Postnoon E-Paper for 16 December 2012 by Scribble Media & Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.

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DECEMBER 16, 2012 HYDERABAD

32 PAGES

ON SUNDAY T ROW AT CONG MEET

he gala Congress meeting got off to a troubled start with Ponnam Prabhakar getting snubbed openly on stage by PCCI chief Botsa Satyanarayana for the former suggesting a two-minute silence in memory of the Telangana martyrs. FLASH

COP’S HAND IN GAMBLING DEN HEIST? REPORT ON PG 3

ctress Gwyneth Paltrow’s trainer Tracy Anderson made her strip off to motivate her to work towards a fit figure. This happened during Paltrow’s first meeting with Anderson.

PALTROW'S TRAINER MADE HER STRIP PG 28

CITY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2012

LET’S CALL IT A DAY

Journey with poetry

N SHIVA KUMAR

An evening of telugu poetry with post K Siva Reddy. Where: Lamakaan Lane Adjacent To CBay, Opposite GVK One, Road No 1, Banjara Hill When: December 16 5:30pm onwards Contact: 96427 31329

Moplah Magic

There is a four-day workshop from December 13 to December 16 at Media Junction. The workshop is on effective public speaking. Where: Media Junction, Parthani Towers, , Golconda Cross Roads, Musheerabad When: 13-16 December 6pm to 9.30pm Contact: 98488 42471

Christmas brunch There is a Christmas Day Turkey Brunch at Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. European inspired Ginger Bread House will start from December 15. Where: Okra, Hyderabad Marriott Hotel and Convention Center When: December 25, 12:30pm to 4pm

Chai-Pakora Run To spread the word about India Bike Week being held in Goa on 2-3 February 2013, a chai-pakora run will be organised in Hyderabad. Where: Secunderabad Parade Ground, War Memorial on Lamba Theatre Road, When: December 23 Contact: indiabikeweek.in/calendar

Theatre festival The fourth annual Samahaara Hyderabad Theatre Festival is going on in the City, where artists will perform plays from various genres. Where: Nift Auditorium, Madhapur When: December 8-16, 7:30pm onwards Contact: info@samahaara.org

Handloom exhibition Pochampally Handloom Park is organizing IKAT Mela, exhibiting handloom linen, dress material and saris, among others. Where: State Gallery of fine Arts , Department of Culture, Kavuri Hills, Madhapur When: 13-16 December from 6pm to 9.30pm Contact: 92937 73970

Ruhaniyat

Christmas carols Christmas carols will be sung by Global Edge school till the end of December at The Lobby. Where: Novotel & HICC Complex, PO No 1101, Cyberabad Post Office, Near Hitech City When: December 3-31 Contact: (040) 6682 4422

Christmas hampers Taj Krishna is giving out the Luxury Santa Hamper and Deluxe Santa Hamper, which include Remy Martin Xo, Lagavulin 16, luxury canali tie, rose petal jam with cane sugar, Kalmata Olives, assorted Christmas chocolate and plum cake

CINEMAS

Annapurna International School of Film and Media has launched the preliminary phase National Level Story writing Competition. The story writing competition is open to both undergraduate and graduate students. Where: www.script2screen.in When: Before December 10

Public speaking

Moplah cuisine, form Kerala, will be served with Arabic and Samarkandi touches. It will be served for a week at Dakshin. Where: Dakshin, Begumpet When: December 10-16 Contact: (040) 2340 0132

Ruhaniyat is a national music festival in its 12th consecutive year. It is a sufi and mystic music festival. It is known for its soulful songs. Where: Ravindra Bharathi, Saifabad When: December 16 6:30pm onwards

Story Writing Contest

Sunset at Hussain Sagar Lake. to name a few. Where: Taj Krishna, Hyderabad When: Ongoing Contact: (040) 6666 2323

Pièce Montée Alliance Française is screening a French film directed by Denys Granier-Deferre, starring Jérémie Renier, Jean-Pierre Marielle and Clémence Poésy. Where: Plot no.4, Road no.3, Banjara Hills, Aurora colony, Road adjacent to Q-Mart When: December 18 Contact: (040) 2355 4485/86

Photo competition Alliance Francaise, Hyderabad, is

Eclectic iridescence conducting a photo competition. The theme is Professions of the world. The winning entries will be sent to Paris. Where:hyderabad.afindia.org When: December 3-January 6

Aao! Bajaao Aao! Bajaao: Let's Drum Together is an open drum circle organised by Drumberries. It is a unique interactive drumming experience. It is held every month in the city. Where: Pebble Creek High Montessori School 1-13-88/134, A & B, Behind Railway Reservation Counter, Dr. A S Rao Nagar, Secunderabad When: December 16 4pm-6pm Contact:91600 01494

An exhibition of Dhiren Shasmal’s art work, based on various themes and styles of painting. Where: Residence Inn, Amar Coop Soc.Lane, Opp. Madhapur PS, Kavuri Hills When: Upto December 19, 11am onwards Contact: (040) 2311 3709

The year that was Duckbill-Landmark "The Year That Was Quiz 2012” is being organized by KCircle Where: Landmark, Road No 12 Next to Ohri's Restaurant, Banjara Hills. When: 16-Dec-12 2:00pm to 4:00pm Contact: kcircle@googlegroups.com

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

CITY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2012

Steps for Telugu promotion

epresentatives of TDP, BJP, CPM and Lok Satta attended demanded that all steps be taken for promoting Telugu. The all-party meeting on World Telugu Conference ended with this firm resolve to cooperate in promoting Telugu. Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy convened the meeting on Saturday ahead of the conference to be held at Tirupati.

Minor girl kills herself

New political party formed

n a highly suspicious case, a minor student is reported to have committed suicide by hanging herself at her home in Jawahar Nagar in Chikkadpally area. Parents maintain that the girl was suffering from health problems and she may have taken the extreme step from dejection. However, many in neighbourhood disbelieve the stance.

new political party ‘Mana Telangana Communist Party’ came into being. A wall poster was released and it was inaugurated by Chillaka Raju Laxmipathi, who had participated in Telangana agrarian armed struggle. Party founder-president Kotham Madhava Reddy has demanded that the government pass a Bill for formation of Telangana State.

Pseudo CID officers raid, loot gambling den

Two men pretending to be from the CID, ‘raided’ a gambling den, ‘confiscating’ `7 lakh. Strong suspicion falls on a CID constable who was part of the gambling team.

Mohd SUBHAN

mohd.s@postnoon.com

n an amusing incident, two well-built men in safari suit pretending to be from the Crime Investigation Department rode into a gambling den in Sainagar, Kushaiguda, on Sunday night and looted `7 lakh and a dozen mobile phones. There were 15 gamblers in the den at that time. Before leaving, the duo asked them to come to Kushaiguda police station and collect the mobiles the next day. The “CID officers,” however, had a word of advice: desist from gambling or they will be back. The gamblers looked agape as the two sped away on a bike with their money. One of them happened to be a constable from

CID and he had noted down the bike number. The next day he tried to trace the bike and found to his dismay that it was a fake number. Now, realising they had been taken for a ride, they approached the Kushaiguda

police inspector K Srikanth Goud, and told him the entire story. Goud had a good laugh and asked them why they had not overpowered the two, though gambling is an illegal activity

and they were on the wrong side of the law. They said the two behaved so convincingly that all the 15 thought of the consequences if booked for gambling. Most of them are in service and some in business. The bad name that would follow if the news is out deterred them from making a move. Rather, they surrendered and gave the duo the cash. Goud believes it could be someone who knew gambling was going on in the place or someone related to the gamblers. The men admitted they often came here to try their luck. Based on the description the victims gave, the Kushaiguda police are making a list of the men who are likely to be involved. The police have not tried to collect possible evidences from the crime scene as yet. However, the suspicion has fallen on the CID constable who was part of the gambling team for not raising an alarm when he spotted the fake officials.

Biz man robbed, faces police quiz Upon investigation, police find the man’s allegations suspicious. Postnoon News

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businessman who claimed to have been robbed in a busy road by six men last night is facing uncomfortable questions by the investigating police. The curious incident happened at Petlabruj in the Charminar police limits. Mahinder Singh, a businessman dealing in plastic at Begum Bazaar, claimed he was returning home with `2 lakh when six men on three bikes blocked his way at Petlabruj and took away the cash. Charminar Assistant Commissioner of Police M Rammohan Rao said the petitioner had no clear answer to the source of cash and the purpose of carrying it home. Nor is it clear as to how anybody knew that he was carrying huge amounts of cash. Rao said there seemed many holes in the complaint and the police were trying to ascertain the truth. As it happened at a very busy crossing, it is all the more suspicious, he added.

SMILES, UNITY, FREEDOM

AIESEC is an international, youth-led, non-profit organisation present in over 113 countries. AIESEC Hyderabad’s biggest event, Balakalakaar-An Artist in EVERY Child! is aimed at improving the quality of life of City’s underprivileged children. Omar Roy

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he AIESEC’s main event Balakalakaar started in full swing with a painting competition that brought out the creative best in children. About 30 schools attended the event. The children were provided with papers, colours, crayons and pencils. The entire event took place at Rail Nilayam and the sponsors provided food and dental check up for the children. Twist and Turns performed a dance for the children and they loved it to the extent of an encore. Radio jockey Kajal from Red FM came over to entertain them and made the children dance, sing and recite whatever

BALAKALAKAAR, WHICH STARTED IN 2005, IS HELD EVERY YEAR IN THE CITY. NGOS FROM BRAZIL HAVE COME DOWN TO ASSIST WITH THE PROJECT. they wanted to. Ajay, an AIESEC member, along with one other, took the stage and sang for the children in Hindi and English. All the AIESEC members danced with the children. Birad Yajnik put up the banner of peace, truth and ahimsa with handprints of the children and Mahatma Gandhi’s picture

in the centre. People from NGOs in Brazil are interning with AIESEC and are staying in Hyderabad for two months to assist with the Balakalakaar project.

CITY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2012

Rival camps squabble at meet Factionalism, a perennial Congress trait, was seen in abundant measure at the brainstorming session in LB stadium today. At the end of the day nine, resolutions on crucial issues are likely to be adopted. Banner war evident at the convention site INKESHAF AHMED

upporters of each S group had put up pictures, while the official

ahmed.m@postnoon.com

he State-level convention of ruling Congress being held at the LB Stadium today saw the rival camps working at cross purposes. The gala meeting, billed to be attended by some 10,000 party workers, had thrown up hiccups and anguish where grumblings were heard above the roar or traffic. The purpose of the meeting, as decided by the PCC, is to pass nine resolutions on various issues like FDI, BC, minority sub plan, cash transfer scheme, education, health and youth affairs. What marked the great confluence of the party cream was the dominance of the PCC chief Botsa Satyanarayana. Though many committees were formed and apportioned responsibilities like the manifesto committee, food committee, transport committee, publicity committee, VIP accommodation committee, they were overshadowed by the one-upmanship of the PCC president. Office-bearers of Pradesh Congress Committee alleged that the PCC president insulted them by depriving them of their work. “The meeting is being held against the backdrop of lack of organisational structure with the help of ad hoc committees. As the office-

billboards and banners contained only photos of Sonia, Rahul, Azad, Botsa, and Kiran. The notable exclusions were Chiranjeevi and Telangana leaders. Botsa has forbidden slogans hailing individual leaders, except Sonia and Rahul. For a change, cameras were kept out of the venue. Only reporters were allowed in.

Banners adorn the gate of LB stadium where the meet is being held; (below) Congress leaders at a meeting yesterday bearers of ad hoc committees, he gave us various responsibilities to make the arrangements. But, we were not allowed to do anything as the loyalists of the PCC president had already taken over everything,” rued an APCC general secretary. Similar was the complaint of the group loyal to Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy. But Botsa supporters ridiculed their complaints, saying that whatever one does, critics abound. They pointed out how the party is being steered clear of the YSR legacy, which gave YSRC undeserving advantages. No YSR portrait was seen among the giant cutouts, which were adorned

the senior Congress leaders, including former MLAs and MLCs and office-bearers, were reportedly denied delegate passes and invitation to the meeting. Lack of co-ordination was also evident in distribution of the passes. Many of the senior Congress leaders and officebearers had to stand in queue for long to collect their passes at Gandhi Bhavan, the party headquarters.

STORMY by photos of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, followed by, in smaller sizes, photos of Ghulam Nabi Azad, Vayalar Ravi, Kiran Reddy, Raja Narasimha and Botsa.

SENIORS

DENIED PASSES

Apart from this, the most shocking thing of these arrangements is the issuance of delegate passes to the convention. Many of

AFFAIR

The day-long convention is likely to be a stormy affair, following the differences of the party leaders coming to fore. Congress MP GV Harsha Kumar boycotted the meeting, protesting the lack of representation to his community in PCC co-ordination panel.

Guv briefs Centre on Telangana? ESL Narasimhan works as the third eye of the Congress and his stance on Telangana and Congress in AP are likely to carry weight when decisions are taken. Postnoon News feedback @postnoon.com

SOME CONGRESS

LEADERS ARE OF THE OPINION THAT THE GOVERNOR’S RECENT TRIPS ARE TO ASSESS THE PARTY’S CHANCES IN THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTIONS.

espite his protests that his visit to Delhi leaders was apolitical, AP Governor ESL Narasimhan’s meeting with Central leaders assumes great importance in the light of the all-party meeting on Telangana scheduled for December 28. Narasimhan has fair knowledge of AP’s geopolitics and having served as IB chief, he is privy to many things not always known to the public. He is reliably learnt to have been asked by Sonia Gandhi to be the party’s third eye with regard to Telangana movement and party prospects. In August and September, the governor had visited some Telangana districts and ascer-

tained the efficacy of governmental schemes, which is not in the purview of a governor when a government is in office. Political observers believe he has submitted a confidential report on Telangana to the Central leaders, which would be handy at the all-party meeting. However, Narasimhan has

earned the ire of many. The CPI alleged that the governor is crossing the lakshman rekha. “I am sure our party president and other top leaders are giving more value to his advice than the Congress leaders from the State,” a senior Congress leader who is very close to Ghulam Nabi Azad told Postnoon on Saturday. The Congress leader was also of the opinion that the Central leadership relied more on the governor than on Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy and PCC president Botsa Satyanarayana on the T-problem. “His recent tours have been an indication of it,” he added. Congress MP from Karimnagar Lok Sabha seat, Ponnam Prabhakar, too has doubts about the governor’s mis-

sion in Telangana districts, where he attended a series of meetings. Besides, his position allows him to meet anyone on strictly private terms. But some Congress leaders believe the governor’s recent games extended to assessing the party’s chances in the next General Elections. Telangana is only one of the agendas, they say. “I think the governor is trying to help the Congress in figuring out where the party stands in the next General Elections. Whether it will retain power or lose the elections,” said Prabhakar. The purpose of Narasimhan’s visit to Delhi remains shrouded in mystery, and the party rivals and Opposition have not taken kindly to it.

CITY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2012 SRINIVAS SETTY

NIDHI BHUSHAN

nidhi.b@postnoon.com What drew you to Jazz? As a five-year-old, I used to find the piano in my house quite fascinating. Like all kids, even I used to play around a little and it helped that my mother knew how to play. I studied music at the Bangalore School of Music but had quit for a while as I was tired of the goal-oriented approach that teachers in India had. I even believed that maybe music wasn’t the thing for me then. But a series of incidents changed my mind. My exposure to jazz began when I moved to Ohio to study, where most students knew how to play at least one musical instrument — it was like it was part of their culture. I noticed a man playing the piano; when I asked him a little about the piece, he said that he had made it up as he played — I was hooked. I took to the piano and never looked back.

What kind of differences or similarities did you observe in the teaching styles abroad and in India? In India, we practised just before the exams. The goal was to clear the tests respectably. However, things were different abroad. There were so many students to learn from. One had to constantly keep motivating oneself to do better.

Indian parents are infamous for being biased against creative arts. Have your parents always supported you or did you have to struggle on that front? My parents always left it up to me to do what I want to do. It helped that they both come from a slightly offbeat field themselves — my mom’s a painter while my dad is a researcher. While many would

assume that my mother would have been the more supportive one as she too belonged to creative field, she was a tad apprehensive at first. Since she belonged to the field herself, she knew the struggle that it comprised.

What have been your struggles so far? To get paid adequately. Jazz, one must be realistic, is not the most popular forms of music in India or the rest of the world. And, at times, one does feel that the payoff is not equal to the effort put in.

Like you said, jazz is still a niche market here. Is that changing and what’s been your approach to the genre? The number of youngsters interested in the genre has certainly increased but it might take a while before it can be on par with genres like rock and hip-hop. In fact, before I explored jazz, even I used to believe that it was very boring. I’m sure people will change their minds once exposed to it.

Where do you draw your inspiration from? Mostly western and Indian classical music.

The Sharik Hasan Paris Trio is a group of three young musicians — you, Gael Petrina on the bass guitar and drummer Thibault Pierrard. How easy is it to be able to improvise music in a team? Playing with others is quite exciting as there are lots of opinions and minds working at the same time. Moreover, the connection that I share with our band, especially during performances, is what keeps me going as a musician.

Performing solo at the opening of the Jazz Bar at Taj Falaknuma today, this will be your fourth visit to Hyderabad. What are your plans? I like to think of my performances like a story — something that has a beginning, a middle and an end. Today too, I plan to tell a story. Also, I’ll gauge the energy of the crowd this evening and improvise my performance accordingly.

Surgeon does rare hip op Ranjani Rajendra

ranjani.r@postnoon.com

octors at Oxygen Hospital in Vikrampuri gave a new lease of life to 72-year-old Maniamma when they performed a total hip replacement surgery through a minimally invasive technique. The surgery, which took place last week, is one of the first hip replacements to have been performed with an incision that was less than 10cm wide. “Any surgery that is performed with an incision not more than 10cm wide is considered minimally invasive and to do so for a hip replacement procedure is a rather rare occurrence in our State. Fortunately, we were able to successfully perform this procedure on our patient and I can proudly say that she is now able to move about with much less pain than before,” said Dr Ganesh, who trained in orthopaedics and minimally invasive techniques in England. Maniamma was first diagnosed with arthritis of the hip two months ago, when she was assailed by

N SHIVA KUMAR

immense pain and found it hard to walk on her own. Further investigations revealed that she had a condition in which blood supply to the ball area of the hip had been compromised for quite some time, causing it to develop into arthritis of the area. However, the problem only came to light when her pain became unbearable — so much so she had to be carried around. “Given her age, other options like core decompression, where holes are drilled in the bone and then left to heal, were less viable. Also, in this option, there was no guarantee that the pain would reduce. Hence, her family chose to have a hip replacement surgery in order to ensure healing and to eliminate the pain. We then decided to do it through the minimally invasive technique so that damage to the tissue and the resultant pain would be reduced,” explained Dr Ganesh. On December 10, Dr Ganesh and his team successfully operated on Maniamma. “She is now able to walk about with her walker and her pain too has reduced drastically.”

Telling his story One of India’s most promising jazz musicians Sharik Hasan talks to Postnoon about what drew him to the genre, the struggle involved and all that keeps him going.

NATION SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2012

Antony orders stress study

Elephant kills woman

NEW DELHI: Against the backdrop of

MORIGAON (ASSAM): One woman

suicides and face-offs between officers and jawans, defence minister AK Antony has ordered a study into stress levels and asked the DRDO to develop methods to mitigate them. He has instructed that the study, along with its results on the stress profile of young officers in the Army, should be presented to him next month.

was trampled to death by a wild tusker at Sonaikuchi hill in central Assam’s Morigaon district last night, police said today. The wild elephant came from Amsoi hill through the Sonaikuchi elephant corridor and attacked the woman, killing her on the spot near Jagiroad, sources said.

Avalanche warning in J&K SRINAGAR: Authorities Sunday issued an avalanche warning for the higher reaches of the Kashmir Valley, advising them to move about with utmost caution. Aamir Ali, head of disaster management in the valley, said: “Medium danger avalanche warning is issued for people living in Keran, Tangdhar, Machil, Chowkibal, Gurez, Bannihal, Uri and Gulmarg areas.”

14,000 sites hacked in 2012 till October

GRAND FINISH

NEW DELHI: Over 14,000 websites have been hacked by cyber criminals till October this year, an increase of nearly 57 per cent from 2009. While the number of websites hacked in 2009 stood at 9,180, it grew to 14,232 in 2011 and in the first 10 months of this year, it has crossed the 14,300-mark. About 16,126 websites were hacked in 2010, while 14,392 websites were hacked in 2012 (till October), as per the information tracked and reported by Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In).

To check hacking and cyber crimes, the government has conducted six cyber security mock drills since November 2009 to assess preparedness of organisations to withstand cyber attacks, minister of communications and IT Kapil Sibal had said in Parliament. He said ministries and departments have been advised to carry out IT system audits regularly to ensure robustness of systems. A total of 294 websites belonging to various ministries and government departments were hacked

between January and October 2012. During May-June 2012, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks were launched against a number of government websites by hacker groups. Sibal said there is no proposal to establish an autonomous institution on cyber security. He stated that according to National Crimes Record Bureau (NCRB) a total of 696, 1,322 and 2,213 cyber crime cases were registered under the IT Act and cyber crime related IPC sections in 2009, 2010 and 2011, PTI respectively.

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Actress Katrina Kaif performs during the World Kabbadi match closing ceremony in Ludhiana on Saturday.

PTI

Hooda disputes Modi’s claim

Khurshid slams school killings

NEW DELHI: Narendra Modi’s claim of Gujarat being a leader in development has been contested by Congress MP and Haryana chief minister’s son Depeendra Hooda, who has cited official figures to portray a different picture. Hooda referred to key development indices like per capita income, gross state domestic product (GSDP) and human development index to contend that Modi is not being “truthful”. Citing Planning Commission figures on GSDP, Hooda said Haryana was the second fastest growing state, registering economic growth of 17.1 per cent in 2011-12 compared to 15.68 per cent of Gujarat in the fiscal.

NEW DELHI: External affairs minister Salman Khurshid has written to his US counterpart Hillary Clinton, condemning the killings at an elementary school in Connecticut and expressed solidarity with American people. “I was deeply saddened to learn the terrible news of the shooting at an elementary school in Connecticut...The killing of children is a particularly abhorrent act; one which leaves the whole world diminished,” he said. Twenty-six people including 20 children were killed when a gunman opened fire at an school in Connecticut on Friday.

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WORLD SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2012

Obama chooses John Kerry

Memorial for Kim Jong-Il

Boehner for tax hike on rich?

WASHINGTON: President Barack

SEOUL: North Korean leader Kim

WASHINGTON: US House Speaker

Obama has chosen Senator John Kerry to succeed Hillary Clinton as US secretary of state, news networks CNN and ABC reported Saturday. CNN cited a Democratic source who had spoken to Kerry, while ABC mentioned unnamed sources. Asked for comment by AFP, the White House did not immediately confirm the reports.

TYPHOON TOLL TOUCHES 1,000 MANILA: The death toll from the strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines this year has topped 1,000, the government said.

Jong-Un led thousands of officials in a triumphant memorial service for his late father and ex-ruler Kim Jong-Il, days after a long-range rocket launch, state TV showed Sunday. The service followed a mass rally two days earlier that also lauded the launch of the three-stage rocket, a move which was condemned by the UN.

John Boehner’s office would not confirm or deny a late Saturday report which said he has proposed raising taxes on wealthy Americans as part of a deficit reduction deal. In what would be a significant concession in negotiations, Boehner would agree to let marginal tax rates rise on people making $1 million or more annually.

THE COUNTING BEGINS... An Egyptian girl waits with relatives queuing to vote at a polling station in central Cairo on a new constitution supported by the ruling Islamists but bitterly contested by a secular-leaning opposition on Saturday. Counting was underway early Sunday after a firstround referendum on a divisive new constitution pushed through by President Mohamed Morsi and his Islamist allies despite weeks of opposition protests. Polling stations in half the country, including the biggest cities of Cairo and Alexandria, were tallying the results from Saturday’s voting. The second round of the referendum is to be held next Saturday, after which the official result is to be given. The official results will be announced after the second round on Saturday.

CLASSIFIEDS HEALTH/ CLINIC

AFP PHOTO/MARCO LONGARI

Victims were in six-seven age group JOBS

Mariano Andrade and Robert MacPherson

NEWTOWN: Shattered families and grieving residents struggled Saturday to grasp the news that most of the 27 people shot dead by a US school gunman were children aged just six and seven. President Barack Obama was due to join the vigils in the small Connecticut community of Newtown on Sunday, to lead national mourning after this latest massacre that has revived calls for a debate on gun control. But the political ramifications of the tragedy were far from the minds of most in this picturesque

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Killer’s dad grief-stricken NEWTOWN: The father of the 20-year-old US man who is thought to have killed 26 people including 20 young children along with his own mother expressed grief and shock Saturday. Peter Lanza is the father of Adam Lanza, who is thought to have taken his own life shortly after carrying out Friday’s massacre in Newtown, Connecticut. He expressed grief in a statement to WFSB television.

dormitory town, where parents of the survivors and the dead alike were struggling to come to terms with the stunning loss. Robbie Parker, a 30-year-old hospital physician’s assistant who cares for sick newborns, said the death of his loving six-year-old Emilie should “inspire us to be better, more compassionate and caring toward other people.” And he included the family of the apparent shooter, 20-year-old Adam Lanza, in his condolences, addressing them through the news media to say: “I can’t imagine how hard this experience must be for you.” AFP

Taliban strikes Pakistan airport; 4 die, dozens hurt

Fiji fears catastrophic damage from cyclone

PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN: A suicide and rocket attack targeting jet fighters and gunship helicopters at an international airport in northwestern Pakistan killed four civilians and wounded dozens more. The assault late Saturday, claimed by the Pakistani Taliban, sparked prolonged gunfire and forced authorities to close the airport, a commercial hub and Pakistan Air Force (PAF) base in Peshawar, on the edge of the tribal belt. Television pictures showed a vehicle with a smashed windscreen, another damaged car, bushes on fire and what appeared to be a large breach in a wall. Mian Iftikhar Hussain, information minister for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, of which Peshawar is the capital, said four attackers were involved. “One of the attackers was wearing a suicide vest and was driving a car. He rammed his car in the outer wall of the airport (compound),” he said. “Another attacker wearing a suicide vest blew himself up prematurely, killing three of them (the attackers),” he added.

SUVA: Fijian authorities scrambled to evacuate residents from lowlying areas Sunday as a monster cyclone threatened the Pacific nation with “catastrophic damage” after causing widespread devastation in Samoa. At least four people were killed when Cyclone Evan slammed into Samoa and the toll was expected to rise as a search was launched for eight men still missing on three fishing boats. Only one survivor has been found, the New Zealand Rescue Co-ordination Centre, which is overseeing the search, said. After crossing Samoa, Evan intensified as it ploughed through the Pacific and forecasters said destructive winds could reach nearly 300 kilometres per hour (186 miles per hour) by the time it hits Fiji early Monday morning. Government officials fear it could be as devastating as Cyclone Kina which killed 23 people and left thousands homeless in 1993. Squally thunderstorms were expected to flood low-lying areas.

COMMENT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2012

Go Dhoni!

Need for change

t’s nice to see Dhoni among runs once again, though it be after a very long time. His knock of 99 comes at a crucial stage and it’s mighty sore luck he got run out before completing a century. I hope we win this Test, level the series and save our pride.

he US must seriously consider changing it’s gun laws. There will be many more incidents of school shooting if this status quo goes on. Obama must push ahead with gun law reforms and do something historical like Abe Lincoln.

Rajeev Ravindran via email

EDITORIALS MAKE SPACE for every one There were conjectures that the villain of the Sandy Hook School, Adam Lanza, was a loner. Now it has been confirmed. He was a smart kid, but he had problems interacting with people, very shy and diffident about being in the company of others. While talking to the Associated Press, Richard Novia, who advised the school technology club that Adam and his older brother belonged to, asks, “Have you found his best friend? Have you found a friend? You're not going to. He was a loner.” The boy also had several other issues to tackle and it was sort of a routine that his mother would be summoned to school when he had an ‘episode’. He was not bullied, but might have been teased and we will never know to what extent that might have hurt him. Novia says there might have come significant changes to the boy in the last four years to make the loner a killer. Society may not be blamed for people being different, but it has a responsibility to make space for every sort. Lanza, who had problems feeling emotional and physical pain, may have been deemed different and may have encountered reactions that may have made him shun proximity to his fellow beings. A look at similar incidents will show you that the perpetrators were people who have ‘failed’ in life, were shunned by the rest of the world. So instead of making ourselves inaccessible and the society insulated for them, let’s make space for them that they may come forward and seek help.

NEVER SAY DIE: Keep fighting Thanks to the brave stand of Dhoni and Kohli, we seem to have a chance to save our honour: let’s not let this chance slip from our hands.

Sreeja S via email

EDITORIALS 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 040-4067 2222.

Touching

our picture page on blind boys’ cricket (Dec 14) was touching. We who have normal sight never understand the plight of those who can’t see. It would be nice to have a talk with them and know more about them. At least, our cricketers should. Varun Mishra Banjara Hills

Let’s be done with the Wild West ways From the hip

SYED SHOAIB

wenty-year-old Adam Lanza on Friday entered an elementary school in Newton, Connecticut, the US, and killed a total of 26 people including 20 children. His mother was found killed in their home and it is presumed that Adam had killed her before committing the massacre in the school. Such incidents are becoming increasingly common not only in the US but in China too. Europe and Canada too are not immune to such incidents. School shootouts have become a category of crime. School shootouts are committed by students as well as outsiders, children and adults, so one wonders if there is something common between them. Schools are a vulnerable target where one can find large numbers in one place, and the perpetrator is sure to notch up numbers and feel the thrill of success with practically no resistance. President Obama has ordered State mourning and called for a relook at the prevailing gun laws. It can be safely surmised that the easy availability of firearms not only increases the incidence of such crimes but casualties also increase. In China, similar incidents are on the rise but casualties in comparison are lesser as the crime is committed with knives or blades, due to unavailability of guns, but is nevertheless horrifying. The incident of 22 children stabbed outside an elementary school in Beijing on the same day the Connecticut incident took place is an example. In comparison, in India we have a report of only one such incident in the Euro International school in Gurgaon Haryana where 14year-old Akash Yadav and Vikas Yadav, a year younger, shot and killed a fellow student in

December 2007. Perpetrators of such crimes are not narrowed down to ‘certain type’, and since most of them are killed by the police or kill themselves after the crime, more commonly on the site of the crime, there have been no precise theories that classify the type of people most likely to commit such crimes. Against such a situation denying easy accessibility to the means by which the crime is committed would be an immediate damagecontrol measure. While a large number think it would be logical to bring in stringent gun-control laws, there are a substantial number in America that think that liberalising gun laws will help control the situation. They argue that if students and teachers are encouraged to carry guns, they can protect themselves. This argument will hold water if the assumption that generally stu-

dents and teachers are controlled and balanced in their thoughts and behaviour and in the face of provocation or threat remain balanced and use their guns to the best advantage and possible results is true. This is rather loading too much responsibility on an average human being, not to mention enormous faith on the positive abilities of human reactions in formidable circumstances. When we look at the situation in our own country, we see that such type of violence is not the norm. Let us not presume that it makes us superior beings. We need to only look at the incidents of ragging that was hitherto quite prevalent in our colleges and had reached horrific proportions and had to be contained by directives from the Supreme Court, to know that our educational institutions have their fair share of black marks.

Yet, what makes such incidents rare in India is the nonavailability of guns plus a very accommodative attitude in the people that comes out of living in joint families and populous neighbourhoods. The diversity that is found in the country is a perfect learning ground for accepting different strokes. Individualism is constrained not only because of the limitations of the environment, but is consciously not fostered as a country as populous, as diverse as ours can ill-afford exacerbating its straining structures. Therefore, we are not witness to such mass crimes particularly against our children. The US needs to look at the raison d’être for its laws that permit holding guns in this age, when the rule of law is well established and the days of the Wild West are nothing but folklore. It owes this change to its children.

BUSINESS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2012

e-shopping to hit $34 bn

nline shopping in India, which is at a nascent stage, is poised to witness significant growth in the next few years, with the industry likely to touch $34.2 billion by 2015. Going by the current trend, the industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 57 per cent and is likely to reach USD 34.2 billion by 2015.

CEAMA seeks `1K-cr boost

onsumer electronics industry body CEAMA has asked the government to incentivise investment proposals of over `1,000 crore in the sector to boost small and medium enterprises. High inflation, increase in diesel prices, rise in interest rates, slowdown in economy and low consumer sentiment have affected the sales of consumer durables adversely.

FII inflow touches $22 bn

verseas investors have made net investments of $2.44 billion in the Indian equity market in a fortnight, taking the total inflow for 2012 so far to over $22 billion. During December 3-14, FIIs were gross buyers of shares worth `39,435 crore and sellers of equities worth `26,157 crore — translating into a net inflow of `13,278 crore ($2.44 billion), according to Sebi.

Greeks slash household heat as fuel prices rise Hélène Colliopoulou feedback@postnoon.com

With petrol now out of the question for many, attention has turned to wood pellets for stoves, electrical heating panels or air conditioning.

emperatures are falling fast in Greece but with new taxes sending the price of heating fuel higher than ever before, many crisishit households are unsure they can afford to warm their homes this winter. The government in October abolished tax breaks on heating fuel in a bid to claw back millions of euros in tax revenue lost to petrol smuggling. In doing so, they created a stark choice for hundreds of thousands of Greeks, whose spare income has already suffered from three years of austerity cuts tied to EU-IMF bailout loans for the recession-hit country. Conditions are even worse in Greece’s north, where temperatures can fall under 15 degrees below zero Celsius (five degrees

KANAOUTI CHUCKLES AS SHE READS AN ADVERTISEMENT FROM A SUBSIDIARY OF GERMAN ENGINEERING. Fahrenheit) in winter. Last month, residents of the northern town of Kavala symbolically dumped slabs of ice in front of the parliament in Athens to protest their plight. The fuel reform means that a litre of heating oil costs 1.35 euros ($1.76) compared to 95 cents a year ago. Interior Minister Evripides Stylianidis pledged the sum of 80 million euros to heat up schools. But local mayors and teacher unions insist the money is inadequate. “Even people with regular salaries cannot pay (these oil prices),” said Sofia Kanaouti, a 39-year-old Athenian who only has a part-time job as a university researcher. “Last winter, we spent 1,500 euros on heating, this year we’re going to need over

Children look at a Christmas tree made of milk tin cans, after donating some on December 14, 2012, during an event organized by Medecins du Monde, a nongovernmental humanitarian aid organisation. For the second year in a row, Athenians donated milk and food to Medecins Du Monde, which will then distribute AFP them to the poor. 2,000 euros,” she told AFP. “Many of the tenants still owe payments from last year, so the building manager decided against fuel orders this year,” adds Nikos Bouskos, a 45-yearold unemployed man who formerly worked as a web designer. In recent years, smugglers would take advantage of the low price of heating fuel to pass it off as higher-price diesel for cars. According to a recent study, a fifth of car fuel currently cir-

culating in Greece has been siphoned off from heating and ship fuel reserves. With petrol now out of the question for many, attention has turned to alternative forms of heating — wood pellets for stoves, electrical heating panels or air conditioning. Others have turned to illegal logging. Kanaouti chuckles as she reads an advertisement from a subsidiary of German engineering giant Siemens, offering heat-

ing solutions to “get rid of oil”. “We can’t rid ourselves of the Germans,” she says, a reference to anger in Greece towards EU paymaster Germany’s perceived role in pushing for everincreasing austerity measures in return for state loans. Meanwhile, the fall in demand has also hit petrol station owners. “Housing fuel sales are down 80-85 per cent compared to last year,” says Michalis Kioussis, chairman of the federation of

petrol station owners. Another fuel station owner, Stefanos Karablias, says he’s confident that demand can only rise if temperatures continue to drop. But many households say they’ll hold out as long as they can. “We still have oil in the tank from last year, it will be enough to warm us at least until Christmas,” says Anastassia Kanellou, a 64-yearold pensioner. AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

INTERVIEW SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2012

Gautham Menon, unlike most other filmmakers today, actually understands what women think about and how they deal with relationships. As he continues to spin reel after reel of complex relationships and charming love stories in his films, we wonder what keeps him going. In an exclusive interview to Postnoon, Gautham Menon talks about his tryst with romance, women and why he makes films in first place.

The Pied Piper of Romance HEMANTH KUMAR

hemanth.k@postnoon.com There’s a beautiful love story in every film you make. And you seem to be particularly obsessed with the idea of first love. What keeps you going? I can’t put a particular thought to why I do that, but I guess even when I am writing a love story where the guy is 25 years old, my thought goes to whether he has met someone special before that age. I try to work out a small detail about what happened at various stages of his life. My mind automatically searches for moments like that. Maybe I am obsessed with the idea of first love, but I am not sure.

Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu like that though. There’s no first love as such. This is the only love in the guy’s life because he meets her at a very young age. Instead of showing long drawn-out sequences, I have captured moments of their conversations over various stages in their life to take the story forward.

The depiction of love in cinema has changed over the years. But you seem to doing it quite well over and over again. What’s the thought process like when you decide to make a love story?

ferent from Jessie which is my starting point. Obviously, the film will also be different. But because it’s the same filmmaker, there’ll be similarities with respect to the technique, which as a filmmaker, I would not like to avoid because it’s the way I would like to make a film. I have tried to bring in a lot of music into the screenplay and the entire film is driven by songs. Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu is a simple film which becomes quite intense at some point and Nani and Samantha share a great onscreen chemistry.

I didn’t think much about why I should make another love story after Vinnaithandi Varuvaya (Ye Maya Chesave in Telugu). But there was a point where I asked myself how different is Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu was from what I had done earlier. And then I realized that I have Nithya who’s completely dif-

Portrayal of women in your films is quite interesting. They are vulnerable and at the same time, they have a lot of attitude and spunk. Is it because you are intrigued by what they think or do you understand them quite well? Both actually. I had this discussion with Samantha while shooting the film and she used to always wonder how I know so much about what a girl would think. My idea of portraying women on screen is to make them look beautiful and they should be almost worshipped by the guy. It’s the only way I have looked at them right from my childhood. I think it stems from the fact that I have grown up watching how my two sisters and mother behave and react. I am very close to them and whatever I know about how a girl thinks comes from how my sister behaves.

Has your approach to filmmaking changed over the years?

My idea of portraying women on screen is to make them look beautiful and they should be worshipped by the guy. It’s the only way I have looked at them. Gautham Menon, Film Director I think the search to make things better and shoot scenes differently is always there. That will never end. Somewhere from the first film, the shot division has always been in my head. I have learnt things only by reading, watching films and observing. I could walk into this room and automatically, I come up with the

shot division if I have to shoot a scene here. I have been very lucky about that.

Some people take inspiration from what they see to make their films and few others get restless everytime an idea pops up in their head. What’s your reason behind making films? It’s the second one actually. When I think of something, it has to be on paper and finally on screen invariably. The urge to make films is primarily because I can’t think of doing anything else. At the end of every week, I need to see ten scenes and process the film and watch it on Avid. That’s a feeling that cannot be described. It’s almost close to how I feel when I am playing with my son or at home. (Read more at www.postnoon.com)

WELLNESS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2012

A WELCOME BREAK DEEPASHRI V

deepashri.v@postnoon.com

e’re so caught up with work, busy coping with this superfast lifestyle, hooked to the internet for most part of the day, glued to our seats, that we don’t really realise how it weighs on our body and mind. Even if we do, we’ve learnt to live with it. “Massage is the easiest way to maintain physical health and relieve stress,” says Rajan Pal, spa manager at Soul. “We suggest a massage according to the person’s lifestyle. Some people come for (specific) treatments, others just come for relaxation.” “This is something you cannot do at home,” says Ayesha Afreen

Unissa, therapist and beautician at Soul. “You can do yoga, body stretches, cleansing, scrubbing, but not spa. You need a therapist.” As much as a nice spa treatment can be rejuvenating, a massage at the wrong hands could be a nightmare. A good, professional therapist is what a client looks for. Rajan underwent training at the Ananda Spa Institute in Hyderabad. He personally trains his therapists based on what he learnt and standard operating procedures. Turkish Hamam spa is a specialty of Soul. It is supposed to relax sore muscles and increase the metabolic rate. Rajan explains that all ayurvedic massages and treatments are done at Soul. Abhyanga is a synchronised whole body massage done by two therapists in the same way, same rhythm and pressure. Shirodhara is good for neurological disorders and people with insomnia. Signature massage, which is a

Soul fusion, and deep tissue massage are the most sought after, says Ayesha. The latter is preferred by people after a session at the gym. The Thai massage relieves join pain, improves mobility and blood circulation. The chocolate body wrap and coffee scrub are the first ever in Hyderabad, Rajan says, and aid in balancing the hormonal system. I was recommended a rose moisture massage by the therapists. They said it involves the use of rose and geranium oil to balance hormones and relieve emotional stress. The ambience in the dimly lit spa room was good, with traditional music breaking the silence. My therapist was extremely hospitable. Sitting in front of the computer all day, we don’t even realise how many knots are there in our body till someone points it out. The masseuse’s hands worked magic, clearly showing her expertise. Who wouldn’t like to visit a spa regularly? But the cost is what makes it a distant dream for many of us. When asked how frequently one should go for a spa therapy, Rajan laughs, saying, “Depends on how much money you can spend. We have treatments ranging from `1,200 to `4,000.” It’s worth saving up and spending, at least once a month, to unwind, detox and relax. Soul was a good, refreshing experience.

What: Soul Spa Where: Q Mart, Banjara Hills Price: Starting from `1,200

Take some time off from your hectic schedule and get those knots worked out. The Soul Spa, with its soothing ambience, is a good choice for an occasional indulgence.

PICK YOUR

Across Stores

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ART AND CULTURE SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2012

Hyper realist joins NY gallery

aner Ceylan has joined Paul Kasmin Gallery, New York, which will represent the high-profile, hyper realist contemporary Turkish artist worldwide. The Manhattan gallery has brought Ceylan's latest work Esma Sultan, 2012 (price around $200,000) from his Lost Painting (2010-12) series to Art Basel Miami Beach (ABMB) this week.

A new museum for ABBA

Van Gogh dazzles

he museum, a permanent exhibition within a hall of fame of Swedish pop music, opens in May next year. It will feature memorabilia-like stage costumes worn by the singers, and visitors will also be able to sing along to ABBA songs alongside life-size holograms of the group. According to Ulvaeus, there will be no new performances from the group.

ith the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam closed for renovations until April, the world’s second-largest collection of the tortured Dutch master’s work is stepping into the limelight. The KroellerMueller museum in the eastern Netherlands is not as well-known but is still considered a jewel among connoisseurs.

Will it replace the Kingfisher calendar? NT BALANARAYANAN

balanarayana.nt@postnoon.com

ho in India would dress up as a videogame character? Turns out not many and most of those who do, do a shoddy job of it. At least that’s what Kochibased advertising executive Unnikrishnan Balachandran realised after following cosplay (costume play) at comic and gaming conferences in the country closely for a couple of years. Now he has tied up with his friend Suhail Peedikkal, who also has a keen interest in the art to come up with a cosplay calendar.

Tell us about the project. Unni: The initial idea was to make India’s first cosplay calendar, but when we approached companies to sponsor the initiative, they were not sure we’ll be able to pull it off. So the shoots we have done till now are just to show them that we can do it. In most events in India, cosplays are not done properly

AP’s many shades

east your eyes on oil paintings that reflect the many splendours of Andhra Pradesh. The artist, Gorthy Aruna Kumar, was born in Kakinada in 1952, and his paintings are testimony to his love for the state and its beauties. A self-taught artist, Gorthy enjoys painting sculptures, temples, and landscapes. The exhibition showcases his paintings on tribes, temples of Andhra Pradesh, as well as oil reproductions of Raja Ravi Verma’s paintings. A Feast For The Eyes n Where: Rainbow Art Gallery, Tourism Plaza, Begumpet n When: December 15 to December 19, 11am to 7pm

and in one of the events, it turned into this family affair instead of being a serious adult-driven event. Once we finish the calendar, we want to build a true cosplay community in India. How long have you been working on it? Unni: We have been working on this concept since August and initially, we were concentrating on the characters we should use for the cosplay. Suhail is a professional photographer, so he agreed to take care of the shoots. However, we still needed costume designers to design authentic costumes. How difficult is it to get a designer? Unni: Cosplay costumes need to be designed by people who pay attention to detail. It cannot be any random tailor. Since I work in the advertising industry, I knew the right people to speak to and it took about two weeks to design the costumes of the two characters we have done — Chun Li and Bloodrayne. Interesting selection, but why them? Unni: Chun Li is one of the

most prominent and also one of the first videogame characters in gaming, so she was an obvious choice.We selected Bloodrayne because she was the first gaming character to be featured in Playboy! Are women in India actively interested in cosplay? Unni: There is an increase in interest among both men and women now, but not enough of them step for-

ward and try to do something original. Even for our calendar, we were initially looking for women who were actively interested in the art. Then we realised that not all of them were comfortable with their images being used in calendars. So we are using professional models in our work. What after the calendar? Unni: We are planning to build a community around it and then organise a Cosplay Ramp-off. There, people will be able to post their cosplay work and compete with each other. We’re planning to do it in Kerala as of now since it has been ignored by gaming companies till now.

Though gaming has become mainstream in India, the sub-culture associated with it, Cosplay, hasn’t picked up yet. This duo from Kerala is trying to change that. 12 costumes, models for the same, post-production and other expenses comes up in excess of `5 lakh. We’re hoping that companies will step forward and be part of the project since we are paying for the project from our pockets as of now.

As of now you’ve revealed only two characters that’ll be part of the calendar. When do we get to see the rest? Unni: We will release the digital version of the calendar around New Year and the actual calendar in February during ComicCon Delhi; at least that’s the plan. What’s the cost of creating this calendar and how are you paying for it as of now? Unni: The combined cost of

Nostalgia Central

emi-abstract, dream-like and nostalgia-inducing; Konda Srinivas’s latest painting exhibition, ‘Memories Of Another Day’, is all this and much more. The artist was born in Krishna Rayadu Pedapudi of East Godavari region and started painting when he was 18. He was inspired by Western masters whose works he saw in Salar Jung Museum. He was also influenced by Raja Ravi Verma and has done several reproductions of his work. Memories Of Another Day n Where: Iconart Gallery, Road No 12, Banjara Hills n When: On till December 25 11.30am to 7pm.

ENVIRONMENT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2012

New slow loris species Scientists have unmasked a new species of primate — a type of slow loris called Nycticebus kayan. N. kayan has a toxic bite — one of the few mammals that do. To access its poison, a slow loris rubs its hands under glands near its armpits. Then the animal applies the poison to its teeth, and the resulting bite can put a predator into fatal anaphylactic shock.

Disasters convince sceptics

Support to regulate fracking

Climate sceptics are likely to believe evidence of a changing climate in the form of extreme weather events than they do scientists. A poll released by the Associated Press-GfK found rising concern about climate change among Americans, with 80% citing it as a serious problem, up from 73% in 2009. Worry about climate change were rising faster among sceptics as well.

Support for regulation of hydraulic fracturing has increased in the past three months, a sign that the gasdrilling practice is facing public scrutiny. A Bloomberg National Poll found that 66 percent of Americans want more government oversight of fracking, in which water, chemicals and sand are shot underground to free gas trapped in rock.

HEALING THE WORLD Your fight against global warming starts from your home. With solar panels installed and using an electic car Nissan Leaf for commuting, Oz Inderbitzin and his family are actively participating in the fight against the impending catastrophe. What about you?

OZ INDERBITZIN

feedback@postnoon.com

magine a world of near constant storms and superstorms, where diseases spread more easily, and both floods and droughts happen more frequently. In this world, India's average temperature will rise by about 3.3 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, and the rest of the world’s temperature will rise too. Eventually, these changes could cause a global economic apocalypse, and possibly a world-wide epidemic. Life as we know it would change forever. Is this a sci-fi thriller? Perhaps the wild imagination of a kid? Or is it the cold, hard, scientific reality of global warming? Fortunately, this can all be stopped, even if with some struggle and investment. I know. Because I have seen how to stop it first hand.

FOR REPRESENTATIVE PURPOSES

In 2011, my father made a big investment and installed solar panels in our house. Solar panels capture the energy of the sun and convert it into electricity that can be used for anything. Currently, the majority of solar panels use silicon to capture this energy, which, unfortunately, is not very efficient way of capturing it. I was really excited about it, since we were contributing to the fight against global warming and saving money, since solar energy is free. There is a meter on the side of our house that shows out electric energy input/output. When it was going forward, we were using electricity. But then, when we installed solar panels, the meter started going backwards meaning we were giving electricity back to the electricity company; when I saw this, I felt good. Shortly thereafter, my father invested his money in a solar water heater to heat our pool. A solar water heater, in short,

“It saves us hundreds of US dollars monthly, and we contribute to the fight against global warming”. Oz Inderbitzin pumps the water from a pool or tub through a heater which uses the heat from the surrounding air to heat the water. What about the electricity for the pump and heater? It uses the electricity from the solar panels. Now, our pool is 10 degrees Fahrenheit warmer year round for free. And there’s a great side benefit. We can turn on lights, run A/C, and heat our pool, and I know I’m not contributing to global warming. I think that's super cool. Most recently, about a month ago, we bought an electric car, the Nissan Leaf. An electric car,

specifically the Leaf, runs completely on a rechargeable battery, using no gas. The Leaf was a very good investment for our family. Before we bought it, we spent nearly $500, or nearly `27,000, on gas monthly, because of our frequent driving. Now, with the Leaf, we never have to stop for gas, and we spend nothing on gas. Also, once again, we don't have to pay for any electricity to charge the Leaf since we use the solar panels. I personally enjoy riding the Leaf because it's a very smooth car and makes no engine noise because it doesn't have an engine! The Leaf works very well for us. It is the most beneficial car economically, and doesn't emit any carbon, contributing to the fight against global warming. It makes me feel so good when we're riding that car, knowing none of the horrible gases polluting the air come from our car. It's also really comfy! After these investments, I have come to realise how beneficial it really is to get these things

in the current time. It saves us hundreds of US dollars monthly, and we contribute to the fight against global warming. And it makes us feel really good about using all these electrical/gas services and appliances, since there is no negative cost. All in all it improved my family’s life style. That makes me happy. Do you think this is just a small, specific case where some rich Americans went green? Or that this is just a made up story? If you think so, you’re wrong. Anyone, and everyone, can contribute something to the ultimate fight against global warming. Turn off your lights when you’re not using them. Get a hybrid, or even an electric car. Use less paper (trees help fight global warming). Do you want your children's or grandchildren's future to end horribly? Or do you want to live a moneysaving, great life style where your children live and thrive and you help the planet heal? Your choice.

FOOD SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2012

Joint winners for MasterChef

Chocolate protects the brain

Surviving on tropical plants

asterChef judges have served up a first by declaring joint winners in the final of the latest series. Keri Moss, 41, from London and Anton Piotrowski, 30, from south Devon, shared the title as MasterChef. Michel Roux Jr and Gregg Wallace were unable to choose between Moss and Piotrowski, whose dishes included cocoa-marinated loin of venison and confit duck-leg cubes.

hocolate might not be the healthiest thing for your waistline - but research suggests it may protect against stroke. A study following more than 37,000 Swedish men showed those eating the most chocolate were the least likely to have a stroke. It follows on from other studies that have suggested eating chocolate can improve the health of the heart.

esearchers involved in a new study led by Oxford University have found that between three million and 3.5 million years ago, the diet of our very early ancestors in central Africa is likely to have consisted mainly of tropical grasses and sedges. An international research team extracted information from the fossilised teeth of three Australopithecus bahrelghazali individuals.

FOOD FOR THE BODY AND THE SOUL!

S BALAKRISHNA

A lot has been said about this restaurant that features an impressive choice of European and world cuisine — it has great ambience, it’s like a getaway from the City located in the heart of it and it doesn’t drill a hole in one’s pocket. Postnoon pays a visit to find out if that’s really ‘so’?

NIDHI BHUSHAN

nidhi.b@postnoon.com

o, what’s on the menu? Everything from stylishly decorated salads to simply yummy desserts, So does it all delightfully. The rooftop restaurant that has been tastefully designed provides a great view of the beautiful KBR Park and takes you far from the usual hustle bustle of the City. Unlike a big Indian chocolate brand that falsely advertises that one gets lost in a blissful world with each bite, food at So actually does that to you. It makes you forget the generally nagging elements of life and seduces you into a whole new world. A world comprising their sumptuous dips platter, the fresh tomato-mazza platter, the bay prawns tempura and their 100 per cent chocolate tart.

Sounds delicious, doesn’t it? The menu, bursting with hundreds of delicious creations, is overwhelming, to say the least. It’s got, as all good places have, a ridiculous amount of variety for non-vegetarians, especially those who have a weakness for seafood. From entrées like chicken crostini, chef ’s special grilled chicken satay, the recently added crispy chicken wings, the satiating

seafood platter to salads such as Thai chicken, non-veg Greek salad to a jaw-dropping range of dishes for BBQ lovers and pizza lovers, So promises to turn you into a foodie. However, So doesn’t ignore the vegetarian foodies either. With chef ’s special ratatouille to thin-crust pizzas like Mediterranean, greens and azur, they too have been kept in mind while creating the menu.

The restaurant also offers a number of dishes that are ideal for those watching their weight. And, no, just because it’s healthy and suited for the diet-conscious doesn’t mean it doesn’t tingle one’s tastebuds. So promises freshness and delivers the same in all its dishes. Whether it’s a simple salad or a fancy dessert, there’s no scope for any faltering. What’s better is that most of the food on offer goes amazingly well with chilled beer. And, the ambience, with the park’s view and greenery around the restaurant that gives it a well-designed garden feel, sets the mood perfectly. The restaurant, open all days between 11am-11pm, is a good choice for lunch as well as dinner. While a lunch at So makes you appreciate the thought that was put into designing the restaurant, a dimly-lit dinner is uplifting. The music’s mellow, almost spa-like, hence non-interfering in conversations. Though the open-airiness about the place accents its structure, design and

Where: So Road No 92, Jubilee Hills When: Monday to Saturday: 11am11pm Sunday: 8am-11pm Average meal for two: `1,600 lighting, it might not be the ideal place to visit during summer. But, it’s December, maybe we can just put aside that small glitch for now, right? Even though the restaurant provides the perfect setting for a date, it works for friends and family too. Also, a visit to So is almost incomplete without digging into their calorie-oozing desserts. The So special trifle is a must-have, apart from their chocolate tart. Someone once said that there is no sincerer love as the love for food. A visit to So, located in Jubilee Hills, is sure to make you say it too. So, what are you waiting for?

FOOD SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2012 M ANIL KUMAR

Odysseus had a tough time escaping from the sea goddess Calypso. But the restaurant at La Calypso is different. Even if he left, he would want to keep coming back.

Amritsari Baingan Spicy tangy northern style eggplant curry.

WHEN

Noor’s Kitchen

PEOPLE LIKE IT, THEY DOODLE RAJESH RAVINDRAN

rajesh.r@postnoon.com

hen the meal is done, the waiter brings the bill and with it, a feedback form. Diners mostly are reluctant and wear a look on their face that says, “Now what?” If the food is bad, some flatly refuse to oblige; some vent their spleen in the nastiest of remarks. If it is good, the remarks would be like, “Very nice,” or “Good”. But would they doodle their satisfaction along with expressing it in words? At La Calypso, this happens... often. They have a visitors’ book which they proudly present to diners after meals. Most of the comments are adorned with doodles, some simple, some done elaborately, taking time. One customer has gone to the extent of giving marks: KC Sreekanth Menon gives nine out of 10 for ambience, eight for food and eight again for service. La Calypso is a hotel erected on premises that may not be called sprawling. But it’s neatly done, making efficient use of the space available. There’s a small garden where benches and tables are laid, each pair segregated by small trees, which not only are green and pretty, but accord privacy. The restaurant opens to one side to a balcony with a trellis above, with cute small round tables which makes for a pleasant tea or coffee time early or late in the day, or maybe a candle-lit dinner in the night. The trees ensure that flicker of the flame is minimum. Apologies, we have digressed from the main object of interest. The food spectrum at La Calypso comprises Indian, Continental, Chinese and Italian cuisine and what I am to tell you now is no exaggeration and several satisfied people who have dined here will vouch for me: the food is excellent. I started with the Goan rawa fry — prawns with a batter of semolina, deep fried, served with tartar sauce (home-

Where: Old Hafeezpet, Miyapur. When: 7.30 am to 11am. Meal for two: `500 (approximate) without alcohol. Prices inclusive of taxes.

made, mind you). The form of the first nugget I ruined attempting to eat it with fork and knife. “Please use your hands,” said Sanjay Ghosh, chief manager of operations, who along with Fatima Bhinderwala, finance controller, was at lunch with me. “You must have it with the batter intact.” I did; it was fantastic. Then came various kebabs and tikkas. All well done, tender and soft, but of these, three were outstanding: the Avakai murg tikka, stuffed tangdi kebab, and the murg reshmi kebab. The first one is chicken marinated in mango pickle with cashew cream, roasted. The speciality of the tangdi kebab here is that it has

minced mutton stuffed in it; needless to say, the impact is double. And lastly, the reshmi kebab. I have had reshmi kebab several times, at several places, but this one was different because it had a small stack of something that resembled optic fibre. “What is that?” I asked. “That is Resham, sir,” replied Hitesh Variya, the food executive. The stack of optic fibres is made from sugar melted to a point where it turns golden off-white. “This is how it is served in the north,” said Fatima, who is from Rajasthan. Executive chef Mukesh Rawat, a man of few words (his cooking does the talking), told me to try Poulet La Calypso. Popeyes will love it. It is chicken stuffed with spinach and mushroom, with cheese on top, served with a bit of rice. However, the clincher is the Goan cuisine. The chicken cafreal — chicken marinated in rum, cooked in Goan masala, served with grilled potato and tomato — is slightly on the tangy side, but exquisite. By then, I was about done when Hitesh said, “Please try the prawns curry rice.” I am glad I did, as that was the deal: Prawns cooked in Goan coconut gravy. I had it with rice and followed it with a phulka. Everything is balanced; the gravy’s not too thick, nor too runny, but just perfect. And oh, you get phulkas here, which is vanishing from many eateries elsewhere in Hyderabad. For dessert I had bebinca, made from jaggery and coconut milk. This Goan delicacy goes with ice cream, but I had it neat. I was feeling pleasantly drowsy, a bit stuffed, to be frank, and so Sanjay suggested that I have some juice made from kokum, a typical Goan fruit, to, you know, “wake up”. I don’t know what Jeeves gave Wooster, who had had a late night, to bring him about tastes like, but the effect was similar. I was up and kicking; and glad that I made the 20km ride from Secunderabad to Old Hafeezpet.

NOOR JAFRI Ingredients 1. Long medium-sized fresh brinjal 250 gms 2. Whole dhania 2 tbsp 3. Whole jeera 2 tsp 4. Aniseed (saunf) 1 tsp 5. Ajwain 1/4th tsp 6. Kalonji 1/4th tsp 7. Fenugreek seeds 1/4th tsp 8. Crushed garlic 1 and 1/2 tsp 9. Deggi mirch 2 tsp 10. Haldi powder 1/2 tsp 11. Amchur (dry mango) powder 1 and 1/2 tsp 12. Salt to taste. 13. For tempering - One or two bay leaves and a few black peppers. 14. Mustard oil / vegetable oil 50 to 80 ml

Procedure 1. Wash and slit the eggplant, keeping the stalks intact. 2. Soak them in salt water before frying. 3. Dry roast the whole dhania, aniseed (saunf), jeera and make powder. 4. Add to this chilli powder, haldi, amchur powder, salt, and little oil; stuff this masala into the eggplant. 5. Heat the mustard oil to smoking point, sprinkle some water to remove the smell. 6. In the heated oil, add tej patta, black peppercorns, ajwain, kalonji and fenugreek seeds. 7. When they pop up and crackle, add crushed garlic and fry the stuffed egg plants lightly in this oil and pour the remaining masala onto it, sprinkle a few drops of little water; 8. Cover it and cook on slow fire, till done.

CHEF’S NOTE:

n It’s an achari (pickled) flavoured

tasty preparation, can be served with roti and rice. n Not so high at caloric value, but hot and spicy. Contact Us @ Noor Kitchen, Banjara Hills. Mobile - 9441282318 Residence - 23356947 Like Us @ -http://www.facebook.com/Noorkitchen

HISTORY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2012

Dec 17

1903: Orville and Wilbur Wright make the first successful flight in a self-propelled, heavierthan-air aircraft. The biplane, piloted by Orville, stayed aloft for 12 seconds and covered 120 ft.

Dec 17

2011: Kim Jong Il, North Korea's reclusive dictator, dies of a heart attack while reportedly travelling on a train in his country. He was succeeded by his son, Kim Jong Un.

Dec 19

1998: President of the United States Bill Clinton is impeached by the House of Representatives on two charges, one of perjury and one of obstruction of justice. He was later acquitted by the Senate.

Dec 20

1963: More than two years after the Berlin Wall was constructed by East Germany to prevent its citizens from fleeing its communist regime, nearly 4,000 West Berliners are allowed to cross into East Berlin to visit relatives. MOHAMED ELSAYYED / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Dec 18

Dec 20

2010: Governmental protests begin in Tunisia, marking the beginning of the Arab Spring. The revolutionary wave of protests and demonstrations spread through the Arab world, overthrowing dictatorial regimes.

1996: NeXT, founded by Steve Jobs after he was fired from Apple, merges with Apple Computer, starting the path to Mac OS X, the operating system for Mac.

Dec 21

1988: Pan Am Flight 103 from London to New York explodes in midair over Scotland, killing all 243 passengers and 16 crew members aboard, as well as 11 on ground.

Dec 21

1940: F Scott Fitzgerald, the American author best known for his novels The Great Gatsby and Tender Is The Night, dies of a massive heart attack. He was 44.

Dec 22

2010: The repeal of the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy, the policy banning homosexuals serving openly in the United States military, is signed into law by President Barack Obama.

Dec 23

1888: Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, suffering from severe depression, cuts off the lower part of his left ear with a razor while staying in Arles, France.

SPOTLIGHT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2012 S BALAKRISHNA

MINTING MONEY Organisers of Jamba Cloud Hyderabad 10K announced that the run raised S BALAKRISHNA

`36.52 lakh for charity at a special funtion organised at Golkonda Hotel on Saturday.

Dancing delights

DRS International School celebrated its 5th Annual Day in a gala way. Students put up a dance performance and entertained the guests.

FASHION FIRST The line up for the second season of Blenders Pride Hyderabad International Fashion Week 2012 was unveiled at Taj Vivanta on Saturday.

Celebration time

Bachupally campus of Oakridge celebrated its 4th Founder’s Day with the theme ‘Internationalism through collaboration’ on Saturday at the school campus. Sports Icon, Sania Mirza joined in the celebrations.

N SHIVA KUMAR

Healthy living A treat for kids

Minister Mukesh Goud inaugurated the Mega Diabetes & Hypertension Exhibition Health Camp at Apollo Clinic, Begumpet.

Landmark hosted the Amar Chitra Katha — Treasure Hunt Quiz. In total, 6 teams, each comprising three children took part in the competition.

CINEMA SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2012

Nathalia Kaur set to sizzle in Dalam

N Sharvanand, Nithya Menen's film launched

harvanand, Nithya Menenstarrer Yemito Ee Maya was launched earlier today in Ramanaidu Studios, Hyderabad. Cheran is directing this bilingual film and Sravanthi Ravi Kishore is producing the Telugu version. This is the first time that Sharvanand and Nithya Menen are teaming up for a film and the film is said to be a romantic entertainer. Sneha and Santhanam will be seen in important roles and the film’s

Tamil version has been titled as JK Enum Nanbanin Vaazhkai. In the past, Cheran had directed Tamil films like Pokkisham, Autograph and Thavamai Thavamirundhu. GV Prakash is going to score the music for Yemito Ee Maya and the film’s principal shooting is expected to begin in early 2013. Meanwhile, Sharvanand is looking forward to the release of his home production Ko Antey Koti, which is currently in post-production stage.

GV Prakash is on a song

V Prakash is going to be seen in a new avatar. The hot shot music director, who has quite a few plum projects to his credit in 2013, will soon be making his acting debut in one of AR Murugadoss' upcoming production ventures. This untitled film is likely to go on floors in 2013. Apart from this, GV Prakash has also announced that he’s starting his own production house to encourage new talent. “Launching my film production company in a week ... Will b introducing a new director new cast and crew. Script is superb ... Will b a promising batch of youngsters ... Looking forward (sic),” he posted on Twitter. He's busy composing music for Vijay's upcoming film, Jenda Pai Kapiraju, Yemito Ee Maya, Raja Rani and Siddharth-Vetrimaran's film.

athalia Kaur is finally making her debut in Telugu cinema. The Brazilian actress was in news earlier this year when RGV introduced her in Bollywood in his film Department. In fact, RGV was so impressed with her beauty that he decided to cast her as a lead actress in another film with Rana Daggubati. However, RGV moved on to make The Attacks of 26/11 and Nathalia Kaur began meeting producers in Telugu and Tamil. She’ll soon be seen in an item number in Jeevan Reddy’s debut film Dalam. The film stars Naveen Chandra, Kishore and Piaa Bajpai in lead roles and it’s set against the backdrop of Naxalism. The promo of the item number featuring Nathalia Kaur is already doing rounds on the internet and she has now joined the league of other foreigners like Erina, Gabriela Bertante, Scarlet Wilson and Maryam Zakaria, to name a few, who made their onscreen debut in item songs before venturing into acting. Dalam’s music has been composed by James Asanthan and the film will hit the screens soon.

CINEMA SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2012

Delhi cops to watch Dabangg 2 with Salman D

elhi police personnel, who have been appreciated for their bravery and meritorious services, will watch Dabangg 2 with actor Salman Khan before the film’s release on December 21, police said Friday. According to Delhi police sources, Salman Khan will arrive in Delhi on December 18 and would pay tributes to police martyrs. Salman Khan will watch movie with “brave policemen” and will meet the kin of the five policemen who died during the December 13, 2001, Parliament attack. “The meeting with Salman Khan will be motivational for the force,” said an officer. Earlier, a special screening of Rowdy Rathore was held for Delhi police’s SWAT team with actor Akshay Kumar. IANS

P FILM IS PRIYANKA’S ‘DIFFERENT ONE’ NEXT YEAR

Midnight’s Children passed with no cuts

eepa Mehta’s adaptation of Midnight’s Children is finally headed for release in India after being approved by the film censor board. The board passed the film’s release with a ‘A’ rating and the filmmaker said that the censor board had not requested her to edit any of the footage before the release. Mehta tweeted happily: “India here we come — intact.” Salman Rushdie, whose novel is the basis of the film, wrote the screenplay. He also noted the censor board’s approval of Midnight’s Children and commented about a potential January opening in

riyanka Chopra, who is known for her non-conventional films like 7 Khoon Maaf and Barfi, says that her upcoming film on boxing champion Mary Kom will be the different film next year. “I do at least one film which is challenging for me every year. Mary Kom is that film for next year. If you meet her in person, you will see she is so sweet... can’t imagine her to be a boxer,” Priyanka Chopra said at a press conference on Friday. Talking about her preparation for the film, the actress said that the training is on and she hopes she can play the role well. “There is a lot of training going on for it. I hope I can pull it off,”

India. The movie has already been screened at several film festivals, including in Toronto in September and at India’s International Film Festival of Kerala in December.

she said. With her debut single, In My City, being praised by her fans, Priyanka does admit that her strong Bollywood career has supported this success. “I have done films for so long and my fans have always supported me. It is easy for me to do conventional films, but then I want to try something different,” she said. The actress will be seen in four films next year — a remake of Zanjeer, Gunday, the film on Mary Kom, and Krrish 3. Will she be singing in any of them? “I have not planned anything. I am new to all IANS this,” she said.

CINEMA SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2012

Ekta wanted A me to be ‘cool mom’ post leap: Mona Singh

n Ekta Kapoor TV show post a leap would typically age a mother by adding a few streaks of white hair, a pair of spectacles and a dash of conservative dressing. But she has broken her own mould by giving actress Mona Singh a more contemporary and cool look in Kya Huaa Tera Vaada, which has recently gone ahead by 10 years. Before the leap, which set in just last week, Mona was seen in traditional suits and saris. Post leap, she is seen in kurtis and pants. It was a conscious decision by Ekta, says the actress, who plays a single, independent mother of three in

the show. “I asked Ekta about it whether she would want me to wear saris in sober colours or what changes would be made to the look. But she said, ‘I want you to look like today’s mothers. They are much cooler.’ So she wanted to bring in the change we are all seeing in our mothers and wanted to portray me as a cool mom,” Mona said. “Of course, she said we could add in the spectacles while my character reads or something, but in the overall get up, there isn’t much dramatic change,” she added. IANS

ESHA DEOL WISHES

KATRINA LUCK FOR

DHOOM

ctress Esha Deol, who starred in the first instalment of the action-thriller franchise Dhoom, has wished Katrina Kaif luck for her lead role in the upcoming

Dhoom 3. Katrina and co-star Aamir Khan are the new entrants into the franchise and the new instalment will hit theatres in 2013. “I am sad that I am not a part of the whole franchise. But

I approve my A films’ final cut: Salman Khan

I wish Katrina lives up to the expectations that comes with the Dhoom tag. I am sure she will because she is a brilliant actress,” said Esha. The 31-year-old actress delivered one of the major hits of her

ctor Salman Khan has been delivering back-to-back hits in the Hindi film industry. He says after the failure of his 2010 film Veer, he makes sure the final cut of any of his films has his approval. He feels an actor’s involvement in creative processes helps sometimes. “When I put my foot down sometimes, I hope I am not taking advantage of my stardom and that’s a big guilt. Eventually, what

career with the Aditya Chopra film, where she was seen in a stylish avatar and also proved her dancing mettle with film’s title track Dhoom macha le. Asked about her plans to return to the silver screen,

the audience first watches is only me in the poster, so I will be held responsible for everything,” Salman says. He goes on to add, “Now I have started making it clear right in the beginning. I make sure that the final cut goes with my approval. I was not happy with Veer when they showed me the film. I cut down the film to one hour and 55 minutes, and eventually they released the film as a two hour and 30 minute-film.” IANS

Esha, who was last seen in mother Hema Malini’s Tell Me O Kkhuda, said, “If any decent and respectful offer comes up then I will be a part of it. Acting is my first love and I am really PTI looking forward to it.”

CINEMA SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2012

s Justin Bieber heading to TV? Never say never! ABC is developing a comedy project that is based on the pop star’s life story, sources confirm to E! News. Bieber and his manager Scooter Braunwould executive produce the currently untitled project (may we suggest The Fresh Prince of Canada?), along with Entourage’s Matt Wolpert and Ben Nedivi, who are writing the script. The show is being described as a family-centric comedy that revolved around a future pop star’s unconventional upbringing and his awkward teenage years. Originally intended as a multi-camera comedy for the 2011 season, the now single-camera project is under consideration for next season and has received a script commitment from the network. Bieber has previously guest-starred on CSI and hosted MTV’s Punk’d.

JUSTIN BIEBER’S

SWIFT CAUGHT UP IN LOVE

STORY NOW A COMEDY S

A strip club offers Lohan work T he Scores strip club in New York has offered to pay actress Lindsay Lohan’s storage bill of $16,000, if she works for them. Scores has also offered to pay the rent on Lindsay’s Beverley Hills mansion for the next couple of months in the hope she’ll agree to their deal, reports tmz.com. The club wants to hire her as their online video chat webmaster. Lohan, 26, currently faces losing designer clothes, family heirlooms and “potentially embarrass-

ing” articles stored in her private locker after falling behind on payments. Her bank accounts have been frozen by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) over unpaid taxes of $233,904 for 2009 and 2010, and she also owes £8,000 in rent for her mansion. After getting her probation revoked, troubled actress Lindsay Lohan may now face an auction of several of her personal possessions as she has failed to make her payments to a storage company.

inger Taylor Swift, who is reportedly dating singer Harry Styles, is head over heels in love with him, but her friends are worried she is moving too fast. Swift, 23, has previously enjoyed short romances with Jake Gyllenhaal, John Mayer and Conor Kennedy. “For now she is totally caught up in love. It’s how she is. She doesn’t go at a normal pace in these relationships. It’s zero to 60 in seconds,” femalefirst.co.uk quoted a source as saying. Earlier this week, the couple enjoyed a romantic mini break with his parents in England’s picturesque Lake District and a day out in Bowness-on-Windermere IANS in Cumbria.

CHAI TIME SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2012

SUNDAY CROSSWORD

ACROSS

Winners!

Play & Win voucher from VENKEY’S VEG Restaurant, Nampally

105 Dinny's rider 106 Break sharply 109 ‘Cradle of Love’ singer 110 Nouveau — 111 Not printed 115 New Year in Hanoi 116 Sufficient, in verse 117 River of forgetfulness 118 Lives it up 119 In front 121 Gentle slopes 123 Shorten a skirt, maybe 125 ‘Don't Sleep in the Subway’ artist 126 Very upset 127 Like a wolf's howl 128 Clean the board 129 Refrain from 130 Unfounded report 131 General meaning 132 — Domingo

133 Famed statuette DOWN 1 Colorado river 2 Tech-support callers 3 Pandemonium 4 Musical performances 5 Waits on 6 Gazillions 7 Derisive snorts 8 Cellular strand 9 Mythical beasts 10 Peerage member 11 Was an omen of 12 Mineral deposits 13 Word of reproach 14 Abandon 15 Politico Tip — 16 Finn's transport 17 Wheel buy (2 wds) 18 Municipal

Play & Win

Please send in your filled-in entries to Postnoon, #1246, Level 3, Jubilee Casa, Road No 62, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad – 500033. The winners will be announced on this page in Sunday’s edition.

FOLOWING ARE THE

19 Chew the scenery 20 Flits 30 Depot info 32 Kind of student 34 Clan problem 37 Supermodel Cheryl 38 Leafs out 39 Say it — so! 41 Loose-limbed 42 Rowdy crowds 43 Silents' Keystone — 44 Writer Chaim — 45 Solo 46 Informative 47 Got up 48 Big guns in bus 50 ‘Separate Tables’ star 51 Law 52 Pool dimension 54 Leaves the dock 55 Food supplement (2 wds) 56 Watermelon part 58 None too clean 59 Speck of dust 60 Droop 63 Leitmotif 64 Skillful 65 Boat berth

VOUCHER LUCKY WINNERS FOR THIS WEEK:

66 Canada Dry products 68 Novelist — Grey 69 Annoying insect 70 Fresco 72 Small or medium

73 Itches 74 Squeaking noise 75 Pert 76 Pond scum 77 Conductor Zubin — 78 Ridicule 80 Rival of Glenn and Benny 81 Jack London venue 82 Iroquois speakers 83 Colonial diplomat Silas — 85 Waterproof fabric 86 Steakhouse order 87 Deed 89 Occupies, as a post 90 Knock-knock, eg 91 Fuzzy 94 Bubble — 95 Salt's formula 96 Kipling panther 97 Brief reports 99 More wintry 100 Cheats 101 Fez's country 103 Loved madly 104 In good shape 105 Not their 106 Ramp alternative 107 Hindu statesman 108 Varsity (hyph) 110 Odometer button 111 Bit part 112 Hayes or Asimov 113 Vice — 114 Glacial ridge 116 Kassel's river 117 Explorer — Ericson 118 — la vie! 120 From — — Z 122 Delhi honorific 124 Role for Harrison

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

1 Agave 6 Backyard planting 11 Super, in showbiz 16 Entered a 10K 21 — — in the dark 22 Huge blossom 23 Rigel's constellation 24 Feminine side 25 Signified 26 Not turn — — 27 Steel plow inventor 28 Kind deed 29 Goes forward 31 Tags along 33 Go through carefully 35 Hairy TV cousin 36 Concurs 37 Slightly tinted 38 Cotton unit 39 Sherbets 40 Vitamin amt 41 Hung in the sun 42 Arctic footwear 44 Huffs and puffs 47 Player's rep 48 Spy's communique 49 Put on 53 Bullfight shouts 54 Quaffs 55 Arachnid homes 56 Powerful current 57 AAA service 58 Liverpool lockups 59 Electrical units 60 Sports statistic 61 Celeb 62 Picket's sign (2 wds) 64 Forest browsers 65 Metallic sound 66 Splinter group 67 Place to eavesdrop 68 Catherine — -Jones 69 Apply gold leaf 70 Period of time 71 MS polishers 72 Extra precaution (2 wds) 74 Heifer's mouthful 75 — Kaye of Big Bands 78 Mojito ingredient 79 Equipment 80 Decked out 84 Nautical position 85 Leak 86 Budget item 87 Hold dear 88 ‘Yuck!’ 89 Long-tailed animals 90 Grates upon 91 Essential 92 Korean auto 93 Models' domain 95 Standard 96 Tie-dye cousin 97 Director Joel — 98 Aches 99 Wine served warm 100 Birdie beater 101 Vicar's residence 102 With suspicion 104 Bach opus

1. Aarti L 2. Nisar Ahmed 3. Gayatri 4. Illango 5. Kumaresh

CHAI TIME SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2012

STAR POWER Date 17-12-2012

As per Hindu panchang

THIRUVAIKUMAR

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

TAURUS

GEMINI

Influence will increase and all your suggestions will be accepted by family members. Purchase of new vehicle against exchange of old one likely. Employees may face delay transfer or hike.

A very favourable day. Your mind will be clear as all confusion will disappear. Happy events are likely to take place at home. Clashes between couples will go. Daughter's pregnancy news likely.

You take bold decisions and implement them without any deviation. Friendship with persons in powerful posts likely to benefit you. Children's health needs to be taken care of.

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

Drastic changes and upgrade in status is certain. Work that upset you due to delay will now get completed and cheer you. Women are advised to be careful while working in the kitchen.

Long-pending wishes and intentions will materialise. Women feel fresh and active as their tiredness reduces. Children will understand and support you. Father's health is a cause for concern.

Apprehensions and worries will disappear which will let you work briskly. Expected good news will arrive. Wishes of unmarried women will get fulfilled. Sister's marriage will get finalised.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

Ups and downs likely. You take a concrete decision about change of residence. You will fulfill all wishes of children. Son is likely to get a career opening. Loans will be returned to you.

Travel and tensions likely but will be over soon. Blood relatives will extend support. Newlyweds can expect their offspring soon. Mother's health needs attention. Hike and promotion likely.

All long-pending wishes will be fulfilled. Fortune opportunities likely resulting in a strong financial position. Construction works will resume and progress well. Friends might irritate you.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Long-awaited important work will get completed successfully. Financial assistances extended to others that were not received since long will by yours. Travel with regard to a court issue likely.

Drastic changes will see considerable improvement in lifestyle. Peaceful situation prevails at home. Those who have attended an interview will get good news. Employees’ work will increase.

Tension and worries likely though financially situation is comfortable. Be cordial with neighbours and avoid unnecessary arguments. Help from relatives likely. Mother's health a cause for concern.

SUMAA TEKUR

tarotreadhyd@gmail. com

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

The Devil – Resist the temptation to be rude to someone you don’t like. Like they say, fools live to regret their words and the wise, their silence.

Seven of Cups – You’re in the process of reviewing your finances. You make most of your decisions based on the impact it will have on your bank balance.

Queen of Cups – You seem vulnerable and those around you feel you might need to protect yourself better. What you feel is what you show on your face.

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

The Star – It seems like everything is leading to a deadend and you have few options left. Maybe you haven’t checked out all your options yet?

Ace of Swords – Though circumstances may not look that encouraging, practical mindset helps you see the situation better. You find solutions that work well.

Ten of Wands – You’re anxious, depressed, stressed out and feel close to a burnout. Take a break and rejuvenate yourself. Meet new people.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

Nine of Wands – You’re comfortable in a world of your own making. You surround yourself with books, art, music and intelligent people whose company you enjoy.

Ace of Pentacles – You manage to combine creativity and practicality to improve your life. Yet, money making remains in focus as you believe it is the way forward.

Two of Pentacles – Work-life balance is in focus. You need to find the comfortable middle path where you’re doing justice to both work and your personal life.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Five of Wands – Beware of someone who might be conspiring against you at the workplace. Keep your eyes and ears open and don’t trust anyone blindly.

Knight of Wands – You have the youthful energy and raw enthusiasm to try out the new. This is a lucky phase. Make the most of it and use your positivity.

The Fool – You’re being immature in managing something important, be it relationships or job. You’re refusing to see circumstances and respond accordingly.

NON SEQUITUR PEARLS BEFORE SWINE POOCH CAFE

STRIP TEASE

AGNES

ARIES

TAROT READ Date 17-12-2012

Hobos sure are fun Wife: Shall I give that hobo one of my cakes? Husband: Why, what harm has he ever done us? A hobo knocked on the door of a house and asked for a bite. "Go away," said the lady of the house, "I never feed hobos." "That's all right, lady," said the hobo, "I'll feed myself."

next day. As they were preparing to get into the only bed she places a pillow in middle. Next day they were both working in the yard when the wind blows her bonnet over a fence. Hobo says, "I'll get it for you mam." She says "Never mind, I will get it myself, if you can't climb over a pillow, there is no way you can climb over that fence."

Hobo traveling thru countryside stops at widows house and does some chores in exchange for food. She invites him to spend the night as she would have more work for him to do

One hobo to another. "I think I'm going to quit smoking. It's becoming too dangerous." "Really?" "Yes. Twice today I picked up a cigarette butt and someone nearly ran me over."

Vol: 2, No 150 RNI No: APENG/2011/39337 Published for the proprietors, Scribble Media and Entertainment Pvt Ltd, by V Harshavardhan Reddy, at #1246, Level 3, Jubilee Casa, Road No 62, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad – 500033 and printed by him at Jagati Publications Ltd, Plot No D-75&E-52, APIE Industrial Estate, Balanagar, Ranga Reddy Dist, Hyderabad – 500037, Editor: Dean Williams – Responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. For feedback, please write to: feedback@postnoon. com and for subscription, please call 040-4067 2222, Fax: 040-4067 2211

CINEMA SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2012

Paltrow's trainer made her strip

ctress Gwyneth Paltrow’s trainer Tracy Anderson made her strip off to motivate her to work towards a fit figure. The instance happened during Paltrow’s first meeting with Anderson. The Shakespeare in Love star has credited the exercise expert with helping her shed the stubborn baby weight she gained while pregnant with son Moses, reports dailystar.co.uk. “With my daughter, it had been easier (to lose weight), but this time, no matter what I did, I felt stuck. I couldn’t shift the weight. But I met Tracy and she was this force from the second I met her. “She pulled my pants off. I’ll never forget it. She was like, ‘Oh, my God, wow, I just am so surprised, because you look so good in clothes. I wasn’t expecting this’,” said Paltrow. However, Paltrow insists Anderson’s regimen put the spark back into her marriage to rocker Chris Martin. “It did such wonders for my life, my confidence, my sex life, everything,” Paltrow told IANS Redbook magazine.

Ryan Reynolds joined by Mireille Enos M

ireille Enos and Scott Speedman have been set to star alongside Ryan Reynolds in Queen Of The Night, a psychological thriller that Atom Egoyan will direct early next year in Ontario. Egoyan wrote the story and scripted the film with David Fraser. Reynolds committed in August to play a father who discovers a series of

disturbing clues eight years after his daughter is abducted, a trail that leads him to believe the now 17year-old girl is alive. Enos will play his wife, who dutifully checks in with the police each year on her daughter’s birthday, and realises that disturbing memorabilia left at her workplace is not merely there to taunt her but could offer clues to her daughter’s whereabouts. Enos was drafted for the role by Egoyan after she played a small role in Devil’s Knot, the film he just completed about the bogus triple murder conviction of the West Memphis 3 in Arkansas, despite the lack of any physical evidence.

arner Bros. has just announced that The Hobbit earned an estimated $13 million from midnight showings at 3,100 locations on Friday night, giving it a per-theater average of $4,193 from midnight shows alone. It’s a nice recovery from the doldrums of the past two frames. When combined, the last two wide releases to hit theaters, Playing for Keeps and Killing Them Softly, couldn’t earn $13 million over their entire opening weekends. Included in The Hobbit’s midnight figure is $1.6 million that the film earned from 326 IMAX theaters. The Hobbit played substantially better than other effects-driven December releases like Avatar, which started with $3.5 million in 2009, and I Am Legend, which started with $1.7 million in 2007.

The Hobbit earns $13 million at midnight showings

CINEMA SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2012

Masked in music

Fusion-rock band Lagori's guitarist Geeth Vaz, an interesting combination of an investment banker and guitarist, turns pensive-poet, tells us about few of the band's ELIZABETH SOUMYA essential tunes... elizabeth.s@postnoon.com

SAIYYAN

Love, The biggest word in our dictionary. Saiyyan is a song that took us three minutes to compose. And we think it is because love is an emotion implicit to all of us, whether we realise it or not. Everything we do in life revolves around a simple, sometimes unknown fact — that we all want to be loved.

JEENE DO

Jeene Do is the result of a strong inspiration we share as a band. All of us experience the struggle between living and livelihood, of fulfilling certain expectations and doing things to please a collective, although our hearts feel differently. We all feel the need to break free of our shackles and live life the way it was meant to be lived — free!

DARBARI

Raag Darbari is a Hindustani Classic that has been immortalised by several legends. Darbari is our heady fusion of this Raag along with a more modern sound that the current generations can relate to.

A ASMA

In the hectic routines of our daily lives, we forget to embrace the simplistic beauty around us. Aasma is the first song we ever composed together, and holds a deeper meaning to all of us. This was the beginning of Lagori.

KASHMIR SONG

Inspired by one of our favourite shows in Kashmir, this song probably portrays us best as a band. Our essence, chemistry, style and energy are reflected in every note of this song. This is what we felt about Kashmir. This is our Kashmir Song.

Lagori plays at 4pm, December 16, at the Bacardi NH7 Festival on the Dewarist Stage

TOM CRUISE’S Jack Reacher premiere T

he premiere of Tom Cruise’s new film, Jack Reacher, has been canceled out of respect for the victims and families of Friday’s tragic school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. “Due to the terrible tragedy in Newtown Connecticut, and out of honour and respect for the families of the victims whose lives were senselessly taken, we are postponing [Saturday’s] Pittsburgh premiere of Jack Reacher. Our hearts go out to all those who lost loved ones,” Paramount Pictures, the studio behind the new action film, said in a statement to Access Hollywood late Friday night. Tom plays an ex-military investigator, Jack Reacher, in the film, a man who is trying to prove the innocence of a soldier who was framed for a deadly shooting.

Golden Globe nomination feels surreal: Cooper

canceled A

ctor Bradley Cooper has described his Golden Globe nomination as "surreal". The 37-year-old is up for Best Actor in the Musical or Comedy category for his role in Silver Linings Playbook and he says he couldn't believe it when his name was read out, especially because it's not a big budget film. ''It's a small film and it's a word-ofmouth movie. The fact that it's getting this kind of attention [means] hopefully more people will go see it," contactmusic.com quoted Cooper as saying. ''We loved doing it. We care so much about the film and it's amazing to be recognised. And then on a personal level, it's just surreal... I grew up as the nerd who would wake up to watch the (Golden

Globe) announcements. To hear (presenter and Hangover co-star) Ed Helms say Silver Linings Playbook was just incredible," he added. The stars who are nominated in the same category are Bernie star Jack Black, Hugh Jackman of Les Miserables, Ewan McGregor for Salmon Fishing in the Yemen and Bill Murray from Hyde Park on Hudson. The 70th annual Golden Globes will take place in Los Angeles January 13. IANS

SPORTS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2012

Khan stops Molina

Cruz retains crown LOS ANGELES: Leo Santa Cruz won a unanimous 12-round decision over Alberto Guevara in a showdown of Mexican unbeatens on Saturday to retain the International Boxing Federation bantamweight world title. Judges gave Santa Cruz the victory by scores of 116112, 118-110 and 119-109. Santa Cruz improved to 23-0 with one drawn, dropping Guevara to 16-1.

Abraham defends title

LOS ANGELES: Amir Khan defeated

BERLIN: World super middleweight

previously unbeaten American Carlos Molina in a light-welterweight showdown on Saturday, returning the Englishman to the world title scene after back-to-back losses. After watching Khan batter Molina for most of the fight, referee Jack Reiss halted the bout following the 10th round as Molina's cornermen asked him to end the contest.

champion Arthur Abraham defended his WBO belt on Saturday with an eighth round technical knock-out win over France's Mehdi Bouadla in Nuremberg. Abraham, defended his World Boxing Organisation belt for the first time since his unanimous victory over compatriot Robert Stieglitz in August.

Kallu Mama well prepared

LVR Deshmukh-trained Kallu Mama which was well prepared in the morning trials will be fancied in The Radhey Shyam Jhunjhunwala Memorial Juvenile Million, the feature event of Monday afternoon races at Malakpet in the City. 1st Race:

The Palampet Cup (about)2200 Metres,Cat-III. A handicap for horses, 3 year olds and upward, rated upto 50. 12-40 P.M. 1 Kohinoor Angel 62 (Vatsalya) Ajit Kumar 3 2 Imaan 58.5 (LaxmanS) Deep Shanker 7 3 Smrithiman 55.5 (A sharma) AK Pawar 1 4 Fashionista 55 (KV Srinivas) AM Togralu 6 5 Novaya Zemlya 53 (N Rao) NRawal 5 6 See My Style 52.5 (Laxman S) Harinder Singh 4 7 amber Flame 50.5 (S’narayan) Khurshad Alam 2 Selections: 1 See My Style 2 Amber Flame 3 Fashionista 2nd Race:

The Crown Treasure Palte (Div-II) (about) 1200 Metres,Cat-II. A handicap for horses, 3 year olds and upward, rated upto 75. 1-10 P.M. 1 Secret Angel 60 (Laxamn S) PA Culhan 10 2 Elenor 59.5 (Netto) A Imran Khan 4 3 Montpelier 59 (D’Silva) S Nayak 1 4 Prince Paladin 57.5 (S,suddin) MF Alikhan 5 5 Bribe Madi 56.5 (Srinagesh) Ravinder Singh 9 6 Compromise 56 (Satheesh) AK Pawar 6 7 Glorious View 55.5 (S’narayan) PS Chouhan 8 8 Sweet Candy 55 (Satheesh) B Dileep 7 9 Elegant Approach 54.5 (Prasad R) P Sai Kumar 2 10 Cannon Ten 54 (Prasad R) N Rawal 3 Selections: 1Elenor 2 Montpelier 3 Glorious View 3rd Race:

The Dr.S.R.Captain Memorial Cup (about) 1200 Metres,CatII. Terms for horses 3 year olds and upward. 1-40 P.M. 1 Rajkumari 60.6 (Netto) A Imran Khan 4 2 Indian Epic 60 (Prasad R) S John 6 3 Lumier Blanche 60 (LaxmanS) PA Culhane 1 4 Twentyfive Pips 60 (Srinagesh) Christopher 2

5 Odalis 59 (Silvester) Ajit Kuamr 6 Silver Crown 57.5 (S’narayan) Khurshad Alam 7 Oasis Vision 57 (Deshmukh) AM Togrolu Selectios: 1 Lumier Blanche 2 Rajkumari 3 Oasis Vision

3 7 5

4th Race:

The Radhey Shayam Jhunjhunwala memorial Juvenile Million (about) 1100 Metres. Terms For Maiden horses 2 year olds Only (Foaled In 2010) 2-10 P.M. 1 Chocolate Soldier 55 (A Sharma) C.Henrque 2 2 Golconda Kig 55 (Prasad R) S John 7 3 Kallu Mama 55 (Deshmukh) P S Chouhan 6 4 Over Look 53.5 (Satheesh) K Anil 4 5 Palm Springs 53.5 (D’Silva) Christopher 1 6 Sincara 53.5 (Netto) A M Togrolu 5 7 Skylight Express 53.5 (S.Abbas) DK Ashish 3 Selections: 1 Kallu Mama 2 Palm Springs 3 Golconda King 5th Race:

The Crown Treasure Plate (Div-I) (about) 1200 Metres,Cat-II. A handicap for horses, 43 year olds and upward, ratd upto 75. 2-40 P.M. 1 Ice Lolly 60 (D’Silva) A K Pawar 7 2 Street Magic 60 (S’narayan) Khurshad Alam 2 3 Aarohan 59 (Prasad R) P Sai Kumar 3 4 Rustic Gal 57.5 (Netto) A Imran Khan 9 5 Vijays Best 57 (Deshmukh) PS Chouhan 10 6 Sporting Star 56.5 (Satheesh) K Anil 5 7 CannonLaw 55.5 (Prasad R) N Rawal 6 8 Hurricane Dancer 55.5 (S.Abbas) DK Ashish 1 9 Citi Supreme 54.5 (Hassan) M Mark 8 10 Kohinoor Vikrant 54 (Vatsalya) Ajit Kumar 4 Selections: 1 Vijays Best 2 Aarohan 3 Street Magic 6th Race:

The Classic Style Plate (Div-I) (about) 1000 Metres,Cat-II.

A handicap for horses, 34 year olds andupward, rated upto 75. 3-15 P.M. 1 Kohinoor Supreme 62 (Vatsalya) Ajit Kumar 3 2 Pavan 61.5 (Z Shaikh) A Imran Khan 5 3 Naughty Gal 59.5 (Netto) Deep Shanker 7 4 Valentine 56.5 (Srinivas R) AM Togrolu 8 5 Vijaysheel 55 (Deshmukh) PS Chouhan 2 6 Phenomenal Speed 53 (Prasad R) N Rawal 9 7 Kohinoor King 52 (Vatsalya) Ravinder Singh 6 8 Divine Ganges 51 (KV Srinivas) A Ramana 1 9 AnnArbor 50.5 (D’Silva) AK Pawar 4 10 Home Town 50.5 (Netto) P Venkat 10 Selections: 1 Pavan 2 Home Town 3 Vijaysheel 7th Race:

The Solitaire Plate (about) 1600Metres, Cat-III. A handicap for horses, 4 year olds an dupward rated upto 50. 3-45 P.M. 1 Bound For Glory 61.5 (Z Shaikh) PS chouhan 2 Lake King 61 (D’Silva) Christopher 3 Spanish Conquest 61 (Deshmukh) AM Togrolu 4 Sheikhs Emperor 60.5 (LaxmanS) Ajit Kumar 5 Moment Of Roses 59.5 (Silvester) C Henrique 6 Ace Star 59 (N Rao) DK Ashish 7 Star Striker 57.5 (Satheesh) K Anil 8 The Challenge 56.5 (Hassan) M Mark 9 Midnight Beauty 54 (Prasad R) N Rawal 10 Lioness Heart 51.5 (Netto) Harinder Singh 11 Jaz Elle 50 (Z Shaikh) Ravinder Singh 12 Royal Bird 49.5 (Fayaz) AK Pawar Selections: 1 Bound For Glory 2 Ace Star 3 The Challenge 8th Race:

The Starry Scene Plate (about) 1000 Metres,Cat-III. A handicap for horses 3 year olds and upward rated upto 50. 4-15 P.M.

China to fight China for honours Syed Shoaib shoaib.@postnoon.com

HYDERABAD: The mild winter morning sun was witness to a relaxed atmosphere at the Gachibowli Sports Complex on Sunday. In an obvious attempt to cherish memories of their experience at the sprawling campus, both foreign delegates and Indians were seen posing to photographers. All that changed to complete professionalism once the matches got underway inside the indoor stadium. That the stands were devoid of spectators did not deter the players’ fighting spirit even if the near-empty stadium may have done little to excite them. The first match of the day between China’s Yuling Zhu and the only not-from-China player on today’s schedule, G-

China’s Yuling Zhu (L) plays Petrissa Solia of Germany in the first girls’ semi-final match in the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium on Sunday. Yuling Zhu won 4-0 (12-10, 11-8, 11-7, 11-7). SRINIVAS SETTY ermany’s Petrissa Solia, set the tone for the day at the 10th World Junior Table Tennis Championships: it was a hardfought victory for Zhu, far belying the final score line that read 4-0.

Zhu won the first girls’ semi-final 12-10, 11-8, 11-7 and 11-7, to move into the finals to be played later today. In another fiercely contested tie, China’s Yuting Gu prevailed over Ruochem Gu, also from Chin-

a, 4-1, with scores that read 11-9, 11-8, 9-11, 11-9, 11-5 in the second semi-final to join Zhu in the title bout. A powerful service it was that made the difference for Yuting Gu paving her way to victory.

1 8 6 11 7 5 9 3 2 12 4 10

1 Kianoosh 60 (LaxmanS) Deep Shanker 2 Classic Emerald 56.5 (D’Silva) AM Togrolu 3 Camacho Speed 55 (Prasad R) P Sai Kumar 4 Laughing Eyes 55 (S,narayan) MF Alikhan 5 Flower Drum 52.5 (Hassan) S Nayak 6 Queens Necklace 51.5 (Netto) PS Chouhan 7 Break Away 50 (Satheesh) AK Pawar 8 Khabza 50 (Hassan) J Vikas Selections: 1 Queens Necklace 2 Classic Emerald 3 Kianoosh

8 4 1 6 5 2 7 3

9th Race:

The Classic Style Plate (Div-II)(about) 1000 Metres,Cat-II. A handicap for horses 4 year olds and upward, rated upto 75. 4-50 P.M. 1 Garibaldi 61.5 (D’Silva) S Nayak 8 2 Rio Grande 60.6 (D’Silva) Christopher 1 3 Fine Racer 58 (Prasad R) S John 10 4 Key Note 55.5 (Netto) AM Togrolu 4 5 Rohini Star 54 (Srinivas R) P Venkat 9 6 Ziglar 53.5 (Vatsalya) Ajit Kumar 6 7 Rose Queen 52 (A Sharma) C Henrique 5 8 Queen Of Habashe 50.5 (Hassan) AK Pawar 2 9 Sun Bird 50.5 (Netto) Harinder Singh 3 10 Victorous Sally 50.5 (Kassam) Ravinder Singh 7 Selections: 1 Garibaldi 2 Fine Racer 3 Rose Queen Days Best: Kallu Mama Jckpot Race Nos: 5,6,7,8, and 9 1stTreble Race Nos: 1,2 and 3 2nd Treble Race Nos: 4,5, and 6 3rd Treble Race Nos: 7,8 and 9 Tanala pool will operate on all races where there are five or more starters. False Rails are up.

League cricket A division two-days Gemini Friends 222 (Vikas Mohan 63, Parvath Singh 49, Navjot Singh 38, Mahesh 5/48) lost to Telangana 223/8 (Narsingh Rao 77 n.o., Vikram 34 n.o., Navjot Singh 4/92). A 4-11 divison one-day Adams XI 165 (M. Rohit Yadav 52, Shiv Kumar 36, K.V.I. Satwik 4/39) lost to Rushiraj 167/2 (V Abhinav Kumar 114 n.o.). Brother John of God U-14 Chirec Public School Kondapur 175 (Varun 3/13) bt Neeraj Public School Ameerpet 131 (Nikhil 49, Rishab Baslas 3/18, Mayank Gupta 3/8). PB DAV School 215 (B. Chandrasekhar 124, Akash Suman 50) lost to Royal High School 218/3 (Aquib 54, Sanjay Reddy 80, Abdul Qayyum 54 n.o.). Vignan Vidyalaya 178 (K. Umasantosh 37, Sameer 4/32) bt Mahboob C HS 69 (G. Harsha 3/10). Mahesh Vidya Bhavans High School 311 (P Shanthan Reddy 90, Ashish Srivastav 123 n.o., Akhilesh Yadav 58 n.o.) bt Chirec Public School Kondapur 108 (Ruthwik Rarupally 31 n.o., Ashish Srivastav 5/17).

SPORTS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2012

Close finish expected

NAGPUR: India managed just 29 runs in an hour before declaring their first innings at 326/9, which left them four runs behind England, in a display of bizarre tactics on the fourth day of the fourth and final cricket Test here today. The hosts, replying to the visitors’ first innings score of 330 and resuming at the overnight 297 for 8, lost one more wicket — that of no. 10 batsman Ojha for 3 — before applying closure to their innings. Ojha, who had replaced Piyush Chawla after the latter was dismissed in the last over last evening, played on to left arm spinner Monty Panesar at

the score of 317. Ravichandran Ashwin remained unbeaten on 29, by adding 22 runs to his overnight score, off 65 balls and last man Ishant Sharma remained unbeaten on 2 after a 12-minute vigil. In the remaining time to lunch, England made 17 for no loss in 13 overs, to improve their overall advantage over the home team by 21 runs on a track that did not appear to hold any devils. At lunch, visiting skipper Alastair Cook (1 off 46 balls) and Nick Compton (14 off 33 balls) were the unbeaten men at the crease after 49 minutes of batting. India, trailing the visitors 1-2 in the series, would have to bowl

out England cheaply in the second innings in order to entertain visions of winning the game and squaring the rubber. England, on the other hand, can play for a draw by defending stoutly against the home team’s bowling attack that lacked penetration in the first innings on a slow wicket of low bounce. Ojha and Ashwin had resumed this morning as England set out a well-spread out field for the former to take easy singles and give the strike to the lesser recognised batsman. Ashwin did not take the bait and tried to farm the strike by taking singles off the fifth ball of each over against both Anderson

and Swann, who opened the bowling. It was dull and drab for the Sunday crowd after the drama of yesterday when Virat Kohli (103) and Mahendra Singh Dhoni (99) put on the grand 198-run partnership to stage the Indian fightback from the second day’s score of 87 for 4 before the home team lost four wickets in the last hour’s play. India added three more runs to the overnight 297 for 8 to reach the 300 mark in the fourth over of the day when Ojha perished to Panesar. It was the left-arm spinner’s first and, what proved to be the only wicket of the innings in a total stint of 52 overs for 81 runs.

Dilshan, Mathews in record stand HOBART, AUSTRALIA: Sri Lankan pair Tillakaratne Dilshan and Angelo Mathews shared in a record partnership as the tourists frustrated Australia’s bowlers in the first Test in Hobart on Sunday. SCOREBOARD Australia 1st innings 450/5 decl Sri Lanka 1st innings (overnight 87/4) Karunaratne c Wade b Hilfenhaus 14 T. Dilshan not out 132 K. Sangakkara c Hussey b Siddle 4 M. Jayawardene lbw b Watson 12 T. Samaraweera c Wade b Lyon 7 A. Mathews lbw b Siddle 75 P. Jayawardene not out 0 Extras (2b, 2lb, 1nb) 5 Total (5 wkts) 249 Fall of wickets: 1-25, 2-42, 3-70, 4-87, 5-248. Bowling: Starc 18-2-74-0, Hilfenhaus 12.2-330-1, Lyon 17-6-43-1, Siddle 22-944-2,Watson 18.4-4-45-1, Clarke 2-0-9-0.

Dilshan, who reached his 15th century, and prospective captain Mathews put on 161 runs in almost four hours before they were separated with the score on 248 as Sri Lanka closed in on the follow-on target. It is the highest partnership for Sri Lanka in Australia, eclipsing Aravinda de Silva and Ravi Ratnayeke’s stand of 144 for the seventh wicket at Brisbane in 1989. Mathews fell shortly before tea, leg before wicket to Peter Siddle for 75 off 186 balls but Dilshan was unbeaten on 132 at the break with wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene yet to score. Sri Lanka were 249 for five in reply to Australia’s 450-5 declared. Australia, down a bowler with Ben Hilfenhaus off the field with a side strain, toiled hard on the third day, with only Mathews’s wicket to show for their efforts.

Swing bowler Hilfenhaus left the field in the opening hour after delivering just two balls of his 13th over. Team officials said he had a left side

Hilfenhaus injured HOBART, AUSTRALIA:

Sri Lanka’s Tillakaratne Dilshan (R) and Angelo Mathews (L) run on the third day of the first Test against Australia on Sunday. AFP

Ryan sets successive record

Ryan Lochte competes in the men’s 100m individual medley during the FINA World Short Course Swimming Championships on Sunday. AFP/MIRA

ISTANBUL: American star Ryan Lochte kept up his phenomenal form at the world short course championships on Saturday when he set a world record 50.71sec in the men’s 100m individual medley semi-finals. On Friday, the five-time Olympic champion broke the 200m individual medley world record on his way to winning his fourth gold of the champi-

strain and was taken to hospital for scans. He had figures of 1-30 after claiming the wicket of Dimuth Karunaratne for 14 on Saturday.

onships. He was already under world record time by the end of the butterfly leg and he continued to eat into it over the following three laps. Australia’s Kenneth To recorded the second fastest time with 51.47 and George Bovell of Trinidad and Tobago was third with 51.66. “I have the 200m backstroke final (before the 100m individual medley final) on Sunday so I knew if I wanted any shot at this record, it had to be tonight,” said Lochte, who knocked .05sec off the old mark set by Slovenia’s Peter Mankoc in 2009. “I messed up in a couple of places tonight so I know there is some room for improvement.” In the women’s 200m individual medley, China’s Ye Shiwen attacked in the final 25m to win gold as she touched the wall in 2:04.64 to record a championship record and win her first world short course gold after having previously won three silver. Katinka Hosszu of Hungary held on to win silver with 2:04.72 for her fourth medal of the championships, while Great Britain’s Hannah Miley overcame a sluggish first 150m to win bronze with 2:07.12 to add to her 400m individual medley gold. “I’m so happy I came in first today. It feels so good,” said 16-year-old Ye, who stunned the sport at the Olympics when she captured gold in the 200m AFP and 400m medleys.

Australia lost another fast bowler on Sunday with Ben Hilfenhaus leaving the field early on the third day’s play of the first Test against Sri Lanka. The Tasmanian bowler departed after delivering just two balls of his 13th over in the opening hour in Hobart. Team officials said he had a left side strain and was taken to hospital for scans. Hilfenhaus had figures of 130 after claiming the wicket of Dimuth Karunaratne for 14 on Saturday. AFP

SCOREBOARD England 1st Inn 330 India 1st Inn (Overnight 297/8) R Ashwin not out 29 PP Chawla b Swann 1 PP Ojha b Panesar 3 I Sharma not out 2 Extras (b 5, lb 7) 12 Total (9 wickets) 326 dec Bowling: JM Anderson 32-5-81-4, TT Bresnan 26-5-69-0, MS Panesar 52-15-81-1, GP Swann 31-10-76-3, IJL Trott 1-0-2-0, JE Root 1-0-5-0 Englan 2nd Inn AN Cook not out 1 NRD Compton not out 14 Extras (lb 1, nb 1) 2 Total (0 wickets) 17 Bowling O M R W JM Anderson32 5 81 4 TT Bresnan 26 5 69 0 MS Panesar 52 15 81 1

Horne hits hole-in-one again MALELANE, SOUTH AFRICA: South Africa’s Keith Horne hit a second successive hole-in-one at the Alfred Dunhill Championship on Saturday and drove away a brand new BMW for his efforts. Horne celebrated his achievement at the same par-3 12th hole at the Leopard Creek Estate. “Unbelievable. It was the same club, but the wind was different, so I had to hit a full eightiron this time,” said Horne. “It was in all the way — never looked like missing. Went in a bit faster this time, so I didn’t get to admire it as much as yesterday, but it really got the adrenaline going much more.” The prize for a similar feat on the final day was to be a BMW car, but after discussions between the sponsors, he was allowed to drive away with the vehicle on Saturday.

Ranji Trophy Round-up At Porvorim: HP 210/5 (Amit Kumar 76 n.o., Mukesh Sharma 73; Shadab Jakati 2/56) vs Goa. At Bhubaneswar: Railways 239/4 (Shivakant Shukla 109, Parag Madkaikar 70 n.o., Aniket Choudhary 2/42) vs Rajasthan. At Gwalior: MP 281/5 (Devendra Bundela 92 n.o., Jalaj Saxena 84; Sandeep Sharma 3/78) vs Punjab. At Vadodara: TN 191/9 (Ambati Rayudu 54, Murtuza Vahora 45 n.o., V. Yomahesh 5/25) vs Baroda. At New Delhi: J&K 85 (Ram Dayal 18 n.o., Suraj Yadav 4/35) vs Services 150/6 (Rajat Paliwal 66 n.o., Ram Dayal 4/45). At Dhanbad: Jharkhand 153/6 (Saurabh Tiwary 73 n.o., Shiv Gautam 28 n.o., Syed Sahabuddin 3/31) vs Andhra. At Kolkata: Hyderabad 115 (K. Sumanth 25, Ahmed

Qadri 20; Mohammad Shami Ahmed 4/36, Veer Pratap Singh 3/31) vs Bengal 79/8 (Arindam Das 37 n.o., Sudip Chatterjee 20; Ashish Reddy 5/30, Anwar Ahmed 3/30). At Agartala: Kerala 275/5 (Rohan Prem 105 n.o., Abhishek Hegde 36; Timir Chandra 3/47) vs Tripura. At Lucknow: UP 227 (Arish Alam 52, Suresh Raina 49, Mukul Dagar 38; Mohit Sharma 5/47) vs Haryana 32/1 (Rahul Dewan 13 n.o., Ankit Rajpoot 1/15). At Rajkot: Mumbai 306/2 (Aditya Tare 122, Wasim Jaffer 79, Rohit Sharma 72 n.o., Saurya Sanandiya 1/56) vs Saurashtra. At New Delhi: Maharashtra 192 (Ankit Bawne 58, Shrikant Mundhe 42; Sumit Narwal 3/35) vs Delhi 59/3 (Vaibhav Rawal 16 n.o., Mithun Manhas 12 n.o., Samad Fallah 2/23).

SPORTS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2012

Wenger comes out fighting

United sink Sunderland

Graham Chase

Fellaini apologises for Shawcross headbutt

MANCHESTER, UK: Robin van Persie (pic),

John West

LONDON: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has spent the past few days launching attacks of his own, but on Monday night he will discover if his players can do the same on the pitch at Reading. The trip to rock-bottom Reading is Arsenal’s first fixture since they were beaten in a League Cup quarter-final penalty shoot-out by Bradford City of League Two last Tuesday. That unleashed an avalanche of criticism towards the Emirates Stadium, with much of it directed at Wenger, who has not led Arsenal to a major trophy in seven seasons.

Malaga thrash Sevilla Tim Hanlon

MADRID: Malaga moved clear in fourth place in La Liga on Saturday with a 20 win over 10-man Sevilla who were left to rue a first half of wasted chances. It was Malaga’s first away win since September and it appeared far from likely as Sevilla dominated the first 45 minutes but failed to make the most of opportunities. Martin Demichelis headed Malaga into the lead and then Eliseu Pereira sealed the win with a penalty.

STOKE, UK: Marouane Fellaini on Saturday apologised for headbutting Stoke City’s Ryan Shawcross in the 1-1 Premier League draw at the Britannia Stadium. The Belgian midfielder clashed with Shawcross on the hour mark as the players jostled for position at a corner, but the incident went unnoticed by referee Mark Halsey and his assistants. “I apologise completely to Ryan Shawcross, my team mates and to our fans at the game,” said the Belgian midfielder. “There was a lot of pushing and pulling going on inside the Stoke penalty area and I didn’t feel I was getting any protection from the officials.

Tom Cleverley and Wayne Rooney all scored as Manchester United beat Sunderland 3-1 on Saturday to re-assert their six-point lead in the Premier League. The home team coasted into a two-goal advantage with less than 20 minutes gone thanks to goals from van Persie and Cleverley. Rooney made it three just before the hour to bring up nine goals in four Premier League matches from his partnership with van Persie, as the hosts re-established their six-point cushion over Manchester City. United were also boosted by the return of captain Nemanja Vidic as a substitute after three months out with a knee injury.

EPL results on Saturday Liverpool 1 (Gerrard 87) Aston Villa 3 (Benteke 29, 51, Weimann 40) Man Utd 3 (Van Persie 16, Cleverley 19, Rooney 59) Sunderland 1 (Campbell 72) Newcastle 1 (Ba 51) Man City 3 (Aguero 10, Garcia 39, Y Toure 78) Norwich 2 (Pilkington 15, Hoolahan 64) Wigan 1 (Maloney 51) QPR 2 (Taarabt 52, 68) Fulham 1 (Petric 88) Stoke 1 (Jones 52) Everton 1 (Shawcross 36-og) Today’s fixtures Tottenham v Swansea (1330GMT), West Brom v West Ham (1600GMT)

But Fraizer Campbell’s late header meant they have still only kept four clean sheets in their 25 matches this season. United manager Alex Ferguson had been keen to play down any talk of revenge against Sunderland, whose supporters had celebrated United losing the league on goal difference on the final day of last season. But United were clearly in the mood to

Villa curb Liverpool revival LIVERPOOL, UK: Christian Benteke (pic) scored twice and made another goal as Aston Villa checked Liverpool’s recent resurgence with a 3-1 win at Anfield in the Premier League on Saturday. Liverpool were bidding for a fourth consecutive win in all competitions but failed to convert a string of first-half chances and were punished when goals from Benteke and Andreas Weimann put Villa 2-0 up at half-time. Benteke struck again early in the second half and although Steven Gerrard pulled one back, it was too late to prevent Paul Lambert’s side — the youngest Villa team ever to start a Premier League game — from

extending their unbeaten run to five league games. Victory eased Villa’s relegation fears by carrying them up to 14th place, four days after they beat Norwich City 4-1 to reach the League Cup semifinals, while Liverpool slipped two places to 12th. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers had talked up his side’s chances of a top-four finish in the build-up to the match and they certainly began the game with ambition. Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan had to be alert after visiting defender Eric Lichaj diverted Stewart Downing’s low cross towards his own goal, while Gerrard could only shoot

Klose strike beats Inter Justin Davis

MILAN: Miroslav Klose (pic) struck a superb late winner as Lazio beat Inter Milan 1-0 at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday to indirectly boost Juventus’s hopes of extending their lead before Christmas. Inter started their 17th match of the campaign only four points behind champions Juve at the top of Serie A, however Andrea Stramaccioni’s men were dominated throughout and missed several chances

get the job done quickly and with just over a minute gone, visiting goalkeeper Simon Mignolet had to be sharp to cut out a Phil Jones cross after Antonio Valencia’s clever pass. Michael Carrick then opened up the Sunderland defence, only for Ashley Young’s drive to be deflected over. Young also had another strike pushed over the bar by Mignolet from the Wayne Rooney corner that followed. An even better chance fell for Patrice Evra when Steven Fletcher headed Rooney’s corner to the edge of the area and the French defender stuck his shot just over the bar.

late on. Stramaccioni’s anger showed as he walked off the pitch following a fifth defeat of the campaign which means Juventus can now extend their lead over Inter to seven points if they beat Atalanta in Turin on Sunday. “We absolutely did not deserve to lose,” insisted Stramaccioni, despite admitting Lazio had dominated the opening half. “But it was a good goal from Klose. The result is what it is, and we accept it.” Lazio had beaten Inter onl-

y twice in their last 15 league games although one of those wins was last time out at the Olympic Stadium in March. And with Lazio unbeaten at home since a shock 1-0 reverse to Genoa at the end of October — combined with Inter’s poor away form of late — Vladimir Petkovic had every reason to believe his team could produce a result. The Bosnian coach said: “Tonight the team gave it 100 percent, in fact we only really suffered for 10 or 15 minutes in the second half.

Now, we have to try and give the same commitment on our travels as well.” Inter threatened first, Federico Marchetti diving quickly to smother the ball as Diego Milito pounced on a chest-down following Yuto Nagatomo’s looping cross from the right. But the visitors created few chances in an opening half in which Cristian Ledesma saw a powerful shot from distance go just wide, while Stefano Mauri just failed to muster a shot from inside the area.

straight at Guzan from just inside the penalty area. Downing and Joe Allen fired narrowly wide for the hosts, before Nathan Baker had to produce a last-ditch challenge to thwart Jonjo Shelvey. Luis Suarez returned to the Liverpool line-up after suspension and he spurned a fine chance in the 27th minute, placing a tame half-volley within Guzan’s reach from Shelvey’s lay-off. The hosts were punished for their wastefulness two minutes later, when Benteke gathered possession in the inside-left channel before arrowing a low drive into the bottom-left corner AFP from 25 yards.