10:15 The Super Hero Squad Show 10:40 Suite Life On Deck 11:30 Pair Of Kings 11:55 Phineas & Ferb 12:45 I’m In The Band 13:10 Kid Vs Kat 13:50 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody 14:30 Phineas & Ferb 14:50 Zeke & Luth er 15:15 Kick Buttowski 15:35 Pokemon Dp: Sinnoh League Victors 16:00 I’m In The Band 16:25 Suite Life On Deck 16:50 Zeke & Luther 17:40 Phineas & Ferb 18:30 Escape From Scorpion Island 18:55 Kick Buttowski 19:20 American Dragon 19:45 Aaron Stone 20:15 Kid Vs Kat 20:40 I’m In The Band 21:05 The Avengers: Earths Mightiest Heroes 21:30 Zeke & Luther 21:50 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody 22:15 The Super Hero Squad Show

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

Kendra Extreme Close-Up 40 Smokin’ On Set Hookups 25 Most Stylish Sexiest Extreme Hollywood 40 (More) Crimes Of Fashion Behind The Scenes E! News The Dance Scene The Dance Scene 40 Smokin’ On Set Hookups E! News Kendra Kendra Married To Rock E! News Married To Rock Married To Rock Married To Rock Chelsea Lately Kendra Kendra E! News Chelsea Lately Kourtney And Kim Take New York

00:15 Sports Jobs 00:40 Mantracker 01:30 World Combat League 02:20 Sports Jobs 02:45 Sports Jobs 03:10 Aiya TV 03:35 Aiya TV 04:00 FIM World Motocross MX3 Championships...

04:25 FIM World Motocross MX3 Championships...

04:50 Mantracker 05:40 World Combat League 06:30 Ride Guide Mountainbike 2007 08:00 X Games Heroes 08:25 Summer Dew Tour 2010 10:05 Ticket To Ride 2009/2010 10:55 Winter Dew Tour 10/11 11:45 BMX Megatour 12:35 Red Bull Empire Of Dirt 13:25 Clay Marzo: Just Add Water 14:15 World Combat League 15:05 X Games 15 2009

TV Listings FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

15:55 16:45 17:10 18:50 19:40

Tread BMX X Games Heroes Summer Dew Tour 2010 Ticket To Ride 2009/2010 BMX Megatour

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

Ghost Lab Psychic Witness True Crime With Aphrodite Jones True Crime Scene Dr G: Medical Examiner Ghosthunters Ghost Lab Mystery Diagnosis Murder Shift Forensic Detectives Street Patrol Real Emergency Calls Mystery Diagnosis FBI Case Files FBI Files On The Case With Paula Zahn Extreme Forensics Mystery Diagnosis Street Pa trol Real Emergency Calls FBI Case Files FBI Files Forensic Detectives Murder Shift Real Emergency Calls Mystery Diagnosis Street Patrol On The Case With Paula Zahn Extreme Forensics Nightmare Next Door Disappeared Dr G: Medical Examiner

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

Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam Good Eats - Special Grill It! With Bobby Flay Barefoot Contessa Unwrapped Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam Good Eats - Special Unwrapped Ten Dollar Dinners Paula’s Party Barefoot Contessa Chopped Guy’s Big Bite Everyday Italian Good Deal With Dave Lieberman Ten Dollar Dinners Paula’s Best Dishes Barefoot Contessa Good Eats - Special Boy Meets Grill Unwrapped Paula’s Party Everyday Italian Paula’s Best Dishes Good Deal With Dave Lieberman World Cafe Asia Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam Good Eats - Special Unwrapped Boy Meets Grill Chopped Guy’s Big Bite Barefoot Contessa Paula’s Best Dishes Everyday Italian

00:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 01:00 The Colbert Report 01:30 The New Adventures Of Old Christine 02:00 State Of The Union 02:30 Rita Rocks 03:00 Just Shoot Me 04:00 Two And A Half Men 04:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 05:30 Tyler Perry’s House Of Payne 06:00 Seinfeld 06:30 The Drew Carey Show 07:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 08:00 Two And A Half Men 08:30 Just Shoot Me 09:00 Tyler Perry’s House Of Payne 09:30 Commun ity 10:00 Happy Endings 10:30 Seinfeld 11:00 The Drew Carey Show 11:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 12:30 Two And A Half Men 13:00 Just Shoot Me 13:30 Will And Grace 14:00 Coach 14:30 Community 15:00 Happy Endings 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 16:00 The Colbert Report 16:30 The Drew Carey Show 17:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 18:00 Mad Love 18:30 The Office 19:00 Rita Rocks 19:30 Modern Family 20:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 21:30 The Colbert Report 22:00 Family Guy 22:30 Rita Rocks

00:00 White Collar 02:00 Burn Notice 03:00 Bones

04:00 05:00 07:00 08:00 08:30 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Strong Medicine Good Morning America The Event Emmerdale Look-A-Like Burn Notice The Martha Stewart Show The View White Collar Bones Live Good Morning America Strong Medicine The Ellen DeGeneres Show One Tree Hill Drop Dead Diva Off The Map Inside The Actor’s Studio Burn Notice Psych

v00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 07:30 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 12:30 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00

Smallville Burn Notice White Collar White Collar Bones The Gates Smallville Hot In Cleveland Look-A-Like Tower Prep Burn Notice White Collar White Collar Hot In Cleveland Look-A-Like The Ellen DeGeneres Show Tower Prep The Cape Hot In Cleveland

01:00 Universal Soldier: RegenerationPG15 03:00 Juice-18 05:00 Child’s Play 3-18

07:00 09:00 10:45 12:30 14:30 16:15 18:45 20:45 23:00

Beyond A Reasonable Doubt-PG15 The Marine 2-PG15 Dick Tracy-PG15 Kiss The Girls-18 The Marine 2-PG15 Independence Day-PG15 Dead Presidents-18 Se7en-18 Burningmoore Incident-PG15

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

Malibu’s Most Wanted-PG15 Four Last Songs-PG15 For Love Or Money-PG All About Steve-PG15 Under The Tuscan Sun-PG15 Head Of State-PG15 Houseguest-PG15 Dirty Work-PG15 Malibu’s Most Wanted-PG15 Return To Sleepaway Camp-PG15 I Love You, Man-18 Rock Slyde-PG15

01:30 03:15 05:00 06:45 09:00 11:00 12:45 14:30 16:45 19:00 21:00 23:00

For Keeps-PG15 Not One Less-PG Mary Reilly-PG15 The Lovely Bones-PG15 Not One Less-PG Everybody’s Fine-PG15 Where The Wild Things Are-PG The Lovely Bones-PG15 Seven Years In Tibet-PG15 The Mirror Has Two Faces-PG15 Frenzy-PG15 Cheri-PG15

01:30 04:00 07:00 09:00 11:00

Eat Pray Love-PG15 2012-PG15 At Risk-PG15 Preacher’s Kid-PG Astro Boy-FAM

00:00 Fast Lane-PG15 02:00 The Librarian: The Curse Of Judas Chalice-PG15 04:00 The Grudge 3-18 06:00 Arlington Road-18 08:00 Stonehenge Apocalypse-PG15 09:45 The Hunt For Red October-PG15 12:00 Shanghai Knights-PG15 14:00 Stonehenge Apocalypse-PG15 16:00 Panic Room-PG15 18:00 Shanghai Knights-PG15 20:00 The Bannen Way-PG15

01:30 04:00 05:45 07:15 09:00 11:00 13:00 FAM 15:00 17:00 19:00 21:00 23:00

Eat Pray Love-PG15 Home Run-PG15 The Nutty Professor-FAM Bustin’ Down The Door-PG15 Home Run-PG15 Flying By-PG15 Ponyo On The Cliff By The SeaThe Eclipse-PG15 The Last Airbender-PG15 Leap Year-PG15 Secretariat-PG15 The Waiting City-PG15

BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT ON OSN MOVIES ACTION

13:00 15:00 17:00 19:00 21:00 23:00

From Justin To Kelly-PG The Box-PG15 Preacher’s Kid-PG The Time Traveller’s Wife-PG15 Knight And Day-PG15 Legion-18

01:00 Scooby-Doo! Camp Scare-FAM 03:00 A Simple Wish-FAM 05:00 Scooby-Doo And The Loch Ness Monster-FAM 07:00 Pollyworld-FAM 09:00 Tangled-FAM 11:00 Turtle Hero 2-PG15 13:00 Toy Story 3-FAM 15:00 Delgo-FAM 17:00 Turtle Hero 2-PG15 19:00 Arthur And The Revenge Of Maltazard-PG 21:00 Toy Story 3-FAM 23:00 Delgo-FAM

00:00 Jake’s Closet-PG15 02:00 Our Family Wedding-PG15 04:00 Adventures Of A Teenage Dragonslayer-PG 06:00 9-PG 08:00 Moon-PG15 10:00 School Of Rock-PG15 12:00 The Librarian: The Curse Of Judas Chalice-PG15 14:00 Daddy Day Care-PG 16:00 Moon-PG15 18:00 Bond Of Silence-PG15 20:00 Knight And Day-PG15 22:00 The Nail: The Story Of Joey Nardone-PG15

00:00 02:00 04:00 06:00 07:00 07:30 08:00 10:00 12:00 12:30 13:00 20:00 21:00 21:30

RFL Championship Premier League Snooker ITM Cup Rugby Union Asian Tour Highlights Rugby World Cup Classics NRL Full Time RFL Championship Premier League Snooker Rugby World Cup Classics ICC Cricket World Live Test Cricket Trans World Sport Rugby World Cup Classics Live Super League

04:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 12:00 12:30 14:30 15:00 19:00 Film 20:00 22:00

Premier League Snooker AFL Highlights Golfing World Trans World Sports Live AFL Premiership NRL Full Time Live NRL Premiership European Tour Weekly Live European PGA Tour The Open Championship Official Live Currie Cup Rugby Union AFL Premiership

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

WWE NXT UFC The Ultimate Fighter Speedway WWE NXT UFC The Ultimate Fighter UFC Unleashed UFC Unleashed WWE NXT WWE Vintage Collection Speedway Modern Pentaholn WWE NXT V8 Supercars Extra Live NRL Premiership Speedway Modern Pentaholn WWE NXT V8 Supercars Extra Speedway WWE SmackDown!

WWE Bottomline UFC

00:00 01:00 01:30 02:00 02:30

Meet The Natives: USA David Rocco’s Dolce Vita Bondi Rescue Bondi Rescue Travel Madness

03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 07:30 08:00 08:30 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30

City Chase Marrakech Perilous Journeys Ultimate Traveller Meet The Natives: USA David Rocco’s Dolce Vita Bondi Rescue Bondi Rescue Travel Madness City Chase Marrakech Perilous Journeys Ultimate Traveller Meet The Natives: USA Earth Tripping Earth Tripping The Ride: Alaska to Patagonia Graham’s World Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled The Frankincense Trail Somewhere In China Departures Earth Tripping Earth Tripping The Ride: Alaska to Patagonia Graham’s World

00:00 Globe Trekker 01:00 Rivers Of The World 02:00 World’s Greatest Motorcycle Rides 03:00 Glutton For Punishment 03:30 Chef Abroad 04:00 Globe Trekker 06:00 First Class Italy 07:00 Globe Trekker 08:00 Indian Times 09:00 World’s Greatest Motorcycle Rides 10:00 Planet Food 11:00 Top Travel 12:00 Globe Trekker 13:00 Flavours Of Mexico 14:00 Indian Times 15:00 The Soller Railway 16:00 Globe Trekker 17:00 First Class Italy 18:00 Flavours Of Mexico 19:00 Globe Trekker 21:00 Great Scenic Railways-New Zealand 22:30 Surfari 23:00 Short History Of Convict Australia

00:00 Jerseylicious 01:00 Fashion Avenue 01:55 Big Boutique 02:25 How Do I Look?

03:20 Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?

05:10 Homes With Style 05:35 Area 06:05 Clean House 07:00 Big Boutique 08:00 Homes With Style 09:00 Fashion Avenue 09:55 How Do I Look?

10:50 Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?

11:50 Clean House: Search For The Messiest...

12:50 Clean House 13:45 Clean House Comes Clean 14:15 Mel B: It’s A Scary World 14:45 Jerseylicious 15:40 Ruby 16:35 Giuliana & Bill 17:30 Top 10 18:25 Giuliana & Bill 19:25 Big Boutique 19:50 Fashion Avenue 20:20 Clean House Comes Clean 21:15 The Dish Presents 22:10 Clean House

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

Life After People Ice Road Truckers Barbarians Ax Men Sliced Deep Wreck Mysteries Life After People Ice Road Truckers Barbarians Ax Men Sliced Deep Wreck Mysteries Life After People Ice Road Truckers Barbarians Ax Men Sliced Deep Wreck Mysteries Life After People Ice Road Truckers Barbarians Egypt: Land Of The Gods

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION In case you are not travelling, your proper cancellation of bookings will help other passengers to use seats Airlines RJA THY JZR UAE DHX ETD MSR GFA QTR ETH JZR THY KAC BAW KAC JZR JZR KAC JZR KAC KAC KAC FDB KAC KAC KAC UAE QTR ABY IRA ETD GFA MEA IYE MSR JZR RBG KAC MSR UAL RJA JZR OMA KAC KAC QTR MLR ETD JZR UAE GFA SVA ABY FDB ALK KAC KAC

Flt 642 772 241 853 370 305 614 211 138 620 539 770 544 157 416 507 557 206 533 284 302 332 53 678 352 362 855 132 125 619 301 213 404 825 623 173 3553 618 610 982 640 121 645 546 788 134 403 303 535 857 215 510 127 63 227 166 502

Arrival Flights on Friday 19/8/2011 Route AMMAN ISTANBUL AMMAN DUBAI BAHRAIN ABU DHABI CAIRO BAHRAIN DOHA ADDIS ABABA / BAHRAIN CAIRO ISTANBUL CAIRO LONDON JAKARTA / KUALA LUMPUR LUXOR ALEXANDRIA ISLAMABAD ASSIUT DHAKA MUMBAI TRIVANDRUM DUBAI MUSCAT / DUBAI COCHIN COLOMBO DUBAI DOHA SHARJAH LAR ABU DHABI BAHRAIN BEIRUT SANAA SOHAG DUBAI ALEXANDRIA / SOHAG DOHA CAIRO WASHINGTON DC DULLES AMMAN BAHRAIN MUSCAT ALEXANDRIA JEDDAH DOHA COLOMBO / DUBAI ABU DHABI CAIRO DUBAI BAHRAIN RIYADH SHARJAH DUBAI COLOMBO / DUBAI PARIS / ROME BEIRUT

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

KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC AIC JAI KAC FDB OMA VOS MEA KAC JZR JZR SVA DHX JZR GFA FCX QTR JZR UAL UAE MSR DLH SAI KLM PIA

542 774 744 674 102 975 572 562 61 647 81 402 786 203 239 506 372 267 217 304 136 213 981 859 612 636 441 447 21 5

Airlines AXB JZR DLH JZR BBC AIC PIA THY UAE DHX ETD MSR ETH QTR THY RJA GFA KAC VOS BAW FDB JZR KAC KAC KAC KAC UAE

Flt 390 506 637 532 44 982 206 773 854 371 306 615 620 139 771 643 212 545 94 156 54 172 177 117 787 617 856

CAIRO RIYADH DAMMAM DUBAI NEW YORK / LONDON CHENNAI / GOA MUMBAI AMMAN DUBAI MUSCAT BAGHDAD BEIRUT JEDDAH DAMASCUS AMMAN JEDDAH BAHRAIN BEIRUT BAHRAIN RIYADH DOHA DEIREZZOR BAHRAIN DUBAI CAIRO FRANKFURT LAHORE AMSTERDAM / BAHRAIN KARACHI Departure Flights on Friday 19/8/2011 Route MANGALORE / KOZHIKODE LUXOR FRANKFURT ASSIUT DHAKA AHMEDABAD / CHENNAI LAHORE ISTANBUL DUBAI BAHRAIN ABU DHABI CAIRO ADDIS ABABA DOHA ISTANBUL AMMAN BAHRAIN ALEXANDRIA DUBAI / KANDAHAR LONDON DUBAI DUBAI FRANKFURT / GENEVA NEW YORK JEDDAH DOHA DUBAI

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

Time 0:25 0:30 0:40 0:45 1:00 1:05 1:10 2:15 3:45 3:55 4:05 4:05 4:10 5:00 5:10 7:00 7:10 7:40 8:00 8:25 8:40 8:40 8:55 9:05 9:25 9:35 9:40

ABY QTR JZR ETD GFA IRA JZR MEA KAC KAC KAC IYE MSR RBG MSR RJA JZR KAC UAL JZR JZR OMA JZR KAC KAC KAC KAC ETD MLR QTR UAE GFA ABY SVA FDB ALK K AC KAC JAI FDB KAC JZR KAC OMA MEA SVA DHX GFA KAC QTR KAC KAC FCX UAE UAL KAC MSR JZR SA I

126 133 534 302 214 618 120 405 541 103 501 825 624 3554 611 641 212 561 982 202 266 646 238 785 673 773 743 304 404 135 858 216 128 511 64 228 283 361 571 62 343 538 351 648 403 507 373 218 381 137 301 205 102 860 981 411 613 556 442

SHARJAH DOHA CAIRO ABU DHABI BAHRAIN LAR BAHRAIN BEIRUT CAIRO LONDON BEIRUT DOHA / SANAA SOHAG ALEXANDRI A CAIRO AMMAN DEIREZZOR AMMAN BAHRAIN DAMASCUS BEIRUT MUSCAT AMMAN JEDDAH DUBAI RIYADH DAMMAM ABU DHABI DUBAI / COLOMBO DOHA DUBAI BAHRAIN SHARJAH RIYADH DUBAI DUBAI / COLOMBO DHAKA COLOMBO MUMBAI DUBAI CHENNAI CAIRO COCHIN MUSCAT BEIRUT JEDDAH BAHRAIN BAHRAIN DELHI DOHA MUMBAI ISLAMABAD DUBAI DUBAI WASHINGTON DC DULLES BANGKOK / MANILA CAIRO ALEXANDRIA LAHORE

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

9:50 10:00 10:00 10:15 10:20 10:20 10:45 11:55 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:05 13:10 13:35 14:20 14:30 14:40 14:45 14:45 14:55 15:00 15:00 15:05 15:05 15:10 15:50 16:25 17:35 17:40 17:45 18:05 18:15 18:20 18:35 18:40 19:10 20:00 20:20 20:35 20:40 21:00 21:00 21:05 21:10 21:15 21:55 22:00 22:30 22:30 22:35 22:45 22:55 23:00 23:10 23:40 23:40 23:50 23:55 23:59

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ACCOMMODATION Sharing accommodation available at Khaitan in a studio flat for a single bachelor with a Mangalorean R/C bachelor near to bus stop. Contact: 66036893. (C 3565) Room for rent in Hawally, location - interaction of Beirut + Tunis Street behind Popeye Restaurant.

Contact: 66266105/ 66440968.

(C 3575) Sharing accommodation available with Indian decent bachelor single bed room flat.

1+1 basic. Very good location in Salmiya, Amman street, Indian community school-3, adjacent building. Please contact Mob: 99813483. (C 3577) 17-8-2011 Sharing accommodation in Abbassiya near Balansiya Bakery, from 1st September, fully furnished 2 bedroom flat with mini split A/C, looking for executive bachelor or couple to share with Keralite family.

Contact: 66944127 or (afternoon) 24334240.

(C 3568) 16-8-2011 Sharing accommodation available for non-smoking Indian couple or bachelors with a Keralite couple in double room flat in Abbassiya from 1st September. Contact: 99378344/ 24332105 (after 3pm). (C 3567) 15-8-2011

FOR SALE IBM Computer, Printer, dot matrix printers, Scanner, Next generation bicycle, Washing Machine, Air Cooler, Bunk Bed, Orthopaedic bed, sofa and other household items. Small amplifier and microphones.

Contact: 99443876.

(C 3579) 18-8-2011 Nissan Pathfinder 2002, BMW 740i registered in 2000 for immediate sale. Best offer above KD 2,000 secures.

Contact: 99443876. (C 3576) 17-8-2011 Toyota Aurion 2007, sky blue color, excellent condition, run only 61,000KM, well maintained, ready to check, price KD 3,950. Contact: 96676507.

(C 3573) 16-8-2011 Mercedes C180 model 1995, white color, registration up to August 19th 2012, owner leaving Kuwait soon. Price KD 1,250 or nearest offer. Contact: 66556591. (C 3566) For sale computer HP Compaq P4 1.7 Ghz, Ram 256, Hard disk 20 GB, CD Rom, 17” Monitor Price KD 27/-. Contact: 66762737. (C 3569) 15-8-2011

TUITION Tutoring available for English/ Math and all other subjects. All ages including refresher, tutoring by an American teacher with many years of experience.

Contact: 66616900. (C 3570) 16-8-2011

SITUATION VACANT A lady maid is needed to work part time in an apartment located in Salmiya. Salary and time are negotiable. Call: 66417504.

(C 3571) 16-8-2011 English family needs full time maid. Call: 66094562. (C 3572) Required English speaking nanny/ maid. Please Contact: 99824597.

(C 3564) 14-8-2011

MATRIMONIAL Proposals invited for Brahmin Ghawsia Kothram, Tamil boy age 36, B.Com working in Kuwait from 2002. response from qualified girls from Kuwait / India.

Email: shameermohamed89@yahoo.com (C 3574) 18-8-2011

CHANGE OF NAME I, Abel C. Abella Tagongtong, Filipino wish to change my name to Vir Niqel Abella Tagongtong.

(C 3578) 18-8-2011 I, Aravind Krishnakumar Sunitha (s/o Krishna Kumar. R) holder of Indian Passport No. J5398981 (D.O.B - 23-06-1995) would like to change my name to Aravind Krishnakumar.

(C 3563) 13-8-2011

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

Rays keep Red Sox in check again BOSTON: David Price pitched eight scoreless innings to guide Tampa Bay to a 4-0 win over the Boston Red Sox in the American League on Wednesday, keeping a pulse in the Rays’ faint playoff hopes. Price (11-10) struck out six as the Rays held Boston to three hits for the third straight game. BJ Upton hit a leadoff homer in the fourth inning and Evan Longoria added a two-out solo homer in the fifth. Boston starter John Lackey (11-9) allowed four runs in 6 2-3 innings to take the loss as the Red Sox missed a chance to move back ahead of New York in the AL East race.

Rangers 4, Angels 3 In Anaheim, Texas opened a commanding seven-game lead over Los Angeles atop the AL West standings by beating the Rangers for the third straight game.

Ian Kinsler hit a tiebreaking two-run single with two outs in the eighth inning, after Mitch Moreland had homered and Josh Hamilton hit a run-scoring single for the Rangers, who have six consecutive wins to open a 10-game road trip.C.J. Wilson (12-5) yielded five hits over seven innings for the Rangers, who moved a season best 20 games over .500 for the first time since 1999 by seizing control of this key fourgame series. The Angels have lost five straight.

Royals 5, Yankees 4 In Kansas City, the hosts survived a nerve-wracking ninth inning to hang on and beat New York. The Yankees loaded the bases with one out in the ninth and made it 5-4 on Robinson Cano’s sacrifice fly. After a passed ball, Joakim Soria reloaded the bases with another walk. Then Jorge Posada, on his 40th birthday, took a called third strike to end it. The wobbly Soria got his 22nd save in 29 opportunities.

Earlier, Alex Gordon hit a three-run home run, Billy Butler added a contested solo shot to give the Royals an early lead.

Kansas City starter Bruce Chen (8-5) went six innings. His three wins have been the Royals only victories over the past 13 games.

Indians 4, White Sox 1 In Chicago, Cleveland beat Chicago to stay in second place in the AL Central. Fausto Carmona pitched 8 1-3 impressive innings, while Shin-soo Choo had three hits and an RBI while Carlos Santana singled, doubled and scored a run. White Sox starter Mark Buehrle (10-6) allowed a seasonworst 12 hits over 7 1-3 innings.

Twins 6, Tigers 5 In Detroit, Justin Morneau’s bases-loaded single in the ninth inning lifted Minnesota over first placed Detroit. With the game tied 4-4, Rene Tosoni led off the top of the ninth with a single off Jose Valverde (2-4). Tsuyoshi Nishioka and Ben Revere both reached base when the Tigers misplayed sacrifice bunts. Valverde struck out two batters, but Morneau hit a ball up the middle to make it 6-4. Joe Nathan allowed a run in the bottom of the inning but still picked up his 11th save. He is 33 for 33 over his career in save opportunities against Detroit. Twins reliever Matt Capps (4-6) got the win after finishing the eighth inning.

Blue Jays 5, Mariners 1 In Seattle, Brandon Morrow allowed just one run over six innings to direct Toronto’s win over his old team Seattle.

Morrow (9-7), who didn’t allow a hit until there were two outs in the fourth, struck out a season-high 12. It’s the fourth time this season he has fanned 10 or more. This marked the first time Morrow had faced his former team in Seattle since joining the Blue Jays before the 2010 season.

Athletics 6, Orioles 5 In Oakland, a throw by David DeJesus reached the plate just in time to get Baltimore pinch-runner Blake Davis and end the game, giving Oakland the narrowest of wins over the Orioles. DeJesus misfielded Nick Markakis’ single but recovered to make a strong throw to Kurt Suzuki, who tagged Davis. It also preserved Andrew Bailey save after he gave up three hits in the ninth.Suzuki also hit two solo homers; the second multihomer game of his career. He connected in the second and sixth against Alfredo Simon (3-6).

Brandon Allen tripled and scored on the same play and also had a sacrifice fly for the A’s Oakland starter Brandon McCarthy (6-6) allowed four runs in six-plus innings.— AP

WASHINGTON: Cincinnati Reds starter Johnny Cueto pitches during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington, on Wednesday, Aug 17, 2011. The Reds won 2-1. — AP

Lee steers Phillies past Diamondbacks PHILADELPHIA: Philadelphia’s Cliff Lee threw seven impressive innings to guide the Phillies to a 9-2 win over Arizona in Wednesday’s clash of National League divisional leaders, ending the Diamondbacks winning streak at seven games. Lee (13-7) allowed three hits, striking out seven. Jimmy Rollins hit a leadoff homer and Wilson Valdez hit a tiebreaking two-run double in the seventh for the Phillies. Diamondbacks starter Joe Saunders (8-10) pitched well before unraveling in the seventh. He gave up five runs in six-plus innings as Arizona saw its NL West lead sliced to 2-1/2 games.

in the NL Central. Jerry Hairston’s two-out single in the sixth helped Greinke (12-4) become the first Brewers pitcher in franchise history to win his first nine home decisions with the club. Dodgers rookie Nathan Eovaldi (1-1) was the loser.

Cardinals 7, Pirates 2 In Pittsburgh, Allen Craig homered twice to break out of a slump and lead St Louis over Pittsburgh. Craig went 4 for 5 with three RBIs and Yadier Molina added three hits for the Cardinals. Craig was hitless in his last 11 at-bats before he connected for a two-run homer against Paul Maholm (6-14) in the first. He added a solo shot in the seventh. St. Louis starter Kyle Lohse (11-7) picked up his 99th career victory by pitching seven solid innings, allowing two runs, striking out seven and walking one.

Giants 7, Braves 5 In Atlanta, San Francisco barely avoided another loss to Atlanta, getting the victory on the Braves’ final at-bat. The Giants broke it open with four runs in the fourth, one of them driven in by picher Matt Cain (10-9) on a sacrifice fly. But Cain did his best work on the mound, striking out nine and giving up only one unearned run in the first. After Cain left, the Braves scored four runs in the ninth and had the tying run at the plate. But Brian McCann struck out swinging against Jeremy Affeldt. San Francisco pounded Jair Jurrjens (12-5), taking advantage of a pitcher who wasn’t sharp in his first start coming off the disabled list. He surrendered five runs in six innings.

Reds 2, Nationals 1 In Washington, Johnny Cueto pitched into the ninth inning to guide Cincinnati to a narrow win over Washington. Cueto (9-5) held the Nationals scoreless until the ninth. He struck out five and did not walk a batter. Joey Votto homered and Ramon Hernandez drove in a run for the Reds on a groundout. Nationals starter Ross Detwiler (1-3) pitched six innings, his longest outing of the season, allowing one run.

Brewers 3, Dodgers 1 In Milwaukee, Zack Greinke won his fifth straight start, helping Milwaukee beat Los Angeles and notch its 19th victory in 21 games. The NL Central-leading Brewers remained seven games ahead of St. Louis

Mets 7, Padres 3 In San Diego, New York sealed its first series win in San Diego for nine years.

David Wright hit a three-run homer off Mat Latos (6-12) in the third inning. He also turned a tricky play at third base that

resulted in the final out of the third to thwart a San Diego rally. Angel Pagan had three RBIs for the Mets. New York rookie Dillon Gee (11-4) limited the Padres to one run over 6 2-3 innings. He also made a sparkling fielding play in the third inning that resulted in an inning-ending double play.

Rockies 12, Marlins 5 In Denver, Aaron Cook pitched effectively into the eighth inning as Colorado overpowered Florida. Carlos Gonzalez hit a three-run homer and a run-scoring single while Chris Iannetta also drove in four runs with a double and a single. Marlins starter Ricky Nolasco (9-9) went three innings, matching his second-shortest outing of the season, and allowed a career-worst 11 runs. That was the most runs ever allowed by a Marlins starter in team history. Cook (3-7) had received only four runs of support in his previous four outings, but there was no such problem on this night. He was staked to a 5-0 lead in the first and saw the Rockies add another six runs in the third inning.

Astros 4, Cubs 3 In Houston, the hosts took the series between the two worst teams in the NL. Matt Downs hit a go-ahead two-run single, and Brian Bogusevic had a two-run double for the Astros. Bud Norris (6-8) allowed three runs in his first win in seven weeks, and Mark Melancon wriggled out of a jam in the ninth inning for the save. Cubs starter Casey Coleman (2-5) was recalled from the minors to fill in for the injured Carlos Zambrano, and allowed a careerworst 10 hits.— AP

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Ecclestone go into bat for F1 success in India NEW DELHI: Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has hailed the circuit for the inaugural Indian Grand Prix in October as “one of the nicest” on the calendar and predicted the series to take a serious hold in the world’s secondmost populous country. Announcing telecom giant Bharti Airtel as title sponsor of the Oct 30 race at the Buddh International Circuit on the outskirts of New Delhi, the 80year-old entrepreneur fully expects the F1 bug to bite the cricket-crazy nation. “Formula One is obviously new to India and it would take at least 2-3 years... we will never catch cricket, I’m quite sure about that, but we got to try our best to do that. I’m sure eventually we will get very close,” the Briton told reporters yesterday.

“I have no doubt in my mind that the circuit is going to be one of the nicest we have and that it’s going to be complete on time,” Ecclestone said at a city hotel after a ceremony to unveil the race logo. “We are checking everything all the time, on a daily basis. We are very, very happy that everything is on time. There are no problems.” His words will sound like music to the ears of a country which saw the hosting of the 2010 Commonwealth Games reduced to a $6 billion public relations disaster.

Ecclestone said Formula One could not afford to ignore India, one of the world’s fastest growing economies. “We got to remember that India is one of the top-five most important countries in the world today,” he added. “So for us, it’s extremely important to be in India as much as any other country in the world. So when I came here first, I was a bit surprised having not been in India before.” The Formula One chief did not disclose the value of the deal with the Indian telecom company and said the race would be called the Airtel Indian Grand Prix “forever, until we stop”.— Reuters

Everton blames bank for lack of spending LONDON: Everton chairman Bill Kenwright has said the club’s lack of activity in the transfer market is because the bank will not lend them any more money. The Premier League side have not signed any players in the close-season and manager David Moyes has spent only two million pounds ($3.31 million) in the last three transfer windows. Everton, who finished seventh in the league last season, are operating under a sell-to-buy policy but have been unable to offload anyone to raise funds to strengthen their squad.

Kenwright said the club had been hit by the global recession with banks clamping down on lending in the wake of the economic downturn. “Two things.

One, the world is in a recession and I don’t know any business that isn’t suffering at the moment and I include football in that, other than the financial elite,” he said on Sky Sports News. “Two, we’ve come to a stage with our bank with our finance where we just can’t borrow any more.

“You’ve been at the AGMs, EGMs, the shareholders’ meeting when I’ve said year after year, what we do is we beg and borrow from the bank. That’s what we’ve been doing. “The banks are tightening in now.

We just can’t borrow any more money. A, to protect the football club and B, to protect the fans. I know the progress over the past decade has been phenomenal on and off the pitch. “We knew this summer we were going to get to a point where things were going to get very, very tight. We knew we had to trade.

“There has not been a lot of trading in football itself this summer. We’ve not been able to trade yet and that’s the reason that we’ve not bought in a new player.”— Reuters

VANCOUVER: People with former Vancouver Canucks hockey player Rick Rypien’s No 37 written on their wrists gather around Felicia McKinnon while honoring Rypien (inset) outside Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on Wednesday Aug. 17, 2011. Rypien, who signed a one-year deal with the Winnipeg Jets last month, was found dead at his Alberta home on Monday Aug 15. — AP

Deaths shine light on athletes’ depression TORONTO: The recent deaths of three North American athletes have nudged the spotlight away from doping and concussions to shine a light on another of elite sport’s darkest secrets-depression. It has been a tragic off-season for National Hockey League players and fans who have been rocked by the deaths of Canadians Rick Rypien, 27, and 28-year-old Derek Boogaard. The Olympic community has also been shaken by the suicide of 29-year-old US freestyle skier Jeret ‘Speedy’ Peterson, a silver medalist in the aerials at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. While drug-testing and concussion prevention are now discussed openly in locker rooms in sports leagues around the world, depression, a disease that affects millions, remains prevalent in professional sport but paid little attention until tragedy strikes.

Rypien, a scrappy forward who had just signed a one-year contract to play for the Winnipeg Jets, was found dead in his apartment on Monday. The coroner has yet to determine the cause of death but Rypien had grappled with depression for a decade, a disease that had threatened to derail his NHL career several times. New York Ranger

Boogaard, one of the NHL’s most feared enforcers, was found dead in his apartment in May. His death was deemed an accident caused by a lethal cocktail of alcohol and painkillers.

Peterson, who had admitted to problems with alcohol and depression, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot in a remote canyon in Utah. “I think there remains a significant stigma (about depression) in the general population but more so in the professional athlete,” Dr Don Malone, head of the Psychiatric Neuromodulation Center at the prominent Cleveland Clinic said.

“There’s an aspect to it in the athletes that they want to keep it hidden.

“Athletes are not immune. They can suffer silently.” Rypien and Boogaard earned their living on the NHL’s unforgiving fringes, and were fighting to keep their places on their teams.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE Rypien, the son of former amateur boxing champion, reputedly loved his job and delighted in squaring off with bigger, heavier challengers as an NHL tough guy. He had sought help from the league’s substance abuse and

behavior health program which was put in place in 1996 to help players and their families deal with a variety of issues from grief counseling to drug abuse and depression. About 14.8 million Americans are diagnosed with depression each year. About seven million receive treatment, according to Dr. Alan Manevitz, a clinical psychiatrist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw, nine-time tennis grand slam champion Monica Seles and Cy Young award-winning pitcher Zack Greinke all waged battles with depression.

Former Toronto Maple Leaf great Ron Ellis is now a speaker on the importance of diagnosing and treating clinical depression. “When you’re on top of your career, there is intense pressure to stay on top ... particularly in incredibly competitive careers like in pro sports, show business,” Jeffrey Parsons, an addiction expert and professor of psychology at Hunter College in New York said. “The reasons that might tend to weigh on someone could lead to depression suicide and substance abuse with the spotlight being on them so heavily and so often.”— Reuters

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Top trio exit Cincinnati Open MASON: A big puff of pizzazz seeped out of the Cincinnati Open yesterday as its top seed Caroline Wozniacki slipped out and star attraction Serena Williams quit the tournament, along with third seed Victoria Azarenka. Fans and organizers were left deflated with 13-times grand slam winner Williams and third seed Azarenka both having been scheduled to play on centre court as part of a busy schedule alongside the ATP men’s event. Williams pulled out citing a right toe injury-but also noting her need to get some rest before the US Open.

“I don’t think this is a good time for me to take a big chance. I just don’t think that would be smart,” said American Williams. Azarenka then withdrew due to a right hand injury which she didn’t want to risk just two weeks from the final grand slam event of the year in New York. “It’s impossible to play for me. I was waiting until the last moment to be 100 percent sure that I cannot compete,” said the Belarussian. “It’s important also prior to the US Open. It just doesn’t make any sense to make it worse,” she said.

Those fans of the women’s game who did manage to see one of the favorites witnessed an upset with Wozniacki looking well below her best against 19-year-old American C hristine McHale. With golf sensation and friend Rory McIlroy in attendance, the Danish top seed never looked close to her best as she fell 6-4 7-5 to the 76th ranked McHale. The defeat was the first time Wozniacki lost to an opponent outside the top 75 since 2009 and extends a worrying spell of form for the Dane.

Wozniacki, who suffered early round exits

in her last two tournaments, handed victory to McHale with an awfully-timed stroke which looped way over the baseline. The 21-year-old heads to the US Open later this month in search of her first grand slam title. Serbian Ana Ivanovic’s disappointing season continued with a 6-3 7-6 loss to Russia’s Nadia Petrova, but another Serbian former number one, Jelena Jankovic enjoyed a 4-6 6-3 6-1 win over China’s Zheng Jie. Germany’s Andrea Petkovic advanced with a 6-2 6-4 win against Sweden’s Sofia Arvidsson.— Reuters

Jankovic back on track after beating ‘laziness’ MASON: Former world number one Jelena Jankovic blamed laziness, in part, for her slide down the world rankings but said she was now back on track and determined to return to the top. Serb Jankovic beat China’s Zheng Jie 4-6 6-3 6-1 on Wednesday to move into the third round of the Cincinnati Open, where she will meet Italian Francesca Schiavone, as she looks to improve on her 14th ranking. The 26-year-old from Belgrade, who has yet to win a grand slam, said she believed she had the potential to be even better than she was in 2008 and 2009 when she sat atop the rankings- especially now she had the right attitude to practice.

“You know, I can be even better than I ever was: that’s my goal. I still have a lot of things to prove, not just to other people, but to myself. That’s why I play this game. I still enjoy it. “The most important thing I enjoy is competing. I’m not too crazy about practicing, and sometimes I wish I could just go and compete, because I always have been a good competitor. “But in order to compete well and do well in tournaments, you’ve got to put a lot hours of training, even though I’m talented and all of that. You can’t do it without hard work.

“So there were times when I was kind of being lazy and stuff like that, but now I’m back on track. I really am working hard again, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to come back to the top again,” she said.

Jankovic said her movement on court remained a work-in-progress, however.

“When I was number one, I was maybe moving better than I am now. But I think I’m starting to move good again, so I don’t want to put myself down and say that I’m not moving well. “I think my serve is better maybe than when I was world number one. But I think overall, you know, it has as well to do with the confidence and motivation and a lot of other things, not just the tennis game.

“So with all that said, your game can kind of fall apart at times when you don’t feel 100 percent motivated or you don’t really have the confidence, you haven’t played many matches and all that.” Jankovic also had words of encouragement for current world number one Caroline Wozniacki, who has been out of form ahead of the US Open starting Aug. 29. Long under pressure to prove her top-ranked status with grand slam success, Wozniacki was dumped out of the second round of the Cincinnati Open by 19-year-old American Christina McHale. “In my opinion, I don’t think she should feel any pressure. She has achieved quite a lot, especially at a young age,” said Jankovic.

“She will have a long career, and she still has a lot a lot of time ahead of her to prove herself and to do whatever she wants to do in her career. “Maybe in this moment she’s having a bit of a hard time to get into her rhythm and get the confidence. “It happens to everybody. It’s not like she’s the only one or I’m the only one. That’s part of the sport. It’s just a matter of how you get back and how you ... move from there and try to get better next time.”— Reuters

MASON: Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns a shot to Ryan Harrison during the Western & Southern Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center on August 17, 2011 in Mason, Ohio. — AFP

Djokovic, Murray, Nadal breeze into third round CINCINNATI: World number one Novak Djokovic barely broke a sweat Wednesday as he routed American Ryan Harrison 6-2, 6-3 to breeze into the third round of the ATP and WTA hardcourt tournament. The Serb and reigning Wimbledon champ continued his near perfect summer of tennis and is now 541 in singles matches this season. “I was happy with the way I played so overall it has been a good performance,” said Djokovic who won in Montreal last week for his ninth career singles title. “I am a more confident player now and I have more belief that I can win the big matches. I feel much more complete than I was last couple of years.”

In other matches involving top seeded men on Wednesday, Britain’s Andy Murray defeated Argentina’s David Nalbandian, 6-4, 6-1 and second seed Rafael Nadal beat qualifier Julien Benneteau 6-4, 7-5 despite having to play with two fingers on his right hand in bandages after burning them on a hot plate.

On the women’s side, top ranked Caroline Wozniacki was upset for the second straight week, losing to unheralded American Christine McHale 6-4, 7-5 and American veteran Serena Williams withdrew from the

tournament ahead of her second-round match due to a foot problem. Djokovic needed just 76 minutes to dispatch Harrison, hitting three aces and winning 73 percent of his first serves. He said part of the reason for his success this season is he never takes opponents for granted whether they are a top 10 player or a qualifier. “There is always motivation for me,” Djokovic said. “Every time I step on court I want to win. That keeps me going. I have a couple of tournaments I want to do well in over next few months and US Open is one.” The 19-year-old Harrison lost his cool several times during the match and was given a warning by the chair umpire in the second set for smashing balls into the crowd. He had six aces but served poorly, winning just 50 percent of his first serve points. Murray beat Nalbandian for the third consecutive time after losing the first two career matches against the Argentinean.

Murray easily advanced to the third round where he will face American Alex Bogomolov who beat Jo-Winfried Tsonga 6-3, 6-4. “I was definitely better today,” Murray said. “I need to try and keep that up for the next match and hopefully play just five percent, 10 per-

cent better tomorrow than I did today. I’ll be happy with that.” Murray broke Nalbandian’s serve six times and fired five aces, spending just 77 minutes on the court. “I took quite a long break after Wimbledon and obviously played pretty poorly last week, so wanted to up my game and hopefully get a few matches this week and try and go all the way here if I can,” Murray said. “And hopefully I play my best tennis at the US Open. That’s the end goal.” World number one Wozniacki’s disappointing US Open preparations continued Wednesday as she crashed out. The 21-yearold Dane’s loss resembled her collapse last week in Toronto, where she went out in the second round after letting a 5-1 lead slip away in the second set. Wozniacki-a finalist in the 2009 US Open and the winner of five titles so far this year-was philosophical about her poor form and vowed to put it right.

“Such things happen during a season, to have highs and lows,” Wozniacki said. “I am going to come back stronger and win matches very soon,” she added. “I cannot remember the last time that I lost my first match on successive occasions. But such things happen.”— AFP

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German League Preview

Hamburg look to spring rare surprise at Bayern BERLIN: At one time the Bundesliga clash between Bayern Munich and Hamburg SV was one that captured the fans’ imagination, but this weekend’s match between the north-south rivals illustrates how far they have drifted apart. While Bayern continue to challenge for top European and domestic honors, hogging the limelight with big-money signings, former European champions Hamburg wallow in mediocrity. Ahead of their meeting tomorrow, Hamburg have earned just a point from two games so far-not the start they hoped for under new sports director Frank Arnesen. Arnesen joined in the offseason from Chelsea with the mandate of reviving the club’s successful past. Their last major trophy came in 1987 in the European Super Cup. “We worked very hard during the preparation and I am certain our work will bear fruit,” said Hamburg captain Heiko Westermann on Wednesday. “Obviously we do not have endless time for this and we have to see those improvements in the very next game.” “It is clear that teams need these difficult situations to learn. But we won’t have a lot of time to turn it around,” said Hamburg midfielder Marcell Jansen. “But we will turn this thing around.”

Bayern appear to have recovered from their season-opening defeat, avoiding a repeat of last season’s bad start that saw them chasing eventual champions Borussia Dortmund from the outset.

After their last-gasp win at VfL Wolfsburg last week, a midweek 2-0 Champions League playoff first leg victory over FC Zurich has brightened the mood further. Bayern hope to make the Champions League final on home soil in May next year. “This was a good performance,” said Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes after the game on Wednesday. “But we are still a long way from reaching our peak.” Champions Dortmund, who stumbled to a 1-0 defeat at Hoffenheim last week host Nuremberg while fellow Champions League competitors Bayer Leverkusen travel to VfB Stuttgart. — Reuters

French League Preview

MUNICH: Bayern Munich’s Brazil midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger (left) and FC Zurich’s Ricardo Rodriguez vie for the ball during the UEFA Champions League playoff match in Munich, southern Germany, on August 17, 2011. — AFP

Bayern win, Villarreal in Champions League peril PARIS: Bayern Munich took a confident step towards the Champions League group stage on Wednesday but 2006 semi-finalists Villarreal’s hopes are in the balance after a 1-0 loss at Odense.

Bayern took control of their play-off tie against FC Zurich with a 2-0 first-leg win at their Allianz Arena home, which will host the competition final on May 19.

Bastian Schweinsteiger gave the hosts an eighth-minute lead when he headed home a left-wing cross from Arjen Robben, who doubled Bayern’s lead 18 minutes from time with a glorious curling effort into the top-left corner.

Jupp Heynckes’ side, seeking a reversal in fortunes after a forgettable 201011 campaign that saw them finish third in the Bundesliga, would have won even more handsomely but for several near-misses in the second half.

Mario Gomez, Philipp Lahm and Franck Ribery-who hit the post-all spurned chances prior to Robben’s goal, while Gomez also sent a late chance over the crossbar. The visitors, who finished second in the Swiss top

flight last season, finished the game with 10 men after defender Mathieu Beda was shown a second yellow card in injury time.

“The players knew how important this game was for us,” said coach Heynckes, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen at the end of last season.

“We started well in the first 20 minutes and created some good chances, but if you are as superior in the second half as we were, we have to take our chances.

We have to raise our tempo against a team like that.”

Bayern will be strong favorites to progress ahead of next Tuesday’s second leg, but Villarreal’s hopes are in the balance after a 1-0 loss at Danish underdogs Odense, who have never previously reached the group phase.

The Spanish side, beaten by eventual champions Porto in last season’s Europa League semi-finals, created the clearer chances but were undone by a nightmare moment for debutant Cristian Zapata. The Colombian centre-back, a summer signing from Udinese, handed

the winning goal on a plate to the hosts with a weak back-pass that allowed Odense forward Hans Henrik Andreasen to pounce in the 84th minute. Villarreal had looked the more threatening side up to that point, with strike duo Nilmar and Giuseppe Rossi thwarted by home goalkeeper Stefan Wessels on several occasions.

Elsewhere, Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb all but booked their group stage ticket with a 4-1 win at home to Malmo, who eliminated Scottish giants Rangers in the previous round. Maccabi Haifa won 2-1 at home to Genk, while Polish champions Wisla Krakow prevailed 1-0 against Cypriots APOEL Nicosia in the home leg of their tie.

In Tuesday’s matches, a Theo Walcott goal gave Arsenal a slender 1-0 win at home to Udinese, while 2010 semi-finalists Lyon beat Rubin Kazan 3-1 at Stade Gerland and two-time champions Benfica secured a 2-2 draw at FC Twente.

The second legs take place on Tuesday and Wednesday next week. — AFP

Marseille under pressure against flying St Etienne PARIS: Two straight 2-2 draws have left Olympique Marseille coach Didier Deschamps pulling his hair out and his locks could get greyer or thinner still when last term’s French runners-up host in-form St Etienne this Sunday. His midfield has been hit by Edouard Cisse having his contract terminated amid media speculation of a move to Auxerre while Lucho Gonzalez is being linked with Arsenal. Their early season form has been utterly eclectic, brilliant at times but awful at others, as both Sochaux and Auxerre secured unexpected points. St Etienne, who could have struggled having let top player Dimitri Payet join champions Lille, have by contrast found a strong backbone which has helped Les Verts join Toulouse, Montpellier and Caen on a maximum six points from two matches.

“It won’t be easy for OM on Sunday because St Etienne are coming as leaders and will play without any fear. It’s more tricky for Marseille because they are under pressure to get a win,” former France and Marseille defender turned pundit Manuel Amoros was quoted as saying on www.om.net. The 2010 champions have at least been boosted by striker Andre-Pierre Gignac’s return to full training after injury and the knowledge that other Ligue 1 big guns Lille, Paris St Germain and Olympique Lyon have also had shaky starts to the season.

Speculation linking Qatari-backed PSG with former Chelsea and AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti continues to bubble away in the media after Antoine Kombouare led the nouveau riche side to a loss and a draw so far. Record PSG and French signing Javier Pastore could make his league debut at home to Valenciennes on Sunday. Lille travel to surprise strong starters Caen tomorrow and Lyon are also away at Stade Brest having beaten Rubin Kazan 31 in their Champions League playoff first leg at the Stade Gerland on Tuesday. — Reuters

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

Mikel Obi gets ‘sizeable’ ransom demand for dad LONDON: Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has received a “sizeable” ransom demand for the return of his kidnapped father, the player’s management company confirmed yesterday. The Sport Entertainment & Media Group said in a statement that reports in Nigeria of an 80,000 pounds ($130,000) demand were inaccurate but that the sum requested was “sizeable” and that discussions had begun between the Nigeria international’s family and the kidnappers. Mikel, 24, played for Chelsea in their season-opening draw at Stoke City on Sunday, 48 hours after his father was abducted, and has made himself available for tomorrow’s match against West Bromwich Albion.

The full statement said: “SEM advises

that reports from Nigeria of an 80,000 pounds ransom demand for the return of John Obi Mikel’s father is not true. “We confirm t hat Michael Obi has been abducted and that the kidnappers have been in touch with the family and representatives of the family and that discussions for Michael’s safe release have begun. It added: “A sizeable demand has been made but for security reasons, we are unable to release details of the amount. “Mikel would like to thank his family, friends, Chelsea FC & his agents for their support & at this time it is Mikel’s intention to play for Chelsea this weekend, encouraged by his family to do so.”

APPEAL Mikel had not had contact with the

Santos drop into relegation zone RIO DE JANEIRO: Emerson came off the bench to inspire a dramatic comeback for Brazilian championship leaders Corinthians on Wednesday, the substitute involved in all his side’s goals in a 3-2 victory at lowly Atletico Mineiro. At the other end of the table, South American champions Santos dropped into the relegation zone after a 3-2 defeat by Coritiba, in which they had two players dismissed and Brazil duo Neymar and Paulo Henrique Ganso booed off by home fans. Corinthians, who had won only one of their previous five matches squandering a seven-point lead, took the field at Ipatinga under pressure and went behind to first half goals from midfielder Dudu Cearense and striker Guilherme.

However, the second half took on a different complexion with striker Emerson coming on for Corinthians in place of right back Alessandro.

Emerson pulled a goal back within four minutes when he headed home a corner and four minutes later, was brought down by defender Rever, who was sent off, with Alex equalizing from the penalty spot. Emerson, who won the championship with Fluminense last year and Flamengo in 2009, also laid on the 74th-minute winner for striker Liedson.

Corinthians coul d have had a fourth goal but goalkeeper Renan saved a late penalty by Alex in added time. “Sometimes we go on and don’t get it right and people criticize a bit, but what’s important is I’m aware of my importance. It’s important to make the most of the chance the trainer gives you,” Emerson told reporters. Corinthians have 37 points from 17 matches, three more than unbeaten F l a m e n g o , w h o m e e t A t l e t i c o G oi a n i e n s e o n Thursday.

Vasco da Gama are third with 33 after a 2-0 away win over Avai. Santos, who won South America’s elite Copa Libertadores club championship in June, are 17th on 15 points from as many matches.

Striker Borges twice put Santos ahead but he missed a 70th-minute penalty after Coritiba had equalized for the second time and midfielder Leo Gago scored the winner for the visitors two minutes from time. Santos had defender Para sent off for a second booking in the 75th minute and captain Edu Dracena was also shown the red card in added time for dissent.

“We must get back to playing, to being the Santos that enchanted (South) America. We’re trying everything, I gave the maximum in the match.

It’s a phase, we’re going to turn things round,” a dejected Neymar said.— Reuters

kidnappers when he made an appeal for his father’s safe return on Monday. He told Sky Sports News in an interview: “Whoever has got my dad or knows where my dad is please contact me and hopefully he will be released. Please let him go - my dad is an old man and he hasn’t done any harm to anyone as far as I know and I don’t know why he has been taken.

“This happens a lot, not in the northern part of Nigeria but in the eastern part. It’s a very safe place where we live in Jos, I think it’s a first that my father has been taken in the northern part,” the player added. His father’s house in Jos was abandoned and the local police told Reuters they were investigating the

disappearance but most of the local law enforcement were focused on dealing with an outbreak of religious unrest in the region, involving clashes between Christian and Muslim youths and the military.

Jos lies in the central “Middle Belt” of Africa’s most populous nation, where the largely Christian south meets the mostly Muslim north. Mikel said: “We live in a very safe and secure place in Nigeria so this is a real shock to me. Me and my brother (in England) still cannot believe it.” It is not the first time a relative of a Premier League footballer has been abducted in Nigeria, with Everton defender Joseph Yobo’s brother kidnapped in 2008.— Reuters

Brazil blank Mexico to reach U-20 final Portugal dump France 2-0 PEREIRA: Henrique scored twice in the final 10 minutes to lead Brazil to a 2-0 victory over Mexico on Wednesday and a place in the final of the Under-20 World Cup. Henrique scored with a header in the 80th minute and then slotted home an 8-meter (yard) shot from a cross for the clinching goal. Brazil’s opponent in tomorrow’s final in Bogota will be Portugal, which defeated France 2-0 in the day’s other semifinal.

Brazil is chasing its fifth Under-20 title after losing the final two years ago against Ghana in Egypt. Tomorrow’s game will come 20 years after the previous Under-20 final between former colony and colonizer, which Portugal won on penalties with a team that boasted the likes of Luis Figo, Rui Costa and Joao Pinto. Wednesday’s game was evenly contested until the final 20 minutes when Brazil started to turn up the pressure. The scoreless first half was closely fought with both sides having chances. Mexico’s Erick Torres had the best opening in the first half when he broke clear to be one-on-one with goalkeeper Gabriel in the 32nd minute but shot wide of the far post. Gabriel played most of the match with a swollen, black eye after being unintentionally kicked by Torres when he went down to smother a ball in the 16th minute. Mexico’s Edson Rivera had Mexico’s best chance early in the second half, but was stopped in the 62nd by Gabriel with a point-blank save.

Brazil took the ascendancy in midfield late in the match. In the 76th Dudu broke in from the left side and forced Mexico keeper Jose Rodriguez into a diving save. Henrique headed wide just a minute later, and Mexico’s Ulises Davila came close a minute after that before Henrique finally broke the deadlock. His second goal was perfectly executed. Danilo tapped a quick pass to Dudu, who crossed to Henrique to finish perfectly for his fifth goal of the tournament. The loss ended a great recent run of tournament results for Mexico: the senior team defeated the United States in the Gold Cup final in June, and the Aztecs defeated Uruguay

PEREIRA: Mexico’s Erick Torres (right) and Brazil’s Allan struggle for the ball during a U-20 World Cup semifinal soccer match in Pereira, Colombia on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011. — AP in the Under-17 World Cup final in July.

Portugal 2 France 0 Portugal reached the final of the Under-20 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over France on Wednesday. Danilo gave Portugal a 1-0 lead with a leaping header in the 9th minute, and Nelson Oliveira doubled the lead with a penalty in the 40th. Portugal has won this title twice and will meet either Brazil or Mexico in tomorrow’s final in Bogota. Portugal is on a successful run with its stout defending and its acrobatic keeper Mika, who has not yielded a goal in six consecutive tournament matches.

Portugal won the U-20 title in 1989 and 1991. A trophy this time would come 20 years after Luis Figo, Rui Costa and Joao Pinto led Portugal to the last one. France was in the U-20 semifinals for the first time. France had 61 percent of possession in the match and dominated in the first half despite failing to score.

In the second half it also controlled things, but had fewer chance to break through. “I don’t know of any team that has gone into a final without giving up a goal,” Portugal Ilidio Vale said. “This needs to be appreciated. We’ve had a

great World Cup and we scored two goals today to answer critics who said we could not score.”

Vale brushed off any suggestion his team did not deserved to be in the final.

“The team plays with great organization, great heart and it plays smart,” he said.

France coach Francis Smerecki also dismissed any criticism of Portugal’s defensive style. “There are various ways of playing football,” he said. “The big thing that hurt us today were our own major errors. ... The World Cup produces exceptional things. If Portugal can go without giving up a goal in this tournament, it will be a deserving champion.”

After Cedric Bakambu forced Mika to his knees to stop a shot in the first minute and Clement Grenier’s 13-minute free kick was deflected over the crossbar, France had its best chance in the 84th but Loic Nego headed wide from in front of an open goal after the Portugal keeper had deflected an initial shot and fell back into the net. Portugal, which had scored only three goals in its first five matches, went ahead early when Alex delivered a perfect corner that Danilo leaped high to meet and angled inside the near post.— Agencies

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Mourinho is wrecking Spanish game: Pique BARCELONA: Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has accused Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho of “wrecking Spanish football” following the European champions’ stormy Spanish Super Cup win on Wednesday. Lionel Messi scored a late volley to seal a 5-4 aggregate victory over Real in a pulsating encounter that saw red cards shown to three players after tempers boiled over at the end resulting in a mass brawl.

“Mourinho is wrecking Spanish football,” Pique told reporters.

“People are looking for culprits but they are in Madrid.

Someone needs to get the video, analyze it and say who is to blame.” A bad-tempered run of five ‘clasicos’ last season has seen the heated rivalry between the clubs grew ever more acrimonious.

Mourinho, who was punished by UEFA following his actions after the Champions League semi-final against Barca, accused Barcelona of play-acting to influence referees while their arch-rivals countered that Real were overly aggressive.

“We hope that everyone will be talking about a great game of football and not the melee,” added Pique, a World Cup winner with Spain. “It isn’t the first time this has happened ... it is always the same people. Someone needs to sort this out.”

Real defender Marcelo’s lunging tackle on substitute Cesc Fabregas in the final minute of the game had players and both benches jostling and arguing. Marcelo and Real team mate Mesut Ozil were sent off, as was Barca’s David Villa.

HIDING THE BALLS? In the post-match news conference, Mourinho accused Barca players of going to ground easily. “Marcelo got a red card because we all know what happens after tackles in certain areas of the pitch,” the Portuguese said. “It was a spectacular game from the first to last minute. But from the first minute of the second half, and I don’t criticize it because I know people do it, the ballboys hid the balls. (Barca were winning 2-1 at this point). “It happens with small teams when they find themselves in difficulties.”

During the melee of players and management staff, television pictures appeared to show Mourinho sneak up behind Barcelona assistant coach Tito Vilanova and poke him in the eye. When asked about the incident, Mourinho replied: “I have been polite and played like a man and not fallen to the ground at the first touch. I don’t know who Vilanova is.” Barca coach Pep Guardiola told reporters: “The images will speak for themselves. This is going to end up badly if it isn’t stopped soon.”—Reuters

Real Madrid’s coach Jose Mourinho

BARCELONA: FC Barcelona’s Daniel Alves (right) from Brazil, holds the trophy after beating Real Madrid during their Super Cup final second leg soccer match at the Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain on Wednesday. — AP

Messi fires Barcelona to dramatic Super Cup win Game marred by brawl, three red cards at end BARCELONA: Lionel Messi volleyed a late winner as Barcelona beat archrivals Real Madrid 3-2 in a fiery Spanish Super Cup second leg on Wednesday to secure a 5-4 aggregate victory after the match ended with a mass brawl that saw three players sent off. The Argentine World Player of the Year capped another marvelous performance, after scoring one and setting up another in the first leg, with an unstoppable volley to claim the first silverware of the season before the trouble erupted.

Tempers boiled over on the touchline after debutant Cesc Fabregas was hacked down by Marcelo and the Brazilian defender, Mesut Ozil of Real and Barca’s David Villa were all dismissed. Messi had set up Andres Iniesta for the first goal in the 15th minute and, after Cristiano Ronaldo had quickly equalized, he scampered through to grab the second just before the break.

Karim Benzema put Real level again with nine minutes remaining but the irrepressible Messi guided Barca to victory with another piece of magic that had the crowd in raptures.

“The players have made a super-

human effort because we were missing some and those we had were far from their best form,” Barca coach Guardiola said. “Messi isn’t at his best level ...we have to congratulate the players for their efforts and character.” Pep Guardiola fielded the side that won the Champions League final in May, which meant new signing Fabregas was on the bench, but Real controlled the opening minutes. The visitors pushed up on Barca from the start and Ronaldo stung Victor Valdes’s hands inside the first minute as they harried and hustled their hosts all over the pitch.

FRIGHTENING PACE The game was being played at pace when Messi picked up the ball in midfield and played the darting Iniesta straight through the middle with a perfectly weighted pass. The Spanish international dinked the ball past the advancing Iker Casillas to open the scoring, but Real quickly levelled when Barca struggled to clear a corner and Karim Benzema’s shot was diverted in by Ronaldo.

Casillas and Valdes each pulled off impressive saves on two occasions but it was Messi again who

proved the difference. When a corner was not properly cleared on the edge of the Real area, the Argentine chested the ball down to Gerard Pique.

The Barca defender back-heeled a delightful return pass to his flying team mate, who picked his way past two defenders and deftly lifted the ball over Casillas. The second half failed to live up to the first as petty niggles interrupted the flow of the game, until Benzema pounced on a loose ball in the Barca area and struck the equalizer.

Guardiola then threw on Fabregas but it was Messi who provided the final breakthrough, feeding Adriano Correia out wide and then connecting with his low cross to smash home the winner inside the near post. Mourinho, who has now failed to win in eight visits to the Nou Camp, remained defiant. “If we said we were happy when we hadn’t won a title we would be hypocrites,” the Portuguese said. “It’s a small title, but we aren’t happy we didn’t win it. What we are happy with is the evolution of the team.

We did very well in both games. We were fantastic.”— Reuters

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Messi fires Barca to dramatic Super Cup win BARCELONA: Barcelona’s midfielder Xavi Hernandez (left) celebrates with a trophy after the second leg of the Spanish Supercup football match FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid CF on August 17, 2011 at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona. — AFP

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