Postnoon E-Paper December 11, 2011 by Scribble Media & Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.

RAIN HALTS PLAY

BARCELONA FIGHT BACK TO BEAT REAL

Chasing 241 runs for victory over New Zealand in the second Test match, Australia were 72 without loss when rain stopped play

Barcelona overcame the shock of conceding a goal after just 23 seconds — the fastest in El Clasico history — to defeat bitter rivals Real Madrid 3-1 and go on top of La Liga

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OZ THUMP SPAIN

Australia defeated Spain 1-0 to win a record fourth straight Champions Trophy

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Acclaimed cartoonist Mario Miranda died in Goa this morning at the age of 85. He is known for his hilarious take on urban India. Miranda was a regular with the print media. His cartoons published in The Illustrated Weekly made him a household name. His satirical, take on life in this country will be missed.

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HOT TO HANDLE I am my books

HELPING OUT IN HAITI P24

32 PAGES

Fire department has only three hydraulic platforms with a reach up to 10-14 floors. With mushrooming high-rises of 20-plus floors, disaster lurks around the corner

REPORT ON PG 4

Kim Kardashian

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WEATHER: A MIX OF CLEAR AND CLOUDY SKIES; 21°C

TOO Goodbye Mario

Lamont Patterson beat Amir Khan in a split decision to lift boxing’s light-welterweight titles

Hyderabad’s first compact afternoon newspaper

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011 HYDERABAD

FLASH

KING KHAN FELLED

SEE YOU THERE If you have not been to at least one of these places, where have you been we ask. Here are the top 10 festivals of the world, which you should not miss. Take a look

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On a five-city tour of India to promote his latest book Those in Peril, bestselling author and master storyteller Wilbur Smith talks to Postnoon about everything from his most recent books to his next life

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MS Reddy passes away Hemanth Kumar hemanth.k@postnoon.com

eteran producer and writer, Mallemala Sundara Rami Reddy, passed away earlier today in Hyderabad due to prolonged illness. He was 87 years old. Born on August 15, 1924 in Alimi, near Nellore, MS Reddy was heavily influenced by Gandhian principles and took part in the freedom struggle. His film journey began in 1960s and later he produced films with some of the biggest actors in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Later, he established Shabdalaya Studios in Hyderabad, which is now a leading post production facility in Telugu film industry. Some of the popular films he produced include Sri Krishna Vijayam, Ankusham, Ammoru and Bala Ramayanam. MS Reddy is known for his straightforward nature. Soon after the State government’s decision to confer him with the Raghupathi Venkaiah award, he reportedly said, “I would like to thank the State government and the award committee for letting the world know that I am still alive.” His death came as a huge shock to the film fraternity. “I am speechless,” said Akkineni Nageshwara Rao, who was at a loss of words. D Rama Naidu expressed his condolences over the death.

Page Two

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

Spirit of Twin Cities

Testing times for power department U Srinivas

hief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy had to walk a dark patch, not politically but literally, the other day.The State secretariat was plunged into darkness and the C-block in which the Chief Minister’s office was located had to be made into a virtual fortress to ensure the safety of the top public representative of the State. As luck would have it, the Chief Minister was away from the City in New Delhi the whole of Saturday. But the power problems persisted, much to the chagrin of officials. Power tripped more than a dozen times on Saturday throwing the functioning of the CMO and its allied offices out of gear. What’s more, same was the story even for other blocks in the Secretariat. When mediapersons sought a response from assistant engineer Hanumanthu on the tripping problem, he chided the media and said: "You have nothing to do, but to find fault and question the workers. Get out from here —

Secretariat power woes persist

why should I answer you, I have not created this problem.” When Postnoon talked to Harshavardhan, executive engineer, who is the in-charge of electricity for Secretariat, he said that the Central discom (APCPDCL) was responsible for the power distribution in the State Secretariat. Sources said that the power officials were present on a second Saturday to take care of the tripping issue. But it was not really addressed. It was a holiday for the Secretariat as it was a second Saturday. But some senior officers and some ministers were working. The CMs peshi and the publicity wing functioned normally, but for the power woes. The power failure caused confusion for information officials in coordinating with officers in Delhi for the Chief Minister’s press conference. The six-hour power cut in the city and more than eight hours of shut down elsewhere are reflecting even in the seats of power.

Around the city: Your guide to the Twin Cities

A night of ghazals and food

WHEN IT COMES TO POLLUTION, SIZE DOES MATTER

Enjoy live ghazal’s along with authentic Indian dishes at Novotel Shamshabad’s Indian speciality restaurant Haldi. Where: Novotel, Shamshabad When: Ongoing, 8pm-11pm Contact: (040) 66250000

Every Wall has a story A photo exhibition by Alexandra Novosseloff and Frank Neisse depicting different walls,different situations and the lives of those people who live near these walls. Where: Chitramayee State Gallery Of Fine Arts, Kavuri Hills When: Ongoing, December, 11am to 7pm Contact: (040) 32913922

Have paint, will travel The Corner House Gallery brings to you C Chandrasekhar’s travelling exhibition of graphic prints. Where: The Corner House Gallery, Jubilee Hills. When: Ongoing, 7pm to 9pm Contact: 9885288982

So fresh you can taste it To experience a typical seafood market, head to the Simply Fishy Food Festival. Sample food prepared by the chefs made with fresh seafood and a variety of marinades and sauces. Where: Hyderabad Marriott & Convention Centre, Tank Bund When: Ongoing, 6.30 to 11.30 pm Contact: (040) 27522567

The art of lost and found Artist V Narsingha Rao presents Long, Lose Lost an exhibition of sculptural

CINEMAS

No it’s not early morning fog, it’s pollution. A bus, so old it is probably a contemporary of the Model T belches smoke

installation and drawings. Where: Iconart, Banjara Hills When:Ongoing, 11am-7 pm Contact: (040) 32411554

Life in the dark An innovative format to experience and understand the daily life of the visually challenged. Get a tour in complete darkness with visually impaired guides as they lead you through situations such as crossing the road and shopping at a supermarket. Where: Inorbit Mall, Madhapur When: Ongoing, 10am to 8pm Contact: (040) 64603341/42

Buzz Me ! A surrealistic play titled 'Buzz Me!' is being presented by Sifar at the NIFT Auditorium. Where: NIFT , Madhapur

When: 11th December, 7pm Contact: (040) 23110841

Christmas treat It's Christmas time, Novotel

A SUDHEER REDDY

Hyderabad's Le Café celebrates the festive season with a gingerbread house. View this marvel as well as pick up Christmas goodies such as Christmas Cookies and moulded chocolate that are available at site. Where: Novotel, Hi Tech City When: Ongoing, 11 am-11pm Contact: (040) 66824422

Myriad Reflections View a collection of paintings at Alankritha Art Gallery by Ramachandra B Pokale at an exhibition titled " Myriad Reflections". His work depicts the youth. Where: Alankritha, Jubilee Hills When: Ongoing, 11am-7pm Contact: (040) 23113709

Big Cinemas, Ameerpet, 30581470; Cinemax, Banjara Hills, 44565555; Cine Planet , Kompally, 61606060; INOX, Banjara Hills, 447677770, Prasads, Tank Bund Rd, 23448888; PVR, Punjagutta, 08800900009; Talkie Town, Miyapur, 40214175; Tivoli, Secunderabad 27844973

How many MLAs will be disqualified? Postnoon News

hief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, who was firm on axing the 16 legislators sailing with Y S Jagan, will have to wait for some more time. AICC in-charge of AP affairs Ghulam Nabi Azad, who was in agreement with the Chief Minister, now wants to discuss

the same with APCC chief Botsa Satyanarayana. On being called, Botsa left for New Delhi on Saturday evening. The Congress Legislature Party meeting, which was originally scheduled for December 13, was put off late in the night. After the return of Botsa from Delhi, both Kiran and Botsa would initiate a formal complaint against the defiant legislators with the Speaker Nadendla Manohar

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

Campaigns, hard news and spirit of Twin Cities

through a CLP resolution seeking the disqualification of the 16 Congress MLAs. Sources indicated that the Chief Minister wants to leave the door ajar for some of them to explain to the Speaker the circumstances that led to their voting against the motion. If the ‘reasons’ were found to be ‘genuine’, there is every chance that some of them could be ‘pardoned’ with just a warning. Once the MLAs are disqualified, by-elections would be held in all those seats and this would surely turn out to be an acid test to the Chief Minister. Political pundits are of the opinion that the less the number of disqualifications, the more would be ‘face saving’ for the ruling party. The surveys done through various sources revealed that the TRS and YSR Congress would benefit more than the Congress if the by-elections are held. When it comes to Cabinet expansion, it is learnt that Azad has hinted that it would be wise for them to go for expansion only after the by-elections, as there would be a possibility of dissidence gaining ground. MLAs like Jayasudha, who returned to the Congress for positions, would have to wait for some more time.

RED CRESCENT

PIC: A SUDHEER REDDY

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SILK ROUTE

PIC: N SHIVA KUMAR

The lunar eclipse, viewed against the Charminar made for an enchanting sight

Silk & Cotton Expo 2012 exhibition-cum-sale introduces a wide range of saris and dress materials made of silk and cotton fabric. The exhibition is organised by Gramin Hastkala Vikas Samiti at Kamma Sangham in Ameerpet

A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME...

What an idea, sirji PIC: A SUDHEER REDDY

Osama Salman salman.o@postnoon.com

yundai car owners had a treat on Sunday morning with the 'Miles and Smiles Rally 2011' where as many as 80 Hyundai EON cars drove around Hyderabad. The rally that started at Hotel Taj Banjara, was routed to Dabilpura and back for a distance of 100km. The rally was an initiative to create awareness about the judicious use of scarce fossil fuels. The intention of the drive was

also to show the drivers techniques on fuel efficiency driving and acquaint with the car more. Arvind Saxena, director, marketing and sales, HMIL, said, “The Miles and Smiles Rally is an effort to educate the people about the growing significance of fuel-efficient driving.” The most fuel-efficient drivers will be awarded cash prizes later this afternoon. Naveen Kumar, a EON owner had come to the rally, said: “It is a good way to go around the City and spend some quality time with my family,” he said.

The 35th Annual Rose Show is being held at Jubilee Hall in Public Gardens. The Rose Show features more than 100 varieties of roses of different colors and shades

Plea against Kiran withdrawn NEW DELHI: A petition challenging the continuance of N Kiran Kumar Reddy as the CM has been withdrawn from the Supreme Court by MLA S Venu Gopala Chary after the former won a no-trust motion last week. The petitioner requested the court to allow him to withdraw his plea.

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

Campaigns, hard news and spirit of Twin Cities

City can’t tackle towering inferno Fire department has only three hydraulic platforms with a reach up to 10-14 floors. With mushrooming high-rises of 20-plus floors, disaster lurks around the corner Inkeshaf ahmed

Funds required to build new fire service stations

Ahmed.m@postnoon.com

`100 crore

HYDERABAD: The fire mishap at a corporate hospital, which killed more than 90 people in Kolkata on Friday, has led many to introspect on the issue of ‘How safe Hyderabadis are when it comes to fire accidents. The most important question being raised is that whether the State-owned ‘Fire’ is fully equipped to cater to the needs of about 8 million population of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation. Postnoon did a reality check. The investigation has revealed a shocking fact, that the department is ill-equipped when it comes to meeting the increasing demands of City. In the last decade, the City has witnessed exponential growth thanks to booming IT and pharma sectors. The growth in these sectors also catapulted the growth of reality sector and led to construction of high-rise buildings. The City now boasts of many of these high rise buildings consisting of 20 to 35 floors. But the fire service department illequipped to deal with fire mishaps which take place in such high-rises.

Manpower requirements

450

Status of Fire Service Department According to existing rules and guidelines of the fire service department, There should be one fire station for every two lakh population. This means that for a population of 80 lakh, the GHMC should have 40 fire station in its limits. But the reality is that there are only 14 fire stations available in the corporation limits. Ironically, these service stations, apart from serving the requirements of GHMC, also serve the needs of adjacent areas of Medak and Ranga Reddy districts. Interesting thing to note

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fire service stations. According to the officials of the fire department, the government has recently sanctioned full fledged fire stations at these points sans funds. The officials of the department are wondering how can they construct the buildings and procure fire tenders and other equipments like ladders and hydraulic platforms without government support.

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finance commission allocations to GHMC to undertake the construction of buildings and procurement of equipment. But we are yet to receive it,” additional director of fire service department Jayaram Naik told Postnoon. According to Naik, they have put up proposals to set up 10 new fire service centres in GHMC Limits. He further adds that the department at least require `10 crore each for setting a complete fire station with modern equipment. When it comes to infrastructure, the department do not have adequate equipment. The department presently has three hydraulic platforms of 30 and 54 metres respectively. These platforms can be used only for buildings having 10-14 floors. The department does not have resources to handle fire mishaps in buildings of beyond this limit and does not also have funds to procure hydraulic platforms of 100 metres. Apart from this problem, the department is also suffering from manpower crunch. According to rules every fire service station should have 45 personnel but the reality is different. Each fire service station has a manpower of 10-15 personnel. The State government has allowed the department to recruit firemen only recently. Jayaram Naik says that recent recruitment of personnel would help them to some extent only.

AIRLINES 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

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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

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

Campaigns, hard news and spirit of Twin Cities

More youths go for off-beat jobs Sudeshna Koka sudeshna.k@postnoon.com

hoosing a career outside the curriculum that fetches a qualification is nothing new. But the new trend is that there is a spurt in this activity. A majority of students pursuing professional education are not clinging on to what they learned to earn a living. Walking that extra mile to pursue their passion always perched them a cut above their peers. ‘That’s-ok’ attitude takes primacy over becoming the class topper. This relieves them of a lot of stress, besides pumping in adrenaline in right proportions when they take up a job that fills their hearts to the brim. An alternative career that suits their passion gives them job satisfaction. What better way to test waters than an internship? With the winter-break setting in, students are busy searching and applying for internships. Today, internship certificates don’t add just an extra brownie point to a resume. It’s, indeed, a new way to explore what they are good at and

what could possibly be an alternative career option. An engineer may be ambitious of opening a chain of restaurants. A doctor may want to establish a coffee shop. A lawyer may want to become an artist. And a management graduate may be interested in social service. “I was always interested in writing and one summer I interned as a feature writer. This is when I realised that I was good at it and now after my engineering, I am planning to look for a job as a writer,” proudly says Karthik Arora. “I took up engineering because I had to, but I was always inclined towards economics. Last summer, I interned with GAR Corp and learnt about business planning and development. This winter, I am again planning to intern in economics than mechanical engineering," says Surya Teja. Thanks to the increasing number of Bollywood films, which focus and highlight the importance of choosing a career of one’s choice, students now are expressing their desire to choose an offbeat career path. “I am doing my engineering.

Russia stint helped me to discover myself

his internship made me come out of my little B Tech box. It was a once in a life time opportunity to be able to go to Russia, that too at a young age of 19. Those three months helped me to discover other facets of my personality. When I came back, people were able to see the new me, that Russia helped to bring out. I enjoyed the great responsibility where I portrayed the culture of my country. This internship helped me broaden my horizon, learn a new culture and toughen me up to face challenges that life will throw at me. A Bhavishyat

Since beginning, I was always interested in marketing and events. In my second year, I took up marketing as part-time internship and I have learnt a lot. Today I can talk to customers without any inhibitions. I have also learnt the psychology of customers and it’s very interesting. With this internship, I am sure, post my engineer-

Sporty and green; Euro Kids show the way

ing I can pursue a job in marketing,” recalls Sagar Madishetty. Call it revolution or passion, students today are no longer burning the proverbial midnight oil for an engineering or medical degree. Students in Hyderabad are taking up professional courses due to parental pressure and are using these four years to introspect and

realise what they are good at and in which field can they excel. In most cases, it is way off the mundane courses. Santosh Yellajosyula, a student of BITS-Pilani Hyderabad and now an entrepreneur, says that students are well aware of their interests and their passion. “To channelise these students, I have opened a company called Mauka. We act as an interface between students and company. We motivate them and connect them to their passion which will also give them job satisfaction,” he says. One of the primary reasons why new internship trends are increasing is because students today are looking for a fine balance between job satisfaction and money. “I am a law student and interested in social service. Therefore this winter I am interning in an NGO to understand the legal functioning of a NGO. I'm not changing my path, but just exploring new options," says Anushree Gupta, a student of NALSAR University. Not only to test the waters, internship is perhaps the best platform to make contacts and get an insight into the industry.

Hyderabad’s first afternoon newspaper

e b i r c s Sub DAY! TO Postnoon News

ith increasing number of corporate schools in the City, the importance for sports is also on the downslide. Also with schools losing their working days due to agitations, most of the schools have given sports day a miss. However, Euro Kids schools took special interest and organised the annual sports meet. The entire programme had a flavour of go green. The day began with a colourful march-past by the students, followed by mass drill. “It’s very important to celebrate sports day. Our theme is health is wealth. We give a lot of importance to indoor and outdoor sports. We also wanted to create awareness on environment and hence we have Go Green as out theme,” says Muranalini M, Principal. Jagadishwar Yadav, national Kabaddi player and general secretary of AP

Olympic Association was the chief guest. Students were dressed in white and green symbolising the ‘need to protect the environment’. The events that were conducted had a blend of sports and environment awareness. A few of them included ‘Do not cut trees race’ , ‘Elements of nature’, ‘Pick-up garbage and run race’, etc. “Physical training is very important and I am happy that schools are still taking active initiative to organise annual sports meet” says Shradha M, a parent. Parents and teachers believe that this is not just an event of merriment but indeed a day for parents to realise what their child is good at and how their talent can be developed. “It’s a very important day, as I can see how good my son is at sports. I am glad that schools still give importance to physical training and sports” says Sahil Mohammad, a parent.

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

India unveiled

Hazare begins daylong fast NEW DELHI: Anna Hazare today morning began his daylong token fast at Jantar Mantar in the national capital to protest the 'weak' government version of the Lokpal Bill. Stating that he will not say much, Hazare raised slogans like “Bharat mata ki jai”, “Vande mataram” and “Inqilab zindabad” before starting the fast. The activist reached the protest venue around 10.10am. after paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at the Rajghat memorial, where he meditated for some 20 minutes. “I am fine and healthy,” he told reporters. Supporters had already gathered at the protest venue, waving the tri-colour and singing patriotic songs. Team members Kiran Bedi, Manish Sisodia, Prashant Bhushan and Shanti Bhushan were seen on the stage with the activist. Clad in his trade-mark white kurta and Gandhi cap, Hazare was received at the protest venue with a thunderous applause and sloganeering by his supporters who had gathered at the venue braving the morning chill. This is Hazare's third

FABRICATION

All-party meet on Wednesday NEW DELHI: As Team Anna upped the ante against the government over the Lokpal Bill, the government announced its plan of a series of deliberations, including an all-party meeting on Wednesday. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has called the all-party meeting at his residence on Wednesday to attempt a consensus on the Bill, official sources said. A day earlier, a meeting of the Cabinet will be held to be followed by a meeting of the UPA leaders, sources said. The cabinet will discuss the parliamentary committee report on the Lokpal bill, which was tabled in Parliament on Friday, the sources said. The report recommended that the Lokpal be given constitutional status, but left to Parliament the protest on the issue and second at Jantar Mantar. The first one, which was a five-day fast from April 5 at Jantar Mantar, had drawn huge crowds. The government had then set up a joint committee comprising official representatives and activists to draft the Lokpal Bill. The 74-year-old activist, who had gone on his second

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fast that lasted 13 days at Ramlila Maidan in August on the same issue, has been demanding bringing lower bureaucracy within the ambit of the Lokpal besides provisions for Citizen's Charter and setting up of Lokayuktas under a Central law. The government as well as Standing Committee have rejected it. He had alleged yesterday

issue of bringing the prime minister under the Lokpal's purview. The government wants to take on board all constituents of the UPA on the Lokpal bill issue, unlike the decision on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), which was opposed by two allies — the Trinamool Congress and the DMK, the sources added. Though the Cabinet was to meet after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's Russia trip from December 15-17, it has been advanced in view of critical statements by Team Anna against the government and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the sources said. Afer approval by the Cabinet, the Lokpal bill is likely to be introduced in Parliament on December 19. IANS that the government has “cheated” the country and that he will campaign against the UPA in five poll-bound states and continue it till the next Lok Sabha elections. Hazare has also threatened to go on an indefinite fast from December 27 at Ramlila Maidan if a strong Lokpal Bill is not passed in the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament.

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Lokpal made ‘inquiry-pal’, says Bedi

NEW DELHI: Team Anna member Kiran Bedi today asked Parliament to reject the recommendations of the standing committee on the Lokpal Bill and urged them to listen to the voice of the people. “I hope the coming Parliament of intellectuals will reject the recommendations of the standing committee and will hear the voice of people,” Bedi said. Bedi said Hazare had introduced a “new democracy” in which people directly questioned their representative. “They will see a new face of a new democracy. The person who has voted is asking what are you doing for me? This is the face of new democracy which Anna has taught us,” the former top cop said. “Lokpal has been made inquirypal...it has not been given any powers. They took inquiry out of the CBI and made it weak and Lokpal a nonstarter,” she alleged.

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Around the World

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

Beyond borders

EU countries dump UK UK left out as 26 EU countries to draft new treaty BRUSSELS: A group of 26 EU member states is to forge ahead with an intergovernmental agreement on tightening economic governance in the eurozone, following a stormy summit in Brussels that saw the UK sidelined after it overplayed its hand. All 17 euro countries as well as nine of the non-euro countries have said they will make a pact outside the current EU treaty, although the Czech Republic, Hungary, Sweden, Denmark and Bulgaria say they need to seek parliamentary approval of the move first. Only the UK has refused to join. Talking to journalists at 5.30am local time — 10 hours after the meeting first started — French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who publicly fell out with British Prime Minister David Cameron at a summit in October, laid the blame firmly at London’s door. “It’s our British friends’ choice. We respect this choice but they cannot blame us. You cannot on the one hand be asking for an opt out from the euro and on the other hand ask to be involved in all the decisions of a euro that you not only do not want and but also often criticise.” “We are not going to apologise for what we are doing to save our currency,” said the French president. He added that demands by Cameron for a protocol exonerating the UK from certain laws on financial services in return for

including giving up sovereignty.” “We had to pursue very doggedly what is in Britain’s national interest. I wish colleagues well in the euro.” The break represents a major symbolic shift for the European Union which has never before cemented a disagreement so publicly and so thoroughly, however. “We would have preferred unanimous agreement,” said European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, adding that as this was not possible “this was the only option left.”

accepting a full treaty change involving all 27 member states were “unacceptable”. The new set-up fits in well with Paris’ wish to have countries move forward without being unnecessarily constrained by recalcitrants or by EU institutions. The 26 have agreed to greater budgetary surveillance by Brussels, stronger fiscal discipline as well as to automatic sanctions for misbehaving states. For his part, Cameron justified the situation on Friday morning by saying that the 26 “are having to make radical changes

Anti-Putin protests spread across the globe MOSCOW:

Over 50,000 people rallied Saturday in Moscow while thousands more came out across Russia following disputed polls in the biggest ever national show of defiance against strongman Vladimir Putin’s 12-year rule. A crowd chanting “Russia without Putin” marched past tight police cordons to a square on an island in the Moscow river amid anger at alleged vote-rigging in December 4 parliamentary elections won by Vladimir Putin’s ruling party. The polls were seen as a test of Putin’s decision to

return to the Kremlin for up to 12 more years via a job swap with Medvedev. Similar scenes were replayed on a smaller scale in the Far East and across the industrial hubs of Siberia and the Urals -- a sign that Putin’s path back to the Kremlin in March polls may be more fraught than it appeared just a week ago.Even Russians living in New York demonstrated in support of those protesting in their homeland. About 200 people gathered outside the Russian consulate in Manhattan to demand a re-run of the election and Putin’s departure.

It’s our British friends’ choice. We respect this choice but they cannot blame us. You cannot on the one hand be asking for an opt out from the euro and on the other hand ask to be involved in all the decisions of a euro that you not only do not want and but also often criticise

Dancing Santa shows the way

GLOBE AT A GLANCE 6.5 QUAKE HITS SOUTHERN MEXICO MEXICO CITY: A major 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck Mexico on Saturday, the US Geological Survey said, with the quake strongly felt in the capital Mexico City and southern Guerrero state. The temblor occurred at 7:47 pm (0147 GMT Sunday).Mexican President issued a comment through his official Twitter account, saying there was “no major damage reported at the time, however the reports are preliminary.

HARD FOUGHT AGREEMENT REACHED IN DURBAN DURBAN: A U.N. climate conference reached a hard-fought agreement Sunday on a complex and far-reaching program meant to set a new course for the global fight against climate change for the coming decades. The 194-party conference agreed to start negotiations on a new accord that would put all countries under the same legal regime enforcing commitments to control greenhouse gases.

Indian environment minister Jayanthi Natarajan

PALESTINIAN FLAG TO FLY AT UNESCO HEADQUARTERS PARIS: The Palestinian flag will be hoisted Tuesday at UNESCO headquarters, over a month after its admission to the UN cultural agency sparked anger and reprisals from the United States and Israel. President Mahmud Abbas will travel to Paris to attend the event, which led Washington to pull funding to the UN organisation.

IVORY COAST TO ELECT NEW PARLIAMENT

MANILA: Thousands of traffic enforcers struggle grimly to keep the Philippine capital’s notoriously gridlocked roads moving every day, but Ramiro Hinojas does it with a smile and a little help from Michael Jackson. Rain or shine, seven days a week, the diminutive 55-yearold stands in the middle of one of Manila’s major intersections, and to the cacophony of roaring engines, puts on an elaborate dance show as he deftly guides

traffic flow. His sleek moves, which appear on Youtube, have made him a minor celebrity and a champion for the country’s lowly paid traffic force that is faced with the impossible task of trying to keep roads flowing freely. The father of three has been adding even more spice to his routine this month, dressing up in a Santa Claus outfit to help motorists cruise into the Christmas season.

ABIDJAN: Ivory Coast elects a new parliament on Sunday in a poll boycotted by the party of former strongman Laurent Gbagbo, who is awaiting trial in The Hague for crimes against humanity. With Gbagbo sitting in an International Criminal Court cell, the coalition backing President Alassane Ouattara is widely expected to gain a majority of the 255 seats in the new assembly.

UN soldiers of the peacekeeping operation in Ivory Coast (ONUCI) stand in an armored carrier

Business

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

Matters of saving and spending

HILARIOUS CLOUD A

14th on Net, 79th in Press freedom

DO WE NEED MORE RESTRICTIONS? Sunday Soup A Saye Sekhar

reedom House pegged India at 14 among 37 nations in Internet freedom. Freedom House is an organisation that conducts research and advocacy on democracy, political freedom and human rights. The report was put out on August 26, this year. The report gave a score from zero (the most free) to 100 (the least free). Obstructions to access, limits on content and violation of user rights were the parameters the Freedom House had taken as broad categories. The rating was given on the benchmarking of 0-30; 31-60; and 61-100 as free, partly free and not free categories. One would naturally be curious to know who is the No.1 or which is the freest nation. It was Estonia. Then where does the US figure? The US is the largest market for software. Headquarters of Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and Yahoo — all the companies that came under Kapil Sibal’s radar are located in the United States of America. Hold your breath. Let’s check who were our neighbours at ranks 13 and 15? Of all the countries, it was Nigeria that preceded India to become the 13th freest country in terms of Internet content,

while Malaysia was next to us. Where is China? On this scale, the Dragon was ranked at 34 and Pakistan at 26. At the 14th rank, India was declared a ‘Partly Free’ country on the world wide web, and Pakistan too came in the same category. So which countries are there from 2 to 12? In the chronological order, they are: USA, Germany, Australia, United Kingdom, Italy, South Africa, Brazil (all categorized as Free); Kenya, Mexico, South Korea, and Georgia (all placed in Partly Free category). Freedom House put out another survey on freedom of the press in different nations. The USA occupied the 22nd position, while UK was at 27, Australia (33), Japan (34), and France (42). North Korea was ranked at 196, the last country with least freedom of expression. Where is India? We are ranked at 79th in the list. Of the 196 countries and territories assessed during 2010, a total of 68 (35 per cent) were rated ‘free’, 65 (33 per cent) were rated ‘Partly Free’, and 63 (32 per cent) were rated ‘Not Free’. Sibal, of course, was right to a large measure. Though the move seemed to be a gag order initially, he successfully sugarcoated it with fine print like ‘no censorship’ and ‘no interference, but self-regulation’. Blogs and social network posts, if treated with laws relating to libel and slander, the ignominy of those posts would surely become suable. Sibal, after all, wanted to restrict the ‘e-pamphletisation’ .

shwini Mathur, India Operations Head, IIS, Novartis, who delivered a lecture on ‘business and delivery excellence in emerging areas’, enraptured all by his hilarious, yet pointed, observations on cloud computing. “I was invited to come and talk in IT forum. I am completely like a fish out of water. I use information technology all the time but the terminology and everything scares me. The topic I was given was emerging areas of IT, like cloud computing …” He went on to say: “In the morning I quickly went to Wikipedia and checked what is all this about. The only exposure to cloud computing I have is the fantastic video on YouTube by I think one of the members of the Legislative Assembly. He talked about cloud computing and says that what happens if there are black clouds. Data cannot be transferred. What happens if there is rain? The data will be washed away. That was my exposure to cloud computing before I came here. “Anyone who is working on cloud computing can see that video. It is a serious video. The correspondence between the

legislator and reporter is absolutely fantastic.” He took a dig at the software giants over bugs and debugging. Pharmaceutical industry

could not afford bugs as it could not go to the end user and take up bug fixing, like the software biggies. Because, it involved human lives.

CHIRU’S ‘ENGAGEMENT’ A

fter cold-shouldering their requests thrice, the Congress has now begun talking. How long would it take for the ruling party to swing into action to placate the frayed tempers of the ‘disgruntled’ Praja Rajyam lot is turning curious by the day. Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy, Union minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, APCC president Botsa Satyanarayana and several Congressmen began singing paeans to the megastar. What Chiru and his flock don’t understand is that this is a way the Congress has chosen to keep them engaged. Neither Chiru nor the Congress is clear on what he would get and how many from his bandwagon will be treated with ‘State honours’. His comely behaviour doesn’t augur well for a party that had the country’s polity revolve around itself for over a century. Congress perennially trusts the adage — “Men may come and men may go, but I go on forever.” When it sensed trouble from its own flock, the Congress rushed no less a person than AK Antony to Hyderabad to engage Chiranjeevi in confabulations. Soon enough, he was made to announce his party’s merger. When CBI named YSR in the FIR, more than two dozen legislators resigned. Again the Congress began singing hallelujah to Chiru and his disciples. Naturally enough, Chiru’s fans expected some goodies to be doled by the Congress to keep them in good humour. But the ‘treasure trove’ remained elusive to them, this time too. When Chandrababu Naidu moved a no-confidence motion, Chiru’s lot demonstrated its

righteous indignation and demanded its pound of flesh. Rest is history. It is a week on and the Congress is losing the confidence of its Praja Rajyam cousins.

Playing Field

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

The games people play

Barcelona fight back to beat Real MADRID: Barcelona overcame the shock of conceding a goal after just 23 seconds — the fastest in El Clasico history — to defeat bitter rivals Real Madrid 3-1 on Saturday and go top of La Liga. French striker Karim Benzema scored the early goal to give Real a 1-0 lead after a terrible clearance from Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes. Alexis Sanchez, who was chosen ahead of David Villa, levelled in the 30th minute after a sublime through ball from Lionel Messi. A drive from Xavi in the 53rd minute took a wicked deflection off Marcelo and beyond the desperate reach of Iker Casillas in the Real goal as Barcelona went into a 2-1 lead. Cesc Fabregas then added the third in the 65th minute, scoring with a diving header from a fine cross by Dani Alves. It was the former Arsenal man's 10th league goal of the campaign. Real, who now trail Barca on goal difference, still have a game in hand, but this result brought to an end a 15-match winning streak for Jose Mourinho’s side. Defending champions Barcelona are now unbeaten in six visits to Real's Santiago Bernabeu home, but coach Pep Guardiola urged his team not to get carried away. He is aware that by the time his side return from the World Club Cup in Japan, Real will probably be back on top. "Real will be the leaders again if they beat Sevilla. There is no point being the 'champions' in November or December." He added, "I thought it was

going to be tougher for us. It was a match in which we were always going to need some luck. "Madrid were always going to create chances, that has always happened when I have come here, but overall I am happy with the way the game went. "I don't think that this result will cause distress for Madrid, they will recover and continue to be the biggest rival. Nothing is decided now and it wouldn't be either if we had lost." Mourinho admitted that the

result was disappointing, but that it was not a make-or-break game. "The players are sad but calm. Before the match we said we had our emotions under control and that this would not change if we went six points ahead or ended up level in the table," he said. "We have only lost a game and if we win our next match then we are leaders." For the first time in recent years the pressure was on Barcelona who knew that a defeat would have a serious bearing on

the championship race. Guardiola had been experimenting with a three-man defence but admitted it would be a risk at the Bernabeu with the strength of the Real attack and he chose instead to field a tried and trusted back four which included Carlos Puyol and Gerard Pique. Mourinho chose to play Benzema ahead of Gonzalo Higuain and the Frenchman put the home side ahead straight after the kick off thanks to some poor defending from Barca.

Valdes gave the ball away to Angel Di Maria and while his cross was cut out, the ball fell to Mesut Ozil whose shot was saved but the rebound fell to Benzema who slotted home. Messi gave Real reason not to get carried away with a trademark run, going round Sergio Ramos, and seeing his strike parried by Casillas. The home side should have doubled their lead midway through the half when Ronaldo fired wide inside the box with time to pick his spot. Sanchez’s runs were a constant problem and he drew Barca level with a clinical finish on the edge of the area after a fine pass by Messi. Barca took the lead after the break through a slice of fortune when a Xavi shot flicked off Marcelo’s foot, wrong footing the keeper, and the ball crept into the corner. Real had the chance to equalise through a Ronaldo header which he failed to keep on target from just 10 yards out, but Barca were also a danger at the other end. The visitors extended their lead after Alves burst down the wing and crossed to the back post where Fabregas headed home. Elsewhere, an astonishing injury-time brace from Ruben Castro saw Real Betis come from behind to snatch a 2-1 win over Valencia and end a run of 10 matches without a victory. Valencia are now seven points behind Barcelona and Real. A scrambled goal by defender Nano Rivas gave Levante a 1-0 victory over Sevilla, which consolidated their fourth place. AFP

All hard work: Dravid on getting Umrigar award CHENNAI: Presented the Polly Umrigar Award in recognition of the 1,285 runs with six centuries he made from 15 Tests between October 2010 and September 2011, Rahul Dravid Saturday attributed his performance to ‘hard work’. Dravid, who was not present at the awards function here when his parents received the trophy, said in a video message, "I think a lot of my good performance is down to the hard work I put in. I think it has all paid off this year." "It was a mixed year with the disappointment in South African and the England and West Indies series. But it is an honour to be recognised by your own Board for being the best player of the year." Former India captain Ajit Wadekar was bestowed the Col CK Nayudu Lifetime achieve-

ment award to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the landmark tours of 1971 when he led the team to series wins in the West Indies and England. Wadekar, who collected the award from BCCI president N Srinivasan, said, "I am overwhelmed. I really don't know if I am worthy of this award. I was the 12th man in my college cricket team. I was carrying drinks for them, that's how I got into the team!" Sachin Tendulkar, currently in Australia preparing for the forthcoming tour, paid rich tributes to Wadekar, saying, "He understood the player's psyche. It is important for any coach to get the best out of players. He was good at man management. Thank you for everything you have done for me and the Indian team."

Other award winners Subramaniam Badrinath (TNCA, Highest run-getter in Ranji Trophy 2010-11) — 922 runs at a rate of 131.71 in nine matches, inclusive of four centuries and three half centuries) — Madhavrao Scindia Award. Bhargav Bhatt (Baroda CA, Highest wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy 2010-11) — 47 wickets at an average of 21.57 in nine matches, inclusive of four 5WI and one 10WM — Madhavrao Scindia Award. Vijay Zol (Maharashtra CA, Best Under-16 cricketer of the year 2010-11) — 858 runs, average 85.8 in seven matches, inclusive of four centuries and two half-centuries — MA Chidambaram Trophy. Avi Barot (Gujarat CA, Best Under-19 cricketer, 2010-11) — 971 runs, av 88.27 in seven matches, inclusive of four cen-

turies and three half-centuries — MA Chidambaram Trophy. Suryakumar Yadav (Mumbai CA, Best Under-22 Cricketer, 2010-11) — 721 runs, av 80.11 in seven matches, inclusive of two centuries and four half centuries — MA Chidambaram Trophy. Jhulan Goswami (Bengal CA, Best woman cricketer of 2010-11) — 21 wickets, av 7.62 in eight matches, inclusive of one 5WI — MA Chidambaram Trophy. Mona Meshram (Vidarbha CA, Best junior woman cricketer 2010-11) — 623 runs, av 103.83 in eight matches, inclusive of one century and five half centuries — MA Chidambaram Trophy. S. Ravi — Best Umpire in Domestic cricket 2010-11 Ishant Sharma (Best Indian Cricketer of 2011 Test Series in

West Indies) — 22 wickets, av 16.8 from three Tests, inclusive of two 5WIs and one 10WM) — Dilip Sardesai Award. Ravichandran Ashwin (India's Best Cricketer in the 2012 Test series against the West Indies) — 22 wickets from three Tests, maiden Test hundred — Dilip Sardesai Award. Iqbal Abdulla (Mumbai CA, Best all-rounder in Ranji Trophy 2010-11) — 385 runs and 27 wickets from 8 matches — Lala Amarnath Award. Sumit Narwal (Delhi DCA, Best all-rounder in the Domestic Tournaments 201011) — 163 runs and 13 wickets from 6 matches — Lala Amarth Award. Railways Sports Promotion Board and Delhi and District Cricket Association — Best Overall Performance in 2010-11. IANS

Playing Field

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

The games people play

Van Persie wows with Gunners winner

he in-form Dutchman took his tally to 19 for the season with a superb left-

footed strike on 70 minutes which proved enough for all three points to send Arsenal

back into the top four of the Barclays Premier League. Everton had defended well and looked dangerous on the break, but were undone by a moment of pure genius, which was applauded by watching Arsenal legend Thierry Henry in the stands. Arsenal should have been ahead in the 15th minute when Mikel Arteta, signed from the Toffees on August transfer deadline day, put Theo Walcott clear into the right side of the Everton area. He squared across the face of goal but Gervinho got his timing wrong and allowed it to run wide, with Tony Hibbert eventually making a block. Arsenal continued to press and Wales captain Aaron Ramsey was unfortunate to see

Robin van Persie smashed a stunning volley as good as any in Arsenal’s 125-year history to give the Gunners a 1-0 victory over Everton at Emirates Stadium his shot on the turn float just over after being played in by Alex Song. Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard then got down well to beat away Gervinho’s angled drive. There was a scare for Arsenal at the start of the second half when Walcott fell awkwardly on his knee, but the England man soon returned to the action. Walcott skipped past Leighton Baines in the 56th minute and into the right side of the area, where his fierce angled drive was beaten away by Howard.

Thomas Vermaelen, playing at left-back because of injury to Andre Santos in the midweek Champions League defeat at Olympiacos, then had to be alert to put a deep cross from the left behind as Tim Cahill looked to ghost in at the far post. Out of nothing, Van Persie netted a stunning volley to give Arsenal the lead with 20 minutes to go. Song chipped the ball across the Everton back line, where Van Persie drifted behind his marker to dispatch a sublime left-foot strike in off the far post.

Live on ESPN/Star Sports Barclays Premier League Stoke v Tottenham, 9.30pm

Rooney and Nani inspire United Nani and Wayne Rooney both scored twice as Manchester United bounced back from their Champions League nightmare to thump Wolves 4-1 at Old Trafford

he pair both scored their first Premier League goals since September when they converted first-half efforts. Then, after Steven Fletcher had pulled one back within 90 seconds of the restart, Nani tapped home before Rooney’s volley took him to 13 for the season overall as United closed the gap on leaders Manchester City to two points. Nani had already served notice of his intention to cause Wolves problems when he was allowed to drift his way across the penalty area, skipping past three defenders in the process. The winger then cut a shot back beyond Wayne Hen nessey’s right-hand that found the bottom corner. It was 2-0 when Rooney collected Nani’s pass and found the same corner his team-mate’s shot had nestled in earlier. Yet, in keeping with the hosts’ recent difficulties, they handed Wolves a lifeline within 90 seconds of the restart when Fletcher peeled off onto Patrice

Evra, then rose above the diminutive Frenchman to power home Matt Jarvis’ excellent far-post cross. For a few minutes, United were struggling as Jarvis tormented Chris Smalling. But when Phil Jones set Antonio Valencia away, the South American’s low cross was tucked home by Nani from close range. Hennessey bundled Jonny Evans’ header round

the post and twice denied Danny Welbeck as United resumed the ascendancy. In between, Valencia, one of those to struggle for form this season, picked out Rooney with another right-wing cross. Though not in the greatest position, the bounce was kind and Rooney managed to get his body in the right position to send his shot flying into the Wolves goal. EVENING STANDARD

Suarez effort enough for Reds

he Uruguay international, in the headlines for anything but his football in recent weeks, headed in Charlie Adam’s cross from close range in the 47th minute. Liverpool once again dominated possession without really taking their chances but, unlike in recent matches, one goal proved to be enough to end a run of four successive draws at Anfield. An early header from Suarez set the tone for the first half as he then somehow squeezed a shot from a narrow angle between goalkeeper Radek Cerny and his post, before skewing wide with his right foot. In the 31st minute Dirk Kuyt put Maxi Rodriguez through in the inside-left channel and his

low shot was clawed away by Cerny. A driving run from Stewart Downing set up another Suarez chance but his attempted close-range lob was parried and he hit the rebound over. But it took Liverpool just two minutes to put the frustrations of the first half behind them when they returned after the interval. Charlie Adam’s leftwing corner was cleared back to him and his right-footed cross picked out the unmarked Suarez who easily headed past Cerny. Suarez continued to be Liverpool’s main threat in the final third and when he pulled the ball back for Rodriguez who was denied by Cerny. QPR finally stirred and Danny Gabbidon nodded over. ES

Playing Field

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

The games people play

Rain halts Oz march

David Warner

HOBART:

Australia were 72 without loss, chasing 241 runs to win the second Test against New Zealand at tea on the third day at Bellerive Oval today (Sunday). David Warner was unbeaten on 47 off 50 balls and Phillip Hughes was not out 20. The Kiwis, leading by 14 runs on the first innings, lost seven wickets in the extended morning session after resuming the day at 139 for three.

The Black Caps unravelled after the loss of skipper Ross Taylor and Dean Brownlie, with their frail tail throwing the bat at the Australian bowlers. Australia will be looking to wrap up a two-nil series victory after hammering New Zealand by nine wickets in last week’s first Test in Brisbane. James Pattinson (3-54), Peter Siddle (3-66) and spinner Nathan Lyon (3-25) shared the wickets.

Taylor topscored with 56 off 169 balls but once he departed along with first innings topscorer Brownlie (21), the Kiwi innings quickly fell away. Kane Williamson was out on the third ball of the day, brilliantly caught by a diving Ricky Ponting at second slip off Siddle for 34. Taylor was dropped on 48 in a sharp caught and bowled chance by Pattinson before he brought up his 15th Test half-century off the next ball. But Taylor’s resistance ended in the 63rd over when he nicked a Pattinson outswinger to Michael Clarke at first slip. Brownlie, who was hit on the left hand by a Mitchell Starc delivery, tried to get out of the way off a Pattinson bouncer only to be caught behind off the back of his bat for 21. New Zealand were into their tail, minus injured Daniel Vettori, as they sought enough runs to defend in the fourth innings of the Test. A total of 30 wickets have fallen in seven sessions with a result possible on the third day if rain does not intervene. AFP

Amir Khan

Lamont Peterson

Peterson edges Khan to claim world titles WASHINGTON: American Lamont Peterson stunned Britain’s Amir Khan on Saturday, winning a majority decision to take the International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Association light-welterweight world titles. Referee Joe Cooper took two points from Khan during the bout for shoving Peterson and they proved to be the margin of the Englishman’s defeat. One judge saw Khan a 114111 winner while the other two

judged Peterson the victor by scores of 113-112, giving him the triumph. Hometown hero Peterson, once a homeless youth living on the streets of the US capital, improved to 30-1-1 before a sellout crowd at Washington Convention Center while Khan fell to 26-2 with his eight-fight win streak snapped. Two days after his 25th birthday, Khan suffered his first loss since falling to Colombian Breidis Prescott in 2008. AFP

Chance to test Donald poised for best ever feat bench strength L V

irender Sehwag’s record-breaking double-century in Indore could have one of two effects on Sunday’s match in Chennai. Either fans will still be abuzz with the euphoria that surrounded the feat and turn up hoping for a reprise, or they will believe the zenith of the series has already been reached, and with the result decided as well will struggle to find meaning in the dead rubber. For the India team, though, the match does hold some significance, reports cricinfo. Injuries to Praveen Kumar and now Varun Aaron, mean Vinay Kumar and Abhimanyu Mithun will both be on the plane to Australia for the Test series. In Indore, the pair bowled just eight overs between them and were taken for 71 runs, hardly the kind of form you’d want two of your seamers going to Australia in. On a Chennai pitch

that has been slow and low through the year, and offered nothing for the quicks, it will be a test of both their mettle to see if they can at least get through a full quota of overs and take some confidence into the big tour of Australia. After the thrashing in Indore, one could forgive the West Indies players if their minds were already on the plane back home. But Darren Sammy’s side have repeatedly shown fight on this tour, highlighted by their performance in the third Test in Mumbai. Through the one-day series so far, West Indies have put on more runs for the last five wickets than the first five and they will believe that if the top order can come good, they can get a total that will challenge India. Form guide India WLWWW (Most recent first) West Indies LWLLL

uke Donald is poised to complete the best year of his golfing life in real style on Sunday. A third-round 66 at the Dubai World Championship, coupled with a disappointing display from Rory McIlroy, means the world number one is within touching distance of an unprecedented double. “It’s over — definitely,” McIlroy said after a 71 dropped him from third to eighth in an event he has to win just to have a chance. “And Luke deserves it.” Nobody has ever topped the money lists on both sides of the Atlantic in the same season, but after taking the PGA Tour title in October by winning their final event there is even a chance for him to do the same on the European circuit. If he does, it would be worth £1.7million to the 34-year-old English star, made up of the tournament first prize of £793,298 and an Order of Merit bonus of £951.957. Needing a top-nine finish to clinch the Race to Dubai, as

it is called, Donald burst from joint 12th place at halfway to fourth spot on 10 under par. “If it all works out tomorrow night will be fun, but I’m not taking anything for granted yet, you can’t in this game,” Donald said. “I would be foolish to think it’s all over. Tomorrow it will be just like any other day in terms of my focus. That will be on trying to

catch whoever is the leader and trying to win the tournament.” If McIlroy, who has been battling possible Dengue fever, fails to win on Sunday the race is all over regardless of where Donald finishes. Alvaro Quiros still leads, but a bogey six on the last for a 70 and 14-under total means Europe’s biggest hitter, is only two ahead of Scot Paul Lawrie. ES

Auto Show

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

Where the carʼs the star

PICS: A SUDHEER REDDY

Osama Salman salman.o@postnoon.com

he city has a new celebrity in town — the new Rolls Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase (EWB); the latest offering from the British luxury car maker. In the signature style logo (popularly known as the Spirit of Ecstasy) that slides out upon starting the car to the massive front grill made to look like a jet engine, this car is anything but ordinary. To be honest, the exteriors have nothing to boast about. Some might say that the design is rather boring. But like we say, everything is subtle about the car. The grill, small headlights and the logo, are standard to any Rolls Royce. What makes an impression is that there are six cameras hidden and well placed inside the car as well as behind the grill and under the sideview mirrors. This gives an aerial view of the car from the navigation screen, which by the way, is an awesome feature. The rear doors are designed in reverse, giving enough space for the passenger to step out comfortably and gives you a feeling of old-world royalty. All four doors house the only crash-tested umbrellas to escape the sunlight and rain and can be used if you feel like showing off! For a more discerned traveller, the rear C-shaped window is made such that the person outside can’t see the passenger inside. The ‘yacht-style’ lining gives it a classier look. The double insulation also provides for a quiet and enjoyable ride. The height of the car is apparently twice the height of the tyre and this brings us to the tyres. They are huge and alloys are signature RR and they too, add to the look of the car. For those who have complaints of cramped leg space here’s some good news. There is a whole lot of legroom in this beauty and the interiors are impressive. We are not kidding, even Kris Humphries can sit here and still have legroom left. The Ghost EWB is 17cm longer, which gives 2.7 square feet more space than the regular Ghost. The rear seats have aircraft-style seating and there is an option where you give priority to who controls the car. With that power, you can push the seat in the front further by sitting at the rear. The leather and the ‘high-quality’ wood trimmings greet you once inside. You may even want to remove your Cavalli shoes to feel the real wool foot-mats. And you know you are really spoilt when you have a seat massager — yes, the rear passengers can spoil themselves further with a push-button on the side to shut the door for them. Entertainment is taken to the next level here, with jacks where you can connect PS3 and enjoy a game through 15 surround sound speakers that pump 600

watts of crystal-clear sound or watch a DVD with the pulldown 6-CD changer in the glove compartment. What blew our mind is that if you have a 3G enabled device, you can connect it to a port here and through a hotspot, can have access to Wi-fi. Now it is time to put the peddle to the meddle.

It feels like riding a magic carpet

ROLL OUT THE RED CARPET FOR THIS ONE!

Once we hit the road, the double-insulated body immediately shut out all noise. This completely automatic car has a knob on the right of the steering wheel to change the car from R, N to D, pretty much vintage yet again. The indicator knob is placed on the other side. Revving up the car, I immediately noticed that I could see the speed on the bottom of the windshield. This technology is called ‘head-up display’, I was told. Needless to say, I am impressed. The individual air suspension for the tyres went over the roughest of potholes as if it were a monster truck going over toy cars. When there was a high-speed breaker, as you will find in most of Hyderabad, I used the suspension adjuster to increase the ground clearance of the car, and it went beautifully. Surprised? The Ghost EWB has a suspension adjuster to increase or decrease the height of the car. It has a 12-cylinder engine with a capacity of 6,592cc that churns out 563bhp. It is powerful. However, while driving, we could feel the weight of the car. It was heavy.

It was the cynosure of all eyes. After all, it is the Rolls Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase. As I sat in the driver’s seat, I knew that this V12 powered engine can be anything but disappointing

How it fared The Ghost EWB is not a car you drive, it’s where you are driven in, especially if you are seated in the rear. When the car is running and if the door is accidentally left open, the car just stops. Such features are spectacular, to say the least. This motorcar is rightly priced at Rs3.05 crore and you have an option of 44,000 colours. It’s not a car you buy, it’s a piece of art.

Brave New World

New technique to revolutionise hospital cleaning

and hydrogen peroxide vapour gas mixture into a room to completely sterilise everything — including floors, walls, drapes, mattresses, chairs and other surfaces. It is far more effective in killing bacteria than wiping down a room. Dr Zoutman says the technique is similar to what we now know Mother Nature uses to kill bacteria in humans. When an antibody attacks a germ, it generates ozone and a minute amount of hydrogen peroxide producing a new highly reactive compound that is profoundly lethal against bacteria, viruses and mould. “It works well for Mother Nature and is working very well for us,” says Dr Zoutman. There are other disinfecting technologies that involve pumping gas into a room, but Medizone’s method is the only one that sterilises as well as surgical instrument cleaning. It also leaves a pleasant smell and doesn’t affect any medical equipment in the room. The entire disinfection process is also faster than other methods — it takes less than one hour. Dr Zoutman says the technology could also be used in food preparation areas and processing plants after outbreaks such as listeria and to disinfect cruise ships after an infection outbreak. Study results on the process are published in the American Journal of Infection Control.

Block that alcohol dependence now Findings could lead to development of new anti-alcoholism drugs

Queen’s University infectious disease expert has collaborated in the development of a disinfection system that may change the way hospital rooms all over the world are cleaned as well as stop bed bug outbreaks in hotels and apartments. “This is the future, because many hospital deaths are preventable with better cleaning methods,” says Dick Zoutman, who is also Quinte Health Care’s new Chief of Staff. “It has been reported that more than 100,000 people in North America die every year due to hospital-acquired infections at a cost of $30 billion. That’s 100,000 people every year who are dying from largely preventable infections.” Dr Zoutman has also used this disinfection technology to kill bed bugs. A major US hotel chain has already expressed interest in the technology because of its potential to save the company millions of dollars in lost revenue and infected furniture. Dr Zoutman worked in collaboration with Dr Michael Shannon of Medizone International at laboratories located in Innovation Park, Queen’s University. Medizone is commercialising the technology and the first deliveries are scheduled for the first quarter of 2012. The new technology involves pumping a Medizone-specific ozone

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

From the world of science & research

ew research by scientists at the Scripps Research Institute has underlined the power of an endogenous antistress peptide in the brain to prevent and even reverse some of the cellular effects of acute alcohol and alcohol dependence in animal models. The work could lead to the development of novel drugs to treat alcoholism. The new study, led by Scripps Research Associate Professor Marisa Roberto and now published online in the journal Biological Psychiatry, illuminates the cellular mechanisms that govern the transition from alcohol use to alcohol dependence. Specifically, the study examined the interaction between two competing agents — one a stress peptide that promotes excessive alcohol drinking, the other an anti-stress peptide that opposes it. The results confirm that drugs derived from the anti-stress peptide nociceptin could play an important role in treating a complex and multi-faceted disease. “Alcohol affects a lot of systems in the brain, and there won’t be a single pill that will cure the multiple and complex aspects of this disease,” Roberto said. Instead, scientists are seeking to attack the disease from a variety of angles, and are investigating the many different areas of the brain that appear to play a role in the use and abuse of alcohol. Alcoholism, a chronic disease characterised by compulsive drinking and loss of control over

alcohol intake, is devastating to both individuals and society. Approximately one third of all traffic fatalities involve drunk drivers, and alcohol abuse generates hundreds of billions of dollars in direct and indirect public health costs.

Peptide vs peptide Roberto and her team focus on the central nucleus of the amygdala, a region of the brain that has long been implicated in the elevated anxiety and excessive drinking associated with alcohol dependence and withdrawal. In previous animal studies, Roberto and her colleagues demonstrated that a particular stress peptide produced in the amygdala, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), plays a key role in the transition from alcohol use to alcohol dependence. “This peptide,” said Roberto, “drives craving for alcohol.” Roberto and her colleagues also demonstrated that nociceptin, a peptide that structurally resembles endogenous opioids, can both prevent and reverse some effects of alcohol. Intriguingly, CRF and nociceptin exert opposite effects on the inhibitory neurotransmitter, gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), in central amygdala. CRF stimulates the release of GABA by neurons in the amygdala, while nociceptin inhibits it. In the new study, Roberto, Cruz, and their colleagues examined how these two competing agents interact. At the behavioural

level, nociceptin regulates anxiety and alcohol drinking in rats. “We were interested in seeing if nociceptin blocked the effect of CRF on a cellular level,” Roberto said. To find out if that were indeed the case, the scientists examined amygdala neurons from both alcohol-dependent and control rats. They added CRF and nociceptin and electrically stimulated the neurons to see how they would behave under the influence of both peptides. The result: nociceptin completely blocked the effects of CRF on GABA release.

Winner takes all But that was not all. By varying the sequence in which the scientists introduced the two opposing peptides, the researchers established that it did not matter whether they introduced nociceptin before or after CRF had done its work: In either case, nociceptin counteracted CRF and drove GABA levels down. “No matter when CRF is added, nociceptin wins,” said Roberto. “That’s a really consistent effect.” The researchers also found that both CRF and nociceptin had a more powerful effect on the amygdala neurons of alcoholdependent rats compared to those from non-dependent animals. Roberto believes that this has to do with cellular changes that alcohol dependence causes in the brain — changes that heighten sensitivity to alcohol, compounding the effects of both drinking and withdrawal.

Turning pages

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

Explore a world without borders PICS: N SHIVA KUMAR

I AM MY

BOOKS More Wilbur Smith must-reads Wild Justice River God Hungry as the Sea The Diamond Hunters A Time To Die Padmini C

now than I did 50 years ago.

padmini.c@postnoon.com

ith over 30 bestselling novels to his credit, Wilbur Smith is today among the most respected names in English fiction. If that doesn’t sound impressive, try this. Till date, he is estimated to have sold over 120 million novels worldwide; that’s enough to fill the Wembley Stadium twice over, if you are wondering. There’s no mystery to his astounding popularity. His plots are fast-paced and action-packed, his heroes are brilliant and dashing, the women, strong and definitive. Whether it’s describing a savannah in Africa or the sights and sounds of Ancient Egypt, or weaving fact and fiction, no one does historical adventure quite like him. On a recent trip to the city, to promote his latest book Those in Peril, we catch up with Wilbur Smith in a tete-a-tete. Celebrating 50 years of writing in 2014 It’s been a fantastic ride and I haven’t finished. Not by a long shot. I haven’t worked under a boss since I was 30. The only person who pushes me around is my wife. But I think that’s common for all men. (Laughs) Evolution over time The young man who wrote When The Lion Feeds in 1954 is not me. My view of life, my ideas of other people, everything about me has changed in these 50 years. But if I had to say — it’s the women. I loved them. But didn’t understand them. If you notice, now the women characters are very strong. Even in my latest book, the story is led by a strong female character. Let’s say, I know a great deal more

Biggest challenge The 33 books have been a challenge. But no, my books are me and I am my books. It’s been fascinating and thoroughly rewarding. I wouldn’t change anything. When people ask me what I’d be if I wasn’t a writer? I say, dead. Secret to success I have great self-discipline. Otherwise I would never have achieved what I have. I think I have all the attributes you need to be a full-time author. A lot of authors are put off by the loneliness of the job. I am delighted by my own company. Attributes for a writer You have to have a deep respect for words. And a respect for the history of your species. You have to be crazy to choose this profession to make a living. Ideally, your first few books should not be successful, so you can learn from them. Also, being dropped on your head by your mother helps. And that’s just the start. Do what you know best. If you start experimenting with a time-frame or a country that you don’t know about, you end up making a fool out of yourself. Over the past few days, people have been asking me when I’ll write a book on India and I say, when I have lived in India for 50 years and know it’s history thoroughly. So maybe in my next life. If I am a writer, that is. Adaptations of novels I hate them. They are made for good money but they are absolutely boring. For the first movie, they asked me to write the script. So I wrote an incredible one. In our first meeting, the director

looked at my script and said, ‘Now let's try to make some sense of this rubbish!’ That was it. I’ll never do it again. Those in Peril It is a story that’s set in the middle of the Indian Ocean; on an island off India and Africa. It’s about a 19year-old girl who is held hostage by pirates. We have seen in the recent past how Indians have been affected by piracy in these waters. My own interactions with pirates in Seychelles, where I used to own an island, really helped in the book. Indian writers in English People have told me that writing a book in India has become a fashion. Like wearing blue jeans. I don’t know about that. But it’s not new. There have been so many terrible books in history that make you wonder how someone ever wrote a book like that and how someone published it. So it’s okay. Pain Twenty or so years ago, I was once working on a book. I was well into it and then I happened to leave the manuscript on a train. There was no way to recover it or reproduce it exactly. Because, it’s like a finger print. That was an incredibly painful experience. I wrote it all over again. Research explained Most of my research has been done. The fact that I was born and lived in Africa gave me a flying start. It’s all there for me. I have met fascinating people and done amazing things. So when I select the actual period in which I write, I try to visualise their dialogues, what they felt and how they thought. And write to the best of my ability.

Turning pages

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

Reading between the lines

Not lucky this time After five successful titles in the Van Veeteren series, the Swedish crime novelist Hakan Nesser seems to have finally run out of luck with The Unlucky Lottery Padmini C padmini.c@postnoon.com

n the past few years, an inexplicable number of Swedish authors in the crime and spy fiction genre have been appearing with increasing regularity on the English bestseller lists. The tipping point of this trend can perhaps be traced to the incredible popularity of Stieg Larson, whose Millennium Trilogy — The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played With Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest sold over 14 million copies in the United States alone. Hakan Nesser, for his part has been plenty successful in his own right, having won the Best Swedish Crime Novel Award thrice and with over 10 million copies in sales.

He first captured the interest of international audiences in 2006 with his Van Veeteren series, starting with Borkmann’s Point and followed it up with sequels — The Return (2007), The Mind’s Eye (2008), Woman With Birthmark (2009), and The Inspector and Silence (2010). In his latest title, The Unlucky Lottery, Nesser explores a new tangent, having consigned his retired hero Inspector Van Veeteren to the sidelines. The Swedish police have a new case on their hands — Not hours after four friends win a lottery, one of them is found brutally murdered in his bed. Another is missing. The other members have solid alibis, ruling out the only plausible motive. There are no eye-witnesses, no suspects no leads, and no murder weapon

BOOK: THE UNLUCKY LOTTERY Author: Hakan Nesser Hardcover: 256 pages Publisher: Pan-Macmillan

found. Inspector Münster (a familiar character from the previous books) is called in to lead the investigation. From there, we follow the workings of the investigation, as Münster and his team set about digging into everything there's to know about the victim's family and friends. As he delves deeper into the family's history, each revelation is more disturbing than the last, which not only threaten the clarity of the case but also his life. Or so Nesser would like us to believe at any rate. The prerequisites of any good crime thriller is either a brilliant plot, a brilliant protagonist or at the least, a terrifyingly heinous criminal — any of which The Unlucky Lottery lacks. The book is at best vapid and uninspiring. The eccentric, yet brilliant Inspector Van Veeteren who is the highlight of the series, makes fleeting and unimpressive appearances. While it begins with some action, the book fades into pages and pages of nothingness, before picking up some pace in the end, at which point you have already lost all interest in finding out whodunnit. All in all, loyal fans and first-time readers alike are advised to stay away.

At your nearest bookstore... BOOK: Witch & Wizard: The Fire Author: James Patterson, Jill Dembowski ISBN: 0316101907 Publisher: Little, Brown and Company hit and Wisty Allgood have sacrificed everything to lead the resistance against the merciless totalitarian regime that governs their world. But the growing strength of the siblings’ magic hasn’t been enough to stop the one evil rampage, and now he’s executed the only family they had left. How can she and Whit possibly prepare for their imminent showdown with the ruthless villain that devastated their world — before he can truly become all-powerful?

BOOK: The Fault in Our Stars Author: John Green ISBN: 0525478817 Publisher: Dutton Juvenile espite the tumourshrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at the Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten. Insightful, bold, irreverent, and raw, The Fault in Our Stars is award-winning author John Green’s most ambitious and heartbreaking work yet.

BOOK: Shaq Uncut: My Story Author: Shaquille O'Neal, JackieMac Mullan ISBN: 1455504416 Publisher: Grand Central Publishing uperman. Diesel. The Big Aristotle. Shaq Fu. The Big Daddy. The Big Shaqtus. Wilt Chamberneezy. The Real Deal. The Big Shamrock. Shaq. You know him by any number of names, and chances are you know all about his legendary basketball career. From growing up in difficult circumstances and getting cut from his high school basketball team to his larger-than-life basketball career, Shaq lays it all out in SHAQ UNCUT: MY STORY.

BOOK: Legend Author: Marie Lu ISBN: 039925675X Publisher: Putnam Juvenile ifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, 15-year-old Day is the country’s most-wanted criminal. From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths — until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day and June uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

BOOK: Soft Target Author: Stephen Hunter ISBN: 1439138702 Publisher: Simon & Schuster tephen Hunter’s new thriller chronicles the day when 12 gunmen open fire in a mall corridor. Ray Cruz is in the mall with his fiancee and her family. He’s the only one with a plan and the guts to confront the selfproclaimed ‘Brigade Mumbai’. Now all he needs is a gun. FBI Sniper Dave McElroy has a gun. But positioned on the roof, he is effectively cut off from his targets and forced into the role of witness to the horror unfolding below. How can they save the soft targets?

Aspire

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

Godiva Chocolatier: The ‘G’ Collection

Teuscher Chocolate Is another Swiss Chocolatier. They have several stores all over the world and are wellknown for their Champagne Truffles. All their chocolates are hand crafted by some of the finest chocolatiers in Switzerland. They market themselves as the best hand-crafted chocolate in the world.

Godiva is a famous renowned brand founded in Brussels, Belgium about 80 years ago in 1926. There are over 460 stores where you can find Godiva and the G collection, several of these can be found at airports. Some of the assortments are Lemon Drop, Tart Raspberry, Bananas Foster, Apple Pie, Tahitian Vanilla, PB & Jam, Salted Caramel and Caramel Macchiato. It was created by Joseph Draps.

Among the most luxurious tastes one can cultivate, chocolates should rank among the top three. No one can resist a lovely chocolate every now and then and more so a little indulgence can do you no harm. We bring you the top five most expensive chocolates of the world

FOR THE CHOCOLATE LOVER Delafee Chocolates: The chocolate made with real edible gold! Delafee is a company based in Switzerland. They are known for their great-tasting products as well as making it with edible silver and gold. There products range from gold body art, lollipops and cigars. Swiss chocolate is known for their quality so there is no doubt Delafee is going to please all your taste buds. The chocolate is made from Grand Cru Chocolate, that is obtained from Ekuador in Indonesia.

Chocopologie by Knipschildt This delicious chocolate is hand crafted and founded by the Danish chef and Chocolatier Fritz Knipschildt. It is a real sumptuous treat for the little ones, especially if it’s a grand birthday treat turned into a chocolaty fiesta. Each of these Chocopologie by Knipschildt are exclusively handmade and are made tastier with 70 per cent of Valrhona cocoa powder coupled with French Black truffle. This is the most exclusive feast among the chocolates and it is worth $2,600.00/pound.

Richart Chocolates This is made by the famous French Chocolatier Richart. It was founded in 1925 in Lyons, France. Richart is an experience starting with exquisite packaging, wrapped in beautiful words, and finishing with the pleasure of consuming some of the best chocolates in the world. It presents a perfect balance of flavours for this alluring and harmonious chocolate. Its soft and lightly scattered texture, complex aromatic hints of rose, citrus (grapefruit, lime) and salted butter caramel delight can make anyone fall for it. JOHN SHADE

Art & Culture

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

ART FOR DUMMIES

Recreating the original If you thought interest in art was an acquired taste, kitsch tells you otherwise. Read on

T Art today is not just a means of displaying pomp and prestige. Neither is it just a way of showing how much of an art connoisseur a collector is. Welcome to the new-found persona of art as a lucrative investment

Paint-by-numbers generation Indira Atluri indira.a@postnoon.com

nce upon a time in Hyderabad, art was restricted to those who took fancy in showcasing their well-travelled and well-read lifestyles. It was a symbol of power and heritage. Like in every industry, art too, witnessed a sudden spurge with rise of galleries and art studios in the last decade. During this unprecedented boom, many started to consider art as an investment proposition! Art collector, publisher, aesthetic consultant and curator of Breathe Arts gallery in Mumbai, Durva Gandhi tells us, “Buying art has always been a passion-driven exercise and one that is led by the love of art and the artist.” According to her, now is the right time to invest in art as recession in the global economy has made art works available at attractive prices. She says, “Society is yet to open up to

endorsing the idea of upcoming artists for investment. In which case, I would advise buying rare and early works of masters who have a great track record. But if you do like to take risk, you can try some contemporary artists.” Hyderabad-based artist Sachin Jaltare who boasts of a clientèle that includes the likes of Saif Ali Khan, Sharmila Tagore, Anil and Sonam Kapoor explains the trend further. “Art has reached a stage where it’s just not a

passion, but it is an alternative investment, with a resale value,” he says. However, it is very difficult to pin point artists worth investing in, he says. “It purely depends on one’s personal interest. Small artists today may not have the kind of market value, but a few years down, if you had already bought one of their works, in all probability what you bought for a cheap price may turn out to be a gold mine,” he adds. Atiya Amjad is a writer and curator for Daira Art Gallery in the city. She credits the changing times of art to the city-based artist Surya Prakash. She tells us, “At a time when there was zilch happening in the art scene, Surya Prakash brought artists from around the country to showcase their works. This saw an influx of many younger artists to the city.” She believes that now is the right time to buy art, not for investing, but to show. When asked about his take on art as an investment, Kaali Sudheer, the curator of the Muse Art Gallery in Hyderabad reminisces, “I remember a man asking me to help him decorate his newly bought home with a painting worth Rs15 lakh. This is what art is all about today — a better investment proposition than mutual funds. Some of the works assure a resale value with profits of 15 to 30 per cent but works of famous artists like MF Hussain could fetch a 100 to 150 per cent profit! Today, corporates, entrepreneurs, and the burgeoning high-class have woken up to the idea of investing in art.

Artists whose works rake in the moolah: Tyeb Mehta – Bhupen Khakkar – SH Raza – MF Hussain – Anish Kapoor Hyderabad Artists: Sachin Jaltare – Thota Vaikuntam – Ramesh Gorjala – Laxman Aeilay – L Saraswati

homas Kulka, a philosopher at the Tel Aviv university and author of the book Kitsch and Art once observed, “If works of art were judged democratically — that is, according to how many people like them — kitsch would easily defeat all its competitors.” Interestingly, for something so popular it defies definition. “It is a term whose application has never been consistent enough for there to be any consensus,” he says. To put it simply, the word ‘kitsch’ is derived from German and is used largely as a pejorative term to mean inferior, cheap or tasteless imitation of originals. Kitsch can be traced back to the 1860s and ‘70s when it was commonly used by art dealers in Munich to describe cheap artistic stuff. But it was only in the 20th century, with the advent of urbanisation and massproduction techniques of the industrial revolution, that the term caught on internationally. But what really is kitsch? According to Hermann Broch, kitsch holds up a “high considerate that allows contemporary man to” recognise himself in the counterfeit image it throws back at him and to confess his own lies (with a delight, which is to a certain extent sincere).” In other words, kitsch is not about questioning or analysing culture but stylising and repackaging it so it is easily reproduced and easily consumed. From magazine covers to souvenirs, replicas of famous artworks and compositions have been imitated, fabricated and reproduced repeatedly to instantly appeal to the masses. The worth of kitsch is not in its technique as much it is in its subject matter. Whether purists validate it or not, there’s no beating kitsch. In fact, closer home, Indian kitsch is today, gaining increasing popularity across the world.

Body & Soul

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

IN SEARCH OF THE PAST Isha Mukoo isha.m@postnoon.com

alk about feel-good therapies and you have a list of new-age therapies all around you. From ageold Ayurveda and Yoga to the modern Reiki, Feng Shui, meditation and much more. Apart from these, alternative healing has become one of the most soughtafter therapies today. And the latest addition to this list is past-life regression therapy, which has caught the fancy of the tinsel world and public alike, and has not even spared the West. The interest in knowing about one’s past life has been around for quite some time but it started getting attention from the past couple of years with shows being made on the subject and people wanting to know about their past lives. Hollywood actor Shirley Maclaine has been of the most prominent figures from the West who comes to mind when one thinks of this therapy. Shirley has delved deeply into this topic and has even come up with books relating to spirituality and the occult and has been a name to reckon with in such subjects. Closer to home, it was the reality show that caught the interest of all. The show featured celebrities like Shekhar

Suman, Monica Bedi, Payal Rohatgi and Chunky Pandey among others who wanted to know more about their past life. Actor Chunkey Pandey, who participated in the show and managed to conquer his fears to a certain extent, feels it was a fabulous feeling and experienced incidents that he had never seen before. “I was a non-believer initially but it was on the insistence of my wife that I went ahead. The idea was not to fight it and just go with the flow and I saw things and places that I had never expected. I landed 100 years back in Portugal,” he shares adding, “It was a mind-blowing experience and a totally different journey mentally as well as physically. I was out of breath, sweating and palpitating. I was scared that I would not come back or lose my memory and not remember my

wife or kids but I came out much lighter and in a way, got over my fear,” he recalls. Sowmya Sharma a dubbing artist in Tollywood too, undertook this therapy. She shares with us how she went about it. “I was dubbing for the movie Three, which deals with past-life regression and in the process I got the number of one of the professionals who does this therapy. Initially I was just curious about the whole thing but after a discussion with the person, I realised it’s not supposed to be made fun of and is much more serious than what I had thought,” she recalls. She then goes on to say, “After a couple of days when I went back, I knew the reason and why I wanted to do it. Something that was disturbing me from a long time was the lack of mutual love within my family. After the therapy, I came out clear with a lot of answers and knew the reasons for a lot of problems and somehow over months unconsciously I had gotten over a lot of issues, which I realised later.” Clinical psychologist and a person who conducts sessions for past-life regression, Dr Trupti Jayin mentions that this therapy has been in vogue from the past 70 to 80 years but has

Alternative healing has been in the limelight but what has caught the fancy of all is the new-age past-life regression therapy. Postnoon explores

come to the fore only recently. “There has been a drastic change in people’s mindset and they have started seeking answers to the questions that have bothered them for long. With past-life regression therapy people have realised that something as simple as this can help them get rid of many of their fears and also give them answers,” she shares, adding, “While it is a therapy that helps people get answers to their questions, I personally do not encourage or entertain people who just come out of curiosity or fun as it is not something to be done just for the sake of it. If one

Trupti Jayin does not have actual questions or issues and is doing this just to explore, the process can leave them all the more confused and lost. Past-life therapy in a way does help you unlock the secrets of your past lives and has also given a fresh perspective to people and helped them overcome their fears. But this thriving new-age therapy has much more to it than indulging in it for fun. So think before you head that way. Things may not seem as casual as you think they maybe.

Building Blocks

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

The spaces we occupy

Shiba Minai shiba.m@postnoon.com

ore than being just a way, it is an experience in living. Green homes is a phenomenon, which is fast catching up and in a country like India where there is a constant demand for better homes, hotels and hospitals. Now the public has become more conscious about the environment and the dangers it is facing. So now an emerging alternative is to go green in housing too. S Srinivas, project head at Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre says, “There is this myth that existed about a decade or two back that said that making a green home meant becoming an environment hero who sacrifices comfort and spends more money with no personal gain. This is not true. A green home gives you a three-fold benefit; it is good for you and your family, it saves money in the long run and makes you feel like a torch bearer of the environment.” With environmental hazards being one of the most pressing concerns of today, a lot of Hyderabadis seem to be turning to investing in green properties, be it residential or commercial. A survey was conducted by the Indian green council on the must-have features that potential house owners would want. The result was ventilation being the most important, daylighting came a close second followed by energy efficiency and water supply. Today we explore some of the elements that you can use to build a green and sustainable home. Let’ s start with energy efficiency. Insulation of walls and rooftops is the most effective way to make your home energy efficient. Insulation is a blanket that envelopes your home, and helps retain warmth in winters and release heat in summers.

Home,

Green Home

This can be done by using extruded polyesterine. Usage of glass insulators is another great add-on to your house, that not only saves energy but also gives your that scenic edge! Another important factor that can help save energy is using aerated bricks for construction. This is

Some green offices in Hyderabad CII – Godrej Green Business Centre HSBC Microsoft Rajiv Gandhi International Airport Dupont Knowledge Centre

made out of fly-ash. Although this variety of bricks might cost you about 25 per cent more than the normal bricks, you will recover your money within two or maximum three years as these bricks have the magical quality of dodging heat by nearly 30 per cent. Another trend that seems to be picking up slowly but surely is rooftop gardens; that make the climate in and around your house much cooler. An architect who dares to think different is Anuja Sailan and she tells us, “I have not only propagated rooftop gardens but also helped my clients grow their own vegetables on their terrace. Not only does it save energy, but also helps save the vegetable cost in the long run plus nothing can be as relaxing as gardening.” Another simple yet important energy-saving technique would be using Compact Fluorescent Lamps; this consumes considerably less electricity. The Sun Pipe system is also another upcoming trend, where pipes are installed with material that locks and transfers lights to outlets wherever it is placed. This is more helpful in spaces like basements garages etc. However, it will also need the installation of convential light methods as it will be required during night times or cloudy days.

For those who prioritise ventilation as being the most important factor in a green home, some of the simple guidelines that must be kept in mind are having outlets in the east and north as these are the directions that allow healthy circulation of air and moderate light. This is an important consideration for what is called as IIQ or indoor air quality. Not considering this, can make the inmates of the house claustrophobic and can cause dizziness, nausea, headaches or even gloomy moods. Resourceful use of water can start with processes like the Root Zone Treatment System. There are about 100 species of plants that can even help recycle water. The procedure is simple, place some indoor plants and have a connection that sends the waste water to these plants. These plants have the capacity of consuming the organic materials and releasing the cleansed water, which can then be re-used in landscaping, flushing, pre-washing etc. Another option could be setting up rainwater harvesting units on rooftops and every open area that will capture water to either replenish the ground water or to accumulate it for purification and further use. Even this will save costs up to 30 per cent, and saving water is a priceless act.

Simple things to do to make your home a green home

• Use low VOC (volatile organic compound) paints • Use dual flushes, that allow the option of flushing either three or six litres of water • Use solar thermal panel parallel with geysers, to avoid high consumption • Use as many indoor plants as possible. • Try and develop your roof area into a garden • Go back to the grandma days with use of ‘chajja’ • Instead of discarding your old furniture, refurbished them. Green homes today, have not only become a style statement but people have also taken to them as a way of life. Gone are the days when affording a green home was a prerogative of the rich alone. Today, with the increasing demand, a lot of companies realise the need to give you a wide variety of green products at competitive rates. With so many options and benefits, it will only be foolish, not to take advantage. Folks, it’s time to be part of the green brigade.

Animal Kingdom

PET FINDER W

hen it comes to emotional support, nothing compares to the support you get from a pet. Adopt a pet and give it as much love and care as you can. Adoption is the loving option. Consider adopting from the Blue Cross before buying an animal from the pet store. Contact: 32989858, 23544355; Website:www.bluecrosshyd.in Email: bluecrosshyd@gmail.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

Parrot talk They make very good pets, especially for someone who likes staying alone. The Eclectus parrot has a high demand, especially because of its beauty. Some attention and a great environment is enough to keep your feathered friend happy. Today, we learn more about its habits

he lovely Eclectus parrots Eclectus Roratus are attractive and intelligent birds. They are some of the most brilliantly coloured parrots of their kind and they are also some of the most sexually dimorphic. Eclectus that are well socialised when young, make very affectionate pet birds and enjoy human attention. They are one of the better talkers and delight in making various sounds heard around the home, such as the microwave or the telephone. These parrots have a laid-back personality that most owners adore. They are quite content to sit on a perch for hours at a time playing with their toys. They do not like commotion and they

do not react well to it. They are calm in captivity, but will display a pensive nature when faced with new situations. But unfortunately they adapt very slowly to the environment and so it is the owner who has to be patient and adjust to having a somewhat shy, three-year-old child-type companion. They can be very territorial in their cage area and should be removed and placed on a perch for extensive time periods, preferably daily. But the personality of these birds have often been misunderstood. Many have said this species is boring, dull, lethargic and even stupid. This is not the case. A parrot exhibiting such sort of behaviour is showing its reaction to stress. The Eclectus is an intelligent

FUNNY BONE Was that your cat? A man was driving for hours through a desolate country when he passed a farmhouse, and before he could react, a cat ran out in front of him and splat!... he flattened the cat. Out of kindness he decided to own up to his mistake. When the housewife came to the door, he told her what had occurred and she immediately replied. “Not so fast,” she said. “How do you know it was our cat? Could you describe him? What does he look like?” The man promptly flopped down on the ground, and said...“He looks like this,”as he gave his best shot at a dead cat impression. “Oh no, you horrible man,” she replied. “I meant, what did he look like before you hit him?” The man got up, covered his eyes and screamed, “Agggghhhhhhhhhh!!!!

bird and when taught properly, is capable of cognitive behaviour from a very young age. In case you were wondering that it would be a difficult pet to deal with; well, the answer is no. Surprisingly, it is not a demanding bird at all and is relatively easy to care for, but they do prefer a daily routine. They love new toys but they will stress at a rapid change in their environment. A note of caution — homes with children, plenty of company, and lots of play and activity is not the best home for an Eclectus. But they do make a good pet for someone who lives alone and rarely has company, and where the environment and daily routine does not change. These parrots can also be rather noisy and are best suited to environments where their loud calls are not a bother. It also seems that human gender attributes can be found in this bird too. The female Eclectus is the dominant gender. Consequently, females tend to be louder and are more moody than the males. When a female reaches breeding age, she may become more aggressive. She may also become occupied with checking out nooks and crannies around the house or aviary, looking for potential nesting spots.

INTERESTING FACTS The oldest breed of dog known to man is the Saluki. n Chicken and fish are the only animals that are eaten before they are born and after they die. n A housefly hums in the key of F. n During World War II, Americans tried to train bats to drop bombs. n

Everyone can help preserve the world’s amazing, irreplaceable endangered species. One should time and again educate oneself about the dangers facing them, volunteer at conservation organisations and write to local officials highlighting issues facing conservation of animals

Magic Screen

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

The glamour behind the glitz

DAM 999 director seeks police protection

ohan Roy, director of controversial film DAM 999, which was barred from screening in Tamil Nadu, has asked for police protection to attend the hearing against the ban to be held in Chennai on December 12, a release said here on Saturday. "I would be able to attend the hearing of the case, if and only if the government of Tamil Nadu provides me with police protection as I fear threats against my life from members of various political parties in Tamil Nadu," said Roy. The film, released last month, was banned in Tamil Nadu for supposedly taking a pro-Kerala stand in the Mullaperiyar Dam row. Roy had approached the apex court to lift the ban. "The hearing of the plea to lift the ban on the movie has been rescheduled to December 12. The hearing is scheduled to be held at the Office of Principal Secretary Home, Prohibition and Excise Department, Chennai," said Roy. Dam 999, a $10 million film, deals with the miseries of people following the collapse of a dam. Its critics say it tries to portray the dispute over the century-old Mullaperiyar Dam, which is situated in Kerala and supplies water to Tamil Nadu. IANS

Shilpa Shetty confirms pregnancy

he stork has come calling in B Town again! This time it is Shilpa Shetty. Shilpa has confirmed she is pregnant with her first child with businessman husband, Raj Kundra. "Tweetos, 'YES' an addition to our family is our confirmation to all queries :)We seek blessings from all in this very beautiful phase of our lives," Shilpa made the announcement on Twitter. The 36-year-old actressturned-businesswoman, who became a popular face in Bollywood with films like Main Khiladi Tu Anari, Baazigar, Dhadkan and Life...In A Metro, married Kundra in 2009. Rumours of her pregnancy have been doing the rounds for

a while now, but Shilpa had publicly denied the news last in September this year. Good wishes for the couple have already started pouring in on Twitter. "SO happy 4 my friend @TheShilpaShetty and her husband Raj, for the new, on the way, angel of happiness," posted Shilpa's good friend, actress Raveena Tandon. Filmmaker Ken Ghosh tweeted: "So happy for @TheShilpaShetty and Raj - as they are expecting their first child - God bless!" Actresses Lara Dutta and Celina Jaitley are currently expecting, while Aishwarya Rai recently gave birth to a baby girl on November 16. Even Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao were blessed with a son through a surrogate mother. IANS

B-TOWN TWEETIES

@SrBachchan T 585 History of Indian Cinema when documented shall always record .. ' before Dilip Kumar, after Dilip Kumar ' ..an immeasurable yardstick

@iamsrk Sat with Dilipkumar sahib...it was his birthday... sairaji... amazing songs so much love...my parents would be so happy. Allah has blessed me

@NeilNMukesh When faced with problems,mind gets caught up with -vity,fear&we lose d ability 2 find solutions.Remaining cheerful simplifies all problems.

@AnupamPkher My weekly article. Please read and react::) "Don’t let good fortune weaken your old bonds." bit.ly/vHI8xv

Aamir-Kiran

@udaychopra

@RGVzoomin

name son after Maulana Azad

ollywood couple Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao have named their newborn son Azad Rao Khan after freedom fighter and independent India’s first education minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Aamir's great grand uncle. “Hey guys, most excited to share with y’all that we have finally chosen a name for our baby boy...Azad. Azad Rao Khan. I left the final choice to Kiran, and she has named him after my great grand uncle Maulana Azad, the great freedom fighter, whom the family is most proud of,” Aamir revealed on social networking site Facebook. "Azad means free or liberated. We want to thank everyone for their warm wishes and blessings, and needless to say we are absolutely overjoyed and feel most blessed. Much love," added the actor-producer. IANS

Saw "The Cove" documentary on Dolphin slaughter in Japan...can't believe I had not seen it...please see it if u haven't

"@Vijay_Joshi: saying guns kill people, is like saying spoons make people fat"

@FarOutAkhtar Hospitals that we depend on to save lives are functioning like potential death traps. Is there no respite from this disregard of ethics?!

@MallikaLA the pic from my new twitter background:) U likes? fb.me/1lcJOXiKM

Magic Screen

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

The glamour behind the glitz

Lindsay holidays in Hawai

Kim Kardashian helping out in Haiti

mphries, made the trip in part to support the group, whose website says it’s “a movement to advance the health, safety, and well being of women throughout Haiti.” Says the source, “[Kim’s] father instilled in her and her siblings that every little bit counts and she always tries to do as much as she can — whether it’s privately or whether it’s something that she can use her platform for — to help.”

s the end of the year draws near, Kim Kardashian is stepping back from the drama in her personal life to spend some time giving back in Haiti. Kardashian is in the earthquake-ravaged country with the charity group We Advance, along with her mom, Kris Jenner, and Prime Suspect star Maria Bello, who co-founded the organisation. Kardashian, who is going through a bitter divorce from Kris Hu-

Foster’s dad sentenced to 5 year jail-term J

odie Foster’s 89-year-old estranged father was sentenced on Friday to five years in jail for taking $130,000 in down payments for homes that he never built, says People.com. Lucius Foster, a Sherman Oaks, Calif, building contractor, could have received as much as 25 years after being convicted of 21 counts of grand theft and nine counts of contracting without a license, all misdemeanors. A Los Angeles Superior Court Judge lamented that the trial didn’t stop Foster from soliciting customers. “Despite your personal charm, you are dangerous,” the judge said.

he model morgue worker, who is reportedly ahead of schedule with her court orders, got the luxury vacation signed off on by her parole officer before boarding her flight, reports People.com. Lohan was seen hanging out and drinking — relax, it was Gatorade — in a private home at the Pipe Masters Surf Contest. LiLo was accompanied by her sister and attended an event held in honor of her friend Jeremy Irons, a surfer who died. Enjoy it while you can, Linds. Once you come back, it might get crazy.

Magic Screen

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

Magic Screen

Lara Stone’s knitting love M odel Lara Stone started developing a love for knitting after she gave up smoking, says her husband David Walliams. The Dutch-born supermodel, who has fronted campaigns for international labels like Calvin Klein, Givenchy and Hugo Boss, took up the hobby when she gave up smoking, reports femalefirst.co.uk. “My wife loves to knit. I’ll see her sitting on the sofa with a bundle of orange wool and she’ll say, ‘I’m knitting you a jumper’. And I’ll have to say, ‘Really, darling? In orange? Thanks for that’,” he said. “She gave up smoking and then she started knitting,” he added. IANS

‘Never thought of myself as sex symbol’

Lovato gets another tattoo

een star Demi Lovato has got the word ‘faith’ tattooed on her right arm. The 19-year-old already has ‘stay’ and ‘strong’ tattooed on her wrists. The Skyscraper singer posted a picture of her new tattoo on her Twitter account with the message, “Sometimes you just gotta have a little bit of...”, reports femalefirst.co.uk. IANS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

The glamour behind the glitz

eteran actress Jane Fonda has never considered herself a sex symbol, insisting she has worked hard to be taken seriously as an actress. Fonda became a global pinup girl after landing the role of the futuristic siren in the 1968 cult classic Barbarella, reports dailystar.co.uk. “I think Barbarella is a charming, camp movie, not very sexy, but at the time many young boys had their first experiences and I’m glad of that. I think it’s kind of cool that I aroused a lot of young men at that time but it’s pretty tame compared to what you see now,” she said. “I’ve never thought of myself as a sex symbol. I don’t really care one way or another, I just like to work and it was fun to do that and I’m glad I went on to make movies like Klute and Coming Home when I began to produce and I’m glad I didn’t get stuck on the Barbarella mode,” she added. IANS

EM CIN

Magic Screen

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

The glamour behind the glitz

social person A

ctress Angelina Jolie admits she does not have any girlfriends because she is not a social person. The Oscar-winning actress raises six children — Maddox, 10, Pax, eight, Zahara, six, Shiloh, five, and

three-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne — with partner Brad Pitt. “I don’t really have girlfriends in movies, if you’ve noticed. Well, I have a few girlfriends, I just stay at home a lot. I’m just not very social. I don’t do a lot with

them, and I’m very homebound,” she was quoted as saying by femalefirst.co.uk. “I’ll talk to my family. I talk to Brad... but I don’t know, I don’t have a lot of friends I talk to. He is really the only person I talk to,” she added. IANS

Zac Efron donates clothes to charity H ollywood actor Zac Efron has donated his old clothes to children in need. The 24-year-old donated more than 300 items to the Children’s Resource Network of the Central Coast charity, which gives clothing and school supplies to poor and needy children. Charity boss Lisa Rey, however, did not recognise the actor at first, but was com-

pletely starstruck after he introduced himself, reports imdb.com. “He looks at me and says, ‘Hey, I’m Zac Efron’, and I screamed. I’m screaming like I’m a 13-year-old girl. His gift says a lot. It’s not only the clothing. It’s having something special that other kids wouldn’t have access to. It shows them that people do care,” Rey told Sanluisobispo.com. IANS

Paris Jackson lines up acting debut P

aris Jackson, the daughter of the pop legend Michael Jackson is all set to follow the star route as she has managed to get for herself a movie. And what sort of film has the pop icon progeny attached herself to? C-IT Entertainment is working on getting Lundon’s Bridge and the Three Keys — based on a young adult fantasy novel of the same name — off the ground, starring Paris as heroine Lundon O’Malley. The book is the first

in a five-part series by Dennis Christen about a young girl who is kidnapped from her rightful place on land by the evil Jellyfish Queen of the Ocean and then becomes the key to stopping once and for all the ongoing battle between creatures of the land and the sea. Judging by Paris tweet “I Wanna Leave My Footprints On The Sands Of Time. When I Leave This World I’ll Leave No Regrets. I’ll Leave Something For Them Not To Forget,” it seems the 13-year-old is in a whole lot of hurry to grow up.

Magic Screen

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

The glamour behind the glitz

Panjaa off to a flying start at the BO P awan Kalyan’s latest film Panjaa is off to a flying start at the boxoffice despite not so encouraging reviews and mixed response. The film, which released on December 9, opened to houseful crowds across the state and by the end of the day the producers had enough reasons to cheer about. Pawan Kalyan plays a gangster in the film and his performance and styling have been appreciated. Directed by Vishnu Vardhan, the film’s actual box-office verdict is expected to come out on Monday evening.

taken a lot of people by surprise. Even before the film was launched, Jagannadh had reportedly promised his producer, Dr Venkat that he would complete the film in 75 days and he has managed to stick to the schedule without any delay. Mahesh Babu and Kajal are playing lead roles in this film, which is set in Mumbai. Thaman has composed the music and the film’s audio will be launched on December 22.

T-TOWN TWEETIES

@pnavdeep26 Deepest condolances to all the families who have lost their kin in the tragic fire accident! May peace be with u! Such a tragedy! :(

@tashu_02 A strong woman takes risks, takes compliments and tries not to take herself too seriously....

@themohanbabu Life would be meaningless without humor. Humor must and should be a part of our lives and I believe small things should humor us.

@sayalibhagat True! M busy with the promotions of Ghost,travelling the length and width of the country exhausted but really hoping we get more audiences..

Puri Jagannadh wraps up TBM uri Jagannadh has wrapped up the entire shooting of Mahesh Babu’s upcoming film The Business Man. The last shot was filmed yesterday at Kachiguda Railway Station and the entire unit was present for the final shot of the film. In the past, most of Mahesh Babu’s films were shot over a period of one or two years, but Puri Jagannadh has completed the entire shooting in exactly 74 days, which has

@richyricha I haven't been back home in 6 months! Missing the lil furball :( wondering when ill get a break next!

@mamtamohan Im in a mood to be extra nice to you today.. So be atleast nice to me :)

Hema Malini to be conferred with ANR award

he ANR National Award for the year 2011 is going to be conferred on Hema Malini. Instituted by the Akkineni International Foundation in the honour of Akkineni Nageswara Rao, the award is given to film personalities for their contribution to cinema. Hema Malini will be presented with a citation, a memento and a cash award of Rs5 lakh at a ceremony to be held on December 26th at N Convention, Hyderabad. In the past, Dev Anand, Shabana Azmi, Lata Mangeshkar, Anjali Devi and K Balachander have been conferred with this prestigious award.

@shrutihaasan Had a wonderfull time speaking and interacting at the india today mind rocks summit:)

@shazahnpadamsee Just finished a super fun gaming event for Sony Ericsson Xperia phones. And got to go home with one too! Thank u Sony! :-D

Chai Time 1300 Movie - Veedokkade 1600 Movie - Chandramukhi 1900 Movie - Teen Maar 2330 Comedy Junction 0800 Ayurvedam 0900 Challenge 1100 CID

‘Teen Maar’ at 1900 Hrs on MAA TV

1230 Movie - Narasimha 1530 Movie - Maa Annayya Bangaram 1800 Movie - Kick 2130 Movie - Material Girls 0800 Gemini Talkies 0830 Movie - Mullu Puvvu 1130 Aha Emi Ruchi

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

Telly sitcoms, news and movie listings

1300 Movie - Allariodu 1600 Movie - Ong Bak 1800 Movie - Jagadam 2100 Etv News 2130 Paripoorna Mahila 2230 Movie - Kanchana Seeta 0800 Jeevanajyothi 0900 Movie - Arunachalam

‘Jagadam’ at 1800 Hrs on ETV

1300 Movie - Kathanayakudu 1700 Powerful Panja 1730 Comedy Club 1800 Luckku Kickku 1900 Movie - Adavari Matalaki Ardhalu Verule 2230 Charanopasanam Nischithardha Vaibhavam 0800 Gopuram 0900 Sri Raghavendra Vybhavam

1400 Breaking The Magician's Code - Magic's Biggest Secrets Finally Revealed 1600 Guinness World Records Smashed 1800 The X Factor 1900 Spring Wipeout 2000 Breaking The Magician's Code - Magic's Biggest Secrets Finally Revealed 2200 Movie - The Librarian 2 0905 Sky Teleshopping 0930 Whacked Out Sports 0955 Infomercial/5 Min 1000 Whacked Out Sports 1030 Top Chef Masters 1125 Ebuzz 1155 The X Factor

‘The Librarian 2’ at 2200 Hrs on AXN

‘Wanted’ at 2000 Hrs on IMAGINE 1430 Sawaare Sabke Sapne – Preeto 1500 Nach Le Ve With Saroj Khan 1600 Beendh Banunga Ghodi Chadhunga 1630 Nach Le Ve With Saroj Khan 1730 Dharampatni 1800 Nach Le Ve With Saroj Khan 2000 Movie - Wanted 2330 Sawaare Sabke Sapne – Preeto 0900 Baba Aisa Varr Dhoondo 1000 Beendh Banuga Ghodi Chadhunga

1300 Movie - Jurassic Park 1600 Movie - Golimaar 1930 Movie - Loot 2200 Bigg Boss - Aapka Farman 2300 Sasural Simar Ka 0800 Veer Shivaji 0900 Parichay - Nayee Zindagi Kay Sapno Ka 0930 Bigg Boss 1000 Havan 1030 Uttaran 1100 Balika Vadhu - Kacchi Umar Ke Pakke Rishte 1130 Phulwa 1200 Bigg Boss - Aapka Farman

‘Loot’ at 1930 Hrs on COLORS

‘No Problem’ at 2030 Hrs on ZEE TV 1200 Movie - Chori Chori Chupke Chupke 1600 Hitler Didi 1900 Apka Sapna Hamara Apna 1930 Shobha Somnath Ki 2030 Movie - No Problem 2330 Jalsa - Music for Soul 0800 Teleshopping 0900 Bhagonwali 0930 Mrs. Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein 1000 Choti Bahu 1030 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 1100 Ram Milaayi Jodi 1130 Hitler Didi 1200 Mrs. Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein 1300 Choti Bahu

1200 Movie - Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge 1600 Dekha Ek Khwaab 1930 Crime Patrol - Dastak 2000 Adaalat 2100 Comedy Circus Ka Naya Daur 2330 Crime Patrol - Dastak 0700 Telebrands 0730 WWS Sky Shop 0900 Adaalat 1000 Crime Patrol 1200 Kuch Toh Log Kahenge 1245 Dekha Ek Khwaab 1330 Parvarish - Kuch Khatti Kuch Meethi

‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ at 1200 Hrs on SONY

‘Gangaajal’ at 1300 Hrs on STAR PLUS 1300 Movie - Gangaajal 1600 Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hain 1830 Movie - Yamraj Ek Faulad 2100 MasterChef India 2200 MasterChef India Zaykebaazon Ka Safar 0700 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 0800 Superstar Preview 0830 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 0930 Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hain 1000 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 1030 Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon? 1100 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya

MOVIES OF THE DAY AND OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

‘Kick’ at 1800 Hrs on GEMINI TV

1400 [V] India Fest 1430 [V] Dare 2 Date 1530 [V] Trailers 1555 [V] Fresh Songs 1600 Gladrags Megamodel Manhunt 2011 1700 [V] Steal UR Girlfriend 1800 [V] Love Net 1900 [V] Steal UR Girlfriend 2000 [V] D3 Dil Dosti Dance 2100 Love 2 Hate U 2155 [V] Fresh Songs 2200 [V] Trailers 2230 [V] Behind the Sins 2300 [V] Steal UR Girlfriend 0700 [V] Trailers 0730 [V] Zabardast Hits 0800 [V] Mind Blasting Mornings 1100 [V] Fresh Songs 1200 [V] D3 Dil Dosti Dance

‘[V] Steal Ur Girlfriend’ at 1900 Hrs on CHANNEL [V]

1300 Movie - Big Boss 1500 How To Be A Gentleman 1530 Galileo Extreme 1600 How To Be A Gentleman 1630 Aspire 1700 Lucha Libre 1800 The Defenders 1900 Lucha Libre 2000 Movie - Big Boss 2200 Aspire 2230 The Defenders 2330 Big Wheels 0900 CSI - Miami 1000 Bellator

‘Big Boss’ at 2000 Hrs only on BIG CBS PRIME

‘Adavari Matalaki Ardhalu Verule’ at 1900 Hrs on ZEE TELUGU

‘Et Insight’ at 2100 Hrs only on ET NOW 1400 Bollywood This Week 1430 Et Insight 1500 The Market Makers 1530 Tee Time With Shaili Chopra 1600 Technoholik 1630 Your Trades 1700 Zigwheels 1730 Market Summit 2011 1830 The Market Makers 1900 Investor's Guide 1930 Starting Up 2000 Zigwheels 2030 Talking Technicals 2100 Et Insight 2130 Your Trades 2200 Tee Time With Shaili Chopra 2230 Brand Equity 2300 The Market Makers 0900 First Trades 1000 Hot Stocks 1100 Buy Now Sell Now - The Stock Game 1130 Buy Now Sell Now 1200 Market Sense 1300 Business Day 1330 Markets Now

1454 Harry Potter And The Order Of Thephoenix 1744 Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire 2100 Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince 0740 Friends 0810 Good Morning, Miami 0840 Friends 0910 Grind 1105 Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince

1450 Treasure Guards 1655 Gamer 1855 Despicable Me 2100 Devil 2245 Macgruber 0800 The Barbarians 0945 Despicable Me 1145 Macgruber 1335 Devil

1400 Cougar Town 1500 The Big Bang Theory 1600 Californication 1700 $H*! My Dad Says 1800 Body Of Proof 2000 The Big Bang Theory 2100 Private Practice 2200 Californication 2300 $H*! My Dad Says 0800 The Real Housewives Of New Jersey 0900 Body Of Proof 1000 $H*! My Dad Says 1030 Just For Laughs 1100 The Real Housewives Of New Jersey 1200 Body Of Proof 1300 Slot 1330 America's Funniest Home Videos

‘Kabhi Kabhi’ at 2000 Hrs on SAB TV 1200 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah 1500 FIR 1730 R. K. Laxman Ki Duniya 2000 Movie - Kabhi Kabhi 2300 Fir 0900 Chintu Chinky Aur Ek Badi Si Love Story 1200 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma

‘Californication’ at 2200 Hrs on ZEE CAFE

Dexter Storyline - Miguel tells Dexter of Ethan Turner (Larry Sullivan), a man who has killed three of his wives. After he decides that Turner fits Harry's code, Dexter tries to find Turner in Bimini.

Comedy Circus Ka Naya Daur Storyline - Comedy King Raju Shrivastava himself will be seen hosting the semi finale of this season. ‘Comedy Circus Ka Naya Daur Semi Finale’ at 2100 Hrs on SONY

‘Dexter’ at 2300 Hrs on STAR WORLD ‘Devil’ at 2100 Hrs on HBO

‘Breakout Kings’ at 2200 Hrs on STAR WORLD 1400 Achievers Club 1500 Love2 Hate U 1600 Masterchef USA 1800 Terra Nova 1900 Necessary Roughness 2000 The Dewarists 2100 Love2 Hate U 2200 Breakout Kings 2300 Dexter 0700 The Big Bang Theory 0730 Home Improvement 0800 Two And A Half Men 0830 The Simpsons 0900 Masterchef USA 1000 The Sheild 1100 Love2 Hate U 1200 Terra Nova 1300 The Big Bang Theory 1330 Friends

1400 Curiosity 1500 Man Vs. Wild 1600 Dual Survival 1700 Prehistoric 1800 Killing For A Living 1900 The Greatest Ever 2000 The Kennedy Detail 2100 Man Vs. Wild 2200 Gold Rush - Alaska 2300 Curiosity 0700 Hunters 0800 Blue Planet 0900 Factory Made 0930 Destroyed In Seconds 1000 The Detonators 1100 Worst Case Scenario 1130 Million 2 One 1200 Gold Rush - Alaska 1300 Killing For A Living

‘Man Vs. Wild’ at 2100 Hrs on DISCOVERY CHANNEL

‘Race’ at 1400 Hrs on ZOOM 1400 Movie - Race 1730 Letz Go! 1900 Planet Bollywood News 1930 Business Of Bollywood 2000 Golds Gym Ms. Fat & Fab 2100 Just For Love 2300 Bollywood Bonanza 0700 Fresh Mornings 0800 Red Carpet 0805 20 - 20 Songs 0825 Fresh Mornings 0900 Zoom Barabar Jhoom Top 20 1000 Fresh Mornings 1100 Zoom Box 1200 Garma Garam 1300 Planet Bollywood News 1330 Canviroment

1430 L.A. 10,000 B.C. 1530 Bone Detectives 1630 I, Videogame 1730 How Do They Do It? Specials 1830 Best Of Discovery Science 1930 Is It True? 2030 Treasure Quest 2130 How It's Made 2200 The New Inventors 2230 Weaponology 2330 The New Inventors 0700 How It's Made 0730 Is It True? 0830 Mummy Autopsy 0930 Weaponology 1030 Treasure Quest 1130 How It's Made 1200 The New Inventors 1330 Catalyst 10

‘Treasure Quest’ at 2030 Hrs on DISCOVERY SCIENCE

‘The Foodie’ at 1830 Hrs only on TIMES NOW 1300 News Now At 1 1330 Total Recall 1400 News Now 1430 Enow Spice 1500 News Now 1530 Times Now Sport Weekend 1600 News Now 1630 Times Drive 1700 News Now 1730 Amazing Indians 1800 Versus 1900 News Now 2000 Total Recall 2100 9 PM 2130 Total Recall 2200 News Now 2230 Times Now Sport Weekend 2300 News Now Overnight 0800 The Morning News 0900 News Now 1200 Live Report 1230 News Now 1300 News Now At 1

Chai Time

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

Take a shot at the brain game while sipping your cuppa

SUNDAY CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Storybook elephant 6 Japanese immigrant 11 “Waterloo” group 15 Rafter 20 Serviceable 21 Lou of blues 22 Unduly severe 24 Sigh or murmur 25 Kremlin name 26 Send via modem (hyph.) 27 Banded quartz 28 Stone monument 29 Kept pestering 31 Pub sign (2 wds.) 33 Like Lex Luthor 34 “I'm Free” opera 35 Light dessert (2 wds.) 37 Fjord port 39 Mac rivals 41 Stockholm carrier 42 Piano-key wood 43 Mother of Horus 44 — box 46 Luggage fastener 50 Visa and passport 51 First name in fashion 52 Churchill successor 53 Tones 57 Gymnast's need 59 Thigh muscle, informally 60 Intimate 61 Swimming-pool loc. 62 Roadside inns 63 Chance to play 64 Tailor's marker 65 Force open 66 “Star Wars” director 67 Not much (2 wds.) 68 Liverpool chaps 69 Population survey 72 Ike's WWII command 73 Keen enjoyment 74 Let fly 75 Heeded the alarm 76 Sci-fi device 79 Charge ahead 80 Buffet staple (2 wds.) 84 Injection 85 Lahr and Parks 86 Bait 87 Vein contents 88 Museum sculptures 91 Young horses 92 Snapshots 93 Comes ashore 95 — Paulo, Brazil 96 Grease cutters 97 Feel empathy 98 Blockbusters 99 Kublai — 101 Week da. 102 Plaid wearers 103 Hot pepper 104 Positive 105 — lang syne 106 Magellan discovery 107 Comfy shoe 108 Bane of pvts. 109 Cow quarters 111 Round up 112 Trite 114 Hockey's Tikkanen 117 Mr. Chaney 118 Klondike strike 119 “— Of London”

124 Fresco 126 Currier's partner 128 Revues 130 Fracture remedy 131 Danke, in Dijon 132 Snug retreats 134 Insurance center 136 Vermicelli 137 Go gaga over 138 Some are inert 139 Jeweler's weight 140 Atlanta campus 141 Repaired a seam 142 Miner's quest 143 Paid homage 144 Ventures DOWN 1 Fall plantings 2 Polished off (2 wds.) 3 “You got it!” 4 Adjust the tires 5 Back out 6 Spleen 7 Pago Pago residents 8 Ritzy 9 Privileged few 10 “La — Bonita” 11 Gotcha! 12 Deli stock 13 Audience accolade

14 — spumante 15 Exactly (2 wds.) 16 “Beetle Bailey” dog 17 Tabloid twosomes 18 Alabama town 19 Low cards 23 Customer convenience (2 wds.) 30 Red-ink entries 32 Asked a question 36 Buffalo Bill — 38 Mom's girl 40 Film 43 Novelist Turgenev 44 Goddesses' statues 45 Quaker pronoun 46 Tiny village 47 Sugar cane rodent 48 Prime-time series 49 Cop a — 51 Domed tent 52 Please greatly 54 Refs' cousins 55 Pantyhose shade 56 Remarks 58 They, in Calais 59 Give notice 60 Spud garnish 63 Recipe amt. 64 Jagged rocks 67 Prefix for dynamic

68 Aptitudes 69 Steelmaker's fuel 70 Be very frugal 71 Actor Sparks 73 Channel-surfs 74 Throws hard 75 Major conflicts 77 Codgers' queries 78 Grand Teton st. 79 Pounces 80 Fawn's father 81 Using a whetstone 82 Impassioned 83 Jumbles 85 2 x 4 86 Androcles' pal 88 Reproving clucks 89 Pearl Harbor site 90 Jungle warning 91 Sports violations 92 Baby buggy 93 “The Thin Man” co-star 94 Wide sts. 96 Taking pains to avoid 97 Tall flower 98 Colorful squawkers 100 Bird's beak 101 Poi source 102 Miss Muffet's treat 103 Traffic pylon 106 Hair-styling goo

107 Oater hero 110 Joined by treaty 111 Threw a party 112 Word of caution 113 Hacked off 114 Peel and Samms 115 Type of jacket 116 One-way sign 118 Painter's ground 119 John Lennon hit

120 Andes ruminant 121 Cap part 122 — nous 123 Lingers 125 Realty unit 127 Osso buco base 129 Pawn 133 Compass dir. 135 Legal rep

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

Chai Time STAR POWER

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

Your tomorrow today̶Star Power and Tarot THIRUVAIKUMAR

Date 12-12-2011

thiruvaikumar@yahoo.co.in 040-27177230 / 9949870449

ARIES

March 20 – April 18 Be cordial with blood relatives; they might help you in future. Your will‑ power might bring you success in all work undertaken. Avoid disputes and being impatient. Face defeat in disputes.

TAURUS

April 19 – May 19 A very good news is in the ofﬁng. Happy events to take place at home. Married couples can get ready to invite offspring soon. Avoid lending money today; instead save money.

GEMINI

CANCER

June 21 – July 21 Avoid wasteful expenditure. Give no room for bad thoughts to occupy your mind and implement them as that will spoil your life. Avoid being emotional in taking very important decisions.

LEO

July 22 – August 21 Financial situation will look very sound. Unexpected fortune opportunity on cards. Ensure you make statutory pay‑ ments to govt in time to avoid prob‑ lems. Politicians will be in limelight.

VIRGO

LIBRA

September 22 – October 22 Religious thoughts will occupy your mi‑ nd. You will spend a happy day with yo‑ ur family members. Some will pilgrim‑ age. Purchase of household items and taking vital decisions good for today.

SCORPIO

October 23 – November 20 Avoid taking controversial stand in any issue. Postpone important decisions for a couple of days. Keep a control over your food habits. Avoid eating junk food. Someone will blame you; ignore.

SAGITTARIUS November 21 – Dec 20

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

January 20 – February 18 Be careful while driving as chances of a minor accident. Avoid feeling inferi‑ or as it is only your imagination. Focus efforts in your business growth as the time is ripe to get success.

August 22 – September21 Your social status is set to increase. Starting new projects, taking important decisions and ﬁnancial transactions are favoured. Your suggestions will be ac‑ cepted by all. Job efforts will bear fruit.

Those involved in romance will find this day very favourable. Decision towards marriage will be taken. Journey can be undertaken as it will be beneficial. Self‑ analyse as to where you stand. February 19 – March 19 Don't allow your self‑confidence to come down. Any adverse situation should be countered by you without giving up. Keep away from unwanted arguments. While driving, be cautious.

SUMAA TEKUR

tarotreadhyd@gmail.com

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

The High Priestess – Approach issues in an intuitive way and you wonʼt have to worry much about whether youʼre doing the right thing. Your inner voice guides you.

Eight of Cups – You have everything wh‑ en it comes to mate‑ rial comforts, yet thereʼs something missing. You wish you had someone to share all this with.

Justice – A hike or a promotion is in the ofﬁng. Your bosses recognize your good work and make an offer. It sets you thinking about your future course.

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

Knight of Swords – Though the environ‑ ment isnʼt all that positive, you charge ahead with optimi‑ sm and this positive energy spreads to everyone around.

Strength – You have it in you to prove your innocence. Someone has accused you of being some‑ thing youʼre not. Itʼs your time in the sun to prove otherwise.

Nine of Pentacles – Youʼve created a co‑ mfort zone that you donʼt want to get out of. There are times when you donʼt even want to know whatʼs happening around.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

Seven of Swords – You might need to use some crooked means to get work done because itʼs not getting done other‑ wise. Be true to your‑ self, whatever you do.

Nine of Swords – Some disappoint‑ ment is indicated. You may be feeling let down by someone you trusted very deeply. Get over it and move on.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Knight of Wands – Your inquisitive natu‑ re is whatʼs taking you places. You keep your eyes and ears open and this observation skill is keeping you in good stead.

The Devil – Donʼt yield to temptation, especially if itʼs goi‑ ng to upset a mari‑ tal issue. Things are not going so smooth on the marriage front. Be patient.

Queen of Cups – You think with your heart and are jumping in to thoughts and beliefs merely by how they make you feel. This approach may not always work.

For Better or for Worse Stone soup

Knight of Pentacles – Youʼre feeling adventurous and in the mood to charge ahead with your ideas. Whatʼs more, they all seem to work well, too.

Computer wizards & us little people indows NT Beer: Comes in 32W oz cans, but you can only buy it by the truckload. This causes most

Ink pen

COMICS

Fred Basset

Dec 21 – January 19 Identify detractors and keep them always at a distance. Be careful while working as there are chances of get‑ ting hurt. Avoid being greedy and angry. Spend the day with caution.

May 20 – June 20 Avoid taking important decisions with the advise of others, as those decisions will have a bearing on your future. You are capable enough to analyse and take decisions; do it yourself.

TAROT READ

people to have to go out and buy bigger refrigerators. The can looks just like Windows 3.1 Beer's, but the company promises to change the can to look just like Windows 95 Beer's — after Windows 95 beer starts shipping. Touted as an ‘industrial strength’ beer, and suggested only for use in bars. Mac Beer: At first, came only a 16oz can, but now comes in a 32-oz can. Considered by many to be a ‘light’ beer. All the cans look identical. When you take one from the fridge, it opens itself. The ingredients list is not

on the can. If you call to ask about the ingredients, you are told that "you don't need to know." A notice on the side reminds you to drag your empties to the trashcan. OS/2 Beer: Comes in a 32-oz can. Does allow you to drink several DOS Beers simultaneously. Allows you to drink Windows 3.1 Beer simultaneously too, but somewhat slower. Advertises that its cans won't explode when you open them, even if you shake them up. You never really see anyone drinking OS/2 Beer, but the manufacturer (International Beer Manufacturing) claims that 9 million six-packs have been sold.

Vol: 1, No. 148 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: Prahlad Rao – 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 040-40672222, Fax: 040-40672211

Spotlight

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

Colours of art

Art-lovers in the city were treated on Saturday to a first-of-its-kind exhibition when Muse Art Gallery organised the preview of a collaborative art show. Artists Ramesh Gorjala and Dr Gangadhar displayed their works titled The Eye of Faith.

PICS: N SHIVA KUMAR

Weaving some magic Taj Deccan on Saturday played host to designer Ravita Mayor as she showcased her designs as part of the event â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Weaving Magicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Choreographer Prasad Bidappa styled the event with some leading models walking the ramp.