Epaper 15 august 2013

THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013 HYDERABAD

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WEATHER: LIGHT RAIN; 26°C

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HYDERABAD’S FIRST COMPACT AFTERNOON NEWSPAPER

THIS I-DAY, IT’S ALL UP

IN THE AIR Contrary to expectations, the CM today skipped Telangana altogether at his Independence Day address. Kiran tomtommed AP’s GDP and underscored his pet schemes, Bangaru Thalli, Amma Hastam and SC, ST Sub-Plan.

P6&7

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

city events

FLAVOURS TO SAVOUR

Unique flavours of Pondicherry.

Where: Dakshin, ITC Kakatiya, Begumpet When: August 30 Contact: 789301 3000

Weather for Hyderabad

Evening

Overnight

Morning

Afternoon

26°C

22°C

26°C

30°C

Cloudy with showers likely.

Cloudy with a slight chance of showers

Cloudy with thunderstorms

Cloudy with thunderstorms.

New Delhi Mumbai Max 30 Max 30 Min 25 Min 25 Cloudy with thunderstorms

Chennai Max 28 Min 24

Thunderstorms likely

Bangalore Max 26 Min 19

Cloudy with thunderstorms

Cloudy with showers

AROUND THE CITY: YOUR GUIDE TO THE TWIN CITIES When: Ongoing Contact: 8790432354

INDEPENDENCE DAY

Celebrating freedom Independence Day - The freedom feast will be conducted.

Where: The Square, Kondapur When: August 15, 12 pm Contact: 6682-4422

SHOWS Iranian movie Iranian movie, Beloved Sky will be screened as part of Iranian Film Festival.

Where: Prasad Lab Preview Theatre, Banjara Hills When: August 16, 6 pm Contact: 93910-20243

Art show A solo show by Devangana Kumar, Pageants of the Raj will be held.

Where: Kalakriti Art Gallery, Banjara Hills When: Till August 25, 11 am to 7 pm Contact: +91.40.66564466 Play pursuits Play Gagana Damama Bajyo - The Legend of Bhagat Singh by Manch Theatre will be staged.

Where: RNR Auditorium, MLA Colony, Banjara Hills When: 15 August, 7pm

A DAY TO REMEMBER: As part of the Independence Day celebrations organised by Novotel Hyderabad Convention Center, its staff took 70 children from Nireekshana orphanage to Lumbini Park and later on a ferry ride to the Buddha statue. depicting playfulness, fantasy, nature and childhood memories will be held.

Where: Ginger Lily, Radisson Blu Plaza When: Aug 3 onwards, 11.30 am onwards Contact: 6733 1133

Art attack Works of artists like Anand Panchal, Nagesh Goud, Laxman Aelay and others will be exhibited.

Where: Aalankritha Art Gallery,

An age of innocence An exhibition by Jaya Javeri

GAS BOOKING IVRS NO HP 9666023456 Indane 9848824365 BSNL Complaints HMWS & SB Complaints

198 155313

POLICE CONTROL ROOM Hyderabad 27852435 Traffic Control Room 27852482 DCP Traffic 23234065, 23243499F Pollution Control Board 23887500 ELECTRICITY General Complaints Breakdown Section

155333 23431178 23431179

MUNICIPAL CORPORATION

Tea flavours Try the tea flavours of Budlabeta, Hapjan, Khobong and Sessa.

A portion of the proceeds will be contributed to WWF India's onehorned Rhino Conservation project in Assam.

Where: Oxford Bookstore, The Park, 22 Rajbhavan Road

Art fair Charity art fair 2013, exhibition and sale of affordable art will be held.

Where: Taj Krishna, Banjara Hills When: August 16, 7 pm to 10 pm Contact: 93475-25646

Commissioner & Spl Officer

Helpline

23262266 24166666R ENC 23225267 Engineering 23220418 MCH Tankbund 23225397 Emergency MCH Circle I&II 24525842 MCH Circle III 24736912 MCH Circle IV 23326975 MCH Circle V 23326976 MCH Circle VI MCH Complaints 1100 Head Office 23225397 IVRS CUM MANUAL ENQUIRY PHONE NUMBERS (TRAIN & RESERVATION) RAILWAYS Rail Nilayam 27833169, 27824216 Railway Information 131 Reservations 135 Recorded Information 1345 Enquiry (IVRS) 1331, 1332, 1333

WATER SUPPLY Complaint Cell Sewerage Complaint Hyd. Water Supply HOSPITAL General Hospital, Sec-bad Niloufer Hospital, Red Hills NIMS, Director, Punjagutta Osmania General Hospital Railway Hospital, Lalaguda Apollo, Jubilee Hills Care Hospital, Banjara Hills Care Hospital, Nampally Care Hospital, Musheerabad Care Hospital, Sec-bad Kamineni Hospital, LB Nagar

DINING Dining experience Chef Olaf Niemeier is holding a week long fine dining experience with Art you can Eat. Where: Fusion9, Banjara Hills When: Till August 15

Works of art Exhibition and sale of sketches by talented painter Suraj.

Where: Lamakaan, Banjara Hills When: Till August 18, 10 am to 10 pm Contact: 9642731329

EXHIBITION

Jubilee Hills When: Till August 22, 11 am to 7 pm Contact: +91-40-23113709; 40207171

155313 23307328 23313163

27505566 23314095 23390933 24600146 27001134 23607777 30418888 30417777 30419000 30416666 39879999

BLOOD BANKS Blood Bank,Narayanguda Chiranjeevi Blood Bank Blood Bank Mediton Goal Red Cross, Vidyanagar ADRM Blood Bank Mythri Charitable Trust NTR Memorial Trust Care Banjara Hills

27567892 23559555 23226624 27633087 27035588 27550238 30799999 30418296 30417445

AMBULANCES Apollo 23548888, 23607777 Kamineni 24022222 Medwin 23202902, 23204616 Smile Line Dental Hospital 23747979 Red Cross 27627973 Niloufer Hospital 23314095 Gandhi 23320332 AIRLINES

Documentary screening Documentary The Human Factor will be screened.

Where: Lamakaan, Banjara Hills When: August 17, 7 pm Contact: 9642731329 Behind the scenes Rudradeep Bhattacharjee's documentary The Musicians Behind Hindi Film Songs will be screened.

Where: Lamakaan, Banjara Hills When: August 17, 7 pm Contact: 96427-31329 Film night A "short" evening with "films”.

Where: Lamakaan, Banjara Hills When: August 15, 6 pm Contact: 96427-31329

Airport Director 27903785, 27906001 For Air India Flight Information Toll free (from any network) for IC Flights 18001801407 And for All Flights: 1800227722 Air India has revised its flight timings.

For more information call (Toll free) 18001801407, 1800227722 from BSNL/MTNL 04023430334 from other lines and mobile Website; www.airindia.in TOURISM OFFICES AP Tourism, Hyd 23262152/53/54 Sec-bad 27893100 Dept of Tourism 23453110 India Tourism 23261360 AP Tourism information Centre (24x7) 23450444, 23455999 UK VISA OFFICE VFS India Pvt Ltd Building, 8-2-542/A, Sunil Chamber, Road No. 7

Beside Meridian School, Banjara Hills34. Working hours are from 8 AM to 1 PM And 2 PM to 3PM. MUSEUMS Salar Jung Museum AP State Museum Nizams Museum

24523211 232431300/7641 24521029

Readers’ views

We invite you to write to us comments, suggestions, viewpoint or just about anything to feedback@postnoon.com or #1246, Level 3, Jubilee Casa, Road No 62, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad – 500 033 or even by way of a call on 4067 2222

THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

news

YESTERDAY’S QUESTION

WILL S- EMPLOYEES’ STRIKE AFFECT GOVERNANCE?

YES (A) NO (B)

63% 37%

TODAY’S QUESTION

WILL TDP’S TACTICS WIN OVER SEEMANDHRA? A)

YES

B)

NO

To vote visit www.postnoon.com

POLITICS

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Parties vie to woo Seemandhra While Congress is unsure of its fortunes in Seemandhra, the YSRCP and TDP have begun efforts to win over Seemandhra-Rayalaseema. context. The strike is aimed at forcing the Union government to withdraw its decision on dividing the State.

Commenting on the rather surprising decision of the party, a senior functionary of the YSRCP said that the decision was taken to keep its winning chances intact till the next general elections. “The division of the State issue turned out to be a master weapon for our rivals especially TDP to win the hearts of public. We will not allow it to happen at any cost,” he said.

The Congress, on the other hand, is unsure of the outcome of its gamble. The chief minister is going ahead with his programmes but his stance against Telangana is proving to be an obstacle. If the state bifurcation is delayed, it will lose its goodwill that it gained because of Telangana and

Md INKESHAF AHMED ahmed.m@postnoon.com HYDERABAD: The sudden decision on a long-pending issue has nonplussed all political parties in the State leading to much confusion among the leaderships.

Telangana now denotes tangle.

Meanwhile, two parties, the YSRC and the TDP, are vying with each other to be the champion of the Seemandhra region.

Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu, who had plans to undertake Telugu Vaari Atma Gourava Yatra (Campaign for Telugu People's Self

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Respect) has now postponed it fearing public anger. Naidu also postponed his much talked about statewide bus campaign because of a similar reason. The bus campaign was conceived as a sequel to his record 2,800-km marathon padayatra (walkathon) in 16 districts of the State. But the sudden eruption of violence and simmering of agitation in Seemandhra region has forced him to suspend his grand plans.

While Naidu is happy the Seemandhra ire has not affected him much, he is worried at the outcome as the YSRCP is taking full advantage of being the champion of the Seemandhra region. Naidu is now toying with the idea of promising a grand capital for Seemandhra on the lines of Hyderabad.

This, he believes, will endear him to the people of the region while consolidating his party’s position in Telangana, which is not as bad as that of the YSRCP. Meanwhile, sensing trouble, the YSRCP has decided to steal a march on Naidu and TDP. Its decision to hold an indefinite fast unto death strike by its honorary president YS Vijayamma from August 19 this month is to be seen in this

Naidu is now toying with the idea of promising a grand capital for Seemandhra on the lines of Hyderabad. This, he believes, will endear him to the people of the region while consolidating TDP’s position in Telangana, which is not as bad as that of the YSRCP. if the division happens it will lose its base in Seemandhra to the YSRC. “It is a no-win situation for us,” remarked a Congress MLA from Rayalaseema.

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News THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013 LAST YEAR... HERE

SOMETHING’S COOKING

N SHIVA KUMAR

Freedom at last

L

ast year we had reported about the spectacular escape of a man who was a bonded labourer for 12 years on a dairy farm. Mohd Rafiq was kidnapped when he was 10 when he was playing outside. He was made to work on the farm. His release came through when a relative had gone to the farm and spotted Rafiq, suspecting him to be his missing kin.

AUGUST 15, 2012

NUMEROLOGY

300

In Egypt's bloodiest day since the Arab Spring began, 300 supporters of the deposed Prime Minister Morsi were killed in clashes with the riot police.

I will never forget the fact that the peace and prosperity we are enjoying now was built based on the sacrifice of your precious lives.

Shinzo Abe in reference to the 2.5 million war dead honoured at the anniversary of Japan’s 1945 surrender. See page 12

THINGS WE 5LEARNT TODAY

The column that teaches everyone something new about the way the world functions.

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Manning sorry for offences, faces upto 90 years in jail Manning faces up to 90 years in prison for his offences, which also include computer fraud and breaching military discipline.

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Abe is not sorry about Japanese agression Prime Minister Shinzo Abe broke with two decades of tradition Thursday by omitting any expression of remorse over Japan's past aggression in Asia.

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India is turning into a desert, warns government.

Over one-fourth of India’s geographical area is undergoing the process of desertification despite ongoing efforts to combat the problem, says a new study.

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US is not the land of milk and honey There are 633,782 people, or 20 in every 10,000 people, experiencing homelessness on any given night in the US.

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Be good to us and we’ll be good to you Mr Singh said relations with Pakistan can only improve when it checks anti-India activities on its soil.

The Ammamma special There’s not one among us who would not swear by their grandmother’s cooking. At Okra in Marriot, there’s something akin that awaits you there.

ARUN D YELLAMATY arunyellamaty@postnoon.com HYDERABAD: At Okra kitchen in Marriot, Amruthavally Amma, Jaya Lakshmi Amma, Venkatamma and Lalitha Amma, are fondly called grandmas. They have been working here as ammas (which roughly translates as home helps) for a very long time; some of them for more than 20 years.

So, for their longevity and dedication, what better tribute than a food festival where dishes — delectable Andhra delicacies — prepared by them will be the highlight.

This unique culinary feat is called Ammamma Vantalu (grandma’s cooking) and rightly so. And see some of the things these grandmas have in store for us: Naatu Kodi pulusu (Grandma Style Country chicken curry), Varral meen varuval (Fresh water fish, marinated with gingelly oil, lime and chili powder, pan seared), Kala Pulusu with Pal Pongal ( Black

gram and vegetable stew served with steamed rice), Uppu kari (Fennel and garlic scented lamb preparation), Dabbalam (Sweet and sour mixed vegetable curry), Kudumu Boorulu (Sweet toor dal, jaggery and coconut dumplings).

Some goodies in store n

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Naatu Kodi pulusu (Grandma Style Country chicken curry) Varral meen varuval (Fresh water fish, marinated with gingelly oil, lime and chili powder, pan seared) Kala Pulusu with Pal Pongal ( Black gram and vegetable stew served with steamed rice) Uppu kari (Fennel and garlic scented lamb preparation) Dabbalam (Sweet and sour mixed vegetable curry) Kudumu Boorulu (Sweet toor dal, jaggery and coconut dumplings).

MV Naidu, Sous Chef, here says he learned a lot from the wisdom of these ammas.

“Amruthavally amma has been working here even before I joined. She is very strict when it comes to taste and standard. It is expected as her whole family is into the food business. Her daughter Lalithaa has been working here for more than 10 years. Her husband too used to work with us.”

Talking about her association with the Marriot, Amruthavally amma says, “Back in 1993, I was looking for a place to work and met Prabhakar Reddy, who used to be a manager at this hotel even before this was Marriott. My husband was working here. I was asked to join a hotel in Himyatnagar first and after a year I was moved to this hotel, as they liked my recipes. I have been with Okra ever since.”

It became a family affair after she got her daughter to work with her. Lalithaa swears by her mother’s cooking.

“There’s always something new

Venue: Okra at Hyderabad Marriott Hotel and Convention Centre Dates: August 15-25 2013 Time: 6:30pm to 11:30pm For reservations please call +91 40 2752 2567 I learn from her every day,” Lalitha shared.

Amruthavally amma’s chutneys are said to be the best; people who taste the food prepared by her wait to meet her and worm out her recipes.

Naidu said from his many travels he has learnt one very important thing: “Home food is always a hit with people. These ammas’ cooking is famous in the hotel. At Ammamma Vantalu, all we did was to make a platform for them to serve the food they love to cook.”

Amruthavally amma promises that patrons won’t be disappointed when they try what she and her grandma gang have in store for them. Folks, what are you waiting for?

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News THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

‘ENHANCED’ CHALLAN

Car owner exchanges blows with traffic cop POSTNOON NEWS feedback@postnoon.com HYDERABAD: In the early instance of worsening bad blood between vehicle owners and the traffic police on the enhanced challan amount, a software engi-

neer whose car was slapped with `1000 fine for no parking, had a fisticuff with the cop and was arrested.

Police team of Kushaiguda said P Ramesh attacked the police inspector Venkateshwarlu for penalising him for parking in

STRESS BUSTER

Obama played cards ahead of Bin Laden raid: Ex-aide

WASHINGTON: A former aide to Barack Obama has said the US president resorted to playing cards on the day Osama bin Laden was killed, such was the tension over the raid.

Reggie Love, a personal assistant to Obama during the president’s first term, said AROUND THE

WORLD

in a video that his boss opted not to watch the full live feed of the clandestine US commando mission in Pakistan that killed the Al-Qaeda chief in 2011.

“Most people were like down in the Situation Room

but he was like, ‘I’m not gonna be down there, I can’t watch this entire thing,' so he, myself, Pete Souza the White House photographer, we must have played 15 games of spades."

Love made the comments in an interview at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), on July 18, according to New York Magazine that published the exchange on its website on Wednesday. An official picture released after the successful raid shows Obama alongside then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Vice President Joe Biden and other top officials watching a video feed of the operation.

AFP

NATION BRIEFS Dance bars will not be allowed in Goa: CM

Jharkhand ready to talk to Maoists

PANAJI: Dance bars will not be allowed in Goa, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said.

Parrikar’s assurance caps a week-long debate across the state over dance bars after a BJP spokesperson endorsed their opening. The chief minister, who also takes care of the home ministry, said that prostitution as well as the drug trade would be weeded out from the state.

RANCHI: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren declared on Thursday that his government was ready to hold talks with Maoists if they gave up violence. “We are ready for talks with Maoists but they (Maoists) have to first stop violence," said the chief minister who had said earlier that all the issues beneficial to the state were in the priority list of the government.

Curfew lifted from 7 Jammu districts

10 killed in Jammu flash floods

JAMMU: Curfew was on Thursday lifted from seven districts of Jammu region but continued for the seventh day in the hilly Kishtwar district, officials said. After the Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry withdrew its shutdown call when the state agreed to its demand for higher compensation for the victims of communal violence, a high-level meeting reviewed the law and order situation.

JAMMU: Ten people have died and scores were displaced following incessant rains and flash floods in the Jammu region, an official said Thursday. The dead include four children, a senior administrative officer told IANS. Most of those killed were either washed away by swollen streams or killed in house collapses. Incessant rains have damaged roads, bridges, railway tracks, and houses.

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a no-Parking zone in front of a hotel at Kushaiguda cross roads.

Ramesh had gone for lunch at

the hotel. Parking his car in front of the hotel, he went inside. The police team which had been moving in the area issued tickets to three cars including that of Ramesh. The hotel owner alerted the car owners. Two of the three penalised paid but Ramesh got

angry and had heated an exchange of words followed by that of fists. While police insisted Ramesh delivered the first blow, Ramesh is reported to have received the first from the police inspector. But the end effect was a traffic jam and Ramesh’s arrest.

News THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

COLOURS OF N SHIVA KUMAR

6&7

INDEPENDENCE Contrary to expectations Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, today, skipped Telangana altogether at his Independence Day address at the Secunderabad parade grounds.

Kiran claimed AP stood first in Gross Domestic Product for the ninth consecutive year. He underscored his pet schemes, Bangaru Thalli, Amma Hastam and SC/ST SubPlan. Poverty in the State came down by 9.2 per cent in the past nine years. He also touched on interest-free loans to women entrepreneurs.

Apart from that he also presented gallantry awards to police personnel.

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News THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013 OBITUARY

FIGHTING SPIRIT

TDP leader Lal Jan Basha dies in accident

This photo of a protestor, taken during the Chalo Assembly campaign of Telangana agitation, taken by Postnoon photographer N Shiva Kumar won the consolation prize in the best news picture category for Andhra Pradesh. The prizes were issued by the information and public relations department, government of Andhra Pradesh.

HYDERABAD: Telugu Desam Party (TDP) vice president and former MP Lal Jan Basha died in a road accident Thursday at Narketpally in Andhra Pradesh.

He was 56.

Basha was coming to Hyderabad from Guntur when the four-wheeler in AROUND THE which he was travCITY elling hit a divider in Nalgonda district, about 80 km from here. The driver was injured, police said.

Basha was the most prominent Muslim leader of TDP and played a key role in the party for nearly three decades.

He was elected to Lok Sabha from Guntur in 1991 and served as a member of Rajya Sabha.

Basha is the second senior TDP leader to die in a road accident in recent months. Former union minister K. Yerran Naidu was killed in Srikakulam district in November last year.

IANS

ENVIRONMENT

Shrimp boats killing sea turtles in Guatemala

GUATEMALA CITY: Sea turtle deaths have been rising on Guatemala’s Pacific coast due to “indiscriminate” shrimp fishing, environmentalists said.

At least 80 dead sea turtles have been found on Pacific beaches in the past two months, the Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Association, or Arcas, said in a statement.

The sea turtle deaths “coincide with the presence of shrimp boats in the waters off these beaches”, the environmental group said.

Arcas is a non-governmental environmental organization that promotes projects to protect endangered species in Guatemala. “It has been fully documented that the practice of fishing with dragnets is a threat to marine turtles” and likely the “main cause” of the

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deaths, Arcas said.

The majority of the dead animals were olive Ridley sea turtles (lepidochelys olivacea), Pacific green sea turtles (chelonia mydas agazzisi) and leatherbacks (dermochelys coriacea), all of which are endangered.

“These species are a valuable living resource both as a tourist attraction and as a source of income” for residents who collect eggs and hand over part of the catch to community nests, the environmental group said. The cause of the turtle deaths will be investigated, agriculture ministry officials told the press.

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News THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

‘Super Ironwoman’ saves drowning man in Hong Kong HONG KONG: A runner was hailed as “Super Ironwoman” after she plunged into Hong Kong’s typhoon-whipped waters to save a drowning man.

Louise Chow was jogging along the waterfront on Wednesday when she spotted dozens of people gathering to watch the attempted rescue of the man from Victoria Harbour,

Clutching a lifesaver, Louise Chow grabbed the man and pulled him to land, with pictures in local media showing other rescuers helping to hoist him from the water.

AT ODDS Katy confronts Abbott on gay marriage AROUND THE

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SYDNEY: US pop star Katy Perry on Thursday took Tony Abbott to task over his stance on gay marriage, telling the Australian opposition leader she would not vote for him.

Abbott’s three daughters, aged 20 to 24, are Katy Perry fans and he phoned in when she was a guest on Sydney’s 2DayFM radio station.

He said his “big question” was when would the 28-year-old again tour Australia.

“When are you coming back (to Australia)? We need you, we want you,” Abbott said.

Perry, however, was keener to discuss the poli-

cies of his conservative coalition ahead of elections on September 7.

“Oh come on, that’s not a political question. Let’s talk about gay marriage,” she replied from the United States, urging voters to speak out against Abbott’s stance on the issue.

“I love you as a human being but I can’t give you my vote,” Perry said, adding: “I just don’t believe in your policies so that’s what a lot of people should be doing.”

Despite having an openly gay sister, Abbott is opposed to same-sex marriages, in contrast to election rival Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who has vowed to introduce a bill legalising the unions if returned to office.

Questioned later by reporters about Perry, Abbott, seen as favourite to win the election, said they “respectfully disagreed”.

AFP

BRING TO BOOK Mexico orders re-arrest of freed drug lord MEXICO CITY: A Mexican judge on Wednesday ordered the arrest of notorious drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero — who was freed last week on a technicality — after receiving a US extradition request.

US authorities were outraged by the surprise release of Caro Quintero, who had served just 28 years of a 40-year sentence for the abduction, torture and killing of a US drug

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agent in 1985.

The federal judge accepted the request from the US government, saying Caro Quintero was wanted for “various offenses” in the state of California, the Mexican attorney general’s office said.

AFP

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with waters churned by gusts of more than 100 kilometres an hour.

“I don’t know why I suddenly had such an urge to take off my shoes and socks, and

then I dived in,” Chow, a diving coach, told Apple Daily.

Clutching a lifesaver, she grabbed the man and pulled him to land, with dramatic pictures in local media showing other rescuers helping to hoist him from the water.

The 24-year-old man, who had reportedly tried to commit suicide, was crying. “He said,

‘I’m dying, I’m dying.... I have nothing now, I came to Hong Kong alone, I have nothing,” Chow, who stayed by the man’s side until emergency services arrived, said.

Typhoon Utor brought high winds to Hong Kong, shutting down schools and bringing public services to a halt on Wednesday. AFP

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News THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

INDEPENDENCE DAY ADDRESS

PM warns Pak... gently

Declares that there is no place ‘for narrow and sectarian ideologies’ in a modern, progressive and secular country.

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Even as he listed his achievements, Manmohan Singh admitted that much remained to be done to reform India’s educational system.

NEW DELHI: Addressing the nation from the Red Fort on the country’s 67th Independence Day, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday called for political stability and strong secular values. He also made it clear that relations with Pakistan can only improve when it checks anti-India activities on its soil.

He placed emphasis on what the UPA government had achieved in the last nine years — and what more could be done on the economic front before the next Lok Sabha election.

In comments laced with political overtones, Manmohan Singh, 81, declared that there was no place “for narrow and sectarian ideologies in a modern, progressive and secular country.

“Such ideologies divide our society and weaken our democracy.

We should prevent them from growing,” he said in a crisp 35minute speech. “We need to strengthen those traditions of our country which teach us to promote tolerance and respect for thought processes different from ours.”

Stating that India had witnessed major changes after every decade, the prime minister said there was a need to build an environment of political stability, social cohesion and security.

Manmohan Singh said India desired friendship with all neighbouring countries but relations with Pakistan would improve only when it prevents the use of its territory for antiIndia activity.

He also referred to the “dastardly attack” by Pakistani troops this month that killed five

Indian soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir and vowed to “take all possible steps to prevent such incidents in the future”.

Manmohan Singh asserted that in no other decade had India seen the kind of economic development as in the past 10 years.

Claiming that his government had worked with “sincerity and honesty”, he admitted that India’s growth rate had come down to 5 percent.

“We are trying our best to remedy the situation... I believe this phase of slow of growth in India will not last long.”

He said the government had taken many steps to speed up the process of clearances for industry, build an environment more conducive to trade and industry, and increase investment in the economy.

Shastri, Atal missing from PM’s speech: BJP NEW DELHI: As Prime Minister Manmohan named his predecessors in his independence day speech, BJP questioned why Lal Bahadur Shastri, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Morarji Desai were missed out. “Dr Manmohan Singh referred to four Prime Ministers who contributed to the making of India — all from Cong party,” BJP leader Sushma Swaraj said in a tweet. “He forgot even Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri there,” the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha said. “The contribution of Shri Morarji Desai and Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee has been no less. This partisan approach does not go with the solemnity of this great occasion,” she said.

Even as he listed his achievements, Manmohan Singh admitted that much remained to be done to reform India’s educational system.

“Many of our schools still lack drinking water facilities, toilets and other necessary infrastructure. There is a need to improve the quality of education. To achieve this, it is necessary to lay more emphasis on training of teachers.”

IANS

EXISTENTIAL STRUGGLE

Homeless in the ‘land of milk and honey’

About a quarter were children, one-eighth military veterans and some four-in-10 disabled unable to work, in the US, the richest nation on the planet, according to a report by National Alliance to End Homelessness.

WASHINGTON: America is not the “land of milk and honey” it is often thought to be. Crouching behind pillars to shield from the cold or squeezed at the entrance of shuttered shop fronts with their belongings tucked in a bundle and a receptacle kept for alms, over 600,000 people across US cities are homeless and subsist on the streets or in abandoned areas with some states pushing them into camps and others offering them a oneway ticket back “home”.

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, there were 633,782 people, or 20 in every 10,000 people, experiencing homelessness on any given night in January 2012, largely unchanged from the year before. About a quarter of them were children, one-eighth military veterans and some four in 10 disabled unable to work, in the richest nation on the planet, according to its latest report on “The State of Homelessness in America 2013”.

A majority of people identified as

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homeless were staying in emergency shelters or transitional housing, but 38 percent were unsheltered, living on the streets, or in cars, abandoned buildings, or other places not intended for human habitation.

Many sit with outstretched arms outside subway stations or strum away on guitars drawing attention to their plight as sympathetic onlookers drop money into an open guitar cover. More than 48 million people were living in poverty — with a household income of less than $23,550 for a family of four — in 2011, almost five percent more than in the previous year, with median household income decreasing nationally by 1.3 pe rcent from $51,144 to $50,502.

With job losses after the worst recession in decades increasing the national

poverty rate from 15.3 percent to 15.9 percent in 2011, the Obama administration has this year announced grants totalling $1.557 billion for over 7,750 local homeless housing and service programmes.

These are part of Obama’s Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness announced in 2010 to put the country on a path to end chronic homelessness by 2015 and to end homelessness among children, family, and youth by 2020.

Meanwhile, in New Jersey, home to a large number of Indian Americans, tent cities have popped up across the state, including Essex County, which has the largest population of homeless people in the state and its poorest city, Camden, according to My9NJ.com. The Camden tent city that has sprung up “under an overpass, through woods and down with a path of trash” says the local channel is “inhabited by an array of people: addicts, people who have fallen on hard times and some with mental illness”.

IANS

11

News THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

CAIRO PROTEST CAMPS

The bloody face of Egypt Egypt was under a tense state of emergency on Thursday after security forces stormed the Cairo protest camps supporting ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, in a bloody assault that, according to officials claimed 278 lives. Islamic Brotherhood put the figures at 2,200.

CAIRO: The army-backed interim government imposed a month-long nationwide state of emergency, and curfews in Cairo and 13 other provinces after the violence on Wednesday.

Gory photographs and video images of the Cairo bloodbath dominated social media networks, as world powers called for restraint and condemned the show of force by security forces.

At least four churches were attacked, with Christian activists accusing Morsi loyalists of waging "a war of retaliation against Copts in Egypt". Hours after tear gas canisters first rained down on tents of protesters in the sprawling Rabaa al-Adawiya camp in eastern Cairo, an AFP correspondent counted at least 124 bodies in makeshift morgues there. In a field hospital, its floors slippery with blood, doctors struggled to cope with the casualties, leaving the hopeless cases, even if still alive.

The health ministry said 235 civilians were killed in the Cairo crackdown and in subsequent clashes across Egypt. The interior ministry added that 43 security personnel had lost their lives.

Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood spoke of 2,200 dead overall and more than 10,000 wounded.

Among those killed in Cairo was 17-year-old Asmaa alBeltagui, daughter of wanted Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohammed al-Beltagui, a spokesman for Morsi's movement said. Britain's Sky News said a veteran cameraman, Briton Mick Deane, was shot and killed while covering the assaults.

The violence prompted vice president and Nobel laureate Mohamed ElBaradei to resign, saying his conscience was troubled over the loss of life, "particularly as I believe it could have been avoided". "It has become too difficult to continue bearing responsibility for decisions I do not agree with and whose consequences I fear," he said.

The state of emergency went into effect at 4pm (1400 GMT) on Wednesday, with daily overnight curfews from 7pm to 6am.

The dramatic descent on the squares shortly after dawn came as a surprise to many. Security officials had originally spoken of gradually dispersing the sit-ins over several days.

Shortly after dawn on

IN THE LINE OF FIRE Mick Deane, TV cameraman for Britain's Sky News who was shot and killed while covering violence in Egypt on Wednesday.

Deane, a 61-year-old father of two, had worked at Sky for 15 years. He had been based in Washington and, for the past two years, in Jerusalem. Deane was shot while reporting on the crisis in Cairo. He received medical treatment, but died shortly.

The violence prompted vice president Mohamed ElBaradei to resign, saying his conscience was troubled over the loss of life, "particularly as I believe it could have been avoided".

AROUND THE

WORLD

that hundreds of people were taking advantage of the safe passage offer, but that some diehards had stayed behind to fight on. By Wednesday evening, a security official said Rabaa alAdawiya was "totally under control", adding: "There are no more clashes". Authorities later said calm had been restored across the country.

The anger against the Islamist movement was evident as clashes also erupted between security forces and Morsi supporters in the northern provinces of Alexandria and Beheira, the canal provinces of Suez and Ismailiya, and the central provinces of Assiut and Menya.

USE OF FORCE WIDELY CONDEMNED

Wednesday, witnesses and an AFP correspondent said security forces fired tear gas before surging into Rabaa al-Adawiya, sparking pandemonium among the thousands of protesters.

Many Morsi supporters were given safe passage out of the camp, some flashing victory signs as they left through a security corridor.

A security official told AFP

Europe's leading powers, along with Iran, Qatar and Turkey, strongly denounced the use of force by the interim government.

The White House said Washington, which provides Egypt with $1.3 billion in annual military aid, "strongly condemns" the violence against the protesters and opposes the imposition of a state of emergency.

The Muslim Brotherhood urged Egyptians to take to the streets in their thousands to denounce the "massacre".

Interior Minister Mohamed Ibrahim said no more protests would be tolerated.

AFP

12

News THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013 SINGAPORE

Clipping video gets bus driver fired AROUND THE

WORLD

SINGAPORE:A Singapore bus driver has been fired after he was caught on video trimming his nails while driving along an expressway.

The 29-second video, posted on the Facebook page “SG Share” on July 26, showed the driver resting his left hand on the steering wheel while trimming the nails with a clipper held in his right hand.

He then momentary lifts his left hand from the steering wheel to examine the trimmed fingernails.

In January, a bus driver was fired after he was caught on camera watching an animated film on his iPad while driving.

The page administrators wrote that the footage had been captured a day earlier on board a bus travelling from Singapore’s Changi Airport to the city-state’s northern suburbs. It is not clear how fast the man was driving at the time. The maximum speed limit on expressways is 90 kmph.

SMRT, which also operates train and taxi services and is one of the two main public transport operators in the city-state, employs Singaporeans, Malaysians and mainland Chinese nationals as bus drivers.

In January, it fired a bus driver after he was caught on camera watching an animated film on his iPad while driving.

AFP

WIKILEAKS

Manning apologises...

Manning faces up to 90 years in prison for his offenses, which also include computer fraud and breaching military discipline.

FORT MEADE: US Army private Bradley Manning apologized on Wednesday for leaking secret intelligence files to WikiLeaks and admitted for the first time that he had harmed his country and others.

The 25-year-old soldier, convicted last month of espionage for passing a huge cache of classified US battlefield reports from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and diplomatic cables, said he was ready to face punishment.

“I’m sorry that my actions have hurt people and have hurt the United States," he told a military judge, Colonel Denise Lind, at a sentencing hearing at Fort Meade, northeast of Washington.

“I want to go forward," he said. “I understand I must pay the price."

Manning faces up to 90 years in prison for his offenses, which also include computer fraud and breaching military discipline. He was acquitted of a more serious charge of deliberately “aiding the enemy," chiefly Al-Qaeda, which could have landed him in

AROUND THE

WORLD

jail for life without parole.

Wednesday’s dramatic court statement marked the first time Manning had publicly expressed regret over the leaks, the biggest intelligence breach in US history, which led to his arrest in 2010.

Manning, a former intelligence analyst who obtained the files when he was deployed in Iraq, has become a hero to his supporters, who see him as a whistleblower who lifted the lid on America’s foreign policy.

More than 100,000 people have signed a petition calling for his nomination for a Nobel Peace Prize.

But the US government has painted him as a reckless traitor who put his fellow soldiers and country in danger when he handed over some 700,000 documents to WikiLeaks, which published them.

AFP

JAPAN

... But not Shinzo Abe

TOKYO: Conservative Prime Minister Shinzo Abe broke with two decades of tradition Thursday by omitting any expression of remorse over Japan’s past aggression in Asia on the anniversary of its 1945 surrender.

Abe’s speech — which came after nearly 100 lawmakers including two cabinet ministers visited a controversial war shrine — avoided typical words such as “profound remorse” and “sincere mourning” to atone for those who suffered as Tokyo’s Imperial army stormed across

East Asia.

The omission was sure to anger China and South Korea, which have bristled at Abe’s talk about overhauling Japan’s pacifist constitution, while visits to the Yasukuni shrine enrage neighbours who see its as a symbol of Tokyo’s imperialist past.

Abe also avoided a promise typically given by past Japanese premiers to “uphold (Japan’s) pledge not to engage in war".

“I will never forget the fact that the peace and prosperity we are enjoying now was built based

AROUND THE

WORLD

Conservative Prime Minister Abe also avoided a promise typically given by past Japanese premiers to “uphold (Japan’s) pledge not to engage in war".

on the sacrifice of your precious lives," Abe said in a reference to the 2.5 million war dead honoured at the shrine.

Yasukuni enshrines citizens who died in World War II and other conflicts, including 14 top convicted war criminals. Visits to the Yasukuni site by Japanese politicians anger neighbouring nations, which view them as a painful reminder of Tokyo’s aggression in the first half of the 20th century, including a brutal 35-year occupation of the Korean peninsula.

AFP

WORLD BRIEFS Prove I am a terrorist: Hafiz Saeed tells India

6 Cambodian farmers killed in mine blast

Jayant Patel gets chance to poll jurors

UN chemical team’s visit to Syria ‘imminent’

MSF exits Somalia after ‘extreme attacks’

ISLAMABAD: JuD chief Hafiz Mohammad Saeed, who is wanted in India for the 26/11 attack, has said he was not a terrorist, and asked for an independent probe by judges from India and Pakistan to find out whether he was guilty.

“Whatever verdict the commission announces I will accept that," he said.

PHNOM PENH: Six Cambodian farmers were killed when their truck hit an old anti-tank mine planted by Khmer Rouge guerrillas during the country’s civil war, police said Thursday. The men were driving through a flooded field in northern Preah Vihear province on Wednesday evening when the explosion occurred.

SYDNEY: A court in Australia has given an PIO surgeon, charged with causing grievous bodily harm to a patient, a chance to poll his potential jurors in his trial if they were biased against him. The Brisbane district court Thursday allowed the questioning of jurors and reserve jurors for the new trial of Jayant Patel scheduled to start Sept 23.

UNITED NATIONS: The UN said on Wednesday the departure of a team of chemical weapons inspectors to Syria was “imminent” following a green light from Damascus.

The statement said the team led by Swedish arms expert Ake Sellstroem would investigate the sites of alleged chemical attacks for a period of at least two weeks.

NAIROBI: Doctors Without Borders closed all its operations in Somalia, warning of growing insecurity. “The closure of our activities is a direct result of extreme attacks on our staff, in an environment where armed groups and civilian leaders increasingly support, tolerate, or condone the killing, assaulting, and abducting of aid workers," it said.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

Business

SCHEME TO REWARD YOUTH WITH SKILLS: PM

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday promised a new scheme soon, targeting some one million beneficiaries, under which trained youth will get some form of financial assistance.

This scheme will benefit about 10 lakh young men and women.

REVEALED

13

OIL PRICES RISE

Lies, damn lies, and China’s economic statistics A top official in Liaoning province in 2007, told the then US ambassador that some Chinese data was ‘man-made’ and thus unreliable.

KELLY OLSEN feedback@postnoon.com BEIJING: China has soared almost to the top of the world’s economic league tables, but whether the official data underpinning its status can be trusted is a constant headache, analysts say.

Simmering unease regarding China’s economic figures has taken on new meaning in recent months with discrepancies in some statistics and questions over just how much gross domestic product (GDP) is really growing.

Earlier this year, economists took issue with Chinese monthly trade statistics, which diverged wildly from expectations, and two weeks ago official and private purchasing managers surveys — a key measure of manufacturing — surprisingly pointed in opposite directions.

Doubts have also been raised about how inflation is calculated.

“If there was an index for suspicion about China’s official statistics, it would be off the charts, or to use the technical American term, ‘crazy bad’,” Standard Chartered economist Stephen Green wrote in a report.

No less an authority than China’s new premier Li Keqiang has expressed doubts on the issue.

Leaked US diplomatic cables show that as the top official in Liaoning province in 2007, he told the then US ambassador that some Chinese data was “man-made” and thus unreliable.

When evaluating the provincial economy, Li said he focused on only three figures — electricity consumption, rail cargo volume, and the amount of loans issued, according to a confidential memo released by the WikiLeaks website in late 2010.

“All other figures, especially GDP statistics, are ‘for reference only,’ he said smiling,” according to the cable.

China officially overtook

Oil prices rose in Asian trade Thursday on concerns that escalating violence in Egypt will disrupt supplies from the Middle East, analysts said. New York’s main contract, West Texas Intermediate for delivery in September, was up 42 cents at $107.27 a barrel in afternoon trade, and Brent North Sea crude for September gained 38 cents to $110.58. “Developments in Egypt are on centre stage again and will continue to apply upward pressure on oil prices,” said Sanjeev Gupta, head of the Asia-Pacific Oil and Gas Practice at consultancy EY, formerly Ernst and Young. Egyptian security forces stormed the Cairo protest camps of ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi’s supporters in an assault Wednesday that officials said led to almost 280 deaths across the country.

In response to the violence, the armybacked interim government imposed a month-long nationwide state of emergency and curfews in Cairo and 13 other provinces. Traders fear the bloody unrest in Egypt could hit crude shipments through the Suez Canal and Sumed Pipeline.

NUMEROLOGY

Japan as the world’s secondlargest economy in 2010, and analysts say it is only a matter of time before it knocks the United States off the pedestal it has held for more than a century.

But when that day finally comes, can the data be believed?

China calculates monthly and annual data far more quickly than France, a much smaller economy believed to have much higher quality data.

Michael Pettis, a finance professor at Peking University and a senior associate at the USbased Carnegie Endowment, said that among China economists, “no one” found Li’s purported comments surprising.

“I mean, we’ve been told this many, many, many times by government officials,” he told AFP. There’s a lot of problems in China. One is that there’s a perception that the numbers have

political incentives embedded in them.”

China calculates monthly and annual data far more quickly than France, a much smaller economy believed to have much higher quality data, he noted.

“So you sort of wonder how they’re able to do it more quickly than the French,” he said.

“That leaves all sorts of questions open.”

Economists have long questioned the reliability of numbers provided by local government officials whose career trajectory depends on the performance of their region, creating incentives to make figures look better than the reality.

Toshiya Tsugami, a former Japanese diplomat who now heads a China business consultancy, blames a governmental structure which gives local authorities broad administrative powers but reserves control over assignments and promotions for the centre.

“The personnel ratings are done based mostly on each leader’s performance, and what is

most given weight is to what extent each local leader has developed his/her local economy, for which purpose the most used measure is GDP,” he said.

“As a result, local leaders are engaging in fierce competition aiming at higher GDP growth in order to be promoted,” he added. “And since they also handle statistics, there is a strong motivation to dress up the data.” It is widely known that the sum total of growth as reported by each province is much higher than for the country overall, Pettis noted, “which of course is impossible”.

“I think there is a sense that the National Bureau of Statistics is doing a reasonably good job under very difficult circumstances,” he added. “The local provincial and municipal statistical bureaus, maybe less so.”

The report by Green of Standard Chartered, released earlier this year, estimated economic growth for 2011 and 2012 at 7.2 per cent and 5.5 per cent respectively, far below official figures of 9.3 per cent and 7.8 per cent.

AFP

4,000

is the number information technology giant Cisco has announced that it will cut from its workforce.

AIRLINES LURE PASSENGERS To capture the market share in the upcoming festive season, many Indian and foreign airlines on Thursday started promotional schemes to celebrate India’s 67th Independence Day. Budget passenger carrier SpiceJet has announced a 100 per cent discount on its base fare for all serving and retired Indian armed forces and paramilitary personnel along with their families.

The airline said that the offer will begin on August 15-31 for travel between August 15 to September 30, 2013. Not just Indian passenger carriers but, interestingly, British Airways is celebrating the 67th Indian Independence Day by giving a 15 per cent discount.

THUS SPAKE We can solve many of the problems that our country faces by deploying advanced technology. The Aadhaar scheme is a good example MANMOHAN SINGH, INDIAN PRIME MINISTER

THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

Comment I don’t want to achieve immortality through my work... I want to achieve it through not dying.

NOT A WALK IN THE PARK

NICOLAS REVISE Agence France-Presse

E

gypt’s latest bloodshed has underlined what experts say is the weakened influence of the United States, which turned a blind eye to a coup while advocating a return to democracy.

The United States has struggled to develop a coherent approach to Egypt since veteran strongman Hosni Mubarak, a close ally, was deposed in 2011.

Washington placed little faith in his elected successor Mohamed Morsi, an Islamist, and was careful not to criticize the military when it overthrew him.

Nevertheless, on Wednesday the United States “strongly” condemned the military’s crackdown on supporters of the ousted Morsi and urged the military to show restraint.

“Today’s events are deplorable and they run counter to Egyptian aspirations for peace, inclusion and genuine democracy,” Secretary of State John Kerry told reporters.

Kerry urged the armyinstalled authorities to end quickly a one-month state of emergency and to work with all sides to hold new elections.

At least 149 people were killed, according to an AFP correspondent who visited makeshift morgues, as the army and police cleared out two gatherings of pro-Morsi protesters.

The crackdown came in direct defiance of repeated appeals by the United States, including phone calls

by Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

14

THE PRICE OF PARKING JUST WENT UP!

WM FERGUSON

BUT... SERIOUSLY

Woody Allen American actor

Bloodshed shows lack of US leverage

HIGH-FLYING THOUGHTS The government and central bank are reacting to the financial crisis in the country in an artificial manner that is worsening the situation. The problem is actually stretching out as it is not being allowed to cure itself.

Leg-ups come with a limited shelf life.

Ajay Hotchandani

S

o as I get older I figure it’s time to help my parents out. I recently took over some of my parent’s financial responsibilities. Going through the bank account statements I can across a loan my dad took out about two years ago. I got to questioning when I found out it was for the property across the street from where they live/ have their business.

The property across the street was a small two story building, cement bottom, wooden top. The bottom housed an Internet café and the apartment on top had an old Indian couple.

The couple was friends of the family for 20+ years. They didn’t have a car so they allowed my family to use their 2 of 4 parking spots in the back yard; the other two were designated for the Internet café. One day the guy from the Internet café parked his car in the driveway blocking any cars from going in or out. When we my dad asked him to move his car his response was not very polite. Fast-forward six months later and this guy was still being a real douche! He would wait for us to park and then move his

car from his parking spot to the driveway to block us.

My dad had enough of his nonsense. He contacted the owner of the property and asked him if he wanted to sell it.

The owner said no, so my dad made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. After completing the deal he told the driver to go park the car at the back and make sure the internet douche sees him doing this. And like the donkey that he is, as soon as the driver parked the car he went and moved his car to block the driveway. BINGO! My dad walked across the street and into the internet café and asked

the guy to move his car. Again, his response was not very neighborly. So my dad made him an offer he couldn’t refuse, “I now own this building, get your car and your stuff off my property before I have you arrested!” (Of course my dad’s language was very colorful).

Within 48 hours he was off the property.

My dad then proceeded to tear down the building with the intention of building something else there. Two years have passed by and the lot sits empty with a barricade up, which only allows for a car to be parked on the side.

Some of the most expensive parking spots worldwide are: San Francisco — $80,000; West London $320,000; Boston The price of parking just went up! $560,000. Now I won’t say exactly how much we paid for the property but what I can say is as of right now I’m paying $170,000 a month on the loan for a property that is now a parking lot, and you know what the worst part of it all is, when I go to visit my parents for lunch the driver of my dad’s car would have parked right in the front so I can’t even park in there. Most of the time I end up parking on the street!

EDITORIALS Tell-all statistics that reveal different picture

F

or all its bragging as a state with the best progress rates in the country, statistics reveal a different picture of Gujarat. As if it were not bad enough that by the nominal GDP, while AP stood second, Narendra Modi’s Gujarat is at five, it is now revealed that the ‘torch-bearing’ western state is scored a dismal D rank by the Delhi Policy Group, a nonpartisan research and advocacy group, which prepared a scorecard by ranking states on seven indicators — sex ratio, health, education, political representation, crimes against women, employment and decision-making. It is administrative policies that strengthen a state and consequently the country. Political gimmicks ahead of elections will fool only some gullible voters and even them for some time. If someone has enjoyed an extended run at the helm of affairs while the state slipped on rankings, then it is either the citizens’ limited intelligence to look at micro development or the ability of the politician or political group to distract the masses from relevant issues.

READERS’ VIEWS

Difficulties with nuclear energy

I

ndia has a big lesson to learn from the many problems Japan has been facing from the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant.

Containing radiation over 14,000 times the amount released in the atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima, more than 1,300 used fuel rods need to be removed from a building housing them, and with this looms large danger of epic proportions.

Japan has been able to handle earthquakes much better than India has and nuclearwaste management is a lot more difficult.

We invite you to write to us comments, suggestions, viewpoint or just about anything to feedback@postnoon.com or #1246, Level 3, Jubilee Casa, Road No 62, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad – 500 033 or even by way of a call on 4067 2222.

Editor: Dean Williams

15

THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

tELEVISION

NEW SERIES

TNT has set a premiere date for "Mob City," an upcoming drama created by Frank Darabont ("The Walking Dead"). This event series will premiere on December 4, 2013. The show focuses on an epic battle that arises between a Los Angeles police chief and a mobster in 1947.

BACK TO SCHOOL

GOODBYE!

Grey’s Anatomy

Only gloom and doom Low Winter Sun lives up to its name. It's all cold streets, dark clouds and every shade of grey. Don't go looking for the silver lining here.

JYOTSNA NAMBIAR jyotsna.n@postnoon.com

A

bald anti-hero, moral ambiguity and plenty of law breaking — Low Winter Sun has many parallels to the hugely popular Breaking Bad, and was supposed to draw the same kind of audience. However, the mediocre pilot does not impress.

The show, a remake of the eponymous British miniseries, is now set in crumbling Detroit and follows the lives of some rather shady cops.

Mark Strong stars as Frank Agnew, the good cop who goes over the edge for revenge. His partner in crime, though not on the police force, is Joe Geddes (played by Lennie James). Together they murder Geddes' cop partner, Brendan McCann, and cover their tracks. The next day brings no light. Frank realises that Joe might have exploited his need for revenge to get his own dirty work done.

It's classic cop drama — once you go dirty, you don't know who you can trust. The plot is interesting but very, very familiar. In the pilot, none of the actors display any

characteristics that would make them stand out. Their roles are set in stone — eager young female cop, jittery drug dealer, savvy police chief and intense protagonists. The first episode, at least, does not show any promise of this cop drama breaking any new ground.

Possibly the master stroke was setting the show in Detroit, which only recently filed for bankruptcy. The grey lives of the characters merge into the greyness of the city.

Boarded-up buildings, empty streets and miserable weather

make it seem like the show itself is mourning the death of Detroit.

The main problem with the show is the pacing. With excellent cop dramas ruling the TV screen, you would expect a new series to do everything it can to make an impact. Low Winter Sun fails in that aspect — its grey-scale look and crawling pace kill any possible eagerness you could have had for the show.

In fact, even when people are being murdered, it happens so slowly that there is no shock value.

Heading the cast are two good British actors, Mark Strong (Sherlock Holmes, Zero Dark Thirty) and Lennie James (The Walking Dead, Snatch).

Strong comes across as brooding and reserved, but apart from staring intensely with his steely eyes, he does little else.

His only flash of emotion comes towards the end of the show, and hopefully, this could mean his character will get a little more interesting as the episodes pass.

Lennie James is more captivating as Joe Geddes, who may or may not be a dirty cop. He manipulates Frank into murder, and quickly hardens when Frank questions him about his motives. He seems tough, twisted and complicated — a whole lot more interesting than the lead.

What's the best thing about the show so far? That's easy.

The title track, Hustlin' In The Motor City, sung by soul legend Bettye LaVette, is smoky, classy and eases you right into the dark and moody show.

The setting is right, the music is haunting, the actors are good. Now all that Low Winter Sun needs is a good plot and some action.

EW can confirm that five-time Emmy nominee Sandra Oh — and onetime Golden Globe winner — Sandra Oh will depart ABC’s venerable medical drama in 2014, after 10 years of playing prickly, brilliant surgeon Cristina Yang.

“It’s been a great privilege to play the character of Cristina Yang on GA and I am both sad and excited to see where this, her final season will take her,” Oh said in a statement. “It was an emotional and deeply creative decision for me and I feel fully supported by Shonda and the writers. It’s so rare in an actor’s life to be able to explore and grow a character so fully, so completely. I am profoundly grateful to everyone at GA for the opportunity.”

“One of the best days of my life as a writer happened the day Sandra Oh walked in my door to audition and forever changed the course of Grey’s Anatomy with her brilliant, nuanced portrayal of Cristina Yang,” series creator Shonda Rimes added. “Over the past ten seasons, I have been made better by Sandra’s trust, faith and friendship and I can’t quantify how grateful I am for her collaboration on a character we both love so deeply. This year is going to be bittersweet for us — we’re both going to savour every moment of Cristina Yang and then we’re going to give her the exit she deserves. And when Sandra walks out of my door, Grey’s Anatomy will be once again be forever changed.”

TRENDING...

30 Rock creator/coshowrunner Tina Fey and coshowrunner Robert Carlock are back in business together and with NBC, backing another female-centered workplace project.

Trouble will come in the form of Angela Kinsey and Eva Amurri in New Girl Season 3. The Office and Californication actresses will guest-star in episode 2.

18

THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

spotlight A FUN GATHERING

FAMILY GET-TOGETHER

Eid Milaap party hosted by Shahbaz at Peela Bangla, Banjara Hills was a fun do. Ajab Ali Akber, Sameena and others were spotted.

1

2

3

4

MEET AND GREET Hamara Hindustan hosted Jashan-Eid-E-Milap party at Taj Krishna.

Guests were seen bonding over snacks and having a good time.

Hindustani classical vocalist Smitha Bellur performed at the event.

1 Aishwarya, Shahmeen

3 Meghjeet

2 Shahgul

4 Sameena, Ajab

BEAUTY QUEENS ALL

The launch of Universal Princess 2013 at Radisson Blue was a glittering affair. Supermodels from various countries were in attendance.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

health

GLOWING BUNNIES CREATED TO COMBAT GENETIC DISEASES Scientists have bred two rabbits that glow in the dark, potentially leading to new and efficient ways of producing treatments for genetic diseases, the researchers say.

A research team from the University of Hawaii and the University of Istanbul used an “active transgenesis technique” to produce the glowing rabbits.

MATTERS OF THE HEART

19

Heart failure patients best for pacemakers: Study New research pinpoints how to spot which heart failure patients are most likely to benefit from getting a pacemaker.

POSTNOON NEWS feedback@postnoon.com

P

revious research has shown that receiving a pacemaker can improve symptoms and reduce the risk of hospital readmission and death in some heart failure patients. One-third to one-half of heart failure patients who receive a pacemaker do not improve, however, according to background information in the study.

Being able to identify which patients would be helped most by a pacemaker is important because the surgery to implant the devices is expensive and carries risks, the study authors said.

The researchers, from Denver Medical Health Center, analyzed data from Medicare beneficiaries with heart failure who received a pacemaker between 2006 and 2009. The patients were followed for up to three years. Death rates were 0.8 per cent at 30 days after surgery, 9 per cent at one year and almost 26 per cent at three years.

Rates of readmission to the hospital for all causes were 10.2 percent at 30 days and 43.3 percent at one year, according to the study, which was published in the Aug. 14 issue of the Journal of the American

Medical Association.

The researchers found that pacemaker patients with left bundle-branch block and longer QRS duration had the lowest risks of death and readmission to hospital. Left bundle-branch block is a condition that causes disorganized electrical activity throughout the heart. QRS duration is a measurement of the electrical con-

ANEWS PP-LYBRIEFS YOURSELF

ducting time as measured with an electrocardiogram (EKG).

One expert said the findings will influence how doctors decide which heart failure patients should get pacemakers. “This study shows that the EKG — a simple, inexpensive tool — can be very effective in determining who may benefit from this expensive but potentially harmful therapy,” said Dr.

HOUSECALL

Ranjit Suri, director of the Electrophysiology Service and Cardiac Arrhythmia Center at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

“Consequently, heart failure specialists, referring cardiologists and implanting physicians should pay attention to this important study,” Suri said. “It demonstrates that a simple EKG can help refine their abili-

DID YOU KNOW?

ty to identify heart failure patients that they may be able to help with device therapy — saving lives and dollars and decreasing the potential for complications.”

“This is an important study that helps to clarify which heart failure patients are more likely to favorably respond to this type of therapy,” said Dr Sean Pinney, director of the Advanced Heart Failure & Transplantation Program at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City.

“This study also reminds us about how much heart failure patients suffer,” Pinney added.

“Forty per cent of patients were rehospitalised within the first year of follow up, and one out of four patients died within three years. Obviously, there is still much work to be done to identify new strategies to extend and improve the lives of heart failure patients.”

LATEST FINDINGS

Epocrates

Angina

Botox

Leaky heart valve

Healthcare professionals use Epocrates routinely to review drug prescribing and safety information for thousands of brand, generic and OTC drugs and checks for potentially harmful drug to drug interactions among up to 30 drugs at a time. Manhattan Research found that Epocrates was the most popular app for physicians.

Unstable angina is characterised by a new onset of chest pain or an increase in frequency or severity of angina that in some cases may be a sign of an impending heart attack. This type of chest pain usually is brought on by exertion and is relieved with rest. Unstable angina requires immediate medical attention and comprehensive testing for possible underlying coronary artery disease.

Botox was discovered in the fat of spoiled pork and was called botulism by the doctor who figured out a medicinal use for it. In the 1960’s it was used to correct cross-eyed syndrome. Botulinum toxin is actually one of the most poisonous naturally occuring substances found in the world. Botox has been used becuase of it’s ability to paralyse muslces.

People with a leaky heart valve will live longer if surgeons repair the leak promptly, even if the patient isn’t feeling any symptoms, a new study finds.A 25year Mayo Clinic study of more than 1,000 heart valve patients has determined that prompt repair of the heart valve can drastically improve survival rates. The findings are published Aug. 14 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

20

THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

Technology WATCH THIS SPACE

Online video forces change on TV industry For the first time, American adults are spending more time with the Internet than in front of television sets.

SOPHIE ESTIENNE Agence France-Presse NEW YORK CITY: Having turned print media upside down, the Internet now is disrupting television, forcing broadcasters to adapt to tablets and video-on-demand to hold on to views and advertisers.

“The gap between what consumers want and the way the industry is delivering it has grown so big that the industry has to start to make some moves,” Forrester Research analyst Jim Nail told AFP. Viacom, Time Warner, Disney, 21st Century Fox, CBS — the second quarter results of the big US media groups confirmed that cable networks remain their cash cows.

For the first time this year, however, American adults are spending more time with the Internet than in front of television sets — about five hours a day compared to 4.5, according to a study in eMarketer this month.

The independent market research firm notes that users sometimes use the Internet and

watch TV at the same time — and that video represents only part of online consumption.

That doesn’t stop a group like Netflix, which offers films and original programming on demand, from growing and spawning imitators such as Amazon’s streaming service.

The formula is favoured by youngsters who relish cartoons on their tablet devices and TV binge-viewers who watch mul-

Netflix offers films and original programming on demand, like their new show Orange Is The New Black, pictured below. tiple episodes of their favourite shows in one sitting.

Internet giant Google has joined the party with Chromecast, a device that plugs into the HDMI input of a TV set to provide streaming video.

Apple is meanwhile consistently rumoured to be

developing online TV services.

“There will still be some linear real-time viewing of TV for the Super Bowl or breaking news events... but entertainment-based video will move to more on-demand,” Nail said.

“If you own a TV station, you are in the same position as a newspaper. There will be other ways to watch content and you’re going to be very challenged,” he explained.

On the other hand, “if you are the content owner, you should not worry at all”.

You might have to abandon cable distribution and get a slot on Netflix, but content is in such high demand “that you will be able to make money... It really shouldn’t change your financial outlook or your survival.”

Time Warner chief executive Jeff Bewkes, whose corporation includes HBO and CNN, told financial analysts that he regards Internet streaming as complementary to broadcasting — something that adds value to programming. Viacom talks about adapting to changing public

behaviour.

“Certain kids are going to consume content on tablets, and if you want your content to have a shot at being consumed you have to have it on a tablet,” its chief operating officer Tom Dooley said.

Viacom is “aggressively” positioning itself in the tablet market with distribution partnerships like the one it forged with Amazon for such children’s shows as SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer.

It has also launched what Dooley called a “phenomenally successful” mobile app for Viacom’s Nickelodeon children’s channel.

“Streaming continues to be a terrific growth driver for us,” affirmed CBS chief Leslie Moonves, whose network has struck an exclusive deal with Amazon guaranteeing the profitability of its summer series Under the Dome, based on a Stephen King novel. For those who own content, the multiplication of online services can have a favourable effect by bidding up the money they can get from selling distribution rights.

FB USERS LESS HAPPY People who use Facebook may feel more connected, but less happy. A study of young adults released Wednesday concluded that the more people used Facebook, the worse they subsequently felt.

“On the surface, Facebook provides an invaluable resource for fulfilling the basic human need for social connection,” said University of Michigan social psychologist Ethan Kross, lead author of the study.

“But rather than enhance well-being, we found that Facebook use predicts the opposite result — it undermines it.”

The researchers recruited 82 young adults who had smartphones and Facebook accounts and assessed their subjective well-being by texting them at random times five times a day for two weeks. In contrast to text-messaging, personal interactions led people to feel better over time, they noted.

XBOX LAUNCH DELAYED Microsoft said Wednesday it was delaying the launch of its new Xbox One console in eight countries, while moving ahead with a November release in 13 others. In June, Microsoft said it would start selling the new videogame and entertainment console in 21 countries, but on Wednesday acknowledged their plan had been too ambitious.

The delays affect Belgium, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Sweden and Switzerland. The company said it hoped to launch the device in those countries “as soon as possible in 2014.” The 13 markets to get the Xbox One in November will be Australia, Austria, Brazil, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Spain, the United States and New Zealand, according to a statement from the Xbox team.”At Xbox, our goal is to provide the best games and entertainment experience possible and the team continues to make great progress on delivering Xbox One,” the statement said.

21

THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

Entertainment CINE BYTES

Bhai a popcorn entertainer: Nagarjuna

D

escribing his upcoming Telugu action-drama Bhai as a "popcorn entertainer", actor Nagarjuna promises that the various commercial essentials make it a film for everybody. "With catchy one-liners, drama, songs, comedy sequences and stunning action shot in different exotic locales, my film is a popcorn entertainer," said Nagarjuna. IANS

Thoofan audio on August 20

Will Mahesh Babu reap gold on Sankranti?

F

ollowing the overwhelming success of Mahesh Babu-starrer Telugu familydrama Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu (SVSC), which was released during Sankranthi this year, the makers of 1: Nenokkadine are set to release the film during the same time next year. IANS

T

he audio release of Ram Charan Tej's Thoofan will be held on August 20 according to the latest reports. The movie is the Telugu version of Zanjeer.

Director Apoorva Lakhia confirmed the news via Twitter.

Priyanka is the leading lady in the movie.

MAKING A SPLASH

A D A H SHARMA to make southern film debut

B

ollywood actress Adah Sharma, who made an impressive debut in Vikram Bhatt's horror-thriller 1920, has reportedly been roped in opposite Nitin Reddy in filmmaker Puri Jagannadh's upcoming Telugu romantic-drama Heart Attack. "Adah Sharma has been cast opposite Nitin in the film. Puri was impressed with her performance in 1920 and decided to cast her. Many actresses were considered for this role, including some big names in Telugu industry, but Adah was finally signed," a source close to director Puri said. Not long ago, it was reported that Catherine Tresa, who featured in Telugu films Chamak Challo and Iddarammayilatho, was cast opposite Nitin in the film. Does this mean Adah has replaced Catherine? "We are not sure about that. Puri did consider Catherine but we don't have much clarity on it. He (Puri) would be the right person to confirm the same," added the source.

Puri hopes to resurrect his sagging career with Heart Attack after suffering lukewarm response with films such as Cameraman Ganga Tho Rambabu and Iddarammayilatho. Nitin, who is basking in the success of back-to-back blockbusters with Ishq and Gunde Jaari Gallanthayyinde, hopes to score a hat-trick with this film. IANS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

fashion

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN AND DAMIEN HIRST JOIN FORCES

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN is teaming up with Damien Hirst to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its signature skull scarf. The artist will create 30 limited edition designs which will appear on a collection of scarves.

SIMPLE YET C

openhagen fashion week which is a twiceannual affair concluded its spring/summer collection recently. The fashion week brought in a mix of the expected Scandinavian design aesthetic with edgy upcoming labels, elegant evening-wear and plenty more in between.

Unlike other fashion weeks, designers did not focus on elaborate, wildly expensive show pieces. The outfits on show were affordable, staightforward and ready to wear.

Some of the big brands which took part in the fashion extravaganza include WoodWood, Baum und Pferdgarten, Mark Tan and Brunn's Bazaar.

DESIGNER DISNEY PRINCESS DRESSES

DISNEY and Harrods will auction off ten Princess-inspired dresses created by some of the world's most famous fashion houses, including Oscar de la Renta, Versace and Elie Saab. The sale will take place in November at Christie's, and will raise money for the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity.

STRIKING

22&23 Skandinavian style is making headlines after the recently-concluded Copenhagen fashion week.

Entertainment THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

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Entertainment THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

25

THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

Chai Time

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

A bone to the dog is not charity. Charity is the bone shared with the dog, when you are just as hungry as the dog.

Jack London

KAKURO

QUICK CROSSWORD

26

SUDOKU How to play kakuro Kakuro is a popular game similar to sudoku in some ways. But is also suitably different. The key question: ‘How do you play kakuro?’, well here are the rules of kakuro. The answer: The kakuro grid, unlike in sudoku, can be of any size. It has rows and columns, and dark cells like in a crossword. And, just like in a crossword, some of the dark cells will contain numbers. Some cells will contain two numbers.

However, in a crossword the numbers reference clues. In a kakuro, the numbers are all you get! They denote the total of the digits in the row or column referenced by the number.

Within each collection of cells — called a run — any of the numbers 1 to 9 may be used but, like sudoku, each number may only be used once.

Let’s have an example to explain this concept more clearly: In the image above, which shows a section of a kakuro puzzle, you will see the numbers ‘26’ and ‘14’ in the top row. Look at the 14. This means that the total of the three cells underneath must sum to 14. Therefore 9, 4, 1 could be the answer, or perhaps 7, 4, 3 and so on...

So, how do you work out the actual combination? Well, this is done through elimination and cross-referencing. For instance, as you work out the answers for other kakuro clues, this will naturally limit the valid combinations, and hence the answer for this particular run.

Note the second cell in row two — it contains two numbers, 30 and 11. The 30 refers to the vertical run underneath the number 30 and the 11 refers to the two cells to the right, horizontally, of the number 11.

ACROSS

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

SCRIBBLING PAD

1 Lindsay’s bionic role 6 African capital 11 Seller’s postings 14 Affair of the heart 15 Word before ‘battery’ or ‘energy’ 16 A thousand thou 17 End of a Hitchcock title 19 ‘2 Fast 2 Furious’ actress Mendes 20 Dumfries denial 21 Follow, as in Simon Says 22 Like uncooked meat 23 Popular pet 27 What’s left 29 Beverage of McSorley’s 30 2002 Winter Olympics setting 32 Frisbee, eg 33 Kind 34 Item in a patch 36 Ball-bearing creatures?

39 Game show winnings 41 Sat through again 43 All over again 44 Church council 46 Old photo tint 48 Snake target 49 Highlands native 51 Big name in computers 52 Pasture 53 Hawks 56 ‘New and Improved!’ might appear on one 58 Greeting from the past 59 Connecticut’s ‘Charter’ tree 60 Water in Cannes 61 Indian lentil dish 62 Virginia and West Virginia, once 68 Banned bug spray 69 Coast Guard equipment 70 Bedding down?

71 Parliamentary vote, sometimes

72 Follow an event 73 Spring feast

DOWN

1 More than nudge 2 ‘Chasing ___’ (1997 film) 3 End of a quest?

4 Unstable particles 5 Publisher’s blunder 6 Eruption coverage?

7 Container of fresh milk?

8 Like some nail polish 9 Spoke scratchily 10 Apollo’s sister 11 Large antlered beast 12 Backless couch 13 Cabbage side dishes 18 Wobble 23 Acclaims 24 Metal mixture 25 Part of a river in Vietnam 26 Abnormal breath sounds 28 On the ocean 31 Doused, firefighter-style 35 Places to pick up puppies 37 Sight along the Mississippi 38 Use choice words 40 It croaks in a creek 42 Became flaccid 45 Do some nit picking?

47 Wanted-poster listings 50 Get emotional support from 53 Rice milieu 54 Beat around the bush 55 Shirts’ opposites, on the court 57 Adorable tot 63 Fraternity letter 64 Preposition in poetry 65 ‘Just ___ water’ 66 Golf expendable 67 Be on the side of caution?

Chai Time THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013 Thiruvaikumar

STAR POWER for 16-8-2013

27

As per Hindu panchang thiruvaikumar@yahoo. co. in, 040-27177230 / 9177596118

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Employees need to obey superiors to gain a good name and have their demands fulfilled. A soft-and-sweet approach will yield expected results even in challenging tasks. Couples need to maintain a cordial and understanding relationship.

STRIP TEASE AGNES

Businessmen advised to stay away from venturing into new projects. Avoid criticising others as it may bounce at you.

Employees need to plan all work properly with a time frame and ensure the execution accordingly; do not deviate.

Avoid sharing family secrets with a third person. Businessmen need to make nonstop efforts to achieve extraordinary results. Health needs attention.

Self-confidence levels will be at a high so all undertaken work will be completed perfectly.

Avoid being stubborn over prestige issues for the time being.

Good effects are likely to increase, which will keep you cheerful. Govt officials must be careful in discharging their work as negligence might spell trouble.

Children will make you proud.

Your administrative skills will earn appreciation. Misunderstanding between couples will be over.

Problems faced by employees at workplace created by rumour mongers will be resolved. Trouble, tension and depression due to family problems will be over.

Adjust well with all the family to retain peaceful atmosphere at home. Give respect to suggestions of your spouse. There is a need to adopt the slow-andsteady policy to achieve your goals. Employees are advised to be cordial with their colleagues.

Your skills and administrative abilities will be appreciated by all. Those trying for a new job will get good news. Colleagues too will co-operate well and get good support from superiors.

Promotion and pay hike are likely for employees.

Obstacles faced while implementing growth plans will be tackled well and goals can be achieved as per plan. Avoid acting in haste or with overconfidence, as if you know worldly issues very well. Act with extreme caution to escape hurdles.

Never allow others to feel that you are boasting beyond your capacity. Work with patience and proper plan will yield good results. Employees need to complete important work on their own as entrusting to others is not advisable. Be careful while driving.

TAROT READ

Sumaa Tekur

tarotreadhyd@gmail. com

ARIES:

GEMINI:

Knight of Pentacles – An argument with a peer can get into trouble. You may need that person’s help much more than he/ she needs you. So be practical.

LEO:

Judgment – You may be running the risk of upsetting someone close to you because of the way an issue turned out. Don’t take things too seriously.

LIBRA:

PEARLS BEFORE SWINE

Page of Swords – You make amends with an old friend you had fallen out with. You realise that nothing is permanent in life. People come and go, so do emotions.

SAGITTARIUS:

Ten of Wands – You are feeling burdened by the emotions of someone very close to you. You two, either a partner or sibling, have a karmic connection.

TAURUS:

Nine of Wands – This is a time to improve your general knowledge and get into intellectual discussions. It will up your status in social meetings, too. Watch news.

CANCER:

Six of Cups – if you have any important appointments, make sure to reach on time.

You may need to keep a buffer of a few minutes to beat traffic, etc.

VIRGO:

Nine of Cups – Today goes like clockwork. Everything you planned will fit into place and you will be relieved that all your organising skills are being put to good use.

SCORPIO:

King of Pentacles – Finances are in focus. A windfall, in the form of an inheritance or a smart investment move, will force you to plan further. All will go well.

CAPRICORN:

The World – You are about to embark on a journey of discovery. Till now, you have come across people who taught you about life. You will use that learning.

PREVIOUS SOLUTIONS

PISCES:

The Hierophant – This card tells you that you need to make things work if you want change to happen. It is in your hands to allow positive things to work for you.

NUMBER GAME

Decision time! You may need to be harsh on someone. You’ll be expected to take a tough call, which may not be the best for someone you love.

SCRABBLE

AQUARIUS: The Lovers –

POOCH CAFE

There are chances of memory loss and tension. Yoga and meditation will help you relax.

Your self-confidence and boldness will be at a high with which you will complete all work successfully. Avoid apprehension that bogs you down.

for 16-8-2013

Ten of Cups – You get extremely emotional about a thing that a family member said. It will hurt you. But you need to learn to let go and think of moving on.

NON SEQUITUR

Troubles at workplace will disappear. At the same time, avoid criticism about the management as it will spell trouble. Be careful in expressing opinions as it might not be taken in the right spirit. Sweet talk works wonders in getting work done.

SUDUKO

Avoid hasty decisions and negligence. All disappointments faced so far will be over letting you relax. Employees will feel relaxed as problems with colleagues will disappear. They will be bold enough and remain more confident now.

Boggle LANE FRAME SCORE ALLEY SPARE Vol: 3, No 26 RNI No: APENG/2011/39337 Published for the proprietors, Scribble Media and Entertainment Pvt Ltd, by V Harshavardhan Reddy, at #1246, Level 3, Jubilee Casa, Road No 62, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad – 500033 and printed by him at Jagati Publications Ltd, Plot No D-75&E-52, APIE Industrial Estate, Balanagar, Ranga Reddy Dist, Hyderabad – 500037, Editor: Dean Williams – Responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. For feedback, please write to: feedback@postnoon. com and for subscription, please call 040-4067 2222, Fax: 040-4067 2211

28

Entertainment THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

NICOLE KIDMAN

IN A ROYAL AVATAR

on taking on Grace Kelly N

icole Kidman is stepping into royal shoes for the upcoming film Grace of Monaco.

Nicole took on the role of famed Hollywood actress Grace Kelly (who became Princess Grace when she married Monaco’s Prince Rainier III) for the film, due out later this year.

On the red carpet at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s 2013 Installation Luncheon at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on Tuesday, Nicole spoke with Access Hollywood about taking on the icon. “It was a real honor to play her,” the actress said.

“I hope I captured her essence,” Nicole continued. “I mean, you never know, but it won’t be for lack of trying.”

CINE BYTES Chris Brown in trouble again

A

man who claims he was punched and kicked by a member of Chris Brown's entourage during a fight at a recording studio sued the R&B singer on Tuesday for assault and battery. Sha'keir Duarte sued Brown for unspecified damages in Los Angeles Superior Court.

Flanagan wants to adopt a baby

Bale offered 40 mn pounds to play Batman?

C

hristian Bale has reportedly been offered 40 million pounds to reprise his role as Batman in the superhero film Justice League. The movie bosses are determined to get the 39-year-old actor onside and star in the potential film. IANS

H

elen Flanagan, who is confident about being a good mother, plans to adopt a baby next year. The 22-year-old wants her baby to be free and happy, reports dailymail.co.uk. "Even though I'm young, I do think I'd be a good mum. Even on my own I'd think of adopting," Ok! magazine quoted Flanagan as saying.

sports

29

THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Heffernan gives Irish rare title PIRATE IRWIN Agence France-Presse MOSCOW: Robert Heffernan won the men’s 50 kilometres walk world title on Wednesday in Moscow to give Ireland only their third-ever gold at the World Athletics Championships.

The 35-year-old — fourth in the event at last year’s Olympics — posted the fastest time of the year of 3hr 37min 56sec, with Russia’s Mikhail Ryzhov in second (3hr 38:58).

Australia’s two-time Olympic silver medalist Jared Tallent took the bronze (3hr 40:03).

Heffernan’s gold is the first world title for the Irish since Sonia O’Sullivan’s victory in the 5000 metres which was held in Gothenburg in Sweden in the year 1995.

It also came 30 years to the day since Eamonn Coghlan won Ireland’s first worlds gold in the 5000 metres, in Helsinki.

“That is brilliant," Heffernan

said, whose wife was in the stadium.

“The final 10km of the race were as usual like a crucifixion.

“This victory is very important for me and for Ireland. I was fourth last year in London and

Robert Heffernan won the men’s 50 kilometres walk world title to give Ireland only their third-ever gold at the World Athletics Championships. this year I was not injured, I was in even better condition and was well prepared for this race."

Ivan Noskov and Ryzhov went out ahead together as they left the stadium with enigmatic Frenchman Yohann Diniz and Tallent chasing them.

The Russian duo — who led the home challenge as Olympic

Ireland’s Robert Heffernan competes in the men’s 50 kilometres walk final at the 2013 IAAF World Championships at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow on Wednesday.

AFP/KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV

and world champion Sergey Kirdyapkin did not start because of injury — held a three-second lead over Tallent while Diniz was 10sec adrift at the 5km mark.

Tallent joined the Russians and they opened a gap of 20sec

over Diniz, who was reeled in by a large group led by Heffernan.

Noskov and Ryzhov upped the pace approaching the 20km mark, opening up a gap of about 100 metres on Tallent.

The Russians held a 9sec lead

Sanchez eyes history-making gold MOSCOW: Two-time Olympic champion Felix Sanchez will headline day six of the World Athletics Championships on Thursday, eyeing a history-making third title in the 400 metres hurdles.

The Dominican Republic star, who turns 36 at the end of August, came through his competitive heat along with most of the favourites, although British defending champion Dai Greene failed to recover sufficiently from a fever and bombed out.

Sanchez was left feeling all of his 35 years after Tuesday’s semifinal.

“The semi didn’t go to plan because the Cuban runner Omar Cisneros was very quick and I had to really dig in to get after his pace," Sanchez said.

“I was out of the blocks

thinking that racing a time of 48.30 or 48.50sec would suffice.

But when Cisneros kicked, it surprised me," with the result that the London Olympic champion produced a season’s best time of 47.93sec.

Both the other current

Olympic medallists made it through in the shape of American Michael Tinsley and Puerto Rico’s bronze-medal winner Javier Culsom.

American Kerron Clement also kept his hopes alive of regaining the title he won in 2007 and 2009 by going through as one of the two fastest losers, but teammate and 2005 world champion Bershawn Jackson pulled up injured.

Jehue Gordon of Trinidad and Tobago also impressed, and was installed as firm favourite by Sanchez.

“I saw him almost jogging to win his semi," joked Sanchez.

Also on the track is the showdown between Kenyan steeplechase great Ezekiel Kemboi and France’s two-time Olympic silver medallist

Mahiedine Mekhissi.

The duo are close friends off the track but delight in the competitive spirit both take to the track.

Mekhissi, who has only once finished in front of Kemboi in a final when he took the silver in the 2008 Olympics while the Kenyan could only finish seventh, said: “He (Kemboi) is my best friend off the track but my worst enemy on it."

The Frenchman hopes that Thursday’s final will see him reverse finishing positions but he admits it will be hard to better their post-race celebration.

“We exchanged shirts at the finish. That had never been done before in athletics," he said.

“That day I did not win gold but I took home the Olympic champion’s vest.

AFP

‘Dope-tainted 100m still stops the world’ The men’s 100m may have been rocked by doping scandals but it still has the ability to get the world watching, according to Bailey.

MOSCOW: The men’s 100 metres may have been rocked by a series of doping scandals but the event still has the ability to get the world watching, Donovan Bailey said on Wednesday.

Just before the World Championships in Moscow, Tyson Gay, and former world record-holder Asafa Powell of Jamaica both tested positive, sending shockwaves through the

sport. But Canada’s Bailey, also a former world record-holder and Olympic gold medallist in 1996, said while there were great stars in other events, fans still hold their breath for the straight sprint showdown.

“The 100m will always be the blue riband event at any championships, so it’s not taking away from any other event and it never has," said 45-year-old

Bailey, who is in the Russian capital as a television pundit.

“There have been great milers, great pole vaulters, great stars in other events. But the world will always only stop for 10 seconds."

An indication of how much the event has been affected by doping down the years is revealed in the list of past world champions.

AFP

over Tallent and Diniz, who had joined the Australian, as they passed through 20km while Heffernan led the chasing pack some 22sec off the pace.

Diniz had the momentum as he left Tallent trailing and ate up the ground between himself and the Russians, joining them after 21km.

While Diniz was flourishing, Tallent was suffering badly and the 28-year-old was swept up by Heffernan and Poland’s Grzegorz Sudol soon after being passed by the Frenchman.

Heffernan and Sudol, the European silver medalist at the distance, then took up the pace at the 25km point but the Russians and Diniz were not to be droppped easily and hung in behind.

Heffernan moved up a gear and his burst saw Diniz fall away, this time for good, but Ryzhov stuck to him like a limpet with Sudol and Noskov in touch.

Russia hails Isinbayeva, yearns for more

MOSCOW: Russia on Wednesday hailed the stunning triumph of pole vault queen Yelena Isinbayeva at her home world championships in Moscow, hoping her victory would not mark the culmination of an illustrious career.

Isinbayeva’s victory at Moscow’s Luzhniki stadium late Tuesday galvanized the entire championships and left Russians hoping that that the career of their best-loved athlete would not end there.

“I congratulate Yelena Isinbayeva on a bright, emotional and well-earned victory. I wish Yelena new achievements — in sport and in her personal life!"

Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev wrote on Facebook.

AFP

sports

30

THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

INDIAN BADMINTON LEAGUE

Pistons win first tie Pune Pistons got off to a flying start beating Krrish Delhi Smashers in the first tie, bagging four points.

Germany’s Juliane Schenk of Pune Pistons returns a shot against Thailand’s Nichaon Jindapon of Delhi Smashers during an IBL match at the Siri Fort Sports Complex in New Delhi on Wednesday.

AFP/MANAN VATSYAYANA

LEAGUE CRICKET A-1 DIVISION THREE DAY MP Colts 254/6 (Danny Derek Prince 133) vs Hyderabad Bottling A 2 AND 3 DIVISON TWO DAYS Day 2 MCC 233 (Rayan Koundiniya 32, Anurag Haridas 56, Sreekar 35 n.o., Sai 4/50, Prassana 3/30) bt Ours 141 (Zain Quadri 71) News Blues 96 (Vallabh 34, Sanjay 7/46) lost to Galaxy 97/2 (Rithwik Reddy 31, Rajendra 39 n.o.).

Mega City 215 (Sreekar 43, Abhijeet 32, Shubam 38, Rakesh Goud 4/95) lost to Crown 216/9 (Sajid 58, Jagdish 54, Sami 35 n.o., Akshay 4/52) Under-19 Day 3 Andhra U-19 232 (Tanay Thygarajan 5/73) drew with Hyderabad U-19 224 (Rahul Singh 55, Arun Deva 36, Tanay Thygarajan 31, NS Vineel 4/50) Day 2 Baroda U-19 297 (Akash Brahmabhutt 62, Jignesh Solanki 55, Jitin 41, Karthi Kakade 69) vs Kerala U-19 108 (Subin 35, Karthi Kakade 4/18) HCA Coca Cola cup inter school DAV Public School 312 (Sai Karthik 63, VVS Karthik 47, Kapil Diwan 43) bt DRS International School 85 (Karthik Anand 3/11) Boston Mission High School 219 (Md Mujeeb Ahmed 103, Syed Maavin Uddin 5/17) bt St Pauls High School 198/9 (P Tarun Reddy 39, Pranav 43, Phani Balaji Goud 37, M Sai Akhil 3/26) St Joseph GS 69 (Ankit Kumar 5/7) lost to KV Bolaram 73 (Abhishek Kumar 47) Thaksha Sheela High School 124/8 (Md Areeb 34 n.o., M Srijeet Reddy 3/10) bt Little Flower High School 83 (Javeed 3/15).

Tennis tourney from 24 August HYDERABAD: Surya tennis foundation will be conducting the Sri GV Raghava Rao memorial tennis tournament in the categories of doubles for 35+, 45+, 55+ and 65+ on 24 and 25 August at the Pallavi tennis playground in Bowenpally.

The last date for submitting the entries is 22 August. The entry fee is `400 per team.

The entries must be sent to AR Rao at ratnakar.tennis1@gmail.com. He can also be contacted on 9246368494. Age proof must be shown when demanded.

NEW DELHI: The $1 million Indian Badminton League (IBL) finally took flight as the Pune Pistons got off to a flying start beating Krrish Delhi Smashers in the first tie, bagging four points including a bonus, at the Siri Fort Sports Complex here Wednesday.

The match of the day was the clash between doubles partners Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa with the tie level at two-all. Smashers’ icon player Jwala and Kien Kiet Koo lost to Pistons’ icon Ashwini and Joachim Fischer Nielsen 21-16,

16-21, 11-3 in mixed doubles.

The hosts bagged two points for their two wins.

Jwala and Koo led most of the first game and almost had it in their kitty at 19-16. But Ashwini and her World No.4 mixed doubles partner won the next five points to surprise the hosts.

The host team were again leading in the second game (148) and extended their lead to 2014. The visiting pair saved two gamepoints but Jwala and Koo won the game to push the match into the 11-point decider.

Some exquisite smashes by Nielsen and touch play by Ashwini at the net enabled them to racing away to matchpoint (10-3) and won the game, match and tie in no time.

Earlier, B. Sai Praneeth got the Smashers off the mark as he upset Pistons’ Nguyen Tien Minh. The Indian beat the World No.7 Vietnamese 21-16, 21-20 in the first men’s singles.

However, the Pistons came back into the tie with Juliane Schenk who levelled the scoreline 1-1 by drubbing Jindapon Nichaon in straight games. IANS

CINCINNATI MASTERS

Injuries force Bartoli to retire CINCINNATI: Marion Bartoli made a shock retirement announcement Wednesday, ending her career just weeks after winning Wimbledon.

Bartoli, citing a string of injuries, dropped the bombshell shortly after losing in the second round of the Cincinnati Masters to Romania’s Simona Halep.

The top French star suffered a stunning 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 defeat to Halep.

“It’s time for me to retire and to call it a career. I feel it’s time for me to walk away actually,” said the 28-yearold.

The announcement comes two weeks before Bartoli was scheduled to compete in the US Open in New York.

Seeded eighth at the Cincinnati event, Bartoli said Wimbledon helped her reach the top of her game but also took a toll on her physical and mental wellbeing.

“I’ve been a tennis player for a long time, and I had the chance to make my biggest dream a reality,” said Bartoli, who won over $11 million in prize money during her 13-year career.

“I felt I really, really pushed through the ultimate limits to make it happen. But now I just can’t do it any-

Marion Bartoli is in tears as she announces her retirement from professional tennis during the Western & Southern Open on Wednesday.

AFP/MATTHEW STOCKMAN

more,” she said.

“I’ve been through a lot of injuries since the beginning of the year. I really pushed through and left it all during

that Wimbledon,” she added.

“I really felt I gave all the energy I have left inside my body. It (Wimbledon) will stay forever with me, but now my body just can’t cope with everything.”

Bartoli, ranked seventh in the world, has battled a series of injuries over the past few years. She has played just three matches since winning Wimbledon and after withdrawing from several hardcourt events in July due to abdominal muscle injuries.

She won a match last week in Toronto over American Lauren Davis but lost to 33rd-ranked Magdalena Rybarikova the next day.

“I have pain everywhere after 45 minutes or an hour of play,” Bartoli said. “I’ve been doing this for so long.

And, yeah, it’s just body wise I just can’t do it anymore.”

Bartoli, who turned pro in 2000, has been coached most of her career by her father, Walter, who is a doctor.

Besides Wimbledon, Bartoli won seven other WTA Tour titles, beginning with Auckland in 2006. Her most recent, prior to Wimbledon, were both in 2011 at Eastbourne and Osaka, Japan.

AFP

Djokovic, Murray win openers

CINCINNATI: Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray overcame some anxious moments to post straight-set victories Wednesday in their opening matches at the Cincinnati Masters.

Djokovic had to fight back after his game went awry briefly in the opening set on the way to a secondround win over Juan Monaco 7-5, 6-2.

Second-seed Murray kick-started his run-up to his US Open title defense with a resounding 6-2, 6-3

defeat of Mikhail Youzhny in their second round match. Both players received a bye in the first round.

Murray, the world number two, who was eliminated a week ago in the Montreal third round, made sure that was not repeated at this hardcourt tournament.

He needed just 70 minutes to see off his Russian opponent and move into a match with Julien Benneteau of France.

Djokovic is trying to complete an unprecedented career haul of all nine Masters 1000 titles and only needs to win here in order to reach the goal.

“I stopped moving my legs, I didn’t really go for my shots,” he said of his play in the first set. “I let him dictate the play and waited for his mistake, which was not the right tactic. It was the first match here in Cincinnati, which has different conditions from what we played in Montreal.”

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

ASHES

Kevin all set despite pain Kevin Pietersen remains available for next week’s final Ashes Test despite undergoing a scan on his troublesome right knee, according to a statement.

JULIAN GUYER Agence France-Presse LONDON England’s Kevin Pietersen (right) remains available for next week’s final Test despite undergoing a scan on his troublesome right knee on Wednesday, the England and Wales Cricket Board said in a statement.

Pietersen’s prospects of playing in the fifth Test, which will take place at The Oval, his Surrey home ground, were called into question when it emerged he was having a scan on his knee. However, an ECB statement said it was a routine part of his recovery from an injury suffered earlier this year.

“Kevin Pietersen had a precautionary scan on his right knee today (Wednesday) as part of an ongoing monitoring process following the bone bruising injury that occurred in February,” said the statement. “Kevin remains available for selection for the fifth Ashes Test and will continue to receive treatment on his

Honours even in women’s Test LONDON: England and Australia drew their one-off Ashes Test, with neither side able to force a result on the final day of four at Wormsley in Buckinghamshire, southern England on Wednesday.

Australia did their best to open up the game, with captain Jodie Fields hitting 78 not out before declaring at 231 for five.

England were set a target of

England and Australia eves drew their one-off Ashes Test, with neither side able to force a result on the final day of four in Buckinghamshire.

249 to win from 45 overs but never got going in pursuit of that target and a draw was agreed with the hosts 93 for two.

The result saw both sides take two points apiece in a series, which unlike the Test-only ongoing men’s Ashes, also comprises three one-day internationals and three Twenty20 matches.

England had been in danger of following-on at Wormsley but were spared that indignity thanks to Heather Knight.

AFP

right knee as part of his rehabilitation programme over the course of the remainder of the series and beyond.”

This has been a largely frustrating year for 33-year-old South Africa-born Pietersen, sidelined for several months

after returning home early from England’s tour of New Zealand in March with a knee injury.

However, he has featured in all four Ashes matches, helping England retain the urn and win the series at 3-0 up, despite also suffering a calf problem in a

mammoth 347-run win over Australia in the second Test at Lord’s.

Pietersen made 113 as England avoided the follow-on in the drawn third Test at Manchester’s Old Trafford and in the hosts 74-run fourth Test win at Chester-le-Street contributed an important second innings 44 in partnership with century-maker Ian Bell.

Former England captain Pietersen is arguably the team’s most talented batsman but, with the Ashes won, coach Andy Flower won’t want to take any undue risks with one of his key players.

Prior to Wednesday’s statement, Flower had already made it clear Pietersen would not be released for Surrey’s appearance in English county cricket’s T20 finals day at Edgbaston on Saturday. It was a decision accepted by Surrey caretaker coach Alec Stewart, himself a former England captain and wicketkeeper/batsman.

Ahmed in Australia’s ODI squad SYDNEY: Pakistan-born legspinner Fawad Ahmed was Thursday included in an 18-man Australia squad for this month’s one-day international and T20 series against England.

Ahmed, a former refugee who became an Australian citizen last month, replaces Xavier Doherty.

Chief selector John Inverarity said Ahmed has an opportunity to be the squad’s lead spin bowler.

Meanwhile, Steve Smith replaces Mitchell Marsh.

Australia squad: Michael Clarke (ODI capt), George Bailey (T20 capt), Fawad Ahmed, Nathan Coulter-Nile, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Josh Hazlewood, Phil Hughes, Mitchell Johnson, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Clint McKay, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Adam Voges, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Shane Watson.

AFP

FIXING

Asif finally confesses Pakistan’s Mohammad Asif apologised for his role in a 2010 spot-fixing scandal, admitting his guilt for the first time.

KARACHI: Disgraced Pakistani fast bowler Mohammad Asif on Wednesday apologised for his role in a 2010 spot-fixing scandal, admitting his guilt for the first time and accepting a fiveyear ban.

The 30-year-old is the last of three players to make a confession, after team-mates Salman Butt and Mohammad Aamer admitted their part and

presented themselves for rehabilitation.

Asif, pace partner Aamer and then-captain Butt were banned for contriving to bowl deliberate no-balls in return for money during the Lord’s Test against England in 2010.

A year later an anti-corruption tribunal of the International Cricket Council (ICC) banned Butt for 10 years, with five suspended, Asif for

seven years with two suspended and Aamer for five years.

The tribunal had made confession, apology and rehabilitation mandatory to avoid the suspended portion of the ban being activated.

“I accept the punishment from the ICC tribunal in 2011,” Asif said at a news conference.

“I apologise for my actions that have brought disrespect to my beloved country, to the millions of fans in Pakistan and in the world.”

The trio and their agent Mazhar Majeed were also jailed by an English court over the affair in 2011. The players were released last year.

Asif’s show of contrition comes at the end of a long and exhaustive bid to clear his name that saw him unsuccessfully challenge both his criminal conviction and ICC ban.

The Swiss-based Court of Arbritration for Sport rejected his attempt to overturn the ICC suspension in April. In June the Court of Appeal in London dismissed his challenge to his conviction.

AFP

Stevens reveals corruption charge LONDON: English cricketer Darren Stevens on Wednesday admitted to being charged by the International Cricket Council with failure to report attempted corruption in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

The ICC announced on Tuesday that seven people had been charged with match-fixing in the BPL, with a further two accused of failing to report approaches to fix the 2013 edition of the Twenty20 competition.

“I confirm that I have been charged by the ICC with a failure to report a corrupt approach made to me during BPL2 in February this year,” Stevens said in a statement released by his English county side Kent.

“I have not been involved in any corrupt activity and have not been charged with any and I am cooperating with the ICC and ACSU (Anti-Corruption and Security Unit) in their investigation and prosecution of the corruption charges in matters relating to the BPL.” The charge Stevens is facing carries a maximum penalty of a five-year suspension from cricket. He and the other individuals have 14 days in which to enter their pleas.

AFP

THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

sports Paraguay hold Germany in thriller FRIENDLIES

BERLIN: Germany fought back from two goals down to share a 33 draw with Paraguay in Wednesday’s warm-up friendly in Kaiserslautern ahead of next month’s World Cup qualifiers.

Paraguay looked to be heading for a first win over the hosts after bagging two goals in the

England beat Scotland England edged out old enemies Scotland in a five-goal thriller.

England striker Rickie Lambert (C) celebrates scoring a goal against Scotland on Wednesday.

AFP/CARL COURT

ANDY SCOTT Agence France-Presse PARIS: England edged out old enemies Scotland in a five-goal thriller at Wembley on Wednesday in what proved to be the pick of a busy night of international action.

The midweek friendly date sanctioned by FIFA is not the most popular among clubs, falling as it does just as Europe’s leading domestic leagues are getting underway.

But there was plenty of drama with England beating Scotland 3-2 while Germany shared six goals with Paraguay; Italy lost to Argentina in Rome, Confederations Cup winners Brazil went down to defeat in Switzerland and reigning world and European champions Spain triumphed in Ecuador.

In a revival of the oldest international fixture in world football, Scotland were in front twice at Wembley, goals from James

Morrison and Kenny Miller sending 20,000 visiting fans wild with delight.

But England hit back each time, first through Theo Walcott and then Danny Welbeck, before 31year-old Southampton striker Rickie Lambert headed in what proved to be the winner 20 minutes from time on his debut.

“Rickie Lambert has been so enthusiastic — he’s been like a young boy with a new toy,” said England manager Roy Hodgson. “He almost got three and I’m delighted with him.”

Hodgson has told Lambert he must keep scoring goals if he wants to build on his "fairytale" international debut.

It completed an extraordinary rise for a player who has played just one season in the Premier League, but with rival strikers hoping to return from injury in time for September's World Cup qualifiers, Hodgson says the Liverpudlian cannot rest on his laurels.

AFP

EVEN WITHOUT MESSI, ARGENTINA BEAT ITALY

Despite the absence of Lionel Messi, Argentina still had too much for Italy on Wednesday, winning 2-1 in Rome. Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria was the catalyst as Gonzalo Higuain and Ever Banega scored the visitors' goals before Lorenzo Insigne replied for the Azzurri.

first 15 minutes against a strong Germany team missing only Bayern Munich pair Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mario Goetze.

Goals by Paraguay striker Jose Ariel Nunez and midfielder Wilson Pittoni were cancelled out when Ilkay Gundogan and

Thomas Mueller pulled Germany back to 2-2 in a busy opening half-hour.

But the visitors took a deserved lead into the break after winger Miguel Samudio scored their third and only an equaliser 15 minutes from time by Bayer Leverkusen’s Lars Bender saved

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Germany’s blushes.

“We were lacking in both concentration and tactics during the first 10 to 15 minutes,” said Germany coach Joachim Loew, whose side face Austria then Faroe Islands next month in World Cup qualifiers and are five-points clear in their group.

AFP