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In eternal pursuit of greener pastures

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We We want want

reform!

KUWAIT: A bird’s view of Safat Square, Kuwait’s primary protest spot, is pictured ahead of the planned rally today. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat

Local FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

Local Spotlight

In my view

Are weekends boring here?

Home-cooked comfort

By Lisa Conrad

By Muna Al-Fuzai

lisa@kuwaittimes.net

muna@kuwaittimes.net

T

he weekend can be a busy time for families with kids, especially when they have just returned from a long summer holiday. In an interesting email I received recently, a person had singled out what activities can be engaged in the absence of family.

If you are one of those workaholics, then you may not feel the difference because you will be busy working. Some married employees make plans for the weekend or visit the nearest Gulf country for leisure. These short holidays are expensive, so the luxury of flying to these spots are not very affordable.

For those who are left with little choice but spend the weekend here, recreational options are limited if they were used to being sociable once! In fact, I think any newcomer to Kuwait should have old friends from back home to kill homesickness. This is the only way to stop feeling alienated.

I have heard people say that Kuwait is a terrific place to lead a family life. In a way it is true because with limited entertainment opportunities, families can meditate along the seaside! Of, course we should always hope that the weather will not play spoilsport. So, boredom can set in if your free time is whiled away. Going to the cinemas are an option. It is possible to watch a movie that was three-hour long and has been shortened to half its running time!

I have also noticed that Asian communities are active when organizing their own community-related activities , especially Indians and Filipinos. I feel such social events help forge a strong identity-based bond.

As a book-lover, Virgin Store is the most-frequented. There are a few good ones even though there aren’t too many bookstores around.

Public gardens have gone out of flavor. I think caretakers love to rest there, shielding themselves away from the sun and possibly their supervisors! But few families go there anymore. So beach is the only choice retreat for smallincome families that do not own any chalets.

I am sure those of you who happen to be workaholics, are not worried about having to rack your brains over such trivialities!

I

received an email from an American reader recently asking me where the pancakes I had mentioned in an article were from.

There are plenty of American restaurants and chains here, but finding a place that makes food the same way as your family does is not easy. I recommended my favorite American breakfast spot, and after paying them a visit, he thanked me for introducing him to a place where he could enjoy home food, away from home. It seems food is used to heal homesickness and, given the weight that expats inevitably gain upon arriving to Kuwait, it seems that we’re all exceptionally homesick.

As the home sickness subsides, however, falling back on home cooked comfort is still a regular occurrence. Eateries across areas in Kuwait try and appeal to the expats, offering the foods they know residents are missing back home. Even uncooked or prepared products are incredibly popular if they originate from one’s home country. Today, for example, a Lebanese colleague passionately discussed the meal her flatmate’s mother sent from Lebanon, “She even sent olives. Everything was Lebanese, it was the perfect meal.” Another friend, also Lebanese, stayed much longer on a visit in Beirut than she had anticipat-

ed because of visa complications. As much as she had been longing to go home, she’s now counting the days until she returns.

It seems that, in fact, we’re longing for the comforts of familiarity more than the actual place, as it’s the reminder of home that many crave. No matter what passport we hold, what accent we speak in or what we do, there is always something connecting, or chaining (depending on your opinion) us to our homes and the people there, wherever they may be. We obsess

over the memories and traditions of home - even if we didn’t stay there for long for whatever reason.

Choices, circumstances - or both have left us in a land far away, searching for pancakes. I can’t speak for all expatriates, but I’d much rather search for American pancakes in Kuwait and wait for my family to bring olives from Lebanon than live in either country. Coming to a country is one thing, but staying is totally another, and as much fun as not paying tax is, I don’t think it’s just that (for me, at least).

Off the record

Where do I belong?

By Sajeev K Peter

sajeev@kuwaittimes.net

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hen I visited the US, some of my American friends told me I’m a third country national (TCN). They put it jokingly though, I couldn’t quite digest that. It’s not good for today’s modernization paradigm. So I decided to go to Europe, the continent where all the cultures of the world meet and flourish. I never thought that Europeans could be that xenophobic.

To my dismay, they said I’m from the subcontinent and an Asian. The disdain in their tones couldn’t go unnoticed.

No, the globalization and the convergence theories exist only in books.

So I went to a Gulf country thinking that I could share some of those cherished Asian values. But they labeled

me a ‘Hindi.’ Though not a very derogative term, the reference wounded my ego, leaving me really confused... and flabbergasted.

O’ my Motherland, I’m coming. Please, hold me in your arms. I landed in Mumbai, the great cosmopolitan city that embraces everyone no matter where they come from. But my expectations were short-lived. Mumbaikars dubbed me a ‘Madrasi’, a term which usually refers to people from the southern states of India. In my existential angst, I came to realize where I really belong. I caught the first train to Madras and got down at Chennai Central, smiling at the majestic Gateway of South India.

I started living happily with my Tamil brethren in

Chennai. But sooner than later, I could read those scornful looks in their faces. Whatever I claim, I’m a ‘Mallu’ in their eyes. This ethnocentric bias was too much for me to bear.

Now I knew that I must be prepared for a reverse culture shock. After many years, I started dreaming of those green paddy fields and that murmuring brook that flowed down my village. Eventually, I landed in Kochi airport and picked up a taxi to my native village. As I gave directions to the cabbie, I rolled down the window to watch the unfolding scenic beauty of ‘God’s own Country.’ “This is where I belong,” I told myself. I breathed in the cool, rainsoaked air. And as I began to sit back and relax, the cabbie turned back and asked, “When are you going back sir?”

Local FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

From the editor’s desk

Conspiracy Theories

The Arab Spring or Grey Autumn?

What’s with the attitude?

By Badrya Darwish

badrya_d@kuwaittimes.net

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t’s the weekend and it is still hot. The temperature towards the end of September is 44 degrees Celsius. I do not feel like boring you further with another political story. So, let’s go light today. Forget September 16 Youth Movement or the Fifth Soor (Fence). I am not sure from where they get the inspiration for these imaginative names.

Forget the Arab Spring and Gaddafi’s Zenga Zenga because now he himself is in a Zenga. No more politics today. But I digress.

Let’s talk about women. Hey guys, don’t get carried away.

I am not going to talk about women the way men discuss us - especially the Khaleeji men or the rest of the men on earth.

As it is, I hate stereotyping. Anyway, it is known that our good Khaleeji men are more enthusiastic when women are the topic of conversation. You see the sparkle in their eyes.

Just now our male Editor-in-Chief sanctioned my opinion on that. I am talking about another aspect. I am a woman myself. For a long time, I wanted to write about women’s attitude while driving. I cannot say that all women have an attitude. I am talking especially about Kuwait, guys. I will not be exaggerating if I say that over 60 percent of women drivers have an attitude when they’re behind the wheel. So, I decided to make a survey amongst female friends of mine. I asked them if they thought that most women on the roads have an attitude when they’re driving and refuse to be courteous, let anyone pass in front of them or give right of way.

They all agreed with me in unison. Many of them went as far as saying that most women are not as good as men when it comes to driving. I reject that opinion completely. Many women are as good as men on the roads but this is another topic on its own.

To be fair, I asked men about their opinion on women drivers. Most of them agreed that women drivers are not considerate on the streets. Why is that? I wonder, why the arrogance?

It should be vice versa. The women should be more graceful when they’re behind the wheel and offer to help other women have a smooth drive as well. www.badryadarwish.com

Satire Wire

Cupcake craze still strong

By Sawsan Kazak

sawsank@kuwaittimes.net

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uwait is famous for going through fads, especially when it comes to food. There was the sushi craze a few years ago, where it seems as though every restaurant opening up was Japanese and every other restaurant was offering their own renditions of makis and sashimis. Then there was the Lebanese restaurant phase when, you could get humus, fatoush and shisha at every corner. The most recent and sweetest trend has been the cupcake craze.

These fads have taken on a life of their own. There have been entire shops opened completely dedicated to cupcakes in all flavors and toppings. There have been small businesses opened specializing in cupcakes and there has even been surge in home businesses by students that offer home-made and delivered cupcakes.

The thing with a craze is that as soon as the market is saturated with that certain item, the craze tends to die down slowly. But

with cupcakes, it seems to still be going strong. It seems everywhere I look there is a new cupcake shop, kiosk, Facebook page or person on the corner of the street selling cupcakes. What is it about these little treats that makes people crave more?

Cupcakes are unique, they are smaller than a muffin, frosted more than a cake and individually wrapped. Cupcakes can be dressed for any occasion. They can be in pink frosting for valentines, in red and green for Christmas and they can even take on the colors of the flag for any national day. Self-contained, proud and eccentric, cupcakes have taken over Kuwait’s dessert scene.

Many restaurants or coffee shops now feature cupcakes as a dessert option.

Could it be that cupcakes fulfill our need for something sweet all the while not overdoing it? It’s a few bites of goodness and then it’s done, it’s not a large threatening and guilt inducing slice of cake or other sugar filled pastry. There isn’t much chance on getting full on one cupcake; on a dozen is a different matter however. Maybe it’s the fact that the frosting seems to induce smiles, the simple thought of taking a big bite from the swirly pyramid shaped sugary top makes people happy. They are compact, portable and ever so trendy; they are the perfect accessory.

Whatever it is that is fueling the cupcake frenzy, I hope it lasts long. Knowing I can drown my sorrows or celebrate my milestones with a cupcake at any turn comforts me somewhat. I think it’s about time for a cupcake right now.

By Abd Al-Rahman Al-Alyan

myopinion@kuwaittimes.net

T

he cycle of revolutions experienced by the Arab World during the past few months has been nicknamed “The Arab Spring.” The pursuit of democracy in the Arab World is finally seeing the daylight of clear skies and is hence named the Arab Spring. The word democracy comes from ‘demokratia’, which is the Greek word for ‘rule of the people’. It was the name used to symbolize the political system in ancient Greece. Rule of the people means that people have an equal say directly or indirectly in all the decisions that affect the country.

I am neither trying to give a history lesson nor am I trying to explain what democracy means; but it seems that some of those who are seeking changes and began demonstrating have lost their way. These revolutions were started in pursuit of a democracy that respects people’s civil rights. Many people in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya feel that the days of tyranny are over.

People in Yemen and Syria aspire to do the same.

However, it appears that in some countries the only change that took place is the face of tyranny! We are all hoping that Egypt will change for the better. What is happening now is not a change for the better.

Anyone who supported the old regime or praised ExPresident Hosni Mubarak faces the public’s prosecution, even if that person has done no wrong and that was just his opinion. People from every sect of the Egyptian society have been robbed or attacked by gangs for the sole reason of having a political opinion that was not prodemonstrations or the way it all spanned out.

Every person is entitled to express his or her own opinion and that is not a crime. After all, we are just as good as the information we get and there are those who have the right reasons to have an opinion that supports a former regime or president, based on what they know.

If the Arab World is moving towards being a civilized democratic society, then they have to learn how to tolerate the opinions of others. They have to respect the decision of the masses in a democratic election, otherwise this so-called Arab Spring will indeed become nothing but a Grey Autumn.

Trapped by the inflation monster

By Sahar Moussa

sahar@kuwaittimes.net

O

ne of my biggest pleasures in Kuwait was to go grocery shopping. The whole process used to amuse me, right from the minute I take hold of the trolley that is placed at the entrance to the supermarket till the minute I escort the porter to my car. The digital numbers that showed on the billing machine increased every time the cashier scanned my

merchandise. I realized that the ‘inflation monster’ invaded the supermarkets, killing my biggest pleasure.

The dictionary definition of inflation goes like this: “An increase in the supply of currency or credit relative to the availability of goods and services, resulting in higher prices and a decrease in the purchasing power of money.” “The poor will get poorer and the rich will be richer,” people belonging to the low-income group and employed in private sector are often heard saying.

The Kuwaiti government has increased the salaries in public sectors keeping in pace with rising prices of commodities.

Officials are considering raising the salaries paid to citizens employed in the private sector by KD100. Furthermore the government has heavily subsidized food items such as milk, rice, flour, oil and others for its citizens. Life for expats earning low salaries has become especially difficult because basic commodities are a lot more expensive. However, their salaries are

In my view

fixed.

While discussing the inflation issue, I discovered that cost of living has really changed in Kuwait. I used to get my ‘modest salary,’ go to the supermarket and fill the house with all kinds of supplies. I was able to send money to my family, go shopping and feel lucky to be living in Kuwait . Now that everything is more expensive, I can barely make it to the end of the month.

I buy only the necessities and send money to my family every two months.

In order to maintain my regular lifestyle, I thought of taking loans from banks. When I approached a bank, I realized what a ‘sweet trap’ it is. At the end of the day, you realize the mistake you have committed because you are left debt-ridden.

Following the global economic crisis, companies no longer pay high salaries. So, one feels helpless after being ensnared by this vicious monster. May be the private sector can start showing us more generosity.

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Sweating the big stuff Triathlon is a mental and physical sport as triathletes must possess the will power to complete swimming, cycling and running — without a break in-between

By Ben Garcia

T

riathlon, a multi-sport event that involves the completion of long-distance swimming, bicycling and running, is the latest fun-filled exercise that keeps fitness enthusiasts in Kuwait engaged. Riding on the popularity wave that the sporting event has been enjoying since last year, participation has soared. According to Rabaa H Al-Hajri, co-founder of ‘The Three Club’, the organization that organizes the event, “In April 2010, we started with just less than fifty participants and in October, there were 77 participants, which has now increased to a hundred,” Al-Hajri revealed. “The trend has caught on. We expect more than a hundred participants on October 28,” she said.

This year’s event will be held at Julaia Resort at nearby Quiran, about 120 kilometers from Kuwait City.

Swimming, bicycling, and jogging will complete the event, which is divided into two categories: Sprint and Olympic. Sprint will help cover 750 meters (swimming), 20 kilometers (cycling) and five kilometers (jogging).

Olympic style triathlon includes 1,500 meters (swimming), 40 kilometers (cycling) and 40 kilometers (running). The ‘Three Club’ will also introduce a relay category in which three contenders can compete for the finish line.

They will be allowed to pass the race to the next team member, “This is one of the best categories, to be able to give others a chance. There may be a person who would like to join in one sport only. So, a team relay will also be welcomed. Although some really insist on doing all three events, it is really a fun and exhilarating experience. We hope that many more will join in this year,” she said.

Triathlon participants are given only a few minutes at every station to change and continue, “ For example, some can change in a few seconds, others take at least a few minutes. Beautiful and very challenging stuff,” AlHajri described.

Triathlon is an endurance sport that tests the limitations of human abilities. It’s a mental sport just as it is a physical one, as triathletes must possess a strong will power to be able to complete all three disciplines consecutively, with no rest period given. This makes the multi-sport event one of the most impressive in the world. Its popularity has been soaring every year.

In Kuwait, Triathlon is a bi-annual event held in April and October. Men and women belonging to all nationalities are welcome to participate, aged 18 and above, “Everyone is welcome to join. Registration is ongoing until mid-October. If you are not well-prepared, we are going to help you. We have a daily training exercise available here in the swimming pool. We have a full-time

training course that offers training in theory and practice to individuals that seek a healthier, fitter lifestyle. If you think you can do the training yourself, just go ahead...it’s okay,” Al-Hajri said. “Our aim is to introduce Triathlon to the Kuwaiti society and bring out the Kuwaiti triathletes of tomorrow.”

The Start The club was established on January 1, 2010 by an aspiring team of triathletes, Ahmed Al-Majed, Rabaa AlHajri, Abdulatif Al-Othman and Ahmed Al-Huzami, “What makes this club a special one is the fact that it was formed on the basis of passion for a sport that has changed the lives of the team that founded this club. So they aspire to deliver the same to all club members. The club aims to help each member reach their full potential in training, while presenting them with unique opportunities to compete on an amateur or professional level in an internationally recognized method,” Al-Hajri added.

The event is monitored electronically, offering no chances for deception of any kind. “We have the ‘mylaps’ monitor that is given to every participant. This is an electronic monitoring gadget that does not allow cheating of any kind. We also issue a monitoring watch so that time can be managed efficiently . This competition is really amazing. We can claim to be the only organization to introduce the sport in Kuwait, said Al-Hajri. “Our aim is to introduce healthy living to everyone. People should be given a chance to challenge their fitness.” Application forms and registration are available all over Kuwait.

For more details visit www.the3club.com

‘The Three Club’

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

Hop, skip, jump

In eternal pursuit of greener pastures

By Priyanka Saligram

‘W

here do you see yourself in this company five years from now?’ This question has been a personal favorite among managers and HR personnel during interviews all across the world.

While some may lament that the question has lost its credence in this multinational company (MNC) era, which has given rise to extensive career opportunities and made employee loyalty a mythical concept, a recent survey conducted by Middle East’s job site Bayt.com titled ‘Employee Loyalty in the Middle East’ reveals hope: 64 percent of employees in the region feel loyal towards their jobs.

Employee loyalty nourishes the management as well as the workforce, and despite all the brouhaha about the recession and layoffs, smart managers know that it’s more expensive to acquire new talent than to retain current, good employees.

Amer Zureikat, VP Sales, Bayt.com thinks the job market today in Kuwait is doing relatively well, “The level of regional hiring activity remains actively encouraging, given the regional economic backdrop,” he says.

Stay or go?

Young professionals in their twenties change jobs almost every two to three years and don’t really feel the need to “grow old with the organization.” Jassem, a 24-year-old citizen who recently decided to make the move from the private sector to the public sector, initially joked about how his new job in the ministry would be a “breeze” compared to the private sector’s work timing and pay-scale. “There’s more money, extra free time, higher chances of promotion and added perks like public holidays and paid vacations; does it get better than that?”

On a more serious note, he said that he believes that nobody should stay in the same job for more than three years, or once they feel like they have reached their full potential. He also added that the public sector offers more financial stability when applying for loans, “When you’re working for a private company, it’s not easy to get a loan as the banks don’t view your job as a ‘stable financial supply’, as opposed to working in the government sector,” Jassem said.

Abraham Maslow, one of the founders of humanistic and transpersonal psychology was of the belief that people work in order to survive financial challenges, to achieve social as well as job security, and gain an overall identity which eventually translated into job satisfaction.

While some feel the need to move on once they feel they have achieved whatever they set out to, others think that a fatter paycheck being offered elsewhere is a definite incentive to put down their papers. Another valid reason that is cited often is an unhealthy work-life balance - apart from an unreasonably demanding and ‘impossible to please’ manager.

Silent predators An Indian expat spoke on condition of anonymity and revealed that sexual harassment at the workplace is something that is prevalent across various levels, and while some women use it to their advantage, others prefer to silently quit the company rather than confront the problem. According to the US Department of State, “There is no specific law that addresses sexual harassment [in Kuwait]. Human rights groups characterized sexual harassment against women in the workplace as a pervasive but unreported problem.”

Mahesh, an HR professional who has been recruiting for more than 10 years now says “Nobody usually leaves a bad job but people always leave a bad boss.” He says that the concept of employee loyalty isn’t dead but has acquired a different identity of its own over the years.

“The previous generations had a more ‘conventional set of values’ and people derived their identity from the organization they worked for; the investment was on a more personal level,” Mahesh opines “but now people give their best only when they

Opportunities at every step, higher pay scales, lower commitment - is it still realistic to expect employee loyalty? see themselves as a big part of a team or a project, and need constant incentives like promotions or pay hikes without which lethargy sets in.” He also goes on to question the kind of dedication employees have to offer nowadays. “If they’re clocking in the mandatory eight hours at work but Facebook or Twitter take up a majority of that time, are they being ‘loyal’ to their work in the real sense of the term? What kind of work quality can I expect from them?”

On the other hand, Sara, a 28-year-old Arab expat who was laid off from her job in the media private sector last year, feels that employee loyalty is over-rated. She said the management cited cost-cutting as the reason for culling her job and feels that they were unfair to her, “I was totally passionate and worked hard but they didn’t think twice before replacing me with someone

else. If my commitment and loyalty means so little to them, why should I think twice before dropping them for a better job offer?”

Little wonder that MNC bigwigs like Google and Microsoft seem to have perfected the formula for retaining employees and keeping them coming back for more. It’s common knowledge that their work culture has an immense fan-following and most people swear Google’s relaxed environment is more of a party than a workplace, with Fortune magazine even ranking them number 4 on their ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ this year.

This just shines light on what has been known all along: Smart people have smarter people working for them.

Crossroads But what happens when the smart people go through mid-life career crisis? When someone has worked for an enough number of years to reach their fullest potential and are in a position to be accepted by any other organization for the experience and skills they bring to the table, questions like ‘What next?’ arise - and that’s when proactive leadership is needed the most. Mid-career, professionals would be in a place to understand not only the work culture of their company but also question the competence of their superiors and managers. At this point, if their experience is harnessed in an efficient and organized way, and they are suitably motivated in monetary terms apart from a wider range of responsibilities, a well-deserved promotion and perhaps a reshuffling of post, the company stands to gain home-grown senior executives who can take the best decisions for the business owing to their intricate knowledge of how things function.

It would be fair to assume that everything comes at a price but at the same time if the higher-ups fail to tap into the gold mine, they stand to lose them to a different organization which would welcome them with open arms, and why not? They wouldn’t have to waste their time or resources teaching the old dogs any tricks.

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By Nawara Fattahova

T

ai Chi, a Chinese martial art form, is not well-known although it is practiced in Kuwait. This ancient art uses gentle flowing movements to reduce the stress of today’s busy lifestyles and improve health.

Dejan Gavric, a Serbian sports trainer has been giving Tai Chi instructions since 2006. He has previously worked as a Spa Manager with the Hilton Group in Kuwait. He obtained his Masters degree in ‘Effects of Tai Chi on Elderly People’ seven years ago.

If you are looking for an alternate method to reduce stress, consider Tai Chi (pronounced TIE-chee). “Tai Chi is sometimes described as “meditation in motion” because it promotes serenity through gentle movements connecting the mind and body. It slows the ageing process, and is a well-known as an exercise that promotes a healthy life,” Dejan Gavric told the Kuwait Times.

Originally evolved in ancient China for selfdefense, Tai Chi evolved into a graceful form of exercise that is now used for stress reduction so as to help with a variety of other health-related condition, “It’s one of the oldest practices in the world, and the Chinese have treasured it in their families,” added Gavric.

Gavric was trained under different instructors, “I first learnt the young-style Tai Chi when I was in my 20s, and I didn’t know I would take it up as my profession. Over the years, it has became a part of my journey in an understandable form. I studied a lot by reading books. I also kept searching for the right teachers. Over the years, I met some exceptional teachers who instructed me in Serbia, Greece, and Cyprus,” he pointed out.

“It takes several years to become a teacher.

I still learn from experienced people that use Tai Chi as a form of therapy and self-defense.

In China, only the aged are wise enough to teach Tai Chi. It forms one of the five pillars of Chinese culture,” Gavric added.

Tai Chi is also an alternate healing system, “It can help release negative energy with dedicated movements. Tai Chi provides immediate relaxation due to the slow movements that affect physiologic parameters. It treats heart rate, respiration, breathing, and creates relaxation,” he explained.

Even the disabled can practice Tai Chi and no age-limit restrictions exist, “No age or conditions can disable people from practicing Tai Chi. Everybody can practice it, even wheelchair- bound individuals. What affects the body is how you feel and think,” stated Gavric.

“I take classes during winter, twice a week, when the weather is pleasant. I noticed that more people are knowledgeable. Also, some doctors have recommended that Tai Chi be practiced to alleviate stress, physiological or neurological problems,” he said.

He works as a Physical Education teacher at an elementary school, and as an instructor at a club, “I apply the practices of Tai Chi in my classes at school. I also participate in various conferences to promote the importance of this art. It should be applied in schools as part of the curriculum in the United States and Europe. I’m trying to promote Tai Chi and yoga in schools in Kuwait to improve the skills of the students,” noted Gavric.

Understanding Tai Chi Tai Chi, also called Tai Chi Chuan, is a noncompetitive, self-paced system of gentle physical exercise and stretching. To do Tai Chi, you perform a series of postures or movements in a slow, graceful manner. Each posture flows into the next without pause, ensuring that your body is in constant motion.

Tai Chi has many different styles, such as Yang and Wu. Each style may have its own

subtle emphasis on various Tai Chi principles and methods. There are also variations within each style. Some may focus on health maintenance, while others focus on the martial arts aspect of Tai Chi. The result of all this variation is that there are more than 100 possible movements and positions with Tai Chi, many of which are named for animals or nature. Regardless of the variation, all forms of Tai Chi include rhythmic patterns of movement that are coordinated with breathing to help you achieve a sense of inner calm. The concentration required for Tai Chi forces you to live in the present moment, putting aside distressing thoughts.

Who can do Tai Chi The intensity of Tai Chi varies depending on the form or style practiced. Some forms of Tai Chi are more fast-paced and exerting than are others, for instance. However, most forms are gentle and suitable for everyone. So you can practice Tai Chi regardless of your age or physical ability - Tai Chi emphasizes technique over strength. In fact, because Tai Chi is low impact, it may be especially suitable if you are an older adult who otherwise may not exercise.

Dejan Gavric

You may also find it appealing because it’s inexpensive, requires no special equipment and can be done indoors or out, either alone or in a group.

Although Tai Chi is generally safe, consider talking with your doctor before starting a new program. This is particularly important if you have any problems with your joints, spine or heart, if you are pregnant, if you have any fractures, or if you have severe osteoporosis.

The health benefits of Tai Chi Chuan Tai Chi Chuan is the crossroads of martial arts, meditation, health and healing. When one is doing Tai Chi (the Chinese would say playing T’ai Chi), one experiences these separate areas as the same. Similarly, the specific health benefits of relaxation, circulation, strengthening, balance, and mind-body coordination are deeply connected. Tai Chi Chuan also provides relaxation, circulation of blood, adjusts and balances, and strengthens the whole body.

Drive Now. Talk Later.

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Local

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

XXL-Excess

Great fun or stressful obligation?

Kuwait: shopping. Going to restaurants here is still a muchloved pastime with many, even when the initial buzz of a newly opened restaurant dies down. However, this also fuels consumption as we continue eating, drinking and shopping in excess. New restaurants are flocked to and the best are then raved about, which wins them a decent amount of time on ‘in’ lists where they’ll enjoy incredible popularity. However, the allure of undeniably delicious food available in Kuwait has its consequences if succumbed to. The Oxford Business Group compiled a ‘Kuwait: Health in Focus’ report back in May, and revealed that 80.4 percent of Kuwaiti women are now obese with men closely following at 69.5 percent. Again, this isn’t a trend exclusive to Kuwaitis here, as expats usually also notice weight gain upon arriving. Lebanese expatriate, Nour, said: “When new expats people join our company, I always tell them to be careful.

I gained eight kilos when I arrived, but I still set aside a day each week to have an indulgent meal, it’s too good to resist.”

By Lisa Conrad

“I

paid KD300 for my dress for my friend’s wedding recently, but I can’t wear it to another wedding because the same people will be there. So I’ll buy another one,” says Kuwaiti national, Lama.

Inflation, imports and consumerism were in the spotlight this week as attention focussed on how Kuwait’s ‘consumerist culture’ is fuelling inflation. It makes sense, really; they import, we buy, prices go up, we continue to keep buying despite the increased prices and the cycle continues. But, it’s the weekend, so instead of concentrating on the gloom of the consequences of such consumerism let’s have a look at why we’re buying so much and, more importantly, what we’re buying.

Like Lama, Kuwait’s women come under pressure to keep their wardrobes up to date, especially for gatherings where all of their friends, family friends and relatives are in attendance. Wearing the same thing twice, however, is a no-no. “If I wore the dress again at another wedding, it would look like I couldn’t afford to buy something new. Plus, it would be an insult to the bride, as if I didn’t bother to get something new to wear for her wedding.” Despite disagreeing with the concept, Farah, also Kuwaiti, agrees with the need to follow norms “It’s completely wasteful. And it’s stressful having to find the ‘perfect’ dress over and over again. But society has set a bar, and we’re all just trying to keep up with it. I don’t like the idea, the process stresses me out and I couldn’t care less if someone wore the same thing twice, but that’s how it goes.”

Women aren’t the only ones guilty of excess spending, however. Mohammad recounted: “On a shopping trip last summer, I saw a pair of shorts that I really liked. I took them to the cash register without even looking at the label first. When the shop assistant said ‘that’s KD150 please sir’ I couldn’t believe it. I knew they would be expensive but that was extreme.” Despite the outrageous price tag, Mohammad, also a Kuwaiti national, still

got the shorts, “I felt embarrassed to say they were too expensive. It’s not that I don’t have the money, but it’s a waste to spend that much on shorts. Still, I got them because if I changed my mind suddenly they’d think I couldn’t afford them. Looking back, it seems strange to be so concerned over the opinions of strangers.”

The engine of consumerism Consumerism is fuelled by culture and society, which demand people to show the efforts they’ve made and what they can afford. This, however, often comes in the form of an outfit purchased for an event, a gift sent for a relative or friend, or a ridiculously expensive pair of shorts purchased on a whim. So much comes down to spending, and it’s a trend common among many

Kuwaitis and expats alike. “My shopping is out of control,” says American expat Jane. “In the States, I’d wear anything to the grocery store or to a coffee shop, but here it’s different. You need to be presentable, at least, all of the time. But it’s not just that, it’s fun to shop, it’s fun to get dressed up and stay up to date with what’s new in fashion. I’m making more money than I was before, so why not?

Shopping here is a favored pastime but it requires spending, which many are wellequipped to do after being here for a while.”

But is it just clothing, perfume and jewelry we’re spending, en masse, on? It seems not.

Food was found to be the item fuelling inflation most, according to the Kuwait Food and Drink Q4 report. This isn’t surprising as eating goes hand in hand with another consumption-based hobby favored by so many in

Striking a balance It seems that Nour has managed to strike a sensible balance between indulgence and restraint. In terms of both food and material goods, it would be better for both waistlines and for reigning in rising prices if others attempted to do the same. Because consumerism customs are so deeply ingrained, they’re hard to overcome unless the majority of people take steps to make changes, bit by bit. Farah offered a simple solution to taking a step in the right direction: “I can’t suddenly start putting my foot down, especially regarding the brand new dress for every event issue, but I think discussing it and raising the issue would help reduce the stigma if people decided later to break the norms associated with buying and spending,” On a final note she adds, “ I genuinely don’t think that, in such levels of excess, people even truly enjoy it anymore anyway. Anything gets boring if you overdo it.”

Local FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

Muwaizri launches ‘Where is our money?’ campaign Saadoun says deposits could reach KD96 million

By B Izzak

WASHINGTON: The World Bank (WB) Managing Director Sri Mulyani Indrawati signs an agreement with the Ambassador of Kuwait in Washington Sheikh Salem Abdullah AlJaber Al-Sabah. — KUNA

Kuwait contributes $50m to Palestinian reform process WASHINGTON: The World Bank (WB) Managing Director Sri Mulyani Indrawati signed yesterday an agreement with the Ambassador of Kuwait in Washington Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to transfer $50 million to the WB-administered multidonor Trust Fund to support the ongoing Palestinian Reform and Development Program (PRDP). This amount is in addition to the $130 million that the State of Kuwait generously provided to the PRDP trust fund in 2008 and 2010.

These resources will help support the urgent budget needs of the Palestinian Authority (PA), providing support for education, healthcare and other vital social services for the Palestinian people and for the economic reforms currently underway. On this occasion, Indrawati said that the Trust Fund “is central in supporting the Palestinian reform and development plan, a catalyst for economic growth. We are grateful to the State of Kuwait for their contribution. She added that “the World Bank’s involvement in supporting and

monitoring the reform effort will strengthen the PA’s capacity to quickly enact reforms and to support the Palestinian people in their quest for a better future.” In a statement to KUNA, Sheikh Salem reiterated Kuwait’s steadfast and continued support for the PA and highlighted the importance of the PA reform program and praised the significant progress made. “The budget support is crucial at this juncture of time and the PA should be able to preserve and carry on with its institution-building and delivery of better public services,” he said.

The ambassador affirmed that KuwaitiPalestinian relations are “special and historic and that the Palestinian issue will always remain a priority for the Kuwaiti leadership, government and people, especially that the Kuwaiti moral and financial support to the Palestinian people has been constant.” The PRDP Trust Fund was established on April 10, 2008, when an agreement was signed between the WB and the PA during the 2008 WB-IMF Spring Meetings in the WB’s Headquarters. —KUNA

PM to head delegation to UN General Assembly UNITED NATIONS: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah will next week head a senior Kuwaiti delegation to the 66th session of the UN General Assembly, Kuwaiti Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Mansour Ayyad Al-Otaibi has said. “This session is important because it is the first to be held following the unprecedented developments in the Arab region and the Arab states’ mobilization to support Palestinian Authority’s efforts to receive full membership at the United Nations,” Ambassador Al-Otaibi told KUNA. He added that the main deliberations will be held from September 21-27.

A large number of high-level meetings will also be held on the sidelines of the session at the headquarters of the United Nations.

These meetings include non-communicable diseases and their effects on human health conference and a meeting on desertification, and its impact on sustainable development conference.

A large number of participating heads of state, premiers and other high officials will attend an important meeting on nuclear safety and security to be held on September 22 on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session.

Al-Otaibi unveiled that His Highness the Prime

Minister Sheikh Nasser will deliver his important speech before the General Assembly meeting yesterday. “In his speech, HH Sheikh Nasser will clarify Kuwait’s stance on recent regional and international developments and highlight the role played by the United Nations in addressing global challenges and crises,” he said. HH Sheikh Nasser is also expected to remind attendants of the world’s desperate need for the vital role played by the United Nations because there are important and complicated issues and disputes whose resolution requires coordination and cooperation among all world countries. “At the forefront of these issues are the climate change, world peace and security, disarmament, food security, rising commodity prices and unstable energy prices and the Millennium Development Goals,” the ambassador disclosed.

Al-Otaibi pointed out that Sheikh Nasser will also highlight Kuwait’s role in supporting international efforts to reduce the impact of natural disasters and support development projects in developing countries. HH Prime Minister will hold meetings with several international leaders and heads of governments of friendly countries to discuss bilateral relations and issues of common concern. —KUNA

KUWAIT: Independent MP Shuaib AlMuwaizri yesterday launched a campaign he named ‘Where is Our Money?’ aimed at combating what he described as pervasive corruption in most ministries and state agencies.

Muwaizri, Head of the National Assembly interior and defense committee, said his campaign aims at safeguarding Kuwait and its future, public funds and holding corrupt people accountable and restoring stolen funds from them.

Speaking to reporters, the lawmaker warned that the ‘Kuwaiti Spring’ will be even stronger than the ‘Arab Spring,’ the term used to describe the recent Arab uprising, “if corruption continues.”

He also said that Kuwait’s public funds have been stolen and no one is taking the thieves into account. Muwaizri also wondered if some people are exploiting the reports leaked by WikiLeaks that ‘Kuwait may not exist until 2020’ to continue to steal its funds.

In a printed statement, Muwaizri said that the campaign consists of three phases, starting with announcing the campaign and its goals. It will be followed by taking corrupt people to account. Measures taken by the third phase will be announced later, depending on the results of the first two, he said.

The lawmaker also provided examples of alleged corruption cases in several ministries and public authorities, including allegations of suspected corruption that totals to more than $2 billion in Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), the country’s

sovereign wealth fund.

He also published information on alleged corruption cases that are worth billions of dollars in the Ministry of Public Works, the Public Authority for Social Security and Kuwait Airways. He said that he will provide more information about alleged corruption cases in other ministries and government departments.

The campaign follows on the heels of exposing a major corruption scandal involving several MPs. Two local banks have referred the accounts of at least eight MPs to the public prosecution for investigation of suspected illegal deposits into their accounts.

There have been allegations that the deposits were politically-motivated and paid to MPs to buy their votes on key issues in the National Assembly. Veteran opposition MP Ahmad Al-Saadoun said that the amount (illegal deposits) could be as high as KD96 million, and vowed that the issue will not pass without punishment.

Saadoun said that all the four MPs of the Popular Action Bloc will take part in the planned rally on September 21 to press for strong action. The lawmaker also praised the Kuwaiti youths who plan to stage a demonstration today evening “as long as their calls remain within the framework of the Constitution.”

The youth activists have demanded fundamental political reforms including the establishment of constitutional monarchy and a fully elected government. Saadoun said he will propose an amendment that will require the public prosecution to demand the movements and deposits on the suspected accounts.

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Youth group plans to organize rally today

Interior ministry gears up for demonstrations KUWAIT: The Interior Ministry’s top ranking generals held a meeting ahead of the planned demonstrations to be held by youth activists at Safat Square.

Assistant Undersecretaries for Special Security Maj General Suleiman AlFahad, and Public Security Maj Gen Mahmoud Al-Dousari and Traffic Maj General Mustafa Al-Zaabi decided on their specific duties to maintain decorum on the streets. Sources revealed that newer, stringent measures will be taken to maintain peace at Safat Square, considering it is an off-limit area. Police will allow the crowd to gather at the Municipal Council Square instead. Rallying will not be allowed from the Municipal Council Square towards the National Assembly, or the Seif Palace or any other place as public demonstrations can obstruct streets and turn chaotic.

‘Give people the power to lead’

By Nawara Fattahova KUWAIT: The 16 September Youth Group plans to organize a rally at the Safat Square following Maghreb prayers today. The youth organization wants to bring in constitutional monarchy to the country, claiming that this move will put an end to pervasive corruption in the country.

According to Mohammed Al-Blehees, Secretary General of the youth movement Kafi (Enough), youth movements include all categories of Kuwaiti society that does not “affiliate to certain ideology.” He said, “We aim to reform the political situation in the country. We demand people’s power to lead the country and elect the government. Today’s strike will be held to announce our demands,” AlBlehees told the Friday Times.

Kafi supports the concept of constitutional

monarchy, “Some people don’t exactly agree with the details of their demand for constitutional monarchy. So, we all demand change.

The youth movement unanimously agrees that the government should be elected. There are many wrong political decisions, and many things have to be changed. We will exert pressure on the authority until they approve our demands,” added Al-Blehees.

According to Al-Rai, the idea of the constitutional monarchy germinated as a result of feuds occurring between members of the royal family. The youth movements claim that the ruling family will be able to preserve the popularity it enjoys and its social standing once constitutional monarchy is introduced.

Most advertising was done through the social media such as Twitter, Facebook, BlackBerry messenger, Whatsapp and other applications. Advertisements were also posted

in the press to announce the event. Other youth movements will also participate in the protest, “Everybody is invited, students, political activists, MPs, media, and others,” said AlBlehees.

This is the first protest to be organized by the youth, “We stopped our activities for some time. This is to reorganize our priorities and create a program that the youth movements will follow. People have the right to elect their government. The voters will learn from their experience if the choice they made was terrible,” he pointed out.

According to Al-Blehees, the present Constitution does not take into account current trends and cannot confront present challenges, “Changes should be made in the Constitution. There is a mess in the democratic system. They cannot compete with the regional system,” he concluded.

Kuwait has exceptional economic, investment opportunities: Buresli

MEXICO CITY: (Left) The ambassador of Kuwait to Mexico Samih Jowhar Hayat headed a delegation of ambassadors of the Council of Islamic Countries in Mexico in a meeting with the Secretary of Urban Development and Housing Felepe Leal. (Right) The ambassadors are pictured during the meeting. — KUNA

Kuwaiti ambassador to Mexico heads Islamic countries talks MEXICO CITY: The Ambassador of Kuwait to Mexico Samih Jowhar Hayat headed a delegation of ambassadors of the Council of Islamic Countries’ in Mexico in a meeting held here with the Secretary of Urban Development and Housing Felepe Leal last night.

The meeting was held at the headquarters of Head of Government of the Federal District, Mayor Marcelo Ebrard where they discussed means of cooperation and coordination in serving Islamic causes. They focused on establishing an Islamic cultural center that would include a mosque and a

school for teaching Arabic language.

Ambassador Hayat, on behalf of the Council, deeply thanked Mayor Ebrard and senior officials of the country for their notable support and fruitful cooptation.

He also voiced gratitude for facilitations provided for the project, which finished its early stages of establishment.

A committee including ambassadors of the Islamic countries, namely Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Indonesia and Pakistan, was formed to keep track of later stages of the project. Secretary Leal thanked the Kuwaiti ambassador along

with the Council members for their dedication in supporting the establishment of this project. “This center will offer the Muslim community in Mexico a suitable place to interact and cherish its culture, and contribute in spreading it in the country,” he said. He also said that the Mexico City’s policy is offering great care in spreading the values of respect, understanding and tolerance among peoples and countries. “Islam is a religion of tolerance, moderation and respect of various cultures, as it encourages dialogue between them,” he affirmed. — KUNA

BERNE: Kuwait’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) delegation’s visit to the Switzerland is considered an important step to draw attention to the exceptional economic and investment opportunities in Kuwait, Minister of Commerce and Industry Dr Amani Buresli said yesterday. The KCCI delegation will accompany His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah as part of his visit to the Swiss capital of Berne.

The delegation is headed by First Deputy Chairman of KCCI Khalid Adbullah Al-Saqer. It also includes Osama Mohammad AlNessif, Dherar Youssef Al-Ghanim and Wafa Ahmad Al-Qutami, KCCI members, representatives of KCCI’s private sector Abdulghaffar Qassem Boland, from Nestle Kuwait Company, Abdulghani Mohammad Bhebahani from Mohammad Saleh Bhebahani Company and Abdullah Al-Zaid, Commerce Relations Department Manager.

The delegation met with executive members of the Economiesuisse, where the General Secretary of the Supreme Council of Planning Dr Adel Al-Wugayyan reviewed Kuwait’s most important development projects. Kuwaiti Minister of Commerce and Industry Dr Amani Buresli noted the meeting with the Economiesuisse members was ‘successful,’ where a detailed review of Kuwait’s developmental projects and how foreign investors can take part in them was laid out. “This visit, the first of its kind, is much needed to get familiarized with the exceptional economic and commercial opportunities in the state of Kuwait,” she pointed out. She stressed on the importance of establishing a solid cooperation with foreign expertise, especially the Swiss, to have a positive impact on the developmental projects that have kicked off a year ago in Kuwait.—KUNA

Double trouble: Wives fight for same husband KUWAIT: When a policeman intervened in a women’s fight that broke out in Hawally, he learnt that the fight took place between the wives of a man who married one of them secretly. His first wife who was suspicious of him, caught him with the second wife at a flat, reported Al-Rai. The man and his two wives were taken to the police station, where he apologized to the first wife and promised to divorce the second.

Paramedical staff injured A paramedical staff suffered an injury while assisting an injured man. He fell down and broke his ankle, reported Al-Watan. Other staff members

helped their colleague and admitted him to the hospital.

Irate woman assaults husband In a heated domestic dispute that broke out between a married couple, the woman slapped her husband. The man obtained a medical report and filed a complaint with Mubarak AlKabeer police station. He also accused his pregnant wife of damaging property.

Street fights Three Egyptians brawled with a citizen in Hawally, and the latter sustained a nasal injury. The

fight broke out when one of the Egyptians struck the Kuwaiti unintentionally. The Kuwaiti did not accept the Egyptian’s apologies and began physically assaulting the Egyptian. Police are investigating the case. Meanwhile, two citizens punched each other in Nugra. One of the citizens was intercepted by another, and began assaulting him for not allowing him to pass. Police are investigating the case.

Masseuse files complaint A Filipina filed a complaint with the police stating that she performed a massage on an Asian, who walked away without paying her for the service. She accused the man of kidnapping her and

forcing her to perform shocking acts. Police are investigating the case.

Wife coerced to sign notes A citizen was charged with coercing his wife to sign promissory notes so that she would no longer seek divorce. When the expat woman married the citizen, she discovered that he is alcoholic and ill-mannered. The woman attempted to wean him from his habits, but in vain. She then asked for divorce. The irritated man threatened to deport her if she continued to ask for divorce, and forced her to sign the notes. Police arrested the suspect.

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Homeless in your homeland Kuwaiti bachelors in a catch 22 housing scenario expats. Mohamed has a few friends in his situation. “I know people in their late twenties or early thirties who are either renting out with fake marriage certificates or living in really bad conditions, thanks to a lack of options,” says Mohamed. He

By Sawsan Kazak

“I

t’s my country but I don’t feel like a free citizen,” says Mohamed, a 28-year-old Kuwaiti. Mohamed is a single Kuwait man who can no longer live at home and is now struggling to find a place to live in Kuwait.

You can’t choose your family, and for this reason, conflict can sometimes ensue. Living at home can become unbearable or impossible for some Kuwaitis but, unlike other countries, moving out is not an easy option. Unable to rent any hotel rooms or most apartments, a single Kuwaiti man can literally find himself on the streets.

Mohammed has had family problems for about three years and recently he had to look for an apartment on his own. “At the beginning, I was renting an apartment with my friend who had a marriage certificate,” Mohammed said. But now that his friend has moved out, he is forced to find a place on his own which has not been an easy feat.

“Most of the places I want to stay at won’t allow single Kuwaiti men to rent; some even tell me they don’t want Kuwaitis altogether,” explains Mohamed. He has been on the lookout for apartments in Salmiya, Hawally or Shaab, but not with much luck. “The only apartments I can find are in Mahboula, Abu Halifa or Mangaf; areas I don’t want to rent in,” says Mohamed.

The buildings offer conditions which are far from what he has in mind. “The ‘bachelor buildings’ are usually disgusting.

The apartment is very small, usually in a rundown building and the neighbors are horrible; the kind that rent the apartment so they can host parties and nothing else. These buildings are too noisy and really not where I want to be living,” Mohamed explains. “I’m not ready to get married yet and can’t go back home, I’m stuck, what can I do?” asks Mohamed.

Being unable to rent an apartment in his preferred location and being unable to go home has affected Mohamed. “It’s taking me forever to graduate because every month I have problems with rent, so I have put my studies on hold for now. Also, I can’t deal with Kuwait anymore so I’m actually looking for jobs outside the country. Other countries in the Gulf let their single male citizens rent out flats, why not here?” says Mohamed.

A haris in Hawally who prefers anonymity says that he does not rent out to Kuwaitis - single or married. “I rented to Kuwaitis before and they caused many problems. They didn’t pay rent on time and sometimes skipped it altogether. They make too much noise and are inappropriate and there is nothing I can do about it; the law is on their side,” he explains. He added that he now just rents out to expats since they are “less of a hassle”.

Jaweed, a representative responsible for renting apartments in Kuwait said that he, like most building owners, prefers renting out to families only. But he does admit making an exception at times. “If I meet the young man and he appears respectable, I ask him to find someone who is married and use that marriage certificate to rent the flat; in this way, he can still live in the building,” Jaweed said.

Ahmad, the haris of a building in Salmiya said that he has no problem renting to Kuwaitis, as long as they are married.

“The owner of the building will not allow a single man, be it Kuwaiti or non-Kuwaiti to stay here,” explains Ahmad. Adding “there are special buildings for single men and it is better if they all stay in one place.” Ahmad says that at the moment there are no Kuwaiti families renting in the building, just

explains that not all Kuwaitis are the same. “Some of us just want to be able to rent a nice place and live normally. I don’t want to party or cause problems; I just want a place to call home.”

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

Ex-marine honored for saving 36 in Afghanistan

Explosions shake Yemen capital, blasts in south

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Indonesian massacre widows welcome Dutch ruling

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TRIPOLI: French President Nicolas Sarkozy (3rd R), Libya’s National Transition Council President Mustafa Mohammed Abdel Jalil (2nd R) and Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron (R) visit injured people in the Tripoli Medical center during their travel in Libya yesterday in Tripoli. — AFP

UK, French leaders visit Libya Peace still far off, residents flee town TRIPOLI: Nicolas Sarkozy and David Cameron flew in to Tripoli under heavy guard yesterday, to be welcomed by the new leaders the French and British air forces helped install in Libya, three weeks after rebel forces overthrew Muammar Gaddafi.

French President Sarkozy and the British prime minister, who jointly have taken credit for leading a six-month NATO campaign in which the United States took an unusual back seat, were met at their aircraft by smiles and handshakes from the two leading figures of the disparate anti-Gaddafi coalition.

The two men, accompanied by their foreign ministers, were later welcomed with cheers from onlookers during a visit to a Tripoli hospital-a mark of the popularity their intervention has enjoyed on the streets of Libya after 42 years of rule by Gaddafi, who remains a fugitive and has vowed to fight back.

Cameron, keen to steer clear of public tri-

umphalism for a policy of support that seemed to many highly risky, insisted that Libyans were in charge of their own country and that there was still much to do bring peace and democracy. During talks in the capital and later in Benghazi, the seat of the February revolt that was to add Gaddafi to the list of Arab autocrats felled by uprisings this year, Cameron and Sarkozy were to confirm offers of help for the National Transitional Council.

It is still battling Gaddafi loyalists in a handful of areas and trying to assert its authority over its host of ragtag militia allies. “There’s still more work to be done, there’s still a long way to go. But I think to show international support for the NTC ... it’s important to be here,” Cameron said.

“Britain played a role which I’m very proud of, but in the end this is what the Libyans did themselves and I wanted to come and congratulate them and work out how we can help

next, as they rebuild their country,” he added, speaking at the airport. After the airport welcome from NTC chairman Mustafa Abdel Jalil and Mahmoud Jibril, the head of the NTC executive- effectively interim prime minister-the two European leaders were driven into the city in a convoy of dozens of vehicles, including some of the pick-up trucks mounted with antiaircraft guns that have been the symbol of the Libyan revolt. Both men are popular on the streets of Libya, where “Merci Sarkozy” and “Thank you Britain” are common graffiti slogans. Both may hope to earn political dividends back home from what now appears to have been a successful bet. But on the eve of their visit, Abdel Jalil said heavy battles lie ahead against Gaddafi loyalists. Western countries and neighbours are anxious to welcome Libya into the international community, not least so it can restart lucrative oil production frozen by six months of war.

Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan is expected in Libya today. Egypt’s foreign minister, Mohammed Kamel Amr, is also due to visit.

A US assistant secretary of state visited on Wednesday. Libya’s new leaders say the international community has been slow to release frozen assets; diplomats said on Wednesday Britain had circulated a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council to ease sanctions against Libya’s National Oil Corp (NOC) and central bank, and hoped for a vote this week. NOC chairman Nouri Berouin told Reuters that Libya would start exporting crude oil from the eastern port of Tobruk within 10 days and could produce 1 million barrels a day within six months. But the failure to capture Gaddafi, and ongoing fighting in and around besieged towns still firmly held by the ousted leader’s supporters, are proof that a peaceful and prosperous future for Libya is far from assured.—Reuters

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Palestinians say will make UN bid on Sept 23 RAMALLAH: Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki said yesterday that the Palestinians will submit their UN bid on September 23 but are willing to listen to other ideas in the meantime.

Envoys from the United States, the European Union and the diplomatic Quartet have been holding 11th-hour talks with Palestinian and Israeli leaders in an effort to get them back into direct peace talks that stalled a year ago.

“We will see if any of them is carrying a credible offer that will allow us to look into it seriously,” Malki told foreign journalists in Ramallah. “Otherwise, on the 23rd at 12.30 (Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas) will submit the application.” Abbas is to make a broadcast

address to the Palestinian people today.

European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday and Thursday after holding talks with Abbas in Egypt. Quartet envoy Tony Blair is in Jerusalem for meetings while US envoys Dennis Ross and David Hale were to meet Abbas in Ramallah yesterday evening.

“We’ll submit our application for full membership,” Malki said. “Until then we are open to any suggestions or ideas that could come from any side in order to renew negotiations on a firm basis with clear terms of reference, a clear timetable and clear guarantees.” An EU statement on Wednesday quoted

Ashton as saying her mission was to ensure that the Palestinians’ UN bid would ultimately lead to renewed negotiations with Israel.

“I hope that in the coming days what we’ll be able to achieve together will be something that enables the negotiations to start,” she said. No details of her yesterday morning meeting with Netanyahu were immediately made public. The US State Department has said that Washington would “leave no stone unturned” in efforts to deflect the Palestinians from the UN path and get them and the Israelis back into negotiations. Defence Minister Ehud Barak met Ross on Wednesday and the two discussed the Palestinian issue and other

regional matters, Barak’s office said. So far, 127 countries have recognised a Palestinian state based on the lines that existed before the 1967 Six Day War, including Gaza, the West Bank and east Jerusalem. Some hardline Israeli ministers are calling for Israel to annex chunks of the West Bank if the Palestinians go ahead with their play for UN membership. Hardline Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman warned Wednesday there would be “harsh and grave consequences” if the Palestinians persist with their plan. He did not elaborate on the possible consequences. In the past he has called for Israel to sever all relations with Abbas’s administration should it press on with its UN bid. —AFP

Israel embassy clears out all staff in Jordan JERUSALEM: Nearly all the staff have been cleared out of the Israeli embassy in the Jordanian capital ahead of an anti-Israel protest in Amman yesterday, for fear the mission could be attacked like the Israeli embassy in Cairo was last week, Israeli newspapers and radio stations reported. A convoy transporting the Israeli diplomats left Jordan for Israel overnight, the Haaretz newspaper said.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry wouldn’t comment on the reports, other than to say that embassy personnel generally leave Jordan on Thursdays ahead of the Muslim weekend. It said a duty representative remained on call in Amman, as is routine procedure.

Activists in Jordan have called for a “million-man march” against the Israeli mission, part of a rising tide of anti-Israel protests there and in Egypt, the two Arab countries that have made peace with the Jewish state. The Jordanian protesters - led by leftists, labor unions and Islamists - are expected to start gathering near the embassy by 1400 GMT. Their demands include the embassy’s closure, expulsion of the ambassador from Jordan and the annulment of the 1994 peace treaty with Israel. Nearly half of Jordan’s 6 million residents are of Palestinian descent. With Palestinian-Israeli peace talks stalled, some Jordanians fear Israel may try to substitute Jordan for a Palestinian state - a concept that has little support in Israel.

At the embassy in Amman, about two dozen Jordanian visa applicants waited outside the fortified building as armed Jordanian policemen and Israeli security stood on guard yesterday morning. The Israeli flag flew atop the embassy’s white-stoned building on a hill in Amman’s upscale Rabiyeh district. No extra security measures were visible - two roadblocks leading to the embassy were still in place, as were about a dozen armed Jordanian police patrols. Anti-Israel sentiment is mounting at a volatile diplomatic time for Israel and its Muslim allies. The Palestinians plan to ask the United Nations next week to endorse an independent Palestinian state, over Israeli and US opposition. There is also growing friction with Turkey, which recalled its ambassador to Israel after Israel refused to apologize for the deaths of nine Turks in a deadly Israeli military raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla last year.

Ties with Egypt have been strained by the ransacking of the Israeli embassy in Cairo on Friday and the killing of six Egyptian soldiers last month. The deaths occurred as Israeli troops pursued militants who had crossed from Egypt into southern Israel and attacked vehicles near the border, killing eight Israelis.

And in a rare anti-American demonstration in US-ally Jordan, protesters on Wednesday demanded the closing of the US Embassy in Amman over WikiLeaks cables suggesting covert American plans to turn Jordan into a home for Palestinians. About 70 activists burned American and Israeli flags in a noisy protest across from the US Embassy in Amman and chanted: “The people want the Americans out.” —AP

TAIZ: Yemeni doctors clean the wounds of an anti-government protestor, who was injured in clashes with security forces in Taiz, Yemen, yesterday. — AP

Explosions shake Yemen capital, blasts in south Dozens of protesters shot and wounded in Taiz SANAA: Explosions and gunfire shook a northern district of the Yemeni capital Sanaa yesterday, in one of the worst breaches of a ceasefire between tribesmen opposed to President Ali Abdullah Saleh and troops loyal to him, residents said.

Artillery and automatic weapons fire broke out near the home of a prominent anti-Saleh tribal leader in the Hasaba district, the site of weeks of fighting that began in May and edged the impoverished Arab state closer to civil war. Diplomatic sources said mediators from neighbouring powerhouse Saudi Arabia intervened to help end the street fighting, which was the fiercest in recent weeks. The clashes, which started just after midnight, stopped later in the morning. Three people were killed and five wounded, a local official said. Most of the victims had been at a marketplace and a nearby building that were heavily damaged in the fighting. Saleh, recovering in Saudi Arabia from a June assassination attempt, is holding on to power despite

international pressure to quit and eight months of protests against his 33-year rule in the poor Arabian Peninsula country.

The United States and neighbouring Saudi Arabia fear unrest in Yemen will embolden al Qaeda’s Yemen-based regional wing to launch strikes on the region and beyond. In Taiz, a hotspot of protests about 200 km (120 miles) south of Sanaa, security forces opened fire with live bullets and shot teargas, wounding dozens of protesters demanding the resignation of Saleh, activists said. Demonstrators have grown increasingly frustrated by their inability to loosen Saleh’s grip on power. In the southern city of Aden, two explosions hit the intelligence headquarters and a police base earlier on Thursday, but did not cause much damage, a local security official said. One young boy was shot dead when security forces responded with heavy gunfire, the official and witnesses said. The blasts took place days after Yemen’s army announced it had recap-

tured Zinjibar, the capital of the neighbouring province of Abyan, where militants linked to al Qaeda have mounted a rising challenge to government control.

Yesterday, air strikes killed two militants in an area near Zinjibar, a security official said. Militants began capturing several areas in Abyan in May, but the army launched an offensive two months ago to regain territory. Tens of thousands have fled the violence. There have been several attacks on security forces around Aden since the army began to fight the militants.

Officials blamed most of the attacks on suspected al Qaeda operatives. On Wednesday, seven militants and one soldier were killed in a suburb of Zinjibar, a military official said. Four more militants were killed in another part of the coastal city. Opponents of Saleh have accused him of exaggerating the al Qaeda threat or even manipulating militants as a ploy to scare Washington and Riyadh into backing him. — Reuters

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

As Iraq pullback nears, US still at war in south COS GARRY OWEN: Soldiers at this base sleep with their shoes on so they don’t cut their feet running under rocket fire. Elsewhere in Iraq the tanks are being packed up, but here they still serve in the hunt for insurgents. And when US troops hand out soccer balls to village children, Apache helicopters circle above.

In a little more than 100 days, the US military is supposed to be gone from Iraq after a war, insurgency and occupation that has stretched across nearly nine years. But in marshy southern Iraq, where Shiite militancy runs strong, the war is still being waged.

At Contingency Operating Station Garry Owen, the last American military base in the southern province of Maysan, Maj. Steven Gventer spells out their doctrine: “You don’t want to be soft and chewy. You want to be hard and prickly. And we are hard and prickly at Garry Owen. ... focused on getting out and aggressively trying to target bad guys.”

Garry Owen, named after the fabled US Cavalry song, sits in treacherous territory next to Iran,

near weapons’ smuggling routes, in a province whose governor views them as “occupiers.” This territory, known most of 2011 as United States Division-South on the military maps, plays a vital role in combating the militias and protecting US convoys heading south on their way home.

But the challenges they face hint at the wider problems still facing Iraq and any residual American force that stays beyond the Dec. 31 departure deadline.

To Americans who battled AlQaeda’s allies farther north, in Mosul or Fallujah, southern Iraq promised to be quieter. “When I was told I was going to USD-South I said ‘USDSouth?’ What the heck happens in USD-South?’” recalled Lt. Col. Tim Brumfiel, Sr., who commands the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, based at Fort Hood, Texas.

To him it was “a small blip on the radar screen.” But within days of the troops’ arrival in February, the trouble started - roadside bombs, 107 mm rockets, and a particularly lethal type of rocket-propelled mortar. In the southern marshes that straddle the Iraq-Iran border, weapons smug-

glers slip past the water buffalo and reed huts to easily elude the poorly paid and under-equipped Iraqi guards and fan out across southern Iraq to supply Shiite militias.

Ties with Iran have always been close, and the governor of Maysan is a follower of anti-American cleric Muqtada Al-Sadr, which made for a frosty relationship with the newly arrived battalion and left the Garry Owen base isolated and vulnerable.

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is vulnerable too. He depends on Sadrist support, but is negotiating with the US about keeping some American troops in Iraq beyond December something the Sadrists fiercely oppose. Then again, Iraqi nationalists look with suspicion on perceived attempts by Iran to use allies like alSadr to deepen their influence, especially in the south.

So when Brumfiel’s battalion arrived, it stepped into a fraught situation and a mission that quickly changed. The Americans had come with orders to train Iraqi security forces. Instead, Brumfiel used more and more men and resources battling Shiite militias. He brought in

tanks, rarely used anymore by American forces elsewhere in Iraq, because they could better spot militants and scare them off.

The battalion also stepped up its presence around the base and started patrolling deep into the marshes.

During a recent patrol, Lt. Lon McBride pointed out a 5-meter- (15foot-) deep crater caused by a misfired rocket. Insurgents had set themselves up in a village house undeterred by an Iraqi checkpoint about 100 meters (yards) away.

In July, when fire directed at the base more than doubled and a U.S. soldier was killed, the US military mounted a training mission involving AC-130 gunships and Apache helicopters. The show of force threw the local government into a “tizzy,” said Brumfiel.

Government officials claimed the US was terrorizing the local population, and a delegation was sent from Baghdad to investigate. But far from siding with the local government, it replaced the Iraqi police chief. The new police chief joined an Iraqi Army general who was also new to the province. — AP

Syrian protesters mark six months of revolt Dissidents gather to unveil makeup of National Council

BANI HASHEM: In this Monday, Aug 29, 2011 photo, US Army Staff Sgt. Trevor Hall, 28, walks through the village of Bani Hashem, Iraq after a group of American troops handed out water and toys. — AP

Egypt presidential hopefuls want early poll date CAIRO: Seven presidential hopefuls will call on Egypt’s ruling military council to fix an early date for an election for the presidency and may demand the poll be held in February or March, one of the candidates said yesterday.

The army council which took over after Hosni Mubarak was ousted on Feb. 11 has pledged to hand power to civilians. But it has yet to set a precise date for a parliamentary poll, which is expected in November, and has not indicated when the presidential poll would be. Activists have been demanding a swifter move towards Egypt’s first free votes in decades.

“All of us are calling for an early date and fixed date for presidential elections and not to stay in a general frame without knowing (a date),” said Amr Moussa, the former Arab League chief who is bidding for the presidency.

“We talked about February-March,” he told Reuters, adding that they would make their call to the military council once they had agreed demands on other issues including the army’s decision to extend emergency law and plans for a new electoral law. The group of seven candidates include former UN diplomat Mohamed ElBaradei and Abdel Moneim Abul Futuh, formerly a senior member of the once-banned Muslim Brotherhood. — Reuters

DAMASCUS: Protesters vowed to hit the streets of Syria en masse yesterday to mark six months since the start of an ant-regime uprising, undaunted by a brutal crackdown in which more than 2,600 people have died.

“Six months. More than ever determined to (continue) the March 15 uprising,” activists wrote on Facebook page The Syrian Revolution 2011, one of the main engines of the revolt. The planned protests follow another day of killings, with human rights activists saying security forces shot dead eight people, including a child, in a huge sweep on Wednesday against antiregime protesters in northwestern Syria.

Armed with heavy machine guns, the forces cut off roads leading to the Jabal Al-Zawiya villages of Baliun, Marayan, Ihsem, Al-Rami and Ablin, setting up checkpoints and arresting several people, said the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Four people were killed and dozens more wounded in the operation, it said, adding that 100 people were arrested including the family of Riad AlAssad, a soldier who defected.

Elsewhere, a child was killed when security forces opened fire to disperse a demonstration in the village of Janudiya near the Turkish border, while another three people were shot dead in the flashpoint central provinces Hama and Homs, the Observatory said.

Ablin is the hometown of Lieutenant Colonel Hussein Harmush, the first mili-

tary officer to publicly declare his desertion in early June in protest against the repression of the protest movement. He managed to leave Syria and had been leading the “Brigade of Free Officers,” a group of dozens of officers who have deserted the regime.

But according to opposition sources in Damascus, he was recently captured in Turkey by Syrian intelligence agents

brother, the Observatory said.

Mohammed Harmush was abducted during the raid and “his body was returned to his family,” said the Observatory’s head, Rami Abdel Rahman.

The United Nations estimates the Syrian government crackdown on protests has killed 2,600, mostly civilians, since March, while rights groups

ISTANBUL: From left, Ahmed Ramadan, Bassma Kodmani, Abdulbaset Seida and Imad Aldeen Rashid speak as a group of Syrian opposition members announced a Syrian National Council in their bid to present a united front against President Bashar Assad’s regime, in Istanbul, Turkey, yesterday. — AP and brought back to Syria. State television meanwhile announced that it would broadcast the colonel’s “confession” at 1730 GMT yesterday.

A week ago, three other military defectors were killed in Ablin when security forces raided the home of Mohammed Harmush, the colonel’s

say thousands of people have been arrested in the crackdown.

Outside the violence-wracked country, Syrian dissidents were yesterday to gather in Istanbul to unveil the makeup of a National Council set up to coordinate the struggle against Assad’s regime. — AFP

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

NATO chief in Kosovo as tensions mount PRISTINA: NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen was in Pristina yesterday as tensions in northern Kosovo mount after the government said it would resume control of two disputed border crossings with Serbia. In an effort to stop the ethnic Albanian government from delivering on its threat to take control of the crossings, Serbs on Wednesday blocked the main bridge over the Ibar river, a flashpoint of ethnic tension in Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovo’s only truly divided city. “They unloaded four trucks of sands on the bridge. The traffic over the bridge is blocked at the moment,” police spokesman Besim Hoti told AFP. “The situation is tense.”

Rasmussen is to hold talks with NATO commanders and officials on the ground, as the alliance seeks to ease the border tensions between. The NATO chief will urge “all parties to cooperate, hold constructive dialogue and avoid violence,”

his office said on Wednesday.

“The visit of the alliance chief comes at a very complex moment in Kosovo as the situation in the north is very delicate and has a potential of (further) tension,” the leading Daily Koha Ditore said. Prime Minister Hashim Thaci said Wednesday his government would resume control of two disputed border crossings with Serbia on Friday, and accused Belgrade of planning new violence in northern Kosovo.

NATO’S 6,000-strong force in Kosovo (KFOR) is currently manning the posts, but Pristina wants to put ethnic Albanian customs officials in their place, a move rejected by Serbia. Serbia has accused Pristina of taking unilateral action to change the reality on the ground in the Serb-majority north.

“The announcement by the Pristina authorities that they will place customs officials on the Jarinje and Brnjak cross-

ings will force (Serbia) to react and do everything to avoid new conflict. A small spark here can cause a big fire,” Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dacic said. In a letter to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic urged the UN and the international community to stop any unilateral moves by Pristina. “The responsibilities for the consequences will be with the Pristina authorities and those who have the mandate and the capacity to stop them,” he said, referring to KFOR and the EU mission in Kosovo. In July, the Kosovo government dispatched special police to take over the two crossings to enforce a ban on imports from Serbia. That was imposed in retaliation for an earlier Serbian ban on goods from Kosovo, while Belgrade levelled to protest Kosovan independence. Kosovo said it needed to install ethnic Albanians at the two posts, because the Serb guards were

not enforcing the ban. Serbs in northern Kosovo then clashed with the police, killing one ethnic Albanian police officer.

Four others were injured in the ensuing violence.

To stop the situation from deterioting further, NATO’s KFOR mission-which has overseen security in the ethnic-Albanian majority territory since the war with Serbia ended in 1999 — took control of the crossings. After both sides reached a deal during Brussels-mediated talks to solve the trade row, the embargos are expected to be lifted Friday, but instead of easing tensions, Pristina’s announcement that it would send its own customs officials has caused further concern.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, a move recognised by more than 80 countries including the US and EU majority. Serbia, which considers the region the cradle of Serb civilisation, rejects the move. — AFP

Denmark expected to swing left in election Left seen winning after decade in the cold

ALESUND: Smoke rises from the Norwegian cruise ship, MS Nordlys, one of the classic Hurtigruten ships alongside in Alesund in western Norway, yesterday as firefighters and police attend. — AP

Fire on Norway coastal cruiser OSLO: A fire that the broke out in the engine room of a Norwegian fjord cruise ship yesterday forced hundreds to evacuate and injured up to a dozen, officials said, while local media reported two deaths. “The fire is not under control yet,” Anders Bang Andersen of the Rescue Coordination Centre told AFP. Andersen could not confirm a report published on Norwegian daily VG Nett’s website that rescuers had found two dead bodies aboard. “There are plenty of (firefighting) resources at the scene,” he said, roughly three hours after the ship Nordlys called for assistance.

The ship, one of the Hurtigruten company’s coastal cruisers, was at sea off the southwestern city of Aalesund when the blaze broke out and was quickly escorted to port. Some 251 of the 262 passengers on the ship were evacuated. “The remaining people have stayed to fight the fire,” Andersen said.

Rescue services received varying reports of the number of injured, he added. A hospital in Aalesund said on its website it had admitted six patients suffering from smoke inhalation and burns, and had received reports that six more could be on their way.

Big clouds of black smoke were seen billowing out of the docked ship as rescue crews evacuated the passengers and fire fighters battled the blaze. Norwegian media reports said some of the injured may have been crew members but Andersen could not confirm the claim.

He did not have specific information about the nationalities of those aboard, but said most of the tourists on the Hurtigruten ships are from Norway, though there are often foreign tourists as well. —AFP

COPENHAGEN: Danes came out in droves yesterday to vote in a general election expected to bring the centre-left back to power after a decade in opposition and deliver the country’s first woman prime minister. Polls have consistently suggested that Helle Thorning-Schmidt, 44, who heads the Social Democrats and a broad centre-left coalition, is likely to turf current Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen, 47, out of office. Thorning-Schmidt, the daughter-in-law of British Labour politician Neil Kinnock, has vowed to shore up Denmark’s welfare state and stimulate its slumping economy with spending, in contrast to the austerity measures proposed

by Rasmussen.

A loss for the coalition government, made up of Rasmussen’s Liberal Party and the Conservative Party, would also end the powerful influence wielded by the populist, anti-immigration Danish People’s Party (DPP). For 10 years, the DPP has pressured the centre-right coalition to adopt some of Euorpe’s most draconian immigration and integration regulations, in exchange for its support on other issues in parliament. Under a clear blue sky, long lines stretched outside the polling station in the working-class Copenhagen neighbourhood of Valby, as many voters cast their ballots early before heading to work.

One of them was Rukshana, a 50-yearold daycare worker who did not want to give her last name. “I’m voting for the red bloc (centre-left), because they are good for the Danish population. We have had enough of (DPP leader) Pia Kjaersgaard,” she said, trying to keep her one-year-old charge Luna awake in her baby carriage.

“This has been the worst 10 years for integration... I know a lot of families, whose child was born in Denmark, but the mother or father cannot be with their children” because of the strict immigration rules, said Rukshana, a Danish citizen of Pakistani origin.

While she touched on the once-heated issue of immigration, the election campaign primarily focused on how to stir the

COPENHAGEN: The leader of the Social Democrats, Helle Thorning-Schmidt and husband Stephen Kinnock, son of former Chairman of the British Labour Party, Welshman Neil Kinnock, arrive to cast their vote for the Danish general election. — AP country out of the slump caused by the global financial crisis.

A slew of polls handed the left-leaning opposition, made up of the Social Democrats, Social Liberals, Socialist People’s Party and Red Greens a clear lead over the government and its parliamentary supporters, the DPP, the Christian Democrats and the Liberal Alliance.

While showing a narrowing gap between the blocs compared to polls in recent days, none have shown the current government leading the pack. They indicated that the centre-left would win between 90 and 92 seats in Denmark’s 179-seat parliament, against between 83 and 85 seats for the centre-right.

Denmark’s autonomous territories Greenland and the Faroe Islands hold two seats each. In the last election in 2007, the centre-right government and its allies took 94 seats against 81 for the centre-left opposition. Rasmussen however insisted he was not ready to give up. “I will be on

the campaign trail until the polling booths close,” he told AFP after casting his vote at the small hamlet of Graested, some 40 kilometres (25 miles) north of Copenhagen, covered in campaign posters showing his smiling face.

The clearly pro-Rasmussen village even sported a whiteboard offering “50 percent off on your next car service if you vote for Lars”. A Voxmeter poll for the Ritzau news agency showed Thorning-Schmidt was by far the preferred candidate to head the next government, with 48 percent overall backing her, and a full 59.7 percent of women questioned saying she would make the best prime minister.

Rasmussen meanwhile received 45.2percent overall backing in that poll. Some four million Danes were eligible to cast their ballots before polling stations close at 8:00 pm (1800 GMT), with voter turnout expected to be high. In 2007, more than 86.5 percent of eligible voters cast their ballots. — AFP

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

Ex-Marine honored for saving 36 in Afghanistan Meyer labeled a hero LOUISVILLE: A former Marine is poised yesterday to receive the US military’s highest award, the Medal of Honor, lauded for charging through heavy gunfire on five death-defying trips to rescue comrades ambushed by insurgents in Afghanistan in September 2009.

All told, ex-Marine Dakota Meyer saved 36 lives - those of 13 Marines and Army soldiers along with 23 Afghan soldiers - all while providing cover for the troops to fight their way out of a withering, six-hour firefight with the Taleban that killed five other US soldiers. And Meyer personally killed at least eight insurgents despite being wounded himself, according to the military.

Sept. 8, 2009, as they were unexpectedly pinned down in Kunar Province, a hotbed of clashes with the Taleban.

“It’s hard, it’s ... you know ... getting recognized for the worst day of your life, so it’s... it’s a really tough thing,” Meyer said, struggling for words. Meyer insisted his fallen comrades also be remembered, so memorial services are being held in the hometowns of the slain soldiers to coincide with the White House ceremony yesterday.

The day those men died began like many others as Meyer took part in a security team supporting a patrol moving into a village in Afghanistan’s Ganjgal Valley. Meyer and the other

GANJGAL: In this undated photo released by the US Marines, then Cpl. Dakota Meyer, now a Sgt., second from right, poses for a photo while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Ganjgal Village, Kunar province, Afghanistan. — AP President Barack Obama will bestow the medal on Meyer at a White House ceremony later, making the soft-spoken 23-year-old former Marine the first from his branch who is living to receive the honor for actions in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Already the two have met privately: The White House spokesman tweeted that Obama shared a beer with Meyer on Wednesday evening. They met on a patio outside of the president’s office.

“Over the weekend, the President’s staff called Meyer in preparation for yesterday’s Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House. Meyer asked the staffer if he could have a beer with the President. POTUS invited Dakota to come by the White House this afternoon,” the tweet said.

Meyer, who left the military after tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, is now back to pouring concrete at his construction job in a far more bucolic setting - the tiny community of Greensburg in central Kentucky. He acknowledges that he struggles with the honor, the national attention.

Though labeled a hero, he said he saw close friends die that fateful morning of

Americans had gone to the area to train Afghan military members when, suddenly, the lights in the village went dark, and gunfire erupted. About 50 Taliban insurgents perched on mountainsides and taking cover in the village had ambushed the patrol.

As the forward team took fire and called for air support that wasn’t coming, Meyer, just a corporal at the time, begged his command to let him venture into combat to help extricate the team. Four times he was denied his request before Meyer and another Marine, Staff Sgt. Juan RodriguezChavez, jumped into an armored Humvee and headed into battle. For his valor, Rodriguez-Chavez, a 34-year-old who hailed originally from Acuna, Mexico, would be awarded the Navy Cross.

“They told him he couldn’t go in,” said Dwight Meyer, Dakota Meyer’s 81year-old grandfather, a former Marine who served in the 1950s. “He told them, ‘The hell I’m not,’ and he went in. It’s a one-in-a-million thing” that he survived.

With Meyer manning the Humvee’s gun turret, the two drew heavy fire. But

they began evacuating wounded Marines and American and Afghan soldiers to a safe point. On one of the trips, shrapnel opened a gash in one of Meyer’s arms. Meyer made a total of five trips into the kill zone, each time searching for the forward patrol with his Marine friends - including 1st Lt. Michael Johnson - whom Meyer had heard yelling on the radio for air support.

Back in boot camp at Parris Island, Meyer had talked of the heroics of Medal of Honor recipient Jason Dunham, a Marine who died in 2004 after jumping on a grenade in Iraq to save his comrades. Dunham is the only other Marine to receive the honor for wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

“Just to have the guts to do that is amazing,” Meyer had thought then.

Now it was his turn. With Meyer and Rodriguez-Chavez ready to test fate a fifth time in the kill zone, a UH-60 helicopter arrived at last to provide overhead support. Troops aboard the chopper told Meyer they had spotted what appeared to be four bodies. Meyer knew those were his friends, and he didn’t want to leave them there.

“It might sound crazy, but it was just, you don’t really think about it, you don’t comprehend it, you don’t really comprehend what you did until looking back on it,” Meyer said. Wounded and tired, Meyer left the safety of the Humvee and ran out on foot. “He just really took a chance,” Dwight Meyer said.

Moving under cover of nearby buildings to avoid heavy gunfire, he reached the bodies of Johnson, a 25-year-old from Virginia Beach; Staff Sgt. Aaron Kenefick, 30, of Georgia; Corpsman James Layton, 22, of California; and Edwin Wayne Johnson Jr., a 31-year-old gunnery sergeant from Georgia. Meyer and two other soldiers dodged bullets and rocket-propelled grenades to pull the bodies out of a ditch where the men had taken cover but were killed.

The deaths of Meyer’s comrades prompted an investigation into events that day, and two Army officers were later reprimanded for being “inadequate and ineffective” and for “contributing directly to the loss of life.”

Along with Meyer’s friends, a fifth American - Army Sgt. Kenneth W. Westbrook, 41, of New Mexico - was fatally wounded in the ambush.

Meyer said he’ll be humbled by the memory of his fallen comrades who will be honored as he receives the award yesterday. One of the memorial services will be Thursday afternoon at a Georgia cemetery for gunnery sergeant Johnson, a father of three who served nearly 13 years in the US Marine Corps.

Will Duke, one of the organizers of the service, said that memorial also honors an “American hero.”

“He joined the Marines, he went through hard training. He and his family sacrificed a great deal. And Sgt. Johnson ended up giving the ultimate sacrifice,” Duke said. “We want to make sure he is remembered and receives the honor and respect he deserves.” — AP

Human remains found in search for Utah mom DELTA: Nearly two years after a mother vanished, her friends and family are waiting to learn whether her case may have seen a major break after authorities discovered human remains during their latest search for clues in the Utah desert.

Susan Powell was 28 when she was reported missing Dec. 7, 2009, after she failed to show up for her stockbroker job. The case has cast a harsh spotlight on Powell’s husband, who remains the only person of interest but has never been arrested or charged.

It wasn’t immediately known if the remains found Wednesday belonged to Susan Powell, or if they were even female. Authorities planned to resume their investigation yesterday morning. “It’s a game of patience at this point,” West Valley City Sgt. Mike Powell said. “We need to slow down a little bit and identify what it is we found.”

Meanwhile, friends and family waited and prayed.

Kiirsi Hellewell, a close friend of the missing woman, said the discovery of remains brought a sense of hope that the case might finally move forward but also sadness that she might really be dead. “It’s always a mixture of emotions because we’ve been down this road before with the discovery of bodies and remains,” Hellewell said. “It’s like a seesaw because we also don’t want to find out that she’s dead.”

In May, speculation swirled that remains found in the desert about 50 miles southwest of Salt Lake City might have been those of Powell, but authorities later said it was a young adult male. Authorities have been searching since Monday in the area near Topaz Mountain in Juab County. The site is about 135 miles southwest of the location where Susan Powell was last seen where she lived in West Valley City.

Last month, investigators searched mine shaft-dotted mountains near Ely, Nev., and later served a search warrant at the Puyallup, Wash., home that her husband, Josh Powell, shares with his father, seizing computers and journals. This latest search is in an area popular for gem and rock hunters. Police have said Powell’s husband liked to rock hunt in the area.

“From the very beginning he clearly indicated he had been in and around the area,” said Sgt. Powell, who is not related to the family of the missing woman. Susan Powell’s father, Chuck Cox, expressed doubt that the remains belonged to his daughter. He said that would mean whoever took her would have had to dump her body in the middle of a high desert freezing winter where the ground would have been covered in snow and frozen solid. “We’re just waiting,” he said Wednesday evening.

Josh Powell didn’t return telephone calls. He believes his wife ran off with another man and has told police he left her at home about 12:30 a.m. on that Dec. 7 to go winter camping in freezing temperatures with their young sons - then 4 and 2 - about 80 miles west of Salt Lake City. The 4-year-old confirmed the trip to police.

Over the past weeks, the case has taken salacious turns as family members on both sides sparred over truth and fiction, and accusations of sex and lies. Josh Powell’s family claims Susan Powell was sexually promiscuous, emotionally unstable and suicidal. They were offering as proof several diary pages from the missing woman’s teenage years. Her family says the entries were written by a young girl still growing up and have no bearing on her disappearance. They got a temporary order in a Washington court prohibiting the Powells from distributing them.

Josh Powell has mostly remained quiet throughout the investigation, and police say he hasn’t been cooperative. But in a string of national television interviews in August, Josh Powell denied having anything to do with her disappearance.

In another strange twist, Steve Powell, Josh’s father, said he and Susan Powell were falling in love and even implied a sexual relationship had occurred. Susan’s father, Chuck Cox, said the allegations are false. He claims it was Steve Powell who initiated unwanted sexual advances, and that his daughter had no interest in her father-in-law.—AP

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Indonesian massacre widows welcome Dutch ruling RAWAGEDEH: Widows of villagers executed by Dutch soldiers during Indonesia’s bloody battle for independence from colonial rule more than six decades ago quietly welcomed news they were entitled to compensation. In a landmark ruling Wednesday, a Dutch court said it was “unreasonable” for its government to argue the statute of limitations had expired for the 1947 massacre that left an estimated 150 to 430 men from Rawagedeh village dead.

It said damages should be paid to the seven surviving widows. On hearing the news, 90-year-old Cawi, worn down by life and time, simply said she felt “blessed” and “thankful.” She was only 20 when Bitol - her husband of two years left the house early in the morning to work in the rice paddies. Like almost all the other men in the tiny village, he never came home.

“It was hard for me to find his body,” she recalled, saying she eventually dug it from beneath a heap of other corpses.

Wives, mothers and the handful of elderly men who remained buried them the next day, digging shallow graves with their bare hands.

Dutch troops arrived in Rawagedeh on Dec. 9, 1947 - two years before recognizing Indonesia’s independence following centuries of colonial rule - and demanded that residents tell them where they could find Lukas Kustaryo, a local soldier.

When they said they didn’t know, the men in the village were lined up and shot. Only a few managed to escape, at least one of whom was shot and wounded as he ran for his life.

Despite a 1948 United Nations report condemning the attack as “deliberate and ruthless,” the Dutch government never prosecuted any soldiers for their roles in the killings. A 1968 Dutch report acknowledged “violent excesses” in Indonesia but argued that Dutch troops were carrying out a “police action” often incited by guerrilla warfare and terror attacks.

After a television documentary explored the bloodbath, the government conceded in 1995 that summary executions had taken place in Rawagedeh, now known as Balongsari, but said prosecutions were no longer possible. It was not until 2005 that the government formally faced up to the past when former Foreign Minister Ben Bot expressed deep regret for offenses by Dutch forces throughout Indonesia in 1947.

The judgment paves the way for a case to establish the level of indemnities to be paid to the relatives. It was not immediately clear how much compensation would be paid to the seven surviving widows.

Cawi didn’t seem to care too much. “I don’t have a house; I have to live with my grandson,” she said, adding it would be nice if she could now afford to buy her own. — AP

RAWAGEDE: Indonesian widow Anti Rukiyah, in her 90s, (2nd R), accompanied by her family visits the tomb of her husband Saleh Tanuwijaya at the Rawagede monument of independence where victims of a 1947 massacre by Dutch military troops are buried. — AFP

Malaysian PM to relax curbs on civil liberties ‘This government always amend laws’ MANILA: Activists shout anti-US slogans during a protest near the US embassy in Manila yesterday, as part of 20th year commemoration of the closing down of US bases in the country. — AFP

4 killed as rival rebels clash in Philippines MANILA: Muslim rebels in the southern Philippines battled with a breakaway faction in fierce clashes that killed four combatants and renewed concerns over the infighting’s effect on alreadyshaky peace talks, officials said yesterday.

Guerrillas from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the country’s biggest Muslim rebel group, were passing through a village near Datu Piang township in southern Maguindanao province when they were ambushed Wednesday by followers of radical breakaway commander Ameril Umbra Kato, rebel spokesman Von Al Haq said.

Regional military spokesman Col. Manuel Luis Ochotorena said two combatants from each side were killed and five others wounded in the gunbattle. A woman hiding in her home was wounded in the crossfire. The gunbattle raged in a coconut grove bordering Datu Piang, and the fighting forced hundreds of residents of two farming villages to flee, said Brig. Gen. Ariel Bernardo, the government representative in a joint cease-fire committee with the rebels. Government troops did not intervene in the fighting, he said. Philippine officials said the infighting called into question the main guerrilla group’s ability to reign in their fighters to follow any accord that could be struck in the yearslong peace talks being brokered by Malaysia.

A Malaysia-led international team safeguarding a cease-fire between government troops and the rebels has begun looking into the cause of the fighting to prevent more violence, Bernardo said. “This contributes to the deterioration of the peace and order on the ground, which is not conducive for the talks,” Bernardo said, calling on the main rebel group to discipline its fighters.

Kato broke away this year and organized a new rebel group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement, with more than 200 armed fighters. Kato said the peace talks have gone nowhere and that his group would continue the battle for an independent homeland for minority Muslims in the south.—AP

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak to unveil plans to ease curbs on civil liberties, an official source said, bowing to a key opposition demand as speculation over snap polls mounts. Najib will announce long-awaited plans to amend the controversial Internal Security Act (ISA), which allows detention without trial, and relax press and assembly restrictions, a government official familiar with the plans told AFP. Najib, whose government was widely criticised for forcefully quashing a July rally by the opposition and civil society groups for electoral reform, will detail the initiatives in an 8:45 pm (1245 GMT) speech. The ISA has long been a hot-button issue in Muslim-majority Malaysia.

Critics say it is abused by the long-ruling government of Najib’s party, the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), to silence dissent.

“The prime minister wants to open up the space for discussion and remove archaic and irrelevant laws that serve to stifle and censor rather than encourage greater dialogue,” said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The government was jolted in 2008 when an invigorated opposition led by former deputy premier-and past ISA detaineeAnwar Ibrahim made historic parliamentary gains, setting the stage for a hardfought next election.

Pressure for more political breathing space has grown amid soaring Malaysian use of the Internet and social media sites, and has been further fuelled by the opposition’s recent successes. Najib, who took office in 2009 vowing to review the ISA, is due to call an election by 2013.

But he has faced mounting questions recently-and declining opinion poll numbers-over the July rally response, rising racial tensions in the multi-ethnic nation and an increasingly cloudy economic outlook. The official gave no further specifics

on the reform plans but made clear the security law would likely be “amended”, not repealed.

Opposition politicians and rights activists have long criticised the law as outdated-it was enacted in 1960 as a bulwark against a failed communist insurgency-and ripe for abuse. They have

out trial must go.”

Najib also will reveal changes to a publications law that leaves newspapers and periodicals vulnerable to having their licences revoked by the government, the official source said. This has left Malaysia’s print and broadcast media lacking real opposition voices, although

KUALA LUMPUR: In a file picture taken on July 28, 2010 pedestrians walk past graffiti on a wall against the country’s controversial tough security law known as Internal Security Act (ISA) in downtown Kuala Lumpur. — AFP demanded its abolition along with other legislation that gives the government strong powers to silence its critics. Six other laws apart from the ISA also entail detention without trial.

“This government has always been amending laws. It doesn’t really resolve the problem,” Nalini Elumalai, an activist with the Abolish ISA Movement, told AFP, calling the plans an election “gimmick”.

“All the laws that allow for detention with-

several plucky online news portals have stepped into the void. The premier’s speech is an annual address marking the nation’s 1957 independence from Britain and Friday’s anniversary of the 1963 union of peninsular Malaysia with the states of Sabah and Sarawak on Borneo island. The ISA allows an individual to be held virtually indefinitely for acts considered a threat to national security or to prevent such acts. —AFP

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Sonia to attend first meeting since surgery NEW DELHI: Sonia Gandhi, the head of India’s ruling party, will make her first appearance at a key meeting yesterday since going to the United States more than a month ago for undisclosed surgery, an absence which left the government rudderless.

The 64-year-old’s absence for more than a month coincided with a plunge in popularity for the centreleft party and the biggest national protests against corruption since the 1970s. Gandhi was due to attend a meeting of senior Congress party officials to discuss candidates to put forward for the state election in Uttar Pradesh (UP) next year, key to the ruling party’s fortunes as to whether it will be able return to power in national elections in 2014.

Her attendance at the meeting, which is expected to be away from the cameras, comes earlier than many had expected, possibly in reaction to growing concerns about who runs India. “Today there is UP central election committee meeting at 10 Janpath. So we are all expecting her to attend,” Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni told reporters.

A still image of Sonia sitting in a car was shown on broadcaster CNNIBN yesterday, the first images of her since she slipped out of the country

in early August for surgery. Congress party insiders have told Reuters that they are thrilled at the return of Sonia Gandhi but privately worry about the lack of direction in the party as well as failure by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to manage the day-to-day tasks of the coalition government. Sonia’s son Rahul, who is currently head of the Congress party’s youth organisation, is being groomed to take over from his mother, most likely in conjunction with national elections in 2014. His performance during his mother’s absence and lack of hands-on approach during the mounting protests led by hunger striker Anna Hazare have raised concerns about whether he is able to lead the party, in power for most of independent India.

Sonia Gandhi has not disclosed the nature of her illness or how serious it is, but several media reports said she was operated on for cancer at a specialist hospital in New York.

The party has declined to comment.

Italian-born Sonia Gandhi rules the country from behind the scenes, with Singh running day-to-day affairs. But Singh’s popularity has taken a severe beating for failing to address rampant corruption.

One of his ministers was thrown in jail on charges of corruption and sev-

eral Congress party members have been sent to jail as well over graft, pending trial. Singh is widely respect-

JALPAIGURI: In this photograph taken on April 15, 2011, All India Congress Committee General President Sonia Gandhi greets the crowd during an election rally at Jalpaiguri. — AFP ed for ushering in economic reforms that brought fast growth to Asia’s third largest economy, but the gov-

ernment has lurched from crisis to crisis since he returned for a second term as prime minister after the 2009 elections. Gandhi’s illness has added an image of a rudderless leadership.

The party’s performance in next year’s Uttar Pradesh state elections being discussed on Thursday will be a barometer of the Gandhi’s chances of keeping grip on power in the nation of 1.2 billion. It is the largest state in the country.

The coalition government is still reeling from scandals over alleged massive graft in the awarding of telecoms licenses and during the buildup to the 2010 Commonwealth Games, along with a parliamentary logjam that has stalled economic reforms. The Gandhi family, descended from India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, has long enjoyed a status approaching royalty in the country of 1.2 billion. They are not related to independence hero Mahatma Gandhi, a close ally of Nehru. Out of respect, normally clamorous 24-hour news stations have been almost silent on Gandhi’s condition or what her absence meant for running the world’s largest democracy. India’s main political parties have also largely shied away from commenting on Sonia’s absence, but criticism is mounting over the way the country is run. — Reuters

Pakistan says US warning on militants hurts ties ‘We’re doing everything to defend our forces’

AHMADABAD: An Indian girl, wearing traditional attire, poses for photographers as she along with others perform the Garba, a traditional dance of western Indian state of Gujarat, as part of preparation for Navratri festival in Ahmadabad, India, yesterday. — AP

Suicide bomber kills 23 at Pakistan funeral PESHAWAR: A suicide bomber targeting members of an anti-Taleban militia blew himself up during funeral prayers in northwest Pakistan yesterday, killing 23 people and wounding 50 others, police said.

The attacker struck as mourners were preparing for prayers being held in open ground near corn fields in Jandol town in the district of Lower Dir, 100 kilometres (60 miles) from the once Taleban-infested Swat Valley. The blast came two days after four boys connected to another northwestern anti-militant group were killed in another explosion that was claimed by the Pakistani Taleban.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for yesterday’s attack. “At least 23 people were killed and more than 50 wounded in the attack,” said senior police official Salim Khan Marwat, adding that the bomber targeted members of a state-sponsored anti-Taleban militia operating in the area. — AFP

ISLAMABAD: The US warning on militants based in Pakistan, blamed by Washington for this week’s attack on the US Embassy in Kabul, works against counter-terrorism cooperation between the two allies, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry said yesterday. It was referring to comments by US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta that Washington would do whatever it takes to defend American forces in Afghanistan from Pakistan-based militants.

“We believe these remarks are not in line with the cooperation that exists between the two countries,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Tehmina Janjua told reporters. US officials suspect militants from the Haqqani network were behind Tuesday’s rocket attack on the US Embassy compound in the Afghan capital, as well as a truck bomb last Saturday that wounded 77 US force ambers. “Time and again we’ve urged the Pakistanis to exercise their influence over these kinds of attacks from the Haqqanis. And we have made very little progress in that area,” Panetta told reporters flying with him to San Francisco on Wednesday.

“I think the message they need to know is: We’re going to do everything we can to defend our forces.”

Pakistani officials said there was no proof of such cross-border operations.

The comments are likely to raise tension between the uneasy allies.

Relations dropped to a low point after a unilateral US special forces raid killed Osama bin Laden in a Pakistani town in May. “Pakistan and the United

States have strategic cooperation. We hope to discuss these issues in a cooperative manner,” Janjua told a news conference.

Pakistani officials said it was the responsibility of US-led forces to crack down on militants when they enter Afghanistan. — Reuters

HAWAII: An interpreter holds the hand of private security guard Nadar Khan as he’s treated for gunshot wounds by medics with the US Army’s Bravo Company of the 25th Infantry Division, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Battalion 27th Infantry Regiment, based in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, after his outpost was attacked by insurgents. — AP

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Sony console in spotlight PAGE 24

TRIPOLI: A general view shows ships docked in the main harbor of the Libyan capital Tripoli on Wednesday. The port resumed its activities where tankers and cargo ships can be seen downloading their shipments. — AFP

Kuwait stocks hit fresh 6-week high Egypt extends fall, Qatar pares gains DUBAI/CAIRO: Kuwait’s index hit a fresh six-week high on optimism about thirdquarter results yesterday, while Egyptian stocks, hit this week by concerns over political stability and global markets, fell for a fourth session in lackluster trading.

“Investors are repositioning for stocks it’s not about sectors right now, but about earnings,” said Safaa Zbib, head of research at Kuwait and Middle East Financial Investment Co. As the quarter nears its end, stocks with stable dividends and earnings would perform well in the short term, she said. The index rose 0.5 percent to its highest close since Aug. 4, as Kuwait Finance House rose 3.3 percent, Gulf Bank climbed 2 percent and Zain gained 3 percent.

Zain has agreed to sell its stake in its indebted Saudi affiliate to joint bidders Kingdom Holding and Bahrain Telecom (Batelco). Kingdom said on Saturday it would complete due diligence this month.

In Egypt, the main index slumped to a five-week low with thin volumes plaguing trade. It fell 1.2 percent. “The volumes are

still low and there’s not much news moving the market,” said Mohamed Shalaby of Cairo Capital Securities. Heavyweight Orascom Construction Industries (OCI) dropped 1.3 percent. OCI said on Tuesday it planned to invest up to $130 million in Rwanda within four years to build a methane power plant.

Citadel Capital lost 3.8 percent while Arab Cotton Ginning shed 8 percent after a newspaper said on Tuesday custom duties may be imposed on textile imports after complaints that cheap imports were hurting local producers. United Arab Emirates markets ended mixed with volumes in Dubai at a three-week high. Real estatelinked stocks led gains in Dubai, with Emaar Properties up 1.1 percent and Drake & Scull rising 0.6 percent. Logistics firm Aramex climbed 1.7 percent and Air Arabia advanced 0.8 percent.

These stocks are regular targets of retail investors looking to turn a profit on shortterm volatility. Dubai’s index closed 0.4 percent higher, cutting its 2011 losses to 10 percent, as trading volumes climbed to

their highest level since Aug 22. “There is a lack of news and motivation for (UAE) markets to take direction,” said Samer AlJaouni, general manager of Middle East Financial Brokerage.

“But on the other hand, it’s positive that our markets didn’t react in the same way to the global tension as the international markets.” “Local investors are waiting for news to re-think and invest in the markets.” Abu Dhabi’s index shed 0.2 percent in muted trade. In Qatar, the bourse gave back some of Tuesday’s gains, but analysts predicted it would rally before year-end, supported by strong earnings from the gas exporter’s blue-chip stocks.

Masraf Al-Rayan and Qatar Gas Transport accounted for more than third of all shares traded, slipping 0.3 and 0.1 percent respectively. “If we put Qatar chemical companies aside because of oil prices’ effect on earnings, I think it will be a good year again for corporate earnings,” Jaouni said. “At the end of the year we could see the index close over 9,000 points.” — Reuters

Gulf states stick by single currency plan DOHA: Gulf states are determined to forge ahead with their plans for a single currency despite the global debt crisis, the top Saudi monetary official has said, but without giving a date for implementation.

“I have heard doubts (expressed about the single currency) only in the media. It is untrue,” Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA) governor Mohammed Al-Jasser told reporters following a meeting of Gulf central bank governors in Doha late yesterday. “There has been no delay... From the beginning, I have said that there will be no exact date to launch the single currency,” said Jasser, who is also chairman of the Riyadh-based Gulf Monetary Council.

“There are mechanisms that must be completed... Citizens and state agencies in our countries must be aware of the requirements before we launch the currency. We are forging ahead but no exact date must be determined,” he said. Only four of the six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) — Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar-have signed the monetary council agreement.—AFP

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Frankfurt Auto Show

Automakers, suppliers rethink relations

FRANKFURT: German Chancellor Angela Merkel is given some explanations from Bernhard Mattes, CEO of Ford Germany, as she sits in a Ford EVOS concept car during her tour to open the international Frankfurt motor show IAA in Frankfurt. (Right) German Chancellor Angela Merkel is assisted by Norbert Reithofer (hidden), chairman of German luxury car maker BMW, as she enters a BMW i3 Concept Car.—AFP FRANKFURT: Relations between automakers and their suppliers have never been easy, but the economic crisis is forcing major changes as both sides shape up to survive future storms, analysts say.

In the past, the balance of power was simple: it was the global automakers who tended to call the shots over the small-tomedium-sized companies producing the thousands of components that go into making the final product. In fact, as much as 50 percent of a finished car is currently made up of parts supplied by small independent-frequently family-run-businesses and which account for as much as 75 percent of its final value.

Nevertheless, the last global crisis forced

many smaller parts makers to shut up shop, leaving the mighty car manufacturers high and dry without crucial components and bringing production at their vast assembly plants to a standstill. As a result, the two sides are rethinking ways of working together, according to Laurent Hebenstreit, member of the executive committee of Plastic Omnium, a major French parts supplier.

“Carmakers realized they were very dependent on their suppliers and parts makers and that they would have to work together much more closely,” he said.

“Manufacturers tended to be rather despotic towards their suppliers, effectively using them as some sort of buffer against the crisis,” said IHS Global Insight analyst Carlos da

Gasoline tight, fuel oil softer DUBAI: Gasoline premiums in the Gulf Middle East were firm this week with strong demand coming from Saudi Arabia, one of the biggest gasoline buyers as well as Kenya, Pakistan and Egypt, traders said. United Arab Emirates’ fuel retailer Emarat also opened a tender this week to buy 84,000 tons of gasoline, further tightening the prompt cargo market. Three traders pegged premiums for 95 RON gasoline at $100-115 a ton over benchmark Middle East naphtha quotes. For over Mediterranean spot quotes, the premium was around $30-35.

“There is lots of demand around,” one gasoline trader said. “Aramco is buying, there is the Emarat tender. We see demand from Egypt, Kenya and Pakistan also,” he said.

Saudi Aramco has bought around 25 cargoes in the three months up to August, when stocks rise ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. After a brief quiet period, the state-oil giant is back in the market again, traders said. “They’re buying 3-5 cargoes per month again,” a second gasoline trader said.

A third trader added he believed Aramco was buying at least 5 cargoes a month. The world’s top oil exporter Saudi Arabia is

dependent on imports for its gasoline and gas oil needs due to booming domestic demand.

Fuel oil market in Fujairah eased after months of tightness as exports out of Iran recovered. Last week, traders said The National Iranian Oil Co (NIOC) is offering at least five cargoes for October loading out of Bandar Mahshahr, a move seen as easing the tightness in the Middle East eventually.

“It is no longer as tight as it was before, like in August but still I’m not sure Iranian exports are completely back to normal,” one fuel oil trader said. Fuel oil exports out of the Islamic Republic had dropped dramatically after an outage on its gas fields caused lower natural gas production.

The cargoes offered out of Bandar Mahshahr were mostly to cover previous term commitments, traders said. One trader said Iran was also offering around 300,000 tons out of Bandar Abbas. “The market is softer because of Iranian and Indian cargoes landing,” a second fuel oil trader said, adding that India’s Hindustan Petroleum Corp (HPCL) was offering additional cargoes for September and October.—Reuters

Silva.

In a bid to help balance out the situation in France, the powers-that-be initiated a special body that laid down a code of conduct between automakers and their suppliers and-with the financial support of Renault and PSA Peugeot Citroen-established two funds to help parts suppliers in difficulty. As a result, some specialist branches, such as sheet-metal forming, have been stabilized and even received a boost, said Yannick Bezard, head of procurement at PSA Peugeot Citroen. If there were a new crisis, “they’ll be in a position to survive.” Nevertheless, other areas such as foundries remained vulnerable, Bezard added.

All these measures were not, however,

able to avert new shortages for carmakers earlier this year when the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan halted production of components and pigments used in the industry all over the world.

This highlighted the problem of dependency on a single supplier and for Peter Tyroller, marketing and sales chief at Bosch, “this will affect supply strategies in the future.” Events have made relations between automakers and components manufacturers “more transparent,” according to Bosch chief executive Franz Fehrenbach. Hebenstreit of Plastic Omnium agreed, saying developments triggered alarm bells at the carmakers.

“It cost them a lot of money and they won’t want it to happen again,” he said. —AFP

Nakheel trade creditors keen to sell bond DUBAI: Trade creditors holding the recently issued first tranche of troubled developer Nakheel’s five-year Islamic bonds, or sukuk, are inviting bids for the paper, but buyers are so far limited, traders said.

The $1.03 billion issue, the first instalment of a total $1.31 billion offered as part of a restructuring deal to repay trade creditors, was issued at the end of August, and offers a profit rate of 10 percent.

Two market sources told Reuters that investment bank Morgan Stanley was holding an auction for 320 million dirhams of bonds offered by an undisclosed seller. One of the sources, a Gulfbased fixed income trader, said there were about six banks in the market collecting bids for the bonds, while another said some banks were sourcing paper from creditors directly, to sell on to investors or hold themselves.

“There is definitely a great deal of interest among (trade creditors) looking to trade,” said one person familiar with the matter, who declined to be identified. “The creditors are actively investigating the pricing and there’s an appetite for it. Some are taking the view of selling the entire holding, while others are looking to sell a portion and hold on to some of it for the interest.”

Nakheel has indicated plans to eventually list the bond on Nasdaq Dubai. Buyers who have

expressed an interest include US investors, including hedge funds, London banks, and some regional relationship banks the trader said. In July it emerged that a Hong Kong-based distressed debt firm founded by ex-Deutsche Bank veterans had approached trade creditors to taking the claims off their hands. Latest bids on Nakheel 2016’s range between 78.289 and 78.500, corresponding to a yield of between 16.6 percent and 16.3 percent, according to Thomson Reuters data, down from bids of just over 80.000 earlier in the day. “Most contractors have already received 40 percent of their claim in cash. If they manage to monetise the remaining 60 percent (the sukuk) at current levels, this gives them an aggregate recovery on their Nakheel exposure of almost 90 percent,” said Chavan Bhogaita, head of markets strategy at National Bank of Abu Dhabi. “This is pretty good, given the severity of this situation and also where estimated recovery rates stood some 18 months ago,” Bhogaita said, adding that though some trades were being executed in the market, volumes were not yet significant.

Nakheel, which developed island complexes in the shape of the world and a palm tree during the glitzy emirate’s spectacular boom, was forced to write off up to 78.6 billion dirhams ($21.4 billion) of its real estate assets after a property crash.—Reuters

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Goldman Sachs tips oil to hit $130 in a year Demand in emerging markets high

SEOUL: South Korea’s Finance Minister Bahk JaeWan speaks at an economic conference in Seoul yesterday. Export-reliant South Korea will boost domestic demand and the service sector so it can better weather external shocks caused by global debt woes, the finance minister said. — AFP

South Korea promises to raise growth potential SEOUL: Export-reliant South Korea will boost domestic demand and the service sector so it can better weather the impact of global debt woes, the finance minister said yesterday.

“Due to Korea’s vulnerability to external shocks, it needs to set up a strong economic structure that can weather external shocks,” Bahk Jae-Wan told a conference organized by The Economist newspaper. Seoul will scrap entry barriers to high value-added sectors such as medical care, education, culture and content, while pushing for the restructuring of its service industry, he said. From next year, 99 percent of small and medium-sized firms will see their corporate tax rate cut from 22 percent to 20 percent. The government will boost domestic demand, increase incentives to businesses that push for shared growth, and actively support new growth engines such as green technology.

Governments worldwide are becoming increasingly concerned that the global economy is slowing down, with the United States and euro-zone particularly struggling.

Rising expectations of a Greek default or even of an inglorious exit from the euro-zone continue to shake the markets. Bahk said Asia’s fourth largest economy remains strong enough to cope with market volatility.

Short-term effects from external uncertainties are “inevitable” but South Korea’s strong economic fundamentals and improved financial soundness will help the country “stand shocks to a certain extent”, he said. “There is confidence in the Korean economy’s fundamentals and ability to respond to changes,” Bahk said. — AFP

Yemen economy may shrink in 2011: CB DOHA: Yemen’s political crisis may cause the impoverished Arab state’s economy to contract this year, its central bank governor said yesterday. Eight months of popular unrest against President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s 33-year rule and rising violence in the south have crippled Yemen’s economy, whose output grew 8 percent last year.

“It (growth) could be negative if we continue to have this political crisis,” Central Bank Governor Mohamed Bin Humam told Reuters on the sidelines of a meeting of Arab central bank governors in Qatar’s capital. “I don’t know how much, we don’t have such data from the real sectors so we can’t assume, but it could be negative. It is difficult to tell without having such data for that.”

The International Monetary Fund forecast in April economic growth in Yemen, where some 40 percent of its 23 million people live on less than $2 a day, to slow to 3.4 percent in 2011. — Reuters

SINGAPORE: Oil prices will likely rise to about $130 a barrel in the next 12 months as demand in emerging markets such as China and India make up for weak developed world growth, Goldman Sachs said yesterday.

Despite concerns about the US economy and euro-zone sovereign debt, which have hit crude prices due to an expected fall in demand, the Wall Street giant forecast commodity prices to remain buoyant.

At the same time it tipped gold-a safe haven in times of economic uncertainty-to cost $1,860 an ounce in a year, much lower than the record high of $1,921.15 it hit last month.

The large emerging economies of the BRICS-Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa-are forecast to grow 7.7 percent this year and 7.9 percent in 2012. By contrast, advanced economies are projected to expand only 1.7 percent this year and 2.1 percent next year, Goldman Sachs said.

Brent crude, which is traded in London, is expected to hit $130 a barrel in the next year, from current levels around $112, the bank said. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) light sweet crude oil, traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange, is forecast to reach $126.50 a barrel over the same period from current $88. Both con-

tracts touched all-time highs of above $147 a barrel in July 2008 before the onset of a global financial crisis.

“Clearly, there is very little growth anticipated to come from the US, EU and the developed markets,” said Allison Nathan, senior commodities economist at Goldman Sachs.

“But we expect quite robust emerging market demand growth with China still anticipated to grow at 9.2 percent next year and overall the BRICS countries close to eight percent,” she told reporters in Singapore.

Nathan said the spread between WTI crude and Brent should narrow in the future but it was still unclear when the gap will close.

The high inventory level at the US oil hub in Cushing, Oklahoma, has led to WTI trading at a significant discount compared with other light sweet crudes such as Brent, Goldman Sachs said. It added that transportation pipelines must be upgraded to improve delivery.

“While we expect that alternative transportation capacity such as rail, truck and barge shipments will expand rapidly over the coming months, we believe that WTI will remain volatile and prone to dislocations in the future until the pipeline infrastructure is improved,” it said.

For gold, the US bank said an environment of low interest rates and central bank buying will support prices for the precious metal. Low interest rates drive investors to buy gold for higher returns, boosting prices. Prices for industrial metals such as aluminum, copper and nickel are also expected to rise, with Chinese demand a key driver.

“China is the single largest consumer of almost all commodities,” said Julian Zhu, the China commodities analyst at Goldman Sachs. “China is good at oversupplying so whichever commodity China is short of will likely have the strongest demand and pricing. Therefore, copper is our preferred metal,” he said.

Last year, China’s share of the total global consumption for steel was 45 percent, 76 percent for iron ore, 41 percent for aluminum and 39 percent for copper, according to the US bank.

“China’s per capita copper consumption is far below that of developed countries with high-end manufacturing industries. This suggests substantial upside for China’s demand for copper,” added Zhu. China consumed 5.4 kilograms of copper per person in 2010, compared with 7.2 kilograms in the OECD countries, he said. — AFP

Oil moves up near $113, market awaits US data LONDON: Oil traded up near $113 yesterday buoyed by European equities, but the upside was capped as the market awaited a bundle of data from the United States for an update on the progress of the economic recovery.

Brent crude for October, which expires today, was up 65 cents at $113.05. by 0845 GMT. The November contract was up 57 cents at $110.22.

US crude slipped 50 cents to $88.41, while the dollar was down 0.1 percent against a basket of currencies at 0830 GMT. The oil market is taking some support from European stocks , which rose yesterday on signs that European policymakers are taking tentative steps to tackle the crippling debt crisis.

But analysts said the upside in crude would be fairly limited until the euro-zone crisis plays out. “Oil is not really doing anything,” said Michael Hewson, an analyst at CMC Markets.

“The oil price is basically reflecting moves in equity markets but it is near the top of its recent range so it will take something exceptional to push it beyond that.”

“Neither is the weaker dollar providing much of a support,” said Eugen Weinberg, an analyst at Commerzbank in Frankfurt.

“The market at some point will have to come to the conclusion that

the growth prospects which have been priced in to Brent are unrealistic and the US Federal Reserve meeting next week is unlikely to bring a new round of quantitative easing in the form of direct Treasury purchases.”

Europe’s ongoing debt crisis is

chipping away at confidence and capping any oil rally. The continent’s finance ministers have been warned confidentially of the danger of a renewed credit crunch as a “systemic” crisis in euro zone sovereign debt spills over to banks. — Reuters

BANGKOK: A Thai laborer (centre) prepares to rappel down and perform maintenance work on a high-rise building using a rope in downtown Bangkok yesterday. Government data showed that the Thai economy contracted 0.2 percent in the second quarter as supply shortages caused by Japan’s massive earthquake led to a sharp slowdown in exports. — AFP

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Swiss CB determined to enforce euro forex cap ZURICH: The Swiss central bank pledged yesterday to buy unlimited quantities of foreign currency to defend with “utmost determination” its cap on the franc’s exchange rate against the euro.

“The Swiss National Bank will enforce the minimum exchange rate of 1.20 franc per euro set on 6 September with the utmost deter-

mination. It is prepared to buy foreign currency in unlimited quantities,” said the bank in a statement.

“Even at a rate of 1.20 franc, the Swiss franc is still high and should continue to weaken over time,” the Swiss National Bank said, adding that it would take further measures if necessary.

The central bank had put a floor

on the euro’s value against the Swiss franc in order to shed the Swiss currency’s haven status. Amid the public debt turmoil engulfing the European Union, investors have massively bought into the franc, sending it to record highs against the euro and threatening the alpine state’s export-led economy.

Yesterday, the central bank said that

if not for its cap on the franc-euro exchange rate, “there would be a substantial threat of recession.” For now, it was forecasting growth to reach between 1.5 and 2.0 percent for this year, slightly weaker than the 2.0 percent growth it predicted in June. It also kept its expansionary interest rate policy, to maintain the three-month Libor at zero. — AFP

US economists cut growth forecasts for 2011, 2012 Wide variety of factor holding up growth WASHINGTON: Confronted with an economy that has decidedly underperformed this year, economists are scaling back their growth forecasts for 2011 and next year.

In their latest forecast, top economists with the National Association for Business Economics predict that the economy will grow 1.7 percent this year - down from the group’s May prediction of 2.8 percent expansion. For next year, the group is forecasting growth of 2.3 percent, compared to a May forecast of 3.2 percent growth.

The new survey, released on Monday, is in line with the outlook of other economists who have marked down growth prospects to reflect an economy that has struggled this year to deal with a spike in gasoline prices, production disruptions stemming from Japan’s earthquake, a flare-up of Europe’s debt problems and a prolonged debate over America’s debt ceiling.

“A wide variety of factors were seen as restraining growth, including low consumer and business confidence,” said Gene Huang, the president-elect of NABE and one of 52 professional forecasters who participated in the survey.

“Panelists are very concerned about high unemployment, federal deficits and the

European sovereign debt crisis,” said Huang, who is chief economist at FedEx Corp. The survey was done before President Barack Obama appeared before Congress on Thursday to unveil a new $447 billion plan to jump-start job growth through a combination of tax cuts and government spending. The latest NABE outlook underscores the problems facing an economy that many economists fear could be in danger of slipping into another recession.

The expectations for overall economic growth, as measured by the gross domestic product, for both 2011 and 2012 were trimmed by a percentage point from the May forecast. The May estimates had been trimmed from February when the NABE analysts were forecasting growth of 3.3 percent this year. The economy grew 3 percent in 2010, the first full year after the country emerged from the 2007-2009 recession, but slowed to an annual rate of just 0.7 percent in the first six months of this year.

Because of the slow growth, the NABE forecasters don’t expect much improvement in the unemployment rate, which last month was stuck at 9.1 percent, a month when the economy didn’t create any net new jobs. For all of

2011, the economists are forecasting the unemployment rate will average 9 percent and will improve only slightly to 8.7 percent in 2012. In May, the NABE panel had projected unemployment would average 8.7 percent this year and 8.2 percent next year.

Job growth was projected to average 124,000 per month this year, instead of the 190,000 average monthly job gains the economists had forecast in May. Next year’s average job growth was put at 162,000, instead of the 202,000 job gains forecast in May. The economy needs to add at least 250,000 jobs a month to rapidly bring down the unemployment rate. The rate has been above 9 percent in all but two months since May 2009. The NABE panel forecast that builders would start work on 590,000 new homes this year, no improvement from last year’s weak pace, while sales of new cars was put at 12.6 million units, up a modest 8.6 percent from the 11.6 million new vehicles sold in 2010. The economists did see a little better outlook for oil prices, which they projected would average $90 per barrel in December, down from a forecast of $105 per barrel in May. Oil was trading Friday around $87 per barrel. — AP

HONG KONG: A woman walks past currency exchange signs in Hong Kong yesterday. Hong Kong said it has no plans to unpeg its currency from the US dollar, amid growing calls to end the 28-year peg to allow the Hong Kong dollar to appreciate against the greenback. — AFP

Hong Kong says it will not drop US dollar peg

WASHINGTON: Coupons from the advertising section of the Sunday newspaper in Washington, DC. The humble coupon — which in the past gave consumers a few cents off soap or cereal — has mushroomed into a lifestyle for millions of Americans with its own television programs, websites and trading platforms. — AFP

HONG KONG: Hong Kong said yesterday it had no plans to get rid of its currency’s peg to the US dollar, despite growing calls to end the 28-year link as the world’s largest economy falters.

The southern Chinese city has come under pressure in recent weeks to allow the Hong Kong dollar to appreciate against the greenback, against the backdrop of rising inflation in the city of seven million.

Responding to reports that a top hedge fund manager had said he was backing a depegging a government spokesman told AFP: “There is no need to change the dollar peg which has served Hong Kong well since its introduction.” His comments came after William Ackman reportedly said Wednesday he was buying the Hong Kong dollar in a big bet, as he believed Hong Kong will allow the currency to appreciate by 30 percent against the US dollar eventually.

The Hong Kong dollar is pegged at HK$7.80 to the greenback at present, but it is allowed to trade in a range of HK$7.75-HK$7.85. The former

British colony, which was returned to Chinese rule in 1997, maintains a semi-autonomous status with its own currency and political system.

The city government has faced mounting calls to review the peg after banking giant HSBC chief executive Stuart Gulliver said last month that it should consider linking the local dollar to a basket of currencies. That sentiment was echoed by some economists, who also urged the government to review the peg. “It makes more economic and financial sense but I don’t think they will do it because the bureaucrats would not want to upset the status quo,” said Francis Lun, managing director of financial services firm Lyncean Holdings.

Officials and the city’s de facto central bank however have maintained they have no intention to make any changes soon, as they said the US dollar remains the major global reserve currency despite Standard & Poor’s historic downgrade of the US government’s credit rating last month. — AFP

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

Greeks fume over property tax Country asked to make ‘costly sacrifices’ ATHENS: Greeks were fuming yesterday at a surprise property tax that could leave out Church holdings while the country is being urged to make “costly” sacrifices to secure EUIMF rescue loans.

The finance ministry, under pressure from its international creditors to plug a budget hole of more than 2.0 billion euros ($2.7 billion), on Wednesday further increased the tax which had already caused outrage when announced at the weekend. Instead of a maximum of 10 euros per square metre, the limit was placed at 16 euros and electricity will be cut off for owners who refuse to pay.

“I was rubbing my eyes in disbelief,” tax accountant Vangelis Abeliotis told Flash Radio, noting that households will have to pay 1,000 euros on average on top of existing wage cuts and price rises under a tough austerity program last year.

“There is no way a family with a child that is studying or is unemployed can cover this cost, many will not hesitate to just cut power in secondary homes,” Abeliotis said. The uproar was reflected in Thursday’s newspapers, with leftist Eleftherotypia speaking of a “great grab” on property.

Pro-government Ethnos spoke of a “very

costly lifeline” from Greece’s main paymasters France and Germany, noting that the latest measures are a condition for the smooth disbursement of bankruptcy-saving loans to Athens. The leaders of Europe’s two biggest economies were on Wednesday again given assurances by the Greek prime minister that he would stand by all the harsh austerity measures adopted to clinch the bailout. But at the news that numerous Church holdings were being exempted from the latest tax, senior officials were bombarded with calls from irate ruling party lawmakers, Ta Nea daily said.

“It is a disgrace to leave out thousands of church buildings,” deputy Soula Merentiti told the daily. “There’s no way this is passing parliament.”

The finance ministry said the tax would not apply to state offices, embassies, religious buildings, monasteries, non-profit organizations, charities and amateur sports clubs. The Church of Greece commands significant political clout in a country where about 90 percent of the population are baptized into the Orthodox faith, using its power in the past to hold off state efforts to increase taxes on its considerable wealth. — AFP

UBS says $2bn rogue trader held in London ZURICH: UBS said a trader had lost about $2 billion in unauthorized dealing and warned it might post a loss in the third quarter, a huge blow as the Swiss bank struggles to rebuild its credibility after years of crises.

UBS said the person behind the unauthorized trades had been detained in London, where police said they had arrested a 31-year-old man on suspicion of fraud. Swiss newspaper NZZ cited UBS as saying the trader worked in its London equities division. The loss threatens the future of UBS’s investment bank, which is being reviewed

by Chief Executive Oswald Gruebel as part of a wide-ranging restructuring following heavy losses in the credit crisis and a damaging scandal over bankers helping rich US clients dodge taxes.

UBS said it was possible that the trading loss could cause an overall loss in the third quarter of this year. It also said that no client positions were affected. “The matter is still being investigated, but UBS’s current estimate of the loss on the trades is in the range of $2 billion,” the bank said

in a brief statement.

In an internal email the bank said the unauthorized trade was “distressing” and it would “spare no effort” to find out what happened. UBS employed almost 18,000 people in its investment bank at the end of June, most of them based outside Switzerland, particularly in London and the United States.

A spokesman declined to give any further details. UBS shares were 5.5 percent lower at 10.33 Swiss francs at 0837 GMT, far weaker than the European banking sector, which was up 1.3 percent. “(This) is a staggering demonstration that all the clever systems that the banks now have, especially after the financial crisis, still cannot stop a determined individual getting round them if they want to,” said Chris Roebuck, Visiting Professor at Cass Business School in London.

“It will yet again confirm to the majority of shareholders who are Swiss that investment banking is not ‘proper’ banking, as private banking is.” — Reuters

TESSALONIKI: A woman passes by a beggar outside an expensive shop in Thessaloniki yesterday. Greece’s prime minister is to hold a teleconference with the German and French leaders, following a government meeting on the course of urgently needed reforms. — AP

Greek govt discusses austerity measures ATHENS: Greece’s cabinet yesterday was discussing the latest round of austerity measures designed to ensure the country continues to receive international rescue loans and staves off a debt default.

The meeting came a day after the leaders of Germany, France and Greece said in an emergency teleconference that Greece remained an “integral” part of the eurozone, but stressed the country must meet its reform pledges.

The outcome of the talks between German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou calmed markets after days of turmoil sparked by fears Greece was heading rapidly for a catastrophic default and potentially have to leave the euro.

“In the face of the extensive rumors of the last few days, it was stressed by all that

Greece is an integral part of the eurozone,” government spokesman Elias Mossialos said late Wednesday after the talks.

Stock markets in Europe were all higher in morning trading, while the euro pushed back up towards the $1.38 mark. But concern about Greece’s future continued.

“We are still in a scenario where Greece is facing immense difficulties and the markets feel Greece’s debt can’t be resolved,” said Benoit de Broissia, an analyst at KBL Richelieu in Paris.

“So markets are still speculating on Greece’s bankruptcy although short-term the ‘troika’ is expected to release funds for Greece,” he said, referring to the commonly used name for Greece’s debt inspectors: the International Monetary Fund, European Central Bank and European Commission. — AFP

French court frees Hermes to fight LVMH takeover

ZURICH: Workers repairing a lamp at the UBS bank in Zurich, Switzerland. Swiss bank UBS AG said yesterday it has discovered that unauthorized trading by one of its staff has caused an estimated loss of $2 billion (1,453 billion euro) and warned it could result in a loss for the entire third quarter. —AP

PARIS: The family controlling luxury goods house Hermes does not have to buy up the outstanding shares in the company as they fight off giant rival LVMH, a French appeal court ruled yesterday.

The descendants of founder Thierry Hermes were prompted to set up a holding company structure to thwart an eventual LVMH takeover after the global luxury retailer last year increased its stake in Hermes to more than 20 percent. In changing the group structure, however, the family members, who collectively hold more than 73 percent of Hermes, had laid themselves open to a possible obligation to buy out all minority shareholders.

The holding company is intended to control over 50 percent of Hermes and so block a hostile

takeover but under French rules, any shareholder acquiring more than 33 percent of a listed company must offer to buy the other shares. The AMF markets regulator said in January it had decided not to enforce this requirement, prompting small shareholders’ association Adam to launch an appeal, which was rejected yesterday.

The minority shareholders association argued that the fact most owners of a company belong to a family should not allow them to escape their legal obligations to other shareholders when transforming into a group.

Minority shareholders can benefit from a contested takeover as the bidder or bidders will likely increase the price paid in order to overcome the target company’s opposition. — AFP

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

Apple under fire over China university outlet BEIJING: Technology giant Apple has come under fire in China over plans to open an outlet in the library of one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious universities.

Apple products are hugely popular in China, where fans have been known to queue for days to get their hands on the latest iPhone, but the plan to set up shop at the Peking University library appears to have struck a wrong note. By yesterday, nearly 16,000 people had posted on the subject on Sina’s Weibo, a popular Chinese site similar to Twitter, most of them criticizing the move to hand over part of the university’s library to Apple.

“Setting up in a school is acceptable, but it should be separated from teaching facilities,” read one posting under the name hairuyimengA-xl. “The store occupies space in the library, despite it having so few seats already.”

“In the library, several students have expressed the view that introducing commercial operations will destroy the learning environment,” posted another Weibo user under the name Tianxiaqingcheng.

Apple did not return calls for comment, but a spokesman for the university who asked not to be named said the new outlet would not sell the US company’s products, and would instead be a venue for students to “experience” them. However, the China Business News daily said students would be able to fill out order forms for Apple products on the premises.

Many in China’s rapidly expanding middle class have enthusiastically embraced Western brands, but it is not the first time an American company has suffered a public relations backlash in the country. In 2007, Starbucks was forced to close its branch in the Forbidden City after a well-known television presenter said its presence undermined the “solemnity” of the historic site in the centre of the capital Beijing. Apple, which already has four stores in mainland China, announced last week it would open its first store in Hong Kong and another in Shanghai by the end of 2011.

The US firm said recently its second-quarter revenue in greater China-an area including Taiwan and Hong Kong-reached $3.8 billion, six times that seen in the same period last year. Peking University was founded in 1898 and is consistently ranked among the country’s top schools. — AFP

Sony console in spotlight Tokyo Game Show opens tomorrow MAKUHARI: Asia’s biggest annual video game industry event got underway in Japan yesterday, with games for phones and tablets challenging traditional console kings Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo.

Nearly 200 hardware and software makers gathered for the four-day Tokyo Game Show at Makuhari Messe convention hall, where gamers had their first chance to try out Sony’s next generation Vita console.

Gree, a rapidly growing Japanese social networking service set up in 2004 offering games for mobile phones, made its debut at the show with one of the biggest booths. As models dressed as game characters walked around the hall amid the clatter of electronic noise, the mood was far from the kind of Japanese restraint that followed the March 11 earthquake and tsunami six months ago.

Nintendo did not take part in the annual event, but held its own showcase on Tuesday as it looks to revive sales of its struggling 3DS console that boasts threedimensional images without users having to wear special glasses. One of the big attractions was Sony’s Vita console, which does not hit stores in Japan until December 17.

Among the titles the new console boasts is Reality Fighters, in which players can create their own combat avatar. The game allows users to map their face using one of the Vita’s two cameras, select from a range of body shapes and weapons and even use their current surroundings as the backdrop for the battle.

The Vita is the latest step in Sony’s drive to push a library of content through its game consoles, smartphones and tablet computers as it faces competition from Apple’s iTunes and App store and hardware rivals such as Nintendo. The PS Vita features a five-inch (12.7 cm) multi-touch OLED (organic light emitting diode) screen with a pad on the back for “touch, grab, trace, push and pull” finger motions. The handset also has front and rear facing cameras.

Users will be able to use the device to watch videos, listen to music, connect to internet sites and social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter. The Vita’s launch comes as both Sony’s PlayStation and Nintendo’s gaming models are under increasing pressure from cheap smartphone games that can be quickly downloaded and played, as well as social networks.

Nintendo cut the price of its 3DS game console by up to 40 percent only six months after it launched due to weak sales. On Tuesday it announced some upgrades to the device, a new pink version targeted at women and 30 new game titles to help

TOKYO: A model displays Sony Computer Entertainment’s new portable videogame console called the “PlayStation Vita” at the annual Tokyo Game Show in Chiba, suburban Tokyo, yesterday. — AFP

TOKYO: Visitors crowd at the booth of Sony Computer Entertainment for new portable machine, PlayStation Vita, at the Tokyo Game Show in Chiba, east of Tokyo yesterday. — AP drive hardware sales.

Reflecting the popularity of social games, the number of game titles for smartphones rose to 98 at this year’s show from 50 in 2010, and those for tablet PCs, such as Apple’s iPad and Android-powered machines, hit 29 from 18.

“Video games used to be the domain of keen users willing to spend tens of thousands of yen,” said Yoichi Wada, chairman of

the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association, the organizer of the event.

But the market is now expanding for casual users as smartphones gain popularity, Wada said in a keynote speech.

Yoshikazu Tanaka, Gree’s founder and chief executive officer, said the company was expanding its global operations, building offices in such places as San Francisco and London. — AFP

Qantas in ‘world-first’ tablet trial

TOKYO: Sharp Corp employee Naoko Hosokawa shows off a mobile model of its tablet computer Galapagos in a demonstration in central Tokyo. Sharp Corp says it is ending most sales of its “Galapagos” tablet computers less than a year after launch. —AP

SYDNEY: Passengers on Qantas will be the first in the world to have in-flight entertainment streamed wirelessly to tablet devices in a trial announced by the Australian airline yesterday.

To be rolled out from the end of next month on one Boeing 767-300 flying domestic routes, the six-week test will see Qantas’s current entertainment program broadcast to a tablet supplied by the airline.

The brand of tablet is yet to be confirmed, but Qantas said Apple’s popular iPad was among the models being considered. “Q Streaming” will be made available to passengers for viewing on their own tablet, laptop or smartphone later in the trial and would be a key part

of the scheme if ultimately adopted, Qantas said.

“We are very pleased to be the first airline in the world to trial this wireless streaming product,” said Alison Webster, the airline’s customer experience manager.

It will be assessed for wider roll-out both domestically and internationally once the trial is complete, she added, with supplied tablets to be specially configured not to work outside the aircraft if stolen. The plan could also see a “playback” option to allow passengers who did not finish watching a program on their own device before landing to complete their viewing, even after leaving the aircraft, Webster told the AAP

newswire. Replacing seat-back entertainment systems with tablets offered significant fuel efficiencies due to the weight saving, she added-an important consideration as fuel prices rocket and Australia debates a pollution tax. “We are all focused on fuel burn being environmentally friendly and we have huge commitments to sustainability targets,” Webster said.

American Airlines has launched a similar program with Samsung’s Galaxy tablet for first and business class domestic passengers, but content is pre-loaded rather than streamed direct.

Budget Qantas offshoot Jetstar already offers iPads for rent on some of its flights. — AFP

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

US may lift trade embargo on Cuba Economic crisis provides useful rationale: Experts

P

resident Obama will have to decide this week whether to continue, for yet another year, provisions of the US trade embargo on Cuba.

Without a presidential extension, these provisions-though not others that were instituted by congressional action-will end this month. The ending of the embargo is long overdue. The current economic crisis provides a useful rationale for doing so.

shores, the United States imposed a partial economic embargo on Cuba.

In 1962, President Kennedy instituted a full embargo of Cuba (albeit only after asking his aide Pierre Salinger to go out the night before and buy him a thousand Cuban cigars).

When President George H W Bush signed a tightening of the restrictions into law shortly before the 1992 election, the bill’s chief sponsor, then-Rep

Hyundais — just about every car make except those made in the United States.

And even the old American cars here often have new Japanese-made engines in them. An end to the embargo would give US manufacturers an opportunity to compete for business in Cuba.

It has been 20 years since the Soviet Union disintegrated. The Cold War has receded into history, with the one glaring exception of the US embargo of Cuba.

The United States fought terrible wars with China (in Korea) and Vietnam, each of which cost tens of thousands of American lives. Yet relations with China were normalized in 1978 and with

under the Castro brothers. Over the last decade, a two-class system has developed in which those who can work in the tourist industry make much more than other Cubans do.

Many professionals who, in order to earn a decent living, are obliged to work as bellmen, waiters, bartenders, elevator operators and the like are seething with anger. So, clearly, is a difficult-to-gauge percentage of the much larger number of Cubans who have no opportunity to get those jobs.

Cubans we meet on the streets are very curious about the United States.

Ending the embargo would also mean US citizens could travel to Cuba without

If the embargo hasn’t worked after 50 years, how can anyone plausibly argue that it will work now? Who wants the embargo? Practically no one beyond a small number of Cuban-Americans in the Miami area.

Former US President Jimmy Carter (right) joined by his wife, Rosalynn, became the first former or sitting US president to travel to Cuba since the 1959 Cuban revolution. In an unprecedented live speech broadcast on Cuban television, President Carter called on the United States to end the then 43-year old embargo. — MCT file photo There is precedent for taking such a step with a communist nation during hard times. In the face of the Depression, prominent American businessmen began arguing that recognition of the Soviet Union would lead to a substantial increase in trade and so provide a much-needed boost to the US economy. In November 1933, after several conservative politicians had joined the push for recognition, President Franklin D Roosevelt established diplomatic relations with the Soviet government.

The roots of the Cuba embargo go back to the Eisenhower administration.

Noting in a 1960 memorandum that “the majority of Cubans support Castro,” Lester D Mallory, deputy assistant secretary of State for inter-American affairs, argued that “the only foreseeable means of alienating internal support is through disenchantment and disaffection based on economic dissatisfaction and hardship.”

The objective, he wrote, was “to decrease monetary and real wages, to bring about hunger, desperation and overthrow of government.” A few months later, during the presidential campaign in which John F Kennedy was lashing at Vice President Richard M. Nixon for being part of an administration that allowed communism to be established 90 miles from American

Robert Torricelli, proclaimed that it would bring down Fidel Castro “within weeks.”

Traveling in Cuba nearly two decades after Torricelli’s prediction, one sees hardship and dissatisfaction, and many people living in poor housing, but no signs of hunger. And, of course, the Castro brothers remain in control.

If the embargo hasn’t worked after 50 years, how can anyone plausibly argue that it will work now? Who wants the embargo? Practically no one beyond a small number of Cuban-Americans in the Miami area. It exists today only because Florida is the largest swing state and Republicans believe, probably correctly, that they are unlikely to win its 29 electoral votes without strong support from this special-interest group.

Lifting the embargo would not turn the US economy around. But it would be of marginal assistance to the overall economy and could be of substantial help to businesses and employment in industries that would have significant exports to the island.

Cuba is, of course, well known as a living museum of the golden age of the Detroit automotive industry. There is a vast fleet of US-made automobiles on the road here, but none more recent than 1959. In addition to the common Russian-built Ladas, the newer models include Mercedes, BMWs, Nissans,

Vietnam in 1995. A huge amount of US trade takes place with both. The Chinese regime today is much more repressive than that of Cuba, and Vietnam blocks its citizens’ access to uncensored information at least as much as Cuba does.

Yet the embargo goes on.

Make no mistake: Cuba is not a free country. Conditions have improved, though, and we have been able to walk about on our own and talk with anyone we meet. Many Cubans take a justified pride in the accomplishments of their country since the revolution, particularly in healthcare and education.

But it is obvious that there is substantial discontent with the status quo

restrictions. The more Americans who come here, the greater the desire of the Cuban people for more freedom will become. Fidel Castro is 85 and ailing; Raul is 80. An influx of Americans is almost certain to strengthen the forces for liberalization in Cuba.

Robert F Kennedy had it right in a memo he wrote, less than three weeks after his brother’s assassination, to Secretary of State Dean Rusk. Kennedy called the policy “inconsistent with traditional American liberties.” The embargo of Cuba is a glaring, senseless anachronism. There is no good reason for letting it last another day. Mr Obama, tear down this wall! — MCT

Felice Gorordo, 19, center, leads a group of Cuban-American college students in a pro-embargo lobby at the US Capitol on September 18, 2002. — MCT file photo

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Opinion

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

Sept 11 and the successful war The first mission of the war that followed 9/11 was to prevent any further attacks. That mission was accomplished. That is a fact often forgotten

By George Friedman

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t has been 10 years since 9/11, and all of us who write about such things for a living are writing about it. That causes me to be wary. I prefer being the lonely voice, but the fact is that 9/11 was a defining moment in American history. On Sept 12, 2001, few would have anticipated the course the resulting war would take - but then, few knew what to think. The nation was in shock. In retrospect, many speak with great wisdom about what should have been thought about 9/11 at the time and what should have been done in its aftermath. I am always interested in looking at what people actually said and did at the time.

The country was in shock, and shock was a reasonable response. The country was afraid, and fear was a reasonable response. Ten years later, we are all much wiser and sure that our wisdom was there from the beginning. But the truth is that, in retrospect, we know we would have done things superbly had we the authority. Few of us are being honest with ourselves. We were all shocked and frightened. Our wisdom came much later, when it had little impact. Yes, if we knew then what we know now we would have all bought Google stock. But we didn’t know things then that we know now, so it is all rather pointless to lecture those who had decisions to make in the midst of chaos.

Some wars are carefully planned, but even those wars rarely take place as expected. Think of the Germans in World War I, having planned the invasion of France for decades and with meticulous care. Nothing went as planned for either side, and the war did not take a course that was anticipated by anyone. Wars occur at unpredictable times, take unpredictable courses and have unexpected consequences. Who expected the American Civil War to take the course it did? We have been secondguessing Lincoln and Davis, Grant and Lee and all the rest for more than a century. This particular war - the one that began on 9/11 and swept into Afghanistan, Iraq and other countries is hard to second-guess because there are those who do not think it is a war.

Some people, including President George W Bush, seem to regard it as a criminal conspiracy. When Bush started talking about bringing Al-Qaeda to justice, he was talking about bringing them before the bar of justice. Imagine trying to arrest British sailors for burning Washington.

War is not about bringing people to justice. It is about destroying their ability to wage war. The contemporary confusion between warfare and criminality creates profound confusion about the rules under which you operate. There are the rules of war as set forth in the Geneva Conventions, and there are criminal actions. The former are designed to facilitate the defense of national interests and involve killing people because of the uniform they wear. The latter is about punishing people for prior action. I have never sorted through what it was that the Bush administration thought it was doing.

This entire matter is made more complex by the fact that Al-Qaeda doesn’t wear a uniform. Under the Geneva Conventions, there is no protection for those who do not openly carry weapons or wear uniforms or at least armbands.

They are regarded as violating the rules of war. If they are not protected by the rules of war then they must fall under criminal law by default. But criminal law is not really focused on preventing acts so much as it is on punishing them. And

new rules of war placed him at odds with his erstwhile supporters. The ease with which the international legal community found US decision makers’ attempts to craft a lawful and effective path “illegal and immoral” (an oftrepeated cliche of critics of post-9/11 policy) created an insoluble dilemma for the United States. The mission of the US government was to prevent further attacks on the homeland. The Geneva Conventions, for the most part, didn’t

trol. It is also because US covert operations on a global scale attacked and disrupted Al-Qaeda’s strength on the ground and penetrated its communications. A significant number of attacks on the United States were planned and prosecuted. They were all disrupted before they could be launched, save for the attempted and failed bombing in Times Square, the famed shoe bomber and, my favorite, the crotch bomber. AlQaeda has not been capable of mount-

Family members line the perimeter of the 9/11 Memorial South Pool during the tenth anniversary ceremonies of the Sept 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center site on Sept 11, 2011 in New York City. — AFP as satisfying as it is to capture someone who did something, the real point of the US response to 9/11 was to prevent anyone else from doing something - killing and capturing people who have not done anything yet but who might.

Coming to Grips The problem is that international law has simply failed to address the question of how a nation-state deals with forces that wage war through terrorism but are not part of any nation-state.

Neither criminal law nor the laws of war apply. One of the real travesties of 9/11 was the manner in which the international legal community - the United Nations and its legal structures, the professors of international law who discuss such matters and the American legal community - could not come to grips with the tensions underlying the resulting war. There was an unpleasant and fairly smug view that the United States had violated both the rules of war and domestic legal processes, but very little attempt was made to craft a rule of warfare designed to cope with a group like Al-Qaeda - organized, covert, effective that attacked a nation-state.

As US President Barack Obama has discovered, the failure of the international legal community to rapidly evolve

apply. Criminal law is not about prevention. The inability of the law to deal with reality generated an image of American lawlessness.

Of course, one of the most extraordinary facts of the war that began on 9/11 was that there have been no more successful major attacks on the United States. Had I been asked on Sept 11, 2001, about the likelihood of that (in fact, I was asked), my answer would have been that it was part of a series of attacks, and not just the first. This assumption came from a knowledge of Al-Qaeda’s stated strategic intent, the fact that the 9/11 team had operated with highly effective covert techniques based on technical simplicity and organizational effectiveness, and that its command structure seemed to operate with effective command and control.

Put simply, the 9/11 team was good and was prepared to go to its certain death to complete the mission. Anyone not frightened by this was out of touch with reality.

Yet there have been no further attacks. This is not, I think, because they did not intend to carry out such attacks.

It is because the United States forced the Al-Qaeda leadership to flee Afghanistan during the early days of the US war, disrupting command and con-

ing effective attacks against the United States (though it has conducted successful attacks in Spain and Britain) because the United States surged its substantial covert capabilities against it.

Obviously, as in all wars, what is now called “collateral damage” occurred (in a more civilized time it would have been called “innocent civilians killed, wounded and detained”). How could it have been otherwise? Just as aircraft dropping bombs don’t easily discriminate against targets and artillery sometimes kills innocent people, covert operations can harm the unintended. That is the nature and horror of war. The choice for the United States was to accept the danger of another Al-Qaeda attack - an event that I am certain was intended and would have happened without a forceful US response - or accept innocent casualties elsewhere.

The foundation of a polity is that it protects its own at the cost of others.

This doctrine might be troubling, but few of us in World War II felt that protecting Americans by bombing German and Japanese cities was a bad idea. If this troubles us, the history of warfare should trouble us. And if the history of warfare troubles us, we should bear in mind that we are all its heirs and beneficiaries, particularly in the United States.

The first mission of the war that followed 9/11 was to prevent any further attacks. That mission was accomplished.

That is a fact often forgotten. Of course, there are those who believe that 9/11 was a conspiracy carried out by the CIA in order to justify interference in our liberty. But an organization as capable as they believe the CIA is would not need a justification to abridge liberty. That was a lot of work to justify something, and the truly powerful don’t need to justify anything. Nor do they need to leave people who are revealing the truth alive.

It is striking that the “doubters” believe 9/11 was created in order to crush American freedoms but that the conspirators are so incompetent they cannot shut down those who have discovered the conspiracy and are telling the world about it. Personally, if I were interested in global domination triggered by a covert act like 9/11, I would silence those revealing my secret. But then I’m not that good at it, and the doubters all have reasons why they are blogging the truth and are not dead or languishing in a concentration camp.

I take this detour for four reasons.

First, doubters should not be ignored but answered. Second, unless they are answered, they will be able to say the CIA (or whoever they think did it) needed one attack to achieve its goals. Third, the issue the doubters raise is not the structural integrity of a building but the underlying intent of the CIA in carrying out the attack. The why is everything to them, and it is important to point out that it is their explanation of motive that makes no sense. Finally, I am engaging the doubters here because I enjoy receiving an abundance of emails containing fascinating accusations and the occasional threat.

Considering the Failures But to return to the main theme, it is important here to consider not only the successes but also the failures of the war, and here Iraq comes to mind. There is a case to be made that the Iraq campaign was not irrational, but even more interesting, I think, is the fact that no war is without its disastrous misjudgments, even successful wars. In my mind, the US invasion of the Philippines in 1944 was a major mistake. It did little to contribute to the fall of Japan, cost far more than the 4,000 American lives lost in Iraq, and it could have actually delayed the end of the war. It was opposed by senior commanders and was essentially something Gen. Douglas MacArthur insisted on for political reasons. The Battle of the Somme in World War I cost 600,000 British and French casualties, with 60,000 in one day. Their total gain during the battle was perhaps six miles. And in the American Civil War, the federal drive into Virginia turned into a disaster. Every successful war is built around a series of defeats and miscalculations. The perfect war is built around deeply flawed and unnecessary campaigns. My own personal selections are not as important as the principle that all successful wars contain massive mistakes. — Stratfor

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Nicole Scherzinger, a judge on ‘The X Factor,’ poses at a world premiere screening event for the new television series, yesterday, in Los Angeles.

The competition series gives viewers the opportunity to choose the next breakout music star or group. —AP

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Te c h n o l o g y

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

From antique people to machine-men

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re you interested in being a Caribbean tyrant? Ruling over an ancient culture or being a machine-man? Well, it turns out the latest crop of PC games might have something for you. The new games cover a variety of genres and, as always, they include a large number of sequels. Age of Empires Online is one of those, as the successful real-time strategy game comes back as a Free-2-play title.

Players once again have control over a variety of ancient cultures whose fates rely on your ability to manage economies and fight strategically. But the free basic version only includes the Greek and Egyptian civilizations. Additional cultures, like the Persians and the Celts - as well as a variety of other premium content - can only be purchased from the integrated online shop.

There, players can also create their own armaments and wares, which they can trade.

Additional information about the download and premium content is at www.ageofempiresonline.com. The game is recommended for players aged 12 and up. For those who want to be able to stretch out their hands and create mountains, oceans and landscapes, just so they can turn around and destroy them, there’s Ubisoft’s From Dust. Players take on the role of ruler of heaven and earth with the duty of protecting a small tribe of natives from extinction.

To do so, players have to be ready to manipulate the elements: earth, water and lava.

The title was released for the XBox in July and has sold well. The advanced physics engine is also in the PC version and allows the player to create complex environmental interactions.

Thus, hot lava can be used to fill holes in a protective wall. From Dust is available in download version from the online game portal Steam and from the Ubisoft Online shop. It is relatively affordable, at 15 euros (22 dollars), and is recommended for players aged 6 and up.

The gory adventure Haunted abducts players to the eerie, but beautiful, world of London.

Programmers at publisher dtp needed more

than two years to craft the horror adventure.

Street urchin Mary is the hero of the game, breaking more than a few rules to survive in Victorian London. After her sister dies in a train accident, Mary is haunted by bleak visions and nightmares, and heads off on a mission to try to follow the clues in her dreams.

A lot of effort was put into the game’s appearance. It costs 35 euros and is only planned, for now, as a PC game. It is recommended for players aged 12 and up. Tropico 4 from Kalypso Media lets players once again get up to no good as a Caribbean tyrant The earlier versions of the game have a reputation for being complex, which has kept away a lot of new players. But, whereas the old principles of play have been retained, many functions have been improved, making it accessible for first-timers.

Players will face 20 missions in which they can show off their talent. New measures include

built-in Facebook and Twitter functions, allowing players to put pictures of their newest feats up for comment. A PC version costs about 43 euros, while the XBox version costs 47 euros. It is recommended for players aged 12 and older.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution continues the story of Adam Jensen, the machine-man. The action-role playing game lets the actions of players influence the story in the third installment of the series from publisher Square Enix. The game is said to offer about 20 hours of play, not counting side missions and special assignments. A new development is its interactivity, which means some missions can be completed with communication and persuasion. The game is also set for release on the XBox 360 and Playstation 3. Alongside the normal box version, priced at 46 euros, there will also be limited and collector’s editions, selling for between 60 and 100 euros. -— dpa

New cool stuff Gaming PC from Acer with liquid cooling Acer has added a new gaming PC with liquid cooling into their collection. The Predator G7760 includes Intel’s i7 four core 2600 processor (3.40 GHz), an Nvidia GeForce GTX560Ti graphic controller and 8 GB RAM. The 1 TB hard drive is complemented with a 64 GB SSD hard drive. With the basic set-up, the Predator G7760 costs 1,499 euro ($2,165).

Motorola reworks robust smartphone Defy Motorola has improved its robust smartphone Defy. The new Defy+ is much faster than its predecessor thanks to a 1 GHz processor and offers the latest version of Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) instead of the previous 2.1 version. The Defy+ also has a better battery life, still features its 3.7 inch scratch-resistant glass display and is also water resistant. Defy+ costs 269 euro.

Pure pocket radio with DAB+ The Move 2500 is a new pocket radio from Pure which offers users the chance to tune into FM stations as well as digital stations transmitting with DAB+. Move 2500 allows users to adjust bass and treble separately, something not possible with its predecessor, the Pocket DAB 1500. Controlling the Move 2500 is done through a click wheel. The pocket radio costs 130 euro.

Nearly invisible kitchen hi-fi system Those looking to have music come from their kitchen cabinets are in luck as Harman Kardon has developed a nearly invisible hi-fi system for cooking spaces around the world. The speakers of MaestroKitchen 100 are built into the kitchen cabinet doors with the system’s operating unit concealed behind a glass display between the cabinets and kitchen devices. The sound system is not exactly cheap at 1,799 euro and it can only be purchased in kitchen specialist dealers.

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Relationships

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

Growing up without a dad after 9/11 For Tiffany, the tragedy unearthed secrets she was never supposed to know

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very morning, Tiffany Ramsaroop wakes up to a picture of her dad. It’s tacked in the middle of a bulletin board in her lavender bedroom. Vishnoo Ramsaroop died 10 years ago in the south tower of the World Trade Center. He was a maintenance worker who supported a wife and three girls on $43,000 a year. Tiffany, his oldest, was 8 when it happened. It was two years before she stopped believing he got hit in the head by debris and would stroll through the door having recovered from amnesia. Two more passed before she really cried.

Tiffany has walked the terrible line of people in grief, trying to move forward without forgetting. At 15, she flew to his native Trinidad and let his accent wash over her. His starched work shirt with his name ironed on the back of the collar hangs in her closet between the dresses and blouses. She put it on once, but doesn’t want to talk about that.

When she turned 18 this summer, her first act as an adult was to have her father’s name tattooed on the inside of her left wrist.

“Vishnoo” takes up almost the entire space, in elaborate script, black as night.

The nation was preparing to commemorate the attacks Sunday. Tiffany won’t be in Lower Manhattan that morning. The reminder is just too much. America spent the last decade fighting two wars and thinking up ways to keep itself safe. Tiffany spent those years growing from a third-grader in a starched green plaid uniform to a college freshman impatient for new experiences. Yet at every milestone, at every family event, and in some part of almost every day since Sept 11, 2001, there was a hole where her dad should have been.

That Tuesday, 3,052 children lost a parent in the terrorist attacks. The average age was 9. They came from wealth and from poverty and from countries around the world. This is one child’s story. This week Tiffany is attending her first classes at Queensborough Community College, not far from where she grew up. She is finding her way, asserting new independence. Her mother wanted to drive her the first day; she wanted to go it alone by bus.

Yet still she is bound to her family. It was Tiffany who accompanied her sister to freshman orientation at high school this week and who was at her bedside as she recovered from surgery last month. It was Tiffany who offered part of her earnings this summer to help her mother with bills. Some day she would like to become a family therapist to make sure others have “the big conversations we didn’t have about stuff.”

The 10 years getting to this point have been filled with spaces and voids. During her high school graduation in June, she could almost see her father there. “Ugggghhh. ... At every single event I went to I wished my dad was there, holding up the camcorder, waving as soon as I saw him,” she says, rubbing her freshly tattooed wrist. “It really sucks when you go to high school graduation and you see your best friend running toward her father.”

Tiffany lives in a two-family house on a tight lot in a part of Queens called Jackson Heights, about two miles from LaGuardia Airport. The postage-stamp-sized frontyard is overgrown with vegetables. When her father

tended it, she remembers it being full of flowers. These days the house is full of women - Tiffany lives there with her sisters, Ashley, 15, and Kimberly, 10, and Sita, their mother. Sita, 51, has two daughters from a previous relationship and two granddaughters, ages 4 and 3, who are almost always there scampering across the couches and into Tiffany’s lap.

Ten pairs of worn fluffy slippers dot the

her where he was that day she could clearly picture it. Tiffany’s father happened to be on the 35th floor in the south tower when the north tower was hit. He went up to the 56th floor for a better view. The last time anyone saw him he was waiting by an elevator bank to get down.

Day after day, while their mother searched hospitals, Tiffany sat on the front steps with Ashley, two little girls with pink Power

Kimberly Ramsaroop, 10, (left) and Tiffany Ramsaroop, 18, pictured September 5, 2011, lost their father, Vishnoo Ramsaroop in the Sept 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center. — MCT stairs leading to a basement warren of bedrooms where the girls sleep. Tiffany’s double bed fills practically all the space in her room.

A narrow bureau is crowded with polish and makeup as well as a photograph of Tiffany wearing a strapless white satin dress and lighting a cake with 16 candles. This is the same house Vishnoo, 45, left that morning, when the family piled into the minivan to drop him at the subway and then Tiffany and Ashley at PS 148. It should have been an exciting day in Miss Syed’s class; about all Tiffany remembers is that her uniform was new. Then everyone else’s parents came early to pick them up; her mother waited until school let out.

“I went to the car and my mom was crying and I said, ‘What’s wrong?’ And she said, ‘I’ll show you when I get home.’ I sat down on the couch and my mom put the TV on. ... I didn’t know what to say. All I could say was, ‘Is Dad OK?’ “ Tiffany remembers her father’s job as a “gardener” who planted hibiscus and greenery around the trade center’s vast plazas. It was the first work he got after he came to America and he did it for 17 years.

When Tiffany didn’t have school he took her to work with him. Even intact the towers were tall and scary; Tiffany stayed away from the windows. So when it was explained to

Rangers, waiting for Dad to come home. The first anniversary rolled around and Tiffany went happily along with her cousins to the ceremony at ground zero. She was 9, what else was she going to do? It was windy, and everybody said the dust of the deceased was swirling around. She didn’t really connect.

“You know when you’re a little kid, you don’t have as much emotions? I felt like when I was younger I trapped my feelings in too much,” Tiffany says.

Sita said it took two years before she could convince her daughters that their father wasn’t coming home. Sometimes she wonders whether cancer or a car accident might have been easier for her girls to comprehend. “The way he go, it’s like the earth opened and just take him away from them.” That’s how it is for a lot of Sept 11 children, nothing to take through the rituals of grief. Mental health experts call this “ambiguous loss.”

The family buried an empty box at a cemetery off Queens Boulevard. Sita doesn’t like to go; it holds no meaning. Now that she can drive, Tiffany takes her sisters on Valentine’s Day and on her father’s birthday and invites close friends to visit with her.

Moving on is complicated for children whose grief stems from an event so public; every anniversary, magazine covers and television

specials can pull them backward.

“There are going to be more than 40 shows on TV about 9/11 just for this anniversary, so you can’t avoid it,” said Fran Furman, director of counseling at Tuesday’s Children, a support group that has worked with nearly 6,000 members of Sept. 11 families. “Every time they show pictures of the towers exploding, our children and families look at that and say, ‘My loved one is in that building.’ “ Around age 12, on the cusp of adolescence, the dam broke for Tiffany. Vishnoo’s only brother visited from Canada, and when he came through the door, she saw the spitting image of her father. That was the moment she realized he was never coming home. She cried and cried.

“It hurt me really badly,” she says, sitting on a back porch cluttered with plants and furniture. Time is supposed to heal, but it seemed only to fill Tiffany with questions: Who would walk her down the aisle? Who would fix her car when it broke down?

Already, the family had stopped eating dinner together; without Dad to call them all to the table, they just took a plate of their mother’s delicious rice and beans or macaroni pie and wandered to separate quarters.

Somebody had to try to fill his shoes.

Tiffany appointed herself family photographer, picking up the camcorder her father never let anyone touch. “Just being in the house he would record us. Little things. I mean not just Christmas, but an ordinary winter day,” she says. He even filmed them sleeping. Each sister dealt with the loss in her own way. Tiffany took on a co-parenting role; Ashley, the middle child, kept more to herself. Little Kimberly wrote a book about the dad she never knew. And they passed from bedroom to bedroom a poster-sized photograph of their parents, clearly in love, their heads touching.

For Tiffany the tragedy also unearthed secrets she was never supposed to know changing the image of who her father was and further confusing her. When Sita applied for benefits and widows’ funds she discovered that Vishnoo had been married in Trinidad and, because of a botched divorce, still was. He had three daughters with that wife, who was fighting for his assets, even claiming ownership of half the house.

Tiffany watched her mother tangle with bureaucracies and lawyers. She herself was in a titanic battle with adolescence, a jumble of feelings that left her sorry for her mother and mad at her all at once. When Tiffany was 13, Charlie Gool came on the scene, a man her mother had been married to in Guyana before she met Vishnoo. Tiffany says she rebelled, mouthing off. No one would replace her father. An aunt intervened. “Don’t you want your mom to be happy? Look at her.”

In time, Tiffany says, she came to respect Charlie. She lectured her younger sisters to do the same. At the big Sweet 16 party her mom threw for her, Charlie played stepdad.

Tiffany appreciated the effort and let him walk her into the ballroom, but still there is a part of her that waits for Vishnoo. Lately, she’s been having this recurring dream: Her father gets hit on the head and she sees him on the street. She tries to talk to him but he doesn’t remember her. “Who are you?” he says - and then she wakes up. — MCT

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Fo o d FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

By Sawsan Kazak

W

e all know the great health benefits of eating salmon.

But salmon is those great items that can be good for you while still tasting great. Salmon is great smoked, fried, baked, and even raw. The following recipes highlight the many uses of salmon and good ways to incorporate it into your diet. Who needs beef or chicken when you have fish?

Everyday cooking

Send your suggestions to: sawsank@kuwaittimes.net

Ginger soy salmon * Atlantic Salmon (fish), 0.5 fillet * Ginger Root, 1 tsp * Garlic 2 cloves * Soy sauce , low sodium * Scallions, raw, * Spinach, fresh, 1 cup * Olive Oil, 1 tbsp

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kin salmon and cut into 3/4” cubes. Place in a bowl with finely chopped ginger root and enough soy sauce to turn color the salmon. Finely chop scallions and garlic.

Stir fry scallions and garlic until fragrant. Add the salmon mixture and stir fry until salmon is just cooked. Add fresh spinach over heat until wilted. Serve with rice or other steamed fresh vegetables.

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Grilled salmon

450g/1 lb pasta, cooked according to packet instructions, drained 3 tbsp olive oil 1-2 garlic cloves, chopped 2 red onions, sliced 3 x 150g/5 1/2oz fresh salmon fillets, skinned and cubed 300ml/10fl oz double cream 3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley 1.Cook the pasta according to packet instructions in a pan of salted boiling water, then drain.

Creamy pasta with salmon

2.Meanwhile, heat the oil in a frying pan, add the garlic and red onion and fry for 3-4 minutes or until the onion has softened.

1 1/2 pounds salmon fillets lemon pepper to taste garlic powder to taste salt to taste 1/3 cup soy sauce 1/3 cup brown sugar 1/3 cup water 1/4 cup vegetable oil

3.Add the salmon cubes and double cream and continue to cook over a gentle heat for five minutes, or until the salmon has cooked through.

4.Stir in the drained pasta and season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir in the parsley.

1.Season salmon fillets with lemon pepper, garlic powder, and salt.

2.In a small bowl, stir together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and vegetable oil until sugar is dissolved. Place fish in a large resealable plastic bag with the soy sauce mixture, seal, and turn to coat. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

3.Preheat grill for medium heat.

4.Lightly oil grill grate. Place salmon on the preheated grill, and discard marinade. Cook salmon for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Crispy salmon sticks 3 pounds skinless salmon fillets 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper 1 cup milk 1 cup mayonnaise 2 cups plain dry bread crumbs 1 tablespoon dried dill Vegetable oil Salt Tartar Sauce or Lemon Aioli, for serving

Salmon salad 2 (7 ounce) cans salmon, drained 2 tablespoons fat-free mayonnaise 2 tablespoons plain low-fat yogurt 1 cup chopped celery 2 tablespoons capers 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper 8 leaves lettuce

1. Cut salmon into roughly equal-size pieces, each about 1 inch wide, 3 inches long and the thickness of the fillet. (See note.) Refrigerate.

2. Mix flour, garlic powder and white pepper together in a pie plate or shallow pan. Combine milk and mayonnaise in another pie plate or shallow pan, mixing well with a fork or whisking to break up any lumps. Put bread crumbs and dill into a third pan.

3. Take a piece of fish and gently coat it in the flour, then carefully shake off any excess. Dip in milk mixture and drain off any excess, then coat with seasoned bread crumbs. Place the breaded fish onto a tray. Repeat with the remaining pieces of fish. Discard any excess liquid, flour mixture or breading mixture.

4. Pour 1 1/2 inches of vegetable oil into a large skillet. Heat over medium to medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.

(Drops of water added to the skillet will sizzle.) Add 6 to 8 pieces of breaded fish (the fish cooks quickly and you must turn it, so don’t try to do too many pieces at once). Fry until golden brown, turning to ensure even cooking, 2 to 3 minutes total for pieces about 1/2 inch thick (see note). Remove with tongs and drain on paper towels.

5. Sprinkle with salt to taste while still hot. Cover cooked fish loosely with foil while frying the remaining pieces. Serve with Tartar Sauce or Lemon Aioli.

1.Crumble the salmon into a 1 quart bowl, removing any bones or skin.

2.In a small bowl combine the mayonnaise, yogurt, celery, capers and pepper. Mix well and then add to salmon

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 village in Kenya is being overrun by a small-but-deadly scourge—the dreaded, disease-carrying mosquito! It’s up to Jassim and Qmasha, the 99’s innovative Noor Stone-bearing twins, to develop an evacuation plan. But will it work?

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

www.the99.org

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Travel

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

Everything you need to know to have a safe trip abroad When you travel abroad, the odds are you will have a safe and incident-free trip. Travelers can, however, become victims of crime and violence, or experience unexpected difficulties.

The following travel tips will help you avoid serious difficulties during your time abroad.

Before you go what to take Safety begins when you pack. To help avoid becoming a target, do not dress in a way that could mark you as an affluent tourist. Expensive-looking jewelry, for instance, can draw the wrong attention.

Always try to travel light. You can move more quickly and will be more likely to have a free hand. You will also be less tired and less likely to set your luggage down, leaving it unattended.

Carry the minimum number of valuables, and plan places to conceal them. Your passport, cash and credit cards are most secure when locked in a hotel safe. When you have to carry them on your person, you may wish to put them each in a different place rather than all in one wallet or pouch. Avoid handbags, fanny packs and outside pockets that are easy targets for thieves. Inside pockets and a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap worn across your chest are somewhat safer. One of the safest places to carry valuables is in a pouch or money belt worn under your clothing.

If you wear glasses, pack an extra pair. Pack them and any medicines you need in your carry-on luggage.

To avoid problems when passing through customs, keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Bring copies of your prescriptions and the generic names for the drugs. If a medication is unusual or contains narcotics, carry a letter from your doctor attesting to your need to take the drug. If you have any doubt about the legality of carrying a certain drug into a country, consult the embassy or consulate of that country before you travel.

Bring travelers’ checks and one or two major credit cards instead of cash.

Pack an extra set of passport photos along with a photocopy of your passport’s information page to make replacement of your passport easier in the event it is lost or stolen.

Put your name, address and telephone numbers inside and outside of each piece of luggage. Use covered luggage tags to avoid casual observation of your identity or nationality. If possible, lock your luggage.

What to Leave Behind Don’t bring anything you would hate to lose. Leave at home:

• Valuable or expensive-looking jewelry • Irreplaceable family objects • All unnecessary credit cards • Your Social Security card, library card, and similar items you may routinely carry in your wallet.

Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home in case they need to contact you in an emergency.

Make two photocopies of your passport identification page, airline tickets, driver’s license and the credit cards that you plan to bring with you. Leave one photocopy of this data with family or friends at home; pack the other in a place separate from where you carry the originals. Leave a copy of the serial numbers of your travelers’ checks with a friend or relative at home. Carry your copy with you in a separate place and, as you cash the checks, cross them off the list.

What to Learn About Before You Go Local Laws and Customs When you leave the United States, you are subject to the laws of the country you are visiting. Therefore, before you go, learn as much as you can about the local laws and customs of the places you plan to visit. Good resources are your library, your travel agent, and the embassies, consulates or tourist bureaus of the countries you will visit. In addition, keep track of what is being reported in the media about recent developments in those countries.

Things to Arrange Before You Go Your Itinerary As much as possible, plan to stay in larger hotels that have more elaborate security. Safety experts recommend booking a room from the second to seventh floors above ground level high enough to deter easy entry from outside, but low enough for fire equipment to reach.

When there is a choice of airport or airline, ask your travel agent about comparative safety records.

Legal Documents Have your affairs in order at home. If you leave a current will, insurance documents, and power of attorney with your family or a friend, you can feel secure about traveling and will be prepared for any emergency that may arise while you are away. If you have minor children, consider making guardian-

ship arrangements for them.

Credit Make a note of the credit limit on each credit card that you bring, and avoid charging over that limit while traveling.

People have been arrested for innocently exceeding their credit limit. Ask your credit card company how to report the loss of your card from abroad. 1-800 numbers do not work from abroad, but your company should have a number that you can call while you are overseas.

Insurance Find out if your personal property insurance covers you for loss or theft abroad. Also, check on whether your health insurance covers you abroad. Medicare and Medicaid do not provide payment for medical care outside the United States. Even if your health insurance will reimburse you for medical care that you pay for abroad, health insurance usually does not pay for medical evacuation from a remote area or from a country where medical facilities are inadequate. Consider purchasing a policy designed for travelers, and covering short-term health and emergency assistance, as well as medical evacuation in the event of an accident or serious illness.

Precautions to Take While Traveling Safety on the Street Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home. Be especially cautious in (or avoid) areas where you may be more easily victimized. These include crowded subways, train stations, elevators, tourist sites, market places, festivals and crime-ridden neighborhoods.

• Don’t use short cuts, narrow alleys or poorly lit streets.

• Try not to travel alone at night.

• Avoid public demonstrations and other civil disturbances.

• Keep a low profile and avoid loud conversations or arguments.

• Do not discuss travel plans or other personal matters with strangers.

• Avoid scam artists by being wary of strangers who approach you and offer to be your guide or sell you something at bargain prices.

• Beware of pickpockets. They often have an accomplice

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who will: •jostle you, •ask you for directions or the time, •point to something spilled on your clothing, •or distract you by creating a disturbance.

• Beware of groups of vagrant children who could create a distraction to pick your pocket.

• Wear the shoulder strap of your bag across your chest and walk with the bag away from the curb to avoid drive-by pursesnatchers.

• Try to seem purposeful when you move about. Even if you are lost, act as if you know where you are going. Try to ask for directions only from individuals in authority.

• Know how to use a pay telephone and have the proper change or token on hand.

• Learn a few phrases in the local language or have them handy in written form so that you can signal your need for police or medical help.

• Make a note of emergency telephone numbers you may need: police, fire, your hotel, and the nearest embassy or consulate.

• If you are confronted, don’t fight back-give up your valuables.

Safety in Your Hotel • Keep your hotel door locked at all times. Meet visitors in the lobby.

• Do not leave money and other valuables in your hotel room while you are out. Use the hotel safe.

• If you are out late at night, let someone know when you expect to return.

• If you are alone, do not get on an elevator if there is a suspicious-looking person inside.

• Read the fire safety instructions in your hotel room. Know how to report a fire, and be sure you know where the nearest fire exits and alternate exits are located. (Count the doors between your room and the nearest exit; this could be a lifesaver if you have to crawl through a smoke-filled corridor.)

Safety on Public Transportation If a country has a pattern of tourists being targeted by criminals on public transport, that information is mentioned in each country’s Country Specific Information in the section about crime.

Taxis Only take taxis clearly identified with official markings.

Beware of unmarked cabs.

Trains Well-organized, systematic robbery of passengers on trains along popular tourist routes is a problem. It is more common at night and especially on overnight trains.

If you see your way being blocked by a stranger and another person is very close to you from behind, move away. This can happen in the corridor of the train or on the platform or station. Do not accept food or drink from strangers. Criminals have been known to drug food or drink offered to passengers.

Criminals may also spray sleeping gas in train compartments.

Where possible, lock your compartment. If it cannot be locked securely, take turns sleeping in shifts with your traveling com-

panions. If that is not possible, stay awake. If you must sleep unprotected, tie down your luggage and secure your valuables to the extent possible.

Do not be afraid to alert authorities if you feel threatened in any way. Extra police are often assigned to ride trains on routes where crime is a serious problem.

Buses The same type of criminal activity found on trains can be found on public buses on popular tourist routes. For example,

tourists have been drugged and robbed while sleeping on buses or in bus stations. In some countries, whole busloads of passengers have been held up and robbed by gangs of bandits.

Safety When You Drive When you rent a car, choose a type that is commonly available locally. Where possible, ask that markings that identify it as a rental car be removed. Make certain it is in good repair. If available, choose a car with universal door locks and power windows, features that give the driver better control of access.

An air conditioner, when available, is also a safety feature, allowing you to drive with windows closed. Thieves can and do snatch purses through open windows of moving cars.

• Keep car doors locked at all times. Wear seat belts.

• As much as possible, avoid driving at night.

• Don’t leave valuables in the car. If you must carry things with you, keep them out of sight locked in the trunk, and then take them with you when you leave the car.

• Don’t park your car on the street overnight. If the hotel or municipality does not have a parking garage or other secure area, select a well-lit area.

• Never pick up hitchhikers.

• Don’t get out of the car if there are suspicious looking

individuals nearby. Drive away.

Patterns of Crime Against Motorists In many places frequented by tourists, including areas of southern Europe, victimization of motorists has been refined to an art. Where it is a problem, embassies are aware of it and consular officers try to work with local authorities to warn the public about the dangers. In some locations, these efforts at public awareness have paid off, reducing the frequency of incidents. You may also wish to ask your rental car agency for advice on avoiding robbery while visiting tourist destinations.

Carjackers and thieves operate at gas stations, parking lots, in city traffic and along the highway. Be suspicious of anyone who hails you or tries to get your attention when you are in or near your car.

Criminals use ingenious ploys. They may pose as good Samaritans, offering help for tires that they claim are flat or that they have made flat. Or they may flag down a motorist, ask for assistance, and then steal the rescuer’s luggage or car.

Usually they work in groups, one person carrying on the pretense while the others rob you.

Other criminals get your attention with abuse, either trying to drive you off the road, or causing an “accident” by rear-ending you.

In some urban areas, thieves don’t waste time on ploys, they simply smash car windows at traffic lights, grab your valuables or your car and get away. In cities around the world, “defensive driving” has come to mean more than avoiding auto accidents; it means keeping an eye out for potentially criminal pedestrians, cyclists and scooter riders.

How to Handle Money Safely • To avoid carrying large amounts of cash, change your travelers’ checks only as you need currency. Countersign travelers’ checks only in front of the person who will cash them.

• Do not flash large amounts of money when paying a bill.

Make sure your credit card is returned to you after each transaction.

• Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money, buy airline tickets or purchase souvenirs. Do not change money on the black market.

If your possessions are lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the local police. Keep a copy of the police report for insurance claims and as an explanation of what happened.

After reporting missing items to the police, report the loss or theft of: • Travelers’ checks to the nearest agent of the issuing company • Credit cards to the issuing company • Airline tickets to the airline or travel agent • Passport to the nearest embassy or consulate How to Avoid Legal Difficulties When you are in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws and are under its jurisdiction. You can be arrested overseas for actions that may be either legal or considered minor infractions in the United States. Familiarize yourself with legal expectations in the countries you will visit. The Country Specific Information pages include information on unusual patterns of arrests in particular countries, as appropriate. (www.travel.state.gov)

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Books

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

By Alex Haley

The Heart of a Woman

By Maya Angelou

M

M

alcolm X’s searing memoir belongs on the small shelf of great autobiographies. The reasons are many: the blistering honesty with which he recounts his transformation from a bitter, self-destructive petty criminal into an articulate political activist, the continued relevance of his militant analysis of white racism, and his emphasis on self-respect and self-help for African Americans.

And there’s the vividness with which he depicts black popular culture—try as he might to criticize those lindy hops at Boston’s Roseland dance hall from the perspective of his Muslim faith, he can’t help but make them sound pretty wonderful. These are but a few examples. The Autobiography of Malcolm X limns an archetypal journey from ignorance and despair to knowledge and spiritual awakening. When Malcolm tells coauthor Alex Haley, “People don’t realize how a man’s whole life can be changed by one book,” he voices the central belief underpinning every attempt to set down a personal story as an example for others. Although many believe his ethic was directly opposed to Martin Luther King Jr.’s during the civil rights struggle of the ‘60s, the two were not so different. Malcolm may have displayed a most un-Christian distaste for loving his enemies, but he understood with King that love of God and love of self are the necessary first steps on the road to freedom.

A Summer Life

By Gary Soto

G

ary Soto writes that when he was five “what I knew best was at ground level.”

In this lively collection of short essays, Soto takes his recder to a ground-level perspective, resreating in vivid detail the sights, sounds, smells, and textures he knew growing up in his Fresno, California, neighborhood.

The “things” of his boyhood tie it all together: his Buddha “splotched with gold,” the taps of his shoes and the “engines of sparks that lived beneath my soles,” his worn tennies smelling of “summer grass, asphalt, the moist sock breathing the defeat of basesall.” The child’s world is made up of small things-small, very important things.

aya Angelou has had more lives than the proverbial cat, and in The Heart of a Woman she continues the account of her remarkable life begun in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. In the first book of her bestselling autobiographical series, she describes her traumatic childhood in the small, segregated town of Stamps, Arkansas, during the 1930s. Gather Together in My Name picks up the story in the postwar years, when Maya, a single teenager with an infant son becomes, in short order, a cook, a madam, a dancer, and a prostitute. Next comes Singin’ and Swingin’ and Gettin’ Merry Like Christmas, an account of her twenties and her unsuccessful first marriage to a white man.

The Heart of a Woman, the fourth in the series, takes us through one of the most exciting and formative periods of Angelou’s amazing life: her beginnings as a writer and an activist in New York. Angelou has a happy knack of attracting the best and the brightest into her orbit, and The Heart of a Woman offers a veritable cornucopia of black luminaries in its pages. Singer Billie Holiday, writers John Ellins and Paule Marshall, jazz musicians Max Roach and Abbey Lincoln, and actors Godfrey Cambridge and James Earl Jones—Maya meets and learns from them all. Political activism soon follows as Ms. Angelou first organizes a theatrical benefit for the Reverend Martin Luther King and then becomes the director of the New York Southern Christian Leadership Conference office. Her involvement in the civil rights movement eventually brings her into contact with African freedom fighters Oliver Tambo and the charming Vusumzi Make, whom she marries and follows to Africa.

Drink Cultura: Chicanismo

: As Told to Alex Haley

The Autobiography of Malcolm X

TO

Autobiographies P

By Jose Antonio Burciaga

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n this collection of essays, Chicano writer Burciaga explores from Mexican American and Chicano viewpoints the complexities of being Mexican American. Many of the essays tell of the early days of the Chicano movement in Texas, which Burciaga experienced as a child. Burciaga seeks the roots of his Chicano heritage in Mexico and Texas, telling today’s Mexican Americans how the Chicano movement has changed their lives for the better. His personal anecdotes of growing up a stranger to both of his native lands speak to today’s immigrants, especially the second and third generations.

Heartily recommended for public libraries, this is essential for any library serving a Hispanic community.

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Books

Black Boy (The Restored Text Established

by The Library of America)

By Richard A Wright

By William Saroyan

Separate Reality

By Carlos Castaneda

“A

man of knowledge is free...he has no honor, no dignity, no family, no home, no country, but only life to be lived.”-Don Juan. In 1961 a young anthropologist subjected himself to an extraordinary apprenticeship to bring back a fascinating glimpse of a Yaqui Indian’s world of “non-ordinary reality” and the difficult and dangerous road a man must travel to become “a man of knowledge.” Yet on the bring of that world, challenging to all that we believe, he drew back. Then in 1968, Carlos Castaneda returned to Mexico, to don Juan and his hallucinogenic drugs, and to a world of experience no man from our Western civilization had ever entered before.

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utobiography by Richard Wright, published in 1945 and considered to be one of his finest works. The book is sometimes considered a fictionalized autobiography or an autobiographical novel because of its use of novelistic techniques. Black Boy describes vividly Wright’s often harsh, hardscrabble boyhood and youth in rural Mississippi and in Memphis, Tenn. When the work was first published, many white critics viewed Black Boy primarily as an attack on racist Southern white society. From the 1960s the work came to be understood as the story of Wright’s coming of age and development as a writer whose race, though a primary component of his life, was but one of many that formed him as an artist.

The Separate Realities of Blacks and Whites

T

he place is Ithaca, in California’s San Joaquin Valley. The time is World War II. The family is the Macauley’s — a mother, sister, and three brothers whose struggles and dreams reflect those of America’s second-generation immigrants.. In particular, fourteen-year-old Homer, determined to become one of the fastest telegraph messengers in the West, finds himself caught between reality and illusion as delivering his messages of wartime death, love, and money brings him face-to-face with human emotion at its most naked and raw. Gentle, poignant and richly autobiographical, this delightful novel shows us the boy becoming the man in a world that even in the midst of war, appears sweeter, safer and more livable than out own.

Justice in America

The Human Comedy

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

By Mark Peffley, Jon Hurwitz

A

s reactions to the O. J. Simpson verdict, the Rodney King beating, and the Amadou Diallo killing make clear, whites and African Americans in the United States inhabit two different perceptual worlds, with the former seeing the justice system as largely fair and color blind and the latter believing it to be replete with bias and discrimination. Drawing on data from a nation-wide survey of both races, the authors tackle two important questions in this book: what explains the widely differing perceptions, and why do such differences matter? They attribute much of the racial chasm to the relatively common personal confrontations that many blacks have with law enforcement - confrontations seldom experienced by whites. And more importantly, the authors demonstrate that this racial chasm is consequential: it leads African Americans to react much more cynically to incidents of police brutality and racial profiling, and also to be far more skeptical of punitive anti-crime policies ranging from the death penalty to three-strikes laws.

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Years

Beauty

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

Kim Kardashian

Makeup Tricks and Secrets - Finally Revealed Recently, Kim Kardashian disclosed her makeup tricks and secrets on her blog.

Discover below what products Kim always uses for her photo finish look!

K

im Kardashian said, “I always start with a fresh face. Then I put on Intuit ‘Photo Shoot.’ Basically Intuit is a big company and I love the names of their products. Its Photo Shoot is a makeup primer. After my moisturizer, I put it on, which basically is like a moisturizer that will fill the pours on your face and it will help to set the foundation so it will last longer.

Further I use “Cle De Peau concealer stick”, its super expensive, but works for me. This stick comes in two colors; I use Ocre, which is the darker of the two. And I also use “MAC” concealer which comes in a little pot, condition I do not have “Cle de Peau”. Naturally, everyone’s color is different but I use NW25. First, I put the concealer under my eyes because I completely hate dark circles. Then I also use concealer to cover up blemishes!

After that, I put on “Make up Forever’s liquid foundation”. For that, I mix one pump of No 5 and two pumps of No 4.

Yet I also have No 3 for the winter time when I am really pale. So I mix the foundations to get the perfect color. Then I blend them with the coolest make up MAC brush No 180.

As I already said that I hate dark circles, so after the foundation, I put on a little more concealer just under my eyes since the foundation makes it darker under my eyes. Usually, I use a lighter concealer from “MAC NW30” in a little lipstick tubelooking container and I select ‘moisture

cover’ as well. At next, I lightly brush on with a big powder brush MAC to set the foundation. I used to select “Sheer Pressed Powder NC 30”, then to make me a little tanner I lightly brush on “MAC Powder NW 45”.

At this moment, it’s blush time. I tell you that I’m obsessed with blush. For blush, I use a color called “Gingerly” to warm me up and give me a little color and then add a pink color called “Cheek” to give me rosy cheeks. Then I just started getting into cream blush and find it works a lot better and last longer.

Now it’s Time for the eyes, my favorite part of makeup. At first, I put down a “MAC”. Then I paint pot in a light color that matches my skin called “Painterly”.

The creamy shadow makes it so that the powder eye shadow does not wrinkle.

Resembling, if you wear makeup all day you will see that the eye shadow begins to wrinkle and get oily, but if you put this paint color down first it won’t do so.

That’s the reason I love cream shadow and use the color cream pots as well. also I love colored shadow; so it depends on the color depend of shadow I plan to wear: condition it’s black smoky I use Carbon by MAC; and if its Grey smoky I use Knight Divine or Print; and if it’s brown smoky I use Embark by MAC thus I love a fresh shimmery look as well and use “MAC Pigment” called “Tan”. Believe me! It’s so pretty and I love bright colors for eye makeup. With all that, I always use

black pencil eyeliner and my favorite is “Stila black pencil”.

It’s mascara time. I just put on mascara completes the look, but I have it when I mess up and get it on my eye lid and mess up the eye shadow. For that, I used to use “Lancome Hypnoses”, and still do.

But I recently started to use “M.A.C. Zoom mascara” which is amazing.

For mascara, I take my time and put coat after coat because I love to layer mascaras so I will probably start with the” M.A.C. Zoom” and then put” Lancome Hypnoses” on top. To apply that properly, I always use a separator brush to separate my lashes. As I am completely clueless on how to put false lashes on, so I only wear them for photo shoots occasionally.

Putting lipstick is the final touch, I usually use “MAC Lip liner” called “Stripdown” .I use it very lightly and a lipstick called “Angel” and put “Nars Turkish Delight lipgloss” on top. For my favorite nude matte lip, I

put on “Nars Belle De Jour” and I line my lips first with “MAC Subculture lip liner”. (www.kimkardashianhot.net)

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Beauty

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

How to wear the hottest

ponytail styles Four easy ways to glam up a basic ponytail

T

he ponytail has been worn for years and years, but this season, a ponytail does not have to mean that you are having a bad hair day. Finally, there are sexy and chic ponytail styles for all types of hair that can be worn for day and night. Seen on many spring and fall runways this year such as Alexander Baradi, Celine, and Valentino, the ponytail can be rocked by anyone- it’s also being seen repeatedly on the hottest celebs such as Blake Lively and Kim Kardashian.

Messy ponytail The messy ponytail is the perfect, effortless look for this season because it is extremely easy to wear for any hairstyle and any face shape, and it looks like you didn’t try too hard, giving it the ultimate understated sexy vibe. It is also a very soft look, so even though it is messy, it can be worn with nice dresses or for a night out. To get this look, Blake Lively’s hairstylist, Jennifer Johnson, suggests using dry shampoo on your roots to add some texture and lightly tease it with a brush in small sections. Then, gather your hair into a medium-length ponytail and tie it, but pull the elastic down a little bit and then “split the pony into two sections and pull apart to retighten” to tousle the crown. Use pomade on the ponytail to add more texture. If you have stick-straight hair, wrap a few small sections around a curling iron before the process.

High and sleek As seen on Emanuel Ungaro’s Fall 2011 runways, the high and sleek pony is a great look for the evening and works well with oval face shapes. To get this look, flat-iron your hair first, then use a anti-frizz or shine serum and gather your hair into a super high pony.

Brush it back before you tie it to make sure you have absolutely no bumps, then use hairspray to make sure there’s no flyaways. Then, you can either leave your wrap sections of the pony around a curling iron like Bar Raphaeli

for a cute and wavy look, or straighten it for the ultimate sleek style.

Low and wavy Take a hint from Hailee Steinfeld, and try a low and wavy ponytail for a romantic look.

This style is great for women who don’t like wearing ponytails because they don’t want to lose any length- your hair will still look just as long with a low pony. To achieve the look, use a texturizing or volumizing spray and then blow-dry your hair straight. Gather your hair at the nape and tie it into a low and loose ponytail. For Hailee’s look, wrap sections of the pony around a curling iron, and pull all of the hair to one side.

Fishtail pony The fishtail is the new french braid-it is new and fresh, and is a nice young take on the ponytail. As a bonus, it looks very intricate and hard to do, but it’s even easier than braiding. To create a fishtail braid similiar to Vanessa Hudgens, first, split your hair into two even sections. Then, grab a small section from the outside of one section to the inside of the other, then repeat on the other side- as if you are making an x. Keep repeating, rotating each side, until you reach the ends of your hair. Secure it at the bottom, and let some strands loose around your face for an effortless look.

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Health

Years

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

Stay on your diet plan even when you are out of the house

Eating well while eating out A

slice of pizza once in a while won’t do you any harm. What’s important is a person’s average food intake over a few days, not just in a single meal. So if you eat a less-than-healthy meal once in a while, try to balance it with healthier foods the rest of that day and week.

But if pizza (or any fast food) is all you eat, that can lead to problems. The most obvious health threat of eating too much fast food is weight gain - or even obesity.

But weight gain isn’t the only problem.

Too much fast food can drag a person’s body down in other ways. Because the food we eat affects all aspects of how the body functions, eating the right (or wrong) foods can influence any number of things, including: ● mental functioning ● emotional well-being ● energy ● strength ● weight ● future health ● Eating on the Go It’s actually easier than you think to make good choices at a fast-food restaurant, the mall, or even the school cafeteria. Most cafeterias and fast-food places offer healthy choices that are also tasty, like grilled chicken or salads. Be mindful of portion sizes and high fat add-ons, like dressings, sauces or cheese.

Here are some pointers to remember that can help you make wise choices when eating out: ● Go for balance. Choose meals that contain a balance of lean proteins (like fish, chicken, or beans if you’re a vegetarian), fruits and vegetables (fries and potato chips don’t qualify as veggies!), and wholegrains (like whole wheat bread and brown rice). That’s why a turkey sandwich on whole wheat with lettuce and tomato is a better choice than a cheeseburger on a white bun. ● Watch portion sizes. The portion sizes of American foods have increased over the past few decades so that we are now eating way more than we need. The average size of a hamburger in the 1950s was just 1.5 ounces, compared with today’s hamburgers, which weigh in at 8 ounces or more. ● Drink water or low-fat milk. Regular sodas, juices, and energy drinks usually contain “empty” calories that you don’t need - not to mention other stuff, like caffeine.

Tips for Eating At a Restaurant Most restaurant portions are way larger than the average serving of food at home.

Ask for half portions, share an entrÈe with a friend, or take half of your dish home.

Here are some other restaurant survival tips:

● Ask for sauces and salad dressings on the side and use them sparingly. ● Use salsa and mustard instead of mayonnaise or oil.

V Ask for olive or canola oil instead of butter, margarine, or shortening. ● Use nonfat or lowfat milk instead of whole milk or cream. ● Order baked, broiled, or grilled (not fried) lean meats including turkey, chicken, seafood, or sirloin steak. ● Salads and vegetables make healthier side dishes than french fries. Use a small amount of sour cream instead of butter if you order a baked potato. ● Choose fresh fruit instead of sugary, high-fat desserts.

Tips for Eating At the Mall or Fast-Food Place It’s tempting to pig out while shopping, but with a little planning, it’s easy to eat healthy foods at the mall. Here are some choices: ● a single slice of veggie pizza ● grilled, not fried, sandwiches (for example, a grilled chicken breast sandwich) ● deli sandwiches on whole-grain bread ● a small hamburger ● a bean burrito ● a baked potato ● a side salad ● frozen yogurt Choose the smaller sizes, especially when it comes to drinks and snacks if you

have a craving for something unhealthy, try sharing the food you crave with a friend The suggestions for eating in a restaurant and at the mall apply to cafeteria food as well. Add vegetables and fruit whenever possible, and opt for leaner, lighter items.

Choose sandwiches on whole-grain bread or a plain hamburger over fried foods or pizza. Go easy on the high-fat, low-nutrition items, such as mayonnaise and heavy salad dressings. You might want to consider packing your own lunch occasionally. Here are some lunch items that pack a healthy punch: ● sandwiches with lean meats or fish, like turkey, chicken, tuna (made with low-fat mayo), lean ham, or lean roast beef. For variety, try other sources of protein, like peanut butter, hummus, or meatless chili. ● low-fat or nonfat milk, yogurt, or cheese ● any fruit that’s in season ● raw baby carrots, green and red pepper strips, tomatoes, or cucumbers ● whole-grain breads, pita, bagels, or crackers It can be easy to eat well, even on the run. If you develop the skills to make healthy choices now, your body will thank you later. And the good news is you don’t have to eat perfectly all the time. It’s OK to splurge every once in a while, as long as your food choices are generally good. (www.kidshealth.org)

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Years

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

Try your hand at Tai Chi S

ick of step aerobics? Tired of tennis, but still want to stay in shape? If you’re looking for something to shake up your workout routine, try t’ai chi. T’ai chi (pronounced: tie chee) is great for improving flexibility and strengthening your legs, abs, and arms. Get ready to “Part the Horse’s Mane,” and give t’ai chi a try!

What Is T’ai Chi? When you think about martial arts, karate and judo may come to mind. T’ai chi, sometimes called t’ai chi chuan, is also an ancient Chinese martial art form that was developed to enhance both physical and emotional well-being.

It’s been said that t’ai chi is a combination of moving yoga and meditation. A person performs t’ai chi by practicing breathing exercises and a series of slow, graceful, flowing postures (also called poses) simultaneously. The postures consist of movements that are said to improve body awareness and enhance strength and coordination. Many people who practice t’ai chi say that they feel more peaceful and relaxed after a workout.

T’ai chi was developed in ancient China as early as 225 AD. The ancient Chinese believed that the body was filled with energy, or chi, but chi could become blocked, causing illness and disease. They believed that a person could help improve the flow of chi throughout the body and improve health by practicing t’ai chi exercises.

The many different styles of t’ai chi include: ● Chen

style (or Wu Shi) style ● Hu Lei style ● Sun style ● Yang style ● Zhao Bao style The different types vary in intensity and focus. For example, Sun style is known for its fast footwork. The low-impact movements of Hao style can be practiced by people who are elderly or have special needs. In general, though, practicing t’ai chi improves strength, flexibility, and respiratory function. ● Hao

You have many choices when it comes to choosing a t’ai chi workout. Many fitness centers and YMCAs offer t’ai chi classes, and many t’ai chi instructors also offer private classes. You may also want to try a t’ai chi video - there are several excellent videos just for beginners. Instructional websites, CD-ROMs, and books are also available to help you learn more about t’ai chi.

Before you start your first t’ai chi workout, you should dress comfortably so you can move and stretch easily.

Shorts or tights and a T-shirt or tank top are great choices.

Because t’ai chi is a martial art, some people who practice it wear a martial arts training uniform. T’ai chi is usually practiced barefoot or in comfortable socks and sneakers.

During a t’ai chi class, you’ll participate in forms. Each form is a series of movements (also called poses) performed in a specific order. The poses that make up the forms sometimes have visually descriptive names, such as “White Crane Spreads Its Wings” and “Grasp Sparrow’s Tail.”

Poses to Try Here are a few poses that you might encounter if you take a t’ai chi class or watch a t’ai chi video: ● Hands Strum the Lute: Slightly bend your left knee and place your weight on your left foot. Move your right foot and place it behind your left foot. Shift your weight back to your right foot and extend the left foot forward with the toes up. At the same time, slightly turn your body to the right, raise your left hand until it is level with your nose, and move your right hand horizontally to the inside of your left elbow. Direct your eyes toward the left hand. ● Needle at the Bottom of the Sea: Shift your weight to your left foot and move your right foot, placing your toes behind your left foot and shifting your full weight to the right foot. Extend your left foot forward. Turn your body to the right, and circle your right arm to the right while moving your left hand to the front of your face. Look at the floor in front of your feet. ● Closing Form: With your feet at hips’ distance apart, extend both arms forward while turning your palms down.

Lower both of your arms slowly to the sides of your hips and look straight forward. Shift your weight to the right

foot and move your left foot toward the right foot.

Before You Begin Before you begin any type of exercise program, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor, especially if you have a health problem. But unlike many other sports, t’ai chi is based on continuous, flowing, low-impact movements, so it’s a good workout choice for just about anyone. Is your schedule jam-packed with school, work, and social activities? Here are a few tips for fitting in fitness and staying motivated: ● Try a little at a time. If you don’t have time to go through an entire form in your regular t’ai chi routine, try breaking up your workout into 10- or 15-minute chunks.

During a long study session, reward yourself every hour with a few minutes of t’ai chi. ● Go slow. Keep your expectations reasonable. Don’t expect to be able to do all the moves perfectly right away.

Masters of t’ai chi work on theV forms continuously for years to perfect them. As you become more proficient, remember: The postures of t’ai chi are meant to be done slowly for best results. ● Do what works for you. Some people have more success working out in the morning before the day’s activities sidetrack them; others find that a nighttime workout helps them unwind before hitting the sack. Experiment with working out at different times of the day and find the time that fits your schedule and energy level best. ● Get in a group. If you find that you aren’t motivated to work out by yourself, attend a few t’ai chi classes and get social. An added benefit of taking the class: The teacher can help you with your form and give you tips to make your workout more effective and enjoyable. ● Keep boredom at bay. Many people who work out regularly say that preventing boredom is the key to consistent workouts. If you’ve been doing t’ai chi every day and are feeling a little blah, mix it up with walking or a yoga video. There’s one caution about starting a t’ai chi routine, though: Once you start, you might not be able to stop (www.kidshealth.org)

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Art

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

PoMo power: the return of postmodernism The iconic style of the 70s and 80s is back, with a V&A show and a new generation of architects flirting with its pluralist concepts

I

t had to happen. Postmodernism - the style of pinkpainted pediments, marbleised MDF and leopard-skin Formica, of the Chippendale skyscraper, the designer teapot and the acanthus-leaved Homebase, which seemed to give form to the consuming excess of the ReaganThatcher years and which the architecture and design world then dumped as summarily as a herpes-ridden lover - is back. For some years, interesting architects have been playing with postmodernist themes. Now the V&A is honouring it with an exhibition which promises to make it look fun and important. It’s only a matter of time before the former TVam headquarters, famous for the giant eggcups on its skyline, and those of MI6, whose robotic forms a peevish critic once compared to Arnold Schwarzenegger, become listed buildings.

According to Charles Jencks, the man who applied the term “postmodernism” (or Post-Modernism, as he likes to write it) to architecture, it never went away, and he has published a book, The Story of Post-Modernism, to prove it. As evidence he cites decorative icons such as the Olympic stadium in Beijing, the Gherkin in London, and architects such as Edouard Francois, who has covered buildings with plants and stacks of large flowerpots. Terry Farrell, author of the TV-am and MI6 buildings, says: “Most of us are postmodernists now. We will never go back.”

It all depends what you mean by postmodernism. By one definition it is a short-lived style of architecture and design, such as art deco, which flourished in the 1970s and 80s. It favoured ornament, ironic wit and bright colours. It was pop and classical at once. It revelled in being artificial and theatrical, with columns or arches supporting nothing, pumped-up cornices and weighty-looking rustication that sounded hollow when you tapped it. You could see it was a stage set, and that was the point. It set out to be everything that modernist design, which had aimed for undecorated honesty in form and structure, was not.

Alternatively, postmodernism is an attitude where surface is substance, which delights in its own hollowness.

Frequent costume changes are the art of life. Its twin deities are the odd couple of the musician Madonna and the architect Philip Johnson, who in 1978 designed the AT&T building (now the Sony building) in New York - a pink granite tower with a Florentine arcade at its base and a broken pediment at its top that drew immediate comparison with a Chippendale bookcase. Johnson had previously been an

enthusiastic supporter of modernism and had worked with Mies van der Rohe on the nearby Seagram building, an austere black glass box which was ostensibly AT&T’s opposite.

He would go through several more style changes before his death in 2005, aged 98.

For Michael Graves, whose municipal building in Portland, Oregon, was postmodernism’s first major monument, it was a “critique of modernism’s failure to deal with the human and the urban” and a rediscovery of the “humanistic discipline of architecture, where we are the primary subject, with scale and proportion - all of that above all else.” It is about buildings people can understand and with it “how to make a window, a door, a threshold. A lot of buildings are just glass, you get your rocks off on how the glass is detailed - that’s a pretty thin world.”

Many of those most closely involved in postmodernism say it was countercultural and anti-corporate. In 1972, Denise Scott Brown, with her husband, Robert Venturi, wrote Learning From Las Vegas, a founding text of postmodernism which celebrated a city usually dismissed as vulgar and kitsch. She describes growing up in her native South Africa, where “the struggle was between what you saw and what you were told ought to be, between the diversity, the African folk pop-art, the beautiful landscape, and expats telling us we should behave like the English”.

Coming to London to study, she saw the same conflict between the “is” and the “ought to” in the lives of workingclass people and the style of architecture that modernist architects tried to impose on them. “You should value what is, because people make it,” she says, “not see it as bad because it is not your taste culture.”

For her, as for Graves, buildings should communicate, which usually means they should be decorated in ways that mean something to their users. Just as important was their planning: they should be planned inside and out so that people are more likely to meet and interact. This, she says, is the main virtue of the Sainsbury Wing of the National Gallery, designed by her and Venturi and completed 20 years ago. “People think that all we’ve done is put neon on the cathedral, but it’s much more than that.”

For Jencks, postmodernism is about many things, especially plurality, complexity and the ability of buildings to symbolise almost anything, from the order of the cosmos to a hot dog. It was a reaction to “the triumph of nothingness”, the modernist architecture which had, by the 1960s,

become the official style of the establishment in both capitalist and socialist countries, a dogmatic, high church willing to compromise with business, which reached a new low when Walter Gropius, the high priest of modernist highmindedness, designed the Playboy Club in London. The “death of modernism”, according to Jencks, came in 1972, when the modernist Pruitt-Igoe housing complex in St Louis was demolished.

But then postmodernism suffered what Scott Brown calls “the corporate takeover that we call PoMo”, when Philip Johnson, whom she calls “an evil man”, unveiled his AT&T designs in 1978. Jencks describes the same moment as the time when postmodernism, if it did not die, “grew old”, only six years after the death of modernism at Pruitt-Igoe. From there it was a slippery slope to a new Playboy moment in Disney’s rolling out of resort hotels by leading postmodernists such as Michael Graves, and the adoption of the style as the standard wrapping for large office blocks of the 1980s boom.

With dismaying speed, the style of counterculture was consumed by the corporate. The V&A’s show promises to reveal postmodernism as a thing of energy and pleasure, running across art, fashion and music as well as design and architecture. Yet by the mid-80s its invention had run dry and its wit had become lumpen. It became a useful trick for globalised finance, whereby large American practices could make a tower in China look like a pagoda or one in the Gulf look like a tent. It lived on its wit and, when it lost it, it was doomed.

Yet we are all, as Farrell and Jencks say, postmodernists now. The idea that a single style could dominate, as it did at the height of the modern movement, has gone for ever. The idea that buildings communicate, however clumsily, is contained in the remarkably imperishable idea of the “iconic” building. Ideas about city planning that owe something or other to Scott Brown’s principles are contained in most large-scale masterplans for new developments. The results can be monstrous or beautiful. To have more of the latter, we need to rediscover the agility of postmodernism at its best, combined with Scott Brown’s belief that design has something to do with improving people’s lives. —Guardian

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

Richard Dadd: The fairy king Dadd was a successful young painter when he killed his father and was committed to Bethlem as a ‘criminal lunatic’. His crowded, magical paintings have had a striking influence on future artists

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e was a successful young painter in the early 1840s when he accompanied a patron on a long tour of the Middle East, complaining that they never stopped long enough for him to draw what he saw. On his return he showed signs of mental disturbance. His father, who had a gilding business, went with him to Cobham, where the family roots were. They went on a walk in Cobham Park in the evening.

There Dadd stabbed and killed his father - the attack was obviously premeditated, as Dadd had prepared his flight out of the country. In a coach in France, he attacked a fellow passenger with a razor, and was apprehended. He claimed to be controlled by demons, and that his father was not his real father.

He returned to England and was tried for murder. He was found to be a “criminal lunatic” and shut away in Bethlem, as one of those grimly defined as “Pleasure Men” - those detained at the Queen’s pleasure. In Bethlem he painted some amazing paintings, including The Fairy Feller, on which he worked from 1855 and which was left behind unfinished when he was moved to the new asylum of Broadmoor in 1863.

In his book Richard Dadd: The Artist and the Asylum Nicholas Tromans is interested in the nature of asylums in general, and in the effect of Bethlem and Broadmoor on Dadd and his work. He is writing, as he says, in the wake of Foucault’s history of asylums, Madness and Civilization, and Erving Goffman’s criticism of mental institutions, as well as the antipsychiatry movement of RD Laing, who believed in schizophrenia-inducing mothers, and allowing patients to “work through” their madness. Tromans nevertheless shows a somewhat unfocused need to be suspicious of the asylum authorities - including those who bought Dadd’s work and encouraged him to paint. These authorities knew nothing of the causes of madness, though they believed in treating patients kindly. The enlightened William Charles Hood in 1862 listed among the causes of insanity Fright, Jealousy, Sudden Prosperity, Coup de Soleil and Onanism. Tromans is interested in whether schizophrenia is hereditary and gives a chilling account of the fates of Dadd’s siblings. His brother George was admitted to Bethlem when Richard was fleeing after killing their father. His sister Maria married in 1844 but was insane by 1853, and in an asylum by 1859. Another brother was said to have a private attendant. Tromans also considers the possibility that all this was not hereditary but the result of poisoning by the mercury used in the gilding process.

This book is superbly illustrated with reproductions of Dadd’s work. There are the early “fairy” paintings shown in London in 1841-42 - in a genre then very fashionable in which the fairy folk are of different sizes, from tiny to buxom, and dance and fly in animated crowds among vegetation that dwarfs them. Dadd’s three paintings Puck (1841), A Fairy Sunset (1841-42) and Come unto these Yellow Sands (1842) are elegant and precise - the Puck is a baby, sitting on a mush-

room in moonlight under a columbine dripping with dewdrops, among grasses also beaded with water, and watches much smaller naked dancers cavorting below him. These fairies have sharp, mischievous features, quite different from the later fairies of Bethlem.

I remember the extraordinary moment on The Antiques Road Show when the magical Halt in the Desert, painted in 1845, was identified as by Dadd. It is a watercolour of a camp in the dark, lit by a fire round which the travellers are crowded, and by a small pale moon in a rack of lemony, silvery clouds.

Tromans shows views of places such as Jerusalem and Venice, painted in the asylum from memory and sketches. There are several portraits of Dadd’s patron, Sir Thomas Phillips, a magistrate knighted for putting down a chartist protest. Many of the portraits are in Arab costume. Phillips stares out of them with

mad, suspicious pale blue eyes. He did indeed become worried about Dadd’s odd state of mind on their journey, and it was suggested that he was affected by sunstroke. Dadd later painted a series of imaginary portraits of allegorical “Passions” - Treachery, Recklessness, and so on - who also have this unnerving, fixed mad stare. On his Middle Eastern journey he was apparently taken by the sturdy beauty of the women: “the water-carriers (women) are very capital subjects for the brush; and they rush along with great celerity under pitchers of no small size.”

There are three extraordinary paintings at the centre of this book. One is Flight Out of Egypt (1849-50). Then there is Contradiction: Oberon and Titania (1854-58), depicting the quarrel over the Indian Boy, which was painted for William Charles Hood at Bethlem; and The Fairy Feller, painted for George Henry Haydon, also at Bethlem. All three are crowded with figures, and all seem to bristle with occult meanings.

Tromans does not offer any deep analysis of the subject matter of these paintings. Flight Out of Egypt has a huge crowd of figures at what seems like a desert oasis - to the left there is a rhythmic forest of plumed lances held by horsemen and camel riders, to the right tents and groups of Arabs (including a tambour dancer based on an image at Pompeii). There is a group in the foreground of pale-skinned people who in some ways represent the flight into Egypt - a woman with a swaddled baby, a bearded Joseph figure, a sinister child with a bow and arrow, and an even more sinister child battling a nasty goat next to a spilled water vessel. The other rhythm in the painting is repeated images of water vessels, on veiled heads, being dipped into the stream. In the very middle is a group of mailed soldiers, helmeted and red-cloaked. The central one, bejewelled and in a leopard skin, is drinking from a metal vessel that obscures his face. It is not the Israelites leaving Egypt - Moses and Aaron are nowhere to be seen. It is some sort of allegory but its meaning - to me at least - is totally obscure. Dadd held beliefs about Egyptian myths as opposed to Christian ones. It is possible that the looming sense of danger and disaster are simply part of his state of mind. He is said to have explained that chess pieces could be possessed by devils and be against you when you played. This picture belonged to Sacheverell Sitwell, who expressed frustration, in Narrative Pictures, with its elusive meaning.

Contradiction is easier to read and amazing to look at.

Oberon is clothed in vaguely Middle Eastern robes, bearded and crowned. Titania is unexpected - a hefty woman, in a Greek dress and fantastic crown, wielding a long wand and apparently crushing to death one of a group of minuscule fairies who are flying around her feet. Her face is truculent; she stares up and away from Oberon, who is apparently being restrained by a sharp-faced Puck. The whole work is crammed and crowded with the Dadd mixture of intricate plant life and small figures on all scales - a miniature bacchanal with satyrs, and a dead deer on a pole that rushes along above Titania’s head. A mysterious green egg shape hangs from a pagoda-like object, next to which is a tiny hanging green fairy on the summit of an odd triangular gilt construction. There are, as in The Fairy Feller, variegated grasses wreathing randomly over the surface of the work, and delicately depicted lilies of the valley, about as tall as the fairy queen herself. Everywhere you look, a tiny face peers at you, in the stem of a leaf, in a seedpod. The whole thing is undergrowth-green, sage green, with Titania’s bright green shawl and the odd egg standing out brightly. —Guardian

Comics

C R O S S W O R D

4 4 0

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

To Yester

Word Sleuth Solution

Yesterday’s Solution

ACROSS

1. A room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter.

4. A native of ancient Troy.

10. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey).

13. A constellation in the southern hemisphere near Telescopium and Norma.

14. A river that rises in northern Colombia and flows generally eastward to the Orinoco in central Venezuela.

15. A partially opened flower.

16. A landlocked mountainous republic in southeast central Asia north of Afghanistan.

18. In the Roman calendar.

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

20. (Islam) The man who leads prayers in a mosque.

21. A lyric poem with complex stanza forms.

22. A public promotion of some product or service.

24. A soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal.

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

26. Make larger.

29. A condition requiring relief.

30. Small European freshwater fish with a slender bluish-green body.

33. The branch of computer science that deal with writing computer programs that can solve problems creatively.

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

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

42. An associate degree in applied science.

45. A successful ending of a struggle or contest.

48. A historical region in central and northern Yugoslavia.

51. West Indian evergreen with medium to long leaves.

52. A unit of electrical charge equal to the amount of charge transferred by a current of 1 ampere in 1 second.

54. (Akkadian) God of wisdom.

57. 100 aurar equal 1 krona.

58. (Old Testament) In Judeo-Christian mythology.

62. Your general store of remembered information.

63. A small tent used as a dressing room beside the sea or a swimming pool.

65. A master's degree in business.

66. Seed of a pea plant.

67. Pertaining to or resembling amoebae.

68. Extremely pleasing.

DOWN 1. A dyed fabric.

2. An edilbe seaweed with a mild flavor.

3. The seventh month of the Moslem calendar.

4. East Indian tree bearing a profusion of intense vermilion velvet-textured blooms and yielding a yellow dye.

5. A colorless and odorless inert gas.

6. A sudden short attack.

7. A clay pipe with a short stem.

8. (informal) Of the highest quality.

9. Speak in a nasal voice.

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

11. A Russian prison camp for political prisoners.

12. A condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact

of experience that is taken as true by many people.

17. An iconic mental representation.

23. An informal term for a father.

27. A colorless odorless gaseous element that give a red glow in a vacuum tube.

28. A white metallic element that burns with a brilliant light.

31. The blood group whose red cells carry both the A and B antigens.

32. Being ten more than one hundred ninety.

35. A Tibetan or Mongolian priest of Lamaism.

36. A tight-fitting headdress.

37. The residue that remains when something is burned.

39. The largest of the Balearic Islands.

40. An infection of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid.

41. An undergarment worn by women to support their breasts.

43. A river that rises in western New Mexico and flows westward through southern Arizona to become a tributary of the Colorado River.

44. A barrier constructed to contain the flow or water or to keep out the sea.

46. Someone who cuts and delivers ice.

47. Fiddler crabs.

49. An established line of travel or access.

50. A mountainous republic in southeastern Asia on the Bay of Bengal.

53. A very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk.

55. A small cake leavened with yeast.

56. An Arabic speaking person who lives in Arabia or North Africa.

59. A light touch or stroke.

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

61. The rate at which energy is drawn from a source that produces a flow of electricity in a circuit.

64. Before noon.

Yesterday’s Solution

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Lifestyle

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

C elebrities’ birthdays for the week of Sept 18-21 Sept 18: Singer Jimmie Rodgers is 78. Actor Robert Blake is 78.

Actor Fred Willard is 72. Singer-actor Frankie Avalon is 71.

Guitarist Kerry Livgren (Kansas) is 62. Actor James Gandolfini (“The Sopranos”) is 50. Guitarist Mark Olson of The Jayhawks is 50. Singer Joanne Catherall of Human League is 49. Actress Holly Robinson Peete (“Hangin’ With Mr Cooper”) is 47. Singer Ricky Bell (Bell Biv Devoe, New Edition) is 44. Actress Jada Pinkett Smith is 40. Actor James Marsden (“The Notebook,” “Ally McBeal”) is 38. Actress Emily Rutherfurd (“The New Adventures of Old Christine”) is 37. Actor Travis Schuldt (“Scrubs”) is 37. Rapper Xzibit is 37. Comedian Jason Sudeikis (“Saturday Night Live”) is 36. Actor Barrett Foa (“NCIS: Los Angeles”) is 34. Actors Taylor and Brandon Porter (“Party of Five”) are 18.

Sept 19: “Inside the Actor’s Studio” host James Lipton is 85.

Actress Rosemary Harris is 84. Actor Adam West (“Batman”) is 81. Actor David McCallum (“The Man From U.N.C.L.E.”) is 78. Singer Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers is 71. Singer Sylvia Tyson of Ian and Sylvia is 71. Singer-songwriter Paul Williams is 71. Singer Freda Payne is 69.

Singer David Bromberg is 66. Actor Randolph Mantooth (“Emergency”) is 66.

Guitarist Lol Creme of 10cc is 64. Actor Jeremy Irons is 63. Actress-model Twiggy Lawson is 62. TV personality Joan Lunden is 61. Guitarist-producer Nile Jimmy Fallon Rodgers of Chic is 59. Singer-actor Rex Smith is 56. Director Kevin Hooks is 53.

Actress Carolyn McCormick (“Law and Order: Special Victims Unit”) is 52. Country singer Jeff Bates is 48. Country singer Trisha Yearwood is 47. Comedian Cheri Oteri (“Saturday Night Live”) is 46. News anchor Soledad O’Brien is 45. Singer Esperonza Griffin (Society of Soul) is 42. Singer A Jay Popoff of Lit is 38. Comedian/talk show host Jimmy Fallon is 37.

Actress/host Alison Sweeney (“Days of Our Lives,” “The Biggest Loser”) is 35. Singers Tegan and Sara Quin of Tegan and Sara are 31. Rapper Eamon is 28.

Sept 20: Singer Gogi Grant is 87. Actress-comedian Anne Meara is 82. Actress Sophia Loren is 77. Bassist Chuck Panozzo (Styx) is 64. Jazz guitarist Peter White is 57. Actress Betsy Brantley (“Deep Impact”) is 56. Actor Gary Cole is 55. Bassist Randy Bradbury of Pennywise is 47. Actress Kristen Johnston (“3rd Rock From The Sun”) is 44. Singers Gunnar and Matthew Nelson of Nelson are 44. Bassist Ben Shepherd (Soundgarden) is 43. Drummer Rick Woolstenhulme of Lifehouse is 32. Rapper Yung Joc is 29.

Sept 21: Actor Karl Slover (Munchkin in “The Wizard of Oz”) is 93.

Actor Larry Hagman is 80. Poet-songwriter Leonard Cohen is 77. Author-comedian Fanny Flagg is 70. Author Stephen King is 64. Guitarist Don Felder of The Eagles is 64. Actor Bill Murray is 61. Writer-producer Ethan Coen is 54. Actor-comedian Dave Coulier (“Full House”) is 52. Actor David James Elliott (“JAG”) is 51. Actress Nancy Travis (“Becker,” “Almost Perfect”) is 50.

Actor Rob Morrow (“Numb3rs,” “Northern Exposure”) is 49. Actress Cheryl Hines (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”) is 46. Country Nicole Richie singer Faith Hill is 44. Drummer Tyler Stewart of Barenaked Ladies is 44.

Actress-talk show host Ricki Lake is 43.

Rapper Dave (formerly Trugoy the Dove) of De La Soul is 43.

Actor Alfonso Ribeiro (“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “In the House”) is 40. Actor Luke Wilson is 40. Actor Paulo Costanzo (“Joey”) is 33. TV personality Nicole Richie (“The Simple Life”) is 30. Actress Maggie Grace (“Lost”) is 28. Actor Joseph Mazzello (“Simon Birch”) is 28. Rapper Wale is 27. Actors Nikolas and Lorenzo Brino (“7th Heaven”) are 13. —AP

Young aborigines from Taiwan, sent by the Ministry of Taiwanese Aborigines to learn about Aboriginal-run tourism with Canadian Indians participating interpret songs for tourists. —AFP photos

Canada shares lessons of booming Native tourism

Indians participate in a blessing ceremony in the Amerindian village of Klahowya.

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ative dancers wearing colorful masks take the stage here, performing an ancient ritual dance invoking the grizzly bear, a sacred figure for many First Nation peoples in the upper reaches of North America. The performance is being watched by 15 Taiwanese aboriginals, who have come here to learn the art of creating financially viable native tourism back home. The Taiwanese visitors are part of a unique exchange program in which they hope to learn from their Canadian hosts about the art and the profit-making potential of aboriginal tourism.

The Council of Indigenous Peoples, a ministrylevel body in Taiwan, has sent these young people to learn about aboriginal-run tourism from Canadian indigenous communities to see what aspects of this flourishing trade can be duplicated back home. “I came to learn, because everything here can be done in Taiwan as well,” said one of the visitors, Ibu, a member of the Taiwanese Bunnun tribe. Ibu is part of the 13th group of exchange students to benefit from the intercultural exchange among First Nations. In Taiwan, aborigines represent 2.1% of the population, accounting for about a half-million of Taiwan’s population of 23 million people. Aboriginal people in Taiwan, however, have been hard pressed to assert their cultural identity.

Like many indigenous people in other parts of the globe, they have been forced by the dominant culture and government to assimilate, and their

unique language and culture was in danger of being extinguished. But beginning in 1987, with the abolition of martial law in Taiwan came a policy of greater tolerance toward native peoples.

In 1996, a Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs was created, tasked with aiding the restoring and protecting of indigenous culture. The current cultural exchange program was launched in 1998 by the Taiwan Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs with support from the Taipei Ricci Institute which promotes the cultural exchange and trade within the communities of Asia and the Pacific.

‘Pride in being aboriginal’ During their weeklong tour in western Canada, the Taiwanese students hope to forge strong ties with various tribe from Vancouver Island. And they will be honored guests during a visit to the Department of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia. These visitors from Taiwan see the promising possibilities of a future selling access to indigenous culture to curious onlookers, particularly at a time of otherwise limited economic prospects in their community.

Meanwhile, Canada’s First Nation people, as they are called here, have long known that indigenous tourism is big business. Each year millions of tourism dollars are spent by those seeking to discover the real indigenous experience by overnighting in a teepee or communing with nature in a sweatlodge, as native ancestors have done since long before the arrival of the white settler.

The nonprofit Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia (ATBC), said flourishing aboriginal tourism in Canada continues to grow by leaps and bounds. The non-profit has under its umbrella more than 60 Indian companies that generate an annual revenues of 35 million Canadian dollars and welcome 3.8 million tourists.

The ATBC hopes to teach the profit-making potential of native tourism and to promote a sustainable, culturally rich Aboriginal tourism industry, not just in Canada, but wherever possible. The group has undertaken a variety of information-sharing, networking, and marketing ventures, all designed to help promote First Nation entrepreneurship, to help make such communities stronger and more viable. “Being in contact with aboriginal entrepreneurs who succeed like the ATBC it instills in our students pride in being aboriginal,” said Iwan Perine, who teaches indigenous culture and tradition at a university in Taiwan. —AFP

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

Flying saucers and tea sets:

Toy stories on show in Paris hen anti-war crowds marched to end the Vietnam conflict in the 1970s, the makers of GI Joe decided it was time to pack up his army fatigues and dress the doll for civilian life. The morphing of GI Joe from US army soldier into the diver-cum-adventurer action man figure he is today, marked a watershed in the world of boy’s toys, and is one of the stories told in a gargantuan new Paris exhibition. “Of Toys and Men”, which opened this week under the glass domes of the Grand Palais, gathers 1,000 toys from antiquity to the present in a riotous display that looks at playthings they have changed-or not-through the ages.

“Toys are very special objects, given since antiquity at particular moments in a child’s life,” explained Dorothee Charles, one of the two curators of the show, billed as the largest of its kind ever held. A series of tiny ceramic vases from 400 AD, on loan from the Louvre, were given to children during feasts in honor of Dionysus, and depict the toys of the day-many of which still look familiar to the modern eye.

Since antiquity children’s toys have prepared them for their future role in life, explained Bruno Girveau, co-curator of the show which runs until January 23, heading to the Helsinki Art Museum from February 21 to May 20. “Little girls were destined to stay in the home, while boys were always

W

A Barbie doll-themed table football which is part of the Paris Grand Palais exhibition.

People look at toys displayed in a window.

expected to leave the home to work, hence the fascination with moving toys.” From tiny carts and horse-drawn chariots, to luxury scale models of cars, motorbikes, planes and rockets, they take up an entire room with the star exhibit a tiny car loaned from Queen Elizabeth II’s collections.

The child-sized Aston Martin DB5, immortalized in the 1964 James Bond movie Goldfinger, was made to order for Prince Andrew complete with revolving number plates and pop-up bulletproof windshield. Boy theme number two, of course, is war. “War toys existed from antiquity up until the 1960s, and until then it wasn’t seen as a problem,” explained Girveau. “For

the nobility, they were used to prepare little boys for combat.” Rare pieces like a child sized suit of armor worn by the French monarch Louis XIII are shown alongside tiny replica SS troops produced in Germany in the interwar years, or original GI Joe dolls in miniature US army jeeps. “Toys held up a mirror to real-life conflicts, sometimes even exacerbating them.”

Toys reflect real word Until Vietnam, that is, when the war’s unpopularity led toymakers to shift their focus to imaginary worlds pitting good against evil such as the Ninja Turtles, Girveau said. “These days there are no known toys based on the Iraq war.” In a poetic aside, the show features a doll given by his girlfriend to a French World War I soldier to take to the front, complete with stitched uniform and regimental cap. An amateur photographer, the soldier, Louis Danton, snapped the mascot Toto in dozens of photos-on horseback, on a canon, giving the assault-that document key moments in the Great War. The irony behind Toto’s story, as the curators explain, is that the French mascot was a dressed-up doll known as a Googly, a well-known collector’s item that was almost certainly German-made.

For little girls, too, the toys given to them since antiquity show how much they were-and in many parts of the world still are-mothers and homemakers in training. Dating from the 1990s, an Italian-made plastic doll makes the point clear, with a round belly that unclasps to reveal a baby-shown alongside a doll from the first century AD with a similar belly cavity. Dolls and wendy houses make up the little girl’s universe, with exquisite examples on display, from a 14th-century tea set dug from the bed of the Seine to a contemporary designer doll’s house, all colored glass and clean lines. At the luxury end of the spectrum, a pair of life-sized dolls made for the royal princesses Margaret and Elizabeth on a trip to Paris in 1938, came complete with a 360-item trousseau by the finest names in French fashion from Hermes to Cartier. So what of concerns that toys reinforce gender stereotypes? With a few exceptions-such as the Barbie doll who scandalized traditionalists in the 1960s with her bold, unmarried lifestyle-Charles argues that it makes little sense to expect toys to break with convention. “The world of toy reflects what happens in the real world,” she said. “And the truth is women still carry out 80 percent of all housework. The world just hasn’t changed that much.” Other sections explore the roots of the modern toy industry: a humble 17th-century wooden ship from southern Germany, long the heartland of Western production, illustrates the work of women and children peasants who toiled cruel hours in the run-up to Christmas to produce toys for export merchants. —AFP

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Left to right, Nicole Scherzinger, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and LA Reid, judges on ‘The X Factor,’ pose together at a world premiere screening event for the new television series, yesterday, in Los Angeles. The competition series gives viewers the opportunity to choose the next breakout music star or group. —AP

Happy day as ‘Fonz’ Uh-oh: Scientists say film actor Winkler ‘Contagion’ is for real honored by queen Y

“H

appy Days” actor Henry Winkler has been awarded an honorary OBE by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth for his work with children with dyslexia and special educational needs. The 65-year-old, most famous for his portrayal of the leather-clad rebel “Fonzie” in the popular US television series Happy Days, received the award at the British embassy in Washington DC on Wednesday.

Winkler, who was diagActor and children’s nosed with dyslexia as an adult, book author Henry spent much of the last two Winkler years touring Britain to discuss poses at the learning difficulties with premiere of the film schools and policy makers. He “Zookeeper,” in Los is also the author of 17 books Angeles. —AP for children about Hank Zipzer, a young man with dyslexia.

“Receiving this honor is a very humbling experience,” Winkler said in a statement on the embassy website.

“My goal when I started working with children was never to bring accolades on myself, but instead to change how people think about those around them for whom learning is a struggle. “I am flattered to have had my work recognized in this manner, and hope to continue showing kids that their learning difficulty isn’t a disability.” The full title bestowed on Winkler was Honorary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE). —Reuters

es, it could happen. But it’s a stretch.

“Contagion,” a Hollywood thriller that opened last weekend, rocketed to No 1 at the box office through its gripping tale of a fictional global epidemic driven by a new kind of virus. Audiences have gasped in horror at what happens to Gwyneth Paltrow.

Before it was out, the movie made real-life disease investigators anxious, too, though for a different reason: They had worried the filmmakers would take so many artistic liberties with the science that the result would be an incredible movie that was ... not credible.

Well, cue the applause. “It’s very plausible,” said Dr. Thomas Frieden, head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which would investigate such an outbreak.

A new virus jumping from animals to humans? Nothing fictional about that. Global spread of a disease in a few days? In this age of jet travel, absolutely. A societal meltdown if things get bad? Plan on it. Yikes. The only bit of relief here is that several experts think the odds are pretty long that a new virus could be both so deadly and contagious at the same time.

The team behind the film used several expert consultants and went to other lengths to get scientific details correct. That included working with esteemed Columbia University epidemiologist Dr W Ian Lipkin to create the fictional MEV-1 virus. It’s modeled on the Nipah virus - a dangerous bug first seen in Malaysia a dozen years ago that spread from pigs to farmers. Efforts also involved actress Kate Winslet sitting down with a female CDC disease investigator so she could correctly copy such things as the investigators clothes, mannerisms and even how the scientist might wear her hair on a field assignment.

Overall health officials say they were very pleased with what resulted. During an

This image released by Warner Bros Pictures shows Matt Damon in a scene from the film ‘Contagion.’ —AP advance screening for CDC employees in Atlanta last week, some in the audience laughed appreciatively to see visual details and even lingo that they never imagined would be used in a mass-market motion picture. “It was very accurate. It kind of made us all chuckle because there were things that we thought only people at CDC might get,” said Laura Gieraltowski, an expert in foodborne illnesses. Indeed, CDC officials have embraced the film. The agency allowed the movie’s makers to film at their main campus - the first time the agency has allowed a major motion picture studio such access.

And CDC officials have opened up their schedules for media interviews, panel appearances and live Internet chats to talk about the movie and potential real-life contagions. It’s a far better reception than their reaction to “Outbreak,” a popular 1995 movie starring Dustin Hoffman, the last time Hollywood took a major stab at telling a story about a nation-threatening, non-zombie

epidemic. Like “Contagion,” that film had a respected director and an all-star cast, but the scientific miscues were laughable. Some experts still shake their heads at how much time was spent finding an infected monkey and how little time it took - seemingly just a few minutes - to make, test and distribute a life-saving vaccine. “Contagion” fares far better in the experts’ eyes. That said, the scenario painted in the new movie is also considered highly unlikely. A thriller telling a complex story in roughly two hours, it portrays some things that are doubtful at best.

Among them: * The government dispatches only one disease investigator to Minnesota to check out the outbreak. In reality, the government would throw a lot more people at an emerging problem like this. When the first two swine flu cases were reported in San Diego in 2009, neither of them fatalities, the CDC sent five such scientists along with other staff. —AP

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Word of advice for

spring

wardrobe: Caution over last spring’s solid ‘70s disco vibe.

That said, there doesn’t seem to be one specific muse. Ken Downing, the senior vice president and fashion director of Neiman Marcus, said Michael Kors is among those designers to listen to his customers. As a retailer, that’s his job, too. “I love the dream of the runway, but I also love the reality of a women’s wardrobe,” Downing said. Cleary’s advice: caution. “From a consumers’ point of view, it’s great to add an element of surprise to your wardrobe, but you can’t do too much of a good thing,” she said. Perhaps this is the season for buying a few key updates, coupled with some staples, instead of a wardrobechanging extravaganza. There are plenty of blacks and whites on the runways, too, to help out. Fashion week moves to London on Friday, followed by Milan and Paris.

The spring 2012 collection of Michael Kors.

—AP/AFP photos

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he blockbuster colors and florals, geometrics and ethnic prints on the runways at New York Fashion Week may feel like game-changers in the moment.

Then there’s the rest of your life. Once the looks move from the catwalk to the closet after this round of previews, women may need a little guidance on incorporating the prints, shots of neon and other new colors purple, yellow, aqua and orange - into existing wardrobes, said Cindy Weber Cleary, fashion director of InStyle magazine. If you can pull off scuba like body-conscious looks and short shorts, then go for it. Otherwise, look to the many shirtdresses and fuller skirts a variety of designers are going with for spring and summer, she said. On Wednesday, the seventh day of shows, trends have become clearer: Prints, athletic inspirations, optimistic color, easy elegance, uneven hemlines and a little bit of the ‘60s

MICHAEL KORS Pack your oversized, distressed leather bag: Kors plans to take his customer on safari. The heavily textured, mostly muted-colored clothes Kors offered for women and men were inspired by the designer’s three safari trips to Africa.

Kors told his models to step out on the runway like chic globe-trotters. For their adventures, Kors suggests a womenswear wardrobe of hand-dyed caftans, ponchos and serape-style wrap skirts, worn with cashmere henleys and animal-print maillot swimsuits. For something a little dressier, Kors sent out dresses made of feathers hand-painted like leopard skin, and a tiger-print duchesse trench coat. Calling the suede Bermuda-length jumpsuit with its slim, refined shape a “safari romper” didn’t do it justice. “I wanted dresses that feel as easy to throw on as a T-shirt,” he said.

PHILLIP LIM Growing up in suburban California, designer Phillip Lim would pass time as a kid making paper kites. “We didn’t have a lot of money, and we lived near this field,” he says. “We would make paper kites and have kite wars.” Parents, take note: The kite-making went to good use. It has inspired Lim’s spring collection, which he showed Wednesday in Soho. It was a succession of dresses, tops and other garments that fluttered and billowed across the runway. A “kite back top,” in magnolia and faded orange, seemed to flutter back onto the neck of the model wearing it as she walked, giving the garment a wind-swept effect. A “kite tail top” had sail-like sashes floating from the back.

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NANETTE LEPORE In a season full of color, Nanette Lepore’s runway was one of the brightest of them all: Neon yellow, tangerine and pink - and mixed all together in stripes. Lepore wisely kept the rest of the silhouette crisp and clean, so there wasn’t too much going on. She favored full skirts and shorts, although there was a series of scuba-inspired, slim-fit dresses, or for a twist, there was a scuba top paired with a very feminine, more forgiving lilac-net skirt that had an orange underlayer peeking through. She also hit on the popular athletic theme with a tangerine, sequin-covered baseball jacket. The splash floral print looked best on a tie-front swimsuit, but there was a lovely version on a tie-front dress, too, using a softer, more delicate fabric.

ANNA SUI The 1940s’ Hollywood look met the 1970s’ American in Paris on Anna Sui’s runway. That meant printed turbans on almost every model’s head, a la Greta Garbo, tons of novelty print dresses and several lingerie-like looks. Sui’s catwalk always has top-tier models. Karen Elson opened the show in a chiffon dress, patchwork sweater dress and black-and-white marabou jacket, and she closed it in a sequin-top, paisley-leaf gown.

Jessica Stam, with legs decorated with butterflies (Sui’s signature), wore a floral kaftan and a rose-print chiffon romper, and Caroline Trentini wore a butterfly-and-hydrangea-print jumpsuit. Sui was into novelty prints this season, also offering several looks with stars and heart motifs. There’s always a vintage vibe on Sui’s catwalk, yet the designer caters to a mostly younger crowd. They might not get the retro references with the lace that trims delicate blouses and the slinky embroidered tulle dress worn like a robe over tap pants, but they’ll look good in them.

Spring 2012 fashion from Anna Sui

Fashion from the Spring 2012 collection of Nanette Lepore.

Lifestyle FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

OSCAR DE LA RENTA De la Renta doesn’t hold back in an unsure economy. Maybe he doesn’t have to. Mixed among the typical fashion week crowd were private customers - paying customers - making notes about what they’d like to be wearing next spring. For those women, de la Renta didn’t disappoint, with shocking-colored Chinese lamb jackets paired with wide-leg trousers, silk bowtie blouses and embroidered skirt suits, and the big ballgowns that they need for their jet-setter schedule. But he also showed a desire to introduce himself to a new crowd, one that would appreciate the unfinished office space he used as a venue, one that would like the Led Zeppelininfused soundtrack - one that might seriously consider wearing the flower headband in her hair like the model wearing a hippie-ish embroidered gown. —AP

The Oscar de la Renta Spring 2012 collection.

The 3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2012 women’s collection.

Stars

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

Aries (March 21-April 19) Now more than ever, you want to be admired and appreciated by others—to do and create things that stir their hearts.

You find that you can really use your mind to make clear choices and think through ideas. Career decisions are straightforward and easy to make. You make your way through ideas and concepts and you have the ability to express them to others. You are driven when it comes to fulfilling your ambitions. There is no lack of energy or drive here and nothing can stand in your way. Your home life seems in balance with your career and you may even enjoy allocating some time to a community project. You are outgoing, enthusiastic and always diplomatic—everybody’s favorite. You have a natural instinct for making the correct move.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) A new friend may bring you confirmation and encouragement on some future plans you have been forming in your mind lately. This may just prove to be a day of much accomplishment. Headway is made in some work project, as well as some personal project today. These next six years or so will find circumstances working to help you and raise you up—push you forward. In summary, this may be a more outward and enjoyable time, during which things will come to you easily. Friends and a social life are in order and in general, an easy and untroubled life. Close relationships take on more emotional depth, power and importance. Feeling cared for and needed is comfortable; the lack of these things can cause an instinctive feeling of uneasiness.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Your thoughts may not be in sync with your feelings and this could result in a clash with someone today. Look at the scenario as a light-hearted situation and the overall result will be satisfactory. It is best for your concentration to stay with the work at hand for the remainder of this day. Assimilating information and experience, learning lessons and putting them into practice is the focus for today. You may have radical and inventive ideas that hold the key to realizing your ambitions and advancing your status—a shake-up could be in the works. Financial matters may dominate but it does not take away from the fact that you can plan or take a little vacation soon. There are opportunities to become captivated by a new relationship.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) There is a lot of energy and drive available for you to accomplish whatever you want to achieve now. You enjoy working with others, particularly if you can catch up on all the gossip. Financial ties to other people are highlighted—money matters and investments are a focus. A need to be respected is an emotionally charged issue; this will become less important.

You develop a knack for organizing things and people as a sense of ambition and practicality takes hold. There is advancement available now, through your own efforts. Work, achievement and ambition are things that mean a lot to you. Wanting something or someone seems to take on special importance later today: here is desire and charisma. Dating your choice is a possibility.

Leo (July 23-August 22) As you interact with others in the workplace today, you might notice a more peaceful type of atmosphere. You are at your most practical when it comes to dealing and working with others and you are appreciative of the good relations that have been created in the workplace.

Faith, optimism and a yearning to explore all kinds of new horizons are some of the focal points in your life now. Travel, education and other ways to stretch your horizons open new doors of opportunity. Religious, philosophical and cultural matters are likely to have a special appeal for you as well and transmitting ideas on a broad scale brings gain. Your inner resources and emotions are accented. You can expect a sense of support at this time.

Virgo (August 23-September 22) It is strongly encouraged that you work with others today. You may be asked to solve a problem in the customer service department. Your abilities to solve problems are certainly in high focus. Your mind is full of practical ideas, particularly related to your skills. You always seem to come up with new ideas to manage things better, make things work.

You will find that the longer you work in your particular position, the more often your boss will come to you with propositions. Soon, it will be time to add this up and create a request for a raise. Your innate intensity and seriousness are visible to all. Tonight you and your family may catch each other up with family events, homework, school or work news and perhaps a little shopping and dinner.

COUNTRY CODES Libra (September 23-October 22) Organizing and administering to people and projects are talents you enjoy being able to express. You are beginning to really move forward now and should not be surprised at the attention and recognition you receive. There is a growing self-confidence. There is also an emphasis on communication, expression of ideas and the connections between things, places and people. You are sensitive to the needs of others and have a great appreciation for frailties, as well as your own, making you more conservative. Parenting requires more and more time, yet parents often give less and less. You may find ways to be helpful in the community by giving support for the conscientious parent(s). Perhaps you could write an article that would be helpful.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) A co-worker may need your help now—in fact—several coworkers or peers may need your help. You could find yourself teaching others. You concentrate to accomplish tasks and find the right answers to dilemmas that may arise. You certainly try your best and with a continued attitude of I-think-I-can, you will find today a successful day. Your friends know that you never forget their birthdays and today you will hurry to buy that special gift in time to attend a big celebration. The commonplace and the humdrum are not for you. Your friends enjoy your company although the ways you express yourself may be a bit unconventional to the point of being controversial; independence is your passion. You show off your creative side tonight.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Secrets, taboos and mysteries appeal to a deep instinctive yearning. Learning what makes people tick is fun and inspires your most personal concern for others. Your instinctive orientation at this time is toward getting down to basics and starting over from scratch—healing comes from destroying the roots of a disturbance. Obtaining and exchanging information takes on more emotional significance for you. Clear communication skills are what you strive to achieve today. This could mean a round-table discussion in the workplace or a community involvement in the neighborhood. Because of your willingness to contribute help, many people will automatically flock to you for advice. Create a balanced day.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) It is imperative that you have the whole story before you make firm decisions today. It is a customer or a co-worker that brings you new information. This afternoon more than one person will come to you seeking answers. Careful, you may tend to intimidate those that do not know you. You may need more independence in your career and may even decide it is time to be your own boss. You look for situations that allow your growth and development. Technological or scientific advances may be where your interests are just now. You appreciate and enjoy adding skills to your personal abilities list—you feel more self-sufficient. You have an excellent sense of humor and may find yourself writing and rewriting some jingles or advertisement for a contest.

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) You will find opportunities today to get to know your coworkers better. This is also a time when you can expect a little boost, some sort of extra support from those around you. You may feel that you are in harmony with others; certainly, the lines of communication are open. Your sharp perceptions make finding new solutions easy. You always bring an unexpected twist or insight to anything you set your mind to accomplish. You are able to teach or help others to be more original when it comes to the words or thoughts they use. You can use the mind in original ways and probably have excellent eye-hand coordination. Your laser-like mind makes conversations fast-paced and illuminating. New and interesting people are in your life this evening.

Pisces (February 19-March 20) You find yourself in a very practical mood and working with others. You may have some serious or contemplative moments. Your instinctive orientation at this time is getting down to business and completing any unfinished business. Avoid delays by following through on your projects.

Make sure plans are double-checked the rest of this week for accidental errors—perhaps a letter without a signature, etc. You could find yourself in some sort of group work this afternoon, whether you are in the workplace or in a community project. Like a fish in water when in the limelight or in a group, you have innate social charm. Political and lucky too! You appreciate a winner and are drawn to the successful and powerful politics and such this evening.

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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Announcement DYINA seeks new members The new association, DREAMS OF YOUTH INDIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION has been formed for the general welfare of the “DYINA” members who we wish are in Kuwait, India and elsewhere in the world. On this occasion DYINA welcomes all Malayalees in Kuwait, especially whoever staying in company camp / hostels (ladies conveners available for the convenient for the ladies) . For more information contact. Poulose Thekkedeth -66790870; Paul Joseph- 97200915; Babu Thomas - 99240368; Shaji - 55042540; Jose Payappilly - 99809603; Reason -97286904

KALA Kuwait celebrates Onam-Eid 2011

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ala(Art) Kuwait celebrated Onam, the festival of Kerala and Eid ul-Fitr together on Friday, September 9, 2011 at Indian Community School, Khaithan. Chief guest Indian Ambassador Satish C Metha inaugurated the function by lighting the lamp.

Kala (art) Kuwait president Samkutty Thomas presided over the function and general secretary Jaison Joseph welcomed the gathering. King Mahabali stressed the importance of secularism and unity among people. The reporting was done by K Sadik, program general convener. Pancily Varkey, country head, UAE Exchange and Vijayan Karayil, joint secretary, Indian Community School felicitated the function. Sageer Thrikkarippoor, Aby Varikkad, Sakkeer Hussein Thuvoor, C Bhaskaran, Basheer Batha, Kaippattur Thankachan, Lisy Kuriakkose, Siddik Valiakath, Artist Srinivasan and V P Mukesh were present on the occasion.

A day-long program such as traditional dances and cultural programs such as chendamelam, Mohiniyattam, Thiruvathira, cinematic dance, contemporary and variety of cultural activities was staged by Anusha, Saritha Rajan, kids from Knanaya Cultural Center. Rafi Kallayi, Anwar, Rabekka and Reshmi entertained the audience with orchestra. A grand ‘Onasadhya’ also was arranged by the organizers. The program was anchored by Leha Shaji.

Kala(art)Kuwait vice president Hassan Koya proposed vote of thanks.

Free Arabic courses provided by IPC

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ake your opportunity to learn and improve your Arabic skills. The women section of Islam Presentation Committee will be conducting FREE Arabic Language Course in Basic & Advance Level for nonArab LADIES commencing on September 30, 2011. Islamic

Indian cultural program 2011

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mployees of Kharafi National will hold this year’s Indian Cultural Program in connection with Onam on September 22 and September 30 at Kharafi National Sulaibiya camp.

The programs include many sport and games events like volleyball and tug-of-war competitions followed by a variety of cultural programs by camp members and well known artists in Kuwait.

The finals of the volleyball tournament and tug-of-war will be held on September 22.

ICAI Kuwait chapter

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uwait Chapter of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India announced its next CPE event as per the following: Registration Time: Sunday, 18 September, 2011, 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM. CPE Date; Day; Time: Sunday, 18 September, 2011, 6:30 PM. Event Venue: Sharq Ball Room - Holiday Inn - Down Town.

Topic: Capital Market Law and Authority in Kuwait (CMA) Initial Thought & Analysis.

Presenter: Jasmin Kohina, General Counsel, Legal & Compliance, NBK Capital. Members interested to join are requested to register their names online.

subjects and Quran classes are also offered in different languages. Classes are offered only once a week. Register now!

For more information: Rawdah-22512257-97290278; Salmiya-25733263-97533263; Khaitan-24730137-99285459; Mangaf-23723002; Jahra-24558830-67720696.

Leisure activities Kuwait Zoo The Kuwait Zoo is located in Omariya on the Airport Road. It is open everyday except on Saturdays. The timings during winter are 8am to 8pm. For more information contact: 24733389.

Amusements Parks Aqua Park Aqua Park is open from 10am-10pm everyday. For information contact: 22431960/1/3 or visit: www.aquaparkkuwait.com.

Entertainment City Entertainment City is open from Sunday to Wednesday from 3pm to 11pm during winter. It is also open on Thursdays and Fridays from 10am to 10pm. For more information contact: 24879455.

The Scientific Centre Scientific Centre is located on the Gulf road in Salmiya.

It is open from Saturdays to Thursdays from 9am to 10.30pm and on Fridays from 2pm to 10.30pm. For more information contact: 22240025 or visit their website at: www.tsck.org.kw.

Indian music album wants talents A Malayalam musical album that has song writers from Jnanpith award winner ONV to the popular Rafeeq Ahmad and singers from Hariharan to Sreya Ghoshal, produced by Ragasuthra Music Company and orchestrated by Viswajith plans its launch soon. The 8 songs in the album use lots of Indian languages in part and the music also is pan Indian. As part of the launch the songs are being visualized. A few songs will be shot in Kuwait since the songs represent the life of Indian expats in Kuwait. Ragasuthra is looking for real talents for their gulf based production of music videos. Talents/Actors: M/F - Age: 14 - 26; -Family combination: M/F Age: 28 - 45; -Supporting character: M/F - Age 10 - 60; Assistant Director: M/F; -Associate Director: M/F; -Assistants: M/F; Training will be given for selected candidates. Serious applicants may send their bio data with recent photographs to ragasuthra@gmail.com Tulukoota talent hunt Tulukoota Kuwait will hold a “Talent Hunt 2011” a chance to prove an inborn trait in you that confirms your individuality, uniqueness. So step forward to grab this opportunity to show your caliber and entertain. Dance, music, art or any special talent- now is your chance to showcase it - and be part of this year’s Talent Hunt & Tulu Parba. Talent Hunt event is open to all Tuluvas. For more information and registration form kindly log on to our Website: www.tulukootakuwait.org or visit our facebook page - Tulukoota Kuwait Talent Hunt 2011. You could also email your form request to: secretary@tulukootakuwait.org or contact our area coordinators mentioned below. Mangaf, Fahaheel, Abuhalifa : Ronald Dsouza- 60035824, Shalini Alva- 23726164, Suma Bhatt97834578 Salmiya & Hawally: Swarna Shetty- 99006934, Kripa Gatty- 66044194 Kuwait City, Jahra, Sharq : Rekha Sachu65044521,97862115 Farwaniya, Abbassiya, Shuwaikh & Khaitan: Sathyanarayana- 66585077 Sanath Shetty- 67712409.

Pathanamthitta Onam The executive committee of Pathanamthitta District Association has decided to hold 2011 Onam Festival celebrations on Friday October 28, 2011 with a grand public function attended by Member of Parliament from Pathanamthitta Loksabha Constituency, Anto Antony and other prominent dignitaries from Kerala and Kuwait. All residents of Pathanamthitta District and persons of Pathanamthitta District origin are hereby invited to attend this function and friends and families.

Arpan Onam on Sept 23 Arpan Kuwait will celebrate Onam, Kerala’s harvest festival, on September 23 at the Indian Community School, Salmiya (Senior Girls) from 10 am onwards. Various cultural programs have been scheduled to make the celebration a success.

Traditional attractions like athappookkalam, mohiniyattom, kaikottikali, folk songs, dance and songs and skits will be presented by Arpan members. A program committee headed by K Mahadevan is overseeing the preparations. The celebration will come to an end with a sumptuous ‘Onasadya.’

NAFO Onam celebration NAFO Kuwait to celebrate Onam on September 30, 2011 at the Indian Community School (Senior for Girls) auditorium Salmiya. Cultural activities such as dance,skit, nadan pattukal, vallapattukal etc will be held 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.

Please register your name at Contacts@nafoglobal.com.said the convener of the program Rajasekaran Nair. For details please contact Nandakumar 99559416, Udayakumar 66464577 or Rajasekharan Nair 97824780.

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Embassy Information EMBASSY OF ARGENTINA In order to inform that 23rd of October 2011, will be Argentine national election where all Argentinean citizen residents permanently in Kuwait can vote only if they are registered at the Electoral Register of the Argentine Embassy. The procedure of inscription ended on 25 of April 2011. To register it is necessary that Argentinean citizens should come personally at the Argentinean Embassy (Block 6, street 42, villa 57, Mishref) and present the DNI and four personal photos (size 4x4, face should be front on white background). For further information, contact us on 25379211. nnnnnnn

AISMTA places IES in height of glory

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ll India Schools Mathematics Teachers Association (AISMTA) when they announced the results of the National Mathematics Olympiad (NMO) in the month of August 2011 Indian Educational School (Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan), Kuwait has been showered with the rare accolade of being supreme in the intellectual avenue of Mathematics. In the NMO second level exam conducted by the Association for classes 1 to 12, out of 121 participants, the school has produced an overwhelming record of 44 gold medalists.

The school takes pride to remember that

they had 64 gold medals to their credit in the first level of NMO which was conducted on24th January 2011. The second level NMO was conducted on 30th April 2011.

The ‘brightest star of the galaxy’ is Esha Joe of class III, who at a tender age cracked the hard nut and secured a centum, for which she has been declared the ‘The student of the year’2011 by the association.

That’s not all. For the motivation and guidance given, Beena Krishna, HoD, Dept of Mathematics has been awarded “ The Teacher of the year ‘ 2011 “. T Premkumar (Principal), the powerhouse of enthusiasm

and energy, has been awarded ‘The Principal of the year’ 2011. With such a vibrant bouquet of accomplishments in hand, IES has been conferred on the title ‘The best school of the year’.

Ramachandran Menon, Chairman, Bhavan Group of Middle Schools remarked that department of Mathematics had set up a classic example of focused hard work, team spirit, motivation and synergy, which has transformed budding students into Mathematics scholars. He congratulated the parent community on their resolute support.

NAFO Onam celebrations

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AFO Kuwait Onam celebrations kick started with the official launch of Onasadya coupons.

In a well attended function of members and their families held on September 3 at Indian Community School Amman Branch, O N Nandakumar (treasurer) presented the coupons and Rajan Menon (former president and current executive committee member) distributed the first coupon to T.A. Ramesh, Country Head, Gulfmart chain of supermarkets.

Onasadha will be held on Friday, September 30 at Indian Community School Senior Girls, Salmiya.

Traditional Onam events like Thiruvathirakali, Onapattu and other lively cultural shows will be staged to mark the day. For enquiries and Onasadya coupons please contact: Rajasekharan Nair — 97824780, Uday Kumar - 66464577 and A.R. Subbaraman — 66872372.

Write to us Send to What’s On upcoming events, birthdays or celebrations by email: local@kuwaittimes.net Fax: 24835619 / 20

Medical seminar today

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ahila Vedi of Kozhikode District Association organises Medical Seminar at United Indian School Abbasiya on 16 Sept 2011 at 6.00pm. Eminent Doctor Saritha.P (German Clinic, Abbasiya) will talk on the subject ‘ Gynaecological Problems’ and the audience will get a rare opportunity to get their doubts clarified during the seminar.

Free tests for blood pressure and sugar will also be available at the venue. Mahila Vedi President Sreeja Santhakumar and Secretary Asma Abdulla requested all Kozhikode natives to avail of this opportunity.

EMBASSY OF BRITAIN The Visa Application Centre (VAC) will be closed on the same dates above. The opening hours of the Visa Application Centre are 0930 - 1630 Application forms remain available online from the UKBAs’ website: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk or from the Visa Application Centre’s website: www.vfs-ukkw.com. And also, from the UK Visa Application Centre located at: 4B, First Floor, Al Banwan Building (Burgan Bank Branch Office Building), Al Qibla area, opposite Central Bank of Kuwait, Kuwait City. For any further inquiries, please contact the Visa Application Centre: Website: www.vfs-uk-kw.com E-mail:info@vfs-uk-kw.com Telephone:22971170. The Consular Section will also be closed on the same dates. For information on the British Embassy services, visit the British Embassy website: www.ukinkuwait.fco.gov.uk nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF CANADA The Embassy of Canada is located at Villa 24, Al-Mutawakel St., Block 4 in Da’aiyah. Please visit our website at www.Kuwait.gc.ca.

Canada offers a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that Consular Officials can contact and assist Canadians in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform Canadians of a family emergency at home. The Embassy of Canada encourages all Canadian Citizens to register online through the Government of Canada Travel Website at www.voyage.gc.ca. The Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi provides visa and immigration services to residents of Kuwait.

Individuals who are interested in visiting, working or immigrating to Canada are invited to visit the website of the Canadian Embassy to the UAE at www.UAE.gc.ca.

Effective January 15, 2011, the only Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) application form that will be accepted by CIC is the Application for Temporary Resident Visa Made Outside of Canada [IMM 5257] form.

All previous Temporary Resident Visa application forms will no longer be accepted by CIC and instead will be returned to applicants. Should old applications be submitted prior to January 15, 2011 they will continue to be processed. To ensure that the most recent version of the Temporary Resident Visa application form is being utilized, applicants should refer to the CIC website.

As of January 15, 2011, forms are to be filled in electronically. The Embassy of Canada is open from 07:30 to 15:30 Sunday through Thursday.

Consular Services for Canadian Citizens are provided from 09:00 until 12:00 on Sunday through Wednesday. The forms are available on the internet at: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5 257E.PDF. A guide explaining the process can be found here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/guides/5256E.P DF.

TV Listings FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

00:45 Untamed & Uncut 01:40 Best Bites: 25 Greatest Shark Moments 02:35 Big Five Challenge 03:30 I Shouldn’t Be Alive 04:25 Dogs 101 05:20 Animal Cops Houston 06:10 My Cat From Hell 07:00 Meerkat Manor 07:25 The Really Wild Show 07:50 Crocodile Hunter 08:40 Breed All About It 09:10 Must Love Cats 10:05 Dogs 101 11:00 Animal Cops Houston 11:55 E-Vets: The Interns 12:20 Wildlife SOS International 12:50 Clinically Wild: Alaska 13:45 Crocodile Hunter 14:40 Best Bites: 25 Greatest Shark Moments 15:30 Escape To Chimp Eden 16:00 The Really Wild Show 16:30 Baby Planet 17:25 Project Puppy 18:20 Breed All About It 18:45 Crocodile Hunter 19:40 Cheetah Kingdom 20:10 Dogs 101 21:05 Jaws Comes Home: Return Of The...

22:00 Whale Wars 22:55 Monster Bug Wars 23:50 Amba The Russian Tiger

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

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

Last Of The Summer Wine The Weakest Link Casualty Eastenders Doctors Last Of The Summer Wine Balamory The Roly Mo Show Me Too Jackanory Junior Poetry Pie Balamory The Roly Mo Show Me Too Jackanory Junior Balamory The Roly Mo Show Me Too Jackanory Junior Poetry Pie Poetry Pie Balamory The Roly Mo Show Me Too Jackanory Junior Poetry Pie Poetry Pie Last Of The Summer Wine The Weakest Link Coast Doctors Eastenders Casualty Last Of The Summer Wine Coast The Weakest Link Doctors Eastenders Casualty Coast The Weakest Link Doctors Robin Hood True Dare Kiss After You’ve Gone Gavin & Stacey

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

A PERFECT GETAWAY ON OSN ACTION HD 06:30 Peschardt’s Business People 07:00 BBC World News 07:30 World Business Report 07:45 BBC World News 08:30 World Business Report 08:45 BBC World News 09:30 World Business Report 09:45 Sport Today 10:00 BBC World News 10:30 World Business Report 10:45 Sport Today 11:00 BBC World News 11:30 Peschardt’s Business People 12:00 BBC World News 12:30 World Business Report 12:45 Sport Today 13:00 BBC World News 13:30 World Business Report 13:45 Sport Today 14:00 GMT With George Alagiah 15:00 BBC World News 15:30 World Business Report 15:45 Sport Today 16:00 Impact 16:30 Our World 17:00 Impact 17:30 World Business Report 17:45 Sport Today 18:00 World Have Your Say 19:00 The Hub With Nik Gowing 19:30 BBC World News 19:40 Weekend World 20:00 The Hub With Nik Gowing 20:30 World Business Report 20:45 Sport Today 21:00 World News Today With Zeinab Badawi 21:30 World Have Your Say Extra 21:40 Weekend World 22:00 BBC World News 22:30 Middle East Business Report 23:00 BBC World News America

00:00 00:15 00:40 01:10 01:30 02:00 02:25 02:50 03:20 03:40 04:10 04:35 05:00 05:30 05:50 06:15 06:45 07:00 07:15 07:45 08:20 08:35 09:05 09:20 09:30 09:45 10:45 11:10 11:30 11:45 12:10 12:25 12:40 13:05 13:15 13:25 13:50 14:15 15:05 16:20 16:35

Jungle Junction Little Einsteins Higglytown Heroes Jo Jo’s Circus Special Agent Oso Jungle Junction Little Einsteins Higglytown Heroes Jo Jo’s Circus Special Agent Oso Jungle Junction Little Einsteins Higglytown Heroes Jo Jo’s Circus Jungle Junction Higglytown Heroes Handy Manny Special Agent Oso Jungle Junction Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Handy Manny Jake & The Neverland Pirates Handy Manny The Hive Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Handy Manny Little Einsteins Imagination Movers Jungle Junction Lazytown Handy Manny Jake & The Neverland Pirates Imagination Movers The Hive Special Agent Oso Little Einsteins Lazytown Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Handy Manny Jake & The Neverland Pirates Jake & The Neverland Pirates

16:45 17:00 17:15 17:30 17:55 18:25 18:50 19:02 19:05 19:50 20:10 20:20 20:30 20:55 21:20 21:35 21:50 22:15 22:25 22:40 22:55 23:20 23:50

Jungle Junction The Hive Handy Manny Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Jake & The Neverland Pirates The Little Mermaid Special Agent Oso Animated Stories Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Jake & The Neverland Pirates The Hive Timmy Time Handy Manny Little Einsteins Jake & The Neverland Pirates Jungle Junction Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Timmy Time Handy Manny Jungle Junction Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Special Agent Oso Jungle Junction

00:15 01:10 02:05 03:00 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

Gold Rush: Alaska River Monsters Dirty Jobs Ultimate Survival Wheeler Dealers Mythbusters How Do They Do It? How Stuff’s Made Dirty Jobs Wheeler Dealers Fifth Gear Gold Rush: Alaska How Do They Do It? Mythbusters Cake Boss Border Security Auction Kings

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

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

Smash Lab Superships Prototype This Bang Goes the Theory Thunder Races How Does That Work?

Superships One Step Beyond Eco-Tech Thunder Races Investigation X The Gadget Show Smash Lab Brainiac Sci-Fi Science How Does That Work?

Prototype This Bang Goes the Theory One Step Beyond Stunt Junkies Superships Weird Connections Thunder Races Investigation X Sci-Fi Science The Gadget Show The Tech Show The Gadget Show Smash Lab The Gadget Show The Tech Show The Gadget Show

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

Ultimate Survival River Monsters Sons Of Guns Cash Cab Us Wheeler Dealers Fifth Gear Mythbusters Gold Rush: Alaska Cake Boss Border Security Auction Kings How Stuff’s Made How Do They Do It? Cash Cab Us American Chopper: Senior vs Wheeler Dealers Ultimate Car Build-Off

Kim Possible Fairly Odd Parents Stitch Replacements Emperor’s New School Stitch Replacements Fairly Odd Parents Emperor’s New School Suite Life On Deck Phineas And Ferb Wizards Of Waverly Place Suite Life On Deck Good Luck Charlie Fish Hooks Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Jake & The Neverland Pirates Jungle Junction The Hive Handy Manny Imagination Movers The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody Phineas And Ferb Good Luck Charlie Phineas And Ferb Suite Life On Deck Wizards Of Waverly Place Sonny With A Chance Good Luck Charlie Hannah Montana Suite Life On Deck Wizards Of Waverly Place Suite Life On Deck Good Luck Charlie Phineas And Ferb Fish Hooks Shake It Up Jake & Blake Wizards Of Waverly Place Good Luck Charlie Fish Hooks Suite Life On Deck Johnny Kapahala Fish Hooks Sonny With A Chance Good Luck Charlie Shake It Up Suite Life On Deck Sonny With A Chance Wizards Of Waverly Place Jonas Los Angeles

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

Robotboy - Elements Squirrel Boy George Of The Jungle Cramp Twins Chop Socky Chooks Best Ed My Gym Partner’s A Monkey Ben 10: Ultimate Alien Generator Rex Adventure Time Flapjack Chowder The Powerpuff Girls Ed, Edd n Eddy Cow & Chicken Squirrel Boy I Am Weasel Eliot Kid Angelo Rules Best Ed Flapjack My Gym Partner’s A Monkey Grim Adventures Of Billy & Mandy Courage The Cowardly Dog Cow & Chicken I Am Weasel Adventure Time Ben 10 Bakugan Battle Brawlers The Secret Saturdays Samurai Jack Ben 10: Alien Force Codename: Kids Next Door Skunk Fu! My Gym Partner’s A Monkey Flapjack Ed, Edd n Eddy Camp Lazlo Chowder Grim Adventures Of Billy & Mandy Cow & Chicken Courage The Cowardly Dog I Am Weasel Adventure Time Codename: Kids Next Door Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated Ben 10: Ultimate Alien Generator Rex Star Wars: The Clone Wars Hero 108

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

Kendra Extreme Close-Up 20 Hottest Women Of The Web 25 Most Stylish Sexiest Extreme Hollywood 30 Most Outrageous Celebrity

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

Carpocalypse World Combat League Fight Girls Aiya TV Aiya TV FIM World Motocross MX3 2011 Carpocalypse World Combat League Ride Guide Snow 2009 Kenny Belaey’s Big Time Summer Dew Tour 2010 Ticket To Ride 2009/2010 Winter Dew Tour 10/11 Alpine Adventurer Harvest World Combat League X Games Heroes Tread BMX Kenny Belaey’s Big Time Summer Dew Tour 2010 Ticket To Ride 2009/2010 Alpine Adventurer

Behind The Scenes E! News The Dance Scene 40 Smokin’ On Set Hookups E! News Kendra Keeping Up With The Kardashians Kimora: Life In The Fab Lane E!es Behind The Scenes Khloe And Lamar E! News E!es Kourtney & Kim Take New York Chelsea Lately Giuliana & Bill E! News Chelsea Lately

TV Listings FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

20:30 21:20 22:10 23:00 23:50

Alpine Adventurer Winter Dew Tour 10/11 World Combat League Eddie Jordan’s Bad Boy Racers M1 Selection 2010

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 10:45 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

The Haunted A Haunting Cuff Me If You Can Fugitive Strike Force Dr G: Medical Examiner Crime Scene Psychics The Haunted Mystery Diagnosis Murder Shift Forensic Detectives Street Patrol Real Emergency Calls Mystery Diagnosis I Was Murdered I Was Murdered FBI Files On The Case With Paula Zahn Extreme Forensics Mystery Diagnosis Street Patrol Real Emergency Calls I Was Murdered 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

00:05 00:30 00:55 01:45 02:10 02:35 03:00 03:25 04:15 04:40 05:05 05:30 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

Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Grill It! With Bobby Flay Barefoot Contessa Barefoot Contessa Chef vs Britain Chef vs Britain Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam Good Eats - Special Unwrapped Ten Dollar Dinners Paula’s Best Dishes Paula’s Party Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics Chopped Guy’s Big Bite Everyday Italian Good Deal With Dave Lieberman Ten Dollar Dinners Paula’s Best Dishes Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics Aarti Party Lidia’s Italy Unwrapped Paula’s Party Everyday Italian Paula’s Best Dishes Good Deal With Dave Lieberman World Cafe Asia Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam Lidia’s Italy Unwrapped Boy Meets Grill Chopped Guy’s Big Bite

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

Nine Dead-PG15 Smokin’ Aces 2: Assassin’s Ball-18 A Perfect Getaway-18 Changing Lanes-PG15 Timeline-PG15 The One-PG15 Heaven’s Fall-PG15 The Karate Kid I-PG15 The Karate Kid II-PG The Karate Kid III-PG The Next Karate Kid-PG The Karate Kid-PG

00:45 03:00 05:00 07:00 09:00 11:00 13:00 15:00 17:00 19:00 21:00 23:00

2:22-18 Three Investigators-PG15 Flying By-PG15 Emotional Arithmetic-PG15 Shrek Forever After-FAM Three Investigators-PG15 Skellig-PG15 Hachiko: A Dog’s Story-PG15 The Front-PG15 The Last Airbender-PG15 From Paris With Love-PG15 Pete Smalls Is Dead-18

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

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart The Colbert Report Sarah Silverman Program Funny Or Die Presents The Big C Friends Dharma And Greg The Tonight Show With Jay Leno Will And Grace Coach The Drew Carey Show Late Night With Jimmy Fallon Dharma And Greg Friends Will And Grace Community Outsourced Coach The Drew Carey Show The Tonight Show With Jay Leno Dharma And Greg Friends Will And Grace Coach Community Outsourced The Daily Show With Jon Stewart The Colbert Report The Drew Carey Show Late Night With Jimmy Fallon Mad Love The Office Outsourced Modern Family The Tonight Show With Jay Leno The Daily Show With Jon Stewart The Colbert Report Family Guy The Big C Sarah Silverman Program Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

00:00 Glee 02:00 Treme 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

Boston Public Good Morning America Lie To Me Emmerdale Look-A-Like The Ellen DeGeneres Show The Martha Stewart Show The View Glee Bones Live Good Morning America Boston Public The Ellen DeGeneres Show Love Bites Glee Glee Survivor: South Pacific

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00

The Event Treme No Ordinary Family Glee Bones The Event Two And A Half Men Off The Map Glee Bones Two And A Half Men The Ellen DeGeneres Show Off The Map The Event Two And A Half Men The Ellen DeGeneres Show Hawthorne Glee

00:45 03:30 05:15 07:00 09:00 11:00 13:00 15:00

Avatar-PG Dead Snow-PG15 Knife Edge-18 Star Trek: Generations-PG15 Ransom-PG15 Dick Tracy-PG15 The Karate Kid I-PG15 The Karate Kid II-PG

17:00 19:00 21:00 23:30

The Karate Kid III-PG The Next Karate Kid-PG The Karate Kid-PG Bram Stoker’s Dracula-18

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

The Big Green-PG Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star-

01:00 03:00 05:00 07:15 09:00 11:00 13:00 14:45 17:00 18:45 21:00 23:15

Confidences Trop Intimes-18 Tuck Everlasting-PG Mr. Jones-PG15 Primo-PG15 Amelia-PG15 Tuck Everlasting-PG Jesse Stone: No Remorse-PG15 The Associate-PG15 Not Since You-PG15 Moulin Rouge!-PG15 Wolf-18 The Sisters-18

01:00 03:00 05:00 07:30 09:00 11:00 13:00

Say It Isn’t So-18 50 First Dates-PG15 Sherlock Holmes-PG15 Malibu’s Most Wanted-PG15 Marmaduke-PG Preacher’s Kid-PG 500 Days Of Summer-PG15

Saved!-PG15 102 Dalmatians-PG Everybody Wants To Be ItalianMonsters vs. Aliens-PG Like Mike-PG When In Rome-PG15 The Big Green-PG Cats & Dogs-PG Head Over Heels-PG15 French And Saunders Still Alive-18

15:00 Toy Story 3-FAM 17:00 Marmaduke-PG 19:00 The A-Team-PG15 21:00 Cats & Dogs: The Revenge Of Kitty Galore-PG 23:00 The Wolfman-18

00:00 Babe: Pig In The City-FAM 02:00 Tutenstein: Clash Of The Pharaohs 04:00 Furry Vengeance-PG15 06:00 Inspector Gadget’s Last Case: Claw’s...-FAM 08:00 Kung Fu Magoo-FAM 10:00 Planet 51-PG 12:00 Fly Me To The Moon-PG 14:00 Tom And Jerry Meet Sherlock Holmes-FAM 15:45 Nativity!-PG 18:00 Planet 51-PG 20:00 Fly Me To The Moon-PG

00:00 A Trace Of Danger-PG15 02:00 Death At A Funeral-PG15 04:00 Adventures Of A Teenage Dragonslayer-PG 06:00 My Bollywood Bride-PG15 08:00 Tangled-FAM 09:45 The People Speak-PG15 12:00 Oceans - Into The Deep-PG 13:30 A Dance For Bethany-PG15 15:30 The People Speak-PG15 17:45 Glorious 39-PG15 20:00 Cats & Dogs: The Revenge Of Kitty Galore-PG 21:30 Dolan’s Cadillac-PG15 23:15 Somewhere-18

00:15 02:00 03:00 05:15 06:30 07:00 07:30 09:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 18:30 19:00 19:30 21:00 21:30

Premier League Snooker AFL Highlights Rugby World Cup Trans World Sport Futbol Mundial Scottish Premier League Highlights RFL Championship ICC Cricket World Total Rugby Live RWC Matchday Live Rugby World Cup Live RWC Matchday Total Rugby SPL Highlights European Tour Weekly Live European PGA Tour Total Rugby RWC Matchday Rugby World Cup RWC Matchday Live Super League

01:30 RFL Championship 03:30 Golfing World 04:30 European Challenge Tour Highlights 05:30 World Hockey 06:00 Scottish Premier League Highlights 06:30 Total Rugby 07:00 Golfing World 08:00 PGA European Tour 12:45 Live NRL Premiership 14:45 Rugby World Cup 17:00 AFL Premiership 19:30 Total Rugby 20:00 Live Rugby Union Currie Cup

AVATAR ON OSN MOVIES ACTION

01:00 02:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 11:00 11:30 12:30 15:30 16:00 19:00 20:00 22:00 23:00

WWE NXT UFC The Ultimate Fighter Speedway FIM World Powerboats F1 Championship WWE NXT Prizefighter Mobil 1 The Grid WWE NXT Live AFL Premiership Mobil 1 The Grid Prizefighter WWE Tough Enough WWE SmackDown WWE Bottomline UFC The Ultimate Fighter

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 06:00 07:00

Extreme Tourist Afghanistan Eccentric Uk First Ascent Endurance Traveller Departures Extreme Tourist Afghanistan Eccentric Uk

08:00 First Ascent 08:30 First Ascent 09:00 Endurance Traveller 10:00 Departures 12:00 Extreme Tourist Afghanistan 13:00 Earth Tripping 14:00 Treks In A Wild World 14:30 Amazing Adventures of A Nobody UK 15:30 Amazing Adventures Of A Nobody: Europe 16:00 Extreme Tourist Afghanistan 17:00 Meet The Amish 18:00 Departures 19:00 Earth Tripping 20:00 Treks In A Wild World 20:30 Amazing Adventures of A Nobody UK 21:00 Amazing Adventures of A Nobody USA 21:30 Amazing Adventures Of A Nobody: Europe 22:00 Extreme Tourist Afghanistan 23:00 Meet The Amish

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 03:30 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 22:00 23:00

Inside Walt Disney Studios - Paris The Blue Continent World’s Greatest Motorcycle Rides Glutton For Punishment Chef Abroad Globe Trekker Inside Walt Disney Studios - Paris Distant Shores Globe Trekker Intrepid Journeys World’s Greatest Motorcycle Rides Planet Food Dream Destinations Globe Trekker Floyd Uncorked Intrepid Journeys The Blue Continent Globe Trekker Distant Shores Floyd Uncorked Globe Trekker Megalopolis Globe Trekker Globe Trekker

00:00 Jerseylicious 01:00 Videofashion News 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 Videofashion News 09:00 Open House 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 Videofashion News 14:45 How Do I Look?

15:40 Ruby 16:35 Jerseylicious 17:30 Top 10 17:55 Top 10 18:25 Big Rich Texas 19:25 Open House 20:20 Clean House 21:15 My Celebrity Wedding With...

22:10 Clean House 23:05 How Do I Look?

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

Conspiracy?

Ice Road Truckers Ax Men Sliced Battle Stations Conspiracy?

Ice Road Truckers Ax Men Sliced Battle Stations Conspiracy?

Ice Road Truckers Ax Men Sliced Sliced Battle Stations Conspiracy?

Ice Road Truckers Rome’s Lost Legion Ancient Discoveries Engineering An Empire How The Earth Was Made

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Information

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION In case you are not travelling, your proper cancellation of bookings will help other passengers to use seats Airlines RJA JZR THY JZR ETH UAE DHX ETD MSR FDB GFA QTR THY KAC JZR JZR JZR BAW KAC JZR KAC KAC KAC FDB KAC KAC KAC KAC UAE QTR ABY IRA ETD GFA RBG MEA JZR JZR IYE MSR JZR KAC KAC MSR UAL RJA FDB OMA QTR KAC KAC JZR QTR JZR JZR MLR ETD UAE SYR GFA SVA RBG JZR ABY FDB ALK JZR

Flt 642 267 772 189 620 853 370 305 614 67 211 138 770 544 241 503 555 157 416 541 206 284 302 53 332 678 352 362 855 132 125 619 301 213 3555 404 165 121 825 623 561 618 672 610 982 640 57 645 140 546 788 257 134 201 535 403 303 857 341 215 510 3558 239 127 63 227 177

Arrival Flights on Friday 16/9/2011 Route AMMAN BEIRUT ISTANBUL DUBAI ADDIS ABABA DUBAI BAHRAIN ABU DHABI CAIRO DUBAI BAHRAIN DOHA ISTANBUL CAIRO AMMAN LUXOR ALEXANDRIA LONDON JAKARTA/KUALA LUMPUR CAIRO ISLAMABAD DHAKA MUMBAI DUBAI TRIVANDRUM MUSCAT/DUBAI COCHIN COLOMBO DUBAI DOHA SHARJAH LAR ABU DHABI BAHRAIN ALEXANDRIA BEIRUT DUBAI BAHRAIN SANAA SOHAG SOHAG DOHA DUBAI CAIRO WASHINGTON DC DULLES AMMAN DUBAI MUSCAT DOHA ALEXANDRIA JEDDAH BEIRUT DOHA DAMASCUS CAIRO COLOMBO/DUBAI ABU DHABI DUBAI DAMASCUS BAHRAIN RIYADH SOHAG AMMAN SHARJAH DUBAI COLOMBO/DUBAI DUBAI

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

KAC KAC KAC JZR KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC AIC JAI KAC FDB JZR OMA VOS MEA KAC SVA DHX GFA FCX QTR UAL UAE JZR JZR DLH SAI MSR JZR KLM JZR

166 502 542 213 744 614 674 774 102 975 572 562 61 787 647 81 402 786 506 372 217 304 136 981 859 135 185 636 441 612 539 447 481

Airlines 7788 KAC CLX JZR AXB DLH BBC AIC PIA THY ETH VOS UAE FDB DHX ETD MSR QTR THY JZR JZR RJA GFA KAC JZR BAW FDB JZR KAC KAC KAC JZR KAC UAE

Flt 319 677 732 540 390 637 44 982 206 773 620 94 854 68 371 306 615 139 771 560 164 643 212 545 120 156 54 534 787 177 671 256 617 856

PARIS/ROME BEIRUT CAIRO DEIREZZOR/ALEPPO DAMMAM BAHRAIN DUBAI RIYADH NEW YORK/LONDON CHENNAI/GOA MUMBAI AMMAN DUBAI RIYADH MUSCAT BAGHDAD BEIRUT JEDDAH JEDDAH BAHRAIN BAHRAIN RIYADH DOHA BAHRAIN DUBAI BAHRAIN DUBAI FRANKFURT LAHORE CAIRO CAIRO AMSTERDAM/BAHRAIN SABIHA Departure Flights on Friday 16/9/2011 Route 0:05 DUBAI/MUSCAT DOHA CAIRO MANGALORE/KOZHIKODE FRANKFURT DHAKA AHMEDABAD/CHENNAI LAHORE ISTANBUL BAHRAIN/ADDIS ABABA DUBAI/KANDAHAR DUBAI DUBAI BAHRAIN ABU DHABI CAIRO DOHA ISTANBUL SOHAG DUBAI AMMAN BAHRAIN ALEXANDRIA BAHRAIN LONDON DUBAI CAIRO JEDDAH FRANKFURT/GENEVA DUBAI BEIRUT DOHA DUBAI

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ABY QTR KAC ETD GFA IRA JZR RBG MEA KAC JZR JZR KAC KAC IYE MSR JZR MSR RJA FDB UAL KAC OMA KAC KAC JZR KAC QTR KAC KAC JZR JZR VOS ETD MLR QTR SYR UAE GFA RBG ABY JZR SVA FDB ALK JZR KAC KAC JAI FDB JZR KAC KAC OMA MEA SVA DHX GFA KAC QTR KAC KAC FCX JZR JZR UAE KAC UAL SAI

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SHARJAH DOHA NEW YORK ABU DHABI BAHRAIN LAR DAMASCUS SOHAG BEIRUT CAIRO DEIREZZOR/ALEPPO AMMAN LONDON BEIRUT DOHA/SANAA SOHAG DUBAI CAIRO AMMAN DUBAI BAHRAIN AMMAN MUSCAT JEDDAH DUBAI SABIHA RIYADH DOHA BAHRAIN DAMMAM RIYADH CAIRO BAGHDAD ABU DHABI DUBAI/COLOMBO DOHA DAMASCUS DUBAI BAHRAIN ALEXANDRIA SHARJAH DUBAI RIYADH DUBAI DUBAI/COLOMBO BAHRAIN DHAKA COLOMBO MUMBAI DUBAI ASSIUT CHENNAI COCHIN MUSCAT BEIRUT JEDDAH BAHRAIN BAHRAIN DELHI DOHA MUMBAI ISLAMABAD DUBAI LUXOR ALEXANDRIA DUBAI BANGKOK/MANILA WASHINGTON DC DULLES LAHORE

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

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

ACCOMMODATION Single room with separate bathroom available in 3 bedroom 3 bathroom deluxe CAC flat with small Muslim family in Hawally Tunis street, near Sadique roundabout, behind Commercial Bank, for single executive or decent couple or 2 working ladies.

Contact: 97794619. (C 3626) 15-9-2011 Accommodation available in Salmiya, Amman St, C-A/C new building, for two Indian/ Sri Lanka bachelors with another Indian. Contact: 99467432.

(C 3622) Accommodation available from 1-10-2011 or before for a small family or one or two decent non-smoking / nondrinking bachelors in a two bedroom flat near Paradise Restaurant, Abbassiya. Tel: 97669236/ 24315927. (C 3623) 14-9-2011 Spacious bedroom with separate bathroom available in Farwaniya near Gulf Mart for bachelors with Mangalorian family. Contact: 97589925.

(C 3618)

FOR SALE PC Compaq P4 with LCD monitor, Panasonic DVD recorder, Polaroid multimedia projector with screen. All in excellent condition at good price.

Contact: 99322585. (C 3625) A/C General, gas oven, bed, cupboard, fully carpeted in two bedroom big hall flat in Abbassiya. For further details, contact: 66895049.

(C 3627) 15-9-2011

Toyota Corolla model 2006, 1.8 engine, excellent condition, registration 20-07-2012, price KD 2,400. Contact: 66396517.

(C 3621) 14-9-2011 Toyota Corolla 2009 model, excellent condition, wellmaintained, low mileage, lady driven. Price KD 3400.

Contact: 60951195.

(C 3620) 13-9-2011 Toyota Corolla 2004 model, maintained and serviced by Al-Sayer in excellent condition with original paint color golden metallic, run 99890km, KD 2,550/-.

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(C 3617) 12-9-2011 Toyota Prado TXL white pearl model 2010, excellent condition, 31000 km, price KD 10,000.

Contact: 66430722, 66704439.

(C 3614) 11-9-2011

CHANGE OF NAME I, Thamer Medhat Mohd Khattab, holder of Pilipino Passport No: TT0990386 hereby change my name to Tamer Medhat Moh. Khattab.

11-9-2011 I, John Thomas Valliya

Mannil, Indian national, Passport No. A1976602, hereby change my name to Thomas Valliamannil John.

(C 3619) 12-9-2011

SITUATION WANTED Indian couple need a job 12 years experience in Kuwait, cleaning, cooking and driving, we are expecting good salary, Please call 65585930. (C 3624) 15-9-2011 Experienced Indian, in general hardware, oil field materials, equipments, welding and safety items, timber, construction materials, seeks suitable senior position, can do general management, import, export, procurement (local and international) can make business travel. Contact: 66889375.

(C 3615) 11-9-2011

MATRIMONIAL Christian Orthodox Kerala girl 33 yrs B.Sc Nurse working in MOH, Kuwait, divorced no liabilities inviting proposals from professionally qualified God fearing Malayalee boys, send photos and details to rosym55@yahoo.com or mathewt72@yahoo.com (C 3610) Proposals invited for Pentecostal Keralite Girl, 24, B.Tech, MBA, financially sound, from parents of professionally qualified Keralite boys. Please contact: beracah77@gmail.com SITUATION VACANT Full-time live in Nurse maid/ caregiver for elderly woman.

Must speak English, good salary offered. Please call 99633674 after 5 pm.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

Rivera locks up 600th save SEATTLE: Mariano Rivera’s 600th save ended with a perfect strike. Only this one was thrown by his catcher.

Russell Martin cut down Ichiro Suzuki trying to steal second for the final out Tuesday night and with that, Rivera became the second major league pitcher to reach the relief milestone. One save shy of Trevor Hoffman’s career record, the New York Yankees closer could get his first opportunity to tie the mark Wednesday night in the series finale against Seattle. “I don’t know if we’ll ever see it again,” manager Joe Girardi said after Rivera - and Martin nailed down New York’s 3-2 victory over the Mariners.

“That’s how much of an accomplishment this is that he and Trevor Hoffman have done. Simply remarkable.” Thanks to Martin’s quick peg to second, the game ended just the way Rivera has always preferred: with a chance for him to credit his teammates. “It’s an out. It doesn’t depend on me, it depends on the whole team,” Rivera said. “This is a team job and it don’t matter how you do it as long as you get him out.”

Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter put the tag on Suzuki and smiled as he brought the souvenir ball to Rivera.

One by one, New York players lined up near the mound to give him hugs and high-fives. No loud screams or wild gestures. No outlandish dogpiles. Just a respectful celebration that was pure Rivera. Simply do your job and move on. “I’m not that type of guy. I’m a team player,” Rivera said. “I tell you guys many times and I’ll continue to tell you, it doesn’t depend on myself. It depends on my teammates giving me the opportunity to be able to pitch.”

In a season in which Jeter reached one of baseball’s grandest milestones with his 3,000th hit, Rivera has also added to his Yankees legacy. But

even he acknowledged the biggest moment coming up will be save No 602, when he passes Hoffman to become the most prolific closer in major league history. Forget about

ball. And he’s done it in pressurepacked situations with the Yankees always in contention. That wasn’t lost on his teammates, especially those who at one time or another had to

SEATTLE: Seattle Mariners’ left fielder Trayvon Robinson dives to make a catch of a fly ball from New York Yankees’ Brett Gardner in the 12th inning of a baseball game. The Mariners won 2-1. — AP savoring No 600. A quick turnaround is part of the job. “I don’t think like that. We need another game tomorrow,” Rivera said. “We’re in a pennant race.” What’s most amazing to some is that Rivera has racked up all those saves - plus 42 more in the postseason - primarily on the strength of one dominant pitch: his sizzling cut fast-

face Rivera from the other side. “Just to think, about every game Mariano has ever pitched has been a meaningful game,” Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez said. “Every one of those saves meant something.” That biting cutter was in play again Tuesday night as Rivera notched his 41st save of the season in 46

chances. But Jeter scoffed at the idea that the right-hander has reached the 600 mark with just one pitch.

“First of all, it’s not one pitch,” he said. “He throws a cutter, he throws a two-seam, he throws a four-seam. It’s all one speed, he throws it hard, but (Rivera) has perfected fastballs. I’m not surprised by it.”

Robinson Cano provided the Yankees offense with a homer and two RBIs, while AJ Burnett (10-11) won for the first time since Aug. 15 thanks to a season-high 11 strikeouts. New York stayed four games in front of second-place Boston in the AL East after the Red Sox thumped Toronto 18-6. The 41-year-old Rivera, a 12-time All-Star, entered with a one-run lead in the ninth inning. He struck out pinch-hitter Wily Mo Pena before Suzuki served a soft single into left field. Rivera fanned rookie Kyle Seager and, with Dustin Ackley at the plate, Suzuki broke for second.

“I wish that I didn’t throw him out so (Rivera) could get a punchout or something like that,” Martin said.

Rivera was almost forced to wait another night after the Yankees battered nemesis Felix Hernandez in the series opener, ending his chances of breaking the record in Seattle. He didn’t have much time to get ready as New York went down quickly in the top of the ninth. Rivera came on to pitch with most of the Yankees fans in attendance standing and many snapping pictures. Nearly the entire Yankees dugout stood on the top-step railing.

“I noticed there were a lot more people standing on the top step tonight. We need some big dugouts,” Girardi said. “This is a guy who I believe is the best closer that’s ever been in the game and I’ve had the fortune of catching him, coaching him and managing him, and it’s a treat.” — AP

Red Sox lose again, beaten by Blue Jays BOSTON: The reeling Boston Red Sox lost for the sixth time in seven games, wasting an eighth-inning lead and going down 5-4 to the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday to further tighten the American League wildcard race. The Red Sox remained four games ahead of nearest rival Tampa Bay, which also lost, but Los Angeles moved within 4-1/2 games. After getting swept in a three-game series at Tampa Bay last weekend, Boston hosts the Rays in a fourgame series starting Thursday. Boston led 4-2 in the eighth before Adam Loewen hit a two-run single against Daniel Bard (2-8).

Toronto starter Ricky Romero (15-10) allowed six hits in eight innings and improved to 8-1 in his past 10 starts.

Tigers 6, White Sox 5, 10 innings In Chicago, Carlos Guillen singled home the go-ahead run in the 10th inning to give Detroit victory over Chicago and its 12th straight win; its longest winning streak in

77 years. Guillen also hit a solo homer for Detroit, which hadn’t won 12 in a row since 1934, when the Tigers won the American League. Closing in on an AL Central title, the surging Tigers rallied for three runs in the ninth. Jose Valverde pitched the 10th to remain perfect in 44 save opportunities this year. White Sox reliever Sergio Santos (4-5) blew his sixth save of the season.

Rangers 9, Indians 1 In Arlington, Texas, Josh Hamilton’s third career grand slam highlighted an eight-run fourth inning that powered Texas past Cleveland. Hamilton and Mike Napoli bother homered off Indians rookie David Huff (2-5) in the decisive fourth, Texas’ biggest inning since 2009. Ian Kinsler also homered for the AL West-leading Rangers, who have won three straight and maintained a threegame lead over second-place Los Angeles.

Rangers starter Derek Holland (14-5) allowed one run with six strikeouts over

seven innings. He has won eight of his past nine decisions.

Angels 4, Athletics 1 In Oakland, Jered Weaver pitched seven innings for his career-best 17th win of the season, as Los Angeles downed Oakland to maintain its playoff charge.Weaver (17-7) pitched out of a bases-loaded situation in the first and escaped a two-on, one out jam in the second. The A’s managed only two baserunners over the final six innings.

Mark Trumbo hit a tiebreaking homer in the sixth, while Bobby Abreu added two hits and scored twice for the Angels.

Oakland starter Rich Harden (4-3) didn’t make it out of the sixth, allowing three runs.

Orioles 6, Rays 2 In Baltimore, Tampa Bay missed an opportunity to gain ground in the wildcard race, getting only three hits over seven

innings against Baltimore pitcher Jeremy Guthrie.

After watching Boston lose to Toronto in an afternoon game, the Rays took the field with a chance to close within three games of the Red Sox in the AL wild-card hunt.

Instead, Tampa Bay lost its second straight to the last-place Orioles.

Royals 7, Twins 3 In Kansas City, Mike Moustakas had three hits and drove in two runs in Kansas City’s win over Minnesota. The Royals have won four straight, matching the longest winning streak of the season, while the Twins have lost 19 of 23 and are in last place in the AL Central after winning the division the past two years.

Kansas City starter Luke Hochevar (1111) gave up two runs in six innings.

Minnesota’s Liam Hendricks (0-2), making his second big league start, was roughed up for five runs in five innings. — AP

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

Aussies drop Khawaja, Harris for Lanka clash COLOMBO: Australia have left out injured fast bowler Ryan Harris and batsman Usman Khawaja for the third and final cricket Test against Sri Lanka starting in Colombo today. Harris, the most successful bowler in the series with 11 wickets, suffered a hamstring strain during the drawn second Test in Pallekele, and will be replaced by Peter Siddle. Lefthanded Khawaja was dropped to make way for former captain Ricky Ponting, who returns to the side after taking leave from the Pallekele Test for the birth of his second child. Skipper Michael Clarke and the selectors had a tricky decision to make after Shaun Marsh, who replaced Ponting in the second Test, scored a century on debut to cement his place in the side.

“It’s brilliant to have Ricky back, he was always going to walk back into the team,” Clarke said ahead of a practice session at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) yesterday. “It is hard for Uzzie (Khawaja).

It’s obviously been a tough selection, but with Shaun making 141 on debut, it was really hard to leave him out.” Clarke said resting Harris was a precautionary measure considering the heavy schedule ahead, which includes Test series against South Africa, New Zealand and India. “I guess we have to be safe, rather than sorry,” the captain said. “I certainly don’t think it’s worth the risk of playing him here, because if that minor strain becomes a big tear he could be out for a lot longer.”

Clarke said Australia’s 1-0 lead in the series after winning the opening Test in Galle by 125 runs had put the onus on Sri Lanka to call the shots. “Our goal is to win the Test, but if we draw, we go home 1-0 winners,” he said. “But there is probably a bit more pressure on the Sri Lankans, knowing they have to win to level the series. “They have to bat a bit more positively than they have done in the series so far and try and get a result.” If the hosts need inspiration, they need look no further than their former captain Kumar Sangakkara, who makes his 100th Test appearance today.

Sangakkara, who turns 34 next month, will be the fifth Sri Lankan to play a century of Tests after Muttiah Muralitharan (132 matches), Mahela Jayawardene (121), Chaminda Vaas (111) and Sanath Jayasuriya (110). Clarke paid rich tributes to the prolific left-hander, but hoped Australia will get him out early. “I’ve enjoyed watching him score runs for a long time,” said Clarke. “But I don’t like it when he scores them against Australia and I hope he gets a pair in this game.” In the 18 Tests Sangakkara has played at the SSC, he has scored 1,864 runs at an awe-inspiring average of 74.56, with seven three-figure knocks, including three double centuries.

It was at the same venue that Sangakkara (287) and Jayawardene (374) recorded the highest partnership ever in Test cricket: 624 for the third wicket in 2006 against South Africa. But Sangakkara has never featured in a Sri Lankan Test win over Australia, something the star batsman hoped to rectify. “The key is to score big in the first innings, which we have not been able to do in the two Tests so far,” said Sangakkara, who met the media instead of skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan. “I think we have a good enough team to win on any wicket. It is always challenging to play the Aussies, but we have not challenged them enough in the series. “I hope that will change here.”— AFP

National pride provides fuel for Djokovic, Nadal

NEW YORK: Novak Djokovic, of Serbia, poses with his US Open trophy at the top of the Empire State Building in New York. Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal Sunday to win his first US Open tennis championship and third Grand Slam trophy of the year. — AP LONDON: With precious little time to rest after their brutal US Open final, world number one Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal will be energized by national pride this weekend as they lead their countries into battle in the Davis Cup semi-finals.

Djokovic, winner of three of the year’s four majors in a stupendous season that has gone off the scale, will enjoy a deafening reception in the cavernous Belgrade Arena where Serbia host Argentina.

In a Cordoba bull ring, Nadal will have the perfect stage to vent the frustration of his defeat by Djokovic in New York, as Spain host last year’s runners-up France seeking to banish the memory of a 5-0 thrashing last year. Neutrals and probably the International Tennis Federation (ITF) will already be eagerly anticipating a potential Djokovic v Nadal showdown in the final but the wily Argentines and flamboyant French will be no pushovers.

“We are all very optimistic ahead of the tie, we know that we will be up against a very strong team but we’ll do our best and the support of our 20,000 fans in the arena can make a big difference,” Serbia captain Bogdan Obradovic said this week, when confirming Djokovic will play. “The energy coming from Novak rubs on to the team and it is the best form of motivation.”

Twelve months ago after losing to Nadal in the US Open final Djokovic could hardly have imagined what was going to happen to him in 2011.

Playing like a man possessed he has amassed a 64-2 record, surging clear at the top of the rankings and on current form, looks almost unbeatable. The 24-year-old, who owns a chain of restaurants in the Serbian capital, one of which is just across the street from the Belgrade Arena where Serbia have never lost a Davis Cup tie, said the spark for his explosive improvement

was last year’s thrilling final against France. Such is his pride at pulling on the Serbian shirt he will be digging deep to make sure his county retains the title and with Janko Tipsarevic, the man he beat in the US Open quarter-finals, and Viktor Troicki, who claimed the winning point last year, providing quality support.

Argentina are the only one of the semifinalists not to win the trophy, but have a powerful line-up themselves with 2009 US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro and David Nalbandian joined by Juan Ignacio Chela and Juan Monaco. Captain Tito Vazquez acknowledged his side face a huge challenge.

“It is obvious that Serbia, being the current champions and undefeated at home, on top of having the No 1, Novak Djokovic,

in the best year of his career, is a difficult rival, “ he said. “Home advantage in Davis Cup is always important and this time will not be any different, no doubt about it.”

Since the break-up of the former Yugoslavia, Serbia have never played Argentina but the other semi-final is a familiar fixture on the Davis Cup circuit.

They are meeting for the eighth time and Spain, winners in 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2009, will still be smarting from defeat in the quarter-finals last year in ClermontFerrand. Nadal did not play in the previous round against the United States but with France boasting Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gael Monfils, Gilles Simon and Richard Gasquet, all of them ranked in the world’s top 15, the Mallorcan’s availability is a massive boost for captain Albert Costa.— Reuters

Federer fired up for Australia Davis Cup tie SYDNEY: Roger Federer said yesterday he was feeling “really good” as he prepared to face Lleyton Hewitt in the Davis Cup despite a long flight after a grueling US Open semi-final defeat to Novak Djokovic. The world number three has made the long trek to Sydney for Switzerland’s World Group play-off against Australia. “I’m not sore-sorry to disappoint you. I’m feeling good, really good actually,” Federer said. He will face Hewitt tomorrow, with a 17-8 record against the Australian working in his favor. The pair play second after Stanislas Wawrinka takes on Bernard Tomic on the opening day of a tie on grass courts at the Royal Sydney Golf Club.

Federer was also named to play doubles, pairing with close friend Wawrinka to face Hewitt and Chris Guccione today as the Swiss attempt to reverse losses in their four previous Davis Cup meetings against Australia. “Usually we never have that much time to get used to the grass anyway, that’s how we have to deal with it every year for the grass season,” the six-time Wimbledon champion said, shrugging off his lack of preparation. Swiss captain Severin Luthi backed his star man to cope with the short lead-up time. “He’s a great champion, we know that, and for sure it’s always better if you have more days, but I’m sure that he can handle this and be ready on Friday,” Luthi told reporters.— AFP

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

Sports extras Fears grow for missing Uganda-born midfielder ROME: Fears are growing for Ugandan-born midfielder Savio Nserenko who has been missing for a week, a spokesman for his club Juve Stabia in the Italian Serie B said yesterday. The Germany youth international disappeared after playing one match and a club spokesman confirmed to AFP that as the 22-year-old has not been seen for a week they have informed the police. “We haven’t heard from Savio for a week. His mother and sister are very worried, as are we. We hope to find him,” said the spokesman. The last trace of Nserenko was when he sent Coach Piero Braglia a text message. This is not the first time Nserenko, who is on loan from Fiorentina, has gone missing. He also went missing for a week while on loan at German second division side TSV 1860 Munich last season, leading to his loan agreement being terminated. He was later found at his sister’s home. Although born in Uganda, Nserenko came up through the youth ranks in Germany with 1860 Munich and has represented the European nation at under-19 and under-20 levels. However, Uganda are trying to convince him to play senior football for the country of his birth. He started his senior professional career with Brescia in Italy after being signed as a 16-year-old. There followed a move to West Ham in the English Premier League before he went to Fiorentina in 2009.

Inter president rules out coaching change ROME: Inter Milan President Massimo Moratti has ruled out making a knee-jerk coaching change despite Gian Piero Gasperini’s losing start to the season. Inter followed up Sunday’s 4-3 defeat at Palermo in Serie A with a shock 1-0 loss at home to outsiders Trabzonspor in the Champions League. It has left Gasperini under pressure just two games into his Inter career, but Moratti insists he won’t be making any rash decisions. “There definitely won’t be any changes in the coming days not least because the team didn’t play badly (against Trabzonspor),” he told reporters. “Maybe they didn’t play with a lot of tempo, maybe they didn’t have the legs to win but you can’t blame that on the coach. “We cannot always call him into question, give the coach time to do his work. “For now all we can do is wait. We’ve changed the system and for the moment it’s affecting our game.”

Moratti may have claimed Gasperini’s position wasn’t under threat but he was categoric in his reply to a question about the defensive system. Gasperini picked a back three against Palermo but came under heavy fire from the media and was under pressure to change.

Marseille looking to get back on track in France PARIS: Marseille will be hoping to get its season back on track when it visits Lyon in the French league on Sunday. Marseille has not won a league match in five attempts this season and is in 17th place, nine points behind leader Montpellier. “It’s a very negative period,” Marseille coach Didier Deschamps said. “Mental toughness is important when the going gets tough. We must show character.” Marseille won the league title in 2010 and finished second last season, but a loss on Sunday would leave the club 11 points behind Lyon. “I don’t know if it’s a crisis,” Marseille fullback Jeremy Morel said. “But the situation is getting critical when you see that we’re eight points behind Lyon.”

Lyon is the only team still undefeated in the league, but trails Montpellier by one point. Marseille’s season has mostly been ruined by its porous defense. It has already conceded eight goals in five matches, the third-worst in the league behind promoted Dijon and Ajaccio. In the Champions League, however, Marseille beat Olympiakos 1-0 on Tuesday. “It’s nice to rediscover the taste of victory,” Marseille midfielder Alou Diarra said. “It’s our first win this season.

It gives us a boost and I hope it’s only the start of a long streak.” For Lyon, Bafetimbi Gomis will lead the attack as Argentine striker Lisandro Lopez is still recovering from an ankle injury. Defending champion Lille earned a convincing 3-1 win over Saint-Etienne last weekend, but the two-goal lead the club threw away in the 2-2 Champions League draw with CSKA Moscow on Wednesday may have hurt its self-confidence ahead of a match against Sochaux on Saturday. “We don’t have to defend our title,” Lille coach Rudi Garcia said. “We won it last season. —AP

Argentina, Brazil play a lackluster goalless draw CORDOBA: Argentina and Brazil, both missing their Europe-based stars, played out a lackluster goalless draw in the first leg of the Superclasico de las Americas here on Wednesday night. The South American heavyweights are both looking to put disappointing performances in the Copa America behind them.

But Brazil’s three-pronged strike force of Ronaldinho, Neymar and Damiao failed to live up to expectations, while hosts Argentina could not break through on front of 50,000 spectators despite weaknesses in their rivals’ defense. To added to his woes Alejandro Sabella’s Argentina were also hit by injuries to two of their best strikers on the night with Mauro Boselli (24) and Juan Manuel Martinez (58) both going off with adductor problems. Martinez had set up the first shot at goal after six minutes racing down the left side of the pitch to pass to Boselli who hit over the bar.

Four minutes later it was Ronaldinho’s turn as he fed winger Kleber who also failed to finish.

Ronaldinho tried several times to outwit goalie Agustin Orion but his longrange efforts were off target. Damiao picked up a Neymar cross after 12 minutes but the Internacional de Porto Alegre player’s shot bounced off the post. Another close call from Damiao after 77 minutes also hit the post to the disappointment of the home crowd.—AFP

CORDOBA: Argentina’s Juan Manuel Martinez (left) and Brazil’s Dede (right) go for a header during a friendly soccer match in Cordoba, Argentina on Wednesday. — AP

Lille need to go forward as Ligue 1 action resumes PARIS: Following a bitter draw in their Champions League opener, Lille need to switch to forward gear if they are to go past Sochaux when Ligue 1 action resumes tomorrow. The French champions blew a two-goal advantage against CSKA Moscow on Wednesday as they sat back after an hour of free-flowing, attacking football. “It shows we are not made to play only defensively,” coach Rudi Garcia told reporters. “As long as we play our game, everything is going our way.” Lille, who are third in the standings two points behind pacesetters Montpellier, will have to make do with the absence of the injured Dimitri Payet.

The former St Etienne striker will undergo knee injury, leaving the door open for

English international Joe Cole, on loan from Liverpool, to snatch a place in the starting line-up. Cole showed glimpses of his brilliant best on his Ligue 1 debut last weekend, setting up a goal during a 25-minute appearance. “It’s now time to forget this (CSKA) game. We’re going to switch forward to the league game,” said Belgian prodigy Eden Hazard. Leaders Montpellier will welcome back influential midfielder Younes Belhanda from a two-match suspension when they travel to Stade Brest. On Sunday, Olympique Lyon will host Olympique Marseille after both sides put on convincing displays in the Champions League. Second-placed Lyon snatched a goalless draw at Ajax Amsterdam while

Marseille, who have yet to win a league game this season, grabbed a confidenceboosting 1-0 win at Olympiakos Piraeus.

“We had not won in a long time,” said coach Didier Deschamps, referring to Marseille’s last win in the Trophy of Champions against Lille on July 27. “It will help us be calmer, it will boost our confidence.” “I felt the squad were very focused.

Everybody made big efforts to defend. We have to stay on that path.” Marseille, the 2010 champions, lie 17th in the standings with only three points from five games.

Fourth-placed Paris St Germain, who play against Salzburg in the Europa League later on Thursday, will travel to promoted Evian TG on Sunday.— Reuters

Brazil vows best World Cup despite woes BRASILIA: Brazil is seeking to shrug off dire problems threatening its preparations for the 2014 World Cup by pledging it will be ready to host the top football event no matter what-and that it will be the best Cup in history. But the litany of woes-including a strike by workers revamping the flagship stadium, a legal tussle over expansion of the country’s biggest airport, a resurgence of armed clash-

es with police in ‘pacified’ Rio slums, and a slew of corruption allegations-are weighing heavily on the minds of FIFA, sports fans, corporate sponsors and politicians. The troubles also point to the tough path ahead for Brazil as it gears up for the 2016 Olympic Games.

“Only by working together will we be able to overcome all the obstacles to put on the best World Cup of all time,” Planning Minister

Miriam Belchior said Wednesday.

Sports Minister Orlando Silva acknowledged the concerns over getting Brazil’s creaking infrastructure into acceptable shape.”Stadiums and airports are the essential pillars of this World Cup,” he said, emphasizing that the former “is already a resolved matter.” Brazil now has just 1,000 days to prove it is up to the task. — AFP

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Villas-Boas must find way to extinguish United’s fire LONDON: Andre Villas-Boas has enjoyed a steady if unspectacular start to his reign at Chelsea but the Portuguese coach will get a clearer idea of the challenge he faces to wrest the title away from Manchester United when the Premier League heavyweights meet at Old Trafford on Sunday (1500 GMT). United have begun the season in scintillating form, with England striker Wayne Rooney leading a goal-hungry attack that has banged in 18 goals in four games.

They drew 1-1 at Benfica in their Champions League group opener on Wednesday. The exploits of Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Ashley Young will have given the thoughtful Villas-Boas plenty to ponder as he looks to continue his own good impression in his first season in English football. Unbeaten Chelsea have won three in succession after an opening-day goalless draw at Stoke, with Villas-Boas bedding in new signings Juan Mata and Raul Meireles while still searching for the spark that will ignite misfiring striker Fernando Torres.

Villas-Boas was clear about the magnitude of the task facing the Londoners on Sunday. “We face Man United perhaps in their most tremendous moment of motivation and flair and style and a team that has made its impact at the beginning of the Premiership, different from last year,” he told the club’s website (www.chelseafc.com). “It provokes a good challenge and I think motivation will be the key factor in the game and hopefully (we can) come back from old Trafford with a win. We will go there to try to win it and let’s see how it happens. It will be a very good game.”

DROGBA INJURY United’s 2-1 win over Chelsea at Old Trafford in their penultimate league match last season moved them to the brink of a record 19th English league title, a milestone they achieved a week later. With striker Didier Drogba not expected to be fit for Sunday as he continues to recover from a head injury, Villas-Boas must choose what to do up front. He could either keep faith with Torres, who created both goals in the 2-0 Champions League win over Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday but has only one goal to his name since joining in January, or restore Nicolas Anelka to the starting lineup. John Terry, rested for the Leverkusen game and Frank Lampard, who came on as a second-half substitute, should start.

United defender Rio Ferdinand, who missed recent games against Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal with a hamstring injury but played against Bolton Wanderers last weekend, did not make the trip to face Benfica on Wednesday as “just a precaution”, according to manager Alex Ferguson. Goalkeeper David De Gea, rested for the Benfica game, will be restored to the starting lineup, Ferguson said, with Anders Lindegaard returning to the bench.

The champions will be without Nemanja Vidic (calf injury), as expected, along with Tom Cleverley (foot), Danny Welbeck (hamstring) and Rafael (shoulder).

Like United, Manchester City have made a perfect start with Argentine striker Sergio Aguero having already repaid a large slice of his transfer fee from Atletico Madrid by hitting six goals, including a hat-trick against Wigan last weekend. City travel to the capi-

tal to take on Fulham on Sunday (1400). Liverpool, who suffered their first defeat of the season in a 1-0 loss at Stoke tomorrow, are also in London to take on Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday (1230).

Manager Kenny Dalglish met with referees’ chief Mike Riley this week after being unhappy with the officiating at Stoke.

Premier League debutants Swansea-yet to score a goal in four games-will look to end that drought and pick up a first three points when West Bromwich Albion visit Wales tomorrow (1400) As well as Fulham and Swansea, three other sides have yet to register a win.

Bottom club Blackburn Rovers take on Arsenal at home in the tomorrow lunchtime kickoff (1145) and Norwich City, with two points from four games, visit Bolton tomorrow (1400). Sunderland, who have so far failed to replicate last season’s form which earned a 10th-place finish, host Stoke on Sunday (1400). — Reuters

LONDON: Chelsea’s Portuguese manager Andre Villas-Boas celebrates his player David Luiz’s goal during the Champions League Group E soccer match between Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen at Stamford Bridge stadium in London. — AP

German League Preview

Neuer braced for spicy Schalke return BERLIN: Schalke 04 entertain Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich on Sunday with the return of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, and his reception by the homes fans, providing an intriguing subplot.

Germany keeper Neuer, attached to Schalke since he was five, joined bitter rivals Bayern Munich in June, a move seen by many Gelsenkirchen fans as the ultimate act of treason.

“I hope Manuel’s return will not be made too difficult for him,” Schalke captain Benedikt Hoewedes said yesterday.

“He has not deserved a hostile welcome because he always put in sensational performances for us.” Hoewedes did, however, warn that Neuer could expect exactly that from the Schalke fans. With Schalke just three points behind leaders Bayern and Werder Bremen, who are on 12, a win would catapult them back to the top. But they first have to score a goal against Bayern, the first team to do so after seven consecutive clean sheets, including four in the league, in all competitions. “That goal will eventually come but we are trying to postpone it as long as possible,” Neuer told reporters.

“I look forward to the game and to meeting up with friends and colleagues,” he added after Bayern’s 2-0 win at Villarreal on Wednesday in their Champions League opener. “For me it will be an interesting game,” said Neuer, who made a brief return to Gelsenkirchen during Germany’s Euro 2008 qualifier against Austria but received no hostile treatment. “The ordinary Schalke fan is not necessarily a national team fan. I was welcomed very warmly there with the national team but I do not expect the same welcome this time.

“I think one fan or another will applaud because they have understood my decision. At the end of the day it is my profession and the way I earn a living.” Bayern could be without top striker Mario Gomez, who sustained a groin injury against Villarreal as well as central defender Daniel van Buyten, who limped off with a heel injury. Second-placed Werder Bremen, also on 12 points, travel to Nuremberg tomorrow looking to extended their three-game winning streak.

Borussia Moenchengladbach, in third on 10, take on bottom-placed Hamburg SV, who have yet to win a game this season. — Reuters

Barca look to rebound against Osasuna BARCELONA: Defending champion Barcelona will be looking to rebound from two straight draws when it hosts undefeated Osasuna in the Spanish league tomorrow. Twice in the past week, Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has watched from the sideline as defensive lapses have ruined otherwise strong performances and cost his team victories. Last week’s 2-2 slip at Real Sociedad left Barcelona two points behind leader Real Madrid, and the Catalans can ill afford to lose touch in a season that will most likely be decided between the two powerhouses. “(We need a) win now, beginning with the game against Osasuna,” Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez said.

Madrid will try to stay perfect at Levante on Sunday. While Barcelona continues to dominate possession, its inability to finish off games has exposed holes in its defense. In

Tuesday’s Champions League opener, AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato sprinted through Barcelona’s makeshift defense of Sergio Busquets and Javier Mascherano to score in the first minute.

Barcelona then outplayed the Italians and took the lead, but Thiago Silva headed in the injury-time equalizer.

Barcelona also conceded a similar headed goal to Sociedad last weekend, and Guardiola will surely be looking to tighten his defense against Osasuna’s bigger bodies.

“This team is hungry,” Barcelona defender Carles Puyol said. “It is normal to talk about these things when you draw two games, but we want to continue making history.” Guardiola will once again have to patch up a backline with Gerard Pique doubtful as he recovers from a calf injury. On paper, Osasuna shouldn’t provide much of a challenge, but the Pamplona-based

team is undefeated and has only conceded one goal in two games.

Barcelona’s defenders will have to pay special attention to speedy winger Juan “Nino” Martinez, who has impressed since joining the club in the offseason.

Barcelona will also miss winger Alexis Sanchez and Andres Iniesta both out with leg injuries and need new signing Cesc Fabregas to continue his quick adaptation to his boyhood squad. Luckily for Guardiola, he can also turn to young standout Thiago Alcantara to help Xavi create for its still potent attack. “They are two important losses because they can break down the defense, Alexis from the flank and Andres through the middle,” said Xavi, adding that their replacements have the ability to take over where they left off. “Thiago is an incredible player, he can decide a game,” Xavi said. “As far as

Cesc, he is from this club and knows the system we use. The most important thing is that everyone understands the way we play, and Cesc does.”

Madrid will look to keep up its good form after winning its Champions League opener at Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday. Madrid has outscored its opponents 10-2 in its perfect start to the Spanish league season, and visits a Levante side that has only conceded one goal in two draws so far. Cristiano Ronaldo has started where he picked up last season when he broke the league scoring record and has already netted four goals.

“We have to keep taking steps forward and not pay attention to what the others are doing,” Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka said. “Since the preseason we have been playing at the highest level and we must continue in this line.” — AP

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Ronaldo: People envy my cash and looks MADRID: Opposing fans give Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo a hostile reception because he is “rich, handsome and a great player,” the Portuguese said after Wednesday’s 1-0 Champions League win at Dinamo Zagreb. Ronaldo, the world’s most expensive signing, was roundly booed and whistled during the Group D opener in Croatia and was also the target of some robust challenges, one of which drew blood on his right ankle and required several stitches. The 26-year-old was unhappy with referee Svein Oddvar Moen and said top players were not getting enough protection.

“We are very happy with three points we took, but I’m not so satisfied with the refereeing,” he told reporters. “I hope we never have this referee again. People talk of fair-

play, of protecting good players, but I never get any of that. I don’t understand a thing.

“I’m sad because I hear referees saying they will protect skilful players, but while some are untouchable it seems I can be mauled.”

Ronaldo was asked about the behavior of the Dinamo fans, who gave him the kind of unfriendly reception he endures week in week out in La Liga and chanted the name of his Barcelona rival and World Player of the Year Lionel Messi. “I think that because I am rich, handsome and a great player people are envious of me,” he said. “I don’t have any other explanation.” Argentine winger Angel Di Maria scored for Jose Mourinho’s side in the 53rd minute as Real began their quest for a 10th title in Europe’s elite club competition.— Reuters

Italian League Preview

Inter face must-win match against Roma ROME: It is only the second round of Serie A and Inter Milan coach Gian Piero Gasperini is already facing a must-win match against Roma tomorrow. Inter has lost all three of its games thus far under Gasperini, capped by an embarrassing 1-0 home loss to Turkish debutante Trabzonspor in the Champions League on Wednesday. Inter was beaten 2-1

by AC Milan in the Italian Super Cup last month and lost 4-3 at Palermo in its Serie A opener last weekend, allowing four goals for the first time in a league match in more than seven years.

Still, the loss to Trabzonspor was even more stunning, prompting a Gazzetta dello Sport headline yesterday that called it a “Turkish bath” for Gasperini. “I know faith has its limits, and that we’ve got to produce some results in a hurry,” Gasperini said.

Roma is also in crisis, having opened the Italian league with a 2-1 home loss to Cagliari after also losing a Europa League playoff to Slovan Bratislava. By contrast, Napoli hosts defending Serie A champion AC Milan on Sunday with both clubs coming off impressive Champions League openers.

Milan drew 2-2 at title holder Barcelona on Tuesday and Napoli drew 1-1 at big-spending Manchester City a day later. Juventus didn’t qualify for Europe this season but opened with a spectacular 4-1 win over Parma and will be favored for another easy victory at Siena.

Also this weekend, it’s: Cagliari vs Novara; Atalanta vs Palermo; Bologna vs Lecce; Catania vs Cesena; Lazio vs Genoa; Parma vs Chievo Verona; and Udinese vs Fiorentina. Gasperini was only hired in June after previous Inter coach Leonardo unexpectedly left for an executive position with Paris Saint-Germain. With Rafa Benitez having coached Inter for the first half of last season, Gasperini is the club’s third manager since Jose Mourinho bolted to Real Madrid after guiding Inter to a treble in 2010. Inter president Massimo Moratti said he wants to give Gasperini “time to work.”

“There definitely won’t be any change in the next few days,” Moratti said after the Trabzonspor loss.

“The team wasn’t placed poorly on the pitch tonight. Maybe it didn’t have much rhythm, maybe it didn’t have that quickness needed to win, but you can’t blame that on the coach.” Gasperini was widely criticized for his three-man defense against Palermo and he reverted to a more traditional fourman back line against Trabzonspor following an apparent suggestion from Moratti. It didn’t make much of a difference, though, as Czech defender Ondrej Celustka placed his winning shot past Inter’s most respected defender, Lucio, as two other defenders stood watching. “For the moment all we can do is wait. The formation was changed and for now the play is a bit stalled,” Moratti said. Samuel Eto’o, Inter’s standout forward from the last two seasons, transferred to Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala a few weeks ago, and his main replacement, Diego Forlan, is cup-tied after joining from Atletico Madrid. Forlan therefore couldn’t play against Trabzonspor, but the Golden Ball winner at last year’s World Cup with Uruguay will be back in action against Roma. However, Inter midfielder Dejan Stankovic is questionable with a right thigh problem that also kept him out versus Trabzonspor. Roma, meanwhile, is still searching for its identity under new American ownership and Spanish coach Luis Enrique.

Enrique was widely criticized for removing longtime captain Francesco Totti in the second half of the decisive match with Slovan Bratislava, and all Roma could produce against Cagliari was a consolation goal in injury time from Daniele De Rossi. At $80 million, Roma spent the most in Italy on new players in the offseason, but the likes of Bojan Krcic, Pablo Osvaldo, Erik Lamela and Miralem Pjanic have yet to form a cohesive group. Totti, who is in his 20th season with Roma, took all of his teammates to dinner this week in an effort to create some unity.

Meanwhile, Milan appears to be getting back into form, with Brazil internationals Alexandre Pato and Thiago Silva scoring at the very beginning and very end against Barcelona.— AP

ZAGREB: Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo reacts during their Champions League Group D soccer match against Dinamo Zagreb at Maksimir stadium in Zagreb, Croatia, on Wednesday. — AP

Spanish League Preview

Xavi demands more Barcelona intensity MADRID: Barcelona have uncharacteristically surrendered the lead in their two most recent matches and club captain Xavi wants more intensity from the side at home to Osasuna tomorrow. The Spanish and European champions gave up a twogoal advantage to draw 2-2 at Real Sociedad in La Liga last weekend, before conceding a stoppage-time equaliser at home to AC Milan in a 2-2 draw in Tuesday’s Champions League Group D game. Spain playmaker Xavi admitted the team had taken their foot off the gas in the second half at Sociedad, but insisted that Milan’s last-gasp goal had been “totally unfair”. “It’s pretty clear that we could have done without the first and last thirty seconds of the game,” the 31-year-old told Barca’s TV channel, after Alexandre Pato had given Milan the lead 24 seconds into the match and Thiago Silva netted a 92ndminute equalizer.

“But sometimes football is unjust like that, and this time we were on the receiving end,” he added. “The team is a bit down, we can’t explain it but we have to carry on. “We’re playing good football, but we have to play with more intensity at cer-

tain times.” Barca’s night was further soured on Tuesday when midfielder Andres Iniesta was forced off shortly before halftime with a hamstring tear that will sideline him for around a month. The Spain international, who has been plagued with leg muscle injuries in recent years and almost missed last year’s World Cup, joins Chilean forward, new signing Alexis Sanchez and central defender Gerard Pique on the injury list.

RONALDO STITCHES Barca’s great rivals Real Madrid are bidding to end the Catalan club’s three-year grip on the Spanish title and top the standings after two matches, a 6-0 demolition of Real Zaragoza and a 4-2 win over city neighbors Getafe. Jose Mourinho’s side play at Levante on Sunday with a question mark hanging over the availability of Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo needed several stitches in his right ankle after Wednesday’s 1-0 Champions League win at Dinamo Zagreb and complained after the match he and other top players did not get enough protection from referees.— Reuters

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‘Hate figure’ Cooper feels the love AUCKLAND: Quade Cooper said yesterday he was looking only at the positives after being called a “boofhead” by a Wallaby Test great amid the unabated Kiwi hysteria over his public enemy status at the World Cup. The assured Wallaby fly-half was besieged by questions over his notoriety in New Zealand at a press conference to announce the Australia team for tomorrow’s pivotal Pool C game with Ireland at Eden Park.

Since arriving in New Zealand with the Wallaby squad, Cooper has been tagged ‘public enemy number one’ for his constant baiting of revered All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw, including kneeing him in the head in last month’s TriNations decider. The Wallabies’ 1991 World Cup-winning skipper Nick FarrJones said Cooper was a “boofhead”

(idiot) for repeatedly targeting McCaw and warned that his actions could backfire should the Wallabies meet the All Blacks in next month’s World Cup final.

But Cooper took it all in his stride at Thursday’s packed press conference, where questions were fired at him about whether he was the most hated man in New Zealand. “I look at it in a positive manner. Nick (Farr-Jones) has already said we will be in the final against the All Blacks. From his eyes we are a lot better than what we are,” Cooper said. “We have a game this weekend which we have to focus on and get through this game and another two pool games against the USA and Russia, so there’s a lot to go before we can even think about that.”

Cooper was roundly booed during his

Injury toll tests All Blacks depth HAMILTON: The All Blacks juggernaut hit a speed bump yesterday as an injury blowout saw Richie McCaw and Mils Muliaina join Dan Carter on the sidelines on the eve of their World Cup match against Japan. They could have taken the field, but the bigger World Cup picture meant it was not worth aggravating the injuries before the crunch Pool A game against France the following week, said team doctor Deb Robinson.

However, despite the accolades heaped on Japan for their feisty performance against France in their first match, they do not have the playing pedigree of an injury-hit All Blacks. Even with reserve fullback Israel Dagg injured as well, no specialist back up to McCaw and backrower Kieran Read still hobbled by a pre-tournament injury, the All Blacks still have ample depth and experience. Both sides will stand united in spirit before the match remembering those affected by the deadly earthquakes in both countries this year, but that is about as close as Japan will get to the All Blacks. The sweeping changes made by All Blacks coach Graham Henry and Japan mentor John Kirwan also show their eyes are on different prizes further down the track and with no suggestion of a repeat of the All Blacks record 145-17 win at the 1995 World Cup. Henry is working on combinations ahead of the play-off rounds with competition for the fullback, wing and scrum-half roles. Kirwan has dropped 10 players from the Japan team that tested France as he sorts out his premier side ahead of his target matches against Tonga and Canada. There are four new faces in the All Blacks backline from the side that started in the 41-10 win over Tonga, and only wing Richard Kahui retains his position.

The injuries to Muliaina (hamstring) and Dagg (abdominal strain) have given utility Isaia Toeava a chance to push his credentials as a fullback after starting on the wing. Ma’a Nonu moves back to his customary inside centre to make room for Conrad Smith and Colin Slade gets an opportunity to gain confidence at fly-half while backline general Carter rests his sore back. A forward reshuffle with the late withdrawal of McCaw brings Victor Vito back as number eight and Adam Thomson, only just recovered from an elbow injury, has moved to the openside flank.

Keven Mealamu assumes the captaincy on his return to hooker and Sam Whitelock starts at lock with Brad Thorn but may be required to cover as loose forward. Former All Blacks wing Kirwan wants Japan to be the most improved side at the World Cup which will mean wins in pool play against Tonga and Canada, but they still wanted a victory of sorts over the All Blacks. “We need to win a couple of things. We need to keep getting up, we have a responsibility to show our people back in Japan courage and bravery, we want to defend with our hearts on our sleeves and we want to have the ability to hang on to the ball and play some good football,” he said.— AFP

first appearance at the World Cup against Italy at North Harbour last Sunday. And it is expected that he will again be a target for Kiwi fans at the Wallabies’ next game with Ireland at the 60,000-capacity Eden Park. But he nonchalantly batted away questions about his popularity in New Zealand. “People have been very supportive when I’ve been walking the streets, everyone’s being very positive and it’s good for the team,” he said. “I don’t know. It must be something to write about, you’ve (reporters) got to write about something when we’re not playing football.

“I would rather look at the positives in it, and the positives are that people are backing us to make the final. “So if people are looking that far ahead at us being in the final against the All Blacks, there

are a lot of things that have to go right for us and the All Blacks to make it that far. “I feel a lot of love in New Zealand.

Look around (press conference) there’s a lot of love going on around here,” he dead-panned. “To be honest I don’t really care.”

Robbie Deans, who was also called a public enemy by one local reporter as a New Zealander coaching the Wallabies, said Cooper was a valued squad member. “It’s great to have Quade with us.

He’s totally committed to the best interests of the team,” he said. “That’s what these blokes do routinely. There are constant distractions, particularly at a World Cup, you’ve only look at the interest here (press conference).” And he asked in exasperation: “Does anybody want to talk about Ireland?”— AFP

USA ruin Russia’s World Cup debut NEW PLYMOUTH: The United States ground out an abrasive 13-6 victory over World Cup debutants Russia here yesterday to get their campaign back on track.

The US team, which lost their opener 2210 to Ireland, enjoyed large periods of advantage in terms of territory and possession but could not fully convert them into points in the face of a doughty Russian defense. Mike Petri scored the only try of the game, with US fullback Chris Wyles adding a conversion and two penalties in tricky kicking conditions before the Americans held off a late fight-back.

“It’s an awesome feeling-I’m proud of the boys for sticking in there,” said US captain Todd Clever. “We made it tough on ourselves but the crowd helped us get through that one. I was very nervous, they’re a tough team and they’re improving and they’re just getting better and better.” Russia struggled both at the set piece, with the scrum wilting under pressure at times and the lineout malfunctioning, and also at the breakdown where Clever, fellow flanker Louis Stanfill and man-of-the-match prop Mike MacDonald were outstanding.

Russia coach Nikolai Nerush was left lamenting a wasted opportunity in their history-making match. “We really wanted to show what we could do, we really wanted to win,” Nerush said.

“Unfortunately, the lineout didn’t go well and the balls we could have won could have helped us win the game.” It was the debutants who got off to the better start when a charged-down clearance kick saw Sergey Popov and Andrey Garbuzov go close before the USA infringed at a ruck.

Fly-half Yury Kushnarev stepped up to kick the third-minute penalty for Russia’s first ever World Cup points, to roars of delight from a packed house at Stadium Taranaki. Kushnarev failed with a second ambitious effort from 46 metres in swirling wind shortly after, but Wyles equaled the scores with an 11th

minute penalty for a blatant offside in midfield. Momentum then swung the US team’s way. America Samoa-born flyhalf Roland Suniula broke the line, passed back on his inside to centre brother Andrew who offloaded to Petri, who fended off fullback Igor Klyuchnikov to go in under the posts for a try Wyles converted.

mark to make it 10-3 at half-time.

Kushnarev missed a second penalty early in the second half after Northamptonbound winger Vasily Artemyev showed his capability of breaking down defenses with some bullocking runs.

USA came racing back and Andrew Suniula almost crossed for a memorable try, side-stepping his way past a number

NEW PLYMOUTH: Andrew Suniula of the USA is tackled by Russian defenders during their Rugby World Cup game in New Plymouth yesterday.— AP Wyles missed a second penalty but USA suddenly looked the dominant side as the Suniula duo and Clever began to punch holes in the Russian midfield.

When the Russian scrum wilted and collapsed in their own 22m area, USA kicked for touch but could not get over the line despite a sustained period of pressure. Unable to clear their lines and with a scrum under the cosh, Russia defended valiantly and were again let off the hook as Wyles badly skewed a third penalty attempt on the half-hour

of defenders but just hauled down short of the line. Wyles then missed a third kickable penalty and a snap drop-goal, but eventually notched his second successful penalty in the 64th minute to stretch the lead to 13-3. Centre Konstantin Rachkov cut the deficit with a second Russian penalty with three minutes to go as they threatened a late revival. But they were unable to make the pressure count and now move on to a tough game against Italy on Tuesday. The USA take on Australia in Wellington today.— AFP

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www.kuwaittimes.net

USA ruin Russia’s World Cup debut Page 63

NEW PLYMOUTH: John van der Giessen (left) of the USA leaps ahead of Russia’s Denis Anotonov to take the lineout during their Rugby World Cup game in New Plymouth, New Zealand yesterday.

— AP